bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection and Biodiversity change
Authors: Godsoe William , Eisen Katherine E. , Stanton Daniel , Sirianni Katherine M 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThere is a great need to understand how and why biodiversity, which we define as the variety of organisms found in a given place, changes over time. Current estimates suggest strikingly slow change in traditional measures of biodiversity. These estimates seem to contradict rapid shifts in the abundance of individual species and have led to a rethinking of the mechanisms shaping biodiversity. Conceptual models emphasize the role of competition among species or, more recently, selection on species identity (i.e. selection that favors some species at the expense of others). However, it is difficult to quantify how these mechanisms contribute to biodiversity change. To illustrate this point we present cases where strong competition or selection on species identity leads to no biodiversity change. In view of this disconnect we develop a new approach to studying biodiversity change using the Price equation. We show that biodiversity change responds to selection on species’ rarity, rather than to either competition or selection on species identity. We then show how this insight can be used to quantify the effects of the mechanisms previously thought to influence biodiversity: 1) selection, 2) (ecological) drift, 3) immigration and 4) speciation. Our results suggest the connection between species’ fates and their rarity is fundamental to understanding biodiversity change.
Optimal sparse olfactory representations persist in a plastic network
Authors: Assisi Collins , Stopfer Mark , Bazhenov Maxim 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe neural representation of a stimulus is repeatedly transformed as it moves from the sensory periphery to deeper layers of the nervous system. Sparsening transformations are thought to increase the separation between similar representations, encode stimuli with great specificity, maximize storage capacity as associative memories, and provide an energy efficient instantiation of information in neural circuits. In the insect olfactory system, odors are initially represented in the periphery as a combinatorial code with simple temporal dynamics. Subsequently, in the antennal lobe this representation is transformed into a dense spatiotemporal activity pattern. Next, in the mushroom body Kenyon cells (KCs), the representation is dramatically sparsened. Then in mushroom body output neurons (MBONs), the representation takes on a new dense spatiotemporal format. Here, we develop a computational model to simulate this chain of olfactory processing from the receptor neurons to MBONs. We demonstrate that representations of similar odorants are maximally separated, measured by the distance between the corresponding MBON activity vectors, when KC responses are sparse and that the sparseness is maintained across variations in odor concentration by adjusting the feedback inhibition KCs receive. Different odor concentrations require different strength and timing of feedback inhibition for optimal processing. Further, in vivo, the KC–MBON synapse is highly plastic, and changes in synaptic strength after learning can change the balance of excitation and inhibition and may lead to a change in the distance between MBON activity vectors of two odorants for the same level of KC population sparseness. Thus, what is an optimal degree of sparseness before odor learning, could be rendered sub–optimal post learning. Here, we show, however, that synaptic weight changes caused by spike timing dependent plasticity increase the distance between the odor representations from the perspective of MBONs and do not lead to a concomitant change in the optimal sparseness.Author SummaryKenyon cells (KCs) of the mushroom body represent odors as a sparse code. When viewed from the perspective of follower neurons, mushroom body output neurons (MBONs), an optimal level of KC sparseness maximally separates the representations of odors. However, the KC–MBON synapse is highly plastic and may be potentiated or depressed by odor–driven experience that could, in turn, perturb the optimality formed by pre–synaptic circuits. Contrary to this expectation, we show that synaptic plasticity based on spike timing of pre- and postsynaptic neurons improves the ability of the system to distinguish between the representations of similar odors while preserving the optimality determined by pre–synaptic circuits.
N6-methyladenosine dynamics during early vertebrate embryogenesis
Authors: Aanes Håvard , Engelsen Dominique , Manaf Adeel , Alemu Endalkachew Ashenafi , Vågbø Cathrine Broberg , Martín Leonardo , Lerdrup Mads , Hansen Klaus , Mathavan Sinnakaruppan , Winata Cecilia , Darnell Robert B. , Aleström Peter , Klungland Arne 
Published: January 2019

AbstractEarly vertebrate embryogenesis is characterized by extensive post-transcriptional regulation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications on mRNA have been shown to affect both translation and stability of transcripts. Here we investigate the m6A topology during early vertebrate embryogenesis and its association with polyadenylated mRNA levels. The majority (>70%) of maternal transcripts harbor m6A, and there is a substantial increase of m6A in the polyadenylated mRNA fraction between 0 and 2 hours post fertilization. Notably, we find strong associations between m6A, cytoplasmic polyadenylation and translational efficiency prior to zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Interestingly, the relationship between m6A and translation is strongest for peaks located in the 3’UTR, but not overlapping stop codons. Sequence analyses revealed enrichment of motifs for RNA binding proteins involved in translational regulation and RNA degradation. After ZGA, m6A seem to diminish the effect of miR-430 mediated degradation. The reported results improve our understanding of the combinatorial code behind post-transcriptional mRNA regulation during embryonic reprogramming and early differentiation.
Life history parameters in acellular extrinsic fiber cementum microstructure
Authors: Edinborough Marija , Fearn Sarah , Pilgrim Matthew , Cvetković Andrijana , Mihailović Branko , Grbić Rade , Edinborough Kevan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLife-history parameters such as pregnancies, skeletal trauma, and renal disease have previously been identified from hypomineralized growth layers (incremental lines) of acellular extrinsic fiber cementum (AEFC). The precise periodicity of these growth layers remains vaguely approximated, so causal life-history explanations using tooth cementum cannot yet be rigorously calculated or tested. On the other hand, we show how life history parameters in AEFC can be identified by two contrasting elemental detection methods. Based on our results we reject the possibility of accurate estimation of pregnancies and other life history parameters from cementum using scanning electron microscopy alone. Here, we propose a new methodological approach for cementum research, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), to measure degree and distribution of mineralization of cementum growth layers. Our results show that Tof-SIMS can significantly increase our knowledge of cementum composition and is therefore a powerful new tool for life history researchers.
The key factors of total quality management in the service sector: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Bouranta Nancy , Psomas Evangelos , Suárez-Barraza Manuel F. , Jaca Carmen 
Published: January 2019

PurposeLiterature refers to the key factors of total quality management (TQM) based on studies carried out in individual countries. However, few studies focus on studying the TQM factors in service companies based on multinational data. The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify the key TQM factors and their impact on internal and external customer performance measures across different countries.Design/methodology/approachThe research questions regarding the TQM factors and their effects were examined using a sample of service organisations from three countries (131 from Greece, 70 from Mexico and 151 from Spain). TQM factors and their impact on employee and customer satisfaction were analysed separately for each country. Exploratory factor analyses, coupled with multiple linear regression analyses, were conducted.FindingsThe key TQM factors identified are common among the three participating countries and can be summarised as follows: quality practices of top management, process management, employee quality management, customer focus, and employee knowledge and education. The adoption level of these five key factors of TQM varies across service organisations in different countries. The results also confirmed that some of the TQM elements are antecedents of customer- and employee-focused performance.Practical implicationsMultinational service organisations may use such an instrument to evaluate TQM implementation among worldwide operations and then benchmark their performance. In addition, an understanding of similarities and differences among countries would help managers around the world to address difficulties of TQM implementation related to the country culture.Originality/valuePrevious studies have compared key TQM factors across different countries in manufacturing, but overall, there has been a little attempt in the literature to analyse the adoption of TQM factors among service firms, as well the relationships between quality improvement and performance across different geographical regions.
Numerical investigation on the forced laminar convection heat transfer of Al2O3-water nanofluid within a three-dimensional asymmetric heated channel
Authors: Bianco Vincenzo , Marchitto Annalisa , Scarpa Federico , Tagliafico Luca Antonio 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a numerical investigation to study laminar convection flow of Al2O3-water nanofluids within a three-dimensional rectangular section channel asymmetrically heated.Design/methodology/approachA three-dimensional model of the channel is designed and simulated by using Comsol Multiphysics. The finite elements method is used to perform the numerical simulation. A variety of cases are taken into account by considering Reynolds numbers ranging from 250 up to 1,000, concentration between 0 and 6 per cent, particle dimension of 20, 40 and 60 nm and inlet temperature equal to 293.15 and 320 K. A constant heat flux of 1,000 W/m2is imposed on the top surface of the channel.FindingsThe results demonstrate that nanofluids guarantee improved thermal performances with respect to the base fluid, as shown by the augmented Nusselt number. On the other hand, pressure drop shows a noticeable increase; therefore, an entropy generation analysis is developed to establish optimal conditions for the system under investigation.Originality/valueThe originality of this work consists in the analysis of a three-dimensional asymmetric heated channel with nanofluids in laminar convection. The present work would be beneficial to improve the design of devices with particular focus on solar thermal panel.
Numerical investigation for second law analysis of ferrofluid inside a porous semi annulus
Authors: Sheikholeslami M. , Ellahi R. , Shafee Ahmad , Li Zhixiong 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the entropy analysis of ferrofluid inside a porous space with magnetic force. Homogenous model with second law analysis is also taken into account.Design/methodology/approachInnovative model has been proposed and designed using control volume finite element method.FindingsExperimental results demonstrate that Bejan number augments with augment of Rayleigh. As Hartmann number rises, exergy loss enhances. Exergy loss increases by increasing Hartmann number, whereas magnetic entropy generation reduces with the decrease of Ha. The proposed model can be used for combustion process and optimizing the performance of energy conversion system like gas turbine.Originality/valueTo the best of authors’ knowledge, this model is reported for the first time.
The prediction of petition based on Big Data
Authors: Xue Ting , Liu Huiqi 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The development of Big Data and online searching engine provides a good opportunity for studying petition in China. This study has constructed a set of indices for predicting petitions in China by using online searching engines and further explored the predicting role of economic, environment and public life risk perception in various petitions.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the study of Xue and Liu (2017), this research first re-classified offline petition by human and cluster analysis in terms of social risk perception and built online searching indices of the two sets of petition by using data from “Google Trend” and “Baidu Index.” Second, it analyzed the predicting effect of social risk perception on online searching indices of petition by using Granger causality analysis. Finally, this study integrated the results and selected significant paths from social risk perception to the two sets of petition.

Findings
The study found that the re-classification made by human was more appropriate than the categories made by cluster analysis in terms of social risk perception. For the two sets of petition, the correlations between offline petition and Baidu Index of petition were both more significant than that of Google index. Moreover, economic and finance and resource and environment risk perception had a significant predicting effect on more than one kind of online searching indices of petition.

Originality/value
The results have demonstrated the important role of economic issues in China on predicting petitions of the economic kind, as well as other kinds. They have also reflected the dominant social contradictions and their relationship in modern China.
Barriers to viability of Indian power distribution companies
Authors: Pandey Ajay Kumar , Ghodke Manjushree 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) of barriers related to viability of Power Distribution Companies (discoms) in India.Design/methodology/approachFeedback from the Experts of Indian power sector has been taken as the basis to develop the model for barriers to viability of discoms, where major barriers have been identified through extent review of literature and through discussions with experts in the power sector keeping the viability of discoms in focus, and the hierarchical structure of barriers has been developed using ISM.FindingsAn interpretive structural model has been developed for discom-related factors (barriers) affecting its viability. The hierarchical structure portrays the impeding factors of viability and showcases that lack of regulatory effectiveness, inadequate tariffs and lack of government’s expenditures on power sector are the key barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has implications for both practitioners and academics. For practitioners, it provides an indicative list of major barriers affecting the viability of Indian discoms. For academics, the methodology used provides a mechanism to conduct an exploratory study by identifying the key variables of interest and emphasizing their interactions through hierarchical structures.Originality/valueThe proposed model for barriers to viability of discoms developed through qualitative modeling technique is a pioneering effort altogether in the context of power distribution companies in India. Understanding contextual relationships among key barriers to viability of discom’s is neglected in existing literature, and this paper makes a contribution in this regard.
Role of a hospital accreditation program in developing a process management system
Authors: Shakibaei Erfan 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the effects of the Iranian Hospital Accreditation Program (IHAP) on hospital processes from the viewpoint of the staff charged with establishing the program.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study is based on the data collected in semi-structured interviews conducted in 2016, which involved eight questions. Interviews were held with 70 staff members at 14 hospitals. Managerial staff were purposively interviewed based on their familiarity and involvement with the program. The hospitals were divided into five groups, comprising public, private, charity, military and social service hospitals. A thematic analysis was carried out using the collected data.

Findings
Three themes emerged from the data, which together comprise a process management cycle: the establishment, implementation, and control phases of the program. For each phase, various positive trends, as well as hurdles for establishing the program, declared which were framed two sub-themes as positive effects and challenges.

Originality/value
The findings contribute to the body of evidence used by policy-makers and hospital managers to improve the change management processes related to the Iranian IHAP. Although positive changes in the process management cycles at Iranian hospitals were noted, successful implementation of the program demands a thorough assessment of the hospitals’ technical and financial needs (taking into account disparities between hospitals), and there is an urgent requirement for a plan to meet these needs.
Does TeamSTEPPS affect psychological status?
Authors: Fukushima Yoshinori , Yamada Atsushi , Imoto Naruaki , Iba Toshiaki 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) program is known to improve team and clinical performance, but the relationship to psychological stress has not been clarified. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate team performance, clinical performance and psychological stress simultaneously in a simulation-based training combined with or without the TeamSTEPPS program.

Design/methodology/approach
This randomized, controlled, prospective pilot study was performed to reveal TeamSTEPPS impact on psychological stress. The course included an emergency care training course, the TeamSTEPPS program, and a scenario simulation. Ten medical student teams were randomly allocated two groups: a TeamSTEPPS group and a non-TeamSTEPPS group. Team performance, clinical performance and psychological stress were evaluated simultaneously in the course; i.e., questionnaire evaluation and an observational evaluation for team performance; an assessor’s evaluation and a simulator’s evaluation for clinical performance. Autonomic nervous activity, represented by salivary amylase levels and heart rate variability, were measured as psychological stress indicators.

Findings
Team performance and clinical performance were significantly better in the TeamSTEPPS group, while psychological stress did not differ between the groups.

Originality/value
This is the first study to examine the relationship between TeamSTEPPS and psychological stress. Although only preliminary conclusions can be drawn from this small-scale study, results suggest that the TeamSTEPPS program improved team and clinical performance without increasing psychological stress.
Oral care – identifying quality improvement areas
Authors: Andersson Maria , Wilde-Larsson Bodil , Persenius Mona 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare nurses’ and healthcare assistants’ oral care quality perceptions, including perceived reality (PR) and subjective importance (SI), to identify improvement areas in intensive care and short-term care, and to explore potential nursing satisfaction predictors regarding oral care.

Design/methodology/approach
Swedish staff, 154 within intensive care and 278 within short-term care responded to a modified quality of care from a patient perspective questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used.

Findings
Staff scored oral care quality both high and low in relation to PR and SI. Improvement areas were identified, despite high satisfaction values regarding oral care. Setting, SI and PR explained 51.5 percent of the variance in staff satisfaction regarding oral care quality.

Practical implications
Quality improvements could guide oral care development.

Originality/value
This study describes oral care by comparing nurse perceptions of how important they perceive different oral care aspects and to what extent these oral care aspects are performed.
Bedside vital parameters that indicate early deterioration
Authors: Bunkenborg Gitte , Poulsen Ingrid , Samuelson Karin , Ladelund Steen , Akeson Jonas 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine associations between initially recorded deviations in individual bedside vital parameters that contribute to total Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) levels 2 or 3 and further clinical deterioration (MEWS level=4).

Design/methodology/approach
This was a prospective study in which 27,504 vital parameter values, corresponding to a total MEWS level⩾2, belonging to 1,315 adult medical and surgical inpatient patients admitted to a 90-bed study setting at a university hospital, were subjected to binary logistic and COX regression analyses to determine associations between vital parameter values initially corresponding to total MEWS levels 2 or 3 and later deterioration to total MEWS level ⩾4, and to evaluate corresponding time intervals.

Findings
Respiratory rate, heart rate and patient age were significantly (p=0.012, p<0.001 and p=0.028, respectively) associated with further deterioration from a total MEWS level 2, and the heart rate also (p=0.009) from a total MEWS level 3. Within 24 h from the initially recorded total MEWS levels 2 or 3, 8 and 17 percent of patients, respectively, deteriorated to a total MEWS level=4. Patients initially scoring MEWS 2 had a 27 percent 30-day mortality rate if they later scored MEWS level=4, and 8.7 percent if they did not.

Practical implications
It is important to observe all patients closely, but especially elderly patients, if total MEWS levels 2 or 3 are tachypnoea and/or tachycardia related.

Originality/value
Findings might contribute to patient safety by facilitating appropriate clinical and organizational decisions on adequate time spans for early warning scoring in general ward patients.
Competencies required for healthcare improvement positions
Authors: Meyer Melanie A. 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the competencies that US healthcare organizations require for quality and performance improvement positions.

Design/methodology/approach
A US healthcare improvement job posting content analysis was conducted using the HQ Essentials competency framework.

Findings
The HQ essentials competencies most desired for improvement positions include project management, training, data analysis and applied performance improvement methods. Competency requirements varied somewhat by job focus area: performance, quality, or process improvement, and Lean and Six Sigma.

Practical implications
Healthcare leaders may use the author’s results to understand what competencies may be required for various improvement roles and to identify any gaps in required skills and knowledge areas that may need to be addressed. Educators and policy-makers should consider how these competencies align with employers’ needs and what resources or professional development may be needed to address gaps.

Originality/value
This is the first healthcare improvement competencies analysis based on job postings.