Showing papers by "University of Westminster published in 2021"
University Medical Center Groningen1, European Bioinformatics Institute2, Netherlands Cancer Institute3, Georgia Institute of Technology4, Leipzig University5, Johns Hopkins University6, NHS Blood and Transplant7, University of Cambridge8, Garvan Institute of Medical Research9, University of Tartu10, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research11, University of Washington12, Public Health Research Institute13, University of Chicago14, Greifswald University Hospital15, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich16, University of Bristol17, Erasmus University Rotterdam18, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital19, University of Westminster20, Luleå University of Technology21, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics22, University of Lausanne23, University of Dundee24, University of Geneva25, Agency for Science, Technology and Research26, University of Queensland27, Leiden University Medical Center28, Radboud University Nijmegen29, University of Liège30, University of Oxford31, Menzies Research Institute32, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai33, Ikerbasque34, VU University Amsterdam35, Stanford University36, Turku University Hospital37, University of Turku38, Maastricht University39, Karolinska Institutet40, Utrecht University41, University of Helsinki42, National Institutes of Health43, Technische Universität München44, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute45, German Cancer Research Center46, Westlake University47, University of New South Wales48
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed cis-and trans-expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses using blood-derived expression from 31,684 individuals through the eQTLGen Consortium.
Abstract: Trait-associated genetic variants affect complex phenotypes primarily via regulatory mechanisms on the transcriptome. To investigate the genetics of gene expression, we performed cis- and trans-expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses using blood-derived expression from 31,684 individuals through the eQTLGen Consortium. We detected cis-eQTL for 88% of genes, and these were replicable in numerous tissues. Distal trans-eQTL (detected for 37% of 10,317 trait-associated variants tested) showed lower replication rates, partially due to low replication power and confounding by cell type composition. However, replication analyses in single-cell RNA-seq data prioritized intracellular trans-eQTL. Trans-eQTL exerted their effects via several mechanisms, primarily through regulation by transcription factors. Expression of 13% of the genes correlated with polygenic scores for 1,263 phenotypes, pinpointing potential drivers for those traits. In summary, this work represents a large eQTL resource, and its results serve as a starting point for in-depth interpretation of complex phenotypes.
344 citations
TL;DR: An empirically grounded conceptualization is developed that sets these two phenomena apart, finding that there are two distinctive differences: digital transformation activities leverage digital technology in (re)defining an organization’s value proposition, while IT-enabled organizational transformation activities Leverage digitalTechnology in supporting the value proposition.
Abstract: Although digital transformation offers a number of opportunities for today’s organizations, information systems scholars and practitioners struggle to grasp what digital transformation really is, particularly in terms of how it differs from the well-established concept of information technology (IT)-enabled organizational transformation. By integrating literature from organization science and information systems research with two longitudinal case studies—one on digital transformation, the other on IT-enabled organizational transformation—we develop an empirically grounded conceptualization that sets these two phenomena apart. We find that there are two distinctive differences: (1) digital transformation activities leverage digital technology in (re)defining an organization’s value proposition, while IT-enabled organizational transformation activities leverage digital technology in supporting the value proposition, and (2) digital transformation involves the emergence of a new organizational identity, whereas IT-enabled organizational transformation involves the enhancement of an existing organizational identity. We synthesize these arguments in a process model to distinguish the different types of transformations and propose directions for future research.
218 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw an asymmetric linkages between infrastructure development, green innovation, and consumption-based material footprint (MF) in the top 11 highly material consuming countries.
147 citations
Katherine S. Ruth1, Felix R. Day2, Jazib Hussain3, Ana Martínez-Marchal4 +307 more•Institutions (91)
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify 290 genetic determinants of ovarian ageing, assessed using normal variation in age at natural menopause (ANM) in about 200,000 women of European ancestry.
Abstract: Reproductive longevity is essential for fertility and influences healthy ageing in women1,2, but insights into its underlying biological mechanisms and treatments to preserve it are limited. Here we identify 290 genetic determinants of ovarian ageing, assessed using normal variation in age at natural menopause (ANM) in about 200,000 women of European ancestry. These common alleles were associated with clinical extremes of ANM; women in the top 1% of genetic susceptibility have an equivalent risk of premature ovarian insufficiency to those carrying monogenic FMR1 premutations3. The identified loci implicate a broad range of DNA damage response (DDR) processes and include loss-of-function variants in key DDR-associated genes. Integration with experimental models demonstrates that these DDR processes act across the life-course to shape the ovarian reserve and its rate of depletion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that experimental manipulation of DDR pathways highlighted by human genetics increases fertility and extends reproductive life in mice. Causal inference analyses using the identified genetic variants indicate that extending reproductive life in women improves bone health and reduces risk of type 2 diabetes, but increases the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms that govern ovarian ageing, when they act, and how they might be targeted by therapeutic approaches to extend fertility and prevent disease. Hundreds of genetic loci associated with age at menopause, combined with experimental evidence in mice, highlight mechanisms of reproductive ageing across the lifespan.
126 citations
Book•
26 Aug 2021TL;DR: This book discusses the role of attention in perception, the nature and Function of Memory, and theories of Cognition: From Metaphors to Computational Models.
Abstract: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology. Cognitive Processes. Experimental Psychology. Computer Models of Information Processing. Cognitive Neuropsychology. Minds, Brains and Computers. Perception and Attention. The Biological Bases of Perception. Psychological Approaches to Visual Perception. Visual Illusions. Marr's Theory. Object Recognition Processes. Perception: A Summary. Attention. The Role of Attention in Perception. Automaticity. The Spotlight Model of Visual Attention. Visual Attention. Perception, Attention and Consciousness. Disorders of Perception and Attention. Introduction. Blindsight. Unilateral Spatial Neglect. Visual Agnosia. Disorders of Face Processing - Prosopagnosia and Related Conditions. Memory. The Nature and Function of Memory. Multistore Models and Working Memory. Ebbinghaus and the First Long-term Memory Experiments. The Role of Knowledge, Meaning, and Schemas in Memory. Input Processing and Encoding. Retrieval Cues and Feature Overlap. Retrieval Mechanisms in Recall and Recognition. Automatic and Controlled Memory Processes. Memory in Real Life. Disorders of Memory. The Tragic Effects of Amnesia. The Causes of Organic Amnesia. Short-term and Long-term Memory Impairments. Anterograde and Retrograde Amnesia. Memory Functions Preserved in Amnesia. Other Types of Amnesia. Thinking, Problem-solving and Reasoning. Introduction. Early Research on Problem-solving. Problem-space Theory of Problem-solving. Problem-solving and Knowledge. Deductive and Inductive Reasoning. Statistical Reasoning. Everyday Reasoning. Disorders of Thinking. Executive Function and the Frontal Lobes. Introduction. The frontal Lobes. Problem-solving and Reasoning Deficits. The Executive Functions of the Frontal Lobes. Language. Introduction. The Language System. Psychology and Linguistics. Recognising Spoken and Written Words. Production of Spoken Words. Sentence Comprehension. Sentence Production. Discourse Level. Disorders of Language. Introduction. Historical Perspective. The Psycholinguistic. Disruptions to Language Processing at Word Level. Disruption to Processing of Syntax. Disruption to Processing of Discourse. Theories of Cognition: From Metaphors to Computational Models. Symbol-based Systems. Connectionist Systems. Symbols and Neurons Compared.
91 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the concentrations of five heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) were investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) with 1773 samples around the world.
Abstract: Heavy metal contamination in herbal medicines is a global threat to human beings especially at levels above known threshold concentrations. The concentrations of five heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) were investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) with 1773 samples around the world. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 30.51% (541) samples were detected with at least one over-limit metal. The over-limit ratio for Pb was 5.75% (102), Cd at 4.96% (88), As at 4.17% (74), Hg at 3.78% (67), and of Cu, 1.75% (31). For exposure assessment, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg have resulted in higher than acceptable risks in 25 kinds of herbs. The maximal Estimated Daily Intake of Pb in seven herbs, of Cd in five, of Hg in four, and As in three exceeded their corresponding Provisional Tolerable Daily Intakes. In total 25 kinds of herbs present an unacceptable risk as assessed with the Hazard Quotient or Hazard Index. Additionally, the carcinogenic risks were all under acceptable limits. Notably, As posed the highest risk in all indicators including Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Index, and carcinogenic risks. Therefore further study on enrichment effect of different states of As and special attention to monitoring shall be placed on As related contamination.
71 citations
TL;DR: This article conducted qualitative research with representatives of these stakeholders in an attempt to ascertain their concerns and also their predictions for the future in the audiovisual translation sector, finding that professionals involved in the creation of translations for television and film, which includes the ever-more popular platforms such as Netflix, are likely to hold diverse and interesting views about what the future holds and how they might be called upon to adapt to recent and future changes.
70 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a survey of the current body of research on servitization and digitalization in manufacturing, which provides contradictor-observation of the results.
Abstract: Manufacturing firms have vigorously pursued opportunities for profitability and growth through servitization and digitalization processes. However, the current body of research provides contradicto...
66 citations
TL;DR: Using over 38,000 abdominal MRI scans in the UK Biobank, this article used deep learning to quantify volume, fat, and iron in seven organs and tissues, and demonstrate that imaging-derived phenotypes reflect health status.
Abstract: Cardiometabolic diseases are an increasing global health burden. While socioeconomic, environmental, behavioural, and genetic risk factors have been identified, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is required to develop more effective interventions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to assess organ health, but biobank-scale studies are still in their infancy. Using over 38,000 abdominal MRI scans in the UK Biobank, we used deep learning to quantify volume, fat, and iron in seven organs and tissues, and demonstrate that imaging-derived phenotypes reflect health status. We show that these traits have a substantial heritable component (8-44%) and identify 93 independent genome-wide significant associations, including four associations with liver traits that have not previously been reported. Our work demonstrates the tractability of deep learning to systematically quantify health parameters from high-throughput MRI across a range of organs and tissues, and use the largest-ever study of its kind to generate new insights into the genetic architecture of these traits.
62 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the impact of Covid-19 on stock markets across G7 countries and their business sectors and highlight the synchronicity and severity of this unprecedented crisis.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a descriptive analysis of cycling behavior including level of cycling, trip purpose and distance, and user demographics, at the city-level for 35 major cities (>1 million population) and in urbanised areas nationwide for 11 countries.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate if the visitors' perception of corporate social responsibility influences both hotel brand positioning and intention to visit a hotel, and examine the indirect influence of the perceived social responsibility.
Abstract: This study aims to investigate if the visitors’ perception of corporate social responsibility influences both hotel brand positioning and intention to revisit. Furthermore, it examines the indirect...
TL;DR: The co-creation of research may improve several health-related outcomes and public health more broadly, but research is lacking on its longer term effects.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: To investigate and address the evidence gap on the effectiveness of co-creation/production in international health research. METHODS: An initial systematic search of previous reviews published by 22 July 2017 in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. We extracted reported aims, elements and outcomes of co-creation/production from 50 reviews; however, reviews rarely tested effectiveness against intended outcomes. We therefore checked the reference lists in 13 included systematic reviews that cited quantitative studies involving the public/patients in the design and/or implementation of research projects to conduct meta-analyses on their effectiveness using standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Twenty-six primary studies were included, showing moderate positive effects for community functions (SMD = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.29-0.84, n = 11) and small positive effects for physical health (SMD = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.07-0.42, n = 9), health-promoting behaviour (SMD = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.03-0.26, n = 11), self-efficacy (SMD = 0.34, 95%CI = 0.01-0.67, n = 3) and health service access/receipt (SMD = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.21-0.52, n = 12). Non-academic stakeholders that co-created more than one research stage showed significantly favourable mental health outcomes. However, co-creation was rarely extended to later stages (evaluation/dissemination), with few studies specifically with ethnic minority groups. CONCLUSIONS: The co-creation of research may improve several health-related outcomes and public health more broadly, but research is lacking on its longer term effects.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided a unique carbon emission disclosure measurement based on a sample of UK firms from 2013 to 2019 and applied different methods to assess the validity and reliability of their developed measurement.
TL;DR: Adding even small quantities of ornamental plants to front gardens within deprived urban communities had a positive effect on an individual’s stress regulation and some, but not all, aspects of subjective well-being.
TL;DR: A object-specific memory impairment in individuals with aphantasia provides evidence for separate systems in memory that support object versus spatial information and provides an important experimental validation for the existence of a elephantasia as a variation in human imagery experience.
TL;DR: The diagnostic criteria for motion sickness and VIMS include adverse reactions elicited during exposure to physical motion or visual motion leading to observable signs or symptoms of greater than minimal severity as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: We present diagnostic criteria for motion sickness, visually induced motion sickness (VIMS), motion sickness disorder (MSD), and VIMS disorder (VIMSD) to be included in the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders. Motion sickness and VIMS are normal physiological responses that can be elicited in almost all people, but susceptibility and severity can be high enough for the response to be considered a disorder in some cases. This report provides guidelines for evaluating signs and symptoms caused by physical motion or visual motion and for diagnosing an individual as having a response that is severe enough to constitute a disorder.The diagnostic criteria for motion sickness and VIMS include adverse reactions elicited during exposure to physical motion or visual motion leading to observable signs or symptoms of greater than minimal severity in the following domains: nausea and/or gastrointestinal disturbance, thermoregulatory disruption, alterations in arousal, dizziness and/or vertigo, headache and/or ocular strain. These signs/symptoms occur during the motion exposure, build as the exposure is prolonged, and eventually stop after the motion ends. Motion sickness disorder and VIMSD are diagnosed when recurrent episodes of motion sickness or VIMS are reliably triggered by the same or similar stimuli, severity does not significantly decrease after repeated exposure, and signs/symptoms lead to activity modification, avoidance behavior, or aversive emotional responses. Motion sickness/MSD and VIMS/VIMSD can occur separately or together. Severity of symptoms in reaction to physical motion or visual motion stimuli varies widely and can change within an individual due to aging, adaptation, and comorbid disorders. We discuss the main methods for measuring motion sickness symptoms, the situations conducive to motion sickness and VIMS, and the individual traits associated with increased susceptibility. These additional considerations will improve diagnosis by fostering accurate measurement and understanding of the situational and personal factors associated with MSD and VIMSD.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the financial background of female directors and find that female directors with relevant financial background improve earnings quality more than female directors without such background, and that only female directors possessing relevant financial backgrounds and having fewer outside directorships are able to mitigate earnings management.
Abstract: Past evidence generally suggests that the presence of female directors on corporate boards tends to improve earnings quality due to these directors’ superior monitoring abilities. However, it is not clear which characteristics and skills of female directors drive such abilities. In this paper, we focus on the financial background of female directors, an area which remains largely unexplored in existing literature. The results show that the participation of female directors with relevant financial background improves earnings quality more than the participation of female directors without such background. In addition, our findings suggest that only female directors possessing relevant financial background and having fewer outside directorships are able to mitigate earnings management and therefore overcommitting expert female directors with more outside directorships would diminish their monitoring ability. We did not find any evidence suggesting that female directors without relevant financial background are able to mitigate earnings management, irrespective of their outside directorships or tenure. We interpret our findings within a theoretical framework that draws on a number of economic and social theories. The results are generally robust after controlling for potential endogeneity problems.
TL;DR: The proposed approach and decision-making model can help managers of sustainable supply chains in the chemical industry to choose more sustainable suppliers, respond to market demands quickly, and maintain high competitiveness in the market.
Abstract: Due to an increased awareness of ecological protection and resultant stringent legislations, business organizations are highly motivated to improve the sustainable performance of their supply chain in order to achieve sustainable development goals. The chemical industry is a high-risk, high-pollution, and high-efficiency industry, that would benefit from a systematic and sustainability focused evaluation system for supplier selection. Yet, to date, few studies have conducted the necessary in-depth analysis of the characteristics of this industry from the economic, social, and environmental perspectives. Despite the many methods and models that have been proposed to resolve the sustainable supplier selection (SSS) problem, no research has yet considered the different characteristics of each triple bottom line dimension. Accordingly, this paper addresses this problem by proposing a hybrid multi-method and multi-criteria decision-making framework for SSS in the chemical industry. Based on specific characteristics of the chemical industry, this study applies Fuzzy Grey Relational Analysis (FGRA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and cloud computing-entropy weight method (EWM) to analyze the economic, social, and environmental dimensions, respectively. Finally, this study integrates the evaluation results of the three dimensions using the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The proposed approach and decision-making model can help managers of sustainable supply chains in the chemical industry to choose more sustainable suppliers, respond to market demands quickly, and maintain high competitiveness in the market. An illustrative application of the proposed framework and model is undertaken in one of the biggest Chinese petrochemical companies to verify its practicality and reliability.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the perceptions of millennials towards digital-free travel (DFT) and applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) qualitatively to uncover deep insights into their perceptions.
Abstract: The blurred boundaries between home and away facilitated by the ubiquitous connectivity have resulted in restlessness in private life, even on holiday. Disconnecting from technology on holiday could potentially contribute to travellers’ psychological sustainability. This article aims to theorise the perceptions of millennials towards digital-free travel (DFT). We interviewed 17 millennials and applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) qualitatively to uncover deep insights into their perceptions. Millennials in the research believe that DFT is beneficial for their well-being, but also have concerns regarding social expectations, technology dependence and environmental support. This article firstly contributes towards the psychological sustainability from the perspective of digital well-being in tourism. Second, the qualitative use of UTAUT in a technology disconnection setting is novel. Finally, the study contributes to the empirical understanding of DFT from the aspect of millennials’ perceptions. The study proposes that mental “away” should be aligned with physical “away” by reducing technology use to achieve psychological sustainability on holiday.
TL;DR: Many Anthropocene scholars provide us with the key take home message that they are writing "after the end of the world" as discussed by the authors, which is the message that many of them are writing about apocalypse, but not because they are engaging in it.
Abstract: Many Anthropocene scholars provide us with the key take home message that they are writing ‘after the end of the world’. Not because they are writing about apocalypse, but because they are engaging...
TL;DR: This review presents the current state of the understanding of the mechanisms of TMS in the context of designing and interpreting psychological experiments, and summarizes the different uses and challenges of T MS in mental chronometry, perception, awareness, learning, and memory.
Abstract: The development of the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the study of psychological functions has entered a new phase of sophistication. This is largely due to an increasing physiol...
Peking Union Medical College1, Technical University of Denmark2, Sichuan University3, University of Westminster4, University of Massachusetts Boston5, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine6, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine7, Central South University8, Suzuka University of Medical Science9, University of Science and Technology Beijing10
TL;DR: It is revealed that pesticides were present in the majority of a comprehensive cross-section of herbal medicine samples, and withstanding that extrinsic hazards can be controlled unlike intrinsic toxicity, the authors here strongly recommend the application of herbal Medicine quality-control measures and solutions to safeguard against a neglected but certainly potentially serious health risk posed.
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive and comprehensive analysis of air transport capacity, traffic and revenue changes in domestic and international markets involving China with a focus on airlines, route networks and airports during the Covid-19 pandemic is presented.
TL;DR: This article presents a unique case study on Twitter, capturing the widespread user reactions in the aftermath of the mass resettlement of Syrians in Turkey, and examines varying racialization of Syrians on the Turkish Twittersphere, using sentiment and qualitative content analyses.
Abstract: This article argues that digital publics unleash and bolster everyday racism, creating an unregulated space where anonymity and ubiquity enable the dissemination of racist message. By creating broa...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the local spatial variations in the relationship between the built environment and the daily time spent walking by older adults and apply a geographically weighted regression model, using data collected from 702 older adults in Nanjing, China.
University of Westminster1, University of Southampton2, Temple University3, University of South Florida4, Sun Yat-sen University5, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust6, King's College London7, Nanyang Technological University8, University of Surrey9, Brighton and Sussex Medical School10
TL;DR: In this article, a review aimed to compare the rates of vaccine acceptability, uptake and completion, and to identify determinants of vaccine outcomes specific to MSM to inform a theoretical framework.
19 Aug 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the differences in individual travel behaviors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using Huzhou as an example, and found that travel demand was greatly reduced, which can have adverse effects on people's health and subjective well-being.
Abstract: During the COVID-19 crisis, a series of measures were taken to restrict travel and social activities outside the home in order to curb the pandemic and ameliorate its negative effects. These unprecedented measures have had a profound impact on the number and purposes of trips and modes of travel. In China, although the pandemic is now generally under control and transport availability has returned to nearly normal, the extent of the changes in travel behaviour wrought during and after the pandemic still remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate the differences in individual travel behaviours during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using Huzhou as an example. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine the influence of COVID-19 on the travel behaviour and perceptions of different groups. The results indicate that, initially, travel demand was greatly reduced. Second, decreased travel reduced participation in activities, which can have adverse effects on people's health as well as their subjective well-being. Third, the degree and duration of such impacts varied from person to person. Students, lower income cohorts, groups living in small communities with insufficient green spaces, and those working in tourism, catering, informal businesses and transport-related sectors were more vulnerable than others. Policymakers, urban and transport planners should therefore pay attention to the social inequities that arise from unequal access to transport and heterogeneity between individuals. Additionally, public transport systems require further development to promote social cohesion.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the emerging role of citizens and their increasing contributions to local pluvial flood risk management in the Netherlands and find that this emerging citizen role is being shaped by traditional authority-led interactions, creative and dialogical approaches to citizen engagement, and citizen-initiated contributions that then interact with authorities.
Abstract: This article focuses on the emerging role of citizens and their increasing contributions to local pluvial flood risk management in the Netherlands. A qualitative research approach is followed with semi-structured interviews, and analysis of policy documents and media reports. A typology of physical resources and actions, knowledge and advocacy activities shows evidence of locally focused citizen contributions to pluvial flood risk management in the Dutch city of Arnhem. We find that this emerging citizen role is being shaped by traditional authority-led interactions, creative and dialogical approaches to citizen engagement, and citizen-initiated contributions that then interact with authorities.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of the microorganisms associated with IFFs from Africa, focusing on microbial food safety hazards and propose practical solutions for improving the safety of African indigenous fermented foods requiring action and collaboration from all stakeholders.