scholarly journals A Novel Rhabdovirus Isolated from the Straw-Colored Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum, with Signs of Antibodies in Swine and Humans

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (8) ◽  
pp. 4588-4597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabea Binger ◽  
Augustina Annan ◽  
Jan Felix Drexler ◽  
Marcel Alexander Müller ◽  
René Kallies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Vero Cells ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Emerging Viruses ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fruit Bat ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Swine Disease ◽  
Eidolon Helvum

ABSTRACTBats have been implicated as reservoirs of emerging viruses. Bat species forming large social groups and roosting in proximity to human communities are of particular interest. In this study, we sampled a colony of ca. 350,000 individuals of the straw-colored fruit batEidolon helvumin Kumasi, the second largest city of Ghana. A novel rhabdovirus (Kumasi rhabdovirus [KRV]) was isolated inE. helvumcell cultures and passaged to Vero cells as well as interferon-competent human and primate cells (A549 and MA104). Genome composition was typical for a rhabdovirus. KRV was detected in 5.1% of 487 animals, showing association with the spleen but not the brain. Antibody prevalence was 11.5% by immunofluorescence and 6.4% by plaque reduction virus neutralization test (PRNT). Detection throughout 3 sampling years was pronounced in both annual wet seasons, of which only one overlaps the postparturition season. Juvenile bats showed increased viral prevalence. No evidence of infection was obtained in 1,240 female mosquitos (6 different genera) trapped in proximity to the colony to investigate potential vector association. Antibodies were found in 28.9% (5.4% by PRNT) of 107 swine sera but not in similarly large collections of sheep, goat, or cattle sera. The antibody detection rate in human subjects with occupational exposure to the bat colony was 11% (5/45 persons), which was significantly higher than in unexposed adults (0.8% [1/118]; chi square,P< 0.001). KRV is a novel bat-associated rhabdovirus potentially transmitted to humans and swine. Disease associations should be investigated.IMPORTANCEBats are thought to carry a huge number of as-yet-undiscovered viruses that may pose epidemic threats to humans and livestock. Here we describe a novel dimarhabdovirus which we isolated from a large colony of the straw-colored fruit batEidolon helvumin Ghana. As these animals are exposed to humans and several livestock species, we looked for antibodies indicating infection in humans, cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. Signs of infection were found in swine and humans, with increased antibody findings in humans who are occupationally exposed to the bat colony. Our data suggest that it is worthwhile to look for diseases caused by the novel virus in humans and livestock.

scholarly journals Novel, Potentially Zoonotic Paramyxoviruses from the African Straw-Colored Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum

2012 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 1348-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate S. Baker ◽  
Shawn Todd ◽  
Glenn A. Marsh ◽  
Gary Crameri ◽  
Jennifer Barr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Domestic Animal ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Phylogenetic Cluster ◽  
Fruit Bat ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Eidolon Helvum

ABSTRACTBats carry a variety of paramyxoviruses that impact human and domestic animal health when spillover occurs. Recent studies have shown a great diversity of paramyxoviruses in an urban-roosting population of straw-colored fruit bats in Ghana. Here, we investigate this further through virus isolation and describe two novel rubulaviruses: Achimota virus 1 (AchPV1) and Achimota virus 2 (AchPV2). The viruses form a phylogenetic cluster with each other and other bat-derived rubulaviruses, such as Tuhoko viruses, Menangle virus, and Tioman virus. We developed AchPV1- and AchPV2-specific serological assays and found evidence of infection with both viruses inEidolon helvumacross sub-Saharan Africa and on islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Longitudinal sampling ofE. helvumindicates virus persistence within fruit bat populations and suggests spread of AchPVs via horizontal transmission. We also detected possible serological evidence of human infection with AchPV2 in Ghana and Tanzania. It is likely that clinically significant zoonotic spillover of chiropteran paramyxoviruses could be missed throughout much of Africa where health surveillance and diagnostics are poor and comorbidities, such as infection with HIV orPlasmodiumsp., are common.

scholarly journals The Food, Feelings, and Family Study: comparison of the efficacy of traditional methods, social media, and broadcast email to recruit pregnant women to an observational, longitudinal nutrition study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Smith ◽  
Crystal Alvarez ◽  
Sylvia Crixell ◽  
Michelle A. Lane
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Family Study ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Recruitment Method ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Recruitment Methods ◽  
Health Care Intervention ◽  
Time Investment

Abstract Background It is well known that recruitment is a challenging aspect of any study involving human subjects. This challenge is exacerbated when the population sought is reticent to participate in research as is the case with pregnant women and individuals with depression. This paper compares recruitment methods used for the Food, Feelings, and Family Study, an observational, longitudinal pilot study concerning how diet and bisphenol A exposure affect maternal mood and cognitive function during and after pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women were recruited to this study over a period of 15 months using traditional methods, social media including paid and unpaid posts, and emails broadcast to the university community. Contingency analysis using the Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to determine if recruitment method was associated with likelihood of participation. T-tests were used to analyze Facebook advertisement success. ANOVAs and Fisher exact tests were used to determine if recruitment method was related to continuous and categorical demographics, respectively. Results Social media resulted in the largest number of recruits, followed by traditional methods and broadcast email. Women recruited through social media were less likely to participate. In contrast, use of broadcast email resulted in a smaller pool of recruits but these recruits were more likely to be eligible for and complete the study. Most women recruited via social media were the result of unpaid posts to the study’s Facebook page. Paid posts lasting at least 4 days were the most successful. Recruitment method was not associated with participant demographics. Conclusions Social media has the potential to recruit a large pool of potential subjects; however, when studies require a large time investment such as the case here, women recruited through social media are less likely to participate and complete the study than women recruited through other means. Trial registration N/A. This study does not describe a health care intervention.

Incorporating practical application in graduate introductory public health courses

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-322
Author(s):  
Jacey A. Greece ◽  
Joanne G. Patterson ◽  
Sarah A. Kensky ◽  
Kate Festa
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Master Of Public Health ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Course Assessment ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Competency Based

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the utility of a redesigned course assessment in a required, introductory Master of Public Health (MPH) course to demonstrate competency achievement through practical application. School of public health curricula are informed by competency-based education (CBE) to prepare students for the field. This is a challenge in introductory courses as traditional assessments do not translate into practical application of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – This retrospective post-test-only evaluation examined a practice-based, multi-disciplinary assessment utilized in Fall 2014 (n = 63 students). Web-based surveys were administered three months after the course to participating students (n = 33), the teaching team or teaching teams (n = 7) and organization representatives (n = 3) to evaluate the utility of the assessment. Questions were analyzed descriptively using chi-square tests, where applicable responses were compared across groups. Findings – Results indicate that a practice-based assessment in an introductory MPH course may enhance student learning by fostering deeper appreciation and application of course content while more closely reflecting the collaborative, multi-disciplinary and problem-solving nature of practice. The assessment may also increase the depth of competency achievement and career preparedness. Practical implications – Institutions that are guided by CBE, train students for multi-disciplinary practice and are impacted by the changing landscape of the field may want to consider course assessments that mimic practice to best prepare students. Originality/value – Course assessments should be evaluated to ensure they appropriately measure competency achievement. This evaluation provides multiple perspectives on the process and outcome of a practice-based course assessment.

Gender differences in academic entrepreneurship: experience, attitudes and outcomes among NSF I-CORPS participants

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alanna Epstein ◽  
Nathalie Duval-Couetil ◽  
Aileen Huang-Saad
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Prior Experience ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
The United States ◽  
Technology Commercialization ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Interactions

PurposeExpanding access to entrepreneurship training programs can be a method to increase female involvement in technology commercialization only if these programs adequately address the specific challenges facing female faculty and graduate students. In the context of the US National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps) program, this study examines gender differences in prior experience and attitudes towards the training in order to propose improvements to the program design.Design/methodology/approachThis quantitative study uses Pearson's Chi-Square and ANOVA tests on survey data from the I-Corps national program (n = 2,195), which enrolls faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and industry experts.FindingsIn comparison to male participants, female I-Corps participants reported less entrepreneurial experience prior to the program, poorer team relationships during the program and lower entrepreneurial intention and technology commercialization readiness at both the beginning and the end of the program. However, no gender differences were found in positive or negative perceptions of the instructional climate or perceptions of program usefulness.Originality/valueThis study is unique as it is based on a large-scale dataset drawn from sites across the United States. The results support potential changes to I-Corps and similar programs, including providing more explicit instructions for tasks with which female participants have less prior experience than males (e.g. in applying for patents), offering guidance for team interactions, and providing mentorship to assess whether low self-efficacy is leading women to underestimate the potential success of their projects.

Online versus offline: preferred retail choice for premium brand purchase

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rituparna Basu ◽  
Neena Sondhi
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Model ◽  
Logit Analysis ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sales Personnel ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Brick And Mortar ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Retail Format

PurposeThis exploratory study aims to examine the prevalent triggers that motivate a premium brand purchase in an online vs offline retail format.Design/methodology/approachA binary logit analysis is used to build a predictive model to assess the likelihood of the premium brand consumer seeking an online or an offline platform. Demographic and usage-based profile of the two set of consumers is established through a chi-square analysis.FindingsThree hundred and forty six urban consumers of premium branded apparels residing in two Indian Metros were studied. A predictive model with 89.6% accuracy was validated for distinguishing premium brand buyers who shop at brick-and-mortar store or online platforms. Quality and finish were factors sought by the online buyer, whereas autotelic need, pleasurable shopping experience and social approval were important triggers for an in-store purchase.Research limitations/implicationsThe study posits divergent demographics and motivational drivers that led to an online vs offline purchase. Though interesting and directional, the study results need to be examined across geographies and categories for establishing the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe study findings indicate that premium brand manufacturers can devise an omni-channel strategy that is largely tilted toward the online platform, as the quality conscious and brand aware consumer is confident and thus open to an online purchase. The implication for the physical outlet on the other hand is to ensure exclusive store atmospherics and knowledgeable but non-intrusive sales personnel.Originality/valueThe study is unique as it successfully builds a predictive model to forecast online vs offline purchase decisions among urban millennials.

Researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools – does awareness effect the actions towards preventing plagiarism?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sk. Mamun Mostofa ◽  
Mashiat Tabassum ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reported Study ◽  
Chi Square Test

Purpose This paper aims to analyse researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools on the actions that they take to prevent plagiarism. It also employs a structural model that examines whether awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism tools have any significant effect on the actions taken by the researchers to avoid plagiarism. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was distributed to researchers at a large public university in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated 184 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were obtained to assess researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools and the actions taken by them. The reasons that may cause plagiarism were also identified. The awareness of the availability of the anti-plagiarism software that was being used by the university and its actual use by the researchers was gathered through the survey. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to investigate the differences in awareness levels and actions in terms of gender, age, discipline and current level of research. The chi-square test was carried out to examine the relationship between awareness about the availability of the anti-plagiarism software and its use by the researchers. Finally, the survey data were analysed using structural equation modeling to examine the effects of awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software on the actions taken by the researchers. Findings The study revealed that the level of awareness regarding plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection software is generally high among the researchers. There are some significant differences between researchers’ demographic and personal characteristics and their awareness levels and actions with regard to plagiarism. The findings indicate that almost three-quarters of the researchers were aware about the anti-plagiarism tool that is being used, whereas more than half of the researchers indicated that they used the software to assess their works. The results of the structural equation model do not show a good fit, although there is strong statistical evidence that awareness about plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software has significantly impacted researchers’ actions towards preventing plagiarism. Originality/value There is no reported study on researchers’ awareness of plagiarism and its affiliated issues in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will not only provide useful insights regarding awareness about plagiarism but also assist university authorities to formulate relevant policy and take necessary actions against plagiarism in higher education institutions.

Towards a well-informed rental housing policy in Ghana: differentiating between critics and non-critics of the rent advance system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richmond Juvenile Ehwi ◽  
Lewis Abedi Asante ◽  
Emmanuel Kofi Gavu
Keyword(s):  
Housing Policy ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Rental Housing ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Characteristics ◽  
Employment Sector ◽  
General Elections ◽  
The One ◽  
Formal And Informal Sectors

Purpose In Ghana, the practice of landlords demanding that renters pay rent advance (RA) of between six months and five years is well noted. Surprisingly, renters appear divided into the benefits and drawbacks of the rent advance payment. Ahead of the 2020 general elections, the two leading political parties in Ghana promised to establish a rent assistance scheme to help renters working in the formal and informal sectors and earning regular incomes to pay their RA. This paper aims to scrutinize the differences in the demographic, employment and housing characteristics between the critics and non-critics of the RA payment in Ghana and the factors that predict the likelihood of being a critic of the RA system. Design/methodology/approach The study is exploratory and draws empirical data from surveys administered to 327 graduate renters from 13 regions in Ghana. It uses non-parametric and parametric tests, namely, Chi-square goodness-of-fit and T-test to explore these differences between both critics and non-critics of the RA. Findings There are statistically significant differences between critics and non-critics in terms of the association between their educational attainment on the one hand and their marital status, employment status and employment sector on the other hand. The research also reveals that monthly expenditures, number of bedrooms and RA period significantly predict the likelihood of being a critic of the RA payment or otherwise. Practical implications The study provides evidence which policymakers can draw upon to inform housing policy. Originality/value The study is the first to study the housing characteristics of graduate renters and to quantitatively distinguish between critics and non-critics of RA payment in Ghana.

Investigating association between factors fostering attention to a stock and rationales to buy it: an empirical analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ripsy Bondia ◽  
Pratap C. Biswal ◽  
Abinash Panda
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Categorical Data ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Individual Investors ◽  
Multiple Response ◽  
Individual Investor ◽  
Test Statistic ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Order

PurposeCan something that drives our initial attention toward a stock have any implications on final decision to buy it? This paper empirically and statistically tests association, if any, between factors fostering attention toward a stock and rationales to buy it.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses survey responses of individual investors involving multiple response categorical data. Association between attention fostering factors and rationales is tested using a modified first-order corrected Rao-Scott chi-square test statistic (to adjust for within-participant dependence among responses in case of multiple response categorical variables). Further, odds ratios and mosaic plots are used to determine the effect size of association.FindingsStrong association is seen between attention fostering factors and rationales to buy a stock. Further, strongest associations are seen in cases where origin is the same underlying influencing factor. Some of the most cited attention fostering factors and rationales in this research stem from familiarity bias and expert bias.Practical implicationsWhat starts as a trivial attention fostering factor, which may not even be recognized by majority investors, can go on to become one of the rationales for buying a stock. This can result in substantial financial implications for an individual investor. Investor education agencies and regulatory authorities can make investors cognizant of such association, which can help investors to improve and adjust their decision making accordingly.Originality/valueThe extant literature discusses factors/biases influencing buying decisions of individual investors. This research takes a step ahead by distinguishing these factors in terms of whether they play role of (1) fostering attention toward a stock or (2) of reasons for ultimately buying it. Such dissection of factors/biases, to the best of authors' knowledge, has not been done previously in any empirical and statistical analysis. The paper uses multiple response categorical data and applies a modified first-order corrected Rao-Scott chi-square statistic to test association. Application of the above-mentioned test statistic has not been done previously in context of individual investor decision-making.

Conceptual framework of value management adoption in the Nigerian construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lekan Damilola Ojo ◽  
Deji Rufus Ogunsemi ◽  
Olusola Ogunsina
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Market ◽  
Innovative Management ◽  
Coefficient Of Concordance ◽  
Global Construction

Purpose The Nigerian construction industry is bedeviled with poor project performance and outcomes which value management (VM) could address if applied. The application of VM on Nigerian construction projects is very minimal due to certain obstacles, namely, lack of VM experts, paucity of knowledge on the techniques, etc., which inhibits the adoption into the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework of the adoption of VM on construction projects in a typical developing economy. Design/methodology/approach This study engaged 15 selected VM experts in two rounds of Delphi survey to develop a conceptual framework of VM adoption. The method of data analysis includes mean score, standard deviation, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, chi-square (χ2) test, interrater agreement analysis and significant level analysis. The developed conceptual framework was sent to a team of local and international VM experts for validation. Findings This study reveals that the adoption of VM requires the collective effort of relevant stakeholders in the construction industry. The framework developed presents individual and collective activities to be undertaken by the stakeholders. The activities include training, legislation, government-funded research, etc. Thus, the adoption of innovative management methodology like VM requires the collaboration of academics, construction professional bodies and government parastatals. This will assist in the judicious use of limited construction resources and boost the relevance of the Nigerian construction industry among developing nations and in the global construction market. Originality/value This study used the opinions of few construction professionals that can be regarded as VM experts in Nigeria, as against engaging a pool of construction professionals who may not be knowledgeable in VM process. Engaging the few VM experts in the Nigerian construction industry is important to have a valid basis for drawing conclusion, as large questionnaire survey could be possibly filled by inexperienced or unqualified respondents if stringent criteria are not considered at the outset of this study.

Critical drivers (CDs) of value management adoption in the Nigerian construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 250-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lekan Damilola Ojo ◽  
Deji Rufus Ogunsemi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Value Management ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adequate Understanding ◽  
Coefficient Of Concordance ◽  
Concordance Test ◽  
The Common

Purpose This paper aims to assess the drivers of value management (VM) in the Nigerian construction industry with a view to identify the critical ones through Delphi study. Design/methodology/approach A team of 15 carefully selected experts in VM were engaged in two rounds of Delphi survey, and the responses of the survey were analyzed with descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and mode). Kendall’s coefficient of concordance test and Chi-square (χ2) test were also used to test the level of consensus amongst the respondents at the two rounds of the survey to draw inference. Interrater agreement analysis and significant level analysis were further used to determine the criticality of critical drivers. Findings The critical drivers to VM adoption are adequate understanding of the benefits of VM, higher/postgraduate programme that teaches VM technique, professional’s previous experience with VM, collaboration of all construction professional bodies in Nigeria and VM training. Originality/value This paper used opinions of VM experts only to achieve the aim of this study as against the common survey method in which respondents who are not knowledgeable in the area of research might fill the questionnaire.

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