Study on the functional properties of potential indigenous probiotics isolated from human samples in West Africa

A study was performed to isolate and evaluate potential indigenous probiotic strains in Ghana. A total of 99 strains were isolated from human breast milk (n = 29) and fecal samples (n = 70), which were identified and characterized using methods ranging from plating growth tests and presumptive analysis at species level using MALDI-TOF MS, prior to validation through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Gastrointestinal tolerance and ability to form biofilms in vitro were determined. Results indicated that out of 99 isolates, 25 were Gram-positive, catalase-negative rods. More than one-third was identified as Lactobacillus fermentum. Others were identified to be Lactobacillus (plantarum, rhamnosus, salivarius, reuteri), Enterococcus faecium, Weissella spp. and Pediococcus spp. Among the 25 isolates, 9 had activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens including reference or local clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Almost all isolates were effective against P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. Typhi. Thirteen isolates did not show activity towards S. aureus. The isolates were more effective against local pathogens tested than nonindigenous pathogens. The data showed survival of all studied isolate at pH 2, 3 and 6 followed by a successful growth of the co-cultured biofilm in a 3D Alvatex platform

Prediction of Ideas Number During a Brainstorming Session

International audienceIn this paper, we present an approach allowing the prediction of ideas number during a brainstorming session. This prediction is based on two dynamic models of brainstorming, the non-cognitive and the cognitive models proposed by Brown and Paulus (Small Group Res 27(1):91–114, 1996). These models describe for each participant, the evolution of ideas number over time, and are formalized by differential equations. Through solution functions of these models, we propose to calculate the number of ideas of each participant on any time intervals and thus in the future (called prediction). To be able to compute solution functions, it is necessary to determine the parameters of these models. In our approach, we use optimization model for model parameters calculation in which solution functions are approximated by numerical methods. We developed two generic optimization models, one based on Euler’s and the other on the fourth order Runge–Kutta’s numerical methods for the solving of differential equations, and we apply them to the non-cognitive and respectively to the cognitive models. Through some feasibility tests, we show the adequacy of the proposed approach to our prediction context

Integration of decision support systems to improve decision support performance

Decision support system (DSS) is a well-established research and development area. Traditional isolated, stand-alone DSS has been recently facing new challenges. In order to improve the performance of DSS to meet the challenges, research has been actively carried out to develop integrated decision support systems (IDSS). This paper reviews the current research efforts with regard to the development of IDSS. The focus of the paper is on the integration aspect for IDSS through multiple perspectives, and the technologies that support this integration. More than 100 papers and software systems are discussed. Current research efforts and the development status of IDSS are explained, compared and classified. In addition, future trends and challenges in integration are outlined. The paper concludes that by addressing integration, better support will be provided to decision makers, with the expectation of both better decisions and improved decision making processes

Acceptance and Use of E-Learning Based on Cloud Computing: The Role of Consumer Innovativeness

Cloud computing and E-learning are the inevitable trend of computational science in general, and information systems and technologies in specific.However, there are not many studies on the adoption of cloud-based E-learning systems. Moreover, while there are many papers on information system adoption as well as customer innovativeness, the innovativeness and adoption in the same model seems to be rare in the literature. The study combines the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and consumer innovativeness on the adoption of E-learning systems based on cloud computing. A survey was conducted among 282 cloud-based E-learning participants and analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that the adoption of cloud-based E-learning is influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and habit. Interestingly, although innovativeness is not significant to use intention, it has a positive effect on E-learning usage which is relatively new in Vietnam

Group support systems features and their contribution to technology strategy decision-making: A review and analysis

Collective decision-making processes require careful design considerations in organizations. On one hand, the inclusion of a greater number of actors contribute to a wider knowledge base, on the other, it can become a diffuse process and be distorted from the principles initially established. This paper observes a specific collective decision making process in organizations—technology strategy formulation—and, through a critical review of the literature, analyzes how the advances in features of group support systems support improvements in different stages of this process. This paper also discusses the implications of GSS appropriation in group dynamics.This research was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (SFRH/ BD/ 33727/ 2009), within the framework of the MIT Portugal Program.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fit between humanitarian professionals and project requirements: hybrid group decision procedure to reduce uncertainty in decision-making

Choosing the right professional that has to meet indeterminate requirements is a critical aspect in humanitarian development and implementation projects. This paper proposes a hybrid evaluation methodology for some non-governmental organizations enabling them to select the most competent expert who can properly and adequately develop and implement humanitarian projects. This methodology accommodates various stakeholders’ perspectives in satisfying the unique requirements of humanitarian projects that are capable of handling a range of uncertain issues from both stakeholders and project requirements. The criteria weights are calculated using a two-step multi-criteria decision-making method: (1) Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process for the evaluation of the decision maker weights coupled with (2) Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank the alternatives which provide the ability to take into account both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Sensitivity analysis have been developed and discussed by means of a real case of expert selection problem for a non-profit organisation. The results show that the approach allows a decrease in the uncertainty associated with decision-making, which proves that the approach provides robust solutions in terms of sensitivity analysis

Relationship building through Facebook brand pages: the multifaceted roles of identification, satisfaction, and perceived relationship investment

© 2015 Taylor & Francis. Social media offers significant scope for consumer engagement and brand building. This paper adds to the extant literature by developing an integrative framework of key drivers of consumer-brand relationships in Facebook brand pages (FBP) including different targets of identification and perceived relationship investment. The empirical study confirms that consumer identification with the FBP, identification with other FBP users, and satisfaction with the FBP significantly influence loyalty towards the FBP. The perceived level of a brand’s investment in the relationship with the consumer both directly influences FBP loyalty and moderates key relationships. Overall, the results provide managerial guidance to strengthen the FBP and consumer-brand relationships by devoting resources and implementing suitable tactics. Our findings highlight that a large portion of business success may be beyond managers’ direct control, and is dependent on non-paying customers who use the FBP, thus influencing holistic brand meaning