bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Cell Resolution of Lineage Trajectories in the Arabidopsis Stomatal Lineage and Developing Leaf
Authors: Lopez-Anido Camila B. , Vatén Anne , Smoot Nicole K. , Sharma Nidhi , Guo Victoria , Gong Yan , Anleu Gil M. Ximena , Weimer Annika K. , Bergmann Dominique C.
Published: September 2020

Dynamic cell states underlie flexible developmental programs, such as with the stomatal lineage of the Arabidopsis epidermis. Initial stages of the lineage feature asynchronous and indeterminate divisions modulated by environmental cues, enabling cell fate flexibility to generate the requisite density and pattern of stomata for a given environment. It remains unclear, however, how flexibility of cell fates is controlled. Here, we uncovered distinct models of cell state differentiation within Arabidopsis leaf tissue by leveraging single-cell transcriptomics and molecular genetics. Our findings resolved underlying heterogeneity within cell states of the flexible epidermal stomatal lineage, which appear to exist along a continuum, with progressive cell specification. Beyond the early stages of the lineage, we discovered that the core transcriptional regulator SPEECHLESS is required for cell fate commitment to yield stomatal guard cells. Overall, our work has refined the stomatal lineage paradigm and uncovered progressive cell state decisions along lineage trajectories in developing leaves.
Xpert MTB/XDR: A ten-color reflex assay suitable for point of care settings to detect isoniazid-, fluoroquinolone-, and second line injectable drug-resistance directly fromMycobacterium tuberculosispositive sputum
Authors: Cao Yuan , Parmar Heta , Gaur Rajiv L. , Lieu Deanna , Raghunath Shobana , Via Nova , Battagalia Simone , Cirillo Daniela M. , Denkinger Claudia , Georghiou Sophia , Kwiatkowski Robert , Persing David , Alland David , Chakravorty Soumitesh
Published: September 2020

We describe the design, development, analytical performance and a limited clinical evaluation of the 10-color Xpert MTB/XDR assay (CE-IVD only, not for sale in the US). This assay is intended as a reflex test to detect resistance to Isoniazid (INH), Fluoroquinolones (FLQ), Ethionamide (ETH) and Second Line Injectable Drugs Drugs (SLID) on unprocessed sputum samples and concentrated sputum sediments which are positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis. The Xpert MTB/XDR assay simultaneously amplifies eight genes and promoter regions inM. tuberculosisand analyzes melting temperatures (Tms) using sloppy molecular beacon probes (SMB) to identify mutations associated with INH, FLQ, ETH and SLID resistance. Results can be obtained under 90 minutes and requires 10-color GeneXpert modules. The assay can differentiate low versus high-level resistance to INH and FLQ as well as cross-resistance versus individual resistance to SLIDs by identifying mutation-specific Tms or Tm patterns generated by the SMB probes. The assay has a Limit of Detection comparable to the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and succesfully detected 16 clinically significant mutations in a challenge set of clinical isolate DNA. In a clinical study performed at two sites with 100 sputum and 214 clinical isolates, the assay showed a sensitivity of 94-100% and a specificity of 100% for all drugs except for ETH when compared to sequencing. The sensitivity and specificity when compared to phenotypic drug susceptibility testing were in the same range. Used in combination with a primary tuberculosis diagnostic test, this assay is expected to expand the capacity for detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Nasal systems immunology identifies inflammatory and tolerogenic myeloid cells that determine allergic outcome following challenge
Authors: Voskamp Astrid L. , Gerdes Maarten L. , Menafra Roberta , Duijster Ellen , Kielbasa Szymon M. , Kormelink Tom Groot , Tak Tamar , Stam Koen A. , de Jong Nicolette W. , Hendriks Rudi W. , Kloet Suzanne L. , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , de Jong Esther C. , Gerth van Wijk Roy , Smits Hermelijn H.
Published: September 2020

Innate mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) cells preserve mucosal immune homeostasis. Here, we investigated their role at nasal mucosa following challenge with house dust mite. We combined single cell proteome and transcriptome profiling on immune cells from nasal biopsy cells of allergic rhinitis and non-allergic subjects, before and after repeated nasal allergen challenge. Nasal biopsies of patients showed infiltrating inflammatory HLA-DRhiCD14+monocytes and CD16+monocytes, and transcriptional changes in resident CD1C+CD1A+conventional dendritic cells (cDC)2 following challenge. Importantly, although clinically silent, non-allergic individuals displayed a distinct innate MPS response to allergen challenge: predominant infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (HLA-DRlowCD14+monocytes), as well as cDC2 clusters expressing increased inhibitory/tolerogenic transcripts. Therefore, we identified not only clusters involved in airway inflammation but also a non-inflammatory, homeostatic blueprint of innate MPS responses to allergens in non-allergic individuals. Future therapies should target innate MPS for treatment of inflammatory airway diseases.

Abstract Figure
Evaluation of DISORDER: retrospective image motion correction for volumetric brain MRI in a pediatric setting
Authors: Vecchiato Katy , Egloff Alexia , Carney Olivia , Siddiqui Ata , Hughes Emer , Dillon Louise , Colford Kathleen , Green Elaine , Texeria Rui Pedro A.G. , Price Anthony N. , Ferrazzi Giulio , Hajnal Joseph V. , Carmichael David W , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , O’Muircheartaigh Jonathan
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

Head motion causes image degradation in brain MRI examinations, negatively impacting image quality, especially in pediatric populations. Here, we used a retrospective motion correction technique in children and assessed image quality improvement for 3D MRI acquisitions.

Material and Methods

We prospectively acquired brain MRI at 3T using 3D sequences, T1-weighted MPRAGE, T2-weighted Turbo Spin Echo and FLAIR, in 32 unsedated children, including 7 with epilepsy (age range 2–18 years). We implemented a novel motion correction technique: Distributed and Incoherent Sample Orders for Reconstruction Deblurring using Encoding Redundancy (DISORDER). For each subject and modality, we obtained 3 reconstructions: as acquired (Aq), after DISORDER motion correction (Di), and Di with additional outlier rejection (DiOut).

We analyzed 288 images quantitatively, measuring 2 objective no-reference image quality metrics: Gradient Entropy (GE) and MPRAGE White Matter Homogeneity (WM-H). As a qualitative metric, we presented blinded and randomized images to 2 expert neuroradiologists who scored them for clinical readability.

Results

Both image quality metrics improved after motion correction for all modalities and improvement correlated with the amount of intrascan motion. Neuroradiologists also considered the motion corrected images as of higher quality (Wilcoxon’s z = −3.164 MPRAGE, z = −2.066 TSE, z = −2.645 FLAIR, for all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Retrospective image motion correction with DISORDER increased image quality both from an objective and qualitative perspective. In 75% of sessions, at least one sequence was improved by this approach, indicating the benefit of this technique in unsedated children for both clinical and research environments.
Targeting Neuroplasticity to Improve Motor Recovery after Stroke
Authors: Norman Sumner L. , Wolpaw Jonathan R. , Reinkensmeyer David J.
Published: September 2020

After neurological injury, people develop abnormal patterns of neural activity that limit motor recovery. Traditional rehabilitation, which concentrates on practicing impaired skills, is seldom fully effective. New targeted neuroplasticity (TNP) protocols interact with the CNS to induce beneficial plasticity in key sites and thereby enable wider beneficial plasticity. They can complement traditional therapy and enhance recovery. However, their development and validation is difficult because many different TNP protocols are conceivable, and evaluating even one of them is lengthy, laborious, and expensive. Computational models can address this problem by triaging numerous candidate protocols rapidly and effectively. Animal and human empirical testing can then concentrate on the most promising ones. Here we simulate a neural network of corticospinal neurons that control motoneurons eliciting unilateral finger extension. We use this network to (1) study the mechanisms and patterns of cortical reorganization after a stroke, and (2) identify and parameterize a TNP protocol that improves recovery of extension force. After a simulated stroke, standard training produced abnormal bilateral cortical activation and suboptimal force recovery. To enhance recovery, we interdigitated standard trials with trials in which the teaching signal came from a targeted population of sub-optimized neurons. Targeting neurons in secondary motor areas on 5-20% of the total trials restored lateralized cortical activation and improved recovery of extension force. The results illuminate mechanisms underlying suboptimal cortical activity post-stroke; they enable identification and parameterization of the most promising TNP protocols. By providing initial guidance, computational models could facilitate and accelerate realization of new therapies that improve motor recovery.
Estimating Trends in Fertility in Kenya from Non Birth History Data
Authors: Ngugi Paul Waweru
Published: September 2020

This study aimed at determining the extent to which methods for estimating trends in fertility without use of birth history could be used on Kenyan surveys data by employing the own-children method (OCM) and reverse survival (RS) method in estimating fertility trend in the country. The study used data from 2015/16 Kenya Integrated Household and Budget Survey (KIHBS) and 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Data evaluation was done in order to obtain optimal fertility estimates. 2015/16 KIHBS data reported a Whipples index of 49.0 and 57.5 for terminal digits 0 and 5 respectively. Myer’s blended index was 2.9 and this was an indication that in general the data was accurate and therefore did not require any adjustment to improve its quality before use. Results from 2015/16 KIHBS showed that RS estimated Total Fertility Rate to be 3.5 as compared to OCM that estimated it to be 3.8. The results from 2014 KDHS dataset were consistent when using both RS and OCM. The two indirect methods can give consistent fertility estimates when the reference period is closer to the survey period but in the fourth and fifth year RS tends to systematically overstate fertility as compared to OCM. This study found out that in the absence of full birth history data, RS and OCM can reliably estimate consistent fertility estimates and trend.
Leveraging T-cell receptor – epitope recognition models to disentangle unique and cross-reactive T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 progression/resolution
Authors: Postovskaya Anna , Vujkovic Alexandra , de Block Tessa , van Petersen Lida , van Frankenhuijsen Maartje , Brosius Isabel , Bottieau Emmanuel , Van Dijck Christophe , Theunissen Caroline , van Ierssel Sabrina H. , Vlieghe Erika , Bartholomeus Esther , Adriaensen Wim , Vanham Guido , Ogunjimi Benson , Laukens Kris , Vercauteren Koen , Meysman Pieter
Published: September 2020

Despite the general agreement on the importance of T cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection, the clinical impact of specific and cross-reactive T-cell responses remains uncertain, while this knowledge may indicate how to adjust vaccines and maintain robust long-term protection against continuously emerging variants. To characterize CD8+ T-cell response to epitopes unique to SARS-CoV-2 (SC-unique) or shared with other coronaviruses (CoV-common), we trained a large number of TCR-epitope recognition models for MHC-I-presented SARS-CoV-2 epitopes from publicly available data. Applying those models to longitudinal COVID-19 TCR repertoires of critical and non-critical COVID-19 patients, we discovered that notwithstanding comparable CD8+ T-cell depletion and the sizes of putative CoV-common CD8+ TCR repertoires in all symptomatic patients at the initial stage of the disease, the temporal dynamics of putative SC2-unique TCRs differed depending on the disease severity. Only non-critical patients had developed large and diverse SC2-unique CD8+ T-cell response by the second week of the disease. Additionally, only this patient group demonstrated redundancy in CD8+ TCRs putatively recognizing unique and common SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Our findings thus emphasize the role of thede novoCD8+ T-cell response and support the argument against the clinical benefit of pre-existing cross-reactive CD8+ T cells. Now, the analytical framework of this study can not only be employed to track specific and cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T cells in any TCR repertoire but also be generalized to more epitopes and be employed for adaptive immune response assessment and monitoring to inform public health decisions.
Global genome decompaction leads to stochastic activation of gene expression as a first step toward fate commitment in human hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Romuald Parmentier , Alice Moussy , Sophie Chantalat , Laëtitia Racine , Ravi Sudharshan , Nan Papili Gao , Daniel Stockholm , Guillaume Corre , Geneviève Fourel , Jean-François Deleuze , Rudiyanto Gunawan , Andras Paldi
Published: September 2020

When human cord blood derived CD34+ cells are induced to differentiatein vitro, they undergo rapid and dynamic morphological and molecular transformations that are critical for fate commitment. Using ATAC-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing, we detected two phases in this process. In the first phase, we observed a rapid and global chromatin opening that makes most of the gene promoters in the genome accessible, followed by widespread upregulation of gene transcription and a concomitant increase in the cell-to-cell variability of gene expression. The second phase is marked by a slow chromatin closure and a subsequent overall downregulation of gene transcription and emergence of coherent expression profiles corresponding to distinct cell subpopulations. These observations are consistent with a model based on the spontaneous probabilistic organization of the cellular process of fate commitment.
The Costs and Benefits of a Modified Biomedical Science Workforce
Authors: Schaller Michael D.
Published: September 2020

Analyses of the biomedical research workforce, the biomedical research enterprise and its sustainability have identified a number of threats and offered many solutions to alleviate the problems. While, a number of these solutions have been implemented, one solution that has not been broadly adopted, despite being widely recommended, is to increase the number of staff scientists and reduce dependency on trainees. The perceived impediment of this is the cost. This paper explores the costs associated with laboratory personnel and the benefits, in terms of productivity, associated with different positions in the workforce. The results of this cost-benefit analysis depend upon the values assigned to different metrics of productivity by individuals and institutions. If first and senior author publications are the most important metrics of productivity, a trainee dependent workforce is much more cost effective. If total publications is the most valued metric of productivity, the cost effectiveness of trainee and staff scientists is reasonably equitable. This analysis provides data for consideration when making personnel decisions and for the continued discussion of modification of the biomedical research workforce. It also provides insight into the incentives for modification of the workforce at the grass roots, which must be considered by institutions genuinely committed to workforce modification to sustain the biomedical research enterprise.
Regulatory crosstalk between motility and interbacterial communication inSalmonellaTyphimurium
Authors: Plitnick Jonathan , Chevance Fabienne F.V. , Stringer Anne , Hughes Kelly T. , Wade Joseph T.
Published: September 2020

FliA is a broadly conserved σ factor that directs transcription of genes involved in flagellar motility. We previously identified FliA-transcribed genes inEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium, and we showed thatE. coliFliA transcribes many unstable, non-coding RNAs from intragenic promoters. Here, we show that FliA inS. Typhimurium also directs transcription of large numbers of unstable, non-coding RNAs from intragenic promoters, and we identify two previously unreported FliA-transcribed protein-coding genes. One of these genes,sdiA, encodes a transcription factor that responds to quorum sensing signals produced by other bacteria. We show that FliA-dependent transcription ofsdiAis required for SdiA activity, highlighting a regulatory link between flagellar motility and intercellular communication.

IMPORTANCE

Initiation of bacterial transcription requires association of a σ factor with the core RNA polymerase to facilitate sequence-specific recognition of promoter elements. FliA is a widely conserved σ factor that directs transcription of genes involved in flagellar motility. We previously showed thatEscherichia coliFliA transcribes many unstable, non-coding RNAs from promoters within genes. Here, we demonstrate the same phenomenon inSalmonellaTyphimurium. We also show thatS. Typhimurium FliA directs transcription of thesdiAgene, which encodes a transcription factor that responds to quorum sensing signals produced by other bacteria. FliA-dependent transcription ofsdiAis required for transcriptional control of SdiA target genes, highlighting a regulatory link between flagellar motility and intercellular communication.
Stanniocalcin 1a is a Ca2+-regulated switch controlling epithelial cell quiescence-proliferation balance and Ca2+uptake
Authors: Li Shuang , Liu Chengdong , Goldstein Allison , Xin Yi , Ke Caihuan , Duan Cunming
Published: September 2020

The mechanisms governing cell quiescence-proliferation balance are poorly defined. Using a zebrafish model, here we report that Stc1a, a glycoprotein known as a hypocalcemic hormone, not only inhibits epithelial calcium uptake but also functions as a Ca2+-regulated switch controlling epithelial cell quiescence-proliferation balance. Among the 4stcgenes, only thestc1aexpression is [Ca2+]-dependent. Genetic deletion ofstc1a, but notstc2b, resulted in elevated body Ca2+contents, ectopic Ca2+deposit, body swelling, and premature death. Reducing epithelial calcium channel Trpv6-mediated Ca2+uptake alleviated these phenotypes. Loss of Stc1a also promoted quiescent epithelial cells to re-enter the cell cycle. This action was accompanied by local IGF signaling activation and increased expression inpapp-aa, a zinc metalloproteinase degrading Igfbp5a. Genetic deletion ofpapp-aaorigfbp5aabolished the elevated epithelial cell reactivation instc1a-/-mutants. Likewise, inhibition of IGF1 receptor, PI3 kinase, Akt, and Tor signaling abolished epithelial cell reactivation. These results reveal that Stc1a plays dual roles in regulating epithelial calcium uptake and cell quiescence-proliferation balance and implicate Trpv6 and Papp-aa-Igfbp5a-IGF signaling in these functions.
High-pressure preference for reduced water content in porous zinc aspartate hydrates
Authors: Roszak Kinga , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: September 2020

The zinc aspartate (ZnAsp2) complex, a common dietary supplement, preferentially crystallizes as the dihydrate (ZnAsp2·2H2O) from aqueous solution. Under normal conditions the dihydrate easily transforms into the sesquihydrate (ZnAsp2·1.5H2O). The dihydrate crystal structure is triclinic, space groupP1, and the sesquihydrate is monoclinic, space groupC2/c. However, their structures are closely related and similarly consist of zinc aspartate ribbons parallel to pores accommodating water molecules. These porous structures can breathe water molecules in and out depending on the temperature and air humidity. High pressure above 50 MPa favours the sesquihydrate, as shown by recrystallizations under pressure and compressibility measured by single-crystal X-ray diffraction up to 4 GPa. This preference is explained by the reduced volume of the sesquihydrate and water compressed separately, compared with the dihydrate. The sesquihydrate undergoes an isostructural phase transition when the voids collapse at 0.8 GPa, whereas no phase transitions occur in the dihydrate, because its pores are supported by increased water content.
Casino employees' intention to participate in corporate community involvement activities – an extended value-attitude-intention model
Authors: Huang G.H. , To Wai Ming
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The success of corporate community involvement depends on employees' perception of and intention to participate in the associated activities. This paper explores personal and perceived organizational factors that influence casino employees' intention to participate in community involvement activities using the extended value-attitude-intention model.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review on corporate community involvement in the hospitality industry and the value-attitude-intention hierarchy, a theoretical model that links perceived societal value to employees' behavioral intention was established. The model was tested using responses from 322 Macao's casino employees.

Findings

Results of structural equation modeling showed that perceived societal value of corporate community involvement and perceived societal pressure significantly influenced employees' attitude toward community involvement while perceived societal pressure also significantly influenced perceived facilitating conditions. Additionally, employees' attitude toward corporate community involvement and perceived facilitating conditions affected their intention to participate in corporate community involvement activities.

Originality/value

Casinos use corporate community involvement as a way of counteracting the negative impacts of commercial gaming and supporting local communities. Hence, it is vital to understand the mechanism of engaging casino employees in corporate community involvement activities.
Investigation of waste diversion rates in the construction and demolition sector in Australia
Authors: Ratnasabapathy Shiyamini , Alashwal Ali , Perera Srinath
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Waste diversion rate (WDR) is a key indicator of effective waste management and circular economy. However, it has not yet been widely used in the construction and demolition waste (C&DW) sector. This study aims to promote the application of WDR as an effective measure for waste management through the investigation of the current status of C&DW diversion in the Australian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach, which combines a desk study and a case study of 12 residential projects was used in this study. Data retrieved from the National Waste Database (NWD) were used for the descriptive analysis.

Findings

The analysis of the national waste data revealed that the national average WDR in Australia is 64%. WDR varies based on material types and across the states. The analysis facilitated the forecasting of the possible future trend of waste diversion in Australia. The studied projects from two states in Australia presented slightly different results. Most of the waste stream, except mixed waste, presented above 95% of WDR in each project.

Research limitations/implications

Although the studied projects showed a higher recycling rate, this study claims that achieving a higher rate of recovery by diverting the waste could not be assured unless accurate estimation is carried out with reliable and verifiable data. Lack of reliable data is considered as the limitation of this study. While the scope of descriptive analysis of waste generation and diversion covers the whole country, the case study analysis is limited to the states of New South Wales and Victoria.

Originality/value

The study highlights the significance of WDR in assessing the performance of effective waste management in the C&DW sector. WDR is a comprehensive measure that takes the output of the waste life cycle into account for benchmarking waste management. The results provide a critique of the current practices of waste management and the essence of the consistent, transparent and verifiable waste data to enable accurate WDR estimation in Australia. The outcome is useful for waste managers and policymakers in developing potential waste management strategies and C&DW specific legislation for building a more ecologically sustainable industry.
Adoption of AI-based chatbots for hospitality and tourism
Authors: Pillai Rajasshrie , Sivathanu Brijesh
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the customers’ behavioral intention and actual usage (AUE) of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots for hospitality and tourism in India by extending the technology adoption model (TAM) with context-specific variables.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the customers’ behavioral intention and AUE of AI-powered chatbots for tourism, the mixed-method design was used whereby qualitative and quantitative techniques were combined. A total of 36 senior managers and executives from the travel agencies were interviewed and the analysis of interview data was done using NVivo 8.0 software. A total of 1,480 customers were surveyed and the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used for data analysis.

Findings

As per the results, the predictors of chatbot adoption intention (AIN) are perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived trust (PTR), perceived intelligence (PNT) and anthropomorphism (ANM). Technological anxiety (TXN) does not influence the chatbot AIN. Stickiness to traditional human travel agents negatively moderates the relation of AIN and AUE of chatbots in tourism and provides deeper insights into manager’s commitment to providing travel planning services using AI-based chatbots.

Practical implications

This research presents unique practical insights to the practitioners, managers and executives in the tourism industry, system designers and developers of AI-based chatbot technologies to understand the antecedents of chatbot adoption by travelers. TXN is a vital concern for the customers; so, designers and developers should ensure that chatbots are easily accessible, have a user-friendly interface, be more human-like and communicate in various native languages with the customers.

Originality/value

This study contributes theoretically by extending the TAM to provide better explanatory power with human–robot interaction context-specific constructs – PTR, PNT, ANM and TXN – to examine the customers’ chatbot AIN. This is the first step in the direction to empirically test and validate a theoretical model for chatbots’ adoption and usage, which is a disruptive technology in the hospitality and tourism sector in an emerging economy such as India.
The interrelationship between intellectual capital and firm performance: evidence from China's manufacturing sector
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Jingsuo
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of intellectual capital (IC) and its components (human, structural and relational capitals) on the performance of manufacturing listed companies in China. This paper also investigates the impacts of company ownership, industry attributes and region on the IC-performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the data of 953 manufacturing companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges over the period 2012–2016. The modified value-added intellectual coefficient (MVAIC) model is applied to measure IC efficiency. Finally, multiple regression analysis is employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

This study reveals that IC can enhance firm performance in China's manufacturing sector. Overall, earnings are affected by physical capital, human capital (HC) and structural capital (SC), and profitability and productivity are influenced by physical capital, HC, SC and relational capital. Physical capital is the most influential contributor to firm performance. In addition, state-owned enterprises have a greater impact of IC on firm performance than private-owned enterprises; high-tech manufacturing companies have higher IC performance than non-high-tech manufacturing companies; manufacturing companies in China's eastern region have higher IC performance than the counterparts in central and western regions.

Practical implications

The findings may help managers, stakeholders and policymakers in developing countries to effectively and efficiently manage their IC resources.

Originality/value

This is the first study to evaluate IC and its relationship with firm performance among Chinese manufacturing listed companies using the MVAIC model.
Knowledge management behaviors in venture capital crossroads: a comparison between IVC and CVC ambidexterity
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Festa Giuseppe , Papa Armando , Kolte Ashutosh , Piccolo Rossana
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Institutional venture capitalists (IVCs) and corporate venture capitalists (CVCs) deploy analogous activities but adopt different approaches to financing innovation and value creation for venture-backed firms. Thus, this paper aims to investigate their potential ambidexterity as a result of knowledge management (KM) strategies and processes.

Design/methodology/approach

After a focused literature review showing evidence of KM behaviors as a source of potential ambidexterity for IVCs and CVCs, descriptive, inferential and discriminant analyses on the 15 most active IVCs and CVCs in the world in 2019 are presented. Correlations between numbers of deals, prevailing entrepreneurial intensity and potential ambidexterity are investigated.

Findings

Specific differences are analyzed from a KM perspective, revealing that the number/percentage of operations per round can result as a misleading criterion of knowledge accumulation. Finally, a theoretical model for ambidexterity for venture capitalists is developed.

Originality/value

The study shows that IVCs act with greater investment capacity because of their organizational structure and purpose and focus on financial goals; moreover, they are ambidextrous, although their exploration may more frequently entail exploitation than “real” exploration. CVCs tend to invest in sectors related to their core business, coherent with their strategic purpose and more oriented with KM strategies for accumulating intellectual capital.
The influence of corporate social responsibility activities on customer value co-creation: the mediating role of relationship marketing orientation
Authors: Mubushar Muhammad , Jaafar Norizan Bt , Rahim Rossazana Ab
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of external stakeholders-related corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities (local community and suppliers) on customer value co-creation behavior. This study also aims to examine the mediating role of relationship marketing orientation (RMO) on the relationship of CSR activities and customer value co-creation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The main problem of dichotomy between customers and the management was existing in banking sector so that’s why through purposive sampling, banking customers were selected for data collection through a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The present study found that both local community-related and supplier-related CSR activities have a positive impact on customer value co-creation behavior. Relationship marketing orientation mediates between the link of CSR activities and customer value co-creation behavior. The strength of RMO in CSR supplier and customer value co-creation behavior is found to be more dominant.

Research limitations/implications

This study is restricted to one country under-investigation; therefore, it can be replicated with a larger and more geographically diverse sample.

Practical implications

This study offers insights to the banking sector that local community-related CSR activities contribute to the value co-creation behavior and minimize the social problems of Pakistan.

Originality/value

The findings of this study highlight that top management of banks can enhance the customer’s participation in services by using valuable CSR activities. The results imply the importance of interactions between the recipient of services and service providers. Stakeholder theory has previously been applied to examine stakeholders’ value maximization; this study uses stakeholder theory to examine shareholders’ value co-creation.
How many bird and mammal extinctions has recent conservation action prevented?
Authors: Bolam Friederike C. , Mair Louise , Angelico Marco , Brooks Thomas M. , Burgman Mark , Hermes Claudia , Hoffmann Michael , Martin Rob W. , McGowan Philip J.K. , Rodrigues Ana S.L. , Rondinini Carlo , Westrip James R.S. , Wheatley Hannah , Bedolla‐Guzmán Yuliana , Calzada Javier , Child Matthew F. , Cranswick Peter A. , Dickman Christopher R. , Fessl Birgit , Fisher Diana O. , Garnett Stephen T. , Groombridge Jim J. , Johnson Christopher N. , Kennerley Rosalind J. , King Sarah R.B. , Lamoreux John F. , Lees Alexander C. , Lens Luc , Mahood Simon P. , Mallon David P. , Meijaard Erik , Méndez‐Sánchez Federico , Percequillo Alexandre Reis , Regan Tracey J. , Renjifo Luis Miguel , Rivers Malin C. , Roach Nicolette S. , Roxburgh Lizanne , Safford Roger J. , Salaman Paul , Squires Tom , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella , Visconti Piero , Woinarski John C.Z. , Young Richard P. , Butchart Stuart H.M.
Published: September 2020

Aichi Target 12 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) contains the aim to ‘prevent extinctions of known threatened species’. To measure the degree to which this was achieved, we used expert elicitation to estimate the number of bird and mammal species whose extinctions were prevented by conservation action in 1993–2020 (the lifetime of the CBD) and 2010–2020 (the timing of Aichi Target 12). We found that conservation action prevented 21–32 bird and 7–16 mammal extinctions since 1993, and 9–18 bird and two to seven mammal extinctions since 2010. Many remain highly threatened and may still become extinct. Considering that 10 bird and five mammal species did go extinct (or are strongly suspected to) since 1993, extinction rates would have been 2.9–4.2 times greater without conservation action. While policy commitments have fostered significant conservation achievements, future biodiversity action needs to be scaled up to avert additional extinctions.
Integrity verification and behavioral classification of a large dataset applications pertaining smart OS via blockchain and generative models
Authors: Jan Salman , Musa Shahrulniza , Ali Toqeer , Nauman Mohammad , Anwar Sajid , Ali Tanveer Tamleek , Shah Babar
Published: September 2020

Malware analysis and detection over the Android have been the focus of considerable research, during recent years, as customer adoption of Android attracted a corresponding number of malware writers. Antivirus companies commonly rely on signatures and are error‐prone. Traditional machine learning techniques are based on static, dynamic, and hybrid analysis; however, for large scale Android malware analysis, these approaches are not feasible. Deep neural architectures are able to analyze large scale static details of the applications, but static analysis techniques can ignore many malicious behaviors of applications. The study contributes to the documentation of various approaches for detection of malware, traditional and state‐of‐the‐art models, developed for analysis that facilitates the provision of basic insights for researchers working in malware analysis, and the study also provides a dynamic approach that employs deep neural network models for detection of malware. Moreover, the study uses Android permissions as a parameter to measure the dynamic behavior of around 16,900 benign and intruded applications. A dataset is created which encompasses a large set of permissions‐based dynamic behavior pertaining applications, with an aim to train deep learning models for prediction of behavior. The proposed architecture extracts representations from input sequence data with no human intervention. The state‐of‐the‐art Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network extracted deep features and accomplished a general validation accuracy of 97.08% with an F1‐score of 0.973 in correctly classifying input. Furthermore, the concept of blockchain is utilized to preserve the integrity of the dataset and the results of the analysis.
No quarter: Lack of refuge during flow intermittency results in catastrophic mortality of an imperiled minnow
Authors: Archdeacon Thomas P. , Reale Justin K.
Published: September 2020

Many once‐perennial rivers have become intermittent. Channel drying can result in fish mortality if refuges are not available. Understanding where refuges occur and if fishes use these refuges can provide insight for species persistence and help stakeholders manage limited resources. Streamflow diversions in the Rio Grande of New Mexico can result in >60 km losses of aquatic habitat, affecting up to 30% of the range of imperiled Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus). Potential refuges include areas with perennial flow below diversion dams, isolated pools, and irrigation return flows.

We examined spatial and temporal patterns of both adult and young‐of‐year Rio Grande silvery minnow collected in isolated pools that formed during streamflow intermittency from 2009 to 2019. We hypothesised that: (1) Rio Grande silvery minnow would be more numerous in pools that persisted longer; (2) they would be more numerous in isolated pools located closer to upstream areas of perennial flow, due to upstream movement to escape drying; and (3) increased rate of aquatic habitat loss each day would result in more Rio Grande silvery minnow in isolated pools.

During the 12 years of the study, we counted Rio Grande silvery minnow in 3,985 isolated pools that formed during streamflow intermittency. We related counts of Rio Grande silvery minnow in each pool to the maximum pool depth, rate of loss of aquatic habitat that occurred that day, and distance each pool was to an upstream barrier. In 2016, we examined persistence of 290 isolated pools until complete desiccation or reconnection with continuous flows occurred, and the factors that influenced pool persistence.

Deeper pools persisted for longer, but depth had a small positive effect on counts of adult Rio Grande silvery minnow and no effect on counts of young‐of‐year in isolated pools. Adults were more numerous in upstream isolated pools, whereas young‐of‐year were more numerous in downstream isolated pools. Rate of channel drying had little effect on the numbers of adult Rio Grande silvery minnow in isolated pools, but more young‐of‐year were stranded when the rate of drying was faster. On average, pools persisted <4 days and 263 of 290 dried completely before continuous flows returned. Only 66 of 4,749 Rio Grande silvery minnow occurred in pools that did not dry completely.

Rio Grande silvery minnow did not appear to escape channel intermittency; instead, they became stranded in shrinking isolated pools that did not persist long enough to act as refuges for fishes. Lack of refuge during channel intermittency would result in catastrophic mortality of fishes through complete desiccation of pools if there were no management actions, such as translocating fish. To increase persistence through streamflow intermittency, conservation actions should match the species response to intermittency by ensuring the availability of perennial‐water refuges at the appropriate spatial and temporal scale.
Specific removal of endotoxin from protein solutions by immobilized histidine
Authors: Matsumae H. , Minobe S. , Kindan K. , Watanabe T. , Sato T. , Tosa T.
Published: September 2020

A method for reducing endotoxin contamination in various solutions by immobilized histidine is described. Immobilized histidine is a porous adsorbent suitable for the adsorption of endotoxin with a high affinity over a wide range of pH and temperature and at low ionic strength (gamma/2 less than or equal to 0.1). When a purified endotoxin originating from Escherichia coli UKT‐B was studied, the apparent dissociation constant between endotoxin and the adsorbent was 7.3 × 10(‐13) M. The adsorbent was able to remove various kinds of endotoxin originating from gram‐negative bacteria; the concentration of endotoxin was reduced from 1000 to less than 0.01 ng/ml in water. It is shown that the adsorbent specifically adsorbs endotoxin provided that the adsorption conditions are properly selected. Some examples of the specific removal of endotoxin from high‐molecular‐weight physiologically active substances such as tumor necrosis factor and lysozyme are shown.
Comparison of Strategic Leadership: Steve Jobs and Tim Cook
Authors: Kim Hyeonjoo
Published: September 2020

Research for leadership of CEO constructs understanding of effective way of improving organizational performance crucially. Behavior of employees as unconditionally following their leaders would be significant example of leader’s effective influence to employees. Factors of leadership may include cultural, environmental, individual and some other perspectives which benefit both employees and organizations. Valued Apple Inc.’s organizational performance would be focused in terms of leadership from CEOs.
Functional, proteomic and bioinformatic analyses of Nrf2‐ and Keap1‐ null skeletal muscle
Authors: Gao Lie , Kumar Vikas , Vellichirammal Neetha Nanoth , Park Song‐Young , Rudebush Tara L. , Yu Li , Son Won‐Mok , Pekas Elizabeth J. , Wafi Ahmed M. , Hong Juan , Xiao Peng , Guda Chittibabu , Wang Han‐Jun , Schultz Harold D. , Zucker Irving H.
Published: September 2020

Key points

Nrf2 is a master regulator of endogenous cellular defences, governing the expression of more than 200 cytoprotective proteins, including a panel of antioxidant enzymes.

Nrf2 plays an important role in redox haemostasis of skeletal muscle in response to the increased generation of reactive oxygen species during contraction.

Employing skeletal muscle‐specific transgenic mouse models with unbiased‐omic approaches, we uncovered new target proteins, downstream pathways and molecular networks of Nrf2 in skeletal muscle following Nrf2 or Keap1 deletion.

Based on the findings, we proposed a two‐way model to understand Nrf2 function: a tonic effect through a Keap1‐independent mechanism under basal conditions and an induced effect through a Keap1‐dependent mechanism in response to oxidative and other stresses.

Although Nrf2 has been recognized as a master regulator of cytoprotection, its functional significance remains to be completely defined. We hypothesized that proteomic/bioinformatic analyses from Nrf2‐deficient or overexpressed skeletal muscle tissues will provide a broader spectrum of Nrf2 targets and downstream pathways than are currently known. To this end, we created two transgenic mouse models; the iMS‐Nrf2flox/flox and iMS‐Keap1flox/flox, employing which we demonstrated that selective deletion of skeletal muscle Nrf2 or Keap1 separately impaired or improved skeletal muscle function. Mass spectrometry revealed that Nrf2‐KO changed expression of 114 proteins while Keap1‐KO changed expression of 117 proteins with 10 proteins in common between the groups. Gene ontology analysis suggested that Nrf2 KO‐changed proteins are involved in metabolism of oxidoreduction coenzymes, purine ribonucleoside triphosphate, ATP and propanoate, which are considered as the basal function of Nrf2, while Keap1 KO‐changed proteins are involved in cellular detoxification, NADP metabolism, glutathione metabolism and the electron transport chain, which belong to the induced effect of Nrf2. Canonical pathway analysis suggested that Keap1‐KO activated four pathways, whereas Nrf2‐KO did not. Ingenuity pathway analysis further revealed that Nrf2‐KO and Keap1‐KO impacted different signal proteins and functions. Finally, we validated the proteomic and bioinformatics data by analysing glutathione metabolism and mitochondrial function. In conclusion, we found that Nrf2‐targeted proteins are assigned to two groups: one mediates the tonic effects evoked by a low level of Nrf2 at basal condition; the other is responsible for the inducible effects evoked by a surge of Nrf2 that is dependent on a Keap1 mechanism.
Soiling Loss Rate Measurements of Photovoltaic Modules in a Hot and Humid Desert Environment
Authors: Abdallah Marwan , Khaiyat Ahmad , Basaheeh Ali , Kotsovos Konstantinos , Ballard Ian , AlSaggaf Ahmed , Gereige Issam , Théron Ricardo
Published: September 2020

Power generation from renewable energy sources, in particular solar photovoltaics (PV), has become extremely attractive thanks to its very low levelized cost of electricity (LCoE). In desert-like environments, the energy yield is drastically reduced due to dust accumulation. While effective and affordable cleaning strategies can be implemented in large, MW-size PV power plants, soiling remains an economic and logistic challenge. In this article, we analyze the soiling loss rates of PV modules for different tilt angles measured during a period of 15 months in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. We observe a strong correlation between weather parameters like humidity and wind speed and the mechanism of dust accumulation. Our measurements show that, for specific weather conditions, soiled modules undergo a partial cleaning process. As a consequence, and for the first time, the soiling loss rates are shown to have a clear dependence on the current soiling state of the modules, with clean modules soiling twice as fast as soiled ones. This dependency is a key for predicting the correct cleaning frequency of a PV power plant. Finally, the results obtained for vertically mounted modules (90 deg), where dust accumulation is negligible, point to a favorable case for the use of bifacial PV modules.
Development of a Self-Parameter Tuning Based Adaptive Sliding Mode Observer for Input Fault Reconstruction of Longitudinal Autonomous Driving
Authors: Song Tae-Jun , Oh Kwang-Seok , Lee Jong-Min , Yi Kyong-Su
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an adaptive sliding mode observer for input fault reconstruction of longitudinal autonomous driving. Sliding mode observer is the robust observer against disturbance, which is used to reconstruct the fault and state estimation. In order to design the injection parameter for sliding mode observer, the boundary of errors that include the fault is required. However, it is difficult to expect the fault magnitude for design the injection parameter. The proposed method is to estimate the proportional constant from the relationship between output error and injection parameter based on recursive least squares. Then, it is used to update the adaptive parameter based on MIT rule. The performance evaluation algorithm was conducted in Matlab/Simulink environment using actual longitudinal driving data and 3-dimensions vehicle model with the applied various faults.
Improvement of Wound Roll Defects and the Effect of Film Properties
Authors: Nishida Takeshi , Sunami Yuta
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the research and development of devices using thin and flexible plastic films as substrates has been actively conducted. However, thin films, which have been growing in demand in recent years, have problems when rolled. Therefore, in this study, the physical properties were measured using a thin plastic film, the stress analysis was performed using the plastic film, and the internal stress of the roll was actually measured to evaluate the effect of thinning. As a result, it was found that the analyzed stress of the winding roll using the thin film was much lower than the measured value.