bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene family expansion and functional diversification of chitinase and chitin synthase genes in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Holen Matilde Mengkrog , Kent Matthew Peter , Vaaje-Kolstad Gustav , Sandve Simen Rød
Published: May 2022

Background

Chitin is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature, forming important structures in insects, crustaceans, and fungal cell walls. Vertebrates on the other hand are generally considered “non-chitinous” organisms, despite having highly conserved chitin metabolism associated genes. Recent work has revealed that the largest group of vertebrates, the teleosts, have the potential to both synthesize and degrade endogenous chitin. Yet little is still known about the genes and proteins responsible for these dynamic processes. Here we used comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and chromatin accessibility data to characterize the repertoire, evolution, and regulation of genes involved in chitin-metabolism in teleosts, with a particular focus on Atlantic salmon.

Results

Reconstruction of gene family phylogenies provide evidence for an expansion of teleost and salmonid chitinase and chitin synthase genes after multiple whole-genome duplications. Analyses of multi-tissue gene expression data demonstrated a strong bias of gastrointestinal tract expression for chitin metabolism genes, but with different spatial and temporal tissue specificities. Finally, we integrated transcriptomes from a developmental time series of the gastrointestinal tract with chromatin accessibility data to identify putative transcription factors responsible for regulating chitin-metabolism gene expression (CDX1 and CDX2) as well as tissue-specific divergence in the regulation of gene duplicates (FOXJ2). These transcription factors are also potential regulators of multiple glycosyltransferases being co-expressed with the chitin remodeling genes.

Conclusion

The findings presented here add support to the hypothesis that chitin metabolism genes in teleosts play a role in developing and maintaining a chitin-based barrier in the teleost gut and provide a basis for further investigations into the molecular basis of this barrier.
Inflammatory stress signaling via NF-kB alters accessible cholesterol to upregulate SREBP2 transcriptional activity in endothelial cells
Authors: Fowler Joseph W. , Zhang Rong , Tao Bo , Boutagy Nabil E. , Sessa William C.
Published: May 2022

There is a growing appreciation that a tight relationship exists between cholesterol homeostasis and immunity in leukocytes, however, this relationship has not been deeply explored in the vascular endothelium. Endothelial cells (ECs) rapidly respond to extrinsic signals, such as tissue damage or microbial infection, by upregulating factors to activate and recruit circulating leukocytes to the site of injury and aberrant activation of ECs leads to inflammatory based diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis. Here, we studied the role of cholesterol and its master regulator, SREBP2, in the EC responses to inflammatory stress. Treatment of ECs with pro-inflammatory cytokines upregulates SREBP2 cleavage and cholesterol biosynthetic gene expression within the late phase of the acute inflammatory response. Furthermore, SREBP2 activation was dependent on NF-κB DNA binding and canonical SCAP-SREBP2 processing. Mechanistically, inflammatory activation of SREBP was mediated by a reduction in accessible cholesterol, leading to heightened sterol sensing and downstream SREBP2 cleavage. Detailed analysis of NF-κB inducible genes that may impact sterol sensing resulted in the identification of a novel RELA-inducible target, STARD10, that mediates accessible cholesterol homeostasis in ECs. Thus, this study provides an in-depth characterization of the relationship between cholesterol homeostasis and the acute inflammatory response in EC.
PKD autoinhibition in trans regulates activation loop autophosphorylation in cis
Authors: Reinhardt Ronja , Hirzel Kai , Link Gisela , Eisler Stephan A. , Hägele Tanja , Parson Matthew A.H. , Burke John E. , Hausser Angelika , Leonard Thomas A.
Published: May 2022

Phosphorylation is a ubiquitous mechanism by which signals are transduced in cells. Protein kinases, enzymes that catalyze the phospho-transfer reaction are, themselves, often regulated by phosphorylation. Paradoxically, however, a substantial fraction of the more than 500 human protein kinases are capable of catalyzing their own activation loop phosphorylation. Commonly, these kinases perform this autophosphorylation reaction in trans, whereby transient dimerization leads to the mutual phosphorylation of the activation loop of the opposing protomer. In this study, we demonstrate that Protein Kinase D (PKD) is regulated by the inverse mechanism of dimerization-mediated trans-autoinhibition, followed by activation loop autophosphorylation in cis. We show that PKD forms a stable face-to-face homodimer that is incapable of either auto- or substrate phosphorylation. Dissociation of this trans-autoinhibited dimer results in activation loop autophosphorylation, which occurs exclusively in cis. Phosphorylation serves to increase PKD activity and prevent trans-autoinhibition, thereby switching PKD on. Our findings not only reveal the mechanism of PKD regulation, but have profound implications for the regulation of many other eukaryotic kinases.
Structure of the lysosomal membrane fusion machinery
Authors: Shvarev Dmitry , Schoppe Jannis , König Caroline , Perz Angela , Füllbrunn Nadia , Kiontke Stephan , Langemeyer Lars , Januliene Dovile , Schnelle Kilian , Kümmel Daniel , Fröhlich Florian , Moeller Arne , Ungermann Christian
Published: May 2022

Lysosomes are of central importance in cellular recycling, nutrient signaling1,2and endocytosis, and are tightly connected to autophagy3and the invasion of pathogenic bacteria and viruses1,4. Lysosomal fusion events are fundamental to cell survival and require HOPS, a conserved heterohexameric tethering complex5,6. HOPS recognizes and binds small membrane-associated GTPases on lysosomes and organelles, and assembles membrane bound SNAREs for fusion7,8. Through tethering, HOPS brings membranes in close proximity to each other and significantly increases fusion efficacy by catalysing SNARE assembly. Consequently, different HOPS mutations are causative for severe diseases6. Despite its fundamental cellular duties, it remained speculative how HOPS fulfils its function as high-resolution structural data were unavailable. Here, we used cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the structure of HOPS. In the complex, two central subunits form the backbone and an assembly hub for the functional domains. Two GTPase binding units extend to opposing ends, while the SNARE binding module points to the side, resulting in a triangular shape of the complex. Unlike previously reported, HOPS is surprisingly rigid and extensive flexibility is confined to its extremities. We show that HOPS complex variants with mutations proximal to the backbone can still tether membranes but fail to efficiently promote fusion indicating, that the observed integrity of HOPS is essential to its function. In our model, the core of HOPS acts as a counter bearing between the flexible GTPase binding domains. This positions the SNARE binding module exactly between the GTPase anchored membranes to promote fusion. Our structural and functional analysis reveals the link between the spectacular architecture of HOPS and its mechanism that couples membrane tethering and SNARE assembly, to catalyse lysosomal fusion.
Plasmodium falciparumgenetic diversity in coincident human and mosquito hosts
Authors: Lapp Zena , Obala Andrew A , Abel Lucy , Rasmussen David A , Sumner Kelsey M , Freedman Elizabeth , Taylor Steve M , Prudhomme-O’Meara Wendy
Published: May 2022

Population genetic diversity ofP. falciparumantigenic loci is high despite large bottlenecks in population size during the parasite life cycle. The extent of this diversity in human blood-stage infections, following expansion from a small number of liver-stage schizonts, has been well described. However, little is known about parasite genetic diversity in the vector, where a similar bottleneck and expansion occurs following parasite mating and where parasite genotypes from several different human infections may accumulate. We assessed parasite genetic diversity within human and mosquitoP. falciparuminfections collected from the same households during a 14-month longitudinal cohort study using amplicon deep sequencing of two antigenic gene fragments (ama1andcsp). To a prior set of infected humans (n=1175/2813; 86.2% sequencing success) and mosquito abdomens (n=199/1448; 95.5% sequencing success), we added sequences from infected mosquito heads (n=134/1448; 98.5% sequencing success). Across all sample types we observed 456ama1and 289cspunique haplotypes. While both hosts contained many rare haplotypes, population genetic metrics indicated that the overall and sample-level parasite populations were more diverse in mosquitoes than in humans, and infections were more likely to harbor a dominant haplotype in humans than in mosquitoes (based on relative read abundance). Finally, within a given mosquito there was little overlap in genetic composition of abdomen and head infections, suggesting that infections may be cleared from the abdomen during a mosquito’s lifespan. Taken together, our observations provide evidence for the role of the mosquito vector in maintaining sequence diversity of malaria parasite populations.

Significance statement

Concurrent infections with multiple strains ofPlasmodium falciparum, the leading causative agent of death due to malaria, are common in highly endemic regions. During transitions within and between the parasite’s mosquito and human hosts, population bottlenecks occur, and distinct parasite strains may have differential fitness in the various environments encountered. These bottlenecks and fitness differences may lead to differences in strain prevalence and diversity between hosts. We investigated differences in genetic diversity betweenP. falciparumparasites in human and mosquito hosts and found that, compared to human parasite populations and infections, mosquito populations and infections were more diverse. This suggests that the mosquito vector may play a role in in maintaining sequence diversity in malaria parasite populations.
Dual-wavelength stopped-flow analysis of the lateral and longitudinal assembly kinetics of vimentin
Authors: Schween Lovis , Mücke Norbert , Portet Stéphanie , Goldmann Wolfgang H. , Herrmann Harald , Fabry Ben
Published: May 2022

Vimentin is a highly charged intermediate filament protein that inherently forms extended dimeric coiled-coils, which serve as the basic building blocks of intermediate filaments. Under low ionic strength conditions, vimentin filaments dissociate into uniform tetrameric complexes of two anti-parallel oriented, half-staggered coiled-coil dimers. By addition of salt, vimentin tetramers spontaneously reassemble into filaments in a time-dependent process: i) lateral assembly of tetramers into unit-length filaments (ULFs); ii) longitudinal annealing of ULFs; iii) longitudinal assembly of filaments coupled with subsequent radial compaction. To independently determine the lateral and longitudinal assembly kinetics, we measure with a stopped-flow instrument the static light scattering signal at two different wavelengths (405 and 594 nm) with a temporal resolution of 3 ms, and analyze the signals based on Rayleigh-Gans theory. This theory considers that the intensity of the scattered light depends not only on the molecular weight of the scattering object but also on its shape. This shape-dependence is more pronounced at shorter wavelengths, allowing us to decompose the scattered light signal into its components arising from lateral and longitudinal filament assembly. We demonstrate that both the lateral and longitudinal filament assembly kinetics increase with salt concentration.

Significance statement

The proper formation of intermediate filament (IF) networks in the cytoplasm is important for numerous cell functions. Here, we present a stopped-flow method for measuring the in-vitro assembly kinetics of intermediate filaments with a temporal resolution of 3 ms using static light scattering at two different wavelengths. This allows us to compute the shape factor of the assembly products based on Rayleigh-Gans light scattering theory. From the shape factor, we can separately measure the lateral assembly of tetramers into unit-length filaments (ULFs), and the longitudinal annealing of ULFs and longer filaments. For the IF protein vimentin, we find that with increasing salt concentrations, both the lateral and longitudinal assembly rates increase, and unstable, hyper-aggregated assembly complexes emerge.
An endolysosome membrane transformation process for engulfment of autophagosomes independently of ESCRT
Authors: Wu Zhe , Wang Yufen , Wang Chuangpeng , Liu Fengping , Rong Yueguang
Published: May 2022

Endolysosome, usually regarded as the cellular recycling bin, digests materials from multiple origins. The materials from different origins are delivered to endolysosome through the vesicle fusion, kiss-and-run mechanisms, CMA or microautophagy. However, it remains unknown whether endolysosome can receive cargo via other ways. Here, we reported another endolysosomal process for receiving materials. In this, endolysosome receives materials by extending two arms which embraces autophagosomes and engulfs the autophagosomes ultimately, but not via the conventional fusion of autophagosomes with endolysosomes. We named this process as LEA (lysosome eats autophagosome) and the endolysosome arms as LF (endolysosome filopodia) provisionally. The endolysosomes with engulfed autophagosomes (LEA endolysosomes) get more autophagosomes via the fusion with other LEA endolysosomes. The engulfed autophagosomes are labelled by F-actin on their membranes and have ER protein Sec61β and peroxisome protein Pex14 inside their lumens, but mitochondria are excluded outside endolysosome. Our discovery of LEA and LF reveal an unidentified endolysosome transformation process which is responsible for receiving cargoes.
Senescent Preosteoclast Secretome Promotes Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Osteoarthritis through Cyclooxygenase 2
Authors: Su Weiping , Liu Guanqiao , Mohajer Bahram , Wang Jiekang , Shen Alena , Zhang Weixin , Liu Bin , Guermazi Ali , Gao Peisong , Cao Xu , Demehri Shadpour , Wan Mei
Published: May 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome–associated osteoarthritis (MetS-OA) is a distinct osteoarthritis phenotype defined by the coexistence of MetS or its individual components. Despite the high prevalence of MetS-OA, its pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of cellular senescence in the development of MetS-OA.

Methods

Analysis of the human osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) dataset was conducted to investigate the MRI subchondral bone features of MetS-human OA participants. Joint phenotype and senescent cells were evaluated in two MetS-OA mouse models: high-fat diet (HFD)-challenged mice and STR/Ort mice. In addition, the molecular mechanisms by which preosteoclasts become senescent as well as how the senescent preosteoclasts impair subchondral bone microenvironment were characterized usingin vitropreosteoclast culture system.

Results

Humans and mice with MetS are more likely to develop osteoarthritis-related subchondral bone alterations than those without MetS. MetS-OA mice exhibited a rapid increase in joint subchondral bone plate and trabecular thickness before articular cartilage degeneration. Subchondral preosteoclasts undergo senescence at the pre- or early-osteoarthritis stage and acquire a unique secretome to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and inhibit osteoclast differentiation. Antagonizing preosteoclast senescence markedly mitigates pathological subchondral alterations and osteoarthritis progression in MetS-OA mice. At the molecular level, preosteoclast secretome activates COX2-PGE2, resulting in stimulated differentiation of osteoblast progenitors for subchondral bone formation. Administration of a selective COX2 inhibitor attenuated subchondral bone alteration and osteoarthritis progression in MetS-OA mice. Longitudinal analyses of the human Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort dataset also revealed that COX2 inhibitor use, relative to non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, is associated with less progression of osteoarthritis and subchondral bone marrow lesion worsening in participants with MetS-OA.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a central role of a senescent preosteoclast secretome-COX2/PGE2 axis in the pathogenesis of MetS-OA, in which selective COX2 inhibitors may have disease-modifying potential.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health grant R01AG068226 and R01AG072090 to M.W., R01AR079620 to S.D., and P01AG066603 to X.C.
Location of competitive facilities: a comprehensive review and future research agenda
Authors: Mishra Mamta , Singh Surya Prakash , Gupta M. P.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The research in competitive facility location (CFL) is quite dynamic, both from a problem formulation and an algorithmic point of view. Research direction has changed immensely over the years to address various competitive challenges. This study aims to explore CFL literature to highlight these research trends, important issues and future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises the Scopus database to search for related CFL models and adopts a five-step systematic approach for the review process. The five steps involve (1) Article Identification and keyword selection, (2) Selection criteria, (3) Literature review, (4) Literature analysis and (5) Research studies.

Findings

The paper presents a comprehensive review of CFL modelling efforts from 1981 to 2021 to provide a depth study of the research evolution in this area. The published articles are classified based on multiple characteristics, including the type of problem, type of competition, game-theoretical approaches, customer behaviour, decision space, type of demand, number of facilities, capacity and budget limitations. The review also highlights the popular problem areas and dedicated research in the respective domain. In addition, a second classification is also provided based on solution methods adopted to solve various CFL models and real-world case studies.

Originality/value

The paper covers 40 years of CFL literature from the perspective of the problem area, CFL characteristics and the solution approach. Additionally, it introduces characteristics such as capacity limit and budget constraint for the first time for classification purposes.
Meanings of management in the post-socialist higher education: the case of Lithuania
Authors: Rybnikova Irma , Lang Rainhart
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The study examines prevailing understandings and meanings of management represented in Lithuanian higher management education as a selected East European post-socialist country. While concentrating on the notion of management as an institution, the study draws upon the concept of “travel of ideas” by Czarniawska (2008). The study aims at analysing what reasons led to the development of specific management meanings in Lithuanian higher education by considering local historical and socio-political processes of transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on a qualitative content analysis of 23 relevant textbooks on general management in Lithuania, written by local authors.

Findings

The results show that the reception and translation of management concepts in Lithuania is mainly focused on rationalistic Anglo-Saxon concepts. Dominating meanings are informed by Taylorism, with alternative or critical management approaches remaining absent. The study additionally reveals the effect of “imprinting”, referring to the fact that local management pioneers have a considerable and sustainable impact on how and which management models and theories are adopted in management education.

Research limitations/implications

Since the analysis is limited to local textbooks in higher education of only one post-socialist country, there is a need for further research, especially for the inclusion of the remaining Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Additionally, other factors that may influence management meanings in higher education in post-socialist countries need to be considered by analysing translated books, management programmes or guest lecturers from other countries.

Practical implications

One of the central implications of the research into management in higher education is the call for a stronger inclusion of management ideas that go beyond Taylorist approaches. These could be team-based management or participative management, as these potentially better align with work-oriented expectations by prospective, especially young, employees.

Originality/value

The study shows the relevance of historic roots regarding managerial thought. The study identifies an “imprinting” by local pioneers in the field of management that establishes initial and enduring meanings of management in a considered country. The mechanism of “imprinting” serves as a selective filter and indicates a local general receptivity towards certain ideas and could, thus, enable or impede travelling of ideas. In the case of Lithuanian higher management education, the study shows that “imprinting” has led to a narrow meaning of management with a higher receptivity towards concepts and approaches that align with Taylor's scientific management theory.
Why do firms purchase directors' and officers' liability insurance? – perspective from economic policy uncertainty
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Jia Jing , Hu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether firms purchase directors' and officers' liability (D&O) insurance when the country-level economic policy uncertainty (EPU) is high.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses D&O insurance data from Chinese listed firms between 2003 and 2019 to conduct regression analyses to examine the association between D&O insurance and EPU.

Findings

The results show that government EPU, despite being an exogenous factor, increases the likelihood of firms' purchasing D&O insurance, and this effect is more pronounced when firms are exposed to great share price crash risk and high litigation risk, suggesting that firms intend to purchase D&O insurance possibly due to the accentuated stock price crash risk and litigation risk associated with EPU. In addition, the results indicate that the effect of EPU on the D&O insurance purchase decision is moderated by the provincial capital market development and internal control quality.

Practical implications

The study highlights the role of uncertain economic policies in shareholder approval of D&O insurance purchases.

Originality/value

The study enriches the literature on the determinants of D&O insurance purchases by documenting novel evidence that country-level EPU is a key institutional factor shaping firms' decisions to purchase D&O insurance.
MITTI Café: enabling disability inclusion in India through scalable business model
Authors: Moore Amy Fisher , Toefy Tracey
Published: May 2022

Study level/applicability

The case can be used at undergraduate and postgraduate level, in management development programmes or in Executive Education programmes.

Subject area

Social entrepreneurship, social inclusion, business model innovation, sustainability, strategy design and strategy execution.

Case overview

The case explores the development of MITTI Café, an organisation that trains and employs individuals with intellectual, physical and/or psychiatric disabilities to work in inclusive kitchens and cafes in India. The protagonist is the founder of the café, Alina Alam, who has won several international awards for her work. The case highlights Alam’s approach and how she is trying to challenge societal and business perspectives relating to disability. From 2017 to 2021, Alam has scaled and operationalised the business, building her core team, leveraging several partnerships with stakeholders and putting into place offerings, processes and procedures that created a sustainable business model and blueprint.MITTI Café aligns itself with several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with sustainability and social impact at the core of its strategy. As Alam considers the future in July 2021, what else needs to be taken into consideration to scale either within India or abroad?

Expected learning outcomes

Following reading and exploring the case, students should be able to identify how social exclusion and inclusion manifests in a business context, and how social entrepreneurship ventures such as MITTI Café can address this challenge; identify capabilities in the context of people with disabilities; recognise how stakeholder relationships can be leveraged as a force for good and for growth, and address SDGs through social enterprise; identify and categorise resources and capabilities within organisations; evaluate opportunities for growth and scale.

Social implications

The case explores how the protagonist is challenging the concept of “ability” and through her work with the differently abled providing scalable opportunities for social inclusion and dignity.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Digital supply chain transformation at Jabil: integrated supply and demand planning via concurrent planning
Authors: Keskin Burcu
Published: May 2022

Study level/applicability

The case would be relevant to undergraduate level or an introductory master's level course in operations management (OM), supply chain management and production.

Subject area

The case can be used as part of a core OM course in the MBA curriculum or any OM or supply chain elective.

Case overview

As a highly diversified manufacturing services company, Jabil's S&OP solution supports customers across many industries such as automotive, cloud computing, consumer packaging, healthcare, mobile, retail and telecommunications. Jabil's customers expect a rapid and accurate response to their demand within hours. Previously, Jabil used a series of legacy disconnected planning tools, unsynchronized data required time-consuming manipulation with Excel. Processes were conducted in siloes leading to a “load and chase” approach, which resulted in excess inventory, component shortages and inadequate capacity. The case focuses on one of the Jabil executives, Lizet Tymon (she). Struggling with the issues caused by the disconnected planning tools, Lizet champions implementing a fully integrated suite of services (built on top of the Kinaxis' RapidResponse software platform). The technology solution proposed by Lizet was ultimately implemented across the company, and the project received high marks, and it opened up career opportunities for her. However, it was not a smooth ride at the very beginning. The case focuses on the issues experienced by Lizet, as she is introducing a new technological solution approach and trying to earn support from her team, her peers, her immediate supervisor, her customers and her higher-level executives.

Expected learning outcomes

The teaching objectives include: understanding and appreciating the supply chain complexities experienced by a global contract manufacturer; helping students think critically regarding the issues around the sales and ops planning; identifying the data needs for the operation and management of a worldwide, connected supply chain; investigating agile solution approaches for information sharing, decision-making and decision-sharing; and exposing the challenges associated with a large-scale technology adaptation.

Social Implications

This case study describes the supply chain challenges experienced by a global manufacturing solutions provider and illustrates the technology adaptation led by a female executive.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics
How to explain AI systems to end users: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Laato Samuli , Tiainen Miika , Najmul Islam A.K.M. , Mäntymäki Matti
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Inscrutable machine learning (ML) models are part of increasingly many information systems. Understanding how these models behave, and what their output is based on, is a challenge for developers let alone non-technical end users.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate how AI systems and their decisions ought to be explained for end users through a systematic literature review.

Findings

The authors’ synthesis of the literature suggests that AI system communication for end users has five high-level goals: (1) understandability, (2) trustworthiness, (3) transparency, (4) controllability and (5) fairness. The authors identified several design recommendations, such as offering personalized and on-demand explanations and focusing on the explainability of key functionalities instead of aiming to explain the whole system. There exists multiple trade-offs in AI system explanations, and there is no single best solution that fits all cases.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the synthesis, the authors provide a design framework for explaining AI systems to end users. The study contributes to the work on AI governance by suggesting guidelines on how to make AI systems more understandable, fair, trustworthy, controllable and transparent.

Originality/value

This literature review brings together the literature on AI system communication and explainable AI (XAI) for end users. Building on previous academic literature on the topic, it provides synthesized insights, design recommendations and future research agenda.
Surviving disruption: nature inspired solutions
Authors: Swain Sydney , Brahimi Nadjib
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Decision-makers in companies increasingly face unprecedented natural disasters. When business continuity is at risk, managers need a framework to imminently react.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and analysis of survival responses in nature and business case examples of company responses to the Covid-19 pandemic was the approach used.

Findings

There are direct parallels between the physiological stress response when a living individual perceives a threat to its survival, and the immediate reactions that occur when companies are faced with a disruptive event.

Practical implications

This article is meant to be used by decision-makers in companies to better react to disruptive events.

Originality/value

While nature-inspired methods have inspired inventions and algorithms, Hans Selye's general adaptation theory has not been used in parallel with business scenarios. We correlate fundamental organism survival mechanisms with a risk response framework to improve the probability of business survival during external threats.
The impact of spiritual leadership on workplace spirituality in the light the COVID-19 pandemic in the governmental health sector
Authors: Mohammed Sanaa Mostafa , Elashram Reda Ebrahim
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the spiritual leadership (SL) of the leader is perceived by workers in the public health sector in the Assiut region of Egypt. In other words, this study investigates the work-related workplace spirituality (WPS) of public health workers in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among a sample of 333 employees working in the public health sector in Assiut.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that the SL of the leader (especially altruism and vision), as evaluated by employees, positively influence work-related WPS. The results confirm that strengthening SL is a promising pathway to improve WPS, which may ultimately have some benefits, such as helping to improve individual and institutional performance in the public health sector.

Originality/value

The authors hope that the theoretical insights gained through the findings of this study will encourage researchers to explore how and when to enhance SL and WPS for employees.
Job commitment, total quality management, information communication technology adoption, toxic leadership and job demands: a conceptual framework for student retention
Authors: Koomson Samuel
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the direct effect of job commitment (JCT) on student retention (REN), exploring the mediating roles of total quality management (TQM) and information communication technology adoption (ADT), and moderating roles of toxic leadership (TLE) and job demands (JDD).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a conceptual framework along with postulations by integrating both empirical and theoretical literature in the fields of employee well-being, strategic management, information communication technology, leadership, as well as work and occupational psychology.

Findings

This paper proposes that JCT will be positively related to REN, and this positive relationship will be mediated by TQM and ADT. Additionally, TLE and JDD will moderate the direct positive effect of JCT on REN.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides implications for both researchers and practitioners in the areas of strategic decision-making in educational institutions and behaviour management for enhancing REN by applying JCT, TQM and ADT as strategic tools, while keeping TLE and JDD under control. It also offers implications for upcoming researchers to empirically test this conceptual framework in different educational settings.

Practical implications

By boosting employees JCT, educational institutions stand the chance of improving REN via TQM and ADT. Additionally, JCT can foster REN under a working environment where TLE and JDD are kept low.

Originality/value

The paper offers unique insights into how TQM and ADT connect JCT to REN, and how JCT relates to REN under varied levels of TLE and JDD. It also highlights the theoretical contributions of the resource-based theory of a firm, affective events theory and activation theory.
A three‐methylation‐driven gene–based deep learning model for tuberculosis diagnosis in patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus co‐infection
Authors: Xu Shaohua , Yuan Huicheng
Published: May 2022

Improved diagnostic tests for tuberculosis (TB) among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are urgently required. We hypothesized that methylation‐driven genes (MDGs) of host blood could be used to diagnose patients co‐infected with HIV/TB. In this study, we identified three MDGs among patients with HIV monoinfection and those with HIV/TB co‐infection using the R package MethylMix. We then developed a deep learning model by screening these three MDGs, which distinguished HIV/TB co‐infection from HIV monoinfection with a sensitivity of 95.2% and a specificity of 88.3%. On the two independent data sets, the sensitivity and specificity were 80%–92.8% and 72.7%–87.5%, respectively. Besides, our deep learning model accurately classified TB (sensitivity, 75.0%–100%; specificity, 91.3%–98.1%) and other respiratory disorders (sensitivity, 72.7%–75.0%; specificity, 70.9%–72.7%). This study will contribute to improve molecular diagnosis for HIV/TB co‐infection.
Restoration of a declining foundation plant species: Testing the roles of competitor suppression, fire reintroduction and herbivore exclusion
Authors: Bell Kristian , Doherty Tim S. , Wevill Tricia , Driscoll Don A.
Published: May 2022

Maintaining ecosystem processes within patches of remnant vegetation is critical to minimising biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes. Foundation species—habitat‐forming organisms that interact with many other species—are therefore a priority for conservation and restoration in farming areas. Triodia spp. grasses are foundation species of arid and semi‐arid Australia that largely depend on fire for recruitment, but fire is suppressed or excluded in many agricultural areas.

We tested the effectiveness of controlled burns and competitor removal (exotic and native grasses), both in isolation and combined, on recruitment rates of Triodia scariosa in remnant vegetation using a before‐after, control‐impact study across 126 plots. A subset of plots were located in an herbivore exclusion area inside a reserve.

There was no recruitment of T. scariosa 1 year after burning, regardless of treatment or control, and the burns killed all existing plants. However, T. scariosa germinated by 2 years post‐burn, with the greatest recruitment in sites where both burning and grass removal were applied. Two years after burning, T. scariosa abundance (adults and recruits) remained low outside reserves, but returned to original levels in reserves and in areas where large herbivores were excluded.

Synthesis and applications. Despite failing to increase overall abundance, we show that restoration of a foundation plant species in degraded, agricultural landscapes can be achieved through a combination of fire reintroduction and competitor suppression. Germination trials from soil samples suggest a depleted seed bank limited recruitment rates, and therefore emphasise the importance of carefully timing restoration actions to overcome recruitment bottlenecks.
Interaction mechanism between soybean protein isolate and citrus pectin
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Li Lin , Zhang Huimin , Sun Lilan , Jia Bin , Yang Hujun , Zuo Feng
Published: May 2022

In this study, citrus pectin (CP) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) were used as raw materials to prepare a complex. The interaction mechanism and structural changes between SPI and CP were deeply studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. The results show that CP has a strong quenching effect on SPI's endogenous fluorescence, and with the addition of CP, the endogenous fluorescence intensity of SPI decreased from 13,565.2 to 6067.3. The CP quenching of SPI is static quenching, and the number of combined bits is 1.26. The results of three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra showed that the addition of CP reduced the polarity of SPI amino acid residue microenvironment and changed the protein structure. Hydrophobic interaction exists between CP and SPI. The results of three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra showed that the addition of CP reduced the polarity of the amino acid residue microenvironment of SPI and changed the protein structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that CP could change the secondary structure of SPI by decreasing the α‐helix and β‐sheet, increasing β‐rotation and irregular curl, destroying the ordered structure of SPI and increasing the polarity of the amino acids exposed to the solution. The microstructure analysis shows that SPI–CP composite system has honeycomb structure and dense pores. From the perspective of reaction thermodynamics, it was found that the addition of CP could improve the thermal stability of SPI and increase the denaturation temperature of SPI from 119.73 to 132.97°C. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the preparation of protein–pectin complexes and provides reference for their application in food grade gels and Pickering emulsions.
Stray cats: Pets or pests? Cats and kittens everywhere in the medieval harbour site of Qalhāt (Oman)
Authors: Monchot Hervé
Published: May 2022

The discovery of numerous cat remains, including many kittens, in various buildings (i.e., domestic house, cistern, mosque) of the ancient harbour of Qalhāt in Oman is unique among faunal assemblages in the medieval Arabian Peninsula. In this study, a zooarchaeological and taphonomic analysis (ageing, skeletal element distribution, pathologies) is conducted to understand the origin of the cats and to deepen our understanding of human–cat relations. Thus, concerning the cats found in Qalhāt, two hypotheses may explain their presence: they took refuge in one of the buildings and died in situ before the complete destruction of the structures, or the corpses may have been dumped in the structures during a phase of their abandonment, very likely for health reasons.
How do health and allied health practitioners perceive excellence in residential aged care? An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Cameron Nadine , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Rayner Jo‐Anne , McAuliffe Linda
Published: May 2022

Objective

To identify factors that health and allied health practitioners consider central to excellence in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) with the objective of supporting improvements in monitoring, accountability and service delivery within the sector.

Methods

In a qualitative, exploratory designed study, interviews were undertaken with seventeen participants from 10 health and allied health disciplines (general practice, dentistry, pharmacy, psychiatry, psychology, neuropsychology, physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy and palliative care) with experience of working in Victorian RACFs. The interviews focused on how practitioners perceived excellence within RACFs. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Thematic analysis yielded five themes, which correspond with different dimensions or ways of understanding excellence, including resident well‐being, residences as a true home, good practice models, effective management and skilled staff, and unmet needs. Under each of these themes, participants referred to issues closely related to the concerns of their particular professions as well as those more general in nature.

Conclusions

The diversity in issues to which participants drew attention highlights the importance of obtaining the perspectives of a broad range of practitioners providing services to RACF residents to achieving excellence in the sector. Commonalities in their responses indicate the potential for a greater level of collaboration among the health and allied health professions.
Association of golimumab trough concentrations during maintenance with clinical, biological, endoscopic and histologic remission in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Taxonera Carlos , Fernández‐Aceñero María Jesús , Olivares David , Calvo Marta , Casis Begoña , Bermejo Fernando , López Serrano Pilar , Iborra Marisa , Mesonero Francisco , Boscá Watts Maia , Díaz del Arco Cristina , Vera Isabel , Olivares Sonsoles , Algaba Alicia , Alba Cristina
Published: May 2022

Background

Optimal golimumab concentration thresholds for important outcomes during maintenance are lacking.

Aims

To investigate the association of golimumab trough concentrations during maintenance with key outcomes, including endoscopic and histologic remission, and long‐term event‐free persistence with golimumab, in patients with UC.

Methods

This multi‐centre, cross‐sectional study included patients with UC on golimumab maintenance recruited either in remission or during a flare. Colonoscopy was scheduled, and study‐specific rectocolonic biopsies were taken for blind central histologic reading. Samples for golimumab trough concentrations were collected close to colonoscopy.

Results

Fifty‐two patients were included. Median golimumab trough concentrations (μg/ml) were significantly higher in patients who had clinical remission (2.01 vs. 0.72, p = 0.047), combined clinical‐biochemical remission (PMS ≤2 + faecal calprotectin <250 μg/g) (2.21 vs. 1.47, p = 0.041), endoscopic healing (Mayo endoscopic subscore 0) (2.52 vs. 1.47, p = 0.003), histologic remission (Geboes index ≤2.0) (2.33 vs. 1.50, p = 0.02) and disease clearance (clinical remission endoscopic healing + histologic remission) (2.52 vs. 1.70, p = 0.009), compared with those not meeting these criteria. Golimumab concentrations were significantly higher in patients who avoided golimumab dose escalation/discontinuation during follow‐up (2.24 vs. 0.98, p = 0.012). Receiver‐operating characteristic analyses identified golimumab thresholds [area under the curve] of 0.85 [0.76], 1.90 [0.76], 2.29 [0.75], 1.79 [0.68], 2.29 [0.72] and 1.56 [0.71] μg/ml as associated with clinical remission, combined remission, endoscopic healing, histologic remission, disease clearance and long‐term event‐free persistence with golimumab, respectively.

Conclusions

Golimumab trough concentrations during maintenance are associated with favourable treatment outcomes including endoscopic healing, histologic remission and long‐term persistence on golimumab. We identified the optimal golimumab thresholds most closely associated with key outcomes.
Physiology as a tool for at‐risk animal recovery planning: An analysis of Canadian recovery strategies with global recommendations
Authors: Madliger Christine L. , Creighton Maria J. A. , Raby Graham D. , Bennett Joseph R. , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Lennox Robert J. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: May 2022

Many government organizations use recovery planning to synthesize threats, propose management strategies, and determine recovery criteria for threatened wildlife. Little is known about the extent to which physiological knowledge has been used in recovery planning, despite its potential to offer key biological information that could aid in recovery success. Using recovery strategies for at‐risk animal species in Canada as a case study, we analyzed the prevalence, purpose, and type of physiological knowledge being used in recovery planning. We found that 73% of strategies contained mention of physiology and that incorporation of physiology has increased since 2006. Of the various types of physiological tools available, reference to stress, immune, thermal, and bioenergetic metrics appeared most frequently. Physiological information was more likely to be found in the background and threat assessment sections compared to action and future research sections, and less likely to be included in strategies for arthropods and birds compared to other taxonomic groups. By synthesizing our results with previous studies, we provide recommendations to encourage the application of physiological tools in recovery planning worldwide, such as increased incorporation of physiology in ongoing threat monitoring, critical habitat assessments, monitoring the success of recovery actions, and modeling responses to future environmental changes.
The effect of agri‐environment schemes on Bombus terrestris colony success
Authors: Crowther Lucy I. , Reader Tom , Gilbert Francis
Published: May 2022

As with other species linked to agricultural environments, many bumblebee species are exhibiting significant population declines.

This study assesses the success of colonies of Bombus terrestris audax on farms differing in conservation inputs via agri‐environment schemes (AES).

B. terrestris audax colonies were placed on farms of three treatments: Conventionally managed, AES Entry‐Level Stewardship (ELS), or AES Higher‐Level Stewardship.

Colonies on AES‐compliant farms gained significantly more mass than those on conventional farms, which decreased in mass.

Nests on conventional farms were also more likely to become infested by the wax moth Aphomia sociella, followed by ELS‐compliant farms.

The results suggest that adopting an AES can increase bumblebee colony success through the production of larger colonies and with greater ability to combat parasite infestations.