bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gifts that Matter
Authors: Pender Patricia
Published: December 2022

Katherine Parr played a variety of roles in early modern literary culture. Regardless of how far one chooses to expand the category of authorship, it is widely acknowledged that Katherine Parr played a key role in a number of prominent Tudor literary networks, with her husband, her stepchildren, and with powerful (and less powerful) contemporaries. This chapter provides a potted historiography of the way Parr’s literary networks have been represented in literary-historical scholarship, before moving on to look at the network she ostensibly established through the royal schoolroom. Looking at the extant evidence we have of correspondence between the royal children and their stepmother, this chapter proposes that she held distinctive relationships with each child and that her encouragement of their literary efforts consequently employed divergent approaches to decidedly different end. Parr’s royal schoolroom was the site of a literary network requiring much more investigation.
Libraries Not Only Their Own
Authors: Knight Leah
Published: December 2022

What new lines of inquiry and kinds of analysis are now available for unearthing such evidence as remains of female reading experiences and book ownershipin early modern England? This chapter showcases the latent potential of this already richly mapped field by outlining the latest directions for investigating and representing the books and reading of early modern women. A review of the terrain canvassed by the most recent generation of historians of reading leads to a critical overview of promising resources and approaches on the horizon, both of which direct us towards characterising networks of readers, their access to books, and techniques for studying them.
Auxin signaling is essential for organogenesis but not for cell survival in the liverwortMarchantia polymorpha
Authors: Suzuki Hidemasa , Kato Hirotaka , Iwano Megumi , Nishihama Ryuichi , Kohchi Takayuki
Published: December 2022

Auxin plays pleiotropic roles in plant development via gene regulation upon its perception by the receptors TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1/AUXIN SIGNALING F-BOX (TIR1/AFBs). This auxin-regulated transcriptional control mechanism originated in the common ancestor of land plants. Although the complete loss of TIR1/AFBs causes embryonic lethality in Arabidopsis thaliana, it is unclear whether the requirement for TIR1-mediated auxin perception in cell viability can be generalized. The model liverwort Marchantia polymorpha has a minimal auxin signaling system with only a single TIR1/AFB, MpTIR1. Here we show by genetic, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses that MpTIR1 functions as an evolutionarily conserved auxin receptor. Null mutants and conditionally knocked-out mutants of MpTIR1 were viable but incapable of forming any organs and grew as cell masses. Principal component analysis performed using transcriptomes at various developmental stages indicated that MpTIR1 is involved in the developmental transition from spores to organized thalli, during which apical notches containing stem cells are established. In Mptir1 cells, stem cell- and differentiation-related genes were up- and downregulated, respectively. Our findings suggest that, in M. polymorpha, auxin signaling is dispensable for cell division but is essential for three-dimensional patterning of the plant body by establishing pluripotent stem cells for organogenesis, a derived trait of land plants.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Incidence of High-Impact Chronic Pain Among Primary Care Patients with Acute Low Back Pain: A Cohort Study
Authors: Roseen Eric J , Smith Clair N , Essien Utibe R , Cozier Yvette C , Joyce Christopher , Morone Natalia E , Phillips Russell S , Gergen Barnett Katherine , Patterson Charity G , Wegener Stephen T , Brennan Gerard P , Delitto Anthony , Saper Robert B , Beneciuk Jason M , Stevans Joel M
Published: December 2022

Objective

We assessed whether race or ethnicity was associated with the incidence of high-impact chronic low back pain (cLBP) among adults consulting a primary care provider for acute low back pain (aLBP).

Methods

In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study, patients with aLBP were identified through screening at seventy-seven primary care practices from four geographic regions. Incidence of high-impact cLBP was defined as the subset of patients with cLBP and at least moderate disability on Oswestry Disability Index [ODI >30]) at 6 months. General linear mixed models provided adjusted estimates of association between race/ethnicity and high-impact cLBP.

Results

We identified 9,088 patients with aLBP (81.3% White; 14.3% Black; 4.4% Hispanic). Black/Hispanic patients compared to White patients, were younger and more likely to be female, obese, have Medicaid insurance, worse disability on ODI, and were at higher risk of persistent disability on STarT Back Tool (all P < .0001). At 6 months, more Black and Hispanic patients reported high-impact cLBP (30% and 25%, respectively) compared to White patients (15%, P < .0001, n = 5,035). After adjusting for measured differences in socioeconomic and back-related risk factors, compared to White patients, the increased odds of high-impact cLBP remained statistically significant for Black but not Hispanic patients (adjusted odds ration [aOR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.87 and aOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 0.83–1.90, respectively).

Conclusions

We observed an increased incidence of high-impact cLBP among Black and Hispanic patients compared to White patients. This disparity was partly explained by racial/ethnic differences in socioeconomic and back-related risk factors. Interventions that target these factors to reduce pain-related disparities should be evaluated.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02647658.
More Than a Penny’s Worth: Left-Digit Bias and Firm Pricing
Authors: Strulov-Shlain Avner
Published: December 2022

Firms arguably price at ninety-nine-ending prices because of left-digit bias—the tendency of consumers to perceive a $4.99 as much lower than a $5.00. Analysis of retail scanner data on 3500 products sold by twenty-five U.S. chains provides robust support for this explanation. I structurally estimate the magnitude of left-digit bias and find that consumers respond to a one-cent increase from a ninety-nine-ending price as if it were more than a twenty-cent increase. Next, I solve a portable model of optimal pricing given left-digit biased demand. I use this model and other pricing procedures to estimate the level of left-digit bias retailers perceive when making their pricing decisions. While all retailers respond to left-digit bias by using ninety-nine-ending prices, their behaviour is consistently at odds with the demand they face. Firms price as if the bias were much smaller than it is, and their pricing is more consistent with heuristics and rule-of-thumb than with optimization given the structure of demand. I calculate that retailers forgo 1–4% of potential gross profits due to this coarse response to left-digit bias.
A Novel Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Across the Pantoea Species Complex Is Important for Pathogenicity in Onion
Authors: Zhao Mei , Shin Gi Yoon , Stice Shaun , Bown Jonathon Luke , Coutinho Teresa , Metcalf William W. , Gitaitis Ron , Kvitko Brian , Dutta Bhabesh
Published: December 2022

Onion center rot is caused by at least four species of genus Pantoea ( P. ananatis, P. agglomerans, P. allii, and P. stewartii subsp . indologenes). Critical onion pathogenicity determinants for P. ananatis were recently described, but whether those determinants are common among other onion-pathogenic Pantoea species remains unknown. In this work, we report onion pathogenicity determinants in P. stewartii subsp . indologenes and P. allii. We identified two distinct secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters present separately in different strains of onion-pathogenic P. stewartii subsp . indologenes. One cluster is similar to the previously described HiVir phosphonate biosynthetic cluster identified in P. ananatis and another is a novel putative phosphonate biosynthetic gene cluster, which we named Halophos. The Halophos gene cluster was also identified in P. allii strains. Both clusters are predicted to be phosphonate biosynthetic clusters based on the presence of a characteristic phosphoenolpyruvate phosphomutase ( pepM) gene. The deletion of the pepM gene from either HiVir or Halophos clusters in P. stewartii subsp. indologenes caused loss of necrosis on onion leaves and red onion scales and resulted in significantly lower bacterial populations compared with the corresponding wild-type and complemented strains. Seven ( halB to halH) of 11 genes ( halA to halK) in the Halophos gene cluster are required for onion necrosis phenotypes. The onion nonpathogenic strain PNA15-2 ( P. stewartii subsp. indologenes) gained the capacity to cause foliar necrosis on onion via exogenous expression of a minimal seven-gene Halophos cluster (genes halB to halH). Furthermore, cell-free culture filtrates of PNA14-12 expressing the intact Halophos gene cluster caused necrosis on onion leaves consistent with the presence of a secreted toxin. Based on the similarity of proteins to those with experimentally determined functions, we are able to predict most of the steps in Halophos biosynthesis. Together, these observations indicate that production of the toxin phosphonate seems sufficient to account for virulence of a variety of different Pantoea strains, although strains differ in possessing a single but distinct phosphonate biosynthetic cluster. Overall, this is the first report of onion pathogenicity determinants in P. stewartii subsp . indologenes and P. allii.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
The Potyviral Protein 6K2 from Turnip Mosaic Virus Increases Plant Resilience to Drought
Authors: Prakash Ved , Nihranz Chad T. , Casteel Clare L.
Published: December 2022

Virus infection can increase drought tolerance of infected plants compared with noninfected plants; however, the mechanisms mediating virus-induced drought tolerance remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection increases Arabidopsis thaliana survival under drought compared with uninfected plants. To determine if specific TuMV proteins mediate drought tolerance, we cloned the coding sequence for each of the major viral proteins and generated transgenic A. thaliana that constitutively express each protein. Three TuMV proteins, 6K1, 6K2, and NIa-Pro, enhanced drought tolerance of A. thaliana when expressed constitutively in plants compared with controls. While in the control plant, transcripts related to abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and ABA levels were induced under drought, there were no changes in ABA or related transcripts in plants expressing 6K2 under drought compared with well-watered conditions. Expression of 6K2 also conveyed drought tolerance in another host plant, Nicotiana benthamiana, when expressed using a virus overexpression construct. In contrast to ABA, 6K2 expression enhanced salicylic acid (SA) accumulation in both Arabidopsis and N. benthamiana. These results suggest 6K2-induced drought tolerance is mediated through increased SA levels and SA-dependent induction of plant secondary metabolites, osmolytes, and antioxidants that convey drought tolerance.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Comparing the Outcomes of a Personalized Versus Nonpersonalized Home-Based Auditory Training Program for Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Magits Sara , Boon Ellen , De Meyere Linus , Dierckx Ann , Vermaete Ellen , Francart Tom , Verhaert Nicolas , Wouters Jan , van Wieringen Astrid
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

Audiological rehabilitation includes sensory management, auditory training (AT), and counseling and can alleviate the negative consequences associated with (untreated) hearing impairment. AT aims at improving auditory skills through structured analytical (bottom-up) or synthetic (top-down) listening exercises. The evidence for AT to improve auditory outcomes of postlingually deafened adults with a cochlear implant (CI) remains a point of debate due to the relatively limited number of studies and methodological shortcomings. There is a general agreement that more rigorous scientific study designs are needed to determine the effectiveness, generalization, and consolidation of AT for CI users. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a personalized AT program compared to a nonpersonalized Active Control program with adult CI users in a stratified randomized controlled clinical trial.

Design:

Off-task outcomes were sentence understanding in noise, executive functioning, and health-related quality of life. Participants were tested before and after 16 weeks of training and after a further 8 months without training. Participant expectations of the training program were assessed before the start of training.

Results:

The personalized and nonpersonalized AT programs yielded similar results. Significant on-task improvements were observed. Moreover, AT generalized to improved speech understanding in noise for both programs. Half of the CI users reached a clinically relevant improvement in speech understanding in noise of at least 2 dB SNR post-training. These improvements were maintained 8 months after completion of the training. In addition, a significant improvement in quality of life was observed for participants in both treatment groups. Adherence to the training programs was high, and both programs were considered user-friendly.

Conclusions:

Training in both treatments yielded similar results. For half of the CI users, AT transferred to better performance with generalization of learning for speech understanding in noise and quality of life. Our study supports the previous findings that AT can be beneficial for some CI users.
Endoscopic Approach to Ligament Repair and Reconstruction for Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Cordier Guillaume , Nunes Gustavo Araujo
Published: December 2022

It is well established that ankle arthroscopy may be used as an alternative to address chronic ankle instability (CAI). As this minimally invasive technique becomes popularized, an advanced anatomic understanding and new devices have been developed to address the ankle ligament pathologies. Within this context, fully arthroscopic and anatomic techniques were developed to repair and reconstruct the ankle ligaments. This article provides an update on the indications, diagnoses, and technical descriptions of the anatomic arthroscopic techniques used for chronic ankle instability.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level IV.
Efficacy and Safety of Low Fluence Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in Melasma: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Cervantes Jessica , Patzelt Nicole , Al-Janahi Sara , Kim Dae Hyun , Chung Hye Jin
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Low-fluence, multisession therapy of Nd:YAG laser has been widely used for treating melasma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-fluence Nd:YAG laser toning for melasma using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched till December 2020. A total of 50 studies (1,772 patients) and 66 studies were selected for the evaluation of the efficacy and complications, retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean Melasma Area and Severity Index/modified Melasma Area and Severity Index scores for laser toning as monotherapy at <4, 4 to <8, 8 to <12, 12 to <24, and ≥24 weeks after treatment compared with that at pretreatment were −0.51, −0.91, −0.97, −0.92, 0.01 SD, whereas those as combination therapy were −1.64, −1.26, −0.94, not available, −1.45 SD, respectively. An increase in light value and a decrease in relative lightness index have remained up to 8 weeks after laser toning. Complications including hypopigmentation/leukoderma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and recurrence were noted. The incidence of hypopigmentation/leukoderma correlated with the number of laser sessions (p = .036).

CONCLUSION

Low-fluence Nd:YAG laser toning as combination therapy has shown better efficacy than monotherapy and the efficacy seems to diminish with time. This study suggests the positive correlation of hypopigmentation/leukoderma with the number of laser sessions.
Surgery Alone (Without Adjuvant Radiation) Adequately Treats Histologic Perineural Basal Cell Carcinomas: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ash Mark M. , Lacy Frank A. , Patel Jigar , Varma Rajat
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Histologic perineural invasion (PNI) in basal cell carcinomas (BCC) lacks evidence-based treatment guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

Systematically review and analyze treatment outcomes of BCC with histologic PNI (PNBCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Reviews were searched through June 25, 2021. Thirteen eligible cohort studies were meta-analyzed.

RESULTS

502 of 713 PNBCC were treated with Mohs Surgery (MMS), wide local excision (WLE), or surgery (MMS or WLE) with adjuvant radiation (Surg + RT). Overall 5-year local control (LC) was 97.2% and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 99.6%. Surg and Surg + RT did not differ in recurrence (2.1% vs 4.7%; p-value 0.56; RR 1.51 [0.37, 6.20]), LC (97.9% vs 96.2%; p-value 0.19; RR 0.98 [0.96, 1.01]) or CSS (100% vs 99.1%; p-value 0.40; RR 0.99 [0.95, 1.02])

LIMITATIONS

No randomized controlled trials were found. Outcome data were often lacking.

CONCLUSION

Overall LC and CSS were high at median 5-year follow-up for surgery alone and Surg + RT. Surgery alone and Surg + RT demonstrated statistically equivalent outcomes. We do not recommend adjuvant radiation therapy for solely histologic PNBCC if clear margins are achieved.
Publication Productivity Using H-Index to Evaluate Academic Success Among Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeons
Authors: Marion Tyler , Welborn Macartney , Della Porta Adriana , Schoch Jennifer , Konda Sailesh
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

The h-index is a measure of research achievement using not only the number of publications of an individual, but also the impact of the publications.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the h-indices of Mohs surgeons within a variety of practice settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A list of all American College of Mohs Society (ACMS) members with corresponding fellowships years were collected using the ACMS membership directory. Publicly available demographic information was obtained including fellowship year, practice setting, PhD status, practice location (region), total number of publications, and h-index. Descriptive statistics were calculated to compare h-indices among the demographic data.

RESULTS

A total of 1150 ACMS members were included. The Practice setting distribution was as follows: 10.6% academic, 85.7% private practice, and 3.7% combined. H-index differed significantly based on practice setting (p < .001), with higher h-indices in academic and combined settings compared with the private practice setting. Subanalysis among academic Mohs surgeons revealed higher mean h-indices among professors (23.9) > associate professors (10.6) > assistant professors (8.6) > clinical instructors (5) (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

H-indices were highest among Mohs surgeons in the academic setting with increasing values correlating with higher academic rank and time since fellowship completion.
Efficacy and Safety of Intense Pulsed Light and Nonablative Fractional 1440-nm Diode Laser to a Combination of the 2 Modalities for Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Almukhtar Rawaa M. , Wood Emily S. , Fabi Sabrina G.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

The aging process involves laxity, hyperpigmentation, and telangiectasias. It is important to target those elements of aging to be successful at achieving rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of a combination intense pulsed light (IPL) and 1440-nm diode laser versus either treatment alone.

METHODS

Forty subjects were enrolled in this randomized split-face trial: 20 were randomized to Group A (received IPL on one side of the face and IPL followed by the 1440-nm diode laser on the other side) and 20 were randomized to Group B (received 1440-nm diode laser on one side of the face and IPL followed by the 1440-nm diode laser on the other side).

RESULTS

Investigators reported a percent improvement of 40% to 50% in all 3 groups at day 120; blinded investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scores were better in the combination group—90% compared with 84% and 83% in the IPL and 1440-nm diode laser groups, respectively. Wrinkling scores was significantly improved in the 1440-nm diode and combination groups. Hyperpigmentation and telangiectasias were significantly improved in all 3 groups. Adverse events were self-limited.

CONCLUSION

Combination treatment with IPL and 1440-nm diode laser was found to be safe and effective and resulted in higher subject satisfaction.
Body Schema as Assessed by Upper Limb Left/Right Judgment Tasks Is Altered in Stroke: Implications for Motor Imagery Training
Authors: Haslam Brendon S. , Butler David S. , Cocks Timothy S. , Kim Anthony S. , Carey Leeanne M.
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose:

Individuals with stroke often experience significant impairment of the upper limb. Rehabilitation interventions targeting the upper limb are typically associated with only small to moderate gains. The knowledge that body schema can be altered in other upper limb conditions has contributed to the development of tailored rehabilitation approaches. This study investigated whether individuals with stroke experienced alterations in body schema of the upper limb. If so, this knowledge may have implications for rehabilitation approaches such as motor imagery.

Methods:

An observational study performed online consisting of left/right judgment tasks assessed by response time and accuracy of: (i) left/right direction recognition; (ii) left/right shoulder laterality recognition; (iii) left/right hand laterality recognition; (iv) mental rotation of nonembodied objects. Comparisons were made between individuals with and without stroke. Secondary comparisons were made in the stroke population according to side of stroke and side of pain if experienced.

Results:

A total of 895 individuals (445 with stroke) participated. Individuals with stroke took longer for all tasks compared to those without stroke, and were less accurate in correctly identifying the laterality of shoulder (P < 0.001) and hand (P < 0.001) images, and the orientation of nonembodied objects (P < 0.001). Moreover, the differences observed in the hand and shoulder tasks were greater than what was observed for the control tasks of directional recognition and nonembodied mental rotation. No significant differences were found between left/right judgments of individuals with stroke according to stroke-affected side or side of pain.

Discussion and Conclusions:

Left/right judgments of upper limb are frequently impaired after stroke, providing evidence of alterations in body schema. The knowledge that body schemas are altered in individuals with longstanding stroke may assist in the development of optimal, well-accepted motor imagery programs for the upper limb.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A394).
Molecular Characterization of Multifocal Granular Cell Tumors
Authors: Dehner Carina A. , Schroeder Molly C. , Lyu Yang , Bell Robert , Borcherding Dana C. , Moon Tyler , Hirbe Angela , Chrisinger John S.A.
Published: December 2022

Granular cell tumors (GrCT) were recently found to be driven by inactivating mutations in vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) genes, most frequently ATP6AP1 and ATP6AP2. Multifocal presentation is present in ~10% of cases; however, the relationship between multifocal tumors in a given patient has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that benign-appearing multifocal GrCT are molecularly distinct whereas paired primary and metastatic malignant GrCT share identical mutations. To test this, we conducted targeted next-generation sequencing of the V-ATPase genes in multifocal GrCT and whole exome and Sanger sequencing in paired primary and metastatic malignant GrCT. Thirteen patients with≥2 GrCT were identified (total of 43 tumors). Forty-two tumors were successfully sequenced. Tumors showed somatic mutations in 3 of the 10 targeted genes in 32 of 42 samples (76%). Twenty tumors showed mutations in ATP6AP1 (48%), 10 tumors had mutations in ATP6AP2 (24%), and 2 tumors showed mutations in ATP6V0A4 (5%). Predicted loss-of-function mutations were found in ATP6AP1 in 17 tumors (40%), in ATP6AP2 in 10 tumors (24%), and in ATP6V0A4 in 1 tumor (2%). In 8 patients, mutually exclusive mutations were detected in at least 2 tumors per patient. Two patients were identified with malignant GrCT with material available from both primary and metastatic sites. Identical frameshift insertions were found in ATP6AP1 in 1 case and the second case showed identical nonsense mutations in ATP6AP1. In conclusion, multifocal GrCT within an individual patient are molecularly distinct, while paired primary and metastatic GrCT share identical mutations.
Superior Epididymal Artery-Based Paraepididymal Adipofascial Flap
Authors: Cinar Fatih , Ayas Gorkem , Yalcin Can Ege , Celik Ugur , Demiroz Anil , Baghaki Semih , Cetinkale Oguz
Published: December 2022

Background

Flap surgery is widely performed in reconstructive surgery. Experimental research is vital to improve flap viability. However, the number of flap models for animals is still limited. In this study, we define a new adipofascial flap in rats that can be used to investigate pedicled flap and/or adipofascial flap physiology.

Methods

Eight Wistar male rats were used. Under deep anesthesia, paraepididymal adipofascial flaps were harvested. Flap perfusion was assessed using a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system. The length of the flap and the diameter of the flap pedicle were measured.

Results

All animals (n = 8) had sufficient sizes of paraepididymal fat pad, and no animals were lost. The only postoperative complication was testicular hematoma, which was observed in 2 animals. The maximum length of the harvested paraepididymal adipofascial flap was 9.7 cm with a mean of 6.6 cm. The maximum width of the flap was 3.3 cm with a mean of 2.6 cm. The mean pedicle diameter of the paraepididymal adipofascial flap was 1.1 mm. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging revealed adequate perfusion in all flaps.

Conclusions

The number of reported adipofascial flap models in animals is low, and they are mostly limited to flaps based on epigastric vessels. Superior epididymal artery-based paraepididymal adipofascial flap can be used as a pedicled flap model for studies focusing on adipofascial and/or pedicled flap physiology. Uncomplicated surgical technique and short operative time make this flap a valuable alternative to other flap models.
JMM Profile: Bartonella bacilliformis: a forgotten killer
Authors: Ruiz Joaquim
Published: December 2022

Bartonella bacilliformis

causes Carrión’s disease, an infectious disease present in rural Andean areas of Peru and Ecuador. The disease has an acute and a chronic phase called Oroya fever and Peruvian wart, respectively. Oroya fever is potentially fatal if treated inadequately. Female Lutzomyia verrucarum, a phlebotomine sand fly endemic to South America, is the major vector.

B. bacilliformis

exhibits high susceptibility levels to a variety of antibacterial agents.

B. bacilliformis

is difficult to culture. Most endemic areas are remote with fragile health systems and poor communication. Thus, the true burden of the disease is difficult to ascertain.
Dissecting the energetic architecture within an RNA tertiary structural motif via high-throughput thermodynamic measurements
Authors: Shin John H , Bonilla Steve L , Denny Sarah K , Greenleaf William J , Herschlag Daniel
Published: December 2022

Structured RNAs and RNA/protein complexes perform critical cellular functions. They often contain structurally conserved tertiary contact “motifs,” whose occurrence simplifies the RNA folding landscape. Prior studies have focused on the conformational and energetic modularity of intact motifs. Here we turn to the dissection of one common motif, the 11nt receptor (11ntR), using quantitative analysis of RNA on a massively parallel array (RNA-MaP) to measure the binding of all single and double 11ntR mutants to GAAA and GUAA tetraloops, thereby probing the energetic architecture of the motif. While the 11ntR behaves as a motif, its cooperativity is not absolute. Instead, we uncovered a gradient from high cooperativity amongst base paired and neighboring residues to additivity between distant residues. As expected, substitutions at residues in direct contact with the GAAA tetraloop resulted in the largest decreases to binding, and energetic penalties of mutations were substantially smaller for binding to the alternate GUAA tetraloop, which lacks tertiary contacts present with the canonical GAAA tetraloop. However, we found that the energetic consequences of base partner substitutions are not, in general, simply described by base pair type or isostericity. We also found exceptions to the previously established stability-abundance relationship for 11ntR sequence variants. These findings of “exceptions to the rule” highlight the power of systematic high-throughput approaches to uncover novel variants for future study in addition to providing an energetic map of a functional RNA.

Significance Statement

Properly folded RNAs perform essential biological processes. Many RNAs contain tertiary contact “motifs” whose structural and energetic properties are conserved across different RNAs. This study delves into the nature of an RNA motif. We determined the effects of mutations on the energetic properties of a common tertiary contact motif, referred to as the 11-nucleotide receptor. As deep study of the energetic architecture of this and other RNAs requires thermodynamic measurements for many sequence variants, we used RNA-MaP, a quantitative, high-throughput method, to obtain binding free energies for all single and double mutants of the motif. Our results revealed the energetic architecture of this motif and identified rare variants with unexpected properties.
How mindfulness reduces BNPL usage and how that relates to overall well-being
Authors: Schomburgk Lachlan , Hoffmann Arvid
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how mindfulness reduces consumers’ buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) payment scheme usage and how that relates to their overall well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses of a conceptual framework which is rooted in the extant literature, using an approximately representative sample of Australian consumers (N = 275).

Findings

This study finds empirical evidence for the ability of mindfulness to reduce BNPL usage through increasing consumers’ financial self-control and decreasing their impulse buying tendency. This study also obtains empirical evidence that greater BNPL usage is associated with lower subjective evaluations of consumers’ overall well-being by increasing their current money management stress and decreasing their expected future financial security.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could build on the effect of mindfulness that the authors find in this study and how it could be leveraged as a protective mechanism for consumers’ financial decision-making. Such research could involve mindfulness-based interventions, such as instant messaging within smartphone applications. Doing so would also help assess causality, thus addressing the limitation of the cross-sectional nature of this study.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for public policymakers and business practitioners. Financial counselors are encouraged to include the measurement of personality traits such as impulse buying tendency and financial self-control in intake meetings with clients and consider the benefits of offering short mindfulness training. Given the negative effect of BNPL usage on consumers’ financial and overall well-being, and the reputational risks this implies, BNPL providers are recommended to take more responsibility to ensure consumers do not fall into a debt trap, while retailers are advised to take steps to make payment processes more “mindful.”

Originality/value

Although mindfulness has established effects on consumer behavior, its beneficial influence on consumer financial decision-making has rarely been explored. This study also contributes to a better understanding of the antecedents and consequences of consumers’ BNPL payment scheme usage. Although its prominence is increasing in daily life, and despite the concerns of consumer advocates, policymakers and regulators regarding its risks, the topic of consumers’ BNPL usage has received little attention in academic research so far. Finally, this study extends the emerging financial well-being literature by demonstrating how BNPL usage can reduce consumers’ overall well-being through the mediating effect of increasing current money management stress and decreasing expected future financial security.
Exploring the role of individual-focused transformational leadership in facilitating taking charge: mediating mechanism of psychological capital and thriving at work
Authors: Malik Parul
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the “conservation of resources” theory, the current study examines the mechanisms by which individual-focused transformational leadership (i.e. individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation) is associated with employees' taking charge by investigating the mediating roles of psychological capital and thriving at work.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-wave research study was conducted, and the data for the study included 220 employees’-supervisors’ dyads from Indian IT (information technology) organizations. Further, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the measurement model, and study hypotheses were tested using Process macro.

Findings

The study results showed that individual-focused transformational leadership (IFTL) is strongly associated with psychological capital, thriving at work and taking charge. The findings of Process macro analyses indicated that IFTL, directly and indirectly, impacts taking charge behavior via psychological capital and thriving at work.

Practical implications

The study offers significant practical implications to managers, counsellors and HRM practitioners for crafting workplace interventions to augment employees taking charge behavior. The study findings would aid HRM practitioners in designing individualized-oriented leadership programs for building employees' positive psychological capabilities and thriving experiences for taking charge.

Originality/value

This paper broadens the existing leadership literature by proposing new pathways through which IFTL encourages employees to take charge. Mainly, research studies need to shed more light on leadership characteristics that influence employees' positive psychological behavior, that is psychological capital and thriving at work. Consequently, this study examined the underlying mechanism through which leadership, psychological capital and thriving interact to stimulate employees taking charge behavior.
Development of a multi-objectives integer programming model for allocation of anti-fraud capacities during cyberfraud mitigation
Authors: Akinbowale Oluwatoyin Esther , Klingelhöfer Heinz Eckart , Zerihun Mulatu Fekadu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of employing a multi-objectives integer-programming model for effective allocation of resources for cyberfraud mitigation. The formulated objectives are the minimisation of the total allocation cost of the anti-fraud capacities and the maximisation of the forensic accounting capacities in all cyberfraud incident prone spots.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature survey conducted and primary qualitative data gathered from the 17 licenced banks in South Africa on fraud investigators, the suggested fraud investigators are the organisation’s finance department, the internal audit committee, the external risk manager, accountants and forensic accountants. These five human resource capacities were considered for the formulation of the multi-objectives integer programming (MOIP) model. The MOIP model is employed for the optimisation of the employed capacities for cyberfraud mitigation to ensure the effective allocation and utilisation of human resources. Thus, the MOIP model is validated by a genetic algorithm (GA) solver to obtain the Pareto-optimum solution without the violation of the identified constraints.

Findings

The formulated objective functions are optimised simultaneously. The Pareto front for the two objectives of the MOIP model comprises the set of optimal solutions, which are not dominated by any other feasible solution. These are the feasible choices, which indicate the suitability of the MOIP to achieve the set objectives.

Practical implications

The results obtained indicate the feasibility of simultaneously achieving the minimisation of the total allocation cost of the anti-fraud capacities, or the maximisation of the forensic accounting capacities in all cyberfraud incident prone spots – or the trade-off between them, if they cannot be reached simultaneously. This study recommends the use of an iterative MOIP framework for decision-makers which may aid decision-making with respect to the allocation and utilisation of human resources.

Originality/value

The originality of this work lies in the development of multi-objectives integer-programming model for effective allocation of resources for cyberfraud mitigation.
Purchasing challenges in times of COVID-19: resilience practices to mitigate disruptions in the health-care supply chain
Authors: Araujo Renato , Fernandes June Marques , Reis Luciana Paula , Beaulieu Martin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify supply chain (SC) management practices applied to purchasing capable of improving the resilience of the health-care SC and mitigating the effects of material and service disruption during pandemics.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted is qualitative and is based on a systematic literature review from the ScienceDirect, Emerald, Wiley and Web of Science databases. After selecting 705 documents, filters are applied, and 52 articles present problems faced by purchasing the health-care SC during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Findings

This article suggests five propositions of resilient practices that can increase purchasing resilience in the face of pandemics such as COVID-19. The proposed practices are collaboration, flexibility, visibility, agility and information sharing, which suggest a sequence for the adoption of management practices based on the number of occurrences and importance found in the analysed studies.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not find robust empirical evidence that could categorically state that the results can be replicated in organisations in general. Thus, as a continuation of research, more studies should use an empirical methodology and case analysis to organise different branches. As the human factor was decisive for the results observed in the literature, future research should dedicate part of the studies to the psychological area of professionals. Actions to combat the pandemic were implemented, impacting positively and negatively on the results obtained. Future research on combat actions could indicate which ones should be avoided.

Practical implications

As a result, disruptions are expected to be reduced, and consequently, the resilience of the SC will increase. Accordingly, purchasing processes and procedures can be redefined to positively influence the resilience of the health-care SC. Resilience is related to maintaining the flow of supply, as well as systems and actions aimed at mitigating the effects of disruptions in the hospital’s core business.

Social implications

Health systems need to respond to society’s needs even in the face of global crises, such as the one faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The overload in hospitals and the exponential demand for specific medicines and services in the fight against the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic require enormous coordination in procurement by the purchasing sector. This planning aims to ensure that the care provided by health services maintains the flow of value that serves hospitalised patients.

Originality/value

This study introduces a new approach to the recurrent problem of disruption of the health-care SC during a pandemic using a combination of five important management practices. This proves useful for mitigating disruptions and their effects on the health-care SC.
Negative effects of the adoption of accrual accounting in the public sector: a systematic literature review and future prospects
Authors: Bonollo Elisa
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Since the 1980s, governments worldwide have been implementing the move from cash to accrual accounting. Scholars initially considered the appropriateness of this accounting reform to be self-evident, but later they have expressed critical views. This paper systematises the existing literature intending to reflect on the adverse effects of adopting accrual accounting in the public sector and identify implications for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study builds on a systematic literature review of 106 academic articles published between 1980 and 2021. It is based on the “preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses” (PRISMA) method. Synthesising research through a transparent, rigorous and replicable process makes it possible to identify and discuss the adverse effects of adopting public sector accrual accounting.

Findings

Significant issues are linked to organisational impacts and accountability. Resistance to change is the main negative consequence and is more likely in countries that have chosen to adopt accrual accounting without maintaining cash accounting. The new accounting rules make accounting information more complex and arbitrary for citizens and politicians. How these criticalities should be addressed deserves further investigation.

Originality/value

This paper offers a comprehensive literature review on the drawbacks of adopting accrual accounting in the public sector. It could provide a general lesson to be applied to policymakers of other jurisdictions currently considering this transition to prevent the adverse effects and act proactively.
Exploring experiences regarding information literacy competencies among nursing students at Aga Khan University, Uganda
Authors: Nakaziba Sarah , Kaddu Sarah , Namuguzi Mary , Mwanzu Arnold
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study sought to assess and evaluate the information literacy experiences and competencies of nursing students at Aga Khan University, Uganda. A review of information literacy (IL) programs was done to establish the competencies students acquired from the library staff and examine the contribution of IL competencies to the effective utilization of library information resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative descriptive research design was used to describe the participants' experiences regarding IL competencies. The study population included 35 nursing students pursuing a diploma of science in nursing in the second year of study. Purposive sampling was utilized to identify only second-year diploma students who had undertaken the IL training. The study utilized individual interviews and open-ended questionnaires.

Findings

The study found that nursing students who attained some IL competencies could easily locate the required information; IL was not integrated into the curriculum as a stand-alone course unit, but rather a few elements were embedded in some of the nursing course units like research, nursing informatics and academic writing. Furthermore, there was no well-developed IL curriculum used for teaching the subject. The study also noted that there was a minimum collaboration between the faculty and librarians in teaching IL at AKU. Findings showed there was a gap in the IL program delivery.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on the subject by bringing together current views and opinions of the three populations involved to present a more comprehensive view of the challenges academia faces regarding teaching and student acquisition of IL skills.
The power of critical mass to make a difference: how gender diversity in board affect US corporate carbon performance
Authors: Toukabri Mohamed , Jilani Faouzi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of board gender diversity on company greenhouse gas (GHG) performance, the influence of a critical mass of women on boards on carbon performance (CP) score and its three components separately (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3). This study examines the presence of institutional investors as a contingent factor that intensifies the effectiveness of the critical mass of female directors on CP.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of the US companies listed on Securities and Exchange Commission for the period 2011–2018 and making a total of 2416 observations. This study shows that reaching a critical mass of female board members enhances the level of CP. In addition, this study finds that the presence of institutional investors positively moderates this relationship.

Findings

The main results suggest that there is a nonlinear relationship between a critical mass of women directors and CP, and that institutional investors play a strategic role in shaping this relationship. The effect of institutional investors on the three components of CP is also analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

This research is characterized by the methodology adopted for a quantitative variable for measuring CP. Indeed, other research the proxies related to carbon measurements are often used as a simple binary variable. This study verifies the harmony of the theory of critical mass measuring diversity within the board of directors, the presence of institutional investors on GHG emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3), unlike previous studies (Tingbani et al., 2020; Nuber and Velte, 2021) which only focus on the two measures of carbon emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2).

Originality/value

This study shows identically that gender diversity on the board must reach a critical mass of three women directors to motivate and influence CP. We fill the gap in previous research regarding the role played by the institutional environment of the firm in improving CP. Third, this study highlights the relevance of having a critical mass of pressure-resistant female directors on boards due to their engagement in climate change issues and CP.