bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dividend policy, earnings management and the moderating effect of corporate governance in the French context
Authors: Ben Salah Olfa , Jarboui Anis
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of corporate governance on the impact of earnings management on dividend policy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors selected French non-financial companies listed on the CAC All Tradable index during the 2008–2015 period. Feasible generalized least square regression method is used to estimate the econometric models.

Findings

The empirical results allowed the authors to confirm and/or reject certain hypotheses. First, the ownership concentration seems to positively moderate the impact of earnings management on dividend policy. Another conclusion that the authors have been able to draw is that the effect of earnings management on dividend policy is more favorable in the case of firms with a small director’s board.

Practical implications

Our results have shown that French firms run earnings to inform the market that they can distribute dividends. Therefore, we recommend that the various partners of the firm pay more attention to the governance mechanisms of these types of companies and, in particular, in countries where foreign investors suffer from weak legal protection (Easterbrook, 1984; Gomes, 2000; La Porta et al., 2000 and Athari et al., 2016). In fact, standardization bodies, the Ministry of Finance, external auditors and stock exchange organizer must focus on sophisticated governance mechanisms to ensure better quality of financial reporting.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, no other research has examined whether the impact of earnings management on dividend policy varies significantly with the moderating effect of certain governance mechanisms in France.
Incentive strategy about technology innovation based on knowledge ecological coupling in strategic emerging industry
Authors: Long Yue , Lu Lang , Liu Pan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of low efficiency on knowledge resources allocation in the strategic emerging industry (SEI), an incentive model of technology innovation based on knowledge ecological coupling is designed.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a principal–agent model of knowledge inputs and a knowledge ecological coupling model based on an improved Lotka–Volterra model are constructed. In addition, a numerical example about Chongqing Yongchuan industrial park, the emulation analysis and the associated discussions are conducted to analyze the equilibriums of principal–agent in different knowledge inputs. Further, the paper analyzes the evolutionary equilibrium in knowledge ecological coupling and reveals the dual adjustments of the node organization on knowledge inputs.

Findings

Thus, this paper shows that by establishing the relationships of knowledge ecological coupling based on “mutualism and commensalism,” node organization raises the level of knowledge inputs; an incentive mode of “knowledge ecological coupling relationship + technology innovation chain” is conductive to substantially improving the efficiency of knowledge resource allocation, and to stimulate the vitality of node organization for technology innovation in the strategic emerging industry (SEI).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the extant researches in two ways. First, this paper reveals the dual adjustments of the node organizations in inputting knowledge, which broadens the vision and borders of the researches on traditional knowledge management. The methods of the traditional principal–agent model and the knowledge input/output profit model are also expanded. Second, this paper verifies that applying the mode of “knowledge ecological coupling relationship + technology innovation chain” in practice is conducive to enhancing the efficiency of the cross-organizational knowledge allocation in the strategic emerging industry (SEI).
Sovereign wealth funds and corporate social responsibility: a comparison of Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
Authors: Velayutham Sivakumar , Hasan Rashedul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically discuss the participation of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. Sovereign wealth funds in emerging economies are often involved in corporate social responsibility. However, the 1 Malaysian Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal illustrates the possible use of SWF as a vehicle for corruption and abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary objective is to develop good governance practices of CSR by SWFs that could limit corrupt practices. A case study approach is adopted to investigate the CSR involvement of two SWFs – Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

Findings

The finding shows that SWFs should not be directly involved in CSR. It is proposed that independent Non-government Organisations (NGOs), through a competitive funding model, could serve the CSR purpose of SWFs more effectively and bring socio-economic changes in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The funding model identifies the expected outcomes, priorities and uses of the funds. The funding committee should also be independent of the Board and transparent in its allocations.
Cognitive frames held by supply chain managers: implications for the management of sustainability in supply chains
Authors: Preuss Lutz , Fearne Andrew
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Despite the growing importance and complexity of modern supply chains, little scholarly attention has been devoted to cognitive processes in supply chain management (SCM). In particular, we know little about the structure of supply chain managers’ cognitive frames and how differences between frames affect sustainable supply chain management (SSCM).

Design/methodology/approach

Given the relative scarcity of the topic, this paper uses a conceptual approach. Building on prior literature from cognitive psychology and related areas, it develops ideal types of cognitive frames with which supply chain managers approach sustainability-related decisions.

Findings

This study first develops three ideal-type cognitive frames – unidimensional, hierarchical and paradoxical. This paper then shows that it makes a difference which one of these a supply chain manager holds when addressing issues related to sustainable supply. Thereafter, this study discusses the antecedents that can explain why a manager holds a particular cognitive frame.

Research limitations/implications

This paper represents one of the first analyses of how the structure of a supply chain manager’s cognitive frame impacts their firm’s sustainable supply initiatives. Although developed with regard to SSCM, the arguments have implications for other management areas too, not least for the education of future SCM professionals.

Originality/value

Given their boundary-spanning role, attention to the cognitive processes of supply chain managers is crucial to understanding the conditions under which firms can address sustainability challenges in their supply chains.
Characterisation of probiotic properties of yeast strains isolated from kefir samples
Authors: Goktas Hamza , Dikmen Hilal , Demirbas Fatmanur , Sagdic Osman , Dertli Enes
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast species from kefir samples and to determine their probiotic characteristics in comparison with commercial probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. The microbial flora of traditional kefir samples were dominated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus. Kefir isolates demonstrated higher auto‐aggregation, hydrophobicity and antioxidant properties compared to S. boulardii although S. boulardii demonstrated the highest survival rate under in␣vitro gastrointestinal digestion conditions followed by two kefir yeasts K. marxianus and Kazachstania unispora. Importantly, kefir isolates revealed strong antifungal activities against mould species except Penicillium roqueforti. These findings suggest probiotic and functional roles of yeast strains isolated from traditional kefir samples.
The Innovation and Reporting Consequences of Financial Regulation for Young Life‐Cycle Firms
Authors: ALLEN ABIGAIL , LEWIS‐WESTERN MELISSA F. , VALENTINE KRISTEN
Published: July 2021

Firm life‐cycle stage reflects a firm's current strategic direction toward exploration independent of age or size. We provide evidence that young life‐cycle firms are particularly vulnerable to negative innovation consequences from financial regulation but do not appear to experience any compensating financial reporting quality (FRQ) benefits. Using a generalized difference‐in‐differences design around Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), we document a significant reduction in both research and development (R&D) spending and innovation outputs for young life‐cycle stage firms after regulation. Declines in innovation manifest both from the diversion of scarce resources and from the imposition of an organizational culture mismatched to the pursuit of explorative innovation, resulting in a less generalizable and less diversified patent portfolio. However, we find no evidence that improvements to FRQ materialize to offset these costs. Event study analyses suggest that this negative impact was expected by market participants, and postregulation returns confirm this expectation.
‘Dalarinji’: A flexible clinic, belonging to and for the Aboriginal people, in an Australian emergency department
Authors: Preisz Paul , Preisz Anne , Daley Scott , Jazayeri Farzad
Published: July 2021

Objective

Equity and access to high‐quality healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people has remained refractory for complex and multifactorial reasons, and there are sound ethical arguments for addressing this urgently. In EDs all patients who ‘leave at own risk’ (LAOR) or ‘do not wait to be seen’ (DNW) are at increased risk of readmission, morbidity or death. This also incurs additional resource costs to the health system. Aboriginal patients have high rates of DNW and LAOR. The Flexiclinic model of care was co‐designed to better support the needs of Aboriginal patients in the ED and to reduce the rates of DNW and LAOR.

Methods

‘Dalarinji’, or Flexiclinic, is a flexible model of care within the ED collaboratively devised with the Aboriginal Health Unit to address the major factors that influence this vulnerable cohort leaving the St Vincent's Hospital ED (SVHED) prior to being assessed or before completion of treatment.

Results

In the 3 months since its introduction, the Flexiclinic approach has significantly improved the quality and equity of access to medical care at SVHED for Aboriginal patients with the average summed rate of DNW and LAOR falling to 5.2% of presentations, representing a fivefold decrease in the probability of Aboriginal patients receiving incomplete care.

Conclusion

The Flexiclinic approach has significantly improved medical care at SVHED for Aboriginal patients. It has been well received by both staff and patients and has had no adverse effects on delivery of services to other patient groups.
Deep learning for segmentation in radiation therapy planning: a review
Authors: Samarasinghe Gihan , Jameson Michael , Vinod Shalini , Field Matthew , Dowling Jason , Sowmya Arcot , Holloway Lois
Published: July 2021

Segmentation of organs and structures, as either targets or organs‐at‐risk, has a significant influence on the success of radiation therapy. Manual segmentation is a tedious and time‐consuming task for clinicians, and inter‐observer variability can affect the outcomes of radiation therapy. The recent hype over deep neural networks has added many powerful auto‐segmentation methods as variations of convolutional neural networks (CNN). This paper presents a descriptive review of the literature on deep learning techniques for segmentation in radiation therapy planning. The most common CNN architecture across the four clinical sub sites considered was U‐net, with the majority of deep learning segmentation articles focussed on head and neck normal tissue structures. The most common data sets were CT images from an inhouse source, along with some public data sets. N‐fold cross‐validation was commonly employed; however, not all work separated training, test and validation data sets. This area of research is expanding rapidly. To facilitate comparisons of proposed methods and benchmarking, consistent use of appropriate metrics and independent validation should be carefully considered.
smartsnp, an r package for fast multivariate analyses of big genomic data
Authors: Herrando‐Pérez Salvador , Tobler Raymond , Huber Christian D.
Published: July 2021

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a powerful tool for the analysis of population structure, a genetic property that is essential to understand the evolutionary processes driving biological diversification and (pre)historical colonizations, migrations and extinctions. In the current era of high‐throughput sequencing technologies, population structure can be quantified from scores of genetic markers across hundreds to thousands of genomes. However, these big genomic datasets pose substantial computing and analytical challenges.

We present the r package smartsnp for fast and user‐friendly computation of PCA on single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Inspired by the current field‐standard software EIGENSOFT, smartsnp includes appropriate SNP scaling for genetic drift and allows projection of ancient samples onto a modern genetic space while also providing permutation‐based multivariate tests for population differences in genetic diversity (both location and dispersion).

Our extensive benchmarks show that smartsnp's PCA is 2–4 times faster than EIGENSOFT's SMARTPCA algorithm across a wide range of sample and SNP sizes. All four smartsnp functions (smart_pca, smart_permanova, smart_permdisp and smart_mva) process datasets with up to 100 samples and 1 million simulated SNPs in less than 30 s and accurately recreate previously published SMARTPCA of ancient‐human and wolf genotypes.

The package smartsnp provides fast and robust multivariate ordination and hypothesis testing for big genomic data that is also suitable for ancient and low‐coverage modern DNA. The simple implementation should appeal to biological conservation, evolutionary, ecological and (palaeo)genomic researchers, and be useful for phenotype, ancestry and lineage studies.
Characterisation and action mode of Gluconacin, a bacteriocin with antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas albilineans
Authors: de Almeida Ramos Elizabeth Teixeira , Meneses Carlos Henrique Salvino Gadelha , Vidal Marcia Soares , Baldani José Ivo
Published: July 2021

Gluconacin, a bacteriocin produced by Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PAL5, has previously shown a large spectrum of inhibitory activity against beneficial and phytopathogenic bacteria. The present study proposes a three‐dimensional (3D) structure for Gluconacin based on modelling and describes some physicochemical characteristics and the effect of the peptide on cells of the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas albilineans ICMP196. The Gluconacin 3D structural model results demonstrated the 7 α‐helices and 11 β‐sheets. Growth inhibition of the indicator microorganism, X. albilineans, occurred in the first moments of contact with Gluconacin (0.25 μg μl−1). Treatment of bacterial cells caused significant loss of inorganic phosphate and UV‐absorbing materials. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that Gluconacin‐treated X. albilineans cells were fully lysed. These results suggest that the mode of action of this peptide involves altered membrane integrity and increased permeability, resulting in complete cell lysis. Physicochemical characterisation demonstrated stability of biological activity under high temperatures, including autoclaving conditions and low pH. The activity was reduced after treatment with proteases and some surfactants and abolished with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The 3D conformation model indicates the possibility of a hydrophobic region, which could possibly interact directly with the cell membrane of target bacteria. In conclusion, the ability of Gluconacin to inhibit growth of phytopathogens of agricultural importance opens up new opportunities for biotechnological applications and, consequently, a reduction in the use of pesticides.
Nrf2 deficiency decreases NADPH from impaired IDH shuttle and pentose phosphate pathway in retinal pigmented epithelial cells to magnify oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Cano Marisol , Datta Sayantan , Wang Lei , Liu Tongyun , Flores‐Bellver Miguel , Sachdeva Mira , Sinha Debasish , Handa James T.
Published: July 2021

The nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2), a major antioxidant transcription factor, is decreased in several age‐related diseases including age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness among the elderly in western society. Since Nrf2’s mito‐protective response is understudied, we investigated its antioxidant response on mitochondria. Control and Nrf2‐deficient retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells were compared after treating with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Mitochondrial antioxidant abundance and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified. Mitochondrial function was assessed by TMRM assay, NADPH, electron transport chain activity, and Seahorse. Results were corroborated in Nrf2−/− mice and relevance to AMD was provided by immunohistochemistry of human globes. CSE induced mitochondrial ROS to impair mitochondrial function. H2O2 increase in particular, was magnified by Nrf2 deficiency, and corresponded with exaggerated mitochondrial dysfunction. While Nrf2 did not affect mitochondrial antioxidant abundance, oxidized PRX3 was magnified by Nrf2 deficiency due to decreased NADPH from decreased expression of IDH2 and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) genes. With severe CSE stress, intrinsic apoptosis was activated to increase cell death. PPP component TALDO1 immunolabeling was decreased in dysmorphic RPE of human AMD globes. Despite limited regulation of mitochondrial antioxidant expression, Nrf2 influences PPP and IDH shuttle activity that indirectly supplies NADPH for the TRX2 system. These results provide insight into how Nrf2 deficiency impacts the mitochondrial antioxidant response, and its role in AMD pathobiology.
Telomere length and metabolic syndrome traits: A Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Loh Nellie Y. , Noordam Raymond , Christodoulides Constantinos
Published: July 2021

Observational studies have revealed associations between short leucocyte telomere length (LTL), a TL marker in somatic tissues and multiple Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) traits. Animal studies have supported these findings by showing that increased telomere attrition leads to adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. We investigated the associations between genetically instrumented LTL and MetS traits using Mendelian Randomisation (MR). Fifty‐two independent variants identified at FDR<0.05 from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) including 78,592 Europeans and collectively accounting for 2.93% of LTL variance were selected as genetic instruments for LTL. Summary‐level data for MetS traits and for the MetS as a binary phenotype were obtained from the largest publicly available GWAS and two‐sample MR analyses were used to estimate the associations of LTL with these traits. The combined effect of the genetic instruments was modelled using inverse variance weighted regression and sensitivity analyses with MR‐Egger, weighted‐median and MR‐PRESSO were performed to test for and correct horizonal pleiotropy. Genetically instrumented longer LTL was associated with higher waist‐to‐hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (β = 0.045 SD, SE = 0.018, p = 0.01), raised systolic (β = 1.529 mmHg, SE = 0.332, p = 4x10−6) and diastolic (β = 0.633 mmHg, SE = 0.222, p = 0.004) blood pressure, and increased MetS risk (OR = 1.133, 95% CI 1.057–1.215). Consistent results were obtained in sensitivity analyses, which provided no evidence of unbalanced horizontal pleiotropy. Telomere shortening might not be a major driver of cellular senescence and dysfunction in human adipose tissue. Future experimental studies should examine the mechanistic bases for the links between longer LTL and increased upper‐body fat distribution and raised blood pressure.
Solution using Stomahesive® wafers for allergic contact dermatitis caused by isobornyl acrylate in glucose monitoring sensors
Authors: Ng Kay Lin , Nixon Rosemary L. , Grills Claire , Tam Mei Mui
Published: July 2021

Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) has recently caused a number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from its use in medical devices. We would like to enhance the awareness of this issue with the reporting of three Australian cases, involving two adults and a child. We also report a successful solution by using hydrocolloid wafer (Stomahesive®) as a barrier. As IBOA is not usually found on baseline patch test series and does not cross‐react with other acrylic monomers, ACD to IBOA may be missed by clinicians.
IRE1 and PERK signaling regulates inflammatory responses in a murine model of contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Gendrisch Fabian , Völkel Lukas , Fluck Melanie , Apostolova Petya , Zeiser Robert , Jakob Thilo , Martin Stefan F. , Esser Philipp R.
Published: July 2021

Background

Contact sensitizers may interfere with correct protein folding. Generation of un‐/misfolded proteins can activate the IRE‐1 or PERK signaling pathways initiating the unfolded protein response (UPR) and thereby determine inflammatory immune responses. We have analyzed the effect of sensitizers with different potencies on the induction of UPR activation/inhibition and the subsequent generation of a pro‐inflammatory micromilieu in vitro as well as the effect of UPR modulation on the inflammatory response in the murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in vivo.

Methods

Semi‐quantitative and quantitative PCR, fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, NF‐κB activation and translocation assays, DC/keratinocyte co‐culture assay, FACS, and in vivo CHS experiments were performed.

Results

Sensitizers and irritants activate IRE‐1 and PERK in murine and human keratinocytes. Synergistic effects occur after combination of different weak sensitizers / addition of irritants. Moreover, tolerogenic dinitrothiocyanobenzene can be converted into a strong sensitizer by pre‐activation of the UPR. Blocking UPR signaling results in decreased NF‐κB activation and cytokine production in keratinocytes and in activation marker downregulation in a HaCaT/THP‐1 co‐culture. Interestingly, not only systemic but also topical application of UPR inhibitors abrogates CHS responses in vivo.

Conclusion

These observations highlight an important role of the UPR in determination of the inflammatory response in vitro and in vivo further underlining the importance of tissue stress and damage responses in the development of ACD and provide mechanistically based concepts as a basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat allergic contact dermatitis.
The Mechanics of Sovereignty: Autonomy and Interdependence across Three Cables to Iceland
Authors: Johnson Alix
Published: July 2021

This article examines three telecommunications cables to Iceland as material instantiations of sovereignty politics. Tracing the historical case of the island's first telegraph, then examining two contemporary efforts to lay subsea fiber‐optic cables, I show how each cable embodies a particular sovereignty project, which is complicated by the process of laying, operating, and maintaining the line. I develop the concept ofmechanics of sovereigntyin order to describe the everyday and ongoing work of tinkering with and tending to transnational connections. Contributing to recent efforts to theorize sovereignty as a process and practice (rather than a political abstraction), this research sheds fresh light on the specific relationship between information technology (IT) and the nation‐state: while IT is often imagined as either eroding or enhancing sovereignty, close attention to communications cables in Iceland shows they serve as conduits for both autonomy and interdependence. [sovereignty, infrastructure, mechanics, information technology, Iceland]
Neoliberal Fictions for the Audit Theater: University Educators and Administrators Navigating Accountability Regimes
Authors: Aydarova Elena
Published: July 2021

This ethnographic story explores fiction‐making in the context of audit cultures and accountability regimes. Based on a critical multi‐sited ethnography conducted between 2011 and 2015 in the Russian Federation, this composite narrative draws on eighty interviews, casual conversations, and observations at several universities. It documents how educators at higher education institutions responded to audit reviews by constructing paper façades of reports and curriculum documents that obscured what they were doing or how their departments were run. When an inspection took place, the reviewers focused on paperwork to infer the quality of educational services. The fictions and paper façades created to convince the state that institutions were functioning well also sheltered the illicit practices and corruption that operated at various levels of the institutional hierarchy. In this audit theater, faculty participated in producing fakery, dupery, and swagger that protected them from immediate punishment, but they ended up feeling cheated by their own production. As educators navigated new reporting requirements, they also made sense of the state’s own fakery, hypocrisy, and duplicity. New relationships among educators, institutions, and the state created by accountability regimes produced a politics of disposability to sustain state fictions of success.
Perioperative and oncologic outcomes of right anterior sectionectomy for liver disease: A single‐center experience with 415 patients
Authors: Kwon Jaewoo , Lee Jae Hoon , Park Seo Young , Lee Woohyung , Song Ki Byung , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol , Lee Young Joo
Published: July 2021

Background

Right anterior sectionectomy (RAS) is technically difficult and performed infrequently, so there are few published reports about experiences with this surgery. We describe 10 years' worth of clinicopathologic and oncologic outcomes associated with RAS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 415 patients treated with RAS for hepatic tumors located at segment five and/or eight between January 2008 and December 2017.

Results

All patients underwent RAS with the alternative Glissonean pedicle clamp and Kelly clamp‐crushing methods for transection. The mean operative time was 165 min, and the mean transection time was 28 min. Major morbidity (≥grade III) occurred in 28 cases (6.7%). Bile leakage occurred in 63 patients (15.1%), but no patients required reoperation. Grade A, B, and C post‐hepatectomy liver failure occurred in 39 (9.4%), 7 (1.7%), and 0 patients, respectively. There were no in‐hospital deaths caused by postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was 13.3 days. The mean tumor size was 3.8 cm. Among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients (n = 361, 87.0%), the 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates were 78.3%, 64.4%, and the 5‐ and 10‐year disease‐free survival rates were 57.2%, 37.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

RAS was associated with acceptable procedure‐related morbidity and mortality as well as appropriate oncologic outcomes for HCC patients.
Context matters: Self‐regulation of healthy eating at different eating occasions
Authors: Bouwman Emily P. , Reinders Machiel J. , Galama Joris , Verain Muriel C. D.
Published: July 2021

Self‐regulation plays an important role in healthy eating behaviors. The current research explores temporary fluctuations in self‐regulation next to variations between individuals. In an online observational study, 892 participants (Mage = 44.3, SDage = 12.7) monitored their self‐regulation three times a week before a meal moment for 3 weeks. To analyze the data, a random intercept and slopes model was used, including variables on within‐individual level (i.e. meal moment, tiredness, distractedness, social, and physical environment) and variables on between‐individual level (i.e. self‐efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and perception of social and physical opportunity). Self‐regulation was found to be higher at breakfast compared with dinner (estimate = −0.08, p < .001), higher at home than out‐of‐home (estimate = −0.08, p < .001) and lower when individuals are more tired (estimate = 0.04, p < .001) and distracted (estimate = 0.07, p < .001). Moreover, self‐regulation was higher for individuals with higher levels of intrinsic motivation (estimate = 0.19, p < .001) and self‐efficacy (estimate = 0.41, p < .001). Insights from this research advance our knowledge regarding temporal influences on self‐regulation and can provide input for behavior change tools such as personalized dietary advice.
Together we can slow the spread of COVID‐19: The interactive effects of priming collectivism and mortality salience on virus‐related health behaviour intentions
Authors: Courtney Emily P. , Felig Roxanne N. , Goldenberg Jamie L.
Published: July 2021

Behaviours recommended for reducing transmission of COVID‐19 – social distancing, wearing masks, and now, vaccination – are aimed at not only reducing one’s own risk, but risk to others. We posited that a collectivist mindset, versus individualistic, would facilitate intentions to engage in behaviours aimed at curtailing the spread of the virus when the awareness of mortality is activated. This hypothesis was informed by the terror management health model and tested in two studies. In each study, collective ‘we’ (vs. the individual ‘I’) was primed, in conjunction with mortality salience compared to a control condition. The results were generally consistent, with Study 1 showing that when collectivism, but not individualism, was primed, individuals responded to a COVID‐19‐based mortality reminder with a significant increase in health intentions, including social distancing and mask wearing. In Study 2, when mortality was salient, priming individualism led to reduced vaccination intention compared to collectivism. We discuss limitations to the research and conclude with the recommendation that COVID‐19‐based communications highlight the dangers of the virus in conjunction with a focus on the collective ‘we’ to best encourage optimal virus mitigation behaviour.
TH1902, a new docetaxel‐peptide conjugate for the treatment of sortilin‐positive triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Demeule Michel , Charfi Cyndia , Currie Jean‐Christophe , Larocque Alain , Zgheib Alain , Kozelko Sophie , Béliveau Richard , Marsolais Christian , Annabi Borhane
Published: July 2021

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous subgroup of cancers which lacks the expression and/or amplification of targetable biomarkers (ie, estrogen receptor, progestrogen receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), and is often associated with the worse disease‐specific outcomes than other breast cancer subtypes. Here, we report that high expression of the sortilin (SORT1) receptor correlates with the decreased survival in TNBC patients, and more importantly in those bearing lymph node metastases. By exploiting SORT1 function in ligand internalization, a new anticancer treatment strategy was designed to target SORT1‐positive TNBC‐derived cells both in vitro and in two in vivo tumor xenografts models. A peptide (TH19P01), which requires SORT1 for internalization and to which many anticancer drugs could be conjugated, was developed. In vitro, while the TH19P01 peptide itself did not exert any antiproliferative or apoptotic effects, the docetaxel‐TH19P01 conjugate (TH1902) exerted potent antiproliferative and antimigratory activities when tested on TNBC‐derived MDA‐MB‐231 cells. TH1902 triggered faster and more potent apoptotic cell death than did unconjugated docetaxel. The apoptotic and antimigratory effects of TH1902 were both reversed by two SORT1 ligands, neurotensin and progranulin, and on siRNA‐mediated silencing of SORT1. TH1902 also altered microtubule polymerization and triggered the downregulation of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐xL biomarker. In vivo, both i.p. and i.v. administrations of TH1902 led to greater tumor regression in two MDA‐MB‐231 and HCC‐70 murine xenograft models than did docetaxel, without inducing neutropenia. Altogether, the data demonstrates the high in vivo efficacy and safety of TH1902 against TNBC through a SORT1 receptor‐mediated mechanism. This property allows for selective treatment of SORT1‐positive TNBC and makes TH1902 a promising avenue for personalized therapy with the potential of improving the therapeutic window of cytotoxic anticancer drugs such as docetaxel.
Effects of anthropogenic landscapes on population maintenance of waterbirds
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Li Xinhai , Ren Xiaotong , Jackson Micha V. , Fuller Richard A. , Melville David S. , Amano Tatsuya , Ma Zhijun
Published: July 2021

Anthropogenic impacts have reduced natural areas but increased the area of anthropogenic landscapes. There is debate about whether anthropogenic landscapes (e.g., farmlands, orchards, and fish ponds) provide alternatives to natural habitat and under what circumstances. We considered whether anthropogenic landscapes can mitigate population declines for waterbirds. We collected data on population trends and biological traits of 1203 populations of 579 species across the planet. Using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models, we tested whether the ability of a species to use an anthropogenic landscape can predict population trends of waterbird globally and of species of conservation concern. Anthropogenic landscapes benefited population maintenance of common but not less‐common species. Conversely, the use of anthropogenic landscapes was associated with population declines for threatened species. Our findings delineate some limitations to the ability of anthropogenic landscapes to mitigate population declines, suggesting that the maintenance of global waterbird populations depends on protecting remaining natural areas and improving the habitat quality in anthropogenic landscapes.

Article impact statement: Protecting natural areas and improving the quality of anthropogenic landscapes as habitat are both needed to achieve effective conservation.
Exploring pathways to participation in an at‐risk species conservation program
Authors: Sorice Michael G. , Donlan C. Josh , Santo Anna R. , Luque Gloria M. , Hagen Christian A.
Published: July 2021

The success of conservation efforts for imperiled and endangered wildlife species relies on private landowners, yet a definitive model of landowner cooperation remains elusive. We use a case study to explore the multiple pathways by which demographics, rootedness, resource dependence, environmental attitudes, social influence, and program structure intersect to jointly explain participation in a federally funded cost‐share program to help prevent the Lesser Prairie‐Chicken from being listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We conducted structured interviews across three ecoregions with 64 participants and 22 nonparticipants. We analyzed the data using fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis, an approach that identifies the multiple combinations of conditions related to engagement in the program. We found that two concepts, landowner characteristics and social influence, were most commonly associated with participation while profiles representing typical landowner tropes performed poorly. Finally, the positive effect of encouragement by agency representatives suggests that agency staff play a central role in determining participation. It also suggests landowners' decision processes may not be as deliberative as the literature on private lands conservation suggests. The results of our case study suggest new avenues for research that explicitly consider the role of heuristics in decisions to participate.
Plasma membrane calcium ATPase downregulation in dopaminergic neurons alters cellular physiology and motor behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Erhardt Brenda , Marcora María Silvina , Frenkel Lía , Bochicchio Pablo Alejandro , Bodin Diego Hernán , Silva Berenice Anabel , Farías María Isabel , Allo Miguel Ángel , Höcht Christian , Ferrari Carina Cintia , Pitossi Fernando Juan , Leal María Celeste
Published: July 2021

The accumulation of Ca2+ and its subsequent increase in oxidative stress is proposed to be involved in selective dysfunctionality of dopaminergic neurons, the main cell type affected in Parkinson's disease. To test the in vivo impact of Ca2+ increment in dopaminergic neurons physiology, we downregulated the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA), a pump that extrudes cytosolic Ca2+, by expressing PMCARNAi in Drosophila melanogaster dopaminergic neurons. In these animals, we observed major locomotor alterations paralleled to higher cytosolic Ca2+ and increased levels of oxidative stress in mitochondria. Interestingly, although no overt degeneration of dopaminergic neurons was observed, evidences of neuronal dysfunctionality were detected such as increases in presynaptic vesicles in dopaminergic neurons and in the levels of dopamine in the brain, as well as presence of toxic effects when PMCA was downregulated in the eye. Moreover, reduced PMCA levels were found in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease, Parkin knock‐out, expanding the functional relevance of PMCA reduction to other Parkinson's disease‐related models. In all, we have generated a new model to study motor abnormalities caused by increments in Ca2+ that lead to augmented oxidative stress in a dopaminergic environment, added to a rise in synaptic vesicles and dopamine levels.
Reconciliation: Divine and Human
Authors: Chalamet Christophe
Published: July 2021

Reconciliation is one of the key motifs used by the apostle Paul and other New Testament authors influenced by him as they sought to express the significance and reach of God’s salvific act in Jesus Christ. To reflect on the theme of reconciliation means reflecting on the very centre of the good news. This theme is not one aspect of the gospel alongside others. Rather, it suffuses the apostolic message as a whole. The theme of reconciliation lies at the very heart of Christian theology: it expresses the overarching intent of God in the face of human violence and conflict. If we follow the apostle Paul’s key text on this theme, we must note that the root of reconciliation lies not in our actions but exclusively in God’s act. We, as people who are as pilgrims on this earth, are not merely agents of reconciliation, but also those who are and who remain in dire need to receive the gift of reconciliation.
Christ’s Love Moves the Church
Authors: Durber Susan
Published: July 2021

The ecumenical movement stands in need of renewal, a renewal inspired and moved by a depth and warmth of love. It has, for too long, been dominated by discourses of the mind (and particularly by styles of thinking of the West and the global North). A renewal that draws on the knowledge of body, mind, and heart might resonate with a much broader global constituency and fire passion and commitment in people who now pull back from what they experience as abstract forms shaped by colonial power and culture. A unity founded in a loving communion may open up new possibilities, and a new language of the heart might stir a revival in the ecumenical movement.
The induction mechanism of the flavonoid‐responsive regulator FrrA
Authors: Werner Nadine , Werten Sebastiaan , Hoppen Jens , Palm Gottfried J. , Göttfert Michael , Hinrichs Winfried
Published: July 2021

Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, a bacterial symbiont of soybean and other leguminous plants, enters a nodulation‐promoting genetic programme in the presence of host‐produced flavonoids and related signalling compounds. Here, we describe the crystal structure of an isoflavonoid‐responsive regulator (FrrA) from Bradyrhizobium, as well as cocrystal structures with inducing and noninducing ligands (genistein and naringenin, respectively). The structures reveal a TetR‐like fold whose DNA‐binding domain is capable of adopting a range of orientations. A single molecule of either genistein or naringenin is asymmetrically bound in a central cavity of the FrrA homodimer, mainly via C–H contacts to the π‐system of the ligands. Strikingly, however, the interaction does not provoke any conformational changes in the repressor. Both the flexible positioning of the DNA‐binding domain and the absence of structural change upon ligand binding are corroborated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) experiments in solution. Together with a model of the promoter‐bound state of FrrA our results suggest that inducers act as a wedge, preventing the DNA‐binding domains from moving close enough together to interact with successive positions of the major groove of the palindromic operator.
Is China’s urban–rural difference in population aging rational? An international comparison with key indicators
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Hong Jingjing , Fan Pengpeng , Xu Shidan , Chai Zhixian , Zhuo Yubo
Published: July 2021

China's aging population is experiencing an urban–rural inversion phenomenon in that the rural population is aging faster. This is normal worldwide as studies have found that urban–rural differences in population aging have universal and phase characteristics. However, China's population aging presents a “polarization trend,” that is, the aging speed of areas with a deep aging degree is faster. In this paper, we try to test whether China's current urban–rural difference in population aging is rational if considered with China's current economic and social development. We adopted the four‐quadrant map analysis method and compare China with major developed and developing countries with key indicators. Data were mainly collected from databases by country, including the Statistical Yearbook, World Bank Database, and United Nations Database. Results show that urban–rural differences in China's aging population are significantly ahead of economic development and urbanization; this imbalance can explain the greater urban–rural disparity and the “polarization trend” in China's population. Results indicate that population aging's urban–rural differences are not necessarily exhibiting universal and phased characteristics in China. What's worse, the imbalanced population aging situation will make the rural poverty and the inter‐generational conflict more prominently. Public policies are necessary to deal with the current imbalance situation.
Oxidative stress in the skin: Impact and related protection
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Liu Yang , Zhao Zhao , Qiu Jie
Published: July 2021

Skin, our first interface to the external environment, is subjected to oxidative stress caused by a variety of factors such as solar ultraviolet, infrared and visible light, environmental pollution, including ozone and particulate matters, and psychological stress. Excessive reactive species, including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, exacerbate skin pigmentation and aging, which further lead to skin tone unevenness, pigmentary disorder, skin roughness and wrinkles. Besides these, skin microbiota are also a very important factor ensuring the proper functions of skin. While environmental factors such as UV and pollutants impact skin microbiota compositions, skin dysbiosis results in various skin conditions. In this review, we summarize the generation of oxidative stress from exogenous and endogenous sources. We further introduce current knowledge on the possible roles of oxidative stress in skin pigmentation and aging, specifically with emphasis on oxidative stress and skin pigmentation. Meanwhile, we summarize the science and rationale of using three well‐known antioxidants, namely vitamin C, resveratrol and ferulic acid, in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Finally, we discuss the strategy for preventing oxidative stress‐induced skin pigmentation and aging.
The effect of a lifestyle training package on physical activity and nutritional status in obese and overweight pregnant women: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Eslami Elham , Mohammad Alizadeh Charandabi Sakineh , Farshbaf Khalili Azizeh , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: July 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a lifestyle training package that consisted of a 60‐ to 90‐min session of group training, educational booklet and text messages on physical activity and nutritional status in obese and overweight pregnant women.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 140 obese or overweight women (gestational age: 16–20 weeks) covered by health centres in Tehran, Iran, were equally randomized into two parallel groups using block randomization and stratified by the body mass index. Participants completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and fourth and eighth weeks after intervention. Participants were 38 obese and 102 overweight women who were later followed‐up.

Results

After the intervention, the mean weekly intake of the vegetable and fruit subgroups was significantly higher; and intake of fats and oils and the confections subgroups were significantly lower in the intervention compared with the control group (p  < 0.05). Although physical activity was higher in the intervention group, 8 weeks after the intervention, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The training package appears to offer a suitable strategy for adjusting the intake of the recommended food subgroups in obese and overweight pregnant women.
Settlers, target‐earners, young professionals. Distinct migrant types, distinct integration trajectories?
Authors: Spanner Franziska , Diehl Claudia
Published: July 2021

In this article, we start out from theoretical concepts about different types of migrants that feature prominently in the immigration literature. By applying latent class analysis to a unique ‘mini‐panel’ data set on recent Polish and Turkish immigrants in Germany, we identify two types of migrants that are in line with the literature, namely settlers and target‐earners. We label a third group that is best described as educational target‐earners: ‘young learners/professionals’. Regarding variation in these groups’ early sociocultural integration patterns, results suggest that they reflect primarily differences in migrants’ intention to stay, individual resources such as education, and opportunities for integration related to newcomers’ involvement in the educational system or labour force. In sum, migrant types – though certainly more intuitively appealing and vivid than single ‘variables’ – seem to have limited explanatory power when it comes to predicting newcomers’ early integration trajectories.
Biochemical coordination of plasma cell genesis
Authors: Gaudette Brian T. , Allman David
Published: July 2021

Antibody‐secreting plasma cells are a central component of short‐ and long‐term adaptive immunity. Yet, many fundamental questions about how activated B cells decide to yield functional plasma cells have yet to be answered. Likewise, the biochemical processes underpinning the ability of plasma cells to generate and secrete large numbers of antibodies, the capacity of some plasma cell to sustain antibody secretion, presumably without interruption, for decades, and the capacity of long‐lived plasma cells to avoid apoptosis despite the high‐energy demands associated with sustained robust antibody synthesis and secretion each remain mysterious processes. Our objective here is to review what is currently known about these processes with an emphasis on the earliest phases of plasma cell genesis. Along the way, we will work toward developing a model that ties the biochemistry of plasma cell function and survival. The chief idea imbedded in this model is that progress toward understanding plasma cell survival mechanisms may require increased focus on the unique cell autonomous processes inherent in plasma cell differentiation and function.