bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine-dependent biphasic behaviour under ‘deep diving’ conditions in
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kirshenboim Inbar , Aviner Ben , Itskovits Eyal , Zaslaver Alon , Broday Limor
Published: March 2021

Underwater divers are susceptible to neurological risks due to their exposure to increased pressure. Absorption of elevated partial pressure of inert gases such as helium and nitrogen may lead to nitrogen narcosis. Although the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis are known, the molecular mechanisms underlying these symptoms have not been elucidated. Here, we examined the behaviour of the soil nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
under scuba diving conditions. We analysed wild-type animals and mutants in the dopamine pathway under hyperbaric conditions, using several gas compositions and under varying pressure levels. We found that the animals changed their speed on a flat bacterial surface in response to pressure in a biphasic mode that depended on dopamine. Dopamine-deficient
cat-2
mutant animals did not exhibit a biphasic response in high pressure, while the extracellular accumulation of dopamine in
dat-1
mutant animals mildly influenced this response. Our data demonstrate that in
C. elegans
, similarly to mammalian systems, dopamine signalling is involved in the response to high pressure. This study establishes
C. elegans
as a powerful system to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underly nitrogen toxicity in response to high pressure.
Implication of efflux pumps and ERG11 genes in resistance of clinical Trichosporon asahii isolates to fluconazole
Authors: Abbes S. , Sellami H. , Neji S. , Trabelsi H. , Makni F. , Ayadi A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction.
Trichosporon asahii has been recognized as an opportunistic agent having a limited sensitivity to antifungal treatment.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Molecular mechanisms of azole resistance have been rarely reported for Trichosproron asahii. Similar to other fungi, we hypothesized that both ERG11 gene mutation and efflux pumps genes hyper-expression were implicated.

Aim. The current work aimed to study the sensitivity of clinical T. asahii isolates to different antifungal agents and to explore their resistance mechanisms by molecular methods including real-time PCR and gene sequencing.

Methods. The sensitivity of T. asahii isolates to fluconazole, amphotericin B and voriconazole was estimated by the Etest method. Real-time PCR was used to measure the relative expression of Pdr11, Mdr and ERG11 genes via the ACT1 housekeeping gene. Three pairs of primers were also chosen to sequence the ERG11 gene. This exploration was followed by statistical study including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify a relationship between gene mean expression and the sensitivity of isolates.

Results. In 31 clinical isolates, the resistance frequencies were 87, 16.1 and 3.2 %, respectively, for amphotericin B, fluconazole and voriconazole. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that only Mdr over-expression was significantly associated with FCZ resistance confirmed by univariate statistical study and the ROC curve analysis (P <0.05). The ERG11 sequencing revealed two mutations H380G and S381A in TN325U11 (MIC FCZ=8 µg ml−1) and H437R in TN114U09 (MIC FCZ=256 µg ml−1) in highly conserved regions (close to the haem-binding domain) but their involvement in the resistance mechanism has not yet been assigned.

Conclusion.
T. asahii FCZ resistance mechanisms are proven to be much more complex and gene alteration sequence and/or expression can be involved. Only Mdr gene over-expression was significantly associated with FCZ resistance and no good correlation was observed between FCZ and VCZ MIC values and relative gene expression. ERG11 sequence alteration seems to play a major role in T. asahii FCZ resistance mechanism but their involvement needs further confirmation.
Detection of autoimmune antibodies in severe but not in moderate or asymptomatic COVID-19 patients
Authors: Fakhroo Aisha D. , Nasarallah Gheyath K. , Khan Taushif , Cyprian Farhan S. , Ali Fatima Al , Ata Manar M.A. , Taleb Sara , Hssain Ali A. , Eid Ali H. , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Al-Khal Abdullatif , Thani Asmaa A. Al , Marr Nico , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: March 2021

The heterogeneity of COVID-19 lies within its diverse symptoms and severity, ranging from mild to lethal. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been shown to be the leading cause of mortality in COVID-19 patients, characterized by a hyper cytokine storm. Autoimmunity is proposed to occur as a result of COVID-19, given the high similarity of the immune responses observed in COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigate the level of autoimmune antibodies in COVID-19 patients with different severities. Initial screening for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) IgG revealed that 1.6% (2/126) and 4% (5/126) of ICU COVID-19 cases developed strong and moderate ANA levels, respectively. However, all the non-ICU cases (n=273) were ANA negative. The high ANA level was confirmed by immunofluorescence (IFA) and large-scale autoantibody screening by phage immunoprecipitation-sequencing (PhIP-Seq). Indeed, the majority of the samples showed “speckled” ANA pattern by microscopy, and we demonstrate that samples of ICU patients with strong and moderate ANA levels contain autoantibody specificities that predominantly targeted proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, metabolism, apoptotic processes, and cell death; further denoting reactivity to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens. In conclusion, our results further support the notion of routine screening for autoimmune responses in COVID-19 patients, which might help improve disease prognosis and patient management. Further, results provide compelling evidence that ANA-positive individuals should be excluded from being donors for convalescent plasma therapy in the context of Covid-19.
Site-specific steric control of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycosylation
Authors: Allen Joel D. , Chawla Himanshi , Samsudin Firdaus , Zuzic Lorena , Shivgan Aishwary Tukaram , Watanabe Yasunori , He Wan-ting , Callaghan Sean , Song Ge , Yong Peter , Brouwer Philip J. M. , Song Yutong , Cai Yongfei , Duyvesteyn Helen M. E. , Malinauskas Tomas , Kint Joeri , Pino Paco , Wurm Maria J. , Frank Martin , Chen Bing , Stuart David I. , Sanders Rogier W. , Andrabi Raiees , Burton Dennis R. , Li Sai , Bond Peter J. , Crispin Max
Published: March 2021

A central tenet in the design of vaccines is the display of native-like antigens in the elicitation of protective immunity. The abundance of N-linked glycans across the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a potential source of heterogeneity between the many different vaccine candidates under investigation. Here, we investigate the glycosylation of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins from five different laboratories and compare them against infectious virus S protein. We find patterns which are conserved across all samples and this can be associated with site-specific stalling of glycan maturation which act as a highly sensitive reporter of protein structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a fully glycosylated spike support s a model of steric restrictions that shape enzymatic processing of the glycans. These results suggest that recombinant spike-based SARS-CoV-2 immunogen glycosylation reproducibly recapitulates signatures of viral glycosylation.
PulseNet international: the missing link between PFGE and WGS
Authors: Adam Ibrahim-Elkhalil M.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

DNA-based surveillance of bacterial diseases has been using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) since 1996. Currently, the international surveillance network (PulseNet international) is turning toward whole genome sequencing (WGS). ATCGs of WGS are compared using several sequence alignment methods. While patterns of horizontal lines of PFGE profiles are being compared using relative positioning of bands within a range of tolerance. A recently suggested image analysis algorithm and a deployed database (geltowgs.uofk.edu) collectively invented a promising method for comparing PFGE toin-silicoobtained digestion models (DMs) derived from WGS. The database requires a parameter that determines PFGE resolution. Here, the author suggests a new method for calculating this factor. Epidemiological and molecular conclusions returned by the database are evaluated.

Methodology

two PFGE profiles representingXbaI digests ofE. coliandSalmonella entericaanalyzed by the suggested image analysis algorithm were submitted to the database after calculating resolution of PFGE using Dice percentage of difference between the closest PFGE bands in length.E. coliandSalmonella entericatest subjects were compared to 489 and 401 DMs respectively. The three data sets returned were analyzed.

Results and conclusions

according to modified PFGE evaluation criteria; a single DM is possibly related toE. colitest subject. It belonged to the same serovar. No epidemiologically related DM was shown forS. entericatest subject. Conclusions mentioned earlier could never be made ignoring co-migration. Standardization of both; suggested image analysis and database algorithms will deepen our understanding of bacterial epidemiology by means of possible qualitative approach built upon identification of fragment sequences and their locations within chromosomes.
In vitro rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by visible light photocatalysis using boron-doped bismuth oxybromide
Authors: Ling Li , Carletti Tea , Cheng Zihang , Wang Ruixuan , Ren Yanxiao , Westerhoff Paul , Shang Chii , Marcello Alessandro , Chen Shuyu
Published: March 2021

Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and on surfaces is critical to prevent the fecal-oral and fomite transmission, respectively. We hypothesized that visible light active photocatalysts could dramatically enhance the rate or extent of virus inactivation and enable the use of visible light rather than shorter wavelength ultraviolet light. A novel visible light active photocatalyst, boron-doped bismuth oxybromide (B-BiOBr), was synthesized and tested for its SARS-CoV-2 inactivation towards Vero E6 cell lines in dark and under irradiation at 426 nm by a light emitting diode (LED) in water. SARS-CoV-2 inactivation in the presence of B-BiOBr (0.8 g/L) under LED irradiation reached 5.32-log in 5 min, which was 400 to 10,000 times higher than those achieved with conventional photocatalysts of tungsten or titanium oxide nanomaterials, respectively. Even without LED irradiation, B-BiOBr inactivated 3.32-log of SARS-CoV-2 in the dark due to the ability of bismuth ions interfering with the SARS-CoV-2 helicase function. LED irradiation at 426 nm alone, without the photocatalyst, contributed to 10% of the observed inactivation and was attributed to production of reactive oxygen species due to blue-light photoexcitation of molecules in the culture media, which opens further modes of action to engineer disinfection strategies. The visible light active B-BiOBr photocatalyst, with its rapid SARS-CoV-2 inactivation in the presence and absence of light, holds tremendous opportunities to build a healthy environment by preventing the fecal-oral and fomite transmission of emerging pathogens.
SARS-CoV-2 variants resist antibody neutralization and broaden host ACE2 usage
Authors: Wang Ruoke , Zhang Qi , Ge Jiwan , Ren Wenlin , Zhang Rui , Lan Jun , Ju Bin , Su Bin , Yu Fengting , Chen Peng , Liao Huiyu , Feng Yingmei , Li Xuemei , Shi Xuanling , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Fujie , Ding Qiang , Zhang Tong , Wang Xinquan , Zhang Linqi
Published: March 2021

New SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge from the current global pandemic, some of which can replicate faster and with greater transmissibility and pathogenicity. In particular, UK501Y.V1 identified in UK, SA501Y.V2 in South Africa, and BR501Y.V3 in Brazil are raising serious concerns as they spread quickly and contain spike protein mutations that may facilitate escape from current antibody therapies and vaccine protection. Here, we constructed a panel of 28 SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses bearing single or combined mutations found in the spike protein of these three variants, as well as additional nine mutations that within or close by the major antigenic sites in the spike protein identified in the GISAID database. These pseudoviruses were tested against a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including some approved for emergency use to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, and convalescent patient plasma collected early in the pandemic. SA501Y.V2 pseudovirus was the most resistant, in magnitude and breadth, against mAbs and convalescent plasma, followed by BR501Y.V3, and then UK501Y.V1. This resistance hierarchy corresponds with Y144del and 242-244del mutations in the N-terminal domain as well as K417N/T, E484K and N501Y mutations in the receptor binding domain (RBD). Crystal structural analysis of RBD carrying triple K417N-E484K-N501Y mutations found in SA501Y.V2 bound with mAb P2C-1F11 revealed a molecular basis for antibody neutralization and escape. SA501Y.V2 and BR501Y.V3 also acquired substantial ability to use mouse and mink ACE2 for entry. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate major antigenic shifts and potentially broadening the host range of SA501Y.V2 and BR501Y.V3, which pose serious challenges to our current antibody therapies and vaccine protection.
A comprehensive computational investigation into the conserved virulent proteins ofShigellasp unveils potential siRNA candidates as a new therapeutic strategy against shigellosis
Authors: Palit Parag , Chowdhury Farhana Tasnim , Baruah Namrata , Sarkar Bonoshree , Mou Sadia Noor , Kamal Mehnaz , Siddiqua Towfida Jahan , Noor Zannatun , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: March 2021

Shigellasp account for the second-leading cause of deaths due to diarrheal diseases among children of less than 5 years of age. Emergence of multi-drug resistantShigellaisolates and the lack of availability ofShigellavaccines have made the efforts in the development of new therapeutic strategies against shigellosis very pertinent. In our study we have analyzed a total of 241 conserved sequences from a 15 different conserved virulence genes ofShigellasp and through extensive rational validation using a plethora of computational algorithms; we primarily obtained fifty eight small-interfering RNA (siRNA) candidates. Further extensive computational validation showed only three siRNA candidates that were found to exhibit substantial functional efficacy, be non-immunogenic and have a thermodynamically stable and sterically feasible and thereby acceptable tertiary structure. These siRNA candidates are intended to suppress the expression of the virulence genes, namely: IpgD (siRNA 9) and OspB (siRNA 15 and siRNA 17) and thus act as a prospective tool in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. However, the findings of our study require further wet lab validation and optimization for regular therapeutic use in the treatment of shigellosis.
Electrophysiological signatures of hierarchical learning
Authors: Liu Meng , Dong Wenshan , Qin Shaozheng , Verguts Tom , Chen Qi
Published: March 2021

Human perception and learning is thought to rely on a hierarchical generative model that is continuously updated via precision-weighted prediction errors (pwPEs). However, the neural basis of such cognitive process and how it unfolds during decision making, remain poorly understood. To investigate this question, we combined a hierarchical Bayesian model (i.e., Hierarchical Gaussian Filter, HGF) with electrophysiological (EEG) recording, while participants performed a probabilistic reversal learning task in alternatingly stable and volatile environments. Behaviorally, the HGF fitted significantly better than two control, non-hierarchical, models. Neurally, low-level and high-level pwPEs were independently encoded by the P300 component. Low-level pwPEs were reflected in the theta (4-8 Hz) frequency band, but high-level pwPEs were not. Furthermore, the expressions of high-level pwPEs were stronger for participants with better HGF fit. These results indicate that the brain employs hierarchical learning, and encodes both low- and high-level learning signals separately and adaptively.
Genome features of common vetch (Vicia sativa) in natural habitats
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Kosugi Shunichi , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Ghelfi Andrea , Okazaki Koei , Toyoda Atsushi , Hirakawa Hideki , Isobe Sachiko
Published: March 2021

Wild plants are often tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses in their natural environments, whereas domesticated plants such as crops frequently lack such resilience. This difference is thought to be due to the high levels of genome heterozygosity in wild plant populations and the low levels of heterozygosity in domesticated crop species. In this study, common vetch (Vicia sativa) was used as a model to examine this hypothesis. The common vetch genome (2n = 14) was estimated as 1.8 Gb in size. Genome sequencing produced a reference assembly that spanned 1.5 Gb, from which 31,146 genes were predicted. Using this sequence as a reference, 24,118 single nucleotide polymorphisms were discovered in 1,243 plants from 12 natural common vetch populations in Japan. Common vetch genomes exhibited high heterozygosity at the population level, with lower levels of heterozygosity observed at specific genome regions. Such patterns of heterozygosity are thought to be essential for adaptation to different environments. These findings suggest that high heterozygosity at the population level would be required for wild plants to survive under natural conditions while allowing important gene loci to be fixed to adapt the conditions. The resources generated in this study will provide insights intode novodomestication of wild plants and agricultural enhancement.

Highlight

Sequence analysis of the common vetch(Vicia sativa)genome and SNP genotyping across natural populations revealed nucleotide diversity levels associated with native population environments.
A neural progenitor mitotic wave is required for asynchronous axon outgrowth and morphology
Authors: Lacoste Jérôme , Soula Hédi , Burg Angélique , Audibert Agnès , Darnat Pénélope , Gho Michel , Louvet-Vallée Sophie
Published: March 2021

Spatiotemporal mechanisms generating neural diversity are fundamental for understanding neural processes. Here, we investigated how neural diversity arises from neurons coming from identical progenitors. In the dorsal thorax ofDrosophila, rows of mechanosensory organs originate from the division of sensory organ progenitor (SOPs). We show that in each row of the notum, a central SOP divides first, then neighboring SOPs divide, and so on. This centrifugal wave of mitoses depends on cell-cell inhibitory interactions mediated by SOP cytoplasmic protrusions and Scabrous, a secreted protein interacting with the Delta/Notch complex. Furthermore, when the mitotic wave was abolished, axonal growth was more synchronous, axonal terminals had a complex branching pattern and fly behavior was impaired. We show that the temporal order of progenitor divisions influences the birth order of sensory neurons, axon branching and impact on grooming behavior. These data support the idea that developmental timing controls axon wiring neural diversity.
Self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bao Zheshi , Shang Bo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Although many studies show that self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms are positively and significant correlated, others reveal some different findings. To clarify this line of research, this study further investigates the effect of self-efficacy on continuance intention and meanwhile examines some moderating variables in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis method was employed to examine the literature containing quantitative measurements of both self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms. A total of 31 effects sizes (N = 9,084) were reviewed.

Findings

The results indicate medium-sized positive correlation between self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms. Further moderation analysis shows that such medium-sized link differed across measures of Web 2.0 platform types, target respondent differences and gender of participants. Specifically, this correlation is largest for transaction-socialization platforms and smallest for experience-socialization platforms. For university-student respondents, the role of self-efficacy in affecting continuance intention is less important than general members of Web 2.0 platforms. Finally, as the percentage of female participants increases, a weaker effect size will be observed.

Originality/value

This study clarifies empirical research regarding users' self-efficacy and their continuance intention. Meanwhile, sources of inter-study variability have been identified by addressing moderator variables in the relationship between self-efficacy and continuance intention of Web 2.0 platforms, which provides directions for future explorations in this area.
Gender equality and the business case in horse racing
Authors: Manfredi Simonetta , Clayton-Hathway Kate
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the findings and outcomes from research undertaken in 2016 on diversity in British horse racing. The last decade has seen increasing focus on improving gender balance in senior roles in most sectors. Motivation for change within horse racing came from women at a senior level, who identified that the industry was behind in this respect. This work offers a case study to consider, with a business case context, whether an initiative, driven from the top, can open up a conversation about inequality and precipitate change that benefits women across a whole sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research took an action research approach using a survey alongside key stakeholder interviews.

Findings

The findings showed a diverse industry with complex career paths. Growing numbers of women have entered the sector, though this was often not reflected in women's seniority or in perceptions about their capabilities. Issues identified included the importance of mentoring, networking and career advice for women's progression, which are needed to navigate myriad career paths and male-dominated structures. The paper argues that investigating equality issues from a perspective of those in leadership roles can lead to pragmatic initiatives supporting women at all levels.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is that it focuses on work which, for the first time, explored women's career participation in the horse racing industry. It challenges existing critiques of using a business case to promote gender equality.
Systematic literature review of food waste in educational institutions: setting the research agenda
Authors: Kaur Puneet , Dhir Amandeep , Talwar Shalini , Alrasheedy Melfi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In the recent past, academic researchers have noted the quantity of food wasted in food service establishments in educational institutions. However, more granular inputs are required to counter the challenge posed. The purpose of this study is to undertake a review of the prior literature in the area to provide a platform for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Towards this end, the authors used a robust search protocol to identify 88 congruent studies to review and critically synthesize. The research profiling of the selected studies revealed limited studies conducted on food service establishments in universities. The research is also less dispersed geographically, remaining largely focused on the USA. Thereafter, the authors performed content analysis to identify seven themes around which the findings of prior studies were organized.

Findings

The key themes of the reviewed studies are the drivers of food waste, quantitative assessment of food waste, assessment of the behavioural aspects of food waste, operational strategies for reducing food waste, interventions for inducing behavioural changes to mitigate food waste, food diversion and food waste disposal processes and barriers to the implementation of food waste reduction strategies.

Research limitations/implications

This study has key theoretical and practical implications. From the perspective of research, the study revealed various gaps in the extant findings and suggested potential areas that can be examined by academic researchers from the perspective of the hospitality sector. From the perspective of practice, the study recommended actionable strategies to help managers mitigate food waste.

Originality/value

The authors have made a novel contribution to the research on food waste reduction by identifying theme-based research gaps, suggesting potential research questions and proposing a framework based on the open-systems approach to set the future research agenda.
Performance measurement in smart city governance: a case study of an Egyptian city council
Authors: Alsaid Loai Ali Zeenalabden Ali
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study seeks to explore the powerful role(s) of institutionalised performance measurement systems or metrics in smart city governance in a politically and militarily sensitive developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extends the application and contribution of a multi-level institutional framework to previous management accounting literature on the potential relationship between performance measurement and smart city governance. The value of utilising a multi-level framework is to broaden and deepen theoretical analyses about this relationship to include the effect of political pressure from the military regime at the macro level on the institutionalisation of a performance measurement system at the micro-organisational level. Taking the New Cairo city council smart electricity networks project (Egypt) as an interpretive qualitative single-case study, data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations and documentary readings.

Findings

Performance measurement systems or metrics, especially in politically and militarily sensitive smart cities, constitutes a process of cascading (macro-micro) institutionalisation that is closely linked to sustainable developments taking place in the wider arena of urban policies. Going a step further, accounting-based performance metrics, arising from political and military pressures towards public-private collaborations, contribute to smart city management and accountability (governance). Institutionalised measurement systems or performance metrics play a powerful accounting role(s) in shaping and reshaping political decisions and military actions in the city council.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study goes beyond the cascading institutionalisation process by arguing for the powerful role(s) of institutionalised accounting and performance measurement systems in smart city decision-making and governance. Empirically, it enriches previous literature with a case study of a developing Arab Spring country, characterised by an emerging economy, political sensitivity and military engagement, rather than developed and more stable countries that have been thoroughly investigated. It is also among the first politically engaged accounting case studies to highlight public-private collaborations as a recent reform in public sector governance and accountability.
ViewpointRuminations on peer review in the time of social change
Authors: Dali Keren
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This viewpoint article looks at several approaches to peer review that become detrimental to the scholarly process and disadvantage diverse voices in the scholarly conversation.

Design/methodology/approach

As a viewpoint article, the piece relies on published research and the author's personal experience as an author and a journal editor.

Findings

The article focuses on the manuscript structure; manuscript length expectations; and several immediately obvious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the scholarly communication process.

Originality/value

The article addresses the aforementioned aspects of peer review with a goal of contemplating their cumulative impact on the state of diversity in scholarly communication and suggests possible ways of rethinking the situation.
Institutional reforms, control of corruption, and diaspora entrepreneurship: insights and perspectives on America's poorest economy
Authors: Mombeuil Claudel , Fotiadis Anestis K. , Aimable Withz
Published: March 2021

Purpose

While diaspora entrepreneurs remain important sources of capital and innovation, many developing countries are facing serious challenges to tap into these sources because of their weak institutional settings and the endemic and systemic corruption. To this end, this study explores how institutional reforms and control of corruption can influence diaspora entrepreneurship. This study also seeks to provide perspectives on how diaspora entrepreneurs can influence institutional reforms and market policies.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet these objectives, qualitative and interpretive research approaches were employed.

Findings

Using responses collected from Haitian diaspora entrepreneurs living in the USA, this paper highlights different attributes of institutional reforms and control of corruption that can influence diaspora entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Based on these insights, this paper argues that Haitian diaspora entrepreneurs need to play a proactive role as policy entrepreneurs by supporting competent and well-intention political leaders to gain office and by joining forces with local actors to advocate for institutional reforms, market reforms and control of corruption in order to be able to exploit market opportunities. In this respect, further perspectives for diaspora entrepreneurship, limitations and consideration for future research are highlighted.

Originality/value

By collecting insights on institutional reform and diaspora entrepreneurship from diaspora entrepreneurs, this paper makes important contribution to the entrepreneurship literature.
Antecedents of online word-of-mouth reviews on hotels
Authors: Moliner-Velázquez Beatriz , Fuentes-Blasco Maria , Gil-Saura Irene
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The word-of-mouth comments considered as the evaluation of a purchase experience have been widely discussed in the literature. Nevertheless, the study of online reviews pre-purchase stage remains limited. The purpose of this study is to analyze the variables that support word-of-mouth adoption in the choice of the hotel, from the receiver perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was collected by face-to-face survey to 393 guests from 32 hotels in two Spanish cities. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results confirm the significant and indirect effects of the motivations for conducting reviews on online word-of-mouth adoption. Specifically, the significant relationship chain of convenience and risk reduction motivations, intention to consult online comments, volume of comments exert a significant influence on acceptance the suggestions in online reviews and recommendations about the hotels.

Research limitations/implications

The study of these variables advances the literature on online word-of-mouth by analyzing in-depth the antecedents of the purchase decision using technologies. From the practical point of view, the results help hotels managers to improve the way to share information by facilitating access to the accommodation experiences of other consumers.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is mainly found in the study of how consumers modify their behavior using online word-of-mouth reviews. From the receiver perspective, consumer motivations, word-of-mouth volume and intention to consult serve as antecedents of purchase decision.
Ecosystems in support of social entrepreneurs: a literature review
Authors: Diaz Gonzalez Abel , Dentchev Nikolay A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Social entrepreneurs (SEs) often face various challenges whereby they rely on the support of others to realize their objectives. In this context, ecosystem thinking is very helpful to understand how various stakeholders can assist SEs. The purpose of this paper is to develop a classification of the different types of support that third parties can provide to SEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have developed the arguments in this paper based on a literature review of 258 articles on ecosystem thinking and social entrepreneurship. Articles have been retrieved from the Web of Science database, using as search parameters on the one hand publications in top journals, and on the other articles with more than 60 citations. In addition, the authors have received recommendations for relevant good-quality articles following a snowball procedure.

Findings

This paper contributes by distinguishing three support categories for SEs – fuel, hardware and DNA – based on what we know from ecosystem thinking. This paper elaborates on the building blocks of each support category, points at the relevant actors and discusses the interrelatedness across support categories.

Research limitations/implications

The three support categories are developed by building on predominantly ecosystem literature. This study implies that the scalability of SEs’ social impact does not only depend on their strengths but also on how well they are supported.

Practical implications

The three support categories are complementary to the strengths of individual SEs. SEs can therefore start with what they have, and then gradually expand their support structure by surrounding themselves with stakeholders that can assist them with fuel, infrastructure and DNA.

Originality/value

Social enterprise theories have elaborated on the various challenges that SEs face. Lack of resources, lack of staff, lack of professional management, underdeveloped networks and mission drift are seen as the most pressing. Although the relevant literature does rightly point out the indispensable support of others, it does so without differentiating between the kinds of support that can help SEs increase their social impact. This paper offers to remedy this by creating three separate support categories: fuel, hardware and DNA.
Small and medium enterprises' credit access, ownership structure and job development
Authors: Tran Quan , Doan Anh‐Tuan , Tran Thao
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the effects of credit access on the job development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across 15 developing Asian countries over the period from 2007 to 2016. We also examine how ownership structure affects the linkage between credit access and job development. We find evidence that increased access to finance tends to improve the job development of SMEs. In addition, the results suggest that an increase in the domestic private and foreign ownership of SMEs improves the positive impacts of access to finance on employment growth, whereas government ownership does not impact firms' job development. The results are robust to using the system generalised method of moments (GMM) as the estimation technique to alleviate concerns about dynamic panel bias and endogeneity. Our findings highlight the impacts of firm financing and ownership on job growth and are relevant to policymakers who are considering additional regulations to enhance employment in developing countries.
Transcriptional profiling of MED Bemisia tabaci exposed to thermal stress and verification of HSP70 expression
Authors: Bai Jing , Liu Xiao‐Na , Lu Ming‐Xing , Du Yu‐Zhou
Published: March 2021

Temperature changes impact agricultural production and also influence the behavior and community structure of many insect species. Bemisia tabaci, is an invasive and destructive pest with at least 44 cryptic species and occurring in over 100 countries and regions. In this study, transcriptional profiling was used to evaluate the response of the Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species B. tabaci exposed to cold and hot temperature stress. In response to cold stress, 3,024 unigenes were differentially expressed and mapped to 39 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathways. A total of 4,437 unigenes were differentially expressed during heat stress, and these represented 18 KEGG enrichment pathways. Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to determine the relative expression level of the 11 HSP70 fragments; these were significantly up‐regulated during high temperature stress relative to the control group that was maintained at 26°C. In conclusion, the transcriptome data indicated that B. tabaci responds to thermal stress via multiple genes and networks. Furthermore, HSP70 plays an important role in stress tolerance of the MED B. tabaci, especially during heat stress.
Development of weaning food with prebiotic effects based on roasted or extruded quinoa and millet flour
Authors: Dong Gui‐mei , Dong Ji‐lin , Zhu Ying‐ying , Shen Rui‐ling , Qu Ling‐bo
Published: March 2021

Weaning is the gradual process of introducing solids or semisolid foods into an infant's diet, in order to ensure their healthy growth. This study developed two kinds of formula weaning food based on roasted or extruded quinoa and millet flour, and evaluated their quality. A fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS)/galacto‐oligosaccharide (GOS) mix was added to provide the prebiotic potential. The protein contents of the roasted quinoa‐millet complementary food (RQMCF) and extruded quinoa‐millet complementary food (EQMCF) were 16.7% and 17.74% higher, respectively, than that of commercial millet complementary food (CMCF). Both RQMCF and EQMCF provided sufficient levels of energy and minerals. Extrusion provided the foods with a lower viscosity, and higher solubility and water absorption ability than roasting. In vitro digestion results showed that EQMCF exhibited the highest starch and protein digestibility (89.76% and 88.72%, respectively) followed by RQMCF (87.75% and 86.63%) and CMCF (83.35% and 81.54%). The digestas of RQMCF and EQMCF after in vitro digestion exhibited prebiotic effects by promoting the growth of the probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii). These results will contribute to developing complementary weaning foods for infants.

Practical Application

This study has shown that extrusion is an efficient and stable processing method for producing infant complementary foods with low density, balanced nutrition, and high levels of starch and protein digestibility. Extruded quinoa‐millet prebiotic complementary food can also promote the proliferation of probiotics. This will provide a new direction for developing novel infant formula weaning foods.
Subxifoid versus transthoracic thoracoscopic lobectomy: Results of a retrospective analysis before and after matching analysis
Authors: Andreetti Claudio , Peritore Valentina , Ibrahim Mohsen , Gagliardi Antonio , Argento Giacomo , Maurizi Giulio , Teodonio Leonardo , Serra Nicola , Rendina Erino Angelo , Santini Mario , Fiorelli Alfonso
Published: March 2021

Background

Here, we report our initial experience with subxifoid video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SVATS) lobectomy for the management of primary lung cancer, and compared the outcomes of SVATS with those of conventional transthoracic VATS (CVATS) lobectomies to validate its feasibility and usefulness.

Methods

The clinical data of consecutive patients undergoing VATS lobectomy via SVATS or CVATS for lung cancer were retrospectively compared. The endpoints were to evaluate the statistical differences in surgical results, postoperative pain (measured with visual analog scale [VAS] scores at 8 hours, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, at discharge, one month and three months after surgery) and paresthesia (measured at one‐ month, and three months after surgery). The two groups were compared before and after matching analysis.

Results

Our study population included 223 patients: 84 in the SVATS and 139 in the CVATS group. The two groups were not comparable for sex (P = 0.001), preoperative comorbidity as cardiopathy (P = 0.007), BMI value (P = 0.003), left‐sided procedure (P = 0.04), tumor stage (P = 0.04), and tumor size (P = 0.002). These differences were overcome by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis that yielded two well‐matched groups which included 61 patients in each group. Surgical outcomes including blood loss, hospital stay and complications were similar before and after matching analysis, but SVATS compared to CVATS was associated with longer operative time before (159 ± 13 vs. 126 ± 6.3, P < 0.0001), and after matching analysis (161 ± 23 vs. 119 ± 8.3; P < 0.0001) and significant reduction of postoperative pain during the different time‐points (P < 0.001), and paresthesia at one (P = 0.001), and three months (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

SVATS lobectomy is a feasible and safe strategy with surgical outcomes similar to CVATS lobectomy but with less postoperative pain and paresthesia.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Subxifoid thoracoscopic lobectomy is a feasible and safe procedure, with potential benefits in terms of postoperative pain and paresthesia compared to conventional thoracoscopic lobectomy

Our results showed that surgical outcomes including blood loss, hospital stay, morbidity and mortality are similar but subxifoid thoracoscopy was associated with significant reduction of postoperative pain and paresthesia.

What this study adds

Subxifoid thoracoscopy is a safe procedure; compared to conventional transthoracic thoracoscopy, it avoids intercostal incisions, and spares nerve trauma, resulting in a reduction of postoperative pain and paresthesia.
Does the content and source credibility of health and risk messages related to nicotine vaping products have an impact on harm perception and behavioural intentions? A systematic review
Authors: Erku Daniel A. , Bauld Linda , Dawkins Lynne , Gartner Coral E. , Steadman Kathryn J. , Noar Seth M. , Shrestha Shakti , Morphett Kylie
Published: March 2021

Aims

To systematically review the literature on (i) whether and how various risk messages about nicotine vaping products (NVPs) alter harm perception and behavioural intentions of smokers and non‐smokers and (ii) how trust in sources of NVP risk communication affects message reception and behavioural intentions.

Methods

Seven electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for articles published up to April 2020. Experimental and quasi‐experimental studies on message effects and cross‐sectional studies on source credibility were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Evidence Project Risk of Bias Tool were used to assess the quality of observational and intervention studies, respectively. For each outcome variable, we indicated whether there was an effect (as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’) and used effect direction plots to display information on the direction of effects.

Results

Nicotine addiction messages resulted in greater health and addiction risk perceptions, relative risk messages comparing the health risks of NVPs to cigarette smoking increased the perception that NVPs are less harmful than combustible cigarettes, and a nicotine fact sheet corrected misperceptions of nicotine and NVPs. Smokers’ intention to purchase, try or switch to NVPs was higher when exposed to a relative risk message and lower when exposed to nicotine addiction warnings. Trust in NVP risk information from public health agencies was associated with lower odds of; (i) NVP use and (ii) perceiving NVPs as less harmful, whereas those who trusted information from NVP companies were more likely to perceive NVPs as less harmful than combustible cigarettes.

Conclusions

Relative risk messages may help improve the accuracy of harm perceptions of nicotine vaping products and increase smokers’ intentions to quit smoking and/or to switch to vaping, although the literature is nascent.
Extract and molecular‐based early infant sensitization and associated factors—A PreventADALL study
Authors: Tedner Sandra G. , Söderhäll Cilla , Konradsen Jon R. , Bains Karen E. S. , Borres Magnus P. , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Carlsen Karin C. L. , Färdig Martin , Gerdin Sabina W. , Gudmundsdóttir Hrefna K. , Haugen Guttorm , Hedlin Gunilla , Jonassen Christine M. , Kreyberg Ina , Mägi Caroline‐Aleksi O. , Nordhagen Live S. , Rehbinder Eva M. , Rudi Knut , Skjerven Håvard O. , Staff Anne C. , Vettukattil Riyas , van Hage Marianne , Nordlund Björn , Asarnoj Anna
Published: March 2021

Background

More knowledge about sensitization patterns in early infancy, including impact of molecular allergology, is needed to help predict future allergy development more accurately.

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of allergic sensitization at 3 months of age, and explore possible associated factors.

Methods

From the Scandinavian antenatally recruited PreventADALL mother–child cohort, we included 1110 3‐month infants with available serum. Sensitization was defined as s‐IgE of ≥0.1 kUA/L by Phadiatop Infant® (ThermoFisher Scientific) including birch, cat, grass, dog, milk, egg, peanut and wheat. Further ImmunoCAP analyses to ovomucoid, casein, Ara h 1‐3, omega‐5‐gliadin were performed in food extract s‐IgE‐positive children. Maternal sensitization was defined as s‐IgE ≥ 0.35 kUA/L to Phadiatop® (inhalant allergen mix) and/or Fx5 (food allergen mix) at 18‐week pregnancy.

Results

Overall 79 (7.3%) infants had specific sensitization, many with low s‐IgE‐levels (IQR 0.16–0.81 kUA/L), with 78 being sensitized to food extract allergens; 41 to egg, 27 to milk, 10 to peanut, and 25 to wheat. A total of 62/78 were further analysed, 18 (29%) had s‐IgE to ovomucoid, casein, Ara h 1‐3 and/or omega‐5‐gliadin. Eight infants (0.7%) were sensitized to inhalant allergens. Maternal sensitization to food allergens was associated with infant sensitization, odds ratio 3.64 (95% CI 1.53–8.68).

Conclusion

Already at 3 months of age, 7% were sensitized to food, mostly without detectable s‐IgE to food allergen molecules, and <1% to inhalant allergens. Maternal food sensitization was associated with infants’ sensitization.
Stereological inference on mean particle shape from vertical sections
Authors: Vedel Jensen Eva B.
Published: March 2021

It was a major breakthrough when design‐based stereological methods for vertical sections were developed by Adrian Baddeley and coworkers in the 1980s. Most importantly, it was shown how to estimate in a design‐based fashion surface area from observations in random vertical sections with uniform position and uniform rotation around the vertical axis. The great practical importance of these developments is due to the fact that some biostructures can only be recognised on vertical sections. Later, local design‐based estimation of mean particle volume from vertical sections was developed. In the present paper, we review these important advances in stereology. Quite recently, vertical sections have gained renewed interest, since it has been shown that mean particle shape can be estimated from such sections. These new developments are also reviewed in the present paper.
Triaging ethical issues in the coronavirus pandemic: how to prioritize bioethics research during public health emergencies
Authors: Shaw David
Published: March 2021

Much of the ethical discourse concerning the coronavirus pandemic has focused on the allocation of scarce resources, be it potentially beneficial new treatments, ventilators, intensive care beds, or oxygen. Somewhat ironically, the more important ethical issues may lie elsewhere, just as the more important medical issues do not concern intensive care or treatment for COVID‐19 patients, but rather the diversion towards these modes of care at the expense of non‐Covid patients and treatment. In this article I explore how ethicists can and should prioritize which ethical issues to deal with, and develop a method of triage for identification and prioritization of ethical issues both in the next public health emergency and in bioethics more widely.