bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors and Long-Term Impact of De Novo Aortic Regurgitation in Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices Using Vena Contracta
Authors: Park Jeong Rang , Brady Peter A. , Clavell Alfredo L. , Maleszewski Joseph J. , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Pislaru Sorin V. , Stulak John M. , Lin Grace
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the optimal echocardiographic measurement of aortic regurgitation (AR) in continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and determine risk factors and clinical implications of de novo AR. Echocardiographic images from consecutive patients who underwent LVAD implantation from February 2007 to March 2017 were reviewed. Severity of de novo AR was determined by vena contracta (VC). Preimplant clinical characteristics, LVAD settings at discharge, and outcomes including heart failure hospitalizations, all-cause mortality, and ventricular arrhythmias of patients with greater than or equal to moderate de novo AR were compared with those with mild or no AR. Among 219 patients, greater than or equal to moderate de novo AR occurred in 65 (29.7%). Left ventricular assist devices support duration was longer with greater than or equal to moderate AR than no or mild AR. In multivariable analysis, preimplant trivial AR and persistent aortic valve (AV) closure were independently associated with de novo AR. By time-varying covariate analysis, survival and freedom from cardiovascular events in greater than or equal to moderate AR were significantly worse (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.947, p < 0.001 and HR = 4.666, p < 0.001). In conclusion, de novo greater than or equal to moderate AR measured by VC increases risk of adverse events. Longer LVAD support duration, preimplant trivial AR, and a closed AV are associated with occurrence of greater than or equal to moderate de novo AR.
Examining Wage Disparities by Race and Ethnicity of Health Care Workers
Authors: Frogner Bianca K. , Schwartz Malaika
Published: September 2021

Background:

Prior studies demonstrated that wage disparities exist across race and ethnicity within selected health care occupations. Wage disparities may negatively affect the industry’s ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce throughout the career ladder.

Objective:

To determine whether wage disparities by race and ethnicity persist across health care occupations and whether disparities vary across the skill spectrum.

Research Design:

Retrospective analysis of 2011–2018 data from the Current Population Survey using Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition regression methods to identify sources of variation in wage disparities. Separate models were run for 9 health care occupations.

Subjects:

Employed individuals 18 and older working in health care occupations, categorized by race/ethnicity.

Measures:

Annual wages were predicted as a function of race/ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, having a child under 5 in the household, living in a metro area, highest education attained, and usual hours worked.

Results:

Non-Hispanics consistently made more than Hispanic licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), aides/assistants, technicians, and community-based workers. Asian/Pacific Islanders consistently made more than Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Multiracial individuals across occupations except physicians, advanced practitioners, or therapists. Asian/Pacific Islanders only made significantly less when compared with White physicians, but more than White advanced practitioners, registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, and aides/assistants. Based on observed attributes, Black registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, and aides/assistants were predicted to make more than their White peers, but unexplained variation negated these gains.

Conclusions:

Many wage gaps remained unexplained based on measured factors warranting further study. Addressing wage disparities is critical to advance in careers and reduce job turnover.
Massilia puerhi sp. nov., isolated from soil of Pu-erh tea cellar
Authors: Yang Ruijuan , Zhou De , Wang Qiaomei , Peng Wenshu , Gong Wanying , Zhao Miaomiao , Ji Aibing , Wang Xuanjun , Yan Liang , Lv Jie , Sheng Jun
Published: September 2021

A Gram-reaction-negative, yellow-pigmented, non-spore-forming rod, aerobic, motile bacterium, designated SJY3T, was isolated from soil samples collected from a Pu-erh tea cellar in Bolian Pu-erh tea estate Co. Ltd. in Pu'er city, Yunnan, south-west China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belonged to the genus

Massilia

. The closest phylogenetic relative was

Massilia arenae

CICC 24458T (99.5 %), followed by

M. timonae

CCUG45783T (97.9 %),

M. oculi

CCUG43427AT (97.8 %), and

M. aurea

DSM 18055T (97.8 %). The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-8 and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 5.97 M bp and a G+C content of 65.4 mol%. Pairwise determined whole genome average nucleotide identity (gANI) values and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were all below the threshold. Although the 16S rRNA gene similarity of stain SJY3T and

Massilia arenae

CICC 24458T was more than 99 %, the gANI, dDDH values and genomic tree clearly indicated that they were not of the same species. In summary, strain SJY3T represents a new species, for which we propose the name Massilia puerhi sp. nov. with the type strain SJY3T (=CGMCC 1.17158T=KCTC 82193T).
Gene-gene relationships in an Escherichia coli accessory genome are linked to function and mobility
Authors: Hall Rebecca J. , Whelan Fiona J. , Cummins Elizabeth A. , Connor Christopher , McNally Alan , McInerney James O.
Published: September 2021

The pangenome contains all genes encoded by a species, with the core genome present in all strains and the accessory genome in only a subset. Coincident gene relationships are expected within the accessory genome, where the presence or absence of one gene is influenced by the presence or absence of another. Here, we analysed the accessory genome of an

Escherichia coli

pangenome consisting of 400 genomes from 20 sequence types to identify genes that display significant co-occurrence or avoidance patterns with one another. We present a complex network of genes that are either found together or that avoid one another more often than would be expected by chance, and show that these relationships vary by lineage. We demonstrate that genes co-occur by function, and that several highly connected gene relationships are linked to mobile genetic elements. We find that genes are more likely to co-occur with, rather than avoid, another gene in the accessory genome. This work furthers our understanding of the dynamic nature of prokaryote pangenomes and implicates both function and mobility as drivers of gene relationships.
In silico, In vitro Screening of Plant Extracts for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity and Evaluation of Their Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity
Authors: Damle Latha , Damle Hrishikesh , Ganju Shiban , Chandrashekar C , Bharath BR
Published: September 2021

Background

In the absence of a specific drug for COVID 19, treatment with plant extracts could be an option worthy of further investigation.

Purpose

To screen the phytochemicals for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 in silico and evaluate their safety and efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Method

The phytochemicals for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 were screened in silico using molecular docking. The hits generated from in silico screening were subjected for extraction, isolation and purification. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of plant extracts of Z. piperitum (ATRI-CoV-E1), W. somnifera (ATRI-CoV-E2), C. inophyllum (ATRI-CoV-E3), A. paniculata (ATRI-CoV-E4), and C. Asiatica (ATRI-CoV-E5). The in vitro safety and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of plant extracts were performed in VeroE6 cells using Remdesivir as positive control. The acute and sub-acute toxicity study was performed in Wistar male and female rats.

Results

The percentage of cell viability for ATRI-COV-E4, ATRI-COV-E5 and ATRI-COV-E2 treated VeroE6 cells were remarkably good on the 24th and 48th hour of treatment. The in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of ATRI-COV-E4, ATRI-COV-E5 and ATRI-COV-E2 were significant for both E gene and N gene. The percentage of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition for ATRI-COV-E4 was better than Remdesivir. For E gene and N gene, Remdesivir showed IC50 of 0.15 µM and 0.11 µM respectively, For E gene and N gene, ATRI-CoV-E4 showed IC50 of 1.18 µg and 1.16 µg respectively. Taking the clue from in vitro findings, the plant extracts A. paniculata (ATRI-COV-E4), W. somnifera extract (ATRI-COV-E5) and C. asiatica extract (ATRI-COV-E2) were combined (ATRICOV 452) and evaluated for acute and sub-acute toxicity in Wistar male and female rats. No statistically significant difference in haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were noticed.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro and safety of plant extracts in both in vitro and in vivo experimental conditions.
Off-target expression of Cre-dependent adeno-associated viruses in wild type C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Botterill Justin J. , Khlaifia Abdessattar , Walters Brandon J. , Brimble Mark A. , Scharfman Helen E. , Arruda-Carvalho Maithe
Published: September 2021

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are a commonly used tool in neuroscience to efficiently label, trace, and/or manipulate neuronal populations. Highly specific targeting can be achieved through recombinase-dependent AAVs in combination with transgenic rodent lines that express Cre-recombinase in specific cell types. Visualization of viral expression is typically achieved through fluorescent reporter proteins (e.g., GFP or mCherry) packaged within the AAV genome. Although non-amplified fluorescence is usually sufficient to observe viral expression, immunohistochemical amplification of the fluorescent reporter is routinely used to improve viral visualization. In the present study, Cre-dependent AAVs were injected into the hippocampus and cortex of wild-type C57BL/6J mice. While we observed weak but consistent non-amplified off-target DIO expression in C57BL/6J mice, antibody amplification of the GFP or mCherry reporter revealed extensive Cre-independent viral expression. Off-target expression of DIO constructs in wild-type C57BL/6J mice occurred independent of vendor, AAV serotype or promoter. We also evaluated whether Cre-independent expression had functional effects via Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). The DREADD agonist C21 had no effect on contextual fear conditioning or cFos expression in DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry+ cells of C57BL/6J mice. Taken together, our results indicate that DIO constructs have considerable off-target expression in wild type subjects. Our findings are particularly important for the design of experiments featuring sensitive systems and/or quantitative measurements that could be negatively impacted by off-target expression.

Significance Statement

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are widely used in neuroscience because of their safety and ease of use. Combined with specific promoters, Cre/loxP, and stereotaxic injections, highly specific targeting of cells and circuits within the brain can be achieved. In the present study we injected Cre-dependent AAVs into wild-type C57BL/6J mice and found considerable Cre-independent viral expression of AAVs encoding mCherry, GFP, or hM3Dq following immunohistochemical amplification of the fluorescent reporter protein. Importantly, we observed no functional effects of the Cre-independent expression in the hippocampus, as C21 had no detectable effect on DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry infected neurons in C57BL/6J mice. Given the widespread use of DIO rAAVs by the neuroscience community, our data supports careful consideration when using DIO constructs in control animals.
A CRISPR-Cas assisted shotgun mutagenesis method for evolutionary genome engineering
Authors: Zhao Ming , Gao Miaomiao , Xiong Liangbin , Liu Yongjun , Tao Xinyi , Gao Bei , Liu Min , Wang Feng-Qing , Wei Dongzhi
Published: September 2021

Genome mutagenesis drives the evolution of organisms. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas assisted random mutation (CARM) technology for whole genome mutagenesis. The method leverages an entirely random gRNA library and SpCas9-NG to randomly damage genomes in a controllable shotgun-like manner that then triggers diverse and abundant mutations via low-fidelity repair. As a proof-of-principle, CARM was applied to evolve the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 to produce β-carotene. After seven rounds of iterative evolution over two months, a β-carotene hyper-producing strain, C7-143, was isolated with a 10.5-fold increase in β-carotene production and 857 diverse genomic mutants that comprised indels, duplications, inversions, and chromosomal rearrangements. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the expression of 2,541 genes of strain C7-143 were significantly altered, suggesting that the metabolic landscape of the strain was deeply reconstructed. In addition, CARM was applied to evolve the industrially relevant Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN.PK2-1C, the S-adenosyl-L-methionine production of which was increased to 2.28 times after just one round. Thus, CARM is a user-friendly and practical strategy for genetic remodeling and reverse engineering to investigate complicated organismal metabolism.
Cigarette smoke preferentially induces full length ACE2 exposure in primary human airway cells but does not alter susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Porter Linsey M , Guo Wenrui , Crozier Thomas WM , Greenwood Edward JD , Ortmann Brian , Kottmann Daniel , Nathan James A , Mahadeva Ravindra , Lehner Paul J , McCaughan Frank
Published: September 2021

Cigarette smoking has multiple serious negative health consequences. However, the epidemiological relationship between cigarette smoking and SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial; and the interaction between cigarette smoking, airway expression of the ACE2 receptor and the susceptibility of airway cells to infection is unclear. We exposed differentiated air-liquid interface cultures derived from primary human airway stem cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and infected them with SARS-CoV-2. We found that CSE increased expression of full-length ACE2 (flACE2) but did not alter the expression of a Type I-interferon sensitive truncated ACE2 that lacks the capacity to bind SARS-CoV-2 or a panel of interferon-sensitive genes. Importantly, exposure to CSE did not increase viral infectivity despite the increase in flACE2. Our data are consistent with epidemiological data suggesting current smokers are not at excess risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This does not detract from public health messaging emphasising the excess risk of severe COVID-19 associated with smoking-related cardiopulmonary disease.
A systematic analysis of diet-induced nephroprotection reveals overlapping and conserved changes in cysteine catabolism
Authors: Koehler Felix C. , Fu Chun-Yu , Späth Martin R. , Hoyer-Allo K. Johanna R. , Bohl Katrin , Göbel Heike , Lackmann Jan-Wilm , Grundmann Franziska , Osterholt Thomas , Gloistein Claas , Steiner Joachim D. , Antebi Adam , Benzing Thomas , Schermer Bernhard , Schwarz Günter , Burst Volker , Müller Roman-Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Caloric Restriction (CR) extends lifespan and augments cellular stress-resistance from yeast to primates, making CR an attractive strategy for organ protection in the clinic. Translation of CR to patients is complex, due to problems regarding adherence, feasibility and safety concerns in frail patients. Novel tailored dietary regimens, which modulate the dietary composition of macro- and micronutrients rather than reducing calorie intake promise similar protective effects and increased translatability. However, a direct head-to-head comparison to identify the most potent approach for organ protection as well as overlapping metabolic consequences has not been performed. We systematically analyzed six dietary preconditioning protocols - fasting mimicking diet (FMD), ketogenic diet (KD), dietary restriction of branched chained amino acids (BCAA), two dietary regimens restricting sulfur-containing amino acids (SR80/100) and CR - in a rodent model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) to quantify diet-induced resilience in kidneys. Of the administered diets, FMD, SR80/100 and CR efficiently protect from kidney damage after IRI. Interestingly, these approaches show overlapping changes in oxidative and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-dependent cysteine catabolism as a potential common mechanism of organ protection. Importantly, these metabolic changes can be recapitulated in patients preconditioned by a diet limiting sulfur-containing amino acids indicating conserved diet-induced mechanisms of stress-resistance that may ultimately lead to clinical application.
SARS-CoV-2 triggers DNA damage response in Vero E6 cells
Authors: Victor Joshua , Deutsch Jamie , Whitaker Annalis , Lamkin Erica N. , March Anthony , Zhou Pei , Botten Jason W. , Chatterjee Nimrat
Published: September 2021

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic and has now infected more than 200 million people with more than 4 million deaths globally. Recent data suggest that symptoms and general malaise may continue long after the infection has ended in recovered patients, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection has profound consequences in the host cells. Here we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger a DNA damage response (DDR) in African green monkey kidney cells (Vero E6). We observed a transcriptional upregulation of the Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related protein (ATR) in infected cells. In addition, we observed enhanced phosphorylation of CHK1, a downstream effector of the ATR DNA damage response, as well as H2AX. Strikingly, SARS-CoV-2 infection lowered the expression of TRF2 shelterin-protein complex, and reduced telomere lengths in infected Vero E6 cells. Thus, our observations suggest SARS-CoV-2 may have pathological consequences to host cells beyond evoking an immunopathogenic immune response.
Livestock online marketplace “Pashushala.com”: standardizing unstandardized operating procedures
Authors: Sharma Aasha Jayant , Bhat Shashank
Published: September 2021

Learning outcomes

It enables students to understand and design a business model canvas, design standard operating procedure (SOP) for very unorganized business operations and also devise base pricing for vendor negotiation.

Case overview/synopsis

Mr Gaurav Chaudhary, chief executive officer and Founder of Pashushala.com, established a first-ever Livestock online marketplace in India, leveraging the penetration of internet users in 2019. Pashsuhala.com evolved as an all-inclusive ecosystem that offered an innovative business model by bundling financial aid, logistics, veterinary and insurance solutions to its buyers and sellers. While every other aspect seemed to have had fallen in place, Gaurav was not convinced with the everyday handling of the cattle especially during transportation. Transporting cattle was the most challenging task tempered with issues such as changing weather conditions, stock density, lack of training on handling cattle while loading and unloading, long journey hours, feeding and watering procedures and many more for which Gaurav had to depend on the logistics partners. Gaurav was in a dilemma whether to have his own fleet armed with trained personnel for transporting the cattle or to streamline the existing operating procedures into SOP to be followed by logistics partners. If he continued with logistics partners he also had to work on standard costs i.e. fixed and variable costs incurred during the transportation of livestock. The case deals with business concepts such as supply chain risk management in the livestock sector, SOPs for a very unstructured and unpredictable ecosystem, pricing strategies and business model canvas.

Complexity academic level

Masters in business administration (MBA) and Executive MBA level.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.
Effect of data packet size on the performance of RIP and OSPF routing protocols in hybrid networks
Authors: Jain Neha , Payal Ashish , Jain Aarti
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to calculate the effect of different packet sizes 256, 512, 1,024 and 2,048 bytes on a large-scale hybrid network and analysis and identifies which routing protocol is best for application throughput, application delay and network link parameters for different packet sizes. As the routing protocol is used to select the optimal path to transfer data packets from source to destination. It is always important to consider the performance of the routing protocol before the final network configuration. From the literature, it has been observed that RIP (Routing Information Protocol) and OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) are the most popular routing protocols, and it has always been a challenge to select between these routing protocols, especially for hybrid networks. The efficiency of routing protocol mainly depends on resulting throughput and delay. Also, it has been observed that data packet size also plays an essential role in determining the efficiency of routing protocol.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse the effect of different packet sizes using two routing protocols, routing information protocol (RIP) and open shortest path first (OSPF) on the hybrid network, require detailed planning. Designing the network for simulate and then finally analysing the results requires proper study. Each stage needs to be understood well for work accomplishment. Thus, the network’s simulation and evaluation require implementing the proposed work step by step, saving time and cost. Here, the proposed work methodology is defined in six steps or stages.

Findings

The simulation results show that both routing protocols – RIP and OSPF are equally good in terms of network throughput for all different packet sizes. However, OSPF performs better in terms of network delay than RIP routing protocol in different packet size scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, a fixed network of 125 objects and only RIP and OSPF routing protocol have been used for analysis. Therefore, in the future, a comparison of different network sizes can be considered by increasing or decreasing the number of objects in the proposed network. Furthermore, the other routing protocols can be used for performance evaluation on the same proposed network.

Originality/value

The analysis can be conducted by simulation of the network, enabling us to develop a network environment without restricting the selection of parameters as it minimizes cost, network deployment overhead, human resources, etc. The results are analysed, calculated and compared for each packet size on different routing protocol networks individually and the conclusion is made.
Insider trading in the European Union and in Brazil: a comparison of the essential elements of its definition
Authors: Blachnio-Parzych Anna , de Castro Alexander
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is a comparison of anti-insider trading regulations in the European Union (EU) and in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The subject of the comparison are three key elements that define the shape of the protection against insider trading, namely, the definition of inside information, the definition of insiders and the kinds of behaviours that are forbidden.

Findings

There are both differences and similarities between EU and Brazilian legislations on insider trading. The main discrepancies found in the three foci of the analysis seem to relate strongly to the different rationales for the prohibition of insider trading adopted in the two legal systems. In the EU, market egalitarianism and thus the parity of information, are the central concepts, whereas fiduciary duties originally constituted the point of reference in Brazil, although it has been losing importance over time owing to subsequent changes in the legislation. In sum, while anti-insider trading regulations in the EU have a well-defined identity, in Brazil their policy basis seems to be in the process of redefinition.

Originality/value

As of the time of submission of this study no published academic works dedicated substantially to a comparison of the anti-insider trading legislation of the EU and Brazil could be found.
University libraries provide intellectual property information service in China: theoretical framework and system development
Authors: Ran Congjing , Song Kai , Yang Le
Published: September 2021

Purpose

There is no proposed solution to address the unresolved issues of constructing the Chinese university intellectual property information service system (IPISS) to promote the whole process service efficiency of IP creation, utilization, protection and management. The purpose of this paper is to propose a complete system, including theoretical framework and system development which addresses the existing difficulties to IP create, protect and transfer for researchers in universities. The paper shares the practice of utilizing the system developed by Wuhan University IP research team known as Wuhan University Intellectual Property Information Service System (WHU-IPISS).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the IPISS of 23 universities in China was investigated on the internet. Aiming at the deficiencies of the system, such as single service type, lack of patent display window, low management efficiency. This paper constructs the theoretical framework, proposes the IP ecological chain model, divides it into four sub-chains and carries on the functional design. Further, under the theoretical framework, the IPISS was developed, including the resource supply management system, user demand matching system, resource assessment system and expert support system. Finally, the system was applied to Wuhan University to provide IP services in the whole process for university researchers.

Findings

WHU-IPISS realizes the functions of IP resource supply, demand matching, value evaluation and expert support. It solves the IP needs of university researchers and provides a guarantee for their technology research, patent portfolio, patent transfer and patent rights protection. It also improves the efficiency of IP service and can construct the IP ecosphere in universities.

Originality/value

The WHU-IPISS solution resolves issues of “How to develop the university IP whole process service model, fulfilling the IP service needs for universities' researchers”. The software will be released as open-source for other universities' use. The publishing model is also useful for those universities that intend to implement the IPISS.
Fundraising activities and digitalization: defining risk indicators for evaluating equity crowdfunding campaigns
Authors: Ndou Valentina , Scorrano Paola , Mele Gioconda , Stefanizzi Pasquale
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The wide development of digital platforms permitted the birth of new financing modalities, namely, crowdfunding, where the crowd of individuals and investors can supply the necessary financial resources for venture creation and growth. While the extant literature has focused on analyzing the dynamics and features of crowdfunding campaigns, few studies have focused on understanding how crowd investors decide which ventures to invest in and which factors influence their decision-making process. Due to this gap, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors influencing the choice to invest in an equity crowdfunding campaign, by defining a set of indicators useful to evaluate the risk of the campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical research study of Italian equity crowdfunding campaigns has been conducted to identify quantitative indicators useful for evaluating the risk in a crowdfunding campaign.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that the risk indicators proposed to represent important gauges that investors can usefully consider ex ante to assess the degree of riskiness of the investment in the equity crowdfunding campaign.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study regarding the size of the sample that is small due to the necessity to extract enough information in pre and post-equity campaigns. Also, the lack of historical data is another limitation.

Originality/value

The originality of the studies relies on the proposal of quantitative indicators for the evaluation of the risk in equity crowdfunding campaigns for “crowd” investors to reduce information asymmetries.
Subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction and creativity among R&D employees: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Wang Zhenyuan , Du Jianghong , Tse Herman H.M. , Gu Jun , Meng Hui , Zhao Qiuwen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relative importance of the subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction in predicting research and development (R&D) employee creativity. In addition, the study examines the indirect effects of the subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction on creativity via work engagement and the moderating role of challenge-related work stress in the first stage.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave design was used, in which total rewards satisfaction and challenge-related work stress were measured in the first wave. Work engagement and creativity were measured in the second wave. Dominance analysis and the latent moderated mediation model were used for the data analyses.

Findings

The analyses show that nonfinancial rewards satisfaction completely dominates indirect and direct financial rewards satisfaction when predicting creativity. Indirect financial rewards satisfaction completely dominates direct financial rewards satisfaction when predicting creativity. Work engagement mediates the relationships between the subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction and creativity. Challenge-related work stress moderates the relationships between the subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction and work engagement and the indirect effects of the subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction on creativity via work engagement.

Practical implications

The results imply that managers should set challenge demands for R&D employees and try to improve their total rewards satisfaction, especially their nonfinancial and indirect financial rewards satisfaction, for them to be more creative.

Originality/value

This empirical study contributes to the literature by comparing the relative importance of the different dimensions of total rewards satisfaction in predicting creativity. The study also clarifies how (through work engagement) and when (based on challenge-related work stress) the subdimensions of total rewards satisfaction are positively related to R&D employees' creativity.
The effect of supply chain agility and lean practices on operational performance: a resource-based view and dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Manzoor Umair , Baig Sajjad Ahmad , Hashim Muhammad , Sami Abdul , Rehman Hakeem-Ur , Sajjad Ifrah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In today's global economy, developing supply chain agility (SCA) and lean practices (LP) as resource-based view and dynamic capabilities are essential for firms to sustain their competitive advantage (CA) and enhance their operational performance (OP). The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a framework to investigate how CA is achieved through SCA and LP and how these, in turn, can enhance a firm's OP.

Design/methodology/approach

For data collection, the authors adopted the survey method using self-administered questionnaires. Two-source survey data were collected in two rounds (separated by a two-month lag time) from supply chain managers, operational managers and general managers. The purpose of collecting data in two rounds was to reduce common-method bias. Likert scale (1–5) was used in the questionnaire. Smart PLS 3 and SPSS 23 were used for the data analysis purpose.

Findings

SCA was found to directly and positively affect OP. LP also positively affected OP. In addition, CA fully mediated the relationship between SCA, LP and OP.

Practical implications

This study encourages the managers of manufacturing firms to adapt LP and their supply chains (SCs) to become agile and leverage the advantages of their implementation to improve their OP and succeed in the market.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the effect of SCA and LP on OP. Furthermore, the first study examines CA's mediating impact on the relationship between SCA, LP and OP.
Active representative bureaucracy, homogeneous organizational context, and deviation from official policy among street‐level bureaucrats
Authors: Diab Hadeel , Cohen Nissim
Published: September 2021

Studies of representative bureaucracy have shown how minority groups are often underrepresented in public agencies. They also indicate that the match between the backgrounds of the bureaucrats and their clients has a strong effect on minority groups. Less attention has been devoted to the question of what happens when street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) from a minority group serve clients in organizations all of whose clients belong to the same minority group as the SLBs. How do they behave when the policies they must implement are inconsistent with their collective moral values? What dilemmas do they experience, and how do they address them? We explore these questions using the case of Arab civics teachers in Arab schools in Israel, organizations with a homogeneous work environment of minorities. Our findings contribute to the existing literature by emphasizing the importance of the organizational context. In a homogeneous work environment, it is easier for SLBs to deviate from formal policy. While they must still consider “disobeying costs” imposed by the state, the organizational mixture strengthens the legitimacy among clients, colleagues, and direct managers to deviate from official public policy.
Co‐generated knowledge as a path for establishing research impact
Authors: Gardner Karen , Blackman Deborah , Buick Fiona
Published: September 2021

This paper draws on systems thinking and selected case studies to explore how ‘prac‐ademic’ partnerships can create impact in real‐world settings. The paper argues that knowledge co‐generation partnerships are sub‐systems of the complex systems in which research is being undertaken and that governance arrangements are central to enabling partners to work together more effectively to achieve research impact. Reflecting on two successful knowledge co‐generation case examples, three distinct areas are identified that need to be understood from a systems perspective to enable future success. These are the importance of (1) developing a clear framing and shared purpose; (2) developing flexibility in contracting that enables new deliverables to emerge; and (3) the project team comprising bilingual team members who understand the contextual demands of both academia and practice. These elements will facilitate the co‐generation of knowledge through prac‐ademic partnerships and become a path to creating research impact.
Risk indicators of dental caries among refugee patients attending a public dental service in Victoria
Authors: Marwaha P , Ghanim A , Shankumar R
Published: September 2021

Background

Little is known about the relationship between dental caries prevalence and the social risk factors of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia.

Methods

An oral health interview and a clinical oral examination were carried out on 201 asylum seekers and refugees patients, aged 18–68, attending Monash Health Dental Services, Melbourne, Victoria.

Results

Data illustrated that 82% of participants had at least one tooth with untreated decay. Tooth level analysis revealed that white spot lesions were most prevalent in age groups 18–29 and 30–39, with respective mean values of 4.45 ± 4.95 and 3.49 ± 4.74. Binary logistic regression models identified multiple social factors as a barrier to receiving dental care. These included, but were not limited to; medication intake, consumption of soft drinks and long waiting lists. These social factors in addition to oral health factors, such as white spot and hypomineralization lesions, were significant predisposing factors to the presence of cavitated carious lesions.

Conclusions

Multiple social and oral health risk factors were identified and significantly associated with dental caries among refugee and asylum seeker patients. Addressing these underlying risks is an integral component to reducing the prevalence of dental caries among this population group and improving their overall general and oral health.
Clinical outcomes and the impact of prior oral anticoagulant use in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 admitted to hospitals in the UK — a multicentre observational study
Authors: Arachchillage Deepa J. , Rajakaruna Indika , Odho Zain , Crossette‐Thambiah Christina , Nicolson Phillip L. R. , Roberts Lara N. , Allan Caroline , Lewis Sarah , Riat Renu , Mounter Philip , Lynch Ceri , Langridge Alexander , Oakes Roderick , Aung Nini , Drebes Anja , Dutt Tina , Raheja Priyanka , Delaney Alison , Essex Sarah , Lowe Gillian , Sutton David , Lentaigne Claire , Sayar Zara , Kilner Mari , Everington Tamara , Shapiro Susie , Alikhan Raza , Szydlo Richard , Makris Michael , Laffan Michael
Published: September 2021

Coagulation dysfunction and thrombosis are major complications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Patients on oral anticoagulants (OAC) prior to diagnosis of COVID‐19 may therefore have better outcomes. In this multicentre observational study of 5 883 patients (≥18 years) admitted to 26 UK hospitals between 1 April 2020 and 31 July 2020, overall mortality was 29·2%. Incidences of thrombosis, major bleeding (MB) and multiorgan failure (MOF) were 5·4%, 1·7% and 3·3% respectively. The presence of thrombosis, MB, or MOF was associated with a 1·8, 4·5 or 5·9‐fold increased risk of dying, respectively. Of the 5 883 patients studied, 83·6% (n = 4 920) were not on OAC and 16·4% (n = 963) were taking OAC at the time of admission. There was no difference in mortality between patients on OAC vs no OAC prior to admission when compared in an adjusted multivariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR) 1·05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·93–1·19; P = 0·15] or in an adjusted propensity score analysis (HR 0·92 95% CI 0·58–1·450; P = 0·18). In multivariate and adjusted propensity score analyses, the only significant association of no anticoagulation prior to diagnosis of COVID‐19 was admission to the Intensive‐Care Unit (ICU) (HR 1·98, 95% CI 1·37–2·85). Thrombosis, MB, and MOF were associated with higher mortality. Our results indicate that patients may have benefit from prior OAC use, especially reduced admission to ICU, without any increase in bleeding.
Role of regulatory C‐terminal motifs in synaptic confinement of LRRTM2
Authors: Liouta Konstantina , Chabbert Julia , Benquet Sebastien , Tessier Béatrice , Studer Vincent , Sainlos Matthieu , De Wit Joris , Thoumine Olivier , Chamma Ingrid
Published: September 2021

Leucine Rich Repeat Transmembrane proteins (LRRTMs) are neuronal cell adhesion molecules involved in synapse development and plasticity. LRRTM2 is the most synaptogenic isoform of the family, and its expression is strongly restricted to excitatory synapses in mature neurons. However, the mechanisms by which LRRTM2 is trafficked and stabilized at synapses remain unknown. Here, we examine the role of LRRTM2 intracellular domain on its membrane expression and stabilization at excitatory synapses, using a knock‐down strategy combined to single molecule tracking and super‐resolution dSTORM microscopy. We show that LRRTM2 operates an important shift in mobility after synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons. Knock‐down of LRRTM2 during synapse formation reduced excitatory synapse density in mature neurons. Deletion of LRRTM2 C‐terminal domain abolished the compartmentalization of LRRTM2 in dendrites and disrupted its synaptic enrichment. Furtheremore, we show that LRRTM2 diffusion is increased in the absence of its intracellular domain, and that the protein is more dispersed at synapses. Surprisingly, LRRTM2 confinement at synapses was strongly dependent on a YxxC motif in the C‐terminal domain, but was independent of the PDZ‐like binding motif ECEV. Finally, the nanoscale organization of LRRTM2 at excitatory synapses depended on its C‐terminal domain, with involvement of both the PDZ‐binding and YxxC motifs. Altogether, these results demonstrate that LRRTM2 trafficking and enrichment at excitatory synapses are dependent on its intracellular domain.
Queer and present danger: understanding the disparate impacts of disasters on LGBTQ+ communities
Authors: Goldsmith Leo , Raditz Vanessa , Méndez Michael
Published: September 2021

LGBTQ+ communities comprise 16 million individuals in the United States, yet this population is often rendered invisible within disaster policies. Bias in federal disaster response programmes, a lack of recognition of LGBTQ+ families, and the prevalence of faith‐based organisations in disaster relief services together heighten the risks that LGBTQ+ individuals face. This paper describes the ways in which this reality combines with the contextual vulnerability of LGBTQ+ communities, whereby existing inequalities and marginalisation are exacerbated during disasters and in their aftermath. As a result, the immediate trauma of a disaster, such as physical injury or the loss of loved ones or possessions, is compounded in multiple ways for LGBTQ+ individuals, making them less likely to benefit from disaster relief services. To address these inequalities, the paper concludes with a set of policy recommendations to inform prevention, mitigation, and recovery planning, as well as to reduce the impacts of disasters on LGBTQ+ individuals.
Brain areas affected by intranasal oxytocin show higher oxytocin receptor expression
Authors: Habets Philippe C. , Mclain Christabel , Meijer Onno C.
Published: September 2021

Neuroimaging studies suggest that intranasal oxytocin (IN‐OXT) may modulate emotional and social processes by altering neural activity patterns. The extent of brain penetration after IN‐OXT is unclear, and it is currently unknown whether IN‐OXT can directly bind central oxytocin receptors (OXTRs). We investigated oxytocin pathway gene expression in regions affected by IN‐OXT on task‐based fMRI. We found that OXTR is more highly expressed in affected than unaffected subcortical regions; this effect did not vary by task type or sex. Cortical results revealed higher OXTR expression in regions affected by IN‐OXT in emotional processing tasks and in male‐only data. No significant differences were found in expression of the closely related vasopressin receptors. Our findings suggest that the mechanism by which IN‐OXT may alter brain functionality involves direct activation of central OXTRs.
A sparse coded composite descriptor for human activity recognition
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Dhiman Chhavi , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Makhija Himanshu , Walia Gurjit S.
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a novel algorithm for computing discriminative descriptors named as a sparse coded composite descriptor (SCCD) for robust human activity recognition. The proposed method blends the state‐of‐the‐art handcrafted features and the discriminative nature of the sparse representation of visual information. The human activity is firstly modelled using any handcrafted feature, and then the sparse codes computed on a discriminative sparse dictionary of these features are embedded to provide discrimination in the feature set. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) is trained using the proposed SCCDs to perform classification of different human activities. A new feature named as differential motion descriptor (DMD) is also proposed to extract the motion as well as spatial information from an activity video. The simulation results reveal that in comparison with the handcrafted feature, the corresponding SCCD improves the recognition accuracy significantly. The proposed method is compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods on KTH, Ballet, UCF50, and HMDB51 datasets and the proposed methodology of composite features outperforms these methods in terms of recognition accuracy.
Structural basis of an epitope tagging system derived from Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin I D94N and its monoclonal antibody GD‐26
Authors: Pao Po‐Jung , Hsu Min‐Feng , Chiang Ming‐Hui , Chen Chun‐Ting , Lee Cheng‐Chung , Wang Andrew H.‐J.
Published: September 2021

Specific antibody interactions with short peptides have made epitope tagging systems a vital tool employed in virtually all fields of biological research. Here, we present a novel epitope tagging system comprised of a monoclonal antibody named GD‐26, which recognises the TD peptide (GTGATPADD) derived from Haloarcula marismortui bacteriorhodopsin I (HmBRI) D94N mutant. The crystal structure of the antigen‐binding fragment (Fab) of GD‐26 complexed with the TD peptide was determined to a resolution of 1.45 Å. The TD peptide was found to adopt a 310 helix conformation within the binding cleft, providing a characteristic peptide structure for recognition by GD‐26 Fab. Based on the structure information, polar and nonpolar forces collectively contribute to the strong binding. Attempts to engineer the TD peptide show that the proline residue is crucial for the formation of the 310 helix in order to fit into the binding cleft. Isothermal calorimetry (ITC) reported a dissociation constant KD of 12 ± 2.8 nm, indicating a strong interaction between the TD peptide and GD‐26 Fab. High specificity of GD‐26 IgG to the TD peptide was demonstrated by western blotting, ELISA and immunofluorescence as only TD‐tagged proteins were detected, suggesting the effectiveness of the GD‐26/TD peptide tagging system. In addition to already‐existing epitope tags such as the FLAG tag and the ALFA tag adopting either extended or α‐helix conformations, the unique 310 helix conformation of the TD peptide together with the corresponding monoclonal antibody GD‐26 offers a novel tagging option for research.
Recent advances in the epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children
Authors: Shapiro Warren L. , Noon Sheila L. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2021

Children with obesity are at risk for numerous health problems, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review focuses on progress made in the epidemiology of NAFLD in children for the years 2015–2020. The estimated prevalence of NAFLD in children with obesity is 26%. The incidence of NAFLD in children has risen rapidly over the past decade. An understanding of the reasons for this rise is incomplete, but over the past 5 years, many studies have provided additional insight into the complexity of risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and associated comorbidities. Risk factors for NAFLD are wide‐ranging, including perinatal factors involving both the mother and newborn, as well as environmental toxin exposure. Progress made in the noninvasive assessment will be critical to improving issues related to variability in approach to screening and diagnosis of NAFLD in children. The list of serious comorbidities observed in children with NAFLD continues to grow. Notably, for many of these conditions, such as diabetes and depression, the rates observed have exceeded the rates reported in children with obesity without NAFLD. Recent advancements reviewed show an increased awareness of this problem, while also calling attention to the need for additional research to guide successful efforts at prevention and treatment.