bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urine proteomic characterization of active and recovered COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sun Jianping , Wei Jing , Yu Haibin , Sun Haidan , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yonghong , Shao Chen , Sun Wei , Zhang Jing , Gao Youhe
Published: March 2023

Background

The molecular changes in COVID-19 patients have been reported in many studies. However, there were limited attention has been given to the disease sequelae in the recovered COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Here, we profiled the urine proteome of a cohort of 29 COVID-19 patients in their disease onset and recovery period, including mild, severe, and fatal patients and survivors who recovered from mild or severe symptoms.

Results

The molecular changes in the COVID-19 onset period suggest that viral infections, immune response changes, multiple organ damage, cell injury, coagulation system changes and metabolic changes are associated with COVID-19 progression. The patients who recovered from COVID-19 still exhibited an innate immune response, coagulation system changes and central nervous system changes. We also proposed four potential biomarkers to monitor the whole progression period of COVID-19.

Conclusions

Our findings provide valuable knowledge about the potential molecular pathological changes and biomarkers that can be used to monitor the whole period of COVID-19.
Antagonistic Neural Circuits Drive Opposing Behaviors towards the Young in Females
Authors: Mei Long , Yan Rongzhen , Yin Luping , Sullivan Regina , Lin Dayu
Published: March 2023

In many species, including mice, females show strikingly different pup-directed behaviors based on their reproductive state1,2. Naïve wild female mice often kill pups while lactating females are dedicated to pup caring3,4. The neural mechanisms that mediate infanticide and its switch to maternal behaviors during motherhood remain unclear. Here, based on the hypothesis that maternal and infanticidal behaviors are supported by distinct and competing neural circuits5,6, we used the medial preoptic area (MPOA), a key site for maternal behaviors7–11, as a starting point and identified three MPOA-connected brain regions that drive differential negative pup-directed behaviors. Further functional manipulation andin vivorecording revealed that estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) expressing cells in the principal nucleus of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNSTprEsr1) are necessary, sufficient, and naturally activated during infanticide in female mice. Furthermore, MPOAEsr1and BNSTprEsr1neurons form reciprocal inhibition and change their excitability in opposite directions with reproductive state. The shift in balance between BNSTprEsr1and MPOAEsr1cell activity is likely a key mechanism for the behavioral switch during motherhood.
Reconstituting spore cortex peptidoglycan biosynthesis reveals a deacetylase that catalyzes transamidation
Authors: Tobin Micaela J. , Cho Stephen Y. , Profy William , Ryan Tessa M. , Le Donna H. , Lin Crystal , Yip Elaine Z. , Dorsey Jack L. , Levy Blake R. , Rhodes Jillian D. , Welsh Michael A.
Published: March 2023

Some bacteria survive in nutrient-poor environments and resist killing by antimicrobials by forming spores. The cortex layer of the peptidoglycan cell wall that surrounds mature spores contains a unique modification, muramic-δ-lactam, that is essential for spore germination and outgrowth. Two proteins, the amidase CwlD and the deacetylase PdaA, are required for muramic-δ-lactam synthesis in cells, but their combined ability to generate muramic-δ-lactam has not been directly demonstrated. Here we report an in vitro reconstitution of cortex peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and we show that CwlD and PdaA together are sufficient for muramic-δ-lactam formation. Our method enables characterization of the individual reaction steps, and we show for the first time that PdaA has transamidase activity, catalyzing both the deacetylation ofN-acetylmuramic acid and cyclization of the product to form muramic-δ-lactam. This activity is unique among peptidoglycan deacetylases and is notable because it may involve the direct ligation of a carboxylic acid with a primary amine. Our reconstitution products are nearly identical to the cortex peptidoglycan found in spores, and we expect that they will be useful substrates for future studies of enzymes that act on the spore cortex.
Resolving the developmental mechanisms of coagulation abnormalities characteristic of SARS-CoV2 based on single-cell transcriptome analysis
Authors: Luo Xizi , Zhang Nan , Liu Yuntao , Du Beibei , Wang Xuan , Zhao Tianxu , Liu Bingqiang , Zhao Shishun , Qiu Jiazhang , Wang Guoqing
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has developed into a global health emergency. In addition to causing respiratory symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) is the main cause of death in patients with severe COVID-19. In this study, we performed single-cell sequencing analysis of the right ventricular free wall tissue from healthy donors, patients who died in the hypercoagulable phase of CAC, and patients in the fibrinolytic phase of CAC. Among these, we collected 61,187 cells, which were enriched in 24 immune cell subsets and 13 cardiac-resident cell subsets. We found that in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, CD9highCCR2highmonocyte-derived mø promoted hyperactivation of the immune system and initiated the extrinsic coagulation pathway by activating CXCR-GNB/G-PI3K-AKT. This sequence of events is the main process contributing the development of coagulation disorders subsequent to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the characteristic coagulation disorder caused by SARS-CoV-2, excessive immune activation is accompanied by an increase in cellular iron content, which in turn promotes oxidative stress and intensifies intercellular competition. This induces cells to alter their metabolic environment, resulting in an increase in sugar uptake, such as that via the glycosaminoglycan synthesis pathway, in CAC coagulation disorders. In addition, high levels of reactive oxygen species generated in response elevated iron levels promote the activation of unsaturated fatty acid metabolic pathways in endothelial cell subgroups, including vascular endothelial cells. This in turn promotes the excessive production of the toxic peroxidation by-product malondialdehyde, which exacerbates both the damage caused to endothelial cells and coagulation disorders.
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLproin vitroby chemically modified tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Aguilera David , Ortega-Alarcon David , Abian Olga , Velazquez-Campoy Adrian , Palomo Jose M.
Published: March 2023

Antiviral compounds are crucial to controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Approved drugs have been tested for their efficacy against COVID-19, and new pharmaceuticals are being developed as a complementary tool to vaccines However, there are not any effective treatment against this disease yet. In this work, a cheap and fast purification method of natural tyrosinase fromAgaricus bisporusfresh mushrooms was developed in order to evaluate the potential of this enzyme as a therapeutic protein by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro protease activityin vitro. Tyrosinase showed a mild inhibition of 3CLpro of around 15%. Thus, different variants of this protein were synthesized through chemical modifications, covalently binding different tailor-made glycans and peptides to the amino terminal groups of the protein. These new tyrosinase conjugates were purified and characterized by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses, and their stability under different conditions. Then all these tyrosinase conjugates were tested in 3CLpro protease inhibition. From them, the conjugate between tyrosinase and dextran-aspartic acid (6kDa) polymer showed the highest inhibition, with an IC50of 2.5 μg/ml and IC90of 5 μg/ml, results that highlight the potential use of modified tyrosinase as a therapeutic protein and opens the possibility of developing this and other enzymes as pharmaceutical drugs against diseases.
SARS-CoV-2 N-protein induces the formation of composite α-synuclein/N-protein fibrils that transform into a strain of α-synuclein fibrils
Authors: Semerdzhiev Slav A. , Segers-Nolten Ine , van der Schoot Paul , Blum Christian , Claessens Mireille M.A.E.
Published: March 2023

The presence of deposits of alpha-synuclein fibrils in cells of the brain are a hallmark of several α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease. As most disease cases are not familial, it is likely that external factors play a role in disease onset. One of the external factors that may influence disease onset are viral infections. It has recently been shown that in the presence of SARS-Cov-2 N-protein, αS fibril formation is faster and proceeds in an unusual two-step aggregation process. Here, we show that faster fibril formation is not due to a SARS-CoV-2 N-protein-catalysed formation of an aggregation-prone nucleus. Instead, aggregation starts with the formation of a population of mixed αS/N-protein fibrils with low affinity for αS. After the depletion of N-protein, fibril formation comes to a halt, until a slow transformation to fibrils with characteristics of pure αS fibril strains occurs. This transformation into a strain of αS fibrils subsequently results in a second phase of fibril growth until a new equilibrium is reached. Our findings point at the possible relevance of fibril strain transformation in the cell-to-cell spread of the αS pathology and disease onset.
Prediction of the maintenance cost of general aviation aircraft based on engineering method
Authors: Chen Xiaonan , Chu Shiyong , Zhang Guanglin , Chen Xuanyou , Huang Jun , Yi Mingxu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

General aviation aircraft has a wide range of applications, and effective cost management is one of the hot spots in the research of general aviation manufacturers. The purpose of this paper is to build a flexible engineering method to predict maintenance cost of general aviation aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

To establish a reasonable general aviation aircraft maintenance cost prediction model, it is necessary to analyze the influencing factors and extract the main components of maintenance cost. The maintenance cost is divided by engineering method, and the estimation model of each component cost is established. Then, the general aviation aircraft maintenance cost model is obtained. The results show that the relative error of this method is between 13% and 20%, which has a good estimation accuracy and can be effectively used to estimate the maintenance cost of general aviation aircraft.

Findings

The maintenance cost plays an important role in the life cycle cost of general aviation aircraft. Accurate cost prediction method is of great significance to the optimal design of general aviation aircraft. However, there are few prediction models suitable for maintenance cost, the proposed approach is meaningful and quite desirable.

Originality/value

To some extent, this method overcomes the shortage of the work on maintenance cost prediction for general aviation aircraft. The model established in this paper has certain generality, which can provide some reference for general aviation aircraft design and operation enterprises.
Defying tradition or maintaining the status quo? Moving towards a new hybrid architecture studio education to support blended learning post-COVID-19
Authors: Zairul Mohd , Azli Mohd , Azlan Aznida
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide insight into the patterns and trends in the literature on the direction of future studio education in architecture schools, and can be useful to architecture schools, researchers and boards of studies in making decisions on how to move forward post-COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a thematic review (TR) from SCOPUS and WoS that discuss the direction of future architecture studio education in the post-COVID-19 era and their recommendations for how to move forward.

Findings

The final theme is feedback studies, innovation in studio teaching, and a new model for post-COVID-19 studio education.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the temporal constraints of the data investigated between 2020 and 2022 based on the post-COVID period, only 13 publications were assessed based on the search strings utilized in this study, considering the decision and efforts made after COVID-19 among the participating architectural schools.

Practical implications

This study will prove helpful to architecture schools, studio education researchers and the architecture board of studies.

Social implications

This study intends to promote blended learning and enables the student to access the materials from anywhere at any time while enjoying the benefits of face-to-face (F2F) support and instruction.

Originality/value

This is the first review paper for architecture studio education post-COVID-19, as well as the first to use a TR approach to analyze the available literature on the subject. The focus on the post-COVID-19 period and the use of TR allow for a comprehensive understanding of the trends and patterns in the literature on the direction of future studio education in architecture schools. Additionally, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, as it seeks to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic to support the learning and development of architecture students.
Do repeated alliances within patent pools encourage enterprise innovation? Evidence from MPEG LA
Authors: Lai Liubin , Zhang Yunsheng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether repeated alliances between two members of a patent pool boost enterprise innovation. Furthermore, this paper intends to determine whether the innovation performance becomes higher or lower based on the partnership characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this empirical study, hierarchical regression is used to analyze the longitudinal data obtained from 12 patent pools managed by MPEG LA during a time period ranging from 2006 to 2018. The members of patent pools comprise research institutions, firms and universities. Research analyses are performed based on a sample of 68,400 member pairs who had established repeated alliances. The information regarding such pairs is gathered from public databases.

Findings

Repeated alliances positively correlate with enterprise innovation performance in patent pools; this performance is higher when the two enterprises have exploratory collaborations. Conversely, the performance is lower when the partners have a similar technology base and are engaged in a technological competition (competitive learning and patent litigation). Moreover, the performance is lower when one partner demonstrates higher network centrality and richer structural holes than the other partner.

Originality/value

Patent pools play an instrumental role in eliminating patent-licensing barriers, thereby allowing mutual acquisition of complementary technologies, and cooperatively strengthening technology development. From the perspective of theories of coopetition, knowledge management and social network, this study explores the impact of patent pools on enterprise innovation performance and ascertains the moderating roles of technology coopetition, technology similarity and network position, thereby expanding the scope of innovation effect in the context of patent pools.
Applying a new approach to the governance of healthcare quality at board level
Authors: Martin Jennifer , Khurshid Zuneera , Moore Gemma , Carton Michael , Fitzsimons John J. , Henry Colm , Flynn Maureen A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper describes a quality improvement project to improve oversight of quality at national board level using statistical process control (SPC) methods, complimented by a qualitative experience of patients and frontline staff. It demonstrates the application of the “Picture-Understanding-Action” approach and shares the lessons learnt.

Design/methodology/approach

Using co-design and applying the “Picture-Understanding-Action” approach, the project team supported the directors of the Irish health system to identify and test a qualitative and quantitative picture of the quality of care across the health system. A “Quality Profile” consisting of quantitative indicators, analysed using SPC methods was used to provide an overview of the “critical few” indicators across health and social care. Patient and front-line staff experiences added depth and context to the data. These methods were tested and evolved over the course of six meetings, leading to quality of care being prioritised and interrogated at board level.

Findings

This project resulted in the integration of quality as a substantive and prioritised agenda item. Using best practice SPC methods with associated training produced better understanding of performance of the system. In addition, bringing patient and staff experiences of quality to the forefront “people-ised” the data.

Originality/value

The application of the “Picture-Understanding-Action” approach facilitated the development of a co-designed quality agenda item. This is a novel process that shifted the focus from “providing” information to co-designing fit-for-purpose information at board level.
Humanitarian supply chains and innovation: a focus on US food banks
Authors: Shaheen Iana , Azadegan Arash , Davis Donna
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To effectively meet their social objectives, humanitarian organizations need to be more innovative and find novel ways to stay competitive. Yet there has been limited focus on innovation by humanitarian organizations. Part of the issue is the lack of new practices and novel approaches that can be used as benchmarks. This study focuses on food banks, a critical hub for the delivery of food in humanitarian supply chains and where the use of innovation seems to be more reported on.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on resource scarcity, a commonly referenced constraint by humanitarian organizations, the authors study how food and fund scarcity (versus abundance) influence the innovation efforts of twelve food banks in the United States. This study observes variations in behavior before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Findings

The authors find that food banks operating in high resource scarcity (food-scarce and fund-scarce) settings focus on process innovations. Food banks operating in low resource scarcity (food-abundant and fund-abundant) settings focus on product innovations. Food banks operating in food-abundant and fund-scarce settings focus on marketing innovations. Food banks operating in food-scarce and fund-abundant settings show the most extensive focus on innovation by relying on imitative innovations. The innovation focus for most food banks switches to process innovation during the COVID pandemic.

Originality/value

The study breaks down resource scarcity specific to food banks by differentiating food and funds, a novel approach to studying scarcity. Findings are novel as they suggest that operating context has a highly differentiating effect on what food banks focus on in terms of innovation. Operating context can lead to focus on process, product, imitative of market-related innovations. Finally, the study is novel because it explores how change in the environmental context due to disruptions can drastically modify the innovation focus of food banks.
A balanced walking-clamp mechanism for inspection robot of transmission line
Authors: Chao Caixia , Mei Xin , Wei Yongle , Fang Lijin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to design a walking-clamp mechanism for the inspection robot of transmission line. The focus for this design is on climbing ability and obstacle-crossing ability with a goal to create a novel walking-clamp mechanism that can clamp not only the line but also the obstacle.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel clamping jaw used in the walking-clamp mechanism is proposed. The clamping wheel is mounted on the lower end of clamping jaw to reduce the friction between the clamping jaw and the line, and the top end of clamping jaw is designed as a hook structure to clamp the obstacle. The working principle and force states of the walking-clamp mechanism clamping the line and obstacle are analyzed, and the simulation and prototype experiments are carried out.

Findings

The experimental results show that this mechanism can clamp the obstacle steadily, and the clamping forces of the front and back pairs of clamping jaws are almost equal during robot walking along the catenary-shaped line. It is in agreement with the theoretical analysis, and it demonstrates that this mechanism can meet the working requirements of inspection robot.

Practical implications

This novel mechanism can be used for inspection robot of transmission line, and it is beneficial for robot to complete long-distance inspection works.

Social implications

It stands to reduce costs related to inspection and improve the inspection efficiency.

Originality/value

Innovative features include its structure, working principle and force states.
The ethic of bao and supplier-buyer relations in China: an empirical test
Authors: Jiang Wanxing , Li Ji
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Based on a review of the Chinese ethic of bao (reciprocity), this paper aims to study the issue of reciprocity of trust at firm level by analyzing multiple-source data while controlling for the effects of several contextual variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from the supplier–buyer partnerships in China’s automotive industry. Hierarchical linear regression approach is adopted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The data show that reciprocity of trust between parties involved has a significantly positive effect on the stability of the supplier–buyer partnership, and that this reciprocity also moderates the relationship between trust itself and stability. In addition, several contextual variables, i.e. the suppliers’ sensitiveness to their buyer’s need, personal contact of top managers, motivation to develop symbiotic partnership and firm location, can also have significant and positive effects on the stability of the supplier–buyer partnership.

Originality/value

This study presents empirical evidence on how the Chinese ethic of bao may influence the stability of the supplier–buyer partnerships, suggesting that examining this Chinese cultural element is a useful exercise. Related to this issue, the data show that the level of trust between the parties in business transactions differs, and that this difference influences the stability of the partnership. In addition, the study suggests that several other factors have significant and positive effects on the stability of the partnership. Interestingly, the data suggest that these effects are more likely to be observed when the reciprocity of trust or bao between the partners is taken into account. By demonstrating empirically the significant direct and moderating effect of bao or reciprocal trust, this study makes an important contribution to the literature on trust and the stability of the supplier–buyer partnership.
From climate to community: a new approach to conceptualizing the relational element of organizational learning
Authors: Karnopp Jennifer , Walls Jeff
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Existing conceptualizations of organizational learning focus on processes and structures while also acknowledging a social element, usually framed as bringing people together through formal structures. While much scholarship notes that school culture mediates organizational learning, culture is often relegated to the realm of context. Affective and relational components of organizational learning remain undertheorized. The authors argue that attending more closely to the relational component of organizational learning will offer new insights into the enactment of organizational learning in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The study briefly discusses schools of thought regarding organizational learning. It also summarizes extant conceptualizations of school climate and culture, laying these alongside the sense of community (SOC) framework (McMillan and Chavis, 1986). Utilizing prior research, it illustrates the value of bringing this framework into conversation with theories of organizational learning in schools to enrich understandings of the conditions under which organizational learning occurs.

Findings

The authors suggest a conceptualization of relationality in organizational learning rooted in SOC, a conceptualization that is both broader than merely transactional interactions and more precise than that offered by extant notions of school culture and climate.

Originality/value

The relational perspective captured by SOC offers researchers new avenues to more fulsomely explore the ways that trust, belonging, caring and shared values facilitate organizational learning. A more thorough understanding of the role of relationality in organizational learning may provide answers to salient questions, including why some teachers go above and beyond to seek out opportunities and why some changes stay bounded within departments and substructures.
Top management commitment in greening supply chain operations: post-COVID-19 perspectives from an emerging economy
Authors: Adusei Enoch , Demah Emmanuel , Boso Richard K.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The novel COVID-19 supply chain disruption has globally altered the environmental needs of society. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to examine how top managers are environmentally committed to integrating green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in the operational performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, within the post-pandemic economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional survey to obtain data from 270 SMEs in Ghana, using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling to test seven hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The outcome of the analysis revealed that top management environmental commitment has a significantly positive effect on supply chain operational performance. The structural model also revealed that top management environmental commitment has a positive and significant effect on both internal and external GSCM practices. The results further revealed that both internal and external GSCM practices have positive and significant effects on supply chain operational performance. Finally, both internal and external GSCM practices mediate the path between top management environmental commitment and supply chain operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a novel framework which contributes to both theoretical studies and managerial decisions on COVID-19 related supply chain management issues. However, the study was limited to the Ghanaian context, thus, further related studies are required in other contexts.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel framework by elucidating the intervening role of GSCM practices in the path between top management environmental commitment and supply chain operations in an emerging post-pandemic world context.
Virtual community users’ travel information-seeking continuance intention: an empirical study based on the cognitive load theory and flow theory
Authors: Zhu Zhangxiang , Yang Kening
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Virtual communities are useful sources of travel information for tourists. To better promote the sustainable development of virtual communities and provide theoretical guidance, this study aims to explore how the cognitive load generated by tourists in the information-seeking process facilitates the formation of their continuance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Built on the cognitive load theory and flow theory, this study investigates the formation mechanism of virtual community users’ continuance intention to seek travel information. A total of 328 valid questionnaires were collected and used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived information consistency and prior experience positively affect continuance intention. Concentration and time distortion have significant effects on continuance intention. Moreover, concentration and time distortion mediate between prior experience and continuance intention.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the formation mechanism of virtual community users’ continuance intention of travel information seeking from a new perspective. The conclusions enrich the research on consumer behavior in the information search field and provide a reference for virtual communities.
Network management and value creation in strategic networks: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Azevedo Ana Cláudia , Boaventura João Maurício Gama , Wegner Douglas , Giglio Ernesto Michelangelo , Boari Cristina
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Few studies have analysed how to actively manage strategic networks (SNs) to achieve individual and collective goals and create value. This paper aims to examine the influence of network management on the value created by SNs and the mediation role of resources and relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors distributed a survey to 126 companies linked to SNs in the Brazilian information and communication technology sector. This study tested the hypothesized relationships using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

This study found that network management directly influences value creation. Furthermore, the exchange and combination of resources mediate the relationship between the two constructs. Surprisingly, the quality of the relationships does not mediate the relationship between management and the value created. However, it positively impacts the exchange and combination of complementary resources.

Originality/value

This study provides a new interpretation of the determinants of value creation in SNs. The results contribute to the theory by demonstrating that the relationship between network management and value creation is strengthened when the exchange and combination of resources between network participants occur. In turn, these are positively influenced by the quality of relationships established in the network, thus providing a new interpretation of the determinants of value creation in SNs.
Analytical and inverse method for determining high temperature properties of materials using small punch creep: a review
Authors: Li Ming , Liu Hongwei , Du Juan , Wen Zhixun , Yue Zhufeng , Sun Wei
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper presents a review concerning the analytical and inverse methods of small punch creep test (SPCT) in order to evaluate the mechanical property of component material at elevated temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the effects of temperature, specimen size and shape on material properties are mainly discussed using the finite element (FE) method. The analytical approaches including membrane stretching, empirical or semi-empirical solutions that are currently used for data interpretation have been presented.

Findings

The state-of-the-art research progress on the inverse method, such as non-linear optimization program and neutral network, is critically reviewed. The capabilities of the inverse technique, the uniqueness of the solution and future development are discussed.

Originality/value

The state-of-the-art research progress on the inverse method such as non-linear optimization program and neutral network is critically reviewed. The capabilities of the inverse technique, the uniqueness of the solution and future development are discussed.
Language learning strategies and learning engagement as predictors of language learning achievement: an investigation of Saudi EFL learners
Authors: Alqarni Nada
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Grounded in second-language acquisition (SLA) field, with a particular focus on the positive psychology (PP) theoretical perspective, this study examined the potential interplay between learning engagement (LE) and language learning strategies (LLSs), and their impact on language learning achievement of Saudi English as a foreign language (EFL) learners.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study adopted a cross-sectional design using an online questionnaire distributed to 168 Saudi EFL college-level students in Saudi Arabia. Various statistical analyses (descriptive analyses, correlations and simple linear regression) were used.

Findings

The findings revealed that the most frequently LLSs used were metacognitive, followed by compensation, cognitive, affective, social and memory strategies. High levels of behavioral, followed by cognitive, emotional and agentic, engagement were reported. There was a significant and positive correlation between LLS and LE. LLS use and LE were significant predictors of language learning achievement.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the domain of second language (L2) educational research and SLA field by emphasizing the importance of researching positive psychological factors such as engagement in relation to individual learners' learning strategies and styles to enhance learners' language learning achievement. A number of pedagogical implications for policymakers, educational stakeholders and foreign language teachers were provided.
The effect of household poverty on the economic activity of the elderly in Indonesia
Authors: Sukamdi Sukamdi , Munawaroh Titik , Lestari Fauziah , Anwar Dewi Fatimah
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the condition of the elderly in poor households which includes two things. The first is the characteristics of the elderly in poor households and the effect of poverty on the economic activities of the elderly.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses secondary data from the 2020 National Social Economic Survey.

Findings

Poverty status of households is proven to have an effect on the participation of the workforce and the work participation of the elderly. The poor elderly tend to have a greater chance of participation in economic activities than the non-poor elderly. The absence of pension and old age insurance also causes the elderly to continue working until old age. Working is one of the survival mechanisms for the elderly.

Originality/value

This research has analysed the two population problems, which are the aging population and poverty.
Pollination mode and reproductive system of Sanguisorba minor and Sanguisorba officinalis
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Struck Jan‐Hendrik , Weigend Maximilian
Published: March 2023

Reproductive systems and pollination modes (pollination by animals vs. wind) can switch within clades, and many species with an intermediate pollination mode (ambophily, pollination by animals and wind) exist. Here, we investigate the reproductive systems and pollination modes of two common Eurasian species from the Agrimonieae (Rosaceae) that occur in open habitats, Sanguisorba minor and Sanguisorba officinalis. Based on observations from literature, the flowers of both species are visited by insects, but due to flower morphology S. minor is commonly regarded as wind pollinated, while S. officinalis is classified as insect pollinated. By measuring floral traits, such as pollen grain and ovule number per flower, observing flower visitors in natural habitats as well as in the botanical gardens and conducting pollination experiments we found that the reproductive systems and pollination modes of the two species differ: Sanguisorba minor is commonly but infrequently visited by short‐tongued insects but is nevertheless exclusively wind pollinated. However, in contrast to most other wind‐pollinated species, S. minor is highly self‐compatible and even able to set seeds by autogamous selfing. Sanguisorba officinalis, on the other hand, is largely insect pollinated, but wind also contributes to seed set (⁓17% after insect exclusion). This species is able to set seeds by geitonogmous selfing but seed set is higher by outcrossing than by selfing. Thus, our study demonstrates another example of a plant species with small, open flowers arranged in large inflorescences that can be shown to be ambophilous. Further, the study will help to reconstruct the complex evolution of pollination modes in Agrimonieae (Rosaceae).
Beyond purified dietary fibre supplements: Compositional variation between cell wall fibre from different plants influences human faecal microbiota activity and growth in vitro
Authors: Solvang Michael , Farquharson Freda M. , Sanhueza Dayan , Horgan Graham , Russell Wendy R. , Louis Petra
Published: March 2023

Dietary fibre is a major energy source for the human gut microbiota, but it is unclear to what extent the fibre source and complexity affect microbial growth and metabolite production. Cell wall material and pectin were extracted from five different dicotyledon plant sources, apples, beet leaves, beetroots, carrots and kale, and compositional analysis revealed differences in the monosaccharide composition. Human faecal batch incubations were conducted with 14 different substrates, including the plant extracts, wheat bran and commercially available carbohydrates. Microbial activity was determined for up to 72 h by measuring gas and fermentation acid production, total bacteria (by qPCR) and microbial community composition by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The more complex substrates gave rise to more microbiota variation compared with the pectins. The comparison of different plant organs showed that the leaves (beet leaf and kale) and roots (carrot and beetroot) did not give rise to similar bacterial communities. Rather, the compositional features of the plants, such as high arabinan levels in beet and high galactan levels in carrot, appear to be major predictors of bacterial enrichment on the substrates. Thus, in‐depth knowledge on dietary fibre composition should aid the design of diets focused on optimizing the microbiota.
Do employees find inclusive talent management fairer? It depends. Contrasting self‐interest and principle
Authors: Dries Nicky , Kaše Robert
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we critically examine the assumption that most employees, and especially those not identified as talents, find exclusive talent management less fair than inclusive talent management. Across two factorial survey studies—one of which manipulates talent status experimentally (N = 300), the other using field data on meta‐perceived talent ratings (N = 209)—we examine the extent to which the perceived fairness of talent management is predicted by self‐interest (i.e., the extent to which you yourself are seen as talented) versus principle (i.e., a dispositional preference for equality‐vs. merit‐based allocations). We found a clear effect of talent status, indicating that perceived fairness is at least partly determined by self‐interest (i.e., whether one personally stands to gain or lose from exclusive talent management). We also found an effect for preferred allocation norm—implying that fairness perceptions are influenced by matters of principle, independently from self‐interest—but only on the boundary condition that organizations provide a transparent justification for their chosen (inclusive or exclusive) talent philosophy. Two major gaps are addressed: the lack of data on how employees perceive and experience talent management practices, and the inability of common study designs to make causal claims.
Azonal steatosis correlates with disease severity and poor outcome of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tong Xiao Fei , Zhao Xin Yan , Sun Ya Meng , Shi Yi Wen , Li Min , Wu Xiao Ning , Zhao Jing Jie , Yang Li Ling , Lu Zheng Zhao , Ou Xiao Juan , Jia Ji Dong , Wang Qian Yi , You Hong
Published: March 2023

Objectives

In this study we aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and long‐term prognosis of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) having distinct steatosis distribution patterns.

Methods

Clinicopathological data of 238 individuals with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD were collected. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis‐clinical research network (NASH‐CRN) and steatosis, activity and fibrosis (SAF)/fatty liver inhibition of progression (FLIP) algorithm were used. Cumulative incidence of liver‐related events (LREs) was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors for steatosis distribution.

Results

Eligible patients were categorized into three groups based on their steatosis distribution, including azonal steatosis (AS) (62 [26.1%]), perivenular steatosis (PVS) (147 [61.8%]), and the pan‐acinar steatosis (PAS) groups (29 [12.1%]). There were significantly higher ballooning grade and disease activity (P < 0.05), more severe fibrosis (P < 0.001), and a higher cumulative incidence of LREs (hazard ratio [HR] 8.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34–27.35, P < 0.0001) in the AS group than in the PVS and PAS groups after a median of 3.6‐year follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.16, P < 0.001) might be independently associated with AS distribution, and PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype (OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.98–11.47, P = 0.053) might also play a role.

Conclusions

AS is associated with more severe disease activity and fibrosis stage in NAFLD, and predisposes toward poor prognosis. Age might be an independent predictor for AS in NAFLD, while PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype might also play a role.
Environmental remediation as social archaeology: Excavating sites contaminated by early nuclear weapons activities in New York City, both literally and hermeneutically
Authors: Bolton Matthew Breay , Ketterer Katherine
Published: March 2023

New York City, where the Manhattan Project began, has some of the world's oldest nuclear weapons production sites, exposing New Yorkers to ongoing risks of ionising radiation. This article considers six sites of particular environmental concern. Assessment, monitoring and clean‐up of these locations have taken place over three different periods: private remediation before 1992; federal government remediation in the early 1990s followed by two decades of neglect; and a long‐standing campaign to deal with risks at two remaining sites. Addressing radioactive legacies has involved a feedback loop between literal excavation of contaminated locations and a more hermeneutical process of meaning‐making. Journalists, activists and politicians have transformed some places into sites of memory, cultivating connections to concerns about environmental justice, radiation protection and nuclear disarmament. The 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) established new obligations to remediate environments contaminated by nuclear weapons activities. While the USA refuses to join the TPNW, in‐depth, historical study of remediation at these sites can provide useful insight for states parties establishing policy to implement TPNW obligations. Recent passage of nuclear disarmament legislation by the NY City Council shows the ongoing policy relevance of nuclear weapons issues in local policymaking.
homologizer: Phylogenetic phasing of gene copies into polyploid subgenomes
Authors: Freyman William A. , Johnson Matthew G. , Rothfels Carl J.
Published: March 2023

Organisms such as allopolyploids and F1 hybrids contain multiple distinct subgenomes, each potentially with its own evolutionary history. These organisms present a challenge for multilocus phylogenetic inference and other analyses since it is not apparent which gene copies from different loci are from the same subgenome and thus share an evolutionary history.

Here we introduce homologizer, a flexible Bayesian approach that uses a phylogenetic framework to infer the phasing of gene copies across loci into their respective subgenomes.

Through the use of simulation tests, we demonstrate that homologizer is robust to a wide range of factors, such as incomplete lineage sorting and the phylogenetic informativeness of loci. Furthermore, we establish the utility of homologizer on real data, by analysing a multilocus dataset consisting of nine diploids and 19 tetraploids from the fern family Cystopteridaceae.

Finally, we describe how homologizer may potentially be used beyond its core phasing functionality to identify non‐homologous sequences, such as hidden paralogs or contaminants.
Prioritizing road mitigation using ecologically based land‐use planning
Authors: Ribeiro Yuri Geraldo Gomes , Ascensão Fernando , Yogui Débora Regina , de Barros Ferraz Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi , Desbiez Arnaud Léonard Jean
Published: March 2023

Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) are a critical threat to biodiversity and human safety. To implement WVC mitigation measures where most needed, we need to link models predicting the probability of the presence of species, at large spatial scales, with the likelihood of occurring collisions along roads. Here, we propose a framework for the prioritization of road sections for implementing mitigation measures using ecologically based information. Within this framework, we first model the likelihood of WVC occurrence for focal species in road vicinity areas. We then use spatial prioritization tools to select road sections that entail a higher probability of WVC across the focal species using user‐defined criteria for weighting species records. We applied this framework to Mato Grosso do Sul state (Brazil), using systematic information on WVC collected over 3 years along ca. 2000 km of roads. We focused on the WVC involving three large mammals commonly road‐killed therein, which represent a threat to humans when involved in WVC: the lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris, giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla and capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. We were able to identify road sections (<10% of the road network) that should be prioritized for implementing mitigation actions, which could significantly reduce the number of WVCs. However, the large extent of the road network classified as a priority for mitigation suggests the need to engage the public and private sectors in the early stages of the decision‐making process, in order to reach a consensus on the prioritization. Our framework may improve the environmental licensing process, namely by guiding where mitigation measures should be implemented first.
Influence of healthy human capital and environmental regulation on green total factor productivity in China
Authors: Zheng Yueming , Chen Yaqian
Published: March 2023

Environment affects the health of residents; to promote high‐quality economic development, their combined effect is crucial in measuring green total factor productivity (GTFP). Yet, scholars seldom consider the regulatory effect of the environment, spillover effect of healthy human capital, and synergistic effect between the environment and the health of residents. Using the panel threshold model and spatial Durbin model, along with the measurement of inter‐provincial GTFP from 2011 to 2019, we examine the effect of environmental regulation, healthy human capital, and their synergistic effect on the development of the green economy in China. The results reveal that environmental regulation inhibits the improvement of GTFP, whereas healthy human capital and interaction items promote the improvement of GTFP. There exists a threshold effect of environmental regulation on the promoting effect of healthy human capital on the GTFP in China, in general, and inland areas in particular. Moreover, environmental regulation, healthy human capital, and interaction items have significant spatial spillover effects on the GTFP in provinces with similar economic attributes.