bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Litter expansion alters metabolic homeostasis in a sexually divergent manner
Authors: Kurup Kavitha , Mann Shivani N , Jackson Jordan , Matyi Stephanie , Ranjo-Bishop Michelle , Freeman Willard M. , Stout Michael B , Richardson Arlan , Archana Unnikrishnan
Published: July 2020

Nutritional manipulations early in life have been shown to influence growth rate and elicit long lasting effects which in turn has been found to impact lifespan. Therefore, we studied the long-term effects of pre-weaning dietary restriction implemented by litter expansion (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 pups per dam: LS4, LS6, LS8, LS10, LS12) on male and female C57BL/6 mice. After weaning, these mice were fedad libituma commercial lab chow for the 15-month duration of the study. The mice from large litter sizes (LS12) were significantly leaner and had reduced total fat mass compared to the normal size litters (LS 6) starting from weaning through to 15 months of age. Male LS10 & 12 mice showed significant reduction in their fat depot masses at 15 months of age: gonadal, subcutaneous, and brown fat whereas the females did not mimic these findings. At 9 months of age, both male and female LS10 and 12 mice showed improved glucose tolerance; however, only male LS10 and LS12 mice showed improved insulin tolerance starting at 5 months of age. In addition, we found that the male LS8, 10 & 12 mice at 15 months of age showed significantly reduced IGF-1 levels in the serum and various other organs (liver, gastrocnemius and brain cortex). Interestingly, the female LS8, 10, 12 mice showed a different pattern with reduced IGF-1 levels in serum, liver and gastrocnemius but not in the brain cortex. Similarly, the litter expanded mice showed sexual divergence in levels of FGF21 and adiponectin with only the male mice showing increased FGF21 and adiponectin levels at 15 months of age. In summary, our data show that, litter expansion results in long-lasting metabolic changes that are age and sex dependent with the male mice showing an early and robust response compared to female mice.
Impacts of thermal fluctuations on heat tolerance and its metabolomic basis across plant and animal species
Authors: Noer Natasja Krog , Pagter Majken , Bahrndorff Simon , Malmendal Anders , Kristensen Torsten Nygaard
Published: July 2020

Temperature varies on a daily and seasonal scale and thermal fluctuations are likely to become even more pronounced under future climate changes. Studies suggest that plastic responses are crucial for species’ ability to cope with thermal stress, but traditionally laboratory studies on ectotherms are performed at constant temperatures and often limited to a few model species and thus not representative for the natural environment. We argue that thermoregulatory behavior and microhabitat shape the response exerted by different organisms to fluctuating temperatures. Thus, a sessile organism incapable of significant behavioral temperature avoidance will be more plastic and exert greater physiological response to thermal fluctuations than mobile organisms that can quickly evade temperature stress. Here we investigate how acclimation to fluctuating (13.2-26.9°C) and constant (20.4°C) temperatures impact heat stress tolerance across a plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) and two animal species (Orchesella cinctaandDrosophila melanogaster) inhabiting widely different thermal microhabitats and selective pasts. Moreover, we investigate the underlying metabolic responses of acclimation using an NMR metabolomics approach. We find increased heat tolerance for all species exposed to fluctuating acclimation temperatures; most pronounced forA. thalianawhich also showed a strong metabolic response to thermal fluctuations. Generally, sugars were more abundant acrossA. thalianaandD. melanogasterwhen exposed to fluctuating compared to constant temperatures, whereas amino acids were less abundant. However, we do not find much evidence for similar metabolomics responses to fluctuating temperature acclimation across species. Differences between the investigated species’ ecology, their distinct selective past and different ability to behaviorally thermoregulate may have shaped their physiological response to thermal fluctuations.
Adults vs. neonates: Differentiation of functional connectivity between the basolateral amygdala and occipitotemporal cortex
Authors: Hansen Heather A. , Li Jin , Saygin Zeynep M.
Published: July 2020

The amygdala, a subcortical structure known for social and emotional processing, consists of multiple subnuclei with unique functions and connectivity patterns. Tracer studies in adult macaques have shown that the basolateral subnuclei differentially connect to parts of visual cortex, with stronger connections to anterior regions and weaker connections to posterior regions; infant macaques show robust connectivity even with posterior visual regions. Do these developmental differences also exist in the human amygdala, and are there specific functional regions that undergo the most pronounced developmental changes in their connections with the amygdala? To address these questions, we explored the functional connectivity (from resting-state fMRI data) of the basolateral amygdala to occipitotemporal cortex in human neonates scanned within one week of life and compared the connectivity patterns to those observed in young adults. Specifically, we calculated amygdala connectivity to anterior-posterior gradients of the anatomically-defined occipitotemporal cortex, and also to putative occipitotemporal functional parcels, including primary and high-level visual and auditory cortices (V1, A1, face, scene, object, body, high-level auditory regions). Results showed a decreasing gradient of functional connectivity to the occipitotemporal cortex in adults – similar to the gradient seen in macaque tracer studies – but no such gradient was observed in neonates. Further, adults had stronger connections to high-level functional regions associated with face, body, and object processing, and weaker connections to primary sensory regions (i.e., A1, V1), whereas neonates showed the same amount of connectivity to primary and high-level sensory regions. Overall, these results show that functional connectivity between the amygdala and occipitotemporal cortex is not yet differentiated in neonates, suggesting a role of maturation and experience in shaping these connections later in life.
SARS-CoV2 genome analysis of Indian isolates and molecular modelling of D614G mutated spike protein with TMPRSS2 depicted its enhanced interaction and virus infectivity
Authors: Raghav Sunil , Ghosh Arup , Turuk Jyotirmayee , Kumar Sugandh , Jha Atimukta , Madhulika Swati , Priyadarshini Manasi , Biswas Viplov K. , Shyamli P. Sushree , Singh Bharati , Singh Neha , Singh Deepika , Datey Ankita , Kiran Avula , Smita Shuchi , Sabat Jyotsnamayee , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Dash Rupesh , Senapati Shantibhushan , Beuria Tushar K. , Swain Rajeeb , Chattopadhyay Soma , Syed Gulam Hussain , Dixit Anshuman , Prasad Punit ,   Odisha COVID-19 study group,   ILS COVID-19 team, Pati Sanghamitra , Parida Ajay
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 that emerged as a global pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus genome analysis during disease spread reveals about its evolution and transmission. We did whole genome sequencing of 225 clinical strains from the state of Odisha in eastern India using ARTIC protocol-based amplicon sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis identified the presence of all five reported clades 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B and 20C in the population. The analyses revealed two major routes for the introduction of the disease in India i.e. Europe and South-east Asia followed by local transmission. Interestingly, 19B clade was found to be much more prevalent in our sequenced genomes (17%) as compared to other genomes reported so far from India. The haplogroup analysis for clades showed evolution of 19A and 19B in parallel whereas the 20B and 20C appeared to evolve from 20A. Majority of the 19A and 19B clades were present in cases that migrated from Gujarat state in India suggesting it to be one of the major initial points of disease transmission in India during month of March and April. We found that with the time 20A and 20B clades evolved drastically that originated from central Europe. At the same time, it has been observed that 20A and 20B clades depicted selection of four common mutations i.e. 241 C>T (5’UTR), P323L in RdRP, F942F in NSP3 and D614G in the spike protein. We found an increase in the concordance of G614 mutation evolution with the viral load in clinical samples as evident from decreased Ct value of spike and Orf1ab gene in qPCR. Molecular modelling and docking analysis identified that D614G mutation enhanced interaction of spike with TMPRSS2 protease, which could impact the shedding of S1 domain and infectivity of the virus in host cells.
Crystal structure of steroid reductase SRD5A reveals conserved steroid reduction mechanism
Authors: Han Yufei , Zhuang Qian , Sun Bo , Lv Wenping , Wang Sheng , Xiao Qingjie , Pang Bin , Zhou Youli , Wang Fuxing , Chi Pengliang , Wang Qisheng , Li Zhen , Zhu Lizhe , Li Fuping , Deng Dong , Chiang Ying-Chih , Li Zhenfei , Ren Ruobing
Published: July 2020

Steroid hormones are essential in stress response, immune system regulation, and reproduction in mammals. Steroids with 3-oxo-Δ4structure, such as testosterone, androstenedione and progesterone, could be catalyzed by steroid 5α-reductases (SRD5As) to generate their corresponding 3-oxo-5α steroids, which are essential for multiple physiological and pathological processes. Abnormal activities of SRD5As will lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia, alopecia, prostatic cancer or infertility due to the poor quality of sperms. However, the detailed reduction mechanisms of SRD5As remain elusive. Here we report the crystal structure of PbSRD5A, which shares 60.6% and 51.5% sequence similarities with human SRD5A1 and −2 respectively, fromProteobacteria bacteriumin complex with the cofactor NADPH at 2.0 Å resolution. PbSRD5A exists as a monomer comprised of seven transmembrane segments (TMs). The TM1-4 enclose a hydrophobic cavity for steroids substrates binding, whereas TM5-7 coordinate with cofactor NADPH through extensive hydrogen bonds network. Homology-based structural models of HsSRD5A1 and −2, together with extensive biochemical characterizations, for the first time unveiled the substrate recognition of SRD5As and provide an important framework for further understanding of the mechanism of NADPH mediated steroids 3-oxo-Δ4reduction. Based on these analyses, the design of therapeutic molecules targeting SRD5As with improved specificity and therapeutic efficacy would be possible.

One Sentence Summary

Structural and biochemical characterizations decipher the evolutionarily conserved mechanism in steroid 5α-reductases catalyzing NADPH mediated steroids reduction.
Single-cell analysis reveals cellular heterogeneity and molecular determinants of hypothalamic leptin-receptor cells
Authors: Kakava-Georgiadou N. , Severens J.F. , Jørgensen A.M. , Stoltenborg I. , Garner K.M. , Luijendijk M.C.M , Drkelic V. , van Dijk R. , Dickson S.L. , Pers T.H. , Basak O. , Adan R.A.H.
Published: July 2020

Hypothalamic nuclei which regulate homeostatic functions express leptin receptor (LepR), the primary target of the satiety hormone leptin. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has facilitated the discovery of a variety of hypothalamic cell types. However, low abundance of LepR transcripts prevented further characterization of LepR cells. Therefore, we perform scRNA-seq on isolated LepR cells and identify eight neuronal clusters, including three uncharacterized Trh-expressing populations as well as 17 non-neuronal populations including tanycytes, oligodendrocytes and endothelial cells. Food restriction had a major impact on Agrp neurons and changed the expression of obesity-associated genes. Multiple cell clusters were enriched for GWAS signals of obesity. We further explored changes in the gene regulatory landscape of LepR cell types. We thus reveal the molecular signature of distinct populations with diverse neurochemical profiles, which will aid efforts to illuminate the multi-functional nature of leptin’s action in the hypothalamus.
Learning to count: determining the stoichiometry of bio-molecular complexes using fluorescence microscopy and statistical modelling
Authors: Mersmann Sophia F. , Johns Emma , Yong Tracer , McEwan Will A. , James Leo C. , Cohen Edward A.K. , Grove Joe
Published: July 2020

Cellular biology occurs through myriad interactions between diverse molecular components, many of which assemble in to specific complexes. Various techniques can provide a qualitative survey of which components are found in a given complex. However, quantitative analysis of the absolute number of molecules within a complex (known as stoichiometry) remains challenging. Here we provide a novel method that combines fluorescence microscopy and statistical modelling to derive accurate molecular counts. We have devised a system in which a given biomolecule is differentially labelled with spectrally distinct fluorescent dyes (label A or B), which are then mixed such that B-labelled molecules are vastly outnumbered by those with label A. Complexes, containing this component, are then simply scored as either being positive or negative for label B. The frequency of positive complexes is directly related to the stoichiometry of interaction and molecular counts can be inferred by statistical modelling. We demonstrate this method using complexes of Adenovirus particles and monoclonal antibodies, achieving counts that are in excellent agreement with previous estimates. Beyond virology, this approach is readily transferable to other experimental systems and, therefore, provides a powerful tool for quantitative molecular biology.

The statistical models used in our analysis are available here:https://github.com/sophiamersmann/molecular-counting, the raw data used for molecular counting can be found here: 10.5281/zenodo.3955142.
State-behavior feedbacks suppress personality variation in boldness during foraging in sticklebacks
Authors: MacGregor Hannah E. A. , Cottage Aislinn , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: July 2020

Consistent inter-individual variation within a population, widely referred to as personality variation, can be affected by environmental context. Feedbacks between an individual’s personality and state can strengthen (positive feedback) or weaken (negative feedback) individual differences when experiences such as predator encounters or winning contests are dependent on personality type. We examined the influence of foraging on individual-level consistency in refuge use (a measure of risk-taking, i.e. boldness) in three-spined sticklebacks,Gasterosteus aculeatus, and particularly whether changes in refuge use depended on boldness measured under control conditions. In the control treatment trials with no food, individuals were repeatable in refuge use across repeated trials, and this behavioral consistency did not differ between the start and end of these trials. In contrast, when food was available, individuals showed a higher degree of consistency in refuge use at the start of the trials versus controls but this consistency significantly reduced by the end of the trials. The effect of the opportunity to forage was dependent on personality, with bolder fish varying more in their refuge use between the start and the end of the feeding trials than shyer fish. This suggests a state-behavior feedback, but there was no overall trend in how individuals changed their behavior, with some individuals spending more, and others less, time in the refuge area at the end than at the start of the trials. Our study shows that personality variation can be suppressed in foraging contexts and a potential but unpredictable role of feedbacks between state and behavior.
Mild membrane depolarization in neurons induces immediate early gene transcription and acutely subdues responses to successive stimulus
Authors: Rienecker Kira D. A. , Poston Robert G. , Segales Joshua S. , Saha Ramendra N.
Published: July 2020

The transcriptional profile of immediate early genes (IEGs) is indicative of the duration of neuronal activity, but it is unknown whether it affected by the strength of depolarization. Also unknown is whether an activity history of graded potential changes influences further neuronal activity. In this work with dissociated rat cortical neurons, we found mild depolarization – mediated by elevated extracellular KCl – not only induces a wide array of rapid IEGs, but also transiently depresses transcriptional and signaling responses to a successive stimulus. This latter effect was independent ofde novotranscription, translation, calcineurin (CaN) signaling, and MAPK signaling downstream of PKC. Furthermore, as measured by multiple electrode arrays, mild depolarization acutely subdues subsequent spontaneous and bicuculline-evoked activity. Collectively, this work suggests that a recent history of graded potential changes acutely depresses neuronal intrinsic properties and subsequent responses. Such effects may have several potential downstream implications, including reducing signal-to-noise ratio during Hebbian plasticity processes.
Competitive Microtubule Binding of PEX14 Coordinates Peroxisomal Protein Import and Motility
Authors: Reuter Maren , Kooshapur Hamed , Suda Jeff-Gordian , Neuhaus Alexander , Brühl Lena , Bharti Pratima , Jung Martin , Schliebs Wolfgang , Sattler Michael , Erdmann Ralf
Published: July 2020

PEX14 functions as peroxisomal docking protein for the import receptor PEX5. For docking, the conserved N-terminal domain of PEX14 (PEX14-NTD) binds amphipathic alpha-helical ligands, typically comprising one or two aromatic residues, of which human PEX5 possesses eight. Here, we show that the PEX14-NTD also binds to microtubular filamentsin vitrowith a dissociation constant in nanomolar range. PEX14 interacts with two motifs in the C-terminal region of human ß-tubulin. At least one of the binding motifs is in spatial proximity to the binding site of microtubules (MT) for kinesin. Both PEX14 and kinesin can bind to MT simultaneously. Notably, binding of PEX14 to tubulin can be prevented by its association with PEX5. The data suggest that PEX5 competes peroxisome anchoring to MT by occupying the ß-tubulin-binding site of PEX14. The competitive correlation of matrix protein import and motility may facilitate the homogeneous dispersion of peroxisomes in mammalian cells.
A new parafocusing paradigm for X-ray diffraction
Authors: Prokopiou Danae , McGovern James , Davies Gareth , Godber Simon , Evans Paul , Dicken Anthony , Rogers Keith
Published: July 2020

A new approach to parafocusing X-ray diffraction implemented with an annular incident beam is demonstrated for the first time. The method exploits an elliptical specimen path on a flat sample to produce relatively high intensity maxima that can be measured with a point detector. It is shown that the flat-specimen approximation tolerated by conventional Bragg–Brentano geometries is not required. A theoretical framework, simulations and experimental results for both angular- and energy-dispersive measurement modes are presented and the scattering signatures compared with data obtained with a conventional pencil-beam arrangement.
Viscous-medium-based crystal support in a sample holder for fixed-target serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Lee Keondo , Lee Donghyeon , Baek Sangwon , Park Jaehyun , Lee Sang Jae , Park Sehan , Chung Wan Kyun , Lee Jong-Lam , Cho Hyun-Soo , Cho Yunje , Nam Ki Hyun
Published: July 2020

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) enables the determination of the room-temperature crystal structure of macromolecules, as well as providing time-resolved molecular dynamics data in pump–probe experiments. Fixed-target SFX (FT-SFX) can minimize sample consumption and physical effects on crystals during sample delivery. In FT-SFX studies, having a sample holder that can stably fix crystal samples is one of the key elements required for efficient data collection. Hence, development of sample holders from new materials capable of supporting various crystal sizes and shapes may expand the applications of FT-SFX. Here, a viscous-media-based crystal support in a sample holder for FT-SFX is introduced. Crystal samples were embedded in viscous media, namely gelatin and agarose, which were enclosed in a polyimide film. In the vertically placed sample holder, 10–15%(w/v) viscous gelatin and 1–4%(w/v) agarose gel stably supported crystals between two polyimide films, thereby preventing the crystals from descending owing to gravity. Using this method, FT-SFX experiments were performed with glucose isomerase and lysozyme embedded in gelatin and agarose, respectively. The room-temperature crystal structures of glucose isomerase and lysozyme were successfully determined at 1.75 and 1.80 Å resolutions, respectively. The glucose isomerase and lysozyme diffraction analyses were not impeded by excessive background scattering from the viscous media. This method is useful for delivering crystal samples of various sizes and shapes in FT-SFX experiments.
Crystal structure of an ordered [WOF5]− salt: (1,10-phen-H)[WOF5] (1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline)
Authors: Turnbull Douglas , Gerken Michael
Published: July 2020

Crystals of 1,10-phenanthrolinium pentafluoridooxidotungstate(VI), (1,10-phen-H)[WOF5] (1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, C12H8N2), were obtained upon hydrolysis of WF6(1,10-phen) in CH3CN at 193 K. The (1,10-phen-H)[WOF5] salt contains a rare example of a [WOF5]− anion in which the oxygen and fluorine atoms are ordered. This ordering was verified by bond-valence determinations and structural comparisons with [Xe2F11][WOF5] and Lewis acid-base adducts of WOF4 with main-group donor ligands. The crystal packing is controlled by N—H...F hydrogen bonding that is directed exclusively to the axial F atom as a result of its increased basicity caused by the trans influence of the oxido ligand.
Diaquabis{μ-1,5-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]carbonohydrazide(1–)}di-μ-chlorido-tetrachloridotetrazinc(II)
Authors: Seck Thierno Moussa , Gaye Papa Aly , Ndoye Cheikh , Thiam Ibrahima Elhadji , Diouf Ousmane , Retailleau Pascal , Gaye Mohamed
Published: July 2020

A tetranuclear ZnII complex, [Zn4(C13H11N6O)2Cl6(H2O)2] or {[Zn2(HL)(H2O)(Cl2)](μCl)2[Zn2(HL)(H2O)(Cl)]}2, was synthesized by mixing an equimolar amount of a methanol solution containing ZnCl2 and a methanol solution containing the ligand H2
L [1,5-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)carbonohydrazide]. In the tetranuclear complex, each of the two ligand molecules forms a dinuclear unit that is connected to another dinuclear unit by two bridging chloride anions. In each dinuclear unit, one ZnII cation is pentacoordinated in a N2OCl2 in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry, while the other ZnII cation is hexacoordinated in a N3OCl2 environment with a distorted octahedral geometry. The basal plane around the pentacoordinated ZnII cation is formed by one chloride anion, one oxygen atom, one imino nitrogen atom and one pyridine nitrogen atom with the apical position occupied by a chloride anion. The basal plane of the hexacoordinated ZnII cation is formed by one chloride anion, one hydrazinyl nitrogen atom, one imino nitrogen atom and one pyridine nitrogen atom with the apical positions occupied by a water oxygen atom and a bridged chloro anion from another dinuclear unit, leading to a tetranuclear complex. A series of intramolecular C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds is observed in each tetranuclear unit. In the crystal, the tetranuclear units are connected by intermolecular C—H...Cl, C—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a planar two-dimensional structure in the ac plane.
Synthesis, crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1,4-dibenzyl-6-methyl-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione
Authors: Cinar Emine Berrin , Zouitini Ayman , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Ouzidan Younes , Marrot Jérôme , Prim Damien , Dege Necmi , Saif Eiad
Published: July 2020

The title quinoxaline molecule, C23H20N2O2, is not planar, the dihedral angle angle between the mean planes of the benzene rings being 72.54 (15)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected into chains extending parallel to (10\overline{1}) by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Weak C—H...π interactions link the chains, forming a three-dimensional network structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (48.7%), H...C/C...H (32.0%), H...O/O...H (15.4%), C...C (1.9%), H...N/N...H (1.1%) contacts.
Coming to America: Iranians' use of Telegram for immigration information seeking
Authors: Nikkhah Sarah , Murillo Angela P. , Young Alyson Leigh , Miller Andrew D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study examines Iran-US migrants' use of the most popular messaging application in Iran—Telegram—and shows how they use it to manage their migration information practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study took a qualitative observation approach. Over the course of six months, over 80 h of observations were conducted on Iran-US migration-related settings within Telegram.

Findings

This work identifies the information practices that emerge as users seek and share information related to Iran-US migration. Telegram plays a vital role across the immigration stages, predominantly in the pre-migration stage. This work also shows how the constraints and features of Telegram influence users' information sharing and seeking practices.

Practical implications

The findings support the implication that a social media platform that provides multiple ways to interact is likely to better support niche or unanticipated uses.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to explore Iranian Immigrants information practices in the US. The immigration information practices observed during this study represent a valuable example of end-user appropriation within extraordinary constraints, which may be of use in other information-seeking contexts where dedicated or bespoke tools are impractical or ill-advised.
Associations of obstetrical characteristics and dietary intakes with iron status among pregnant women in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Tan Meng Lee , Chin Yit Siew , Lim Poh Ying , Ahmad Fuzi Salma Faeza
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Globally, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the most common cause of anaemia during pregnancy. To date, there is lack of established studies investigating factors associated with iron status during pregnancy in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the associations of obstetrical characteristics and dietary intakes with iron status among pregnant women attending selected health clinics in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 third-trimester pregnant women aged 18–40 years, from six selected health clinics in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Data on obstetrical characteristics were extracted from the antenatal medical records. Dietary intakes were assessed using an adapted semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire via face-to-face interview. Venous blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum ferritin (SF) using ADVIA Centaur analyser to determine iron status.

Findings

Approximately one in four of the pregnant women (25.9%) had iron deficiency, with mean SF of 33.35 ± 25.77µg/l. Factors associated with SF were parity (B = −3.048, p < 0.05), frequency of antenatal care visits (B = 1.456, p < 0.05), haemoglobin (Hb) (B = 3.890, p < 0.05), iron intake (B = 0.010, p < 0.05) and frequency of dietary iron supplementation consumption (B = 3.333, p < 0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that dietary factors were significantly associated with SF, after accounting for the obstetrical characteristics.

Originality/value

Besides obstetrical factors, the findings emphasised the importance of dietary factors on iron status during pregnancy. Nutrition consultation service particularly on the sources of iron intake and compliance towards dietary iron supplementation shall be provided to all pregnant women.
Mindfulness training for tourism and hospitality frontline employees
Authors: Johnson Karen R. , Park Sunyoung
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore mindfulness training as a viable intervention for frontline employees in tourism and hospitality as a way to aid in the regulation of emotions and reduce or prevent employee burnout while increasing levels of work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing related literature, the authors explored the relationships between mindfulness training and emotional labor, and mindfulness, burnout and work engagement.

Findings

The authors suggested the following propositions: mindfulness training can potentially help to regulate emotional labor of tourism and hospitality frontline employees, and mindfulness training can potentially reduce burnout and enhance levels of work engagement of tourism and hospitality frontline employees.

Research limitations/implications

This study can guide scholars to initiate empirical research to examine the influence of mindfulness training on diverse outcomes related to tourism and hospitality employees.

Practical implications

This study can help to improve the awareness of leaders and managers of mindfulness training as an intervention to alleviate emotional exhaustion of frontline employees in tourism and hospitality.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical insights and useful practical implications for ways to establish a suitable work environment that encourages frontline employees to perform genuine or deep acting while minimizing incidents of surface acting and the consequences of emotional labor.
Lesson study in Dutch initial teacher education explored: its potential and pitfalls
Authors: Schipper Tijmen M. , Goei Sui Lin , Van Joolingen Wouter R. , Willemse T. Martijn , Van Geffen Evelien C.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the potential and pitfalls of Lesson Study (LS) in Dutch initial teacher education (ITE). This context is examined through data drawn from student-teachers and teacher educators participating in LS.

Design/methodology/approach

Three case studies of three teacher education institutes in the Netherlands are presented, focusing on student-teachers' learning in two cases and teacher educators' learning in the third case.

Findings

The case studies show that LS in the context of Dutch ITE has high potential. All cases yield clear benefits for working collaboratively as a result of participating in a LS. Student-teachers appreciate the explicit focus in LS on how students learn and teacher educators stress how LS may strengthen their role as “teachers of teachers.” Time, planning arrangements, commitment and a LS facilitator are highlighted as essential conditions for LS application in ITE.

Research limitations/implications

The three cases address a specific ITE context focusing on different target groups (student-teachers and teacher educators in applied and/or research universities). Consequently, results are explorative regarding Dutch ITE.

Practical implications

The potential of LS in Dutch ITE is recognized and stressed; this study may act as a catalyst for further and wider application of LS in this context, taking into account possible pitfalls and conditions.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies exploring the potential of LS in Dutch ITE using both student-teachers' and teacher educators' perspectives.
Success prediction of crowdfunding campaigns: a two-phase modeling
Authors: Silva Lafaiet , Silva Nádia Félix , Rosa Thierson
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze Kickstarter data along with social media data from a data mining perspective. Kickstarter is a crowdfunding financing plataform and is a form of fundraising and is increasingly being adopted as a source for achieving the viability of projects. Despite its importance and adoption growth, the success rate of crowdfunding campaigns was 47% in 2017, and it has decreased over the years. A way of increasing the chances of success of campaigns would be to predict, by using machine learning techniques, if a campaign would be successful. By applying classification models, it is possible to estimate if whether or not a campaign will achieve success, and by applying regression models, the authors can forecast the amount of money to be funded.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a solution in two phases, namely, launching and campaigning. As a result, models better suited for each point in time of a campaign life cycle.

Findings

The authors produced a static predictor capable of classifying the campaigns with an accuracy of 71%. The regression method for phase one achieved a 6.45 of root mean squared error. The dynamic classifier was able to achieve 85% of accuracy before 10% of campaign duration, the equivalent of 3 days, given a campaign with 30 days of length. At this same period time, it was able to achieve a forecasting performance of 2.5 of root mean squared error.

Originality/value

The authors carry out this research presenting the results with a set of real data from a crowdfunding platform. The results are discussed according to the existing literature. This provides a comprehensive review, detailing important research instructions for advancing this field of literature.
The more the merrier? The effects of system-aggregated group size information on user's efficacy and intention to participate in collective actions
Authors: Lee Yu-Hao , Littles Carlin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Social media platforms are increasingly used by activists to mobilize collective actions online and offline. Social media often provide visible information about group size through system-generated cues. This study is based on social cognitive theory and examines how visible group size on social media influences individuals' self-efficacy, collective efficacy and intentions to participate in a collective action among groups with no prior collaboration experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subject online experiment was conducted with a sample of 188 undergraduate participants in a large public university in the United States. Six versions of a Facebook event page with identical contents were created. The study manipulated the group size shown on the event page (control, 102, 302, 502, 702 and 902). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the six conditions and asked to read and assess an event page that calls for a collective action. Then their collective efficacy, self-efficacy and intentions to participate were measured.

Findings

The results showed that the system-aggregated group size was not significantly associated with perceived collective efficacy, but there was a curvilinear relationship between the group size and perceived self-efficacy. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between group size and intentions to participate; collective efficacy did not.

Originality/value

The study contributes to social movement theories by moving beyond personal grievance and identity theories to examine how individuals' efficacy beliefs can be affected by the cues that are afforded by social media platforms. The study shows that individuals use system-generated cues about the group size for assessing the perceived self-efficacy and collective efficacy in a group with no prior affiliations. Group size also influenced individual decisions to participate in collective actions through self-efficacy and collective efficacy.
Impact of climate change on food security in Saudi Arabia: a roadmap to agriculture-water sustainability
Authors: Haque Mohammad Imdadul , Khan Md Riyazuddin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of the trends in temperature and rainfall over the period 1967–2016 (50 years) for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and estimate the effect of these climatic changes on major crop production.

Design/methodology/approach

To set up an empirical association between crop yields and climatic variables, the study uses a fixed effect regression framework. This approach makes it possible to capture the effects of time-invariant indicators and farmers' independent adaptation strategies in reaction to year-to-year variations in precipitation and temperature.

Findings

The study observes a significant increase in average temperature by 1.9 degrees Celsius in the last 50 years and the greatest increase is noted in the summer. However, there is no significant change in rainfall. The results indicate that a one-degree Celsius increase in temperature reduces crop yields by 7–25%. The results also indicate that rainfall has a positive effect on all the crops. But, rainfall could not offset much of the adverse effects of temperature.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can focus on the analysis of the climate change impact assessment for different regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and develop a place-based policy.

Originality/value

The recent initiative to phase out crop production makes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia entirely rely on imports. This may have little or no impact presently. However, in the future, it is possible that any global shocks on agriculture due to climate change or geopolitical instability will make the situation worse off. It will threaten both food and nutrition security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is important to study these in the present context to prepare a road map for future food, water and nutrition security.
Reframing the properties, places and crime paradigm: exploring spatiotemporal regime shifts
Authors: DeLisle James R. , Grissom Terry V. , Never Brent
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore spatiotemporal factors that affect the empirical analysis of whether crime rates in buffer areas surrounding abandoned properties transferred to a Land Bank that differed among three regimes: before transfer, during Land Bank stewardship and after disposition and whether those differences were associated with differences in relative crime activity in the neighborhoods in which they were located.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed crime incidents occurring between 2010 and 2018 in 0.1-mile buffer areas surrounding 31 abandoned properties sold by the Land Bank and their neighborhoods in which those properties were located. Using Copulas, researchers compared concordance/discordance in the buffer areas across the three regime states for each property and approximately matched time periods for associated neighborhoods.

Findings

In a substantial number of cases, the relative crime activity levels for buffer areas surrounding individual sold properties as measured by the Copulas shifted from concordant to discordant states and vice versa. Similarly, relative crime activity levels for neighborhoods shifted from concordant to discordant states across three matched regimes. In some cases, the property and neighborhood states matched, while in other cases they diverged. These cross-level interactions indicate that criminal behavioral patterns and target selection change over time and relative criminal activity. The introduction of Copulas can improve the reliability of such models over time and when and where they should be customized to add more granular insights needed by law enforcement agencies.

Research limitations/implications

The introduction of Copulas can improve the spatiotemporal reliability of the analysis of criminal activity over space and time.

Practical implications

Spatiotemporal considerations should be incorporated in setting interventions to manage criminal activity.

Social implications

This study provides support for policies supporting renovation of abandoned properties.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research is the first application of Copulas to crime impact studies. As noted, Copulas can help reduce the risk of applying intervention or enforcement programs that are no longer reliable or lack the precision provided by insights into convergent/divergent patterns of criminal activity.
Socio-spatial perspectives on open-plan versus cellular offices
Authors: Sailer Kerstin , Thomas Matt
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This research provides a new perspective on the long-standing debate of open-plan versus cellular offices. It analyzes the effects of workplace layouts on organizational outputs such as innovation, efficiency and privacy by considering the physical space of an organization alongside its organizational structure. This socio-spatial approach draws on correspondence theory originating from space syntax to understand the potential for unplanned encounters between diverse groups of people.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different organizations are studied, two open-plan and one cellular office. Floor and seating plans are analyzed to calculate the degree of correspondence between the spatial and conceptual closeness of people. Demands for each organization are derived from semi-structured interviews and publicly available information.

Findings

The three studied organizations present very different degrees of openness toward others in ways that challenge conventional views of cellular and open-plan offices. In each case, the degree of correspondence matches the demands placed on the organization, and hence, providing a relatively good fit between the organization and interior environment.

Research limitations/implications

A larger sample of open-plan and cellular offices would be useful to consider in further research.

Practical implications

Managers can use the concept of correspondence to generate the appropriate degree of unplanned encounters between the right sets of people in order to achieve the best organization-environment fit.

Originality/value

The main innovation of this paper lies in its socio-spatial approach, considering physical space alongside managerial, organizational choices.
Institutional work by market-shaping public actors
Authors: Kaartemo Valtteri , Nenonen Suvi , Windahl Charlotta
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify institutional work mechanisms that public actors employ in market shaping.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an abductive theorizing process, combining a literature review with an empirical exploration of three different market-shaping contexts.

Findings

The study identifies 20 granular mechanisms of institutional work that market-shaping public actors employ. These mechanisms are all potentially employable in creating, maintaining or disrupting markets. Institutional work vis-à-vis individual institutions may differ in direction from the institutional work vis-à-vis the market system. Public actors are not a homogeneous group but may have different values and support competing institutional logics even when operating in the same market.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical data were limited to three cases in three small open economies. Data collected from other markets and with other methods would provide more rigorous insight into market-shaping public actors.

Practical implications

The findings revealed institutional work mechanisms that public actors can use to shape markets. Companies wanting to engage public actors in market shaping should be aware of the values and institutional logics that influence market-shaping public actors.

Originality/value

The paper unites and expands on the scattered knowledge regarding institutional work in market shaping. It illuminates and dissects the role of public actors in market shaping, challenging the reactive stance that is often assigned to them. The study provides a better understanding of how conflicting market views affect markets. It also brings insights into the interplay between market-shaping actions and the multiple levels of market systems.
Microfoundations of firm capabilities in the context of international business
Authors: Hizarci Payne Ayça Kubra , Katrinli Alev
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how employees in export departments help firms develop dynamic capabilities that drive firm performance in global markets. It draws from the previous scholarship in organizational behavior and international business.

Design/methodology/approach

Since microfoundations of firm capabilities have not received adequate attention in the context of international business, a qualitative research was carried out by conducting semistructured interviews with export managers to provide new theoretical and practical insights about the role of export department employees in developing firm capabilities.

Findings

The results show that organizational citizenship behavior and communication skills are the most highlighted characteristics of export department employees that underpin the improvement of firm capabilities, which in turn, boosts export performance. In addition, teamwork emerged as another contributing factor to firm capabilities.

Originality/value

This study addresses the microlevel foundations of firm capabilities within the context of international business by uncovering the characteristics of export department employees and their team-level contributions to the capabilities of exporting firms.
Cafeteria diet from birth to adulthood promotes hepatic steatosis and redox imbalance in Wistar rats
Authors: Gomes Letícia Fernandes , Costa Sibelle Aparecida Madureira , Rocha-Gomes Arthur , Teixeira Amanda Escobar , Silva Alexandre Alves da , Lessa Mayara Rodrigues , Dessimoni-Pinto Nísia Andrade Villela , Stuckert Seixas Sergio Ricardo , Riul Tania Regina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the pathological, biochemical and redox state parameters of liver tissue in Wistar rats treated from birth to adulthood (119 days) with cafeteria diet.

Design/methodology/approach

During the lactation, 6 liters of Wistar rats (dam + 8 pups each) were fed one of two diets: control (CTRL; n = 3) or cafeteria (CAF; n = 3) diets and water ad libitum. After weaning, the males were placed in individual cages, receiving the same diet offered to their respective dams (CTRL or CAF; n = 18) until adulthood. The following parameters were evaluated: absolute and relative liver weight; blood, liver and feces biochemistry; liver histology; and redox state of the liver.

Findings

When assessing the relative and absolute organ weight, no significant differences were found between the groups. The Cafeteria group exhibited higher values of serum LDL-c (p = 0.008), VLDL-c (p = 0.03) and triglycerides (p = 0.01), as well as several micro and macrovacuoles of fat accumulation, higher hepatic lipid (p = 0.03) and cholesterol (p = 0.0001) levels regarding Control group. Cafeteria group showed greater expression of glutathione-s-transferase (p = 0.03) and superoxide dismutase (p = 0.005) enzymes compared to the control group. In the case of the markers of oxidative stress, there was no difference between the groups.

Originality/value

A simple and standardized cafeteria diet caused an accumulation of fatty acids in liver tissue, inducing a state of hepatic steatosis besides an increased expression of antioxidant enzymes.