bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of nano- and micro-domains formed by ceramide-1-phosphate in freestanding lipid bilayers
Authors: Drabik Dominik , Czogalla Aleksander
Published: June 2022

Biological membranes are known for their complex nature and formation of domains is crucial for proper execution of multiple cellular processes. Such domains, mostly due to their nanoscale character, are rarely studied since implementation of techniques for their quantitative investigation is difficult. In this article we introduce spot-variation z-scan FCS implemented for the first time for artificial lipid vesicles of defined lipid composition. We used this approach to investigate behaviour of different species of ceramide-1-phosphate within membranes. We were able to provide quantitative description of lipid domains generated by ceramide-1-phosphate in nano and microscale. Aligning these results with in silico studies helped us to validate the approach and draw conclusions on complex behaviour of signalling lipids within biological membranes.
Plant Intron Splicing Efficiency Database (PISE): exploring splicing of ∼1,650,000 introns in Arabidopsis, maize, rice and soybean from ∼57,000 public RNA-seq libraries
Authors: Zhang Hong , Jia Jinbu , Zhai Jixian
Published: June 2022

Intron retention is the most common form of alternative splicing events in plants and plays a crucial role in plants responding to environmental signals. Despite a large number of RNA-seq libraries from different treatments and genetic mutants stored at public domains, a resource for querying the intron splicing ratio of individual introns is still missing. Here, we established the first-ever large-scale splicing efficiency database to date in any organism. Our database includes more than 57,000 plant public RNA-seq libraries, including 25,283 from Arabidopsis, 17,789 from maize, 10,710 from rice, and 3,974 from soybean, and in total covers more than 1.6 million introns in these four species. In addition, we have manually curated and annotated all the mutant-and treatment-related libraries as well as their matched controls included in our library collection, and added graphics to display intron splicing efficiency across different tissues, developmental stages, and stress-related conditions. The result is a large collection of 3,313 treatment conditions and 3,594 genetic mutants for discovering the differentially regulated splicing efficiency. Our online database can be accessed at https://plantintron.com/.
A Parabrachial to Hypothalamic Pathway Mediates Defensive Behavior
Authors: Wang Fan , Chen Yuge , Lin Yuxin , Wang Xuze , Li Kaiyuan , Han Yong , Wu Jintao , Shi Xingyi , Zhu Zhenggang , Long Chaoying , Hu Xiaojun , Duan Shumin , Gao Zhihua
Published: June 2022

Defensive behaviors are critical for animal’s survival. Both the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) have been shown to be involved in defensive behaviors. However, whether there are direct connections between them to mediate defensive behaviors remains unclear. Here, by retrograde and anterograde tracing, we uncover that cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing neurons in the lateral PBN (LPBCCK) directly project to the PVN. Byin vivofiber photometry recording, we found that LPBCCKneurons actively respond to various threat stimuli. Selective photoactivation of LPBCCKneurons promotes aversion and defensive behaviors. Conversely, photoinhibition of LPBCCKneurons attenuates rat or looming stimuli-induced flight responses. Optogenetic activation of LPBCCKaxon terminals within the PVN or PVN glutamatergic neurons promote defensive behaviors. Whereas chemogenetic and pharmacological inhibition of local PVN neurons prevent LPBCCK-PVN pathway activation-driven flight responses. These data suggest that LPBCCKneurons recruit downstream PVN neurons to actively engage in flight responses. Our study identifies a previously unrecognized role for the LPBCCK-PVN pathway in controlling defensive behaviors.
Brain Atlas for Glycoprotein Hormone Receptors at Single-Transcript Level
Authors: Ryu Vitaly , Gumerova Anisa , Korkmaz Funda , Kang Seong Su , Katsel Pavel , Miyashita Sari , Kannangara Hasni , Cullen Liam , Chan Pokman , Kuo Tanchun , Padilla Ashley , Zaidi Samir , Kim Se-Min , New Maria I. , Rosen Clifford J. , Goosens Ki A. , Frolinger Tal , Haroutunian Vahram , Ye Keqiang , Lizneva Daria , Davies Terry F. , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone
Published: June 2022

There is increasing evidence that anterior pituitary hormones, traditionally thought to have unitary functions in regulating single endocrine targets, act on multiple somatic tissues, such as bone, fat, and liver. There is also emerging evidence for anterior pituitary hormone action on brain receptors in mediating central neural and peripheral somatic functions. Here, we have created the most comprehensive neuroanatomical atlas on the expression of TSHRs, LHCGRs and FSHRs. We have used RNAscope, a technology that allows the detection of mRNA at single-transcript level, together with protein level validation, to document Tshr expression in 173 and Fshr expression in 353 brain regions, nuclei and sub–nuclei identified using the Atlas for the Mouse Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates. We also identified Lhcgr transcripts in 401 brain regions, nuclei and sub–nuclei. Complementarily, we used ViewRNA, another single-transcript detection technology, to establish the expression of FSHRs in human brain samples, where transcripts were co–localized in MALAT1–positive neurons. In addition, we show high expression for all three receptors in the ventricular region—with yet unknown functions. Intriguingly, Tshr and Fshr expression in the ependymal layer of the third ventricle was similar to that of the thyroid follicular cells and testicular Sertoli cells, respectively. TSHRs were expressed specifically in tanycytes. In contrast, Fshrs were localized to NeuN–positive neurons in the granular layer of the dentate gyrus in murine and human brain—both are Alzheimer’s disease vulnerable regions. Our atlas thus provides a vital resource for scientists to explore the link between the stimulation or inactivation of brain glycoprotein hormone receptors on somatic function. New actionable pathways for human disease may be unmasked through further studies.
Acute expression of human APOBEC3B in mice causes lethality associated with RNA editing
Authors: Alonso de la Vega Alicia , Temiz Nuri Alpay , Tasakis Rafail , Somogyi Kalman , Reuveni Eli , Ben-David Uri , Stenzinger Albrecht , Poth Tanja , Papavasiliou Nina , Harris Reuben S. , Sotillo Rocio
Published: June 2022

RNA editing has been described to promote heterogeneity leading to the development of multiple disorders including cancer. The cytosine deaminase APOBEC3B is known to fuel tumor evolution through DNA mutagenesis, but whether it may also function as an RNA editing enzyme has not been studied. Here, we engineered a novel doxycycline-inducible mouse model of human APOBEC3B-overexpression to understand the impact of this enzyme in tissue homeostasis and address a potential role in C-to-U RNA editing. Elevated and sustained levels of APOBEC3B led to rapid alteration of cellular fitness, major organ dysfunction, and ultimately lethality in mice. Importantly, extensive analyses of RNA-sequencing and WES from mouse tissues expressing high APOBEC3B levels reveal frequent UCC-to-UUC RNA editing events mainly localized in a specific hotspot. This work identifies, for the first time, a new function for APOBEC3B in RNA editing and presents a valuable preclinical tool to understand the emerging role of APOBEC3B as a potent driver of cancer and other diseases.
Suitable use of FRET-based Biosensors for Quantitative Detection of GPCR Activation
Authors: Brinkenfeldt Nikolaj K. , Dias André , Mathiesen Jesper M. , Martinez Karen L.
Published: June 2022

Cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate is an important second messenger molecule that regulates many downstream signaling pathways in cells. Detection of cAMP levels relies on screenings of cell lysates or the use of genetically encoded biosensors for detection in living cells. Genetically encoded biosensors are, however, primarily used for bioimaging and rarely in high-throughput screenings of potential drug candidates. Here, we describe a quantitative fluorescence-based imaging method based on measurements of single living cells. We used a genetically encoded Epac149 biosensor to investigate cAMP production in living cells following ligand stimulation. The study revealed a dependence of the measured cAMP levels on the expression level of the biosensor in transiently transfected cells. While the biosensor maintained linearity of the signal at high expression levels, the linearity of the biosensor was lost at lower expression levels due to a deficit of the biosensor compared to the maximum possible production of cAMP in the cells. This problem was circumvented by establishment of a stable cell line with constitutive expression of the biosensor. We established dose response curves by stimulation with the β1-adrenergic receptor partial agonist denopamine and observed up to 1.48-fold difference in the cellular response as well as up to 4.27-fold difference in LogEC50 values between cells with insufficient and sufficient biosensor expression. Careful characterization and control of the biosensor expression is therefore important in order to conduct quantitative analysis of the cAMP production and it allows the use of genetically encoded biosensor to be applied in high-throughput screenings.
Insights into a dual-phase steel microstructure using EBSD and image-processing-based workflow
Authors: Mollens Maxime , Roux Stéphane , Hild François , Guery Adrien
Published: June 2022

Quantitative metallography to understand the morphology of different crystallographic phases in a material often rests on the segmentation and classification of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps. Image analysis offers rich toolboxes to perform such tasks based on `scalar' images. Embracing the entire wealth of information provided by crystallography, operations such as erosion, dilation, interpolation, smoothing and segmentation require generalizations to do justice to the very nature of crystal orientations (e.g. preserving properties like frame indifference). The present study gives such extensions based on quaternion representation of crystal orientations. A dual-phase stainless steel specimen is used to illustrate the different steps of such a procedure.
Small-angle neutron scattering by spatially inhomogeneous ferromagnets with a nonzero average uniaxial anisotropy
Authors: Zaporozhets V. D. , Oba Y. , Michels A. , Metlov K. L.
Published: June 2022

Micromagnetic small-angle neutron scattering theory is well established for analyzing spin-misalignment scattering data of bulk ferromagnets. Here, this theory is extended to allow for a global uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (texture) of the material, in addition to the already included random zero-average local anisotropy. Macroscopic cross sections and spin-misalignment response functions are computed analytically for several practically relevant mutual anisotropy and external magnetic field orientations in both parallel and perpendicular scattering geometries for field magnitudes both above and below the rotational saturation. Some of these expressions are tested on published experimental data of magnetic-field-annealed Vitroperm and plastically deformed Ni, allowing determination of the corresponding global uniaxial anisotropy quality factors.
The dual diagnosis clinician shared care model – a clinical mental health dual diagnosis integrated treatment initiative
Authors: Foster Gavin , Robertson John , Pallis Sophia , Segal Jose
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To improve outcomes for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the Eastern Health Mental Health Service implemented an integrated treatment model known as the dual diagnosis clinician shared care model. This study aims to provide evidence for a relatively unexplored model in clinical mental health services within the state of Victoria, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Dual diagnosis clinicians were placed into community mental health clinics in a shared-care, modified case management role, to provide primary and secondary consultations to select consumers and/or their carers, as well as to provide capacity-building training to the mental health staff facing real world clinical challenges in dual diagnosis service delivery.

Findings

Since the commencement of this service, more than 800 consumers of the adult mental health service have been supported to concurrently address their harmful substance use, while receiving recovery-focused community mental health care. Preliminary findings include previously unknown figures on the prevalence for co-occurring substance use at the point of referral and a demonstrated preference by consumers for treatment of both disorders at the same time by the same service (in-house treatment).

Originality/value

The establishment of a dedicated, integrated dual diagnosis team has significantly increased the capacity of a community-based clinical mental health service to engage with and treat consumers with dual diagnosis disorders. This model is beginning to produce evidence challenging traditional siloed approaches to mental health and alcohol and drug treatment.
Multi-objective free-form shape optimization of a synchronous reluctance machine
Authors: Gangl Peter , Köthe Stefan , Mellak Christiane , Cesarano Alessio , Mütze Annette
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the design optimization of a synchronous reluctance machine to be used in an X-ray tube, where the goal is to maximize the torque while keeping low the amount of material used, by means of gradient-based free-form shape optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented approach is based on the mathematical concept of shape derivatives and allows to obtain new motor designs without the need to introduce a geometric parametrization. This paper presents an extension of a standard gradient-based free-form shape optimization algorithm to the case of multiple objective functions by determining updates, which represent a descent of all involved criteria. Moreover, this paper illustrates a way to obtain an approximate Pareto front.

Findings

The presented method allows to obtain optimal designs of arbitrary, non-parametric shape with very low computational cost. This paper validates the results by comparing them to a parametric geometry optimization in JMAG by means of a stochastic optimization algorithm. While the obtained designs are of similar shape, the computational time used by the gradient-based algorithm is in the order of minutes, compared to several hours taken by the stochastic optimization algorithm.

Originality/value

This paper applies the presented gradient-based multi-objective optimization algorithm in the context of free-form shape optimization using the mathematical concept of shape derivatives. The authors obtain a set of Pareto-optimal designs, each of which is a shape that is not represented by a fixed set of parameters. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this approach to multi-objective free-form shape optimization is novel in the context of electric machines.
Organizational interventions towards achieving gender equality at the corporate top: a multiple case study approach
Authors: van ‘t Foort-Diepeveen Rosalien A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this article is twofold: (1) to identify gender equality organizational interventions implemented by a selected number of Dutch companies to increase the number of women at the corporate top and (2) to identify how these interventions overcome barriers to women's advancement and contribute to more women at the corporate top.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative case study method was applied through conducting qualitative research. The research was conducted at four large Dutch companies.

Findings

The research identified 23 organizational interventions that were classified in four categories. The cross-case analysis focuses on specific themes, such as the type of interventions, the identified barriers, the successfulness of the interventions and factors contributing to increasing the number of women at the corporate top. The research shows that top-level commitment to this topic is important for the success of interventions and for increasing the number of women at the corporate top and throughout the rest of the organization. Some of the barriers could be overcome by the interventions identified.

Practical implications

This research provides companies with better insight into the quality and quantity of gender equality organizational interventions implemented by Dutch companies to increase the number of women at the corporate top. It can assist them in deciding which interventions could be implemented in order to achieve gender equality at their corporate top.

Originality/value

The research provides in-depth insight into the types and number of implemented gender equality organizational interventions for women at the corporate top and into the results and perceived effectiveness of such interventions.
Linguistic archives and language communities questionnaire: establishing (re-)use criteria
Authors: Khait Ilya , Lukschy Leonore , Seyfeddinipur Mandana
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare data that can be used as a base for establishing best practices for making archival linguistic materials available for (re-)use by members of language communities.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess how archival materials can be made more readily available to marginalized language communities, the authors use a questionnaire targeted at their members and, to a lesser extent, outsider researchers worldwide.

Findings

The collected data shows certain peculiar – and likely new – tendencies that are vital for finding practical approaches to data access. Importantly, the language communities in question have decent internet access, mainly via mobiles phones and smartphones. They are actively present in social networks and commonly use messengers.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several biases. It pre-depends on internet access and is based upon a relatively small group of respondents fluent in English, Russian, Spanish or French. Besides these, not all questions were apparently understood as intended.

Practical implications

To enable better access of marginalized language communities to archived language materials, it seems meaningful to recommend developing mobile-friendly infrastructure, possibly integrated into popular platforms.

Originality/value

To the best the authors’ knowledge, the question of access to archived linguistic materials by language community members globally, as well as their connectivity and communication habits, was not the subject of previous research with the means of survey data.
Fiscal sustainability in highly indebted countries: evidence from Jamaica
Authors: Clarke Christine , Whitely Patrice , Reid Travis
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the sustainability of Jamaica’s public debt over a highly volatile period of time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a suite of econometric tools, including, unit root testing, cointegration testing and estimating a fiscal reaction function. The authors control for structural breaks in the regression analysis.

Findings

The authors find that whilst reschedulings might be indicative of cash-flow problems in Jamaica, fiscal policy has responded effectively to increase the public debt, thereby making the debt sustainable. Notwithstanding the political economy and social demands of the population prior to the impact of the pandemic, the implications of higher debt stocks (higher debt-servicing and lower social expenditures) might make this approach to fiscal policy and debt management infeasible. As a result, the authors recommend that the government will need to take an active approach in managing its debt position to facilitate responses to shocks and provide conditions within which maintaining fiscal discipline is feasible.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore fiscal sustainability in Jamaica over this time period whilst taking into consideration structural breaks caused by the global financial crisis and debt restructurings. The authors also take into consideration variables such as exchange rates and the occurrence of elections, which have not been included in previous studies.
Impact of the ATC on the performance and productivity of Indian apparel manufacturing
Authors: Gambhir Dhwani
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the productivity growth in the Indian apparel industry in aggregate over the period 1995–2015 and compare the performance of the Indian apparel industry during the decade of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) and the decade post its expiry.

Design/methodology/approach

The aggregate productivity performance has been studied using the technique of growth accounting and the translog index. A comparison of industry performance has also been made by analysing data. The data has been collated from Annual Survey of Industries reports, CMIE Economic Outlook and CMIE Industry Outlook databases.

Findings

The apparel industry has seen significant growth in terms of all industry variables and exports. However, the growth in exports is much lower than the growth in other industry variables related to output and input. While there is productivity improvement in aggregate over the study period, the quantum is low. Total factor productivity growth is positive and higher for the period post the ATC.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there has been no such recent study comparing performance and productivity in Indian apparel manufacturing during and after the expiry of the ATC.
Defining integration capability dimensions and creating a corresponding self-assessment model for inter-organizational projects
Authors: Saukko Laura , Aaltonen Kirsi , Haapasalo Harri
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the integration capability dimensions and create a model for self-assessing the integration capability in inter-organizational projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical construct of, referred in this study as integration capability framework is elaborated following a systematic literature review. Thereafter, an integration capability self-assessment model, based on maturity thinking, is derived from the theoretical framework. The self-assessment model is further developed and tested for validity within five inter-organizational project networks in cooperation with industry practitioners, representing construction, industrial engineering, and mining sectors.

Findings

The results show that inter-organizational projects can use the developed model in self-assessing the maturity levels of various integration mechanisms, thus the state of integration capability at any point in time during inter-organizational projects.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to identify how the integration capability dimensions can be self-assessed in inter-organizational projects, through the maturity levels of various integration mechanisms. The results offer insights for both academics and project management practitioners.
An analysis of the effect of temporary/permanent contracts on firm efficiency performance: evidence from South Korea
Authors: Lim Hyoung Joo , Mali Dafydd
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Because no international accounting policy exists to mandate human capital (HC) information must be reported on financial reports, the association between workforce HC and firm performance/efficiency is not well-established. South Korea is a rare example with high HC reporting quality, as well as relatively high national productivity. On the other hand, in some developed countries (such as the UK), HC reporting quality and productivity is low. Moreover, there is an increasing propensity to offer employees non-standard contracts. Thus, because of a divergence in HC reporting quality internationally, the South Korean sample can provide valuable insights to countries with weak HC reporting quality about the association between contract quality and firm performance/efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Korean listed firms (2010–2015), pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis is conducted to show whether firms that offer employees higher levels of permanent, relative to temporary contacts, demonstrate higher firm performance/efficiency.

Findings

Firms that provide employees with increasing permanent (temporary) contracts experience higher (lower) performance/efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited due to sample selection. However, the sample represents the population of all firms that report contract type information in South Korea, a market with highly robust HC information reporting.

Originality/value

Because of data unavailability, a positive association firm-level performance/efficiency and permanent employment can only be made in a handful of countries. The study has policy implications and extends the non-financial reporting literature by addressing HC reporting limitations that exist in the mainstream accounting framework. Based on relative operational efficiency/performance, the study offers practical insights to management about the importance of staff retainment. Moreover, the authors also offer an anthropocentric perspective by inferring how low HC reporting quality can have a negative impact on society in Industry 4.0.
Open innovation solution: new model in the hospitality industry
Authors: Ul Hameed Waseem , Nawaz Muhammad , Nisar Qasim Ali , Basheer Muhammad Farhan , Imtiaz Shoaib , Zafar Muhammad Bilal
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to provide a new model in the hospitality industry by incorporating open innovation (OI) as a significant business performance (BP) supporter. This study aims to examine OI’s role in fostering SI and BP in Malaysia’s hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design is used to carry out the current study. A questionnaire survey is conducted. A total of 201 valid responses were used to analyze the data through Smart PLS 3 structural equation modeling. The study sample comprises the managerial employees of hospitality companies.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed that OI has a crucial contribution to fostering service innovation (SI) and BP. Information and communication technology (ICT) increases external knowledge and internal innovation, which in turn increases knowledge management (KM). ICT intensifies KM in result, OI increases, which contribute expediting SI. Finally, increases in SI boost BP.

Practical implications

This study provides a comprehensive framework to boost hospitality industry performance. It gives vital cues to the hospitality industry for SI improvement and BP. This proposed framework is specific to the hospitality industry, and it has the potential to help the managers to have a better understanding of new ideas that can develop service quality and customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneer studies that formally documented OI’s role in Malaysia hospitality industry. This pioneering study provides the OI model for BP of the hospitality industry. Regarding the OI in the hospitality industry, managers’ and academicians’ implication is not well understood in the current literature.
The positive side of overqualification: examining perceived overqualification linkage with knowledge sharing and career planning
Authors: Khan Jawad , Saeed Imran , Zada Muhammad , Nisar Henna Gul , Ali Amna , Zada Shagufta
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to address and observe the positive side of perceived overqualification (POQ) on employee knowledge sharing (KS) and career planning. Role identity theory highlights that an employee’s POQ is related to employee career identity in a positive way.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were supported by a time-lagged examination of 277 supervisor–subordinate dyads working in the corporate sector.

Findings

The findings state that a person’s career identity is associated with increased KS and career planning. Furthermore, the effect of overqualification on KS and career planning was predicted to be mediated by career identity. Using an interactionism mechanism, this study indicated that this mediation is moderated by leader humility. The career identities of overqualified employees are elevated when a humble leader supports them. The results suggest that, when handled appropriately, POQ may benefit both employees and organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of these results are examined theoretically and practically. Moreover, the findings of this study will open new avenues for scholars and practitioners in the field of organizational behavior and human resource management.

Originality/value

The study examined the positive side of POQ and its effect on employees’ career outcomes and KS attitudes. This study is among the first empirical studies to examine career outcomes and KS behavior due to POQ.
Accounting and art: the art commissions of the confraternities during the 15th and 16th centuries
Authors: Ciambotti Massimo , Palazzi Federica , Sgrò Francesca
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the link between accounting, religion and art to understand the managerial approach of the Confraternity of Corpus Domini of Urbino and the phenomenon of art commissioning between 1465 and 1513.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the interpretive historical method used to understand, through accounting, the managerial role of confraternities within the economic activity of art commissioning. To this purpose, the present analysis is based on a primary source, represented by the book of revenues and expenses, named B1 (1465–1513).

Findings

The analysis has provided evidence of the role of Urbino’s Confraternity in supporting art commissioning and its capacity to invest significant resources in favor of the social, religious and institutional environment of the time. Results show the connection between Urbino’s Confraternity and painters based on their commissioning agreements, the relation between painters and the Ducal Court and, finally, the role of the Duke of Urbino in funding the Confraternity’s initiatives for painters. Thus, this study highlights the major role played by Urbino’s Confraternity in art commissioning, an instrumental part of the Confraternity’s mission.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique case study that brings out the managerial approach in art commissioning through accounting documents which make activities and links visible.
Access, organize and communicate: the strategic use of browser plugins in libraries
Authors: De Sarkar Tanmay
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The present study demonstrates how browser plugins have been adopted by libraries in recent times to empower users in participatory academic and research activities. The study aims to present a brief synthesis of the practical use of browser plugins in libraries and their possible future use.

Design/methodology/approach

Web-based survey method was applied in the study to search and find browser plugins associated with academic library websites and to explore their area of application.

Findings

With the descriptive account of the implementation of plugins in academic libraries, supported by numerous examples, the study presents the pertinence of various approaches as appeared on library websites.

Research limitations/implications

The present investigation is limited to the academic libraries only.

Originality/value

The good practices enumerated in the study will improve the understanding of the young library professionals about the practical usage of plugins and the steps to enhance accessibility to plugins.
In search of a cross-level mechanism linking paternalistic leadership to employee voice behavior
Authors: Peng Jui-Chen , Chen S.W.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Drawing upon social-exchange, social-cognitive and leadership theory, this study explores whether and how a cross-level mechanism connects team-level traditional Chinese leadership (i.e. paternalistic leadership) to individual-level voice behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 421 employees of 108 branches of four service-industry chains in Taiwan. Multilevel path models and hypotheses were tested using Mplus structural equation modeling software.

Findings

One subtype of team-level paternalistic leadership, benevolent leadership, was positively related to voice behavior, whereas another – authoritative leadership – had a negative relationship to it. Additionally, employees' voice self-efficacy and felt accountability each played a cross-level mediating role between team-level paternalistic leadership and voice behavior.

Practical implications

It is recommended that team leaders behave benevolently, and avoid excessive authoritativeness at work, as this will tend to encourage their employees to voice opinions. Organizations, meanwhile, are advised to introduce training and development sessions aimed at improving both felt accountability and voice self-efficacy among their employees, so that such voice behavior can be stimulated and strengthened.

Originality/value

This study provides a useful social-cognitive analysis of the mechanism underlying paternalistic leadership and employee voice behavior, and specifically, reveals that employees' felt accountability and voice self-efficacy play a mediating role in that relationship. This extends understanding of the leadership–voice relationship and adds value to traditional Chinese leadership literature.
Air pollution induces Staphylococcus aureus USA300 respiratory tract colonization mediated by specific bacterial genetic responses involving the global virulence gene regulators Agr and Sae
Authors: Purves Jo , Hussey Shane J. K. , Corscadden Louise , Purser Lillie , Hall Andie , Misra Raju , Selley Liza , Monks Paul S. , Ketley Julian M. , Andrew Peter W. , Morrissey Julie A.
Published: June 2022

Exposure to particulate matter (PM), a major component of air pollution, is associated with exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease, and infectious diseases such as community‐acquired pneumonia. Although PM can cause adverse health effects through direct damage to host cells, our previous study showed that PM can also impact bacterial behaviour by promoting in vivo colonization. In this study we describe the genetic mechanisms involved in the bacterial response to exposure to black carbon (BC), a constituent of PM found in most sources of air pollution. We show that Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300 LAC grown in BC prior to inoculation showed increased murine respiratory tract colonization and pulmonary invasion in vivo, as well as adhesion and invasion of human epithelial cells in vitro. Global transcriptional analysis showed that BC has a widespread effect on S. aureus transcriptional responses, altering the regulation of the major virulence gene regulators Sae and Agr and causing increased expression of genes encoding toxins, proteases and immune evasion factors. Together these data describe a previously unrecognized causative mechanism of air pollution‐associated infection, in that exposure to BC can increase bacterial colonization and virulence factor expression by acting directly on the bacterium rather than via the host.
Exploring the extraplanetary: Social studies of outer space
Authors: Timko Peter , Korpershoek Karlijn , Ojani Chakad , Szolucha Anna
Published: June 2022

Within the past decade, national and commercial activity in and connected to outer space has accelerated at an astounding rate. As anthropology and related social sciences keep pace with these developments, scholars have trained their critical faculties to understand how societies have related to space in the past and the present and how we may approach space in the future. In the autumn of 2021, the members of the project Anthropological Research into the Imaginaries and Exploration of Space (ARIES) developed and taught a class covering this latest turn toward space at Jagiellonian University. Using their experience running this course as a launchpad, this article surveys the current state of space anthropology, highlighting four major themes: science and technology, terrestrial inequalities, environmental justice and alternative relations to the cosmos. It concludes with reflections on the utility and ethics of extraplanetary social scientific research.
ACTION AS METHOD:Ethnographic approaches for impact
Authors: Eyre Ben
Published: June 2022

Anthropologists have persuasively made a case for critical ethnographic engagement with elites in recent years. The most significant risk of such an approach is that it may appear meaningless to powerful actors who claim they want to ‘do good’, such as impact investors and philanthropists. This article suggests that producing intermediary outputs targeted at these powerful actors first would generate the potential for solving contemporary problems, which, in turn, would help develop theory.
Adjuvant nodal field radiation in resected Stage III melanoma: A single‐centre retrospective study in Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Leong Tian Weng , McCook George , Frampton Christopher MA , Robinson Bridget A , James Melissa L
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Stage III melanoma is associated with poor outcomes. We studied the characteristics and outcomes of patients with resected Stage III melanoma before the routine use of adjuvant immunotherapy. Some of these patients received adjuvant nodal radiation with modern radiation techniques.

Methods

We retrieved data of patients with resected Stage III melanoma treated in Christchurch over 10 years. Overall survival (OS), melanoma‐specific survival (MSS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and nodal recurrence‐free rate (NRFR) were determined, and the association of these outcomes with tumour and treatment factors was investigated.

Results

We identified 178 patients (110 male and 68 female), of whom 61 received adjuvant radiation. The median age was 66.6 years, and the median follow‐up was 2.7 years. First recurrences occurred in 108 (61%) patients. There were 42 (24%) nodal field relapses and 103 (58%) distant relapses. One‐half of nodal relapses in patients treated with adjuvant radiation were infield. The 5‐year OS, RFS, MSS and NRFR were 46.4%, 26.8%, 53.7% and 69.6%, respectively. Adjuvant radiation was associated with improved RFS and no OS benefit. T4 disease and extranodal spread were associated with poorer OS, while extranodal spread and >3 involved nodes were associated with worse RFS.

Conclusion

Patients treated with adjuvant radiation remain at moderate risk of regional and high risk of distant relapse, despite the use of modern radiation techniques. Adjuvant radiation was associated with improved local control but infield recurrence rates remained a problem. The role of combined adjuvant radiation and immunotherapy in improving these outcomes requires further investigation.
Abstraction and Detail in Experimental Design
Authors: Brutger Ryan , Kertzer Joshua D. , Renshon Jonathan , Tingley Dustin , Weiss Chagai M.
Published: June 2022

Political scientists designing experiments often face the question of how abstract or detailed their experimental stimuli should be. Typically, this question is framed in terms of trade‐offs relating to experimental control and generalizability: the more context introduced into studies, the less control, and the more difficulty generalizing the results. Yet, we have reason to question this trade‐off, and there is relatively little systematic evidence to rely on when calibrating the degree of abstraction in studies. We make two contributions. First, we provide a theoretical framework that identifies and considers the consequences of three dimensions of abstraction in experimental design: situational hypotheticality, actor identity, and contextual detail. Second, we replicate and extend three survey experiments, varying these levels of abstraction. We find no evidence that situational hypotheticality substantively changes results in any of our studies, but do find that increased contextual detail dampens treatment effects, and that the salience of actor identities moderates results in our endorsement experiment.
Inflammatory bowel disease patient‐reported quality assessment should drive service improvement: a national survey of UK IBD units and patients
Authors: Hawthorne A. Barney , Glatter Jackie , Blackwell Jonathan , Ainley Rachel , Arnott Ian , Barrett Kevin J. , Bell Graham , Brookes Matthew J. , Fletcher Melissa , Muhammed Rafeeq , Nevill Alan M. , Segal Jonathan , Selinger Christian P. , St. Clair Jones Anja , Younge Lisa ,   IBD UK Board IBD UK Task & Finish Group, Lamb Christopher A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Healthcare service provision in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often designed to meet targets set by healthcare providers rather than those of patients. It is unclear whether this meets the needs of patients, as assessed by patients themselves. Aims: To assess patients' experience of IBD and the healthcare they received, aiming to identify factors in IBD healthcare provision associated with perceived high‐quality care.

Methods

Using the 2019 IBD standards as a framework, a national benchmarking tool for quality assessment in IBD was developed by IBD UK, comprising a patient survey and service self‐assessment.

Results

134 IBD services and 9757 patients responded. Perceived quality of care was lowest in young adults and increased with age, was higher in males and those >2 years since diagnosis. No hospital services met all the national IBD standards for recommended workforce numbers. Key metrics associated with patient‐reported high‐ quality care were: identification as a tertiary centre, patient information availability, shared decision‐ making, rapid response to contact for advice, access to urgent review, joint medical/surgical clinics, and access to research (all p < 0.001). Higher numbers of IBD nurse specialists in a service was strongly associated with patients receiving regular reviews and having confidence in self‐management and reporting high‐ quality care.

Conclusions

This extensive patient and healthcare provider survey emphasises the importance of aspects of care less often measured by clinicians, such as communication, shared decision‐ making and provision of information. It demonstrates that IBD nurse specialists are crucial to meeting the needs of people living with IBD.
Perceived threat of COVID‐19, attitudes towards vaccination, and vaccine hesitancy: A prospective longitudinal study in the UK
Authors: Phillips Rhiannon , Gillespie David , Hallingberg Britt , Evans Jennifer , Taiyari Khadijeh , Torrens‐Burton Anna , Cannings‐John Rebecca , Williams Denitza , Sheils Elizabeth , Ashfield‐Watt Pauline , Akbari Ashley , Hughes Kathryn , Thomas‐Jones Emma , James Delyth , Wood Fiona
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Using the Health Belief Model as a conceptual framework, we investigated the association between attitudes towards COVID‐19, COVID‐19 vaccinations, and vaccine hesitancy and change in these variables over a 9‐month period in a UK cohort.

Methods

The COPE study cohort (n = 11,113) was recruited via an online survey at enrolment in March/April 2020. The study was advertised via the HealthWise Wales research registry and social media. Follow‐up data were available for 6942 people at 3 months (June/July 2020) and 5037 at 12 months (March/April 2021) post‐enrolment. Measures included demographics, perceived threat of COVID‐19, perceived control, intention to accept or decline a COVID‐19 vaccination, and attitudes towards vaccination. Logistic regression models were fitted cross‐sectionally at 3 and 12 months to assess the association between motivational factors and vaccine hesitancy. Longitudinal changes in motivational variables for vaccine‐hesitant and non‐hesitant groups were examined using mixed‐effect analysis of variance models.

Results

Fear of COVID‐19, perceived susceptibility to COVID‐19, and perceived personal control over COVID‐19 infection transmission decreased between the 3‐ and 12‐month surveys.

Vaccine hesitancy at 12 months was independently associated with low fear of the disease and more negative attitudes towards COVID‐19 vaccination. Specific barriers to COVID‐19 vaccine uptake included concerns about safety and efficacy in light of its rapid development, mistrust of government and pharmaceutical companies, dislike of coercive policies, and perceived lack of relaxation in COVID‐19‐related restrictions as the vaccination programme progressed.

Conclusions

Decreasing fear of COVID‐19, perceived susceptibility to the disease, and perceptions of personal control over reducing infection‐transmission may impact future COVID‐19 vaccination uptake.
Association between dietary niacin and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in healthy eyes of different ages
Authors: Charng Jason , Ansari Abdus Samad , Bondonno Nicola P. , Hunter Michael L. , O'Sullivan Therese A. , Louca Panayiotis , Hammond Chris J. , Mackey David A.
Published: June 2022

Background

To investigate the relationship between dietary intake of niacin (water‐soluble form of vitamin B3) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in healthy eyes.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined the association between daily niacin intake and RNFL thickness in three large population‐based cohorts with varied age differences. RNFL thickness was extracted from optical coherence tomography data; energy‐adjusted niacin intake was estimated from food frequency questionnaires. Linear mixed‐effects models were utilised to examine the association between RNFL thickness and energy‐adjusted niacin intake. Three separate analyses were conducted, with niacin treated as a continuous, a categorical (quartiles) or a dichotomous (above/below Australian recommended daily intake) variable.

Results

In total, 4937 subjects were included in the study [Raine Study Gen2, n = 1204, median age 20; Busselton Healthy Ageing Study (BHAS), n = 1791, median age 64; TwinsUK, n = 1942, median age 64). When analysed as a continuous variable, there was no association between RNFL thickness and niacin intake in any of the three cohorts (95% CI β: Raine Study Gen 2, −0.174 to 0.074; BHAS, −0.066 to 0.078; TwinsUK −0.435 to 0.350). Similar findings were observed with quartiles of niacin intake and for niacin intakes above or below Australian recommended daily intake levels in all three cohorts.

Conclusions

Dietary intake of niacin from a standard diet does not appear to be associated with age‐related RNFL thinning in healthy eyes. Supraphysiological doses of niacin may be required for therapeutic effect in the retina.