bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI of Potassium and Sodium Enables Comprehensive Analysis of Ion Perturbations in Skeletal Muscle Tissue After Eccentric Exercise
Authors: Gast Lena V. , Baier Laura-Marie , Meixner Christian R. , Chaudry Oliver , Engelke Klaus , Uder Michael , Nagel Armin M. , Heiss Rafael
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aims were to investigate if potassium (39K) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to analyze changes in the apparent tissue potassium concentration (aTPC) in calf muscle tissue after eccentric exercise and in delayed-onset muscle soreness, and to compare these to corresponding changes in the apparent tissue sodium concentration (aTSC) measured with sodium (23Na) MRI.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen healthy subjects (7 female, 7 male; 25.0 ± 2.8 years) underwent 39K and 23Na MRI at a 7 T MR system, as well as 1H MRI at a 3 T MR system. Magnetic resonance imaging data and blood samples were collected at baseline (t0), directly after performing eccentric exercise (t1) and 48 hours after exercise (t2). Self-reported muscle soreness was evaluated using a 10-cm visual analog scale for pain (0, no pain; 10, worst pain) at t0, t1, and t2. Quantification of aTPC/aTSC was performed after correcting the measured 39K/23Na signal intensities for partial volume and relaxation effects using 5 external reference phantoms. Edema volume and 1H T2 relaxation times were determined based on the 1H MRI data. Participants were divided according to their increase in creatine kinase (CK) level into high (CKt2 ≥ 10·CKt0) and low CK (CKt2 < 10·CKt0) subjects.

Results

Blood serum CK and edema volume were significantly increased 48 hours after exercise compared with baseline (P < 0.001). Six participants showed a high increase in blood serum CK level at t2 relative to baseline, whereas 8 participants had only a low to moderate increase in blood serum CK. All participants reported increased muscle soreness both at rest and when climbing stairs at t1 (0.4 ± 0.7; 1.4 ± 1.2) and t2 (1.6 ± 1.4; 4.8 ± 1.9) compared with baseline (0 ± 0; 0 ± 0). Moreover, aTSC was increased at t1 in exercised muscles of all participants (increase by 57% ± 24% in high CK, 73% ± 33% in low CK subjects). Forty-eight hours after training, subjects with high increase in blood serum CK still showed highly increased aTSC (increase by 79% ± 57% compared with t0). In contrast, aTPC at t2 was elevated in exercised muscles of low CK subjects (increase by 19% ± 11% compared with t0), in which aTSC had returned to baseline or below. Overall, aTSC and aTPC showed inverse evolution, with changes in aTSC being approximately twice as high as in aTPC.

Conclusions

Our results showed that 39K MRI is able to detect changes in muscular potassium concentrations caused by eccentric exercise. In combination with 23Na MRI, this enables a more holistic analysis of tissue ion concentration changes.
Optimization of Preprocedural Full-cycle Computed Tomography in Patients Referred for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair
Authors: Escher Felix , Fink Nicola , Maurus Stefan , Dinkel Julien , Ricke Jens , Hausleiter Jörg , Curta Adrian
Published: November 2022

Purpose/Objectives:

Advancements in transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve repair have resulted in growing demands in preprocedural computed tomography (CT) imaging. Due to the introduction of multidetector CT (MDCT), shorter acquisition times as well as high rates of heart failure and arrhythmias in this specific patient population, optimal synchronization between the passage of contrast agent and data acquisition is mandatory. There is no consensus on which acquisition technique should be used in this patient population. We aimed to optimize our preprocedural CT protocol comparing bolus tracking (BT) and test bolus (TB) techniques.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis on 151 patients referred for full-cycle MDCT evaluation for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair comparing BT with TB (BT n=75 TB n=75). Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were obtained. Demographic data, laboratory, electrocardiographic, and transthoracic echocardiography/transoesophageal echocardiography parameters were collected from electronic health records. Also, the volume of contrast agent and saline chaser and radiation dose length product and milliampere seconds were collected.

Results:

BT and TB resulted in comparable CNR (BT: 0.47 [0.34 to 0.98]; TB: 0.51 [0.41 to 1.40]; P=0.1). BT was associated with a shorter scan duration (BT: 8.3 min [4.1 to 24.4]; TB: 13.9 min [6.2 to 41.4]; P<0.001), less radiation in terms of dose length product (BT: 1186±585; TB: 1383±679, P=0.04), and lower total volume administration (BT: 101 mL [63 to 16]; TB: 114 mL [71 to 154]; P<0.001). In patients with severely impaired ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤35%; n=65 [TB n=31; BT n=34]) using the TB technique yielded significantly better image quality in terms of CNR (TB=0.57 [0.41 to 1.07); BT=0.41 [0.34 to 0.65]; P=0.02).

Conclusion:

In patients with impaired LVEF (LVEF≤35%), the TB technique yielded significantly superior image quality and may be the preferred approach in this specific patient population. BT showed advantages in terms of shorter duration, less radiation, and lower contrast agent volume.
Pathways to win-wins or trade-offs? How certified community forests impact forest restoration and human wellbeing
Authors: Loveridge Robin , Marshall Andrew R. , Pfeifer Marion , Rushton Steven , Nnyiti Petro P. , Fredy Lilian , Sallu Susannah M.
Published: November 2022

Certified community forests combine local governance with forest certification and aim to serve multiple objectives including forest protection, restoration, human wellbeing and equitable governance. However, the causal pathways by which they impact these objectives remain poorly understood. The ability of protected area impact evaluations to identify complex pathways is limited by a narrow focus on top-down theoretical, quantitative perspectives and inadequate consideration of local context. We used a novel mixed-methods research design that integrates the perspectives of multiple actors to develop a generalized conceptual model of the causal pathways for certified community forests. We tested the model using a combination of statistical matching, structural equation modelling and qualitative analyses for an agroforestry landscape in Tanzania. We found certified community forests positively impacted human wellbeing, equitable governance and forest restoration. Equitable governance had the largest impact on wellbeing, followed by crop yield and forest resource availability. Timber revenues varied widely between villages and the average effect of financial benefits did not impact wellbeing due to the immature stage of the certified timber market. We identified positive interactions and trade-offs between conservation and agriculture. Our findings suggest that no simple solution exists for meeting multiple objectives. However, developing understanding of the pathways linking social and conservation outcomes can help identify opportunities to promote synergies and mitigate negative impacts to reconcile competing objectives.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’.
Implications of tropical cyclones on damage and potential recovery and restoration of logged forests in Vietnam
Authors: Stas S. M. , Spracklen B. D. , Willetts P. D. , Le T. C. , Tran H. D. , Le T. T. , Ngo D. T. , Le A. V. , Le H. T. , Rutishauser E. , Schwendike J. , Marsham J. H. , van Kuijk M. , Jew E. K. K. , Phillips O. L. , Spracklen D. V.
Published: November 2022

Many natural forests in Southeast Asia are degraded following decades of logging. Restoration of these forests is delayed by ongoing logging and tropical cyclones, but the implications for recovery are largely uncertain. We analysed meteorological, satellite and forest inventory plot data to assess the effect of Typhoon Doksuri, a major tropical cyclone, on the forest landscapes of central Vietnam consisting of natural forests and plantations. We estimated the return period for a cyclone of this intensity to be 40 years. Plantations were almost twice as likely to suffer cyclone damage compared to natural forests. Logged natural forests (9–12 years after cessation of government-licensed logging) were surveyed before and after the storm with 2 years between measurements and remained a small biomass carbon sink (0.1 ± 0.3 Mg C ha−1yr−1) over this period. The cyclone reduced the carbon sink of recovering natural forests by an average of 0.85 Mg C ha−1yr−1, less than the carbon loss due to ongoing unlicensed logging. Restoration of forest landscapes in Southeast Asia requires a reduction in unlicensed logging and prevention of further conversion of degraded natural forests to plantations, particularly in landscapes prone to tropical cyclones where natural forests provide a resilient carbon sink.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’.
Development of a long-read next generation sequencing workflow for improved characterization of fastidious respiratory mycoplasmas
Authors: Framst Isaac , D`Andrea Cassandra , Baquero Monica , Maboni Grazieli
Published: November 2022

Mycoplasma cynos

and

Mycoplasma felis

are often associated with canine and feline infectious respiratory disease in dogs and cats, respectively. Mycoplasmas have a reduced genome and dearth of many biosynthetic pathways, making them dependent on rich medium for growth. Due to this fastidious nature, mycoplasmas have been historically underdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective and accurate sequencing workflow for genotypic characterization of clinical isolates of

M. cynos

and

M. felis

using a rapid long-read sequencing platform. We explored the following critical aspects of bacterial whole genome sequencing, including: (i) five solid and liquid-based culture approaches based on a specialized media formulation for

Mycoplasma

culture, (ii) three DNA extraction methods modified for long-read sequencing purposes, and (iii) two de novo assembly platforms, Flye and Canu, as key components of a bioinformatics pipeline. DNA extraction method 1, a solid-phase and column-based kit with enzymatic lysis, provided the best DNA quality and concentration followed by high coverage and sequencing contiguity. This was obtained with a culture volume of 45 ml in modified Hayflick’s broth incubated for 48 h. DNA extracted directly from colonies on agar or from small broth volumes (6 ml) did not meet the criteria required for long-read sequencing. Overall, Flye generated more contiguous assemblies than the Canu assembler and was more time efficient. This 4–5 day sample-to-sequence workflow provides the scientific and clinical communities with a more comprehensive tool than laborious conventional methods for complete genomic characterization of

M. cynos

and

M. felis

clinical isolates.
Dispelling stigmatizing misconceptions: A cross-sectional analysis of the impact of the adverse childhood experience of forced sexual intercourse on high-risk sexual behavior and weight status among adolescent girls
Authors: Wrye Bethany , Dickson Poliala , Brillon Nickie M. D. , Bowman Angela S.
Published: November 2022

Although early sexual initiation (ESI) and elevated body mass index (BMI) are widely considered a threat to positive health, the misconception that elevated BMI is predictive of ESI produces additional stigmatizing burden for overweight or obese adolescent girls. This study expands on prior findings by exploring mediating impact of the adverse childhood experience (ACE) of forced sexual intercourse on BMI and ESI. Data from the U.S. population-based 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) were analyzed using complex samples analytic methods. Girls who reported forced intercourse experience and were Black or African American were more likely to report ESI, while those who were overweight or obese were no more likely to have engaged in ESI than healthy weight girls, when controlling for other ESI related risk-factors. Among girls who never experienced forced intercourse, current and prior substance use were predictive of ESI. Findings indicate that weight status does not impact ESI when accounting for forced sexual experiences, while early exposure to substance use may be a leverage point for intervention to reduce ESI among girls with prior experience of force. When developing interventions designed to reduce ESI, it is important to understand and account for the impact of ACEs.
Human LUBAC deficiency leads to autoinflammation and immunodeficiency by dysregulation in TNF-mediated cell death
Authors: Oda Hirotsugu , Manthiram Kalpana , Chavan Pallavi Pimpale , Nakabo Shuichiro , Kuehn Hye Sun , Beck David B. , Chae Jae Jin , Nehrebecky Michele , Ombrello Amanda K. , Romeo Tina , Deuitch Natalie , Matthíasardóttir Brynja , Mullikin Jim , Stoddard Jennifer , Niemela Julie , Anderton Holly , Lawlor Kate E. , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Yang Dan , Boehm Manfred , Davis Jeremy , Mudd Pamela , Randazzo Davide , Tsai Wanxia Li , Gadina Massimo , Kaplan Mariana J. , Toguchida Junya , Mayer Christian , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Iwai Kazuhiro , Silke John , Boisson Bertrand , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Rao Anand , Lalaoui Najoua , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kastner Daniel L.
Published: November 2022

The linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC) consists of HOIP, HOIL1 and SHARPIN, and is essential for proper immune responses. Patients with HOIP and HOIL1 deficiencies present with severe immunodeficiency, autoinflammation and glycogen storage. In mice, the loss ofSharpinleads to severe dermatitis due to excessive cell death in keratinocytes. Here we report the first patient with SHARPIN deficiency, manifesting fever, arthritis, colitis, chronic otitis media and hepatic glycogenosis but unexpectedly, not associated with dermatologic manifestations. Mechanistically, fibroblasts and B cells from patients with all three LUBAC deficiencies showed attenuated canonical NF-B response and propensity to apoptosis mediated by TNF superfamily members. Furthermore, the SHARPIN deficient patient showed substantial reduction of adenoidal germinal center B cell development. Treatment of the SHARPIN deficient patient with anti-TNF therapies led to complete clinical and transcriptomic resolution of autoinflammation. These findings underscore the critical role of LUBAC as a gatekeeper for apoptosis-mediated immune dysregulation in humans.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Non-CNS Metastatic Cancer: Comparing Brain Metastasis, Non-CNS Metastasis, and Healthy Controls
Authors: Collette Christopher , Willhelm Gabrielle , Del Bene Victor A. , Aita Stephen L. , Marotta Dario , Myers Terina , Anderson Joseph , Gammon Meredith , Gerstenecker Adam , Nabors L. Burt , Fiveash John , Triebel Kristen L.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Cognitive impairment in primary and metastatic brain cancers has been well-documented. However, there is a lack of research comparing the cognitive profiles of people with non-central nervous system (CNS) metastatic cancer versus metastatic brain cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 40 non-CNS metastasis, 61 brain metastasis, and 37 healthy control (HC) participants completing the same neuropsychological test battery.

Results

Both clinical groups had reduced processing speed, verbal learning/memory, and executive functioning. Non-CNS metastasis participants performed below HC participants on processing speed and executive functioning, while brain metastasis participants demonstrated lower performance across all neuropsychological tests. Semantic verbal fluency differentiated the two clinical groups (non-CNS metastasis>brain metastasis). Twenty-five percent of non-CNS metastasis participants and 57% of brain metastasis participants had ≥3 impaired scores (i.e., ≤5th%ile).

Conclusion

One-quarter of non-CNS metastasis participants were cognitively impaired on at least three neuropsychological tests, and over half of brain metastasis participants demonstrated the same level of cognitive impairment. The elevated rate of cognitive dysfunction in the non-CNS metastasis participants is possibly attributable to systemic illness and treatment effects, while the cognitive deficits among brain metastasis participants may be associated with the more significant neurologic disease burden posed by brain metastases in conjunction with treatment effects.
Transforming a head direction signal into a goal-oriented steering command
Authors: Westeinde Elena A. , Kellogg Emily , Dawson Paul M. , Lu Jenny , Hamburg Lydia , Midler Benjamin , Druckmann Shaul , Wilson Rachel I.
Published: November 2022

To navigate, we must continuously estimate the direction we are headed in, and we must use this information to guide our path toward our goal1. Direction estimation is accomplished by ring attractor networks in the head direction system2,3. However, we do not understand how the sense of direction is used to guide action.Drosophilaconnectome analyses4,5recently revealed two cell types (PFL2 and PFL3) that connect the head direction system to the locomotor system. Here we show how both cell types combine an allocentric head direction signal with an internal goal signal to produce an egocentric motor drive. We recorded their activity as flies navigated in a virtual reality environment toward a goal stored in memory. Strikingly, PFL2 and PFL3 populations are both modulated by deviation from the goal direction, but with opposite signs. The amplitude of PFL2 activity is highest when the fly is oriented away from its goal; activating these cells destabilizes the current orientation and drives turning. By contrast, total PFL3 activity is highest around the goal; these cells generate directional turning to correct small deviations from the goal. Our data support a model where the goal is stored as a sinusoidal pattern whose phase represents direction, and whose amplitude represents salience. Variations in goal amplitude can explain transitions between goal-oriented navigation and exploration. Together, these results show how the sense of direction is used for feedback control of locomotion.
Demultiplexing the heterogeneous conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins into structurally similar clusters
Authors: Appadurai Rajeswari , Koneru Jaya Krishna , Bonomi Massimiliano , Robustelli Paul , Srivastava Anand
Published: November 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) populate a range of conformations that are best described by a heterogeneous ensemble. Grouping an IDP ensemble into “structurally similar” clusters for visualization, interpretation, and analysis purposes is a much-desired but formidable task as the conformational space of IDPs is inherently high-dimensional and reduction techniques often result in ambiguous classifications. Here, we employ the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) technique to generate homogeneous clusters of IDP conformations from the full heterogeneous ensemble. We illustrate the utility of t-SNE by clustering conformations of two disordered proteins, Aβ42, and a C-terminal fragment ofα-synuclein, in their APO states and when bound to small molecule ligands. Our results shed light on ordered sub-states within disordered ensembles and provide structural and mechanistic insights into binding modes that confer specificity and affinity in IDP ligand binding. t-SNE projections preserve the local neighborhood information and provide interpretable visualizations of the conformational heterogeneity within each ensemble and enable the quantification of cluster populations and their relative shifts upon ligand binding. Our approach provides a new framework for detailed investigations of the thermodynamics and kinetics of IDP ligand binding and will aid rational drug design for IDPs.

Significance

Grouping heterogeneous conformations of IDPs into “structurally similar” clusters facilitates a clearer understanding of the properties of IDP conformational ensembles and provides insights into ”structural ensemble: function” relationships. In this work, we provide a unique approach for clustering IDP ensembles efficiently using a non-linear dimensionality reduction method, t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), to create clusters with structurally similar IDP conformations. We show how this can be used for meaningful biophysical analyses such as understanding the binding mechanisms of IDPs such asα-synuclein and Amyloidβ42 with small drug molecules.

Graphical Abstract
High frequency of bedaquiline resistance in programmatically treated drug-resistant TB patients with sustained culture-positivity in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Derendinger B. , Dippenaar A. , de Vos M. , Huo S. , Alberts R. , Tadokera R. , Limberis J. , Sirgel F. , Dolby T. , Spies C. , Reuter A. , Folkerts M. , Allender C. , Van Rie A. , Gagneux S. , Rigouts L. , te Riele J. , Dheda K. , Engelthaler D. , Warren R. , Metcalfe J. , Cox H. , Theron G.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Bedaquiline (BDQ) is a lifesaving new tuberculosis (TB) drug undergoing global scale-up. Data on resistance emergence in programmatic settings, especially in patients resistant to other drugs with potentially weak background regimens, is scarce. Such individuals are a priority for novel drug access yet a potential source of population-level resistance.

Methods

We collected culture isolates from 40 drug resistant (DR)-TB patients, culture-positive after ≥4 months of BDQ-based treatment at baseline (pre-BDQ treatment initiation) and follow-up (closest post-four-month isolate). We did MGIT960 (1μg/ml) BDQ drug susceptibility testing (DST), targeted deep sequencing (TDS;Rv0678, atpE, pepQ), and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Contemporaneous programmatic BDQ DST was unavailable.

Results

Eight percent (3/40) of patients’ strains were BDQ resistant at baseline, and 47% (19/40) gained BDQ phenotypic resistance [88% (15/17) due to acquisition, 12% (2/17) reinfection]. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels inrv0678andpepQwere associated with phenotypic resistance but none inrv0676candrv1979c(potential lineage markers). TDS detected low-level variants undetected by WGS, however, none were in genes without WGS-detected variants. Patients with baseline fluoroquinolone-resistance, clofazimine exposure, and ≤4 effective drugs were more likely to be BDQ-resistant at follow-up.

Conclusion

BDQ resistance acquisition, for which we identified risk factors, was common in these programmatically treated patients. Our study highlights risks associated with implementing new drugs in such populations. Likely BDQ resistance transmission occurred. Routine BDQ DST should urgently accompany scale-up of new all oral regimens, however, rapid BDQ genotypic DST remains challenging given the diversity of variants observed.
Food delivery, ghost kitchens and virtual restaurants: temporary or long-lasting game changers?
Authors: Nigro Claudio , Iannuzzi Enrica , di Santo Naomi , Sisto Roberta
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the phenomenon of online food purchasing in Italy and, specifically, Italian consumers' future intentions to use these services even after the end of the COVID-19 emergency. To this purpose, to understand if these phenomena are robust enough to represent irreversible and well-established trends, in the present study, consumers’ Behavioural Intention was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework based on a preliminary literature analysis on the use of delivery services was developed. Then, an online survey was carried out in Italy during 2021. The data were then elaborated through an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Following the verification of constructs reliability, a structural equation modelling (SEM) using the statistical tools, SPSS and R (Lavaan) was performed.

Findings

The results suggest that Behavioural Intention is influenced by items such as convenience, variety of food and time savings. Moreover, the relevant role of social networks and interpersonal relationships in influencing consumers' purchasing intentions has highlighted the importance of focussing on advertising campaigns and good “word of mouth.”

Originality/value

The present research represents the first attempt to investigate the food delivery and ghost kitchens’ phenomena, recently accepted thanks to the delivery applications use in Italy, a Country with strong gastronomic tradition and with an important digital gap. In this scenario, the research focused on the attention on the consumers' future intentions to use these services even after the end of the COVID-19 emergency.
The interactive effect of mindfulness and internal listening on internal crisis management and its outcomes: the moderating role of emotional exhaustion
Authors: Adamu Adamu Abbas , Raza Syed Hassan , Mohamad Bahtiar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Internal crisis communication (ICC) has become a burgeoning area of research in crisis communication. However, the importance of ICC as a tool to enhance employee positive communicative behaviour in crisis has not been explored. This study aims to develop a research model by drawing from the ideas of sensemaking and network theories. In addition, the study further examines how the elements of the proposed model drive ICC while assessing employee-related outcomes and the role of emotion exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the validity of the measurement and structural models, 316 employees from both public and private non-profit organisations in Pakistan were interviewed through online survey. The collected data were analysed using co-variance based structural equation modelling (CV-SEM).

Findings

The results of this research confirmed that mindfulness and internal listening positively affect employee perceptions towards internal communication during a crisis. Similarly, ICC positively influences employees' perception of loyalty, job insecurity and the organisation's reputation. The results also highlight the moderation roles of emotional exhaustion (EE).

Practical implications

The study suggests that applying ICC strategies will help crisis managers develop collaborative relationships with employees, which will help in identifying and managing a crisis. In addition, implementing effective internal communication in corporate practices and processes makes internal reputation and employee loyalty (EL) a reality and allows organisations to remain productive despite crises.

Originality/value

Through the lens of sensemaking theory, this research demonstrated that mindfulness and listening should be considered stimuli in organisations that can influence employees to be active communicators before and during crises. This study is the first to elucidate the essential outcomes for strategic internal crisis management that are often under-looked, such as emotional responses. The study also shows that sensemaking should not only focus on meaning-making in a crisis but also include emotional feelings that can wear out the meaning-making process.
The asymmetric effects of real variables on real housing prices: a nonlinear ARDL analysis for Turkey
Authors: Akpolat Ahmet Gökçe
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of some real variables such as real effective exchange rates, real mortgage rates, real money supply, real construction cost index and housing sales on the real housing prices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model in the monthly period of 2010:1–2021:10.

Findings

The real effective exchange rate has a positive and symmetric effect. The decreasing effect of negative changes in real money supply on real housing prices is higher than the increasing effect of positive changes. Only positive changes in the real construction cost index have an increasing and statistically significant effect on real house prices, while only negative changes in housing sales have a small negative sign and a small increasing effect on housing prices. The fact that the positive and negative changes in real mortgage rates are negative and positive, respectively, indicates that both have a reducing effect on real housing prices.

Originality/value

This study suggests the first NARDL model that investigates the asymmetric effects on real housing prices instead of nominal housing prices for Turkey. In addition, the study is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to examine the effects of the five real variables on real housing prices.
Making a virtue of necessity once again: assessing the effect of temporary labor on lean practices in highly routinized environments
Authors: López-Manuel Lucas , Sartal Antonio , Vázquez Xosé H.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate how temporary labor moderates the relation between two well-known lean initiatives (process flow and process quality) and line productivity. This paper focuses on high-volume, low-variety (HVLV) shop floors, where work experience may not be as relevant as expected and extrinsic motivation of the temporary workforce could become a key driver of individual performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow an insider econometrics approach based on panel microdata (1,793 observations) from nine lines over two years in a Spanish manufacturing plant. The authors selected this setting for two reasons: Spain has traditionally had one of the highest levels of temporary employment in the world, so it perfectly represents labor market trends in OECD countries. Simultaneously, the authors also searched for a type of shop floor that could be representative of one of the most common manufacturing environments: a shop floor with highly repetitive and low-complexity work tasks.

Findings

The results of this paper suggest that in HVLV environments, temporary labor could contribute up to a 1.4% improvement in line productivity, provided there is a strong lean implementation. Otherwise, the use of temporary labor could undermine the positive effects of both process flow and process quality on plant productivity.

Originality/value

External incentives derived from high levels of unemployment, coupled with manufacturing’s increasing automation and specialization, may be minimizing the weaknesses traditionally associated with temporary workers in lean environments. By contrast, those shop floors lacking lean standards face serious productivity consequences from adjusting to global trends by using temporary work.
Accountants and small businesses: toward a resource-based view
Authors: Weigel Christine , Hiebl Martin R.W.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) carry huge economic importance worldwide. At the same time, SMEs face specific challenges, some of which may be alleviated by employing accountants. However, research on the role and impact of accountants in SMEs has long remained fragmented and scarce. This paper aims to encourage more research on accountants in SMEs by providing the first comprehensive and systematic review of relevant research.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on systematic review methods, the authors critically examine 68 research articles dealing with accountants in SMEs.

Findings

The review identifies three dominant roles for accountants in SMEs: providers of reporting services, sources of SME owners’ self-validation and translators between capital providers and SMEs and advisors. Implicitly, many studies assume a value-enhancing effect of employing accountants in SMEs regardless of these specific roles. At the same time, available studies seldom make use of existing theoretical frameworks to more closely analyze the value-enhancing potential of human resources such as accountants. The authors, thus, propose the resource-based view as a robust theoretical framework to improve theory building in research on accountants in SMEs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first systematic review of accountants in SMEs. In addition, the authors develop a resource-based model on accountants in SMEs to guide future research on this topic.
Family firms and international equity-based entry modes: a systematic literature review
Authors: Maggi Barbara , Pongelli Claudia , Sciascia Salvatore
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Although research on family firms (FF) internationalization has seen a boom over the past 30 years, the understanding of how FFs internationalize with equity modes is still fragmented. Indeed, the majority of extant literature on this topic identifies internationalization with export, overlooking the alternative equity-based entry modes FFs have when entering a foreign country. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap with a framework-based systematic literature review on the topic to improve the understanding of this phenomenon and propose a way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a framework-based systematic literature review of 93 papers published between 1993 and 2021.

Findings

This study adds to the current debate on FFs internationalization by integrating previous review efforts with a deeper investigation of FFs’ equity-based entry modes. This study contributes to this body of knowledge in the family business research by synthetizing and systematizing extant literature with a framework-based approach from the international business (IB) field. In so doing, this study builds a stronger link between these two areas of research. Finally, research gaps and promising research avenues for future studies are also presented.

Originality/value

This study responds to the call to create a dialogue between the FFs and IB fields by systematizing the extant body of knowledge and integrating the FF literature with one of the most widely used frameworks (Pan and Tse, 2000) on entry modes in the IB domain.
“I am doing my part, you are doing your part”: the sworn-civilian divide in police dispatching
Authors: Orosco Carlena , Gaub Janne E.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

While police culture typically refers to the culture among sworn police personnel, there are internal cultural differences between subgroups. This has been documented among sworn personnel, such as the difference between street cops and management cops (Reuss-Ianni, 1983). The divide between professional and sworn staff in a law enforcement context has also been discussed at length (Maguire, 1997; Reiss, 1992), specifically the “us versus them” mentality that stems from feelings of isolation among professional and sworn staff. The relationship between dispatchers and officers is vital to public and officer safety; it is imperative that cultural barriers preventing effective collaboration between two of the most critical components of policing are identified, and recommendations to bridge the gap are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use semi-structured interview data from a sample of peer-nominated top dispatch de-escalators (TDDs) considered highly skilled at de-escalation with callers and officers. Reflexive coding techniques were used to identify key themes in an area largely unexamined by research.

Findings

The authors find that the police culture creates friction between sworn officers and dispatchers in a number of contexts. This diminishes organizational commitment and increases burnout and frustration.

Practical implications

There are several policy recommendations for both communications centers and sworn staff to foster understanding and increase collaboration, all of which may result in improved outcomes for community members, dispatchers and officers.

Originality/value

The authors use qualitative methods to explore the implications of the sworn-civilian divide for police practice, such as more effective de-escalation and incident resolution, as well as the conceptualization of police culture writ large.
Perceptions of police use of surveillance cameras in Ghana; does procedural justice matter?
Authors: Hevi Stewart Selase , Malcalm Ebenezer , Ketemepi Gifty Enyonam , Wuttor Akorfa , Agbenorxevi Clemence Dupey
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of perception of police use of surveillance cameras (POP-S), perception of police legitimacy (POP-L) and community well-being. The study further explores the mediating effect of procedural justice between POP-S and police legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling technique was used in the selection of 388 participants, who answered questions relating to police use of surveillance cameras, legitimacy, procedural justice and community well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of the hypothesized paths.

Findings

The findings showed that POP-L was positively related to community well-being. In addition, procedural fairness partially mediates between POP-S and police legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample was limited to only motorists within the city of Accra. Hence, the study does not consider other potential offenses that may be uncovered by police-deployed surveillance cameras.

Practical implications

The study optimizes the relevance of technology use in contemporary policing for the elimination of road traffic carnage.

Originality/value

In this research, the academic scope of technology-based policing was scholarly advanced by drawing links between police use of surveillance cameras, police legitimacy, procedural justice and community well-being within the context of emerging economies.
Which traits optimize plant benefits? Meta‐analysis on the effect of partner traits on the outcome of an ant–plant protective mutualism
Authors: Leal Laura C. , Nogueira Anselmo , Peixoto Paulo E. C.
Published: November 2022

Theoretical models on mutualism dynamics predict that partner traits may influence the outcome of mutualistic interactions. However, most empirical data on this issue is restricted to case studies, limiting our ability to reach a more widespread comprehension of the role of partner traits on the dynamic of mutualisms.

We investigated how the outcome of protective mutualisms between ants and plants bearing extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) is influenced by the traits of EFNs and ants feeding on EFNs. We used a meta‐analytical approach based on 35 studies investigating the effect of ant attendance on the herbivores and reproductive performance of EFN‐bearing plants. We evaluated how variation in the EFN vascularization and location on plants and the ant aggressiveness can modulate the effect of ant attendance on the plants.

Both plant and ant traits investigated here drove the outcome of the protective mutualism for EFN‐bearing plants. Plants exclusively bearing EFNs near reproductive organs benefited more from ant attendance than plants bearing EFNs on vegetative or vegetative and reproductive organs. Ants had a higher positive impact on the reproductive performance of plants bearing non‐vascularized EFNs than plants bearing vascularized EFNs, although their effects on herbivores had been similar in both plant types. Regarding the ant behaviour, plants often attended by more aggressive ant species had a higher reproductive performance than plants often attended by less aggressive ones.

Synthesis. Our results highlight that the selective pressures and evolutionary routes in ant‐plant protective mutualisms may depend on the pool of traits exhibited by partner species. Although some studies have already reported some impact of species traits on the outcome of ant‐plant mutualisms, this is the first time that a generalization about the role of species traits on the net balance of ant attendance was proposed. Due to this generalization, it was possible to advance our knowledge about the evolution of facultative mutualisms by showing that the role of species traits on the mutualistic outcome can vary in intricate ways due to a particular trait combination found among partners in communities where the interactions are embedded in.
The Namibian inclusive education policy's response to gender nonconforming learners
Authors: Haitembu Rauna Keshemunhu , Maarman Rouaan
Published: November 2022

The provision of education to children is a human right that most countries including Namibia are trying to achieve. Hence, through educational inclusion, educators strive for removal of barriers within education systems for all children to learn. The purpose of this study was to explore how the Namibian inclusive education (IE) policy responds to gender non‐conforming learners. Drawing upon the Social Identity Perspective (SIP) and interviews with four education officers and employing a transformative case study, this study revealed that the Namibian IE policy does not clearly pronounce itself on inclusion of gender non‐conforming learners. The study further discovered culture, religious beliefs, lack of training and lack of information on gender non‐conformity as factors preventing teachers to interpret the IE policy statement in relation to gender non‐conformity. The study recommends for the IE policy to have a clear statement and guidelines on handling of gender non‐conformity issues in schools. The study further recommends for the programmes for in‐service teacher training to integrate the content on sexuality and gender diversity. Moreover, through in‐service teacher training, education officers should provide correct information on gender non‐conformity to curb the discrimination towards gender non‐conforming learners within the school communities.
Detailed analysis of failure patterns using deformable image registration in hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated with sequential boost intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Otsuka Manami , Yasuda Koichi , Uchinami Yusuke , Tsushima Nayuta , Suzuki Takayoshi , Kano Satoshi , Suzuki Ryusuke , Miyamoto Naoki , Minatogawa Hideki , Dekura Yasuhiro , Mori Takashi , Nishioka Kentaro , Taguchi Jun , Shimizu Yasushi , Katoh Norio , Homma Akihiro , Aoyama Hidefumi
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Sequential boost intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (SQB‐IMRT) uses two different planning CTs (pCTs) and treatment plans. SQB‐IMRT is a form of adaptive radiotherapy that allows for responses to changes in the shape of the tumour and organs at risk (OAR). On the other hand, dose accumulation with the two plans can be difficult to evaluate. The purpose of this study was to analyse patterns of loco‐regional failure using deformable image registration (DIR) in hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated with SQB‐IMRT.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2019, 102 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer were treated with definitive SQB‐IMRT at our institution. Dose accumulation with the 1st and 2nd plans was performed, and the dose to the loco‐regional recurrent tumour volume was calculated using the DIR workflow. Failure was classified as follows: (i) in‐field (≥95% of the recurrent tumour volume received 95% of the prescribed dose); (ii) marginal (20–95%); or (iii) out‐of‐field (<20%).

Results

After a median follow‐up period of 25 months, loco‐regional failure occurred in 34 patients. Dose–volume histogram analysis showed that all loco‐regional failures occurred in the field within 95% of the prescribed dose, with no marginal or out‐of‐field recurrences observed.

Conclusion

The dosimetric analysis using DIR showed that all loco‐regional failures were within the high‐dose region. More aggressive treatment may be required for gross tumours.
paleobuddy: An R package for flexible simulations of diversification and fossil sampling
Authors: do Rosario Petrucci Bruno , Januario Matheus , Quental Tiago
Published: November 2022

Simulations are powerful tools for investigating evolutionary questions. Statistical methods for the analysis of diversification and fossil sampling rates require extensive testing through simulation. Simulations also aid in the investigation of evolutionary dynamics that lack analytical solutions, besides model adequacy tests. Flexible simulation of fossil records and phylogenies is a necessary tool to fully investigate diversity through time.

paleobuddy is an R package that aims to fill several gaps between current simulators by providing a more general framework, with flexible, robust and independent simulations of birth–death processes, fossil records and phylogenetic trees, while allowing for straightforward implementation of novel scenarios.

Here we describe the main algorithms involved in paleobuddy simulations, give a summary of the capabilities of the package in terms of evolutionary scenarios and visualization and illustrate a paleobuddy workflow.

paleobuddy expands the available parameter space to investigate complex inference models. Given that it allows for simulations of phylogenies (complete, reconstructed or ultrametric) and fossil records from the same underlying birth–death simulations, it can increase our understanding about the differences in palaeontological and neontological approaches, and consequently expand our capacity of analysing a combination of evidence from extinct and extant species. Finally, the focus on birth–death simulations with budding speciation events allows for more generality in the diversification processes considered, expanding the flexibility and capabilities of simulation in the field.
4‐phenylbutyric acid—Identity crisis; can it act as a translation inhibitor?
Authors: Stein Daniel , Slobodnik Zeev , Tam Benjamin , Einav Monica , Akabayov Barak , Berstein Shimon , Toiber Debra
Published: November 2022

Loss of proteostasis can occur due to mutations, the formation of aggregates, or general deficiency in the correct translation and folding of proteins. These phenomena are commonly observed in pathologies, but most significantly, loss of proteostasis characterizes aging. This loss leads to the chronic activation of stress responses and has a generally deleterious impact on the organism. While finding molecules that can alleviate these symptoms is an important step toward solutions for these conditions, some molecules might be mischaracterized on the way. 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) is known for its role as a chemical chaperone that helps alleviate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, yet a scan of the literature reveals that no biochemical or molecular experiments have shown any protein refolding capacity. Here, we show that 4PBA is a conserved weak inhibitor of mRNA translation, both in vitro and in cellular systems, and furthermore—it does not promote protein folding nor prevents aggregation. 4PBA possibly alleviates proteostatic or ER stress by inhibiting protein synthesis, allowing the cells to cope with misfolded proteins by reducing the protein load. Better understanding of 4PBA biochemical mechanisms will improve its usage in basic science and as a drug in different pathologies, also opening new venues for the treatment of different diseases.