bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Façade inspection for falling objects from tall buildings in Singapore
Authors: Chew Michael Y.L.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper highlights a crucial public safety issue due to falling objects from tall residential buildings in Singapore. A systematic façade inspection regime and a system of evaluation of severity for the detection and assessment of potential falling objects from tall buildings are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses qualitative case study approach with 450 tall residential buildings sampled for the study. The common materials, elements, components with high risk of falling objects, the nature and type of the falling, the critical factors affecting the falling, the respective level of severity, and the effectiveness of various diagnostic techniques and protocols, are summarised.

Findings

Façade for tall residential buildings in Singapore comprises mainly cementitious materials cast in situ or precast, with fixtures and architectural features, all of which have potential of falling. The common anomalies arising from each material and fixture/features are identified, the causes evaluated and their implications to future design, construction and maintenance analysed.

Originality/value

This study provides original and significant information to a crucial public safety issue, setting design and construction criteria that will serve as a benchmark for new and existing facades, applicable to all cities dominated by tall buildings. The paper presents original figures, checklists and guides as a basis for readers' consideration to use according to their respective unique conditions.
Learning about serious game design and development at the K-12 level
Authors: Kapralos Bill
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Very little effort has been dedicated to the teaching of serious game design and development. At the post-secondary level, very few courses dedicated to serious game design and development exist. At the K-12 level, although (entertainment) game design and programming instruction are becoming more widespread, serious game design and development is ignored. This study aims to present a series of lesson plans that allow K-12 teachers to introduce students to serious game design and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The lesson plans include both a didactic and applied component and are intended to provide students with an introduction to serious games and their design and development while making students aware of the many career paths within this exciting growing domain. They can also be completed entirely remotely lending themselves nicely to online instruction to facilitate the COVID-19 shutdowns and the resulting move to e-learning.

Findings

Although several high-school teachers and several elementary school children were consulted during the development of the lesson plans, the lesson plans have only recently been made available, and therefore, there is a lack of any teacher or student feedback available regarding their use. Informally, several elementary school children found the lessons to be fun, interesting and informative.

Originality/value

There are currently no existing courses or lesson plans focusing on serious game design and development at the K-12 level, thus making this set of lesson plan novel and unique.
Potential of ecotourism as a mechanism to buoy community livelihoods: the case of Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Ramaano Azwindini Isaac
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study evaluates prospects of using ecotourism industry to advance community livelihoods in Musina Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using questionnaire surveys, interviews primarily, supplemented by focus group discussions and interviews, primary data has been collected reflective of the potentiality of ecotouristic activities in Musina Municipality. To a lesser extent, field observations contribute to these primary sources. Extra insights are obtained through documentary reviews (secondary sources). Data is analyzed using quantitative statistical techniques supplemented by qualitative approaches.

Findings

The study confirmed substantial ecotourism potential of the Musina Municipality and that this potential is manifest irrespective of geographic and demographic factors. However, the study reports a low current ecotourism impact in the Musina Municipality with consequential minimal benefits accruing to the enhancement of the standard of living in the local community. An inference is made that the key gap area impeding the realization of ecotourism potential in the Musina Municipality is the absence of a well-articulated tourism strategy linked to the sustainable economic development of the communities involved. Several fruitful initiatives for ecotourism consonant with local factor endowments are proposed.

Originality/value

Although, taken in topical isolation, matters of community livelihoods and sustainable development have been increasingly coming to the forefront of research on tourism, few studies have taken a holistic approach predicated on the integration of community livelihood and sustainable development roles of various forms of ecotourism in community development within many rural areas. This study represents the first case study employing an integrated approach to analyze ecotouristic potential of rural Musina Municipality, one of the driest areas in the far North of Limpopo Province, South Africa, characterized by low standard of living juxtaposed with high touristic potential.
A critical comparative review of emergency and disaster management in the Arab world
Authors: Al Kurdi Osama F.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The Arab world is made up of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. These countries are subjected to many social, economic, political and geographical vulnerabilities contributing to increased risks or ineffective emergency and disaster management. This paper examines these vulnerabilities, how they may impact the country's ability to face disasters, and how they can improve disasters' overall management.

Design/methodology/approach

The author selected Qatar, Oman to represent the Arab oil-rich countries, while Jordan, Egypt and Morocco to represent non-oil rich countries. The research was conducted in a qualitative, inductive systematic literature review based on a well-established systematic literature review methodology. Selected literature was based on its recency and the countries in question.

Findings

The review reveals population gaps that could threaten the social system in the event of a disaster in countries like Qatar and Oman. The majority of the countries lack community engagement and pre-planning for emergency preparedness due to social and cultural barriers. Other nations like Jordan, Egypt and Morocco are prone to long-lasting economic challenges due to lack of resources, mismanagement or corruption. The paper also highlights the need to raise the educational attainment among citizens to understand disaster risk reduction.

Originality/value

This study utilized the research method developed by Williams et al. (2017) to present a comprehensive systematic and comparative review of disaster management in the Arab world. Considering that disaster and emergency management has remained disproportionately unexplored in the Arab world, this paper reviewed several vulnerabilities and how those vulnerabilities may affect disaster and emergency management efforts in the Arab countries.
What goes around comes around. Exploring how skilled migrant founder–managers of SMEs recruit and retain international talent
Authors: Crowley-Henry Marian , O'Connor Edward P. , Suarez-Bilbao Blanca
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This micro-level study unpacks the recruitment and retention of international professionals to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study highlights the influence of the founders' international experience when applying organisational-level (meso) policies and practices. With their insider experience as skilled migrants, we share how the founders in each of the SMEs mobilised career capital into human resource management (HRM) strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining literature on SMEs and skilled migrants' careers, we draw upon intelligent career theory to illuminate the recruitment and retention of self-initiated expatriates and skilled migrants in SMEs. With three SME case studies as samples–one micro, one small and one medium-sized organisation in Ireland–we consider the influence of the founders' international experience in the design and application of formal and informal HRM strategies (at the organisational level) that are operationalised to recruit and retain international talent to/in these organisations.

Findings

The HRM practices in the three SME cases in this paper, each run by migrant founders, vary from formalised (for our medium-sized organisation), semi-formalised (for our small-sized organisation) to ad hoc and tailor-made (for our micro-sized organisation). These particular SMEs were often more receptive to hiring other migrants. The important role of the three SME case studies' skilled migrant founders and their own international career experiences was apparent in the particular HRM approaches they adopted. The relevance of intelligent career theory when applying micro-level findings at the meso-organisational level is shown.

Originality/value

The paper presents how the international experience of founder–managers, in turn, impacts on the HRM practices and policies that are implemented to recruit and retain international employees. The study highlights how both organisation size and founder-manager international experience influence the degree of customisation of HRM practices and policies in SMEs, specifically pertaining to the recruitment and retention of self-initiated expatriates and skilled migrant employees. The heterogeneity within the sub-categories encompassed under the umbrella label of SME is emphasised; validating our case study approach, where nuance and detail of the specific organisation can be shared.
Specific work-life issues of single and childless female expatriates: an exploratory study in the Swiss context
Authors: Salamin Xavier
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Research on work–life interface in the expatriation context has to date focused on expatriates relocating with a family, and the work–life experiences of single and childless expatriates remain largely unexplored. This is particularly relevant for women, as female expatriates appear to be more often single than their male counterparts and have children less often. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to examine the specific work–life experiences of single and childless female expatriates who are working and living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design has been adopted for this exploratory study. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 20 single and childless female expatriates living and working in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Findings

Our findings identify a set of personal, work-related, and social and cultural factors contributing to single and childless female expatriates’ conflict and enrichment between work and nonwork spheres, as well as a range of sources and types of social support they rely upon. Our findings demonstrate that work–life issues are also exacerbated for single and childless women in the international context.

Originality/value

This study is the first dedicated to the examination of specific work–life issues of single and childless women in the expatriate context. By revealing the specificities of their work–life experiences, this study contributes to the fields of (female) expatriate research and work–life research and advances current knowledge on nontraditional expatriates.
Does gender matter? Gender talent migration and its implication for talent management
Authors: Latukha Marina , Shagalkina Mariia , Kalinina Ekaterina , Khasieva Daria
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The growing trends in talent migration, which in the extreme lead to brain drain, in step with an increasing female participation in labor markets and migration flows, set challenges for both business and governments managing these processes. In this vein, it is proposed that macro talent management (MTM) is effective in managing the above-mentioned macro-level issues. The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare the determinants of talent migration with respect to gender and to analyze the role that talent management (TM) practices may play in the migration of diverse talent groups (male and female) within the Russian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Anticipating the possible differences in talent migration determinants between men and women and using data from 557 Russian graduates, considered to be high-potential talents, the authors found that these determinants converge.

Findings

Male and female talent migration intentions in Russia are influenced by the same industry and individual push factors as well as family reasons, confirming that women are acting as independent economic migrants rather than tied movers. Moreover, the authors identified that talents in our sample evaluate highly the possibility of TM practices to change their migration intentions, and that female talents are more sensitive and responsive in this regard. Therefore, the TM system in the emerging economies' context, in particular Russia, is important for increasing the share of women in the workforce, in particular in leadership positions.

Originality/value

The study's results are important as they provide evidence on the gendered dimension of talent migration in particular in terms of the gendered assessment of talent migration determinants. Moreover, the study shows the positive role of TM in managing talent flows at the country level, in particular the ability of TM practices to attract talents to local organizations and, hence, retain them in a country.
“Slow science” for 21st century healthcare: reinventing health service research that serves fast-paced, high-complexity care organisations
Authors: Jorm Christine , Iedema Rick , Piper Donella , Goodwin Nicholas , Searles Andrew
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for an improved conceptualisation of health service research, using Stengers' (2018) metaphor of “slow science” as a critical yardstick.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is structured in three parts. It first reviews the field of health services research and the approaches that dominate it. It then considers the healthcare research approaches whose principles and methodologies are more aligned with “slow science” before presenting a description of a “slow science” project in which the authors are currently engaged.

Findings

Current approaches to health service research struggle to offer adequate resources for resolving frontline complexity, principally because they set more store by knowledge generalisation, disciplinary continuity and integrity and the consolidation of expertise, than by engaging with frontline complexity on its terms, negotiating issues with frontline staff and patients on their terms and framing findings and solutions in ways that key in to the in situ dynamics and complexities that define health service delivery.

Originality/value

There is a need to engage in a paradigm shift that engages health services as co-researchers, prioritising practical change and local involvement over knowledge production. Economics is a research field where the products are of natural appeal to powerful health service managers. A “slow science” approach adopted by the embedded Economist Program with its emphasis on pre-implementation, knowledge mobilisation and parallel site capacity development sets out how research can be flexibly produced to improve health services.
On fluctuating characteristics of global COVID-19 cases and identification of inflection points
Authors: Feng Xin , Zhang Hanshui , Zhang Yue , Sun Liming , Li Jiapei , Wu Ye
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The emergence of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has had a tremendous impact on the world, and the characteristics of its evolution need to be better understood.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the changes of cases and control them effectively, this paper analyzes and models the fluctuation and dynamic characteristics of the daily growth rate based on the data of newly confirmed cases around the world. Based on the data, the authors identify the inflection points and analyze the causes of the new daily confirmed cases and deaths worldwide.

Findings

The study found that the growth sequence of the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases per day has a significant cluster of fluctuations. The impact of previous fluctuations in the future is gradually attenuated and shows a relatively gentle long-term downward trend. There are four inflection points in the global time series of new confirmed cases and the number of deaths per day. And these inflection points show the state of an accelerated rise, a slowdown in the rate of decline, a slowdown in the rate of growth and an accelerated decline in turn.

Originality/value

This paper has a certain guiding and innovative significance for the dynamic research of COVID-19 cases in the world.
Migrating to a shared Library Management System: evaluation from the perspective of librarians and lessons learned
Authors: Kouis Dimitrios , Kyprianos Konstantinos , Efthymiou Foteini , Koulouris Alexandros , Karabela Antonia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate certain aspects, problems and benefits from the migration to a shared Library Management System (LMS).

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature and a quantitative survey was conducted, based on a structured questionnaire, with a response rate of 44.7%.

Findings

Among the crucial issues that should be taken seriously into consideration when transiting into a new and shared LMS, are the audit of the data quality before migration, the employees' training design and the composition of the LMS central support team. The benefits of a shared LMS are mainly effectiveness in terms of libraries' budgets and time for the employees' day-to-day work.

Originality/value

The survey presented in this article evaluates the merits of a shared LMS and contributes innovative aspects to the existing bibliography by investigating issues and problems that arose during the transition. This way, the professionals involved in similar initiatives will benefit by avoiding possible mistakes and drawbacks when implementing such a project.
Towards evaluating interactivity in video-based task design: a perspective from computer-based L2 listening
Authors: Otaif Fahad Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Purpose

With the growing use of technology in second language learning (L2), many techniques of incorporating digital video in L2 learning and platforms of task implementation appear in the field, however, with little, if any, research on how tasks can be designed and developed in these contexts. Based on Chapelle (2001, 2014) task design criteria, the current paper evaluates specifically the “interactivity” of task design interface and how it may contribute towards either dispersing or directing the learners' attention (Robinson, 2011) during the process of task completion in video-based L2 listening.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach – mainly focus groups and interviews – the current study evaluated a number of tasks that were used for computer-based L2 listening when digital video is the mode of presentation. The participants, i.e. English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers and learners, were presented with a number of task designs to try and evaluate.

Findings

The findings revealed that some task designs are perceived to be less interactive and can disperse the learner's attentional resources during the process of task completion. They also shed light on the importance of improving EFL teachers' current practices of task design in computer-based L2 listening.

Originality/value

This paper has contributed to our growing understanding of interactivity in relation to video-based learning and its task designs.
Differential effects of nematode infection on pollinating and non‐pollinating fig wasps: Can shared antagonism provide net benefits to a mutualism?
Authors: Van Goor Justin , Piatscheck Finn , Houston Derek D. , Nason John D.
Published: May 2021

Species pairs that form mutualistic associations are also components of broader organismal community networks. These interaction networks have shaped the evolution of individual mutualisms through interspecific interactions ranging from secondarily mutualistic to intensely antagonistic. Our understanding of this complex context remains limited because characterizing the impacts of species interacting with focal mutualists is often difficult. How is the fitness of mutualists impacted by the co‐occurring interactive network of community associates?

We investigated this context using a model interaction network comprised of a fig and fig wasp mutualist, eight non‐pollinating fig wasp (NPFW) antagonists/commensals and a nematode previously believed to be associated only with the pollinator wasp mutualist.

Through repeated sampling and field observations, we characterized the ecological roles of these mutualist‐associated organisms to identify key antagonists. We then investigated how potential nematode infection of NPFWs could impact wasp survival across key life stages and, in turn, inferred how this influences the fitness of the fig–pollinator mutualists.

Unexpectedly, we found all Ficus petiolaris‐associated NPFWs to be the targets for nematode infection, with infection levels sometimes exceeding that of pollinators. Experimental data collected for the most abundant NPFW species suggest that nematode infection significantly reduces their longevity. Further, comparisons of nematode loads for emerging and successfully arriving NPFWs suggest that infection severely limits their dispersal ability.

Through these observations, we conclude that this infection could impact NPFWs more severely than either mutualistic partner, suggesting a novel role of density‐dependent facultative mutualism between figs, pollinator wasps and the nematode. This antagonist‐mediated suppression of other network antagonists may present an ecologically common mechanism through which antagonists can present net benefits for mutualists' fitness.
Stakeholder perceptions of policy implementation for Indigenous health and cultural safety: A study of Australia's ‘Closing the Gap’ policies
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Mackean Tamara , George Emma , Friel Sharon , Baum Fran
Published: May 2021

Indigenous peoples in Australia and similar colonised countries are subject to racism and systemic socioeconomic disadvantages, resulting in worse health outcomes compared to non‐Indigenous counterparts. Such inequities persist despite governments’ attempts to reduce them. Since 2008, Australian governments have committed to a national ‘Closing the Gap’ (CTG) to reduce inequities in health, education, and employment outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians, but with limited success. We applied policy theory and a cultural safety framework developed for the research to analyse stakeholder perceptions of CTG policy implementation between 2008 and 2019. We identified policy‐shaping ideas and policy incoherence in the environment surrounding CTG policy that obstructed culturally safe policy. Top‐down, prescriptive modes of implementation were also a barrier. However, Indigenous‐led policy partnerships and community‐controlled services in the health sector have met principles of cultural safety. Identifying these strengths and weaknesses points to ways in which implementation of CTG policies can be improved to achieve cultural safety and reduce Indigenous health inequities. These results may hold lessons for similar countries such as the United States, New Zealand, and Canada.
Delayed and Decoupled: Family Firm Compliance with Board Independence Requirements
Authors: Shaw Tara Shankar , He Lerong , Cordeiro James
Published: May 2021

We investigate family firms’ speed and degree of compliance with board independence requirements and how willingness and ability affect family firms’ compliance patterns. Using a longitudinal sample of Indian publicly traded firms during a transitional period of corporate governance reforms, we find that family firms are slower to comply with board independence requirements than non‐family firms. Family firms’ compliance speed is even slower as agency costs increase. We also document that family firms are prone to symbolically comply with board independence requirements, as independent directors in family firms are less engaged than their counterparts in non‐family firms. Family firms’ symbolic compliance is even more salient when family firms possess larger agency problems and greater resource constraints. Our results also point to a complementary relationship between family firms’ willingness and ability to comply, as family firms with greater agency costs and larger resource constraints are among the slowest to comply and are also most likely to comply superficially. Overall, we conclude that family firms’ internal logic, agency costs and resource constraints jointly affect their compliance patterns.
Barriers to and strategies for parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities in primary schools in Bahir Dar City Administration, Ethiopia
Authors: Gedfie Mebrat , Getahun Dawit Asrat , Negassa Dawit
Published: May 2021

This study explores barriers to and strategies for parental involvement (PI) in the education of children with disabilities, using a qualitative case study design. Using the purposive sampling technique, five parents and five teachers were selected for interviews. Data obtained through semi‐structured interviews have been analysed thematically. The findings demonstrated that PI was hindered by various barriers related to parents (including parents’ low level of education, income and negative attitudes), schools (such as principals’ and teachers’ negative attitudes, the lack of invitations given to parents, and the lack of a welcoming environment) and children (including their unwillingness to pass school invitations on to their parents). In addition, the study identified strategies to increase PI, including effective communication and partnership, training, a welcoming environment, sending invitations, and establishing and utilising resource centres and individual education plans. Overall, the study highlighted the barriers to PI and tactics to increase PI. It is apparent that educative programmes should be designed by schools and other relevant bodies to address the barriers to PI.
Enabling positive change in primary school: learner‐led research in a Scottish context
Authors: Gibson Islean , Clark Ailey , Dunnigan Hamish , Cantali Dianne
Published: May 2021

The relevance and value of increased learner participation in effect change research is increasing in its significance and importance across the education sector, guided by current national governance and the move of local authorities to implement action research models to drive improvement. This paper reports on a study led by primary seven pupils in a remote rural Scottish primary school, working collaboratively towards planning, developing, implementing and evaluating learner‐led research. The pupil researchers created their own initiative, introducing dogs to the classroom, which was designed to increase self‐esteem and self‐efficacy for all learners in their school. Through the implementation of the initiative, they were observed to develop their own social and emotional well‐being as they engaged in the process of interviewing, results analysis and subsequent resource dissemination. This article discusses the collaborative and supportive relationship alongside the desire to bring about positive change that must underpin genuine collaboration.
China‐U.S. trade dispute and its impact on global agricultural markets, the U.S. economy, and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Elobeid Amani , Carriquiry Miguel , Dumortier Jerome , Swenson David , J. Hayes Dermot
Published: May 2021

China is a major importer of agricultural products and we examine retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on U.S. pork, soybeans, corn, and wheat. We use an agricultural trade model to determine the impacts on agricultural commodity markets and combine our results with an input‐output model to measure economic effects in the United States. In addition, we calculate global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from land‐use change. The consequences of retaliatory tariffs are both trade destruction (lower overall trade) and trade diversion (trade diverted away from the U.S. and to other exporting countries). By the end of the projection period, total U.S. pork exports decline by 4.7%. Total soybean and wheat exports decrease by 31.2% and 0.5%, respectively whereas corn exports increases by 4.0%. Domestic U.S. retail pork prices decline by 0.8% and commodity farm prices decrease by 4.2%, 5.1%, and 15.8% for corn, wheat, and soybeans, respectively. The decline in foreign demand reduces U.S. production and welfare. Key among these impacts are a loss of nearly 15,400 jobs and a fall in labor income by $1.35 billion due to a $3.70 billion decline in national output at the beginning of the projection period. By the last year of the projection, the impacts grow to almost 30,000 fewer jobs and $2.31 billion less labor income. The U.S. economy experiences a loss of slightly under $6.80 billion in national output. Changes in trade due to the tariffs result in a reduction of GHG emissions from land‐use change of up to 83.7 teragram (Tg) of CO2‐equivalent.
Gunshot residue detection in stagnant water: SEM‐EDX or ICP‐MS? A preliminary study
Authors: Montoriol Romain , Guilbeau‐Frugier Céline , Aries Sébastien , Onfroy Lauriane , Lombardi Valentin , Payré Bruno , Cassard Hervé , Feki Nihel , Telmon Norbert , Savall Fréderic
Published: May 2021

The identification of gunshot residue (GSR) on wounds enables the differentiation of entry and exit wounds. Unfortunately, studies analyzing GSR on degraded bodies have been poorly documented, and no data exist regarding GSR detection after stagnant water immersion. The aim of this preliminary experimental study was to detect GSR on wounds altered in stagnant water, using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X (SEM‐EDX) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Shots were performed on sheep limbs with a 22LR at a distance of 20 cm. The limbs were then submerged in stagnant water and analyzed on days 0, 6, and 14. SEM‐EDX was performed on previously dehydrated wounds. For ICP‐MS analysis, the wounds were rubbed with a cotton swab that was then analyzed. In the SEM studies, a higher number of particles were detected in entry wounds compared to exit wounds under every set of experimental conditions. Unfortunately, SEM‐EDX failed to detect GSR particles, even on day 0. ICP‐MS enabled the detection of Pb, Sb, and Ba at every stage with higher quantities on entry than in exit. These elements remained detectable following limb immersion. ICP‐MS enabled differentiate entry from exit wounds, even after immersion in stagnant water. Nevertheless, when manually swabbing the wounds, quantities of matter collected is highly variable. ICP‐MS is a more suitable technique than SEM‐EDX for GSR identification of wounds after decomposition in stagnant water; however, standardization is needed.
NOVOWrap: An automated solution for plastid genome assembly and structure standardization
Authors: Wu Ping , Xu Chao , Chen Hao , Yang Jie , Zhang Xianchun , Zhou Shiliang
Published: May 2021

Plastid genomes play an important role in genomics and evolutionary biology. Next‐generation sequencing has revolutionized plastid genomic data acquisition to the point that genome assembly has become a bottleneck for widespread utilization of plastid genome data. To solve this problem, we developed an open‐source, cross‐platform tool known as, NOVOWrap, which includes both command‐line and graphical interfaces for automatically assembling plastid genomes on personal computers. With minimal inputs, settings, and user intervention, NOVOWrap can automatically assemble plastid genomes, validate results and standardize the structure using affordable computer resources. The performance of this software has been successfully benchmarked against the plastid genomes of 11 species belonging to lycopods, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. By liberating researchers from laborious and cumbersome computer manipulations and create reliable and standardized genomic data, NOVOWrap is expected to accelerate plastid genome assembly, ease the process of data exchange, and contribute to downstream analysis.
BAI1 nuclear expression reflects the survival of nonsmoking non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: An Hyo Jung , Kim Sung Hwan , Yang Jung Wook , Kim Min Hye , Baek Hye Jin , Ryu Kyeong Hwa , Jeon Kyung Nyeo , Lee Chang Sup , Choi Jun Young , Song Dae Hyun
Published: May 2021

Background

Smoking‐ and nonsmoking‐associated lung cancers have different mechanisms of carcinogenesis. We divided non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients into nonsmoking and smoking groups with the aim of trying to understand the utility of brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) expression in the separate groups.

Methods

Clinicopathological data were obtained from 148 patients who had undergone surgery for NSCLC of the lung. Tissue microarray blocks were made of samples from NSCLC patients. Two pathologists graded the intensity of BAI1 expression as high or low expression in the cancer cells of patients in the smoking and nonsmoking groups.

Results

NSCLC nonsmokers with higher BAI1 nuclear expression had poor disease‐specific survival (DSS) (hazard ratio: 2.679; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.022–7.022, p = 0.045). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve confirmed that higher BAI1 expression was significantly associated with poor DSS (p = 0.034) in the nonsmoking group.

Conclusions

We divided NSCLC patients into nonsmoking and smoking groups and found that nuclear BAI1 expression was related to patient survival in nonsmoking NSCLC patients. We suggest BAI1 expression as a predictive marker of nonsmoking‐associated NSCLC and recommend that it be evaluated as an AJCC staging criterion in the future.
How many trees to see the forest? Assessing the effects of morphospace coverage and sample size in performance surface analysis
Authors: Smith Stephanie M. , Stayton C. Tristan , Angielczyk Kenneth D.
Published: May 2021

Linking morphology and function is critical to understanding the evolution of organismal shape. Performance landscapes, or performance surfaces, associate empirical functional performance data with a morphospace to assess how shape variation relates to functional variation. Performance surfaces for multiple functions also can be combined to understand the functional trade‐offs that affect the morphology of a particular structure across species. However, morphological performance surfaces usually require empirical determination of performance for a number of theoretical shapes that are evenly distributed throughout the morphospace. This process is time‐consuming, and is problematic for structures that are difficult to precisely manipulate.

We sought to (a) understand the degree and pattern of sampling required to produce a reliable and nuanced performance surface and (b) investigate the possibility of building a surface using only naturally occurring morphologies. To do this, we subsampled a pre‐existing set of turtle shell performance surfaces in four different ways: first, uniform subsampling of theoretical morphologies across the surface; second, random subsampling of theoretical morphologies across the surface; third, a combination uniform/random subsampling method called close‐pairs sampling and fourth, subsampling only points on the surface known to correspond to a naturally occurring turtle shell morphology. Each subset was interpolated with ordinary Kriging to produce a new performance surface for comparison to the original.

We found that using a fraction of the theoretical morphologies examined in the original study (half as many or fewer) was sufficient to produce a performance surface bearing close resemblance to the original (Pearson correlation ≥0.90); close‐pairs sampling dramatically increased the power of small sample sizes. We also discovered that only sampling points on the surface corresponding to naturally occurring morphologies produced an accurate surface, but results were better when individual specimens, rather than species averages, were used.

Our findings demonstrate the viability of using performance surfaces to understand the evolution of complex morphologies for which theoretical shape modelling is difficult or computationally burdensome. Both lower levels of carefully configured sampling throughout the theoretical morphospace, and development of performance surfaces using only data from naturally occurring morphologies, are acceptable alternatives to the dense theoretical shape sampling employed in previous studies.

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Short‐term impacts of COVID‐19 on food security and nutrition in rural Guatemala: Phone‐based farm household survey evidence
Authors: Ceballos Francisco , Hernandez Manuel A. , Paz Cynthia
Published: May 2021

This article examines the short‐term effects of the COVID‐19 lockdown on food security and nutrition in rural Guatemala. We rely on a comprehensive panel dataset of 1,824 small agricultural households collected over two survey rounds, on November–December 2019 and May–June 2020. We place special emphasis on changes in agricultural and nonagricultural income sources, including remittances, and changes in dietary diversity, including consumption of animal source foods (ASF) and fruits and vegetables (F&V). We find that COVID‐19 affected the incomes, food security, and dietary patterns of households, with a decrease in ASF diversity and an increase in F&V diversity, and an overall net decrease in dietary diversity across all food groups. Dietary diversity among women in reproductive age, however, remained unchanged, and increased among children under 2 years old. Interestingly, households with relatively higher incomes appear to have reduced their dietary diversity to a larger extent than lower income ones, as well as households located in communities with more severe access restrictions. The focus of the study in a region with a high prevalence of poverty and chronic malnutrition provides an important perspective into the consequences of the lockdown in complex rural contexts with vulnerable populations and contributes to inform eventual recovery measures.
Circadian rhythm‐associated Rev‐erbα modulates polarization of decidual macrophage via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Cui Liyuan , Jin Xueling , Xu Feng , Wang Songcun , Liu Lu , Li Xinyi , Lin Haiyan , Du Meirong
Published: May 2021

Problem: Circadian rhythms are involved not only in the repair and regeneration of the immune system, but may also be associated with regulation of inflammation and immune responses. Rev‐erbα could constitute a link between immunity and circadian rhythms since it is a transcription factor that regulates circadian rhythms and has functions in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Decidual macrophages (dMφs) play crucial roles in immune balance at the maternal‐fetal interface, and abnormal macrophage polarization is related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as infertility, recurrent spontaneous abortion, and preterm labor. However, whether Rev‐erbα could modulate the polarization of macrophages is unknown.

Methods of study: In this study, we analyzed the phenotype of dMφs and the expression of Rev‐erbα in dMφs from normal pregnancies and miscarriages. The effect of Rev‐erbα on macrophage polarization was evaluated by its knockdown or pharmacological activation. The mechanism by which the Rev‐erbα agonist SR9009 regulates macrophage polarization was also estimated.

Results: A type‐1 macrophage (M1)‐like dominance was observed in dMφs from human miscarriages, with a decreased expression of Rev‐erbα compared to that from normal pregnancies. Rev‐erbα knockdown promoted M1 polarization in macrophages differentiated from the THP1 cell line, whereas pharmacological activation of Rev‐erbα by SR9009 induced type‐2 macrophage (M2)‐like polarization in dMφs. Furthermore, we found that SR9009 induced M2 polarization in macrophages differentiated from the U937 cell line via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion: Rev‐erbα may play an essential role in macrophage polarization. These findings might help elucidate the role of Rev‐erbα in regulating the differentiation and functions of macrophages and suggest a therapeutic target for pregnancy loss and pregnancy complications.
The decidual expression of Interleukin‐7 is upregulated in early pregnancy loss
Authors: Vilsmaier Theresa , Amann Niklas , Löb Sanja , Schmoeckel Elisa , Kuhn Christina , Zati zehni Alaleh , Meister Sarah , Beyer Susanne , Kolben Theresa M. , Becker Johanna , Mumm Jan‐Niclas , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Kolben Thomas
Published: May 2021

Background

Maternal immunological rejection of the semi‐allogenic fetus is discussed as one of the significant factors involved in early pregnancy loss. An array of cytokines secreted by both maternal and fetal cells is involved in generating a delicate maternal immune tolerance. Interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) is discussed to play a key role in pro‐inflammatory processes, but there is still limited insight into the pathophysiological input on placentation and embryonic development in early pregnancy loss.

Patients and methods

Cytokine level differences were identified with quantitative real‐time PCR in placental tissue from spontaneous abortions (SA) (n = 18), recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) (n = 15), and healthy pregnancies (n = 15) at gestational weeks 7 to 14. Protein expression of IL‐7 in the decidua was investigated by immunohistochemistry. IL‐7‐expressing cells were identified with double‐immunofluorescence.

Results

Decidua of women with RSA expressed almost 51‐times higher values of IL‐7 in gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry identified a significant upregulation of IL‐7 in the decidua of RSA specimens (p = .013) and in the decidua of women with SA (p = .004). Double‐immunofluorescence confirmed decidual stroma cells as IL‐7‐expressing cells.

Conclusion

Significantly elevated IL‐7 values in the decidua of spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages imply a crucial role of the cytokine in the signaling at the feto‐maternal interface of the placenta. An overexpression of IL‐7 could result in early pregnancy loss by inducing a pro‐inflammatory environment. Proven to be valuable in other autoimmune diseases, targeting IL‐7 signaling therapeutically may prove to be a very beneficial treatment option for RSA patients.
Prevalence and early‐life risk factors of school‐age allergic multimorbidity: The EuroPrevall‐iFAAM birth cohort
Authors: Sigurdardottir Sigurveig T. , Jonasson Kristjan , Clausen Michael , Lilja Bjornsdottir Kristin , Sigurdardottir Sigridur Erla , Roberts Graham , Grimshaw Kate , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Fiandor Ana , Quirce Santiago , Sprikkelman Aline B. , Hulshof Lies , Kowalski Marek L. , Kurowski Marcin , Dubakiene Ruta , Rudzeviciene Odilija , Bellach Johanna , Yürek Songül , Reich Andreas , Erhard Sina Maria , Couch Philip , Rivas Montserrat Fernandez , van Ree Ronald , Mills Clare , Grabenhenrich Linus , Beyer Kirsten , Keil Thomas
Published: May 2021

Background

Coexistence of childhood asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis is higher than can be expected by chance, suggesting a common mechanism. Data on allergic multimorbidity from a pan‐European, population‐based birth cohort study have been lacking. This study compares the prevalence and early‐life risk factors of these diseases in European primary school children.

Methods

In the prospective multicentre observational EuroPrevall‐iFAAM birth cohort study, we used standardized questionnaires on sociodemographics, medical history, parental allergies and lifestyle, and environmental exposures at birth, 12 and 24 months. At primary school age, parents answered ISAAC‐based questions on current asthma, rhinitis and eczema. Allergic multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of at least two of these.

Results

From 10,563 children recruited at birth in 8 study centres, we included data from 5,572 children (mean age 8.2 years; 51.8% boys). Prevalence estimates were as follows: asthma, 8.1%; allergic rhinitis, 13.3%; and eczema, 12.0%. Allergic multimorbidity was seen in 7.0% of the whole cohort, ranging from 1.2% (Athens, Greece) to 10.9% (Madrid, Spain). Risk factors for allergic multimorbidity, identified with AICc, included family‐allergy‐score, odds ratio (OR) 1.50 (95% CI 1.32–1.70) per standard deviation; early‐life allergy symptoms, OR 2.72 (2.34–3.16) for each symptom; and caesarean birth, OR 1.35 (1.04–1.76). Female gender, OR 0.72 (0.58–0.90); older siblings, OR 0.79 (0.63–0.99); and day care, OR 0.81 (0.63–1.06) were protective factors.

Conclusion

Allergic multimorbidity should be regarded as an important chronic childhood disease in Europe. Some of the associated early‐life factors are modifiable and may be considered for prevention strategies.
Recommendations of Ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians and philosophers on perinatal nutrition and care
Authors: Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne
Published: May 2021

This mini‐narrative historical review presents views and recommendations of Ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians and philosophers, concerning the nutrition and lifestyle, collectively referred in antiquity as ‘diet’, of pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the nutrition of the foetus and neonate. Pregnant and breastfeeding women in these eras were cared for with regard to their nutrition and well‐being, in addition to their clothing, physical exercise and mental health. A number of ancient scholars taught that the foetus was fed through the umbilical cord. Breastfeeding by mothers was warmly recommended, but wet nurses and baby bottles were also available. Relevant information is found in preserved texts of well‐known antique physicians and philosophers, who had studied medicine, or discussed medical issues.
CEBPγ facilitates lamellipodia formation and cancer cell migration through CERS6 upregulation
Authors: Shi Hanxiao , Niimi Atsuko , Takeuchi Toshiyuki , Shiogama Kazuya , Mizutani Yasuyoshi , Kajino Taisuke , Inada Kenichi , Hase Tetsunari , Hatta Takahiro , Shibata Hirofumi , Fukui Takayuki , Chen‐Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi , Nagano Kazuki , Murate Takashi , Kawamoto Yoshiyuki , Tomida Shuta , Takahashi Takashi , Suzuki Motoshi
Published: May 2021

Ceramide synthase 6 (CERS6) promotes lung cancer metastasis by stimulating cancer cell migration. To examine the underlying mechanisms, we performed luciferase analysis of the CERS6 promoter region and identified the Y‐box as a cis‐acting element. As a parallel analysis of database records for 149 non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cancer patients, we screened for trans‐acting factors with an expression level showing a correlation with CERS6 expression. Among the candidates noted, silencing of either CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein γ (CEBPγ) or Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1) reduced the CERS6 expression level. Following knockdown, CEBPγ and YBX1 were found to be independently associated with reductions in ceramide‐dependent lamellipodia formation as well as migration activity, while only CEBPγ may have induced CERS6 expression through specific binding to the Y‐box. The mRNA expression levels of CERS6, CEBPγ, and YBX1 were positively correlated with adenocarcinoma invasiveness. YBX1 expression was observed in all 20 examined clinical lung cancer specimens, while 6 of those showed a staining pattern similar to that of CERS6. The present findings suggest promotion of lung cancer migration by possible involvement of the transcription factors CEBPγ and YBX1.