bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban pandemic response: survey results describing the experiences from twenty-five cities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Boyce Matthew R , Asprilla Melissa Cordoba , van Loenen Breanna , McClelland Amanda , Rojhani Ariella
Published: July 2022

Since first being detected in Wuhan, China in late December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a response from all levels of government. While the role of local governments in routine public health functions is well understood, and the response to the pandemic has highlighted the importance of involving local governments in the response to and management of large, multifaceted challenges, their role in pandemic response remains more opaque. Accordingly, to better understand how local governments in cities were involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a survey involving cities in the Partnership for Healthy Cities to: (i) understand which levels of government were responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed regarding select pandemic response activities; (ii) document when response activities were implemented; (iii) characterize how challenging response activities were; and (iv) query about future engagement in pandemic and epidemic preparedness. Twenty-five cities from around the world completed the survey and we used descriptive statistics to summarize the urban experience in pandemic response. Our results show that national authorities were responsible and accountable for a majority of the activities considered, but that local governments were also responsible and accountable for key activities – especially risk communication and coordinating with community-based organizations and civil society organizations. Further, most response activities were implemented after COVID-19 had been confirmed in a city, many pandemic response activities proved to be challenging for local authorities, and nearly all local authorities envisioned being more engaged in pandemic preparedness and response following the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive research represents an important contribution to an expanding evidence base focused on improving the response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as future outbreaks.
Selective Regulation of Tuft Cell-Like Small Cell Lung Cancer by Novel Transcriptional Co-activators C11orf53 and COLCA2
Authors: Zhou Chen , Huang Hui , Wang Yunyi , Sendinc Erdem , Shi Yang
Published: July 2022

The DepMap project has generated a huge resource for investigating selectively essential genes, which represent potential cancer therapeutic targets. However, manually sorting out which of the hundreds of selectively essential genes is understudied and warrants investigations is time-consuming and probably not practical. To efficiently identify uncharacterized, selectively essential genes, we collected and ranked the 347 selectively essential genes from the DepMap dataset by their PubMed publication counts, based on the assumption that genes with low publication counts are un-studied or under-studied. We successfully validated two of the top candidates in our ranking system, C11orf53 and COLCA2, as new vulnerabilities that are selectively essential in the class II POU domain transcription factor POU2F3-dependent tuft cell-like small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines. Importantly, we found that the sequence motif, which mediates physical interactions of the transcriptional co-activator POU2AF1 with two of the class II POU domain-containing family of transcription factors (POU2F1 and POU2F2), is also present in the N-terminal regions of C11orf53 and COLCA2. We further confirmed that 1) COLCA2 physically interacts with POU2F3 through this conserved sequence motif; 2) this interaction is important for COLCA2 to regulate tuft cell-like SCLC cell growth, and 3) both C11orf53 and COLCA2 contain transcriptional co-activator domains. Consistently, we find similar transcriptomic changes in response to the loss of COLCA2 or POU2F3 in SCLC cells. In summary, our analysis pipeline enables identification and prioritization of understudied but important, selectively essential genes, leading to the identification of two new transcriptional co-activators for the class II POU domain transcription factors. Disruption of this important physical interaction is predicted to be a potential therapeutic strategy to selectively inhibit tuft cell-like SCLCs.
Heterogeneity of RNA editing in mesothelioma and how RNA editing enzyme ADAR2 affects mesothelioma cell growth, response to chemotherapy and tumor microenvironment
Authors: Hariharan Ananya , Qi Weihong , Rehrauer Hubert , Wu Licun , Ronner Manuel , Wipplinger Martin , Kresoja-Rakic Jelena , Sun Suna , Oton-Gonzalez Lucia , Sculco Marika , Serre-Beinier Véronique , Meiller Clément , Blanquart Christophe , Fonteneau Jean-François , Vrugt Bart , Rüschoff Jan Hendrik , Opitz Isabelle , Jean Didier , de Perrot Marc , Felley-Bosco Emanuela
Published: July 2022

We previously observed increased levels of adenosine-deaminase-acting-on-dsRNA (Adar)-dependent RNA editing during mesothelioma development in mice exposed to asbestos. The aim of this study was to characterize and assess the role of ADAR-dependent RNA editing in mesothelioma. Tumors and mesothelioma primary cultures have higher ADAR-mediated RNA editing compared to mesothelial cells. Unsupervised clustering of editing in different genomic regions revealed heterogeneity between tumor samples as well as mesothelioma primary cultures. ADAR2 expression levels are higher in BRCA1-associated protein 1 wild-type tumors, with corresponding changes in RNA editing in transcripts and 3’UTR. ADAR2 knockdown and rescue models indicated a role in cell proliferation, altered cell cycle, increased sensitivity to antifolate treatment and type-1 interferon signaling upregulation, leading to changes in the microenvironment in vivo. Our data indicate that RNA editing contributes to mesothelioma heterogeneity and highlights an important role of ADAR2 not only in growth regulation in mesothelioma but also chemotherapy response, in addition to regulating inflammatory response downstream of sensing nucleic acid structures.
A bioengineered probiotic for the oral delivery of a peptide Kv1.3 channel blocker to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Zhu Duolong , Ortiz-Velez Laura C. , Perry J. Lance , Pennington Michael W. , Hyser Joseph M. , Britton Robert A. , Beeton Christine
Published: July 2022

Engineered microbes for the delivery of biologics is a promising avenue for the treatment of various conditions such as chronic inflammatory disorders and metabolic disease. In this study, we developed a genetically engineered probiotic delivery system that delivers the small molecular biologic to the intestinal tract with high efficacy and minimized side effects. We constructed an inducible system in the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to secret functional Kv1.3 potassium blocker ShK-235 (LrS235). We show that LrS235 is capable of blocking Kv1.3 currents and preferentially inhibiting human T effector memory (TEM) cells proliferation in vitro. A single oral gavage of healthy rats with LrS235 resulted in adequate functional ShK-235 in the circulation to reduce inflammation in a delayed-type hypersensitivity model of atopic dermatitis mediated by TEM cells. Furthermore, the daily oral gavage of LrS235 dramatically reduced clinical signs of disease and joint inflammation in rats with a model of rheumatoid arthritis without eliciting immunogenicity against ShK-235. This work demonstrates the efficacy of using probiotic L. reuteri as a novel oral delivery platform for the small molecule ShK-235, and provides a efficacious strategy to deliver other biologics with great translational potential.

Significance Statement

New therapeutics that combine efficacy with limited side effects and can be delivered non-invasively are needed to adequately treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. Kv1.3 channel-expressing CCR7- effector memory T (TEM) lymphocytes are significant players in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases and blocking Kv1.3 reduces disease severity in rat models of RA and patients with plaque psoriasis. However, peptide therapeutics require repeated injections, reducing patient compliance. We used a bioengineered Lactobacillus reuteri as an oral delivery method of a Kv1.3 blocker for immunomodulation in rat models of atopic dermatitis and RA. This study demonstrates a novel approach for the non-invasive delivery of peptide-based therapeutics for the oral treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
Exploring the Extreme Acid Tolerance of a Dynamic Protein Nanocage
Authors: Jones Jesse A. , Andreas Michael P. , Giessen Tobias W.
Published: July 2022

Encapsulins are protein nanocages capable of efficient self-assembly and cargo enzyme encapsulation. They are found in a wide variety of bacteria and archaea, including many extremophiles, and are involved in iron and sulfur homeostasis, oxidative stress resistance, and secondary metabolite production. Resistance against physicochemical extremes like high temperature and low pH is a key adaptation of many extremophiles and also represents a highly desirable feature for many biotechnological applications. However, no systematic characterization of acid stable encapsulins has been carried out, while the influence of pH on encapsulin shells has so far not been thoroughly explored. Here, we report on a newly identified encapsulin nanocage (AaEnc) from the acid-tolerant bacterium Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici. Using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and proteolytic assays, we demonstrate its extreme acid tolerance and resilience against proteases. We structurally characterize the novel nanocage using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing a dynamic five-fold pore that displays distinct “closed” and “open” states at neutral pH, but only a singular “closed” state under strongly acidic conditions. Further, the “open” state exhibits the largest pore in an encapsulin shell reported to date. Non-native protein encapsulation capabilities are demonstrated, and the influence of external pH on internalized cargo is explored. AaEnc is the first characterized highly acid stable encapsulin with a unique pH-dependent dynamic pore and its molecular characterization provides novel mechanistic details underlying the pH stability of large dynamic protein complexes.
Balancing p38 MAPK Signaling with Proteostasis Mechanisms Supports Tissue Integrity during Aging inC. elegans
Authors: Yuan Wang , Weaver Yi M. , Earnest Svetlana , Taylor Clinton A. , Cobb Melanie H. , Weaver Benjamin P.
Published: July 2022

Like other p38 MAPKs,C. elegansPMK-1 is activated by phosphorylation during stress responses and inactivated by phosphatases. PMK-1 initiates immune response and blocks development when hyperactivated. Here we show that PMK-1 signaling is essential for tissue homeostasis during aging. Loss of PMK-1 accelerates progressive declines in neuronal integrity and lysosome function compromising longevity. Enhancing p38 signaling with caspase cleavage-resistant PMK-1 protects lysosomal and neuronal integrity extending a youthful phase. The cleavage-resistant PMK-1 mutant behaves oppositely to thepmk-1null in regulating both transcriptional and protein degradation programs supporting tissue homeostasis. PMK-1 activates a complex transcriptional program and requires UNC-62 (MEIS), FOS/JUN, and DAF-16 (FOXO) transcription factors to regulate lysosome formation which is both cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous. We show that during early aging the absolute phospho-p38 amount is nearly constant but maintained at a small percentage of total p38. The reservoir of non-phospho-p38 diminishes during early aging to enhance signaling without hyperactivation. CED-3 caspase cleavage limits phosphorylated PMK-1 and truncated PMK-1 is rapidly degraded by the proteasome. Modulating phospho-p38 ratio confers dynamic control for tissue-homeostasis without activating stress response to support longevity.
Nonviral base editing ofKCNJ13mutation preserves vision in an inherited retinal channelopathy
Authors: Kabra Meha , Shahi Pawan K. , Wang Yuyuan , Sinha Divya , Spillane Allison , Newby Gregory A. , Saxena Shivani , Tong Yao , Chang Yu , Abdeen Amr A. , Edwards Kimberly L. , Theisen Cole O. , Liu David R. , Gamm David M. , Gong Shaoqin , Saha Krishanu , Pattnaik Bikash R.
Published: July 2022

Clinical genome editing is emerging for rare disease treatment, but one of the major limitations is the targeted delivery of CRISPR editors. We delivered base editors to the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in the mouse eye using silica nanocapsules (SNC) as a treatment for retinal degeneration. Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA16) is a rare pediatric blindness caused by point mutations in theKCNJ13gene, a loss-of-function inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir7.1) in the RPE. SNC carrying adenine base editor (ABE8e) mRNA and single-guide RNA precisely and efficiently correctedKCNJ13W53X/W53Xmutation. Editing in both patient fibroblasts (47%) and human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (LCA16-iPSC-RPE) (17%) had a negligible off-target response. Functional Kir7.1 channels were recorded from the edited LCA16-iPSC-RPE. In the LCA16 mouse model (Kcnj13W53X/+ΔR), RPE cells targeted SNC delivery of ABE8e mRNA preserved normal visual function measured by full-field electroretinogram (ERG). Moreover, multifocal ERG confirmed the topographic measure of electrical activity primarily originating from the edited retinal area at the injection site. Preserved retina structure, post-treatment, was established by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This preclinical validation of targeted ion channel functional rescue, a challenge for pharmacological and genomic interventions, reinforces the effectiveness of nonviral genome editing therapy for rare inherited disorders.

Graphical abstract
Inducible Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in SARS-CoV-2 Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Ma Zhong-Min , Olstad Katherine J. , Van Rompay Koen K A , Iyer Smita S. , Miller Christopher J. , Reader Rachel J
Published: July 2022

Pulmonary immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been well studied. This study investigated the distribution of immune cells int the lungs of 8 rhesus macaques experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2, and euthanized 11-14 days later. Using immunohistochemistry, inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue was found in all animals. The inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissues were composed of B cells, T cells, and follicular dendritic cells with evidence of lymphocyte priming and differentiation. This suggests local immunity plays an important role in the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further study of local immunity in the lung would benefit our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and could lead to new interventions to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease.
Optical Control of Translation with a Puromycin-Photoswitch
Authors: Ko Tongil , Oliveira Mauricio , Alapin Jessica M. , Morstein Johannes , Klann Eric , Trauner Dirk
Published: July 2022

Translation is an elementary cellular process that involves a large number of factors interacting in a concerted fashion with the ribosome. Numerous natural products have emerged that interfere with ribosomal function, such as puromycin, which mimics an aminoacyl tRNA and causes premature chain termination. Here, we introduce a photoswitchable version of puromycin that, in effect, puts translation under optical control. Our compound, termed puroswitch, features a diazocine that allows for reversible and nearly quantitative isomerization and pharmacological modulation. Its synthesis involves a new photoswitchable amino acid building block. Puroswitch shows little activity in the dark and becomes substantially more active and cytotoxic, in a graded fashion, upon irradiation with various wavelengths of visible light. In vitro translation assays confirm that puroswitch inhibits translation with a mechanism similar to that of puromycin itself. Once incorporated into nascent proteins, puroswitch, reacts with standard puromycin antibodies, which allows for tracking de novo protein synthesis using western blots and immunohistochemistry. As a cell-permeable small molecule, puroswitch can be used for nascent proteome profiling in a variety of cell types, including primary mouse neurons. We envision puroswitch as a useful biochemical tool for the optical control of translation and for monitoring newly synthesized proteins in defined locations and at precise time points.
Large neutral amino acid levels tune perinatal neuronal excitability and survival
Authors: Knaus Lisa S. , Basilico Bernadette , Malzl Daniel , Bujalkova Maria Gerykova , Smogavec Mateja , Schwarz Lena A. , Gorkiewicz Sarah , Amberg Nicole , Pauler Florian , Rülicke Thomas , Menche Jörg , Hippenmeyer Simon , Novarino Gaia
Published: July 2022

Surprisingly little is known about the critical metabolic changes that neural cells have to undergo during development and how even mild, temporary shifts in this program can influence brain circuitries and behavior. Inspired by the discovery that mutations in SLC7A5, a transporter of metabolically-relevant large neutral amino acids, lead to a form of autism spectrum disorder, we employed metabolomic profiling to study the metabolic states of the cerebral cortex across different stages of life. We found that the cerebral cortex undergoes significant metabolic remodeling throughout development, with certain groups of metabolites showing stage-specific changes. But what are the consequences of interfering with this metabolic program? By manipulating Slc7a5 expression in neural cells, we found that the metabolism of large neutral amino acids and lipids in the cerebral cortex are highly interconnected. Deletion of Slc7a5 in neurons perturbs specifically the postnatal metabolic state leading to a shift in lipid metabolism and a stage- and cell-type-specific alteration in neuronal activity patterns, resulting in a long-term cortical circuit dysfunction.
KsgA facilitates ribosomal small subunit maturation by proofreading a key structural lesion
Authors: Sun Jingyu , Kinman Laurel F. , Jahagirdar Dushyant , Ortega Joaquin , Davis Joseph H.
Published: July 2022

Ribosome assembly is orchestrated by many assembly factors, including ribosomal RNA methyltransferases whose precise role is poorly understood. Here, we leverage the power of cryo-EM and machine learning to discover that the bacterial methyltransferase KsgA performs a novel “proofreading” function in assembly of the ribosomal small subunit by recognizing and partially disassembling particles that have matured but are not competent for translation. We propose that this activity allows inactive particles an opportunity to reassemble into an active state, thereby increasing overall assembly fidelity. Detailed structural quantifications in our datasets additionally enabled expansion of the Nomura assembly map to highlight rRNA helix and r-protein interdependencies, which newly details how binding and docking of these elements are tightly coupled. These results have wide-ranging implications in our understanding of the quality control mechanisms governing ribosome biogenesis, and showcase the power of heterogeneity analysis in cryo-EM to unveil functionally relevant information in biological systems.
Questioning the phenomenon of void in the built environment through a multidisciplinary perspective
Authors: Grabar Marie , Dupre Karine
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this article is to understand the definitions, trends and gaps currently existing in the literature regarding the concept of void in the built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used for this article is based on a bilingual narrative literature review, the authors being fluent both in French and English. The advantage of any literature review is that it allows researchers to gather and analyse existing academic literature on a specific subject. The chosen technique gives a thorough understanding of the study and helps in identifying research gaps. The literature review was sequential, online and used ScienceDirect, Scopus and Sage Knowledge as databases.

Findings

There are three main findings regarding this literature review. The first shows that the void is lacking consensus regarding its definition and attributes, yet this is unanimously considered as an existing space in the city. The second finding shows that voids are talking to our emotions and perceptions and more studies could investigate a new planning/design approach in taking this into consideration. At last, the third findings shows that there are some gaps that need to be further researched, such as the difference between Western and Eastern cultures to use voids in architecture.

Originality/value

In compiling 35 articles focussing on the void, this article proposes a valuable source of knowledge regarding this topic, as well as delineates new research directions.
A cross cultural examination of “off-price” fashion shopping
Authors: Mortimer Gary , Grimmer Martin , Grimmer Louise , Wang Shasha , Su Jin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The “off-price” retailing concept is defined as the presentation of limited inventories of products in a “disorganised” retail environment which provides an extra level of “challenge” to the shopping experience. Research has identified “off-price” shoppers as those who approach this challenging experience in a purposeful, task-driven way. This current research contributes new knowledge by testing the impact of antecedents (i.e. involvement) on the “off-price” shopper experience and the moderating role of national culture across two distinct cultural groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a self-completed, anonymous, online survey provided to a sample of Australian (n = 355) and Chinese (n = 400) shoppers who were identified as regularly shopping for fashion in “off-price” retail stores.

Findings

The research found that the consumer's level of involvement positively impacted their “off-price” shopping experience in terms of effort/mastery and pride. However, in contrast to current knowledge of East-Asian and Western cultural variances, limited moderation effects were identified. All national cultural dimensions interacted with product involvement in influencing consumer pride. Whilst product involvement decreased with pride in higher individualism, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation and indulgence cultures, these reversed in cultures with a lower score in these four dimensions.

Originality/value

This new research extends knowledge of “off-price” shopper behaviour by testing the levels of involvement and experience across two distinctly different cultures – East Asian and Western – and challenges existing knowledge of cultural variances. Further, the work extends the use of achievement goal theory as an approach to delineate these consumers from other cohorts.
How fakes make it through: the role of review features versus consumer characteristics
Authors: Azimi Shabnam , Chan Kwong , Krasnikov Alexander
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine how characteristics of an online review and a consumer reading the review influence the probability that the consumer will assess the review as authentic (real) or inauthentic (fake). This study further examines the specific factors that increase or decrease a consumer’s ability to detect a review’s authenticity and reasons a consumer makes these authenticity assessments.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypothesized relationships were tested using an online experiment of over 400 respondents who collectively provided 3,224 authenticity assessments along with 3,181 written self-report reasons for assessing a review as authentic or inauthentic.

Findings

The findings indicate that specific combinations of factors including review valence, length, readability, type of content and consumer personality traits and demographics lead to systematic bias in assessing review authenticity. Using qualitative analysis, this paper provided further insight into why consumers are deceived.

Research limitations/implications

This research showed there are important differences in the way the authenticity assessment process works for positive versus negative reviews and identified factors that can make a fake review hard to spot or a real review hard to believe.

Practical implications

This research has implications for both consumers and businesses by emphasizing areas of vulnerability for fake information and providing guidance for how to design review systems for improved veracity.

Originality/value

This research is one of the few works that explicates how people assess information authenticity and their consequent assessment accuracy in the context of online reviews.
Impacts of brand digitalization on brand market performance: the mediating role of brand competence and brand warmth
Authors: Li Yao , Song Xuge , Zhou Mi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between brand digitalization and brand market performance, mediated by brand competence and brand warmth and moderated by brand familiarity, from a consumer perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a 2 (brand digitalization: yes vs no) × 2 (brand familiarity: high vs low) between-subject experiment and administered a survey with 693 valid responses. Two-way analysis of variance, Hayes' PROCESS macro and a linear regression model were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Brand digitalization positively affects brand market performance, which is mediated by brand competence and brand warmth. In addition, brand familiarity has a moderating effect on the relationship between brand digitalization and brand market performance, as well as on the mediating effect of brand competence and brand warmth.

Practical implications

Brand managers should enhance the integration of digital technologies into brand building and management and develop brand communication strategies that emphasize brand digitalization based on consumers' brand familiarity.

Originality/value

This study advances current knowledge of the drivers of brand performance by constructing the concept of brand digitalization and examining its role in improving brand market performance. Additionally, this study deepens our understanding of the relationship between digital technology usage and consumer brand response by examining the mediating effect of brand competence and brand warmth and the moderating effect of brand familiarity.
Gender equality boost for regenerative tourism: the case of Karenni village Huay Pu Keng (Mae Hong Son, Thailand)
Authors: Nitsch Brigitte , Vogels Charlotte
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper display how “objectifying” forms of tourism can be converted into a more gender-equal regenerative tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology generates shared understandings about the opportunities and challenges of implementing regenerative tourism by stimulating gender equality. The research design is based on qualitative research methods. Using a transformative tourism development process of the Karenni village Huay Pu Keng in Thailand, which is the first and only village that made this transition, the results of a process to stimulate the empowerment of women have been described.

Findings

The desk research and conversations reported in the findings of this paper provide important insights in the social impacts in relation to gender equality and women empowerment. The community has become a role model for transformative tourism in relation to gender equality. Findings included that women are more involved in tourism activities, which has created a positive shift towards a gender balance. However, there is still a difference in education and participation between men and women. The study further reveals how tourism contributes to enliven the indigenous traditions and cultures and be a model for future developments in creating life-long meaningful experiences.

Originality/value

Insights of the first and only Karenni village that made a transition to community-based tourism demonstrate how the community has been empowered. It improved the gender balance to make strategic decisions towards transforming their futures. Exploring this process is therefore valuable, as it contains knowledge that can be advantageous for other communities and research.
Talent identification strategy in Latin American multinationals: perceptions of corporate actors
Authors: Golik Mariela Natacha , Blanco Maria Rita
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Talent identification is a critical process of any Global Talent Management system, and little is known about it in Latin American multinationals (multilatinas). This study aims to understand, through the perceptions of Corporate Global Talent Managers, the talent identification strategy in place, the factors involved and the sources of the tools for its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is made up of 17 multilatinas (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia). Semi- structured interviews were conducted with Corporate Global Talent Managers.

Findings

Results reveal that the standardisation strategy constitutes the main trend. This choice is explained by numerous factors such as the new corporate structures, the entry mode via mergers and acquisitions, the national/regional culture, geographical closeness and shared cultural affinity, organizational culture, host country management practices and level of integration between headquarters and subsidiaries. Most of the multilatinas do not rely on “best practices”; they prefer home-made tools instead. Several factors were identified. Conclusions and further research are presented.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to fill a perceived gap in the literature investigating, empirically, the talent identification strategy in multilatinas.
How accountants responded to the financial fallout owing to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Botes Vida , Davey Howard , Esposo Daniel , Smit Bruce Rust
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the last time a crisis affected businesses worldwide by putting economies into hibernation was in 1918 – the Great Influenza Pandemic. Environmental, social and governance frameworks require businesses to respond to such crises as it significantly changes the business environment. With approximately 2.84 million accountants existing across 130 countries, this study aims to determine whether the accounting profession responded to this crisis. As these responses can provide insights into the type of activities accountants performed during the lockdown, the authors analysed them for emerging themes and identified changes in the way that accountants performed tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using search engines, the authors examined publicly available secondary sources such as websites of professional bodies, the Big Four and mid-tier accounting firms and government organisations using the keyword “COVID-19” to identify responses on issues faced by accountants during the 2020 lockdown period in New Zealand. The authors used interpretive text analysis to examine the responses for emerging themes.

Findings

The accountants’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic emphasised information technology and soft skills but most importantly the interaction, integration and immersion of technical skills with information technology and soft skills. The findings also highlight changes in the way accountants performed their tasks.

Originality/value

The study insights enable accounting academics to better understand the interconnection between hard and soft skills for incorporating it in syllabi, thereby preparing students for future roles. In addition, the study findings will assist both practitioners and researchers to explore the emerging changes in the way accountants perform their tasks.
Police resource distribution in China: spatial decision making based on PGIS-MCDA method
Authors: Zhang Ning , Haoran Xu , Jiang Feng , Wang Dawei , Chen Peng , Zhang Qing
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Based on the theoretical viewpoints of criminal geography and environmental criminology, this research uses spatial multi-criteria decision-making methods. In the process of spatial decision-making and optimization of police resources, researchers fully consider the dynamic application of Geographic Information System (GIS) and the effects of spatial prevention and control.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers use an integrated method combining Policing Geographic Information System (PGIS) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). On the one hand, police GIS has an excellent visual data analysis platform and integrated decision support system in data management, spatial analysis, data exploration and regression analysis. On the other hand, through the design of the indicator system, the quantification of indicators, the determination of weights, comprehensive evaluation and sensitivity analysis, MCDA can select the best plan from a large number of alternatives. When joining MCDA, the spatial dimension will bring the research results closer to the real world.

Findings

The study finds that the crime of burglary is affected to a certain extent by the distribution of police forces, the location of police units. Another important finding of this research is the correlation between more precise preventive measures and the crime of burglary.

Originality/value

From a practical point of view, this research would help advance the role of police units and law enforcement agencies in preventing burglary crimes and provide experience for the allocation of regional police resources.
Intersections of women’s identities in professional accountancy careers
Authors: Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Faragalla Widad Atena
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore intersectional gender inequalities that exist in accounting organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature, covering the period from 1990 to 2020, assesses the intersectionality of professional and social factors that shape inequalities in women’s professional accounting careers.

Findings

This study presents the complex facets of women’s inequality in gendered accounting organizations. The results reveal that inequity persists in accounting organizations despite organizational changes. The findings highlight the relevance of further research in gendered organizations to capture the intersectionality of gender with other forms of inequality.

Practical implications

This review informs professional organizations, accountants and company managers about the persistence of gender concerns in the accountancy profession in the last 30 years, despite stated accounting profession commitments to achieve gender equality, as promoted by United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, some possible solutions are proposed.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a complex and challenging issue, contributing to the literature by extending classical narrative literature. This study presents a structured view of the various intersections of professional and social characteristics that created inequalities and the suggested solutions.
Social capital in urban agriculture initiatives
Authors: Caldas Luíza Costa , Christopoulos Tania Pereira
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate urban agriculture in the city of São Paulo from the perspective of social capital. The specific objectives are (1) to identify the effects of social capital on urban agriculture and (2) to investigate social capital formation (its sources and challenges imposed onto its development).

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, a review of the literature was carried out in order to understand the main concepts used in the field of study. Semi-structured interviews were also carried out with people from urban agriculture initiatives, and they were analyzed under the lens of social capital.

Findings

Aspects of social capital were recognized and organized in a framework including sources, effects and challenges. The first deals with consummatory or instrumental sources that generate social capital. The second deals with the following effects: generation of human capital, citizenship, engagement, access and mobilization of resources, and access to information. The third deals with the challenges to its formation related to homophily and the perception of benefits from this form of capital.

Originality/value

Urban agriculture plays an increasingly important role in relieving the pressure generated by the food production system, being part of the solution to food security and sustainability issues. Many researchers recognize important social aspects acting on the dynamics of the movement and the effects of activities on the generation of social capital. The contribution of this work is to deepen the understanding of this type of capital in the context of urban agriculture.
Errors in positioning of borehole measurements and how they influence seismic inversion
Authors: Fernandes Iris , Mosegaard Klaus
Published: July 2022

Inversion of seismic data using information from horizontal wells is often hampered by cumulative well‐location errors. These errors can have a significant influence on the final subsurface model derived from the data. To achieve a proper data integration and arrive at correct uncertainty estimates, we formulate the problem in a fully probabilistic framework and present a numerical approach for improving subsurface imaging using uncertain well‐log data and their uncertain locations as well as uncertain seismic data. The result is improved model error quantification in the seismic inversion process.
Voting into a Void? The 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly Election
Authors: Tonge Jon
Published: July 2022

The election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in May 2022 witnessed significant changes to the region's political balance. For the first time, a nationalist party became the largest, with Sinn Féin's new leading position allowing the party to provide the First Minister. The main party of unionism, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) was relegated to second place. This runner‐up position entitled the party to nominate the Deputy First Minister. However, in the immediate aftermath of the election, the DUP declined to do so, amid a crisis for the political institutions established under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. According to the DUP, it would return to power sharing with nationalists only upon removal of the European Union Protocol, agreed between the EU and UK government in 2019. The Protocol uniquely aligns Northern Ireland with EU rules and requires checks on goods travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Alongside unionist versus nationalist rivalries, however, the election was also marked by the best‐ever performance by a party of the centre ground subscribing to neither ideology, as Alliance more than doubled its Assembly seat tally. It was now possible to speak of three big pillars in Northern Irish politics: unionist, nationalist and non‐aligned, each dominated by a single party. This article examines what happened at the election, assessing the key issues and party fortunes.
Implementation of WeChat‐based patient–doctor interaction in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lin Bo Shen , Li Yue Yue , Qiao Chen , Liu Jing , Wang Juan , Wan Meng , Lin Min Juan , Zhang Wen Lin , Ding Yu Ming , Kong Qing Zhou , Duan Miao , Zuo Xiu Li , Li Yan Qing
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate if the WeChat‐based patient–doctor interaction could affect treatment outcomes of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication compared with conventional patient education (CPE) alone.

Methods

Patients treated for H. pylori infection for the first time at our clinic from 1 July 2019 to 31 July 2021 were retrospectively included and divided into the CPE and WeChat groups. Both groups received CPE including verbal education and a specifically designed printout with detailed instructions. Those in the WeChat group were required to join a physician‐managed WeChat group chat and they were encouraged to ask questions for clarification. Baseline characteristics were matched using propensity score matching between the two groups. Relevant knowledge and instructions were occasionally shared. Eradication rate, compliance, and adverse events in the two groups were evaluated.

Results

A total of 348 patients were included after propensity score matching. Intention‐to‐treat analysis revealed eradication rate of 85.6% in the WeChat group and 80.5% in the CPE group (P = 0.199), whereas the per‐protocol eradication rate was 91.1% and 88.2% (P = 0.399), respectively. Compliance did not differ between the two groups (WeChat group vs CPE group: 92.5% vs 91.4%, P = 0.693). The incidences of adverse events were also comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

CPE utilization already yields fair H. pylori eradication rate; however, the WeChat‐based patient–doctor interaction did not yield better results. More appropriate managements are needed in the future to explore the impact of the WeChat platform on H. pylori eradication.
Structural and functional role of Domain I for the insecticidal activity of the Vip3Aa protein from Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Lázaro‐Berenguer Maria , Paredes‐Martínez Francisco , Bel Yolanda , Núñez‐Ramírez Rafael , Arias‐Palomo Ernesto , Casino Patricia , Ferré Juan
Published: July 2022

Vip3 proteins are produced by Bacillus thuringiensis and are toxic against lepidopterans, reason why the vip3Aa gene has been introduced into cotton and corn to control agricultural pests. Recently, the structure of Vip3 proteins has been determined and consists of a tetramer where each monomer is composed of five structural domains. The transition from protoxin to the trypsin‐activated form involves a major conformational change of the N‐terminal Domain I, which is remodelled into a tetrameric coiled‐coil structure that is thought to insert into the apical membrane of the midgut cells. To better understand the relevance of this major change in Domain I for the insecticidal activity, we have generated several mutants aimed to alter the activity and remodelling capacity of this central region to understand its function. These mutants have been characterized by proteolytic processing, negative staining electron microscopy, and toxicity bioassays against Spodoptera exigua. The results show the crucial role of helix α1 for the insecticidal activity and in restraining the Domain I in the protoxin conformation, the importance of the remodelling of helices α2 and α3, the proteolytic processing that takes place between Domains I and II, and the role of the C‐t Domains IV and V to sustain the conformational change necessary for toxicity.
Comprehensive analysis of the expression and prognosis for RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ding Hao , Wang Yuxin , Cui Yuan , Chen Zhike , Li Yu , Yang Jian , Yang Yang , Chen Tengfei , Xia Dian , Li Chang , Xu Chun , Ding Cheng , Zhao Jun
Published: July 2022

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of non‐small cell lung cancer and has a poor prognosis. RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases are a special class of E3 ubiquitin ligases which contain three zinc‐bing domains that catalyze ubiquitin to substrate proteins. The RBR family of E3 ubiquitin ligases has been reported in various human malignancies, but the roles of RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases in LUAD remain unclear.

Methods

By using TCGA and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases, we examined the expression and prognostic value of RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases. cBioPortal was used to analyze genetic mutations. The STRING database was used to build a protein interactive network. GO, KEGG, and GSEA were performed to investigate the potential biological functions of RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases.

Results

The expression of ARIH2, RNF144B, RNF216, and RNF217 was significantly related to the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in LUAD patients. GSEA enrichment result showed ARIH2, RNF144B, RNF216, and RNF217 were all associated with NADH dehydrogenase complex assembly. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed that four RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases and their interactors were most correlated with ubiquitin‐protein transferase activity. KEGG pathway analysis indicated they were associated with cytosolic DNA‐sensing pathway, RIG‐I‐like receptor signaling pathway and NF‐kappa B signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our comprehensive bioinformatic analysis revealed that ARIH2, RNF144B, RNF216, and RNF217 may be new prognostic biomarkers and these findings will help to better understand the distinct roles of RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases in LUAD.
Nursing outcomes for patients with multiple traumas and impaired physical mobility: An integrative review
Authors: Ferreira Ráisa Camilo , Moorhead Sue Ann , Zuchatti Bruna Valentina , Begnami Natanaellin Eydiane da Silva , Ribeiro Elaine , Carvalho Luciana Aparecida Costa , Duran Erika Christiane Marocco
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This research identifies nursing outcomes for patients with multiple traumas who present changes in physical mobility.

Methods

This was a thorough literature review, following Whittemore and Knafl's method and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses´ guidelines (2005) and adopting the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Classification Medicine–Levels of Evidence (2011). The literature search included databases from Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, PubMed, SciVerse Scopus, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. It was conducted between October and December 2019 and updated in April 2022.

Findings

Upon our first analysis of the 254 articles that could correlate to the present study, we concluded that 15 of them are of foremost relevance. The nursing outcomes found are correlated with skin care, position in hospital bed, pressure injury prevention, self‐care assistance to bath, intimate, and oral hygiene, pain control, circulatory precaution, and impaired physical mobility assistance. All of these outcomes are directly or indirectly involved with the consequences of mobility impairment.

Conclusions

The main nursing outcomes of our research identified for patients with multiple traumas were related to mobility, the consequences of immobility, self‐care, and skin maintenance. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of measuring outcomes related to the provision of nursing care.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The nursing outcomes classification provides results that can be used across the continuum of care to assess the patient's status after nursing interventions. It also allows for improved care for multiple trauma patients who have altered mobility, identifying the real needs of these patients.