bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Rosa
multiflora
Authors: Park Ha Eun , Hyun Jin A , Kang Eun Bin , Kwon Hyun Ji , Beom Seok Hyun , Han Dong Geun , An Bong Jeon
Published: May 2022

Studies on antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity and antiseptic effect
have been reported on Rosa muliflora flower, but research on
anti-inflammatory activity is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to
confirm the possibility of using an extract of Rosa multiflora
flower as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional material. R.
multiflora flower was extracted with hot water, 70%v/v ethanol, and
70%v/v acetone solvents. Polyphenol and flavonoid content, DPPH and ABTS radical
scavenging ability, SOD-like activity, cytotoxicity (MTT assay with RAW 264.7
macrophages), and NO inhibitory activity were analyzed. Anti-inflammatory was
analyzed by, Western blotting. The polyphenol content of R.
multiflora flower water extract (RMW) was 236.58 mg/g; that of 70%
ethanol extract (RME) was 198.15 mg/g; that of 70% acetone extract (RMA) was
216.97 mg/g. The flavonoid content was 16.91 mg/g for RMW, 7.80 mg/g for RME,
and 20.24 mg/g for RMA. The DPPH radical-scavenging ability was highest in RME
(59.88%); the ABTS radical-scavenging ability was highest in RMA (99.1%); and
the SOD-like activity was highest in RMW (62.04%). Cell viability was determined
by setting the concentration range for a survival rate of 90% or more. RME
showed the highest inhibitory activity (70.86%). Further, iNOS protein activity
was inhibited by 53.94% by RME, and that of COX-2 protein by 61.48% by RMA.
Collectively, the R. multiflora flower extract has excellent
potential for use as a functional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant food
material.
Protective effect of Sorbus commixta bark on
amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced learning and memory dysfunction in
rat
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Kim Jong Min , Bae Dong Hyuck , Heo Ho Jin
Published: May 2022

Amyloid beta (Aβ) may be central to the pathogenesis of learning and
memory dysfunction in alzheimer’s disease. We here assessed the
protective effect of 80% (v/v) ethanolic extract of Sorbus
commixta bark (SCBE) on amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced cognitive
damage in PC 12 cells and in Sprague Dawley rat. SCBE exerted a protective
effect against Aβ-induced neuronal cytotoxicity in neuronal PC12 cells.
In Aβ-induced rat, SCBE attenuated short-term learning and memory damage,
assessed using passive avoidance test, and long-term memory and spatial learning
deficit, assessed using Morris water maze test. In addition, SCBE inhibited the
capacity for locomotion damaged by Aβ1-42, determined using
vertical pole test and rotarod test. Further, SCBE ameliorated cerebral
cholinergic impairment in Sprague Dawley rat by increasing the acetylcholine
content and reducing the acetylcholinesterase activity, and reduced lipid
peroxide levels in brain tissue. Finally, SCBE attenuated apoptotic cascade, as
determined by reduced positive staining in brain tissue in terminal
deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. This indicated that
SCBE ameliorated apoptotic toxicity of brain damaged by
Aβ1-42. These findings suggest that SCBE could be used as a
potential functional food material to improve cognitive and memory dysfunction
in alzheimer’s disease.
The whole blood microbiome of Indonesians reveals translocated and pathogenic microbiota
Authors: Bobowik Katalina , Fachrul Muhamad , Darusallam Chelzie Crenna , Kusuma Pradiptajati , Sudoyo Herawati , Febinia Clarissa A. , Malik Safarina G. , Wells Christine , Gallego Romero Irene
Published: May 2022

Pathogens found within local environments are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This is particularly true in Indonesia, where infectious diseases such as malaria or dengue are a significant part of the disease burden. Unequal investment in medical funding throughout Indonesia, particularly in rural areas, has resulted in under-reporting of cases, making surveillance challenging. Here, we use transcriptome data from 117 healthy individuals living on the islands of Mentawai, Sumba, and the Indonesian side of New Guinea Island to explore which pathogens are present within whole blood. We detect a range of taxa within RNA-sequencing data generated from whole blood and find that two pathogens—Flaviviridae and Plasmodium—are the most predominantly abundant, both of which are most pronounced in the easternmost island within our Indonesian dataset. We also compare the Indonesian data to two other cohorts from Mali and UK and find a distinct microbiome profile for each group. This study provides a framework for RNA-seq as a possible retrospective surveillance tool and an insight to what makes up the transient human blood microbiome.
Jointly analyzing the association of human milk nutrients with cognition and temperament traits during the first 6 months of life
Authors: Li Tengfei , Samuel Tinu M. , Zhu Ziliang , Howell Brittany , Cho Seoyoon , Baluyot Kristine , Hazlett Heather , Elison Jed T. , Wu Di , Hauser Jonas , Sprenger Norbert , Zhu Hongtu , Lin Weili
Published: May 2022

Early dietary exposure via human milk (HM) components offers a window of opportunity to support cognitive and temperamental development. While several studies have focused on associations of few pre-selected HM components with cognition and temperament, it is highly plausible that HM components synergistically and jointly support cognitive and behavioral development in early life. We aimed to discern the combined associations of a wide array of HM nutrients with cognition and temperament during the first six months of life and explore if there were persistent effects up to 18 months old, when HM is the primary source of an infant’s nutrition. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Infant Behavior Questionnaires-Revised were used to assess cognition and temperament, respectively, of fifty-four exclusively/predominantly breastfed infants in the first 6 months of life, whose follow-ups were conducted at 6-9, 9-12 and 12-18 months old. HM samples were obtained from the mothers of the participants at less than 6 months of life and analyzed for fatty acids (total monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acid, total saturated fatty acid (TSFA), arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ARA/DHA, omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (n-6/n-3)), phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), sphingomyelin) and choline (free choline, phosphocholine (PCho), glycerophosphocholine). Feature selection was performed to select nutrients associated with cognition and temperament, respectively. The combined effects of selected nutrients were analyzed using multiple regression. A positive association between the arachidonic acid (ARA) and surgency was observed (p= 0.024). Significant effect of DHA, n-6/n-3, PE and TSFA concentrations on receptive language (R2= 0.39,p= 0.025), and the elevated ARA, PCho, and PI with increased surgency (R2= 0.43,p= 0.003) was identified, suggesting that DHA and ARA may have distinct roles for temperament and language functions. Furthermore, the exploratory association analyses suggest that the effects of HM nutrients on R.L. and surgency may persist beyond the first 6 months of life, particularly surgency at 12-18 months (p= 0.002). Our studies highlighted that various HM nutrients work together to support the development of cognition and temperament traits during early infancy.
The plant nucleoplasmin AtFKBP43 needs its extended arms for histone interaction
Authors: Singh Ajit Kumar , Saharan Ketul , Baral Somanath , Vasudevan Dileep
Published: May 2022

The nucleoplasmin family of histone chaperones is a key player in governing the dynamic architecture of chromatin, thereby regulating various DNA-templated processes. The crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Arabidopsis thaliana FKBP43 (AtFKBP43), an FK506-binding immunophilin protein, revealed a characteristic nucleoplasmin fold, thus confirming it to be a member of the FKBP nucleoplasmin class. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) analyses confirmed its pentameric nature in solution, and additional studies confirmed the nucleoplasmin fold to be highly stable. The AtFKBP43 nucleoplasmin core domain could not interact with histones and required the acidic arms, C-terminal to the core, for histone association. Furthermore, SAXS generated low-resolution envelope structure, ITC, and AUC results revealed that an AtFKBP43 pentamer with C-terminal extensions interacts with H2A/H2B dimer and H3/H4 tetramer in an equimolar ratio. Put together, AtFKBP43 belongs to a hitherto unreported subclass of FKBP nucleoplasmins that requires the C-terminal acidic stretches emanating from the core domain for histone interaction.
Predicting binding affinity changes from long-distance mutations using MD simulations and Rosetta
Authors: Wells Nicholas G. M. , Smith Colin A.
Published: May 2022

Computationally modeling how mutations affect protein-protein binding not only helps uncover the biophysics of protein interfaces, but also enables the redesign and optimization of protein interactions. Traditional high-throughput methods for estimating binding free energy changes are currently limited to mutations directly at the interface due to difficulties in accurately modeling how long-distance mutations propagate their effects through the protein structure. However, the modeling and design of such mutations is of substantial interest as it allows for greater control and flexibility in protein design applications. We have developed a method that combines high-throughput Rosetta-based side-chain optimization with conformational sampling using classical molecular dynamics simulations, finding significant improvements in our ability to accurately predict long-distance mutational perturbations to protein binding. Our approach uses an analytical framework grounded in alchemical free energy calculations while enabling exploration of a vastly larger sequence space. When comparing to experimental data, we find that our method can predict internal long-distance mutational perturbations with a level of accuracy similar to that of traditional methods in predicting the effects of mutations at the protein-protein interface. This work represents a new and generalizable approach to optimize protein free energy landscapes for desired biological functions.

Author Summary

Protein-protein interactions are vital to almost all biological processes, and therefore the ability to accurately and efficiently predict how mutations alter protein binding has far-reaching applications in protein analysis and design. Current approaches to predict such mutational free energy changes are limited to mutations directly at the interaction interface. Much research has underlined the prevalence of allosteric protein regulation in biological processes, indicating the importance of understanding and predicting the effects of protein perturbations which act over long distances. In this work we develop a novel method based on molecular dynamics simulations, the Rosetta macromolecular modeling suite, and an analytical framework from alchemical free energy calculations which can predict the effects of long-distance mutations with levels of accuracy rivaling state of the art interface-specific methods. We hope that our method will serve as a novel framework for high throughput mutational analysis and therefore benefit future protein design efforts.
Utilising hippocampal neuronal calcium activity in mouse CA1 for a multimodal optical brain-computer interface
Authors: Sun Dechuan , Saatlou Forough Habibollahi , Yu Yang , Unnithan Ranjith Rajasekharan , French Chris
Published: May 2022

The hippocampus has been proposed to integrate information from multiple sensory modalities, supporting a comprehensive “cognitive map” for both spatial and non-spatial information. Previous studies have demonstrated decoding of hippocampal spatial information in real time by recording neuronal action potentials with electrodes. However, decoding of hippocampal non-spatial information robustly in real-time has not been previously shown. Here, we utilise the advantages of widefield optical calcium imaging to construct an optical brain-computer interface (BCI) driven by calcium activity of large neuronal ensembles (∼600 neurons) to decode spatial, visual and auditory information effectively in real time. We developed a high speed end-to-end analysis workflow with advanced machine learning techniques for decoding. This methodology achieves high decoding accuracy and provides a “cognitive translation” approach that may be applied to both research and clinical applications to allow direct neural communication with animals and patients with impairment of function.
Human cerebral tissue growth is a critical process
Authors: Kiselev Egor I. , Pflug Florian , von Haeseler Arndt
Published: May 2022

We develop a Fokker-Planck theory of tissue growth with three types of cells (symmetrically dividing, asymmetrically dividing and non-dividing) as main agents to study the growth dynamics of human cerebral organoids. Fitting the theory to lineage tracing data obtained in next generation sequencing experiments, we show that the growth of cerebral organoids is a self organized critical (SOC) process. We derive analytical expressions describing the evolution of clonal lineage sizes and discuss possible organizational mechanisms behind the critical growth.
Identification of novel senolytic compounds from natural food sources
Authors: Chaganti Tesko , Pendyala Brahmaiah
Published: May 2022

More than 23% of today’s population suffers from age-associated diseases such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and more. The ongoing economic impact of these diseases has been in the billions of dollars worldwide with no clear solution to date. This study addresses the underlying cause of these diseases by identifying the compounds that potentially eliminate senescent cells. Existing senolytic drugs are not abundantly found in nature, reducing accessibility. Hence, over 70,000 natural compounds available in the Canadian Food Database were used to screen penitential senolytic compounds that block PI3Kγ, reactivating apoptotic processes in senescent cells. Molecular docking results revealed 23 natural compounds that blocks the PI3Kγ. Out of 23 compounds, Cianidanol, Ellagic acid, Eriodictyol, Kaempferol and Cyanidin were found abundantly in food sources range from 85 to 735 mg/100 g. These compounds are up to 46 times more abundant in foods than proven senolytic drug Fisetin. Further, molecular dynamics results showed ligand stability for 4 nanoseconds with PI3Kγ. The five compounds are proven to eliminate cancerous cells, have the potential to prevent age-related diseases, and could even slow down natural aging.
An atlas of epithelial cell states and plasticity in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Guangchun , Sinjab Ansam , Treekitkarnmongkol Warapen , Lu Wei , Serrano Alejandra G. , Hernandez Sharia D. , Rahal Zahraa , Cao Xuanye , Dai Enyu , Gomez-Bolanos Lorena I. , Parra Edwin R. , Negrao Marcelo Vailati , Cascone Tina , Sepesi Boris , Moghaddam Seyed Javad , Chen Jichao , Dubinett Steven M. , Scheet Paul , Fujimoto Junya , Solis Luisa M. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Stevenson Christopher S. , Spira Avrum E. , Wang Linghua , Kadara Humam
Published: May 2022

Understanding cellular processes underlying early lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) development is needed to devise intervention strategies1. Here, we studied 246,102 single epithelial cells from 16 early-stage LUADs and 47 matched normal lung samples. Epithelial cells comprised diverse normal alveolar and airway lineages as well as cancer cell populations. Diversity among cancer cells was strongly linked to LUAD patient-specific oncogenic drivers. KRAS-mutant cancer cells were unique in their transcriptional features, strikingly reduced differentiation, low levels of DNA copy number changes, and increased variability amongst the cells themselves. The local niche of LUADs, relative to that of normal lungs, was enriched with intermediary cells in lung alveolar differentiation with potential to transition to KRAS-mutant cancer cells. A subset of alveolar intermediate cells with elevated KRT8 expression (KRT8+ alveolar cells; KACs) showed increased plasticity, and their gene expression profiles were enriched in lung precancer and LUAD and signified poor survival. Murine KACs were evident in lungs of tobacco carcinogen-exposed mice that develop KRAS-mutant LUADs but not in the saline-treated control group. While murine KACs emerged prior to tumor onset, they persisted for months after carcinogen cessation, acquired driver Kras mutations and, like their human counterparts, were poorly differentiated and harbored KRAS-specific transcriptional programs. This study provides new insights into early LUAD development and identifies potential targets for treatment.
Detailed investigation on the role of lipid metabolizing enzymes in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity among preterm infants
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Patnaik Satish , Joshi Manjunath B , Jalali Subhadra , Agarwal Komal , Kekunnaya Ramesh , Chakrabarti Subhabrata , Kaur Inderjeet
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Extremely preterm infants are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), characterized by an initial insufficient vascular network development in the retina (due to hyperoxia) that progress to neovascularization and neuroinflammation (hypoxic phase) ultimately leading to partial or total vision loss. Lipid metabolism has been shown to be a significant pathway that is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis in oxygen induced retinopathy mouse model, however, it is not explored in human ROP patients. The present study aimed to explore the association of lipid metabolizing, angiogenic and apoptotic genes with altered lipid metabolites in the ROP patients with different severity.

Methods

The blood, vitreous humor (VH), and fibrovascular membrane (FVM) samples were collected from premature infants diagnosed with ROP and controls. Gene expression of lipid metabolizing enzymes, angiogenesis, and apoptotic genes were performed using semi-quantitative PCR in blood. Lipid metabolites were identified and quantified by LC-MS in VH and were correlated with gene expression. The expression of key lipid metabolizing enzymes in severe stages of ROP was assessed by measuring their expression in FVM by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Genes coding for the lipid metabolizing enzymes such as CYP1B1, CYP2C8, COX2, and ALOX15 were upregulated while EPHX2 responsible for the conversion of epoxide fatty acids into diol fatty acids was significantly downregulated in ROP cases. The increase in the metabolic intermediates generated from the lipid metabolism pathway further confirmed the role of these enzymes in ROP. except for EPHX2 which did not show any change in its activity. The glial cells in the FVM of ROP infants too showed a lack of EPHX2 expression. A significantly higher expression of genes involved in angiogenesis (VEGF165/189, NOTCH1, and APH1B) and apoptosis (CASP3/8) correlated with altered activity of lipid metabolizing enzymes (based on metabolites levels) among ROP cases.

Conclusions

Lipid metabolism may play a significant role in ROP development and progression. EPHX2 activity is a key step in the metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid that mediates and regulates inflammation and vascular pathology in preterm infants.
Identification of Fusarium Head Blight resistance in Triticum timopheevii accessions and characterisation of wheat-T. timopheevii introgression lines for enhanced resistance
Authors: Steed Andrew , King Julie , Grewal Surbhi , Yang Cai-yun , Clarke Martha , King Ian , Nicholson Paul
Published: May 2022

A diverse panel of wheat wild relative species was screened for resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) by spray inoculation. The great majority of species and accessions were susceptible or highly susceptible to FHB. Accessions of Triticum timopheevii (P95-99.1-1), Agropyron desertorum (9439957) and Elymus vaillantianus (531552) were highly resistant to FHB while additional accessions of T. timopheevii were found to be susceptible to FHB. A combination of spray and point inoculation assessments over two consecutive seasons indicated that the resistance in accession P95-99.1-1 was due to enhanced resistance to initial infection of the fungus (type 1 resistance), and not to reduction in spread (type 2 resistance).

A panel of wheat-T. timopheevii (accession P95-99.1-1) introgression lines was screened for FHB resistance over two consecutive seasons using spray inoculation. Most introgression lines were similar in susceptibility to FHB as the wheat recipient (Paragon) but substitution of the terminal portion of chromosome 3BS of wheat with a similar-sized portion of 3G of T. timopheevii significantly enhanced FHB resistance in the wheat background.
Flexible perceptual encoding by discrete gamma events
Authors: Perrenoud Quentin , de O. Fonseca Antonio H. , Airhart Austin , Bonanno James , Mao Rong , Cardin Jessica A.
Published: May 2022

Spatiotemporal patterns of activity in the neocortex are linked to cognitive processes underlying behavior. However, identifying discrete underlying events within highly dynamic cortical network fluctuations remains a critical challenge. Here, we demonstrate a novel analytical method to track network events underlying state-dependent β- (15-30Hz) and γ- (30-80Hz) range activity in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). We find that γ events are selectively associated with enhanced visual encoding by V1 neurons and γ event rate increases prior to visually-cued behavior, accurately predicting single trial visual detection. This relationship between γ events and behavior is sensory modality-specific and rapidly modulated by changes in task objectives. These findings illuminate a distinct role for transient patterns of cortical activity, indicating that γ supports flexible encoding according to behavioral context.
A toxin-mediated policing system in Bacillus improves population fitness via penalizing non-cooperating phenotypic cheaters
Authors: Huang Rong , Shao Jiahui , Xu Zhihui , Chen Yuqi , Liu Yunpeng , Wang Dandan , Feng Haichao , Xun Weibing , Shen Qirong , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruifu
Published: May 2022

Microbial cooperation is vulnerable to exploitation by social cheaters. Although the strategies for controlling genotypic cheaters have been well investigated, the mechanism and significance of preventing phenotypic cheating remain largely unknown. Here, we revealed the molecular mechanism and ecological significance of a policing system for punishing phenotypic cheaters in the community of a plant beneficial strain Bacillus velezensis SQR9. Coordinated activation of extracellular matrix (ECM) production and autotoxin bacillunoic acids (BAs) biosynthesis/self-immunity, punished public goods-nonproducing cheaters in strain SQR9’s community. Spo0A was identified to be the co-regulator for triggering both ECM production and BAs synthesis/immunity, which activates acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) to produce malonyl-CoA, an essential precursor for BAs biosynthesis, thereby stimulating BAs production and self-immunity. Elimination of phenotypic cheaters by this policing system, significantly enhanced population fitness under different stress conditions and in plant rhizosphere. This study provides insights into our understanding of maintenance and evolution of microbial cooperation.
Composition can buffer protein dynamics within liquid-like condensates
Authors: Jelenic Stela , Bindics Janos , Czermak Philipp , Pillai Balashankar R , Ruer Martine , Hoege Carsten , Holehouse Alex S , Saha Shambaditya
Published: May 2022

Most non-membrane-bound compartments in cells that form via phase separation have complex composition. While phase separation of individual proteins that form these compartments is well-documented, the mechanisms that modulate dynamics of individual proteins in multicomponent systems remain unclear. Here, we used in vitro reconstitution and in vivo experiments to investigate how the dynamics of a scaffold protein PGL-3 is regulated within the liquid-like ‘P granule’ compartment inC. elegans. Using mutational and biophysical perturbations, we generated PGL-3 constructs that form condensates in vitro with widely varying dynamics. Using these PGL-3 constructs, we show that introducing other P granule components buffers against change of dynamics within liquid-like condensates. This dynamics-buffering effect is mediated by weak interactions among two or more components. Such dynamics-buffering may contribute to robust functional output of cellular liquid-like compartments.
The ATLAS™ screening assay reveals distinct CD4+ and CD8+ SARS-CoV-2 antigen response profiles which have implications to Omicron cellular immunity
Authors: Foti James J. , Lema Kevin , Strickland Justin , Tjon Emily , Li Adrienne , Rivera Amalia , Cabral Crystal , Cormier Laura , Dowal Louisa , Rao Sudhir , Vemulapalli Vijetha , Flechtner Jessica B.
Published: May 2022

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants are a persistent threat to the efficacy of currently developed prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. These variants accumulate mutations in the spike protein which encodes the epitopes necessary for neutralizing antibody binding. Moreover, emerging evidence suggest that robust antibody responses are insufficient to prevent severe disease and long-lasting viral immunity requires T cells. Thus, understanding how the T cell antigen landscape evolves in the context of these emerging variants remains crucial. T cells responses are durable and recognize a wider breadth of epitopes reducing the possibility of immune escape through mutation. Here, we deploy the ATLAS™ assay which identifies CD4+ and CD8+ T cell antigens by utilizing the endogenous HLA class-I and class-II peptide processing pathways. Profiling of T cells from exposed and unexposed donors revealed rich and complex patterns which highlighted the breadth of antigenic potential encoded in SARS-CoV-2. ATLAS revealed several common or frequent antigenic regions as well as an abundance of responses in the unexposed cohort potentially the result of pre-exposure to related coronaviruses. ORF10 was a common CD4+ response in the unexposed cohort while spike was identified as a common and frequent target in both cohorts. Moreover, the spike response profiles allowed us to accurately predict the impact of Omicron spike mutations. This analysis could thus be applied to study the impact of future emerging VOCs.
Innovation strategies in sports management: COVID-19 and the Latin American tennis federations
Authors: Crespo Celda Miguel , Botella-Carrubi Dolores , Jabaloyes Jose , Simón-Moya Virginia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the most relevant innovation strategies used by the Latin American national tennis federations as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of a survey. The survey consisted of three sections apart from the consent one: a general descriptive part, one with 30 questions to assess attitudes and perceptions and a final section which included open questions. After the data were collected, the SPSS software was used to test the distribution of the sample.

Findings

Results show that executives' perception toward their need for involvement in the decision-making process varies.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation relates to the sample size of executives who completed the questionnaire. The second limitation refers to the details provided in the open section of the questionnaire. Specifically, the space allocated for the answers and the degree of detail required could have been optimized by providing further instructions on the importance of facilitating information related to the implementation of the programs.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate that, although traditional management, organizational and administrative behaviors are still present in the tennis ecosystem, a more innovative mentality should embed these organizations. It is then relevant that sport and tennis organizations commit to the implementation of innovative strategies for the optimization of the administration of their ecosystems.

Originality/value

The paper adds more understanding to the brand of sports management. Furthermore, the fact of developing the study in a COVID-19 context sheds light on the issues faced by sports in a pandemic like this one.
The interplay between employee development factors and succession planning in predicting employee performance: evidence from retail banks
Authors: Mehreen Aqsa , Ali Zulqurnain
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how employee development factors directly influence succession planning and indirectly improve employee performance using the tenets of human capital theory. Moreover, whether succession planning enhances employee performance or not?

Design/methodology/approach

Using the time-lag method, this study collected data from bank employees and tested the proposed model and hypotheses in Mplus.

Findings

The results from 239 participants highlight that succession planning improves bank employee performance. Employee orientation and training and development are positively linked to succession planning and employee performance. Succession planning mediates the association between employee development factors and employee performance.

Practical implications

The research assists bank management to promote a learning culture for developing their human resources to realize their organizational goals. The findings exhibit that succession planning generates a pool of skilled and talented employees, which creates a competitive edge for banks having skilled employees and reduces recruitment costs. Banks to save human recruitment costs. Moreover, bank managers can solve the issue of sudden vacant positions and provide excellent customer service.

Originality/value

Retaining talented individuals has remained a challenging task for organizations in the current business environment. The research contributes to theoretically and empirically exploring the association between employee development factors (training and development and employee orientation) and employee performance via succession planning to retain talented employees in the organization.
Natural climate reconstruction in the Norwegian stave churches through time series processing with variational autoencoders
Authors: Manara Noemi , Rosset Lorenzo , Zambelli Francesco , Zanola Andrea , Califano America
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In the field of heritage science, especially applied to buildings and artefacts made by organic hygroscopic materials, analyzing the microclimate has always been of extreme importance. In particular, in many cases, the knowledge of the outdoor/indoor microclimate may support the decision process in conservation and preservation matters of historic buildings. This knowledge is often gained by implementing long and time-consuming monitoring campaigns that allow collecting atmospheric and climatic data.

Design/methodology/approach

Sometimes the collected time series may be corrupted, incomplete and/or subjected to the sensors' errors because of the remoteness of the historic building location, the natural aging of the sensor or the lack of a continuous check of the data downloading process. For this reason, in this work, an innovative approach about reconstructing the indoor microclimate into heritage buildings, just knowing the outdoor one, is proposed. This methodology is based on using machine learning tools known as variational auto encoders (VAEs), that are able to reconstruct time series and/or to fill data gaps.

Findings

The proposed approach is implemented using data collected in Ringebu Stave Church, a Norwegian medieval wooden heritage building. Reconstructing a realistic time series, for the vast majority of the year period, of the natural internal climate of the Church has been successfully implemented.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is discussed in the framework of the existing literature. The work explores the potentials of machine learning tools compared to traditional ones, providing a method that is able to reliably fill missing data in time series.
Impact of e-fulfillment on consumer loyalty across different product types
Authors: Titiyal Rohit , Bhattacharya Sujoy , Thakkar Jitesh J. , Sah Bhawesh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

There is limited literature linking e-fulfillment and product type with postpurchase consumer behavior measures like loyalty, even though there has been a rapid increase in e-tailing. E-fulfillment is defined in literature as a sequence of processes. Each process in this sequence is expected to have a different impact on consumer loyalty across product type. Thus relative importance of e-fulfillment processes leading to consumer loyalty. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of e-fulfillment on consumer loyalty across two product types: “standard, regular” and “physical product” (e.g. book, clothing, etc.) and “standard, nonregular” and “physical product” (e.g. computer, refrigerator, etc.) using the peak-end rule theory for an e-tailer.

Design/methodology/approach

To know the consumer loyalty for e-fulfillment across the two product types, the partial least square-structural equation modeling approach aided by the SmartPLS 3 tool was used for data analysis as it avoids biases in the parameter estimation in regression analysis. A total of 603 consumer responses through an online and physically administered questionnaire were obtained and were used for the empirical analysis.

Findings

Results indicate that for standard, nonregular and physical products, all the e-fulfillment components (customization strategy, website quality, distribution strategy, last mile delivery and return management) positively impact consumer loyalty. Except for the customization strategy, for standard regular and physical product types, all other e-fulfillment components positively impact consumer loyalty.

Practical implications

This study will be helpful to e-tail managers to configure the e-fulfillment components according to product types, thereby increasing consumer loyalty.

Originality/value

While some e-fulfillment components have been linked to consumer loyalty in literature, there is no study establishing linkages between e-fulfillment as a construct and consumer loyalty across product types. This has implications for decision makers in e-tail as the study provides e-fulfillment strategy customization across product types for achieving consumer loyalty in e-tail, a key marketing metric.
European banks’ business models as a driver of strategic planning: one size fits all
Authors: Palmieri Egidio , Geretto Enrico Fioravante , Polato Maurizio
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to verify the presence of a management model that confirms or not the one size fits all hypothesis expressed in terms of risk-return. This study will test the existence of stickiness phenomena and discuss the relevance of business model analysis integration with the risk assessment process.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 60 credit institutions operating in Europe for 20 years of observations. This study proposes a classification of banks’ business models (BMs) based on an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm analyzing their performance according to risk and return dimensions. To confirm BM stickiness, the authors verify the tendency and frequency with which a bank migrates to other BMs after exogenous events.

Findings

The results show that it is impossible to define a single model that responds to the one size fits all logic, and there is a tendency to adapt the BM to exogenous factors. In this context, there is a propensity for smaller- and medium-sized institutions to change their BM more frequently than larger institutions.

Practical implications

Quantitative metrics seem to be only able to represent partially the intrinsic dynamics of BMs, and to include these metrics, it is necessary to resort to a holistic view of the BM.

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence that BMs’ stickiness indicated in the literature seems to weaken in conjunction with extraordinary events that can undermine institutions’ margins.
The entry quality threshold setting and commission rate contract selection of a peer-to-peer service sharing platform
Authors: Chi Xue , Fan Zhi-Ping , Wang Xiaohuan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In recent years, some peer-to-peer (P2P) service sharing platforms have improved their service quality by setting an entry quality threshold for service providers. Considering consumers' heterogeneous preferences for service quality and commission rate, it is worth studying how to select the commission rate contract for a P2P platform under a predetermined entry quality threshold for service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the platform's profit-maximizing model is constructed under two proposed contracts: unilateral commission rate contract and bilateral commission rate contract. The optimal entry quality threshold and the optimal commission rate are obtained. This study also explores the impacts of cross-side network externality and service price on a platform's optimal decisions and social welfare.

Findings

Results show that it is always advantageous for the platform to adopt the bilateral commission rate contract, which is closely related to the strength of cross-side network externality, service price and quality sensitivity coefficient. Under certain conditions, adopting the unilateral commission rate contract can reduce platform profit and service provider surplus, and improve consumer surplus and social welfare.

Originality/value

This study analyzes the unilateral commission rate contract and the bilateral commission rate contract of the platform, and discusses which contract is beneficial to the platform, consumers and service providers. In addition, this study provides a basis for the operation decision of a P2P service sharing platform and the pricing decision of service providers.
Host evolutionary history rather than avian functional traits drives the Plasmodium regional assembly in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: De La Torre Gabriel M. , Fecchio Alan , Bell Jeffrey A. , Campião Karla M.
Published: May 2022

Disentangling the influence of hosts and environmental factors in parasite community assembly is one of the main challenges in disease ecology. Here we used three approaches to assess the influence of host ecology and evolutionary history, as well as environmental factors on Plasmodium parasite composition within the Atlantic Forest.

Using sampling data of 2,241 bird individuals captured within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, we first calculated the functional and phylogenetic host specificity of Plasmodium lineages. We then tested whether host functional or phylogenetic distance predicts Plasmodium taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity among host species. Finally, we tested whether temperature, precipitation, landscape dissimilarity and host turnover (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic) determine Plasmodium taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover among 13 localities within the Atlantic Forest.

We found that 47% of the parasite lineages were more phylogenetic specialists than expected by chance. In addition, both taxonomic and phylogenetic Plasmodium beta diversity were associated with host phylogenetic distance, indicating that closely related avian species are infected by assemblages composed of more closely related Plasmodium lineages. When comparing Plasmodium lineage community among localities, we found host phylogenetic turnover as the most relevant predictor of Plasmodium taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover. On the other hand, environmental variables explained 23% of Plasmodium taxonomic turnover among localities, suggesting that lineage composition is affected by climate and landscape, especially temperature seasonality.

Combining all results, our findings suggest host phylogeny is the main driver of the regional Plasmodium assemblages within the Atlantic Forest.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Incidence of flexion‐type supracondylar fractures at a single Australian level one Paediatric Trauma Centre
Authors: De Silva April , Alder‐Price Angela C. , Allcock Paul
Published: May 2022

Background

Supracondylar fractures are the most common elbow fracture. There have been no studies published analysing flexion‐type fractures in the Australian paediatric population. This paper aims to investigate flexion‐type supracondylar fractures in an Australian paediatric population. Eight hundred and three paediatric supracondylar elbow fractures were retrospectively reviewed at one hospital over a 5 year time period. The focus was on flexion‐type fractures.

Methods

Supracondylar fractures that presented to the Women's and Children's Hospital Emergency Department between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Fractures were classified on plain radiographs according to the Modified Gartland Classification System. Injury and treatment data were collected for flexion‐type fractures.

Results

Twenty‐one (2.6%) of fractures were flexion‐type. The average age of injury was 6.8 years old. Flexion‐type fractures were more common in females (62%) and with high energy mechanisms (81%). Ulnar nerve palsies occurred in five cases (24%). Two ulna nerve palsies did completely resolve at 3 months follow up. One open fracture occurred. No vascular injuries occurred. Ten of the 21 flexion‐type fractures (48%) were treated surgically.

Conclusions

The authors conclude that: flexion fractures are uncommon, they occur more often after high energy mechanisms such as falls from monkey bars, swings, or trampolines. Flexion‐type fractures occur more often in slightly older females. The ulnar nerve is most frequently injured and in the current study—exclusively injured. At 3 month follow up, spontaneous nerve recovery had occurred in three of the five cases (60%).
Variation in avian morphology along a short tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Lele Abhimanyu , Garrod Holly M. , Ferguson Euan , Azahara Prieto Gil Carmen , Ellis Mike
Published: May 2022

Patterns across species of intraspecific phenotypic variation with environment can shed light on the underlying drivers of adaptive evolution. Phenotypic variation within a species along tropical elevational gradients is of particular interest because species with narrow elevational ranges may still experience considerably varied environmental conditions. Here, we examine morphological variation in 27 tropical bird species, spanning 11 families and 3 orders, across a 675 m elevational gradient in Western Ecuador. We analyzed a data set of six morphological variables in 3263 individual birds using multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) and canonical correlation analyses (CCAs). We found that morphology varies significantly with elevation in 8 species, and that spatial segregation by age or sex was apparently not responsible for this result. The phenotypic traits that varied with elevation varied strongly by species. To the best of our knowledge, morphological variation over equally short elevational and horizontal distances across a diverse suite of vertebrate species has not previously been demonstrated.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Reputational damage and name changes: Impact of financial crimes
Authors: Unsal Omer
Published: May 2022

Research Question

This study examines the relation between reputational issues and name‐change decisions among US financial firms. I examine if financial firm name changes are related to reputational concerns and whether or not financial firms try to distance themselves from misconduct by adopting a new name.

Research Findings/Insights

I document that firms adopt a new name to disassociate themselves from reputational concerns. I find that investors react negatively to name‐change announcements for firms with reputational issues. My findings also suggest significant corporate upheaval following misconduct, such as dampening performance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

My research is the first to investigate market reactions to name changes in the US financial industry. My paper utilizes several unique hand‐collected datasets of corporate wrongdoings, violations, frauds, and other financial crimes to measure firm reputation and test whether name changes are related to reputational concerns.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

I not only measure pre‐event misconducts for name changes but also analyze the future firm performance following financial misrepresentations. My paper adds to the growing literature of firm reputation, brand image, and firm value.
1028. SALVIA HISPANICA: Lamiaceae
Authors: Wood John R.I. , Bedolla Garcia Brenda Yudith , Pink Lynsey , King Christabel
Published: May 2022

The history and application of the name chia and its scientific equivalent, Salvia hispanica, are outlined. The relationship of S. hispanica with other species known as chia is discussed including those within the genus Salvia and those without. Its native distribution and habitat are described. Chia was an important crop in Aztec society and the seeds had a wide range of uses beyond their use as a food grain. Following the Spanish conquest of Mexico, cultivation and use both declined but in recent years there has been a striking reawakening of interest in chia as a superfood with many benefits for the consumer. Contemporary as well as traditional uses are described with notes on its culinary uses and its health benefits. Propagation is by seed and its cultivation is discussed and attention drawn to new varieties more suitable for temperate climates.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection without intubation for superficial pharyngeal cancer in a post‐total laryngectomy patient
Authors: Ashikari Keiichi , Chiba Hideyuki , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: May 2022

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Autonomy and paternalism in shared decision‐making in a Saudi Arabian tertiary hospital: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alabdullah Yousef Y. , Alzaid Esra , Alsaad Safa , Alamri Turki , Alolayan Saleh W. , Bah Suliman , Aljoudi Abdullah S.
Published: May 2022

Medical paternalism has long been a common medical practice. However, patient autonomy in healthcare has been recently adopted by doctors and patients alike. This study explored whether doctors and patients in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia preferred autonomy or paternalism in shared decision‐making. A total of 118 participants (51 patients requiring total knee replacement, owing to stages 3–4 of osteoarthritis, and 67 doctors) from the Eastern province, Saudi Arabia. responded to a 17‐question category‐based questionnaire involving four scales of autonomy. Descriptive statistics and chi‐square test results revealed that in this hospital, patients preferred a paternalistic approach toward their medical care along with a full disclosure of the risks related to surgical procedures. We recommend health education regarding the specific autonomy subscales (doctor knows best, patient should decide, right to non‐participation, and obligatory risk information), and the implementation of protocols that protect patients' rights and enhance personal autonomy.