bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graph theoretical analysis reveals the adaptive role of the left ventral occipito-temporal cortex in the brain networks during speech processing
Authors: Wang Shuai , Planton Samuel , Chanoine Valérie , Sein Julien , Anton Jean-Luc , Nazarian Bruno , Dubarry Anne-Sophie , Pallier Christophe , Pattamadilok Chotiga
Published: February 2022

The left ventral occipito-temporal cortex (left-vOT) plays a key role in reading. Several studies have also reported its activation during speech processing, suggesting that it may play a role beyond written word recognition. Here, we adopt a graph theoretical analysis to investigate the functional role of this area in the whole-brain network while participants processed spoken sentences in different tasks. We find that its role and interactions with other areas changes in an adaptive manner. In a low-level speech perception task, the left-vOT is part of the visual network and acts as a connector that supports the communication with other cognitive systems. When speech comprehension is required, the area becomes a connector within the sensorimotor-auditory network typically recruited during speech processing. However, when comprehension is compromised due to degradation of speech input, the area disengages from the sensorimotor-auditory network. It becomes part of the visual network again and turns from connector into a simple peripheral node. These varying connectivity patterns are coherent with the Interactive Account considering the left-vOT as a convergent zone with multiple functions and interaction patterns that depend on task demands and the nature of sensory input.
A mono- and intralink filter (mi-filter) to improve false-discovery rates in cross-linking mass spectrometry data
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Sailer Carolin , Kammer Kai Michael , Fürsch Julius , Eisele Markus R. , Sakata Eri , Stengel Florian
Published: February 2022

Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry (XL-MS) has become an indispensable tool for the emerging field of systems structural biology over the recent years. However, the confidence in individual protein-protein interactions (PPIs) depends on the correct assessment of individual inter protein cross-links. This can be challenging, in particularly in samples where relatively few PPIs are detected, as is often the case in complex samples containing low abundant proteins or in in-vivo settings. In this manuscript we are describing a novel mono- and intralink filter (mi-filter) that is applicable to any kind of crosslinking data and workflow. It stipulates that only proteins for which at least one monolink or intra-protein crosslink has been identified within a given dataset are considered for an inter-protein cross-link and therefore participate in a PPI. We show that this simple and intuitive filter has a dramatic effect on different types of crosslinking-data ranging from single protein complexes, over medium-complexity affinity enrichments to proteome-wide cell lysates and significantly lowers the number of false-positive identifications resulting in improved false-discovery rates for inter-protein links in all these types of XL-MS data.
Perivascular macrophages collaborate to facilitate chemotherapy resistance in cancer
Authors: Anstee Joanne E. , Opzoomer James W. , Dean Isaac , Muller Henrike P. , Bahri Meriem , Liakath-Ali Kifayathullah , Liu Ziyan , Choy Desmond , Caron Jonathan , Sosnowska Dominika , Beatson Richard , Muliaditan Tamara , An Zhengwen , Gillett Cheryl E. , Lan Guocheng , Zou Xiangang , Watt Fiona M. , Ng Tony , Burchell Joy M. , Kordasti Shahram , Withers David R. , Lawrence Toby , Arnold James N.
Published: February 2022

A subset of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) identified by their expression of the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (Lyve-1) reside proximal to blood vasculature and contribute to disease progression. Using a spontaneous murine model of mammary adenocarcinoma (MMTV-PyMT), we show that Lyve-1+ TAMs, which co-express heme oxygenase-1, form coordinated multi-cellular ‘nest’ structures in the perivascular niche. We show that TAM nest formation is dependent on IL-6 and a communication axis involving CCR5 and its cognate ligands CCL3/4. We demonstrate that Lyve-1+ TAM nests are associated with CD8+ T-cell exclusion from the tumor and the resistance to immune-stimulating chemotherapeutics. This study highlights an unappreciated collaboration between TAMs and uncovers a spatially driven therapeutic resistance mechanism of these cells in cancer which can be therapeutically targeted.
Identification of a suitable endogenous control miRNA in bone aging and senescence
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Saul Dominik , Doolittle Madison L. , Rowsey Jennifer L. , Vos Stephanie J. , Farr Joshua N. , Khosla Sundeep , Monroe David G.
Published: February 2022

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising tools as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in various chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, cancers, type I and II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Considering the rising interest in the regulatory role of miRNAs in bone metabolism, aging, and cellular senescence, accurate normalization of qPCR-based miRNA expression data using an optimal endogenous control becomes crucial.

Methods

We used a systematic approach to select candidate endogenous control miRNAs that exhibit high stability with aging from our miRNA sequence data and literature search. Validation of miRNA expression was performed using qPCR and their comprehensive stability was assessed using the RefFinder tool which is based on four statistical algorithms: GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and comparative delta CT. The selected endogenous control was then validated for its stability in mice and human bone tissues, and in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) following induction of senescence and senolytic treatment. Finally, the utility of selected endogenous control versus U6 was tested by using each as a normalizer to measure the expression of miR-34a, a miRNA known to increase with age and senescence.

Results

Our results show that Let-7f did not change across the groups with aging, senescence or senolytic treatment, and was the most stable miRNA, whereas U6 was the least stable. Moreover, using Let-7f as a normalizer resulted in significantly increased expression of miR-34a with aging and senescence and decreased expression following senolytic treatment. However, the expression pattern for miR-34a reversed for each of these conditions when U6 was used as a normalizer.

Conclusions

We show that optimal endogenous control miRNAs, such as Let-7f, are essential for accurate normalization of miRNA expression data to increase the reliability of results and prevent misinterpretation. Moreover, we present a systematic strategy that is transferrable and can easily be used to identify endogenous control miRNAs in other biological systems and conditions.
ABA signaling prevents phosphodegradation of the Arabidopsis SR45 splicing factor to negatively autoregulate inhibition of early seedling development
Authors: Albuquerque-Martins Rui , Szakonyi Dóra , Rowe James , Jones Alexander M. , Duque Paula
Published: February 2022

Alternative splicing is a key posttranscriptional mechanism to expand the coding capacity of eukaryotic genomes. Although the functional relevance of this process remains poorly understood in plant systems, major modulators of alternative splicing called serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins have been implicated in plant stress responses mediated by the abscisic acid (ABA) hormone. Loss of function of the Arabidopsis thaliana SR-like protein SR45, a bona fide splicing factor, has been shown to cause plant hypersensitivity to environmental cues and activation of the ABA pathway. Also, consistent with both animal and plant SR proteins being extensively and reversibly phosphorylated at their C-termini, ABA-induced changes in the phosphorylation status of SR45 have been reported.

Here, we show that SR45 overexpression reduces Arabidopsis sensitivity to ABA during early seedling development. Moreover, exposure to ABA dephosphorylates SR45 at multiple amino acid residues and leads to accumulation of the protein via reduction of SR45 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Using phosphomutant and phosphomimetic transgenic Arabidopsis lines, we demonstrate the functional relevance of ABA-mediated dephosphorylation of a single SR45 residue, T264, in antagonizing SR45 ubiquitination and degradation to promote its function as a repressor of seedling ABA sensitivity. Taken together, our results reveal a mechanism in which ABA signaling negatively autoregulates during early plant development via posttranslational control of the SR45 splicing factor.
Therapeutic vulnerability to ATR inhibition in concurrent NF1 and ATRX-deficient high-grade solid tumors
Authors: Yuan Ming , Eberhart Charles G. , Pratilas Christine A. , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Davis Christine , Stojanova Marija , Reilly Karlyne , Meeker Alan K. , Heaphy Christopher M. , Rodriguez Fausto J.
Published: February 2022

Subsets of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)-associated solid tumors have been shown to display high frequencies of ATRX mutations and presence of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). In addition, a potential biologic vulnerability of ALT-positive cancer cells is ATR inhibition, a regulator of homologous recombination. We studied the phenotype of combined NF1 and ATRX deficiency in malignant solid tumors. For these experiments, cell lines derived from NF1-deficient sporadic glioblastomas (U251, SF188), a NF1-associated ATRX mutant glioblastoma cell line (JHH-NF1-GBM1), a NF1-derived sarcoma cell line (JHH-CRC65), and two NF1-deficient MPNST cell lines (ST88-14, NF90.8) were utilized. Cancer cells were treated with ATR inhibitors (AZD6738 and VE-822), in vitro, with or without a MEK inhibitor (AZD6244, selumetinib) or temozolomide. In contrast to the glioma cell line SF188, combined ATRX knockout (KO) and TERC KO led to ALT-like properties and sensitized U251 glioma cells to ATR inhibition (AZD6738 and VE-822) in vitro and in vivo. In addition, ATR inhibitors sensitized U251 cells to temozolomide, but not MEK inhibition (AZD6244), irrespective of ATRX level manipulation; whereas, the JHH-NF1-GBM1 cell line (ATRX loss/ALT-positive) demonstrated sensitivity to ATR inhibition (AZD6738), but not temozolomide. Similar effects were noted using the MPNST cell line NF90.8 after combined ATRX knockdown and TERC KO; however, not in the MPNST cell line ST88-14. Taken together, our study supports the feasibility of targeting the ATR pathway in subsets of NF1-deficient and associated tumors. Tumors with pre-existing ALT, or that subsequently develop ALT after ATRX downregulation, are particularly vulnerable to this therapeutic approach.
Perilipin 5 interacts with Fatp4 at membrane contact sites to promote lipid droplet-to-mitochondria fatty acid transport
Authors: Miner Gregory E. , So Christina M. , Edwards Whitney , Herring Laura E. , Coleman Rosalind A. , Klett Eric L. , Cohen Sarah
Published: February 2022

Cells adjust their metabolism by remodeling membrane contact sites that channel metabolites to different fates. Lipid droplet (LD)-mitochondria contacts change in response to fasting, cold exposure, and exercise. However, their function and mechanism of formation have remained controversial. We focused on perilipin 5 (Plin5), an LD protein that tethers mitochondria, to probe the function and regulation of LD-mitochondria contacts. We demonstrate that efficient LD-to-mitochondria fatty acid (FA) trafficking and ß-oxidation during starvation of myoblasts requires both phosphorylation of Plin5 and an intact Plin5 mitochondrial tethering domain. We further identified the acyl-CoA synthetase, Fatp4 (ACSVL4) as a novel mitochondrial interactor of Plin5. The C-terminal domains of Plin5 and Fatp4 constitute a minimal protein interaction capable of inducing organelle contacts. Our work suggests that starvation leads to phosphorylation of Plin5, lipolysis, and subsequent channeling of FAs from LDs to Fatp4 on mitochondria for conversion to fatty-acyl-CoAs and subsequent oxidation.
SKN-1 is a metabolic surveillance factor that monitors amino acid catabolism to control stress resistance
Authors: Frankino Phillip A. , Siddiqi Talha F. , Bolas Theodore , Bar-Ziv Raz , Gildea Holly K. , Zhang Hanlin , Higuchi-Sanabria Ryo , Dillin Andrew
Published: February 2022

The deleterious potential to generate oxidative stress and damage is a fundamental challenge to metabolism. The oxidative stress response transcription factor, SKN-1/NRF2, can sense and respond to changes in metabolic state, although the mechanism and physiological consequences of this remain unknown. To explore this connection, we performed a genetic screen in C. elegans targeting amino acid catabolism and identified multiple metabolic pathways as regulators of SKN-1 activity. We found that genetic perturbation of the conserved amidohydrolase T12A2.1/amdh-1 activates a unique subset of SKN-1 regulated detoxification genes. Interestingly, this transcriptional program is independent of canonical P38-MAPK signaling components but requires the GATA transcription factor ELT-3, nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49, and mediator complex subunit MDT-15. This activation of SKN-1 is dependent on upstream histidine catabolism genes HALY-1 and Y51H4A.7/UROC-1 and may occur through accumulation of a catabolite, 4-imidazolone-5-propanoate (IP). Triggering SKN-1 activation results in a physiological trade off of increased oxidative stress resistance but decreased survival to heat stress. Together, our data suggest that SKN-1 is a key surveillance factor which senses and responds to metabolic perturbations to influence physiology and stress resistance.
Two broadly conserved families of polyprenyl-phosphate transporters
Authors: Roney Ian J. , Rudner David Z.
Published: February 2022

Peptidoglycan and virtually all surface glycopolymers in bacteria are built in the cytoplasm on the lipid carrier undecaprenyl-phosphate (UndP). These UndP-linked precursors are transported across the membrane and polymerized or directly transferred to surface polymers, lipids, or proteins. UndP is then flipped to regenerate the pool of cytoplasmic-facing UndP. The identity of the flippase that catalyzes transport has eluded identification for decades. Here, using the antibiotic amphomycin that targets UndP, we discovered two broadly conserved families that catalyze UndP recycling. One (UptA) is a member of the DedA superfamily; the other (PopT) contains the domain DUF368. We show that family members from gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria catalyze UndP transport in Bacillus subtilis. Inhibitors of these flippases could potentiate the current arsenal of cell envelope-targeting antibiotics.

One Sentence Summary

We define two transporter families that recycle the universal lipid carrier in surface glycopolymer biogenesis.
Modulation of stress-related behaviour by hypothalamic engagement of preproglucagon neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Holt Marie K. , Valderrama Natalia , Polanco Maria J , Rinaman Linda
Published: February 2022

Stress-induced behaviours are driven by complex neural circuits and some neuronal populations concurrently modulate diverse behavioural and physiological responses to stress. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1)-producing preproglucagon (PPG) neurons within the lower brainstem caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) are particularly sensitive to stressful stimuli and are implicated in multiple physiological and behavioural responses to interoceptive and psychogenic threats. However, the afferent inputs driving stress-induced activation of PPG neurons are largely unknown, and the role of PPG neurons in anxiety-like behaviour is controversial. Through chemogenetic manipulations we reveal that cNTS PPG neurons have the ability to moderately increase anxiety-like behaviours in mice in a sex-dependent manner. Using an intersectional approach, we show that a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-rich input from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) drives activation of both the cNTS as a whole and PPG neurons in particular in response to acute stress. Finally, we demonstrate that NTS-projecting PVN neurons are necessary for the ability of acute stress to suppress food intake. Our findings reveal sex differences in behavioural responses to PPG neural activation and highlight a hypothalamic-brainstem pathway in stress-induced hypophagia.
On the combinatorics of crystal structures: number of Wyckoff sequences of given length
Authors: Hornfeck Wolfgang
Published: February 2022

A formula for the calculation of the number of Wyckoff sequences of a given length is presented, based on the combinatorics of multisets with finite multiplicities and a generating function approach, assuming a certain space-group type and taking into account the number of non-fixed and fixed Wyckoff positions, respectively. The formula is applied to the 44 distinguishable combinatorial types of the 230 space-group types. A comparison is made between the calculated frequencies of occurrence of Wyckoff sequences of given space-group type and length and the observed ones for actual crystal structures, as retrieved from the Pearson's Crystal Data Crystal Structure Database for Inorganic Compounds.
Understanding accountability in blockchain systems
Authors: Tyma Bridget , Dhillon Rina , Sivabalan Prabhu , Wieder Bernhard
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how accountability is constructed for blockchain systems. With the aim of increasing knowledge on accountability across three different types of blockchains (public, private and consortium), the researchers ask: how do blockchain systems construct accountability?

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on theorising in the accountability literature to study how blockchains relate to our construction and understanding of accountability. A qualitative field study of the Australian blockchain technology landscape is conducted, with insights garnered from 18 blockchain experts.

Findings

Findings reveal that different types of blockchains employ different forms and mechanisms of accountability and in novel ways previously less acknowledged in the literature. Importantly, this study finds that accountability does not require a principal–agent relation and can still manifest in less pure applications of blockchain technology across a wide range of stakeholders, contrary to that espoused in earlier exhortations of blockchain use in interdisciplinary literature. This study also finds that similar subtypes of accountability operate very differently across public, private and consortium blockchains and there exists an inverse relation between trust and consensus building through transparency as blockchains progress from public to private types. Overall, this study offers novel explanations for the relevance of greater accountability in blockchains, especially when the assumptions of public blockchains are softened and applied as private and consortium blockchains.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the accountability literature by addressing how different blockchain systems reshape the understanding of traditional accounting and accountability practices. This study questions the very need for a principal–agent relation to facilitate accountability and offers an additional perspective to how trust and transparency operate as key mechanisms of accountability.
Almost Kenmotsu 3-h-metric as a cotton soliton
Authors: Dey Dibakar , Majhi Pradip
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Cotton soliton is a newly introduced notion in the field of Riemannian manifolds. The object of this article is to study the properties of this soliton on certain contact metric manifolds.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider the notion of Cotton soliton on almost Kenmotsu 3-manifolds. The authors use a local basis of the manifold that helps to study this notion in terms of partial differential equations.

Findings

First the authors consider that the potential vector field is pointwise collinear with the Reeb vector field and prove a non-existence of such Cotton soliton. Next the authors assume that the potential vector field is orthogonal to the Reeb vector field. It is proved that such a Cotton soliton on a non-Kenmotsu almost Kenmotsu 3-h-manifold such that the Reeb vector field is an eigen vector of the Ricci operator is steady and the manifold is locally isometric to.

Originality/value

The results of this paper are new and interesting. Also, the Proposition 3.2 will be helpful in further study of this space.
Food consumption and food waste behaviour in households in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vásquez Neyra Jessika Milagros , Cequea Mirza Marvel , Gomes Haensel Schmitt Valentina , Ferasso Marcos
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This research aims to understand the behaviour of food consumption and waste in Peruvian households at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research was carried out with Peruvian households, using a descriptive method design. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. A self-administered questionnaire of 60 questions was used, applied by social networks in May 2020, obtaining 418 valid questionnaires.

Findings

The main findings allow the identification of a behaviour aiming the avoidance of waste and purchasing with a cost–benefit orientation, which is followed by purchase planning, knowledge and use of information on labels, food storage and cooking skills.

Practical implications

For companies in the food sector, relevant information is provided on consumer behaviour. For policymakers, elements are provided for the promotion of responsible consumption and zero waste. For the academy, an explanation is provided of how and in what way crises influence the behaviour of food consumption and waste.

Social implications

Environmental-friendly and responsible consumption behaviour need to be supported, as well as to make consumers aware of the costs of food waste. These measures could be fostered by collective action that includes different actors – from civil society, the private and public sectors – and contribute to a sustainable solution, focused on improving consumption patterns and food waste.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is based on exploring the understanding of the existing relation among food consumer behaviour, in a context of crisis, towards food waste prevention and avoidance, cost–benefit orientation and the knowledge about labelling, storage and handling.
Temporal changes in global stock markets during COVID-19: an analysis of dynamic networks
Authors: Zaheer Kashif , Aslam Faheem , Tariq Mohmand Yasir , Ferreira Paulo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 evolved from a local health crisis to a pandemic and affected countries worldwide accordingly. Similarly, the impacts of the pandemic on the performance of global stock markets could be time-varying. This study applies a dynamic network analysis approaches to evaluate the evolution over time of the impact of COVID-19 on the stock markets' network.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily closing prices of 55 global stock markets from August 1, 2019 to September 10, 2020 were retrieved. This sample period was further divided into nine subsample periods for dynamic analysis purpose. Distance matrix based on long-range correlations was calculated, using rolling window's length of 100 trading days, rolled forward at an interval of one month's working days. These distance matrices than used to construct nine minimum spanning trees (MSTs). Network characteristics were figured out, community detection and network rewiring techniques were also used for extracting meaningful from these MSTs.

Findings

The findings are, with the evolution of COVID-19, a change in co-movements amongst stock markets' indices occurred. On the 100th day from the date of reporting of the first cluster of cases, the co-movement amongst the stock markets become 100% positively correlated. However, the international investor can still get better portfolio performance with such temporal correlation structure either avoiding risk or pursuing profits. A little change is observed in the importance of authoritative node; however, this central node changed multiple times with change of epicenters. During COVID-19 substantial clustering and less stable network structure is observed.

Originality/value

It is confirmed that this work is original and has been neither published elsewhere, nor it is currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Relationship between transformational leadership, proactive personality, creative self-efficacy and employee creativity at food processing SMEs in Indonesia
Authors: Maria Aletta Dewi , Yulianto Heru , Palupiningtyas Dyah , Usodo Heri
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of transformational leadership and creative self-efficacy (CSE) on employee creativity. In addition, this study will also discuss the role of CSE as a mediator in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity, and the role of proactive personality as a moderator in the relationship between CSE and employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research samples were 102 supervisors and 876 employees from 102 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in the food processing industry in three major cities in Central Java, Indonesia, namely Semarang, Salatiga and Surakarta. SPSS 22 was used to test the research hypothesis using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that CSE mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. In addition, the results also showed that proactive personality acted as a moderator for CSE and employee creativity.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, that the sample size is limited only to food processing SMEs. Second, questionnaires were self-reported by respondents. Self-reporting may not always result in reliable and accurate responses. Lastly, this study uses a cross-sectional research design.

Practical implications

This study presents strong theoretical and managerial implications that can be used by food processing SMEs to evaluate the consequences of transformational leadership, proactive personality, and CSE on employee creativity.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by describing the relationship between transformational leadership, CSE, proactive personality and employee creativity in a comprehensive manner.
How do artificial bacteria behave in magnetized nanofluid with variable thermal conductivity: application of tumor reduction and cancer cells destruction
Authors: Elgazery Nasser S. , Elelamy Asmaa F. , Bobescu Elena , Ellahi R.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study aims to determine an efficiency of external magnetic field on the bacteria surrounded by thousands of magnetic magnetite nanoparticles. The interstitial nanoliquid in which an artificial bacteria swims in biological cell is utilized with variable thermal conductivity. Two dimensions unsteady motion of second grade fluid are considered. The stretching wall is taken as a curved surface pattern.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical results have been obtained by Chebyshev pseudospectral method.

Findings

The impact of the various governing parameters is described by numerical tables and diagrams. It is proven that the pure blood velocity curves are higher when compared with the magnetite/blood. It is demonstrated from clinical disease that dangerous tumors show diminished blood flow. This study concludes that the blood velocity profile increases by increasing the values of fluid parameters. This implies that the medication conveyance therapy lessens the tumor volume and helps in annihilating malignancy cells. The blood temperature distribution raises as the magnetite nanoparticles concentration increases. Consequently, the physical properties of the blood can be enhanced by immersing the magnetite nanoparticles. Further, the present outcomes cleared the thermal conductivity as, a variable function of the temperature, has an important role to enhance the heat transfer rate.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is reported for the first time.
Individual-contextual determinants of entrepreneurial service provision in the platform-based collaborative economy
Authors: Leick Birgit , Falk Martin Thomas , Eklund Mehtap Aldogan , Vinogradov Evgueni
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article examines the nature of service provision in the platform-based collaborative economy from the perspective of entrepreneurship theories. It departs from a knowledge gap about the individual and contextual determinants of service provision through digital platforms. By exploring these determinants for the service provision in two main sectors of the collaborative economy, transportation and accommodation, the study provides a first conceptual introduction of these activities and their nature for the existing entrepreneurship research.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based upon Eurobarometer microdata (2018), covering 28 European countries with about 27,000 observations, and uses a seemingly unrelated Probit model.

Findings

The likelihood of service provision through platforms in the collaborative economy is highest for individuals aged 25–34 years but decreases continuously with age. Occupation, sex and population density of the place of residence are other relevant determinants. By contrast, the regulatory system and GDP per capita of the region are not relevant.

Research limitations/implications

The findings illuminate the under-studied individual and contextual determinants related to individuals engaging with entrepreneurial activities in the collaborative economy. Future research should investigate the role of previous self-employment, skills and spatial context.

Practical implications

The collaborative economy is still a marginal sector in Europe that is likely to grow bigger. Particularly the young, highly educated entrepreneurial persons located in urban regions may spur this expected growth. Supporting policy measures aimed at this social stratum might foster digital entrepreneurship and contribute to growth in the digital economy.

Originality/value

By exploring the individual and contextual determinants for the service provision in the two main sectors of the platform-based collaborative economy, transportation and accommodation, the study provides a first conceptual introduction of these activities and their nature into existing entrepreneurship research.
A novel Stereo-IMU system based on accurate pose parameterization of two-wheeled inverted pendulum (TWIP) robot in localization and mapping
Authors: Zhai Yanwu , Feng Haibo , Zhou Haitao , Zhang Songyuan , Fu Yili
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a method to solve the problem of localization and mapping of a two-wheeled inverted pendulum (TWIP) robot on the ground using the Stereo–inertial measurement unit (IMU) system. This method reparametrizes the pose according to the motion characteristics of TWIP and considers the impact of uneven ground on vision and IMU, which is more adaptable to the real environment.

Design/methodology/approach

When TWIP moves, it is constrained by the ground and swings back and forth to maintain balance. Therefore, the authors parameterize the robot pose as SE(2) pose plus pitch according to the motion characteristics of TWIP. However, the authors do not omit disturbances in other directions but perform error modeling, which is integrated into the visual constraints and IMU pre-integration constraints as an error term. Finally, the authors analyze the influence of the error term on the vision and IMU constraints during the optimization process. Compared to traditional algorithms, the algorithm is simpler and better adapt to the real environment.

Findings

The results of indoor and outdoor experiments show that, for the TWIP robot, the method has better positioning accuracy and robustness compared with the state-of-the-art.

Originality/value

The algorithm in this paper is proposed for the localization and mapping of a TWIP robot. Different from the traditional positioning method on SE(3), this paper parameterizes the robot pose as SE(2) pose plus pitch according to the motion of TWIP and the motion disturbances in other directions are integrated into visual constraints and IMU pre-integration constraints as error terms, which simplifies the optimization parameters, better adapts to the real environment and improves the accuracy of positioning.
Sustainable response system building against insider-led cyber frauds in banking sector: a machine learning approach
Authors: Chhabra Roy Neha , Prabhakaran Sreeleakha
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the different types of insider-led cyber frauds that gained mainstream attention in recent large-scale fraud events involving prominent Indian banking institutions. In addition to identifying and classifying cyber fraud, the study maps them on a severity scale for optimal mitigation planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used for identification and classification is an analysis of a detailed literature review, a focus group discussion with risk and vigilance officers and cyber cell experts, as well as secondary data of cyber fraud losses. Through machine learning-based random forest, the authors predicted the future of insider-led cyber frauds in the Indian banking business and prioritized and predicted the same. The projected future reveals the dominance of a few specific cyber frauds, which will make it easier to develop a fraud mitigation model based on a victim-centric approach.

Findings

The paper concludes with a conceptual framework that can be used to ensure a sustainable cyber fraud mitigation ecosystem within the scope of the study. By using the findings of this research, policymakers and fraud investigators will be able to create a more robust environment for banks through timely detection of cyber fraud and prevent it appropriately before it happens.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on fraud, risk and mitigation from a victim-centric perspective and does not address it from the fraudster’s perspective. Data availability was a challenge. Banks are recommended to compile data that can be used for analysis both by themselves and other policymakers.

Practical implications

The structured, sustainable cyber fraud mitigation suggested in the study will provide an agile, quick, proactive, stakeholder-specific plan that helps to safeguard banks, employees, regulatory authorities, customers and the economy. It saves resources, cost and time for bank authorities and policymakers. The mitigation measures will also help improve the reputational status of the Indian banking business and prolong the banks’ sustenance.

Originality/value

The innovative cyber fraud mitigation approach contributes to the sustainability of a bank’s ecosystem quickly, proactively and effectively.
Extreme dependence and risk spillover across G7 and China stock markets before and during the COVID-19 period
Authors: Ghorbel Ahmed , Fakhfekh Mohamed , Jeribi Ahmed , Lahiani Amine
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The paper analyzes downside and upside risk spillovers between stock markets of G7 countries and China before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

By using VAR-ADCC models and conditional value at risk (CoVaR) techniques, downside and upside risk spillovers between stock markets of G7 countries and China are analyzed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The results suggested existence of a significant and asymmetrical two-way risk transmission between majority of pair markets, but the degree of asymmetry differs according to the use of the entire cumulative distributions or distribution tails. Downside and upside risk spillovers are significantly larger before the COVID-19 pandemic in all cases except between CAC 40/DAX and S&P/SSE pairs.

Originality/value

The paper used CoVaR and delta-CoVaR to investigate the downside and upside spillovers between stock markets of G7 countries and China before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An empirical assessment of enterprise information systems success in a developing country: the Jordanian experience
Authors: Al-Okaily Manaf , Al-Okaily Aws
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The paper discusses the assessment of enterprise information systems (EIS) success in an organizational context is one area that is not sufficiently researched. This lack of theoretical attention prompted the authors to measure EIS success in the organizational setting of Jordanian listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the DeLone and McLean success model and by adopting a quantitative approach, survey data were collected through questionnaires. The established questionnaires were distributed to 250 senior IT executives who use EIS and a total of 134 valid questionnaires were empirically tested via the Smart-PLS technique.

Findings

The investigation findings indicate that information and system quality had a positive impact on user satisfaction and individual impact. User satisfaction had a positive influence on individual impact, both of which eventually lead to organizational impact. The results also showed that the model used has adequate convergent and discriminant validities, as well as sufficient reliability.

Practical implications

The outcomes can help managers and practitioners more effectively understand the factors influencing EIS success among Jordanian listed firms.

Originality/value

This research paper is the very first in assessing EIS success from an organizational perspective in developing country such as Jordan.
Rights‐based accountability in aged care organisations: The roles of beliefs and boundary controls
Authors: Chen Jinhua , Harrison Graeme , Jiao Lu
Published: February 2022

Addressing the urgent need for aged care providers in Australia to enhance their accountability, this study examines whether and how downward accountability (to clients) and lateral accountability (to employees) in aged care organisations are affected by beliefs and boundary controls exercised by the organisations’ management. Analyses were performed on survey data collected from 228 not‐for‐profit aged care providers across Australia. The analyses show that beliefs control positively affects both downward and lateral accountability, whereas boundary control positively affects downward accountability. Further, boundary control marginally moderates the relation between beliefs control and lateral accountability. The study contributes to both not‐for‐profit accountability and management control literatures. Its findings have implications for aged care providers, which are experiencing significant reforms that aim to improve accountability to senior Australians and employees in the organisations.
Use of electric network frequency presence in video material for time estimation
Authors: Frijters Guus , Geradts Zeno J. M. H.
Published: February 2022

In this research, the possibility of estimating the time a video was recorded at through electric network frequency is explored by examining various light sources in differentiating circumstances. This research focuses on videos made with smartphones. The smartphone cameras make use of an integrated complementary metal oxide semiconductor sensor. The filmed videos are analyzed using software, which employs a small electric network frequency (ENF) database to determine the time of recording of a video made in experimental circumstances. This research shows that in ideal circumstances, it is possible to determine the time stamp of a video recording made with a smartphone. However, it becomes clear that different light sources greatly influence the outcome. The best results are achieved with Halogen and Incandescent light sources, both of which also seem promising in less ideal circumstances. LED sources do work in ideal circumstances and, however, do not show much success in lesser circumstances. This research further demonstrates that there is potential in using ENF to determine a time stamp of recorded videos and provides validation on prior research on this topic. It proves usable in ideal circumstances with the presence of a clear light source on a white wall. With additional research, it has potential to become a feasible method to use for forensic settings in circumstances that are less ideal.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with liposomal paclitaxel plus platinum for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell cancer: Results from a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Wenzhong , Yi Yang , Jia Yinghui , Dong Xiaoxin , Zhang Junxia , Song Xiaomeng , Song Yan
Published: February 2022

Background

This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with liposomal paclitaxel plus platinum in patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The data of patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC (staging cT2N + M0, cT3‐4aNanyM0, IA‐IVA) who received preoperative chemotherapy with liposomal paclitaxel plus platinum (cisplatin, nedaplatin or carboplatin) in HuanXing Cancer Hospital from July 2018 to October 2019 were collected. The primary endpoint of this study was R0 resection rate, and secondary endpoints were pathological complete response (pCR) rate, 1‐ and 2‐year overall survival (OS) rate, 1‐year and 18‐month disease‐free survival (DFS) rate, and safety.

Results

A total of 32 eligible patients were included in this study. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The R0 resection rate was 93.8%, the pCR rate was 12.5%, and down‐staging was achieved in 14 patients (47.8%). Median follow‐up was 31.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.1–31.9 months). The 1‐ and 2‐year OS rates were 96.9% and 78.1%, and the 1‐year and 18‐month DFS rates were 86.7% and 76.7%, respectively. The median DFS and OS were not reached. The incidence rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy related grade 3–4 adverse events was 21.9%, including neutropenia (21.9%) and leukopenia (9.4%).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that liposomal paclitaxel combined with platinum as neoadjuvant chemotherapy can provide satisfactory R0 resection rate and survival rate, and significant tumor down‐staging effect for patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC, with safety profile.
Neurocognitive risk in sickle cell disease: Utilizing neuropsychology services to manage cognitive symptoms and functional limitations
Authors: Longoria Jennifer N. , Heitzer Andrew M. , Hankins Jane S. , Trpchevska Ana , Porter Jerlym S.
Published: February 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that is associated with developmental delays and neurocognitive deficits. This review details key findings related to neurocognitive outcomes for children and adults with emphasis on the impact of neurological correlates and disease severity. Associations between neurocognition, demographic factors and social determinants of health are also reviewed. Emerging literature has reported on the neurocognitive impact of SCD in children and adolescents in Africa and Europe, including children from immigrant communities. Neurocognitive deficits are linked to poor functional outcomes, including transition from paediatric to adult care, medication adherence and unemployment. Integrating neuropsychology into multidisciplinary care for individuals with SCD can assist with identification and management of neurocognitive concerns, intervention development, individualized care plan development and continued multidisciplinary research.
Weight reduction added to CPAP decreases blood pressure and triglyceride level in OSA: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kovács Dóra K. , Gede Noémi , Szabó László , Hegyi Péter , Szakács Zsolt , Faludi Béla , Sebők Ágnes , Garami András , Solymár Margit , Kósa Dániel , Hanák Lilla , Rumbus Zoltán , Balaskó Márta
Published: February 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with treatment‐resistant hypertension and high cardiovascular risk. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) fails to reduce cardiovascular risks consistently. Obesity and OSA show reciprocal association and they synergistically increase hypertension via different pathways. Our meta‐analysis aimed to assess the cardiovascular benefits of combining weight loss (WL) with CPAP (vs. WL or CPAP alone) in OSA. Outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and blood lipid parameters. We explored Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus. Eight randomized controlled studies (2627 patients) were included. The combined therapy decreased systolic BP more than CPAP alone. Weighted mean difference (WMD) for CPAP + WL versus CPAP was −8.89 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (95% CI; −13.67 to −4.10, p < 0.001) for systolic BP. For diastolic BP, this decrease was not significant. In case of blood lipids, the combined treatment decreased triglyceride levels more than CPAP alone (WMD = −0.31, 95% CI −0.58 to −0.04, p = 0.027). On the other hand, addition of CPAP to WL failed to suppress BP further. The certainty of evidence according to GRADE was very low to moderate. In conclusion, our results showed that the addition of WL to CPAP significantly improved BP and blood lipid values in OSA. On the other hand, the addition of CPAP to WL could not significantly improve BP or blood lipid values. Review protocol: PROSPERO CRD42019138998.
Late‐onset calcinosis in burn scars: A review of the literature and two case reports
Authors: Róbert Lili , Kuroli Eniko˝ , Bottlik Gyula , Hidvégi Bernadett
Published: February 2022

Calcinosis cutis is a heterotopic accumulation of calcium salts in the skin. It has been described as a late‐onset complication of burn scars in a few cases, in contrast to heterotopic ossification, which may be an early‐onset complication of burn injuries. Diagnosis of calcinosis can be confirmed by radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or histology. Almost all cases of late‐onset calcinosis in burn scars present as non‐healing ulcers on the lower extremities near contracture bands. It has been hypothesized that this localization is due to the more frequent microtrauma of the lower extremities, and that ulceration is due to the presence of calcium deposits as foreign bodies. In our study, the mean age at the time of burn injury was 12.5 ± 8.27 years, and calcinosis developed after a mean time of 37.5 ± 14.95 years (mean age at onset was 50.5 ± 14.53 years). There was no significant difference between burn scars managed with skin grafting and those where skin grafting was not carried out. The ulcers healed after resection or extraction of the deposits without any recurrence at the same site. In contrast to previously reported cases, we observed two cases of non‐ulcerating late‐onset calcinosis in burn scars of the upper extremities.