bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physcraper: a python package for continual update of evolutionary estimates using the Open Tree of Life
Authors: Reyes Luna L. Sanchez , Kandziora Martha , McTavish Emily Jane
Published: September 2020

Phylogenies are a key part of research in many areas of biology. Tools that automate some parts of the process of phylogenetic reconstruction, mainly molecular character matrix assembly, have been developed for the advantage of both specialists in the field of phylogenetics and nonspecialists. However, interpretation of results, comparison with previously available phylogenetic hypotheses, and selection of one phylogeny for downstream analyses and discussion still impose difficulties to one that is not a specialist either on phylogenetic methods or on a particular group of study.

Physcraper is a command-line Python program that automates the update of published phylogenies by adding public DNA sequences to underlying alignments of previously published phylogenies. It also provides a framework for straightforward comparison of published phylogenies with their updated versions, by leveraging upon tools from the Open Tree of Life project to link taxonomic information across databases.

Physcraper can be used by the nonspecialist, as a tool to generate phylogenetic hypotheses based on publicly available expert phylogenetic knowledge. Phylogeneticists and taxonomic group specialists will find it useful as a tool to facilitate molecular dataset gathering and comparison of alternative phylogenetic hypotheses (topologies).

The Physcraper workflow demonstrates the benefits of doing open science for phylogenetics, encour-aging researchers to strive for better sharing practices. Physcraper can be used with any OS and is released under an open-source license. Detailed instructions for installation and use are available athttps://physcraper.readthedocs.
A cortical circuit mechanism for coding and updating task structural knowledge in inference-based decision-making
Authors: Liu Yanhe , Xin Yu , Xu Ning-long
Published: September 2020

Making decisions based on knowledge about causal environmental structures is a hallmark of higher cognition in mammalian brains. Despite mounting work in psychological and cognitive sciences, how the brain implements knowledge-based decision-making at neuronal circuit level remains aterra incognita. Here we established an inference-based auditory categorization task, where mice performed within-session re-categorization of stimuli by inferring the changing task rules. Using a belief-state reinforcement learning (BS-RL) model, we quantified the hidden variable associated with task knowledge. Using simultaneous two-photon population imaging and projection-specific optogenetics, we found that a subpopulation of auditory cortex (ACx) neurons encoded the hidden task-rule variable, which depended on the feedback input from orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Chemogenetic silencing of the OFC-ACx projection specifically disrupted re-categorization performance. Finally, imaging from OFC axons within ACx revealed task state-related value signals in line with the modeled updating mechanism. Our results provide a cortical circuit mechanism underlying inference-based decision-making.
CCP1, a tubulin deglutamylase, increases survival of rodent spinal cord neurons following glutamate-induced excitotoxicity
Authors: Ramadan Yasmin H. , Gu Amanda , Ross Nicole , McEwan Sara A. , Barr Maureen M. , Firestein Bonnie L. , O’Hagan Robert
Published: September 2020

Microtubules (MTs) are cytoskeletal elements that provide structural support, establish morphology, and act as roadways for intracellular transport in cells. Neurons extend and must maintain long axons and dendrites to transmit information through the nervous system. Therefore, in neurons, the ability to independently regulate cytoskeletal stability and MT-based transport in different cellular compartments is essential. Post-translational modification of MTs is one mechanism by which neurons can regulate the cytoskeleton.

The carboxypeptidase CCP1 negatively regulates post-translational glutamylation of MTs. We previously demonstrated that the CCP1 homolog inC. elegansis important for maintenance of cilia. In mammals, loss of CCP1, and the resulting hyperglutamylation of MTs, causes neurodegeneration. It has long been known that CCP1 expression is activated by neuronal injury; however, whether CCP1 plays a neuroprotective role after injury is unknown. Furthermore, it not yet clear whether CCP1 acts on ciliary MTs in spinal cord neurons.

Using anin vitromodel of excitotoxic neuronal injury coupled with shRNA-mediated knockdown of CCP1, we demonstrate that CCP1 protects neurons from excitotoxic death. Unexpectedly, excitotoxic injury reduced CCP1 expression in our system, and knockdown of CCP1 did not result in loss or shortening of cilia in cultured spinal cord neurons. Our results suggest that CCP1 acts on axonal and dendritic MTs to promote cytoskeletal rearrangements that support neuroregeneration and that enzymes responsible for glutamylation of MTs might be therapeutically targeted to prevent excitotoxic death after spinal cord injuries.
Cerebrospinal fluids from healthy pregnant women does not harbor a detectable microbial community
Authors: Kang Yongyong , Ji Xinchao , Guo Li , Xia Han , Yang Xiaofei , Xie Zhen , Shi Xiaodan , Wu Rui , Feng Dongyun , Wang Chen , Chen Min , Zhang Wenliang , Wei Hong , Guan Yuanlin , Ye Kai , Zhao Gang
Published: September 2020

Cerebrospinal fluids circulating human central nervous system have long been considered aseptic in healthy individuals, because normally the blood-brain barrier protects against microbial invasions. However, this dogma has been questioned by several reports that microbes were identified in human brains, raising the question whether a microbial community is present in cerebrospinal fluids of healthy individuals without neurological diseases. Here, we collected and analyzed metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing data of cerebrospinal fluid specimens from a cohort of 23 pregnant women aged between 23 and 40 and one-to-one matched contamination controls. From data analysis of 116 specimens of eight different types, we detected 619 nonredundant microbial taxa which were dominated by bacteria (75%) and viruses (24%). In cerebrospinal fluids metagenomic samples, a total of 76 redundant species were detected including four (one nonredundant) eukaryota taxa, eleven (four nonredundant) bacteria, and 61 (21 nonredundant) viruses that were mostly bacteriophages. Metagenomic data analysis found no significant difference between cerebrospinal fluid specimens and negative controls in terms of microbial species diversity. In addition, no active or viable microbiome were present in the cerebrospinal fluid samples after subtracting microbes detected in contamination controls. In conclusion, we found no strong evidence that colonized microbial community exist in the cerebrospinal fluids of healthy individuals.

IMPORTANCE

Microbiome are prevalent throughout human bodies with profound health implications. However, it remains unclear whether a microbiome is present and active in human cerebrospinal fluids that are long considered aseptic given the blood-brain barrier. Here, we applied unbiased metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing to detect microbiome in cerebrospinal fluids collected from a cohort of 23 pregnant women with matched controls. By analyzing 116 specimens of eight types, no strong evidence was found to support a presence of colonized microbiome in the cerebrospinal fluids. Our findings have profound implications to human immunity against neurological infections and disorders, providing a guide for disease diagnostics, prevention and therapeutics in clinical settings.
Reaction Pathway Sampling and Free Energy Analyses for Multimeric Protein Complex Disassembly with Employing Hybrid Configuration Bias Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Kurisaki Ikuo , Tanaka Shigenori
Published: September 2020

Physicochemical characterization of multimeric biomacromolecule assembly and disassembly processes is a milestone to understand the mechanisms for biological phenomena at molecular level. Mass spectroscopy (MS) and structural bioinformatics (SB) approaches have become feasible to identify subcomplexes involved in assembly and disassembly, while they cannot provide atomic information sufficient for free energy calculation to characterize transition mechanism between two different sets of subcomplexes. To combine observations derived from MS and SB approaches with conventional free energy calculation protocols, we here designed a new reaction pathway sampling method with employing hybrid configuration bias Monte Carlo/Molecular Dynamics (hcbMC/MD) scheme and applied it to simulate disassembly process of serum amyloid P component (SAP) pentamer. The results we obtained are consistent with those of the earlier MS and SB studies with respect to SAP subcomplex species and the initial stage of SAP disassembly processes. Furthermore, we observed a novel dissociation event, ring-opening reaction of SAP pentamer. Employing free energy calculation combined with the hcbMC/MD reaction pathway trajectories, we moreover obtained experimentally testable observations on (1) reaction time of the ring-opening reaction and (2) importance of Asp42 and Lys117 for stable formation of SAP oligomer.
A non-canonical lipid droplet metabolism regulates the conversion of alpha-Synuclein to proteolytic resistant forms in neurons of aDrosophilamodel of Parkinson disease
Authors: Girard Victor , Jollivet Florence , Knittelfelder Oskar , Arsac Jean-Noel , Chatelain Gilles , Van den Brink Daan M. , Baron Thierry , Shevchenko Andrej , Davoust Nathalie , Mollereau Bertrand
Published: September 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregation and associated with abnormalities in lipid metabolism. The accumulation of lipids in cytoplasmic organelles called lipid droplets (LDs) was observed in cellular models of PD. To investigate the pathophysiological consequences of interactions between αSyn and proteins that regulate the homeostasis of LDs, we used a transgenicDrosophilamodel of PD, in which human αSyn is specifically expressed in photoreceptor neurons. We first found that overexpression of the LD-coating proteins perilipin 1 or 2 (dPlin1/2), which limit the access of lipases to LDs, markedly increased triacylglyclerol (TG) loaded LDs in neurons. However, dPlin-induced-LDs in neurons are independent of lipid anabolic (diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1/Midway, fatty acid transport protein/dFatp) and catabolic (lipase Brummer) enzymes, indicating that non-canonical mechanisms regulate neuronal LD homeostasis. Interestingly, the accumulation of LDs induced by several distinct LD proteins (dPlin1, dPlin2, CG7900 or KlarsichtLD-BD) was synergistically amplified by the co-expression of αSyn, which was found at the surface of LDs both in photoreceptors neurons ofDrosophilaand in human neuroblastoma cells. Finally, the accumulation of LDs increased the resistance of αSyn to proteolytic digestion, a phenomenon associated with αSyn aggregation in human neurons. We thus propose that αSyn cooperates with LD proteins to inhibit lipolysis and that binding of αSyn to LDs contributes to the pathogenic misfolding and aggregation of αSyn in neurons.
Structure Model Analysis Of Phosphorylation Dependent Binding And Sequestration Of SARS-COV-2 Encoded Nucleocapsid Protein By Protein 14-3-3
Authors: Limtung Pierre , Tung H.Y. Lim
Published: September 2020

Phosphorylation of serines 197 and 206 of SARS-COV-2 Nucleocapsid protein (NCp) enhanced the stability and binding efficiency and sequestration of NCp to Protein 14-3-3 by increasing the Stability Energy (ΔGstability energy) and Binding Energy (ΔΔGbinding energy) from ~545 Kcal/mol to ~616 Kcal/mol, and from 108 Kcal/mol to ~228 Kcal/mol respectively. The calculated Binding Energy Difference (ΔΔGbinding energy difference) between dephospho-NCp-14-3-3 complex and phospho-NCp-13-3-3 complex was ~72 Kcal/mol. Phosphorylations of serines 186, 197, 202 and 206, and threonines 198 and 205 NCp also caused an increase in the Stability Energy (ΔGstability energy) and Binding Energy (ΔΔGbinding energy) from ~545 Kcal/mol to ~617, 616, 583, 580, 574, 564 and 566 Kcal/mol and from ~108 Kcal/mol to ~228, 216, 184, 188, 184, 174 and 112 Kcal/mol respectively. Phosphorylation of NCp on serines 197 and 206 caused a decrease in Stability Energy and Binding Energy from ~698 Kcal/mol to 688 Kcal/mol, and from ~91 Kcal/mol to ~82 Kcal/mol for the dimerization of NCp. These results support the existence of a phosphorylation dependent cellular mechanism to bind and sequester NCp.
Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of polyethylene microbeads found in facial wash products in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)using the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test
Authors: De Guzman Margaret C. , Chua Patricia Anne P. , Sedano Franceska S.
Published: September 2020

Use of polyethylene beads in facial cleansers has been continuously questioned by scientific communities for they adversely affect aquatic organisms once these beads find their way into their habitats. This study specifically aims to determineDanio reriomortality rate using lethal endpoints and to evaluate sublethal teratogenic effects inDanio reriodue to polyethylene microbead exposure.Danio rerio,a model organism for ecotoxicology, was subjected to the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test. Embryos were exposed to polyethylene microbead suspensions (PE-MBS) of varying concentrations (i.e., 20 μg/L, 200 μg/L, 2000 μg/L). They were also exposed to 5% ethanol (positive control), reconstituted water (negative control), 0.01% Tween 80 (emulsifier control), and 1% DMSO (solvent control). Toxicological endpoints (i.e., egg coagulation, lack of somite formation, non-detachment of tail, and lack of heartbeat) were observed every 24 hours until the 96th hour exposure. Hatching was observed from 48 hpf while teratogenicity was observed at 144 hpf. Significant differences between means and variances were observed for all treatment groups in relation to the negative control. For all groups, 0.01% Tween 80, 1% DMSO and 20 μg/L PE-MBS did not significantly differ with the negative control due to negligible concentration but 5% ethanol and higher concentrations of PE-MBS did. This indicated that high concentrations of PE-MBS exposure may induce early hatching, mortality, increased malformation, and increased heart rate. Tukey Kramerpost hocTest substantiated that PE-MBS toxicity is dose dependent since embryotoxicity and teratogenicity increases at higher concentrations. LC50obtained using probit analysis based on experimental data was 2455.096 μg/L, and was higher than the concentrations used in this study. Further studies should be conducted to know more about the adverse effects of polyethylene microbeads to the biota.

Author Summary

Margaret De Guzman, MSc, Patricia Chua, and Franceska Sedano have all equally contributed to this work in conceptualization, formal analysis, funding acquisition, and investigation. All authors have also equally headed project administration, procurement of resources and writing.
INFLUENCE OF A 30-DAY SPACEFLIGHT ON THE STRUCTURE OF MOTONEURONS OF THE TROCHLEAR NERVE NUCLEUS IN MICE
Authors: Pavlik Lyubov , Mikheeva Irina , Shtanchaev Rashid , Mikhailova Gulnara , Arkhipov Vladimir
Published: September 2020

During spaceflight and immediately after it, adaptive neuroplastic changes occur in the sensorimotor structures of the central nervous system, which are associated with changes of mainly vestibular and visual signals. It is known that the movement of the eyeball in the vertical direction is carried out by muscles that are innervated by the trochlear nerve (CN IV) and the oculomotor nerve (CN III). To elucidate the cellular processes underlying the atypical vertical nystagmus that occurs under microgravity conditions, it seems necessary to study the state of these nuclei in animals in more detail after prolonged space flights. In this work, we carried out a qualitative and quantitative light-optical and ultrastructural analysis of the nuclei of the trochlear nerve in mice after a 30-day flight on the Bion-M1 biosatellite and followed by a stay for 13-14 hours under the influence of the Earth’s gravity after landing. As a result, it was shown that the motoneurons in the nucleus of the trochlear nerve changed their morphology under the influence of microgravity. Cell nuclei of the motoneurons had a more simplified rounded shape than in the control. In addition, the dendrites of these motoneurons significantly reorganized geometry and orientation under microgravity conditions; the number of dendritic branches has been increased to enhance the reduced signal flow. Apparently, to ensure such plastic changes, the number and size of mitochondria in the soma of motoneurons and in axons coming from the vestibular structures increased. In addition, the experimental animals showed an increase in the size of the cisterns of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in comparison with the control group of animals left on Earth, for which the environmental conditions in the spacecraft were reproduced. Thus, the main role in the adaptation of the trochlear nucleus to microgravity conditions, apparently, belongs to the dendrites of motoneurons, which rearrange their structure and function to enhance the flow of sensory information. These results are useful for the development of new, more effective means to facilitate the stay and work of space travelers in a long spaceflight.
Does co-expression ofYarrowia lipolyticagenes encoding Yas1p, Yas2p and Yas3p make a potential alkane-responsive biosensor inSaccharomyces cerevisiae?
Authors: Dabirian Yasaman , Skrekas Christos , David Florian , Siewers Verena
Published: September 2020

Alkane-based biofuels are desirable to produce at a commercial scale as these have properties similar to our current petroleum-derived transportation fuels. Rationally engineering microorganisms to produce a desirable compound, such as alkanes, is, however, challenging. Metabolic engineers are therefore increasingly implementing evolutionary engineering approaches combined with high-throughput screening tools, including metabolite biosensors, to identify productive targets. EngineeringSaccharomyces cerevisiaeto produce alkanes can be facilitated by using an alkane-responsive biosensor, which can potentially be developed from the native alkane-sensing system inYarrowia lipolytica, a well-known alkane-assimilating yeast. This putative alkane-sensing system is, at least, based on three different transcription factors (TFs) named Yas1p, Yas2p and Yas3p. Although this system is not fully elucidated inY. lipolytica, we were interested in evaluating the possibility of translating this system into an alkane-responsive biosensor inS. cerevisiae. We evaluated the alkane-sensing system inS. cerevisiaeby developing one sensor based on the nativeY. lipolytica ALK1promoter and one sensor based on the nativeS. cerevisiae CYC1promoter. In both systems, we found that the TFs Yas1p, Yas2p and Yas3p do not seem to act in the same way as these have been reported to do in their native host. Additional analysis of the TFs suggests that more knowledge regarding their mechanism is needed before a potential alkane-responsive sensor based on theY. lipolyticasystem can be established inS. cerevisiae.
Selection of lamb size and early pregnancy in Soay sheep (Ovies aries)
Authors: Janeiro Maria João , Henshaw Jonathan M. , Pemberton Josephine M. , Pilkington Jill G. , Morrissey Michael B.
Published: September 2020

The paradox of stasis – the unexpectedly slow evolution of heritable traits under direct selection – has been widely documented in the last few decades. This paradox is often particularly acute for body size, which is often heritable and where positive associations of size and fitness are frequently identified, but constraints to the evolution of larger body sizes are often not obvious. Here, we identify a trade-off between survival and size-dependent reproduction in Soay sheep (Ovis aries), contributes to selection against large body size. Using recently developed theory on non-linear developmental systems, then decompose total selection of ewe lamb mass along different causal paths to fitness. Larger lambs are more likely to become pregnant, which has a large viability cost. After controlling for this pathway, however, the association between lamb mass and subsequent lifetime fitness is positive. Thus this trade-off does not fully explain stasis of size in tis population, but it does substantially reduce the strength of positive directional selection of size that would otherwise occur. While selection currently favours reduced probability of early pregnancy, largely irrespective of body size, it is likely that the occurrence of early pregnancy could result from adaptation to conditions during a recent period during which population density was much lower.
Rhythmic expression ofNeurofibromin 1in mushroom body neurons mediates circadian wake drive through activating cAMP−PKA signaling
Authors: Almeida Pedro Machado , Solis Blanca Lago , Feidler Alexis , Nagoshi Emi
Published: September 2020

Various behavioral and cognitive states exhibit circadian variations in animals across phyla includingDrosophila, in which only ∼0.1% of the entire brain neurons contain circadian clocks. This suggests that clock neurons communicate with a plethora of non-clock neurons to transmit the timing information to gate various behavioral outputs inDrosophila. Here, we address the molecular underpinning of this phenomenon by performing circadian RNA-seq analysis of non-clock neurons that constitute the mushroom body (MB), the center of information processing and sleep regulation. We identify hundreds of genes rhythmically expressed in the MB, including theDrosophilaortholog ofNeurofibromin 1(Nf1), the gene responsible for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Rhythmic expression ofNf1promotes daytime wakefulness by activating cAMP−PKA signaling and increasing excitability of the MB. These findings reveal the pervasive, non-cell-autonomous circadian regulation of gene expression in the brain and its role in sleep, with implications in the pathology of NF1.
Transcriptional activity differentiates families of Marine Group IIEuryarchaeotain the coastal ocean
Authors: Damashek Julian , Okotie-Oyekan Aimee Oyinlade , Gifford Scott Michael , Vorobev Alexey , Moran Mary Ann , Hollibaugh James Timothy
Published: September 2020

Marine Group IIEuryarchaeota(CandidatusPoseidoniales), abundant but yet-uncultivated members of marine microbial communities, are thought to be (photo)heterotrophs that metabolize dissolved organic matter (DOM) such as lipids and peptides. However, little is known about their transcriptional activity. We mapped reads from a metatranscriptomic time series collected at Sapelo Island (GA, USA) to metagenome-assembled genomes to determine the diversity of transcriptionally-activeCa. Poseidoniales. Summer metatranscriptomes had the highest abundance ofCa. Poseidoniales transcripts, mostly from the O1 and O3 genera withinCa. Thalassarchaeaceae (MGIIb). In contrast, transcripts from fall and winter samples were predominantly fromCa. Poseidoniaceae (MGIIa). Genes encoding proteorhodopsin, membrane-bound pyrophosphatase, peptidase/proteases, and part of the β-oxidation pathway were highly transcribed across abundant genera. Highly transcribed genes specific toCa. Thalassarchaeaceae included xanthine/uracil permease and receptors for amino acid transporters. Enrichment ofCa. Thalassarchaeaceae transcript reads related to protein/peptide, nucleic acid, and amino acid transport and metabolism, as well as transcript depletion during dark incubations, provided further evidence of heterotrophic metabolism. Quantitative PCR analysis of South Atlantic Bight samples indicated consistently abundantCa. Poseidoniales in nearshore and inshore waters. Together, our data suggestCa. Thalassarchaeaceae are important photoheterotrophs potentially linking DOM and nitrogen cycling in coastal waters.
Positive selection within the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 and other Coronaviruses independent of impact on protein function
Authors: Berrio Alejandro , Gartner Valerie , Wray Gregory A
Published: September 2020

Background

The emergence of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) associated with severe acute respiratory disease (COVID-19) has prompted efforts to understand the genetic basis for its unique characteristics and its jump from non-primate hosts to humans. Tests for positive selection can identify apparently nonrandom patterns of mutation accumulation within genomes, highlighting regions where molecular function may have changed during the origin of a species. Several recent studies of the SARS-CoV-2 genome have identified signals of conservation and positive selection within the gene encoding Spike protein based on the ratio of synonymous to nonsynonymous substitution. Such tests cannot, however, detect changes in the function of RNA molecules.

Methods

Here we apply a test for branch-specific oversubstitution of mutations within narrow windows of the genome without reference to the genetic code.

Results

We recapitulate the finding that the gene encoding Spike protein has been a target of both purifying and positive selection. In addition, we find other likely targets of positive selection within the genome of SARS-CoV-2, specifically within the genes encoding Nsp4 and Nsp16. Homology-directed modeling indicates no change in either Nsp4 or Nsp16 protein structure relative to the most recent common ancestor. Thermodynamic modeling of RNA stability and structure, however, indicates that RNA secondary structure within both genes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome differs from those of RaTG13, the reconstructed common ancestor, and Pan-CoV-GD (Guangdong). These SARS-CoV-2-specific mutations may affect molecular processes mediated by the positive or negative RNA molecules, including transcription, translation, RNA stability, and evasion of the host innate immune system. Our results highlight the importance of considering mutations in viral genomes not only from the perspective of their impact on protein structure, but also how they may impact other molecular processes critical to the viral life cycle.
Online food delivery services and behavioural intention – a test of an integrated TAM and TPB framework
Authors: Troise Ciro , O'Driscoll Aidan , Tani Mario , Prisco Anna
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This research leverages an integrated framework that uses the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to analyse the main drivers of users' intention to use food delivery apps. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the consumer's willingness to adopt online food delivery (OFD) using the models' constructs and extend them to consider food choices, convenience, trust and the effect of the perceived risks related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as contextual factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the data. The final sample consists of 425 people in Italy.

Findings

The authors have found that combining the TAM and the TPB provides a valid and significant model that can be used to understand OFD users' behavioural intentions. Moreover, the results show that subjective norms have a stronger effect on behavioural intentions than the personal attitude and that trustworthiness and the perception of risks related to COVID-19 have different effects. Accordingly, the authors derive several theoretical and managerial implications from these results.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the current debate on consumer behaviour in the OFD context. Only a few studies have integrated the TAM and TPB models in this context. This paper sheds light on the factors useful in predicting people's choice to buy food via OFD. Furthermore, it highlights the key role of some contextual factors and subjective norms over more technical ones.
Evaluating renewable energy choices among rural communities in Nigeria. An insight for energy policy
Authors: Okwanya Innocent , Alhassan Abdulkareem , Migap Job Pristine , Adeka Sunday Simeon
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of policy incentives and cost on the choice and use of renewable energy in North-Central Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study are collected from a sample of 290 respondents drawn from across 6 states in North-Central Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory. This study uses descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings reveal that there is a huge potential demand for renewable energy sources (particularly solar photovoltaic) in the rural communities in Nigeria. It also indicates a positive and highly significant relationship between the level of awareness, availability and income and the use (consumption) of renewable energy sources among the rural communities. Furthermore, the cost of installation and maintenance of renewable energy, its reliability and availability are significant determinants of renewable energy choices among rural inhabitants in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The authors submit that inefficient policy strategies, high cost of installation and lack of awareness remain the major hindrances to the use of more efficient renewable energy sources. From a policy point of view, a viable strategy for effective use of renewable energy sources is the involvement of government, development partners and agencies for the funding of renewable energy technology in the rural sector of the country. The usage of modern renewable energy would increase if policy incentives are aimed at covering parts of the maintenance and installation cost of renewable energy users. The authors recommend that apart from creating awareness on the benefits of renewable energy, policymakers should provide a desirable policy environment for private energy firms to supply renewable energy at an affordable cost to the rural communities in Nigeria.

Social implications

A majority of the rural households in Nigeria, as shown in this article, are poor and therefore use firewood as their main source of cooking energy because of the cost of renewable energy.

Originality/value

Despite the abundance of renewable energy sources and government effort at improving renewable energy use, more than 15 million people live without access to electricity and 54 million are without modern energy services for cooking and lightening in Nigeria. A total of 61% of these people live in rural areas. Therefore, this study is novel in providing energy policy insights for rural communities in North-Central Nigeria.
Using photovoice to explore the impact on a student community after including cross-sectional content on environmental sustainability in a university subject: a case study
Authors: Coronado Carmen , Freijomil-Vázquez Carla , Fernández-Basanta Sara , Andina-Díaz Elena , Movilla-Fernández María-Jesús
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Higher education institutions have a significant impact in preparing future generations for the creation of a sustainable society. By formulating appropriate curricula, the university can shape student personality with sustainability concerns. This study aims to present the results of a teaching approach on environmental sustainability using the photovoice methodology. A guided visit to the sewage treatment plant of A Coruña was included as a teaching activity in the “Microbiology and Parasitology” classes of the podiatry degree at University of A Coruña. The teaching objectives were to reinforce contents through observation and to introduce citizen awareness on sustainability and responsible water use in a cross-sectional manner.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, different steps of photovoice as a qualitative participatory action methodology were developed. A total of 43 university students willingly participated with their photographs. Qualitative data were collected from the students’ photovoice visit reports and a subsequent discussion group. Thematic content analysis was performed manually.

Findings

This study explored the impact of an environmental sustainability teaching activity on the university student community. Six main categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: savings/waste of water, misuse of the water closet, disposing of used oil, solid waste/trash, reuse of clean water and reuse/reduction of the use of plastics. The cross-sectional findings on the needs of education and awareness of sustainability in the community and companies are presented.

Originality/value

The findings provide evidence of the ability of photovoice method as a pedagogical tool to promote reflection and change in the university community and to introduce sustainability cross-sectional content in green campus curricula. This photovoice experiment is simple and feasible to implement and has a very low economic cost, as long as there are qualified educators.
The impact of social stratification on morbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Raghunath Nilanjan , Tan Tony
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Socioeconomic status (SES) has been known to be associated with many aspects of social life such as health. We argue that social stratification remains relevant in understanding differentials in health during a pandemic, as countries globally have encouraged or enforced social distancing and remote work measures.

Design/methodology/approach

By examining data sources and news reports on the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to highlight the relationship between SES and morbidity, through the ability to adopt social distancing measures and work remotely. Utilizing publicly available data from the Maryland Transport Institute and the US Census, we performed linear regressions on median income, social distancing index and percentage of individuals working from home.

Findings

Individuals with higher SES are more likely to have jobs that provide opportunities for remote work to be performed, which allows for social distancing. Comparatively, individuals with lower SES are more likely to be involved in jobs that cannot be performed remotely. The linear regression models suggest a positive moderate and significant correlation between median income and social distancing index (R2 = 0.4981, p-value < 0.001), and a positive weak and significant correlation between median income and remote work (R2 = 0.2460, p-value < 0.001).

Research limitations/implications

Governments need to account for SES in policymaking to reduce inequalities in health.

Originality/value

The paper aims to improve the understanding of social stratification and morbidity through examining data on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Institutional complexity and CSR practices: evidence from a developing country
Authors: Diab Ahmed , Metwally Abdelmoneim Bahyeldin Mohamed
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the appearance of corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSER) practices in a context where economic, communal and political institutions are highly central and competing with each other.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the study draws upon the institutional logics perspective and the theoretical concepts of logics centrality and compatibility to understand how higher-order institutions interact with mundane CSER practices observed at the case company's micro level. Empirical data were solicited in an Egyptian village community, where fishing, agriculture and especially salt production constitute the main economic activities underlying its livelihood. A combination of interviews, informal conversations, observations and documents solicits the required data.

Findings

Thereby, this study presents an inclusive view of CSER as practiced in developing countries, which is based not only on rational economic perspectives – as is the case in developed and stabilised contexts – but also on social, familial and political aspects that are central to the present complex institutional environment.

Originality/value

The reported findings in this study highlight the role of non-economic (societal) logics in understating CSER in African developing nations.
Aligning conflict brand stories with product types
Authors: Yin Chin-Ching , Chiu Hung-Chang , Hsieh Yi-Ching
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Using classic literary theory pertaining to conflicts, this study aims to investigate the links of various types of conflicts and brand attitudes, in the context of brand stories for search and experience product types.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a survey of university students to test this study’s hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal significant main effects of four conflict reversal stories on brand attitudes. The influences of man-against-self, man-against-man and man-against-society conflicts on brand attitude are greater for experience than for search products. In contrast, the influence of man-against-nature conflict is higher for search than for experience products.

Research limitations/implications

To generalize the results, this study should be replicated using more heterogeneous populations, setting the study in other cultures, testing actual brands and using a wider range of products.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights for marketers seeking to use appropriate conflicts in their brand stories to enhance customers’ brand attitudes.

Originality/value

Extant research does not address the relationship between different types of conflicts and customer attitudes, and the current study bridges this research gap.
Valuation for a Preemptive Right on the Private House for Lease in Korea Using the Binomial Option Pricing Model
Authors: Kim Sung Tak
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the value for a preemptive right on the private houses for lease in Korea which were supplied at Pankyo and Heoungduk Area in February 2006 and May 2007.

Using the price of the houses in the neighborhood area. Bundang and Youngtong as proxy variable, we estimated the value of a preemptive right based on the binomial option pricing model.

Major results are summarized as follows: i. While a purchase of right for the case of Pankyo were profitable, the case of Heoungduk wasn't which was consistent with the historical competition results; ii. while the profitability for the Pankyo was stable across the variation of the parameters, Heoungduk was not. Finally, some policy implications and limitations of this paper were suggested.
Scientific mapping on the convergence of innovation and sustainability (innovability): 1990–2018
Authors: De la Vega Hernández Iván Manuel , Barcellos de Paula Luciano
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Innovation and sustainability are key in today’s competitive world. It is no longer possible to conceive an organization that has not incorporated these two elements for it to become successful. The longitudinal bibliometric study seeks to examine the topography of innovation and sustainability to determine whether there is already a terminological integration that could be defined as innovation capability in a sustainable way. The objective of this work is to identify the growth trajectories of the literature, the countries considered as knowledge nodes, the most influential authors, the classification of journals, clusters and collaborative networks measured by co-citation, the analysis by keywords, countries and knowledge areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is developed under the bibliometric approach, and the period 1990–2018 was considered. The steps taken were as follows: 16 keywords of each term were identified and selected in 3 methodological layers by a panel of experts; an algorithm was designed and applied to identify these selected keywords in the titles, abstracts and keywords using terms in the Web of Science (WoS) of Clarivate Analytics to contrast them; and a review in specialized journals was carried out in the first quartile (Q1) of the WoS until 2018.

Findings

The most relevant finding of the study lies in the sustained growth of the convergence of the terms innovation and sustainability. In addition, the longitudinal review of the two concepts also shows that innovation is directly linked to sustainability, suggesting that the convergence of concepts and practices becomes part of the strategy of companies seeking to be competitive and sustainable.

Practical implications

At the management level, this research seeks to present a definition of innovability based on the convergence of the concepts of innovation and sustainability. This new concept can be applied as a management strategy for companies seeking to be competitive and sustainable. Theoretical and practical evidences that reinforce this construct are presented. At the academic level, the manuscript shows a longitudinal review on innovation and sustainability, a relevant scientific mapping and, finally, a new theoretical and practical concept is proposed that seeks to create strategies for competitiveness in a sustainable way. At the level of society, the study contributes to the sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

The results show that a field of studies on innovation is emerging that has a high potential to position itself as a new space for research. The concept of “innovability” is proposed.
Genetic, morphological, and niche variation in the widely hybridizingRhus integrifolia‐Rhus ovataspecies complex
Authors: Barrett Craig F. , Lambert Joshua , Santee Mathilda V. , Sinn Brandon T. , Skibicki Samuel V. , Stephens Heather M. , Thixton Hana
Published: September 2020

Hybridization and introgression are common processes among numerous plant species that present both challenges and opportunities for studies of species delimitation, phylogenetics, taxonomy and adaptation.Rhus integrifoliaandR. ovataare two ecologically important shrubs native to the southwestern USA and Mexico, and are known to hybridize frequently, but the morphological, genetic and ecological implications of hybridization in these species are poorly studied on a broad geographic scale. Analyses were conducted using leaf morphology, genetic variation of plastid and nuclear loci, and species distribution models for both species and their putative hybrid introgressants across 19 localities in California and Arizona, USA. These analyses revealed evidence for morphological and genetic distinction among localities comprising putative parental species, but a high degree of morpho‐genetic intermediacy among localities with putative hybrids. Comparison of morphological and genetic population structure among localities revealed evidence for putative local adaptation or widespread phenotypic plasticity. Multiple regression models identified a weak but statistically significant negative association between leaf area and precipitation. Finally, species distribution modeling inferred northward range shifts over time, with both species predicted to occupy more coastal regions in the future, possibly increasing the frequency of hybridization among them. These findings underscore the importance of integrative assessment of multiple data sources in the study of hybridizing species and highlight theR. integrifolia‐ovatacomplex as a powerful model for investigating the adaptive implications of hybridization.
Corruption and support for decentralisation
Authors: KUHN THERESA , PARDOS‐PRADO SERGI
Published: September 2020

Existing explanations of individual preferences for decentralisation and secession focus on collective identity, economic considerations and party politics. This paper contributes to this literature by showing that preferences for fiscal and political decentralisation are also driven by concern about the quality of government in the face of corruption. It makes two claims. Firstly, information on national‐level corruption decreases satisfaction with national politicians, and subsequently increases preferences for decentralisation and secession. Secondly, information on regional‐level corruption pushes citizens of highly corrupt regions to prefer national retrenchment and unitary states. The effects of this political compensation mechanism crosscut national identities and involve regions that are not ethnically or economically different from the core. We test our argument using a survey experiment in Spain and confirm its cross‐national generalisability with data from the European Values Study.
Oral cancer adjacent to dental implants mimicking benign lesions: a case series study
Authors: Miranda Galvis Marisol , Schausltz Pereira Faustino Isabel , Cabral Ramos Joab , dos Santos Silva Alan Roger , de Abreu Alves Fábio , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Ajudarte Lopes Marcio
Published: September 2020

Despite the long‐term survival rates of osseointegrated dental implants, several biological complications are known to affect the peri‐implant tissues, such as peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis. Occasionally, the clinical features of these more common benign lesions, or others nonrelated to implants, might be similar to oral malignancies, leading to misdiagnosis. The objective of this study was to present a case series of oral cancer located adjacent to dental implants, aimed to identify the reasons for initial misinterpretation of diagnosis. Thirteen patients, 10 females and 3 males, aged 59 to 90, were assessed. Among the differential diagnoses established, a malignant or premalignant lesion was not considered in 10 out of the 13 patients. Peri‐implantitis was the most common preliminary diagnosis, followed by fungal infection, viral infections, and traumatic ulcers. The meantime for the diagnosis of oral cancer was 21.5 months. The clinical presentation of peri‐implant malignancy, such as ulceration, white and red plaques, and exophytic lesions, might mimic benign diseases that are more common in the oral cavity. Suspicious lesions with treatment failure that persist for more than 2 weeks require biopsy and histopathological analysis to establish an early definitive diagnosis to improve the prognosis and quality of life of the patients.
The role of fit testing N95/FFP2/FFP3 masks: a narrative review
Authors: Regli A. , Sommerfield A. , von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S.
Published: September 2020

For healthcare workers performing aerosol‐generating procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic, well fitted filtering facepiece respirators, for example, N95/FFP2 or N99/FFP3 masks, are recommended as part of personal protective equipment. In this review, we evaluate the role of fit checking and fit testing of respirators, in addition to airborne protection provided by respirators. Filtering facepiece respirators are made of material with sufficient high filter capacity to protect against airborne respiratory viruses. Adequate viral protection can only be provided by respirators that properly fit the wearer's facial characteristics. Initial fit pass rates vary between 40% and 90% and are especially low in female and in Asian healthcare workers. Fit testing is recommended to ensure a proper fit of respirators for the individual healthcare worker so that alternative respirators can be selected if required. Although fit testing is required to comply with respirator standards, it is not performed consistently within all healthcare settings. Fit checking (a self‐test) is recommended every time a healthcare worker dons a respirator, but is unreliable in detecting proper fit or leak. Additionally, fit testing has a high educational value and as such is best performed as part of a hospital respiratory protection programme. Whether fit checking alone, as opposed to fit tested and fit checked respirators, provides adequate airborne protection against aerosols containing the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and other respiratory viruses remains unknown. While fit testing undoubtedly incurs additional costs, it is still recommended, not only to protect healthcare workers but also as it may reduce overall healthcare cost when considering the potential costs of sickness leave and the associated legal costs of compensation.