bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An adaptive compromise - Conflicting evolutionary pressures on arthropod-borne Zika virus dinucleotide composition in mammalian hosts and mosquito vectors
Authors: Fros Jelke J. , Visser Imke , Tang Bing , Yan Kexin , Nakayama Eri , Visser Tessa M. , Koenraadt Constantianus J.M. , van Oers Monique M. , Pijlman Gorben P. , Suhrbier Andreas , Simmonds Peter
Published: February 2021

Most vertebrate RNA viruses show pervasive suppression of CpG and UpA dinucleotides, closely resembling the dinucleotide composition of host cell transcriptomes. In contrast, CpG suppression is absent in both invertebrate mRNA and RNA viruses that exclusively infect arthropods. Arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses are transmitted between vertebrate hosts by invertebrate vectors and thus encounter potentially conflicting evolutionary pressures in the different cytoplasmic environments. Using a newly developed Zika virus (ZIKV) model, we have investigated how demands for CpG suppression in vertebrate cells can be reconciled with potentially quite different compositional requirements in invertebrates, and how this affects ZIKV replication and transmission.

Mutant viruses with synonymously elevated CpG or UpA dinucleotide frequencies showed attenuated replication in vertebrate cell lines, which was rescued by knockout of the zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP). Conversely, in mosquito cells, ZIKV mutants with elevated CpG dinucleotide frequencies showed substantially enhanced replication compared to wildtype. Host-driven effects on virus replication attenuation and enhancement were even more apparent in mouse and mosquito models. Infections with CpG-or UpA-high ZIKV mutants in mice did not cause typical ZIKV-induced tissue damage and completely protected mice during subsequent challenge with wildtype virus, which demonstrates their potential as live-attenuated vaccines. In contrast, the CpG-high mutants displayed enhanced replication inAedes aegyptimosquitoes and a larger proportion of mosquitoes carried infectious virus in their saliva.

These findings show that mosquito cells are also capable of discriminating RNA based on dinucleotide composition. However, the evolutionary pressure on the CpG dinucleotides of viral genomes in arthropod vectors directly opposes the pressure present in vertebrate host cells, which provides evidence that an adaptive compromise is required for arbovirus transmission. This suggests that the genome composition of arthropod-borne flaviviruses is crucial to maintain the balance between high-level replication in the vertebrate host and persistent replication in the mosquito vector.
Relative brain size and cognitive equivalence in fishes
Authors: Triki Zegni , Aellen Mélisande , van Schaik Carel , Bshary Redouan
Published: February 2021

There are two well-established facts about vertebrate brains: brains are physiologically costly organs, and both absolute and relative brain size varies greatly between and within the major vertebrate clades. While the costs are relatively clear, scientists struggle to establish how larger brains translate into higher cognitive performance. Part of the challenge is that intuitively larger brains are needed to control larger bodies without any changes in cognitive performance. Therefore, body size needs to be controlled to establish the slope of cognitive equivalence between animals of different sizes. Potentially, intraspecific slopes provide the best available estimate of how an increase in body size translates into an increase in brain size without changes in cognitive performance. Here, we provide the first evaluation of this hypothesis for fishes. First, a dataset of 51 species that included only samples of ≥ ten wild-caught individuals yielded a mean brain-body slope of 0.46 (albeit with a large range of 0.26 to 0.79). This mean slope is similar to the encephalisation quotients for ectotherm higher taxa, i.e. teleost fishes, amphibians and reptiles (∼ 0.5). However, the slope is much higher than what has been found in endotherm vertebrate species (∼ 0.3). Second, we provide slope estimates for brain-body sizes and for cognition-body sizes in wild-caught cleaner fishLabroides dimidiatusas a case study. Brain-body slopes from two datasets gave the values of 0.58 (MRI scans data) and 0.47 (dissection data). Furthermore, we have cognitive performance data from 69 individuals tested in four different cognitive tasks that estimated learning, numerical, and inhibitory control abilities. In all four tasks, the cognitive performance did not correlate significantly with body size. These results suggest that the brain-body slopes represent estimates of intraspecific cognitive equivalence for this species. While subject to further studies on various species, our results suggest that endo- and ectotherm brain organisations and resulting cognitive performances are fundamentally different.
Male pheromones modulate synaptic transmission at theC. elegansneuromuscular junction in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: Qian Kang-Ying , Zeng Wan-Xin , Hao Yue , Zeng Xian-Ting , Liu Haowen , Li Lei , Chen Lili , Tian Fu-min , Chang Cindy , Hall Qi , Song Chun-Xue , Gao Shangbang , Hu Zhi-Tao , Kaplan Joshua M , Li Qian , Tong Xia-Jing
Published: February 2021

The development of functional synapses in the nervous system is important for animal physiology and behaviors. The synaptic transmission efficacy can be modulated by the environment to accommodate external changes, which is crucial for animal reproduction and survival. However, the underlying plasticity of synaptic transmission remains poorly understood. Here we show that inC. elegans, the male pheromone increases the hermaphrodite cholinergic transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which alters hermaphrodites’ locomotion velocity and mating efficiency in a developmental stage-dependent manner. Dissection of the sensory circuits reveals that the AWB chemosensory neurons sense those male pheromones and further transduce the information to NMJ using cGMP signaling. Exposure of hermaphrodites to male pheromones specifically increases the accumulation of presynaptic CaV2 calcium channels and clustering of postsynaptic receptors at cholinergic synapses of NMJ, which potentiates cholinergic synaptic transmission. Thus, our study demonstrates a circuit mechanism for synaptic modulation by sexual dimorphic pheromones.
Motor Sequences - Separating The Sequence From The Motor. A longitudinal rsfMRI Study
Authors: Jäger ATP , Huntenburg JM , Tremblay SA , Schneider U , Grahl S , Huck J , Tardif CL , Villringer A , Gauthier CJ , Bazin PL , Steele CJ
Published: February 2021

In motor learning, sequence-specificity, i.e. the learning of specific sequential associations, has predominantly been studied using task-based fMRI paradigms. However, offline changes in resting state functional connectivity after sequence-specific motor learning are less well understood. Previous research has established that plastic changes following motor learning can be divided into stages including fast learning, slow learning and retention. A description of how resting state functional connectivity after sequence-specific motor sequence learning (MSL) develops across these stages is missing. This study aimed to identify plastic alterations in whole-brain functional connectivity after learning a complex motor sequence by contrasting an active group who learned a complex sequence with a control group who performed a control task matched for motor execution. Resting state fMRI and behavioural performance were collected in both groups over the course of 5 consecutive training days and at follow-up after 12 days to encompass fast learning, slow learning, overall learning and retention. Between-group interaction analyses showed sequence-specific decreases in functional connectivity during overall learning in the right supplementary motor area (SMA). We found that connectivity changes in key regions of the motor network including the superior parietal cortex (SPC) and primary motor cortex (M1) were not a result of sequence-specific learning but were instead linked to motor execution. Our study confirms the sequence-specific role of SMAthat has previously been identified in online task-based learning studies, and extends it to resting state network changes after sequence-specific MSL.
Methylation of KRAS at lysine 182 and 184 by SETD7 promotes KRAS degradation
Authors: Chiang Chengyao , Xiao Tian , Fan Songqing , Zheng Hongmei , Li Shuaihu , Guo Wenjun , Zhang Min , Zhong Chuanqi , Zeng Juan , Zheng Duo
Published: February 2021

Oncogenic KRAS mutations are considered to be a key driver for initiation and progression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, how post-translational modifications (PTMs) of KRAS, especially methylation, modify KRAS activity and downstream signals remain largely unclear. Here, we showed that SET domain containing histone lysine methyltransferase 7 (SETD7) interacts with KRAS and methylates KRAS at lysine 182 and 184. SETD7-mediated methylation of KRAS led to degradation of KRAS and attenuation of the RAS/MEK/ERK signaling cascade, endowing SETD7 with a potent tumor-suppressive role in NSCLC, bothin vitroandin vivo. Mechanistically, RABGEF1, a ubiquitin E3 ligase of KRAS, was recruited and promoted KRAS degradation in a K182/K184 methylation-dependent manner. Notably, low SETD7 or RABGEF1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Taken together, our results establish a novel connection between lysine methylation and KRAS protein stability, in addition to elucidating a tumor-suppressive function of SETD7 that operates via modulation of oncogenic RAS signaling.
Alternative splicing of auxiliary β2-subunits stabilizes Cav2.3 Ca2+channel activity in continuously active midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Siller Anita , Hofer Nadja T. , Tomagra Giulia , Wiederspohn Nicole , Hess Simon , Benkert Julia , Gaifullina Aisylu , Spaich Desiree , Duda Johanna , Pötschke Christina , Vilusic Kristina , Fritz Eva Maria , Schneider Toni , Kloppenburg Peter , Liss Birgit , Carabelli Valentina , Carbone Emilio , Ortner Nadine J. , Striessnig Jörg
Published: February 2021

In dopaminergic (DA) substantia nigra (SN) neurons Cav2.3 R-type Ca2+-currents contribute to somatodendritic Ca2+-oscillations. These may contribute to the selective degeneration of these neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD) since Cav2.3-knockout is neuroprotective in a PD mouse model. However, the typical Cav2.3 gating would predict complete channel inactivation during SN DA neuronal firing. Here we show that in tsA-201-cells the membrane-anchored β2-splice variants β2a and β2e stabilize Cav2.3 gating properties allowing sustained Cav2.3 availability during simulated pacemaking and enhanced Ca2+-currents during bursts. We confirmed the expression of β2a and β2e-subunits in the SN and identified SN DA neurons. Patch-clamp recordings of SN DA neurons in mouse brain slices revealed R-type Ca2+-currents similar to β2a- or β2e-stabilized Cav2.3-currents and recordings in cultured murine DA neurons confirmed their activity during pacemaking. Taken together, our data support an important (patho)physiological role of β-subunit alternative splicing for Cav2.3 Ca2+-signaling in highly vulnerable SN DA neurons.
Neuromesodermal progenitor origin of trunk neural crestin vivo
Authors: Lukoseviciute Martyna , Mayes Sarah , Sauka-Spengler Tatjana
Published: February 2021

Neural crest (NC) is a vertebrate-specific population of multipotent embryonic cells predisposed to diverse derivatives along the anteroposterior (A-P) axis. Only cranial NC progenitors give rise to ectomesenchymal cell types, whereas trunk NC is biased for neuronal cell fates. By integrating multimodal single-cell analysis, we provide evidence for divergent embryonic origins of cranial vs. trunk NC that explain this dichotomy. We show that the NC regulator foxd3 is heterogeneously expressed across the A-P axis and identify its specific cranial and trunk autoregulatory enhancers. Whereas cranial-specific enhancer is active in thebona fideNC, the trunk foxd3 autoregulatory element surprisingly marked bipotent tailbud neuromesodermal progenitors (NMps). We integrated NMp single cell epigemomics and trasncriptomics data and for the first time reconstructed anamniote NMp gene regulatory network. Moreover, using pseudotime and developmental trajectory analyses of NMps and NC during normal development and infoxd3mutants, we demonstrate an active role for foxd3 in balancing non-cranial NC and NMp fates during early embryonic development. Strikingly, we show that a portion of posterior NC in the developing zebrafish embryo is derived from the pro-neural NMps. This suggests a common embryonic origin of trunk NC and NM progenitors that is distinct from cranial NC anlage, and elucidates pro-neural bias of trunk NC.
The ecological significance of extracellular vesicles in modulating host-virus interactions during algal blooms
Authors: Schatz Daniella , Schleyer Guy , Saltvedt Marius R. , Sandaa Ruth-Anne , Feldmesser Ester , Vardi Assaf
Published: February 2021

Extracellular vesicles are produced by organisms from all kingdoms and serve a myriad of functions, many of which involve cell-cell signaling, especially during stress conditions and host-pathogen interactions. In the marine environment, communication between microorganisms can shape trophic level interactions and population succession, yet we know very little about the involvement of vesicles in these processes. In a previous study, we showed that vesicles produced during viral infection by the ecologically important model algaEmiliania huxleyi, could act as a pro-viral signal, by expediting infection and enhancing the half-life of the virus in the extracellular milieu. Here, we expand our laboratory findings and show the effect of vesicles on natural populations ofE. huxleyiin a mesocosm setting. We profile the small-RNA (sRNA) cargo of vesicles that were produced byE. huxleyiduring bloom succession, and show that vesicles applied to natural assemblages expedite viral infection and prolong the half-life of this major mortality agent ofE. huxleyi. We subsequently reveal that exposure of the natural assemblage toE. huxleyi-derived vesicles modulates not only host-virus dynamics, but also other components of the microbial food webs, thus emphasizing the importance of extracellular vesicles to microbial interactions in the marine environment.
Serum and sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 in winter sports athletes and swimmers: relationships with airway function
Authors: Bougault Valérie , Turmel Julie , Boulet Louis-Philippe
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Cross-country skiers and swimmers present characteristics of airway inflammation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix similar to what is observed in mild asthma. We aimed to compare serum and sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels, to assess the balance between airway fibrogenesis and inflammation process in both categories of athletes, and to observe its seasonal variations in winter sports athletes.

Methods

Competitive winter sports athletes (n=41), swimmers (n=25) and healthy nonathletes (n=10) had blood sampling, lung function measurement, skin prick tests, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea challenge, methacholine inhalation test (MIT), and induced sputum analysis. Twelve winter sport athletes performed the test during both summer and winter. Serum and sputum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured by ELISA.

Results

No significant difference in serum or sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was observed between groups, nor relationship with airway function or responsiveness. Serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was significantly higher during the summer in winter sport athletes compared with winter season (median [Interquartile range]: 3.65 [2.47-4.03] ng.ml-1 and 1.27 [0.97-1.62] ng.ml-1, respectively, p=0.005). Sputum MMP-9 correlated with Methacholine PC20 and serum CC16/SP-D ratio.

Conclusion

MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in sputum or serum may fluctuate with training or environment but does not correlate with airway lung function or responsiveness in competitive athletes.
An angiospermNLRatlas reveals thatNLRgene reduction is associated with ecological specialization and signal transduction component deletion
Authors: Liu Yang , Zeng Zhen , Li Qian , Jiang Xing-Mei , Jiang Zhen , Tang Ji-Hong , Zhang Yan-Mei , Chen Dijun , Wang Qiang , Chen Jian-Qun , Shao Zhu-Qing
Published: February 2021

Nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) genes comprise the largest family of plant disease resistance genes.NLRgenes are phylogenetically divided into theTNL, CNL,andRNLsubclasses.NLRcopy numbers and subclass composition vary tremendously across angiosperm genomes. However, the evolutionary associations between genomicNLRcontent and plant lifestyle, or betweenNLRcontent and signal transduction components, are poorly characterized due to limited genome availability. Here, we established anangiospermNLRatlas (ANNA,http://compbio.nju.edu.cn/app/ANNA/), which includesNLRgenes from over 300 angiosperm genomes. Using ANNA, we revealed thatNLRcopy numbers differ up to 66-fold among closely related species due to rapid gene loss and gain. Interestingly,NLRcontraction was associated with adaptations to aquatic, parasitic, and carnivorous lifestyles. The convergentNLRreduction in aquatic plants resembles the long-term evolutionary silence ofNLRgenes in green algae before the colonization of land. A co-evolutionary pattern betweenNLRsubclasses and plant immune-pathway components was also identified, suggesting that immune pathway deficiencies may driveTNLloss. Finally, we recovered a conservedTNLlineage that may function independently of the RNL pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution ofNLRgenes in the context of plant lifestyles and genome content variation.
Struo2: efficient metagenome profiling database construction for ever-expanding microbial genome datasets
Authors: Youngblut Nicholas D. , Ley Ruth E.
Published: February 2021

Mapping metagenome reads to reference databases is the standard approach for assessing microbial taxonomic and functional diversity from metagenomic data. However, public reference databases often lack recently generated genomic data such as metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), which can limit the sensitivity of read-mapping approaches. We previously developed the Struo pipeline in order to provide a straight-forward method for constructing custom databases; however, the pipeline does not scale well with the ever-increasing number of publicly available microbial genomes. Moreover, the pipeline does not allow for efficient database updating as new data are generated. To address these issues, we developed Struo2, which is >3.5-fold faster than Struo at database generation and can also efficiently update existing databases. We also provide custom Kraken2, Bracken, and HUMAnN3 databases that can be easily updated with new genomes and/or individual gene sequences. Struo2 enables feasible database generation for continually increasing large-scale genomic datasets.

Availability

Struo2:https://github.com/leylabmpi/Struo2

Pre-built databases:http://ftp.tue.mpg.de/ebio/projects/struo2/

Utility tools:https://github.com/nick-youngblut/gtdb_to_taxdump
Patient derived models of bladder cancer amplify tumor specific gene expression compared to surgical specimen while maintaining gene expression of molecular subtype and epithelial mesenchymal transition markers
Authors: Mastri Michalis , Ramakrishnan Swathi , Shah Shruti , Karasik Ellen , Gillard Bryan M , Moser Michael M , Farmer Bailey K , Azabdaftari Gissou , Chatta Gurkamal S , Woloszynska Anna , Eng Kevin H , Foster Barbara A , Huss Wendy J
Published: February 2021

Patient derived models (PDMs) are a powerful tool to study preclinical responses. However, the benefits of each model have not been compared head-to-head when models are derived from the same surgical specimen. PDMs derived from surgical specimens were established as xenografts (PDX), organoids (PDO), and spheroids (PDS). PDMs were molecularly characterized by RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression was determined between the PDMs and surgical specimens. Surgical specimens had the most differentially expressed genes reflecting loss of immune and stromal compartments in PDMs. PDMs and surgical specimens were clustered using the Euclidian distance analysis to test model fidelity. PDMs upregulated a clear, patient-specific bladder cancer signal. Overall, the molecular profiles of PDXs were the most similar to the matching patient surgical specimen than the PDO and PDS from that patient. The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression profile is maintained in the PDMs showing the persistence of EMT in bothin vivoandin vitromodel setting. The consensus molecular subtype was determined in order to compare PDMs to each other and their matching surgical specimen, and only surgical specimens with Basal/Squamous or Luminal Papillary molecular subtype established PDMs. Patient derived models reduce tumor heterogeneity and allow analysis of specific tumor compartments while maintaining the gene expression profile representative of the original tumor.
A novel variant of CDK19 causes a severe neurodevelopmental disorder with infantile spasms
Authors: Yang Shenghai , Yu Weishi , Chen Qian , Wang Xiaodong
Published: February 2021

Infantile spasms are a potentially catastrophic form of epilepsy syndrome that are usually associated with substantial developmental delay and commonly occur in children younger than 1 yr. Recent reports on four cases revealed that variants harbored in a novel gene CDK19 were causative for the syndrome. We report a fifth affected individual, a 10-mo-old male patient who presented with a neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by infantile spasms. We identified a novel de novo missense variant c.92C > A (p.Thr31Asn) in CDK19 that was classified as a likely pathogenic disease-causing variant. The characterized clinical phenotypes of the proband were similar to the previously reported four patients, but he had few variable features including earlier seizure onset age and earlier occurring developmental abnormality. Protein structure modeling analysis revealed that CDK19 variants may disable its kinase activity, which would further impede the transcriptional regulation, thus leading to detrimental pathologies. Our report expanded CDK19 genotype spectrum and further demonstrated that a CDK19 missense variant was causative of neurodevelopmental disorder clinically marked by infantile spasms.
Human factors affecting information security in libraries
Authors: Amini Masoumeh , Vakilimofrad Hossein , Saberi Mohammad Karim
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Information security is a critical issue in all organizations. The success of information security in libraries depends, to a large extent, on the effective behavior of administrators, librarians, users and all human staff. Accordingly, this study aims to design a model for identifying human factors affecting information security in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is applied in terms of research objectives and is a survey in terms of data collection. Moreover, it goes under the rubric of structural equation modeling in terms of the relationship between variables. The statistical population consisted of 100 managers and librarians of academic and public libraries of Hamadan in Iran. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The face and content validity of the questionnaire were examined using the expert’s opinions in the field of Iranian libraries. Also, the reliability of the questionnaire was calculated through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and Smart PLS 2.

Findings

The results showed that among the components of information security, the highest score was designated to self-esteem (4.11 ± 0.57) and level of skill (4.07 ± 0.59), whereas the lowest score belonged to the level of education (3.51 ± 0.74). Ranking human factors affecting information security showed that experience with Rank 1 had the most impact, whereas the level of skill with Rank 6 had the least impact on information security.

Originality/value

In this study, for the first time, a model was designed and tested for human factors affecting information security in libraries. Information security professionals, librarians and library and information science researchers can exploit this model in the future.
Sensitivities of Southeast Asian industries to the local and global business cycles
Authors: Iqbal Javed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper estimates the sensitivities of the output of the manufacturing industries of the four Southeast countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore) to both the country-specific and global business cycle fluctuations. The study investigates whether the business cycle exposures of these industries differ to their nature classified as producing durable or nondurable goods and also to booms and recessions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using annual time series data on sectoral manufacturing production indices for major manufacturing industries over the period from 1999 to 2018, this paper uses the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR)–based generalized least square estimator to estimate the exposures of each industry for each of the four countries to local and world business cycle.

Findings

The individual country analysis indicates that generally the sensitivities of the ASEAN manufacturing industries to booms and recessions are different from the pattern observed in the developed countries and Russia. We do not find evidence consistent with the commonly held view among economists and business managers that demand for durable goods flourishes in booms and falls in recessions. Also, very few industries exhibit an asymmetric reaction to booms and busts. However, the analysis of panel data reveals the expected pattern of industrial sensitivities to the local business cycle only.

Originality/value

The paper makes several contributions. Firstly, the model proposed in the paper estimates sensitivities of industries to both the local and global business cycle variations. Secondly, the model enables us to explicitly test the asymmetric reaction of industries to booms and busts. Thirdly, the paper is the first attempt to estimating business cycle exposures for manufacturing industries in emerging markets.
The role of market power in driving innovation and productivity: a firm-level study of emerging ASEAN
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Islam Mohammad Shahidul
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The primary purpose of the study is to examine the role of market power in driving innovation and productivity of intangible intensive firms of eight emerging economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-8).

Design/methodology/approach

There is hardly any study on emerging economies that explored the causal chain of R&D–innovation–productivity, considering the role of market power in a structural model. Taking advantage of the availability of firm-level data and following the extended version of the Crépon, Duguet and Mairesse (CDM) model, we intend to fill the gap. The CDM model first explores the link between R&D and innovation, then the latter's impact on productivity. Besides, it captures sectoral heterogeneity and the differing roles of technological and institutional innovation on productivity.

Findings

The manufacturing firms that held a higher markup had a more significant contribution to driving innovation than services one. While institutional innovation affected productivity positively, technological innovation had the opposite impact. Nevertheless, firms' higher degree of monopoly, in general, worsened productivity outcomes. The estimated results are robust to a range of alterations.

Practical implications

The study offers implications for the competition policy of ASEAN.

Originality/value

The sample of this study accounts for almost half of the world's best-performing emerging economies. Thus, the findings are likely to contribute to the thin literature on market power's role in driving innovation and productivity in the intangible economy of emerging markets.
Money matters – primary care providers' perceptions of payment incentives
Authors: Vengberg Sofie , Fredriksson Mio , Burström Bo , Burström Kristina , Winblad Ulrika
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Payments to healthcare providers create incentives that can influence provider behaviour. Research on unit-level incentives in primary care is, however, scarce. This paper examines how managers and salaried physicians at Swedish primary healthcare centres perceive that payment incentives directed towards the healthcare centre affect their work.

Design/methodology/approach

An interview study was conducted with 24 respondents at 13 primary healthcare centres in two cities, located in regions with different payment systems. One had a mixed system comprised of fee-for-service and risk-adjusted capitation payments, and the other a mainly risk-adjusted capitation system.

Findings

Findings suggested that both managers and salaried physicians were aware of and adapted to unit-level payment incentives, albeit the latter sometimes to a lesser extent. Respondents perceived fee-for-service payments to stimulate production of shorter visits, up-coding of visits and skimming of healthier patients. Results also suggested that differentiated rates for patient visits affected horizontal prioritisations between physician and nurse visits. Respondents perceived that risk-adjustments for diagnoses led to a focus on registering diagnosis codes, and to some extent, also up-coding of secondary diagnoses.

Practical implications

Policymakers and responsible authorities need to design payment systems carefully, balancing different incentives and considering how and from where data used to calculate payments are retrieved, not relying too heavily on data supplied by providers.

Originality/value

This study contributes evidence on unit-level payment incentives in primary care, a scarcely researched topic, especially using qualitative methods.
Entrepreneurship in Turkey and other Balkan countries: are there opportunities for mutual co-operation through internationalisation?
Authors: Tekin Erol , Ramadani Veland , Dana Leo-Paul
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the entrepreneurship activity in Turkey and the Balkan countries and to show in which fields they can cooperate in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Document analysis was used in the research. In this context, taking into consideration the Global Entrepreneurship Index data published in 2019, the entrepreneurial potentials of Balkan countries, its current status was examined. Therefore, Turkey’s contribution to the development of entrepreneurial activities in the Balkan countries is shown in the study.

Findings

The results of the research show that entrepreneurship activities in the Balkan countries are not at the expected levels. In addition, it is determined that Turkey is in a central position in the Balkan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem in subjects such as especially, product innovation, risk capital, the ability of entrepreneurial start-up and its enterprises show high growth. Other Balkan countries may cooperate with Turkey about the production of technological products and technology transfer issues. Partner incubation programs can be formed. Training activities related to the entrepreneurship ecosystem can be organised together.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first study that addresses the current situation of Balkan countries by analysing the entrepreneurship index scores of Turkey and Balkan countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, northern Macedonia, Greece and Slovenia). It also formulated suggestions on establishing cooperation with Turkey.
Perceived firm ethicality and brand loyalty: the mediating role of corporate social responsibility and perceived green marketing
Authors: Amoako George Kofi , Doe Joshua Kofi , Dzogbenuku Robert Kwame
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to establish the link between business ethics and brand loyalty and to investigate the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as green marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the purposive sampling technique, data were obtained from 622 middle-income city dwellers who shop at leading retail malls. Data were analyzed with partial least square–structural equation model.

Findings

The study found a positive and significant relationship between business ethics, CSR, green marketing and business loyalty. Both CSR and green marketing mediate between perceived firm ethicality and brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This research was done based on general knowledge of business ethics, CSR and green marketing from the consumers’ perspective. Future studies can avoid this limitation.

Practical implications

By ensuring ethical codes, CSR and green marketing, firms can contribute to promoting the SDGs, and at the same time, achieving customer loyalty. Brand loyalty is further enhanced if customers see a firm to be practicing CSR.

Social implications

The SDGs of sustainable production patterns, climate change and its impacts, and sustainably using water resources must become the focus of companies as they ultimately yield loyalty. Policymakers and society can design a policy to facilitate adoption of better ethical behavior and green marketing by firms as a way of promoting SDGs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to test the mediation effect of green marketing and CSR on how ethical behavior leads to brand loyalty. It is also one of the few papers to examine how SDGs can be promoted by businesses as stakeholders.
Unburnt habitat patches are critical for survival and in situ population recovery in a small mammal after fire
Authors: Shaw Robyn E. , James Alex I. , Tuft Katherine , Legge Sarah , Cary Geoffrey J. , Peakall Rod , Banks Sam C.
Published: February 2021

Fire drives animal population dynamics across many ecosystems. Yet, we still lack an understanding of how most species recover from fire and the effects of fire severity and patchiness on recovery processes. This information is crucial for fire‐mediated biodiversity conservation, particularly as fire regimes change globally.

We conducted an experiment to test whether post‐fire recovery is driven by in situ survival or recolonisation, and to determine whether this varies with fires of increasing percentage area burnt (burn cover) and severity. We used the pale field rat Rattus tunneyi as a model, because it represents the extinction process for a suite of mammal species suffering population collapse across Australia's northern savannas. Our treatments spanned a gradient from patchy, low severity fires (simulating early dry season management burns) to thorough, high severity fires (simulating wildfires). We performed capture–mark–recapture, vegetation and aerial surveys before, 6 weeks after and 1 year after fire.

Six weeks after fire, pale field rats were only captured in unburnt patches of vegetation, and capture rates were proportional to the amount of unburnt habitat. One year later, both vegetation and pale field rat populations recovered across all sites. However, population recovery after low severity fires was likely achieved through in situ survival and reproduction in unburnt micro‐refuges, compared to recolonisation driving recovery after high severity fires.

Synthesis and applications. Pale field rat persistence is strongly dependent on the retention of unburnt habitat patches within fire‐affected areas. Management strategies that increase micro‐refugia within burnt areas may facilitate pale field rat population recovery. Globally, building recovery mechanisms into fire management will be vital for supporting the long‐term persistence of fire‐affected species.
Being Conscious of Unconscionability in Modern Times: Heller v Uber Technologies
Authors: Gardner Jodi
Published: February 2021

Requiring low‐paid drivers to sign an Arbitration Clause removing their right to local court processes can be unconscionable and, if so, the clause is not enforceable. This was the conclusion reached by the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada when considering a contractual provision that mandated all external dispute resolution processes go through mediation and arbitration in the Netherlands and required upfront fees of $14,500USD to do so. In this case note, it is argued that the Canadian decision opens the door for the United Kingdom to rethink the role of unconscionability and how the doctrine could apply to modern contractual arrangements. Heller v Uber Technologies provides the opportunity to develop the elements of unconscionability in a way that tackles inequality of bargaining power in standard form contracts, particularly when they fall outside the protection of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
The micro–macro interactive approach to political trust: Quality of representation and substantive representation across Europe
Authors: NOORDZIJ KJELL , DE KOSTER WILLEM , VAN DER WAAL JEROEN
Published: February 2021

The relevance of the macro‐context for understanding political trust has been widely studied in recent decades, with increasing attention paid to micro–macro level interactive relationships. Most of these studies rely on theorising about evaluation based on the quality of representation, stressing that more‐educated citizens are most trusting of politics in countries with the least corrupt public domains. In our internationally comparative study, we add to the micro–macro interactive approach by theorising and testing an additional way in which the national context is associated with individual‐level political trust, namely evaluation based on substantive representation. The relevance of both types of evaluation is tested by modelling not only macro‐level corruption but also context indicators of the ideological stances of the governing cabinet (i.e., the level of its economic egalitarianism and cultural liberalism), and interacting these with individual‐level education, economic egalitarianism and cultural liberalism, respectively. As we measure context characteristics separately from people's ideological preferences, we are able to dissect how the macro‐context relates to the levels of political trust of different subgroups differently. Data from three waves (2006, 2010, 2014) of the European Social Survey (68,294 respondents in 24 European countries and 62 country‐year combinations), enriched with country‐level data derived from various sources, including the Chapel Hill Expert Survey, are used in the multi‐level regression analyses employed to test our hypotheses. We found support for the micro–macro level interactions theorised by the evaluation based on the quality of representation approach (with higher levels of trust among more‐educated citizens in less corrupt countries), as well as for evaluation based on substantive representation in relation to cultural issues (with higher levels of trust among more culturally liberal citizens in countries with more culturally liberal governing cabinets). Our findings indicate that the latter approach is at least equally relevant as the approach conventionally used to explain context differences in political trust. Finally, we conclude our study with a discussion of our findings and avenues for future research.
Wavelet methods reveal big cat activity patterns and synchrony of activity with preys
Authors: QI Jinzhe , HOLYOAK Marcel , DOBBINS Michael T. , HUANG Chong , LI Qi , SHE Wen , NING Yao , SUN Quan , JIANG Guangshun , WANG Xiaochun
Published: February 2021

Appropriate temporal and spatial scales are important prerequisites for obtaining reliable results in studies of wildlife activity patterns and interspecific interactions. The spread of camera‐trap technology has increased interest in and feasibility of studying the activity patterns and interspecific interactions of wildlife. However, such studies are often conducted at arbitrary spatial and temporal scales, and the methods used impose scale on the study rather than determining how activity and species interactions change with spatial scale. In this study, we used a wavelet‐based approach to determine the temporal and spatial scales for activity patterns and interspecific interactions on Amur leopard and their ungulate prey species that were recorded using camera traps in the main Amur leopard occurrence region in northeast China. Wavelets identified that Amur leopards were more active in spring and fall than summer, and fluctuated with periodicities of 9 and 17 days, respectively. Synchronous relationships between leopards and their prey commonly occurred in spring and fall, with a periodicity of about 20 days, indicating the appropriate seasons and temporal scales for interspecific interaction research. The influence of human activities on the activity patterns of Amur leopard or prey species often occurred over longer time periods (60–64 days). Two‐dimensional wavelet analyses showed that interactions between leopard and prey were more significant at spatial scales of 1 km2. Overall, our study provides a feasible approach to studying the temporal and spatial scales for wildlife activity patterns and interspecific interaction research using camera trap data.
Characterization of a new type of mead fermented with Cannabis sativa L. (hemp)
Authors: Romano Raffaele , Aiello Alessandra , De Luca Lucia , Sica Rosario , Caprio Emilio , Pizzolongo Fabiana , Blaiotta Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Mead, one of the oldest existing drinks, is a fermented product based on honey, water, and the possible addition of spices and selected yeasts. In this work, various parts (inflorescences, leaves, and steams) of Cannabis sativa L. at different concentrations and Saccharomyces cerevisiae biotype M3/5 were added during mead fermentation. The physicochemical parameters (pH, alcoholic content, sugar content, titratable acidity, and organic acids) of the mead were assessed at the beginning and end of fermentation. Moreover, polyphenols, cannabidiol and volatile organic compounds were identified at the end of fermentation and compared with the control sample prepared without hemp and with only indigenous yeasts. The mead fermented with hemp showed the highest quantity of polyphenols (227 to 256 mg GAE/L) and a level of cannabidiol ranging from 0.26 to 0.49 mg/kg. The volatile organic compounds found were mainly alcohols, esters and terpenes, which were present at higher concentrations in the mead prepared with C. sativa L. than in the control mead and conferred freshness and “hemp aroma” characteristics.

Practical Application

Inflorescences, leaves, and steams of Cannabis sativa L. were added at different concentrations during mead fermentation. This type of mead showed high quantity of polyphenols (227 to 256 mg GAE/L) and a level of cannabidiol ranging from 0.26 to 0.49 mg/kg which have anxiolytic and neuro‐protective properties. Moreover the volatile organic compounds found (mainly alcohols, esters, and terpenes) conferred freshness and “hemp aroma” characteristics.
Natural sciences at the service of art and cultural heritage: an interdisciplinary area in development and important challenges
Authors: Piñar Guadalupe , Sterflinger Katja
Published: February 2021

Our cultural heritage is a common asset that tells the story of our shared past, is part of our origin and identity and has wide social relevance. Our works of art and our heritage must be enjoyed, appreciated and preserved for future generations. To this end, a wide and varied group of professionals, including conservators, restorers, curators, bibliographers, historians, archivists, but also scientists, such as biologists, chemists, physicists and bioinformaticians, work side by side to preserve our cultural heritage. Working together in this wide range of disciplines included in the so‐called ‘heritage sciences’ is the only plausible way to contribute to the sustainable preservation of our heritage. The great progress made in recent years in conservation and restoration work, but also in the natural sciences considered within heritage science, has provided powerful tools and strategies for analytical and experimental research into historical and cultural objects that open up new frontiers for their diagnosis, monitoring and protection. Here we highlight some of the advances and challenges faced by the natural sciences at the service of art.
Estimating abundance based on time‐to‐detection data
Authors: Strebel Nicolas , Fiss Cameron J. , Kellner Kenneth F. , Larkin Jeffery L. , Kéry Marc , Cohen Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Many studies in ecology and management aim at quantifying absolute abundance based on counts at a set of surveyed sites. As time for data collection is typically limited, methods for reliable estimation of occupancy or abundance from low‐cost data are desirable. Time‐to‐detection (TTD) models have shown promise for the estimation of occupancy. However, they remain heavily underutilized, and restricted to inference about occupancy, rather than abundance.

We developed a binomial N‐mixture model for species‐level TTD protocols that allows estimation of abundance with multiple‐ or single‐visit data. An extension of the multi‐visit version allows estimating availability per visit, given temporary emigration is random. We provide JAGS code and a new function (nmixTTD) in the R packageunmarkedfor fitting a variety of such models.

Simulations showed accurate parameter estimation from single‐visit species‐level TTD data if individual detection probability is high (≥~0.7) and the number of visited sites is in the hundreds (≥~300). Additional visits improved the accuracy of estimates considerably. A comparison with the Royle‐Nichols‐ and the classic binomial N‐mixture‐model revealed that the performance of our model is between these two, but requires data that are less expensive and less error‐prone than count data required for binomial N‐mixture‐models. In a case study, we found similar results when analysing data with the Royle‐Nichols‐, the binomial N‐mixture‐model or the multi‐visit version of our TTD model. Analysing single‐visit data with our model yielded lower abundance and higher detectability estimates. Presumably these differences are due to temporary emigration, as the single‐visit method estimates the abundance of individuals available at one sampling occasion, whereas the multi‐visit methods refer to the superpopulation, that is, the number of individuals present over the study period.

Our new TTD‐N‐mixture model shows promise because it enables estimation of abundance, corrected for imperfect detection, for single‐ and multiple‐visit data, based on data that are less expensive and that will be available in large quantities in the near future thanks to technical advances like autonomous recording units. The effects of unmodelled heterogeneity in detection rate and imperfect availability require further study.