bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of T-cell responses following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and breakthrough infection in older adults
Authors: Datwani Sneha , Kalikawe Rebecca , Mwimanzi Francis , Speckmaier Sarah , Liang Richard , Sang Yurou , Waterworth Rachel , Yaseen Fatima , Lapointe Hope R. , Barad Evan , DeMarco Mari L. , Holmes Daniel T. , Simons Janet , Montaner Julio S.G. , Romney Marc G. , Brumme Zabrina L. , Brockman Mark A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

While older adults generally mount weaker antibody responses to a primary COVID-19 vaccine series, T-cell responses remain less well characterized in this population. We compared SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific T-cell responses after two- and three-dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and subsequent breakthrough infection in older and younger adults.

Methods

We quantified CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells reactive to overlapping peptides spanning the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in 40 older adults (median age 79) and 50 younger health care workers (median age 39), all COVID-19 naive, using an activation induced marker assay. T-cell responses were further assessed in 24 participants, including 8 older adults, who subsequently experienced their first SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection.

Results

A third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose significantly boosted spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell frequencies to above two-dose levels in older and younger adults. T-cell frequencies did not significantly differ between older and younger adults after either dose. Multivariable analyses adjusting for sociodemographic, health and vaccine-related variables confirmed that older age was not associated with impaired cellular responses. Instead, the strongest predictors of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell frequencies post-third-dose were their corresponding post-second-dose frequencies. Breakthrough infection significantly increased both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell frequencies, to comparable levels in older and younger adults. Exploratory analyses revealed an association between HLA-A*02:03 and higher post-vaccination CD8+ T-cell frequencies, which may be attributable to numerous strong-binding HLA-A*02:03-specific CD8+ T-cell epitopes in spike.

Conclusion

Older adults mount robust T-cell responses to two- and three-dose COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, which are further boosted following breakthrough infection.
Are medical students aware of SUDEP? A survey in Turkey
Authors: Aslan Feyza Sule , Ismayilova Aylin , Hasanli Shams , Angelopoulou Efthalia , Baydili Kursad Nuri , Akyuz Enes
Published: July 2023

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has been recognized as an important cause of death in patients with epilepsy. In order to inform patients with epilepsy and their relatives correctly, it is necessary to increase the awareness of students about SUDEP from the early stages of medical education. The aim of this study was to identify the level of knowledge and awareness of medical students in Turkey about SUDEP.

Methods

Medical students (23±7 years old; n=793) in Turkey participated in the online SUDEP awareness survey. The survey included demographic evidence, followed by questions about their awareness of epilepsy, seizure knowledge and about the definition, awareness of SUDEP.

Results

The majority of medical students (95%) claimed that they had heard about epileptic seizures. Half of the participants (49.9%) mentioned that they had heard about tonic-clonic seizures. However, two-thirds of the students (67%) have never heard about SUDEP, while 85% of the students stated that they did not have sufficient knowledge about SUDEP. Concerning the potential prevention of SUDEP, 80.8% of the students did not know about this topic. Furthermore, most participants (82%) expressed their interest and willingness to learn about SUDEP.

Conclusion

Knowledge about SUDEP plays a key role in identifying patients at risk and informing patients and their relatives. The limited awareness of SUDEP in medical education may pose risks for patients diagnosed with epilepsy and their relatives, and the effective incorporation of lectures and training in SUDEP into the curriculum of medical school is of paramount importance.
Incorporating Social Determinants of Health in the Prediction of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in a National Cohort of US Veterans
Authors: Singh Karandeep , Bragg-Gresham Jennifer , Han Yun , Gillespie Brenda , Weitzel William , Crowley Susan , Saran Rajiv
Published: July 2023

Background

As new therapies such as Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors become available that may be effective earlier in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD), newer risk prediction tools are required earlier in the course of CKD, and also to evaluate whether social determinants of health play a role in addition to individual-level risk factors.

Methods

We examined CKD progression among US Veterans who had known CKD in the VA health system using data from 2006-2016. CKD progression was defined based on two separate outcomes: 1) rapid CKD progression based on the eGFR slope < −3.7 mL/min/1.73m2as a binary outcome, and 2) time-to-end stage kidney disease (ESKD) as a survival outcome. Veterans whose eGFR values were declining more steeply than −3.7 per year were considered “fast progressors,” representing 9.8% of the overall cohort. ESKD was identified by linking the VA data with US Renal Data System (USRDS) data, a national ESKD registry. After randomly dividing the dataset into a training, tuning, and testing set, tree ensemble models were trained and evaluated.

Results

We identified 1,550,526 patients meeting inclusion criteria, of which 930,615 patients were assigned to a training cohort, 309,831 to a tuning cohort, and 310,044 to a testing cohort. Tree ensemble models predicted fast progression with a C-statistic of 0.79 and time to ESKD with a C-statistic of 0.90. Baseline eGFR was the most important variable in predicting both outcomes, though social determinants constituted more of the important variables in rapid progression

Conclusions

CKD progression can be accurately predicted, though the predictors differ for fast progression and ESKD onset.
RNase T2-involved selective autophagy of ribosomes induced by starvation in yeast
Authors: Minami Atsushi , Nishi Kohei , Yamada Rikusui , Jinnai Gai , Shima Hikari , Oishi Sakiko , Akagawa Hirofumi , Aono Toshihiro , Hidaka Makoto , Masaki Haruhiko , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Noda Yoichi , Ogawa Tetsuhiro
Published: July 2023

RNase T2 is ubiquitous across diverse organisms, playing essential roles despite its simple enzymatic activity. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, RNase T2, known as Rny1p, localizes in vacuoles and mediates rRNA degradation during autophagy of ribosomes. In this study, we elucidated novel aspects of ribosome degradation mechanisms and the function of Rny1p. First, we discovered that most ribosomes are degraded by selective autophagy, where Rsa1p is the specific receptor of ribosomes to be degraded. Complex structure prediction suggested that Rsa1p also interacts with Atg8p. Furthermore, we observed that the accumulation of rRNA in vacuoles, due to the lack of Rny1p, leads to a decrease in bulk autophagic activity. This decrease in autophagic activity may explain the inability of Rny1p-deficient strains to adapt to starvation conditions. Second, our structural prediction and biochemical analyses indicate that a C-terminal extension, characteristic in fungal RNase T2 including Rny1p, is not necessary for rRNA degradation but for anchoring to the cell wall. Together with molecular phylogenetic analysis, a species-specific role of RNase T2 conferred by the C-terminal extension is suggested.
NGFR regulates germinal center B-cell activation and negative selection
Authors: Hernández-Barranco Alberto , Mazariegos Marina S. , Santos Vanesa , Caleiras Eduardo , Nogués Laura , Mourcin Frédéric , Léonard Simon , Oblet Christelle , Genebrier Steve , Rossille Delphine , Benguría Alberto , Vazquez Enrique , Dopazo Ana , Efeyan Alejo , Ortega-Molina Ana , Cogne Michel , Tarte Karin , Peinado Héctor
Published: July 2023

The expression of the Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) has been described in follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), the major lymphoid stromal cell (LSC) compartment regulating B-cell activation within germinal centers (GCs). However, the role of NGFR in humoral response is not well defined. In this work, we have studied the effect ofNgfrKO in LNs organization and function.NgfrKO led to spontaneous GC formation and expansion of GC B-cell compartment which were related toNgfrdepletion in non-hematopoietic radioresistant compartment. In agreement,NgfrKO mice showed alterations in LSC with an increased frequency of FDCs harboring an activated phenotype characterized by the overexpression of CD21/35, MAdCAM-1, and VCAM-1. Moreover,NgfrKO mice showed GC ectopic location, loss of polarization, impaired high-affinity antibody production, and increased circulating autoantibodies. In addition,NgfrKO/Bcl2Tg mice displayed increased levels of autoantibodies, higher incidence of autoimmunity, and decreased overall survival. Our work shows that NGFR maintains GC structure and functionality, being involved in the regulation of antibody production and immune tolerance.
Neural stimulation hardware for the selective intrafascicular modulation of the vagus nerve
Authors: Strauss I. , Agnesi F. , Zinno C. , Giannotti A. , Dushpanova A. , Casieri V. , Terlizzi D. , Bernini F. , Gabisonia K. , Wu Y. , Jiang D. , Paggi V. , Lacour S. , Recchia F. , Demosthenous A. , Lionetti V. , Micera S.
Published: July 2023

The neural stimulation of the vagus nerve is able to modulate various functions of the parasympathetic response in different organs. The stimulation of the vagus nerve is a promising approach to treating inflammatory diseases, obesity, diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension. The complexity of the vagus nerve requires highly selective stimulation, allowing the modulation of target-specific organs without side effects. Here, we address this issue by adapting a neural stimulator and developing an intraneural electrode for the particular modulation of the vagus nerve. The neurostimulator parameters such as amplitude, pulse width, and pulse shape were modulated. Single-, and multi-channel stimulation was performed at different amplitudes. For the first time, I polyimide thin-film neural electrode was designed for the specific stimulation of the vagus nerve. In vivo experiments were performed in the adult minipig to validate to elicit electrically evoked action potentials and to modulate physiological functions selectively, validating the selectivity of intraneural stimulation. Electrochemical tests of the electrode and the neurostimulator showed that the stimulation hardware was working correctly. Stimulating the porcine vagus nerve resulted in selective modulation of the vagus nerve. Alpha, beta, and theta waves could be distinguished during single- and multi-channel stimulation. We have shown that the here presented system is able to activate the vagus nerve selectively and can therefore modulate the heart rate, diastolic pressure, and systolic pressure. The here presented system may be used to restore the cardiac loop after denervation by implementing biomimetic stimulation patterns. Presented methods may be used to develop intraneural electrodes adapted for various applications.
Cohesin forms fountains at active enhancers inC. elegans
Authors: Isiaka Bolaji N. , Semple Jennifer I. , Haemmerli Anja , Thapliyal Saurabh , Stojanovski Klement , Das Moushumi , Gilbert Nick , Glauser Dominique A. , Towbin Benjamin , Jost Daniel , Meister Peter
Published: July 2023

Transcriptional enhancers must find their target genes both efficiently and specifically. Chromatin conformation capture revealed the critical function of three-dimensional chromosome segmentation by topologically associated domains (TADs) to limit the search space of enhancers for promoters in mammals. In nematodes, although more than 30’000 sequences with characteristic enhancer chromatin features have been identified, the autosomal genome is not segmented by TADs, raising the question of the mechanism directing enhancer-promoter specificity. Using high-resolution HiC, we show that enhancer loci correlate with 3D hairpin-like structures extending 10-50 kb from the enhancers, hereafter designated as fountains. Fountains are specific to active enhancers, accumulate the major somatic cohesin and disappear when the latter is cleavedin vivo. Fountains accumulate topological constraints and are enriched for topoisomerases and the negatively-supercoiled DNA binder psoralen. Short-term topoisomerase depletion leads to small-scale structural changes at the fountain tip. Functionally, fountain disappearance correlates with enhancer-proximal gene activation, suggesting fountains play a similar role as TADs and direct enhancer-promoter interactions, in particular for genes expressed in neurons. We directly observe this cell-type specific upregulation for theskn-1/Nrfgene in a pair of head neurons. Phenotypically, cohesin cleavage has a major impact on nematode movement and foraging attitudes, demonstrating that changes in neuronal gene expression impact nervous system function, reminiscent of pathologies caused by cohesin mutations in humans. Together, this study highlights a clear link between 3D genome organization at enhancers by cohesin, transcriptional gene regulation and animal behavior.
Two successive oligomeric Munc13 assemblies scaffold vesicle docking and SNARE assembly to support neurotransmitter release
Authors: Bera Manindra , Grushin Kirill , Sundaram R Venkat Kalyana , Shahanoor Ziasmin , Chatterjee Atrouli , Radhakrishnan Abhijith , Lee Seong , Padmanarayana Murugesh , Coleman Jeff , Pincet Frédéric , Rothman James E , Dittman Jeremy S
Published: July 2023

The critical presynaptic protein Munc13 serves numerous roles in the process of docking and priming synaptic vesicles. Here we investigate the functional significance of two distinct oligomers of the Munc13 core domain (Munc13C) comprising C1-C2B-MUN-C2C. Oligomer interface point mutations that specifically destabilized either the trimer or lateral hexamer assemblies of Munc13C disrupted vesicle docking, trans-SNARE formation, and Ca2+-triggered vesicle fusion in vitro and impaired neurotransmitter secretion and motor nervous system function in vivo. We suggest that a progression of oligomeric Munc13 complexes couples vesicle docking and assembly of a precise number of SNARE molecules to support rapid and high-fidelity vesicle priming.
Kin-recognition shapes collective behaviors in the cannibalistic nematodePristionchus pacificus
Authors: Hiramatsu Fumie , Lightfoot James W.
Published: July 2023

Kin-recognition is observed across diverse species forming an important behavioral adaptation influencing organismal interactions. In most species, proximate level mechanisms are poorly characterized, but in the nematodePristionchus pacificusmolecular components regulating its kin-recognition system have been identified which determine its predatory behaviors. This ability prevents the killing of kin however, its impact on other interactions including collective behaviors is unknown. Utilizing pairwise aggregation assays between distinct strains ofP. pacificus, we observed aggregation between kin but not distantly related con-specifics. In these assays, only one strain aggregates with solitary behavior induced in the rival. Abolishing predation throughPpa-nhr-40mutations results in rival strains successfully aggregating together. Additionally, interactions betweenP. pacificuspopulations andCaenorhabditis elegansare dominated byP. pacificuswhich also disruptsC. elegansaggregation dynamics. Thus, aggregating strains ofP. pacificuspreferentially group with kin, revealing competition and nepotism as previously unknown components influencing collective behaviors in nematodes.
Genome-wide expression QTL mapping reveals the highly dynamic regulatory landscape of a major wheat pathogen
Authors: Abraham Leen Nanchira , Croll Daniel
Published: July 2023

Background

In agricultural ecosystems, outbreaks of diseases are frequent and pose a significant threat to food security. A successful pathogen undergoes a complex and well-timed sequence of regulatory changes to avoid detection by the host immune system, hence well-tuned gene regulation is essential for survival. However, the extent to which the regulatory polymorphisms in a pathogen population provide an adaptive advantage is poorly understood.

Results

We usedZymoseptoria tritici, one of the most important pathogens of wheat, to generate a genome-wide map of regulatory polymorphism governing gene expression. We investigated genome-wide transcription levels of 146 strains grown under nutrient starvation and performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping. We identifiedcis-eQTLs for 65.3% of all genes and the majority of all eQTL loci are within 2kb upstream and downstream of the transcription start site (TSS). We also show that polymorphism in different gene elements contributes disproportionally to gene expression variation. Investigating regulatory polymorphism in gene categories, we found an enrichment of regulatory variants for genes predicted to be important for fungal pathogenesis but with comparatively low effect size, suggesting a separate layer of gene regulation involving epigenetics. We also show that previously reported trait-associated SNPs in pathogen populations are frequentlycis-regulatory variants of neighboring genes with implications for the trait architecture.

Conclusions

Overall, our study provides extensive evidence that single populations segregate large-scale regulatory variation and are likely to fuel rapid adaptation to resistant hosts and environmental change.
Leaf susceptibility of Macaronesian laurel forest species toPhytophthora ramorum
Authors: Moralejo Eduardo , García-Muñoz José A. , Denman Sandra , Giménez-Romero Àlex
Published: July 2023

Phytophthora ramorum(Pr) is an invasive oomycete in Europe and North America and the causal agent of sudden oak death (SOD), which occurs along the coastal fog belt of California and southwestern Oregon, and it also causes sudden larch death in the UK. The Macaronesian laurel forest (MLF), a relict subtropical evergreen forest of the North Atlantic islands, shares climatic and some taxonomic affinities with those areas affected by SOD. To assess the disease risk, we tested the foliage susceptibility of MLF species and their capacity to sustainPrsporulation and compared the climatic suitability with other areas where the pathogen is established. Detached leaves of 15 species were inoculated with zoospores and mycelium (through wounding) with fivePrisolates belonging to the EU1 and NA1 clonal lineages. MLF species showed diverse responses toPr, ranging from extensive necroses onViburnum tinusto asymptomatic sporulation onPicconia excelsa. Eleven species developed necrotic lesions to different degrees through zoospore inoculation while this increased to 13 species through wound treatment. Overall, small necrotic lesions (i.e. tolerance) were predominant, butPrwas rather aggressive toV. tinus,Arbutus canariensisandIlex canariensis. Although the mean sporangial production was generally low (25-201 sporangia) in all species, the number of sporangia per leaf in five MLF species was similar to those reported forUmbellularia californica, a key host driving the SOD epidemics in California. Climatic suitability indexes in MLF areas were similar to those where SOD is found in California. Our results indicate a moderate to high risk ofPrestablishment if the pathogen is introduced in the MLF.
A 3D microtumour system that faithfully represents ovarian cancer minimal residual disease
Authors: Yang Xingyun , Artibani Mara , Jin Yongcheng , Aggarwal Aneesh , Zhang Yujia , Muñoz-Galvan Sandra , Mikhailova Ellina , Rai Lena , Mukherjee Nobina , Kumar Ravinash Krishna , Albukhari Ashwag , Zhou Linna , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour , Bayley Hagan
Published: July 2023

Background

Bulk cancer and minimal residual disease (MRD) are characterised by different molecular drivers and therefore necessitate different therapeutic strategies. However, there are currently no 3D models that can faithfully recapitulate MRDex vivofor therapy development.

Methods

A microfluidic technique was implemented to construct 3D microtumours, in which tumour cells, either by themselves or with fibroblasts, were encapsulated in viscous hydrogels. The 3D microtumours were analysed for their response to first-line chemotherapeutics and characterised through RNA-Seq, by comparing them to both 2D cultures and clinical samples.

Results

Our microfluidic platform guarantees the fabrication of 3D microtumours of tailorable size and cell content, which recreate key features of tumours such as hypoxia, characteristic organization of the cytoskeleton and a dose-response to chemotherapeutics close to the physiological range. The 3D microtumours were also used to examine non-genetic heterogeneity in ovarian cancer and could fully reflect the recently described “Oxford Classic” five molecular signatures.

The gene expression profile of 3D microtumours following chemotherapy treatment closely resembled that of MRD in ovarian cancer patients, showing the upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. We demonstrate that these 3D microtumours are ideal for drug development by showing how they support the identification of a promising inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation, perhexiline, which specifically targets chemotherapy-resistant MRD ovarian cancer cells and not bulk cancer cells.

Conclusion

We have obtained the first 3D model of ovarian cancer MRD by using microtumours generated through microfluidics. This system is ideal for high-throughput drug screening and, given its versatility, it can be readily extended to additional types of cancer, as well as accommodate multiple cell types to generate complex tumour microenvironments.
Low vision practice and service provision among Optometrists in Ghana: a nationwide survey
Authors: Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Duah Junior Isaiah Osei , Acquah Eldrick Adu , Mensa Elna Abadua , Amoah Andoh Albert Kwadjo , Kumah David Ben , Boateng Bridget Senya , Boateng Josephine Ampomah , Osei-Poku Kofi , Eisenbarth Werner
Published: July 2023

Aim

To characterize practice patterns of low vision services among Optometrists in Ghana.

Methods

The nationwide cross-sectional survey identified entities through the Ghana Optometrists Association (GOA) registry and utilized a semi-structured questionnaire to consolidate survey information that comprises practitioners’ demographics, available services, diagnostic equipment, barriers to service provision and utilization, and interventions.

Results

300 Optometrists were identified, with 213 surveyed (71% response rate). About fifty percent (52.6%) were in private practice, and more than two-thirds (77%) did not provide low vision services. Most (≥ 70%) established lack of assistive devices, and basic eye care examination kits as the main barriers to low vision service provision. Similarly, practitioners reported unawareness of the presence of low vision centres (76.1%), and high cost of low vision aids (75.1%) as the prime perceived barriers for patients to utilize low vision services. Continuous professional development and public education (89-90%) were suggestive interventions to improve the uptake of low vision services. After statistical adjustment, private facility type (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.35, p = 0.010) and lack of basic eye examination kits (AOR = 0.32, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with reduced odds of low vision service provision. Conversely, 15-19 years of work experience (AOR = 8.49, p = 0.022) were significantly associated with increased odds of low vision service provision.

Conclusion

Overall, the results indicate inadequate low vision coverage and service delivery. Government policies must be directed towards equipping practitioners with equipment and subsidize patient cost of treatment to optimize low vision care.

What is already known on this topic?

Fewer past studies have reported poor low vision service delivery in selected regions and hospitals in Ghana. However, this evidence is an under-representation of the coverage of low vision service delivery in the country and warrants a more robust design to obtain comprehensive estimates.

What this study adds

The current study extends the existing literature by providing extensive evidence on the practice pattern of low vision services, barriers, and interventions in Ghana.

How this study might affect research, practice, or policy?

The unmet needs of low vision service delivery for residual vision necessitate institutionalizing pragmatic strategies to augment low vision service delivery, uptake, and delivery in the region.

Synopsis/Precis

This paper highlights the scope of low vision practice in Ghana. The findings show an unmet low vision coverage, significantly influenced by practice settings, years of work experience, and rudimentary eye examination equipment.
Myosin-5 varies its steps along the irregular F-actin track
Authors: Fineberg Adam , Takagi Yasuharu , Thirumurugan Kavitha , Andrecka Joanna , Billington Neil , Young Gavin , Cole Daniel , Burgess Stan A. , Curd Alistair P. , Hammer John A. , Sellers James R. , Kukura Philipp , Knight Peter J.
Published: July 2023

Molecular motors employ chemical energy to generate unidirectional mechanical output against a track. By contrast to the majority of macroscopic machines, they need to navigate a chaotic cellular environment, potential disorder in the track and Brownian motion. Nevertheless, decades of nanometer-precise optical studies suggest that myosin-5a, one of the prototypical molecular motors, takes uniform steps spanning 13 subunits (36 nm) along its F-actin track. Here, we use high-resolution interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy to reveal that myosin takes strides spanning 22 to 34 actin subunits, despite walking straight along the helical actin filament. We show that cumulative angular disorder in F-actin accounts for the observed proportion of each stride length, akin to crossing a river on variably-spaced stepping stones. Electron microscopy revealed the structure of the stepping molecule. Our results indicate that both motor and track are soft materials that can adapt to function in complex cellular conditions.
Population suppression by release of insects carrying a dominant sterile homing gene drive targetingdoublesexinDrosophila
Authors: Chen Weizhe , Guo Jialiang , Liu Yiran , Champer Jackson
Published: July 2023

Gene drive alleles, which bias their own inheritance and increase in frequency, show great promise for blocking disease transmission or directly suppressing pest populations. The most common engineered drive system is the CRISPR homing drive, which converts wild-type alleles to drive alleles in the germline of drive heterozygotes by homology-directed repair after CRISPR cleavage. One successful homing drive example targets a female-specific exon indoublesexinAnophelesmosquitos, suppressing the population by inducing recessive sterility in female drive homozygotes. We found that inDrosophila melanogaster, a 3-gRNA drive disrupting thedoublesexfemale exon resulted in a masculine phenotype and dominant female sterility. Resistance alleles formed by end-joining repair were also dominant sterile. This was likely caused by expression of male-specific transcripts in females with drive and resistance alleles, disrupting sex development. Based on this construct, we proposed a new pest suppression system called “Release of Insects carrying a Dominant-sterile Drive” (RIDD). This entails continuously releasing drive heterozygous males, with drive and resistance alleles causing sterility in females. The drive remains at high frequency longer than currently used dominant female-lethal alleles (RIDL) due to drive conversion in males, and drive alleles also cause sterility based on resistance, both substantial advantages. With weekly releases of drive males into a cage population with overlapping generations, our RIDD system targetingdsxreached 100% prevalence within 27 weeks, progressively reducing egg production and eventually causing total population collapse. RIDD combines the merits of homing gene drive and RIDL. It is powerful but self-limiting, unlike unconfined standard homing drives, allowing for targeted population suppression.
Safeguarding the unknown: performance measurement, academic agency and the meaning of research quality in practice
Authors: Bedford David S. , Granlund Markus , Lukka Kari
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The authors examine how performance measurement systems (PMSs) and academic agency influence the meaning of research quality in practice. The worries are that the notion of research quality is becoming too simplistically and narrowly determined by research quality's measurable proxies and that academics, especially manager-academics, do not sufficiently realise this risk. Whilst prior literature has covered the effects of performance measurement in the university sector broadly and how PMSs are mobilised locally, there is only little understanding of whether and how PMSs affect the meaning of research quality in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is designed as a comparative case study of two university faculties in Finland. The role of conceptual analysis plays a notable role in the study, too.

Findings

The authors find that manager-academics of the two examined faculties have rather similar conceptual understandings of research quality. However, there were differences in the degree of slippage between the “espoused-meaning” of research quality and “meaning-in-practice” of research quality. The authors traced these differences to how the local PMS and manager-academics’ agency relate to one another within the context of increasing global and national performance pressures. The authors developed a tentative framework for the various “styles of agency”. This suggests how the relationship between the local PMS and manager-academics’ exerted agency shapes the “degrees of freedom” of the meaning of research quality in practice.

Originality/value

Given that research quality lies at the heart of academic work, the authors' paper indicates that exploring the three matters – performance measurement, the agency of manager-academics and the meaning of research quality in practice – in combination is crucial for the sustainability of the academe. The authors contribute to the literature by detailing the way in which local PMS and manager-academics' agency have material impacts on what research quality means in practice. The authors conclude by highlighting the pressing need for manager-academics to exercise the agency in efforts to safeguard a broad and pluralistic understanding of research quality in practice.
Crowdfunding in times of crisis – the interplay of uncertainty and backers' well-being in small business rescue campaigns
Authors: Efrat Kalanit , Gilboa Shaked , Wald Andreas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic seriously jeopardized small businesses. To survive, many small businesses turned to their networks by launching crowdfunding “rescue” campaigns, which were very successful in eliciting both funding and community support. This study aims to explain this success from the backers' perspective by addressing support intentions in uncertain times. The authors examine backers' paradoxical behavior by investigating the influence of ambiguity aversion (individual uncertainty), business-level uncertainty and environmental uncertainty on backers' intentions to support small businesses and the interaction of uncertainty with backers' well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 230 backers of small business rescue campaigns were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings indicate that ambiguity aversion negatively dominates backers' support intentions. However, under the mediating effect of well-being, business-level and environmental uncertainties positively impact backers' intentions, whereas ambiguity aversion becomes non-significant.

Originality/value

Uncertainties are supposed to have a negative influence on individual well-being. By contrast, this study shows that backers' well-being is influenced by the context of the crowdfunding campaign. Uncertain conditions can provide value in addition to the benefits gained by backers from supporting crowdfunding campaigns.
Post hoc security and privacy concerns in mobile apps: the moderating roles of mobile apps’ features and providers
Authors: Nikkhah Hamid Reza , Grover Varun , Sabherwal Rajiv
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to argue that user’s continued use behavior is contingent upon two perceptions (i.e. the app and the provider). This study examines the moderating effects of user’s perceptions of apps and providers on the effects of security and privacy concerns and investigate whether assurance mechanisms decrease such concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a scenario-based survey with 694 mobile cloud computing (MCC) app users to understand their perceptions and behaviors.

Findings

This study finds that while perceived value of data transfer to the cloud moderates the effects of security and privacy concerns on continued use behavior, trust only moderates the effect of privacy concerns. This study also finds that perceived effectiveness of security and privacy intervention impacts privacy concerns but does not decrease security concerns.

Originality/value

Prior mobile app studies mainly focused on mobile apps and did not investigate the perceptions of app providers along with app features in the same study. Furthermore, International Organization for Standardization 27018 certification and privacy policy notification are the interventions that exhibit data assurance mechanisms. However, it is unknown whether these interventions are able to decrease users’ security and privacy concerns after using MCC apps.
Influence of wheel profile wear coupled with friction coefficient on the dynamic response of subway vehicles
Authors: Li Hongxiao , Li Li
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to match appropriate friction coefficients for subway operational vehicles, considering the dynamic variations of wheel profile wear.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines experimental testing and numerical simulation to investigate the influence of wheel profile wear coupled with the friction coefficient on the vehicle dynamic response.

Findings

For the test route in this paper, it is recommended to control the friction coefficient on straight sections between 0.25 and 0.3, and on curved sections between 0.2 and 0.3. This satisfies the required adhesion coefficient for normal train traction and braking, while also ensuring the straight running performance and curve negotiation performance of the vehicle.

Practical implications

Reasonable friction coefficient ranges are proposed for straight and curved track lines to improve the operational safety and economy of the vehicles. Moreover, this study can provide a theoretical basis and reference direction for developing anti-wear measures for rail vehicles operating on fixed routes.

Originality/value

Considering the wear characteristics of operating vehicles and the dynamic changes in the wear profile, this paper explores the adaptability of different degrees of wheel wear profiles to different friction coefficients. Based on the response characteristics of vehicle dynamics, reasonable lubrication recommendations are proposed for this operating vehicle.
Unbundling the complexity of performance management of healthcare providers in the Middle East
Authors: Vaz Daicy , Qureshi Wardah , Temouri Yama , Pereira Vijay
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Previous research provides adequate evidence on performance management (PM) for hospitals and healthcare providers; however, less is known about their individual and PM appraisal process. Additionally, there is limited research exploring PM in the Middle Eastern context. This study investigates PM practices in the Middle Eastern healthcare industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the qualitative research methodology through semi-structured interviews of healthcare professionals in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Thematic analysis was adopted for analyzing this qualitative data.

Findings

The main findings have uncovered different facets of appraisal challenges for both the appraiser (i.e. manager) and the appraisee (i.e. employee). These challenges include communication deficits, lack of goal setting standards and regular meeting updates in order to ensure employee satisfaction and motivation in the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

This study has significant implications for policymakers in Middle Eastern hospitals in terms of implementing PM for their staff. Moreover, future studies can conduct in-depth analysis and provide comparison between public and private sectors in the Gulf countries.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to portray challenges involved in conducting PM in the Middle East healthcare sector specifically in the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), both from the perspectives of the appraiser and appraisee.
Identification of the determinants of public trust in e-government services and participation in social media based on good governance theory and the technology acceptance model
Authors: Nguyen Trang Thi Uyen , Nguyen Phuong Van , Huynh Hien Thi Ngoc , Vrontis Demetris , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of public trust in e-government services (Te-GS) and participation in social media.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative cross-sectional field survey was used to collect primary data at the local government level in 11 cities, towns and districts in Tien Giang Province, Vietnam. The final data set of 529 respondents was analysed using SmartPLS4 to evaluate the measurement and structural models.

Findings

Perceived responsiveness, transparency and security have strong positive associations with Te-GS, whereas perceived accountability does not. Furthermore, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness are positively associated with social media participation.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have examined citizen behaviour in the use of e-government services, the social media context has rarely been considered due to its novelty. This study adds to the knowledge of the antecedents of participation in e-government services in developing countries such as Vietnam. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding participation intention that considers four elements of good governance theory and two elements of the technology acceptance model (TAM), thereby extending previous research on the effects of these variables on the adoption of e-government services.
Post-COVID-19 travel intentions to Kenya from Hong Kong by applying the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB)
Authors: Choy Monica W.C. , Or Ben M.K. , Liu Alvin T.F.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the post-COVID-19 travel intentions to Kenya among Hong Kong outbound travelers using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) over three different time horizons of 1, 5, and 10 years.

Design/methodology/approach

An extension was made by including two new constructs of perceived destination image and travel constraints. A cross-sectional sample of Hongkongers was surveyed. Data were collected using a self-administrated bilingual (English and Chinese) online survey. Exploratory factor analysis, linear regression and mediation analysis were conducted to test the research model.

Findings

The findings from 216 Hongkongers reveal that different combinations of the four constructs, namely, perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norms, and destination image, share a positive effect on individuals' travel intention to Kenya over the three different time horizons. Travel constraints act as a significant negative mediator on the four constructs in predicting travel intention to Kenya among Hongkongers.

Practical implications

The results provide useful insight to Kenya's destination marketing organization (DMO) and Hong Kong outbound travel agencies to integrate prominent elements into marketing strategies to arouse travel intention and expand their business prospects, which will also accelerate tourism recovery in the post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

By integrating two extended variables into the TPB model, this study makes a contribution by overcoming the deficiency of the original theory.
Renew and recycle: developing sustainable preservation strategies
Authors: Nadal Jacob , Engle Erin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Library of Congress is engaged in an effort to ensure the health and sustainability of its preservation program.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an expanded version of a presentation Jacob Nadal and Erin Engle gave at the 7th Kuopio Conference. That presentation explained how the preservation management team re-evaluated and re-imagined its work through a series of workshops, cost studies and planning exercises. This led to a new way to respond to immediate operational requirements and adapt to agency focus across strategic planning cycles while still making progress on large-scale preservation needs.

Findings

This work led to new plans for the workforce and fiscal resources needed to maintain a rich array of options for use of the collections over the long term. This paper details the philosophy and strategy behind this approach to address financial and organizational sustainability of a large-scale preservation program.
Spirituality, religiosity, stress, working from home and gender amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Apergis Emmanuel , Markoulakis Andreas , Apergis Iraklis
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the role of stress and work from home and their influence on the frequency of praying (spirituality) and attending ritual services (religiosity).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a data set from Understanding Society (COVID-19 study) in the UK from 5,357 participants, this study specifies a two-level mixed-effects ordered-probit regression to test the main hypotheses and chi-square (x2) analysis, gamma (γ) and tau-b (τb) for checking the robustness of this study results.

Findings

The findings of this study exhort with statistical confidence that spirituality is positively related to religiosity. Working from home positively influences individuals’ spiritual and religious needs, while attending religious services in person is associated with less stress. Females have been found to be more likely to pray rather than attend religious services.

Originality/value

This study investigates the role of work from home and stress on spirituality and religiosity, two key elements often forgotten in personal life and copying. This paper considers spirituality as the frequency of praying, while religiosity is the frequency of attending rituals, which religion has institutionalised.
A comparative study of the adoption of public-private partnerships for water services in South Korea and Singapore
Authors: Kim Soojin , Choi Yujin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the internal factors driving public-private partnership (PPP) adoption for water services in South Korea and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a comparative cross-national case study of PPPs in the area of water services by focusing on the similarities and differences between the two countries.

Findings

The findings show that while South Korea has employed the PPP model mostly to expand and modernize their sewage systems, Singapore has used PPPs to build and operate desalination facilities that produce potable water through the treatment and filtration of wastewater. The study also demonstrates that fiscal stress and political incentives stemming from socio-economic pressures are the respective critical factors in South Korea and Singapore’s execution of PPP-driven water infrastructure.

Originality/value

Through exploring why and how PPPs have been adopted in the specific context, this paper might be helpful to enhance our understanding of the variations and common factors in the policy adoption process within the Asian context.
The impact of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance on firm’s investment efficiency: evidence from China
Authors: Li Weiping , Li Huirong , Sun Xuan Sean , Huang Tairan Kevin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (D&O insurance hereafter) on corporate governance and firm performance, with a specific focus on investment efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms from the period 2007 to 2020, this study uses Ordinary Least Squares regressions to investigate the research questions, as well as moderating and mediating effects. Additionally, alternative measures of investment efficiency are used, and the Heckman two-stage model and propensity score matching model are used to demonstrate the consistency of the findings and to mitigate the risk of endogeneity.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that purchasing D&O insurance has a detrimental impact on corporate investment efficiency, particularly in the context of over-investment activities; robust internal governance mechanisms, exemplified by a higher shareholding ratio of the top shareholder and enhanced internal control quality, alleviate this negative effect; and financing constraints act as a mediating factor in the association between D&O insurance and investment efficiency.

Originality/value

Corporate investment efficiency is of significant importance for both national macroeconomic growth and micro-enterprise development. Notably, the prevalence of D&O insurance among Chinese firms is progressively increasing, thus exerting a growing influence. This study contributes to the existing literature on D&O insurance and corporate investment efficiency, providing valuable insights into the economic impact of D&O insurance on Chinese firms. The empirical evidence presented herein facilitates future reforms and adjustments.