bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Italy: money transfer, money laundering and intermediary liability
Authors: Corselli Livio
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a general overview of money transfers in Italy and Europe focussing specifically on the migrant community. This is of particular interest because it is in that community where money transfers are most prevalent. This shows the money transfer system as a tool that could guarantee the financial inclusion of migrants but at the same time being used in a distorted and unlawful manner.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief introduction focussed on working principles and legal frameworks, the paper will go deeper in evaluating money transfer data. This data, which comes from various legal authorities, will show the extent to which different migrant communities who reside in Italy are able to carry out illicit activity using money transfers. It will also highlight the existence of legislative inconsistencies through a case by case approach.

Findings

This paper shows the reason why people find it relatively easy to use money transfers to launder money or in a broader sense, take part in other illicit financial operations such as financing terrorism.

Originality/value

This study will examine recent Italian criminal cases concerning the unlawful use of money transfers. This paper is the original study of the author and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.
Avocat, rechtsanwalt or agent of the state?
Authors: Svenonius Ola , Mörth Ulrika
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how lawyers in two of the largest European economies manage the contradictory requirements set by anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) legislation on the one hand and professional codes of ethics on the other hand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on qualitative interviews with French and German lawyers. It asks “How do European lawyers handle the conflicting demands ensuing from their roles as frontlines workers?” The paper uses lawyers’ day-to-day practices and variations in member states’ transpositions of the European Union directives as a starting point to study AML/CTF in the miniscule.

Findings

The article shows that contextual institutional restraints and cultural factors have significant impact on the possibility to enlist for-profit actors in the fight against terrorism an organised crime.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights several factors inherent in AML/CTF regulation that warrant further research. Not only should further work be carried to broaden the understanding of lawyers but also other actors included in this policy area.

Practical implications

The study explains why French and German lawyers do not comply as expected by the legislator. If increased compliance is required, then the paper provides input into what measures can be taken, by policy, enforcement and supervision.

Originality/value

The study focusses on a hard-to-reach group of actors in AML/CTF regulation that has never before been studied in detail. As recent scandals have shown, lawyers are key actors in global finance but have rarely been scrutinised in their AML compliance norms and routines.
Investigating the impact of audit features on money laundering
Authors: Mohammadi Shaban , Naghshbandi Nader , Moridahmadibezdi Zahra
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the impact of audit features, including audit quality, audit fees and auditor tenure on money laundering in Iranian stock companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is descriptive-correlational and applied in terms of purpose. To evaluate the audit features, variables including audit quality, audit fee and auditor tenure were used. The statistical population of this study includes all companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange and the research period from 2012 to 2018. A sample of 150 companies was selected by the screening method. In this study, logistic regression and Eviews 10 software were used for data analysis and hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results showed that variables including audit quality, normal audit fee and auditor tenure have a significant effect on money laundering.

Originality/value

Observing money laundering rules and regulations for businesses involves is a critical issue. In auditing the financial statements of the business units subject to these laws, the auditor reviews their actions to obtain reasonable assurance of guaranteeing the money laundering laws, evaluates their effectiveness and gains approval of managers regarding observing laundering regulations. In this regard, the auditor is required to report definitive or suspected money-laundering cases or its certain or suspected evidence to the relevant authorities. Although the law prohibits the auditor from disclosing such matters to the client, it is not necessary. It seems that even if the auditors perform non-audit functions, they should report money laundering or suspicious operations and transactions.
Buffering negative impacts of jaycustomer behavior on service employees
Authors: Tan Alice J.M. , Loi Raymond , Lam Long W. , Chow CherisW.C.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Service employees often encounter jaycustomer behavior in their daily interactions with customers. This paper aims to investigate the influences of day-to-day jaycustomer behavior on service employees’ performance and behavior, as well as the managerial practice to buffer its negative impacts in the retail industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Diary survey data was collected from 73 service employees in 10 consecutive working days. Multi-level modeling analyses were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Daily jaycustomer behavior triggered daily anger and daily anxiety, which, in turn, led to daily sabotage and shrunken daily service delivery, respectively. Procedural justice weakened the jaycustomer behavior – anger relationship but did not buffer the relationship between jaycustomer behavior and anxiety. The indirect effect of jaycustomer behavior on sabotage via anger was stronger when employees perceived low rather than high procedural justice.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can explore other types of contextual factors to alleviate the negative impacts of jaycustomer behavior.

Practical implications

Considering the importance of procedural justice in reducing negative consequences of jaycustomer behavior, retail organizations should develop fair decision-making procedures.

Originality/value

This study has several contributions. First, this study advances understanding on detrimental impacts of jaycustomer behavior by distinguishing employees’ acute emotional responses and explaining the differential behavioral outcomes on service quality. Second, the authors apply a daily research paradigm to better capture the daily-happening nature of jaycustomer behavior. Third, the authors add to the insufficient knowledge of buffering the negative effects of jaycustomer behavior on service employees by investigating procedural justice as a moderator.
Filling the void in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) leadership training
Authors: Solotke Michael T. , Barbieri Andrea , Latimore Darin , Encandela John
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Leadership training refers to the process of helping individuals develop skills to successfully perform in leadership positions. Existing leadership programs have several drawbacks, including the paucity of leadership programs designed for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals in health care. The authors addressed this gap by creating and hosting Q-Forward (formerly Q-Med), the first conference focused specifically on leadership development for LGBTQ+ health trainees.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors explain how a conference focused on leadership development for LGBTQ+ health trainees can have benefits for trainees, patients and the health-care system. The authors also report the conference proceedings, including planning, participants, guiding principles and programming.

Originality/value

This conference was the first conference for LGBTQ+ health trainees focused specifically on leadership training. The authors believe that the conference was unique, and that such training represents an essential step toward long-term improvements in the health of LGBTQ+ people and other populations.
The driving force in corporate environmental governance
Authors: Hu Jun , Long Wenbin , Song Xianzhong , Tang Taijie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Due to environmental externalities, micro-enterprises with profit-seeking features do not develop sufficient motivation for environmental governance. In a fiscally decentralized system, local environmental protection authorities perform environmental supervision, and the intensity of the regulations that they implement has an important influence on corporate environmental governance. Based on the promotion tournament framework, this paper aims to discuss the driving mechanism of corporate environmental governance using turnover of environmental protection department directors (EPDDs) as an indicator.

Design/methodology/approach

Using samples of A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges from 2007 to 2014, this paper examines the impact of EPDD turnover on corporate environmental governance and its underlying mechanism.

Findings

The results show that corporate environmental governance exhibits a political periodicity that changes with the turnover of the EPDD, and the periodicity remains after controlling for the influence of changes in provincial party secretary and governor. Internal mechanisms analysis indicates that, without financial independence, local environmental protection departments rely on increasing sewage charges, not environmental protection subsidies, to promote corporate environmental governance. Further, considering heterogeneity among officials, it finds that the younger a new EPDD is, the more pronounced the periodicity of corporate environmental governance. However, there is no significant difference between in-system and out-system turnover.

Originality/value

In general, this paper describes the mechanisms of corporate environmental governance from the perspective of political economics, and the results have implications for the potential improvement of the government’s environmental supervision functions and the development of ecological civilization in China.
Reintroduction modelling: A guide to choosing and combining models for species reintroductions
Authors: Hunter‐Ayad James , Ohlemüller Ralf , Recio Mariano R. , Seddon Philip J.
Published: April 2020

Species reintroductions are high‐investment ecological interventions that require careful planning. Predictive models are useful tools for managing reintroductions.

We provide an overview of habitat suitability, dispersal, population dynamics and interspecies models, considering potential uses and limitations of established methods for reintroductions. Furthermore, we include a guide for integrating one or more model types to predict reintroduction outcomes and answer specific management questions.

Model utility will be maximized by considering the goals of the reintroduction, attributes of the reintroduced species, threats to persistence and the quality of available data.

Synthesis and applications. Our synthesis of state‐of‐the‐art ecological models outlines how key ecological models can be applied to reintroductions. Our review can aid practitioners undertaking reintroductions to assess and quantify their data and modelling needs in line with their management goals.
Co‐designed management scenarios shape the responses of seasonally dry forests to changing climate and fire regimes
Authors: Maxwell Charles J. , Serra‐Diaz Josep M. , Scheller Robert M. , Thompson Jonathan R.
Published: April 2020

Climate change is altering disturbance regimes and recovery rates of forests globally. The future of these forests will depend on how climate change interacts with management activities. Forest managers are in critical need of strategies to manage the effects of climate change.

We co‐designed forest management scenarios with forest managers and stakeholders in the Klamath ecoregion of Oregon and California, a seasonally dry forest in the Western US subject to fire disturbances. The resultant scenarios span a broad range of forest and fire management strategies. Using a mechanistic forest landscape model, we simulated the scenarios as they interacted with forest growth, succession, wildfire disturbances and climate change. We analysed the simulations to (a) understand how scenarios affected the fire regime and (b) estimate how each scenario altered potential forest composition.

Within the simulation timeframe (85 years), the scenarios had a large influence on fire regimes, with fire rotation periods ranging from 60 years in a minimal management scenario to 180 years with an industrial forestry style management scenario. Regardless of management strategy, mega‐fires (>100,000 ha) are expected to increase in frequency, driven by stronger climate forcing and extreme fire weather.

High elevation conifers declined across all climate and management scenarios, reflecting an imbalance between forest types, climate and disturbance. At lower elevations (<1,800 m), most scenarios maintained forest cover levels; however, the minimal intervention scenario triggered 5 × 105 ha of mixed conifer loss by the end of the century in favour of shrublands, whereas the maximal intervention scenario added an equivalent amount of mixed conifer.

Policy implications. Forest management scenarios that expand beyond current policies—including privatization and aggressive climate adaptation—can strongly influence forest trajectories despite a climate‐enhanced fire regime. Forest management can alter forest trajectories by increasing the pace and scale of actions taken, such as fuel reduction treatments, or by limiting other actions, such as fire suppression.
Expanding horizons: Encouraging cross‐campus student collaboration to develop a novel food product for individuals experiencing dysphagia
Authors: Mendes Clarion , Bohn Dawn M.
Published: April 2020

At the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC), cross‐campus collaborations are strongly encouraged; however, due to the vast size of the university, opportunities for student collaboration commonly rely on serendipitous events—being at the right place at the right time. On a cold day in February 2017, the required serendipity befell Clarion Mendes (Speech and Hearing Sciences [SHS]) and Dawn Bohn (Food Science and Human Nutrition [FSHN] concentration Food Science [FS]). The SHS department is part of the College of Applied Health Sciences and the FS department is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. SHS graduate students in Speech–Language Pathology pursue careers in schools, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. FS undergraduate and graduate students often pursue careers in food product development, quality assurance, sensory science, ingredient applications, and regulatory compliance. Seemingly, these two fields are contextually discrete (and geographically quite separated at UIUC). Nevertheless, through Clarion's vision and Dawn's enthusiasm, the two initiated an important student collaboration between two initially isolated, but forever connected, fields. How did professors from two very different fields determine that their students could make excellent collaborators? It all began with a well‐loved, neon–orange snack food—Cheetos®.
Parental and primary caregiver’s attitudes towards sun safe hat and sunscreen use at a major national children’s playground in Canberra, Australia
Authors: Kanellis Vangelis George , Kanellis Alice Louise
Published: April 2020

Background/Objectives

The sun safety habits of children are developed throughout the childhood years under the influence of peers, parents, family members and other adult caregivers, as well as through education. This study assessed the sun safety attitudes and actual practices of parents and primary caregivers at a large public playground over a twelve‐month period in 2019/2020. The desire to have an educational sun safety message at major playgrounds was also assessed.

Methods

Parents and primary caregivers at our study playground in Canberra, Australia, were offered an eight‐question survey. Data analysis compared the proportion of respondents who selected each sub‐question. Surveys were conducted on a minimum of three days per week for a twelve‐month period, excluding the period of May to the beginning of August when the ultraviolet radiation index (UVI) is typically below three in Canberra.

Results

Less than half of the children at the study playground wore a sun safe hat the whole of their playtime when the UVI ≥ 3. Although 80.5% parents and primary caregivers acknowledged the importance of modelling good sun safety behaviours, most adults did not wear a sun safe hat or apply sunscreen. 93.3% of adult respondents desired some form of permanent educational message at playgrounds to encourage better sun safety.

Conclusion

There is significant room for improvement in the sun safety practices of primary caregivers and children at our study playground. The vast majority of respondents desired a permanent sun safety message display at major playgrounds.
Development of an evidence‐based Evaluation Toolkit for suicide prevention networks in regional Australia
Authors: Ferguson Monika , McIntyre Heather , Martinez Lee , Eygenraam Janice , Baker Amy , Procter Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Problem

Suicide is a global public health concern, particularly for those living in rural, regional and remote areas. Despite numerous prevention initiatives, suicide continues to impact individuals, families and communities. Suicide prevention networks are an innovative, community‐based approach to addressing suicide within local government areas. Anecdotally, suicide prevention networks make an important contribution to suicide prevention, yet frameworks for evaluating their impact do not exist. The purpose of this project was to develop an Evaluation Toolkit to be used by suicide prevention networks throughout South Australia to monitor their impact.

Design

Participatory action research was used to work with one suicide prevention network in regional South Australia to co‐design and produce the Evaluation Toolkit.

Setting

One regional South Australian town, with an established suicide prevention network.

Key measures for improvement

The development of an Evaluation Toolkit, to allow all South Australian suicide prevention networks to measure their impact in a consistent manner.

Strategies for change

The Evaluation Toolkit has been made freely available in electronic form and as a hard copy booklet for use by all South Australian suicide prevention networks.

Effects of change

The purpose of this project was to develop the Evaluation Toolkit. Formal assessment of its usability and effectiveness is yet to be undertaken, but preliminary anecdotal evidence indicates aspects of the Evaluation Toolkit are useful, especially the questionnaire templates that can be adapted and used to evaluate various community events.

Lessons learnt

Participatory action research is a useful method for working with community‐based suicide prevention groups.
No long‐term effect of oral stimulation on the intra‐oral vacuum in healthy premature infants
Authors: Skaaning Diana , Kronborg Hanne , Brødsgaard Anne , Solmer Rasmus , Pryds Ole , Carlsen Emma Malchau
Published: April 2020

Aim

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, but the breastfeeding rate in premature infants is low. We examined the effect of oral stimulation on infant's strength of suction and the relation between this intra‐oral vacuum and breastfeeding duration.

Method

Between 2016 and 2018, 211 infants in a Danish neonatal unit were randomised 1:1 and of these 108 to oral stimulation intervention and 103 to control. Suction was measured as peak vacuum at enrolment and a corrected age of 6 weeks. Breastfeeding duration was registered.

Results

Vacuum increased from enrolment to a corrected age of 6 weeks in all infants, and no effect of oral stimulation intervention was demonstrated P = .08. Infants born ≤32 gestational weeks had lower vacuum compared with infants born after, 350 vs 398 mbar P < .001. For infants born after 32 gestational weeks, the odds ratio for exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was 1.99 per 100 mbar increase in vacuum P = .01.

Conclusion

In our study, infant's intra‐oral vacuum increased with age and was not affected by the oral stimulation intervention. For infants born after 32 gestational weeks, the exclusive breastfeeding rate was positively associated with a strong vacuum.
Design of new truncated derivatives based on direct and reverse mirror repeats of first six residues of Caerin 4 antimicrobial peptide and evaluation of their activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Madanchi Hamid , Sardari Soroush , Shajiee Hooman , Taherian Sina , Ashkar Maryam , Johari Behrooz , Shabani Ali Akbar , Sharafi Shahram
Published: April 2020

Caerin 4 is a family of AMPs isolated from the frog called Litoria caerulea. In silico drug designing methods and using machine learning algorithms for AMPs design can reduce their usage restrictions such as production costs and the time required for investigation of their activity and toxicity. In this study, two short peptides were designed based on direct and reverse mirror repeats of GLWQKI conserved sequence from Caerin 4 family that called dCar12 and rCar12. Also, Caerin 4.1 was synthesized without primary GLWQKI sequence and named Car7‐23. Following the synthesis of peptides, their antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity, secondary structure, and mode of action were further evaluated. Results indicated that rCar12 had a good antibacterial activity (at an MIC of 3.9–62.5 µg/ml), while Car7‐23 did not have any antimicrobial properties. Cytotoxicity of rCar12 at MICs range was <5%, which is much less than Caerin 4.1. In conclusion, rCar12 with reverse mirror repeat has different functional properties compared with dCar12. These results corroborate the fact that in two peptides with identical residues and length, the position and arrangement of amino acids are very important concerning peptide function. Moreover, GLWQKI sequence is highly crucial for the antimicrobial activity of Caerin 4 antimicrobial peptide family.
Comparison of strains for new generation CAD‐CAM implant‐supported crowns under loading
Authors: Yilmaz Burak , Alsaery Amani , Altintas Subutay H. , Schimmel Martin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The behavior of implant‐crowns fabricated from recently introduced CAD‐CAM zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate ceramic (ZLS) or a hybrid ceramic containing resin‐reinforced glass network (HC) for strains around the implant platform is not well‐known. A force absorption capacity of the latter has been claimed by the manufacturer. The aim of this study was to measure and compare recently introduced ZLS and HC with commonly used CAD‐CAM implant crown materials for strain distribution around the implant platform.

Methods

Four implants (Legacy 1; Implant Direct) were placed into a resin block. Zirconia abutments (Straight contoured stock abutment; Implant Direct) were torqued into the implant fixtures to support crowns that were milled from a virtual design using four different CAD‐CAM materials (Vita Suprinity PC (ZLS), Vita Enamix (HC), IPS Emax, ZirCAD Zirkonzahn) (N = 20). The crowns were cemented with a resin cement, loaded and strain values were recorded. Three‐dimensional digital image correlation (3D‐DIC) was used to measure compressive and tensile strains around the implant platforms. The tensile and compressive strains were recorded for each test and first analyzed for equality of variance using Levene's test, and further tested using a 2‐way ANOVA repeated measures analysis of variance (α = .05).

Results

The data analysis showed no statistically significant effect of crown material on the generated strains (P > .05). Compressive strains were significantly higher than the tensile strains (P < .05). One of the HC crowns fractured during loading.

Conclusions

Strains generated around implant platform when new generation CAD‐CAM crown materials were used was similar to strains observed when CAD‐CAM zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns were used. New generation crown materials did not have a significant load absorption effect to change or minimize the strains generated around the implant platform.
Uncontrolled donation after circulatory death improves access to kidney transplantation: A decision analysis
Authors: Choudhury Rashikh A. , Prins Kas , Dor Yoeli , Moore Hunter B. , Yaffe Hillary , Nydam Trevor L.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Uncontrolled donation after cardiac death (uDCD) remains an underutilized source of kidney allografts in the United States. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of the implementation of a uDCD program on transplantation rates and long‐term survival for patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States.

Methods

A decision‐analytic Markov state transition model was created using medical decision‐making software (DATA 3.5; TreeAge Software, Inc) to estimate the impact of an uDCD program on transplantation rates and patient survival. Additionally, sensitivity analysis of uDCD donor pool increase was modeled. All model statistic parameters were extracted from the literature.

Results

A uDCD program increased the rate of transplant at 10 years (37.8%, Accept uDCD group, vs 35.9%, Reject uDCD group). At 10 years, overall survival for Accept uDCD was 55.6% compared to 54.8% in the Reject uDCD.

Conclusions

Uncontrolled DCD improves access to transplant for ESRD patients on the kidney transplant waitlist, thereby improving long‐term survival.
BAY 81‐8973 prophylaxis and pharmacokinetics in haemophilia A: Interim results from the TAURUS study
Authors: Santoro Cristina , Fuh Beng , Le Phu Quoc , Maes Philip , Berrueco Rubén , Mingot‐Castellano Eva Maria , von Mackensen Sylvia , Solms Alexander , Wang Michael
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To report interim data from TAURUS, a study assessing real‐world prophylactic treatment with unmodified, full‐length recombinant FVIII BAY 81‐8973 (Kovaltry®; Bayer) indicated for haemophilia A.

Methods

TAURUS (NCT02830477) is an international, open‐label, prospective, non‐interventional, single‐arm study with a one‐year observation period (target N = 350). Patients have moderate or severe haemophilia A (FVIII ≤5% or ≤1%) and ≥50 exposure days to any FVIII product. Clinician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes are captured on previous product use, changes in prophylaxis dose and dosing frequency, FVIII consumption, reported bleeding rates, treatment satisfaction and adherence, pharmacokinetic (PK) data (if available) and safety data.

Results

At cut‐off, baseline data were available from 160 patients (89 had ≥6 months of follow‐up data). Most patients had severe haemophilia A (85%), infused BAY 81‐8973 ≥ 3×/wk (59%) and experienced a median number of total bleeds of 2.0 (non‐annualised; 246 days median documentation period). Good levels of treatment satisfaction (Hemo‐SATA,P) and adherence (VERITAS‐Pro) were maintained. TAURUS demonstrated a favourable PK profile of BAY 81‐8973 in comparison with other standard half‐life rFVIIIs and supported the WAPPS PopPK model. No patients developed inhibitors.

Conclusions

TAURUS data demonstrate effective prophylaxis with BAY 81‐8973 in the real world without compromising patient satisfaction or adherence.
Something old, something new: Historical perspectives provide lessons for blue growth agendas
Authors: Caswell Bryony A. , Klein Emily S. , Alleway Heidi K. , Ball Johnathan E. , Botero Julián , Cardinale Massimiliano , Eero Margit , Engelhard Georg H. , Fortibuoni Tomaso , Giraldo Ana‐Judith , Hentati‐Sundberg Jonas , Jones Peter , Kittinger John N. , Krause Gesche , Lajus Dmitry L. , Lajus Julia , Lau Sally C.Y. , Lescrauwaet Ann‐Katrien , MacKenzie Brian R. , McKenzie Matthew , Ojaveer Henn , Pandolfi John M. , Raicevich Saša , Russell Bayden D. , Sundelöf Andreas , Thorpe Robert B. , zu Ermgassen Philine S.E. , Thurstan Ruth H.
Published: April 2020

The concept of “blue growth,” which aims to promote the growth of ocean economies while holistically managing marine socioecological systems, is emerging within national and international marine policy. The concept is often promoted as being novel; however, we show that historical analogies exist that can provide insights for contemporary planning and implementation of blue growth. Using a case‐study approach based on expert knowledge, we identified 20 historical fisheries or aquaculture examples from 13 countries, spanning the last 40–800 years, that we contend embody blue growth concepts. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that blue growth has been investigated across such broad spatial and temporal scales. The past societies managed to balance exploitation with equitable access, ecological integrity and/or economic growth for varying periods of time. Four main trajectories existed that led to the success or failure of blue growth. Success was linked to equitable rather than open access, innovation and management that was responsive, holistic and based on scientific knowledge and monitoring. The inability to achieve or maintain blue growth resulted from failures to address limits to industry growth and/or anticipate the impacts of adverse extrinsic events and drivers (e.g. changes in international markets, war), the prioritization of short‐term gains over long‐term sustainability, and loss of supporting systems. Fourteen cross‐cutting lessons and 10 recommendations were derived that can improve understanding and implementation of blue growth. Despite the contemporary literature broadly supporting our findings, these recommendations are not adequately addressed by agendas seeking to realize blue growth.
Resistin in metabolism, inflammation, and disease
Authors: Tripathi Deeksha , Kant Sashi , Pandey Saurabh , Ehtesham Nasreen Z.
Published: April 2020

Resistin is a small secretory protein that has a pleiotropic role in rodents and humans. Both rodent resistin and human resistin have an extremely stable and high‐order multimeric structure. Moreover, there is significant variation in the source of secretion and the diversity of functions of resistin. Mouse resistin resists insulin action and contributes to type 2 diabetes mellitus, while human resistin plays a role in inflammation and also functions as a small accessory chaperone. Currently, active research in the area identified a significant role for resistin in stress biology and as a biomarker in diagnostics to evaluate disease status and treatment outcome. This review summarizes recent developments within resistin biology including their association with obesity, inflammation, stress response mechanisms, and its role in clinical diagnostics.
Reverse protein engineering of a novel 4‐domain copper nitrite reductase reveals functional regulation by protein–protein interaction
Authors: Sasaki Daisuke , Watanabe Tatiana F. , Eady Robert R. , Garratt Richard C. , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: April 2020

Cu‐containing nitrite reductases that convert NO2‐ to NO are critical enzymes in nitrogen‐based energy metabolism. Among organisms in the order Rhizobiales, we have identified two copies of nirK, one encoding a new class of 4‐domain CuNiR that has both cytochrome and cupredoxin domains fused at the N terminus and the other, a classical 2‐domain CuNiR (Br2DNiR). We report the first enzymatic studies of a novel 4‐domain CuNiR from Bradyrhizobium sp. ORS 375 (BrNiR), its genetically engineered 3‐ and 2‐domain variants, and Br2DNiR revealing up to ~ 500‐fold difference in catalytic efficiency in comparison with classical 2‐domain CuNiRs. Contrary to the expectation that tethering would enhance electron delivery by restricting the conformational search by having a self‐contained donor–acceptor system, we demonstrate that 4‐domain BrNiR utilizes N‐terminal tethering for downregulating enzymatic activity instead. Both Br2DNiR and an engineered 2‐domain variant of BrNiR (Δ(Cytc‐Cup) BrNiR) have 3 to 5% NiR activity compared to the well‐characterized 2‐domain CuNiRs from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (AxNiR) and Achromobacter cycloclastes (AcNiR). Structural comparison of Δ(Cytc‐Cup) BrNiR and Br2DNiR with classical 2‐domain AxNiR and AcNiR reveals structural differences of the proton transfer pathway that could be responsible for the lowering of activity. Our study provides insights into unique structural and functional characteristics of naturally occurring 4‐domain CuNiR and its engineered 3‐ and 2‐domain variants. The reverse protein engineering approach utilized here has shed light onto the broader question of the evolution of transient encounter complexes and tethered electron transfer complexes.

Enzyme

Copper‐containing nitrite reductase (CuNiR) (EC 1.7.2.1).

Database

The atomic coordinate and structure factor of Δ(Cytc‐Cup) BrNiR and Br2DNiR have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org/) under the accession code 6THE and 6THF, respectively.
Economic aspirations connected to innovations in carbon capture and utilization value chains
Authors: Naims Henriette
Published: April 2020

International authorities are increasingly recognizing that utilizing the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from various industries can assist strategies for mitigating climate change. In developing novel carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies they aspire to contribute to circular economy targets and reduce consumption of fossil‐based raw materials. However, the potential economic effects of CCU on industrial value chains remain unclear. Hence, this study investigates the economic expectations placed on those actors currently conducting research and development (R&D) in CCU. The aspired levels of economic performance are identified through a systematic literature review of 19 policy advice reports and 15 scientific papers. Qualitative directed content analysis is conducted, based on an R&D input–output–outcome system. First, we identify three relevant groups of value chain actors by clustering industrial sectors: (a) equipment manufacturers, (b) high‐emitting producers, and (c) producers of materials and fuels. Then, we derive a criteria list from the review. Finally, the analysis reveals how CCU innovations are anticipated to impact different industries: Equipment manufacturers could contribute to economic growth. For high‐emitting producers, CCU provides one option for “surviving” sustainability transitions. Meanwhile, material and fuel producers need to act as “problem solvers” by offering competitive ways of utilizing CO2. We conclude by identifying research gaps that should be addressed to better understand the economic and social dimensions of CCU and to increase the chances of such innovations contributing to broader sustainability transformations of industrial and energy systems.
Do we have enough natural sand for low‐carbon infrastructure?
Authors: Ioannidou Dimitra , Sonnemann Guido , Suh Sangwon
Published: April 2020

Global low‐carbon transition demands the development of large‐scale infrastructure, which is sand intensive. Natural sand is widely considered abundant, whereas recent research has pointed out the increasing risk of supply shortage in a number of world regions. In the current research, we examine the implication of future sand demand in the context of low‐carbon infrastructure development. We mapped the projected investments on buildings and low‐carbon infrastructure up to 2030 and estimated the sand intensity of the two types of construction. We translated these investments and sand intensity to country‐specific sand‐demand projections under three economic development scenarios. Our results indicate that China is expected to face the highest sand demand, followed by India, and that should the current sand extraction rates and construction practices be maintained, developing countries will be exposed to a significant supply risk of construction sand. Under the scenario of sustainable growth, developed economies are expected to have a relatively stable sand demand whereas South‐East Asia and Africa will see a rapid increase in their sand demand over the next 15 years. Our results call regional sand supply security into attention in low‐carbon transition planning.
Fetal bone development in the lowland paca (Cuniculus paca, Rodentia, Cuniculidae) determined using ultrasonography
Authors: da Silva Gessiane Pereira , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros , Pereira Thyago Habner de Souza , de Matos Sandy Estefany Rodrigues , dos Santos de Andrade Rafael , El Bizri Hani Rocha , Coutinho Leandro Nassar , Valsecchi João , López-Plana Carlos , Mayor Pedro
Published: April 2020

Studying the timing of the main events of embryonic and fetal development may clarify the strategies adopted by species to maximize neonatal survival and the consequences of these events for their life history. This study describes bone development during the fetal phase of the lowland paca (Cuniculus paca), comparing it with other precocial or altricial species, and its relationship with the species’ adaptive strategies. A total of 102 embryos/fetuses obtained over the course of 17 years through collaboration with local subsistence hunters in the Amazon were analyzed. Measurements of mineralization of the axial and appendicular skeletons were performed by ultrasonography using a 10–18‐MHz linear transducer. The chronological order of occurrence of mineralization in relation to the total dorsal length (TDL) was: skull (TDL = 4.1 cm); vertebral bodies (TDL = 4.6 cm); scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, ilium, ischium, femur, tibia, and fibula (TDL = 6.7 cm); ribs (TDL = 7.8 cm); clavicle (TDL = 8.5 cm); metacarpi/metatarsi (TDL = 11 cm); phalanges (TDL = 15 cm); tarsus (TDL = 18 cm); patella (TDL = 23 cm); and carpus (TDL = 27.2 cm). Secondary ossification centers first appeared in the femoral distal epiphysis (TDL = 16.6 cm) and tibial proximal epiphysis (TDL = 18.4 cm). Advanced fetuses (TDL > 30 cm, 97% gestational period) presented mineralization in all primary and most secondary centers. Compared to other species, paca neonates have a well‐developed skeletal system at birth, which is important for their independent postnatal locomotion. Our results may contribute to the monitoring of bone development in other wild species, helping us to understand their life history, and serving as parameters for comparisons between precocial and altricial mammals.
Backtesting portfolio value‐at‐risk with estimated portfolio weights
Authors: Du Zaichao , Pei Pei
Published: April 2020

This article theoretically and empirically analyzes backtesting portfolio value‐at‐risk (VaR) with estimation risk in an intrinsically multi‐variate framework. It particularly takes into account the estimation of portfolio weights in forecasting portfolio VaR and its impact on backtesting. It shows that the estimation risk from estimating portfolio weights and that from estimating the multi‐variate dynamic model make the existing methods in a univariate framework inapplicable. It proposes a general theory to quantify estimation risk applicable to the present problem and suggests practitioners a simple but effective way to implement valid inference to overcome the effect of estimation risk in backtesting portfolio VaR. In particular, we apply our theory to the efficient mean‐variance‐skewness portfolio for a multi‐variate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model with multi‐variate general hyperbolic distributed innovations. Some Monte Carlo simulations and an empirical application demonstrate the merits of our method.
Influence of microwave heating as accelerated aging on physicochemical, texture, pasting properties, and microstructure in brown rice of selected Indian rice varieties
Authors: Devraj Lavanya , Natarajan Venkatachalapathy , Vadakkeppulpara Ramachandran Sinija , Manicakam Loganathan , Sarvanan Shanmugasundaram
Published: April 2020

Most of the population does not prefer to consume brown rice because of its strong nutty and chewy texture imparted by bran and germ. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the influence of accelerated aging through microwave (MW) heating at a lower and higher MW power levels of 950 and 1,400 W for 72 and 91 s to observe the changes in physicochemical, texture, pasting properties, sensory attributes, and microstructure of selected rice varieties (Sona masuri and RNR‐15048) stored as brown rice for 6 months. The results revealed a significant decrease in moisture, amylose, free fatty acids (FFAs) with changes in color (L*,a*, andb* values) in both the varieties treated at 1,400 W for 91 s. An increase in kernel elongation ratio, water uptake, and a decrease in cooking time and solid loss was noted in both the varieties. After cooking, the texture of both the varieties showed an increase in hardness with reduced stickiness at both lower and higher MW power levels of 950 W for 72 s and 1,400 W for 91 s compared to untreated brown rice with an improved porous structure when observed under SEM analyzer followed by better water absorption and organoleptic properties after cooking. The reduction in final viscosity has been noted in both the varieties at 1,400 W for 91 s due to the binding of FFA with starch. Thus, the MW power level of 950 W for 72 s and 1,400 W for 91 s showed the better results for short‐grain varieties like Sona masuri and RNR‐15048 stored as brown rice.
Coexisting violence and self‐harm: Dual harm in an early‐stage male prison population
Authors: Slade Karen , Forrester Andrew , Baguley Thom
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examined the characteristics of men in prison who have a history of both self‐harm and violence (known as dual harm) and the extent to which demographic and criminogenic factors, in‐prison incidents, and self‐harm method could differentiate men who dual harm.

Methods

Official prison sample data were examined for the period April 2010 to November 2017 (n = 965). Regression analysis of all custodial incidents, demographic and offending information, and imprisonment experience, was undertaken.

Results

Self‐harm was associated with violence in prison, representing a 3.5‐fold risk of violence compared with men who did not self‐harm, after controlling for time in prison, age, and index offence. 60% of men who harmed themselves also engaged in custodial violence, while 32% who were violent also had a self‐harm event. After controlling for age at first incident, 11% of the sample had custodial history of dual harm and they accounted for 56% of all recorded custodial incidents. They had a high probability of property damage and fire setting in prison and spent 40% longer in custody. Men who dual harmed used a greater variety of self‐harm methods, with increased use of lethal methods.

Conclusion

Dual harm is prevalent, particularly among those who harm themselves in prison. Men who dual harm contribute excessively to the overall incident burden in prison and demonstrate behavioural variability and risk regarding both violence and self‐harm. The findings challenge the usual distinctive management responses or that self‐harm or violence is solely the responsibility of health or justice, with greater integration required.
Ynt is the primary nickel import system used by Proteus mirabilis and specifically contributes to fitness by supplying nickel for urease activity
Authors: Brauer Aimee L. , Learman Brian S. , Armbruster Chelsie E.
Published: April 2020

Proteus mirabilis is a Gram‐negative uropathogen and frequent cause of catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). One important virulence factor is its urease enzyme, which requires nickel to be catalytically active. It is, therefore, hypothesized that nickel import is critical for P. mirabilis urease activity and pathogenesis during infection. P. mirabilis strain HI4320 encodes two putative nickel import systems, designated Nik and Ynt. By disrupting the substrate‐binding proteins from each import system (nikA and yntA), we show that Ynt is the primary nickel importer, while Nik only compensates for loss of Ynt at high nickel concentrations. We further demonstrate that these are the only binding proteins capable of importing nickel for incorporation into the urease enzyme. Loss of either nickel‐binding protein results in a significant fitness defect in a murine model of CAUTI, but YntA is more crucial as the yntA mutant was significantly outcompeted by the nikA mutant. Furthermore, despite the importance of nickel transport for hydrogenase activity, the sole contribution of yntA and nikA to virulence is due to their role in urease activity, as neither mutant exhibited a fitness defect when disrupted in a urease‐negative background.
Live‐cell fluorescence imaging reveals dynamic production and loss of bacterial flagella
Authors: Zhuang Xiang‐Yu , Guo Shihao , Li Zhuoran , Zhao Ziyi , Kojima Seiji , Homma Michio , Wang Pengyuan , Lo Chien‐Jung , Bai Fan
Published: April 2020

Bacterial flagella are nanomachines that drive bacteria motility and taxis in response to environmental changes. Whether flagella are permanent cell structures and, if not, the circumstances and timing of their production and loss during the bacterial life cycle remain poorly understood. Here we used the single polar flagellum of Vibrio alginolyticus as our model and implementing in vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that the percentage of flagellated bacteria (PFB) in a population varies substantially across different growth phases. In the early‐exponential phase, the PFB increases rapidly through the widespread production of flagella. In the mid‐exponential phase, the PFB peaks at around 76% and the partitioning of flagella between the daughter cells are 1:1 and strictly at the old poles. After entering the stationary phase, the PFB starts to decline, mainly because daughter cells stop making new flagella after cell division. Interestingly, we observed that bacteria can actively abandon flagella after prolonged stationary culturing, though cell division has long been suspended. Further experimental investigations confirmed that flagella were ejected in V. alginolyticus, starting from breakage in the rod. Our results highlight the dynamic production and loss of flagella during the bacterial life cycle.

Importance

Flagella motility is critical for many bacterial species. The bacterial flagellum is made up of about 20 different types of proteins in its final structure and can be self‐assembled. The current understanding of the lifetime and durability of bacterial flagella is very limited. In the present study, we monitored Vibrio alginolyticus flagellar assembly and loss by in vivo fluorescence labeling, and found that the percentage of flagellated bacteria varies substantially across different growth phases. The production of flagella was synchronized with cell growth but stopped when cells entered the stationary phase. Surprisingly, we observed that bacteria can actively abandon flagella after prolonged stationary culturing, as well as in the low glucose buffering medium. We then confirmed the ejection of flagella in V. alginolyticus started with breakage of the rod. Our results highlight the dynamic production and loss of flagella during the bacterial life cycle.