bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) protocol for studying histone modifications in peach reproductive tissues
Authors: Canton Monica , Farinati Silvia , Forestan Cristian , Joseph Justin , Bonghi Claudio , Varotto Serena
Published: March 2022

Background

Perennial fruit trees display a growth behaviour characterized by annual cycling between growth and dormancy, with complex physiological features. Rosaceae fruit trees represent excellent models for studying not only the fruit growth/patterning but also the progression of the reproductive cycle depending upon the impact of climate conditions. Additionally, current developments in high‐throughput technologies have impacted Rosaceae tree research while investigating genome structure and function as well as (epi)genetic mechanisms involved in important developmental and environmental response processes during fruit tree growth. Among epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin remodelling mediated by histone modifications and other chromatin-related processes play a crucial role in gene modulation, controlling gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation is an effective technique to investigate chromatin dynamics in plants. This technique is generally applied for studies on chromatin states and enrichment of post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) in histone proteins.

Results

Peach is considered a model organism among climacteric fruits in the Rosaceae family for studies on bud formation, dormancy, and organ differentiation. In our work, we have primarily established specific protocols for chromatin extraction and immunoprecipitation in reproductive tissues of peach (Prunus persica). Subsequently, we focused our investigations on the role of two chromatin marks, namely the trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine in position 4 (H3K4me3) and trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) in modulating specific gene expression. Bud dormancy and fruit growth were investigated in a nectarine genotype called Fantasia as our model system.

Conclusions

We present general strategies to optimize ChIP protocols for buds and mesocarp tissues of peach and analyze the correlation between gene expression and chromatin mark enrichment/depletion. The procedures proposed may be useful to evaluate any involvement of histone modifications in the regulation of gene expression during bud dormancy progression and core ripening in fruits.
CAR race to cancer immunotherapy: from CAR T, CAR NK to CAR macrophage therapy
Authors: Pan Kevin , Farrukh Hizra , Chittepu Veera Chandra Sekhar Reddy , Xu Huihong , Pan Chong-xian , Zhu Zheng
Published: March 2022

Adoptive cell therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy has made tremendous progress with five CAR T therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for hematological malignancies. However, CAR immunotherapy in solid tumors lags significantly behind. Some of the major hurdles for CAR immunotherapy in solid tumors include CAR T cell manufacturing, lack of tumor-specific antigens, inefficient CAR T cell trafficking and infiltration into tumor sites, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), therapy-associated toxicity, and antigen escape. CAR Natural Killer (NK) cells have several advantages over CAR T cells as the NK cells can be manufactured from pre-existing cell lines or allogeneic NK cells with unmatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC); can kill cancer cells through both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent pathways; and have less toxicity, especially cytokine-release syndrome and neurotoxicity. At least one clinical trial showed the efficacy and tolerability of CAR NK cell therapy. Macrophages can efficiently infiltrate into tumors, are major immune regulators and abundantly present in TME. The immunosuppressive M2 macrophages are at least as efficient as the proinflammatory M1 macrophages in phagocytosis of target cells; and M2 macrophages can be induced to differentiate to the M1 phenotype. Consequently, there is significant interest in developing CAR macrophages for cancer immunotherapy to overcome some major hurdles associated with CAR T/NK therapy, especially in solid tumors. Nevertheless, both CAR NK and CAR macrophages have their own limitations. This comprehensive review article will discuss the current status and the major hurdles associated with CAR T and CAR NK therapy, followed by the structure and cutting-edge research of developing CAR macrophages as cancer-specific phagocytes, antigen presenters, immunostimulators, and TME modifiers.
Emerging rodent-associated Bartonella: a threat for human health?
Authors: Krügel Maria , Król Nina , Kempf Volkhard A. J. , Pfeffer Martin , Obiegala Anna
Published: March 2022

Background

Species of the genusBartonellaare facultative intracellular alphaproteobacteria with zoonotic potential.Bartonellainfections in humans range from mild with unspecific symptoms to life threatening, and can be transmitted via arthropod vectors or through direct contact with infected hosts, although the latter mode of transmission is rare. Among the small mammals that harbourBartonellaspp., rodents are the most speciose group and harbour the highest diversity of these parasites. Human–rodent interactions are not unlikely as many rodent species live in proximity to humans. However, a surprisingly low number of clinical cases of bartonellosis related to rodent-associatedBartonellaspp. have thus far been recorded in humans.

Methods

The main purpose of this review is to determine explanatory factors for this unexpected finding, by taking a closer look at published clinical cases of bartonellosis connected with rodent-associatedBartonellaspecies, some of which have been newly described in recent years. Thus, another focus of this review are these recently proposed species.

Conclusions

Worldwide, only 24 cases of bartonellosis caused by rodent-associated bartonellae have been reported in humans. Possible reasons for this low number of cases in comparison to the high prevalences ofBartonellain small mammal species are (i) a lack of awareness amongst physicians ofBartonellainfections in humans in general, and especially those caused by rodent-associated bartonellae; and (ii) a frequent lack of the sophisticated equipment required for the confirmation ofBartonellainfections in laboratories that undertake routine diagnostic testing. As regards recently describedBartonellaspp., there are presently 14 rodent-associatedCandidatustaxa. In contrast to species which have been taxonomically classified, there is no official process for the review of proposedCandidatusspecies and their names before they are published. This had led to the use of malformed names that are not based on the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. Researchers are thus encouraged to proposeCandidatusnames to the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes for approval before publishing them, and only to propose new species ofBartonellawhen the relevant datasets allow them to be clearly differentiated from known species and subspecies.

Graphical Abstract
Regulation of oxytocin receptor gene expression in obsessive–compulsive disorder: a possible role for the microbiota-host epigenetic axis
Authors: D’Addario Claudio , Pucci Mariangela , Bellia Fabio , Girella Antonio , Sabatucci Annalaura , Fanti Federico , Vismara Matteo , Benatti Beatrice , Ferrara Luca , Fasciana Federica , Celebre Laura , Viganò Caterina , Elli Luca , Sergi Manuel , Maccarrone Mauro , Buzzelli Valeria , Trezza Viviana , Dell’Osso Bernardo
Published: March 2022

Background

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent and severe clinical condition. Robust evidence suggests a gene-environment interplay in its etiopathogenesis, yet the underlying molecular clues remain only partially understood. In order to further deepen our understanding of OCD, it is essential to ascertain how genes interact with environmental risk factors, a cross-talk that is thought to be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The human microbiota may be a key player, because bacterial metabolites can act as epigenetic modulators. We analyzed, in the blood and saliva of OCD subjects and healthy controls, the transcriptional regulation of the oxytocin receptor gene and, in saliva, also the different levels of major phyla. We also investigated the same molecular mechanisms in specific brain regions of socially isolated rats showing stereotyped behaviors reminiscent of OCD as well as short chain fatty acid levels in the feces of rats.

Results

Higher levels of oxytocin receptor gene DNA methylation, inversely correlated with gene expression, were observed in the blood as well as saliva of OCD subjects when compared to controls. Moreover, Actinobacteria also resulted higher in OCD and directly correlated with oxytocin receptor gene epigenetic alterations. The same pattern of changes was present in the prefrontal cortex of socially-isolated rats, where also altered levels of fecal butyrate were observed at the beginning of the isolation procedure.

Conclusions

This is the first demonstration of an interplay between microbiota modulation and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in OCD, opening new avenues for the understanding of disease trajectories and for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Rare missense mutations in ABCA7 might increase Alzheimer’s disease risk by plasma membrane exclusion
Authors: Bossaerts Liene , Hendrickx Van de Craen Elisabeth , Cacace Rita , Asselbergh Bob , Van Broeckhoven Christine
Published: March 2022

The adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette subfamily A member 7 gene (ABCA7) is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in large genome-wide association studies. Targeted sequencing of ABCA7 suggests a role for rare premature termination codon (PTC) mutations in AD, with haploinsufficiency through nonsense-mediated mRNA decay as a plausible pathogenic mechanism. Since other classes of rare variants in ABCA7 are poorly understood, we investigated the contribution and pathogenicity of rare missense, indel and splice variants in ABCA7 in Belgian AD patient and control cohorts. We identified 8.36% rare variants in the patient cohort versus 6.05% in the control cohort. For 10 missense mutations identified in the Belgian cohort we analyzed the pathogenetic effect on protein localization in vitro using immunocytochemistry. Our results demonstrate that rare ABCA7 missense mutations can contribute to AD by inducing protein mislocalization, resulting in a lack of functional protein at the plasma membrane. In one pedigree, a mislocalization-inducing missense mutation in ABCA7 (p.G1820S) co-segregated with AD in an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Brain autopsy of six patient missense mutation carriers showed typical AD neuropathological characteristics including cerebral amyloid angiopathy type 1. Also, among the rare ABCA7 missense mutations, we observed mutations that affect amino acid residues that are conserved in ABCA1 and ABCA4, of which some correspond to established ABCA1 or ABCA4 disease-causing mutations involved in Tangier or Stargardt disease.
Anal fistula metastasis of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: a case report
Authors: Fukai Shota , Tsujinaka Shingo , Miyakura Yasuyuki , Matsuzawa Natsumi , Hatsuzawa Yuuri , Maemoto Ryo , Kakizawa Nao , Rikiyama Toshiki
Published: March 2022

Background

Anal metastasis of colorectal cancer is very rare and may present synchronously or metachronously, regardless of pre-existing anal diseases. We report a case of anal fistula metastasis after completion of neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer, followed by surgical resection of the primary tumor and metastatic lesion.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with rectal cancer located 5 cm from the anal verge, with a clinical stage of cT3N0M0. He denied any medical or surgical history, and physical examination revealed no perianal disease. He underwent preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) consisting of a tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil potassium (S-1)-based regimen with 45 Gy of radiation. After completion of CRT, computed tomography (CT) revealed the primary tumor’s partial response, but a liver mass highly suggestive of metastasis was detected. This mass was later diagnosed as cavernous hemangioma 3 months after CRT initiation. He then underwent and completed six cycles of consolidation chemotherapy with a capecitabine-based regimen. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed the complete response of the primary tumor, but CT showed thickening of the edematous rectal wall. Therefore, we planned to perform low anterior resection as a radical surgery. However, he presented with persistent anal pain after the last chemotherapy, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a high-intensity mass behind the anus, suggestive of an anal fistula. We considered the differential diagnosis of a benign anal fistula or implantation metastasis into the anal fistula. Fistulectomy was performed, and a pathological diagnosis of tubular adenocarcinoma, suggestive of implantation metastasis, was made. Thereafter, we performed laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. Histopathological examination revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, ypT2N0, with a grade 2 therapeutic effect. Subsequent immunohistochemistry of the resected anal fistula showed a CDX-2-positive, CK20-positive, CK7-negative, and GCDFP-15 negative tumor, with implantation metastasis. There was no cancer recurrence 21 months after the radical surgery.

Conclusions

This is the first report of anal fistula metastasis after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer in a patient without a previous history of anal disease. If an anal fistula is suspected during or after neoadjuvant therapy, physical and radiological assessment, differential diagnosis, and surgical intervention timing for fistula must be carefully discussed.
MR volumetry in detection of brain atrophic changes in MS patients and its implication on disease prognosis: retrospective study
Authors: El Garhy Nermeen Mahmoud , El Toukhy Marwan M. , Fatouh Mona Mohammed
Published: March 2022

Background

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It may lead to disability and cognitive impairment. Our study aimed at evaluation of the role of MR volumetry technique in detection of brain atrophic changes in patients with multiple sclerosis and its impact on disease prognosis.

Results

This study was carried out on thirty healthy control with mean age 26.23 years and thirty patients with remitting relapsing multiple sclerosis, with a mean age of 28.18 years. Patients with multiple sclerosis were distributed across six subgroups based on the z-score cut-off of − 1.96 for regional and whole brain atrophy. We found that 2 patients (6.6%) showed no thalamic or brain atrophy, 28 patients (93.3%) showed whole brain atrophy only and 10 patients (33.3%) showed both, thalamic and BP atrophy. No patients showed only thalamic atrohy, 4 patients showed whole brain atrophy with other structure atrophy rather than thalamus (13.3%), 10 patients with whole brain and more than one structure atrophy (33.3%). Relation between subgroups and degree of increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as well as presence of cognitive decline were assessed. No significant relation were found between RRMS patients subgroups with whole brain atrophy, subgroup with isolated thalamic atrophy or subgroup with multiple structure atrophy and increase of EDSS or cognitive decline.

Conclusion

We found that MRI volumetry is a very useful technique in the assessment of the atrophic changes that occur as a consequence of multiple sclerosis affecting the whole brain, deep grey matter as well as corpus callosum. Although our study did not prove significant relation between presence of brain atrophic changes and disability or cognitive impairment, presence of atrophy warrants careful clinical evaluation of those patients to detect any possible further progression of disability or cognitive decline.
Proposed New Dynamic Prognostic Index for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: International Metabolic Prognostic Index
Authors: Mikhaeel N. George , Heymans Martijn W. , Eertink Jakoba J. , de Vet Henrica C.W. , Boellaard Ronald , Dührsen Ulrich , Ceriani Luca , Schmitz Christine , Wiegers Sanne E. , Hüttmann Andreas , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Zucca Emanuele , Zwezerijnen Gerben J.C. , Hoekstra Otto S. , Zijlstra Josée M. , Barrington Sally F.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Baseline metabolic tumor volume (MTV) is a promising biomarker in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Our aims were to determine the best statistical relationship between MTV and survival and to compare MTV with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and its individual components to derive the best prognostic model.

METHODS

PET scans and clinical data were included from five published studies in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Transformations of MTV were compared with the primary end points of 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) to derive the best relationship for further analyses. MTV was compared with IPI categories and individual components to derive the best model. Patients were grouped into three groups for survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier analysis; 10% at highest risk, 30% intermediate risk, and 60% lowest risk, corresponding with expected clinical outcome. Validation of the best model was performed using four studies as a test set and the fifth study for validation and repeated five times.

RESULTS

The best relationship for MTV and survival was a linear spline model with one knot located at the median MTV value of 307.9 cm3. MTV was a better predictor than IPI for PFS and OS. The best model combined MTV with age as continuous variables and individual stage as I-IV. The MTV-age-stage model performed better than IPI and was also better at defining a high-risk group (3-year PFS 46.3% v 58.0% and 3-year OS 51.5% v 66.4% for the new model and IPI, respectively). A regression formula was derived to estimate individual patient survival probabilities.

CONCLUSION

A new prognostic index is proposed using MTV, age, and stage, which outperforms IPI and enables individualized estimates of patient outcome.
The 64Zn-based production route to 64Cu β
± emitter using accelerator-driven 14 MeV fusion neutrons
Authors: Capogni Marco , Capone Mauro , Colangeli Andrea , Dellepiane Gaia , Fazio Aldo , Frisoni Manuela , Pillon Mario , Pietropaolo Antonino
Published: March 2022

The development of personalized medicine is important to avoid unnecessary and expensive treatments. The theranostic approach is an established tool for specific molecular targeting, both for diagnostics and therapy. Radionuclides used for theranostic radiopharmaceuticals are typically produced in nuclear fission reactors or bio-medical cyclotrons. Here, an alternative route for producing an emerging theranostic radionuclide, namely 64Cu, is investigated by using 14 MeV fusion neutrons produced by the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) at the ENEA Frascati Research Centre. Samples of zinc (natural and 64Zn-enriched) were irradiated and characterized, in turn being measured at high-level metrological conditions, at the Radioactivity Laboratory of ENEA-INMRI located in Casaccia Research Centre. The results achieved in the experiments are presented and compared to those obtained by Monte Carlo simulations and previously published experimental data.
Fetal Exposure to Cannabis and Childhood Metabolic Outcomes: The Healthy Start Study
Authors: Moore Brianna F , Sauder Katherine A , Shapiro Allison L B , Crume Tessa , Kinney Gregory L , Dabelea Dana
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of fetal exposure to cannabis on adiposity and glucose-insulin traits in early life.

Research Design and Methods

We leveraged a subsample of 103 mother-child pairs from Healthy Start, an ethnically diverse Colorado-based cohort. Twelve cannabinoids/metabolites of cannabis (including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol) were measured in maternal urine collected at ~27 weeks’ gestation. Fetal exposure to cannabis was dichotomized as exposed (any cannabinoid > limit of detection [LOD]) and not exposed (all cannabinoids < LOD). Fat mass and fat-free mass were measured via air displacement plethysmography at follow-up (mean age: 4.7 years). Glucose and insulin were obtained after an overnight fast. Generalized linear models estimated the associations between fetal exposure to cannabis with adiposity measures (fat mass [kg], fat-free mass [kg], adiposity [fat mass percentage], body mass index [BMI], and BMI z-scores) and metabolic measures (glucose [mg/dL], insulin [uIU/mL], and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]).

Results

Approximately 15% of the women had detectable levels of any cannabinoid, indicating fetal exposure to cannabis. Exposed offspring had higher fat mass (1.0 kg; 95% CI, 0.3-1.7), fat-free mass (1.2 kg; 95% CI, 0.4-2.0), adiposity (2.6%; 95% CI, 0.1-5.2), and fasting glucose (5.6 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.8-10.3) compared with nonexposed offspring. No associations were found with fasting insulin (in the fully adjusted model), HOMA-IR, BMI, or BMI z-scores.

Conclusions

We provide novel evidence to suggest an association between fetal exposure to cannabis with increased adiposity and fasting glucose in childhood, a finding that should be validated in other cohorts.
Altered Lipid Metabolism in Obese Women With Gestational Diabetes and Associations With Offspring Adiposity
Authors: Furse Samuel , Koulman Albert , Ozanne Susan E , Poston Lucilla , White Sara L , Meek Claire L
Published: March 2022

Context

Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects 20 million women/year worldwide and is associated with childhood obesity. Infants of affected mothers have increased adiposity from birth, which leads to obesity in later life. However, it remains unknown whether the effect of GDM upon neonatal body composition is due to hyperglycemia alone or is mediated by other pathways.

Objective

To investigate plasma lipid profiles in obese women according to GDM diagnosis, infant birthweight percentiles, and adiposity.

Design

Prospective cohort from UPBEAT trial (ISRCTN 89971375).

Setting

Hospital and community.

Patients

867 obese pregnant women recruited in early pregnancy, assessed at 28 weeks for GDM. Offspring anthropometry was assessed at birth.

Outcome (Prespecified)

Neonatal birth percentile and abdominal circumference.

Methods

Lipidomic profiling in the fasting plasma oral glucose tolerance test sample using direct infusion mass spectrometry. Analysis included logistic/linear regression, unadjusted and adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, parity, ethnicity, UPBEAT trial arm, and fetal sex. The limit of significance was P = 0.05 for offspring anthropometry and P = 0.002 for lipidomic data.

Results

GDM in obese women was associated with elevated plasma concentrations of specific diglycerides [DG(32:0)] and triglycerides [TG(48:0), (50:1), (50:2)] containing fatty acids (16:0), (16:1), (18:0), and (18:1), consistent with increased de novo lipogenesis. In the whole cohort, these species were associated with birthweight percentile and neonatal abdominal circumference. Effects upon infant abdominal circumference remained significant after adjustment for maternal glycemia.

Conclusions

Increased de novo lipogenesis-related species in pregnant women with obesity and GDM are associated with measures of offspring adiposity and may be a target for improving lifelong health.
The mechanical forces that shape our senses
Authors: Phuong Le Anh , Kim Jin , Koehler Karl R.
Published: March 2022

Developing organs are shaped, in part, by physical interaction with their environment in the embryo. In recent years, technical advances in live-cell imaging and material science have greatly expanded our understanding of the mechanical forces driving organ formation. Here, we provide a broad overview of the types of forces generated during embryonic development and then focus on a subset of organs underlying our senses: the eyes, inner ears, nose and skin. The epithelia in these organs emerge from a common origin: the ectoderm germ layer; yet, they arrive at unique and complex forms over developmental time. We discuss exciting recent animal studies that show a crucial role for mechanical forces in, for example, the thickening of sensory placodes, the coiling of the cochlea and the lengthening of hair. Finally, we discuss how microfabricated organoid systems can now provide unprecedented insights into the physical principles of human development.
Self-Persuasion: Evidence from Field Experiments at International Debating Competitions
Authors: Schwardmann Peter , Tripodi Egon , van der Weele Joël J.
Published: March 2022

Laboratory evidence shows that when people have to argue for a given position, they persuade themselves about the position’s factual and moral superiority. Such self-persuasion limits the potential of communication to resolve conflict and reduce polarization. We test for this phenomenon in a field setting, at international debating competitions that randomly assign experienced and motivated debaters to argue one side of a topical motion. We find self-persuasion in factual beliefs and confidence in one’s position. Effect sizes are smaller than in the laboratory, but robust to a one-hour exchange of arguments and a tenfold increase in incentives for accuracy. (JEL C93, D12, D72, D83, D91, I23)
Does Context Outweigh Individual Characteristics in Driving Voting Behavior? Evidence from Relocations within the United States
Authors: Cantoni Enrico , Pons Vincent
Published: March 2022

We measure the overall influence of contextual versus individual factors (e.g., voting rules and media as opposed to race and education) on voter behavior, and explore underlying mechanisms. Using a US-wide voter-level panel, 2008–2018, we examine voters who relocate across state and county lines, tracking changes in registration, turnout, and party affiliation to estimate location and individual fixed effects in a value-added model. Location explains 37 percent of the cross-state variation in turnout (to 63 percent for individual characteristics) and an only slightly smaller share of variation in party affiliation. Place effects are larger for young and White voters. (JEL D12, D72, I20, J15, L82, R23)
Incidental vascular findings on brain magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Rutman Aaron M , Wangaryattawanich Pattana , Aksakal Mehmet , Mossa-Basha Mahmud
Published: March 2022

Given the ever-increasing utilization of magnetic resonance angiography, incidental vascular findings are increasingly discovered on exams performed for unconnected indications. Some incidental lesions represent pathology and require further intervention and surveillance, such as aneurysm, certain vascular malformations, and arterial stenoses or occlusions. Others are benign or represent normal anatomic variation, and may warrant description, but not further work-up. This review describes the most commonly encountered incidental findings on magnetic resonance angiography, their prevalence, clinical implications, and any available management recommendations.
Cone beam CT angiography-guided direct puncture embolization for treatment of vascular anomalies in the head and neck region
Authors: Sidipratomo Prijo , Pandelaki Jacub , Ramandika Heltara , Prasetyono Theddeus OH , Lee Jongmin
Published: March 2022

The use of angiography combined with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in interventional radiology and endovascular surgery is beneficial. The combination of CBCT with digital subtraction angiography resulted in a detailed vascular map and its surrounding structures. This paper presents cases of vascular anomalies outside the skull, including malformations and hypervascular tumors, specifically in the head and neck region, which were managed with direct puncture embolization under CBCT guidance. CBCT could facilitate the visualization and identification of the precise puncture site of targeting vessels. No complications were observed in all cases.
Skłonności polityczne czcionek. Słów kilka o kampaniach prezydenckich w Stanach Zjednoczonych Ameryki
Authors: Seroka Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

O czcionkach zazwyczaj myślimy w kontekście utylitarnym lub estetycznym, jednakże nie od dzisiaj wiadomo również o politycznych reperkusjach decyzji typograficznych. Krój stanowi wizualną formę języka, przez co nieuniknione są jego konotacje z polityką. Artykuł ma na celu zaprezentowanie roli typografii w polityce, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem kampanii prezydenckich w Stanach Zjednoczonych Ameryki. W tekście odwołano się do okresu od lat 30. XX wieku do współczesności.
A tale behind Mum Effect
Authors: Ramingwong Sakgasit , Ramingwong Lachana
Published: March 2022

Mum effect is a situation when one or more project stakeholders decide to withhold critical information for particular reasons. In software project where most of the production is intangible, the seriousness of this challenge increases exponentially. There have been reports indicating that mum effect can surface during any phase of development and ultimately lead to disaster in software projects. Mum effect can be influenced by several factors such as organizational and national cultures. This research investigates potential mum effect scenarios and reveals specific reasons which induce this challenge among information technology practitioners.
Social relationships in IT project teams: its role, complexity and the management thereof
Authors: Leonard Awie , Zyl Dawie van
Published: March 2022

Compared to other projects, information technology (IT) projects, characterized by emergency and uncertainty, are unique. To implement an IT project successfully, many aspects need to be monitored and carefully controlled and managed. One such aspect is social relationships. All IT professionals are exposed to, and in many cases involved, in the phenomenon of social relationships. These relationships are used by software project team members for personal as well as professional purposes. In most cases the impact of these relationships on the success or failure of any given IT project is ignored by IT management. Little attention is given thereto in the literature and this paper attempts to make a contribution in terms of giving a broad perspective of the complexity, the impact, as well as the management of such relationships. This paper demonstrates that these relationships play a significant role and should be managed in such a way that the team members and the project as a whole can reap the benefits thereof. A conceptual framework is proposed for the management of these relationships.
The ERP post-implementation stage: a knowledge transfer challenge
Authors: Goyette Sylvain , Cassivi Luc , Courchesne Mathieu , Elia Elie
Published: March 2022

This paper examines the knowledge transfer process in ERP post-implementation projects, and specifically between the ERP project teams and the IT support team. Case studies were conducted in three large organizations and data was collected via semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and graphical representations were used to analyze knowledge transfer processes for each case and a cross-case analysis was performed. Results from this exploratory study shed light on the relation between the ERP evolution structure and the use of knowledge transfer mechanisms based on different types of knowledge (functional and technical). This paper highlights the necessity of relying on both formal and informal knowledge transfer mechanisms to cover recurring and ad hoc exchanges between the different stakeholders responsible for the evolution of an ERP. The paper also highlights the impact of the ERP integrator and its different inclusion strategies that are critical for the knowledge being shared by the ERP project stakeholders.
Information system conflicts: causes and types
Authors: Boonstra Albert , Vries Jan de
Published: March 2022

Conflicts are an inherent part of organizational life and managers deal with confrontations and conflicts on an almost daily basis. Information Systems (IS) implementations are a type of change that often leads to open or hidden conflicts. Managers and others involved can only deal with such conflicts effectively if they understand the nature and causes of information system conflicts (IS conflicts). To contribute to such an understanding, this study focuses on the analysis of IS conflicts. In so doing, it aims to identify various types of IS conflicts and to develop a framework that can be helpful in assessing these conflicts. To this end, we have conducted a meta-ethnographic study – that is, we synthesized earlier case studies in which IS conflicts are described. We purposefully selected 11 descriptions of IS conflicts and we analyzed the topics, contexts, and processes of these conflicts. Based on this analysis, we propose a two-dimensional framework of IS conflicts that leads to a categorization involving four IS conflict types: task; implementation process; structure; and value conflicts. Based on the conflicts that were studied, this paper also reveals that, in reality, many IS conflicts have a hybrid form and develop from one type to another over time.
Developing and enforcing internal information systems standards: InduMaker’s Standards Management Process
Authors: Loebbecke Claudia , Thomas Bernhard
Published: March 2022

It is widely agreed that standards provide numerous benefits when available and enforced. Company-internal Information Systems (IS) management procedures and solutions, in the following coined IS ‘standards’, allow for harmonizing operations between company units, locations and even different service providers. However, many companies lack an organized process for defining and managing internal IS standards, which causes uncertainties and delays in decision making, planning, and design processes. In this case study of the globally operating InduMaker (anonymized company name), an established manufacturing supplier, we look into the company-internal management of IS standards. Theoretically grounded in the organizational and IS-focused literature on business process modelling and business process commoditization, we describe and investigate InduMaker’s newly developed Standard Management Process (SMP) for defining and managing company-internal business and IS standards, with which the multinational pursues offering clear answers to business and IT departments about existing IS standards, their degree of obligation, applicability, and scope at any time.
Exploring the relationship between sustainability and project success - conceptual model and expected relationships
Authors: Silvius A.J. Gilbert , Schipper Ron
Published: March 2022

Sustainability is one of the most important challenges of our time. Companies are integrating sustainability in their marketing, communication and their actions. Sustainability has more recently also been linked to project management. The logic behind this link is that sustainability needs change and projects are realizing change. Several studies explored how the concept of sustainability impact project management. The research project reported in this paper elaborates on these works by studying how sustainability affects project success. Project managers, logically, strive for project success and considering sustainability may influence this success. Based upon a review of relevant literature, the paper develops a conceptual model that provides a more detailed understanding of how considering different dimensions of sustainability may affect the individual criteria of project success. The study also provides a conceptual mapping of the different relationships between dimensions of sustainability and criteria of project success. This mapping shows that the most positive relationships are expected for the relationship between sustainability and the success criteria stakeholder satisfaction, future readiness and controlled project execution. The expected relationship between considering sustainability and completing the project on schedule and within budget is uncertain.
A process framework for information security management
Authors: Haufe Knut , Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Dzombeta Srdan , Brandis Knud , Stantchev Vladimir
Published: March 2022

Securing sensitive organizational data has become increasingly vital to organizations. An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a systematic approach for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving an organization's information security. Key elements of the operation of an ISMS are ISMS processes. However, and in spite of its importance, an ISMS process framework with a description of ISMS processes and their interaction as well as the interaction with other management processes is not available in the literature. Cost benefit analysis of information security investments regarding single measures protecting information and ISMS processes are not in the focus of current research, mostly focused on economics. This article aims to fill this research gap by proposing such an ISMS process framework as the main contribution. It is based on a set of agreed upon ISMS processes in existing standards like ISO 27000 series, COBIT and ITIL. Within the framework, identified processes are described and their interaction and interfaces are specified. This framework helps to focus on the operation of the ISMS, instead of focusing on measures and controls. By this, as a main finding, the systemic character of the ISMS consisting of processes and the perception of relevant roles of the ISMS is strengthened.
Formal approach to modeling of modern information systems
Authors: Molnár Bálint , Benczúr András , Béleczki András
Published: March 2022

Most recently, the concept of business documents has started to play double role. On one hand, a business document (word processing text or calculation sheet) can be used as specification tool, on the other hand the business document is an immanent constituent of business processes, thereby essential component of business information systems. The recent tendency is that the majority of documents and their contents within business information systems remain in semi-structured format and a lesser part of documents is transformed into schemas of structured databases. In order to keep the emerging situation in hand, we suggest the creation (1) a theoretical framework for modeling business Information Systems and (2) a design method for practical application based on the theoretical model that provides the structuring principles. The modeling approach that focuses on documents and their interrelationships with business processes assists in perceiving the activities of modern information systems.
BPFlexTemplate: A Business Process template generation tool based on similarity and flexibility
Authors: Ilahi Latifa , Ghannouchi Sonia Ayachi , Martinho Ricardo
Published: March 2022

In large organizations with multiple organizational units, process variants emerge due to many aspects, including local management policies, resources or socio-technical limitations. Organizations then struggle to improve a business process which has no longer a single process model to redesign, implement and adjust. In this paper, we propose an approach to tackle these two challenges: decrease the proliferation of process variants in these organizations, and foresee, at the same time, the need of having flexible business processes that allow for a certain degree of adjustment. To validate our approach, we first conducted case studies where we collected six real-world business process variants from two organizational units of the same healthcare organization. We then proposed an algorithm to derive a template process model from all the variants, which includes common and flexible process elements. We implemented our approach in a software tool called BPFlexTemplate, and tested it with the elicited variants.
Using BPMN to model Internet of Things behavior within business process
Authors: Domingos Dulce , Martins Francisco
Published: March 2022

Whereas, traditionally, business processes use the Internet of Things (IoTs) as a distributed source of information, the increase of computational capabilities of IoT devices provides them with the means to also execute parts of the business logic, reducing the amount of exchanged data and central processing. Current approaches based on Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) already support modelers to define both business processes and IoT devices behavior at the same level of abstraction. However, they are not restricted to standard BPMN elements and they generate IoT device specific low-level code. The work we present in this paper exclusivelly uses standard BPMN to define central as well as IoT behavior of business processes. In addition, the BPMN that defines the IoT behavior is translated to a neutral-platform programming code. The deployment and execution environments use Web services to support the communication between the process execution engine and IoT devices.
Digital Multisided Platforms and Women’s Health: An Empirical Analysis of Peer-to-Peer Lending and Abortion Rates
Authors: Ozer Gorkem Turgut , Greenwood Brad N. , Gopal Anandasivam
Published: March 2022

Access to short-term capital remains a pressing problem for many people, especially those facing medical emergencies or needing immediate care. Peer-to-peer lending platforms have the ability to resolve these capital constraints by providing access to small to medium sums of money in an environment that is private and protective of personal information. In this study, we consider how the introduction of P2P lending platforms, and the resulting access to capital, influences local abortion rates, a medical procedure characterized by significant financial barriers and social stigma. We find that the entry of the P2P platform LendingClub is associated with an increase in the rate at which women choose to not carry to term. We argue that the availability of capital through these platforms, when combined with privacy protections, is able to reduce the financial barriers women face when accessing abortion services. This observed effect is stronger in more religious areas and areas with lower levels of education, indicating that social frictions and stigma may be higher in these areas, and also showing where providing an additional channel for funding is more influential.
Prevent or Report? Managing Near Misses for Safer Operations
Authors: Bakshi Nitin , Peura Heikki
Published: March 2022

Problem Definition: Firms can reduce the risk of rare disasters by accounting for more frequent near misses: precursor events that could have escalated to a disaster but did not. Investigating a near miss reveals its root cause, allowing the firm to improve process safety and reduce disaster risk. A managing firm, however, usually does not directly observe the occurrence of a near miss but instead relies on the report of an agent (an employee or contractor) who is also responsible for precautionary measures that prevent such incidents. This paper explains why near-miss reporting may not take place in such a decentralized setting. Academic/practical relevance: Literature and practitioners have acknowledged the crucial role of near-miss reports in improving process safety. Nevertheless, even at sophisticated and experienced organizations, disaster inquiries invariably uncover a history of unreported or ignored near misses preceding an accident. We provide an explanation for this persistent phenomenon based on rational economic incentives. Methodology: We examine the firm’s problem through a dynamic principal-agent model that captures the agent’s potential for under-reporting near misses along with moral hazard related to their precautionary effort. Results: We find that the firm may fail to capitalize on near miss information because of conflicting incentives. For instance, the agent may be unwilling to report near misses because the resulting safety improvements hurt them financially. This happens because safety improvements replace the need for the agent’s precautionary effort, thereby lowering moral hazard and allowing the firm to extract more rent from the agent. However, even when the agent is willing to report near misses, we find that the firm may choose not to record them, opting instead to create stronger incentives for precaution. In both scenarios, the firm forgoes opportunities for process-safety improvement and instead focuses on existing precautionary measures. Managerial implications: Our findings highlight the challenges in providing incentives for both reporting and precautionary measures that can result in a failure to leverage near miss information. We examine remedies that alleviate these issues and increase reporting in both voluntary and mandatory reporting environments.
MODERNIZAÇÃO DEPENDENTE E A PANDEMIA DO COVID-19: reflexões sobre ensino presencial e não presencial
Authors: Silva Sérgio Rafael Barbosa
Published: March 2022

Entendemos que a pandemia do Covid-19 contribuiu para inaugurar um novo capítulo na organização do sistema educacional brasileiro colocando em pauta a mescla de ensino presencial e não presencial. Desse modo, a partir da implantação do ensino remoto na rede municipal de educação de Niterói, recorremos a contribuição de Florestan Fernandes para pensar que o ensino não presencial pode ser problematizado por meio da ideia de modernização dependente. Nesse sentido, descrevemos aspectos presentes no processo de implantação do ensino remoto na rede municipal de Niterói e relatamos ideias presentes no debate sobre essa conjuntura em uma escola da rede, enfatizando o contexto da alfabetização dos alunos do primeiro ano do ensino fundamental. As iniciativas que foram tomadas para reorganizar o ano escolar de 2020 durante a pandemia, na referida rede de ensino, representam um passo a mais na incorporação das práticas educativas dos professores do país ao ambiente virtual e sociocultural de plataformas educacionais criadas pelos países hegemônicos.
A EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL PARA ALÉM DA ESCOLARIZAÇÃO PRECOCE: uma revisão sobre o tempo-espaço na escola a partir da inserção de livros didáticos
Authors: Pedro Vivian Ventura Tomé , Correa Cíntia Chung Marques
Published: March 2022

O presente estudo, por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental - focada em leis e documentos nacionais que regulam a Educação Infantil, a partir de 1996 – tem como principal objetivo questionar o foco na escolarização precoce dos alunos da Educação Infantil, principalmente na faixa-etária de 5 anos, a partir da inserção de livros didáticos voltados para esta etapa. Para tanto, com o intuito de exemplificar a temática desenvolvida na pesquisa, coloca-se em evidência uma ação do governo de inserir livros didáticos na educação infantil. Assim, questiona-se o tempo presente a partir de instrumentos de análise que permitem tensionar as práticas pedagógicas instituídas na fase final da Educação Infantil. Contudo, as considerações apontadas na pesquisa convergem para a necessidade de maior aprofundamento na temática sobre os efeitos do uso do livro didático e de práticas voltadas para a antecipação de conteúdos em classes de educação infantil, no sentido de avaliar de que forma a qualidade do tempo-espaço oferecida às crianças na escola poderá ser afetada.