bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of replication clamp-loader protein HolC ofEscherichia coli in overcoming replication / transcription conflicts
Authors: Cooper Deani L. , Harada Taku , Tamazi Samia , Ferrazzoli Alexander E. , Lovett Susan T.
Published: December 2020

InEscherichia coli,DNA replication is catalyzed by an assembly of proteins, the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. This complex includes the polymerase and proofreading subunits as well as the processivity clamp and clamp loader complex. TheholCgene encodes an accessory protein (known as x) to the core clamp loader complex and is the only protein of the holoenzyme that binds to single-strand DNA binding protein, SSB. HolC is not essential for viability although mutants show growth impairment, genetic instability and sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. In this study, to elucidate the role of HolC in replication, we isolate spontaneous suppressor mutants in aholCΔstrain and identify these by whole genome sequencing. Some suppressors are alleles of RNA polymerase, suggesting that transcription is problematic forholCmutant strains orsspA,stringent starvation protein. Using a conditionalholCplasmid, we examine factors affecting transcription elongation and termination for synergistic or suppressive effects onholCmutant phenotypes. Alleles of RpoA (α), RpoB (β) and RpoC (β’) RNA polymerase holoenzyme can partially suppress loss of HolC. In contrast, mutations in transcription factors DksA and NusA enhanced the inviability ofholCmutants. Mfd had no effect nor did elongation factors GreA and GreB. HolC mutants showed enhanced sensitivity to bicyclomycin, a specific inhibitor of Rho-dependent termination. Bicyclomycin also reverses suppression ofholCbyrpoA rpoCandsspA.These results are consistent with the hypothesis that transcription complexes block replication inholCmutants and Rho-dependent transcriptional termination and DksA function are particularly important to sustain viability and chromosome integrity.

IMPORTANCE

Transcription elongation complexes present an impediment to DNA replication. We provide evidence that one component of the replication clamp loader complex, HolC, ofE. coliis required to overcome these blocks. This genetic study of transcription factor effects onholCgrowth defects implicates Rho-dependent transcriptional termination and DksA function as critical. It also implicates, for the first time, a role of SspA, stringent starvation protein, in avoidance or tolerance of replication/replication conflicts. We speculate that HolC helps resolve codirectional collisions between replication and transcription complexes, which become toxic in HolC’s absence.
pyActigraphy: open-source python package for actigraphy data visualisation and analysis
Authors: Hammad Grégory , Reyt Mathilde , Beliy Nikita , Baillet Marion , Deantoni Michele , Lesoinne Alexia , Muto Vincenzo , Schmidt Christina
Published: December 2020

Over the past 40 years, actigraphy has been used to study rest-activity patterns in circadian rhythm and sleep research. Furthermore, considering its simplicity of use, there is a growing interest in the analysis of large population-based samples, using actigraphy. Here, we introducepyActigraphy, a comprehensive toolbox for data visualization and analysis including multiple sleep detection algorithms and rest-activity rhythm variables. This open-source python package implements methods to read multiple data formats, quantify various properties of rest-activity rhythms, visualize sleep agendas, automatically detect rest periods and perform more advanced signal processing analyses. The development of this package aims to pave the way towards the establishment of a comprehensive open-source software suite, supported by a community of both developers and researchers, that would provide all the necessary tools for in-depth and large scale actigraphy data analyses.

Required Metadata

Current code version
Gene expression imputation and cell-type deconvolution in human brain with spatiotemporal precision and its implications for brain-related disorders
Authors: Pei Guangsheng , Wang Yin-Ying , Simon Lukas M. , Dai Yulin , Zhao Zhongming , Jia Peilin
Published: December 2020

As the most complex organ of the human body, the brain is composed of diverse regions, each consisting of distinct cell types and their respective cellular interactions. Human brain development involves a finely tuned cascade of interactive events. These include spatiotemporal gene expression changes and dynamic alterations in cell-type composition. However, our understanding of this process is still largely incomplete owing to the difficulty of brain spatiotemporal transcriptome collection. In this study, we developed a tensor-based approach to impute gene expression on a transcriptome-wide level. After rigorous computational benchmarking, we applied our approach to infer missing data points in the widely used BrainSpan resource and completed the entire grid of spatiotemporal transcriptomics. Next, we conducted deconvolutional analyses to comprehensively characterize major cell-type dynamics across the entire BrainSpan resource to estimate the cellular temporal changes and distinct neocortical areas across development. Moreover, integration of these results with GWAS summary statistics for 13 brain-associated traits revealed multiple novel trait–cell-type associations and trait-spatiotemporal relationships. In summary, our imputed BrainSpan transcriptomic data provide a valuable resource for the research community and our findings help further studies of the transcriptional and cellular dynamics of the human brain and related diseases.
The analysis of influencing factors on the going concern audit opinion – a study in manufacturing firms in Indonesia
Authors: Averio Thomas
Published: December 2020

Purpose

It is argued that the going concern opinion is issued if auditors have a doubt about financial condition of a company. Provision of the going concern audit opinion may worsen the company in terms of gaining public trust and may even indicate bankruptcy. This study aims to determine the factors that affect the auditor's going concern opinion.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used secondary data obtained from annual reports and independent audit reports published by the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The population of this research included manufacturing firms registered in the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2019. The sample after the purposive sampling technique being applied consisted of 33 companies. The data were analyzed using logistic regression performed in the statistical analysis software, SPSS 24.0.

Findings

The results indicated that leverage positively affected the going concern audit opinion, then the audit quality, profitability and liquidity negatively affected the going concern audit opinion, whereas firm size and audit lag did not affect the going concern audit opinion.

Originality/value

This study is in contrast to several existing studies on the determinants of the auditor's going concern opinion and provides knowledge on developing more factors affecting the auditor's going concern opinion.
The thematic landscape of literature on supply chain management in India: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sahu Srichandan , Rao K.V.S.S. Narayana
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To assess the state of supply chain management (SCM) research in India and to understand the research trends and methodologies used. The present study also aims to create a taxonomy of the subject areas researched in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employed the systematic literature review methodology. Literature from 395 peer journal papers in 67 leading journals over a 20-year period (2000–2020 Quarter-1) was comprehensively reviewed and assessed.

Findings

SCM research in India started around the year 2000. The quantum of research was low (single digit) until 2010. There has been steady growth over the last decade, and over 50% of the total papers up until now has been published in the last four years. The present study created a three-tiered taxonomy of the subject areas and classified the papers as per it. The first tier (level-1) has seven categories (SCM strategy, network design, SCM processes and integration, IT systems, skills, performance measurement and others). A perusal of the newly created taxonomy revealed that, except for a few areas under level-1 categories (such as SCM processes and SCM strategy), the other level-1 categories have not seen much research. Similarly, there is little or no research in a large number of level-2 categories (such as outsourcing strategy, channel strategy, demand management, demand fulfillment, customer relationship management, integrated supply chain planning, new product development, returns, supply chain orientation, performance monitoring, performance improvement, SCM adoption process, SCM implementation issues and quantified benefits of SCM). Methodologically, the rigor of SCM research in India needs improvement.

Originality/value

A comprehensive taxonomy of SCM subject areas researched in India at three cascading levels was created for the first time in the present study. The taxonomy will help provide researchers with a clear understanding of the structure of the subject areas and help in identifying areas where research has been carried out and the subject areas where gaps exist for future research to proceed. The present study also provides an overview of the methodological rigor of SCM research in India and points out some of the limitations that researchers should avoid in future studies.
Zerodha - A Success Story(A)
Authors: Garg Archit , Gupta Aashish , Maheshwari Garima , Sinha Ankur , Sugathan Anish
Published: December 2020

Technology has come a long way in the financial industry since the days of hard share certificates. The industry has been evolving at a very fast pace and today almost everything is online. Back in 2010, Nithin Kamath decided to set up an online brokerage platform that was capable of meeting the needs of the retail customers in the most efficient way. Efficiency for him meant both execution efficiency and cost efficiency. He was able to introduce zero commission trading to consumers and yet generate revenues through a business model never considered by the leading brokers during that time. The firm has ever since been growing based on the principle of Technology first by bringing valuable services to the customers. Interestingly, the firm has spent little on marketing and the growth has been riding on the back of customer satisfaction.
Lost (and found?) in translation: key terminology in disaster studies
Authors: Chmutina Ksenia , Sadler Neil , von Meding Jason , Abukhalaf Amer Hamad Issa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Disaster studies has emerged as an international interdisciplinary body of knowledge; however, similar to other academic disciplines, its terminology is predominantly anglophone. This paper explores the implications of translating disaster studies terminology, most often theorised in English, into other languages and back.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose six of the most commonly used (as well as debated and contested) terms that are prominent in academic, policy and public discourses: resilience, vulnerability, capacity, disaster, hazard and risk. These words were translated into 54 languages and the meanings were articulated descriptively in cases where the translation did not have exactly the same meaning as the word in English. The authors then analysed these meanings in order to understand implications of disaster scholars working between dominant and “peripheral” languages.

Findings

Findings of the study demonstrate that many of the terms so casually used in disaster studies in English do not translate easily – or at all – opening the concepts that are encoded in these terms for further interpretation. Moreover, the terms used in disaster studies are not only conceptualised in English but are also tied to an anglophone approach to research. It is important to consider the intertwined implications that the use of the terminology carries, including the creation of a “separate” language, power vs communication and linguistic imperialism.

Originality/value

Understanding of the meaning (and contestation of meaning) of these terms in English provides an insight into the power relationships between English and the other language. Given the need to translate key concepts from English into other languages, it is important to appreciate their cultural and ideological “baggage”.
Achieving data security and privacy across healthcare applications using cyber security mechanisms
Authors: Zhu Shanying , Saravanan Vijayalakshmi , Muthu BalaAnand
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Currently, in the health-care sector, information security and privacy are increasingly important issues. The improvement in information security is highlighted in adopting digital patient records based on regulation, providers’ consolidation, and the growing need to exchange information among patients, providers, and payers.

Design/methodology/approach

Big data on health care are likely to improve patient outcomes, predict epidemic outbreaks, gain valuable insights, prevent diseases, reduce health-care costs and improve analysis of the quality of life.

Findings

In this paper, the big data analytics-based cybersecurity framework has been proposed for security and privacy across health-care applications. It is vital to identify the limitations of existing solutions for future research to ensure a trustworthy big data environment. Furthermore, electronic health records (EHR) could potentially be shared by various users to increase the quality of health-care services. This leads to significant issues of privacy that need to be addressed to implement the EHR.

Originality/value

This framework combines several technical mechanisms and environmental controls and is shown to be enough to adequately pay attention to common threats to network security.
A three-dimensional computational analysis of ellipsoidal radiator with phase change
Authors: Abu-Hamdeh Nidal H. , Akbal Ömer , Öztop Hakan F. , M. Abusorrah Abdullah , Bayoumi Mohannad M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of a three-dimensional computational analysis for an elliptic-shaped cavity in a pipe under constant temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-dimensional computational solution of governing equations was performed by using finite volume method with different temperature difference.

Findings

The parafin wax was chosen as a phase change material (PCM), and melting fraction, streamlines and isotherms are formed for different time step. It is found that position B give better results than that of position A, and temperature difference effects the duration of melting of PCM.

Originality/value

The three-dimensional analysis of melting in an ellipsoidal pipe with inner pipe with higher temperature is the main originality of this work.
Universal gripper for fabrics – design, validation and integration
Authors: Ebraheem Yousef , Drean Emilie , Adolphe Dominique Charles
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to present the design, validation and integration of a universal fabric gripper. Flexible material handling is one of the most challenging problems occurring in the field of manipulator robots. Because textile products shape and properties can widely vary, each textile and each technological operation should have its own specialized gripper. The objective of the work described here is therefore to design a universal gripper able to grip and transfer every kind of textile.

Design/methodology/approach

The design objectives are the ability to handle panels of varying shapes and sizes without material deformation and/or folding, and the easy integration with commercially available manipulator robots. To answer initial requirements and increase the textile gripping reliability, we opted to combine three different gripping technologies: vacuum, intrusion and pinch.

Findings

Each system was first validated independently through static tests. The vacuum technology offers a high reliability to handle impermeable materials. The intrusion technology is reliable for the manipulation of high porosity materials, while the pinch technology shows good results for all soft fabrics when combined with the vacuum technology. Then, the limits of the new gripper in terms of gripping capacity, compressed air consumption and characteristics and limitations of the flexible material handled were put in evidence using a robot arm. An automated selection program of the gripper based on the material characteristics has also been developed and implemented.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to design a universal gripper able to grip and transfer every different kind of cut textile.
Discrimination against refugees in the Palestinian labor market
Authors: Morrar Rabeh , Rios-Avila Fernando
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the level and structure of the wage inequality between nonrefugee and refugee workers in Palestine and the extent to which such wage gap reflects any marginalization and discrimination against refugees. It also investigates how the disparities in distribution to individual worker characteristics contribute to the wage inequality in Palestine.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use both Oaxaca and Blinder (OB) (Oaxaca, 1973 and Blinder, 1973) and Fortin et al. (2011) unconditional quantile decomposition approaches to measure the size of the wage gap along with the wage distribution and to decompose the wage differences into productivity (i.e. explained or the composition effects) and wage structure effects (i.e. unexplained or discrimination effects).

Findings

Results indicate that most of the wage gap between refugees and nonrefugees is attributed to the wage structure effect (possibly explained by discrimination) against refugees in the Palestinian labor market. The wage gap between refugees and nonrefugees is not uniform throughout the wage distribution and supports the “sticky floor effect.”

Practical implications

This work introduces important policy implications for the policymakers in the Palestinian labor market. It reveals the economic and social factors, individual worker characteristics as well as labor market characteristics contribute to the wage inequality in Palestine.

Social implications

This research reveals a crucial social challenge in the Palestinian society, represented by the wage discrimination against refugees in Palestine. This is despite the denial of such discrimination from official bodies, local institutions and many other policymakers. It also captures gender inequality between men and women.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical work in Palestine that contends with a very sensitive issue in the Palestinian society, that is, the discrimination against refugees in the Palestinian labor market. Most of the existing studies have approached this issue from a humanitarian view in order to show the deterioration of social and economic situations in the refugee camps.
Supply chain sustainability: learning from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sarkis Joseph
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper, a pathway, aims to provide research guidance for investigating sustainability in supply chains in a post-COVID-19 environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Published literature, personal research experience, insights from virtual open forums and practitioner interviews inform this study.

Findings

COVID-19 pandemic events and responses are unprecedented to modern operations and supply chains. Scholars and practitioners seek to make sense of how this event will make us revisit basic scholarly notions and ontology. Sustainability implications exist. Short-term environmental sustainability gains occur, while long-term effects are still uncertain and require research. Sustainability and resilience are complements and jointly require investigation.

Research limitations/implications

The COVID-19 crisis is emerging and evolving. It is not clear whether short-term changes and responses will result in a new “normal.” Adjustment to current theories or new theoretical developments may be necessary. This pathway article only starts the conservation – many additional sustainability issues do arise and cannot be covered in one essay.

Practical implications

Organizations have faced a major shock during this crisis. Environmental sustainability practices can help organizations manage in this and future competitive contexts.

Social implications

Broad economic, operational, social and ecological-environmental sustainability implications are included – although the focus is on environmental sustainability. Emergent organizational, consumer, policy and supply chain behaviors are identified.

Originality/value

The authors take an operations and supply chain environmental sustainability perspective to COVID-19 pandemic implications; with sustainable representing the triple bottom-line dimensions of environmental, social and economic sustainability; with a special focus on environmental sustainability. Substantial open questions for investigation are identified. This paper sets the stage for research requiring rethinking of some previous tenets and ontologies.
Observations of deglobalization against globalization and impacts on global business
Authors: Kim Hag-Min , Li Ping , Lee Yea Rim
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate current deglobalization against globalization and to hypothesize reasons and drivers of deglobalization. In addition, the study suggests an empirical model to test whether deglobalization exists in the world economy. The consequences of deglobalization are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Various measures for deglobalization are introduced for monitoring the deglobalization of a country, and statistical measures are reported. The research framework for deglobalization and empirical models are suggested. The relationship between deglobalization and globalization is being modeled using three KOF globalization indexes: economic, political and societal. This study used panel data from 1970 to 2017 for developed and developing countries to determine the degree of deglobalization.

Findings

Deglobalization has been found empirically since the global financial crisis. Deglobalization is estimated by the decreasing trend of import share in a country's gross domestic product and is influenced by manufacturing imports, country's income divide and political globalization. Both economic and societal globalizations have negative influence on deglobalization. Deglobalization is more apparent in developed countries than in developing countries, and the deglobalization trend will continue in diverse formats.

Research limitations/implications

This study limits the use of few variables to test the antecedents of deglobalization. Another study can be done to extend preceding variables and estimate the consequences of deglobalization, which may segregate the globalization effect. The international business executive should understand the complexity of deglobalization and consider business benefits and risks to be encountered.

Originality/value

This study used panel data from 1970 to 2017 for developed and developing countries to determine the degree of deglobalization.
Understanding drivers and outcomes of brand attachment in mobile branded apps
Authors: Tran Trang P. , Furner Christopher P. , Albinsson Pia A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Mobile computing is an emerging trend. Building on motivational theories, brand attachment and mobile application literature, this paper tests a conceptual model with the aim to provide insights into antecedents and outcomes of consumer brand attachment in a mobile app context.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is developed in which antecedents and outcomes of brand attachment in a branded mobile app context are examined. Data collected from 228 mobile app users were analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

The results confirm that hedonic motivation is positively associated with brand attachment. Nevertheless, the effects of utilitarian motivation and social motivation on brand attachment are not supported. As anticipated, brand attachment is positively associated with three outcomes, including continuance intention, purchase intention and word-of-mouth communication.

Originality/value

The paper extends the Mobile Application Stickiness paradigm by including brand characteristics, which had not previously been explored. Also, in terms of attachment in a mobile context, only affection has been explored; this study includes connection and passion to investigate how those components enhance desired outcomes.
Academic burnout and student engagement: a moderated mediation model of internal locus of control and loneliness
Authors: Singh Lata Bajpai , Kumar Alok , Srivastava Shalini
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the relationship between academic burnout-student engagement relationships on management students of the Delhi-NCR region of Northern India. It further attempts to study the moderating impact of internal locus of control and mediating impact of loneliness on the academic burnout-student engagement relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected using standardized instruments from 264 respondents. Descriptive statistics, correlation and moderated-mediated regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study found a negative association between student engagement and academic burnout and loneliness. A positive association between academic burnout and loneliness and a moderating impact of internal locus of control on academic burnout and student engagement relationship. Loneliness acted as a partial mediator for the moderated relationship between the academic burnout-student engagement relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size and sampling units are the limitations of the study.

Practical implications

The conclusion of the presented study offers different inferences including validating the self-determination theory (Ryan and Deci, 2000) and possible courses of actions to be taken by academic institutions and students themselves. It ranges from careful investigation of student’s behaviors, design and implements collaborative projects along with student’s involvement in social networking based groups for collaborations and help.

Social implications

With the help of the study, the society including parents, family, friends, officials and academicians at educational institutions can offer useful insights to students through recreational and social activities for behavior modifications.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the study is to understand the psyche of the budding professionals perceiving increased stress and pressure. Limited studies are found in the Indian context and no studies in the past have used the study variables together. Internal locus of control as a personality variable has not been studied with respect to student’s burnout and engagement. Furthermore, none of the studies done in the past have deliberated upon loneliness with respect to the student community.
Tutor and international student perspectives on an action research project: use of a business strategy simulation with mixed nationality cohorts
Authors: Kerridge Clive R. , Simpson Colin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present the results of a curriculum design intervention, which was undertaken to address the inhibitors and enablers facing international (mainly Chinese) students on a capstone undergraduate strategic management module at a UK university business school.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an action research approach, the pre-intervention phase identified two main concerns: low levels of student engagement and avoidance of generic academic and language support. The module was subsequently redesigned around a group-based strategic business simulation (requiring collaborative participation of all students), with embedded language and academic support, plus the involvement of bilingual teaching staff.

Findings

Post-intervention results from the four-year study indicated enhanced academic engagement of international students and a narrowing of the performance (grade) gap between domestic and international students.

Practical implications

Overall findings should provide strong support for the inclusion of active learning pedagogies in undergraduate business course deliveries, also complementing educational literature that advocates the effectiveness of constructivist pedagogies in mixed-nationality classrooms.

Originality/value

This study exemplifies a form of participatory action research. The juxtaposition of comments from support and specialist tutors, along with those of students, highlights the validity of views from each stakeholder group.
Negotiation of needs towards halal talents sustainability
Authors: Abdul Rahim Norhayati Rafida , Abdullah Ismail , Yahya Noor Azrina , Awang Muhammad Nizam , Muhammad Siti Zubaidah , Ahmad Sabri Safiyyah , Ahmad Norfaizah Nadhrah
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the negotiation parameters of needs for Halal talents in Malaysia and proffer solutions on the sustainability of halal talents in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group discussion was performed among seven Halal talents from the industries of various schemes. Using the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) analysis approach, a functional model, as well as causes and effect analysis, is generated by the participants. The model is translated into a contradiction matrix to obtain the necessary solutions in developing a sustainable framework for Halal Talents in Malaysia.

Findings

The cause-and-effect analysis reveals that poor career path, lack of training and poor salary structure are experienced by the participants.

Research limitations/implications

Having had vast categories of halal industries, this research focuses on nine schemes under halal certification JAKIM which excludes banking and tourism.

Practical implications

It is suggested that the implementation of mutual benefits should be in place to enhance positivism among Halal talents in the near future.

Originality/value

Unlike the social science approach, the use of TRIZ analysis provides a substantial framework of sustainability among halal talents in Malaysia.
Environmental drivers of plankton protist communities along latitudinal and vertical gradients in the oldest and deepest freshwater lake
Authors: David Gwendoline M. , Moreira David , Reboul Guillaume , Annenkova Nataliia V. , Galindo Luis J. , Bertolino Paola , López‐Archilla Ana I. , Jardillier Ludwig , López‐García Purificación
Published: December 2020

Identifying which abiotic and biotic factors determine microbial community assembly is crucial to understand ecological processes and predict how communities will respond to environmental change. While global surveys aim at addressing this question in the world's oceans, equivalent studies in large freshwater systems are virtually lacking. Being the oldest, deepest and most voluminous freshwater lake on Earth, Lake Baikal offers a unique opportunity to test the effect of horizontal versus vertical gradients in community structure. Here, we characterized the structure of planktonic microbial eukaryotic communities (0.2–30 μm cell size) along a North–South latitudinal gradient (~600 km) from samples collected in coastal and pelagic waters and from surface to the deepest zones (5–1400 m) using an 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach. Our results show complex and diverse protist communities dominated by alveolates (ciliates and dinoflagellates), ochrophytes and holomycotan lineages, with cryptophytes, haptophytes, katablepharids and telonemids in moderate abundance and many low‐frequency lineages, including several typical marine members, such as diplonemids, syndinians and radiolarians. Depth had a strong significant effect on protist community stratification. By contrast, the effect of the latitudinal gradient was marginal and no significant difference was observed between coastal and surface open water communities. Co‐occurrence network analyses showed that epipelagic communities were significantly more interconnected than communities from the dark water column and suggest specific biotic interactions between autotrophic, heterotrophic and parasitic lineages that influence protist community structure. Since climate change is rapidly affecting Siberia and Lake Baikal, our comprehensive protist survey constitutes a useful reference to monitor ongoing community shifts.
Evaluation of latent fingermark color contrast as aging parameter under different environmental conditions: A preliminary study
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Zapico Sara C. , Dean Emily R. , Mueller Katherine E. , Johnson Cathy , Roberts Katherine A.
Published: December 2020

This research expands previous studies in which color contrast between ridges and furrows of powder‐enhanced latent fingermarks was explored as a possible aging parameter. The main goal is to test the sensitivity of the technique across a predetermined set of factors. In this case, experiment factors have included two donors who deposited sebaceous‐ and eccrine‐rich fingermarks onto ceramic tile and polystyrene plastic. These were developed with either black carbon or titanium dioxide powder (TiO2) over eight time periods (0–72 days) and aged under three light conditions (direct light, shade, and darkness). The mean intensity (MI) and intensity amplitude (IA) metrics of color were collected from each image for statistical analyses. Results show that color contrast is affected significantly by substrate, secretion, and powder types, with an interaction effect between the substrate and powder type on both MI and IA metrics. The degree of light exposure did not have a noticeable impact on distinguishing aging patterns of fingermarks by neither powder methods. Different aging patterns were detected between sebaceous‐rich and their eccrine‐rich counterparts for all light conditions using regression analysis. All eccrine‐rich fingermarks exhibited little (or minimal) change in IA over time, whereas sebaceous‐rich samples showed varied patterns, from significant decreases to slight increases. These findings confirm and expand previous observations on the potential use of MI and IA as metrics to study latent fingermark degradation patterns that could eventually be used to estimate the age of a fingermark.
Short‐term local control after VATS segmentectomy and lobectomy for solid NSCLC of less than 2 cm
Authors: Darras Marc , Ojanguren Amaya , Forster Céline , Zellweger Matthieu , Perentes Jean Yannis , Krueger Thorsten , Gonzalez Michel
Published: December 2020

Introduction

VATS pulmonary segmentectomy is increasingly proposed as a parenchyma‐sparing resection for tumors smaller than 2 cm in diameter. The aim of this study was to compare short‐term oncological results and local control in solid non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) <2 cm surgically treated by intentional VATS segmentectomy or lobectomy.

Methods

This study was a single center retrospective study of consecutive patients undergoing VATS lobectomy (VL) or segmentectomy (VS) for solid <2 cm NSCLC from January 2014 to October 2019.

Results

In total, 188 patients with a median age of 65 years (male/female: 99/89) underwent VS (n = 96) or VL (n = 92). Segmentectomies in the upper lobes were performed in 57% and as a single segment in 55% of cases. There was no statistically significant difference between VS and VL in terms of demographics, comorbidities, postoperative outcomes, dissected lymph node stations (2.89 ± 0.95 vs. 2.93 ± 1, P = 0.58), rate of pN1 (2.2% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.96) or pN2 upstaging (1.09% vs. 1.06%, P = 0.98). Adjuvant chemotherapy was given in 15% of patients in the VL and 11% in the VS group. During follow‐up (median: 23 months), no patients presented with local nodal recurrence or on the stapler line (VS group). Three patients on VL and two in VS groups presented with recurrence on the remnant operated lung. New primary pulmonary tumors were diagnosed in 3.3% and 6.3% of patients in the VL and VS groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite the short follow‐up, our preliminary data shows that local control is comparable for VATS lobectomy and VATS segmentectomy for patients with NSCLC <2 cm.
Share pledging and financial constraints in China
Authors: Cheng Zijian , Liu Zhangxin (Frank) , Sun Yupu
Published: December 2020

We investigate the relationship between the intensity of share pledging activities and the level of financial constraint in publicly listed firms in China. We show that the high financial constraint level may motivate insiders to use share pledging as an alternative funding source and an expropriation mechanism. Although overall share collateralisation can cause a subsequently more constrained financing condition, we find evidence that share pledging made by the controlling shareholder is likely to mitigate financial constraints in the following year. Our findings are robust to alternative measures and an instrumental variable for dealing with endogeneity problems.
Unraveling molecular mechanisms involved in the development of leptin resistance using the pig as a model
Authors: Mármol‐Sánchez E. , Artman J. S. , Fredholm M. , Cirera S.
Published: December 2020

The increase in obesity worldwide underlines the need for research concerning its metabolic and genetic determinants. One of the most intriguing mechanisms regarding obesity involves leptin and its signaling cascade. Leptin is a key regulator contributing to the fine‐tuned crosstalk between nutrient availability and appetite signaling in the central nervous system. Owing to ethical concerns, many human tissues are not readily available and pigs can serve as a good animal model owing to their comparable anatomy, metabolism and genetics. In the present study, we utilized the pig to investigate the possible impact of increased adiposity on the development of alterations within the leptin signaling pathway. Two divergent groups of pigs (High and Low) were defined based on a high and low amount of mesenteric fat. Cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus, mesenteric, subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat tissues were used to study changes in expression levels of 94 mRNA transcripts related to the leptin signaling pathway using the qPCR approach. No significant differences were found at the central nervous system, whereas the expression level of STAT1 was reduced in mesenteric fat and leptin (LEP) and interleukin 6 (IL6) were shown to be consistently increased in all analyzed fat compartments from pigs with a high amount of mesenteric fat. These results could imply the onset of leptin and pro‐inflammatory cytokine overexpression at early stages of obesity in the analyzed pigs without affecting any key components in the central nervous system. Thus, these pigs showing a unique leptin deregulation in adipose tissues could be a useful translational resource for studies of obesity and leptin resistance phenotypes.
Back to Naṣbeh: New Compositional Analysis of Philistine Bichrome Pottery from Tell en‐Naṣbeh
Authors: Ben‐Shlomo D. , Mommsen H. , Sterba J. H.
Published: December 2020

Philistine Bichrome pottery is one of the most important, well‐known, and easily identifiable features of the Philistine material culture of the early Iron Age (ca. 1,200–1,000 BCE) in the southern Levant. The Philistines were probably a group of immigrants from the Aegean region and Cyprus arriving at several sites in the southern coastal plains of Palestine. More than 25 years ago, results from Neutron Activation of several Philistine Bichrome vessels from the site of Tell en‐Naṣbeh were published by Gunneweg and others. The results were surprising because some of the typical Philistine vessels were found to be locally produced at this hill‐land Judean site. Several vessels found to have been from an un‐localized source. This study follows up on this issue, incorporating both petrographic and new chemical analysis, and enlarging the sample size. Consequently, we can provenance most Philistine vessels from this site more clearly to the central hills, the southern coastal plains (Philistia), and the central coastal plains of Israel. The significance of the distribution of the provenance of the Philistine pottery is further discussed.
Investigating the interaction between nifedipine‐ and ritonavir‐containing antiviral regimens: A physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis
Authors: Niu Wanjie , Li Size , Jin Shasha , Lin Xiying , Zhang Mengwan , Cai Weimin , Jiao Zheng , Xiang Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2020

Aims

Hypertension is a common comorbidity of patients with COVID‐19, SARS or HIV infection. Such patients are often concomitantly treated with antiviral and antihypertensive agents, including ritonavir and nifedipine. Since ritonavir is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and nifedipine is mainly metabolized via CYP3A, the combination of ritonavir and nifedipine can potentially cause drug–drug interactions. This study provides guidance on nifedipine treatment during and after coadministration with ritonavir‐containing regimens, using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) analysis.

Methods

The PBPK/PD models for 3 formations of nifedipine were developed based on the Simcyp nifedipine model and the models were verified using published data. The effects of ritonavir on nifedipine exposure and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were assessed for instant‐release, sustained‐release and controlled‐release formulations in patients. Various nifedipine regimens were investigated when coadministered with or without ritonavir.

Results

PBPK/PD models for 3 formulations of nifedipine were successfully established. The predicted maximum concentration (Cmax), area under plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), maximum reduction in SBP and area under effect–time curve were all within 0.5–2.0‐fold of the observed data. Model simulations showed that the inhibitory effect of ritonavir on CYP3A4 increased the Cmax of nifedipine 17.92–48.85‐fold and the AUC 63.30–84.01‐fold at steady state and decreased the SBP by >40 mmHg. Thus, the combination of nifedipine and ritonavir could lead to severe hypotension.

Conclusion

Ritonavir significantly affects the pharmacokinetics and antihypertensive effect of nifedipine. It is not recommended for patients to take nifedipine‐ and ritonavir‐containing regimens simultaneously.
Trends in polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in older and middle‐aged people treated for diabetes
Authors: Oktora Monika Pury , Alfian Sofa Dewi , Bos H. Jens , Schuiling‐Veninga Catharina Carolina Maria , Taxis Katja , Hak Eelko , Denig Petra
Published: December 2020

Aims

Polypharmacy is common in people with diabetes and is associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). This study aimed to assess trends in the prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM in older and middle‐aged people with diabetes.

Methods

A repeated cross‐sectional study using the University Groningen IADB.nl prescription database was conducted. All people aged 45 years and over who were treated for diabetes registered in the period 2012–2016 were included. Polypharmacy was assessed for three age groups. PIMs were assessed using Beers criteria for people ≥65 years old, and PRescribing Optimally in Middle‐aged People's Treatments (PROMPT) criteria for 45–64 years old. Chi‐square tests and regression analysis were applied.

Results

The prevalence of polypharmacy increased significantly in all age groups in the study period. In 2016, the prevalence of polypharmacy was 36.9% in patients aged 45–54 years, 50.3% in those aged 55–64 years, and 66.2% in those aged ≥65 years. The prevalence of older people with at least one PIM decreased by 3.1%, while in the middle‐aged group this prevalence increased by 0.9% from 2012 to 2016. The most common PIMs in both age groups were the use of long‐term high‐dose proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines and strong opioids without laxatives. Of those, only benzodiazepines showed a decreasing trend.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy increased in older and middle‐aged people with diabetes. While the prevalence of PIM decreased over time in older age, this trend was not observed in middle‐aged people with diabetes. Efforts are needed to decrease the use of PIMs in populations already burdened with many drugs, notably at middle age.
HoloLens and mobile augmented reality in medical and health science education: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Moro Christian , Phelps Charlotte , Redmond Petrea , Stromberga Zane
Published: December 2020

Due to increasing demands in the amount of content to be learned within a medical and health sciences curriculum, there are benefits towards exploring options for new and effective delivery modes. Augmented reality technology has the potential to enhance learning in physiology and anatomy, where students require a three‐dimensional knowledge of human organ systems and structures. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of learning when an identical lesson was delivered through augmented reality using either the Microsoft HoloLens or a mobile handheld tablet device. Thirty‐eight pre‐clinical undergraduate participants completed a lesson detailing the physiology and anatomy of the brain. Pre‐ and post‐intervention tests were provided to evaluate acquired knowledge. After the activity, participants also completed a Likert‐style questionnaire to evaluate adverse health effects experienced and assess their perceptions of the module. There were no significant differences between test scores from lesson delivery in either the HoloLens or mobile‐based augmented reality. However, a significant increase was reported in dizziness when using the HoloLens (25% higher, n = 19, p = .04). No other adverse health effects, such as nausea, disorientation or fatigue were observed. Both modes were effective for learning, providing evidence to support educators and developers wishing to adopt an augmented reality method of delivery in health sciences and medicine.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GSayCmopGZg

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Modern technology continues to disrupt the way we teach in higher education.

Teaching through virtual and augmented reality has shown great benefit in enhancing learning and the student experience in health sciences and medicine.

There is the potential for new and upcoming delivery modes to continue this trend, including the introduction of both mobile and head‐mounted display based augmented reality.

What this study contributes

Investigates the potential for augmented reality to be used as a teaching tool, and supports its implementation in tertiary education.

Identifies that although slight dizziness was reported in some participants from using the HoloLens, this does not appear to impact learning or student perceptions of the technology.

Presents the HoloLens and mobile‐based augmented reality as novel and evidence‐based methods of instruction in health sciences and medicine.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Augmented reality is an effective delivery mode which can enhance learning.

Students consider augmented reality through both the HoloLens and mobile‐based devices to be enjoyable and engaging.

This novel method of instruction is useful to supplement learning in a tertiary education programme.