bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human postmortem studies reveal tissue-specific differences amongst TB-patient groups
Authors: Ahimbisibwe Gift , Nakibuule Marjorie , Ssejoba Marvin Martin , Oyamo David , Mulwana Rose , Nabulime Josephine , Babirye Febronius , Kizito Abdusalaamu , Lekuya Herve , Adakun Akello Suzan , Lukande Robert , Kyazze Andrew , Biraro Irene Andia , Cose Stephen
Published: March 2023

If we are to break new grounds in TB research, we need to have a complete understanding of what is occurring at the site of infection in humans. Postmortem studies give us an opportunity to compare TB-involved and -uninvolved tissues, in both diseased and non-diseased individuals. We examined the feasibility of carrying out a postmortem study in Mulago and Kiruddu National Referral Hospitals in Uganda, to determine whether we could use immune cells collected postmortem for immunological studies. We report that we can consent the Next-of-Kin, perform postmortem procedures and process tissues within 8 hours of death, and that immune cells remain viable and functional up to 14 hours after death. We found subtle differences in T cell subsets within TB groups. We found a depletion of the CD4 CD69+CD103+T cell subset in the lungs and BAL, which was associated with HIV, and that the CD8 CD69+CD103-T cell subset was depleted in BAL only, and was associated with TB. Our data show overall changes Tissue Resident Memory T cells within, and between, TB-infected and TB-uninfected human lungs.

Coroner led postmortem studies are possible in Uganda, samples processed within 8 hours from death

Cells from samples collected postmortem are viable and functional

HIV associated depletion of CD4 CD69+/CD103+T cell subset in lungs and BAL

CD8 CD69+/CD103-depletion in BAL associated with TB
Modeling COVID-19 vaccination strategies in LMICs considering uncertainty in viral evolution and immunity
Authors: Klein Daniel J. , Yang Luojun , Kerr Cliff C. , Fowler Greer , Cohen Jamie A.
Published: March 2023

Vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus were developed in record time, but their distribution has been highly unequal. With demand saturating in high-income countries, many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) finally have an opportunity to acquire COVID-19 vaccines. But the pandemic has taken its toll, and a majority of LMIC populations have partial immunity to COVID-19 disease due primarily to viral infection. This existing immunity, combined with resource limitations, raises the question of how LMICs should prioritize COVID-19 vaccines relative to other competing health priorities. We modify an established computational model, Covasim, to address these questions in four diverse country-like settings under a variety of viral evolution, vaccine delivery, and novel immunity scenarios. Under continued Omicron-like viral evolution and mid-level immunity assumptions, results show that COVID-19 vaccines could avert up to 2 deaths per 1,000 doses if administered to high-risk (60+) populations as prime+boost or annual boosting campaigns. Similar immunization efforts reaching healthy children and adults would avert less than 0.1 deaths per 1,000 doses. Together, these modeling results can help to support normative guidelines and programmatic decision making towards objectively maximizing population health.
The impact of paediatric epilepsy and co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders on functional brain networks in wake and sleep
Authors: Junges Leandro , Galvis Daniel , Winsor Alice , Treadwell Grace , Richards Caroline , Seri Stefano , Johnson Samuel , Terry John R. , Bagshaw Andrew P.
Published: March 2023

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in children. Diagnosing epilepsy in children can be very challenging, especially as it often coexists with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD. Functional brain networks obtained from neuroimaging and electrophysiological data in wakefulness and sleep have been shown to contain signatures of neurological disorders, and can potentially support the diagnosis and management of co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions. In this work, we use electroencephalography (EEG) recordings from children, in restful wakefulness and sleep, to extract functional connectivity networks in different frequency bands. We explore the relationship of these networks with epilepsy diagnosis and with measures of neurodevelopmental traits, obtained from questionnaires used as screening tools for autism and ADHD. We explore differences in network markers between children with and without epilepsy in wake and sleep, and quantify the correlation between such markers and measures of neurodevelopmental traits. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the interplay between epilepsy and neurodevelopmental traits when exploring network markers of epilepsy.
The bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 is a molecular glue targeting centromeres
Authors: Corless Samuel , Pratap-Singh Noor , Benabdallah Nezha S. , Böhm Jasmin , Simon Alexander M. , Dolejš Vojtěch , Anders Simon , Banito Ana , Erhardt Sylvia
Published: March 2023

Centromeres are the position on each chromosome that orchestrates the accurate partitioning of the genome during cell division. Centromere-dependent cell-cycle checkpoints are maintained by cancer cells to prevent catastrophic chromosome segregation defects in dividing cells1, 2, making centromeric chromatin a valuable target for anti-cancer therapeutics. However, no compounds have been identified that specifically target centromeric chromatin using standard drug discovery approaches. Here we develop a big-data approach to identify the protein composition of repetitive DNA loci, including centromeres, and screen candidate small molecules that act on centromeric chromatin composition. We discover that the BET bromodomain protein BRD4 localises to centromeres and regulates centromeric cohesion. We further show that the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 affects centromeric BRD4 by stabilising a direct interaction between BRD4 and Centromere Protein B (CENP-B), acting as a molecular-glue that promotes centromere cohesion in a CENP-B-dependent manner. Strikingly, CENP-B transitions from a non-essential protein in JQ1-sensitive cells to the most significant determinant of cell-proliferation in JQ1-resistant cells. Our observations demonstrate a completely overlooked role for BRD4 and JQ1 in directly targeting the centromere, with important consequences for JQ1-derivatives currently entering clinical use3.
Bacterial hemophilin homologs and their specific type eleven secretor proteins have conserved roles in heme capture and are diversifying as a family
Authors: Grossman Alex S. , Gell David A. , Wu Derek G. , Goodrich-Blair Heidi
Published: March 2023

Cellular life relies on enzymes that require metal cofactors, which must be acquired from extracellular sources. Bacteria utilize surface and secreted proteins to acquire such valuable nutrients from their environment. These include the cargo proteins of the type eleven secretion system (T11SS), which have been connected to host specificity, metal homeostasis, and nutritional immunity evasion. This Sec-dependent, Gram-negative secretion system is encoded by organisms throughout the phylum Proteobacteria, including human pathogensNeisseria meningitidis, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii,andHaemophilus influenzae. Experimentally verified T11SS-dependent cargo include host metal acquisition proteinstransferrinbindingprotein B (TbpB) and lactoferrinbindingprotein B (LbpB), as well as the hemophilin homologshemereceptorprotein C (HrpC) andhemophilin A (HphA), the complement immune evasion protein factor-H bindingprotein (fHbp), and the host symbiosis factornematode intestinal localization protein C (NilC). Secretion of each of these cargo proteins relies on a specific T11SS. Here, we examined the specificity of T11SS systems for their cognate cargo proteins using taxonomically distributed homolog pairs of T11SS and hemophilin cargo and explore the ligand binding ability of those hemophilin homologs. Our comparative ligand binding analysis of four hemophilin family proteins identified previously unknown ligand binding diversity within this protein family, which informed our description of structural features that are likely to contribute to heme/porphyrin binding specificity.In vivoexpression of hemophilin homologs revealed that each was secreted in a specific manner by its cognate T11SS protein. Furthermore, secretion assays of chimeric hemophilin proteins revealed that specificity is predominantly dictated by the C-terminal domain of the cognate cargo. Meanwhile, the N-terminal effector domains of these T11SS-dependent cargo proteins feature porphyrin binding pockets that drive ligand binding affinity and specificity. In light of these results, we have termed this N-terminal domain the hemophilin ligand binding domain (Hlb) after its first characterized representative.
Evidence for role of transketolase function in the maintenance of pyridine nucleotide levels inEscherichia coli
Authors: Vimala A. , Harinarayanan R.
Published: March 2023

The transketolase (Tkt) activity provides reversible link between glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Depending on the metabolic flux, it can catalyse synthesis of glycolytic intermediates, fructose-6-phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate from xylulose-5-P and ribose-5-P (PPP intermediates) and synthesis of xylulose-5-P from the above mentioned glycolytic intermediates. UsingE. coli, we addressed the physiological significance of this metabolic flexibility by studying the growth phenotypes and metabolic changes associated with depletion of transketolase activity and the genetic changes or growth conditions that rescued the growth phenotypes. Tkt function was needed for cell growth when glucose was catabolized solely through Oxidative-PPP. Under gluconeogenic growth conditions, either transketolase or UdhA transhydrogenase was needed for growth. Cells depleted of Tkt activity were more sensitive than wild type to genetic changes that perturb pyridine cofactor levels. In LB medium, Tkt function was needed to prevent growth arrest from the accumulation of ribose- 5-P and possibly other pentose phosphates. In cell free extracts, the activity of Zwf and Gnd enzymes that support NADPH synthesis was inhibited by ribose-5-P. These results suggested, Tkt function played an important role in the maintenance of pyridine cofactor pool and this was confirmed by quantification. Metabolomic changes associated with transketolase depletion supported the genetic data.
Opposing, spatially-determined epigenetic forces impose restrictions on stochastic olfactory receptor choice
Authors: Bashkirova Elizaveta V. , Klimpert Nell , Monahan Kevin , Campbell Christine E. , Osinski Jason M. , Tan Longzhi , Schieren Ira , Pourmorady Ariel , Stecky Beka , Barnea Gilad , Xie X. Sunnie , Abdus-Saboor Ishmail , Shykind Benjamin , Jones-Marlin Bianca , Gronostajski Richard M. , Fleischmann Alexander , Lomvardas Stavros
Published: March 2023

Olfactory receptor (OR) choice represents an example of genetically hardwired stochasticity, where every olfactory neuron expresses one out of ∼2000 OR alleles in a probabilistic, yet stereotypic fashion. Here, we propose that topographic restrictions in OR expression are established in neuronal progenitors by two opposing forces: polygenic transcription and genomic silencing, both of which are influenced by dorsoventral gradients of transcription factors NFIA, B, and X. Polygenic transcription of OR genes may define spatially constrained OR repertoires, among which one OR allele is selected for singular expression later in development. Heterochromatin assembly and genomic compartmentalization of OR alleles also vary across the axes of the olfactory epithelium and may preferentially eliminate ectopically expressed ORs with more dorsal expression destinations from this “privileged” repertoire. Our experiments identify early transcription as a potential “epigenetic” contributor to future developmental patterning and reveal how two spatially responsive probabilistic processes may act in concert to establish deterministic, precise, and reproducible territories of stochastic gene expression.
Fast layer-fMRI VASO with short stimuli and event-related designs at 7T
Authors: Dresbach Sebastian , Huber Renzo , Gulban Omer Faruk , Goebel Rainer Wilhelm
Published: March 2023

Layers and columns are the dominant processing units in the human (neo)cortex at the mesoscopic scale. While the blood oxygenation dependent (BOLD) signal has a high detection sensitivity, it is biased towards unwanted signals from large draining veins at the cortical surface. The additional fMRI contrast of vascular space occupancy (VASO) has the potential to augment the neuroscientific interpretability of layer-fMRI results by means of capturing complementary information of locally specific changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV). Specifically, VASO is not subject to unwanted sensitivity amplifications of large draining veins. Because of constrained sampling efficiency, it has been mainly applied in combination with efficient block task designs and long trial durations. However, to study cognitive processes in neuroscientific contexts, or probe vascular reactivity, short stimulation periods are often necessary. Here, we developed a VASO acquisition procedure with a short acquisition period (895 ms volume acquisition) and sub-millimetre resolution. During visual event-related stimulation, we show reliable responses in visual cortices within a reasonable number of trials (∼20). Furthermore, the short TR and high spatial specificity of our VASO implementation enabled us to show differences in laminar reactivity and onset times. Finally, we explore the generalizability to a different stimulus modality (somatosensation). With this, we showed that CBV-sensitive VASO provides the means to capture layer-specific haemodynamic responses with high spatio-temporal resolution and is able to be used with event-related paradigms.
Host-induced cell wall remodelling impairs opsonophagocytosis ofStaphylococcus aureusby neutrophils
Authors: Ledger Elizabeth V. K. , Edwards Andrew M.
Published: March 2023

The bacterial pathogenStaphylococcus aureusadapts to the host environment by increasing the thickness of its cell wall. However, the impact of cell wall thickening on susceptibility to host defences is unclear. Here, we show that as bacteria adapted to serum, the resulting increase in cell wall thickness led to a reduction in the exposure of bound antibody and complement and a corresponding reduction in phagocytosis and killing by neutrophils. The exposure of opsonins bound to protein antigens or LTA were most significantly reduced, whilst opsonisation by IgG against wall teichoic acid or peptidoglycan was largely unaffected. Partial digestion of accumulated cell wall in host adapted cells using the enzyme lysostaphin restored opsonin exposure and promoted phagocytosis and killing. Concordantly, the antibiotic fosfomycin inhibited cell wall remodelling and maintained full susceptibility ofS. aureusto opsonophagocytic killing by neutrophils. These findings reveal that the adaptation ofS. aureusto the host environment reduces the ability of the immune system to detect and kill this pathogen through reduced exposure of protein- and LTA-bound opsonins via cell wall remodelling.
ALOX5-mediated ferroptosis acts as a distinct cell death pathway upon oxidative stress in Huntington's disease
Authors: Song Shujuan , Su Zhenyi , Kon Ning , Chu Bo , Li Huan , Jiang Xuejun , Luo Jianyuan , Stockwell Brent R. , Gu Wei
Published: March 2023

Although it is well established that Huntington's disease (HD) is mainly caused by polyglutamine-expanded mutant huntingtin (mHTT), the molecular mechanism of mHTT-mediated actions is not fully understood. Here, we showed that expression of the N-terminal fragment containing the expanded polyglutamine (HTTQ94) of mHTT is able to promote both the ACSL4-dependent and the ACSL4-independent ferroptosis. Surprisingly, inactivation of the ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis fails to show any effect on the life span of Huntington's disease mice. Moreover, by using RNAi-mediated screening, we identified ALOX5 as a major factor required for the ACSL4-independent ferroptosis induced by HTTQ94. Although ALOX5 is not required for the ferroptotic responses triggered by common ferroptosis inducers such as erastin, loss of ALOX5 expression abolishes HTTQ94-mediated ferroptosis upon reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced stress. Interestingly, ALOX5 is also required for HTTQ94-mediated ferroptosis in neuronal cells upon high levels of glutamate. Mechanistically, HTTQ94 activates ALOX5-mediated ferroptosis by stabilizing FLAP, an essential cofactor of ALOX5-mediated lipoxygenase activity. Notably, inactivation of theAlox5gene abrogates the ferroptosis activity in the striatal neurons from the HD mice; more importantly, loss of ALOX5 significantly ameliorates the pathological phenotypes and extends the life spans of these HD mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ALOX5 is critical for mHTT-mediated ferroptosis and suggest that ALOX5 is a potential new target for Huntington's disease.
Analytic description of nanowires II: morphing of regular cross sections for zincblende- and diamond-structures to match arbitrary shapes. Corrigendum
Authors: König Dirk , Smith Sean C.
Published: March 2023

Corrections to the article by König and Smith [Acta Cryst. (2022), B78, 643–664] are given.
Structural and magnetic properties of Y3(GaAlFe)5O12 liquid-phase epitaxy films with low ferromagnetic resonance losses
Authors: Zhang Yuanjing , Yang Qinghui , Liu Yingli , Hu Aimin , Zhang Ding , Li Han , Yu Jingyan , Huang Jiantao , Lu Yongcheng , Zhang Lei , Xue Qiang , Li Yilei , Jin Lichuan , Wen Qiye , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: March 2023

Ultra-thin rare earth iron garnet (RIG) films with a narrow ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) line width and a low damping factor have attracted a great deal of attention for microwave and spintronic applications. In this work, 200 nm Y3(GaAlFe)5O12 garnet (GaAl-YIG) films were prepared on gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) substrates by liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) with low saturation magnetization. The microstructural properties, chemical composition, and magnetostatic and dynamic magnetization characteristics of the films are discussed in detail. According to the structural analysis, these films exhibit a low surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm. The GaAl-YIG films show an obvious temperature dependence of lattice parameter and strain state, and the film's parameter is perfectly matched with that of the GGG substrate at 810°C. There is a clear variation in the Pb level, which brings about a gradual enhancement of the coercivity and a diminution of the squareness ratio of magnetic hysteresis loops as the growth temperature is reduced. Slight changes in surface roughness, strain condition and content of Pb induce the FMR line width and damping factor to vary on a small scale. The line width is less than 10.17 Oe at 12 GHz and the damping factor is of the order of 10−4. All these properties demonstrate that these ultra-thin GaAl-YIG films are of benefit for the development of devices operated at lower frequencies and in lower fields.
Exploring the thermal behaviour of the solvated structures of nifedipine
Authors: Jones Eleanor C. L. , Goldsmith Kate E. , Ward Martin R. , Bimbo Luis M. , Oswald Iain D. H.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the solvation and desolvation of pharmaceutical materials is an important part of materials discovery and development. In situ structural data are vital to understand the changes to crystal form that may occur in the system. In this study, the isolation and characterization of seven solvates of the L-type calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine, is described using variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction so that the structural evolution as a function of temperature can be followed. The solvates reported herein can be split into those that are structurally similar to the previously reported dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dioxane solvates and those that have a novel packing arrangement. Of particular note is the solvate with tetrahydrofuran (THF) which has a hydrogen-bonding motif between the nifedipine molecules very similar to that of metastable β-nifedipine. In addition to variable-temperature X-ray diffraction, the stability of the solid forms was assessed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis and indicates that in all cases desolvation results in the thermodynamically stable α-polymorph of nifedipine even with the THF solvate. From the diffraction data the pathway of desolvation during heating of the DMF solvate showed conversion to another likely 1:1 polymorph before desolvation to α-nifedipine. The desolvation of this material indicated a two-stage process; first the initial loss of 90% of the solvent before the last 10% is lost on melting. The methanol solvate shows interesting negative thermal expansion on heating, which is rarely reported in organic materials, but this behaviour can be linked back to the winerack-type hydrogen-bonding pattern of the nifedipine molecules.
Crystal structures of three homologues with increasing ring size: 2-methoxy-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline-3-carbonitrile, 2-methoxy-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-cyclohepta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile and 2-methoxy-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydrocycloocta[b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Hebishy Ali M. S. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Gouda Lobna M. , Jones Peter G.
Published: March 2023

The title compounds, C15H14N2OS (1a), C16H16N2OS (1b), and C17H18N2OS (1c), form a homologous series in which the size of the saturated ring increases from six- to eight-membered (with four, five and six methylene groups respectively). For 1b and 1c, the central (CH2)
n
moieties are all displaced to the same side of their ring, and the CH2—CH2—CH2 angles are much wider than the standard sp
3 value; a database search indicates that these are general features of such ring systems. For 1a, the thiophene ring lies with the sulfur atom on the opposite side of the Cthiophene—Cpyridine bond to the cyano group, in contrast to 1b and 1c. For each compound, the packing may be described in terms of two `weak' C—H...N hydrogen bonds, which link the molecules to form one-dimensional (1a, 1c) or three-dimensional (1b) assemblies.
Garnet-type Na3Te2(FeO4)3
Authors: Eder Felix , Weil Matthias
Published: March 2023

Na3Te2(FeO4)3 or Na3Te2Fe3O12, trisodium ditellurium(VI) triiron(III) dodecaoxide, was obtained in the form of single-crystals under hydrothermal conditions. Na3Te2(FeO4)3 adopts the garnet structure type in space group Ia\overline{3}d and comprises one Na (multiplicity 24, Wyckoff letter c, site symmetry 2.22), one Te (16 a, .\overline{3}.), one Fe (24 d, \overline{4}..) and one O atom (96 h, 1) in the asymmetric unit. The three-dimensional framework structure is built of [TeO6] octahedra and [FeO4] tetrahedra by vertex-sharing. The larger Na+ cations are situated in the interstices of the framework and are eightfold coordinated in the form of a distorted dodecahedron. Quantitative structural comparisons with isotypic Na3Te2[(Fe0.5Al0.5)O4]3 and Na3Te2(GaO4)3 show a high degree of similarity between the three crystal structures.
rac-N-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxybutanamide
Authors: Hines III James E. , Myles Zechariah , Breaux Garrick , Fronczek Frank R. , Uppu Rao M.
Published: March 2023

In the title compound, racemic bucetin [systematic name: N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxybutanamide], C12H17NO3, the molecule is in an extended conformation as illustrated by the C—O—C—C torsion angle [170.14 (15)°] in the ethoxy group and the subsequent C—N—C—C [−177.24 (16)°], N—C—C—C [170.08 (15)°] and C—C—C—C [171.41 (15)°] torsion angles in the butanamide chain. In the crystal, the O—H group donates an intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond to the amide carbonyl oxygen atom and also accepts an intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond from an adjacent N—H group. The former forms 12-membered dimeric rings about inversion centers, and the latter form chains in the [001] direction. The overall hydrogen-bonded network is two-dimensional, with no propagation in the [100] direction.
Do objectives and key results solve organizational performance measurement issues?
Authors: Rompho Nopadol
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether and how objectives and key results (OKRs) can be used to solve performance measurement issues encountered by organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 204 staff members from 26 Thai organizations that adopted OKRs were interviewed. Five senior executives and five operational staff members with experience using OKRs were selected from each organization. Content analysis was also performed.

Findings

OKRs facilitate the acceptance of performance indicators and help solve issues of alignment between indicators and organizational strategies as well as improper target setting.

Research limitations/implications

The results have limited generalizability because of the qualitative approach undertaken in the study. Further research can test whether the results hold true if OKRs are used for longer than six months.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be used to help managers and employees set challenging targets, utilize their competencies and find a sense of relatedness, which can lead to organizational success.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to thoroughly investigate the use of OKRs by adopting the self-determination theory (SDT) as the main theoretical framework.
Resilience of operating models: exploring the potential of agile project management as enabler
Authors: Kadenic Maja Due , Tambo Torben
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Agile project management methods are on the rise compared to linear approaches. The demand for the demonstrable resilience of enterprise processes is likewise strongly increasing in many domains. This paper explores the potential contribution of agility within the domain of agile project management to the resilience of the operating model of an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The article builds upon case studies and semi-structured interviews at selected larger Danish enterprises.

Findings

Responding to disruptions favors adaptive and flexible approaches, which are more achievable with agile methods. By exploring the patterns of agility and resilience throughout case studies, the authors derive at a 7-step approach for considering the potentials of agility to ensure the resilience of the operating model from the top level of leadership to the foundational level of technology.

Research limitations/implications

This article seeks to contribute to a more profound understanding of the impact, potential and actionability of agile project management in the light of operational resilience.

Practical implications

It is demonstrated that agile methods are attractive for ensuring the constitutive elements of the resilience of the operating model in terms of conscious contingencies and choices involving (rapid) changes.

Social implications

During the COVID-19 period, agility has been a key instrument in ensuring business survival, e.g. by switching markets, products or sales channels.

Originality/value

Agility has the potential to build a strategic dimension of resilience, a synergistic relationship, which is linked to the responsiveness of an organization to change promptly, with a view toward renewal and transformation.
A thematic analysis of the organisational influences on digitalisation in construction firms
Authors: Zulu Sambo Lyson , Saad Ali , Ajayi Saheed , Unuigbe Maria , Dulaimi Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aims to explore organisational influences on digitalisation within construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses structured open-ended questions as a data collection tool for a qualitative investigation. The qualitative approach enabled participants to express their inputs and maximise the diversity of data, offering new insights and discussions that are distinct from previous works.

Findings

Construction professionals from 22 organisations provided their perspectives on digital transformation and their organisations. Under four constructs – structure, culture, leadership and internal processes, findings uncovered 16 determinants critical to digitalisation in construction firms. The study offers a theoretical perspective supported by empirical data to explore the complex dynamics and internal interactions of organisational influence on the uptake of digitalisation in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This paper offers arguments from a theoretical lens by applying the organisational influence model and capturing the variables under each construct in an exploratory manner to highlight the reasoning behind the low digital uptake in construction firms. This research aids academia and practice on the pressure points responsible for enhancing, or undermining, digital uptake in construction firms at an organisational level.
Belt and Road Initiative: the interplay between corruption, plea-bargaining and civil alternative dispute resolution
Authors: Tan Veltrice
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to determine whether a connection can be formed between corruption, plea-bargaining and civil alternative dispute resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Academic articles and textbooks are examined as are relevant reports by various academic institutions.

Findings

Despite the similarities between plea-bargaining and civil alternative dispute resolution, the differences between the two overwhelmingly supersede their similarities. As such, there is unlikely to be an interplay between corruption, criminal plea-bargaining and civil alternative dispute resolution.

Research limitations/implications

There are limited data available in relation to the prevalence of corruption activities by Chinese officials within the Belt and Road Initiative. Any discussions within this study is based on the impressionistic observations of the author, which may not reflect the true state of affairs in China.

Practical implications

Those who are interested in examining the relationship between the criminal plea-bargaining and civil alternative dispute resolution will have an interest in this topic.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to demonstrate the difficulties in cross-fertilizing criminal law procedures with civil dispute resolution.
Unraveling the relationship between workplace dignity and employees’ tacit knowledge sharing: the role of proactive motivation
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Nazir Tahira , Ahmad Muhammad Shakil
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory (SET) and proactive motivation model, this study aims to examine the relationship between workplace dignity and employees’ tacit knowledge sharing (TKS) and assess the mediating role of psychological safety and organizational identification in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected in the three waves from 307 first-line supervisors and professionals of high- and medium-high-tech manufacturing organizations of Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modelling technique is applied using SmartPLS 4 software to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results reveal that workplace dignity is directly and positively related to TKS and psychological safety and organizational identification mediate this relationship.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of workplace dignity as a vital determinant of TKS. Findings of this research underscore the need for enactment of humanistic and employee-oriented organizational policies and practices that signal workplace dignity which can result in increased psychological safety and enhanced organizational identification leading towards higher TKS.

Originality/value

This research proffers novel understanding of the nexus between an embryonic socio-emotional element of workplace context, namely, workplace dignity and TKS. This study not only advances knowledge management literature from dignity perspective but also contributes to SET and proactive motivation model.
How transformational leaders get employees to take initiative and display creativity: the catalytic role of work overload
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Mustafa Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the mediating role of personal initiative taking in the link between employees' exposure to transformational leadership and their engagement in creative behavior, as well as a potential catalytic role of perceived work overload in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses were tested with survey data collected among employees of a large organization that operates in the telecommunications sector.

Findings

Transformational leadership translates into enhanced creative work efforts among employees, because these employees adopt an action-based approach toward work. This mediating role of personal initiative taking is particularly prominent among employees who encounter excessive workloads in their daily jobs, because their initiative and creativity promise solutions to this resource-draining work situation.

Practical implications

For human resource managers, this study reveals that employees who go out of their way to address problem situations offer an important means by which a leadership style that inspires and challenges followers can be leveraged to produce enhanced creative outcomes. It also pinpoints how this process can be triggered by employees' beliefs that work demands are excessive.

Originality/value

This study adds to prior research by detailing a hitherto overlooked factor (personal initiative) and catalyst (perceived work overload), related to the translation of transformational leadership into increased creative behavior.
Harnessing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies for sustainable development in Africa: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kibe Lucy , Kwanya Tom , Nyagowa Hesbon
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has changed the way people operate. All sectors of the economy have been affected by this technological advancement. However, little is known of how 4IR technologies are used in Africa. This paper aimed to investigate how 4IR technologies can be harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa. The objectives of the study were to: examine the infometric patterns of research production on 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; explore the perception of 4IR technologies and their potential for sustainable development in Africa; investigate the extent to which 4IR technologies have been harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa; determine the factors influencing the use of 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; and identify the strategies which can be used to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a mixed methods research approach. Quantitative data was collected through bibliometrics analysis while qualitative data was collected by use of systematic literature review. Data was collected from Google Scholar using Harzing's “Publish or Perish” software and analysed using Microsoft Excel, Notepad, VOSviewer and Atlas.ti and presented using tables, graphs and figures.

Findings

The study retrieved 914 research publications on 4IR and sustainable development in Africa. It emerged that production of research on the subject has increased gradually over the years. The findings reveal that Africa is aware of the potential of 4IR for sustainable development. In fact, it emerged that 4IR technologies are being used to support education, health services, tourism, e-commerce, records integrity and project management. Some of the factors that inhibit the use of 4IR for sustainable development Africa include lack of relevant policies, low skill levels in 4IR technologies, inadequate infrastructure and lack of stakeholder involvement. This study recommends the development of policies in 4IR, capacity building and upgrading of infrastructures. The findings can be used by governments in Africa to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development.

Originality/value

The research is original in scope and coverage.
Prioritizing areas for ecological restoration: A participatory approach based on cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Silva Elysa , Naji Walid , Salvaneschi Pietro , Climent‐Gil Emilio , Derak Mchich , López Germán , Bonet Andreu , Aledo Antonio , Cortina‐Segarra Jordi
Published: March 2023

Landscape‐scale prioritization models are powerful decision‐making tools in ecological restoration. Yet, they often fail to integrate multi‐stakeholder perspectives and socio‐ecological criteria.

We designed a new methodology to identify high‐priority areas for landscape‐scale restoration. This participatory cost‐effectiveness analysis model is based on execution and maintenance costs and the potential increase in the supply of multiple ecosystem services.

We tested the model in a 181,000 ha heavily anthropized semi‐arid landscape in southeastern Spain. Restoring the whole area would cost 221 million EUR and enhance the supply of ecosystem services by 39%. The cost‐effectiveness of restoring pine forest and abandoned and irrigated crops were higher than restoring other Landscape Units. Restoring the least degraded sites was more cost‐effective than the most degraded areas or randomly selecting sites, even when potential recovery was incomplete.

Synthesis and applications. The cost‐effectiveness of restoration actions depends on the type of ecosystem and degradation state. Visualizing the outcomes of alternative restoration scenarios needs participatory prioritization maps based on financial costs and the potential supply of ecosystem services. We propose a participatory prioritization protocol that is flexible and adaptable and can help government agencies, environmental managers, investors, consultancies and NGOs' plan restoration actions at the landscape scale and optimize the effectiveness of restoration programs.
Considering climate change and regional differences: An efficiency assessment of coal mine use and land restoration
Authors: Huang Kuei‐Ying , Chang Tzu‐Han , Chiu Yung‐ho , Yang Chih‐Yu , Lin Tai‐Yu
Published: March 2023

China is the country with the largest coal mining production and consumption in the world, but due to a large amount of coal burning, air pollution and climate change are exasperating related problems. The previous literature mainly has discussed coal mine production and environmental pollution, but failed to take into account external factors such as climate change and seldom discussed the relationship between coal mine land use and land restoration. Therefore, this study uses the meta‐Epsilon‐Based Measure two‐stage Data Envelopment Analysis under the exogenous model and incorporates coal mine land use and land restoration use into the model to explore the relationship between the two under climate change. The research results are as follows. (1) If the external climate factors are not considered, then the phenomenon of overestimation or underestimation of the technology gap arises. (2) The efficiency value of the coal mining stage in most provinces is generally higher than the land restoration efficiency value.
The Association of Retinal age gap with metabolic syndrome and inflammation
Authors: Zhu Zhuoting , Liu Dan , Chen Ruiye , Hu Wenyi , Liao Huan , Kiburg Katerina , Ha Jason , He Shuang , Shang Xianwen , Huang Yu , Wang Wei , Yu Honghua , Yang Xiaohong , He Mingguang
Published: March 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of cardiometabolic components, posing tremendous burdens in the aging society. Retinal age gap has been proposed as a robust biomarker associated with mortality and Parkinson's disease. Although MetS and chronic inflammation could accelerate the aging process and increase the risk of mortality, the association of the retinal age gap with MetS and inflammation has not been examined yet.

Methods

Retinal age gap (retina‐predicted age minus chronological age) was calculated using a deep learning model. MetS was defined as the presence of three or more of the following: central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia. Inflammation index was defined as a high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein level above 3.0 mg/L. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of retinal age gaps with MetS and inflammation.

Results

We found that retinal age gap was significantly associated with MetS and inflammation. Specifically, compared to participants with retinal age gaps in the lowest quartile, the risk of MetS was significantly increased by 10% and 14% for participants with retinal age gaps in the third and fourth quartile (odds ratio [OR]:1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01,1.21;, p = .030; OR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.03,1.26; p = .012, respectively). Similar trends were identified for the risk of inflammation and combined MetS and inflammation.

Conclusion

We found that retinal age gaps were significantly associated with MetS as well as inflammation. Given the noninvasive and cost‐effective nature and the efficacy of the retinal age gap, it has great potential to be used as a screening tool for MetS in large populations.
Phase Stability and Reactions of Subducting CaCO3 under Upper Mantle Conditions
Authors: GUI Weibin , SHEN Kewei , LIU Jin
Published: March 2023

CaCO3 is an important component of marine sediments and one of the major deep‐carbon carriers at subduction zones. Some subducted CaCO3 can be dissolved in subduction fluids and recycled back to the surface via arc volcanoes degassing. At the same time, there still remain large amounts of CaCO3 and its reaction products, which could be further transported into Earth's deep interior. These internal processes link atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere with the deep solid Earth, modifying the environments of our planet. In this review, we summarize current understanding from high pressure‐temperature experiments and field petrological observations on the physical and chemical properties of CaCO3. In particular, the phase stability and reactions of CaCO3 largely control the migration and reservation of oxidized carbon in subducting slabs. Finally, we present several critical but unsolved questions on CaCO3 subducting in the deep mantle.
Propofol and thiopental for intravenous induction in neonates: Study protocol for a dose‐finding trial
Authors: Vesselinova Iva Vassileva , Jensen Kristian Nørholm , Hansen Tom Giedsing
Published: March 2023

Background

Propofol and thiopental are commonly used induction agents in neonatal anesthesia. Even though both hypnotics have been used off‐label for many years, pharmacological knowledge regarding these agents is scarce in neonates. The significant variability in neonates' body composition, organ function, and maturation makes pharmacological studies highly relevant albeit challenging. As a result, there is currently limited data about the anesthetic induction dose of thiopental and propofol in neonates. In addition, a knowledge gap exists concerning the pharmacodynamics of induction doses.

Objective

To determine the median effective anesthetic induction dose of propofol and thiopental in neonatal patients of different gestational and postnatal ages and evaluate the pharmacodynamics of the anesthesia induction doses on the neonatal systemic and cerebral hemodynamics.

Methods

This is a single‐center, prospective, open‐label, interventional, dose‐finding study, including neonatal patients from birth up to 28 postnatal days undergoing general anesthesia for surgical or diagnostic procedures. The patients will be stratified according to their gestational and postnatal age and allocated to one of the two trial arms: anesthesia induction with propofol or anesthesia induction with thiopental. We will use Dixon's up‐and‐down method to estimate the median effective anesthesia induction dose of both agents in neonates of different gestational and postnatal ages. In addition, we will study the relationship between anesthesia induction doses and changes in systemic and cerebral hemodynamics.

Discussion

Alterations in the systemic and cerebral regional hemodynamics secondary to anesthesia induction may be harmful in neonates, especially premature and critically ill newborns, due to their immature organ systems, reduced physiological reserves, and impaired cerebral autoregulation. Perfusion homeostasis is considered one of the significant and modifiable determinants of anesthesia‐related neurocognitive outcomes. Therefore, dose‐finding and safety pharmacological studies of the anesthetic induction agents in neonates are urgently needed and acknowledged as a high priority by the European Medicine Agency. Estimating adequate induction doses to ensure optimal depth of anesthesia while avoiding systemic and cerebral hemodynamic disturbances will help ensure safe anesthesia and potentially improve anesthesia‐related outcomes in this group of patients.

Trial registration: EudraCT (EudraCT Identifier: 2019‐001534‐34), 05.07.2022.
Falls and fractures in the acute care setting: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trinh Vincent Quoc‐Nam , Dukelow Tim , Thompson Campbell , Gilbert Toby
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Falls with fracture in hospitalised patients remain a common occurrence with significant morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to determine the characteristics of patients who suffer falls with fractures in hospital, and to examine whether outcomes in this cohort differ from those of patients who fall without sustaining a fracture.

Methods

Coding data pertaining to a 6‐year period (2012–2017) were interrogated. Patients coded as having suffered a fall in hospital during this period were identified and divided into those who did and those who did not suffer fractures due to their fall. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compared between groups and outcome measures examined with descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Results

From 236,720 inpatient admissions, 721 falls were recorded, 128 of which were associated with a fracture. Delirium (30% in those who suffered a fracture vs. 21% in those who did not, p < 0.040), dementia (23% vs. 13%, p < 0.004), female sex (53% vs. 44%, p < 0.020) and older age (76.8 vs. 72.8 years, p < 0.010) were associated with falls with fractures in hospital. Falls with fractures were associated with a longer length of inpatient stay by 9.2 days (95% CI 5.5–12.9, p < 0.001) and were an independent predictor of inpatient mortality.

Conclusions

Greater understanding of characteristics of patients at risk of falls with fractures, as well as knowledge of the considerable associated morbidity and mortality, will help to prognosticate when these events occur and, potentially, to put preventative measures in place.