bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-Based Mixing and Condom Use Patterns in Opposite-Sex Adult Partnerships in Hong Kong
Authors: Smith M. Kumi , Graham Matthew , Ong Jason J. , Tse Desiree , Wong William C.W.
Published: September 2022

Background

Age-based sexual mixing data can guide design and implementation of sexually transmitted infection (STI) control interventions. It can also inform the parameterization of mathematical models of HIV and STI transmission. Data on mixing in heterosexual adults are uncommon, particularly in East Asian regions.

Methods

In June 2020, egocentric network data collected from sexually active adults in Hong Kong 18 or years participating in an online, population-based survey were used to assess age-dependent contacts and condom use patterns. Age-based mixing matrices of heterosexual partnerships were constructed separately according to sex and partnership type.

Results

Data from 1090 partnerships indicated highly assortative mixing among regular partners. Casual and commercial partners had larger age discrepancies, with both men and women reporting partners of the same age or younger age group. Regarding condom use, older age groups of both sexes reported less consistent use with all partner types. Particularly inconsistent use was noted in combinations of older men with younger casual/commercial female partners.

Conclusions

Our findings provide novel insights potentially useful for forming sexual health and STI control policy. First, the disassortative nature of casual and commercial partnerships in both men and women suggests that they may be a mechanism for the seeding of younger generations and therefore a target of health interventions. Second, health communications may wish to target older men in particular given their higher tendency to condomless sex with casual and commercial female partners in the youngest—and therefore most susceptible—age groups, indicating a lack of the sex symmetry that was observed in regular partnerships.
Consensus Minimal Dataset for Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Switzerland
Authors: Wismer Alice C. , Rakic Milenko , Kuehni Claudia E. , Jaboyedoff Manon , Romano Fabrizio , Kopp Matthias V. , Brandenberger Julia , Staubli Georg , Keitel Kristina
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Standardized, harmonized data sets generated through routine clinical and administrative documentation can greatly accelerate the generation of evidence to improve patient care. The objective of this study was to define a pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) minimal dataset for Switzerland (Swiss PEM minimal dataset) and to contribute a subspecialty module to a national pediatric data harmonization process (SwissPedData).

Methods

We completed a modified Delphi survey, inviting experts from all major Swiss pediatric emergency departments (PEDs).

Results

Twelve experts from 10 Swiss PEDs, through 3 Delphi survey rounds and a moderated e-mail discussion, suggested a subspecialty module for PEM to complement the newly developed SwissPedData main common data model (CDM). The PEM subspecialty CDM contains 28 common data elements (CDEs) specific to PEM. Additional CDEs cover PEM-specific admission processes (type of arrival), timestamps (time of death), greater details on investigations and treatments received at the PED, and PEM procedures (eg, procedural sedation). In addition to the 28 CDEs specific to PEM, 43 items from the SwissPedData main CDM were selected to create a Swiss PEM minimal dataset. The final Swiss PEM minimal dataset was similar in scope and content to the registry of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network.

Conclusions

A practical minimal dataset for PEM in Switzerland was developed through recognized consensus methodology. The Swiss PEM minimal dataset developed by Swiss PEM experts will facilitate international data sharing for PEM research and quality improvement projects.
Nutrient-sensitive protein O-GlcNAcylation shapes daily biological rhythms
Authors: Liu Xianhui , Chiu Joanna C.
Published: September 2022

O-linked-
N
-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is a nutrient-sensitive protein modification that alters the structure and function of a wide range of proteins involved in diverse cellular processes. Similar to phosphorylation, another protein modification that targets serine and threonine residues, O-GlcNAcylation occupancy on cellular proteins exhibits daily rhythmicity and has been shown to play critical roles in regulating daily rhythms in biology by modifying circadian clock proteins and downstream effectors. We recently reported that daily rhythm in global O-GlcNAcylation observed in
Drosophila
tissues is regulated via the integration of circadian and metabolic signals. Significantly, mistimed feeding, which disrupts coordination of these signals, is sufficient to dampen daily O-GlcNAcylation rhythm and is predicted to negatively impact animal biological rhythms and health span. In this review, we provide an overview of published and potential mechanisms by which metabolic and circadian signals regulate hexosamine biosynthetic pathway metabolites and enzymes, as well as O-GlcNAc processing enzymes to shape daily O-GlcNAcylation rhythms. We also discuss the significance of functional interactions between O-GlcNAcylation and other post-translational modifications in regulating biological rhythms. Finally, we highlight organ/tissue-specific cellular processes and molecular pathways that could be modulated by rhythmic O-GlcNAcylation to regulate time-of-day-specific biology.
Comparison of external, internal and chemical quality
characteristics of 6-year-old red ginseng produced in
punggi area by grade
Authors: Kim Minhyun , Kim Jiyoon , Kim Jungsoo , Park Sanghyeok , Kim Jihye , Kim Insun , Nam Inju , Moon Kwang-Deog
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the external,
internal and chemical quality characteristics of 6-year-old red ginseng produced
in punggi area. Red ginseng samples are graded as
cheon (1st grade), ji (2nd grade),
yang (3rd grade), gi (out of grade) by
trained inspectors. External characteristics of red ginseng depend on weight,
volume, density, length and color. Internal characteristics were expressed by
length and occurrence ratio of inner white and inner cavity. Chemical
characteristics were evaluated by crude saponin, ginsenoside (Rg1,
Rb1, Rc), total sugar, acidic polysaccharide, and 50%
ethanol extracts contents. Overall, this study showed that quality of external
and internal characteristics was matched with grade, but chemical quality was
not matched.
A Variational Inference Approach to Single-Cell Gene Regulatory Network Inference using Probabilistic Matrix Factorization
Authors: Mahmood Omar , Skok Gibbs Claudia , Bonneau Richard , Cho Kyunghyun
Published: September 2022

Inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from single cell data is challenging due to heuristic limitations and a lack of uncertainty estimates in existing methods. To address this, we present Probabilistic Matrix Factorization for Gene Regulatory Network Inference (PMF-GRN). Using single cell expression data, PMF-GRN infers latent factors capturing transcription factor activity and regulatory relationships, incorporating experimental evidence via prior distributions. By utilizing variational inference, we facilitate hyperparameter search for principled model selection and direct comparison to other generative models. We extensively test and benchmark our method using single cell datasets fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae, human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs), and BEELINE synthetic data. We discover that PMF-GRN infers GRNs more accurately than current state-of-the-art single-cell GRN inference methods, offering well-calibrated uncertainty estimates for additional interpretability.
Clustering and finite size effects in a two-species exclusion process
Authors: Chacko Jim , Muhuri Sudipto , Tripathy Goutam
Published: September 2022

We study the cluster size distribution of particles for a two-species exclusion process which involves totally asymmetric transport process of two oppositely directed species with stochastic directional switching of the species on a 1D lattice. As a function of Q - the ratio of the translation rate and directional switching rate of particles, in the limit of Q → 0, the probability distribution of the cluster size is an exponentially decaying function of cluster size m and is exactly similar to the cluster size distribution of a TASEP. For Q >> 1, the model can be mapped to persistent exclusion process (PEP) and the average cluster size, 〈m〉 ∝ Q1/2. We obtain an approximate expression for the average cluster size in this limit. For finite system size system of L lattice sites, for a particle number density ρ, the probability distribution of cluster sizes exhibits a distinct peak which corresponds to the formation of a single cluster of size ms = ρL. However this peak vanishes in the thermodynamic limit L → ∞. Interestingly, the probability of this largest size cluster, P(ms), exhibits scaling behaviour such that in terms of scaled variable Q1 ≡ Q/L2ρ(1 − ρ), data collapse is observed for the probability of this cluster. The statistical features related to clustering observed for this minimal model may also be relevant for understanding clustering characteristics in active particles systems in confined 1D geometry.
Uncertainty revealed by delayed responses during olfactory matching
Authors: Bhowmik Rajdeep , Pardasani Meenakshi , Mahajan Sarang , Bhattacharjee Anindya S. , Konakamchi Sasank , Phadnis Shambhavi , Musthafa Thasneem , McGowan Eleanor , Srikanth Priyadharshini , Marathe Shruti D. , Abraham Nixon M.
Published: September 2022

Matching of olfactory stimuli involves both sensory and higher cognitive functioning. Different decision processes such as detection and discrimination, along with holding the perceived information are involved during the matching process. Accuracy and decision times, the interdependent readouts, can define the uncertainty involved in matching of sensory stimuli. To probe sensory and cognitive functions involving olfactory system in human subjects, we have developed a novel olfactory matching paradigm using an automated custom-built olfactory-action meter. With precise and consistent odor delivery and real-time data analysis, our system automates the entire process without any intervention by the experimenter, making it suitable as a diagnostic tool for quantifying olfactory and neurocognitive fitness. In around 400 healthy human subjects, with mean detection accuracy of 90%, we observed significantly better olfactory matching performance for simple monomolecular odors, in comparison to complex binary odor mixtures. Odor matching accuracy declined significantly with the increase in odor complexity. Olfactory matching was more rapid when subjects made correct versus incorrect decisions, indicating perceptual certainty. Subjects also took longer matching time for complex odors compared to simple odor stimuli. Thus, olfactory matching that provides a combined readout of sensory and cognitive fitness, establishes a direct link between the performance accuracy and the certainty of decisions.
In silico labeling enables kinetic myelination assay in brightfield
Authors: Fang Jian , Bergsdorf Eun Yeong , Unterreiner Vincent , Greca Agustina La , Dergai Oleksandr , Claerr Isabelle , Luong-Nguyen Ngoc-Hong , Galuba Inga , Moutsatsos Ioannis , Hatakeyama Shinji , Groot-Kormelink Paul , Zeng Fanning , Zhang Xian
Published: September 2022

Recent advances with deep neural networks have shown the feasibility of acquiring brightfield images with transmitted light and applying in-silico labeling to predict fluorescent images. We have developed a novel in-silico labeling method based on a generative adversarial network and outperforms the state-of-the-art Unet method in generating realistic fluorescent images and quantitatively recapitulating real staining signals, as demonstrated in a complex co-culture myelination assay. Furthermore, we have performed the assay in live mode with multiple kinetic points, applied in-silico labeling to predict fluorescent images from brightfield and quantified the kinetic phenotypic changes. Thus, the proposed approach provides a potential tool to study the kinetics of cellular phenotypic changes with brightfield imaging.
A Corollary Discharge Circuit in Human Speech
Authors: Khalilian-Gourtani Amirhossein , Wang Ran , Chen Xupeng , Yu Leyao , Dugan Patricia , Friedman Daniel , Doyle Werner , Devinsky Orrin , Wang Yao , Flinker Adeen
Published: September 2022

When we vocalize, our brain distinguishes self-generated sounds from external ones. A corollary discharge signal supports this function in animals, however, in humans its exact origin and temporal dynamics remain unknown. We report Electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings in neurosurgical patients and a novel connectivity approach based on Granger-causality that reveals major neural communications. We find a reproducible source for corollary discharge across multiple speech production paradigms localized to ventral speech motor cortex before speech articulation. The uncovered discharge predicts the degree of auditory cortex suppression during speech, its well-documented consequence. These results reveal the human corollary discharge source and timing with far-reaching implication for speech motor-control as well as auditory hallucinations in human psychosis.

Significance statement

How do organisms dissociate self-generated sounds from external ones? A fundamental brain circuit across animals addresses this question by transmitting a blueprint of the motor signal to sensory cortices, referred to as a corollary discharge. However, in humans and non-human primates auditory system, the evidence supporting this circuit has been limited to its direct consequence, auditory suppression. Furthermore, an impaired corollary discharge circuit in humans can lead to auditory hallucinations. While hypothesized to originate in the frontal cortex, direct evidence localizing the source and timing of an auditory corollary discharge is lacking in humans. Leveraging rare human neurosurgical recordings combined with connectivity techniques, we elucidate the exact source and dynamics of the corollary discharge signal in human speech.

One-sentence summary

We reveal the source and timing of a corollary discharge from speech motor cortex onto auditory cortex in human speech.
Alternatively Spliced Landscape of PPARγ mRNA in Podocytes is Distinct from Adipose Tissue
Authors: Bryant Claire , Webb Amy , Banks Alexander S , Chandler Dawn , Govindarajan Rajgopal , Agrawal Shipra
Published: September 2022

Podocytes are highly differentiated epithelial cells, and their structural and functional integrity is compromised in a majority of glomerular and renal diseases, leading to proteinuria, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Traditional agonists (e.g., pioglitazone) and selective modulators (e.g., GQ-16) of peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-γ (PPARγ) reduce proteinuria in animal models of glomerular disease and protect podocytes from injury via PPARγ activation. This indicates a pivotal role for PPARγ in maintaining glomerular function through preservation of podocytes distinct from its well-understood role in driving insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis. While its transcriptional role in activating adipokines and adipogenic genes is well-established in adipose tissue, liver and muscle, understanding of podocyte PPARγ signaling remains limited. We performed a comprehensive analysis of PPARγ mRNA variants due to alternative splicing, in human podocytes and compared with adipose tissue. We found that podocytes express the ubiquitous PPARγ Var 1 (encoding γ1) and not Var2 (encoding γ2), which is mostly restricted to adipose tissue and liver. Additionally, we detected expression at very low level of Var4, and barely detectable levels of other variants, Var3, Var11, VartORF4 and Var9, in podocytes. Furthermore, a distinct podocyte vs adipocyte PPAR-promoter-response-element containing gene expression, enrichment and pathway signature was observed, suggesting differential regulation by podocyte specific PPARγ1 variant, distinct from the adipocyte-specific γ2 variant. In summary, podocytes and glomeruli express several PPARγ variants, including Var1 (γ1) and excluding adipocyte-specific Var2 (γ2), which may have implications in podocyte specific signaling and pathophysiology. This suggests that new selective PPARγ modulators can be potentially developed that will be able to distinguish between the two forms, γ1 and γ2, thus forming a basis of novel targeted therapeutic avenues.
Selective attention reduces responses to relevant sounds in human auditory cortex
Authors: Lage-Castellanos Agustin , De Martino Federico , Ghose Geoffrey M. , Gulban Omer Faruk , Moerel Michelle
Published: September 2022

Selective attention enables the preferential processing of relevant stimulus aspects. Invasive animal studies have shown that attending a sound feature rapidly modifies neuronal tuning throughout the auditory cortex. Human neuroimaging studies have reported enhanced auditory cortical responses with selective attention. To date, it remains unclear how the results obtained with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans relate to the electrophysiological findings in animal models. Here we aim to close the gap between animal and human research by combining a selective attention task similar in design to those used in animal electrophysiology with high spatial resolution ultra-high field fMRI at 7 Tesla. Specifically, human participants perform a detection task, while the probability of target occurrence varies with sound frequency. Contrary to previous fMRI studies, we show that selective attention reduces responses to the attended frequencies in those neuronal populations preferring the attended frequency. Through population receptive field (pRF) mapping, we furthermore show that these response reductions are at least partially driven by frequency-induced pRF narrowing. The difference between our results to those of previous fMRI studies supports the notion that the influence of selective attention on auditory cortex is diverse and may depend on context, task, and auditory processing stage.
An ultra high-throughput, massively multiplexable, single-cell RNA-seq platform in yeasts
Authors: Brettner Leandra , Eder Rachel , Schmidlin Kara , Geiler-Samerotte Kerry
Published: September 2022

Yeasts are naturally diverse, genetically tractable, and easy to grow in a myriad of experimental conditions such that researchers have the ability to investigate any number of genotypes, strains, environments, or the interaction thereof. However, studies of variation in the yeast transcriptome have been limited by the processing capabilities of available RNA sequencing techniques. Here we optimize a powerful, high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) platform for yeasts. This platform utilizes a combinatorial barcoding strategy to enable massively parallel RNA sequencing of hundreds of yeast genotypes or growth conditions at once. This method can be applied to most species or strains of yeast for a fraction of the cost of traditional scRNAseq approaches. Thus, our technology permits researchers to leverage “the awesome power of yeast” by allowing us to survey the transcriptome of hundreds of strains and environments in a short period of time, and with no specialized equipment. The key to this method is that sequential barcodes are probabilistically appended to cDNA copies of RNA while the molecules remain trapped inside of each cell. Thus, the transcriptome of each cell is labeled with a unique combination of barcodes. Since we use the cell membrane as a container for this reaction, many cells can be processed together without the need to physically isolate them from one another in separate wells or droplets. Further, the first barcode in the sequence can be chosen intentionally to identify samples from different environments or genetic backgrounds, enabling multiplexing of hundreds of unique samples in a single experiment. In addition to greater multiplexing capabilities, our method also facilitates a deeper investigation of biological heterogeneity given its single-cell nature. For example, in the data presented here we report transcriptionally distinct cell states related to cell cycle, growth rate, metabolic strategies, stress responses, etc. all within clonal yeast populations grown in the same environment. Hence, our technology has two obvious and impactful applications for yeast research: the first is the general study of transcriptional phenotypes across many strains and environments, and the second is investigating cell-to-cell heterogeneity across the entire transcriptome.
Zero emission and clean energy concept for campus area in hot-humid tropical climate
Authors: Winarto Yosafat , Purwani Ofita , Setyaningsih Wiwik , Triratma Bambang
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This research is oriented to the need for new ideas related to the concept of a green campus that respond to climate change. The concept is simulated with a campus area in Indonesia, a country that requires a lot of school planning for human resource development that requires clean, renewable energy and zero emissions in a humid tropical climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out in a mixed qualitative-quantitative method using field observations and literature studies through an approach to developing a pedagogical pattern of cognitive, affective and psychomotor, relevant theoretical studies and comprehensive analysis of all variables and aspects. Analysis through the parameter matrix of green buildings and green campuses to produce a zero emission and energy efficient campus area concept.

Findings

The concept of an integrated campus area model that can holistically save energy optimally and free from emissions and can produce graduates who are aware and have high cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies toward environmental conservation efforts. Green campus design is not only physical design, but needs to be integrated with green curriculum content.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this research is in the scope of architectural and environmental sciences.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this research is a new green campus concept that is environmentally friendly and sustainable in a hot-humid tropical climate.

Social implications

This research revives the cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies of human individuals at the highest level to equip the ability to repair and maintain the environment. The research resulted in a refinement of the green campus concept that was integrated into the curriculum.

Originality/value

A holistic and integrated green campus concept between the development of campus area design and human development aspects.
Determinants for food service market segmentation and contemporary consumers’ behaviours amid the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Górka – Chowaniec Agnieszka Katarzyna , Sikora Tadeusz
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to draw attention to consumers' behaviours which are changing on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, provide an understanding of the factors influencing these behaviours and emphasise their importance in building contemporary business models for the restaurant industry. The article is a case study of the Polish restaurant sector based on a comparison with the worldwide literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of the current literature on the subject pertaining to the issues discussed, an analysis of them, mainly by examining trade reports, with a special focus on the following databases (BDL GUS, CBOS, IGGP PKD) and foreign references, as well as Internet sources, using the systematic (structured) literature review (SLR) method. The authors searched the databases between May 2020 and May 2022, paying attention to the following keywords: COVID-19, consumer behaviours, food services, market segmentation, Poland.

Findings

The analysis allowed the authors to identify the most important factors influencing consumer behaviour under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This in turn enabled them to verify a hypothesis concerning the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers’ behaviours on the food service market. Results from an analysis of trade reports and from a literature review confirm the hypothesis proposed, leading to the conclusion that the contemporary reality in Poland currently requires businesses to continuously monitor consumers’ behaviours in a turbulent and uncertain environment.

Research limitations/implications

The systematic identification of changes taking place in consumers’ behaviours will make it possible to adapt a portfolio of services to changes observed in this regard.

Practical implications

The analysis conducted by the authors in 2021 to examine trends in consumer behaviours proved that changes affecting their thinking were undoubtedly accelerated by the pandemic of a contagious disease – COVID-19.

Originality/value

Some consumer trends that appear to be a response to limits and restrictions may be observed for a longer period of time. Therefore, those restaurant owners who want to successfully go through the stage of adaptation to the new reality will have to focus, in the short term, on actions designed to identify their customers’ needs and expectations anew and tailor their business models and offer accordingly.
COVID-19, business continuity management and standardization: case study of Huawei
Authors: Chen Shumei , Xu Jia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to theoretically and empirically demonstrate the role played by business continuity management (BCM) to address risks such as trade conflicts and natural disasters. This paper also answers whether compliance with international standards such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22301 is adequate.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is conducted to examine how a robust end-to-end BCM system has been established in two decades and in what way it has helped Huawei to efficiently maintain growth under pressure, such as being added to the “Entity List” and the pandemic.

Findings

Huawei case contributes to BCM theory in its approach to establishing the BCM system and its well-established BCM model. Huawei establishes and continually improves its BCM system by applying the Plan (establish), Do (implement and operate), Check (monitor and review) and Act (maintain and improve) cycle. Characterized as 4Ps: BCM policy, BCM process, incident management plan and business continuity plan, Huawei BCM system is shaped into a loop with end-to-end BCM process, covering all steps along its value chain – from suppliers and partners to Huawei itself and then on to its customers – with key initiatives for all domains such as R&D, procurement, manufacturing, logistics and global technical services. In practice, implementing international standards such as ISO 22301 enables Huawei to develop business continuity but not enough. Optimizing the BCM system is an ongoing effort, and BCM maturity is ever present: continually improving Huawei’s own BCM system and benchmarking against best practices available worldwide.

Research limitations/implications

Apart from the case study, other methods such as counter-factual analysis can be used to further test whether Huawei’s BCM system is cost-effective. Another direction for future study is whether suggested BCM maturity levels should be supplemented into ISO 22301. In the digital age, how to use digitalization to ensure business continuity is a current issue not just for practitioners such as Huawei but also for researchers worldwide.

Practical implications

In practice, implementing international standards such as ISO 22301 enables Huawei to develop business continuity but not enough. Optimizing the BCM system is an ongoing effort, and BCM maturity is ever present: continually improving Huawei’s own BCM system and benchmarking against best practices available worldwide.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to focus on how an organization continually improves the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of its BCM system, with special attention to standards compliance.
Packaging-integrated-products: capturing new opportunities in the front end of product development
Authors: Simms Chris , Trott Paul
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how firms manage the front end of new product development projects where packaging forms a core part of the product itself. Within the fast-moving consumer goods industry, innovation provides opportunities to create packaging that forms an integrated part of the product offering. The authors refer to these as packaging-integrated-products. This study conceptualises three levels of integration and investigates how they impact upon the management of the front end.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of a two-phase design. This involved a preliminary study with key informants, followed by a multiple case study design, which examines product development projects with differing extents of packaging integration.

Findings

The results identify nine different new product opportunities. The authors also present 11 propositions that reveal the key characteristics of the front end of packaging-integrated development projects, as well as the project management requirements to capture the opportunities they present.

Research limitations/implications

Initial insights into a number of unique front-end project management characteristics required to deliver different project types form an area for further research to better understand product packaging integration. The propositions presented guide the way forward for future studies.

Practical implications

The findings provide marketers with new understanding of three types of new product opportunities presented by packaging integration and demonstrate what is required to capture the opportunities they present in the front end of product development.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to extant studies of packaging development in the marketing literature, which have previously failed to capture the high levels of integration between packaging and the product. The authors present a new conceptual approach to understanding integration and subsequently uncover how the opportunities it presents can be captured.
Marketing in a crisis: lessons from the “COVID election” in New Zealand
Authors: Elder Edward , Lees-Marshment Jennifer , Bendle Neil Thomas
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify both the traditional and novel forms of marketing behind New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern’s landslide victory in the 2020 New Zealand General Election during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analysed both qualitative and quantitative data, including over 70 primary sources, the perspectives of practitioners, polling and data from surveys with over 450,000 respondents. The qualitative data was analysed interpretively against established theoretical concepts, whereas the quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics.

Findings

This research found that COVID-19 drastically changed what the public prioritised, allowing Ardern and Labour to position themselves as guardians of government stability, while camouflaging previous delivery failures. Labour also used a more emergent market-oriented and “polite” populist political marketing strategy.

Research limitations/implications

While the survey data used is not a perfect sample of the population, it is the largest public opinion survey in New Zealand and, given its convergence with other sources, provides valuable insights into political marketing during a crisis more broadly.

Practical implications

This research reinforces marketing’s most important aspect; the market should drive action. How decision makers respond to the market should depend on the environment. Thus, up-to-date market research becomes even more important during a crisis, as the environment changes rapidly. This leaves prior assumptions obsolete and implies strategy needs to be adaptive. Additionally, greater public attention provides governing leaders with the opportunity to present a more well-rounded leadership image.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to look at marketing while in government and election campaigning in the context of successful management of a global pandemic.
The link between transformational leadership and organizational development: testing the mediating role of employees' maturity
Authors: Radi Afsouran Naghi , Charkhabi Morteza , Mohammadkhani Fatemeh , Seidel Laura
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to test the association between transformational leadership and its components and organizational development. As a second aim, this study examines the extent to which employees' maturity may mediate the link between transformational leadership and organizational development.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 248 full-time employees (58% men, 42% women) recruited by a simple random sampling method from four Iranian public organizations. Participants were asked to complete scales on transformational leadership, organizational development, and employees' maturity.

Findings

Pearson correlation analysis showed a positively significant association between transformational leadership and organizational development. Furthermore, path analysis of structural equation modeling revealed that the direct effect of transformational leadership on organizational development is significant. Additionally, the analysis supported the mediating role of employees' maturity in the link between transformational leadership and organizational development.

Originality/value

Transformational leaders may use the maturity of employees to increase their impact in the process of organizational development.
Male rock hyraxes that maintain an isochronous song rhythm achieve higher reproductive success
Authors: Demartsev Vlad , Haddas‐Sasson Michal , Ilany Amiyaal , Koren Lee , Geffen Eli
Published: September 2022

Rhythmic stability (nonrandom temporal structure) is required for many neural and physiological functions, whereas rhythmic irregularities can indicate genetic or developmental deficiencies. Therefore, rhythmic courtship or contest signals are widespread in nature as honest advertisement displays. Examination of bird songs revealed the pervasiveness of categorical rhythmic patterns that can be described as small integer ratios between sequential inter‐call intervals. As similar rhythmic profiles are prevalent in human music, it was suggested that a shared functionality could drive both animal songs and human musical rhythms, facilitating synchrony between signallers and enabling easy identification of performance errors.

Here we examined whether the rhythmic structure and the rhythmic stability of vocal displays are related to reproductive success in male rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis), which presents an unusual case of a terrestrial singing mammal.

We combined long‐term parentage analysis of 13 male hyraxes (22 male/years) with an analysis of an audio library of 105 hyrax songs. Male annual reproductive success was determined by the number of offspring that survived to the age of 1 year. The frequency of singing events was used to determine the seasonal singing effort for each male. Songs were analysed for rhythmic structure, focusing on the presence of categorical rhythms and the contribution of rhythmic stability to annual reproductive success.

We found that male hyraxes that sing more frequently tend to have more surviving offspring and that the rhythmic profile of hyrax songs is predominantly isochronous with sequential vocal element pairs nearly equally spaced. The ratio of isochronous vocal element transitions (on‐integer) to element transitions that deviate from an isochronous pattern (off‐integer) in hyrax songs is positively correlated with male reproductive success.

Our findings support the notion that isochronous rhythmic stability can serve as an indication of quality in sexually selected signals and is not necessarily driven by the need for multiple caller synchronization. The relative scarcity of nonisochronous rhythmic categories in individually performed hyrax songs raises the question of whether such rhythmic categories could be a product of collective, coordinated signalling, while being selected against in individual performance.
Music and dance enhance social interaction and task engagement in autistic young pupils and their peers in mainstream schools
Authors: Stamou Athina , Roussy Arielle Bonneville , Ockelford Adam , Terzi Lorella
Published: September 2022

A growing number of autistic pupils attend mainstream schools which raises questions around their educational and social inclusion. The current study explored the benefits of participating in a novel music and dance programme for autistic children and their peers, aged 5–8 years. It sought to discover whether music and dance tasks can be memorable and motivating, thus promoting active engagement and social inclusion among the pupils. A total of 42 pupils (seven autistic), in seven groups, took part in the 6‐week programme. Repetition of task and pre and post observation checklists, completed by the class teachers, were used. Video observation facilitated the collection of data and analysis of the repetition of task. Music was found to be a positive cue for pupils to remember and perform the tasks, thus enhancing their engagement and inclusion in the group. The activities also offered opportunities for interaction, promoting co‐operation and inclusion.
On the role of hypotheses in science
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: September 2022

Scientific research progresses by the dialectic dialogue between hypothesis building and the experimental testing of these hypotheses. Microbiologists as biologists in general can rely on an increasing set of sophisticated experimental methods for hypothesis testing such that many scientists maintain that progress in biology essentially comes with new experimental tools. While this is certainly true, the importance of hypothesis building in science should not be neglected. Some scientists rely on intuition for hypothesis building. However, there is also a large body of philosophical thinking on hypothesis building whose knowledge may be of use to young scientists. The present essay presents a primer into philosophical thoughts on hypothesis building and illustrates it with two hypotheses that played a major role in the history of science (the parallel axiom and the fifth element hypothesis). It continues with philosophical concepts on hypotheses as a calculus that fits observations (Copernicus), the need for plausibility (Descartes and Gilbert) and for explicatory power imposing a strong selection on theories (Darwin, James and Dewey). Galilei introduced and James and Poincaré later justified the reductionist principle in hypothesis building. Waddington stressed the feed‐forward aspect of fruitful hypothesis building, while Poincaré called for a dialogue between experiment and hypothesis and distinguished false, true, fruitful and dangerous hypotheses. Theoretical biology plays a much lesser role than theoretical physics because physical thinking strives for unification principle across the universe while biology is confronted with a breathtaking diversity of life forms and its historical development on a single planet. Knowledge of the philosophical foundations on hypothesis building in science might stimulate more hypothesis‐driven experimentation that simple observation‐oriented “fishing expeditions” in biological research.
Vector redesign and in‐droplet cell‐growth improves enrichment and recovery in live Escherichia coli
Authors: Eenink Bernard D. G. , Kaminski Tomasz S. , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich , Jose Joachim , Hollfelder Florian , van Loo Bert
Published: September 2022

Directed evolution (DE) is a widely used method for improving the function of biomolecules via multiple rounds of mutation and selection. Microfluidic droplets have emerged as an important means to screen the large libraries needed for DE, but this approach was so far partially limited by the need to lyse cells, recover DNA, and retransform into cells for the next round, necessitating the use of a high‐copy number plasmid or oversampling. The recently developed live cell recovery avoids some of these limitations by directly regrowing selected cells after sorting. However, repeated sorting cycles used to further enrich the most active variants ultimately resulted in unfavourable recovery of empty plasmid vector‐containing cells over those expressing the protein of interest. In this study, we found that engineering of the original expression vector solved the problem of false positives (i.e. plasmids lacking an insert) cells containing empty vectors. Five approaches to measure activity of cell‐displayed enzymes in microdroplets were compared. By comparing various cell treatment methods prior to droplet sorting two things were found. Substrate encapsulation from the start, that is prior to expression of enzyme, showed no disadvantage to post‐induction substrate addition by pico‐injection with respect to recovery of true positive variants. Furthermore in‐droplet cell growth prior to induction of enzyme production improves the total amount of cells retrieved (recovery) and proportion of true positive variants (enrichment) after droplet sorting.
A case of multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma with a CD74‐NRG1 fusion protein and HER2 mutation benefit from combined target therapy
Authors: Chen Kai , Li Wen , Xi Xiaoming , Zhong Jia
Published: September 2022

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene fusion is a rare oncogenic driver gene in multiple tumor types, leading to the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB)‐mediated pathway. Therefore, afatinib, a pan‐ErbB family inhibitor, may be a therapeutic candidate for NRG1 fusion‐driven tumors. In this case, we report a multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma patient harboring the CD74‐NRG1 fusion, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) mutation simultaneously. The patient received afatinib and pyrotinib combination therapy and showed a significant treatment response with a progression‐free survival of 5 months. Our case further supports the use of targeted therapy for NRG1 fusion‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer.
Incidence‐data‐based species richness estimation via a Beta‐Binomial model
Authors: Chiu Chun‐Huo
Published: September 2022

Individual‐based abundance data and sample‐based incidence data are the two most widely used survey data formats to assess the species diversity in a target area, where the sample‐based incidence data are more available and efficient for estimating species richness. For species individual with spatial aggregation, individual‐unit‐based random sampling scheme is difficult to implement, and quadrat‐unit‐based sampling scheme is more available to implement and more likely to fit the model assumption of random sampling. In addition, sample‐based incidence data, without recording the number of individuals of a species and only recording the binary presence or absence of a species in the sampled unit, could considerably reduce the survey loading in the field.

In this study, according to sample‐based incidence data and based on a beta‐binomial model assumption, instead of using the maximum likelihood method, I used the moment method to derive the richness estimator. The proposed richness estimation method provides a lower bound estimator of species richness for beta‐binomial models, in which the new method only uses the number of singletons, doubletons and tripletons in the sample to estimate undetected richness.

I evaluated the proposed estimator using simulated datasets generated from various species abundance models. For highly heterogeneous communities, the simulation results indicate that the proposed estimator could provide a more stable, less biased estimate and a more accurate 95% confidence interval of true richness compared to other traditional parametric‐based estimators.

I also applied the proposed approach to real datasets for assessment and comparison with traditional estimators. The newly proposed richness estimator provides different information and conclusions from other estimators.
Development of the motivational thought frequency scale for alcohol abstinence (MTF‐A)
Authors: Cheng Brandon , Coates Jason M. , Gullo Matthew J. , Chan Gary , Kavanagh David J. , Feeney Gerald F. X. , Young Ross Mc D. , Clark Paul J. , Connor Jason P.
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

For most treatment‐seeking patients with severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), abstinence is the clinically indicated goal. Existing AUD motivation scales are non‐specific about treatment consumption goals, which limit their effectiveness. Desires and mental imagery are relevant in the motivation for AUD treatment engagement. The Motivational Thought Frequency Scale for an abstinence goal (MTF‐A) was adapted from the MTF for controlled drinking (MTF‐CD). This study psychometrically evaluated the MTF‐A in an alcohol‐dependent sample engaged in treatment with a goal of abstinence. To enhance the clinical utility of the scale, a secondary aim was to evaluate a psychometrically equivalent short version of the MTF‐A.

Method

A sample N of 329 treatment‐seeking patients with AUD (mean age of 44.44 years, SD = 11.89 years, 72% male) who were undertaking a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) program for abstinence completed the Motivational Thought Frequency Scale for Abstinence (MTF‐A) and the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ). The MTF‐A measured motivation for abstinence through four factors: intensity, self‐efficacy imagery, incentives imagery, and availability. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted to examine factor structure and model fit. Cronbach's alpha assessed internal consistency. Predictive validity was determined by logistic regression predicting first‐session treatment non‐attendance and alcohol consumption between baseline assessment and commencement of treatment, controlling for potential confounds.

Results

A four‐factor structure provided the best fit for the MTF‐A, compared with one‐ and three‐factor models. A shortened 9‐item MTF‐A scale (S‐MTF‐A) provided better fit than the 13‐item MTF‐A scale. Both MTF‐A and S‐MTF‐A displayed good internal consistency. Although both MTF‐A and S‐MTF‐A successfully predicted first‐session treatment non‐attendance, neither predicted alcohol consumption between the baseline assessment and commencement of treatment.

Conclusions

The model fit of the four‐factor, 9‐item S‐MTF‐A was superior to the original 13‐item MTF‐A. Both scales were predictive of participation of AUD treatment. Desires and mental imagery play an important role in AUD treatment motivation.