bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment with IgM-enriched intravenous immunoglobulins (IgM-IVIg) enhances clearance of stroke-associated bacterial lung infection
Authors: McCulloch Laura , Harris Alison J. , Malbon Alexandra , Daniels Michael J. D. , Younas Mehwish , Grainger John R. , Allan Stuart M. , Smith Craig J. , McColl Barry W.
Published: December 2021

Post-stroke infection is a common complication of stroke that is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. We previously found that experimental stroke induces an ablation of multiple sub-populations of B cells and reduced levels of IgM antibody that coincide with the development of spontaneous bacterial pneumonia. Reduced circulating IgM concentrations were also observed in acute stroke patients. The loss of IgM antibody after stroke could be an important determinant of infection susceptibility and highlights this pathway as an important target for intervention.

We treated mice with a low (replacement), dose of IgM-enriched intravenous immunoglobulin (IgM-IVIg) prior to and 24 h after experimental stroke induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or sham surgery, then recovered mice for 2 d or 5 d. The effect of treatment on lung bacterial burden, lung pathology, brain infarct volume, antibody levels and both lung and systemic cellular and cytokine immune profiles was determined. Treatment with IgM-IVIg enhanced bacterial clearance from the lung after MCAO and improved pathology but did not impact infarct volume. IgM-IVIg treatment induced immunomodulatory effects systemically including rescue of splenic plasma B cell numbers and endogenous mouse IgM and IgA circulating immunoglobulin concentrations that were reduced by MCAO, and treatment also reduced concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung. The effects of MCAO and IgM-IVIg treatment on the immune system were tissue specific as no impact on B cells or mouse immunoglobulins were found within the lung. However, the presence of human immunoglobulins from the IgM-IVIg treatment led to increased total lung immunoglobulin concentration. IgM-IVIg treatment did not increase the number of lung mononuclear phagocytes or directly modulate macrophage phagocytic capacity but enhanced their capability to phagocytose Staphylococcus aureus bioparticles in vitro by increasing opsonisation.

Low dose IgM-IVIg contributes to increased clearance of spontaneous lung bacteria after MCAO likely via increasing availability of antibody in the lung to enhance phagocytic activity. Immunomodulatory effects of IgM-IVIg treatment, including reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production, may also contribute to reduced levels of damage in the lung after MCAO. IgM-IVIg shows promise as an antibacterial and immunomodulatory agent to use in the treatment of post-stroke infection.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The dynamic range of voltage-dependent gap junction signaling is maintained by Ih-induced membrane potential depolarization
Authors: Stein Wolfgang , DeMaegd Margaret L. , Braun Lena Yolanda , Vidal-Gadea Andrés , Harris Allison L. , Städele Carola
Published: December 2021

Like their chemical counterparts, electrical synapses show complex dynamics such as rectification and voltage dependence that interact with other electrical processes in neurons. The consequences arising from these interactions for the electrical behavior of the synapse, and the dynamics they create, remain largely unexplored. Using a voltage-dependent electrical synapse between a descending modulatory projection neuron (MCN1) and a motor neuron (LG) in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion, we find that the influence of the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (Ih) is critical to the function of the electrical synapse. When we blocked Ih with CsCl, the apparent voltage dependence of the electrical synapse shifted by 18.7 mV to more hyperpolarized voltages, placing the dynamic range of the electrical synapse outside of the range of voltages used by the LG motor neuron (−60.2 mV – −44.9 mV). With dual electrode current- and voltage-clamp recordings, we demonstrate that this voltage shift is not due to a change in the properties of the gap junction itself, but is a result of a sustained effect of Ih on the presynaptic MCN1 axon terminal membrane potential. Ih-induced depolarization of the axon terminal membrane potential increased the electrical postsynaptic potentials and currents. With Ih present, the axon terminal resting membrane potential depolarized, shifting the dynamic range of the electrical synapse towards the functional range of the motor neuron. We thus demonstrate that the function of an electrical synapse is critically influenced by a voltage-dependent ionic current (Ih).

New & Noteworthy

Electrical synapses and voltage-gated ionic currents are often studied independently from one another, despite mounting evidence that their interactions can alter synaptic behavior. We show that the hyperpolarization-activated inward ionic current shifts the voltage dependence of an electrical synaptic transmission through its depolarizing effect on the membrane potential, enabling it to lie within the functional membrane potential range of a motor neuron. Thus, the electrical synapse’s function critically depends on the voltage-gated ionic current.
Structure of the hepatitis C virus E1E2 glycoprotein complex
Authors: de la Peña Alba Torrents , Sliepen Kwinten , Eshun-Wilson Lisa , Newby Maddy , Allen Joel D. , Koekkoek Sylvie , Zon Ian , Chumbe Ana , Crispin Max , Schinkel Janke , Lander Gabriel C. , Sanders Rogier W. , Ward Andrew B.
Published: December 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in humans, and afflicts more than 58 million people worldwide. The HCV envelope E1 and E2 glycoproteins are essential for viral entry and infection, and comprise the primary antigenic target for neutralizing antibody responses. The molecular mechanisms of E1E2 assembly, as well as how the E1E2 heterodimer binds broadly neutralizing antibodies, remains elusive. We present the cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) structure of the membrane-extracted full-length E1E2 heterodimer in complex with broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) AR4A, AT12009 and IGH505 at ∼3.5 Å resolution. We resolve the long sought-after interface between the E1 and E2 ectodomains and reveal how it is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions and glycans. This structure deepens our understanding of the HCV fusion glycoprotein and delivers a blueprint for the rational design of novel vaccine immunogens and anti-viral drugs.
Persistence of immune response in health care workers after two doses BNT162b2 in a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Herzberg Jonas , Fischer Bastian , Lindenkamp Christopher , Becher Heiko , Becker Ann-Kristin , Honarpisheh Human , Guraya Salman Yousuf , Strate Tim , Knabbe Cornelius
Published: December 2021

Background

The mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 of BioNTech/Pfizer has shown high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of the COVID-19 disease. However, little is known about the long-term durability of the induced immune response resulting from the vaccination.

Methods

In a longitudinal observational study in employees at a German hospital we compared the humoral and cellular immune response in 184 participants after two doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2) with a mid-term follow-up after 9 months. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies were determined using both a quantitative and a semi-quantitative assay. For a qualitative assessment of the humoral immune response, we additionally measured neutralizing antibodies. Cellular immune response was evaluated by measuring Interferon-gamma release after stimulating blood-cells with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides using a commercial assay.

Results

In the first analysis, a 100% humoral response rate was described after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine with a mean antibody ratio of 8.01 ± 1.00. 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, serological testing showed a significant decreased mean antibody ratio of 3.84 ± 1.69 (p < 0.001). Neutralizing antibodies were still detectable in 96% of all participants, showing an average binding inhibition value of 68.20% ± 18.87%. Older age, (p < 0.001) and obesity (p = 0.01) had a negative effect on the antibody persistence. SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular immune response was proven in 75% of individuals (mean IFN-gamma release: 579.68 mlU/ml ± 705.56 mlU/ml).

Conclusion

Our data shows a declining immune response 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, supporting the potentially beneficial effect of booster vaccinations, the negative effect of obesity and age stresses the need of booster doses especially in these groups.
Predictors of uncertainty and unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccine: an observational study of 22,139 fully vaccinated adults in the UK
Authors: Paul Elise , Fancourt Daisy
Published: December 2021

Background

The continued success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK will depend on widespread uptake of booster vaccines. However, there is evidence of hesitancy and unwillingness to receive the booster vaccine, even in fully vaccinated adults. Identifying factors associated with COVID-19 booster vaccine intentions specifically in this population is therefore critical.

Methods

We used data from 22,139 fully vaccinated adults who took part in the UCL COVID-19 Social Study. Multinomial logistic regression examined predictors of uncertainty and unwillingness (versus willingness) to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine (measured 22 November 2021 to 6 December 2021), including (i) socio-demographic factors, (ii) COVID-19 related factors (e.g., having been infected with COVID-19), and (iii) initial intent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the four months following the announcement in the UK that the vaccines had been approved (2 December 2020 to 31 March 2021).

Findings

4% of the sample reported that they were uncertain about receiving a COVID-19 booster vaccine, and a further 4% unwilling. Initial uncertainty and unwillingness to accept the first COVID-19 vaccine in 2020-21 were each associated with over five times the risk of being uncertain about and unwilling to accept a booster vaccine. Healthy adults (those without a pre-existing physical health condition) were also more likely to be uncertain or unwilling to receive a booster vaccine. In addition, low levels of current stress about catching or becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, consistently low compliance with COVID-19 government guidelines during periods of strict restrictions (e.g., lockdowns), lower levels of educational qualification, lower socio-economic position, and age below 45 years were all associated with uncertainty and unwillingness.

Interpretation

Our findings highlight that there are a range of factors that predict booster intentions, with the strongest predictor being previous uncertainty and unwillingness. Two other concerning patterns also emerged from our results. First, administration of booster vaccinations may increase social inequalities in experiences of COVID-19 as adults from lower socio-economic backgrounds are also most likely to be uncertain or unwilling to accept a booster vaccine as well as most likely to be seriously affected by the virus. Second, some of those most likely to spread COVID-19 (i.e., those with poor compliance with guidelines) are most likely to be uncertain and unwilling. Public health messaging should be tailored specifically to these groups.

Funding

The Nuffield Foundation [WEL/FR-000022583], the MARCH Mental Health Network funded by the Cross-Disciplinary Mental Health Network Plus initiative supported by UK Research and Innovation [ES/S002588/1], and the Wellcome Trust [221400/Z/20/Z and 205407/Z/16/Z].
Investigation of hydrogen diffusion behavior in 12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel by electrochemical tests and first-principles calculation
Authors: Qiu Xiang , Zhang Kun , Kang Qin , Fan Yicheng , San Hongyu , Chen Yiqing , Zhao Heming
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement in 12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel, which will help to provide valuable information for the subsequent hydrogen embrittlement research of this kind of steel, so as to optimize the processing technology and take more appropriate measures to prevent hydrogen damage.

Design/methodology/approach

The hydrogen diffusion coefficient of 12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel was measured by the hydrogen permeation technique of double electrolytic cells. Moreover, the influence of hydrogen traps in the material and experimental temperature on hydrogen diffusion behavior was discussed. The first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were used to study the occupancy of H atoms in the bcc-Fe cell, the diffusion path and the interaction with vacancy defects.

Findings

The results revealed that the logarithm of the hydrogen diffusion coefficient of the material has a linear relationship with the reciprocal of temperature and the activation energy of hydrogen atom diffusion in 12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel is 23.47 kJ/mol. H atoms stably exist in the nearly octahedral interstices in the crystal cell with vacancies. In addition, the solution of Cr/Mo alloy atom does not change the lowest energy path of H atom, but increases the diffusion activation energy of hydrogen atom, thus hindering the diffusion of hydrogen atom. Cr/Mo and vacancy have a synergistic effect on inhibiting the diffusion of H atoms in α-Fe.

Originality/value

This article combines experiments with first-principles calculations to explore the diffusion behavior of hydrogen in 12Cr2Mo1R(H) steel from the macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, which will help to establish a calculation model with complex defects in the future.
Examining boss phubbing and employee outcomes through the lens of affective events theory
Authors: Khan Muhammad Nawaz , Shahzad Khurram , Bartels Jos
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In this study, the impact of boss phubbing, or using a phone during interaction with subordinates, on important employee outcomes — work meaningfulness and employee phubbing behavior — through the mediating role of self-esteem threat was investigated using affective events theory. The moderating role of rejection sensitivity was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in three time lags from head nurses (N = 178) working in public and private hospitals. The hypothesized relationships were tested using variance-based structural equation modeling with partial least squares.

Findings

Boss phubbing negatively affected employees' sense of work meaningfulness and had a positive direct and indirect relationship with employee phubbing behavior through self-esteem threat. The hypothesized moderating role of rejection sensitivity was not supported.

Practical implications

The authors recommend that organizations develop policies addressing boss phubbing in the workplace, particularly in contexts in which a high leader–member exchange is desired for organizational effectiveness, such as health-related services. Superiors, such as doctors, should review their mobile phone usage during interactions with subordinates because it is detrimental to employee outcomes.

Originality/value

This study is a nascent attempt to test the hypothesized relationships on the emerging phenomenon of phubbing at work in the human–computer interaction domain in Pakistan, a developing country, particularly in hospital settings where a high leader–member exchange is pivotal.
“It’s a long story…” – impression management in South African corporate reporting
Authors: Jugnandan Shreeya , Willows Gizelle D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange use impression management techniques to obscure financial performance across the corporate reporting suite.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed-effect linear regression models were used to examine whether there is a relationship between the financial performance of a company and the length or complexity of the reports produced.

Findings

Consistent with trends examined internationally, companies with lower financial performance tend to present lengthier disclosures throughout the reporting complement. However, there is limited evidence to suggest a definitive relationship between report complexity and performance. Corporate reports have maintained a consistent level of complexity and are not easily readable.

Social implications

This paper is unique as it simultaneously considers multiple corporate reports, including the annual financial statements, integrated reports and market announcements. The paper contributes to the limited body of literature on impression management from emerging economies.

Originality/value

A comparison of the complexity measures to the average education level of South Africans indicates that most corporate reports are not readable to the layman investor. Thus, despite there being no definitive relationship between complexity and performance, there is impetus to simplify corporate reporting.
A study of incentives in charitable fundraising
Authors: Haruvy Ernan , Popkowski Leszczyc Peter
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine how self-driven (intrinsic motivators) and monetary incentives (extrinsic motivators) are mediated by an effort to affect fundraising outcomes. This integration sheds light on crowding out between the two types of incentives as well the drivers of fundraising outcomes, specifically effort and donations.

Design/methodology/approach

A field experiment is conducted over a two-month period, involving an online fundraising campaign with over 300 volunteers assigned to one of five different incentive conditions. A special website was created to monitor fundraiser efforts. Fundraisers filled out pre- and post-study surveys.

Findings

While high monetary incentives result in the greatest immediate increase in funds raised, they crowd out future intentions to volunteer once incentives are withdrawn. Mediation analyzes show that fundraiser effort fully mediates the effect of intrinsic motivators and partially mediates the direct effect of extrinsic motivators on funds raised.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of field experiments is the lack of control, resulting in higher variation. However, while a more controlled experiment will reduce this variation, this goes at the expense of lower external validity.

Practical implications

Results indicate that – at least in the short run – monetary incentives can result in higher fundraising outcomes. However, this goes at the expense of a reduction in future volunteering once the incentives are withdrawn.

Originality/value

This study examines whether extrinsic or intrinsic motivators have a greater impact on funds raised and whether extrinsic motivators crowd out future intentions to volunteer. Different from previous research in which effort is a latent variable, the effort is directly observed over time.
Value conflicts and information security – a mixed-methods study in high-risk industry
Authors: Gyllensten Kristina , Pousette Anders , Törner Marianne
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of work-related value conflicts on information security in two organisations in nuclear power production and related industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design was applied. Individual interviews were conducted with 24 employees of two organisations in Sweden and questionnaire data on information security climate were collected from 667 employees (62%) in the same two organisations.

Findings

The qualitative part of the study identified five different types of value conflicts influencing information security behaviour. The quantitative part of the study found that value conflicts relating to information security had a negative relationship with rule-compliant behaviour. The opposite was found for participative security behaviour where there was a positive relationship with value conflicts. A high climate of information security was positively related to both rule-compliant and participative information security behaviour. It also moderated the effect of value conflicts on compliant information security behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper highlights organisational contextual conditions that influence employees’ motivation and ability to manage value conflicts relating to information security in a high-risk industry. It also enables a better understanding of the influence of the information security climate on information security in the presence of value conflicts in this type of industry.
Poverty and tourism decision-making: a chaordic perspective
Authors: Farmaki Anna , Pappas Nikolaos
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The influence of destinations’ poverty on tourism decision-making and, more precisely, destination selection has received scant attention despite the increasing importance of poverty. The purpose of this study is to examine the combination of factors influencing tourists’ destination selection in relation to developed destinations’ rising poverty levels through the adoption of complexity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the combinations of factors that are significant in influencing destination selection whereas necessary condition analysis was used complementarily to evaluate the size effect of the examined conditions. Moreover, semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders were performed to examine the relationships that describe the generated configurations.

Findings

In total, four solutions were generated: the cultural influence and poverty, the destination aspects, the poverty issues and the travel experience and poverty while qualitative data reveal that industry policymakers and practitioners hold different perceptions of tourists’ destination selection process.

Research limitations/implications

Study results show that poverty perceptions influence destination selection. Hence, poverty must be considered in travel behaviour investigations beyond the developing destination context, whereas destinations may select either one or a combination of the generated sufficient configurations when deciding on their tourism development plans.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining the effects of developed destinations’ increasing poverty levels on tourism decision-making and specifically on destination selection.
Is abusive supervision always harmful toward creativity? Managing workplace stressors by promoting distributive and procedural justice
Authors: Akram Zubair , Ahmad Saima , Akram Umair , Asghar Muhammad , Jiang Tao
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the question of how, why and when abusive supervision affects employee creativity. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this paper examines the direct and indirect (via psychological distress) effects of abusive supervision on employee creativity. It further investigates the boundary conditions imposed by employees’ perceived distributive and procedural justice in the relationships between abusive supervision, psychological distress and employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses multi-sourced and time-lagged data collected in three waves from a survey of employees-supervisor dyads working in the Chinese manufacturing sector. In the first wave, the authors received data from 347 employees on perceived abusive supervision and perceived distributive and procedural justice. In the second wave, 320 employees shared their perceptions of psychological distress at work. In the third wave, the authors received ratings for employee creativity from the direct supervisors of 300 employees. The data were analyzed using bootstrapped moderated mediation procedures.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant negative influence of abusive supervision on employee creativity both directly and indirectly in the presence of perceived psychological distress. However, distributive and procedural justice was found to mitigate the negative impact of abusive supervision on employee creativity.

Practical implications

Abusive supervision has adverse consequences for employees’ creativity because it affects their psychological health. HR and top management should prioritize addressing abusive supervision first and foremost to boost employee creativity in the workplace. Managers should give employees opportunities for participation and foster a climate of fairness in the organization to mitigate the harmful consequences of abusive supervision.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that examines the psychological distress-based mechanism in the relationship between abusive supervision and creativity while considering the interactive effects of distributive and procedural justice. It addresses an important research gap in the literature by proposing that organizational perceived distributive and procedural justice can mitigate the detrimental effects of abusive supervision.
Economic complexity and price competitiveness dependence: empirical evidence using panel models
Authors: Magacho Guilherme , Ribeiro Rafael , Rocha Igor
Published: December 2021

Purpose

As economies with high economic complexity and productive capabilities may easily adapt their productive structure due to product differentiation and innovation, the central variable of competitiveness for these countries is the product quality, not price. On the other hand, the price can be an important determinant of less complex countries, and hence, real exchange rate (RER) misalignments may have long-term impacts. This paper aims to empirically assess variations in the magnitude of the impact in RER misalignments on output growth subject to countries’ economic complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

The estimation technique used is the generalized method of moments-System estimator as this method is robust to reverse causality. Heterogeneous regressions using interaction models are undertaken to analyze to what extend promoting economic complexity can reduce price competitiveness dependence and allow countries to grow faster without relying on cost competitiveness.

Findings

Estimates show that economic complexity (which measures technological and productive capabilities) determines cross-country differences regarding the effects of RER misalignments on countries’ long-term growth rates. The results suggest that exchange rate devaluations may not be effective for countries at the top end of the technological ladder while an overvalued RER may damage the long-term growth rate of countries with low levels of economic complexity.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by empirically investigating the impact of RER misalignments in countries with distinct technological and productive capabilities based on the recent developments of countries’ economic complexity analysis. It investigates whether more diversified and complex economies are less sensitive to RER misalignments as they can adapt their production, undertake other tasks, create new products and increase the quality of products they produce. Less complex economies, on the other hand, are less capable of innovating because it demands productive capabilities they do not have, and hence, they are more dependent on their current export basket.
Mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective volunteer-based operations
Authors: Ávila Liliana , Amorim Marlene
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe an exploratory study aiming to identify the mechanisms adopted by social enterprises for effective operations based on volunteer work.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive multiple case study method was used addressing three social enterprises whose operations rely on a volunteer workforce.

Findings

Volunteer-based operations benefit from the establishment of a formal structure, involving different levels of volunteering complemented with other mechanisms, namely, educate and train, empower and connect. Special attention must be given to first-level volunteers, reinforcing the range of practices to motivate and engage them, as they serve as intermediaries between the paid employees and lower-level volunteers.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights for managers for the implementation of effective operations, building on volunteer work, aiming at the generation of social and economic value.

Social implications

Due to their innovative character, social enterprises are well-positioned to mobilize more and more qualified volunteers for a significant change in their communities. Adopting a more strategic and structured approach to volunteer management can enable these organizations to take advantage of it.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on social enterprise by identifying a set of mechanisms adopted for effective volunteer-based operations. It also contributes to the literature on volunteer management by addressing an underexplored context.
The paradox of the peasantry in management and organization studies
Authors: Cunha Miguel Pina e , Clegg Stewart , Rego Arménio , Berti Marco
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Burrell (2020) challenged management and organization studies (MOS) scholars to pay attention to a topic they have mostly ignored: the peasantry, those 2 billion people that work in the rural primary sector. This paper aims to address the topic to expand Burrell’s challenge by indicating that the peasantry offers a unique context to study a paradoxical condition: the coexistence of persistent poverty and vanguardist innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors advance conceptual arguments that complement the reasons why researchers should pay more attention to the peasantry. They argue that continuation of past research into field laborers, transitioning from feudalism to industrial capitalism, still has currency, not just because of the good reasons listed by Burrell (enduring relevance of the phenomenon in developing countries; sustainability concerns; acknowledgment of common heritage) but also because some seemingly archaic practices are evident in the economically developed countries where most management and organizations scholars live.

Findings

The authors show that in advanced economies, the peasantry has not disappeared, and it is manifested in contradictory forms, as positive force contributing to sustainable productivity (in the case of digitized agriculture) and as a negative legacy of social inequality and exploitation (as a form of modern slavery).

Originality/value

The authors discuss contrasting themes confronting management of the peasantry, namely, modern slavery and digital farming, and propose that a paradox view may help overcome unnecessary dualisms, which may promote social exclusion rather than integrated development.
Financial stress effects on financial markets: dynamic connectedness and portfolio hedging
Authors: Mezghani Taicir , Boujelbène-Abbes Mouna
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of financial stress on the dynamic connectedness and hedging for oil market and stock-bond markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the wavelet coherence model to examine the interactions between financial stress, oil and GCC stock and bond markets. Second, the authors apply the time–frequency connectedness developed by Barunik and Krehlik (2018) so as to identify the direction and scale connectedness among these markets. Third, the authors examine the optimal weights, hedge ratio and hedging effectiveness for oil and financial markets based on constant conditional correlation (CCC), dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) and Baba-Engle-Kraft-Kroner (BEKK)-GARCH models.

Findings

The authors have found that the correlation between the oil and stock-bond markets tends to be stable in nonshock periods, but it evolves during oil and financial shocks at lower frequencies. Moreover, the authors find that the oil market and financial stress are the main transmitters of risks. The connectedness is mainly driven by the long term, demonstrating that the markets rapidly process the financial stress spillover effect, and the shock is transmitted over the long run. Optimal weights show different patterns for each negative and positive case of the financial stress index. In the negative (positive) financial stress case, investors should have more oil (stocks) than stocks (oil) in their portfolio in order to minimize risk.

Originality/value

This study has gone some way toward enhancing one’s understanding of the time–frequency connectedness between the financial stress, oil and GCC stock-bond markets. Second, it identifies the impact of financial stress into hedging strategies offering important insights for investors aiming at managing and reducing portfolio risk.
Disentangling the link between ICT and Industry 4.0: impacts on knowledge-related performance
Authors: Bettiol Marco , Capestro Mauro , Di Maria Eleonora , Micelli Stefano
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Industry 4.0 technologies are promising to increase manufacturing companies' performance through the new knowledge that such digital technologies allow to create and manage within the firm boundaries and through customer interactions. Despite the great attention on the Industry 4.0 adoption paths, little is known about the relationships with previous waves of digital technologies, namely, information and communication technologies (ICTs), and how different groups of both types of technologies link to knowledge and its related performances.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative research design using a survey method. Submitting the questionnaire to entrepreneurs, chief operation officers or managers in charge of the operational and technological processes of Italian manufacturing firms, 206 respondents stated that their firm has adopted at least one of the seven Industry 4.0 technologies investigated.

Findings

The findings of the study highlight the positive relationship between ICT and Industry 4.0 technologies in terms of both intensity and groups of technologies (Web-based, Management and Manufacturing ICT; Operation, Customization and Data-processing 4.0), and how technologies affect knowledge-related performances in terms of products and processes, job-learning, product-related services and customer involvement.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to link groups of ICT to groups of Industry 4.0 technologies and to explore the effects in terms of knowledge-related performances as a measure of technology use. The study shows strong path dependency among ICT, Industry 4.0 and knowledge performance, enriching the literature on technological innovation and knowledge management.
Preventive maintenance planning considering machines’ reliability using group technology
Authors: Alhourani Farouq , Essila Jean , Farkas Bernie
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an efficient and effective preventive maintenance (PM) plan that considers machines’ maintenance needs in addition to their reliability factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarity coefficient method in group technology (GT) philosophy is used. Machines’ reliability factor is considered to develop virtual machine cells based on their need for maintenance according to the type of failures they encounter.

Findings

Using similarity coefficient method in GT philosophy for PM planning results in grouping machines based on their common failures and maintenance needs. Using machines' reliability factor makes the plan more efficient since machines will be maintained at the same time intervals and when their maintenance is due. This helps to schedule a standard and efficient maintenance process where maintenance material, tools and labor are scheduled accordingly.

Practical implications

The proposed procedure will assist maintenance managers in developing an efficient and effective PM plans. These maintenance plans provide better inventory management for the maintenance materials and tools needed using the developed virtual machine cells.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new procedure to implement PM using the similarity coefficient method in GT. A new similarity coefficient equation that considers machines reliability is developed. Also a clustering algorithm that calculates the similarity between machine groups and form virtual machine cells is developed. A numerical example adopted from the literature is solved to demonstrate the proposed heuristic method.
Riding a rollercoaster in a hurricane – researching my own chronic illness
Authors: Murphy Rachel , Harris Belinda , Wakelin Katharine
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This article outlines the experience of conducting Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis research into the chronic illness of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, an incurable condition of the gastro-intestinal tract which results in numerous physically and psychologically symptoms that are difficult to live with, by a researcher who shares the same condition. It considers the complex nature of researcher positioning from a nuanced, relational rather than binary insider/outsider position (Berger, 2015; Hayfield and Huxley, 2015). Additionally, the importance of reflexivity when conducting such personal, reciprocal qualitative research is brought to life, illustrating how such reflexivity deepens the relationship to the research, increases understanding of the interpretations and in turn its validity adds to the trustworthiness of both the endeavour and the written account (Etherington, 2007; Oakley, 2016).

Design/methodology/approach

Conducting research into a medical condition that the researcher also experiences brings its own particular challenges (Hofmann and Barker, 2017). When the chosen methodology is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, with its in-depth, relational nature, those challenges intensify (Smith, 2009).

Findings

Using researcher journal extracts, the lived experience of researching whilst experiencing a chronic illness is explored. This includes the psychological impact of experiencing deep empathy for others living with IBD, managing the impact of increased disease knowledge, researching through fatigue and experiencing the claustrophobia of living with and researching one's own condition.

Originality/value

Finally, tactics for surviving such research are provided in a bid to enable researchers and supervisors embarking on similar projects, to successfully manage the research rollercoaster ride even when it's in the middle of a Hurricane.
Researching the health and social inequalities experienced by European Roma populations: Complicity, oppression and resistance
Authors: Orton Lois , Fuseini Olga , Kóczé Angéla , Rövid Márton , Salway Sarah
Published: December 2021

This paper draws on the experience of two Romani and three non‐Romani scholars in knowledge production on the health and social inequalities experienced by European Roma populations. Together, we explore how we might better account for, and work against, the complex web of dynamic oppressions embedded within processes of academic knowledge production. Our aim is to encourage careful scrutiny through which sociologists of health and illness might better recognise our own complicity with oppression and identify concrete actions towards transforming our research practices. Drawing on a well‐known domains of racism typology (Annual Review of Public Health, 40, 2019, 105), we use examples from our own work to illustrate three interconnected domains of oppression in which we have found ourselves entangled (structural, cultural and interpersonal). A new conceptual framework is proposed as an aid to understanding the spectrum of different “types” of complicity (voluntary–involuntary, conscious–unconscious) that one might reproduce across all three domains. We conclude by exploring how sociologists of health and illness might promote a more actively anti‐racist research agenda, identifying and challenging subtle, hidden and embedded negative ideologies and practices as well as more obviously oppressive ones. We hope these reflections will help revitalise important conversations.
Treatment recommendations for the management of persistent pelvic pain: a systematic review of international clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Mardon Amelia K. , Leake Hayley B. , Szeto Kimberley , Astill Thomas , Hilton Sandra , Moseley Graham Lorimer , Chalmers Katherine Jane
Published: December 2021

Background

Females with persistent pelvic pain (PPP) report great variability in the treatments recommended to them despite the availability of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that aim to standardise care. A clear consensus for the best practice care for PPP is required.

Objective

To identify and summarise treatment recommendations across CPGs for the management of PPP, and appraise their quality.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, EmCare, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science Core Collection and relevant guideline databases were searched from their inception to June 2021.

Selection criteria

Included CPGs were those for the management of urogynaecological conditions in adult females published in English, of any publication date, and endorsed by a professional organisation or society.

Data collection and analysis

We screened 1379 records and included 20 CPGs. CPG quality was assessed using The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE‐II) tool. Descriptive synthesis compiled treatment recommendations across CPGs.

Main results

The CPGs for seven conditions provided 270 individual recommendations. On quality appraisal, guidelines on average scored ‘excellent’ for the domains ‘scope and purpose’ (80.6%, SD = 13.3) and ‘clarity and presentation’ (74.4%, SD = 12.0); for other domains, average scores were satisfactory or poor. Four guidelines (for Endometriosis: NICE, RANZCOG and ESHRE; for polycystic ovary syndrome: Teede et al. 2018, International Evidence Based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia) were deemed recommended for use. Recommendations were most frequent for pharmaceutical and surgical interventions. Recommendations were variable for psychological, physiotherapy and other conservative interventions.

Conclusions

The quality of CPGs for PPP is generally poor. Several CPGs endorse the consideration of biopsychosocial elements of PPP. Yet most recommend pharmaceutical, surgical and other biomedical interventions.
Gut fungal community and its probiotic effect onBactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Guo Qiongyu , Yao Zhichao , Cai Zhaohui , Bai Shuai , Zhang Hongyu
Published: December 2021

The oriental fruit fly,Bactrocera dorsalis(Diptera: Tephritidae) is a destructive horticultural pest which causes considerable economic losses every year. A collection of microorganisms live within theB. dorsalisgut, and they are involved in its development, physiology, and behavior. However, knowledge regarding the composition and function of the gut mycobiota inB. dorsalisare still limited. Here, we comprehensively characterized the gut mycobiota inB. dorsalisacross different developmental stages. High‐throughput sequencing results showed a significant difference in fungal species abundance and diversity among different developmental stages ofB. dorsalis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and culture‐dependent methods showed that yeast species was the dominant group in the larval stage. We isolated 13 strains of yeast from the larval gut, and found that GF (germ‐free) larvae mono‐associated with strainHanseniaspora uvarumdeveloped faster than those mono‐associated with other tested fungal strains. Supplementing the larval diet withH. uvarumfully rescuedB. dorsalisdevelopment, shortened the larval developmental time, and increased adult wing lengths, as well as the body sizes and weights of both pupae and adults. Thus, our study highlights the close interactions between gut fungi, especiallyH. uvarum, andB. dorsalis. These findings can be applied to the sterile insect technique program to promote host development during mass insect rearing.
Mixture design methodology and predictive modeling for developing active formulations using essential oils and citrus extract against foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in rice
Authors: Begum Tofa , Follett Peter A. , Shankar Shiv , Mahmud Jumana , Salmieri Stephane , Lacroix Monique
Published: December 2021

The antibacterial and antifungal effects of six plant‐derived essential oils (EOs) and two types of citrus extracts (CEs) were studied against two pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7) and three fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Mucor circinelloides). A broth microdilution assay and checkerboard method were used to measure the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each extract and the possible interactions between them. The MIC assay showed that cinnamon EO, Mediterranean EO, Southern formulation, citrus EO, organic citrus extract (OCE), and natural citrus extract (NCE) had the highest antimicrobial and antifungal activity. The checkerboard method showed that the Mediterranean EO+OCE combination acted in synergy against all tested pathogens. A centroid mixture design was used to develop active formulations by predicting optimal concentrations of EO/CEs for increased antibacterial/antifungal activity. A mixture of four formulations (625 ppm OCE, 313 ppm Mediterranean EO, 625 ppm citrus EO, and 313 ppm cinnamon EO) named as active formulation 1, and the mixture from five formulations (625 ppm NCE, 625 ppm Asian formulation, 313 ppm Southern formulation, 625 ppm cinnamon EO, and 313 ppm savory thyme EO) named as active formulation 2, were formulated and tested because of their high microbicidal effectiveness. In situ tests with rice showed a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) of all tested pathogenic bacteria and fungi from the vapor of active formulations 1 and 2 after 28 days of storage.

Practical Application

Active formulations (essential oils and citrus extracts) developed in the study are highly effective against foodborne pathogens. Active formulations in this study could be used as natural preservatives in the food industry for controlling foodborne diseases and spoilage organisms in stored foods.
Protective effect of coix seed seedling extract on 60Co‐γ radiation‐induced oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Li Xue , Yi Juanjuan , Zhu Jiaqing , Zhao Changcheng , Cui Yan , Shi Yanling , Hao Limin , Lu Jike
Published: December 2021

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) can cause oxidative damage to human body, leading to various diseases and even death. In this study, the potential radioprotective effect of coix seed seedling extract (CSS‐E) was studied through a model of 60Co‐γ radiation‐induced oxidative stress in mice. Overall radioprotective effect of CSS‐E against radiation‐induced damage was evaluated by biochemical analysis and histopathological analysis. The results showed that CSS‐E could significantly reduce the IR‐induced damage to the hematopoietic system. CSS‐E‐M (200 mg/kg BW) pretreatment could increase the activities of superoxide dismutase in serum, liver, and spleen increased by 31.68%, 45.10%, and 56.67%, respectively, and the glutathione peroxidase levels in serum, liver, and spleen of mice were improved by 19.17%, 41.97%, and 130.56%, respectively. Meanwhile, the glutathione levels of serum, liver, and spleen in CSS‐E‐M group were increased by 17.10%, 35.06%, and 40.71%, respectively. The contents of MDA in different tissues and serum could be reduced by CSS‐E‐M treatment to the normal level. Moreover, CSS‐E could markedly reduce the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in radiation mice, among which CSS‐E‐M group showed maximum restoration with decreased AST and ALT levels by 20.13% and 32.76% as compared against IR group. In conclusion, these results indicated that CSS‐E could be used as a potential natural radioprotectant against IR‐induced damage.