bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family ownership and earnings quality of Thai firms
Authors: Boonlert-U-Thai Kriengkrai , Sen Pradyot K.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence that the quality of earnings of family run firms is superior to that of the other firms and that firms run by founding family members exhibit this trait even more prominently. Using insights from the fundamental accounting valuation model, this study also hypothesizes that financial markets place a higher weightage on earnings than book value for founding family-run firms in Thailand as these firms report a more reliable earnings number.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an empirical archival research.

Findings

The authors report evidence that financial markets place a higher weightage on earnings than book value for founding family-run firms. The evidence is consistent with the insight that current earnings of the founding family-run firms offer more information about future earnings and cash flow compared to book value than those for family (FAM) and non-family (NonCS) firms. The authors also provide evidence that earnings persistence and the accrual quality of the founding family firms are higher compared to the other firms. This evidence is contrary to the notion that family firms have more opaque disclosures, lower earnings quality and higher implied cost of equity capital.

Research limitations/implications

The authors find support for the alignment hypothesis of the long-term family ownership of Thai firms. The authors consider these evidences consistent with the shareholder interest alignment hypothesis of the controlling shareholders as opposed to the entrenchment hypothesis.

Practical implications

The study implies that earnings of the Thai firms run by founding family members are more reliable and can be relied on more for firm valuation. Additionally, the authors also offer a different methodology by appealing to the valuation properties of the reported accounting numbers besides looking at the quality of accruals and earnings persistence tests offered in the existing literature.

Social implications

The society is better off if there are more opportunities to invest in Thai firms run by founding family members. The finding of the quality difference in governance by firms with founding family members is new. Therefore, the study points to the need of finer partition of the family firms while looking at their corporate governance practices. The fact that the FF firms offer a higher quality of earnings implies that they are less engaged in opportunistic manipulation of earnings and cash flow and, thus, are self-motivated to protect the longer term interest of the firms.

Originality/value

This if the first time the accounting fundamental valuation theory has been used to provide evidence of higher earnings quality.
Hallowed be thy brand: measuring perceived brand sacredness
Authors: Wang Cheng Lu , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Sarkar Abhigyan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to capture the strength of consumer’s perceived brand sacredness. The authors developed and validated a measurement scale composed of three related dimensions: supremacy, mesmerization and communitas.

Design/methodology/approach

Six empirical studies were conducted to identify the brand sacredness construct domains, develop and validate the measurement and test the nomological network between brand sacredness and it antecedent and outcome variables.

Findings

Results from a series of studies provided robust supports for the scale structure and demarcated the construct domains from other consumer–brand relationship measures. Testing of nomological validity of the scale further showed that brand sacredness is influenced by brand love, emotional brand attachment and brand loyalty and, meanwhile, provides explanatory power to predict theoretically related outcome variables, including transcendent consumer experience, defense of brand, incorporation brand in extended-self, brand ritualism and brand evangelism.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on cross-sectional survey data obtained from respondents belonging to well-established brand communities. A longitudinal study involving recent and emerging brand communities could provide an enhanced understanding of the evolution of brand sacredness with time, including brand sacralizaton process as well as possible de-sacralization process.

Practical implications

The study provides significant insights for brand managers to create an enduring brand and ascertain that consumers find their affiliations with the brand and make it the sacred core of their lives by fandom management through brand evangelism.

Originality/value

This study adds to the theory on consumer–brand relationship realm by delineating the domains of brand sacredness with its defining feature of extraordinary experience transcending an ordinary brand. It contributes to the existing body of branding and customer-based brand equity literature by incorporating the spiritual aspects of faith, passion and devotion into measuring the value of a brand.
Entrepreneurial competences in a higher education business plan course
Authors: Ferreras-Garcia Raquel , Hernández-Lara Ana Beatriz , Serradell-López Enric
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to study which perceived and attained entrepreneurial competences acquired by students while developing a business plan are rated most highly; and second, to analyse the differences observed in entrepreneurial competences, depending on whether the business plan developed is real or fictitious.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse the role played by business plans in perceptions and attainment of competence, data were collected from students enrolled on a final project course of a bachelor’s degree, specifically the Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. The course in question focussed on entrepreneurship and business plans. The data on perceived and attained competences were obtained through questionnaires and assessment rubrics, respectively. Mean comparison analyses were conducted to investigate any differences in entrepreneurial competences existing between students developing real or fictitious business plans.

Findings

The paper finds evidence that the process of creating a business plan results in entrepreneurial competence being highly rated and that whether the business plan is real or fictitious does not affect the level of entrepreneurial competence.

Research limitations/implications

A longitudinal study will be required to analyse how entrepreneurial competences evolve during the business plan creation process.

Originality/value

This paper finds that few studies have been conducted to explore entrepreneurial competences in relation to business plan development and shows that more complete research is required. Moreover, both perceived and achieved competences are considered, an analysis not previously carried out.
Does IS0 9001 quality management system support product innovation? An analysis from the sociotechnical systems theory
Authors: El Manzani Younès , Sidmou Mohamed Larbi , Cegarra Jean-jack
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Building on the sociotechnical systems theory (STS), the purpose of this paper is to investigate the direct impacts of the social and technical QMs (ISO 9001) practices on both incremental and radical product innovation and the direct relationships relaying QMs (ISO 9001) as a sociotechnical system with incremental and radical product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a survey instrument to collect quantitative data from 82 Moroccan certified ISO 9001 firm. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that the social and technical QMs (ISO 9001) practices do not have a significant relationship with incremental and radical product innovation when they are taken in isolation. However, when ranged together to constitute a whole sociotechnical system of QMs (ISO 9001), QMs (ISO 9001) prove to have a strong positive and significant impact on incremental product innovation and a weak positive and significant impact on radical product innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the small sample size that might weaken the significance of the results and the use of cross-sectional data, this research may lack a large statistical generalizabilityvis-à-visthe analytical generalization.

Practical implications

The results provide useful implications for managers, suggesting that in order to develop their product innovation, they must ensure that both QMs (ISO 9001) social and technical practices achieve a high level of integration without allowing some quality practices to take over.

Originality/value

Based on the STS, this study is the first to focus primarily on the role of the multi-dimensional structure of QMs (ISO 9001), i.e. social and technical practices, in incremental and radical product innovation.
Structure and analyze the football value chain in Brazil
Authors: Serrano Rosiane , Lacerda Daniel Pacheco , Cassel Ricardo Augusto , Dresch Aline , Morandi Maria Isabel Wolf Motta
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Football is deployed into various segments and consists of a complex value chain, with interrelationships and circularities. It is relevant in various segments and therefore it is important to understand the structure. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present a model of a football value chain and the managerial implications inherent to this chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a field study as its methodology, developing a semi-structured questionnaire containing open-ended questions about the representativeness of the football value chain. In-depth interviews with specialists in football were performed to collect data.

Findings

The results of the interviews indicated that the theoretical model is representative. Furthermore, through validation, the relevance and representativeness of the football value chain was shown, as well as its interrelationships with the other commodity and service segments. In addition, it was found that this segment is relevant and influential in the national and international market, and can be considered a factor of economic and social development.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a view of the actors who make up the football value chain, and also supplies a complementary view to the models of chains presented in the theoretical review, enabling the provision of evidence on the axis with greater added value as a new step. The limitation of this research involves the context approached, because as identified throughout the investigation, this context is complex and dynamic. In this way, the linear approach used to construct this chain led to a reduced view of reality and of present relationships.

Practical implications

The model shows the presence of the main actors and the structure for the transformation of raw material into a final product, and is useful to understand the existing relationships and the layers of added value.

Social implications

The evaluation of the conceptual model of football value chain confirms that this is a professionalized chain, which generates a significant number of direct and indirect jobs.

Originality/value

The authors propose a model of a football value chain which is complementary to the theoretical review developed, exposing a linkage of the players present in this chain and at what stage they are present, and supplies the managerial implications inherent to this.
Key factors influencing knowledge sharing practices and its relationship with organizational performance within the oil and gas industry
Authors: Abdelwhab Ali Arif , Panneer selvam Dhanapal Durai Dominic , Paris Lori , Gunasekaran Angappa
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the key elements that influence knowledge sharing practice, primarily the relationship between knowledge sharing practice and organizational performance within the oil and gas (OG) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 203 responses was collected from the OG industry using an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using applied structural equation modeling to validate the model and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that significant relationships exist among the model constructs. These findings provide a better understanding of the factors that influence knowledge sharing practices within the OG industry. These findings prove that knowledge sharing practices positively impact organizational performance through cost reduction, organization growth and intangible benefits.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates that organizations in the OG industry may increase performance by adopting knowledge sharing practices. This study also provides practitioners with important information to enhance knowledge sharing practice within their organizations. For instance, managers should focus on Web 2.0 and other knowledge sharing systems to facilitate both tacit and explicit knowledge sharing. The findings provide empirical evidence that knowledge sharing practices allow organizations to transfer expert knowledge to younger generations of employees. As a result, organizations will be able to capture knowledge and alleviate the negative impact of high staff turnover within the OG industry.

Originality/value

The lack of knowledge sharing practices and the eminent loss of technical knowledge within the (OG) industry, because of retirements and turnover, create a difficult challenge for practitioners. Research on knowledge sharing within the OG industry is limited. Therefore, this study provides an in-depth analysis regarding the critical knowledge sharing practices and valuable information to researcher and practitioners’ knowledge sharing practices within the OG industry.
It’s not all about function: investigating the effects of visual appeal on the evaluation of industrial products using the example of product color
Authors: Wiedmann Klaus-Peter , Haase Janina , Bettels Jannick , Reuschenbach Christian
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Industrial markets are generally associated with objective decision-making in which rational and functional product benefits are central. Recently, however, subjective aspects of decision-making, such as visual appeal, are attracting research attention. The purpose of this paper is to examine, first, the effect of product color as a non-functional design element on attitude toward the product and, second, the underlying causal relationships of this effect in the context of industrial products.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online quasi-experiment in the dental market with a sample of 300 dentists. The product stimulus was a picture of a treatment chair that varied in color. An analysis of variance tested the effect of product color on attitude. Structural equation modeling investigated the underlying effects of product evaluation.

Findings

The results indicate that product color affects attitude toward the product. Further, the authors find an insightful causal chain of direct and indirect effects on attitude. The most effective path runs via visual appeal and aesthetics, while haptics and functionality are of minor importance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to provide empirical evidence for the effect of non-functional design elements such as product color on the evaluation of an industrial product. The results provide valuable insights into the effects on attitude in this context and stress the great importance of visual appeal and aesthetics in the product evaluation process.
Consumer – green brand relationships: revisiting benefits, relationship quality and outcomes
Authors: Papista Erifili , Dimitriadis Sergios
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The study aims to develop and test a relationship-building model for green brands. It synthesizes findings on the consumer motives offered by green brands, with relationship marketing and branding literature to the specific context of green brands to build a parsimonious model testing the links amongst four relational benefits, i.e. confidence, socialization, self-expression and altruism; two relational mediators, i.e. satisfaction and relationship quality; three behavioural outcomes, i.e. word-of-mouth, expectation of continuity and cross-buying; and two moderators of the benefits-mediators relationship, i.e. environmental consciousness and relationship length.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from consumers of three brands of natural cosmetic products, totalling 848 questionnaires. Structural equation modelling is used to test the hypothesized relationships across the three brands.

Findings

The results show that confidence benefit has the strongest influence on relationship quality, followed by self-expression and altruism. Relationships quality and satisfaction with the green brand have a significant impact on all three behavioural outcomes. Both environmental consciousness and length of the relationship moderate the hypothesized interrelationships.

Research limitations/implications

A new set of relational benefits for the green context is suggested. Several future research opportunities are suggested.

Practical implications

The study offers suggestions for managers to leverage relationship benefits for relationship strengthening.

Originality/value

No previous work has studied in an integrated way the relationship benefits and mediators to model the consumer–green brand relationship. The study provides a better understanding of the antecedents of consumer loyalty towards green brands.
Hospitality branding in emerging economies: an Indian perspective
Authors: Rai Shivam , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Travel and tourism is an imperative economic activity in most countries around the world. The industry has momentous indirect and induced impacts apart from its direct economic impact. The purpose of this paper is to test the applicability of brand interaction and perceived quality theory in the formation of brand trust, and the impact of affective commitment and brand trust toward advocacy intentions in the context of the Indian hospitality industry. This study also examines how emotional, and experiential hospitality brand relationship with the consumers can be developed in the emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 430 respondents participated in the study. Empirical evidence from depth interviews and data were garnered into a conceptual model. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings reveal that perceived quality and brand interaction forms brand trust and trust is the key factor in establishing emotional (affective) commitment between the customer and the hospitality brand. The study also suggests that emotional commitment in customers help them in becoming brand advocates. The findings of the research will help hospitality brand strategists in developing successful branding strategies.

Research limitations/implications

This research examines the advantage of customers’ relationship and their meaningful brand connections in the hospitality context. The study establishes a relationship among antecedents of trust, trust and commitment which can lead toward brand advocacy.

Originality/value

The findings provide insight for hospitality brand managers in developing effective branding strategies for their organizations. This study inspects the advantages of cultivating meaningful brand connections and relationships with consumers in the Indian hospitality sector.
Posthumanism and tourism
Authors: Cohen Erik
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to raises the question of the potential impact of posthumanism, a stream in contemporary postmodernist philosophy, on current tourism practices and tourism studies. The author discusses its denial of some basic positions of enlightenment humanism: human exceptionalism, anthropocentrism and transcendentalism. The author then seeks to infer the implications of posthumanist thought for the basic concepts and categorical distinctions on which modern tourism and modernist tourist studies are based.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper raises the question of the potential impact of posthumanism, a stream in contemporary postmodernist philosophy, on current tourism practices and tourism studies. The author discusses its denial of some basic positions of Enlightenment humanism: human exceptionalism, anthropocentrism and transcendentalism. The author then seeks to infer the implications of posthumanist thought for the basic concepts and categorical distinctions on which modern tourism and modernist tourist studies are based. This paper raises the question of the potential impact of posthumanism, a stream in contemporary postmodernist philosophy, on current tourism practices and tourism studies. The author discusses its denial of some basic positions of Enlightenment humanism: human exceptionalism, anthropocentrism and transcendentalism. The author then seeks to infer the implications of posthumanist thought for the basic concepts and categorical distinctions on which modern tourism and modernist tourist studies are based. The author then discusses some inconsistencies in posthumanist philosophy, which stand in the way of its applicability to touristic practices, and end up with an appraisal of the significance of posthumanism for tourism studies.

Findings

The author pays specific attention to the implications of the effort of posthumanism to erase the human-animal divide for tourist-animal interaction, and of the possible impact of the adoption of posthumanist practices on the tourist industry and the ecological balance of wilderness areas. The author then discusses some inconsistencies in posthumanist philosophy, which stand in the way of its applicability to touristic practices, and end up with a brief appraisal of the significance of posthumanism for tourism studies.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to confront tourism studies with the radical implications of posthumanist thought. It will hopefully open a new line of discourse in the field.
Delincuencia femenina y desistimiento: factores explicativos
Authors: Aristizábal Becerra Luz Adriana , Cubells Serra Jenny
Published: February 2019

En este estudio de corte cualitativo, se realizaron los relatos de vida de 94 mujeres procedentes de 15 naciones diferentes, que estaban o habían estado en la prisión. Se analizaron sus relatos con el fin de responder la pregunta: ¿por qué las mujeres delinquen y porqué desisten de la actividad delictiva?. Del análisis de contenido temático se desprende que haber sufrido violencia de género, es un factor explicativo del ingreso de las mujeres en prisión. Estos hallazgos sugieren que las mujeres han estado encarceladas desde antes de entrar a la prisión a través de vínculos identitatrios que las encorsetan o limitan su capacidad de elección. Pueden ser estos mismos vínculos positivos los que las llevan a movilizar sus recursos psicosociales para salir de la prisión y desistir del delito.
Experimental Quantification of Vent Mechanism Flow Parameters in 18650 Format Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Austin Mier Frank , Hargather Michael J. , Ferreira Summer R.
Published: February 2019

Lithium ion batteries have a well-documented tendency to fail energetically under various abuse conditions. These conditions frequently result in decomposition of the electrochemical components within the battery resulting in gas generation and increased internal pressure which can lead to an explosive case rupture. The 18650 format cell incorporates a vent mechanism located within a crimped cap to relieve pressure and mitigate the risk of case rupture. Cell venting, however, introduces additional safety concerns associated with the flow of flammable gases and liquid electrolyte into the environment. Experiments to quantify key parameters are performed to elucidate the external dynamics of battery venting. A first experiment measures the vent burst pressure. Burst vent caps are then tested with a second experimental fixture to measure vent opening area and discharge coefficient during choked-flow venting, which occurs during battery failure. Vent opening area and discharge coefficient are calculated from stagnation temperature, stagnation pressure, and static pressure measurements along with compressible-isentropic flow equations and conservation of mass. Commercially sourced vent caps are used with repeated tests run to quantify repeatability and variability. Validation experiments confirmed accuracy of opening area and discharge coefficient measurement. Further, trials conducted on vent caps from two sources demonstrate the potential for variation between manufacturers.
Accuracy of Conventional Finite Element Models in Bulk-Forming of Micropins From Sheet Metal
Authors: Kraus M. , Hufnagel T. , Merklein M.
Published: February 2019

The ongoing miniaturization trend in combination with increasing production and functional volume leads to a rising demand for metallic microparts. Bulk forming of microparts from sheet metal provides the potential for mass production of those components by an extensive simplification of the handling. The advantage of a high production rate contrasts with the disadvantage of a low utilization of material. In this context, it is necessary to investigate suitable measures to increase the material utilization. To save cost intensive trial and error tests, numerical analysis could be an appropriate method for a basic process investigation. In this work, a validation with experimental results in the macro- and microscale was used to investigate the eligibility of the finite element method (FEM) for a basic process analysis. For a high transferability, the finite element (FE) models were validated for various tribological conditions and material states. The results reveal that there is a high agreement of the experimental and numerical results in the macroscale. In microscale, conventional FEM shows inaccuracies due to the negligence of size effects in the discretization of the process. This fact limits the application of conventional FE-programs. Furthermore, the results show that lubricated and dry formed blanks lead to the same friction force and process result in the microscale. In addition, the basic formability of the prestrengthened pins in further forming stages was experimentally demonstrated.
Utilization of Hydroturbines in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Abbas Ahmad I. , Qandil Mohammad D. , Al-Haddad Muhannad R. , Saravani Mandana S. , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: February 2019

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a significant energy consumer, yet there are several opportunities for implementing on-site power generation systems. Within the treatment process, the high flow rate of effluent is produced and discharged to a nearby water body by gravity. Thus, hydroturbines can be utilized to generate power in such an application due to a difference in elevation and high flow rate. This paper presents a case study of introducing a hydroturbine in a WWTP in Wisconsin and evaluating the power output in addition to determining the energy savings. The WWTP considered in this study has an effluent flow rate of 190 MGD (million gallons per day) and elevation difference of 3 m (10 ft) between the final stage of treatment and the discharge point. Based on the parameters above; hubless rim-drive Kaplan type hydroturbine (RDT) is the optimal choice to be used in such an application. The RDT is designed and optimized by using in-house code. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software is applied to evaluate the performance of the proposed model, and the system is simulated through homer software to validate the results generated by the CFD. The expected savings is estimated to be 1564 MWh/yr.
Advances in materials for cellular applications (Review)
Authors: Morris Joshua D. , Payne Christine K.
Published: February 2019

The goal of this review is to highlight materials that show exciting promise for either entirely new cellular-level applications or new approaches to long-standing biological challenges. The authors start with two more established materials, graphene and carbon nanotubes, and then progress to conducting polymers, followed by an overview of the microresonators, nanowires, and spasers used as intracellular lasers. These materials provide new approaches to gene and drug delivery, cellular regeneration, mechanical sensing, imaging, and the modulation and recording of cellular activity. Of specific interest is the comparison of these materials with existing technologies, the method of cellular delivery, and the all-encompassing challenge of biocompatibility. Concluding remarks examine the extension of these materials from cellular-level experiments to in vivo applications, including the method of activation: light, electricity, and ultrasound. Overall, these materials and their associated applications illustrate the most recent advances in material-cell interactions.
Rare earth oxides Eu2O3 and Nd2O3 analyzed by XPS
Authors: Baltrus John P. , Keller Murphy J.
Published: February 2019

Trioxide compounds of the critical rare earth elements Eu and Nd were characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after heating to remove surface carbonate and greatly reduce the contribution from surface hydroxide. High-resolution 3d and 4d spectra of the elements are presented along with O 1s spectra. The 3d and 4d spectral regions of the oxides reported here are complicated by several shake-up and shake-down satellites resulting from core-hole screening effects in the final state.
Extra-wide-angle parabolic equations in motionless and moving media
Authors: Ostashev Vladimir E. , Muhlestein Michael B. , Wilson D. Keith
Published: February 2019

Wide-angle parabolic equations (WAPEs) play an important role in physics. They are derived by an expansion of a square-root pseudo-differential operator in one-way wave equations, and then solved by finite-difference techniques. In the present paper, a different approach is suggested. The starting point is an extra-wide-angle parabolic equation (EWAPE) valid for small variations of the refractive index of a medium. This equation is written in an integral form, solved by a perturbation technique, and transformed to the spectral domain. The resulting split-step spectral algorithm for the EWAPE accounts for the propagation angles up to 90° with respect to the nominal direction. This EWAPE is also generalized to large variations in the refractive index. It is shown that WAPEs known in the literature are particular cases of the two EWAPEs. This provides an alternative derivation of the WAPEs, enables a better understanding of the underlying physics and ranges of their applicability, and opens an opportunity for innovative algorithms. Sound propagation in both motionless and moving media is considered. The split-step spectral algorithm is particularly useful in the latter case since complicated partial derivatives of the sound pressure and medium velocity reduce to wave vectors (essentially, propagation angles) in the spectral domain.
Leishmania donovani Lipophosphoglycan Increases Macrophage-Dependent Chemotaxis of CXCR6-Expressing Cells via CXCL16 Induction
Authors: Chaparro Visnu , Leroux Louis-Philippe , Zimmermann Aude , Jardim Armando , Johnston Brent , Descoteaux Albert , Jaramillo Maritza
Published: February 2019

CXCL16 is a multifunctional chemokine that is highly expressed by macrophages and other immune cells in response to bacterial and viral pathogens; however, little is known regarding the role of CXCL16 during parasitic infections. The protozoan parasiteLeishmania donovaniis the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis.
Use of FTA Cards To Transport Throat Swabs and Oral Fluid Samples for Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Measles and Rubella Viruses
Authors: Bankamp Bettina , Sein Carolyn , Pukuta Simbu Elisabeth , Anderson Raydel , Abernathy Emily , Chen Min-Hsin , Muyembe Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Wannemuehler Kathleen A. , Waku-Kouomou Diane , Lopareva Elena N. , Icenogle Joseph P. , Rota Paul A. , Goodson James L.
Published: February 2019

The genetic characterization of measles viruses is an important tool for measles surveillance. Reverse cold chain requirements for the transportation of samples to reference laboratories are challenging in resource-limited settings.
Long-Term Warming in Alaska Enlarges the Diazotrophic Community in Deep Soils
Authors: Feng Jiajie , Penton C. Ryan , He Zhili , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Yuan Mengting M. , Wu Liyou , Wang Cong , Qin Yujia , Shi Zhou J. , Guo Xue , Schuur Edward A. G. , Luo Yiqi , Bracho Rosvel , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Cole James R. , Tiedje James M. , Yang Yunfeng , Zhou Jizhong
Published: February 2019

With the likelihood that changes in global climate will adversely affect the soil C reservoir in the northern circumpolar permafrost zone, an understanding of the potential role of diazotrophic communities in enhancing biological N
2
fixation, which constrains both plant production and microbial decomposition in tundra soils, is important in elucidating the responses of soil microbial communities to global climate change. A recent study showed that the composition of the diazotrophic community in a tundra soil exhibited no change under a short-term (1.5-year) winter warming experiment. However, it remains crucial to examine whether the lack of diazotrophic community responses to warming is persistent over a longer time period as a possibly important mechanism in stabilizing tundra soil C. Through a detailed characterization of the effects of winter warming on diazotrophic communities, we showed that a long-term (5-year) winter warming substantially enhanced diazotrophic abundance and altered community composition, though soil depth had a stronger influence on diazotrophic community composition than warming. These changes were best explained by changes in soil moisture, soil thaw duration, and plant biomass. These results provide crucial insights into the potential factors that may impact future C and N availability in tundra regions.
Design of Nanoparticulate Group 2 Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Stem Antigens That Activate Unmutated Ancestor B Cell Receptors of Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Lineages
Authors: Corbett Kizzmekia S. , Moin Syed M. , Yassine Hadi M. , Cagigi Alberto , Kanekiyo Masaru , Boyoglu-Barnum Seyhan , Myers Sky I. , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Wheatley Adam K. , Schramm Chaim A. , Gillespie Rebecca A. , Shi Wei , Wang Lingshu , Zhang Yi , Andrews Sarah F. , Joyce M. Gordon , Crank Michelle C. , Douek Daniel C. , McDermott Adrian B. , Mascola John R. , Graham Barney S. , Boyington Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2019

Current influenza vaccines are primarily strain specific, requiring annual updates, and offer minimal protection against drifted seasonal or pandemic strains. The highly conserved stem region of hemagglutinin (HA) of group 2 influenza A virus subtypes is a promising target for vaccine elicitation of broad cross-group protection against divergent strains. We used structure-guided protein engineering employing multiple protein stabilization methods simultaneously to develop group 2 HA stem-based candidate influenza A virus immunogens displayed as trimers on self-assembling nanoparticles. Characterization of antigenicity, thermostability, and particle formation confirmed structural integrity. Group 2 HA stem antigen designs were identified that, when displayed on ferritin nanoparticles, activated B cells expressing inferred unmutated common ancestor (UCA) versions of human antibody lineages associated with cross-group-reactive, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Immunization of mice led to protection against a lethal homosubtypic influenza virus challenge. These candidate vaccines are now being manufactured for clinical evaluation.
Manganese Detoxification by MntE Is Critical for Resistance to Oxidative Stress and Virulence of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Grunenwald Caroline M. , Choby Jacob E. , Juttukonda Lillian J. , Beavers William N. , Weiss Andy , Torres Victor J. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: February 2019

Manganese (Mn) is generally viewed as a critical nutrient that is beneficial to pathogenic bacteria due to its function as an enzymatic cofactor and its capability of acting as an antioxidant; yet paradoxically, high concentrations of this transition metal can be toxic. In this work, we demonstrate
Staphylococcus aureus
utilizes the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family protein MntE to alleviate Mn toxicity through efflux of excess Mn. Inactivation of
mntE
leads to a significant reduction in
S. aureus
resistance to oxidative stress and
S. aureus
-
mediated mortality within a mouse model of systemic infection. These results highlight the importance of MntE-mediated Mn detoxification in intracellular Mn homeostasis, resistance to oxidative stress, and
S. aureus
virulence. Therefore, this establishes MntE as a potential target for development of anti-
S. aureus
therapeutics.
Contrasting Pathways for Anaerobic Methane Oxidation in Gulf of Mexico Cold Seep Sediments
Authors: Vigneron Adrien , Alsop Eric B. , Cruaud Perrine , Philibert Gwenaelle , King Benjamin , Baksmaty Leslie , Lavallee David , Lomans Bartholomeus P. , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Head Ian M. , Tsesmetzis Nicolas
Published: February 2019

Cold seep sediments are complex and widespread marine ecosystems emitting large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and other hydrocarbons. Within these sediments, microbial communities play crucial roles in production and degradation of hydrocarbons, modulating oil and gas emissions to seawater. Despite this ecological importance, our understanding of microbial functions and methane oxidation pathways in cold seep ecosystems is poor. Based on gene expression profiling of environmental seep sediment samples, the present work showed that (i) the composition of the emitted fluids shapes the microbial community in general and the anaerobic methanotroph community specifically and (ii) AOM by ANME-2 in this seep may be coupled to sulfate reduction by
Deltaproteobacteria
by electron transfer through multiheme cytochromes, whereas AOM by ANME-1 lineages in this seep may involve a different, bacterium-independent pathway, coupling methane oxidation to elemental sulfur/polysulfide reduction.
RefSoil+: a Reference Database for Genes and Traits of Soil Plasmids
Authors: Dunivin Taylor K. , Choi Jinlyung , Howe Adina , Shade Ashley
Published: February 2019

Soil-associated plasmids have the potential to transfer antibiotic resistance genes from environmental to clinical microbial strains, which is a public health concern. A specific resource is needed to aggregate the knowledge of soil plasmid characteristics so that the content, host associations, and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes can be assessed and then tracked between the environment and the clinic. Here, we present RefSoil+, a database of soil-associated plasmids. RefSoil+ presents a contemporary snapshot of antibiotic resistance genes in soil that can serve as a reference as novel plasmids and transferred antibiotic resistances are discovered. Our study broadens our understanding of plasmids in soil and provides a community resource of important plasmid-associated genes, including antibiotic resistance genes.
Metastatic calcinosis cutis due to refractory hypercalcaemia responsive to denosumab in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jorge Ahmed , Szulawski Robert , Abhishek Fnu
Published: February 2019

Metastatic calcinosis cutis results from abnormal calcium levels leading to the precipitation of insoluble calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Here, we present the case of a 67-year-old man with multiple sclerosis on chronic dexamethasone and concurrent supplementation of calcium and daily cholecalciferol presenting with painful calcified lesions. During initial presentation, corrected calcium was 13.8 mg/dL (reference range: 8.5–10.1 mg/dL), ionised calcium was 1.70 mg/dL (reference range: 1.13–1.32 mg/dL) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 41.6 ng/mL (reference range 30–100 ng/mL). Normocalcaemia was restored with the off-label use of denosumab, usually reserved for hypercalcaemia of malignancy and intractable osteoporosis. We discuss potential aetiologies of this patient’s hypercalcaemia, calcinosis cutis diagnosis and management and the off-label use of denosumab.
Urinary tract bleeding from a urethral caruncle mimicking genital tract bleeding
Authors: Sonoda Kento , Kato Rika , Kojima Hajime , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: February 2019

A 69-year-old Japanese woman with a post-hysterectomy status came to our primary care clinic. She presented with vaginal bleeding for the past 3 days which had developed after defecation. There was a palpable mass measuring approximately 2 cm on pelvic exam; however, heavy bleeding prevented in-depth observation. CT and MRI scans revealed that the mass was inside the urethral meatus and not in the vagina. She underwent surgical resection of the urethral tumour, and the pathological report showed no malignancy. A final diagnosis of urethral caruncle was made. Vaginal bleeding is commonly encountered in the primary care practice and is usually attributed to gynaecological diseases. However, patients and physicians may falsely regard urinary or gastrointestinal tract bleeding as one involving the genital tract. We present a case wherein vaginal bleeding was initially considered but was later identified to be due to a urethral caruncle.
Protocol for a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study of recovery pathways, acute biomarkers and cost for children with persistent postconcussion symptoms: the Take CARe Biomarkers study
Authors: Takagi Michael , Babl Franz E , Anderson Nicholas , Bressan Silvia , Clarke Cathriona J , Crichton Ali , Dalziel Kim , Davis Gavin A , Doyle Melissa , Dunne Kevin , Godfrey Celia , Hearps Stephen J C , Ignjatovic Vera , Parkin Georgia , Rausa Vanessa , Seal Marc , Thompson Emma Jane , Truss Katie , Anderson Vicki
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The majority of children who sustain a concussion will recover quickly, but a significant minority will experience ongoing postconcussive symptoms, known as postconcussion syndrome (PCS). These symptoms include emotional, behavioural, cognitive and physical symptoms and can lead to considerable disability. The neurobiological underpinnings of PCS are poorly understood, limiting potential clinical interventions. As such, patients and families frequently re-present to clinical services, who are often ill equipped to address the multifactorial nature of PCS. This contributes to the high cost of concussion management and the disability of children experiencing PCS. The aims of the present study are: (1) to plot and contrast recovery pathways for children with concussion from time of injury to 3 months postinjury, (ii) evaluate the contribution of acute biomarkers (ie, blood, MRI) to delayed recovery postconcussion and (3) estimate financial costs of child concussion to patients attending the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary children’s hospital and factors predicting high cost.

Methods and analysis

Take C.A.Re is a prospective, longitudinal study at a tertiary children’s hospital, recruiting and assessing 525 patients aged 5–<18 years (400 concussion, 125 orthopaedic injury) who present to the ED with a concussion and following them at 1–4 days, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months postinjury. Multiple domains are assessed: preinjury and postinjury, clinical, MRI, blood samples, neuropsychological, psychological and economic. PCS is defined as the presence of ≥2 symptoms on the Post Concussive Symptoms Inventory rated as worse compared with baseline 1 month postinjury. Main analyses comprise longitudinal Generalised Estimating Equation models and regression analyses of predictors of recovery and factors predicting high economic costs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained through the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee (33122). We aim to disseminate the findings through international conferences, international peer-reviewed journals and social media.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12615000316505; Results.
Is maternity care in Scotland equitable? Results of a national maternity care survey
Authors: Cheyne Helen , Elders Andrew , Hill David , Milburn Emma
Published: February 2019

Objective

High-quality maternity care is key to long-term improvements in population health. However, even within developed welfare systems, some mothers and babies experience poorer care and outcomes. This study aimed to explore whether women’s experiences of maternity care in Scotland differs by their physical or sociodemographic characteristics.

Design

Secondary analysis of the 2015 Scottish Maternity Care Experience Survey. The questionnaire was based on the Care Quality Commission English maternity survey.

Setting

National Health Service maternity care in Scotland.

Participants

The survey was distributed to 5025 women who gave birth in Scotland during February and March 2015 with 2036 respondents (41%).

Main outcome measures

The questionnaire explored aspects of care processes and interpersonal care experienced from the first antenatal contact (booking) to 6 weeks following the birth. The analysis investigated whether experiences were related to age, parity, deprivation, rurality, self-reported general health or presence of a health condition that limited daily activities. Analysis used mixed effect multilevel models incorporating logistic regression.

Results

There were associations between parity, age and deprivation with gestation at booking indicating that younger women, women from more deprived areas and multiparous women booked later. Women reporting generally poorer health were more likely to describe poorer care experiences in almost every domain including continuity, pain relief in labour, communication with staff, support and advice, involvement in decision making, confidence and trust and overall rating of care.

Conclusions

We found few differences in maternity care experience for women based on their physical or socioeconomic characteristics. Our findings indicate that maternity care in Scotland is generally equitable. However, the link between poorer general health after childbirth and poorer experience of maternity care is an important finding requiring further study.