bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRMT5 is a therapeutic target in choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Muniyandi Anbukkarasi , Martin Matthew , Sun Mengyao , Sishtla Kamakshi , Jensen Nathan R , Motolani Aishat , Qi Xiaoping , Boulton Michael E , Prabhu Lakshmi , Lu Tao , Corson Timothy W
Published: March 2022

Ocular neovascular diseases including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) are widespread causes of blindness. Patients’ non-responsiveness to currently used biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) poses an unmet need for novel therapies. Here, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a novel therapeutic target for nvAMD. PRMT5 is a well-known epigenetic enzyme. We previously showed that PRMT5 methylates and activates a proangiogenic and proinflammatory transcription factor, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which has a master role in tumor progression, notably in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer. We identified a potent and specific small molecule inhibitor of PRMT5, PR5-LL-CM01, that dampens the methylation and activation of NF-κB. Here for the first time, we assessed the antiangiogenic activity of PR5-LL-CM01 in ocular cells. Immunostaining of human nvAMD sections revealed that PRMT5 is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid where neovascularization occurs, while mouse eyes with laser induced choroidal neovascularization (L-CNV) showed PRMT5 is overexpressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer and in the RPE/choroid. Importantly, inhibition of PRMT5 by PR5-LL-CM01 or shRNA knockdown of PRMT5 in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived choroidal endothelial cells (iCEC2) reduced NF-κB activity and the expression of its target genes, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and VEGF-A. In addition to inhibiting angiogenic properties of proliferation and tube formation, PR5-LL-CM01 blocked cell cycle progression at G1/S-phase in a dose-dependent manner in these cells. Thus, we provide the first evidence that inhibition of PRMT5 impedes angiogenesis in ocular endothelial cells, suggesting PRMT5 as a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate ocular neovascularization.
ACE2 engagement exposes the fusion peptide to pan-coronavirus neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Low Jun Siong , Jerak Josipa , Tortorici M. Alejandra , McCallum Matthew , Pinto Dora , Cassotta Antonino , Foglierini Mathilde , Mele Federico , Abdelnabi Rana , Weynand Birgit , Noack Julia , Montiel-Ruiz Martin , Bianchi Siro , Benigni Fabio , Sprugasci Nicole , Joshi Anshu , Bowen John E. , Walls Alexandra C. , Jarrossay David , Morone Diego , Paparoditis Philipp , Garzoni Christian , Ferrari Paolo , Ceschi Alessandro , Neyts Johan , Purcell Lisa A. , Snell Gyorgy , Corti Davide , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Veesler David , Sallusto Federica
Published: March 2022

Coronaviruses use diverse Spike (S) glycoproteins to attach to host receptors and fuse with target cells. Using a broad screening approach, we isolated from SARS-CoV-2 immune donors seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to all human alpha and beta coronavirus S proteins. These mAbs recognize the fusion peptide and acquire high affinity and breadth through somatic mutations. Despite targeting a conserved motif, only some mAbs show broad neutralizing activity in vitro against alpha and beta coronaviruses, including Omicron BA.1 variant and bat WIV-1, and reduce viral titers and pathology in vivo. Structural and functional analyses show that the fusion peptide-specific mAbs bind with different modalities to a cryptic epitope which is concealed by prefusion-stabilizing ‘2P’ mutations and becomes exposed upon binding of ACE2 or ACE2-mimicking mAbs. This study identifies a new class of pan-coronavirus neutralizing mAbs and reveals a receptor-induced conformational change in the S protein that exposes the fusion peptide region.
Patient-associated mutations inDrosophilaAlk perturb neuronal differentiation and promote survival
Authors: Pfeifer K. , Wolfstetter G. , Anthonydhason V. , Masudi T. , Arefin B. , Bemark M. , Mendoza-Garcia P. , Palmer R.H.
Published: March 2022

Activating Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) mutations occur in pediatric neuroblastoma and are associated with poor prognosis. To study ALK-activating mutations in a genetically controllable system we employed CRIPSR/Cas9, incorporating orthologues of the human oncogenic mutationsALKF1174LandALKY1278Sin theDrosophila Alklocus.AlkF1251LandAlkY1355SmutantDrosophilaexhibit enhanced Alk signaling phenotypes, but unexpectedly depend on the Jelly belly (Jeb) ligand for activation. BothAlkF1251LandAlkY1355Smutant larval brains display hyperplasia, represented by increased numbers of Alk-positive neurons. Despite this hyperplasic phenotype, no brain tumors were observed in mutant animals. We show that hyperplasia inAlkmutants was not caused by significantly increased rates of proliferation, but rather by decreased levels of apoptosis in the larval brain. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identify perturbations during temporal fate specification inAlkY1355Smutant mushroom body lineages. These findings shed light on the role of Alk in neurodevelopmental processes and highlight the potential of activating Alk mutations to perturb specification and promote survival in neuronal lineages.
Improved fluorescent Listeria spp. biosensors for analysis of antimicrobials by flow cytometry
Authors: Reich Sebastian J. , Stohr Jonas , Goldbeck Oliver , Fendrich Bastian , Crauwels Peter , Riedel Christian U.
Published: March 2022

The global increase in antibiotic resistances of pathogenic microorganisms require identification and characterization of novel antimicrobials. Bacterial biosensors expressing fluorescent proteins such as pHluorin variants are suitable for high-throughput screenings. Here, we present Listeria spp. pH-sensitive biosensors with improved fluorescence for single cell analysis of antimicrobials by flow cytometry.
Human Digital Twin: Automated Cell Type Distance Computation and 3D Atlas Construction in Multiplexed Skin Biopsies
Authors: Ghose Soumya , Ju Yingnan , McDonough Elizabeth , Ho Jonhan , Karunamurthy Arivarasan , Chadwick Chrystal , Cho Sanghee , Rose Rachel , Corwin Alex , Surrette Christine , Martinez Jessica , Williams Eric , Sood Anup , Al-Kofahi Yousef , Falo Louis D. , Börner Katy , Ginty Fiona
Published: March 2022

Mapping the human body at single cell resolution in three-dimensions (3D) is an important step toward a “digital twin” model that captures important structure and dynamics of cell-cell interactions. Current 3D imaging methods suffer from low resolution and are limited in their ability to distinguish cell types and their spatial relationships. We present a novel 3D workflow: MATRICS-A (Multiplexed ImageThree-DReconstruction andIntegratedCellSpatial -Analysis) that generates a 3D map of cells from multiplexed images and calculates cell type distance from endothelial cells and other features of interest. We applied this workflow to multiplexed data from sequential skin sections from younger and older donors (n=10; 33-72 years) with biopsies from ten anatomical regions with different sun exposure effects (mild, moderate-marked). Up to 26 sequential sections from each sample underwent multiplexed imaging with 18 biomarkers covering 12 cell types (keratinocytes (granular, spinous, basal), epithelial and myoepithelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, T helpers, T killers, T regs, neurons and endothelial cells, markers of DNA damage and repair (p53, DDB2) and cell proliferation (Ki67). Following cell classification, the tissue and classified cells were reconstructed into 3D volumes. A significant inverse correlation between DDB2 positive cells and age was found (corr= -0.78, adj. p=0.047). This suggests reduced capacity for repair in non-cancer older sun-exposed individuals. While absolute immune cell count did not differ by age or sun exposure, the ratio of T Helper/T Killer cells was positively correlated with age (corr=0.82, adj. p=0.048) This is the first such 3D study in skin and paves the way for cataloging more cell types and spatial relationships in aging and disease in skin and other organs.
Steady-state distributions of nascent RNA for general initiation mechanisms
Authors: Szavits-Nossan Juraj , Grima Ramon
Published: March 2022

Fluctuations in the number of nascent RNA accurately reflect transcriptional activity. However, mathematical models predicting their distributions are difficult to solve analytically due to their non-Markovian nature stemming from transcriptional elongation. Here we circumvent this problem by deriving an exact relationship between the steady-state distribution of nascent RNA and the distribution of initiation times, which can be computed for any general initiation mechanism described by a set of first-order reactions. We test our theory using simulations and live cell imaging data.
Constitutive, calcium-independent endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact site oscillations and its implications in store-operated calcium entry
Authors: Xiong Ding , Tong Cheesan , Yang Yang , Yong Jeffery , Wu Min
Published: March 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane (ER-PM) contact site dynamics plays a central role for store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). ER localized calcium sensor STIM1 translocates to the contact sites, interacts with Orai and mediates calcium influx from the extracellular environment. Different species of phosphoinositides (PIPs) have been reported to be involved in contact site dynamics as well as STIM1 translocation. However, most of the studies were based on loss-of-function experiments or conditions that generate massive calcium store depletion. The kinetics of ER-PM contact site dynamics during physiological stimuli -induced calcium oscillations are not well understood. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), we investigated the relationship between dynamics of STIM1 as well as cortical ER (cER) proteins and calcium oscillations in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) mast cells. Surprisingly, a significant percentage of cells displayed cyclic STIM1 and cER dynamics that were calcium-independent. Using specific lipid sensors, we showed that cyclic ER-PM contact site assembly was in phase with PI(4)P oscillation, but preceded phases of PI(4,5)P2 or PI(3,4,5)P3 oscillation. Optogenetic recruitment of the phosphoinositide 5-phosphatase from INPP5E, which decreased PI(4,5)P2 and increased PI(4)P levels on the plasma membrane, stimulated the translocation of STIM1 and inhibited calcium oscillations. Interestingly, prolonged stable translocation of STIM1 to the plasma membrane had an inhibitory effect on calcium oscillations. Collectively, our findings suggest that ER-PM contact sites formation is PI(4)P-dependent. In addition, reversibility of ER-PM contact sites dynamics and intermediate strength of ER-PM contact are needed for calcium oscillation.
Importin α/β Promote Kif18B Microtubule Association to Spatially Control Microtubule Destabilization
Authors: Shrestha Sanjay , Ems-McClung Stephanie C. , Hazelbaker Mark A. , Yount Amber L. , Shaw Sidney L. , Walczak Claire E.
Published: March 2022

Tight regulation of microtubule (MT) dynamics is necessary for proper spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. The MT destabilizing Kinesin-8, Kif18B, controls astral MT dynamics and spindle positioning. Kif18B interacts with importin α/β as well as with the plus-tip tracking protein EB1, but how these associations modulate Kif18B is not known. We mapped the key binding sites on Kif18B, made residue-specific mutations, and assessed their impact on Kif18B function. Blocking EB1 interaction disrupted Kif18B MT plus-end accumulation and inhibited its ability to control MT length on monopolar spindles in cells. Blocking importin α/β interaction disrupted Kif18B localization without affecting aster size.In vitro, importin α/β increased Kif18B MT association by increasing the on-rate and decreasing the off-rate from MTs, which stimulated MT destabilization. In contrast, EB1 promoted MT destabilization without increasing lattice bindingin vitro, which suggests that EB1 and importin α/β have distinct roles in the regulation of Kif18B-mediated MT destabilization. We propose that importin α/β-spatially modulate Kif18B association with MTs to facilitate its MT destabilization activity. Our results suggest that Ran-regulation is important not only to control molecular motor function near chromatin but also provides a spatial control mechanism to modulate MT binding of NLS-containing spindle assembly factors.
Prediction of gene essentiality using machine learning and genome-scale metabolic models
Authors: Freischem Lilli J. , Barahona Mauricio , Oyarzún Diego A.
Published: March 2022

The identification of essential genes, i.e. those that impair cell survival when deleted, requires large growth assays of knock-out strains. The complexity and cost of such experiments has triggered a growing interest in computational methods for gene essentiality prediction. In the case of metabolic genes, Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) is widely employed to predict essentiality under the assumption that cells maximize their growth rate. However, this approach implicitly assumes that knock-out strains optimize the same objectives as the wild-type, which excludes cases in which deletions cause large changes in cell physiology to meet other objectives for survival. Here we resolve this limitation with a novel machine learning approach that predicts essentiality directly from wild-type flux distributions. We first project the wild-type FBA solution onto a mass flow graph, a digraph with reactions as nodes and edge weights proportional to the mass transfer between reactions, and then train binary classifiers on the connectivity of graph nodes. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach using the most complete metabolic model of Escherichia coli, achieving near state-of-the art prediction accuracy for essential genes. Our approach suggests that wild-type FBA solutions contain enough information to predict essentiality, without the need to assume optimality of deletion strains.
Microtubules self-repair in living cells
Authors: Gazzola Morgan , Schaeffer Alexandre , Vianay Benoit , Gaillard Jérémie , Blanchoin Laurent , Théry Manuel
Published: March 2022

Microtubule self-repair has been studied both in vitro and in vivo as an underlying mechanism of microtubule stability. The turnover of tubulin dimers along the microtubule network has challenged the pre-existing dogma that only growing ends are dynamic. However, although there is clear evidence of tubulin incorporation into the shaft of polymerized microtubules in vitro, the possibility of such events taking place in living cells remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated this possibility by microinjecting purified tubulin dimers labeled with a red fluorophore into the cytoplasm of cells expressing GFP-tubulin. We observed the appearance of red dots along pre-existing green microtubule network within minutes. We found that the fluorescence intensities of these red dots were inversely correlated with the green signal, suggesting that the red dimers were incorporated into the microtubules and replaced the pre-existing green dimers. We then characterized the size and spatial frequency of these incorporations as a function of injected tubulin concentration and post-injection delay. The saturation of these measurements contradicted the hypothesis of nonspecific adsorption along microtubules and suggested that the injected dimers incorporated into a finite number of damaged sites. By our low estimate, within a few minutes of the injections, free dimers incorporated into major repair sites every 70 micrometers of microtubules. Finally, we mapped the location of these sites in micropatterned cells and found that they were more concentrated in regions where the actin filament network was less dense and where microtubules exhibited greater lateral fluctuations. These results provide evidences that microtubules do self-repair in living cells, and they provide a quantitative characterization of the temporal and spatial dynamics of this process in PtK2 cells.
Extensive sampling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Taiwan reveals ecology and evolution of predomesticated lineages
Authors: Lee Tracy Jiaye , Liu Yu-Ching , Liu Wei-An , Lin Yu-Fei , Lee Hsin-Han , Ke Huei-Mien , Huang Jen-Pan , Lu Mei-Yeh Jade , Hsieh Chia-Lun , Chung Kuo-Fang , Liti Gianni , Tsai Isheng Jason
Published: March 2022

The ecology and genetic diversity of the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae before human domestication remain poorly understood. Taiwan is regarded as part of this yeast's geographic birthplace, where the most divergent natural lineage was discovered. Here, we extensively sampled the broadleaf forests across this continental island to probe the ancestral species’ diversity. We found that S. cerevisiae is distributed ubiquitously at low abundance in the forests. Whole-genome sequencing of 121 isolates revealed nine distinct lineages that diverged from Asian lineages during the Pleistocene, when a transient continental shelf land bridge connected Taiwan to other major landmasses. Three lineages are endemic to Taiwan and six are widespread in Asia, making this region a focal biodiversity hotspot. Both ancient and recent admixture events were detected between the natural lineages, and a genetic ancestry component associated with isolates from fruits was detected in most admixed isolates. Collectively, Taiwanese isolates harbor genetic diversity comparable to that of the whole Asia continent, and different lineages have coexisted at a fine spatial scale even on the same tree. Patterns of variations within each lineage revealed that S. cerevisiae is highly clonal and predominantly reproduces asexually in nature. We identified different selection patterns shaping the coding sequences of natural lineages and found fewer gene family expansion and contractions that contrast with domesticated lineages. This study establishes that S. cerevisiae has rich natural diversity sheltered from human influences, making it a powerful model system in microbial ecology.
Bis[μ3-2-(pyridin-3-yl)acetato-κ3
O:O:O′]bis[μ2-2-(pyridin-3-yl)acetato-κ2
O:O′]bis[chlorido(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2
N,N′)dysprosium(III)]
Authors: Lin Yan , Yu Jian-Ping
Published: March 2022

The title DyIII complex, [Dy2(C7H6NO2)4Cl2(C12H8N2)2] or [Dy2(μ
3-PAA)4(Cl)2(phen)2] (PAA = 3-pyridylacetate, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), obtained by reaction of Dy(ClO4)3, 3-pyridylacetic acid ligands and 1,10-phenanthroline, exhibits a dinuclear structure. Adjacent binuclear dimers are further connected via face-to-face π–π stacking interactions resulting in supramolecular chains along the c-axis direction.
3-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one
Authors: Abdallah Amira E. M. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Jones Peter G.
Published: March 2022

In the title compound, C16H9NO2S, the interplanar angle is 6.47 (6)°. An intramolecular S...O=C contact of 2.727 (2) Å is observed. The packing is determined by several types of weak interaction (`weak' hydrogen bonds, S...S contacts and π–π stacking).
Design strategies and health planning to improve the primary health care environment: a case study in Brazil
Authors: Moscatelli Monica
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The research outlined in this paper highlights the importance of certain factors related to primary health care buildings’ physical environment, such as the facility size, the functional efficiency, and the health planning of public areas in the health centers to improve the architectural space of health facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was performed using a mixed method. Data collection was carried out through observational research and descriptive analysis in six primary health care facilities in Salvador and Lauro de Freitas, Brazil.

Findings

Based on this study’s results, facility capacity, functional efficiency and space accessibility have been considered the facilities’ main problems in the investigated context. The impact of the users’ perspective on healthcare facilities was assessed for each of these three criteria to verify the results obtained. Furthermore, most of the parameters were not satisfied, as the buildings analyzed had defects in their physical environment. Therefore, it is necessary to review and pay more attention to the architecture of these cities’ primary health care units.

Originality/value

The present study addresses the architectural environment design in Brazil’s healthcare facilities, which still have gaps. Improving the physical space of a health center ensures that the approach used in this research also applies to other health centers in similar contexts. The awareness that space’s activities and configurations will change according to each territory examined will open up so many investigation worlds.
The effect of technological innovation on low-tech Peruvian manufacturing firms' performance: the role of external sources of knowledge
Authors: Del Carpio Gallegos Javier Fernando , Seclen-Luna Jean Pierre
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between external sources of knowledge and technological innovation and then analyze how technological innovation improves firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents evidence based on a sample of 708 low-tech firms that participated in the National Survey of Innovation in the Manufacturing Industry and Knowledge-Intensive Service Firms (ENIIMSEC). A structural equation model approach was applied in this study.

Findings

There is a positive relationship between external sources of knowledge and technological innovation; technological innovation improves firm performance.

Originality/value

These results provide a deeper knowledge about how manufacturing firms in an emerging economy can apply open innovation practices to develop technological innovation, thus improving the firms' performance.
Intensions versus actual behavior: undergraduate business ethics course and students' reported workplace behavior
Authors: Fulmore Anthony L. , Fulmore Julia A. , Asare Enoch K.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The theory of planned behavior was used as a guiding framework to explore how undergraduate business students, employed full-time, perceived the influence of their first class in business ethics on ethical awareness and ethical behavior in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, the perceived influence of ethics education on ethical awareness and ethical behavior in the workplace was explored. The sample consisted of eight concurrently employed undergraduate business students at a university in the Southwestern US.

Findings

Inductive analysis of primary data collected in the study suggests that ethics education increased ethical awareness. The increased desire to correct unethical behavior is another step toward ethical behavior. However, the participants in the current study did not report an increase in actual ethical behavior despite their increased ethical awareness and intent. Ethical awareness is only one component in the multidimensional process of ethical decision-making, and the increase in ethical awareness alone may not increase ethical behavior. Instead, attitude toward ethical behavior and perceived behavioral control needs to be considered as well.

Originality/value

The literature indicates that ethics education increases awareness of ethical norms and cognitive moral development. However, the question remains about how ethics education transfers to ethical behavior at the workplace. This study sought to investigate this question.
Analyzing the effect of the structural parameters of the fabric substrate layer on the textile FSS shielding properties
Authors: Hesarian Mir Saeid
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In this article, the authors intended to analyze the shielding properties of a fabric frequency selective surface (FSS) structure to the basis of substrate fabric properties. For this purpose, the effect of the properties and structural parameters of the substrate fabric layer were analyzed on the shielding properties of the developed FSS.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental and theoretical evaluations were done at the frequency band of 1,805–1,880 MHz and computer simulation technology (CST) was used in modeling. In experiments were developed the FSS structures by different fabrics as the substrate layers and the copper as the patch cells. The shielding properties of these samples were measured experimentally by the developed setup.

Findings

Confirming resonant frequencies, transmission coefficients, and the bandwidths results obtained from modeling and experiments show that the thickness, weight and interweaving structure parameters were affect the porosity of the substrate fabric. Porosity of the fabric moves the resonant frequency due to the changing of the dielectric properties of the fabric. Therefore, shielding properties of the FSS structure were affected by these parameters as the important characteristics of the substrate fabric. In addition, shielding properties of the samples (resonant frequencies and transmission coefficients) in different incident angles are not same in two modes of transverse electric and transfer magnetic.

Originality/value

The experimental results suggest that the introduced flexible FSS structures are suitable for shielding applications in the proposed frequency band.
Lean six-sigma (LSS) applications in hospitals: a decade (2011–2020) bibliometric analysis
Authors: Singh Ankit , Ravi Priya
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examines the research landscape of Lean Six-Sigma (LSS) applications in hospitals for the period of the last decade (2011–2020) to derive answers to the research questions RQ 1: What are the current publication trends for the application of LSS in hospitals concerning document type, Journal (Source), active authors and country-wise publications and their comparison in the two most reputed scientific databases, i.e. Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), RQ2: What are the clusters based on the authors and keywords? RQ3: What are the research trends and author's productivity in LSS applications in Hospitals? RQ4: What are the future research areas?

Design/methodology/approach

This article compares these two databases (Scopus and WoS) based on publication pattern, document type, active authors and co-citation analysis. This article analyzes the core sources, author's productivity, globally cited articles, word growth analysis, thematic map and world collaboration map on the WoS and Scopus dataset. The software used are Vosviewer, Biblioshiny (R Package for Bibliometric) and M.S. Excel.

Findings

The application of LSS in hospitals is a niche theme. In the WoS database International Journal of Lean Six-Sigma and in Scopus database International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance are the most relevant sources publishing research articles in this field. The USA has the highest scientific production in this field. Among the authors, Antony J is the most active author in this area, with the highest contribution over the years.

Originality/value

This study fills the literature gap by mapping the field of LSS in hospitals.
Carbon emissions, inequalities and economic freedom: an empirical investigation in selected South Asian economies
Authors: Jain Megha , Kaur Simrit
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze and empirically test the impact of Economic Freedom [(EF) measured by size of the government] and inequality on environmental pollutants in addition to macroeconomic variables like per capita GDP, governance indicators, etc. along with existence of non-linear (Kuznets) postulation between economic growth and per capita emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the select Asian nations' data attributes, first qualitatively using correlation data technique, followed by empirical testing using differenced Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM). Using the data of selected Asian countries for the period from 1981 to 2016, the authors have applied a dynamic panel technique.

Findings

The key findings that emerge from the study are as follows: first, there is weak evidence for the existence of the Kuznets curve based on the empirical results; second, the results indicate that increased EF (by lower government size) could enable to contain carbon emissions; third, there is a negative relationship between democracy and environmental quality (corroborating to the existing studies on carbon emissions); and fourth, there is a strong statistical evidence that increasing income inequality pairs with greater emissions in the middle range of Gini.

Practical implications

The paper conforms to the universally held conviction that government interventions are essentially less productive and the desirability of a reduced size of the government in realizing sustainable green growth with equity.

Social implications

In an era of liberalization and privatization, it is argued that the role of the government needs to be redefined if not necessarily truncated.

Originality/value

The current paper incorporates Gini (inequality measure) through its intercountry range dummies to study the differential effect of Gini on carbon emissions. Also, in some of the recent studies, distributional issues have surfaced explicitly in the discussion of income–climatic change relationship, but EF largely remains missing. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the same empirically.
Positive and negative valences, personal innovativeness and intention to use facial recognition for payments
Authors: Palash Md. Abu Saeed , Talukder Md. Shamim , Islam A.K.M. Najmul , Bao Yukun
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Facial recognition payment (FRP) has been attracting attention as an alternative payment mode. This research aims to investigate the future use of FRP for both mobile payment and point of sale payment.

Design/methodology/approach

The body of information on this topic is promoted by proposing the valence framework, where the authors used relative advantage, initial trust, perceived playfulness and need for uniqueness as positive valence, and perceived risk, technophobia and perceived complexity as negative valence. This study also investigated the moderating effect of personal innovativeness on consumers' behavioral intention to use FRP-based payments. The authors collected data from 392 FRP users from China to test the model. The authors used structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the significant determinants influencing FRP use.

Findings

The authors found that relative advantage and privacy risk are the two most influential predictors of FRP use. The findings indicate that personal innovativeness acts as a moderator between negative valence and behavioral intention. This study provides valuable policy guidelines for the mobile or point of sale (POS) payment companies for adding FRP service into their default payment method.

Originality/value

FRP is a relatively new technology that has not received much research attention in information system (IS) literature. Most studies on payment investigated enablers, and less effort has been given to study both enablers and inhibitors together. Furthermore, the authors employed SEM-based analysis to identify the most important factors influencing consumers' future use decisions.
Food waste perceptions: vice versus virtue foods
Authors: Seo Joon Yong , Yoon Sukki
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Food waste has strong ecological, economical and social implications. Focusing on waste perceptions and behavior according to food types, this paper aims to propose that vice or virtue food categories determine cognitive and behavioral reactions to food waste. The authors examine the psychological mechanism underlying the differential waste perceptions and behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct five studies, including a field study, to provide converging evidence that supports this theorization.

Findings

This study demonstrates that consumers feel that trashing vice food is more wasteful than trashing virtue food. They are less willing to waste vice food and more comfortable with wasting virtue food. Consequently, they waste more virtue than vice foods. The authors demonstrate that counterfactual thinking explains the food type effect on waste.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a conceptual framework for understanding and explaining food waste perceptions and behavior across vice and virtue food categories. This paper identifies counterfactual thinking as underpinning the psychology of waste perceptions and behaviors. The findings extend the growing research on subconscious and unintentional food waste, the food consumption literature and the psychology of waste literature.

Practical implications

The differential waste perceptions and behavior provide several implications for waste interventions and consumer education. By expanding theories of consumer food waste, this paper provides material for educational campaigns aimed at reducing waste and improving healthful eating.

Social implications

Consumers can benefit from understanding their tendency to avoid wasting vice foods but will waste virtue foods with little compunction. Waste aversion may be a reason people consume vice foods beyond satiation. Consumers may overconsume vice foods because they are so acutely averse to wasting them, with detrimental consequences for health and welfare.

Originality/value

To reduce consumer food waste, one must gain deeper insights into factors shaping consumer food waste perceptions and behavior. Food waste studies have been increasing but have overlooked the power of consumer perceptions in driving food waste consequences. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study has examined how food type affects waste perceptions and behavior. This research fills this gap.
Analysis of the prevalence of extreme poverty in Africa South of the Sahara: do geographical proximity and corruption spillovers matter?
Authors: Olaoye Olumide Olusegun
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper investigates the prevalence of extreme poverty in a panel of 39 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 2000–2018 while accounting for spillover effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the recently developed spatial dependence-consistent, bias-corrected quasi-maximum likelihood (QML) estimators and the linear dynamic panel regression to control for the potential endogeneity in poverty and corruption spillovers.

Findings

The spatial model shows. consistently across all the specifications, that there is a substantial spillover effect of corruption and poverty across the region. Additionally, the study also found that investment in health and education is a significant determinant of poverty in the region. However, the effectiveness of these policy variables to reduce poverty declines in the face of corruption spillovers. More importantly, the empirical analysis shows that poverty does not only exhibit spatial spillovers but also has a persistent effect over time. The results, therefore, suggest that to reduce poverty in the region, sub-Saharan African governments must adopt spatially differentiated policies and programmes by working together to reduce unemployment and corruption in the region, and not the widely adopted spatially mute designs currently in place. The research and policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

The study accounts for spatial dependency and spillover effects in the analysis of poverty and corruption in SSA
Corporate governance and the capital structure behavior: empirical evidence from France
Authors: Miloud Tarek
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the validity of dynamic tradeoff theory and argue that the speed of adjustment toward the target capital structure may vary depending primarily on some inherent firm characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this article is to study the impact of the corporate governance arrangements on the capital structure behavior taken by listed French firms. The author measures the corporate governance arrangements in three different ways to capture its influences on the capital structure and analyze how it affects a firm's rebalancing behavior in the presence of relevant control variables. Assuming that costs related to deviations from the target leverage are positively correlated with the duration of the deviation, the author finds that firms with a strong governance system adjust at a faster rate because the longer the deviation lasts, the greater the loss in firm value. In addition, firms with more efficient governance structures face lower adjustment costs.

Findings

The author measures corporate governance quality in different ways by using several proxies. The results make a major contribution to the literature and show that the quality of the governance system is an important factor in helping the company achieve fatly its target leverage. The authors produces further support for the initial finding by showing that the two extreme leverage deviation groups are dominated by firms with weak governance. The author also shows that the rebalancing speed is faster for firms with strong governance systems.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that a firm characterized by a strong governance system will display a shorter-duration deviation from the target capital structure and a higher adjustment level than a firm with weak governance. In other words, the author argues that the deviation from the target capital structure and the adjustment level are related to the quality of corporate governance. The results indicate that firms with a stronger governance structure are characterized by shorter-term deviations from the target. The author also finds that firms belonging to the two subsamples where leverage deviation is at extremely high or low levels are characterized by a weak governance system. The results corroborate the hypothesis on the speed of adjustment toward the desired target leverage. Furthermore, the author empirically proves that the adjustment level of firms with stronger governance is higher in both extreme leverage situations. This paper extends the existing literature on capital structure adjustment by introducing the effect of corporate governance.
Quality of voluntary modern slavery disclosures: top Australian listed companies
Authors: Rao Kathyayini Kathy , Burritt Roger Leonard , Christ Katherine
Published: March 2022

Purpose

There is a growing concern over the need for greater transparency of quality information by companies about modern slavery to contribute toward elimination of the practice. Hence, this paper aims to examine factors behind the quality of voluntary modern slavery disclosures and major sources of pressure on Australian company disclosures in a premodern slavery legislated environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis and cross- sectional regression modeling are conducted to analyze factors determining the quality of voluntary modern slavery disclosures of the top 100 firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and their implications for institutional pressures.

Findings

Results indicate that size, assurance by Big-4 firms and publication of stand-alone modern slavery statements are significant drivers of disclosure quality in the sample. Profitability, listing status and the degree of internationalization are found to be unrelated to the quality of voluntary modern slavery disclosures. Industry classification is significant but only partly supports the prediction, and further investigation is recommended.

Practical implications

This paper provides a foundation for regulators and companies toward improving the quality of their modern slavery risk disclosures with a particular focus on prior experience, assurance and size. In practice, contrary to suggestions in the literature, results indicate that monetary penalties are unlikely to be an effective means for improving the quality of modern slavery disclosure. Results of the study provide evidence of poor quality of disclosures and the need for improvement, prior to introduction of modern slavery legislation in Australia in 2018. It also confirms that regulation to improve transparency, through the required publication of a modern slavery statement, is significant but not enough on its own to increase disclosure quality.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research examining company level factors with an impact on voluntary modern slavery disclosure quality and the links to institutional pressures, prior to the introduction of the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018.
Evaluation of smart irrigation systems in hot-arid climates for green roofs and walls: case of Doha, Qatar
Authors: Zaina Sara M. , Fadli Fodil , Hosseini Seyed Morteza
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study aims to develop recommendations for optimal Internet of things (IoT) based solutions for a smart precision irrigation automation platform using morphological thinking (MT). The smart irrigation system (SIS) can be applied for green roof and green wall (GRGW) design by studying the relationships and configurations that will be analyzed, listed and synthesized, representing “solutions spaces” and their possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research examines studying various cases of SIS; and assessing and analyzing the identified case studies through a decision support system (DSS) considering several factors regarding IoT, plant characteristics, monitoring, irrigation system and schedule, climate, cost and sensors used.

Findings

To develop recommendations for optimal IoT-based solutions for a smart precision irrigation automation platform.

Originality/value

The research paper analyzes and proposes a simultaneous solution to two conflicting problems. On the one hand, the paper proposes to apply greening of walls and roofs in hot arid regions, which will achieve greater environmental comfort. However, this is extremely difficult to implement in hot arid regions, since there is an objective problem – a lack of water. At the same time, the paper proposes the most rational approaches to organizing an irrigation system with the lowest water consumption and the highest efficiency for landscaping. Accordingly, this paper focuses on evaluating different types of SIS about the hot-arid climate in Qatar. The study aims to develop recommendations for optimal IoT-based solutions for a smart precision irrigation automation platform, which can be applied for green wall and roof design.
Tap water as a natural vehicle for microorganisms shaping the human gut microbiome
Authors: Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Longhi Giulia , Mancabelli Leonardo , Alessandri Giulia , Tarracchini Chiara , Fontana Federico , Turroni Francesca , Milani Christian , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: March 2022

Fresh potable water is an indispensable drink which humans consume daily in substantial amounts. Nonetheless, very little is known about the composition of the microbial community inhabiting drinking water or its impact on our gut microbiota. In the current study, an exhaustive shotgun metagenomics analysis of the tap water microbiome highlighted the occurrence of a highly genetic biodiversity of the microbial communities residing in fresh water and the existence of a conserved core tap water microbiota largely represented by novel microbial species, representing microbial dark matter. Furthermore, genome reconstruction of this microbial dark matter from water samples unveiled homologous sequences present in the faecal microbiome of humans from various geographical locations. Accordingly, investigation of the faecal microbiota content of a subject that daily consumed tap water for 3 years provides proof for horizontal transmission and colonization of water bacteria in the human gut.
Anopheles gambiae strain (Ag55) cultured cells originated from Anopheles coluzzii and are phagocytic with hemocyte‐like gene expression
Authors: Mishra Ruchir , Hua Gang , Bagal Ujwal R. , Champagne Donald E. , Adang Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii are closely related species that are predominant vectors of malaria in Africa. Recently, A. gambiae form M was renamed A. coluzzii and we now conclude on the basis of a diagnostic PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assay that Ag55 cells were derived from A. coluzzii. We established an Ag55 cell transcriptome, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that Ag55 cells are enriched in phagosome pathway transcripts. The Ag55 transcriptome has an abundance of specific transcripts characteristic of mosquito hemocytes. Functional E. coli bioparticle uptake experiments visualized by fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry establish the phagocytic competence of Ag55 cells. Results from this investigation of Ag55 cell properties will guide researchers in the use and engineering of the Ag55 cell line to better enable investigations of Plasmodium, other microbes, and insecticidal toxins.
The impact of proton pump inhibitors in liver diseases and the effects on the liver
Authors: Liu Yuan Bin , Chen Ming Kai
Published: March 2022

In this systematic and comprehensive overview, we aimed to evaluate the impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on chronic liver diseases, especially on cirrhosis. A manual and comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted to obtain relevant literatures. PPIs altered the composition and function of the intestinal microflora and might lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation, which were associated with adverse effects in liver diseases. They might increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, infections, and are related to an increased mortality in cirrhosis. PPIs might lead to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, although the mechanism is unknown, and the results are controversial. PPIs also had an impact on the direct‐acting antiviral regimen in patients with chronic hepatitis C. They were associated with an increased risk of liver abscess and increased mortality. Additionally, PPIs might lead to metabolic risk events, such as liver steatosis and weight gain. PPIs are associated with several adverse outcomes in liver diseases. Cautious use of PPIs is recommended and clinicians should be aware of the indications for their use in patients with liver diseases.