bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape-Based Mutational Sensitivity Cartography and Network Community Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Structures: Quantifying Functional Effects of the Circulating Variants
Authors: Verkhivker Gennady M. , Agajanian Steve , Oztas Deniz Yazar , Gupta Grace
Published: May 2021

Structural and biochemical studies SARS-CoV-2 spike mutants with the enhanced infectivity have attracted significant attention and offered several mechanisms to explain the experimental data. In this study, we used an integrative computational approach to examine molecular mechanisms underlying functional effects of the D614G mutation by exploring atomistic modeling of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins as allosteric regulatory machines. We combined atomistic simulations, deep mutational scanning and sensitivity mapping together with the network-based community analysis to examine structures of the native and mutant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in different functional states. Conformational dynamics and analysis of collective motions in the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins demonstrated that the D614 position anchors a key regulatory cluster that dictates functional transitions between open and closed states. Using mutational scanning and sensitivity analysis of the spike residues, we identified the evolution of stability hotspots in the SARS-CoV-2 spike structures of the mutant trimers. The results offer support to the reduced shedding mechanism of as a driver of the increased infectivity triggered by the D614G mutation. By employing the landscape-based network community analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, our results revealed that the D614G mutation can promote the increased number of stable communities in the open form by enhancing the stability of the inter-domain interactions. This study provides atomistic view of the interactions and stability hotspots in the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, offering a useful insight into the molecular mechanisms of the D614G mutation that can exert its functional effects through allosterically induced changes on stability of the residue interaction networks.
Humanized substitutions of Vmat1 in mice alter amygdala-dependent behaviors associated with the evolution of anxiety
Authors: Sato Daiki X. , Inoue Yukiko U. , Morimoto Yuki , Inoue Takayoshi , Kuga Nahoko , Sasaki Takuya , Ikegaya Yuji , Nomoto Kensaku , Kikusui Takefumi , Hattori Satoko , Sala Giovanni , Hagihara Hideo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Kawata Masakado
Published: May 2021

The human vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1) harbors unique substitutions (Asn136Thr/Ile) that affect monoamine uptake into synaptic vesicles. These substitutions are absent in all known mammals, suggesting their contributions to distinct aspects of human behavior modulated by monoaminergic transmission, such as emotion and cognition. To directly test the impact of these human-specific mutations, we introduced the humanized residues into mouse Vmat1 via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and examined changes at the behavioral, neurophysiological and molecular levels. Behavioral tests revealed reduced anxiety-related traits of Vmat1Ile mice, consistent with human studies, and electrophysiological recordings showed altered oscillatory activity in the amygdala under anxiogenic conditions. Transcriptome analyses further identified amygdala-specific changes in the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment and emotional regulation, which may corroborate the observed phenotypes. This knock-in mouse model hence provides compelling evidence that the mutations affecting monoaminergic signaling and amygdala circuits have contributed to the evolution of human socio-emotional behaviors.
A chromosomal-level reference genome of the widely utilizedCoccidioides posadasiilaboratory strain “Silveira”
Authors: de Melo Teixeira Marcus , Stajich Jason E. , Sahl Jason W. , Thompson George R. , Blackmon Austin V. , Mead Heather L. , Keim Paul , Barker Bridget M.
Published: May 2021

Coccidioidomycosis is a common fungal disease that is endemic to arid and semi-arid regions of both American continents.Coccidioides immitisandC. posadasiiare the etiological agents of the disease, also known as Valley Fever. For several decades, theC. posadasiistrain Silveira has been used widely in vaccine studies, is the source strain for production of diagnostic antigens, and is a widely used experimental strain for functional studies. In 2009, the genome was sequenced using Sanger sequencing technology, and a draft assembly and annotation was made available. In the current study, the genome of the Silveira strain was sequenced using Single Molecule Real Time Sequencing (SMRT) PacBio technology, assembled into chromosomal-level contigs, genotyped, and the genome was reannotated using sophisticated and curatedin silicotools. This high-quality genome sequencing effort has improved our understanding of chromosomal structure, gene set annotation, and lays the groundwork for identification of structural variants (e.g. transversions, translocations, and copy number variants), assessment of gene gain and loss, and comparison of transposable elements in future phylogenetic and population genomics studies.
Bidirectional genome-wide CRISPR screens reveal host factors regulating SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and seasonal coronaviruses
Authors: Rebendenne Antoine , Roy Priyanka , Bonaventure Boris , Chaves Valadão Ana Luiza , Desmarets Lowiese , Rouillé Yves , Tauziet Marine , Arnaud-Arnould Mary , Giovannini Donatella , Lee Yenarae , DeWeirdt Peter , Hegde Mudra , Garcia de Gracia Francisco , McKellar Joe , Wencker Mélanie , Dubuisson Jean , Belouzard Sandrine , Moncorgé Olivier , Doench John G. , Goujon Caroline
Published: May 2021

Several genome-wide CRISPR knockout screens have been conducted to identify host factors regulating SARS-CoV-2 replication, but the models used have often relied on overexpression of ACE2 receptor. Additionally, such screens have yet to identify the protease TMPRSS2, known to be important for viral entry at the plasma membrane. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of these screens and showed a high level of cell-type specificity of the identified hits, arguing for the necessity of additional models to uncover the full landscape of SARS-CoV-2 host factors. We performed genome-wide knockout and activation CRISPR screens in Calu-3 lung epithelial cells, as well as knockout screens in Caco-2 intestinal cells. In addition to identifying ACE2 and TMPRSS2 as top hits, our study reveals a series of so far unidentified and critical host-dependency factors, including the Adaptins AP1G1 and AP1B1 and the flippase ATP8B1. Moreover, new anti-SARS-CoV-2 proteins with potent activity, including several membrane-associated Mucins, IL6R, and CD44 were identified. We further observed that these genes mostly acted at the critical step of viral entry, with the notable exception of ATP8B1, the knockout of which prevented late stages of viral replication. Exploring the pro- and anti-viral breadth of these genes using highly pathogenic MERS-CoV, seasonal HCoV-NL63 and -229E and influenza A orthomyxovirus, we reveal that some genes such as AP1G1 and ATP8B1 are general coronavirus cofactors. In contrast, Mucins recapitulated their known role as a general antiviral defense mechanism. These results demonstrate the value of considering multiple cell models and perturbational modalities for understanding SARS-CoV-2 replication and provide a list of potential new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Inhibiting ventral hippocampal NMDA receptors and Arc increases energy intake in male rats
Authors: Briggs Sherri B. , Hannapel Reilly , Ramesh Janavi , Parent Marise B.
Published: May 2021

Research into the neural mechanisms that underlie higher-order cognitive control of eating behavior suggests that ventral hippocampal (vHC) neurons, which are critical for emotional memory, also inhibit energy intake. We showed previously that optogenetically inhibiting vHC glutamatergic neurons during the early postprandial period, when the memory of the meal would be undergoing consolidation, caused rats to eat their next meal sooner and to eat more during that next meal when the neurons were no longer inhibited. The present research determined whether manipulations known to interfere with synaptic plasticity and memory when given pretraining would increase energy intake when given prior to ingestion. Specifically, we tested the effects of blocking vHC glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) on sucrose ingestion. The results showed that male rats consumed a larger sucrose meal on days when they were given vHC infusions of the NMDAR antagonist APV or Arc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides than on days when they were given control infusions. The rats did not accommodate for that increase by delaying the onset of their next sucrose meal (i.e., decreased satiety ratio) or by eating less during the next meal. These data suggest that vHC NMDARs and Arc limit meal size and inhibit meal initiation.
‘Sleep-dependent’ memory consolidation? Brief periods of post-training rest and sleep provide an equivalent benefit for both declarative and procedural memory
Authors: Wang Serene Y. , Baker Kirsten C. , Culbreth Jessica L. , Tracy Olivia , Arora Madison , Liu Tingtong , Morris Sydney , Collins Megan B. , Wamsley Erin J.
Published: May 2021

Sleep following learning facilitates the consolidation of memories. This effect has often been attributed to sleep-specific factors, such as the presence of sleep spindles or slow waves in the electroencephalogram (EEG). However, recent studies suggest that simply resting quietly while awake could confer a similar memory benefit. In the current study, we examined the effects of sleep, quiet rest, and active wakefulness on the consolidation of declarative and procedural memory. We hypothesized that sleep and eyes-closed quiet rest would both benefit memory compared with a period of active wakefulness. After completing a declarative and a procedural memory task, participants began a 30-min retention period with PSG (polysomnographic) monitoring, in which they either slept (n = 24), quietly rested with their eyes closed (n = 22), or completed a distractor task (n = 29). Following the retention period, participants were again tested on their memory for the two learning tasks. As hypothesized, sleep and quiet rest both led to better performance on the declarative and procedural memory tasks than did the distractor task. Moreover, the performance advantages conferred by rest were indistinguishable from those of sleep. These data suggest that neurobiology specific to sleep might not be necessary to induce the consolidation of memory, at least across very short retention intervals. Instead, offline memory consolidation may function opportunistically, occurring during either sleep or stimulus-free rest, provided a favorable neurobiological milieu and sufficient reduction of new encoding.
Using a modified double deep image prior for crosstalk mitigation in multislice ptychography
Authors: Du Ming , Huang Xiaojing , Jacobsen Chris
Published: May 2021

Multislice ptychography is a high-resolution microscopy technique used to image multiple separate axial planes using a single illumination direction. However, multislice ptychography reconstructions are often degraded by crosstalk, where some features on one plane erroneously contribute to the reconstructed image of another plane. Here, the use of a modified `double deep image prior' (DDIP) architecture is demonstrated in mitigating crosstalk artifacts in multislice ptychography. Utilizing the tendency of generative neural networks to produce natural images, a modified DDIP method yielded good results on experimental data. For one of the datasets, it is shown that using DDIP could remove the need of using additional experimental data, such as from X-ray fluorescence, to suppress the crosstalk. This method may help X-ray multislice ptychography work for more general experimental scenarios.
Millisecond timescale reactions observed via X-ray spectroscopy in a 3D microfabricated fused silica mixer
Authors: Huyke Diego A. , Ramachandran Ashwin , Ramirez-Neri Oscar , Guerrero-Cruz Jose A. , Gee Leland B. , Braun Augustin , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Garcia-Estrada Brenda , Solomon Edward I. , Hedman Britt , Delgado-Jaime Mario U. , DePonte Daniel P. , Kroll Thomas , Santiago Juan G.
Published: May 2021

Determination of electronic structures during chemical reactions remains challenging in studies which involve reactions in the millisecond timescale, toxic chemicals, and/or anaerobic conditions. In this study, a three-dimensionally (3D) microfabricated microfluidic mixer platform that is compatible with time-resolved X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy (XAS and XES, respectively) is presented. This platform, to initiate reactions and study their progression, mixes a high flow rate (0.50–1.5 ml min−1) sheath stream with a low-flow-rate (5–90 µl min−1) sample stream within a monolithic fused silica chip. The chip geometry enables hydrodynamic focusing of the sample stream in 3D and sample widths as small as 5 µm. The chip is also connected to a polyimide capillary downstream to enable sample stream deceleration, expansion, and X-ray detection. In this capillary, sample widths of 50 µm are demonstrated. Further, convection–diffusion-reaction models of the mixer are presented. The models are experimentally validated using confocal epifluorescence microscopy and XAS/XES measurements of a ferricyanide and ascorbic acid reaction. The models additionally enable prediction of the residence time and residence time uncertainty of reactive species as well as mixing times. Residence times (from initiation of mixing to the point of X-ray detection) during sample stream expansion as small as 2.1 ± 0.3 ms are also demonstrated. Importantly, an exploration of the mixer operational space reveals a theoretical minimum mixing time of 0.91 ms. The proposed platform is applicable to the determination of the electronic structure of conventionally inaccessible reaction intermediates.
Pesticide residues in foods and water in Qatar and their impact on food exposure risk assessment
Authors: Elobeid Tahra , Ganji Vijay , Al-Saeedi Sara , Mohamed Alaa Abdelmonem , Dahir Hana Mohamed , Hassan Hassan , Karam Layal , Attieh Grace
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to analyze fruits, vegetables, water and soil for organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues and to assess the food exposure of these pesticides in Qatar.

Design/methodology/approach

Pesticides were quantified in dates, leafy vegetables, fruiting vegetables, water and soil samples using a gas chromatography-electron capture detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These pesticides were α-benzene hexachloride (BHC), ß-BHC, heptachlor, aldrin, g-chlordane, endosulfan I, α-chlordane, dieldrin, endrin and methoxychlor. Additionally, food exposure risk assessment was performed by estimating daily intakes of OCP.

Findings

Most analyzed samples contained at least one OCP residue. Endosulfan was the only pesticide that was not detected. The concentrations of OCP in samples were below the maximum residue level (MRL) except endosulfan. Among all the samples analyzed, ˜18% of those exceeded the MRL with respect to the concentrations of methoxychlor and heptachlor. Only intake of methoxychlor (0.018 mg/day) exceeded the MRL (0.01 mg/day). Dates and fruiting vegetables were likely to pose a higher risk than leafy vegetables because they contained heptachlor, endrin and methoxychlor. Leafy vegetables might pose a greater risk than dates and fruiting vegetables because of the presence of β-BHC and dieldrin.

Originality/value

Eight out of ten OCPs that were measured were found to be below the MRL. These pesticides should be eliminated from the food supply based on the Qatar National Implementation Plan of the Stockholm Convention in 2010. Based on the intake risk assessment, overall, the intake of OCP may not pose a major risk to human health as the concentrations of OCP were below MRL, except methoxychlor. Water and soil are the potential sources of contamination of OCP in foods that were tested in Qatar. To limit the health risks associated with OCPs, there is a need for close monitoring of food and agricultural practices and the types of pesticides imported into Qatar.
Pre-service teacher perceptions of teaching health education online
Authors: Cruickshank Vaughan , Mainsbridge Casey
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The forced shift to online teaching delivery during COVID-19 suppression measures in 2020 was a complex challenge for Australian teachers. Teachers were given very little time to prepare online content and very little professional development to teach online. Their experiences prompted discussion about the abilities of pre-service teachers (PST) to adapt content to online delivery if another pandemic occurred while they were teaching in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

PST majoring in Health and Physical Education were required to adapt a 4-weeks high school health education unit for online delivery. This study analysed data from PST personal reflections and focus groups to gain a better understanding of their perceptions about teaching health education online and their confidence to adapt tasks and activities from face-to-face delivery or develop unique online tasks.

Findings

PST reported varied confidence and competence to plan for and engage in online health education teaching. PST were concerned about student learning and engagement online, and unsure how to best differentiate activities to ensure all student could meet the intended outcomes.

Originality/value

Little is known about the confidence and competence of PST to deliver fully online school health education. It is important to know more about this phenomenon to inform teacher education and teacher professional development to ensure teachers are better prepared for online delivery in the future.
How does the internal capital market influence R&D spending? New evidence
Authors: Xiang Xin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether and how internal capital markets mitigate financial constraints and enhance firms' willingness to engage in R&D projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data relating to 2,095 publicly traded firms in the Chinese A-share market for the period 2007–2019. The tobit regression method is applied to explore R&D investment–cash flow sensitivity of group affiliates, while the systematic generalised method of moments and dynamic ordinary least squares models are adopted to address the endogeneity problem in the robustness test.

Findings

This study finds that firms affiliated with business groups demonstrate lower R&D investment–cash flow sensitivity than non-affiliated firms do and that R&D investments are significantly influenced by the cash reserves of other group members. In terms of financing channels, this study demonstrates that group firms use internal cash and equity financing to support other members' R&D investments, while debt financing does not influence member firms' R&D investments. In addition, this study discovers that R&D spending harms the stock and operating performance of some group members.

Practical implications

The findings of this study enable business groups to focus on resource allocation and investment efficiency.

Originality/value

Although prior studies indicate that internal capital markets can enhance R&D spending, few studies reveal the mechanisms through which internal capital markets benefit R&D. This study uses a unique methodology to test the ability of the internal capital market to enhance R&D spending. In addition, group firms use internal cash flow and equity financing to support partners' R&D projects.
Authentic leadership and follower’s role ethnicality: the role of leader’s ethical voice and ethical culture
Authors: Faheem Muhammad Asim , Ahmed Ishfaq , Ain Insya , Iqbal Zanaira
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The ethical issues arising at work demand the role of both leader and employees, but how both the levels are linked in determining the ethical responses is an area that has not gained due attention in the past. Against this backdrop, this study aims to address the influence of a leader’s authenticity and ethical voice on ethical culture and the role ethicality of followers.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey design has been used, and a questionnaire is used to elicit the responses. In total, 381 filled questionnaires were used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study highlight the role of authentic leadership in predicting the role ethicality of followers both directly and through the mediation of ethical culture. Furthermore, a leader’s ethical voice strengthens the authentic leadership and outcome relationships (with ethical culture and followers’ role ethicality). The moderated-mediation mechanism has proved as the leaders’ voice foster the indirect mechanism.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature that has focused on leadership traits (authenticity) and behavior (ethical voice) in predicting the followers’ outcomes (perceptions – ethical culture and behaviors – role ethicality). The moderated-mediation mechanism has been unattended in the past.
How should a team be rewarded to improve quality performance of NPD?
Authors: Bello-Pintado Alejandro , Marimon Frederic , Merino Diaz de Cerio Javier
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the impact of team rewards (TR) on quality performance of new product development (NPD). In particular, the authors analyze whether the use of TR affects the performance of NPD team projects in not only accomplishing their work as a team and the outcomes of their performance but also considering the enhancement of the involvement of both internal functions and external actors (suppliers and customers) in the early stages of NPD.

Design/methodology/approach

The association of TRs on quality performances of new products is theoretically approached. Seven research hypotheses are proposed to be tested with an international database from the high performance manufacturing project. Empirical strategy includes structural equation modeling.

Findings

The authors observed that TR does not produce a direct effect on quality performance of NPD, but does so mediated through the involvement of SC members in the early stages of NPD. This paper highlights that, without involvement of external and internal supply chain actors, it is not possible to obtain desired performance of new products.

Originality/value

This study advances the study of TR on quality performance of NPD by considering TR as a tool for in-group work involving different and distant actors in the process of NPD. The analysis considers different dimensions of quality performance of NPD, distinguishing between time to market, technical issues and cost of manufacturing, which have usually been considered in an aggregated way. Empirical evidence using an ample database including manufacturing companies from fourteen countries
Rationality of fourth party in legitimacy theory: Shariah governance of Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Alam Md. Kausar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on conceptualizing the origin of legitimacy, the legitimation process and its trustworthiness toward the people, regulators, society and stakeholders. In achieving the purpose of the study, an inclusive research gap concerning the roles of the Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) as a Shariah regulatory authority or an internal mechanism of Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) in the development and formation of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) would also be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper implements an analytical approach to investigate the legitimation process of SSB, and its presence, significance, as well as credibility to the stakeholders.

Findings

This study proposes an additional authority of legitimacy, namely, SSB/Shariah regulatory authority, along with regulators, professionals and people. These could be derived from the internal mechanism of Shariah Governance (SG) practices of IFIs. The study also proposes another type of legitimacy (ethical/Shariah legitimacy) that derives from the organizational SG practices through its internal mechanisms. The formation of SSB is mandatory and more significant for the isomorphic identification of IFIs, SG system, legitimacy and broader acceptance to stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The rational argument shows that SSB legitimates the overall functions of IFIs, SG practices, processes and structures. It is more apposite because it has substantial validity, dominance, recognition and acceptability along with three external bodies. Besides, IFIs and their SG do not have the proper value to the general people, society, regulators and other stakeholders without the legitimization of SSB. Thus, theorists and academicians may consider SSB as the fourth party of legitimacy along with three legitimacy providing authorities (regulators, professionals and people).

Originality/value

The paper focuses on illustrating and extending the border knowledge concerning the legitimacy from SG and how do SSBs legitimize IFIs and enhance their credibility to the general people, government, society and other stakeholders. The paper first clarified the internal legitimacy concerning SGF and contributed to the area of Islamic finance, legitimacy, institutional theory, legitimacy theory and internal legitimacy.
Can customer perceived service quality fluctuations predict the performance of retail service supply chain?
Authors: Li Jianfei , Li Bei , Tang Kun , Sun Mengxia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Based on the analysis of the dissipative structure of the retail service supply chain (RSSC), this paper divides the system into two internal and external dissipative mechanisms, including the internal performance dissipation mechanism and the perceived quality dissipation mechanism outside the system. Based on the prediction of RSSC performance, this paper aims to discuss the application of Hidden Markov Model (HMM) in this field and puts forward a set of complete process of forecasting the service supply chain (SSC) performance based on HMM model.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of dissipative structure, this paper selects the RSSC as the research object, analyzes the system characteristics of the dissipation structure of RSSC from three aspects, such as system opening type, distance from equilibrium state and nonlinear order and describes the quality fluctuation process of RSSC as a Hidden Markov process. Taking the RSSC of J Company as an example, this paper makes use of the observed state value of customer perceived service quality from 1997 to 2016, predicts the performance status of the enterprise's RSSC.

Findings

The research results show that: RSSC is a dissipative structure system, and its performance is the internal entropy flow of the system, and the customer perceived service quality is external, their interaction determines the dynamic evolution of the system dissipation structure, and the Markov property between supply chain performance and perceived service quality. There is a Markov property between supply chain performance and perceived service quality. Using the perceived service quality observation state data of the external consumers of the system can effectively predict the implicit state of RSSC performance. Based on this prediction result, the strategy adjustment and optimization of the action mechanism of internal and external entropy flow in the dissipative structure system can be carried out to promote the sustainable development of the RSSC.

Originality/value

This paper thinks that RSSC is a dissipative structure system and the SSC performance and customer perceived service quality are the internal and external entropy flow of the system, which determines the dynamic evolution of the system dissipation structure. There is a Markov property between supply chain performance and perceived service quality. The hidden state of SSC performance can be predicted effectively by using a hidden Markov model and observing state data of perceived service quality from consumers outside the system.
Extracting insights from big social data for smarter tourism destination management
Authors: Solazzo Gianluca , Maruccia Ylenia , Lorenzo Gianluca , Ndou Valentina , Del Vecchio Pasquale , Elia Gianluca
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight how big social data (BSD) and analytics exploitation may help destination management organisations (DMOs) to understand tourist behaviours and destination experiences and images. Gathering data from two different sources, Flickr and Twitter, textual and visual contents are used to perform different analytics tasks to generate insights on tourist behaviour and the affective aspects of the destination image.

Design/methodology/approach

This work adopts a method based on a multimodal approach on BSD and analytics, considering multiple BSD sources, different analytics techniques on heterogeneous data types, to obtain complementary results on the Salento region (Italy) case study.

Findings

Results show that the generated insights allow DMOs to acquire new knowledge about discovery of unknown clusters of points of interest, identify trends and seasonal patterns of tourist demand, monitor topic and sentiment and identify attractive places. DMOs can exploit insights to address its needs in terms of decision support for the management and development of the destination, the enhancement of destination attractiveness, the shaping of new marketing and communication strategies and the planning of tourist demand within the destination.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is in the use of BSD and analytics techniques for giving DMOs specific insights on a destination in a deep and wide fashion. Collected data are used with a multimodal analytic approach to build tourist characteristics, images, attitudes and preferred destination attributes, which represent for DMOs a unique mean for problem-solving, decision-making, innovation and prediction.
Excessive use of social networking sites and financial well-being among young adults: the mediating role of online compulsive buying
Authors: She Long , Rasiah Ratneswary , Waheed Hassam , Pahlevan Sharif Saeed
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of online compulsive buying in the association between excessive use of social networking sites (SNS) and financial well-being among Chinese young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 539 SNS users and active online shoppers (M age = 20.32 years, SD age = 2.11) completed an online survey questionnaire measure of excessive use of SNS, online compulsive buying and financial well-being. Covariance based-structural equation modelling was used to assess the measurement model and the proposed mediation model.

Findings

Results indicated that excessive use of SNS was positively related to online compulsive buying behaviour and financial anxiety. Also, the results showed that online compulsive buying mediated the positive relationship between excessive use of SNS and financial anxiety.

Practical implications

Several implications were suggested and discussed to enhance the levels of financial well-being among youths by tackling their problematic behaviour such as excessive SNS usage and online compulsive buying.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the limited body of knowledge in the area of financial well-being and further improves our understanding of the effect of the excessive use of SNS on financial well-being and the mechanism behind it.
Where do functional traits come from? The role of theory and models
Authors: Kearney Michael R. , Jusup Marko , McGeoch Melodie A. , Kooijman Sebastiaan A. L. M. , Chown Steven L.
Published: May 2021

The use of traits is growing in ecology and biodiversity informatics, with initiatives to collate trait data and integrate it into biodiversity databases. A need to develop better predictive capacity for how species respond to environmental change has in part motivated this focus. Functional traits are of most interest—those with a defined link to individual survival, development, growth and reproduction.

Non‐trivial challenges arise immediately in deciding which functional traits to prioritise and how to characterise them. Here we discuss the advantages of a theoretical perspective for defining functional traits in the context of dynamical systems models of energy and mass exchange that link organisms to their environments. We argue that the theoretical frameworks upon which such models are built (biophysical ecology, metabolic theory) provide clear criteria to decide upon functional trait definitions, measurement requirements and associated metadata, via their mathematical connection to model parameters and state variables, and thus to system performance (survival, development, growth and reproduction).

We distinguish ‘descriptive’ traits from ‘functional’ traits by dividing the latter into four classes—parameter, model, threshold and estimation—according to whether they are model parameters, define model structure, are threshold state variables or can be used to estimate model parameters.

We develop a decision tree for this classification and illustrate it in the context of mammalian heat exchange but emphasise the scheme's generality to any kind of organism.

We show how a theoretical perspective may change how we prioritise traits for collection and databasing in ways that are not necessarily more difficult to achieve, especially with new technologies, and provide clear guidance for requisite metadata. The use of theoretically driven criteria for prioritising the collection of functional trait data will maximise the generality, quality and consistency of trait databases for comparative analyses. Such databases will simultaneously facilitate the development of integrated predictive modelling frameworks across multiple organisational scales from individuals to ecosystems.

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A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
When the chickens come home to roost: The long‐term impact of party positions on religious voting
Authors: GOMEZ RAUL
Published: May 2021

Despite the widespread secularisation of West European societies, research has only found mixed evidence of a decline in the influence of religion on people's electoral preferences. A relatively recent line of inquiry has adopted a ‘top‐down’ approach to this problem, arguing that the impact of religion not only depends on structural social changes, but also on parties’ convergence on moral issues. Drawing upon this ‘top‐down’ approach and the ‘impressionable years’ model, this article argues that parties’ political strategies aimed at (de‐)mobilising social cleavages have a lasting effect on voters’ party preferences. Using nine rounds of the European Social Survey for 19 West European countries, I find the impact of religiosity on voting for the centre‐right (Conservative and Christian Democratic parties) to be significantly smaller for voters who were exposed during emerging adulthood (aged 15–25) to a centre‐right party that adopted similar positions on moral issues to those of its main competitors. These findings have important implications because they highlight the role of generational replacement in bringing about electoral change, even when this is prompted by parties’ strategic choices.
Brazilian cocoa hybrid‐mix fermentation: Impact of microbial dominance as well as chemical and sensorial properties
Authors: Martinez Silvia Juliana , Batista Nádia Nara , Ramos Cíntia Lacerda , Dias Disney Ribeiro , Schwan Rosane Freitas
Published: May 2021

High‐yield resistant hybrids are used in cocoa fermentation and result in chocolates with different sensorial profiles. This work aimed to characterize the fermentation microbiologically and physicochemically. Hybrids CEPEC 2004, FA13, PH15, and CEPEC 2002 were used for fermentation. The yeast, acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and mesophilic bacteria population were evaluated in their respective medium. Carbohydrates and acids were detected using a high‐performance liquid chromatography system, and volatiles were analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry equipment. Finally, a consumer acceptance test followed by a check‐all‐that‐apply question and a temporal dominance of sensations assessment was performed in chocolate. The fermentation resulted in a typical succession: yeast‐dominated at first, followed by lactic acid, acetic acid, and mesophilic bacteria. In the pulp, carbohydrates and citric acid were consumed. Low concentrations of acetic acid (0.09–1.75 g/kg) were detected. Acids, esters, and alcohols were the most abundant groups. The chocolate profile resulted in sweet, acidic, and fruity, satisfying consumers' tastes.

Practical Application

 The cocoa hybrid‐mix fermentation can improve the fermentation process and chocolate quality.

 The mixture generated a different sensory profile in comparison to other fermentations.

 The fruity chocolate was accepted and liked by consumers.
A novel toxoflavin‐quenching regulation in bacteria and its application to resistance cultivars
Authors: Choi Okhee , Lee Yeyeong , Park Jiyeong , Kang Byeongsam , Chun Hyun Jin , Kim Min Chul , Kim Jinwoo
Published: May 2021

The toxoflavin (Txn), broad host range phytotoxin produced by a variety of bacteria, including Burkholderia glumae, is a key pathogenicity factor of B. glumae in rice and field crops. Two bacteria exhibiting Txn‐degrading activity were isolated from healthy rice seeds and identified as Sphingomonas adhaesiva and Agrobacterium sp. respectively. The genes stdR and stdA, encoding proteins responsible for Txn degradation of both bacterial isolates, were identical, indicating that horizontal gene transfer occurred between microbial communities in the same ecosystem. We identified a novel Txn‐quenching regulation of bacteria, demonstrating that the LysR‐type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) StdR induces the expression of the stdA, which encodes a Txn‐degrading enzyme, in the presence of Txn as a coinducer. Here we show that the bacterial StdRTxn‐quenching regulatory system mimics the ToxRTxn‐mediated biosynthetic regulation of B. glumae. Substrate specificity investigations revealed that Txn is the only coinducer of StdR and that StdA has a high degree of specificity for Txn. Rice plants expressing StdA showed Txn resistance. Collectively, bacteria mimic the mechanism of Txn biosynthesis regulation, employ it in the development of a Txn‐quenching regulatory system and share it with neighbouring bacteria for survival in rice environments full of Txn.
Big Town Hydro: An Accounting Choice Case*
Authors: Jin Yan , Niu Flora
Published: May 2021

This fictional case is based on the real‐world events when a Canadian public electric utility company adopted IFRS. Many of these firms previously used US GAAP. In this context, the case gives students the opportunity to research key differences between IFRS and US GAAP relevant to utility industries, discuss the impact of IFRS standards on a firm's performance, and make recommendations on important business decisions. Specifically, this case exposes students to (i) the rate‐regulated electric utility industry and complex regulatory deferral accounts; (ii) the impact of IFRS adoption on key financial ratios and bond issuance decisions; and (iii) a what‐if analysis in making business decisions under the new IFRS 16 standard. This case is suitable for use in undergraduate or graduate intermediate level financial accounting courses. It can also be explored in an advanced level or public sector accounting class.
Learning How Not to Know: Pragmatism, (In)expertise, and the Training of American Helping Professionals
Authors: Carr E. Summerson
Published: May 2021

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an American behavioral health intervention that has spread dramatically across professional fields, including counseling psychology, corrections, dentistry, nursing, nutrition, primary‐care medicine, safe‐water interventions, and social work. This article explores how the central methodological principles of American pragmatism—if understood and learned as MI—take root among a group of contemporary American helping professionals. More specifically, the article shows how professional training in MI inculcates: (1) a steadfast focus on the immediate consequences of one's acts rather than floating or abstract conceptions of the true, the good, or the right; and (2) an investment in a highly reflexive mode of knowledge acquisition, which relinquishes the certainty of positivist explanations and embraces doubt. Indeed, learning how not to know is part and parcel of becoming an American pragmatist, and this article details the labor, costs, and rewards of adopting a pragmatic, or (in)expert, sensibility. [expertise, pragmatism, professionals, knowledge, United States]
Positionality, Privilege, and Possibility: The Ethnographer “at Home” as an Uncomfortable Insider
Authors: Anderson Esther R.
Published: May 2021

Conducting ethnographic fieldwork “at home” is often undermined by the colonial foundations of anthropology, which still permeate understandings of value and legitimacy in academic research. Scholars often present hometown ethnography as providing automatic insider status or as a threat to objectivity. In this paper, I offer a self‐reflexive account of my fieldwork with working holidaymakers in the small rural Australian town where I spent my teenage years. Adjusting to conflicting roles of researcher and returning resident revealed feelings of discomfort and a heightened, uncertain sense of self at odds with the familiarity and belonging associated with localness. I argue that conducting ethnography in familiar research sites is an exercise in understanding the uncomfortable complexities of shifting researcher positionality. By sharing some internal conflicts and crises, I examine the process of conducting research in a familiar space and consider the broader methodological implications and transformative potential of doing ethnography at home.
A Planet of Surplus Life: Building Worlds Beyond Capitalism
Authors: Shaw Ian G. R. , Waterstone Marv
Published: May 2021

Capitalism is an immense machine for churning out surplus life. Its long war of enclosure has captured, controlled, and pauperised human life, and laid waste to nonhuman life. This paper argues that surplus populations—people rendered as economically redundant—are central to the future politics of our planet. Yet the ruling classes still fight to preserve capitalism in all its horror: “you must work, even if there are no jobs!” How we diagnose this dilemma is a vital task of our age. We respond with a beyond‐capitalist politics that challenges centuries of capitalist world‐alienation, pauperism, and indignity. We present a radical alternative, centred on the interlocking ideas of alter‐worlds, alter‐work, and alter‐politics. Each is based on building, sustaining, and connecting new spaces of geographic justice and autonomy for all. We must make the end of capitalism easier to imagine than the end of the world.
Idiopathic multifocal choroiditis and punctate inner choroidopathy: an evaluation in pregnancy
Authors: de Groot Evianne L. , van Huet Ramon A.C. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W.M. , de Boer Joke H. , Ossewaarde‐van Norel Jeannette
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical course of idiopathic multifocal choroiditis (MFC) and punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) and the efficacy and safety of treatment options during pregnancy.

Methods

Patients with MFC or PIC and a pregnancy in 2011–2019 from two academic centres were enrolled. For the most recent pregnancy, data on best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after pregnancy, relapse rate in pregnancy and postpartum period and obstetric, maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected. Treatment regimens consisted of a wait‐and‐see regime and an immunosuppressive treatment regime with systemic corticosteroids and/or azathioprine, both combined with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections when indicated.

Results

Sixteen women (26 affected eyes) were included. Median Snellen BCVA was 20/19 before pregnancy and 20/18 after delivery. In seven pregnancies a wait‐and‐see regime and in nine pregnancies an immunosuppressive treatment regime was carried out. Fourteen intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections were given in six pregnancies. The relapse rate during pregnancy was 44% and in the postpartum period 31%. Maternal/obstetrical and fetal complications occurred in 31% and 13% of the pregnancies, respectively. Fifteen healthy children were born and one pregnancy ended in a stillbirth in a patient with a complicated obstetrical history. One patient treated with azathioprine developed intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Conclusions

Among women with MFC and PIC BCVA remained stable during pregnancy despite a relapse rate of 44% in pregnancy. No major maternal, obstetric and fetal complications occurred in pregnant patients treated with systemic corticosteroids, azathioprine or intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections, though one patient developed ICP while treated with azathioprine.
Comparison of outcomes between laparoscopic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy without radical lymphadenectomy: Results of coarsened exact matching analysis using national database systems
Authors: Nakata Kohei , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Kitagawa Yuko , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy has recently been covered under Japan's insurance system for patients not requiring lymph node dissection. Only high‐volume hospitals that meet specific criteria are permitted to perform laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Although open and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy outcomes with lymph node dissection have been described previously, procedures performed without lymph node dissection have not been compared using a nationwide database. This study aimed to review the results of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and compare them to those of open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) using records from a nationwide database.

Methods

We collected patient demographic and medical data of 2900 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (laparoscopic, n = 162; open, n = 2738) without lymph node dissection between 2016 and 2018 from the National Clinical Database in Japan. Coarsened exact matching was used to match patients in the laparoscopic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy groups.

Results

In‐hospital mortality was not observed in the laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy group. The rate of conversion to an open procedure was 6.8% (11 cases). After 1:1 matching, we obtained 141 pairs of patients for comparison. The mortality rate was comparable in the laparoscopic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy groups (0.0% vs 0.7%, respectively; P = 1.00). The laparoscopic approach showed more favorable results in terms of median blood loss. Postoperative pancreatic fistula formation and complications were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy could be introduced successfully, and the outcomes achieved by the institutions included in our study were comparable to those of open pancreaticoduodenectomy.