bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Single-Cell Tumor Immune Atlas for Precision Oncology
Authors: Nieto Paula , Elosua-Bayes Marc , Trincado Juan L. , Marchese Domenica , Massoni-Badosa Ramon , Salvany Maria , Henriques Ana , Mereu Elisabetta , Moutinho Catia , Ruiz Sara , Lorden Patricia , Chin Vanessa T. , Kaczorowski Dominik , Chan Chia-Ling , Gallagher Richard , Chou Angela , Planas-Rigol Ester , Rubio-Perez Carlota , Gut Ivo , Piulats Josep M. , Seoane Joan , Powell Joseph E. , Batlle Eduard , Heyn Holger
Published: October 2020

The tumor immune microenvironment is a main contributor to cancer progression and a promising therapeutic target for oncology. However, immune microenvironments vary profoundly between patients and biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response lack precision. A comprehensive compendium of tumor immune cells is required to pinpoint predictive cellular states and their spatial localization. We generated a single-cell tumor immune atlas, jointly analyzing >500,000 cells from 217 patients and 13 cancer types, providing the basis for a patient stratification based on immune cell compositions. Projecting immune cells from external tumors onto the atlas facilitated an automated cell annotation system for a harmonized interpretation. To enablein situmapping of immune populations for digital pathology, we appliedSPOTlight, combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data and identifying striking spatial immune cell patterns in tumor sections. We expect the tumor immune cell atlas, together with our versatile toolbox for precision oncology, to advance currently applied stratification approaches for prognosis and immuno-therapy.
Downregulation of miR-17-92 cluster by PERK fine-tunes unfolded protein response mediated apoptosis
Authors: Read Danielle E. , Gupta Ananya , Cawley Karen , Fontana Laura , Agostinis Patrizia , Samali Afshin , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: October 2020

An important event in the unfolded protein response (UPR) is the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum kinase PERK (EIF2AK3). The PERK signalling branch first mediates a prosurvival response, which switches into a proapoptotic response upon prolonged ER stress. However, the molecular mechanisms of PERK-mediated cell death are not well understood. Here we show that expression of the primary miR-17-92 transcript and mature miRNAs belonging to miR-17-92 cluster is decreased during UPR. We found that activity of miR-17-92 promoter reporter was reduced during UPR in a PERK-dependent manner. We show that activity of miR-17-92 promoter is repressed by ectopic expression of ATF4 and NRF2. The promoter deletion analysis and ChIP assays mapped the region responding to UPR-mediated repression to site in the proximal region of the miR-17-92 promoter. Hypericin-mediated photo-oxidative ER damage reduced the expression of miRNAs belonging to miR-17-92 cluster in wild-type but not in PERK-deficient cells. Importantly, ER stress-induced apoptosis was inhibited upon miR-17-92 overexpression in SH-SY5Y and H9c2 cells. Our results reveal a novel function for NRF2, where repression of miR-17-92 cluster by NRF2 plays an important role in ER stress-mediated apoptosis. The data presented here provides mechanistic details how sustained PERK signalling via NRF2 mediated repression of miR-17-92 cluster can potentiate cell death.
Origin of imported SARS-CoV-2 strains in The Gambia identified from whole genome sequences
Authors: Kanteh Abdoulie , Manneh Jarra , Jabang Sona , Kujabi Mariama A. , Sanyang Bakary , Oboh Mary A. , Bojang Abdoulie , Jallow Haruna S. , Nwakanma Davis , Secka Ousman , Roca Anna , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Antonio Martin , Baldeh Ignatius , Forrest Karen , Samateh Ahmadou Lamin , D’Alessandro Umberto , Sesay Abdul Karim
Published: October 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single stranded RNA virus with high human transmissibility. This study generated Whole Genome data to determine the origin and pattern of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from the first six cases tested in The Gambia. Total RNA from SARS-CoV-2 was extracted from inactivated nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal swabs of six cases and converted to cDNA following the ARTIC COVID-19 sequencing protocol. Libraries were constructed with the NEBNext ultra II DNA library prep kit for Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Ligation sequencing kit and sequenced on Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore GridION, respectively. Sequencing reads were mapped to the Wuhan reference genome and compared to eleven other SARS-CoV-2 strains of Asian, European and American origins. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the consensus genomes for local and non-African strains. Three of the Gambian strains had a European origin (UK and Spain), two strains were of Asian origin (Japan). In The Gambia, Nanopore and Illumina sequencers were successfully used to identify the sources of SARS-CoV-2 infection in COVID-19 cases.
The Fc-mediated effector functions of a potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, SC31, isolated from an early convalescent COVID-19 patient, are essential for the optimal therapeutic efficacy of the antibody
Authors: Chan Conrad E.Z. , Seah Shirley G.K. , Chye De Hoe , Massey Shane , Torres Maricela , Lim Angeline P.C. , Wong Steven K.K. , Neo Jacklyn J.Y. , Wong Pui San , Lim Jie Hui , Loh Gary S.L. , Wang Dong Ling , Boyd-Kirkup Jerome D. , Guan Siyu , Thakkar Dipti , Teo Guo Hui , Purushotorman Kiren , Hutchinson Paul E. , Young Barnaby E. , Lye David C. , Low Jenny G. , MacAry Paul A. , Hentze Hannes , Prativadibhayankara Venkateshan S. , Ethirajulu Kantharaj , O’Connell Damian , Comer Jason , Tseng Chien-Te K. , Barrett Alan D.T. , Ingram Piers J. , Brasel Trevor , Hanson Brendon J.
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies are promising therapeutics for COVID-19. However, little is known about the mechanisms of action of these antibodies or their effective dosing windows. We report the discovery and development of SC31, a potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing IgG1 antibody, originally isolated from a convalescent patient at day 27 after the onset of symptoms. Neutralization occurs via a binding epitope that maps within the ACE2 interface of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, conserved across all common circulating SARS-CoV-2 mutants. In SARS-CoV-2 infected K18-human ACE2 transgenic mice, SC31 demonstrated potent survival benefit by dramatically reducing viral load concomitant with attenuated pro-inflammatory responses linked to severe systemic disease, such as IL-6. Comparison with a Fc-null LALA variant of SC31 demonstrated that optimal therapeutic efficacy of SC31 requires intact Fc-mediated effector functions that can further induce an IFNγ-driven anti-viral immune response. Dose-dependent efficacy for SC31 was observed down to 5mg/kg when dosed before the activation of lung inflammatory responses. Importantly, despite FcγR binding, no evidence of antibody dependent enhancement was observed with the Fc-competent SC31 even at sub-therapeutic doses. Therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters, where SC31 again significantly reduced viral load, decreased lung lesions and inhibited progression to severe disease manifestations. This study underlines the potential for significant COVID-19 patient benefit for the SC31 antibody that justifies rapid advancement to the clinic, as well as highlighting the importance of appropriate mechanistic and functional studies during development.

One Sentence Summary

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG1 antibody SC31 controls infectionin vivoby blocking SP:ACE2 binding and triggering a Fc-mediated anti-viral response.
A Biological Inventory of Prophages inA. baumanniiGenomes Reveal Distinct Distributions in Classes, Length and Genomic Positions
Authors: Loh Belinda , Chen Jiayuan , Manohar Prasanth , Yu Yunsong , Hua Xiaoting , Leptihn Sebastian
Published: October 2020

Acinetobacter baumanniiis of major clinical importance as the bacterial pathogen often causes hospital acquired infections, further complicated by the high prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains. Aside from natural tolerance to certain antibiotic classes, resistance is often acquired by the exchange of genetic information via conjugation but also by the high natural competence exhibited byA. baumannii. In addition, bacteriophages are able to introduce resistance genes but also toxins and virulence factors via phage mediated transduction. In this work, we analysed the complete genomes of 177A. baumanniistrains for the occurrence of prophages, and analysed their taxonomy, size and positions of insertion. Among all the prophages that were detected, Siphoviridae and Myoviridae were the two most commonly found families, while the average genome size was determined as 3.98 Mbp. Our data shows the wide variation in the number of prophages inA. baumanniigenomes and the prevalence of certain prophages within strains that are most “successful” or potentially beneficial to the host. Our study also revealed that only two specific sites of insertion within the genome of the host bacterium are being used, with few exceptions only. Lastly, we analysed the existence of genes that are encoded in the prophages, which confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Several phages carry AMR genes, including OXA-23 and NDM-1, illustrating the importance of lysogenic phages in the acquisition of resistance genes.
Three-dimensional biofilm growth supports a mutualism involving matrix and nutrient sharing
Authors: Arjes Heidi A. , Willis Lisa , Gui Haiwen , Xiao Yangbo , Peters Jason , Gross Carol , Huang Kerwyn Casey
Published: October 2020

Life in a three-dimensional structure such as a biofilm is typical for many bacteria, yet little is known about how strains with different genotypes interact in this context. Here, to systematically explore gene knockdowns across various three-dimensional contexts, we created arrayed libraries of essential-gene CRISPRi knockdowns in the model biofilm-forming bacteriumBacillus subtilisand measured competitive fitness during colony co-culture with a wild type-like parent on different media and at different knockdown levels. Partial knockdown led to a wide range of fitness phenotypes, with targeting of translation-related genes often leading to lower growth rates and rapid out-competition by the parent. Several knockdowns competed differentially in biofilms versus non-biofilm colonies, in some cases due to lack of a particular nutrient in one medium. Cells depleted for the alanine racemase AlrA died in monoculture, but co-cultures survived via nutrient sharing in a biofilm but not in liquid. This rescue was enhanced in biofilm co-culture with a parent unable to produce extracellular matrix, due to a mutualism involving nutrient and matrix sharing. IncludingalrA, we identified several examples of mutualism involving matrix sharing that occurred in a three-dimensional biofilm colony but not when growth was constrained to two dimensions. These findings demonstrate that growth in a three-dimensional biofilm can promote genetic diversity through sharing of secreted factors, and illustrate the role of matrix production in determining trajectories for biofilm evolution that may be relevant to pathogens and other environmental bacteria.
Principal component analysis of RNA-seq data unveils a novel prostate cancer-associated gene expression signature
Authors: Perera Yasser , Gonzalez Augusto , Perez Rolando
Published: October 2020

Prostate cancer (Pca) is a highly heterogeneous disease and the second more common tumor in males. Molecular and genetic profiles have been used to identify subtypes and guide therapeutic intervention. However, roughly 26% of primary Pca are driven by unknown molecular lesions. We use Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and custom RNAseq-data normalization to identify a gene expression signature which segregates primary PRAD from normal tissues. This Core-Expression Signature (PRAD-CES) includes 33 genes and accounts for 39% of data complexity along the PC1-cancer axis. The PRAD-CES is populated by protein-coding (AMACR, TP63, HPN) and RNA-genes (PCA3, ARLN1), validated/predicted biomarkers (HOXC6, TDRD1, DLX1), and/or cancer drivers (PCA3, ARLN1, PCAT-14). Of note, the PRAD-CES also comprises six over-expressed LncRNAs without previous Pca association, four of them potentially modulating driver’s genes TMPRSS2, PRUNE2 and AMACR. Overall, our PCA capture 57% of data complexity within PC1-3. GO enrichment and correlation analysis comprising major clinical features (i.e., Gleason Score, AR Score, TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and Tumor Cellularity) suggest that PC2 and PC3 gene signatures may describe more aggressive and inflammation-prone transitional forms of PRAD. Of note, surfaced genes may entail novel prognostic biomarkers and molecular alterations to intervene. Particularly, our work uncovered RNA genes with appealing implications on Pca biology and progression.
Codon Usage Bias Levels Predict Taxonomic Identity and Genetic Composition
Authors: Khomtchouk Bohdan B.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we investigate how an organism’s codon usage bias levels can serve as a predictor and classifier of various genomic and evolutionary features across the three kingdoms of life (archaea, bacteria, eukarya). We perform secondary analysis of existing genetic datasets to build several artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models trained on over 13,000 organisms that show it is possible to accurately predict an organism’s DNA type (nuclear, mitochondrial, chloroplast) and taxonomic identity simply using its genetic code (64 codon usage frequencies). By leveraging advanced AI and machine learning methods to accurately identify evolutionary origins and genetic composition from codon usage patterns, our study suggests that the genetic code can be utilized to train accurate machine learning classifiers of taxonomic and phylogenetic features. Our dataset and analyses are made publicly available on Github and the UCI Machine Learning Repository (https://archive.ics.uci.edu/ml/datasets/Codon+usage) to facilitate open-source reproducibility and community engagement.
A scalable saliva-based, extraction-free rt-lamp protocol for sars-cov-2 diagnosis
Authors: Asprino Paula , Bettoni Fabiana , Camargo Anamaria , Coelho Diego , Coppini Guilherme , Correa Igor , Freitas Erika , Inoue Lilian , Kitajima João Paulo , Kuroki Mayra , Masotti Cibele , Marques Tatiana , Reis Alice , Reis Luiz Fernando , Santos Bibiana , Santos Ernande dos , Schlesinger David , Sena Cecília , Spadaccini Talita , Taniguti Lucas
Published: October 2020

I.

Scalable, cost-effective screening methods are an essential tool to control SARS-CoV-2 spread. We have developed a straight saliva-based, RNA extraction-free, RT-LAMP test that is comparable to current nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR tests in both sensitivity and specificity. Using a 2-step readout of fluorescence and melting-point curve analysis, the test is scalable to more than 30,000 tests per day with average turnaround time of less than 3 hours. The test was validated using samples from 244 symptomatic patients, and showed sensitivity of 78.9% (vs. 85.5% for nasopharyngeal swabs RT-PCR) and specificity of 100% (vs. 100% for nasopharyngeal swabs RT-PCR). Our method is therefore accurate, robust, time and cost effective and therefore can be used for screening of SARS-CoV-2.
Logics, complexities and paradoxical tensions: management controls in a clustered firm
Authors: Damayanthi Sujeewa , Gooneratne Tharusha N. , Jayakody J.A.S.K.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper explores how management controls of a clustered apparel firm in Sri Lanka (Stitch-It) is shaped by institutional field and societal logics, firm's head office prescriptions, clusters' own attributes and strategic behavior of cluster managers.

Design/methodology/approach

It follows the research philosophy of interpretivism and embedded case study approach within the qualitative research design, while institutional complexity within the institutional logics perspective and paradoxical tensions, organizational attributes and strategic responses to institutional processes provide the theoretical underpinning.

Findings

The findings suggest that market, profession and state logics in the apparel field, alongside community logic at the societal level, develop a state of complexity in Stitch-It and its clusters. At the cluster level, such complexity is further intensified by head office guidelines (on controls), which gets filtered by the organizational attributes of the particular clusters. At this state, paradoxical tensions are developed within clusters, and to mitigate such tensions, key organizational members employ different strategies, which in turn shape management controls of the clusters.

Practical implications

This paper highlights that practicing managers need to be mindful of different logics in the field, organizational attributes, resulting tensions, complexities, strategies to deal with them and their ramifications on controls.

Originality/value

The paper asserts that management controls is a dynamic and a situational phenomenon, which continuously evolves in light of organizational attributes, multiple logics and head office prescriptions. It conceptualizes the “tensions” evident in the design and implementation of management controls, arising due to multiplicity of pressures as “paradoxical tensions.” Although important and relevant to management control arena, “paradoxical tensions” has been scantly explored by prior researchers.
A study on perception of teachers and students toward online classes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District
Authors: Kulal Abhinandan , Nayak Anupama
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The study aims at analyzing the perception of teachers and students about online classes. The work tries to explain the opinions of students as regards the impact of online courses, their comfortability in its usag, and the support received from teachers in online classes along with teachers' opinions on efficacy, teaching practice followed and training received for an online class.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was carried out using the data collected through two separate structured questionnaires for students and teachers in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District in Karnataka. Data were recorded in SPSS and analyzed by using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The study reveals that students are comfortable with online classes and are getting enough support from teachers but they do not believe that online classes will replace traditional classroom teaching. It also finds that teachers are facing difficulties in conducting online classes due to a lack of proper training and development for doing online classes. Technical issues are the major problem for the effectiveness of the online classes.

Practical implications

Most of the colleges think of implementing online classes in their courses. Hence, it becomes essential to obtain the opinions of participants of online classes before applying for it. This study may help colleges to get a general view of online classes among teachers and students.

Originality/value

Internet and new technologies gained importance in all fields including the education sector which gave scope for online classes. In addition to this, the COVID pandemic worldwide has also added to the relevance of online classes. In this light, it is necessary to understand student–teacher perceptions regarding online classes.
Optimal capital structure in agricultural cooperatives and implications for equity retirement
Authors: Royer Jeffrey , McKee Gregory
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper presents a model for determining the optimal capital structure for cooperatives and explores the relationship between financial leverage and the ability of cooperatives to retire member equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is developed to determine the optimal capital structure and explore the relationship between capital structure and the rate at which a cooperative can retire member equity. Using data from cooperative financial statements, ordinary least-squares regressions are conducted to test two hypotheses on capital structure and equity retirement.

Findings

The model shows that the optimal capital structure is determined by the ratio of the rate of return on capital employed to the interest rate on borrowed capital and the required level of interest coverage. The regressions suggest that cooperatives choose their capital structure largely according to the rate of return on capital employed and the interest rate in a manner consistent with maximizing the rate of return on equity and that the rate at which cooperatives can retire member equity is directly related to leverage.

Research limitations/implications

The model does not consider unallocated earnings. Analysis of the relationship between leverage and equity retirement yields results contrary to the assumptions of earlier studies.

Practical implications

Cooperatives can use the model because the necessary parameters are easily understood and readily available from financial statements, lenders and industry sources.

Originality/value

The model is developed specifically for determining the capital structure of cooperatives and differs substantially from the corporate model. A theoretical basis is provided for the relationship between leverage and equity retirement.
Transportation network resilience against failures: GIS-based assessment of network topology role
Authors: Rouhana Francesco , Jawad Dima
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present a novel approach for assessing the resilience of transportation road infrastructure against different failure scenarios based on the topological properties of the network. The approach is implemented in the context of developing countries where data scarcity is the norm, taking the capital city of Beirut as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the graph theory concepts and uses spatial data and urban network analysis toolbox to estimate the resilience under random and rank-ordering failure scenarios. The quantitative approach is applied to statistically model the topological graph properties, centralities and appropriate resilience metrics.

Findings

The research approach is able to provide a unique insight into the network configuration in terms of resilience against failures. The road network of Beirut, with an average nodal degree of three, turns to act more similarly to a random graph when exposed to failures. Topological parameters, connectivity and density indices of the network decline through disruptions while revealing an entire dependence on the state of nodes. The Beirut random network responds similarly to random and targeted removals. Critical network components are highlighted following the approach.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is limited to an undirected and weighted specific graph of Beirut where the capacity to collect and process the necessary data in such context is limited.

Practical implications

Decision-makers are better able to direct and optimize resources by prioritizing the critical network components, therefore reducing the failure-induced downtime in the functionality.

Originality/value

The resilience of Beirut transportation network is quantified uniquely through graph theory under various node removal modes.
Exploring the drivers of organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) among corporate meeting attendees
Authors: Yodsuwan Chachaya , Pathan Athitaya , Butcher Kenneth
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Corporate meetings are a large sector of the global meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) industry. However, regular attendance and productive participation by employees are regularly cited as critical problem areas. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how key inhibiting factors related to meeting attendance influence one dimension of employee organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB)–civic loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to 229 attendees of corporate meetings, drawn from a large range of private companies and government agencies. Regression analysis was used to investigate which factors affected two variables reflecting employee OCB–civic loyalty: future attendance intentions and positive co-worker advocacy.

Findings

It was found that opportunity costs and travel convenience were the two most important factors. Opportunity costs reflected the personal costs faced by attendees attending corporate meetings offsite through family or work-related responsibilities. In addition, organizational support was a further significant factor. The strength of relationships varied depending upon gender and mode of transport to the destination.

Originality/value

While there is a large literature on motivators of meeting attendance in general, this is the first study to examine attendance factors for the corporate meeting sector. This study addresses calls for studies that seek to understand which key factors are related to positive attendance outcomes, and especially extends the scant level of research on meeting inhibitors. This study is also the first to utilize organizational citizenship theory to understand these relationships within the MICE sector. Implications are drawn for event organizers.
Determinants of screening methods utilization among Iraq/Sulaimani women
Authors: Shakor Jamal K. , Mohammed Atiya K. , Hama-karim Yadgar H.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to find out the participation rate of women in the utilization of screening methods to determine the relationship of sociodemographic health characteristics and breast cancer (BC) awareness with the utilization of screening methods. The authors’ study aims to examine the relationship between women's belief and the utilization of screening methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three health centers from December 13, 2016 to June 12, 2017. A questionnaire was constructed for data collection about sociodemographic characteristics, screening awareness and medical and health background variables. Additionally, BC awareness measure and champion health belief model scales were used to measure women's perceptiveness about BC.

Findings

Despite the awareness among 78.9% of women regarding clinical breast examination (CBE) as a screening method, only 9.5% women utilized it for screening. Due to prescription by physicians for diagnosis of BC, 23.6% women had done mammography at least once in their life. Having jobs and a good education significantly influenced the utilization of CBE as a screening method. The logistic regression analysis found that old age, family history of BC, good knowledge about BC, perceived susceptibility, low rate of perceived barriers to mammography and CBE predicted participation in screening.

Originality/value

Enhancing knowledge about BC and screening, emphasizing the susceptibility to BC and the benefits of screening will help in better participation. Importance should be given to illiterate and unemployed women.
An agenda for ontological cybernetics and social responsibility
Authors: Espejo Raul , Lepskiy Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to offer an integration of Vladimir Lepskiy’s third-order cybernetics and Raul Espejo’s Viplan methodology. Key ideas are mechanisms for social responsibility and a methodology to improve them through self-developing reflexive-active environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a methodology based on modern philosophy of science, which sets the foundation of ontological cybernetics, constructed by subjects with different epistemological stances. This methodology includes considerations for social values, worldview principles, multiple viewpoints and subject-oriented information and communication platforms.

Findings

Current negative trends in socio-economic and environmental developments are associated with weaker social responsibilities of those holding power in society. To increase their social responsibility, the authors argue it is necessary for them to have more effective governance and development mechanisms. The proposed methodology ensures more effective interactions of stakeholders toward creating, regulating and implementing societal problem-solving.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers an initial theoretical conceptualization and illustration of social responsibility, which would benefit from further conceptual developments and practical applications.

Social implications

The methodology helps increasing the level of social responsibility of all participants in control and development processes in social systems. The proposed approach allows ensuring the inclusion of stakeholders in societal problem solving through participatory methods and democratic approaches.

Originality/value

The conceptual and methodological ideas of this paper are based on the authors’ original research. The methodology and model of ontological cybernetics proposed in this paper are based on organizational cybernetics and modern views of philosophy of science. The methodology and model include basic ontological values and principles.
Do Business Administration degrees encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen connection with business incubators?
Authors: Alonso-Conde Ana Belén , Rojo-Suárez Javier , Rentas Sandra
Published: October 2020

Purpose

First, this paper aims to study the extent to which students in business administration degrees are aware of the characteristics of the business ecosystem. Second, the degree of knowledge of the benefits resulting from the interaction between the university-based business incubators and the universities are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

To focus the discussion, a survey is conducted, asking students their preferences as future professionals, as well as their knowledge about specific sources of financing, namely, venture capital and crowdfunding and other networks useful to foster the creation of companies such as business incubators.

Findings

Results reveal that the students under study mostly prefer to work as employees in a company. Additionally, these results suggest a poor knowledge from students regarding specific aspects related to entrepreneurship and, more specifically, business incubators. These empirical results underline the need to shift the focus of subject programmes towards a greater focus on entrepreneurship. Additionally, the results also draw attention to the need of fostering the relationship between business incubators and universities, so that students become aware of the support that these networks can provide to entrepreneurs in the early stages of business projects.

Research limitations/implications

The data analysis for this study is built based on a survey of students attending specific finance courses at a Spanish public university. It is worth noting that in this study we have based on the supply side whereby future research might focus on the point of view given by the firm’s recruitment of business administration students. In addition, to strengthen the conclusions drawn from this study, further research should increase the sample period and the outcomes achieved at other universities in different regions.

Practical implications

In terms of policy implications, the empirical findings highlight the relevance of understanding the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programmes, given the budgetary expenditure involved in entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

The relevance of the issue has been highlighted through a literature review of the past 10 years. In terms of policy implications, the empirical findings highlight the relevance of understanding the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programmes, given the budgetary expenditure involved in entrepreneurship education.
New modified poly(ester amide) resins and their uses as a binder for surface coating with different applications
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Mustafa Abdelhalim , Elgaby M.S.A. , Abd El-Wahab H. , Abed Said Ahmed , Kazlauciunas A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare a new modified poly(ester amide) (PEA) resins and use it as a binder for anticorrosive and antimicrobial coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

New modified PEA compositions were prepared based on 4-amino-N, N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) benzamide (AHEB) as the ingredient source of the polyol used and evaluated as vehicles for surface coating. The structure of the modifier and PEA resin was confirmed by FT-IR, H¹-NMR, MW, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope studies. Coatings of 50±5 µm thickness were applied to the surface of glass panels and mild steel strips by means of a brush. The coating performance of the resins was evaluated using international standard test methods and involved the measurement of phyisco-mechanical properties and chemical resistance.

Findings

The tests carried out revealed that the modified PEA based on AHEB enhanced both phyisco-mechanical and chemical properties. Also, the resins were incorporated within primer formulations and evaluated as anti-corrosive and antimicrobial single coatings. The results illustrate that the introduction of AHEB, within the resin structure, improved the film performance and enhances the corrosion resistance and antimicrobial activity performance of PEA resins.

Practical implications

The modified PEA compounds can be used as binders in paint formulations to improve the chemical, physical, corrosion resistance and antimicrobial activity properties.

Originality/value

Modified PEA resins are cheaper and can be used to replace other more expensive binders. These modified PEA resins can compensate successfully for the presence of many the anticorrosive and antimicrobial paint formulations, and thus, lower the costs. The main advantage of these binders is that they combine the properties of both polyester and polyamide resins based on nitrogenous compound, are of lower cost and they also overcome the disadvantages of both its counterparts. Also, they can be applied in other industrial applications.
Developing and evaluating an asynchronous online library microcredential: a case study
Authors: Peacock Rebeca , Grevatt Heather , Dworak Ellie , Marsh Lindsay , Doty Shelly
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the evolution of an academic library’s approach to first-year student information literacy instruction from face-to-face instruction to a fully integrated online microcredential. The design considerations, motivation theory and evaluation methods used to create and evaluate the course are also discussed, with implications for future library microcredential design, integration and research in campus first-year seminar courses.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a multi-method approach is used to evaluate an undergraduate asynchronous online information literacy microcredential embedded in a first-year seminar. Two methods (Likert scale survey and coded reflection essays) were used to evaluate whether one method may be more beneficial than the other in future iterations of evaluating microcredentials.

Findings

In looking at a complex cognitive process such as motivation, multiple approaches to analyzing student thoughts may be beneficial. In addition, the role of the first-year seminar instructor, to help students make a connection to library material, is reinforced as is the need to provide students with accurate expectations for time required to complete online asynchronous microcredential courses.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the evaluation of microcredentials in academic libraries and also has implications for other campus departments investigating the creation of microcourses that are integrated into campus programs. These implications can be addressed in the design and development phases of the microcredential using Keller’s attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction model, and in turn, can be improved through iterative evaluation cycles using collected student data.
Modelling the yield of 8.64 kW PV panels installed on a rooftop of a building in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Alnaser Naser Waheeb , Alnaser Waheeb Essa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper allows more accurate estimation of the economy in investing in PV electrification for buildings, especially for Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCCC) where they have nearly similar climate and building structure. The actual solar electricity yield from this building is used to make empirical modelling.

Design/methodology/approach

The accurate automated daily-recorded solar electricity from 8.64 kW solar PV on a rooftop of Sadeem Building at Awali, Bahrain, was modelled to polynomial equations of order of 6. The effect of the tilt (β) and azimuth (Ψ) angle of PV panels for smart and sustainable buildings is studied.

Findings

The correlation of each set of polynomial equation (R2) is listed and had reached a highest value of 0.9792 (for order of 6) with lowest value of 0.1853 (for order of 1). The model may be also applied to the GCCC. The results show that each kW of PV will have a solar electricity yield, on average, of 4.1 kWh. It also shows that the tilt angle has little influence on the solar electricity yield (less than 10%) when the tilt angle changed from 26° to 0° or from 26° to 50°. The influence of the azimuth angle is found to be more than 50% in changing Ψ from 90° to 180°.

Research limitations/implications

The model may not be restricted to Bahrain but applies – to a certain extent – to GCCC (six countries) and to other countries having buildings with similar roof design and at latitude close to the latitude of Bahrain.

Practical implications

The model enables developers and investors to estimate, with high accuracy, the solar electricity provided from a building if PV panels are to be installed on its rooftop (or facade) at different tilt (β) and azimuth (Ψ) angle for smart and sustainable buildings.

Social implications

Empirically finding out how much each kW of solar PV integrated to the building will produce solar energy electricity (in kWh), that is, 1 kW of PV yield, on average, 4.1 kWh.

Originality/value

Establishing empirical models to evaluate the outcome of each installed kW of PV panels. Each 1 kW installation of PV panels is 4.0 kWh/day, on average. This is less than what commercial companies claim for this region, that is, 1 kW produces 5.5 kWh/ day – which affects the estimated economic outcome of PV projects.
‘For the People’ Without ‘by the People’: People and Plans in Shanghai's Waterfront Development
Authors: Li Yifei , Zhong Xiaohua
Published: October 2020

The constant interplay between top‐down authority and bottom‐up agency in the production of urban space has invigorated much scholarly debate in urban studies. China, with its astonishingly rapid urban change, offers a fruitful context for empirical investigations. In this article, we seize the opportunity of Shanghai's recent waterfront development to unpack the process by which the local state in Shanghai planned, designed, delivered and governed the city's much‐storied waterfront. Ostensibly framed as an initiativeforthe people, the development of Shanghai's waterfront was decidedly notbythe people. Powerful state actors and their affiliates in universities and architectural firms collaboratively pursued an urban developmental process that paradoxically enhanced residents’ right to urban space and denied citizens’ right to participation. The local state reconciled this apparent paradox by articulating a ‘quality people’ it sought to serve, fabricating an entire profile of their supposed aesthetic values, leisure habits, spatial preferences and luxurious lifestyles. In its essence, this ‘people’ framing represents an extraordinarily cunning approach to state hegemony, enabling the local state to pursue heavy‐handed interventions while upholding a gentle, humanistic ‘for the people’ discourse.
A legal geography of the regulation of contaminated land in Williamtown, New South Wales
Authors: Legg Rupert
Published: October 2020

Legal geographers have recently been interested in interlegality: the interactions between different legal orders governing one particular space. Contaminated land is one such space governed by multiple legal orders; however, it is yet to receive great attention in legal geography. In Australia, different authorities and bodies cooperate together in a responsive regulatory framework to prevent contamination and then manage cases where contamination has occurred, although this process is mostly coordinated at the level of the state. This article evaluates the framework by reference to a case where the contamination, by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has crossed jurisdictional boundaries in Williamtown, in New South Wales, Australia. This cross‐boundary incursion has complicated management responses, and may have resulted in contradicting forms of regulatory implementation by different legal orders and a break down in accountability. Ultimately, such findings point to the need for the current regulatory framework to be adapted to better deal with situations of spatial and legal complexity.
Emergency Physician and Advanced Practice Provider Diagnostic Testing and Admission Decisions in Chest Pain and Abdominal Pain
Authors: Pines Jesse M. , Zocchi Mark S. , Ritsema Tamara S. , Bedolla John , Venkat Arvind ,   for the US Acute Care Solutions Research Group
Published: October 2020

Objective

We compare utilization of diagnostic resources and admissions in emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain and abdominal pain when managed by advanced practice providers (APPs) and physicians.

Methods

We used 2016 to 2019 data from a national emergency medicine group. We compared visits managed by physicians and APPs based on demographics and observed resource utilization (labs, radiography, computed tomography) use and hospital admission/transfer, stratified by patient age. To reduce selection bias, we created inverse propensity score weights (IPWs). To estimate the average treatment effect for APP visits for each outcome, we included IPWs in a multivariable linear probability model with a dummy variable indicating treatment by an APP and used a facility fixed effect. We then estimated the average treatment effect comparing physician to APP visit for all visits and for discharged visits separately, stratified by the study outcomes. Sensitivity analyses were performed using different cohort definitions and adjusting for past medical history.

Results

In chest pain, we included 77,568 visits seen by 1,011 APPs and 586,031 visits seen by 1,588 physicians. In abdominal pain, we included 184,812 ED visits seen by 1,080 APPs and 761,230 visits seen by 1,689 physicians. For both chest pain and abdominal pain visits, physicians saw more older adult patients (55+ years) and admitted a higher percentage of visits than APPs. For chest pain, physicians saw more circulatory system diseases (70.7% vs. 58.6%); APPs saw more respiratory system diseases (17.1% vs. 9.8%). In abdominal pain, emergency physicians saw more digestive system diseases (28.5% vs. 23.3%); APPs saw more genitourinary system diseases. After matching with IPW, predicted probabilities of laboratory, radiology, and admissions either did not vary or were slightly lower for APPs compared to physicians for all outcomes. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results, including controlling for past medical history.

Conclusion

Diagnostic testing and hospitalization rates for chest pain and abdominal pain between APPs and physicians is largely similar after matching for severity and complexity. This suggests that APPs do not have observably higher use of ED and hospital resources in these conditions in this national group.
Overcoming Global Food Security Challenges through Science and Solidarity
Authors: Barrett Christopher B.
Published: October 2020

The world faces formidable, but manageable, challenges in achieving food security in a world growing beyond 9 billion people in the coming decades. Five big challenges will necessitate shifting innovation strategy to place greater emphasis on sustainable increases in diet quality, on total factor productivity ‐ not just crop yield ‐ growth, on social protection programs, on Africa, on post‐farmgate agri‐food value chains, on risk management, and on reducing the land and water footprint of food production. We must be progressive in both senses of the term, having faith in science as an engine of societal advance, and standing with marginalized populations.
The status and population dynamic of Buffon’s kob (Kobus kob kob, ERXLEBEN 1777) in the Faro National Park, Northern Cameroon
Authors: Kondasso Taïga Léa , Kamgang Serge Alexis , Bakwo Fils Eric Moïse , Samuel Tsakem Christian , Rduch Vera
Published: October 2020

Assessing the population status of wildlife is useful for enhancing biodiversity management strategies in protected areas. This study was carried out within the framework of the Faro National Park (FNP) management plan. The objective was to provide baseline data on the status and population dynamics of the Buffon's kob (Kobus kob kob). The surveys were conducted in the month of June at the beginning of the rainy season. Data were collected along 145 line transects of 2.5 km apart and analysed using Distance 7.2 and Quantum GIS 3.4 software. The Buffon's kob population was estimated to comprise around 4,094 ± 1,303 individuals, with an overall density of 1.24 individuals/km2. When compared to results from a study conducted in the year 2000, the concentration of Buffon's kob was higher in the northern part of the national park as opposed to the southern part, as was previously recorded. The population trend shows an extensive decline of approximately 80% compared to records of the year 2000. There was also a weak negative correlation between Buffon's kob density and human activities in the FNP.
Financial structure and cooperative efficiency: A pecking‐order evidence from sugarcane farmers in Eswatini
Authors: Mnisi Kuhle Prudence , Alhassan Abdul Latif
Published: October 2020

This study examines the effect of financial structure on technical efficiency of sugarcane farmer cooperatives (FCs) in Eswatini. Using annual data on 114 FCs from 2014 to 2017, the paper employs the one‐step Stochastic Frontier Analysis technique to estimate technical inefficiency and its determinants. The results indicate that the sugarcane FCs operate with high level of technical efficiency, averaging 85.48%. While all sources of financing were observed to improve technical efficiency, the effects were observed to follow a ‘pecking‐order’, with the greatest effect observed from internal revenue followed by grants and loans. The implications of the findings for financing decisions of FCs in emerging economies are discussed.
Beyond focus: Exploring variability of service provision of agricultural cooperatives
Authors: Sebhatu Kifle T. , Taheri Fatemeh , Berhanu Tekeste , Maertens Miet , Van Passel Steven , D'Haese Marijke
Published: October 2020

The wide array of services provided by agricultural cooperatives for their members is often not considered in academic studies. Addressing this gap in the literature, our paper explores the wide array of services provided by agricultural cooperatives and how these extend beyond those they were initially intended to provide. We study the extent and characteristics of service portfolios from 511 agricultural cooperatives in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Results from two‐limit Tobit models confirm that government and NGO‐initiated cooperatives have a wide service portfolio compared to member‐initiated cooperatives. In many of the studied cooperatives, the services they provide and their portfolios are more diverse than expected. Cooperatives seem to go beyond their focal areas of intervention. Also, those cooperatives that are more outward‐oriented and where the chair has contact with other cooperatives or businesses, have a wider service portfolio. These results may help to explain the mixed findings on the impact of cooperative membership.