bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarizing influence of power distance on country of origin effect
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Ding Chenhong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Country of origin (COO) effect refers to the influence of COO on consumers' perception and evaluation of a product. This research explores the impact of consumers' power distance on COO effect.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted two experiments to test the relevant hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that power distance has a polarizing influence on COO effect. That means, for products from countries with good images, the higher the consumers' power distance, the better their evaluation of the products; while for products from countries with poor images, the higher the power distance, the worse their evaluation of the products. The research also finds the moderating effect of consumers' competence–related country-related affect (CRA). When holding positive competence–related CRA, for products from countries with good images, the higher the consumers' power distance, the better their evaluation of the products; for products from countries with poor images, consumers' power distance has no effect. When having negative competence–related CRA, for products from countries with poor images, the higher the consumers' power distance, the worse their evaluation of the products; for products from countries with good images, power distance has no effect.

Originality/value

This study finds that depending on the perception of COO image, power distance not only improves the evaluation of products but also lows such evaluation, reflecting a two-way polarizing feature.
Compliance level with IFRS disclosure requirements across 12 African countries: do enforcement mechanisms matter?
Authors: Borgi Hela , Mnif Yosra
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of enforcement, and more particularly government quality and the stock market development, on compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) disclosure requirements in 12 African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a self-constructed compliance index from content analysis and apply panel regressions for a sample of 606 firm-year observations during the period 2012 to 2014.

Findings

This analysis illustrates a high level of disparity of information provided by companies, possibly due to the complexity of the selected standards and the depth of information required. The findings reveal that government quality and stock market development have a positive and significant effect on compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements in Africa. This implies that enforcement plays a key role in improving the compliance level across African countries.

Practical implications

These findings should be of interest to government policymakers, professional bodies, regulators and standard setters who are concerned with compliance and financial reporting transparency at a country level. It should be a signal to call for more effort to strengthen the enforcement of accounting standards and capital market supervision by putting in place some disciplinary actions for non-compliance with IFRS. The authors also believe that the results may help African policymakers and regulators enhance the level of compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements by enforcing accounting standards.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the compliance literature by investigating the effect of enforcement on compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements in the African countries, an understudied context where enforcement is a challenge.
Toward an intellectual capital cyber security theory: insights from Lebanon
Authors: Balozian Puzant , Leidner Dorothy , Xue Botong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Intellectual capital (IC) cyber security is a priority in all organizations. Because of the dearth in IC cyber security (ICCS) research theories and the constant call to theory building, this study proposes a theory of ICCS drawing upon tested empirical data of information systems security (ISS) theory in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

After a pilot test, the authors tested the newly developed ISS theory using a field study consisting of 187 respondents, representing many industries, thus contributing to generalizability. ISS theory is used as a proxy for the development of ICCS theory.

Findings

Based on a review of the literature from the past three decades in the information systems (IS) discipline and a discovery of the partial yet significant relevance of ISS literature to ICCS, this study succinctly summarized the antecedents and independent variables impacting security compliance behavior, putting the variables into one comprehensive yet parsimonious theoretical model. This study shows the theoretical and practical relevancy of ISS theory to ICCS theory building.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of ISS compliance in the context of ICCS, especially in the area of spoken knowledge in environments containing Internet-based security devices.

Originality/value

This research article is original, as it presents the theory of ICCS, which was developed by drawing upon a comprehensive literature review of the IS discipline and finding the bridges between the security of both IS and IC.
“We’re giving them the tools.” A qualitative study of nursing students working with Recovery College trainers to support student wellbeing
Authors: Oates Jennifer , Hassan Rasiha , Coster Sam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a thematic analysis of student nurses’ experiences of an innovative collaboration between a mental health Recovery College and a nursing faculty, where Recovery College trainers’ expertise in co-production and peer facilitation were foregrounded. The aim of this study is to understand how nursing students experienced being peer facilitators of well-being workshops for fellow students following training with Recovery College trainers.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis of qualitative data from eight semi-structured interviews and a focus group with 15 participants.

Findings

The overarching theme that emerged was “The process of being a student Peer Facilitator”. Six themes emerged from the data: “What we brought”; “Conceptualisation”; “Adaptation”; “we’re giving them the tools”; “What we gained”; and “Development”.

Practical implications

Mental health nurse educators could forge collaborative relationships with Recovery College colleagues with a broader remit than service users’ “lived experience” of mental distress. Student nurses should be given opportunities to be peer facilitators and draw on their lived experience as student nurses as means of addressing their and their peers’ mental health.

Originality/value

Original findings were that the student experience of being a peer facilitator was different to their other experiences in education and clinical practice. They drew on their lived experience throughout and found that they learned skills to address their well-being through supporting other students to improve theirs.
Conceptualizing corporate social responsibility practice: an integration of obligation and opportunity
Authors: Sharma Aashna , Singh Gurparkash
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an integrated model to analyse the corporate social responsibility (CSR) perception of organizations in a regulated environment. The developed model is used as a basis to analyse practice and perception of CSR using the obligation-opportunity concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically reviews the seminal literature and identifies inherent shortcomings in CSR’s existing conceptualizations. The concepts of implicit and explicit CSR are used to build a case for the integrated obligation-opportunity conceptual model. To analyse the CSR perception of select Indian organizations, a set of propositions are developed. The propositions are evaluated using the interpretive qualitative approach to analyse interviews from 12 CSR heads across 10 organizations.

Findings

The paper develops an obligation-opportunity conceptual model as an analytical tool to visually map existing CSR models and analyse organizations’ CSR perceptions. The results of the analysis of interviews suggest: the organizations in India are contributing towards CSR to abide by the law that is as an obligation; organizations can contribute towards strategic CSR by incorporating economic, social and environmental responsibilities simultaneously with the help of the developed model; CSR environment in India is implicitly-explicit in nature.

Originality/value

The proposed obligation-opportunity model enables mapping different theories along the dimensions of obligation-opportunity conceptualizations. It can be a powerful tool for researchers and practitioners to understand, research and strategically implement CSR in the given institutional environment.
Eliciting tacit knowledge in professions based on interpersonal interactions
Authors: Asher Dan , Popper Micha
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The notion of tacit knowledge is mostly discussed with regard to experts’ knowledge (Sternberg et al., 1995). It is less discussed in the context of interpersonal interactions, which are very common in organizations and in certain occupations (e.g. negotiations and therapy). The limited reference to this aspect is due to the lack of appropriate methodologies. This study aims to deal with this lacuna; specifically, how to elicit tacit knowledge in professions based on interpersonal interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was chosen to demonstrate the use of symbolic interaction key concepts (Goffman, 1959) as a method to evoke tacit knowledge. The information was gathered from interviews conducted among 20 business negotiation experts. The “onion” model (Asher and Popper, 2019) was used as a tool to analyze various layers of tacit knowledge.

Findings

The suggested framework enabled the exploration and characterization of tacit knowledge in professions based on interpersonal interaction, which would not have otherwise emerged.

Practical implications

As interpersonal interaction is a complex and abstract occurrence, the authors propose a conceptual framework (symbolic interaction), which allows for the characterization of such occurrences and a tool (the “onion” model) that allows for the classification of the elicited tacit knowledge.

Originality/value

The study suggests an original framework, which enables the identification and analysis of tacit knowledge in a context that is very common in organizations but is, yet, partially explored – personal interactions. The use of the suggested framework can possibly bridge the gap between unconscious personal learning and knowledge that can be used at the organizational level.
Songs of Sisterhood: Feminist Political Practice between Empire and Internationalism 1910–20
Authors: Aziz Zaib un Nisa
Published: August 2021

This article seeks to understand how feminist thought and practice in the early twentieth century intersected with emergent movements against British imperialism. By tracing relations between Indian, Irish and British feminists, it delineates the diverse ways in which women, across imperial spaces, adopted emergent languages of internationalism and female fraternity to further their political ambitions. This article moves beyond the geographical boundaries of colony and metropole to uncover a much wider circulation of ideas, practices and solidarities amongst feminist networks in the early twentieth century. Collectively, the stories presented in this article convey multiple feminist political imaginaries in an era defined at once by imperial crisis and the rise of internationalism. They show that women's choices of political association in the autumn of empire were determined by their ideological affinity, political practice and social class rather than their country of origin or ethnic identity alone.
Associations between teacher‐rated behavioral problems and reading difficulties? Interactions over time and halo effects
Authors: Elies Annica , Schabmann Alfred , Schmidt Barbara M.
Published: August 2021

Associations between reading difficulties and problem behaviours in the classroom have been discussed controversially since the 1970s. The present paper investigates the influence of reading performance on teacher ratings of behavioural problems while taking into account behavioural autocorrelations and teacher halo effects. Teachers rated reading (in the middle of the school year) and behaviour (at the beginning and end of the school year) for a sample of 171 first‐grade students. In addition, the students’ reading performance was objectively assessed via a standardised test at the end of first grade. The results showed that the effect of reading problems on classroom behaviour is heavily affected by autocorrelational and halo effects. After controlling for the interaction between teachers’ ratings of reading and behaviour, objectively measured reading performance had only a marginal direct effect on behaviour (as rated by teachers). Therefore, we argue that findings from the literature on the co‐morbidity of behaviour and reading may be affected by similar (halo) effects, causing the effect of reading difficulties on classroom behaviour to be overestimated. Co‐morbidities reported in the study should be closely examined with respect to their ‘methodological composition’ in the future.
Metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida for production of the natural sweetener 5‐ketofructose from fructose or sucrose by periplasmic oxidation with a heterologous fructose dehydrogenase
Authors: Wohlers Karen , Wirtz Astrid , Reiter Alexander , Oldiges Marco , Baumgart Meike , Bott Michael
Published: August 2021

5‐Ketofructose (5‐KF) is a promising low‐calorie natural sweetener with the potential to reduce health problems caused by excessive sugar consumption. It is formed by periplasmic oxidation of fructose by fructose dehydrogenase (Fdh) of Gluconobacter japonicus, a membrane‐bound three‐subunit enzyme containing FAD and three haemes c as prosthetic groups. This study aimed at establishing Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as a new cell factory for 5‐KF production, as this host offers a number of advantages compared with the established host Gluconobacter oxydans. Genomic expression of the fdhSCL genes from G. japonicus enabled synthesis of functional Fdh in P. putida and successful oxidation of fructose to 5‐KF. In a batch fermentation, 129 g l−1 5‐KF were formed from 150 g l−1 fructose within 23 h, corresponding to a space‐time yield of 5.6 g l−1 h−1. Besides fructose, also sucrose could be used as substrate for 5‐KF production by plasmid‐based expression of the invertase gene inv1417 from G. japonicus. In a bioreactor cultivation with pulsed sucrose feeding, 144 g 5‐KF were produced from 358 g sucrose within 48 h. These results demonstrate that P. putida is an attractive host for 5‐KF production.
Correlation of magnetic resonance and arthroscopy in the diagnosis of shoulder injury
Authors: Groarke Patrick , Jagernauth Simond , Peters Susan E , Manzanero Silvia , O'Connell Paul , Cowderoy Greg , Gilpin David , Hope Benjamin , Marchant Darren , Cutbush Kenneth , Andrews Steve , Duke Phillip FR , Ross Mark
Published: August 2021

Background

Advances in shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthrography (MRA) have revolutionised musculoskeletal diagnosis and surgical planning. Despite this, the overall accuracy of MRI, with or without intra‐articular contrast, can be variable.

Methods

In this prospective non‐randomised analysis, 200 participants (74.5% males) with suspected shoulder injuries underwent MRI (41.0%) or MRA followed by arthroscopy. A study specific proforma was developed to ensure consistency of reporting by radiologists and surgeons. The reports were compared to assess the predictive power of MRI/MRA. Specific assessment of rotator cuff tendon appearance, long head of biceps (LHB) tendon appearance, position and anchor, subacromial space, glenoid labrum and humeral cartilage grade were included.

Results

Shoulder MRA demonstrated a higher agreement with arthroscopy than MRI for supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis tendon appearance (κ = 0.77 vs. κ = 0.61, κ = 0.55 vs. κ = 0.53 and κ = 0.58 vs. κ = 0.46 respectively). There were also superior agreement rates with MRA compared to MRI for LHB tendon appearance (κ = 0.70 vs. κ =0.54) and position (κ = 0.89 vs. κ = 0.72). As an overall assessor of shoulder pathology we found significantly higher total agreement scores when MRA was used (p = 0.002).

Discussion

Whilst magnetic resonance imaging with arthrography is an extremely useful tool to assess underlying pathological shoulder states it does not confer 100% accuracy. In cases whereby this modality is inconclusive, an examination under anaesthesia and diagnostic arthroscopic assessment for the detection of intra‐articular shoulder pathology may be considered.
Social norms misperception among voters in the 2020 US presidential election
Authors: Hoerst Carina , Drury John
Published: August 2021

We aim to explain the dynamics enabling spikes in hate crimes by examining the underlying social‐psychological processes behind it. We see these as captured in empowerment processes among racists who see themselves as “victims” and their position strengthened by majority support from the public for their actions. Building on previous research, we investigated the role social norm misperception (false consensus and pluralistic ignorance), following elections plays as a possible, generally occurring mechanism, with particular focus on Republican Party supporters. In a two‐wave panel study, we surveyed Democrat and Republican supporters on social norms misperception, as well as collective empowerment, and xenophobic behavioral intentions. While we could replicate and strengthen our arguments and establish robust group‐dependent effects for social norms misperception and illustrate that an unexpected outcome of the election led to disempowerment among Republicans, we found null effects for changes in social norms misperception, and behavioral intentions. Our study contributes to understanding social norms misperception as associated with group membership. Deriving from that, the study results indicate that the perception of a majority agreeing with one's approval is potentially less influenced by external factors, in contrast to feelings of joy and group efficacy—collective empowerment. Practical implications of group differences regarding post‐election collective actions are discussed.
Factors affecting creatine phosphokinase elevation during daptomycin therapy using a combination of machine learning and conventional methods
Authors: Imai Shungo , Kashiwagi Hitoshi , Sato Yuki , Miyai Takayuki , Sugawara Mitsuru , Takekuma Yoh
Published: August 2021

Aims

Musculoskeletal toxicity is a typical side effect of daptomycin (DAP). However, the risk factors have not been well established. Here, we aimed to identify independent factors affecting DAP‐induced musculoskeletal toxicity using a combination of machine learning and conventional statistical methods.

Methods

A population‐based, retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted using the Japanese electronic medical record database. Patients who received DAP between October 2011 and December 2020 were enrolled. Two definitions of musculoskeletal toxicity were employed: (1) elevation of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) value more than twice from baseline and >200 IU/L, and (2) >1000 IU/L. First, multiple logistic regression analyses (a conventional statistical method) were performed to identify independent factors affecting CPK elevation. Then, decision tree analyses, a machine learning method, were performed to detect combinations of factors that change CPK elevation risk.

Results

Of the 2970 patients who received DAP, 706 were included. Elevation of CPK values >200 IU/L and >1000 IU/L occurred in 83 (11.8%) and 17 (2.41%) patients, respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, baseline CPK value and concomitant use of hydrophobic statins were commonly extracted as independent factors affecting each CPK elevation, but concomitant use of hydrophilic statins was not. In decision tree analysis, patients who received hydrophobic statins and had high baseline CPK values were classified into the high‐risk group.

Conclusion

Our novel approach revealed new risk factors for CPK elevation. Our findings suggest that high‐risk patients require frequent CPK monitoring.
The power of a simple index of neighbourhood change: Challenging the perception that there is no such thing as simplicity in creating indexes
Authors: Ramos Howard , Kaida Lisa , Singh Diana , Pritchard Paul , Wijesingha Rochelle
Published: August 2021

While academic research on neighbourhood change has developed over the past 30 years, its measurement is often technical and complex, hampering knowledge translation of academic research to wider audiences. Based on our research on neighbourhood change in Atlantic Canadian cities, we have developed two “simple” indexes of neighbourhood change. We document the steps to creating the simple indexes and discuss what decisions are made along the way. We then compare results of the two indexes with a mean‐centred index that is commonly used for academic audiences. This is done to assess how simpler methods perform compared to one that is considered more sophisticated. Using the 2006 and 2016 Canadian Census data, we apply each of these neighbourhood change indexes to four Atlantic Canadian cities. Results indicate some similarities between the simple indexes and the mean‐centred index. We discuss the methodological and practical implications of the results to help facilitate knowledge translation of academic research for urban planners and NGOs.
HDAC8 drives spindle organization during meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes
Authors: Chen Ying , Pan Chen , Lu Yajuan , Miao Yilong , Xiong Bo
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) is one of the class I HDAC family proteins, which participates in the neuronal disorders, parasitic/viral infections, tumorigenesis and many other biological processes. However, its potential function during female germ cell development has not yet been fully understood.

Materials and methods

HDAC8‐targeting siRNA was microinjected into GV oocytes to deplete HDAC8. PCI‐34051 was used to inhibit the enzyme activity of HDAC8. Immunostaining, immunoblotting and fluorescence intensity quantification were applied to assess the effects of HDAC8 depletion or inhibition on the oocyte meiotic maturation, spindle/chromosome structure, γ‐tubulin dynamics and acetylation level of α‐tubulin.

Results

We observed that HDAC8 was localized in the nucleus at GV stage and then translocated to the spindle apparatus from GVBD to M II stages in porcine oocytes. Depletion of HDAC8 led to the oocyte meiotic failure by showing the reduced polar body extrusion rate. In addition, depletion of HDAC8 resulted in aberrant spindle morphologies and misaligned chromosomes due to the defective recruitment of γ‐tubulin to the spindle poles. Notably, these meiotic defects were photocopied by inhibition of HDAC8 activity using its specific inhibitor PCI‐34051. However, inhibition of HDAC8 did not affect microtubule stability as assessed by the acetylation level of α‐tubulin.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that HDAC8 acts as a regulator of spindle assembly during porcine oocyte meiotic maturation.
Low sun exposure acts synergistically with high Epstein−Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA‐1) antibody levels in multiple sclerosis etiology
Authors: Hedström Anna Karin , Huang Jesse , Brenner Nicole , Butt Julia , Kockum Ingrid , Waterboer Tim , Olsson Tomas , Alfredsson Lars
Published: August 2021

Background

Among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, an association has been observed between low levels of vitamin D and high Epstein‐Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA‐1) antibody levels. However, whether sun exposure/vitamin D moderates the role of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection in MS etiology is unclear. We aimed to investigate potential synergistic effects between low sun exposure and elevated EBNA‐1 antibody levels regarding MS risk.

Methods

We used a population‐based case−control study involving 2017 incident cases of MS and 2443 matched controls. We used logistic regression models to calculate the odds ratios of MS with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in subjects with different sun exposure habits and EBNA‐1 status. Potential interaction on the additive scale was evaluated by calculating the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP).

Results

Low sun exposure acted synergistically with high EBNA‐1 antibody levels (AP 0.2, 95% CI 0.03–0.3) in its association to increased MS risk. The interaction was present regardless of HLA‐DRB1*15:01 status.

Conclusions

Low sun exposure may either directly, or indirectly by affecting vitamin D levels, synergistically reinforce pathogenic mechanisms, such as aspects of the adaptive immune response, related to MS risk conveyed by EBV infection.
Conversion of a polysilazane‐modified cellulose‐based paper into a C/SiFe(N,C)O ceramic paper via thermal ammonolysis
Authors: Ott Alexander , Peter Johannes , Wiehl Leonore , Potapkin Vasily , Kramm Ulrike I. , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Riedel Ralf , Ionescu Emanuel
Published: August 2021

Cellulose‐based paper samples were surface‐modified by a polymeric single‐source precursor prepared from perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) and iron(III)acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) and ammonolyzed at 500°C, 700°C, 900°C, and 1000°C, leading to C/SiFe(N,C)O‐based ceramic papers with in situ‐generated hierarchical micro/nano‐morphology. As reference, cellulose‐free samples were prepared under the same conditions. Upon thermal treatment, the microstructure evolutions of the resulting ceramic paper and the reference sample were comparatively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that for all temperatures, the ceramic papers exhibit the same morphology as the template, however, with noticeable shrinkage and curling, particularly evident at higher temperatures. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of the reference samples and the ceramic papers showed a similar crystallization behavior and phase evolution in both materials. In the ceramic paper, the crystallization process seems to occur at a later time. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the investigated C/SiFe(N,C)O‐based ceramic system. It was shown that use of the cellulose‐based paper template has the benefit of retaining the microstructure and furthermore, apart from transforming the cellulose fibers into turbostratic carbon, does not change the phase evolution during the polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation, allowing at the same time the manufacturing of novel morphologically complex parts by a convenient one‐pot synthesis approach.
Electric field‐assisted sintering anode‐supported single solid oxide fuel cell
Authors: Muccillo Reginaldo , de Florio Daniel Zanetti , Fonseca Fabio C. , Carvalho Sabrina G. M. , Muccillo Eliana N. S.
Published: August 2021

Cosintering (La0.84Sr0.16MnO3 thin‐film cathode/ZrO2: 8 mol% Y2O3 thin‐film solid electrolyte/55 vol.% ZrO2:8 mol% Y2O3 + 45 vol.% NiO anode, ϕ = 12 × 1.5 mm thick pellet) was achieved by applying an electric field for 5 min at 1200°C. Impedance spectroscopy measurements of the anode‐supported three‐layer cell show an improvement of the electrical conductivity in comparison to that of a conventionally sintered cell. The scanning electron microscopy images of the cross‐sections of electric field‐assisted pressureless sintered cells show a fairly dense electrolyte and porous anode and cathode. Joule heating, resulting from the electric current due to the application of the AC electric field, is suggested as responsible for sintering. Dilatometric shrinkage curves, electric voltage and current profiles, impedance spectroscopy diagrams, and scanning electron microscopy micrographs show how anode‐electrolyte‐cathode ceramic cells can be cosintered at temperatures lower than the usually required.
Unlocking the history of a trans‐Atlantic invader: Did the human slave trade impact Brown mussel dispersal?
Authors: Calazans Sávio H. , Lourenço Carla R. , Nicastro Katy R. , Tagliaro Claudia H. , Zardi Gerardo I. , Ferreira Carlos E. L. , da C. Fernandes Flavio , Silva Edson P. , Hoffman Eric A.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Brown mussels exhibit a trans‐Atlantic distribution putatively caused by either native dispersal or artificial gene flow, likely in concert with the transport of enslaved people from Africa. Evolutionary history and demographic models of this widespread species may clarify how the present‐day distribution was impacted by natural versus artificial dispersal. Particularly, dating the timing of the South American/African split may determine whether the human slave trade likely impacted the contemporary distribution of brown mussels.

Location

Coastal Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, and Mozambique.

Taxon

Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758).

Methods

We genotyped a total of 644 samples from 18 populations at 10 microsatellite loci. We estimated genetic structure with clustering algorithms in STRUCTURE and GENETIX. We estimated genetic distances by characterizing patterns of pair‐wise FST using the program FSTAT, evaluating differences among and between regions via AMOVA, and testing isolation by distance in IBDWS. To estimate and date the most likely pathway by which P. perna crossed the Atlantic Ocean we used Bayesian factors from thermodynamically heated coalescent simulations in the program MIGRATE‐n.

Results

We found no general pattern of reduced or elevated levels of genetic diversity within any region across site or locus. We identified four genetic clusters: East South Africa (ESA), West South Africa (WSA), Brazil (BR) and North Africa (MO); FST ranged from 0.06 to 0.11 among regions and exhibited a significant pattern of isolation by distance. Migration models indicated that P. perna dispersed from WSA to MO and from there to BR of approximately 2,000 years.

Main conclusions

Multiple lines of evidence suggest the Brazilian populations of P. perna have been a long‐standing native population, originating from northern Africa and are unlikely a consequence of the African slave trade. Although, human introduction cannot be ruled out South American P. perna populations exhibited genetic characteristics indicative of a divergent, isolated and established population, featuring the genetic signature expected for a native population.
Antibacterial activity of combined aditoprim and sulfamethoxazole againstEscherichia colifrom swine and a dose regimen based on pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modeling
Authors: Wang Fang , Luo Wanhe , Pan Yuanhu , Qu Wei , Xie Shuyu , Huang Lingli , Wang Yulian
Published: August 2021

The mortality of livestock caused by pathogenicEscherichia coli(E.coli) still accounts for a large proportion of deaths in large‐scale production and reproduction, which causes devastating economic losses to the pig breeding industry. The aims of this study were to investigate the antibacterial activity of combined aditoprim (ADP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) against clinical isolates ofE. colifrom pigs and to develop a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) model to formulate the optimal dose of ADP/SMZ for the treatment of pig colibacillosis. Blood and ileum fluid samples were collected at different times after single intramuscular injection of ADP/SMZ (5/25 mg/kg b.w.) to healthy pigs andE. coli‐infected pigs. Concentrations of ADP and SMZ in plasma and ileum fluid were analyzed by HPLC. The peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0‐24h) in ileum fluid of healthy pigs were 1.76 ± 0.27 µg/ml and 18.92 ± 2.87 µg·h/ml for ADP and 19.15 ± 2.63 µg/ml and 125.70 ± 11.86 µg·h/ml for SMZ, respectively.Cmaxand AUC0‐24hin ileum fluid of infected pigs were 1.88 ± 0.13 µg/ml and 15.12 ± 0.75 µg·h/ml for ADP and 19.71 ± 3.68 µg/ml and 133.92 ± 17.14 µg·h/ml for SMZ, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of combined ADP and SMZ (ADP/SMZ) against 185 strains ofE. colifrom pigs were determined. The MIC50and MIC90of ADP/SMZ were 0.5/2.5 and 4/20 µg/ml, respectively. The MIC of the selected pathogenicE. coliSHC28 was 0.5/2.5 µg/ml in Mueller‐Hinton broth and 0.25/1.25 µg/ml in ileum fluid, respectively. In vitro, the mutant prevention concentration, the post‐antibiotic effect, growth, and time‐killing curves in vitro and ex vivo of ADP/SMZ against the isolate SHC28 were assayed for PD studies. The results showed that ADP/SMZ exhibited strong concentration‐dependent antimicrobial activity againstE. coli. After integrating the in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of infected pigs and ex vivo PD data using the sigmoidEmax(Hill) equation, the AUC24h/MIC values in ileum fluid for bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and bacterial eradication were 18.84, 65.39, and 110.68 h, respectively. In conclusion, a dosage of 3.45/17.25 mg/kg ADP/SMZ by intramuscular injection daily for 3 consecutive days may be sufficient to treat swine colibacillosis due toE. coliwith a MIC of 0.5/2.5 µg/ml.
How telomere dynamics are influenced by the balance between mitochondrial efficiency, reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage
Authors: Metcalfe Neil B. , Olsson Mats
Published: August 2021

It is well known that oxidative stress is a major cause of DNA damage and telomere attrition. Most endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the mitochondria, producing a link between mitochondrial function, DNA integrity and telomere dynamics. In this review we will describe how ROS production, rates of damage to telomeric DNA and DNA repair are dynamic processes. The rate of ROS production depends on mitochondrial features such as the level of inner membrane uncoupling and the proportion of time that ATP is actively being produced. However, the efficiency of ATP production (the ATP/O ratio) is positively related to the rate of ROS production, so leading to a trade‐off between the body's energy requirements and its need to prevent oxidative stress. Telomeric DNA is especially vulnerable to oxidative damage due to features such as its high guanine content; while repair to damaged telomere regions is possible through a range of mechanisms, these can result in more rapid telomere shortening. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial efficiency varies over time and with environmental context, as do rates of DNA repair. We argue that telomere dynamics can only be understood by appreciating that the optimal solution to the trade‐off between energetic efficiency and telomere protection will differ between individuals and will change over time, depending on resource availability, energetic demands and life history strategy.
Photobleached Oxidative Degradation of Melanins: Chemical Characterization of Melanins Present in Alpaca Fiber
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Munyard Kylie , Oddie Carolyn , Ito Shosuke
Published: August 2021

In order to characterize the phenotype and to examine the effects of sun exposure on the color and structure of eumelanin (EM) and pheomelanin (PM) in alpaca fibers, we applied Soluene‐350 solubilization, alkaline hydrogen peroxide oxidation (AHPO) and hydroiodic acid (HI) hydrolysis to the base and tip fibers of 20 true‐black (TB) and 20 warm‐black (WB) alpacas. We analyzed absorbances at 500 nm (A500) and 650 nm (A650), Free and Total pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), 2,3,4,5‐tetracarboxylic acid (PTeCA) as degradative products from EM, and 4‐amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylalanine (4‐AHP), 3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenylalanine (3‐AHP) and thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) as degradative products from PM. We found that the ratio of PTeCA/Total PTCA increased significantly from the base to the tip in both colors of alpaca fibers, while the ratios of A650/A500 and 4‐AHP/3‐AHP decreased significantly. These results show that structures made of both EM and PM in alpaca fibers are modified significantly by sun exposure inducing color change. This study indicates that the ratios of A650/A500, PTeCA/Total PTCA and 4‐AHP/3‐AHP are highly sensitive markers of color change and photodegradation of EM and PM, respectively.
How to be an aesthetic realist
Authors: Tropman Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

This paper develops a form of realism about aesthetics that is stronger than typical versions of aesthetic realism. As I conceive of it, aesthetic realism is the view that there are some response‐independent aesthetic facts. This kind of realism is unpopular in aesthetics and is often viewed as a non‐starter. Against this pessimism, I argue that the prospects for this realist approach are more favorable than commonly supposed. I offer some reasons to prefer my brand of aesthetic realism to competing realist and anti‐realist positions. I also defend this aesthetic realism against what I call the ‘overly objective worry’ and correct misconceptions about what realism's commitment to response‐independence involves.
The Beveridge report 80 years on: ‘Squalor’ and housing—‘A true goliath’
Authors: Lund Brian , Greener Ian , Powell Martin
Published: August 2021

The Beveridge Report listed ‘Squalor’ as one of the ‘five giants on the road to reconstruction’, with the use of the term pointing to a broader concern than individual houses ‘unfit for human habitation’. ‘Squalor’, said Beveridge, ‘arises mainly through haphazard distribution of industry and population’ indicated anxiety about pollution and the ‘mean’, dark streets in cities and industrial towns. Apart from these references, the Beveridge Report made no other mentions of ‘Squalor’ but in later publications, Beveridge advocated New Towns and the involvement of voluntary housing associations in housing supply as remedies to the problem. This article reviews the context and history of Beveridge's Giant of Squalor, considering how Beveridge dealt with the ‘problem of rent’ the attempts by governments to tackle the issue, examines the contributions made by New Towns and housing associations, records progress in improving minimum housing standards and investigates potential policies to overcome these challenges that might be included in a ‘New Beveridge’ Report.
Association between the kinetics of cytomegalovirus reactivation in terms of the area under the curve of cytomegalovirus antigenemia and non‐relapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Takeshita Junko , Kimura Shun‐ichi , Nakasone Hideki , Kawamura Shunto , Nakamura Yuhei , Kawamura Masakatsu , Yoshino Nozomu , Misaki Yukiko , Yoshimura Kazuki , Matsumi Shimpei , Gomyo Ayumi , Tamaki Masaharu , Akahoshi Yu , Kusuda Machiko , Kameda Kazuaki , Wada Hidenori , Sato Miki , Kako Shinichi , Kanda Yoshinobu
Published: August 2021

Background

We assessed the kinetics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation using the area under the curve (AUC), which simultaneously reflects both the viral load at each time point and the duration of CMV antigenemia (CMV‐AG).

Methods

We performed a single‐institute retrospective analysis in patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between 2007 and 2017 and survived more than 100 days after HSCT. The AUC of CMV‐AG (CMV‐AUC) was calculated by a trapezoidal method using the number of CMV‐AG tested by the C10/C11 method after logarithmic transformation, and plotted weekly up to day 100.

Results

CMV reactivation was observed in 195 cases and the median CMV‐AUC for CMV‐reactivated patients was 8.7 (range 0.5–30.7). Older age, corticosteroid administration, CMV‐seropositive transplant recipients, HSCT from an unrelated donor, and underlying diseases were independent predictive factors for higher CMV‐AUC. Higher CMV‐AUC was associated with poor overall survival (OS) with borderline significance in a univariate analysis (p = .07), but was not significant in a multivariate analysis. Older age, high‐risk disease status, and female gender were identified as significant factors associated with poor OS in this study. On the other hand, CMV‐AUC (hazard ratio: no reactivation reference, low 0.98, high 2.49, p < .01), older age, HCT‐CI ≥3, and corticosteroid administration were identified as significant factors associated with increased incidence of non‐relapse mortality (NRM).

Conclusions

The kinetics of CMV reactivation in terms of CMV‐AUC reflect both the severity and duration of CMV reactivation. High CMV‐AUC was associated with an increased incidence of NRM in survivors over 100 days.
The Hat-Trick of Racism: Examining BIPOC Hockey Players’ Experiences in Canada’s Game
Authors: Sandrin Ryan , Palys Ted
Published: August 2021

Recent high-profile incidents involving racism at hockey’s highest levels have cast serious concerns regarding the prevalence of racism in the sport. However, limited scholarly literature has examined the prevalence of racism in Canadian hockey across the lesser-known competitive developmental levels (e.g., junior, collegiate, and minor-professional). Employing a critical race framework, we interviewed Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) regarding their experiences with racism in Canadian hockey. The findings reveal that actions that keep BIPOC players on the outside looking in exist at even the sport’s youngest levels. The findings also indicate that governing bodies often fail to protect BIPOC players when racist incidents occur. Further research regarding racism in hockey is needed to more fully understand the deleterious impact of racist behavior on the sport and those who play it, and to identify strategies that can promote a more egalitarian opportunity structure than currently exists.
Regional scalable priorities for national biodiversity and carbon conservation planning in Asia
Authors: Zhu Li , Hughes Alice C. , Zhao Xiao-Qian , Zhou Li-Jing , Ma Ke-Ping , Shen Xiao-Li , Li Sheng , Liu Ming-Zhang , Xu Wu-Bing , Watson James E. M.
Published: August 2021

Scalable ranking approaches can map effective biodiversity and climate targets for national conservation action by 2030.
A plant lipocalin promotes retinal-mediated oscillatory lateral root initiation
Authors: Dickinson Alexandra J. , Zhang Jingyuan , Luciano Michael , Wachsman Guy , Sandoval Evan , Schnermann Martin , Dinneny José R. , Benfey Philip N.
Published: August 2021

Building a wider root network

As roots grow through the soil, lateral branches develop to broaden the reach toward water and nutrients. Just where on the main root these lateral roots will develop is organized by an oscillatory root clock. Dickinson
et al
. have now identified an initiating signal in the form of the signaling molecule retinal. Oscillatory expression of a retinal-binding protein, a temperature-sensitive lipocalin, defines sites where retinal signals can initiate growth. —PJH
Structural insight into the SAM-mediated assembly of the mitochondrial TOM core complex
Authors: Wang Qiang , Guan Zeyuan , Qi Liangbo , Zhuang Jinjin , Wang Chen , Hong Sixing , Yan Ling , Wu Yan , Cao Xiaoqian , Cao Jianbo , Yan Junjie , Zou Tingting , Liu Zhu , Zhang Delin , Yan Chuangye , Yin Ping
Published: August 2021

Barrels that build barrels

Cells produce specialized machinery to produce functional β-barrel proteins that are involved in cross-membrane transport and membrane protein biogenesis in eukaryotic organelles and some bacteria. Wang
et al
. studied one of these systems that is itself a β-barrel, the mitochondrial sorting and assembly machinery (SAM), in complex with one of its client proteins, translocase of the outer membrane (TOM). TOM subunits can be added one at a time while the protein is bound to SAM. Compared with the full TOM core complex, the final TOM core subunit clashes with SAM and suggests that release of TOM may be driven by its association. —MAF
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterobacter mori Strain NSE2, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of a
Sedum
sp.
Authors: François Charlotte J. , Batinovic Steven , Petrovski Steve , Gendall Anthony R.
Published: August 2021

Enterobacter mori
is an important plant pathogen. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the plant-associated strain
Enterobacter mori
NSE2, which was found to harbor genes for promotive and pathogenic interactions with plants.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of Ndumu Virus from Garissa, Kenya, 1997
Authors: Moolla Naazneen , Viljoen Natalie , Patharoo Venessa , Grobbelaar Antoinette , Ismail Arshad , Weyer Jacqueline
Published: August 2021

We report a nearly complete genome sequence of Ndumu virus (NDUV) identified using a metagenomics approach. The sequence was derived from a viral isolate obtained from a bovine calf following a diagnostic investigation of the 1997 to 1998 Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak in the Garissa District of northeastern Kenya.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
, a South Korean Isolate from Gerbera jamesonii
Authors: Kim San Yeong , Bak Sangmin , Kim Sung Tae , Lee Eunsook , Lee Dae-Hong , Park Jun-Hong , Kim Chang-Kil
Published: August 2021

The genome sequence of
Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus
(TSWV) isolated from gerbera was determined. The genome consists of L, M, and S segments containing 8,920, 4,775, and 2,970 nucleotides, respectively.
Modification of the Spike Protein for Vaccines against Enveloped RNA Viruses
Authors: Vzorov A. N. , Samokhvalov E. I. , Chebanenko V. V. , Scheblyakov D. V. , Gintsburg A. L.
Published: August 2021

Abstract—

Most vaccines work by inducing neutralizing antibodies that target the viral envelope. Enveloped RNA viruses have evolved mechanisms for surface glycoproteins to evade host immune responses, which exhibit substantial variability, even among different strains. Natural infection and vaccines using native forms of surface proteins may induce broadly neutralizing antibodies, yet with low and ineffective levels. Class I membrane-fusion proteins of enveloped RNA viruses, HIV-1, influenza A virus, SARS-CoV-2, yield a stable conformation (so-called “pre-fusion”) in providing fusion between viral and host cell membranes. Modified viral surface proteins that are based on these features induce neutralizing antibodies with activity available against a broad spectrum of circulating strains and make it possible to overcome the difficulties associated with escape/variability of viral antigen.
The Blazar OJ 287 Jet from Parsec to Kiloparsec Scales
Authors: Butuzova M. S.
Published: August 2021

The curved shape of the kiloparsec-scale jet of the blazar OJ 287 is analyzed in the framework of the precession of the central engine, on the existence on which a large number of studies over the past decades are based. The data necessary for the analysis on the kiloparsec-scale jet velocity and angle with the line of sight are obtained based on two competing assumptions about the X-ray emission mechanism of the OJ 287 jet. Namely, there were both the inverse Compton scattering of the cosmic microwave background under the assumption of relativistic kiloparsec-scale jet and the inverse Compton scattering of the central source radiation. For the latter one, we showed that the expected flux from the kiloparsec-scale jet in the gamma range does not exceed the limit set for it according to Fermi-LAT data. We found that only the period of the kiloparsec-scale jet helix, estimated in the framework of the inverse Compton scattering of the central source radiation, agrees with the precession period of the central engine, determined from the modulation of the peak values of 12‑year optical flares.