bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureususes the bacilliredoxin (BrxAB)/ bacillithiol disulfide reductase (YpdA) redox pathway to defend against oxidative stress under infections
Authors: Linzner Nico , Van Loi Vu , Fritsch Verena Nadin , Tung Quach Ngoc , Stenzel Saskia , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Hamilton Chris , Tedin Karsten , Fulde Marcus , Antelmann Haike
Published: May 2019

Staphylococcus aureusis a major human pathogen and has to cope with reactive oxygen and chlorine species (ROS, RCS) during infections. The low molecular weight thiol bacillithiol (BSH) is an important defense mechanism ofS. aureusfor detoxification of ROS and HOCl stress to maintain the reduced state of the cytoplasm. Under HOCl stress, BSH forms mixed disulfides with proteins, termed asS-bacillithiolations, which are reduced by bacilliredoxins (BrxA and BrxB). The NADPH-dependent flavin disulfide reductase YpdA is phylogenetically associated with the BSH synthesis and BrxA/B enzymes and was proposed to function as BSSB reductase. Here, we investigated the role of the bacilliredoxin BrxAB/BSH/YpdA pathway inS. aureusCOL under oxidative stress and macrophage infection conditionsin vivoand in biochemical assaysin vitro. Using HPLC thiol metabolomics, a strongly enhanced BSSB level and a decreased BSH/BSSB ratio were measured in theS. aureusCOLypdAdeletion mutant under control and NaOCl stress. Monitoring the BSH redox potential (EBSH) using the Brx-roGFP2 biosensor revealed that YpdA is required for regeneration of the reducedEBSHupon recovery from oxidative stress. In addition, theypdAmutant was impaired in H2O2detoxification as measured with the novel H2O2-specific Tpx-roGFP2 biosensor. Phenotype analyses further showed that BrxA and YpdA are required for survival under NaOCl and H2O2stressin vitroand inside murine J-774A.1 macrophages in infection assaysin vivo. Finally, NADPH-coupled electron transfer assays provide evidence for the function of YpdA in BSSB reduction, which depends on the conserved Cys14 residue. YpdA acts together with BrxA and BSH in de-bacillithiolation ofS-bacilithiolated GapDH. In conclusion, our results point to a major role of the BrxA/BSH/YpdA pathway in BSH redox homeostasis inS. aureusduring recovery from oxidative stress and under infections.
Ejaculate deterioration with male age, and its amelioration in Drosophila
Authors: Sepil Irem , Hopkins Ben R , Dean Rebecca , Bath Eleanor , Friedman Solomon , Swanson Ben , Ostridge Harrison J , Buehner Norene A , Wolfner Mariana F , Konietzny Rebecca , Thézénas Marie-Laëtitia , Sandham Elizabeth , Charles Philip D , Fischer Roman , Steinhauer Josefa , Kessler Benedikt M , Wigby Stuart
Published: May 2019

Declining ejaculate performance with male age is taxonomically widespread and has broad ramifications for fertility and fitness. However, we have a poor understanding of age-related changes to specific ejaculate components, how they cause reduced performance, and whether the decline is ameliorable. Here, we show that, in Drosophila, sperm production chronologically declines with age, invariant to mating activity, while repeated mating causes infertility via reduced sperm stores and viability. However, changes to sperm do not fully explain ejaculate deterioration: impacts on seminal fluid contribute to aspects of reduced ejaculate performance, associated with shifts in proteome abundance and quality. We show that ablation of insulin-like peptide-producing cells in males ameliorates aspects of ejaculate performance loss, suggesting that anti-ageing interventions can be coopted to benefit male reproductive health.

One Sentence Summary

Ejaculate performance declines with male age via mating-dependent sperm and seminal protein deterioration, but it can be ameliorated.
Multicenter Study of the Burden of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in the Etiology of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Adeyemo Adeyemi Temitayo , Kolawole Babatope A. , Rotimi Vincent Olubunmi , Aboderin Aaron Oladipo
Published: May 2019

Background

Infected diabetic foot ulcer (IDFU) is a public health issue and a leading cause of non-traumatic limb amputation. Very few published data on IDFU is available in most West African countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the etiological agents of IDFU and the challenge of antibacterial drug resistance in the management of infections.

Methods

This was a prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study involving three tertiary healthcare facilities. Consecutive eligible patients presenting in the facilities were recruited. Tissue biopsies and/or aspirates were collected and cultured on a set of selective and non-selective media and incubated in appropriate atmospheric conditions for 24 to 72 hours. Isolates were identified by established standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Specific resistance determinants were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-based protocols. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.

Results

Ninety patients with clinical diagnosis of DFI were studied between July 2016 and April 2017. A total of 218 microorganisms were isolated, comprising 129 (59.2%) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), 59 (27.1%) Gram-positive cocci (GPC) and 29 (13.2%) anaerobic bacteria. The top five facultative/aerobic bacteria encountered were: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter spp. representing 41 (18.8%), 23 (10.5%), 20 (9.2%), 19 (8.7%) and 19 (8.7%) isolates, in that order, respectively. The commonest anaerobes were Bacteroides spp., and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius which accounted for 7 (24.1%) and 6 (20.7%), respectively. Of the 93 IDFU cases, 74 (80%) were infected by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria predominantly methicillin-resistant S. aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing GNB, mainly of the CTX-M variety. Only 4 (3.1%) GNB were carbapenemase-producers encoded by blaVIM. Factors associated with presence of MDR bacteria were peripheral neuropathy (r= 4.05, P= 0.042) and duration of foot infection >1 month(r= 7.63, P= 0.015).

Conclusions

MDR facultative/aerobic bacteria are overrepresented amongst agents causing IDFU. A relatively low proportion of the etiological agents were anaerobic bacteria. This finding should help formulate empirical therapeutic options for managing IDFU. Furthermore, drastic reduction in inappropriate use of cocktail of antibiotics for IDFUs is advocated to combat infection by MDR bacteria in these patients.
Comparison of the effects of running and badminton on executive function: a within-subjects design
Authors: Takahashi Shinji , Grove Philip M.
Published: May 2019

Multiple cross-sectional studies have shown that regular complex exercises, which require cognitive demands (e.g., decision making) and various motions, are associated with greater positive effects on executive functions compared to simple exercises. However, the evidence of a single bout of complex exercises is mixed, and investigations on the acute effect of complex exercise using a well-controlled within-subjects research design are few. Therefore, we compared the acute effects of complex exercise on inhibitory functions with those of simple running. Twenty young adults performed three interventions, which were running, badminton, and seated rest as a control condition for 10 min each. During each intervention, oxygen consumption and heart rate were monitored. A Stroop test and a reverse-Stroop test were completed before and after each intervention. The intensities of the badminton and running were equivalent. Badminton significantly improved performance on the Stroop task compared to seated rest; however, running did not enhance performance on the Stroop task relative to seated rest. A single bout of complex exercise elicits a larger benefit to inhibitory function than a single bout of simple exercise. However, the benefit of complex exercise may vary depending on the type of cognitive control.
Significantly different expression levels of microRNAs associated with vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma and their prognostic significance after surgical resection
Authors: Song Sung Kyu , Jung Woon Yong , Park Seung-Keun , Chung Chul-Woon , Park Yongkeun
Published: May 2019

Background

Although gross vascular invasion (VI) has prognostic significance in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have undergone hepatic resection, few studies have investigated the relationship between gross VI and aberrant expression of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs and miRs). Thus, the objective of this study was to identify miRNAs selectively expressed in HCC with gross VI and investigate their prognostic significance.

Materials and Methods

Eligible two datasets (accession number: GSE20594 and GSE67140) were collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to compare miRNAs expression between HCC with and without gross VI. Differentially expressed miRNAs were externally validated using expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Prognostic significance and predicted functions of selected miRNAs for HCC were also investigated.

Results

Thirty-five miRNAs were differentially expressed between HCC with and without gross VI in both datasets. Among them, four miRNAs were validated using TCGA database. miR-582 was upregulated to a greater extent while miR-99a, miR-100, and miR-148a were downregulated to a greater extent in patients with HCC and gross VI than in those with HCC but no VI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed discriminatory power of these miRNAs in predicting gross VI. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that types of surgery, advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and miR-100 underexpression were independently associated with tumor recurrence. It also revealed that types of surgery, advanced TNM stage, miR-100 underexpression, and miR-582 overexpression were independent risk factors for overall survival (OS) after hepatic resection for HCC. A text mining analysis revealed that these miRNAs were linked to multifaceted hallmarks of cancer, including “invasion and metastasis.”

Conclusions

miR-100 underexpression and miR-582 overexpression were associated with gross VI and poor survival of patients after hepatic resection for HCC.
Oregano powder reduces Streptococcus and increases SCFA concentration in a mixed bacterial culture assay of chicken
Authors: Bauer Benjamin W , Gangadoo Sheeana , Bajagai Yadav Sharma , Thu Hao Van Thi , Moore Robert J , Stanley Dragana
Published: May 2019

Food borne illnesses have a world-wide economic impact and industries are continuously developing technologies to reduce the spread of disease caused by microorganisms. Antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) have been used to decrease microbiological infections in animals and their potential transfer to humans. In recent years there has been a global trend to remove AGPs from animal feed in an attempt to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistant genes into the human population. Phytobiotics, such as oregano powder, are one of the potential replacements for AGPs due to their well-established antimicrobial components. 16S rRNA gene amplicons were used to determine the effect of oregano powder (1% w/v) on the microbiota of mixed bacterial cell cultures, which were obtained from the ceca of traditionally grown meat chickens (broilers). Oregano powder had a mild effect on the microbial cell cultures increasing Enterococcus faecium, rearranging ratios of members in the genus Lactobacillus and significantly reducing the genus Streptococcus (p=1.6e−3). Beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFA), acetic and butyric acid, were also significantly increased in oregano powder supplemented cultures. These results suggest that oregano powder at a concentration of 1 % (w/v) may have beneficial influences on mixed microbial communities and SCFA production.
Observation of Fluorescent Proteins in Living Cells
Authors: Behringer Richard , Gertsenstein Marina , Nagy Kristina Vintersten , Nagy Andras
Published: May 2019

Frequently, there is a need for fluorescent protein detection in mouse cell cultures, including embryonic stem cells or their differentiated derivatives, primary and transformed cells. Here, cells expressing green fluorescent protein-labeled proteins are observed using fluorescent microscopy.
Rapid Amplification of Sequences from the 3′ Ends of mRNAs: 3′-RACE
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: May 2019

cDNAs whose first-strand synthesis has been primed by oligo(dT) generally contain the 3′ sequences of the RNA. However, cDNAs generated by internal gene-specific primers will usually lack one or both terminal regions of the parental mRNA. And alternate splicing or the presence of an internal A-rich tract can generate cDNA clones that lack 3′ sequences. These sequences can be recovered using 3′-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends), which can also be used to map the 3′ termini of families of mRNAs with alternative polyadenylation sites. Briefly, a population of mRNAs is transcribed into cDNA using an adaptor–primer with a poly(T) at its 3′ end and 30–40 nt containing the recognition sites for two or three restriction enzymes at its 5′ end. Reverse transcription is usually followed by two successive rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The first is primed by a gene-specific sense oligonucleotide and the antisense (dT) adaptor–primer. The products of the first PCR can be used as templates for a second, nested PCR, which is primed by a gene-specific sense oligonucleotide internal to the first, and a second antisense oligonucleotide whose sequence is identical to the central region of the (dT) adaptor–primer. The products amplified in the second PCR are isolated, cleaved with a suitable restriction enzyme, cloned, and characterized.
Heritage reporting by the Australian public sector
Authors: Woon Peir Peir , Chatterjee Bikram , Cordery Carolyn J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the future development of heritage reporting in Australia. Public sector reporting of heritage has been a long-standing issue, due to shortcomings in (sector-neutral) for-profit-based financial reporting standards. Australia’s sector-neutral approach does not meet public sector users’ information needs. The authors develop a heritage reporting model to balance community and other stakeholders’ interests and address prior critiques.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews heritage reporting requirements in Anglo-Western Countries, and analyses commentaries and research publications. It evaluates the existing reporting requirements in the context of new public management (which focusses on information and efficiency) and new public governance (NPG) (focussing on balancing interests and quality).

Findings

The paper proposes an NPG-based heritage reporting model which includes indicators of performance on the five UNESCO (1972) dimensions and operational guidelines issued by UNESCO (2015). These are identification, presentation, protection, conservation and transmission. The proposed model is consistent with the notion of US SFFAS 29 (the standard for Federal entities). Not all heritage must be capitalised and hence attachment of monetary value, but detailed disclosures are necessary.

Research limitations/implications

The authors expect the proposed heritage reporting model to better serve users of heritage information compared to the present Australian Accounting Standards Board 116: Property, Plant and Equipment.

Originality/value

The authors’ proposed model of heritage reporting attempts to answer Carnegie and Wolnizer’s (1995, 1999) six questions, addresses decades of concerns raised in previous literature and provides a new perspective to heritage reporting based on NPG that should better serve users’ needs.
Implementing CSR activities through management control systems
Authors: Laguir Lamia , Laguir Issam , Tchemeni Emmanuel
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take into account Simons’ (1994) formal levers of control framework and more informal processes to examine how organizations implement and manage corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities through management control systems (MCSs).

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple-case study was conducted in ten large French organizations. Qualitative data were collected during in-depth semi-structured interviews with the managers who were best informed on CSR practices and MCSs. The authors then performed within-case and cross-case analysis.

Findings

The study shows that organizations use different MCSs to manage CSR activities directed toward their salient stakeholders – that is, employees, customers, suppliers and community. Specifically, the authors found that social MCSs are used to communicate CSR values, manage risk, evaluate CSR activities, and identify opportunities and threats. In addition, the use of MCSs to implement CSR activities is mainly driven by the need to satisfy salient stakeholder demands, manage legitimacy and reputation issues, and meet top management expectations and enhance their commitment. Last, the use of social MCSs is hindered by a lack of clear strategic CSR objectives and action plans, a lack of global standards and measurement processes for CSR, and a lack of time and financial resources.

Originality/value

The study addresses recent calls in the literature for research into the ways formal and informal control systems are used to implement CSR activities and provides insight that may stimulate further research.
Rapid trajectory optimization for hypersonic entry using convex optimization and pseudospectral method
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Cui Naigang , Wei Changzhu
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a novel trajectory optimization algorithm which is capable of producing high accuracy optimal solution with superior computational efficiency for the hypersonic entry problem.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage trajectory optimization framework is constructed by combining a convex-optimization-based algorithm and the pseudospectral-nonlinear programming (NLP) method. With a warm-start strategy, the initial-guess-sensitive issue of the general NLP method is significantly alleviated, and an accurate optimal solution can be obtained rapidly. Specifically, a successive convexification algorithm is developed, and it serves as an initial trajectory generator in the first stage. This algorithm is initial-guess-insensitive and efficient. However, approximation error would be brought by the convexification procedure as the hypersonic entry problem is highly nonlinear. Then, the classic pseudospectral-NLP solver is adopted in the second stage to obtain an accurate solution. Provided with high-quality initial guesses, the NLP solver would converge efficiently.

Findings

Numerical experiments show that the overall computation time of the two-stage algorithm is much less than that of the single pseudospectral-NLP algorithm; meanwhile, the solution accuracy is satisfactory.

Practical implications

Due to its high computational efficiency and solution accuracy, the algorithm developed in this paper provides an option for rapid trajectory designing, and it has the potential to evolve into an online algorithm.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel strategy for rapid hypersonic entry trajectory optimization applications.
Variance risk premia for agricultural commodities
Authors: Xi Wenwen , Hayes Dermot , Lence Sergio Horacio
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the variance risk premium in corn and soybean markets, where the variance risk premium is defined as the difference between the historical realized variance and the corresponding risk-neutral expected variance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compute variance risk premiums using historical derivatives data. The authors use regression analysis and time series econometrics methods, including EGARCH and the Kalman filter, to analyze variance risk premiums.

Findings

There are moderate commonalities in variance within the agricultural sector, but fairly weak commonalities between the agricultural and the equity sectors. Corn and soybean variance risk premia in dollar terms are time-varying and correlated with the risk-neutral expected variance. In contrast, agricultural commodity variance risk premia in log return terms are more likely to be constant and less correlated with the log risk-neutral expected variance. Variance and price (return) risk premia in agricultural markets are weakly correlated, and the correlation depends on the sign of the returns in the underlying commodity.

Practical implications

Commodity variance (i.e. volatility) risk cannot be hedged using futures markets. The results have practical implications for US crop insurance programs because the implied volatilities from the relevant options markets are used to estimate the price volatility factors used to generate premia for revenue insurance products such as “Revenue Protection” and “Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion.” The variance risk premia found implies that revenue insurance premia are overpriced.

Originality/value

The empirical results suggest that the implied volatilities in corn and soybean futures market overestimate true expected volatility by approximately 15 percent. This has implications for derivative products, such as revenue insurance, that use these implied volatilities to calculate fair premia.
Corporate governance and detrimental related party transactions
Authors: Fooladi Masood , Farhadi Maryam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Prior studies suggest that most expropriation of firm’s resources is conducted through related party transactions (RPTs). Based on the conflict of interest view, related parties opportunistically use their authorities to expropriate firms’ resources for their own benefits via RPTs subsequently increasing agency costs and reduce firm value. One important monitoring system suggested by agency theory to reduce the agency problem is corporate governance (CG). CG monitors firm’s performance to align the interests of those who control and those who own the residual claims in a firm. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effect of CG characteristics on the relationship between RPTs and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to clarify the distinct effect of RPTs, this study categorises RPTs into two groups including beneficial and detrimental RPTs (DRPTs). Applying “proportionate stratified random sampling”, this study covers a panel of 271 firms listed on Bursa Malaysia over the period of 2009–2011, using a moderated multiple regression model.

Findings

This study documents that firm value is positively associated with beneficial RPTs (BRPTs) and negatively related to detrimental RPTs (DRPTs). In addition, results show that divergence can intensify the negative relationship between DRPTs and firm value. Findings support the necessity for more scrutiny by regulators, policy makers and standard setters to monitor the conflict of interests in RPTs and restrain the power of related parties to protect the firm’s wealth by introducing stricter regulations for RPTs and improve CG practices especially to monitor RPTs in order to limit the opportunistic behaviour of related parties.

Research limitations/implications

Research implications have been presented in Section 10. It has also been summarised in practical implications and social implications sections.

Practical implications

The findings of this study indicate that investors, creditors and policy makers should not consider all RPTs as harmful transactions and it seems necessary to categorise RPTs into different groups including transactions which are detrimental and transactions which are beneficial to the firm.

Social implications

The findings of this study support the necessity for more scrutiny by regulators, policy makers and standard setters to monitor the conflict of interests in RPTs. They should restrain the power of related parties to protect the firm’s wealth by introducing stricter regulations for RPTs and improving CG practices especially to monitor RPTs in order to limit the opportunistic behaviour of related parties.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the RPTs literature by showing that the effect of RPTs on firm value depends on the types of RPTs, and market participants allocate different values to different types of RPTs. Therefore, to fill the gap and clarify the distinct effect of RPTs, this study categorizes RPTs into two groups including beneficial and detrimental RPTs.
Audit committee chair accounting expertise and audit report timeliness
Authors: Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Salleh Zalailah , Stewart Jenny
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the characteristics of the audit committee (AC) chair affect audit report timeliness. In particular, the direct association between AC chair accounting expertise and audit report delay, and the moderating effect of other characteristics of AC chair on this association are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purpose of this study, the characteristics examined by this study are AC chair expertise, shareholding, tenure and multiple directorships. Furthermore, a sample of Malaysian companies during the period 2005–2011 and the fixed effects panel data method are utilized.

Findings

The results suggest that an AC chair with accounting expertise is associated with a reduction in audit delay. The reduction is more obvious when the chair holds shares in the company, but is weakened by longer tenure and multiple directorships. These results are robust after conducting several robust tests. Using mediating analysis, the authors also document that an AC chair with accounting expertise can enhance the timeliness of audit reports even when the quality of financial reporting is lower. The reported result is supported by additional analysis that finds that AC chairs with accounting expertise and AC chairs with accounting expertise and shareholding are significantly associated with shorter abnormal audit delay.

Originality/value

This study provides comprehensive analysis concerning the association between AC chair and audit report timeliness using a unique setting. It is among the limited evidence that reports the moderating effect of AC chair characteristics on the role of such chair on audit report timeliness.
Evaluating the individual and organizational impact of enterprise content management systems
Authors: Harr Andrea , vom Brocke Jan , Urbach Nils
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper comprehension of the nature of enterprise content management systems (ECMS) success by exploring factors that are important in the context of ECMS success, i.e. how these factors can be measured, and how they are interrelated.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a success model specific to the enterprise content management (ECM) domain that builds on the DeLone and McLean information systems (IS) success model. The model is empirically tested by means of structural equation modeling applying the partial least squares approach and using data collected in an online survey.

Findings

The results show that ECMS positively affects organizational content management in terms of efficiency, collaboration and compliance. It also provides evidence that the use of the ECMS alone does not provide impact to the organization, but needs to be moderated either by the impact of the ECMS on the user or the users’ satisfaction of the ECMS.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the model identifies the factors that influence the success of ECMS. Practitioners can monitor these factors as performance indicators to improve users’ satisfaction with the ECMS and, thus, the success of their ECMS. Furthermore, the results can support practitioners in understanding the multiple facets of ECMS success to improve how they plan and prepare for ECM investments.

Originality/value

The study’s results contribute to theory by extending and empirically testing the D&M IS success model in a new domain and system context. The presented research is the first to empirically validate a comprehensive ECMS success model that extends knowledge related to ECM by examining the relationship between the quality dimensions and the success measures.
Climate change as a corporate strategy issue
Authors: Dahl Trine , Fløttum Kjersti
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how energy companies discursively construct climate change when integrating it into their overall business strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This linguistic study uses a quantitative/qualitative approach to investigate three instances of recent climate disclosure, climate strategy reports, by the energy majors Statoil (now Equinor), Suncor Energy and Total. The qualitative analysis focuses on how keywords and expressions function in their immediate linguistic context. The discussion takes the socio-political and business context of the companies into account.

Findings

The paper finds that the reports discursively construct climate change in different ways. Total presents climate change primarily as a responsibility the company is ready to take on; Suncor Energy presents it primarily as a business risk; and Statoil as a business opportunity. In the material as a whole, however, the risk representation is the most prevalent.

Research limitations/implications

The material is relatively modest; however, the three reports represent the first comprehensive accounts of how energy players fit climate considerations into their overall strategy. The analysis is based on three search terms (responsibility, risk and opportunity). Further studies should include a broader range of words that may be semantically related to each approach.

Practical implications

The study can inform corporate strategy discussions and indicate the rhetorical implications of discourse-related choices in climate disclosure.

Originality/value

The study deals with very recent corporate disclosure involving an emerging discourse, climate strategy reporting. As the reports represent responses to investor engagement, the findings should also be relevant for studies involving stakeholder perceptions.
Preparation of an associative thickener for digital printing of nylon carpet
Authors: Zhou Chang-E , Niu Haidan , Zhang Qing , Li Huixia , Kan Chi Wai , Sun Chang , Du Jinmei , Xu Changhai
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare an associative thickener base on two polyacrylate-based copolymers, which can be used for digital printing of nylon carpet with enhanced performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An associative thickener was prepared by compounding two polyacrylate-based copolymers, cationic starch and polyacrylic acid; and mediated by polyethylene glycol and polyacrylamide crosslinker. The formulation of the associative thickener was optimized by using the orthogonal array testing strategy. The stability of the associative thickener was investigated by measuring effects of temperature, electrolytes, storage time and auxiliaries on viscosity. The associative thickener was compared with a commercial thickener by evaluating their performance in digital printing of nylon carpet.

Findings

The associative thickener provided same color strength and fastness in the printing of nylon carpet as the commercial one, but was more easily washed off for a better hand feeling of the printed carpet.

Practical implications

The prepared associative thickener can be applied for digital printing of nylon carpet.

Originality/value

The associative thickener can be facilely prepared from commercially available chemicals and suitable for digital printing of nylon carpet.
Study on UV-protection and hydrophobic properties of cotton fabric functionalized by graphene oxide and silane coupling agent
Authors: Shi Feilong , Xu Jia , Zhang Zhanzhu
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to prepare UV protection and hydrophobic fabric through modifying cotton fabric by graphene oxide and silane coupling agent. The graphene oxide and silane coupling agent (KH570) are anchored on the cotton fabric by a stable chemical bond.

Design/methodology/approach

Graphene oxide was prepared by modified Hummers method. The fabric sample was treated with graphene oxide and silane coupling agent KH570 using simple dipping-padding-drying method. The effects of the dosage of graphene oxide, silane coupling agent KH570 and curing temperature were determined by single variable experiment and orthogonal experiment, The UVA and UVB transmittances in ultraviolet light of the sample fabric were characterized, and the contact angle test method with water was used to indicate the hydrophobicity of the sample fabric. The structure and surface of the fabric were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The cotton fabric was successfully modified by graphene oxide and silane coupling agent KH570. Compared with the untreated fabric, the surface of the fabric was smooth, and there was no gap on the fiber. The graphene oxide, silane coupling agent KH570 and cotton fabric combined tightly. The UPF value of the modified fabric was 50+, and the contact angle reached 138.1°. It had excellent UV protection and hydrophobic properties.

Research limitations/implications

Although graphene oxide and silane coupling agents KH570 had successfully endowed the cotton fabric with good UV protection and hydrophobic properties, graphene oxide and silane coupling agent KH570 are expensive and used in large quantities. There are certain limitations in the actual life and production process.

Practical implications

After treating with silane coupling agent, the hydrophilic fabric treated with graphene oxide is being translated into hydrophobic, and graphene oxide bonded with cotton. The modified fabrics also have excellent UV protection. This fabric can be used for outdoor sports such as clothes and tents.

Originality/value

Cotton fabric treated with graphene oxide generally by simple dip-dry-cure method is hydrophilic and graphene oxide is easy to drop. The usage of silane coupling agent KH570 as a crosslinking agent to link graphene oxide and cotton fibers has not been reported yet. The modified fabrics have both UV protection and hydrophobic properties.
Solid waste management- sustainability towards a better future, role of CSR – a review
Authors: Rajesh Preethi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Human activities in household and industries generate an enormous amount of waste material, both organic and non-biodegradable matter, which substantially contribute to land, water and air contamination. The study aims to highlight the possible methods in solid waste management (SWM) and its influence on economy and environment. The paper is an attempt to bring out the necessity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the management of solid waste.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is prepared after an elaborate review of literature connected with SWM.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the need of SWM and the role of corporate bodies in building a robust system in the management of solid waste, creating a healthy environment to all.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is entirely based on literature review and reports and not on individual's research.

Practical implications

The paper has a multi-level faceted approach where real-time practices in different countries have been explored.

Social implications

This study can enable the collaboration of corporates, scientific community and the municipal local bodies in the area of SWM.

Originality/value

This paper deliberates on how CSR can be a driving force for a sustainable model for SWM.
Feasibility study of using solar energy as a renewable source in office buildings in different climatic regions
Authors: Khanmohammadi Shoaib , Zanjani Mohammad , Veysi Farzad
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Present research focus on using solar energy as a renewable option for office buildings in different climatic conditions in Iran. To seeking a way to use clean solar energy and reduce current expense in buildings an investigation carried out. Nine office buildings in various climatic regions selected as case studies. Through a precise examination, buildings specifications, energy demand and climate information carried out. In the first step based on the buildings type and hot water demand, solar water heater systems designed for each case. In the second step, a cost-benefit analysis is done to detriment the economic aspects of implement aforementioned type of solar system. A cost-benefit analysis is done from saving energy and return time of investment point of view. Results indicate that solar water heater with low investment about US$500 and payback time between 2 and 5 years can be noticed as a desirable renewable option in case studies. Furthermore, analysis reveals that thermal load of building is more effective on fuel saving in building, while solar radiation intensity has more effective on the payback in solar water heater utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study based on thermal load of nine building office and radiation of different part of Kermnashah province, the possibility of solar water system is investigated.

Findings

Analyses reveal that the thermal load of building is more effective on fuel saving, while solar radiation intensity has more effective on the payback in solar water heater utilization. The main originality goes back to consideration of different meteorological conditions in solar water heater selection.
Identification of potentially druggable molecular alterations in skin adnexal malignancies
Authors: Cavalieri Stefano , Busico Adele , Capone Iolanda , Conca Elena , Dallera Elena , Quattrone Pasquale , Licitra Lisa , Pruneri Giancarlo , Bossi Paolo , Perrone Federica
Published: May 2019

Skin adnexal cancers (SAC) are a heterogeneous group of rare malignancies with histological differentiation towards epithelial adnexa, which lack effective systemic treatments. The aim of this work is to identify any potentially druggable genomic alterations for possible targeted therapies. Cases of primary or recurrent/metastatic (RM) SAC between 2002 and 2014 were identified by searching the institutional cancer registration database. Histological sections of all referral cases were reviewed by a dedicated pathologist to confirm diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of androgen receptors (AR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2). Targeted next‐generation sequencing (T‐NGS) was performed to identify targetable mutations (panel of 50 genes analyzed by Cancer Hotspot Panel, Ion‐Torrent Personal Genome Machine). Mutational analysis of the PTCH1 gene not present in the T‐NGS panel was assessed by Sanger sequencing. A total of 45 cases with available histological samples were identified (35 primary, 10 RM). The most frequent histological type was porocarcinoma (n = 12). Globally, 14 cases (31%) were AR+ (6/10 RM, 60%; 8/35 primary, 23%). HER2 was shown as 2+ in eight of 42 (19%) cases (2/9 RM, 22%; 6/33 primary, 18%). DNA was adequate for T‐NGS analysis in 25 cases. In the majority of cases (17 cases, 68%) at least one mutation in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes was found: the most frequent ones involved TP.53 (13 cases, 76% of mutated SAC) and PIK3CA (three cases, 18%). The rate of PTCH1 mutation was 30%. These findings support the use of molecular screening in patients with advanced SAC.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection stimulates mitogen‐activated protein kinases signaling pathway in human megakaryocytes
Authors: Gopala Krishnan Gopi Krishnan , Sethumadhavan Aiswarya , Vellaichamy Pavithra , Mani Maheswaran
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of nosocomial infections and contributes to higher mortality in hospitalized individuals. Infection by P. aeruginosa triggers host immune response through activation of pathogen recognition receptors, which are present in innate cells. Several studies have reported the mechanism of P. aeruginosa induced innate immunity in multiple cell types. But so far there is no reports on response of megakaryocytes to P. aeruginosa infection. Hence, our aim was to investigate the precise role and signaling mechanism of megakaryocytes during P. aeruginosa infection. In this study, we used Mo7e cells as representatives of human megakaryocyte and found that P. aeruginosa infection induces cytotoxicity in these cells. We further demonstrated that P. aeruginosa infection modulates p38 and extracellular signal regulated kinase pathways in Mo7e cells. Protein expression profiling in P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide‐treated Mo7e cells revealed upregulation of importin subunit β and downregulation of metabolic enzymes. Our results suggest that P. aeruginosa infection regulates mitogen‐activated protein kinases signaling pathway and importin in Mo7e cells and that this is a potential mechanism for nuclear translocation of nuclear factor binding near the κ light‐chain gene in B cells and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases to induce cell cytotoxicity.
Remotely sensed primary productivity shows that domestic and native herbivores combined are overgrazing Patagonia
Authors: Oliva Gabriel , Paredes Paula , Ferrante Daniela , Cepeda Carla , Rabinovich Jorge
Published: May 2019

Carrying capacity is the maximum animal density an area can sustain without deterioration of its resources. Overgrazing has degraded Patagonia, but sheep stocks decreased and gave way to mixed systems with cattle, goats and guanacos (native wild camelids).

The objective of this paper was to develop a method to estimate the carrying capacity based on the remotely sensed data, and to assess wild and domestic herbivore numbers in order to establish if grazing stocks have evolved to balance with carrying capacity.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP) MOD17/A3 images and field Aerial Net Primary Productivity (ANPP) data of 66 sites were linearly regressed (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.01), and the slope 0.236 used to convert MOD17/A3 NPP to ANPP. Harvest index (proportion of ANPP that may be sustainably consumed) was estimated as a function of ANPP and carrying capacity as a consumable forage/estimated annual consumption, set at 500 (sheep and goats), 3,200 (cattle) and 750 kg Dry Matter head−1 year−1 (guanacos).

Regional ANPP ± SD (2000–2015) was 758 ± 52 kg Dry Matter ha−1 year−1 and Harvest index was 13.7 ± 0.6%. Regional carrying capacity was 14.8 ± 1.6 M sheep or goats, 2.3 ± 0.3 M cattle or 9.9 ± 1.2 M guanacos.

Domestic stock was high from 1920 to 1980, but declined thereafter and remained mostly within 1 SD of mean 2000–2015 carrying capacity. In this century, annual provincial stocks and carrying capacity correlated well (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.01) with a slope close to 1.

Guanacos increased from 0.5 to 2 M between 2000 and 2015, driving linearly combined grazing pressures 36% and 62% above carrying capacity in southern Patagonia provinces in 2015.

Synthesis and applications. From the year 2000, after decades of sheep overstocking, domestic stock has shown a regional trend towards a grazing equilibrium, but growth of guanacos might have upset that trend. Participation of guanacos as a critical excess in total grazing pressure is debatable, but management of these populations is necessary and may be increasingly attractive if combined production systems are developed to incorporate wild meat and fibre. Our method, MOD17/A3 enables a carrying capacity evaluation and stock adjustment in these unique mixed grazing systems, preventing further rangeland degradation and loss of ecosystem services.
Spore diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in human‐modified neotropical ecosystems
Authors: Álvarez‐Lopeztello Jonás , del Castillo Rafael F. , Robles Celerino , Hernández‐Cuevas Laura V.
Published: May 2019

Neotropical landscapes are diverse mosaics of ecosystems commonly resulting from different degrees of human intervention. Although easily recognized by their vegetation, the associated soil microbiota including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is little known. In Mexico, native tropical rainforest and native savannas are rapidly vanishing, remaining in few spots surrounded by human‐made ecosystems. It is unknown, however, how such vegetation types differ in their AMF communities. We compared the spore diversity, spore density and root colonization by AMF in contiguous mosaics of tropical rainforest, savanna and two pine plantations, one managed and the other unmanaged. We detected indicator species associated with tropical rainforest. The savanna displayed the highest values of root colonization of AMF and the lowest spore density. Conversely, the highest spore density and the lowest root colonization rates were found in the tropical rainforest. The two pine plantations showed intermediate values of spore density and colonization between tropical rainforest and the savanna. We did not detect significant seasonal differences (between dry and rainy seasons) in AMF species richness, spore density and root colonization within the vegetation types (except for root colonization in the savanna). Soil cation exchange capacity, phosphorus and nitrogen were negatively associated with AMF spore density and species richness. Our findings suggest that contiguous vegetation types in neotropical landscapes may display significant differences in AMF species composition, spore density and root colonization, and that such differences can be explained in part by soil properties and levels of human intervention.
Conjugative transfer betweenRhizobium etliendosymbionts inside the root nodule
Authors: Bañuelos‐Vazquez Luis Alfredo , Torres Tejerizo Gonzalo , Cervantes‐De La Luz Laura , Girard Lourdes , Romero David , Brom Susana
Published: May 2019

Since the discovery that biological nitrogen fixation ensues in nodules resulting from the interaction of rhizobia with legumes, nodules were thought to be exclusive for hosting nitrogen‐fixing and plant growth promoting bacteria. In this work, we uncover a novel function of nodules, as a niche permissive to acquisition of plasmids via conjugative transfer. We usedRhizobium etliCFN42, which nodulatesPhaseolus vulgaris. The genome ofR. etliCFN42 contains a chromosome and six plasmids. pRet42a is a conjugative plasmid regulated by Quorum‐Sensing (QS), and pRet42d is the symbiotic plasmid. Here, using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, we show that pRet42a transfers on the root's surface, and unexpectedly, inside the nodules. Conjugation still took place inside nodules, even when it was restricted on the plant surface by placing the QStraIregulator under the promoter of the nitrogenase gene, which is only expressed inside the nodules, or by inhibiting the QS transcriptional induction of transfer genes with atraMantiactivator on an unstable vector maintained on the plant surface and lost inside the nodules. These results conclusively confirm the occurrence of conjugation in these structures, defining them as a protected environment for bacterial diversification.