bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AKT1 is Required for a Complete Palbociclib-induced Senescence Phenotype in BRAF-V600E-Driven Human Melanoma
Authors: Bayer Abraham L. , Pietruska Jodie , Farrell Jaymes , McRee Siobhan , Alcaide Pilar , Hinds Philip W.
Published: December 2021

Cellular senescence is a carefully regulated process of proliferative arrest accompanied by numerous functional and morphologic changes. Senescence allows damaged cells to avoid neoplastic proliferation, however induction of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can promote tumor growth. The complexity of the senescence response may limit the efficacy of anti-neoplastic agents, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors (Cdk4/6i), that induce a senescence-like, non-proliferative state in tumor cells. The AKT kinase family plays an important role in cellular growth and division, and is commonly hyperactive in many cancers including melanoma. AKT activity has also been implicated in regulation of senescence. The three AKT isoforms play both redundant and unique roles in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. To interrogate the role of AKT isoforms in the induction of cellular senescence by Cdk4/6i, we generated isoform specific AKT knockout human BRAF-V600E mutated melanoma cell lines. We found that the CDK4/6i Palbociclib induced a form of senescence in these cells that was dependent on AKT1. As a potential mechanism, we evaluated the activity of the cGAS-STING pathway, recently implicated in cellular senescence. While we showed cGAS-STING function to be dependent on AKT1, pharmacologic inhibition of either cGAS or STING had little effect on senescence. However, we found SASP factors to require NF-kB function, in part dependent on a stimulatory phosphorylation of IKKα by AKT1 previously reported in other models. In summary, we provide the first evidence of a novel, isoform specific role for AKT1 in therapy-induced senescence in human melanoma cells acting through NF-kB but independent of cGAS-STING.
Fractal scaling of C. elegans behavior is shaped by insulin signaling
Authors: Arata Yukinobu , Shiga Itsuki , Ikeda Yusaku , Jurica Peter , Kimura Hiroshi , Kiyono Ken , Sako Yasushi
Published: December 2021

Fractal scaling governs the complex behavior of various animal species and, in humans, can be altered by neurodegenerative diseases and aging1. However, the mechanism underlying fractal scaling remains unknown. Here, we videorecorded C. elegans that had been cultured in a microfluidic device for 3 days and analyzed temporal patterns of C. elegans actions by fractal analyses. The residence-time distribution of C. elegans shared a common feature with those of human and mice2–4. Specifically, the residence-time power-law distribution of the active state changed to an exponential-like decline at a longer time scale, whereas this change did not occur in the inactive state. The exponential-like decline disappeared in starved C. elegans but was restored by culturing animals with glucose. The exponential-like decline similarly disappeared in insulin-signaling daf-2 and daf-16 mutants. Therefore, we conclude that insulin signaling regulates fractal scaling of C. elegans behavior. Our findings indicate that neurosensory modulation of C. elegans behavior by insulin signaling is achieved by regulation of fractal scaling. In humans, diabetes mellitus is associated with depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder5, which affect daily behavioral activities. We hypothesize that comorbid behavioral defects in patients with diabetes may be attributed to altered fractal scaling of human behavior.
Corporate sustainability performance and informativeness of earnings
Authors: Saini Jagjit Singh , Feng Mingming , DeMello Jim
Published: December 2021

Purpose

With the growing awareness about the environment and climate, sustainability has gained increased attention of investors. Many investors now factor in the long-term sustainability of successful and responsible companies when making their investment choices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not the sustainability performance of a company affects the informativeness of its earnings by exploring the mediating effect of sustainability performance on the association between stock returns and earnings changes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of firms for the period 2009–2016 with available sustainability data from TruValue Labs' database, the authors investigate how the sustainability performance of a firm mediates the relationship between stock returns and earnings (changes). The authors use ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to test their hypotheses.

Findings

Consistent with the voluntary disclosure and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance literature, the authors find that higher sustainability performance improves the stock price informativeness of earnings. The authors find evidence in support of increased earnings response coefficient with increased sustainability performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the literature supporting the notion of sustainability investing indicating that sustainability performance of a firm affects the stock price informativeness and predictability of earnings (changes) of the firm.

Originality/value

This study has value for, both, investors and managers regarding the importance of sustainability performance of the firm. Sustainability performance of the firm sends signals to market participants, increasing the informational content of the reported earnings as well as predictability of future earnings.
Cross-network propagation model of public opinion information and its control in coupled double-layer online social networks
Authors: Li Yun , Wang Jiakun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In modern society, considering the multi-channel of public opinion information (public opinion) propagation and its strong influence on social development, it is necessary to study its propagation law and discuss the intervention strategy in online social networks (OSN).

Design/methodology/approach

First, a conceptual model of double-layer OSN was constructed according to their structural characteristics. Then, a cross-network propagation model of public opinion in double-layer OSN was proposed and discussed its spreading characteristics through numerical simulations. Finally, the control strategy of public opinion, especially the timing and intensity of intervention were discussed.

Findings

The results show that the double-layer OSN promotes the propagation of public opinion, and the propagation of public opinion in double-layer OSN has the characteristics of that in two single-layer OSN. Compared with the intervention intensity, the regulator should give the priority to the timing of intervention and try to intervene in the early stage of public opinion propagation.

Practical implications

This study may help the regulators to respond to the propagation of public opinion in OSN more actively and reasonably.

Originality/value

This research has a deep comprehension of the cross-network propagation rules of public opinion and manages the propagation of public opinion.
Career satisfaction, subjective well-being and turnover intention: an attachment style perspective
Authors: Nae Eun Young , Choi Byoung Kwon
Published: December 2021

Purpose

On the basis of an attachment style perspective, the authors explored a moderated mediation model in which career satisfaction reduces employees' turnover intention by enhancing subjective well-being; this mediated relationship would be moderated by three dimensions of attachment style as follows: secure, counterdependent and overdependent.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 192 employees in South Korea and hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis and the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Findings

Subjective well-being mediated the relationship between career satisfaction and turnover intention. The indirect relationship between career satisfaction and turnover intention through subjective well-being was significant only when employees had high-secure attachment and low-counterdependent and -overdependent attachment styles.

Practical implications

On the basis of the authors' findings that not all employees' subjective well-being translates into a lower level of turnover intention despite being satisfied with their career, the study suggests that organizations should pay more attention to how the subjective well-being of employees can be enhanced in relation to their career by considering their attachment styles.

Originality/value

The study contributes to deepening the understanding of the mechanism of when and how career satisfaction reduces turnover intention by integrating subjective well-being and attachment styles that have been neglected in prior research.
Ayanda Mbatha: resilience in action during the COVID-19 pandemic (A & B)
Authors: Magwegwe Frank
Published: December 2021

Complexity/Academic level

Undergraduate, postgraduate and corporate education.

Case overview

This case describes Ayanda Mbatha’s response, attitudes and beliefs after retrenched from his position as a technician and draughtsman at Rheinmetall Denel Munition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mbatha responded with resilience to losing his job. Mbatha’s attitudes and beliefs enabled him to creatively search for a new job amidst escalating retrenchments. The case examines the factors important for resilience and demonstrates why resilience is an essential skill for individuals dealing with adversity. The case dilemma involves the choices Mbatha had to make during and after the retrenchment process initiated by his employer.

Expected learning outcome

We designed this case to facilitate the understanding of what is resilience and why resilience is an essential skill for individuals facing adversity. Specifically, the case aims to help students to: 1. Describe the construct of resilience in the context of individuals. 2. Identify factors that promote resilience. 3. Explain what resilient individuals do in the face of adversity. 4. Evaluate the importance of resilience during adversity. 5. Evaluate the role of prior adversity in the development of resilience.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
The synergistic impact between internationalization and supply-and-demand interaction on firm performance: a study of environmental responsibility in social networking service
Authors: Kim YooJung , Seo Yejung
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between environmental activities and consumer engagement on firm performance according to supply-and-demand perceptions, and further examines the moderating role of internationalization to demonstrate the effects of environmental activities more comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

Three panel regression models have been used. In total, 510 environmental activities and consumers’ negative engagement collected from the official Facebook brand page are analyzed to examine the study’s models for a period of 13-years (2008–2020). The findings persist when this study compares the estimates resulted from different econometrics methods.

Findings

The study’s results indicate an insignificant effect of environmental activities and consumer engagement on firm performance, respectively, while the interaction effect on firm performance is significant and negative. However, when internationalization plays the moderating role, this study provides new evidence that such negativity impact is no longer effective in the lodging industry as firms expand internationally.

Practical implications

This study offers strategic insights to managers who are concerned about the detrimental effect of negative consumer engagement that the firm-consumer relationship mitigates the negativity bias in negative engagement. Hotels should actively implement internationalization as a key strategy while practicing environmental activities with integrity.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of green management in the social networking service context, little is known about its effect and value on firm performance. This study provides new evidence for the real effectiveness of internationalization by demonstrating its role in the lodging industry.
Developing a sustainable career through discourse: a qualitative study on a group of Italian project managers
Authors: Lo Presti Alessandro , Manuti Amelia , De Rosa Assunta , Elia Angelo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The current study makes two main contributions: one theoretical and one methodological. First, it investigated the theoretical prepositions of career sustainability perspective, which appears particularly suitable for examining project managers' careers' dynamics and patterns, featured by explicit and recursive interactions between individual, temporal and contextual factors. Second, the study aimed to adopt a qualitative approach to this topic as to allow a deeper understanding of individual narratives about careers, highlighting underexplored issues and peculiarities that future research could further examine through quantitative methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Project managers' careers are still an under-researched topic, especially through qualitative methods. The study applied career sustainability theory to the realm of project management, moreover, adopting a socio-constructivist perspective. Participants were 50 Italian project managers who were involved through a narrative in-depth interview that focused on career and career success. Their answers were analyzed through thematic analysis of contents and diatextual analysis.

Findings

Results showed that project managers' career could be a prototypical example of sustainable career, basically described in terms of four basic constitutive dimensions as follows: time frame, social space, agency and meaning. Implications for both future theoretical expansion of career sustainability theory and project managers' career management interventions were also discussed.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper could be found in the effort to adopt a socio-constructivist perspective to investigate the topic of career sustainability taking the exemplary case of project managers' career.
Reinforcing customer journey through artificial intelligence: a review and research agenda
Authors: Rana Jyoti , Gaur Loveleen , Singh Gurmeet , Awan Usama , Rasheed Muhammad Imran
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study defines a three-angled research plan to intensify the knowledge and development undergoing in the retail sector. It proposes a theoretical framework of the customer journey to explain the customers' intent to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as a protective measure for interaction between the customer and the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a research agenda from three-dimensional online search, ML and AI algorithms. This paper enhances the readers' understanding by reviewing the literature present in utilizing AI in the customer journey and presenting a theoretical framework.

Findings

Using AI tools like Chatbots, Recommenders, Virtual Assistance and Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) helps create improved brand awareness, better customer relationships marketing and personalized product modification.

Originality/value

This study intends to identify a research plan based on investigating customer journey trends in today's changing times with AI incorporation. The research provides a novel model framework of the customer journey by directing customers into different stages and providing different touchpoints in each stage, all supported with AI and ML.
Employee engagement as a mediating variable on the relationship between employee relation practice and employee performance in a developing economy
Authors: Abdullahi Mohammed Sani , Raman Kavitha , Solarin Sakiru Adebola , Adeiza Adams
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research is to investigate the mediating effect of employee engagement (EE) on the relationship between employee relation practice and employee performance in Malaysian private universities (MPUs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a survey research design, and the study unit of the analysis consists of the academic staff of MPU. A sample of 314 teaching staff was used out of the target population (10,473) of the research, while simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used in order to determine the research sample. Data for the research were collected from the target participants via questionnaires, and partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to evaluate the research hypotheses.

Findings

The outcome of the research revealed that employee relation practice (ERP) has a substantial effect on employee performance (EP), and EE partially mediates the relationship between ERP and EP.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study has urged the universities' management to focus on building effective and sustainable ERP that will ensure academic engagement that can result to sound academic performance and university growth.

Originality/value

This research has contributed significantly to the body of knowledge by operationalizing EP, ERP and EE literature. In extension, this research contributes to develop the literature of leaders, acknowledging the ERP as an important tool for leadership growth.
Image manipulation in scholarly publications: are there ways to an automated solution?
Authors: Beck Thorsten Stephan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper provides an introduction to research in the field of image forensics and asks whether advances in the field of algorithm development and digital forensics will facilitate the examination of images in the scientific publication process in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

This study looks at the status quo of image analysis in the peer review process and evaluates selected articles from the field of Digital Image and Signal Processing that have addressed the discovery of copy-move, cut-paste and erase-fill manipulations.

Findings

The article focuses on forensic research and shows that, despite numerous efforts, there is still no applicable tool for the automated detection of image manipulation. Nonetheless, the status quo for examining images in scientific publications remains visual inspection and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. This study summarizes aspects that make automated detection of image manipulation difficult from a forensic research perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Results of this study underscore the need for a conceptual reconsideration of the problems involving image manipulation with a view toward the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in conjunction with library and information science (LIS) expertise on information integrity.

Practical implications

This study not only identifies a number of conceptual challenges but also suggests areas of action that the scientific community can address in the future.

Originality/value

Image manipulation is often discussed in isolation as a technical challenge. This study takes a more holistic view of the topic and demonstrates the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach.
Understanding the perceptions of UK COVID-19 contact tracing app in the BAME community in Leicester
Authors: Akintoye Simisola , Ogoh George , Krokida Zoi , Nnadi Juliana , Eke Damian
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Digital contact tracing technologies are critical to the fight against COVID-19 in many countries including the UK. However, a number of ethical, legal and socio-economic concerns that can affect uptake of the app have been raised. The purpose of this research is to explore the perceptions of the UK digital contact tracing app in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community in Leicester and how this can affect its deployment and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through virtual focus groups in Leicester, UK. A total of 28 participants were recruited for the study. All participants are members of the BAME community, and data was thematically analysed with NVivo 11.

Findings

A majority of the participants were unwilling to download and use the app owing to legal and ethical concerns. A minority were willing to use the app based on the need to protect public health. There was a general understanding that lack of uptake will negatively affect the fight against COVID-19 in BAME communities and an acknowledgement of the need for the government to rebuild trust through transparency and development of regulatory safeguards to enhance privacy and prevent misuse.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the research makes original contributions being the first robust study conducted to explore perceptions of marginalised communities, particularly BAME which may be adversely impacted by the deployment of the app. By exploring community-based perceptions, this study further contributes to the emerging citizens’ perceptions on digital contact tracing which is crucial to the effectiveness and the development of an efficient, community-specific response to public attitudes towards the app. The findings can also help the development of responsible innovation approaches that balances the competing interests of digital health interventions with the needs and expectations of the BAME community in the UK.
Highly cited articles in social sciences: an analytical study
Authors: Mahapatra Namita , Sahoo Jyotshna
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims at analyzing the distinctive characteristics of highly cited articles (HCAs) in the domain of Social Sciences with respect to chronological growth pattern, productive journals, authorship pattern, prolific authors, top institutions and leading countries, network among institutions and top ranked keywords in social science research.

Design/methodology/approach

The required data has been retrieved from Scopus indexing database and further refined using various limits like document types, subject coverage and total citations, and finally, 839 articles were selected for detail analysis. A set of bibliometric indicators were used to make a quantitative analysis, whereas VOSviewer software tool was used to visualize the institutional network and keywords mapping of the HCAs.

Findings

This study revealed that highest number of HCAs (371) were published during the decade 2001–2010. Degree of collaboration, collaborative index and collaborative coefficient were observed to be 0.513, 1.98 and 0.988, respectively. The highly cited papers were emanated from 397 journals, contributed by 1,556 authors from 1,326 institutions placed in 46 countries. Social Science and Medicine was the most productive journal; J. Urry of Lancaster University, UK, was the most influential author; the USA, the UK and Canada are the torchbearers in social science research. The paper entitled “Five misunderstandings about case-study research,” authored by B. Flyvbjerg, published in 2006 in Qualitative Inquiry, received highest 4,730 citations.

Originality/value

The primary value of this paper lies in extending an understanding of the characteristics of HCAs in the domain of social sciences. It will provide an insight to the researchers to get acquainted with the most influential authors, journals, institutions, countries and major thrust areas of research in social sciences.
Assuring quality of school-based assessment: the perspectives of heads of department in moderating tourism tasks
Authors: Dube-Xaba Zanele , Makae Malehlohonolo Precious
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of quality assessment is to support the development of learners’ competencies as required in 21st century economies. This paper aims to analyse the role and understanding of heads of department (HoDs) regarding quality assessment and the moderation of school-based assessment (SBA) tasks in tourism, which is a subject in the secondary school curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

To elicit valid findings in this interpretative study, focus group discussions were conducted with 16 participants. The HoDs who participated in this study were purposively sampled based on their role as managers of tourism in their respective schools.

Findings

Informed by the context, input, process and output theoretical model, this study identified various elements that impacted the enactment of HoDs’ role in the moderation of SBA tasks, with particular reference to tourism. Despite these HoDs’ understanding of the importance of moderation as a key aspect in assuring quality assessment practices, it was found that the moderation of tourism SBA tasks was generally not conducted meticulously and appropriately.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative case study on which this paper is based used a limited sample within a restricted timeframe and the results may thus not be generalised. However, the methodology produced trustworthy results and may thus be replicated and extended to other subjects with a practical component for enhanced insights into SBA practices.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the necessity for schools to rely on knowledgeable and principled curriculum leaders, particularly HoDs, for the effective management of assessment and moderation strategies to ensure quality outcomes. The qualitative case study on which this paper is based used a limited sample within a restricted timeframe, and the results may thus not be generalised. However, the methodology produced trustworthy results and may thus be replicated and extended to other subjects with a practical component for enhanced insights into SBA practices.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discourse on quality assurance and SBA, with particular focus on how quality assessment can be enhanced in the moderation process of tourism. The insights that this paper share may contribute to improved policy decisions regarding the SBA process in tourism.
Understanding the consumer’s intention to use the e-wallet services
Authors: Ariffin Shaizatulaqma Kamalul , Abd Rahman Mohamad Fakhrul Reza , Muhammad Ali Mughal , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the key factors that explain intention to use e-wallet services (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, subjective norm, positive disconfirmation and perceived behavioral control). The moderating role of perceived value in the relationship between satisfaction and their intention to continue using the e-wallet is also examined.

Methodology

A total of 257 e-wallet users participated in an online survey and hypotheses were tested with SPSS/PLS-SEM.

Findings

The constructs technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of planned behavior (TPB) and user satisfaction affect intention to use. However, perceived value does not strengthen the relationship between user satisfaction and e-wallet usage intention.

Practical implications

The TAM, TPB and expectancy disconfirmation model (EDM) constructs help explain the use of e-wallet services. These results will help the providers of these services to understand user behavior and to design their marketing strategies more appropriately to ensure consumer satisfaction and their intention to use e-wallet services.

Originality

This study adopts a holistic and integrative approach to explain the continued use of e-wallet services. The model integrates three basic adoption theories: TAM, TPB and EDM.
Effectiveness of offline and online rewards in restoring satisfaction and trust
Authors: Tahir Zonaib
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the relative importance of tangible compensation across the offline and online service mediums, and assess tangible compensation as a trust recovery tactic.

Methodology

This study is based on a 3 (compensation level: 20%, 50%, 100%) × 2 (compensation type: refund, coupon) × 2 (service medium: offline, online) scenario-based experimental design.

Findings

The offline and online customers exhibit different satisfaction for the respective values of both the immediate and delayed compensation types. Moreover, offline customers exhibit more trust in the firm when they receive a refund, whereas their online counterparts demonstrate a higher trust when provided with a coupon.

Practical implications

For a service failure such as the one presented in the experimental study’s scenario, a lower (higher) value coupon will generate more (less) satisfaction compared to providing the same value as a refund. Firms will be better off by providing partial compensation in the form of a coupon, rather than a refund.

Originality

Unlike most studies of service recovery, this research takes into account the perceived differences of various tangible compensations to provide a comparison of offline and online customers’ recovery preferences. Furthermore, the previous studies have not focused on trust restoration and assessed causes and effects of trust based on trust at one point in time i.e. trust after recovery. While this study has included restored trust as a variable in the conceptual model.
Review on the wearable health-care monitoring system with robust motion artifacts reduction techniques
Authors: Prabakaran Aarthy , Rufus Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Wearables are gaining prominence in the health-care industry and their use is growing. The elderly and other patients can use these wearables to monitor their vitals at home and have them sent to their doctors for feedback. Many studies are being conducted to improve wearable health-care monitoring systems to obtain clinically relevant diagnoses. The accuracy of this system is limited by several challenges, such as motion artifacts (MA), power line interference, false detection and acquiring vitals using dry electrodes. This paper aims to focus on wearable health-care monitoring systems in the literature and provides the effect of MA on the wearable system. Also presents the problems faced while tracking the vitals of users.

Design/methodology/approach

MA is a major concern and certainly needs to be suppressed. An analysis of the causes and effects of MA on wearable monitoring systems is conducted. Also, a study from the literature on motion artifact detection and reduction is carried out and presented here. The benefits of a machine learning algorithm in a wearable monitoring system are also presented. Finally, distinct applications of the wearable monitoring system have been explored.

Findings

According to the study reduction of MA and multiple sensor data fusion increases the accuracy of wearable monitoring systems.

Originality/value

This study also presents the outlines of design modification of dry/non-contact electrodes to minimize the MA. Also, discussed few approaches to design an efficient wearable health-care monitoring system.
Not all trees can make a forest: Tree species composition and competition control forest encroachment in a tropical savanna
Authors: Flake Samuel W. , Honda Eliane A. , Pilon Natashi A. L. , Hoffmann William A. , Durigan Giselda
Published: December 2021

Forest encroachment into savannas is a widespread phenomenon, the rate of which may depend on soil conditions, species composition or changes in stand structure. As savanna specialist trees are replaced by generalist species, rates of stand development may increase. Because generalists can persist in forests, they are likely to grow more quickly and survive longer in dense stands, compared to savanna specialists. Furthermore, the faster growth rates of generalists may allow them to overtop and outcompete savanna specialists, causing rapid species turnover.

We measured growth and survival of 6,147 individuals of 112 species of savanna and generalist tree species over a period of 10 years in an ecological reserve in Assis, São Paulo State, Brazil. We modelled growth and mortality as a function of soil texture and nutrients, tree size, competitive neighbourhood, and membership in savanna or generalist (species which can persist in forests and savannas) functional groups.

Tree growth and survival was strongly influenced by competition, as estimated by the basal area of trees taller than a focal tree. At the stand level, savanna species are unable to contribute basal area growth in closed stands, while generalist species continue to increase in basal area even at high stand basal area. This phenomenon is driven by differences in growth and mortality. Generalists grew faster than savanna species, both in height and diameter. This difference in growth rates led to savanna species becoming suppressed more rapidly than generalists. When suppressed, savanna species were more than twice as likely to die than were generalists. Soils had inconsistent and mostly weak effects which were difficult to separate from gradients of stand structure.

Synthesis. We demonstrate that the presence of generalist trees accelerates the rates of basal area accumulation due to their greater growth rates and tolerance of shading. Generalists outcompete savanna trees by growing faster in the open and overtopping savanna specialists. Due to the slow growth and high mortality of savanna species in the shade, they are unable to form closed‐canopy stands. Accounting for differences among functional types and development of vegetation structure is critical for modelling forest encroachment.
Polyploidy promotes divergent evolution across the leaf economics spectrum and plant edaphic niche in the Dianthus broteri complex
Authors: López‐Jurado Javier , Mateos‐Naranjo Enrique , Balao Francisco
Published: December 2021

The evolution of the leaf economics spectrum (LES) is known to be constrained by genetic relatedness but also promoted at small geographical and phylogenetic scales. In those cases, we hypothesized that polyploidy would play a prominent role as an outstanding source of functional divergence and adaptive potential.

We registered leaf‐level nutrient, water‐ and light‐economy‐related traits from the LES as well as edaphic properties in the four cytotypes of the autopolyploid Dianthus broteri complex (2×, 4×, 6× and 12×). We analysed the effect of ploidy level on the integration of the LES network, checked if concerted evolution occurred between LES and soil niche and tested the influence of phylogeny on the variables. Alternative evolutionary models for both sets of traits were compared.

We found higher divergence of polyploids (especially 6× and 12×) compared to diploids in the LES and soil niche, but these traits are not coevolving. 6× and 12× showed opposite ecological strategies regarding resource use and higher uncoupling of the LES network. Early divergence of traits prevailed in both LES and edaphic niche (supported by better fitted evolutionary models with one optimum per cytotype), but post‐polyploidization processes played an important role for the photochemical behaviour.

Synthesis. Our results indicated shifts in ecological strategies across Dianthus broteri cytotypes and suggested a powerful role of polyploidy in overcoming constraints for the evolution of plant functional traits.
Transcriptional organization and regulation of the Pseudomonas putida flagellar system
Authors: Leal‐Morales Antonio , Pulido‐Sánchez Marta , López‐Sánchez Aroa , Govantes Fernando
Published: December 2021

A single region of the Pseudomonas putida genome, designated the flagellar cluster, includes 59 genes potentially involved in the biogenesis and function of the flagellar system. Here, we combine bioinformatics and in vivo gene expression analyses to clarify the transcriptional organization and regulation of the flagellar genes in the cluster. We have identified 11 flagellar operons and characterized 22 primary and internal promoter regions. Our results indicate that synthesis of the flagellar apparatus and core chemotaxis machinery is regulated by a three‐tier cascade in which fleQ is a Class I gene, standing at the top of the transcriptional hierarchy. FleQ‐ and σ54‐dependent Class II genes encode most components of the flagellar structure, part of the chemotaxis machinery and multiple regulatory elements, including the flagellar σ factor FliA. FliA activation of Class III genes enables synthesis of the filament, one stator complex and completion of the chemotaxis apparatus. Accessory regulatory proteins and an intricate operon architecture add complexity to the regulation by providing feedback and feed‐forward loops to the main circuit. Because of the high conservation of the gene arrangement and promoter motifs, we believe that the regulatory circuit presented here may also apply to other environmental pseudomonads.
Undesirable discoloration in edible fish muscle: Impact of indigenous pigments, chemical reactions, processing, and its prevention
Authors: Singh Avtar , Mittal Ajay , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: December 2021

Fish is rich in proteins and lipids, especially those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, which made them vulnerable to chemical or microbial changes associated with quality loss. Meat color is one of vital criteria indicating the freshness, quality, and acceptability of the meat. Color of meat is governed by the presence of various pigments such as hemoglobin, myoglobin (Mb), and so on. Mb, particularly oxy‐form, is responsible for the bright red color of fish muscle, especially tuna, and dark fleshed fish, while astaxanthin (AXT) directly determines the color of salmonids muscle. Microbial spoilage and chemical changes such as oxidation of lipid/proteins result in the autoxidation of Mb or fading of AXT, leading to undesirable color with lower acceptability. The discoloration has been affected by chemical composition, post‐harvesting handling or storage, processing, cooking, and so on . To tackle discoloration of fish meat, vacuum or modified atmospheric packaging, low‐ or ultralow‐temperature storage, uses of artificial and natural additives have been employed. This review article provides information regarding the factors affecting color and other quality aspects of fish muscle. Moreover, promising methodologies used to control discoloration are also focused.
The effect of platelet apheresis collection on some immunological factors in donors using two different apheresis devices
Authors: Chegini Azita , Fani Parvaneh , Samiee Shahram , Shaiegan Mojgan , Hajati Esmerdis , Maghari Amirhossein
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare two different apheresis and changes in some immunological factors in donors.

Material and Methods

The cross‐sectional study was performed from January 2017 to September 2018. Fifty six male blood donors were randomly divided into two groups. CD4, CD8, and CD25 markers by flow cytometry, and TGFBeta by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method were done before and 7 days after the apheresis procedure. Independent Sample t‐test, Mann–Whitney U Test, Wilcoxon signed ranked test, and Fisher exact test were used.

Results

WBC in MCS+ group after donation is significantly higher than before donation (P < 0.05) but no significant difference was seen between MCS+ and Trima groups in these two indicators. But in CD4, CD25, and TGFBeta, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference on CD4, CD25, and TGFBeta gene 7 days after donation.
Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab combined with EGFR‐TKIs in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Yifan , Wang Liming , Li Xu , Zhang Shuai , Yu Jiangyong , Nie Xin , Liu Wenbo , Wu Xiaonan , Zhang Ping , Li Yi , Li Ailing , Ai Bin
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab combined with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on bevacizumab combined with EGFR TKIs in the NSCLC Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Embase. The data were extracted and assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook. We calculated the hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio (RR), and confidence interval (CI), and accomplished this meta‐analysis with Stata 14 software.

Results

Of 1301 articles scanned, five articles were involved in this meta‐analysis. We determined that compared with using EGFR TKIs alone, combination treatment significantly prolongs progression‐free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.52–0.70; p < 0.001), and increases the objective response rate (ORR) (RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.30, p = 0.10). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the two groups (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.78–1.11; p = <0.001) and combination treatment increases the risks of serious adverse events (SAEs) (RR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.21–2.05, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Bevacizumab combined with EGFR‐TKI significantly improves PFS and ORR in patients with advanced NSCLC, but there is no substantial difference in OS and increase the risks of serious adverse events.
The old and familiar meets the new and unknown: patient and clinician perceptions on e‐cigarettes for smoking reduction in UK general practice, a qualitative interview study
Authors: Albury Charlotte , Barnes Rebecca , Ferrey Anne , Coleman Tim , Gilbert Hazel , Naughton Felix , Aveyard Paul , Begh Rachna ,   the MaSC Study Investigators
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Clinicians could promote e‐cigarettes for harm reduction to people who smoke but cannot stop, but many clinicians feel uneasy doing so. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), primary care clinicians offered free e‐cigarettes and encouraged people with chronic diseases who were unwilling to stop smoking to switch to vaping. We interviewed clinicians and patients to understand how to adopt harm reduction in routine practice.

Design

Qualitative analysis nested within an RCT, comprising thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with primary care clinicians who delivered the trial intervention, and patients who took part.

Setting

Primary care clinics in England.

Participants/Cases

Twenty‐one patients and 11 clinicians, purposively sampled from an RCT.

Measurements

We qualitatively explored patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of: being offered/offering an e‐cigarette, past and current perceptions about e‐cigarettes and applying a harm reduction approach.

Findings

Four themes captured clinicians’ and patients’ reported perspectives. These were: (1) concepts of safety/risk, with clinicians concerned about recommending a product with unknown long‐term risks and patients preferring the known risks of cigarettes; (2) clinicians felt they were going out on a limb by offering these as though they were prescribing them, whereas patients did not share this view; (3) equating quitting with success, as both patients and clinicians conceptualized e‐cigarettes as quitting aids; and (4) unchanged views, as clinicians reported that training did not change their existing views about e‐cigarettes. These themes were united by the higher‐order concept: ‘The old and familiar meets the new and unknown’, as a contradiction between this new approach and long‐established methods underpinned these concerns.

Conclusions

A qualitative analysis found barriers obstructing clinicians and patients from easily accepting e‐cigarettes for harm reduction, rather than as aids to support smoking cessation: clinicians had difficulty reconciling harm reduction with their existing ethical models of practice, even following targeted training, and patients saw e‐cigarettes as quitting aids.
The impact of COVID‐19 on emergency cholecystectomy
Authors: Ma Joyce Lok Gee , Yogaraj Vikash , Siddiqui Mustafa , Chauhan Karanjeet , Tobin Vicky A. , Pilgrim Charles H. C.
Published: December 2021

Backgrounds

The impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus (COVID‐19) upon the delivery of surgical services in Australia has not been well characterized, other than restrictions to elective surgery due to government directive‐related cancellations. Using emergency cholecystectomy as a representative operation, this study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on emergency general surgery in Australia in relation to in‐hours versus after‐hours operating.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of medical records for patients admitted with cholecystitis or biliary colic between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2021 at Frankston Hospital, Australia. Patient demographics, admission data, imaging findings, operative and post‐operative data were compared between pre‐COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 periods. Variables were compared using the Wilcoxon‐Mann–Whitney, Chi Squared or Fishers exact test.

Results

During the COVID‐19 period, emergency cholecystectomy was performed for a greater proportion of patients presenting with cholecystitis or biliary colic (93.5% versus 77.7%, p < 0.01). Despite this, there was concomitant reduction in after‐hours cholecystectomy from 14.4% to 7.5% (p = 0.04). Patients requiring after‐hours surgery during the COVID‐19 period had more features of sepsis (23% more tachypnoeic, 18% more hypotensive), and were more likely to have certain features of cholecystitis on imaging (45% more likely to have pericholecystic fluid).

Conclusion

Following elective surgery cancellations during the COVID‐19 period, an increase was seen in the proportion of patients presenting with gallstone disease who were managed with emergency cholecystectomy due to improved theatre access. Concurrently, there was a decrease in the requirement for surgery to be performed after‐hours.
Application of an electrocardiography device (iECG) for heart rhythm analysis after exercise in Thoroughbred horses
Authors: Nath LC , Forbes G , Elliott AD , Tomren V , Ryan A , Franklin SH
Published: December 2021

AliveCor is a smartphone electrocardiography device (iECG) providing automated heart rate (HR) and rhythm determination. Atrial fibrillation (AF) in horses often is paroxysmal and rapid ECG acquisition is needed for diagnostic confirmation. iECGs were collected post‐race from 15 horses with AF and 64 horses in sinus rhythm (SR). Results of manual assessment were compared to 3 commercial algorithms for HR and rhythm. Agreement between manually derived HR (HRM) and HR derived by the AliveECG Vet (HRVET) and Kardia version‐1 (KV1HR) and Kardia advanced (KADVHR) algorithms was quantified by the Bland–Altman limits of agreement test. Agreement between manual rhythm classification and KV1 and KADV algorithms for AF and SR was calculated by the Kappa statistical coefficient. The agreement (bias, 95% limits), between HRM and HRVET was 7.1 BPM (−29 to 43) in AF and −4.2 BPM (−38 to 30) in SR, between HRM and KV1HR, was −0.3 BPM (−31 to 30) in AF and 0.2 BPM (−3 to 4) in SR, and between HRM and KADVHR was 7.0 BPM (−29 to 43) in AF and 0.2 BPM (−3.9 to 4.2) in SR. Agreement between manual rhythm classification and KV1 was 0.36 (0.13–0.59), and KADV was 0.84 (0.68–0.99). Sensitivity and specificity for identification of AF and SR of the KV1 algorithm were 60, 100% and 83, 100%, respectively, and of KADV was 87, 100% and 93, 100% respectively. The Kardia algorithms improved precision for HR determination in SR but not AF. The advanced algorithm accurately distinguished between AF and SR. The iECG is suitable for recording episodes of AF following exercise.