bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Deer Respiratory Epithelial Cells Weather The Initial Storm of SARS-CoV-2?
Authors: Davila Kaitlyn M. Sarlo , Nelli Rahul K. , Phadke Kruttika S. , Ruden Rachel M. , Yongming Sang , Bellaire Bryan H. , Gimenez-Lirola Luis G. , Miller Laura C.
Published: April 2023

The potential infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in animals raises a public health and economic concern, particularly the high susceptibility of white-tailed deer (WTD) to SARS-CoV-2. The disparity in the disease outcome between humans and WTD is very intriguing, as the latter are often asymptomatic, subclinical carriers of SARS-CoV-2. To date, no studies have evaluated the innate immune factors responsible for the contrasting SARS-CoV-2-associated disease outcomes in these mammalian species. A comparative transcriptomic analysis in primary respiratory epithelial cells of human (HRECs) and WTD (Deer-RECs) infected with SARS-CoV-2 was assessed throughout 48 hours post inoculation (hpi). Both HRECs and Deer-RECs were susceptible to SARS-COV-2, with significantly (P< 0.001) lower virus replication in Deer-RECs. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEG) gradually increased in Deer-RECs but decreased in HRECs throughout the infection. The ingenuity pathway analysis of DEGs further identified that genes commonly altered during SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly belong to cytokine and chemokine response pathways mediated via IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Inhibition of the NF-κB signaling in the Deer-RECs pathway was predicted as early as 6 hpi. The findings from this study could explain the lack of clinical signs reported in WTD in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection as opposed to the severe clinical outcomes reported in humans.

HIGHLIGHTS

White-tailed deer primary respiratory epithelial cells are susceptible to SARS- CoV-2 without causing hyper cytokine gene expression.

Downregulation of IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways after SARS-CoV-2 infection could be key to the regulated cytokine response in deer cells.

Deer innate immune system could play a critical role in early antiviral and tissue repair response following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Integrated multi-omics approach reveals the role of SPEG in skeletal muscle biology including its relationship with myospryn complex
Authors: Li Qifei , Lin Jasmine , Luo Shiyu , Schmitz-Abe Klaus , Agrawal Rohan , Meng Melissa , Moghadaszadeh Behzad , Beggs Alan H. , Liu Xiaoli , Perrella Mark A. , Agrawal Pankaj B.
Published: April 2023

Autosomal-recessive mutations inSPEG(striated muscle preferentially expressed protein kinase) have been linked to centronuclear myopathy. Loss of SPEG is associated with defective triad formation, abnormal excitation-contraction coupling, and calcium mishandling in skeletal muscles. To elucidate the underlying molecular pathways, we have utilized multi-omics tools and analysis to obtain a comprehensive view of the complex biological processes. We identified that SPEG interacts with myospryn complex proteins (CMYA5, FSD2, RyR1), and SPEG deficiency results in myospryn complex abnormalities. In addition, transcriptional and protein profiles of SPEG-deficient muscle revealed defective mitochondrial function including aberrant accumulation of enlarged mitochondria on electron microscopy. Furthermore, SPEG regulates RyR1 phosphorylation at S2902, and its loss affects JPH2 phosphorylation at multiple sites. On analyzing the transcriptome, the most dysregulated pathways affected by SPEG deficiency included extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors signaling, which may be due to defective triad and mitochondrial abnormalities. In summary, we have elucidated the critical role of SPEG in triad as it works closely with myospryn complex, phosphorylates JPH2 and RyR1, and demonstrated that its deficiency is associated with mitochondrial abnormalities. This study emphasizes the importance of using multi-omics techniques to comprehensively analyze the molecular anomalies of rare diseases.

Synopsis

We have previously linked mutations inSPEG(striated preferentially expressed protein) with a recessive form of centronuclear myopathy and/or dilated cardiomyopathy and have characterized a striated muscle-specific SPEG-deficient mouse model that recapitulates human disease with disruption of the triad structure and calcium homeostasis in skeletal muscles. In this study, we applied multi-omics approaches (interactomic, proteomic, phosphoproteomic, and transcriptomic analyses) in the skeletal muscles of SPEG-deficient mice to assess the underlying pathways associated with the pathological and molecular abnormalities.

SPEG interacts with myospryn complex proteins (CMYA5, FSD2, RyR1), and its deficiency results in myospryn complex abnormalities.

SPEG regulates RyR1 phosphorylation at S2902, and its loss affects JPH2 phosphorylation at multiple sites.

SPEGα and SPEGβ have different interacting partners suggestive of differential function.

Transcriptome analysis indicates dysregulated pathways of ECM-receptor interaction and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling.

Mitochondrial defects on the transcriptome, proteome, and electron microscopy, may be a consequence of defective calcium signaling.
Invasive plant species interact with drought to shift key functions and families in the native rhizosphere
Authors: Ettinger Cassandra L. , LaForgia Marina L.
Published: April 2023

Interactions between species invasions and climate change have the potential to drive changes in plant communities more than either factor alone. One pathway through which these effects can occur is via changes to the rhizosphere microbial community. Invasive plants can alter the taxonomic and functional makeup of these microbial communities, which may affect natives’ abilities to compete with invaders. At the same time, climate change is leading to more frequent extreme wet and dry events, shifting the composition of microbial taxa available in the soil. Understanding the response of plant communities to these combined global change drivers requires a comprehensive approach that assesses the relationship between plant competition and belowground rhizosphere microbial community responses. Here we use a field experiment in a California grassland with a set of six native annual forbs (i.e., wildflowers) and three invasive annual grasses to test how competition with invasive plants alters both identity and function in the native rhizosphere microbiome, and whether competition between these groups interacts with rainfall to amplify or ameliorate these microbial shifts. Metagenomics of rhizosphere communities revealed that drought combined with competition from invaders altered a higher number of functions and families in the native rhizosphere compared to invasive competition alone or drought alone. This suggests invasion-driven shifts in the microbial community may be involved in weakening natives’ ability to cope with climate change, especially drought. Understanding the role of the microbial community under invasion and climate change may be critical to mitigating the negative effects of these interacting global change drivers on native communities.
Identification of FacZ as a division site placement factor inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Bartlett Thomas M. , Sisley Tyler A. , Mychack Aaron , Walker Suzanne , Baker Richard W. , Rudner David Z. , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus aureusis a gram-positive pathogen responsible for life-threatening infections that are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. The identification of new vulnerabilities in essential processes like cell envelope biogenesis represents a promising avenue towards the development of anti-staphylococcal therapies that overcome resistance. To this end, we performed cell sorting-based enrichments forS. aureusmutants with defects in envelope integrity and cell division. We identified many known envelope biogenesis factors as well as a large collection of new factors with roles in this process. Mutants inactivated for one of the hits, the uncharacterized SAOUHSC_01855 protein, displayed aberrant membrane invaginations and multiple FtsZ cytokinetic ring structures. This factor is broadly distributed among Firmicutes, and its inactivation inB. subtilissimilarly caused division and membrane defects. We therefore renamed the protein FacZ (Firmicute-associatedcoordinator ofZ-rings). InS. aureus, inactivation of the conserved cell division protein GpsB suppressed the division and morphological defects offacZmutants. Additionally, FacZ and GpsB were found to interact directly in a purified system. Thus, FacZ is a novel antagonist of GpsB function with a conserved role in controlling division site placement inS. aureusand other Firmicutes.
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis adherence due to needle stick and sharp injuries
Authors: Osoo Moses Odhiambo , Otieno George Ochieng’ , Halestrap Peter
Published: April 2023

Background

Healthcare workers frequently experience needle sticks and other sharp injuries, which are among the most prevalent types of occupational accident in hospital settings. Studies indicate that approximately 50% of these devices are contaminated with blood, exposing users to potential infections from blood-borne pathogens such as HIV. Despite the efficacy of post-exposure prophylaxis in lowering the risk of HIV transmission, ensuring consistent adherence to this treatment regimen remains a widely acknowledged challenge.

Objective

This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis following needlestick and sharp injuries at Kijabe Hospital, Kenya, between February 2017 and June 2022.

Method

A retrospective chart review was conducted on healthcare workers who were started on HIV PEP following a reported occupational exposure due to needle sticks and sharp injuries between February 2017 and June 2022.

Result

In total, 136 healthcare workers were exposed to needle sticks and sharp injuries. The majority of exposures (82.3%) were at a high risk of HIV transmission. The overall adherence rate to the 28-day HIV-PEP course was 26%. Healthcare workers were more likely to complete HIV-PEP when the source’s HIV status was positive than when it was negative [ 42.4% vs. 11.8%; p = 0.001]. The drug regimen (TDF/3TC/DTG) was significantly associated with default treatment (aOR, 5.0 (95% CI 2.0 – 11.0) (p= 0.001) compared with patients using the TDF/3TC/ATVr regimen.

Conclusion

Our study found that 74% of healthcare workers did not complete the full 28-day course of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as recommended, indicating a significant issue with adherence. This highlights the need for strategies to improve compliance and ensure occupational health. Additionally, as there is limited research on HIV PEP completion rates among healthcare workers in Kenya, these findings will contribute valuable knowledge in this area.
ATR2Cala2fromArabidopsis-infecting downy mildew requires 4 TIR-NLR immune receptors for full recognition
Authors: Kim Dae Sung , Woods-Tör Alison , Cevik Volkan , Furzer Oliver J. , Li Yufei , Ma Wenbo , Tör Mahmut , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: April 2023

ArabidopsisCol-0 RPP2A and RPP2B confer recognition ofArabidopsisdowny mildew (Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis[Hpa]) isolate Cala2, but the identity of the recognized ATR2Cala2effector was unknown.

To revealATR2Cala2, an F2population was generated from a cross betweenHpa-Cala2 andHpa-Noks1. We identified ATR2Cala2as a non-canonical RxLR-type effector that carries a signal peptide, a dEER motif, and WY domains but no RxLR motif. Recognition ofATR2Cala2and its effector function were verified by biolistic bombardment, ectopic expression andHpainfection.

ATR2Cala2is recognized in accession Col-0 but not in Ler-0 in which RPP2A and RPP2B are absent. InATR2Emoy2andATR2Noks1alleles, a frameshift results in an early stop codon. RPP2A and RPP2B are essential for the recognition of ATR2Cala2. Stable and transient expression ofATR2Cala2under 35S promoter inArabidopsisandNicotiana benthamianaenhances disease susceptibility.

Two additional Col-0 TIR-NLR (TNL) genes (RPP2CandRPP2D) adjacent toRPP2AandRPP2Bare quantitatively required for full resistance toHpa-Cala2.

We comparedRPP2haplotypes in multipleArabidopsisaccessions and showed that all 4 genes are present in all ATR2Cala2-recognizing accessions.
A mechanism that integrates microtubule motors of opposite polarity at the kinetochore corona
Authors: Cmentowski Verena , Ciossani Giuseppe , d’Amico Ennio , Wohlgemuth Sabine , Owa Mikito , Dynlacht Brian , Musacchio Andrea
Published: April 2023

Chromosome biorientation on the mitotic spindle is prerequisite to errorless genome inheritance. CENP-E (kinesin 7) and Dynein-Dynactin (DD), microtubule motors with opposite polarity, promote biorientation from the kinetochore corona, a polymeric structure whose assembly requires MPS1 kinase. The corona’s building block consists of ROD, Zwilch, ZW10, and the DD adaptor Spindly (RZZS). How CENP-E and DD are scaffolded and mutually coordinated in the corona remains unclear. Here, we report near-complete depletion of RZZS and DD from kinetochores after depletion of CENP-E and the outer kinetochore protein KNL1. With inhibited MPS1, CENP-E, which we show binds directly to RZZS, is required to retain kinetochore RZZS. An RZZS phosphomimetic mutant bypasses this requirement. With active MPS1, CENP-E is dispensable for corona expansion, but strictly required for physiological kinetochore accumulation of DD. Thus, we identify the corona as an integrated scaffold where CENP-E kinesin controls DD kinetochore loading for coordinated bidirectional transport of chromosome cargo.
Crystal structures, Hirshfeld analysis, and energy framework analysis of two differently 3′-substituted 4-methylchalcones: 3′-(N=CHC6H4-p-CH3)-4-methylchalcone and 3′-(NHCOCH3)-4-methylchalcone
Authors: Battaglia Zachary O. , Kersten Jordan T. , Nicol Elise M. , Whitworth Paloma , Wheeler Kraig A. , Hall Charlie L. , Potticary Jason , Hamilton Victoria , Hall Simon R. , D'Ambruoso Gemma D. , Matsumoto Masaomi , Warren Stephen D. , Cremeens Matthew E.
Published: April 2023

Two crystal structures of chalcones, or 1,3-diarylprop-2-en-1-ones, are presented; both contain a p-methyl substitution on the 3-Ring, but differ with respect to the m-substitution on the 1-Ring. Their systematic names are (2E)-3-(4-methylphenyl)-1-(3-{[(4-methylphenyl)methylidene]amino}phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (C24H21NO) and N-{3-[(2E)-3-(4-methylphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]phenyl}acetamide (C18H17NO2), which are abbreviated as 3′-(N=CHC6H4-p-CH3)-4-methylchalcone and 3′-(NHCOCH3)-4-methylchalcone, respectively. Both chalcones represent the first reported acetamide-substituted and imino-substituted chalcone crystal structures, adding to the robust library of chalcone structures within the Cambridge Structural Database. The crystal structure of 3′-(N=CHC6H4-p-CH3)-4-methylchalcone exhibits close contacts between the enone O atom and the substituent arene ring, in addition to C...C interactions between the substituent arene rings. The structure of 3′-(NHCOCH3)-4-methylchalcone exhibits a unique interaction between the enone O atom and the 1-Ring substituent, contributing to its antiparallel crystal packing. In addition, both structures exhibit π-stacking, which occurs between the 1-Ring and R-Ring for 3′-(N=CHC6H4-p-CH3)-4-methylchalcone, and between the 1-Ring and 3-Ring for 3′-(NHCOCH3)-4-methylchalcone.
Developing a benchmark for supplier code of conducts – lessons learned from Bayer’s journey towards sustainable procurement and research opportunities
Authors: van Hoek Remko , Udesen Thomas
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Supplier codes of conduct are amongst the most widely used practices in sustainable procurement programs. While there are limitations and risks involved in using supplier codes of conduct (including the risk of greenwashing, a weak link to action and the inability of supplier to comply), there is only a modest amount of research on the topic, other than content analysis. We aim to contribute to research both lessons learned, over a two-decade period, about the implementation and use of a supplier code of conduct from a case study, as well as, to suggest further research that can support the industry and enrich insight into the effective adoption of supply codes of conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

Thanks to the support of our co-author from Bayer we are able to share lessons learned by the global procurement team of Bayer and use these as a basis for suggesting questions for further research. The approach of this paper centres on the adoption and implementation of the supplier code of conduct in an effort to complement existing research on supplier codes of conduct that is largely focused on code of conduct content, less on the implementation of codes of conduct. The collaboration with our co-author from Bayer enables direct access to experiences and managerial perspectives. By considering the two-decade journey towards more sustainable supply chain management at Bayer, we are able to achieve a longitudinal perspective on adoption and implementation aspects.

Findings

Bayer ensures personal and community engagement in its sustainable procurement program in order to drive action and improve decision making along the value chains. The company regularly updates its code of conduct to stay aligned with its maturity and complements the code of conduct with a continuous improvement focus, supported by both generic and industry-specific consortia. The company has not yet been able to establish direct visibility into the conduct of tier 2 and up suppliers.

Originality/value

This paper helps close a gap in the literature and provides input into industry efforts in one of the most widely used practices in sustainable procurement. We hope that the research questions that we developed based on the first 20+ years of Bayer’s learning journey towards sustainable procurement will inspire research that can impact industry efforts towards creating a more sustainable future.
Corporate governance, configurational approach and financial performance: some evidence from Indian listed SMEs
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Rastogi Shailesh
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Public listing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stimulates unremitting transformations into their corporate governance (CG) practices. These transformations in CG are likely to impact the financial performance (FP). The current study examines how individual corporate CG mechanisms and their mutual interactions (configurational approach) stimulate the FP of listed SMEs. The study selects promoters’ ownership (PO), the board (B-INX) and information disclosures (DISC) as individual CG mechanisms. In addition, market competition (COMP) is considered a form of external governance/regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses five years of panel data (2018–2022) of 80 SMEs listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE) SME listing platform in India. Panel data fixed effects and cluster robust standard errors estimated. In addition to the impact of individual CG mechanisms, their mutual interactions (configurational approach) are tested using moderated hierarchical regression and confirmed by slope tests.

Findings

The results signify the ineffectiveness of individual CG mechanisms when acting in silos. However, their mutual interactions drive the FP. A hierarchy of results is obtained. PO is the dominant form of internal CG, negatively influencing the relevance of B-INX and DISC. B-INX tends to adhere to good governance by positively moderating the impact of DISC on FP. Lastly, COMP acts as external governance that dominates the ownership effects. Findings reveal that the interactions among individual CG mechanisms are essential to the FP of listed SMEs. Such interactions adjust the agency theory dynamics of CG in these firms.

Research limitations/implications

The study takes a holistic approach to investigate the agency theory dynamics via the mutual interactions among multiple CG forms. It highlights how the presence of a dominant form of CG can adjust the financial effect of others, thereby adjusting agency theory dynamics.

Practical implications

These results hold practical significance for SMEs in multiple ways. SMEs should embrace configurational approach to comprehend their agency dynamics. The configurational approach of CG mechanisms is the way forward for SMEs, which are known to be financially constrained. In other words, the fact that the resiliency of SMEs is very often questioned calls for the configurational approach, where different CG mechanisms coexist to drive FP.

Originality/value

The study is by far the first of its kind to investigate the CG of listed SMEs against the backdrop of the configurational approach. The findings will benefit industry practitioners, academics and regulatory bodies to visualize the governance practices through the lenses of configurational approach.
Entrepreneurial alertness as a determinant of success in the SME context: a qualitative study
Authors: Pinheiro Beatriz , Henriques Inês , Almeida Lara , Franco Mário
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand whether entrepreneurial alertness is a relevant determinant in creating opportunities in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME).

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, qualitative research was undertaken, specifically the case study method. The study context was formed of four SMEs (cases) located in an inland region of Portugal. The data-collecting instrument was an individual interview held with the owners managers of the chosen firms, and the data treatment technique was content and thematic analyses.

Findings

The results obtained reveal that entrepreneurial alertness is always present in the SME entrepreneurs/business people’s daily lives and clearly creates good business opportunities not yet observed by the competition.

Practical implications

This study seeks to help SME owners managers to understand the phenomenon of entrepreneurial alertness and understand the importance of this determinant for their firms’ success.

Originality/value

This study is innovative as it helps to characterise and understand entrepreneurial alertness by showing its importance for SMEs in creating valuable opportunities and achieving success.
Public sector leadership during the COVID-19 crisis in Ghana
Authors: Dzigbede Komla D. , Ivanov Anthony M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This article examines public sector leadership during the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana. It focuses on the Bank of Ghana – the nation's central bank responsible for monetary policy and financial sector leadership – and examines the critical leadership attributes that the central bank demonstrated through its administrative and policy responses to the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Text-based content analysis is the method of investigation in this study. The analysis relies on textual data from the Bank of Ghana's monetary policy committee press briefings. The textual data are analyzed in three steps, namely pre-analysis, analysis and interpretation to identify patterns, themes and emphases and to make inferences about the central bank's public sector leadership during the coronavirus crisis in Ghana.

Findings

The findings from textual analysis of monetary policy committee press briefings show that the central bank demonstrated several criteria of effective public service leadership during the crisis, namely sensemaking, critical decision-making, communication, accountability, adaptability and, to an extent, learning. However, the textual evidence suggests that the Bank of Ghana needs to broaden its collaboration and coordination across a wider spectrum of stakeholders in economic crisis management, while not compromising its policy independence.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the emerging literature on public sector leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. It provides a unique perspective on public sector leadership through the lens of economic crisis management in a developing country context.
A multi-objective optimization for a closed-loop sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network design: a case study
Authors: Lotfi Alimohammad , Shakouri Mandana , Abazari Seyed Reza , Aghsami Amir , Rabbani Masoud
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper deals with the combined management and design of a sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network with considering recycling.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first utilizes the analytical hierarchy process to select and rank green manufacturers. Second, the authors proposed a multi-objective nonlinear mathematical model to design a sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network. The proposed model has been linearized and solved using the LP-metric method using GAMS software.

Findings

A real case study has been conducted in Iran. The results show that environmental and social issues can be improved while minimizing total costs.

Originality/value

Given the criticality and importance of drugs in human health and the importance of recycling in today's world, proper management and design of a sustainable drug supply chain are necessary. This study pays special attention to environmental issues by utilizing multi-criteria decision approaches and customer satisfaction.
Expanding the legal common good via sustainable urban mobility
Authors: Balsas Carlos J.L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the 2015 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Cycling Championship in Richmond, Virginia.

Design/methodology/approach

An array of eclectic methods included in situ witness observations of several of the races, 21 semi-structured random interviews and multiple discussions with elements of UCI, the city of Richmond’s planners, residents and business owners during and after the championship in fall 2015.

Findings

This paper has uncovered five findings: First, the material investment was considerably smaller than that of other events (common good criterion CGC i – good governance); second, pre-planning was critical to successfully hosting the event; third, this event included not only two entities as one would expect at first glance, but many (common good criterion CGC ii – good management); fourth, a filière approach to community service and the exploitation of clustered thematic activities was of critical importance to successfully hosting the 2015 UCI Road World Cycling Championship; and fifth, this event enabled the opportunity to market other city and regional assets (common good criterion CGC iii – good outcomes).

Practical implications

Cities hoping to bid for events ought to consider hosting unique events such as road championships. Those cities will benefit from careful event pre-planning, responsible event hosting and post-event legacies in the form of socio-economic and mindscape memories.

Social implications

Bidding and pre-event planning is increasingly seen as an opportunity to locate, create and develop support for common good urban projects, which will remain valuable after the event is over or which will need to be built in spite of the bid’s result.

Originality/value

This study fills an unresearched gap on the impact of events on a city’s future non-motorized sustainable transportation priorities.
The impact of brand transparency of food delivery apps in interactive brand communication
Authors: Chopdar Prasanta Kr , Paul Justin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

From the signaling theory perspective, the current study explores various drivers of brand transparency and its effect on users' interactions with food delivery apps.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a set of precursors of brand transparency of food delivery apps from focus group discussions was identified. Next, an integrated model tests the impact of brand transparency, perceived risk and brand trust on users' ordering frequency. Data collected from 522 users were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The outcomes showed the effectiveness of brand communications as the strongest indicator of brand transparency. Moreover, brand transparency favorably influences users' brand trust and ordering intention and negatively influences perceived risk. Hygiene rating attenuates the adverse effects of perceived risk.

Originality/value

The current study is a pioneering attempt that offers ways for online food delivery providers to build brand transparency, lessen users' risk perceptions and foster greater use of apps in the post-pandemic scenario.
How gamification and social interaction stimulate MOOCs continuance intention via cognitive presence, teaching presence and social presence?
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study's purpose is to propose a research model based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to examine whether gamification and social interaction as environmental stimulus antecedents to learners' perceptions of presence can affect their continuance intention of massive open online courses (MOOCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data for this study were collected from learners who had experience in taking gamified MOOCs provided by the MOOC platform launched by a well-known university in Taiwan, and 353 usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

This study demonstrated that learners' perceived gamification, learner–instructor interaction and learner–learner interaction in MOOCs positively affected their cognitive presence, teaching presence and social presence elicited by MOOCs, which jointly expounded their continuance intention of MOOCs. The results support all proposed hypotheses, and the research model accounts for 72.6% of the variance in learners' MOOCs continuance intention.

Originality/value

This study employs the S-O-R model as a theoretical umbrella to frame learners' MOOCs continuance intention as a series of the internal process, which is influenced by gamification and social interaction. Noteworthily, three psychological constructs of the community of inquiry model (i.e. cognitive presence, teaching presence and social presence) are adopted to represent learners' internal experiences of MOOCs usage. To date, hedonic/utilitarian concepts are more commonly adopted as organisms in prior studies based on the S-O-R model, whereas psychological constructs have received lesser attention. Hence, this study enriches the S-O-R model into an invaluable context.
Trust networks, compassionate helping and employee performance
Authors: Kim Jeeyoung , Chung Myung-Ho
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although extant research on trust focuses on the dyadic relationship (trustor-trustee), the effectiveness of an employee's outcome may vary depending on the features of trust networks. This study examined how an employee's centrality in two types of trust networks (cognitive and affective) among coworkers is associated with employee job performance. Further, this study highlighted the mediating role of compassionate help in the effect of affective trust networks on individual performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 204 employees and 39 team leaders in South Korea. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicated that cognitive trust centrality is positively associated with employee job performance, but affective trust centrality is not. However, an affective trust centrality indirectly increases individual performance via compassionate helping from coworkers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of trust networks and compassionate helping and expands both trust literature and HQR research.
Noise measurement and system calibration on magnetoresistive sensors
Authors: Dou Aiyu , Bai Ru , Zhu Huachen , Qian Zhenghong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The noise measurement on magnetoresistive (MR) sensors is generally conducted by techniques including single-channel data sampling and fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis as well as two-channel cross-correlation. The single-channel method is easy to implement and is widely used in the noise measurement on MR sensors, whereas the two-channel method can only eliminate part of the system noise. This study aims to address two key issues affecting measurement accuracy: calibration of the measurement system and the elimination of system noise.

Design/methodology/approach

The system is calibrated by using a low-noise metal film resistor in that the system noise is eliminated through power spectrum subtraction. Noise measurement and analysis are conducted for both thermal noise and detectivity of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor.

Findings

The thermal noise measurement error is less than 2%. The detectivity of the MTJ sensor reaches 27 pT/Hz1/2 at 2 kHz.

Originality/value

This study provides a more practical solution for noise measurement and system calibration on MR sensors with a bias voltage and magnetic field.
Experimental evolution of dispersal: Unifying theory, experiments and natural systems
Authors: Lustenhouwer Nicky , Moerman Felix , Altermatt Florian , Bassar Ronald D. , Bocedi Greta , Bonte Dries , Dey Sutirth , Fronhofer Emanuel A. , da Rocha Érika Garcez , Giometto Andrea , Lancaster Lesley T. , Prather Robert B. , Saastamoinen Marjo , Travis Justin M. J. , Urquhart Carla A. , Weiss‐Lehman Christopher , Williams Jennifer L. , Börger Luca , Berger David
Published: April 2023

Dispersal is a central life history trait that affects the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations and communities. The recent use of experimental evolution for the study of dispersal is a promising avenue for demonstrating valuable proofs of concept, bringing insight into alternative dispersal strategies and trade‐offs, and testing the repeatability of evolutionary outcomes.

Practical constraints restrict experimental evolution studies of dispersal to a set of typically small, short‐lived organisms reared in artificial laboratory conditions. Here, we argue that despite these restrictions, inferences from these studies can reinforce links between theoretical predictions and empirical observations and advance our understanding of the eco‐evolutionary consequences of dispersal.

We illustrate how applying an integrative framework of theory, experimental evolution and natural systems can improve our understanding of dispersal evolution under more complex and realistic biological scenarios, such as the role of biotic interactions and complex dispersal syndromes.
Dynamic Changes in the Association Between Education and Health in the United States
Authors: HAYWARD MARK D. , FARINA MATEO P.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

We reviewed some of the recent advances in education and health, arguing that attention to social contextual factors and the dynamics of social and institutional change provide critical insights into the ways in which the association is embedded in institutional contexts.

Based on our findings, we believe incorporating this perspective is fundamentally important to ameliorate current negative trends and inequality in Americans’ health and longevity.
Challenges, Successes, and the Future of Firearm Injury Prevention
Authors: ROCHE JESSICA S. , CARTER PATRICK M. , ZEOLI APRIL M. , CUNNINGHAM REBECCA M. , ZIMMERMAN MARC A.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Firearm injury is a leading cause of death in the United States, with fatality rates increasing 34.9% over the past decade (2010‐2020).

Firearm injury is preventable through multifaceted evidence‐based approaches.

Reviewing past challenges and successes in the field of firearm injury prevention can highlight the future directions needed in the field.

Adequate funding, rigorous and comprehensive data availability and access, larger pools of diverse and scientifically trained researchers and practitioners, robust evidence‐based programming and policy implementation, and a reduction in stigma, polarization, and politicization of the science are all needed to move the field forward.
Child Poverty and Health: The Role of Income Support Policies
Authors: PILKAUSKAS NATASHA V.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Child poverty is associated with both short‐ and long‐term health and well‐being, and income support policies can be used to improve child health.

This article reviews the types of income support policies used in the United States and the evidence of the effectiveness of these policies in improving child health, highlighting areas for future research and policy considerations specific to income support policies.
Improving Older Adults’ Health by Reducing Administrative Burden
Authors: HERD PAMELA
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Administrative burdens, which are the onerous experiences people have when trying to access government benefits and services, reduce older adult's access to health promoting policies.

Although considerable attention has been focused on threats to the old‐age welfare state, ranging from long‐term financing problems to attempts to roll back benefits, administrative barriers to these programs already threaten their effectiveness.

Reducing administrative burden is a viable way to improve population health among older adults going forward over the next decade.
Racism and Health: Three Core Principles
Authors: MICHENER JAMILA , FORD TIFFANY N.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Racism operates in conjunction with interlocking forms of oppression, so it must be addressed relationally.

Racism catalyzes processes of cumulative disadvantage as it extends across multiple policy domains along the life course, so it necessitates multifaceted policy solutions.

Racism is a function of power relations, so the redistribution of power is a necessary precursor to health equity.
Mechanisms of lipid oxidation in water‐in‐oil emulsions and oxidomics‐guided discovery of targeted protective approaches
Authors: Bao Yifan , Pignitter Marc
Published: April 2023

Lipid oxidation is an inevitable event during the processing, storage, and even consumption of lipid‐containing food, which may cause adverse effects on both food quality and human health. Water‐in‐oil (W/O) food emulsions contain a high content of lipids and small water droplets, which renders them vulnerable to lipid oxidation. The present review provides comprehensive insights into the lipid oxidation of W/O food emulsions. The key influential factors of lipid oxidation in W/O food emulsions are presented systematically. To better interpret the specific mechanisms of lipid oxidation in W/O food emulsions, a comprehensive detection method, oxidative lipidomics (oxidomics), is proposed to identify novel markers, which not only tracks the chemical molecules but also considers the changes in supramolecular properties, sensory properties, and nutritional value. The microstructure of emulsions, components from both phases, emulsifiers, pH, temperature, and light should be taken into account to identify specific oxidation markers. A correlation of these novel oxidation markers with the shelf life, the organoleptic properties, and the nutritional value of W/O food emulsions should be applied to develop targeted protective approaches for limiting lipid oxidation. Accordingly, the processing parameters, the application of antioxidants and emulsifiers, as well as packing and storage conditions can be optimized to develop W/O emulsions with improved oxidative stability. This review may help in emphasizing the future research priorities of investigating the mechanisms of lipid oxidation in W/O emulsion by oxidomics, leading to practical solutions for the food industry to prevent oxidative rancidity in W/O food emulsions.
The War in Ukraine, Food Security and the Role for Europe
Authors: Chepeliev Maksym , Maliszewska Maryla , Pereira Maria Filipa Seara e
Published: April 2023

Food‐security implications of the war in Ukraine are exacerbated by adverse weather events, spillover effects from the distortion of energy and fertiliser markets, and domestic policies that countries around the world have implemented in pursuit of food security. Estimates suggest that the cumulative effect of these channels in terms of restricting agricultural and food trade is in the order of over 10 times larger, and their cumulative effect on global food supply is on average three times more substantial than the direct agricultural supply disruptions in Ukraine. The latter, however, disproportionally impacts low‐income countries that are particularly vulnerable to food supply shortages and price increases. In the case of the EU, although overall food availability is not at stake, food affordability for low‐income households is a concern, especially when combined with rising prices of other essential goods, such as energy and transportation. To ensure the resilience of domestic and global food systems, the EU and its Member States should extend a set of already implemented policies, including better‐targeted support for the low‐income households in the region, implementation of trade facilitation measures via international cooperation, and support for agricultural production in the most vulnerable countries, and should also facilitate the restoration of Ukraine's lost agricultural assets.
MARVELD3 inhibits the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and cell migration by suppressing the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in non–small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Shirong , Qi Saiping , Li Yanmeng , Zhang Chunpan , Sun Lan , Liu Chunquan , Wang Haoyan
Published: April 2023

Background

The epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), featured by abatement of cell–cell contact, is related to exacerbating non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by inducing metastasis. MAL and relevant proteins for vesicle trafficking and membrane link domain 3 (MARVELD3) is a novel tight junction protein participated in the EMT. There is limited information available about the mechanism of MARVELD3 in NSCLC. In this trial, the inhibition effect of MARVELD3 on human NSCLC cells will be discussed.

Methods

MARVELD3 expression was measured in NSCLC tissues and para‐carcinoma tissues. The expression of MARVELD3 and EMT‐related genes were examined in transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced NSCLC cells. NSCLC cells with MARVELD3‐knockdown and overexpressed were established to analyze the relationship between MARVELD3 and EMT and cell migration. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway expression was also analyzed in NSCLC cell models and clinic species.

Results

Lower protein levels of MARVELD3 were observed in NSCLC samples than para‐carcinoma specimens, and the decreased expression of MARVELD3 in NSCLC specimens was associated with tumor metastasis. E‐Cadherin and MARVELD3 expression was reduced in TGF‐β1 treated NSCLC cells, whereas increased Vimentin expression was detected. MARVELD3 changed the EMT‐related genes and induced cell migration. In addition, Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and target genes, MYC and CCND1, expressions were inhibited in MARVELD3 overexpressed NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

TGF‐β1 induced EMT in human NSCLC cells can be suppressed by MARVELD3 through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. These results indicate that MARVELD3 might be a potential therapeutic modality useful in the treatment of NSCLC.
Effective alcohol policies are associated with reduced consumption among demographic groups who drink heavily
Authors: Casswell Sally , Huckle Taisia , Parker Karl , Graydon‐Guy Thomas , Leung June , Parry Charles , Torun Perihan , Sengee Gantuya , Pham Cuong , Gray‐Phillip Gaile , Callinan Sarah , Chaiyasong Surasak , MacKintosh Anne Marie , Meier Petra , Randerson Steve
Published: April 2023

Background

Alcohol policies stand out among other noncommunicable disease‐relevant policies for the lack of uptake. Composite indicators have been developed to measure the effects of alcohol control policy. We investigated whether drinking patterns among demographic groups from general population samples of drinkers from diverse countries are associated with alcohol control policy as measured by the International Alcohol Control (IAC) Policy Index.

Methods

Representative samples of adult drinkers from 10 countries (five high‐income and five middle‐income) were surveyed about alcohol consumption, using beverage and location‐specific questions.

Measurements

The IAC Policy Index was analyzed with frequency, typical occasion quantity, and volume consumed. Analyses used mixed models that included interactions between country IAC Policy Index score and age group, gender, and education level.

Findings

Each increase in IAC policy index score (reflecting more effective alcohol policy) was associated with a 13.9% decrease in drinking frequency (p = 0.006) and a 16.5% decrease in volume (p = 0.001). With each increase in IAC Policy Index score, both genders decreased for all three measures, but men less so than women. Women decreased their typical occasion quantity by 1.2% (p = 0.006), frequency by 3.1% (p < 0.001), and total volume by 4.2% (p < 0.001) compared to men. Low and mid‐education groups decreased their typical occasion quantity by 2.6% (p < 0.001) and 1.6% (p = 0.001), respectively, compared to high education, while for drinking frequency the low education group increased by 7.0% (p < 0.001). There was an overall effect of age (F = 19.27, p < 0.0001), with 18–19 and 20–24‐year‐olds showing the largest decreases in typical occasion quantity with increasing IAC policy index score.

Conclusions

The IAC Policy Index, reflecting four effective policies, was associated with volume and frequency of drinking across 10 diverse countries. Each increase in the IAC Policy Index was associated with lower typical quantities consumed among groups reporting heavy drinking: young adults and less well‐educated. There is value in implementing such alcohol policies and a need to accelerate their uptake globally.
Trends in alcohol‐impaired crashes in California, 2016 to 2021: A time series analysis for alcohol involvement and crash distribution among demographic subgroups
Authors: Mehranbod Christina A. , Gobaud Ariana N. , Branas Charles C. , Chen Qixuan , Giovenco Daniel P. , Humphreys David K. , Rundle Andrew G. , Bushover Brady R. , Morrison Christopher N.
Published: April 2023

Background

In 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic and control measures changed alcohol consumption in the United States (US) and globally. Before the pandemic, alcohol‐impaired crashes contributed to approximately one‐third of all road traffic crash injuries and fatalities nationally. We examined the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on crashes and examined differences in alcohol‐involved crashes across various subgroups.

Methods

The University of California Berkeley Transportation Injury Mapping Systems provided information on all crashes reported to the California Highway Patrol from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2021. Using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models applied to weekly time series data, we estimated the effect of California's first mandatory statewide shelter‐in‐place order (March 19, 2020) on crashes per 100,000 population. We also examined crash subgroups according to crash severity, sex, race/ethnicity, age, and alcohol involvement.

Results

In California, the mean crash rate per week before the pandemic (January 1, 2016–March 18, 2020) was 9.5 crashes per 100,000 population, and 10.3% of those were alcohol‐involved. After the initiation of the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home order, the percentage of crashes that were alcohol‐involved rose to 12.7%. Overall, the crash rate across California decreased significantly (−4.6 crashes per 100,000; 95% CI: −5.3, −3.9), including across all examined subgroups, with the greatest decrease among the least severe crashes. However, there was a 2.3% absolute increase in the proportion of crashes that were alcohol‐involved (0.02 crashes per 100,000; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.03).

Conclusions

The initiation of a COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home ordinance in California was associated with a substantial decrease in overall crash rates. While crashes have returned to pre‐pandemic levels, alcohol‐involved crashes remain elevated. The initiation of the stay‐at‐home order significantly increased alcohol‐impaired driving, which has remained elevated.