bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The BCM rule allows a spinal cord model to learn rhythmic movements
Authors: Kohler Matthias , Stratmann Philipp , Röhrbein Florian , Knoll Alois , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Jörntell Henrik
Published: November 2021

Animal locomotion is hypothesized to be controlled by a central pattern generator in the spinal cord. Experiments and models show that rhythm generating neurons and genetically determined network properties could sustain oscillatory output activity suitable for locomotion. However, current CPG models do not explain how a spinal cord circuitry, which has the same basic genetic plan across species, can adapt to control the different biomechanical properties and locomotion patterns existing in these species. Here we demonstrate that rhythmic and alternating movements in pendulum models can be learned by a monolayer spinal cord circuitry model using the BCM learning rule, which has been previously proposed to explain learning in the visual cortex. These results provide an alternative theory to CPG models, because rhythm generating neurons and genetically defined connectivity are not required in our model.

Author summary

The central pattern generator is the leading hypothesis of locomotor control in animals. There, rhythm generating neurons and genetically defined neural connectivity would form a circuit generating activity patterns suitable for locomotion. We provide a new hypothesis of locomotor control, where rhythmic patterns are learned by a Hebbian learning rule from a mechanical system that has an intrinsic tendency to oscillate.
Graded sensitivity to structure and meaning throughout the human language network
Authors: Shain Cory , Kean Hope , Casto Colton , Lipkin Benjamin , Affourtit Josef , Siegelman Matthew , Mollica Francis , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: November 2021

Human language has a remarkable capacity to encode complex ideas. This capacity arises because language iscompositional: the form and arrangement of words in sentences (structure) determine the conceptual relations that hold between the words’ referents (meaning). A foundational question in human cognition is whether the brain regions that support language are similarly factored into structure-selective and meaning-selective areas. In an influential study, Pallier et al. (2011, PNAS) used fMRI to investigate the brain response to sequences of real words and pseudowords and reported a sharp dissociation between structure-selective and meaning-selective brain regions. In the present study, we argue that no such dissociation emerges when individual differences in brain anatomy are considered. We report three experiments (including a close conceptual replication of Pallier et al.’s original study) that use precision fMRI methods to capture separation or overlap of function in the brains of individual participants. Our results replicate Pallier et al.’s finding that the brain’s response is modulated by the sequential structure of language but paint a different picture with respect to the structure-meaning relationship. Instead of distinct structure-selective and meaning-selective brain areas, we find distributed sensitivity to both linguistic structure and meaning throughout a broad frontotemporal brain network. Our results join a growing body of evidence for an integrated network for language in the human brain within which internal specialization is primarily a matter of degree rather than kind, in contrast with influential proposals that advocate distinct specialization of different brain areas for different types of linguistic functions.

Significance Statement

Using fMRI, we show that a broad network of frontal and temporal areas in the left hemisphere of the human brain is sensitive to both the structure of language and the meaning that it encodes. This finding challenges many current theories of the neurobiology of language, which propose a sharp separation between areas that encode structure and areas that encode meaning. Instead, results support a broad distribution of word- and sentence-level processing across an integrated brain network for language.

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Molecular basis of unidirectional information transmission in two-component systems: lessons from the DesK-DesR thermosensor
Authors: Lima Sofia , Blanco Juan , Olivieri Federico , Imelio Juan Andres , Carrion Federico , Alvarez Beatriz , Buschiazzo Alejandro , Marti Marcelo , Trajtenberg Felipe
Published: November 2021

Cellular signaling systems transmit information over long distances using allosteric transitions and/or post-translational modifications. In two-component systems the sensor histidine kinase and response regulator are wired through phosphoryl-transfer reactions, using either a uni- or bi-directional transmission mode, allowing to build rich regulatory networks. Using the thermosensor DesK-DesR two-component system from Bacillus subtilis and combining crystal structures, QM/MM calculations and integrative kinetic modeling, we uncover that: i) longer or shorter distances between the phosphoryl-acceptor and -donor residues can shift the phosphoryl-transfer equilibrium; ii) the phosphorylation-dependent dimerization of the regulator acts as a sequestering mechanism by preventing the interaction with the histidine kinase; and iii) the kinase's intrinsic conformational equilibrium makes the phosphotransferase state unlikely in the absence of histidine phosphorylation, minimizing backwards transmission. These mechanisms allow the system to control the direction of signal transmission in a very efficient way, showcasing the key role that structure-encoded allostery plays in signaling proteins to store and transmit information.
Scaling between DNA and cell size governs bacterial growth homeostasis and resource allocation
Authors: Li Boyan , Zhang Songyuan , Zhang Le , Qiao Xiaoying , Shi Yiqiang , Li Cheng , Ouyang Qi , Wei Ping , Qian Long
Published: November 2021

Bacteria maintain a stable cell size and a certain DNA content through proliferation as described by classic growth laws. How cells behave when this inherent scaling is broken, however, has rarely been interrogated. Here we engineered Escherichia coli cells with extremely low DNA contents using a tunable synthetic tool CRISPRori that temporarily inhibited chromosome replication initiation. A detailed mechanistic model coupling DNA replication, cell growth, and division revealed a fundamental DNA-centric growth law, which was validated by two observations. First, lineage dynamics were robust to large CRISPRori perturbations with division cycles rapidly restoring through a timer mechanism rather than the adder rule. Second, cellular growth transitioned into a linear regime at low DNA-cytoplasm ratios. Experiments and theory showed that in this regime, cellular resource was redirected to plasmid-borne gene expression. Together with the ability of CRISPRori to bi-directionally modulate plasmid copy numbers, these findings suggest a novel strategy for bio-production enhancement.
Rapid and efficient generation of antigen-specific isogenic T cells from cryopreserved blood samples
Authors: Eerkens AL , Vledder A , van Rooij N , Foijer F , Nijman HW , de Bruyn M
Published: November 2021

Objectives

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing has been leveraged for the modification of human and mouse T cells. However, limited experience is available on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 electroporation in cryopreserved T cells collected during e.g. clinical trials.

Methods

PBMCs from healthy donors were used to generate knockout T cell models for interferon-γ (IFNγ), Cbl Proto-Oncogene B (CBLB), Fas cell surface death receptor (Fas) and T cell receptor (TCRαβb) genes. The effect of CRISPR-cas9-mediated gene editing on T cells was evaluated using apoptosis assays, cytokine bead arrays and ex vivo and in vitro stimulation assays.

Results

Our results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of ex vivo T cells is efficient and does not overtly affect T cell viability. Cytokine release and T cell proliferation were not affected in gene edited T cells. Interestingly, memory T cells were more susceptible to CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing than naïve T cells. Ex vivo and in vitro stimulation with antigens resulted in equivalent antigen-specific T cell responses in gene-edited and untouched control cells; making CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing compatible with clinical antigen-specific T cell activation and expansion assays.

Conclusion

Here, we report an optimized protocol for rapid, viable and highly efficient genetic modification in ex vivo human antigen specific T cells, for subsequent functional evaluation and/or expansion. Our platform extends CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing for use in gold-standard clinically-used immune-monitoring pipelines and serves as a starting point for development of analogous approaches such as those including transcriptional activators and or epigenetic modifiers.
An end-to-end workflow for multiplexed image processing and analysis
Authors: Windhager Jonas , Bodenmiller Bernd , Eling Nils
Published: November 2021

Simultaneous profiling of the spatial distributions of multiple biological molecules at single-cell resolution has recently been enabled by the development of highly multiplexed imaging technologies. Extracting and analyzing biologically relevant information contained in complex imaging data requires the use of a diverse set of computational tools and algorithms. Here, we report the development of a user-friendly, customizable, and interoperable workflow for processing and analyzing data generated by highly multiplexed imaging technologies. The steinbock framework supports image pre-processing, segmentation, feature extraction, and standardized data export. Each step is performed in a reproducible fashion. The imcRtools R/Bioconductor package forms the bridge between image processing and single-cell analysis by directly importing data generated by steinbock. The package further supports spatial data analysis and integrates with tools developed within the Bio-conductor project. Together, the tools described in this workflow facilitate analyses of multiplexed imaging raw data at the single-cell and spatial level.
Cortical wiring by synapse-specific control of local protein synthesis
Authors: Bernard Clémence , Exposito-Alonso David , Selten Martijn , Sanalidou Stella , Hanusz-Godoy Alicia , Oozeer Fazal , Maeso Patricia , Rico Beatriz , Marín Oscar
Published: November 2021

Neurons use local protein synthesis as a mechanism to support their morphological complexity, which requires independent control across multiple subcellular compartments including individual synapses. However, to what extent local translation is differentially regulated at the level of specific synaptic connections remains largely unknown. Here, we identify a signaling pathway that regulates the local synthesis of proteins required for the formation of excitatory synapses on parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons in the mouse cerebral cortex. This process involves the regulation of the mTORC1 inhibitor Tsc2 by the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4, which enables the local control of mRNA translation in a cell type-specific and synapse-specific manner. Ribosome-associated mRNA profiling reveals a molecular program of synaptic proteins that regulates the formation of excitatory inputs on PV+ interneurons downstream of ErbB4 signaling. Our work demonstrates that local protein translation is regulated at the level of specific connections to control synapse formation in the nervous system.
Identification and Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNA in Tomato Roots under Salt Stress
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Zhongyu , Wang Baike , Wang Juan , Xu Ruiqiang , Yang Tao , Huang Shaoyong , Yu Qinghui , Wang Huan , Gao Jie
Published: November 2021

As one of the most important vegetable crops in the world, the production of tomatoes was restricted by salt stress. Therefore, it is of great interest to analyze the salt stress tolerance genes. As the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) lack the ability of protein-coding, but they can play crucial roles in plant development and response to abiotic stresses by regulating gene expression. Nevertheless, there are few studies on the roles of salt-induced lncRNAs in tomatoes. Therefore, we selected wild tomato Solanum pennellii (S. pennellii) and cultivated tomato M82 to be materials. By high-throughput sequencing, 1044 putative lncRNAs were identified here. Among them, 154 and 137 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in M82 and S. pennellii, respectively. Through functional analysis of target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), some genes were found to respond positively to salt stress by participating in Abscisic Acid (ABA) signaling pathway, brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, ethylene (ETH) signaling pathway and anti-oxidation process. We also construct a salt-induced lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network to dissect the putative mechanisms of high salt tolerance in S. pennellii. We analyze the function of salt-induced lncRNAs in tomato roots at the genome-wide levels for the first time. These results will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in tomatoes from the perspective of lncRNAs.
Phage-encoded sigma factors alter bacterial dormancy
Authors: Schwartz DA , Lehmkuhl BK , Lennon JT
Published: November 2021

By entering a reversible state of reduced metabolic activity, dormant microorganisms are able to tolerate suboptimal conditions that would otherwise reduce their fitness. Dormancy may also benefit bacteria by serving as a refuge from parasitic infections. Here we focus on dormancy in the Firmicutes, where endospore development is transcriptionally regulated by the expression of sigma factors. A disruption of this process could influence the survivorship and reproduction of phages that infect spore-forming hosts with implications for coevolutionary dynamics. Here, we characterized the distribution and diversity of sigma factors in nearly 3,500 phage genomes. Homologs of sporulation-specific sigma factors were identified in phages that infect spore-forming hosts. Unlike sigma factors required for phage reproduction, the sporulation-like sigma factors were non-essential for lytic infection. However, when expressed in the spore-forming Bacillus subtilis, sigma factors from phages activated the bacterial sporulation gene network and reduced spore yield. Our findings suggest that the acquisition of host-like transcriptional regulators may allow phages to manipulate a complex and ancient trait in one of the most abundant cell types on Earth.
Genome Compartmentalization with Nuclear Landmarks: Random yet Precise
Authors: Kamat Kartik , Qi Yifeng , Wang Yuchuan , Ma Jian , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2021

The three-dimensional (3D) organization of eukaryotic genomes plays an important role in genome function. While significant progress has been made in deciphering the folding mechanisms of individual chromosomes, the principles of the dynamic large-scale spatial arrangement of all chromosomes inside the nucleus are poorly understood. We use polymer simulations to model the diploid human genome compartmentalization relative to nuclear bodies such as nuclear lamina, nucleoli, and speckles. We show that a self-organization process based on a co-phase separation between chromosomes and nuclear bodies can capture various features of genome organization, including the formation of chromosome territories, phase separation of A/B compartments, and the liquid property of nuclear bodies. The simulated 3D structures quantitatively reproduce both sequencing-based genomic mapping and imaging assays that probe chromatin interaction with nuclear bodies. Importantly, our model captures the heterogeneous distribution of chromosome positioning across cells, while simultaneously producing well-defined distances between active chromatin and nuclear speckles. Such heterogeneity and preciseness of genome organization can coexist due to the non-specificity of phase separation and the slow chromosome dynamics. Together, our work reveals that the co-phase separation provides a robust mechanism for encoding functionally important 3D contacts without requiring thermodynamic equilibration that can be difficult to achieve.
Experimental and Biophysical Modeling of Transcription and Translation Dynamics in Bacterial- and Mammalian-based Cell-Free Expression Systems
Authors: Zhao Yuwen , Wang Shue
Published: November 2021

Cell-free expression (CFE) systems have been used extensively in system and synthetic biology as a promising platform for manufacturing proteins and chemicals. Currently, the most widely used CFE system is in vitro protein transcription and translation platform. As the rapidly increased applications and uses, it is crucial to have a standard biophysical model for quantitative studies of gene circuits, which will provide a fundamental understanding of basic working mechanisms of CFE systems. Current modeling approaches mainly focus on the characterization of E. coli-based CFE systems, a computational model that can be utilized to both bacterial- and mammalianbased CFE has not been investigated. Here, we developed a simple ODE (ordinary differential equation)-based biophysical model to simulate transcription and translation dynamics for both bacterial- and mammalian-based CFE systems. The key parameters were estimated and adjusted based on experimental results. We next tested four gene circuits to characterize kinetic dynamics of transcription and translation in E. coli- and HeLa-based CFE systems. The real-time transcription and translation were monitored using Broccoli aptamer, double stranded locked nucleic acid (dsLNA) probe and fluorescent protein. We demonstrated the difference of kinetic dynamics for transcription and translation in both systems, which will provide valuable information for quantitative genomic and proteomic studies. This simple biophysical model and the experimental data for both E. coli- and HeLa-based CFE will be useful for researchers that are interested in genetic engineering and CFE bio-manufacturing.
Key Factors Governing Initial Stages of Lipid Droplet Formation
Authors: Kim Siyoung , Li Chenghan , Farese Robert V. , Walther Tobias C. , Voth Gregory A.
Published: November 2021

Lipid droplets (LDs) are neutral lipid storage organelles surrounded by a phospholipid (PL) monolayer. LD biogenesis from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is driven by phase separation of neutral lipids, overcoming surface tension and membrane deformation. However, the core biophysics of the initial steps of LD formation remain relatively poorly understood. Here, we use a tunable, phenomenological coarse-grained (CG) model to study triacylglycerol (TG) nucleation in a bilayer membrane. We show that PL rigidity has a strong influence on TG lensing and membrane remodeling: When membrane rigidity increases, TG clusters remain more planar with high anisotropy but a minor degree of phase nucleation. This finding is confirmed by free energy sampling simulations that calculate the potential of mean force (PMF) as a function of the degree of nucleation and anisotropy. We also show that asymmetric tension, controlled by the number of PLs on each membrane leaflet, determines the budding direction. A TG lens buds in the direction of the monolayer containing excess PLs to allow for better PL coverage of TG, consistent with reported experiments. Finally, two governing mechanisms of the LD growth, Ostwald ripening and merging, are observed. Taken together, this study characterizes the interplay between two thermodynamic quantities during the initial LD phases, the TG bulk free energy and membrane remodeling energy.
Optogenetic induction of appetitive and aversive taste memories in Drosophila
Authors: Jelen Meghan , Musso Pierre-Yves , Junca Pierre , Gordon Michael D.
Published: November 2021

Tastes are typically thought to evoke innate appetitive or aversive behaviours, prompting food acceptance or rejection. However, research in Drosophila melanogaster indicates that taste responses can be modified through experience-dependent changes in mushroom body circuits. In this study, we develop a novel taste learning paradigm using closed-loop optogenetics. We find that appetitive and aversive taste memories can be formed by pairing gustatory stimuli with optogenetic activation of sensory or dopaminergic neurons associated with reward or punishment. As with olfactory memories, distinct dopaminergic subpopulations drive the parallel formation of short- and long-term appetitive memories. Long-term memories are protein synthesis-dependent and have energetic requirements that are satisfied by a variety of caloric food sources or by direct stimulation of MB-MP1 dopaminergic neurons. Our paradigm affords new opportunities to probe plasticity mechanisms within the taste system and understand the extent to which taste responses depend on experience.
Biosorption potential and molecular characterization of metal resistant autochthonous microbes from tannery solid waste
Authors: Younas Hajira , Nazir Aisha , Latif Zakia , Thies Janice E. , Shafiq Muhammad , Firdaus-e-Bareen
Published: November 2021

This study encompasses isolation and screening of heavy metal-resistant fungal and bacterial strains from tannery solid waste (TSW). Twelve fungal strains and twenty-five bacterial strains were isolated from TSW. The growth of fungal strains was observed against different heavy metals ranging from 10 mg L-1 to 1050 mg L-1 and the growth of bacteria was observed in metal concentrations ranging from 10 mg L-1 to 1200 mg L-1. Five multi-metal resistant fungal isolates belonging to the genus Trichoderma and ten bacterial isolates belonging to the genus Bacillus showed good metal resistance and biosorption potential. They were identified through molecular techniques, fungi based on ITS region ribotyping, and bacteria based on 16S rRNA ribotyping. The fungal strains were characterized as T. hamatum (TSWF-06), T. harzianum (TSWF-11), T. lixii (TSWF-02) and T. pseudokoningii (TSWF-03, TSWF-10). The bacterial strains were characterized as Bacillus xiamenensis (TSW-02), B. velezensis (TSW-05), B. piscis (TSW-06), B. safensis (TSW-10), B. subtilis (TSW-14, TSW-15, TSW-17) B. licheniformis (TSW-19), B. cereus (TSW-20) and B. thuringiensis (TSW-22). The fungal strains namely, T. pseudokoningii (TSWF-03) and T. harzianum proved to be two multi-metal resistant strains with good biosorption efficiency. Unlike fungi, bacterial strains showed metal specific resistance. The strains Bacillus xiamenensis, B. subtilis (TSW-14) and B. subtilis (TSW-15) showed good biosorption efficiency against Cr, B. safensis against Cu, B. piscis and B. subtilis (TSW-17) against Pb and B. licheniformis and B. thuringiensis against Zn. The autochthonous fungal and bacterial strains can therefore be employed to clean metal contaminated environments.
Does globalisation have an impact on dual banking system productivity in selected Southeast Asian banking industry?
Authors: W Jubilee Ribed Vianneca , Kamarudin Fakarudin , Abdul Latiff Ahmed Razman , Iqbal Hussain Hafezali , Mohamad Anwar Nazratul Aina
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Globalisation has influenced many countries, over the last few decades with financial globalisation and liberalisation bringing regulatory reforms in the banking sector. Thus, this study aims to fill a gap in the literature by examining the influence of globalisation on Islamic and conventional bank productivity in Southeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 155 banks (23 Islamic and 132 conventional) from 4 countries from 2008 to 2017. Panel data techniques will be used, together with data envelopment analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist productivity index (MPI), to investigate the impact of chosen main determinants on bank productivity. A panel regression analysis will be performed after generating the productivity index from the DEA-based MPI frontier.

Findings

According to the findings, Islamic banks are statistically significantly more productive than conventional banks, and the findings of the t-test are corroborated by the findings of nonparametric tests. Furthermore, the findings of the panel regression model reveal that bank specific factors and macroeconomic variables are significant determinants to bank productivity. Surprisingly, the findings also show that the influence of social globalisation elements tends to be negatively related to conventional bank productivity.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by bridging the globalisation gap in the productivity of the dual banking industry, particularly in the specific context of Southeast Asia, given that the area is representative of Islamic and finance globally.
The more envious the consumer, the more impulsive? The moderating role of self-monitoring and product type
Authors: Cui Jinsheng , Zhang Mengwei , Yin Chaonan , Li Li , Zhong Jianan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aimed to explore the influence of envy on impulsive consumption from aspects of the internal psychological mechanism and boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social comparison theory, four studies were conducted in this research: The first study explored the effect of envy on impulsive consumption; the second study explored the moderating effect of self-monitoring and the mediating effect of materialism; the third study explored the moderating effect of product type and the fourth study explored the effectiveness of social comparison contexts on the arousal of envy.

Findings

Study 1 showed that envy could significantly trigger consumers' impulsive consumption. Study 2 indicated that participants experiencing self-monitoring had a higher level of materialism and a stronger propensity to consume impulsively once the emotion of envy emerged. Study 3 suggested that when participants were more envious, their levels of materialism increased with more impulsivity to buy material products. Study 4 revealed that upward comparisons led to a higher level of envy and re-validated the mediating role of materialism between envy and impulsive consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides evidence for the association between envy and consumer behaviour and clarifies the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between envy and impulsive consumption.

Practical implications

Marketers could take advantage of consumers' envy after social comparisons without damaging brand image.

Originality/value

First, this study extended the effects of envy on consumer decisions, suggesting that envy stimulates impulsive consumption by increasing consumers' materialism. Second, this study revealed the boundary condition of product type, namely, material and experiential.
Workplace incivility and bystanders’ helping intentions
Authors: Jungert Tomas , Holm Kristoffer
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Using observational and experimental designs, the purpose of this study was to explore if the power relation between the offender and the victim of incivility and the level of perceived severity of the incivility were associated with bystanders’ intentions to help when witnessing workplace incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, 160 participants completed a questionnaire where they described a recent uncivil incident they had witnessed, and completed measures of perceived severity and measures of their behavioural response as bystanders. In Study 2, 183 participants were randomised to read one of two vignettes (a manager being uncivil towards a subordinate or vice versa), and completed measures of perceived severity and of their motivation to intervene. The authors investigated whether the power relation between perpetrator and victim, and the perceived severity of the uncivil exchange, were associated with prosocial bystander behaviours in Study 1 and with motivation to defend the victim of incivility in Study 2.

Findings

Higher perpetrator power was significantly associated with the incident being perceived as more severe, and higher perpetrator power was directly related to greater tendency to confront, and lower tendency to avoid, the perpetrator. Perpetrator power was indirectly associated with social support according to the perceived severity. A supervisor acting in an uncivil manner was rated as more severe than a subordinate acting in such a way. Perceived severity mediated the relationship between perpetrator power and the witness’s introjected, identified and intrinsic motivation to intervene.

Originality/value

This study extends previous work by investigating how the perpetrator’s power influences both the bystander’s prosocial behaviour and their motivation to defend the victim. Furthermore, previous research has not considered how perceptions of severity might mediate the relationship between power, behaviour and motivation.
On the development of pedagogical content knowledge through lesson study
Authors: Wood Keith
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The objective of this editorial is to focus the author’s attention on the nature of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and its development through Lesson Study.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussion in the editorial draws on papers in this issue, synthesized through the lens of PCK and supported by evidence from relevant literature.

Findings

Teachers' engagement in lesson and learning study action research has the potential to develop their PCK in two ways: they gain insights into the ways their students experience objects of learning with reference to their own content knowledge, and they gain insights into the ways students should become able to experience objects of learning in more powerful ways identified by the teachers. The papers in the current issue elaborate on the contextual development of PCK from multiple perspectives: STEM teaching, cross-cultural lesson study, inclusive education and cultural competence through bansho.

Originality/value

The studies presented in this issue allow the readers to see PCK through different lenses.
The “disease” of violence against health-care workers is a wicked problem. Managing and preventing violence in health-care
Authors: Jacob Alycia , McCann Damhnat , Buykx Penny , Thomas Brodie , Spelten Evelien , Schultz Rebecca , Kinsman Leigh , Jacob Elisabeth
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the complexity of understanding and managing violent behaviour in health care. The authors will show how different perceptions of the reasons for violent behaviour, and linkages between violent behaviour and illness have contributed to the creation of a wicked problem and added significant complexity to the management of violence towards staff within health-care settings. This paper will conclude with a call for strong multi-disciplinary action to address this ongoing issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review was undertaken to explore the ways that violence has been perceived in health care and the ways in which the concept of violence has moved from being seen as a criminal issue to being within the realms of disease. This paper will show the importance of understanding who is perpetrating violence in health care, why and in what settings. It will expound on the idea that considering violence as a consequence of disease necessarily adds a layer of complexity to both individual and organisational responses to violence towards health-care staff.

Findings

Understanding the complexity in preventing and managing violence against health-care staff can assist policymakers and managers to develop multi-faceted approaches to violence prevention, including better recognition and understanding of perpetrators of violence.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective on thinking about violence in health care and the implications of its complexity.
An expectation-performance gap between money laundering reporting officers and their directors – evidence from Germany
Authors: Haffke Lars
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) carry out day-to-day anti-money laundering (AML) tasks while directors ultimately remain responsible for AML compliance. Therefore, directors’ expectations of what their MLROs do should ideally coincide with what their actual tasks to minimise liability risk. This paper aims to test for gaps between MLROs and their directors in terms of knowledge, expectations and performance of AML tasks. Likewise, it is researched whether MLROs and directors communicate well with regard to MLROs’ tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first develops a model for analysing the dyadic relationship between MLROs and their directors, based on the audit expectation-performance gap. Second, a paired electronic survey of MLROs and directors of German companies was conducted in autumn 2020, testing for participants’ knowledge, expectations and performance of possible AML tasks (n = 136 pairs).

Findings

While there is no knowledge or performance gap among MLROs and directors, expectations among them are partially unreasonable and their communication needs to be improved. Additionally, this study suggests that MLROs of German non-financial businesses are less knowledgeable, perform AML duties more poorly, and communicate less effectively with their directors.

Practical implications

Training of MLROs and communication with their directors need to be improved. Especially in the non-financial sector, action is urgently required.

Originality/value

This paper reports the results of the first paired survey of MLROs and their directors, offering unique insights into their relationship and the status of private AML efforts.
Animal orthosis fabrication with additive manufacturing – a case study of custom orthosis for chicken
Authors: Wojnarowska Wiktoria Maria , Najowicz Jakub , Piecuch Tomasz , Sochacki Michał , Pijanka Dawid , Trybulec Jolanta , Miechowicz Sławomir
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Chicken orthoses that cover the ankle joint area are not commercially available. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to fabricate a customised temporary Ankle–Foot Orthosis (AFO) for a chicken with a twisted ankle using computer-aided design (CAD) and three-dimensional (3D) printing. The secondary objective of the paper is to present the specific application of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in veterinary medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

The design process was based on multiple sketches, photos and measurements that were provided by the owner of the animal. The 3D model of the orthosis was made with Autodesk Fusion 360, while the prototype was fabricated using fused deposition modelling (FDM). Evaluation of the AFO was performed using the finite element method.

Findings

The work resulted in a functional 3D printed AFO for chicken. It was found that the orthosis made with AM provides satisfactory stiffen and a good fit. It was concluded that AM is suitable for custom bird AFO fabrication and, in some respects, is superior to traditional manufacturing methods. It was also concluded that the presented procedure can be applied in other veterinary cases and to other animal species and other parts of their body. AM provides veterinary with a powerful tool for the production of well-fitted and durable orthoses for animals.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not include the chicken's opinion on the comfort or fit of the manufactured AFO due to communication issues. Evaluation of the final prototype was done by the researchers and the animal owner.

Originality/value

No evidence was found in the literature on the use of AM for chicken orthosis, so this study is the first to describe such an application of AM. In addition, the study demonstrates the value of AM in veterinary medicine, especially in the production of devices such as orthoses.
Perceived COVID-19 impacts and travel avoidance: application of protection motivation theory
Authors: Nazneen Shama , Xu Hong , Ud Din Nizam , Karim Rehmat
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic and the travellers’ behaviour towards travel risk is an emerging issue. Nonetheless, the travellers’ perceived COVID-19 impacts, travel risk perception, health and safety perception and travel avoidance concerning protection motivation theory is unnoticed. Following the protection motivation theory, the current study investigates the direct and indirect relationships between perceived COVID-19 impacts and travel avoidance. Moreover, the travellers’ cognitive perceptions of risk may vary with their demographic characteristics; therefore, the present study aims to test the differences in group-specific parameter estimates using a multi-group analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors approached travellers from Tianjin, China using different communication services, including WeChat and email, through a snowball sampling technique. The study used 553 valid questionnaires for analysis.

Findings

The results of 553 questionnaires in structural equation modelling (SEM) with AMOS 21 indicated that travellers’ perceived Covid-19 impacts positively correlate with travel avoidance. The study model based on protection motivation theory specifies that travel risk perception and health and safety perception as a cognitive mediating process partially mediated the relationship between perceived COVID-19 impacts and travel avoidance. The findings specified that during COVID-19, travellers assessed the severity of travel risks and adopted preventive measures which influenced their travel behaviour and led to travel avoidance. The multi-group analysis results indicated no difference in perception for gender and education; however, concerning age, the significant nested p-value specifies a difference in perception.

Practical implications

The study offers implications for policymakers and the tourism industry to understand the travellers’ perceptions of travel during the pandemic and ensure health and safety measures to encourage travelling and reviving the tourism industry.

Originality/value

The application of protection motivation theory to analyse the travellers’ perceived COVID-19 impacts and travel avoidance in the presence of travel risk perception and health and safety perceptions as a cognitive mediating process is novel.
The appraisal of surface orbital vibrators with buried geophone array for permanent reservoir monitoring
Authors: Yavuz Sinem , Pevzner Roman , Popik Sofya , Tertyshnikov Konstantin , Wood Todd , Robertson Michelle C. , Correa Julia , Freifeld Barry
Published: November 2021

Time‐lapse seismic is one of the main methods for monitoring changes in reservoir conditions caused by production or injection of fluids. One approach to time‐lapse seismic is through permanent reservoir monitoring, whereby seismic sources and/or receivers are permanently deployed. Permanent reservoir monitoring can offer a more cost‐effective and environmentally friendly solution than traditional campaign‐based surveys that rely on temporarily deployed equipment while facilitating more frequent measurements. At the CO2CRC Otway Project, surface orbital vibrators were coupled to a buried geophone array to form a permanent reservoir monitoring system. These are fixed position seismic sources that provide both P and S waves using induction motor‐driven eccentric masses. After an initial injection of CO2 in February 2016, five months of continuous seismic data were acquired, and reflection imaging was used to assess the system performance. Analysis of the data showed the effects of weather variations on the near‐surface conditions and the sweep signatures of surface orbital vibrators. Data processing flows of the continuous data was adapted from Vibroseis four‐dimensional data processing flows. Ground roll proved a significant challenge to data processing. In addition, variations in the surface wave pattern were linked to major rainfall events. For the appraisal of surface orbital vibrators in imaging, a Vibroseis four‐dimensional monitor survey data with similar geometry was also processed. Surface orbital vibrators are observed to be reliable sources with a potential to provide a repeatable signal, especially if the ground roll should fall outside the target window of interest. To guide future permanent reservoir monitoring applications, a repeatability analysis was performed for the various key data processing steps.
Integrating snake distribution, abundance and expert‐derived behavioural traits predicts snakebite risk
Authors: Martín Gerardo , Erinjery Joseph , Gumbs Rikki , Somaweera Ruchira , Ediriweera Dileepa , Diggle Peter J. , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , de Silva Hithanadura J. , Lalloo David G. , Iwamura Takuya , Murray Kris A.
Published: November 2021

Despite important implications for human health, distribution, abundance and behaviour of most medically relevant snakes remain poorly understood. Such data deficiencies hamper efforts to characterise the causal pathways of snakebite envenoming and to prioritise management options in the areas at greatest risk.

We estimated the spatial patterns of abundance of seven medically relevant snake species from Sri Lanka, a snakebite hotspot, and combined them with indices of species' relative abundance, aggressiveness and envenoming severity obtained from an expert opinion survey, to test whether these fundamental ecological traits could explain spatial patterns of snakebite and envenoming incidence. The spatial intensity of snake occurrence records in relation to independent environmental factors (fundamental niches and land cover) was analysed with point process models. Then, with the estimated patterns of abundance, we tested which species' abundances added together, with and without weightings for aggressiveness, envenoming severity and relative abundance, best correlate with per capita geographic incidence patterns of snakebite and envenoming.

We found that weighting abundance patterns by species' traits increased correlation with incidence. The best performing combination had three species weighted by aggressiveness and abundance, with a correlation of r = 0.47 (p < 0.01) with snakebite incidence. An envenoming severity and relative abundance‐weighted combination of two species was the most strongly associated with envenoming incidence (r = 0.46, p = 0).

Synthesis and applications. We show that snakebite risk is explained by abundance, aggressiveness and envenoming severity of the snake species most frequently involved in envenoming cases. Incorporating causality via ecological information of key snake species is critical for snakebite risk mapping, helping to tailor preventive measures for dominant snake species and deploying the necessary antivenom therapies.
Germany's Federal Election of 2021: Multi‐Crisis Politics and the Consolidation of the Six‐Party System
Authors: Dostal Jörg Michael
Published: November 2021

The German federal election of 2021 reshuffled Germany's party‐political hierarchy, but left the six‐party system intact. For the first time since 2002, the SPD narrowly overtook the CDU/CSU to become the party with the largest vote share. The Greens and the FDP also gained votes while the CDU/CSU and the Left party suffered high losses and the AfD minor losses. Crucially, party system continuity coexists with severe challenges for German policy makers, namely regional and global insecurity, decline in the country's infrastructure and social coherence, as well as the highly divisive management of the Covid crisis. While the electorate still focusses mostly on social protection and economic security, it is unclear whether Germany's political class can deliver on such expectations in a multi‐crisis context. Crucially, technocratic updating at the expense of liberal democracy and constitutional order will worsen rather than improve the current situation.
The role of confounding in the association between pregnancy complications and subsequent preterm birth: a cohort study
Authors: Dunne J , Tessema GA , Pereira G
Published: November 2021

Objective

To estimate the degree of confounding necessary to explain the associations between complications in a first pregnancy and the subsequent risk of preterm birth.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Western Australia.

Population

Women (n = 125 473) who gave birth to their first and second singleton children between 1998 and 2015.

Main outcome measures

Relative risk (RR) of a subsequent preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) with complications of pre‐eclampsia, placental abruption, small‐for‐gestational age and perinatal death (stillbirth and neonatal death within 28 days of birth). We derived e‐values to determine the minimum strength of association for an unmeasured confounding factor to explain away an observed association.

Results

Complications in a first pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of a subsequent preterm birth. Relative risks were significantly higher when the complication was recurrent, with the exception of first‐term perinatal death. The association with subsequent preterm birth was strongest when pre‐eclampsia was recurrent. The risk of subsequent preterm birth with pre‐eclampsia was 11.87 (95% CI 9.52–14.79) times higher after a first term birth with pre‐eclampsia, and 64.04 (95% CI 53.58–76.55) times higher after a preterm first birth with pre‐eclampsia, than an uncomplicated term birth. The e‐values were 23.22 and 127.58, respectively.

Conclusions

The strong associations between recurrent pre‐eclampsia, placental abruption and small‐for‐gestational age with preterm birth supports the hypothesis of shared underlying causes that persist from pregnancy to pregnancy. High e‐values suggest that recurrent confounding is unlikely, as any such unmeasured confounding factor would have to be uncharacteristically large.

Tweetable abstract

First pregnancy complications are associated with a higher risk of subsequent preterm birth, with evidence strongest for pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia.
Perishability and market power in Nepalese food crop production
Authors: Kopp Thomas , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: November 2021

This study provides empirical evidence for the relation between perishability in vertically coordinated supply chains and the market power exercised over smallholders in Nepal. Using survey data from small‐scale farms of tomatoes, ginger, high‐yielding variety paddy seeds, and lentils, we demonstrate how varying levels of perishability affect the degree of market power exercised by contractors and in cooperative farming. We show how much value‐added is diverted from farmers, compared to the benchmark set by the least perishable good. Results indicate that more perishable crops are subject to a greater degree of market power. A subsequent scenario analysis reveals that the redistributive effects of market power based on crop perishability are substantial: smallholders’ farm profitability increase by 18% as crop perishability is reduced by 50%. We conclude by discussing policy measures to reduce power imbalances due to crop perishability.