bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University patenting and licensing practices in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Keestra Sarai , Rodgers Florence , Osborne Rhiannon , Wimmer Sabrina
Published: September 2021

Universities play a vital role in biomedical innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and decisions made during technology transfer may affect affordability, accessibility, and availability of health technologies downstream. We investigated the measures the top 35 UK universities receiving most Medical Research Council funding have taken in technology transfer to ensure global equitable access to health technologies. We sent Freedom Of Information (FOI) requests and analysed universities’ websites, to (i.) assess institutional strategies on the patenting and licensing of COVID-19-related health technologies, (ii.) identify all COVID-19-related health technologies licensed or patented, and (iii.) record whether universities engaged with the Open-COVID pledge, COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP), or Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) COVID-19 licensing guidelines. Except for the Universities of Oxford and Edinburgh, UK universities have not updated their institutional strategies during the pandemic. Nine universities licensed 22 COVID-19 health technologies. Imperial College London disclosed 10 patents relevant to COVID-19. No UK universities participate in the Open-COVID Pledge or C-TAP, but discussions are ongoing. The University of Bristol signed up to the AUTM guidelines. Despite several important COVID-19 health technologies being developed by UK universities, our findings suggest minimal engagement with measures that may promote equitable access downstream. We suggest that universities review their technology transfer policies and implement global equitable access strategies for COVID-19 health technologies. We furthermore propose that public and charitable funders can play a larger role in encouraging universities to adopt such practices, by making access and transparency clauses a mandatory condition for receiving public funds for research.
Social relationships and activities following elimination of SARS-CoV-2: a qualitative cross-sectional study
Authors: Long Nicholas J. , Appleton Nayantara Sheoran , Davies Sharyn Graham , Deckert Antje , Fehoko Edmond , Holroyd Eleanor , Martin-Anatias Nelly , Sterling Rogena , Trnka Susanna , Tunufa’i Laumua
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To investigate how successfully SARS-CoV-2 elimination strategies fulfil their promise of allowing a return to a ‘normal’ social life, and to identify obstacles and challenges that may inhibit the realisation of this goal.

Design

Qualitative cross-sectional survey.

Setting

New Zealand community cohort.

Participants

1040 respondents entered the study (18–90 years, M = 48.18.11, SD = 15.52, 76% women). 966 completed the questions relevant to this article. Participants were recruited via online advertisement campaigns designed to maximise variation in the sample as far as practicably possible.

Main outcome measures

Thematic analysis of participants’ narratives.

Results

A majority of participants reported that the elimination of SARS-CoV-2 had allowed their life to go back to being ‘more or less the same’ as before the pandemic. A small number indicated the pandemic had inspired them to become more social following elimination. Nevertheless, a sizeable minority of respondents reported being less social, even many months after SARS-CoV-2 had been eliminated. This was often because of fears that the virus might be circulating undetected, or because the March-May 2020 lockdown had led to changes in relationships and personal habits that were not easily reversed. Becoming less social was associated with having an underlying health condition that heightened one’s vulnerability to COVID-19 (p = 0.00005) and older age (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Elimination strategies can successfully allow the public to return to a pre-pandemic ‘normal’ – or reinvent and improve their social lives should they wish. However, such outcomes are not inevitable. Re-establishing social connections after elimination can sometimes be a challenging process, with which people may need support. Plans for providing such support should be an integral part of elimination strategies.
Self-assembling of three rare structurally various homomultinuclear CuII complexes derived from a bis(salamo)-based multioxime ligand
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Ting , Li Li-Li , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: September 2021

A family of rare structurally different homometal multinuclear CuII bis(salamo)-based complexes, [Cu4(L)2(MeOH)2](ClO4)2·2MeOH (1), [Cu4(L)2(EtOH)2](NO3)2·2EtOH (2) and [Cu2(HL)(EtOH)Br2]·CHCl3 (3), has been successfully synthesized by the reactions of cupric salts with a bis(salamo)-based multidentate chelate ligand (H3
L). The salamo-based ligand [R-CH=N—O—(CH2)
n
—O—N=CH—R] is a new type of salen-based analog. Complexes (1) and (2) are isostructural structures, and crystallize in monoclinic space group P21/n with centrosymmetric spiral structures, where the main structures contain two fully deprotonated ligand (L)3− units, a charged tetranuclear CuII folding center and two coordinated solvent molecules. Complex (3) crystallizes in monoclinic space group Cc and consists of two CuII cations, one incompletely deprotonated ligand (HL)2− unit and one coordinated ethanol molecule, and forms a novel homo-binuclear CuII complex structure due to Br− counter anions. Complexes (1)–(3) have zero-dimensional cluster-based structures and are further assembled into three-dimensional frameworks via intermolecular interactions. Because of the different solvents and counter anions which have a significant influence on the structures of complexes (1)–(3), the interactions were quantitatively evaluated by Hirshfeld surfaces analyses. Complexes (1)–(3) have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV–vis spectra and X-ray crystallography analyses. In addition, fluorescence properties are evaluated and DFT calculations are performed.
Cross-cultural competence and social capital dynamic process in cross-border M&A, a theoretical framework based on a multi-case study
Authors: Gu Zhouyang , Meng Fanchen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In the process of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the social capital of enterprises is dynamic. In this context, cross-cultural competence plays an important role and can affect the transformation process of social capital and further influence the realisation of M&A performance. However, there is still not enough research on the process of social capital transformation and corporate cross-cultural competence. This study aims to explore the influence mechanism of social capital and the cross-cultural competence of enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, four typical manufacturing M&A case studies were analysed and a grounded theoretical analysis process was used to explore the structure of cross-cultural competence and its impact on the dynamic process of social capital.

Findings

The results of this study imply that social capital experiences three stages of transformation in the process of M&A. There are also four dimensions of corporate cross-cultural competence, which are composed of various factors. These all affect the dynamic process of social capital through different influence mechanisms.

Originality/value

According to the results, a mechanism model was composed to determine how corporate cross-cultural ability affects the social capital process. This is of practical significance as it can enhance the performance of M&A integration in a cross-cultural context.
Stagnation point flow of a second-grade hybrid nanofluid induced by a Riga plate
Authors: Khashi'ie Najiyah Safwa , Waini Iskandar , Zokri Syazwani Mohd , Kasim Abdul Rahman Mohd , Arifin Norihan Md , Pop Ioan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to accentuate the behavior of second-grade hybrid Al2O3–Cu nanofluid flow and its thermal characteristics driven by a stretching/shrinking Riga plate.

Design/methodology/approach

The second-grade fluid is considered with the combination of Cu and Al2O3 nanoparticles. Three base fluids namely water, ethylene glycol (EG) and methanol with different Prandtl number are also examined. The formulation of the mathematical model of second-grade hybrid nanofluid complies with the boundary layer approximations. The complexity of the governing model is reduced into a simpler differential equations using the similarity transformation. The bvp4c solver is fully used to solve the reduced equations. The observation of multiple solutions is conducted for the assisting (stretching) and opposing (shrinking) cases.

Findings

The impact of suction parameter, second-grade parameter, electromagnetohydrodynamics (EMHD) parameter, velocity ratio parameter and the volumetric concentration of the alumina and copper nanoparticles are numerically analyzed on the velocity and temperature profiles, skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number (thermal rate) of the second-grade Al2O3–Cu/water. The solution is unique when (static and stretching cases) while dual for a specific range of negative in the presence of suction effect. Based on the appearance of the first solution in all cases of, it is physically showed that the first solution is stable. Further examination reveals that the EMHD and suction parameters are the contributing factors for the thermal enhancement of this non-Newtonian working fluid. Meanwhile, the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid also plays a significant role in the fluid motion and heat transfer rate based on the finding that the EG base fluid produces the maximum heat transfer rate but the lowest critical value and skin friction coefficient.

Originality/value

The results are novel and contribute to the discovery of the hybrid nanoparticles’ performance in the non-Newtonian second-grade fluid. Besides, this study is beneficial to the researchers in this field and general audience from industries regarding the factors, which contributing to the thermal enhancement of the working fluid.
Enhancing the role of tourism governance to improve collaborative participation, responsiveness, representation and inclusion for sustainable community-based tourism: a case study
Authors: Dangi Tek B. , Petrick James F.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore under-addressed issues of collaborative participation, decision-making, representation and inclusion in tourism governance in the twin cities of Bryan-College Station in Texas, USA. The study demonstrated that improved tourism governance has the potential to address underrepresented issues and contribute to sustainable community-based tourism (SCBT) success.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 40 tourism business owners/managers, key persons in cultural/community organizations, tourism associations, government officials and backstage staff (mainly ethnic minorities) to explore key issues relating to governance, collaborative participation and responsiveness relating to tourism development.

Findings

It was found that a collaborative decision-making process existed with significant opportunities for listening to various stakeholders with the majority being happy with how the governing agencies responded to them. However, some expressed concerns regarding participation in decision-making processes, the inclusion of their voices and issues of low job representation. These suggest the need for enhancing collaborative participation, representation and decision-making. Guided by the theory and results of the study, recommendations for more collaborative, responsive and inclusive governance have been suggested.

Originality/value

As one of the few studies exploring the under-addressed issues in tourism governance in SCBT operations, the study is believed to hold significance from the perspectives of sustainable tourism development.
Dry wear behavior of A356-SiCp functionally graded composite in unidirectional and reciprocating contacts
Authors: John Premkumar , Vamadevan Rajam Rajeev , Mattacaud Ramachandralal Rajkumar , Komalangan Krishnakumar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to distinguish the difference in tribological behavior of functionally graded composites in two sliding modes, namely, unidirectional and reciprocating.

Design/methodology/approach

A356-(10 Wt.%)SiCp functionally graded composite material (FGM) was prepared by vertical centrifugal casting and then a comparison was made between the tribological characteristics using pin-on-disk and pin-on-reciprocating plate configurations under identical operating conditions (sliding distance (s): 350 m; load (W): 30 = W = 120 N, in steps of 30 N; and velocity (v): 0.2 = v = 1.2 m/s, in steps of 0.2 m/s). Two types of test pins were considered, namely, a test pin taken from the outer zone of the FGM with maximum particle concentration and a test pin taken from the inner zone of the FGM in a matrix-rich region.

Findings

The study revealed that, for the test pin taken from the outer zone of the FGM in the low-velocity range (0.2–0.4 m/s), the reciprocating wear of the friction pair was dominant, while unidirectional wear was dominant in the velocity range of 0.6–0.8 m/s for the entire load range investigated. However, when the velocity was increased from 1.0 to 1.2 m/s, conflicting nature of dominancy in the wear characteristics of the friction pair was observed, depending on the loading condition. In addition, the inner zone FGM pin underwent seizure in the reciprocating mode, whereas this phenomenon was not seen in the unidirectional mode.

Originality/value

Differences in wear and friction characteristics of FGM friction pairs in two different sliding modes were investigated over a wide range of operating parameters.
Leakage-free optimization of micro herringbone grooved journal bearings with a virtual node method
Authors: Yin Lei , Zheng Xiaolin , Tang Dongxing , Han Yanfeng , Zhao Rui , Chen Yi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop a new method to treat the numerical singularity at the critical nodes of two skew coordinates, and optimize the leakage of micro herringbone grooved journal bearings (MHGJBs) with this method.

Design/methodology/approach

A side leakage numerical algorithm is proposed by using the skew meshes with a virtual node (SMVN) method to evaluate the effects of groove angle, bank/groove ratio, groove depth and groove number on load capacity, friction and side leakage of MHGJB.

Findings

The SMVN method is effective in treating the numerical singularity at the critical nodes of two skew coordinates. Besides, a group of optimized parameters of micro herringbone groove is obtained which can not only minimize the side leakage but also improve the load capacity and friction force.

Originality/value

A virtual node method was proposed, which can significantly improve the calculation accuracy in the side leakage model.
Testing cointegration between workers' remittances and human capital formation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mohamed Aslam Ahamed Lebbe , Sivarajasingham Selliah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the long-run relationship between workers' remittances and human capital formation in Sri Lanka by using the macro-level time series data during the period of 1975–2020.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and Philips–Perron (PP) unit root tests, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds cointegration technique, the Granger causality test, the forecast error variance decomposition technique and impulse response function analysis were employed as the analytical techniques.

Findings

In accordance with the results of unit root tests, the variables used in this study are mixed order. Results of cointegration confirm that workers' remittances in Sri Lanka have both long-run and short-run beneficial relationship with human capital formation. The Granger causality test results indicate that there is a two-way causal relationship between workers' remittances and human capital formation. The results of forecast error variance decomposition expose that innovation of workers' remittances contributes to the forecast error variance in human capital in bell shape. Further, the empirical evidence of impulse response function analysis reveals that a positive standard deviation shock to workers' remittances has an immediate significant positive impact on human capital formation in Sri Lanka for a period of up to ten years.

Practical implications

This research provides insights into the workers' remittances in human capital formation in Sri Lanka. The findings of this study provides evidence that workers' remittances help to produce human capital formation.

Originality/value

By using the ARDL Bounds cointegration and other techniques in Sri Lanka, this study fills an important gap in academic literature.
Review of employment and disability: bibliographic analysis
Authors: Marín-Palacios Cristina , Carrero Márquez Oliver , Lohan Rhona Patricia
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The social and work inclusion of people with disabilities is an important area of public action and research today. Future trends in the economy and lifestyle represent new challenges for the inclusion of disabled people. This paper aims to provide a bibliometric analysis of the growing amount of research publications currently dealing with problems associated with people with disabilities in employment. The papers are analysed to gain a perspective on any changes in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the analysis is conducted using a literature review and bibliometric analysis techniques in particular. The bibliographic source supporting this analysis resulted from a search of Scopus using Disability, Employment and Work as search terms, which yielded 750 publications spanning the previous nine years. VOSviewer was applied to facilitate the analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that up until 2016, the conversation revolved around health and employment, and from 2017 onwards the research has become more focused on the employment of people with disabilities. Socioeconomic factors affecting people with disabilities appear as one of the causes impairing their inclusion, such as the different intellectual disabilities curtailing their employment and education for work.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis limited itself to only one database and open access articles. Therefore, further research is needed with a larger bibliographic base covering other aspects related to the future of disability employment.

Practical implications

This review may serve as a valuable source of information for researchers for further investigations in this area. And to aid in the development of effective policies to address existing social stereotypes.

Originality/value

This research illustrates, through the use of VOSviewer, the present studies in the area of disability and employment and sets the foundations for further research.
A machine learning approach-based power theft detection using GRF optimization
Authors: Prakash A. , Shyam Joseph A. , Shanmugasundaram R. , Ravichandran C.S.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a machine learning approach-based power theft detection using Garra Rufa Fish (GRF) optimization. Here, the analyzing of power theft is an important part to reduce the financial loss and protect the electricity from fraudulent users.

Design/methodology/approach

In this section, a new method is implemented to reduce the power theft in transmission lines and utility grids. The detection of power theft using smart meter with reliable manner can be achieved by the help of GRF algorithm.

Findings

The loss of power due to non-technical loss is small by using this proposed algorithm. It provides some benefits like increased predicting capacity, less complexity, high speed and high reliable output. The result is analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The result is compared with an existing method. According to the comparison result, the proposed method provides the good performance than existing method.

Originality/value

The proposed method gives good results of comparison than those of the other techniques and has an ability to overcome the associated problems.
Plexiglass: how power, policy and politics create a mirage of equitable family engagement
Authors: Porter Lisa , Barko-Alva Katherine , Herrera Socorro Guadalupe
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Power, policy and politics set the landscape for technocratic approaches in the educational system. Efficiency and money-saving initiatives that adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach drive the response to complex and multifaceted challenges within education. This has been made apparent through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. This paper aims to explore one of the most pronounced and gaping realities that became evident during this crisis in how the system dehumanizes those in the margins. By not centralizing the biographies of families served in the schools, particularly culturally and linguistically diverse families, the system has failed to capitalize on the assets and affirm their wisdom.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper juxtaposes the technocratic and humanistic approaches of family engagement and provides alternative narratives rooted in authentic cariño (Bartolomé, 2008; Herreraet al., 2020; Valenzuela, 1999) and radical kinship (Boyle, 2017).

Findings

Currently, the educational system has sought to address complex issues by attending to the structures (i.e. plexiglass) and instructions (i.e. technology) as a way of responding to life-altering events that are in need of humanistic approaches.

Originality/value

The authors ask educators to reflect on the ways that power, policy and politics often stifle opportunities to move outside what is known to transform educational contexts. The authors conclude with critical questions to create new pathways guided by empathy and hope.
Intention to use analytical artificial intelligence (AI) in services – the effect of technology readiness and awareness
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Pérez-Rueda Alfredo , Belanche Daniel , Casaló Luis V.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The automation of services is rapidly growing, led by sectors such as banking and financial investment. The growing number of investments managed by artificial intelligence (AI) suggests that this technology-based service will become increasingly popular. This study examines how customers' technology readiness and service awareness affect their intention to use analytical AI investment services.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested with a data set of 404 North American-based potential customers of robo-advisors. In addition to technology readiness dimensions, the potential customers' characteristics were included in the framework as moderating factors (age, gender and previous experience with financial investment services). A post-hoc analysis examined the roles of service awareness and the financial advisor's name (i.e., robo-advisor vs. AI-advisor).

Findings

The results indicated that customers' technological optimism increases, and insecurity decreases, their intention to use robo-advisors. Surprisingly, feelings of technological discomfort positively influenced robo-advisor adoption. This interesting finding challenges previous insights into technology adoption and value co-creation as analytical AI puts customers into a very passive role and reduces barriers to technology adoption. The research also analyzes how consumers become aware of robo-advisors, and how this influences their acceptance.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze the role of customers' technology readiness in the adoption of analytical AI. The authors link the findings to previous technology adoption and automated services' literature and provide specific managerial implications and avenues for further research.
Effects of doping trace Ni element on interfacial behavior of Sn/Ni (polycrystal/single-crystal) joints
Authors: Wang Jianing , Chen Jieshi , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Peilei , Yu Zhishui , Zhang Shuye
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is the effect of doping minor Ni on the microstructure evolution of a Sn-xNi (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1 wt.%)/Ni (Poly-crystal/Single-crystal abbreviated as PC Ni/SC Ni) solder joint during reflow and aging treatment. Results showed that the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of the interfacial layer of Sn-xNi/PC Ni joints were Ni3Sn4 phase, while the IMCs of Sn-xNi/SC Ni joints were NiSn4 phase. After the reflow process and thermal aging of different joints, the growth behavior of interfacial layer was different due to the different mechanism of element diffusion of the two substrates. The PC Ni substrate mainly provided Ni atoms through grain boundary diffusion. The Ni3Sn4 phase of the Sn0.05Ni/PC Ni joint was finer, and the diffusion flux of Sn and Ni elements increased, so the Ni3Sn4 layer of this joint was the thickest. The SC Ni substrate mainly provided Ni atoms through the lattice diffusion. The Sn0.1Ni/SC Ni joint increases the number of Ni atoms at the interface due to the doping of 0.1Ni (wt.%) elements, so the joint had the thickest NiSn4 layer.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of doping minor Ni on the microstructure evolution of an Sn-xNi (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1 Wt.%)/Ni (Poly-crystal/Single-crystal abbreviated as PC Ni/SC Ni) solder joint during reflow and aging treatment was investigated in this study.

Findings

Results showed that the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) of the interfacial layer of Sn-xNi/PC Ni joints were Ni3Sn4 phase, while the IMCs of Sn-xNi/SC Ni joints were NiSn4 phase. After the reflow process and thermal aging of different joints, the growth behavior of the interfacial layer was different due to the different mechanisms of element diffusion of the two substrates.

Originality/value

In this study, the effect of doping Ni on the growth and formation mechanism of IMCs of the Sn-xNi/Ni (single-crystal) solder joints (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1 Wt.%) was investigated.
Single‐center survey of biologic use for inflammatory skin diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Kado Soichiro , Kamiya Koji , Kishimoto Megumi , Maekawa Takeo , Kuwahara Aya , Sugai Junichi , Komine Mayumi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has affected both daily life and medical care; therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the use of biologics for inflammatory skin diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic in our hospital. The observation period was between 1 January 2020 and 23 February 2021. In this study, we enrolled 227 patients with psoriasis, six patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), 69 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and five patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Bioswitch was performed in 25 patients with psoriasis (11.0%). Biologics were discontinued in 14 patients with psoriasis (6.2%), 10 patients with AD (14.5%), and four patients with HS (80.0%); they were not discontinued in patients with PPP. The introduction of biologics was observed in 27 patients with psoriasis (11.9%), four patients with PPP (66.7%), 33 patients with AD (47.8%), and two patients with HS (40.0%). The use of telephone consultations was observed in four patients with psoriasis and two patients with AD. One patient, who received adalimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, suffered from COVID‐19 and recovered after a mild course. In conclusion, we report our experience regarding the use of biologic drugs for inflammatory skin diseases. The use of biologics seemed safe for use amidst COVID‐19 infection during the observation period; however, further observation on a larger number of patients is required to confirm the risks and benefits of biologic use in the COVID‐19 era.
Only plantar lesion of punctate palmoplantar keratoderma with a novel missense mutation in the AAGAB gene: Two Japanese familial case reports and review of reported mutations
Authors: Hasegawa Akito , Hayashi Ryota , Shimomura Yutaka , Hirashima Masanori , Abe Riichiro
Published: September 2021

Punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type 1 (PPPK1) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hyperkeratotic papules on the palms and soles. In 2012, heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in the AAGAB gene were identified as the cause of this disorder. To date, 51 AAGAB mutations have been reported in families with PPPK1, but clear genotype–phenotype correlations have not been established yet. In this report, we identified four Japanese patients with PPPK1 from two families with an identical novel heterozygous AAGAB mutation. All patients showed hyperkeratotic papules only on the soles. Direct sequencing analysis of the AAGAB gene using peripheral blood‐derived genomic DNA samples revealed that all of the patients carried a heterozygous 1‐bp substitution (c.844G>A, p.Glu282Lys) in exon 9, leading to a missense change. Since all patients with the same missense mutation showed a mild phenotype limited to the soles, there is thought to be a genotype–phenotype correlation regarding this mutation. The c.844G>A mutation is a known single‐nucleotide polymorphism with a minor allele frequency of 0.000012. Because of its mild symptoms, individuals with this mutation can be misdiagnosed with clavus or verruca vulgaris; this suggests that there may be a high incidence of mild symptoms of skin lesions found only on the soles in patients with PPPK1. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this disease when keratotic papules are found on the soles.
Actinomyces capricornis sp. nov., isolated from the oral cavity of a Japanese serow
Authors: Saito Masanori , Shinozaki‐Kuwahara Noriko , Hashizume‐Takizawa Tomomi , Gotouda Hiroya , Senpuku Hidenobu , Kurita‐Ochiai Tomoko
Published: September 2021

A novel Gram‐positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod‐shaped, nonspore forming, nonmotile organism was isolated from a Japanese serow oral cavity. Designated strain MAS‐1T, it is most closely related to Actinomyces bowdenii DSM 15435T, with which it shares 98.07% sequence homology in the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The primarily detected cellular fatty acids in strain MAS‐1T were C16:0 and C18:1w9c. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK‐9 (H4). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositols, and glycophospholipids. The genomic DNA GC content of the isolate was 71.3 mol%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between MAS‐1T and its related species were 23.5%–39.5% and 82.11%–91.01%, respectively, which were below the threshold (70% and 95%, respectively) for species delineation, indicating that strain MAS‐1T represents a novel species. Strain MAS‐1T can be differentiated from A. bowdenii by their reactions to naphthol‐AS‐BI‐phosphohydrolase, α‐galactosidase, β‐galactosidase, and N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase, as well as differing acid production from glycogen. Based on the results of genotypic, phenotypic, and biochemical analyses, herein it is proposed that the identified bacteria can be classified as a novel species, Actinomyces capricornis sp. nov., strain MAS‐1T (=JCM 34236T = DSM 111732T).
Roads and forest edges facilitate yellow fever virus dispersion
Authors: Ribeiro Prist Paula , Reverberi Tambosi Leandro , Filipe Mucci Luís , Pinter Adriano , Pereira de Souza Renato , de Lara Muylaert Renata , Roger Rhodes Jonathan , Henrique Comin César , da Fontoura Costa Luciando , Lang D'Agostini Tatiana , Telles de Deus Juliana , Pavão Mônica , Port‐Carvalho Márcio , Del Castillo Saad Leila , Mureb Sallum Maria Anice , Fernandes Spinola Roberta Maria , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: September 2021

Landscape connectivity is important for a wide range of ecological processes, including to disease spread, once it describes the degree to which landscapes facilitate or impede vector and hosts dispersion. Understanding connectivity is extremely important to identify where pathogens can move, and at what speed, allowing the organization of vaccination campaigns or other preventive measures.

To better understand the effects of landscape connectivity on yellow fever virus (YFV) dispersion in Brazil, we used a network approach and modelled the movement of non‐human primates' cases, the so‐called epizootic events, over time. The networks consider each epizootic event as a node and the dispersion between nodes as links. Those links were established considering, respectively, the date of each epizootic event, the distance among the nodes and the permeability of the landscape between each pair of nodes.

Our results demonstrated that on average YFV dispersed 1.42 km/day, with the largest movement being 6.9 km/day. Dispersions were longer in summer (1.2 km/day) than in winter (0.22 km/day). Most dispersal movements occurred up to 1 km/day (71%) and within a week after the arrival of the virus in the source node (73%), except in winter, where dispersions occurred within a period of up to 20 days. The best model indicates that YFV disperses mainly through roads adjacent to forest areas, and along forest edges (within a range of 100 m) in interface with agricultural areas, water and forestry areas. Core areas of urban, agricultural and forest regions were important barriers for virus movement.

Synthesis and applications. Through landscape connectivity analyses, we provided here the first evidence that highly fragmented landscapes with a wide road network and large densities of forest edges facilitate yellow fever virus propagation, and that the maintenance of large blocks of forest can help to inhibit this spread. These results can contribute to guide forest restoration and landscape management actions in order to amplify health benefits related to restoration projects, in addition to their benefits for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Feedbacks between forest structure and an opportunistic fungal pathogen
Authors: Lee Christopher A. , Holdo Ricardo M. , Muzika Rose‐Marie
Published: September 2021

Abiotic stresses, physiological dysfunction, forest stand dynamics and primary tree attackers (native and non‐native) are all recognized as important contributors to both anomalous tree mortality and background tree mortality, and thus as important influences on biogeochemical cycling and habitat for associated terrestrial organisms. Opportunistic and latent tree pathogens and insect pests have largely been left out of this discussion, probably because they are difficult to monitor and their effects sometimes more diffuse, yet they play important roles in tree mortality scenarios.

We know very little about the influence of biotic gradients, for example, forest dynamics and forest structure, on the occurrence and effects of these opportunistic biotic enemies. To better understand the influence of an important biotic gradient—forest structure as represented by tree density and competition—on the occurrence and distribution of a typical opportunistic pathogen, we analysed the relationship between tree neighbourhood competition and soil‐dwelling rhizomorphs of the fungus Armillaria gallica in regenerating (20‐year‐old) and mature (80‐ to 100‐year‐old) hardwood‐dominated forest stands in central Missouri following a severe drought.

We detected A. gallica rhizomorphs in twice as many sampling sites in young (dense) plots as in mature (open) plots, and by contrast found a twofold occurrence of other saprophytic fungi in the soil of mature plots compared to young plots. Mean tree density and competition index were significantly higher in subplots where A. gallica was found than in those with no A. gallica detections, and the pattern of A. gallica occurrence tracked closely with the occurrence of dense ‘hotspots’ of competition in the plots.

Synthesis. Early stages of forest structure and succession—potentially through initial inputs of disturbance‐produced woody biomass, increased host connectivity and competition‐influenced host tree susceptibility to fungal colonization—provide important feedbacks to A. gallica foraging, which in turn influences forest development. The recognition that tree density and competition influence A. gallica foraging suggests that, to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of forest growth, development, tree mortality and biogeochemical cycling, it may be necessary to increase life‐history studies and basic occurrence surveys for opportunistic tree pathogens and insect pests.
Evaluation of the baseline carbon sequestration rates of Indo‐Pacific temperate and tropical seagrass meadow sediments
Authors: Miyajima Toshihiro , Hamaguchi Masami , Hori Masakazu
Published: September 2021

Seagrass meadows have great capacity to sequester and store organic carbon (OC) in sediments for the long term and have been considered as a carbon dioxide sink for national greenhouse gas inventories in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Guidelines. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine a reliable, well‐constrained estimate of the baseline long‐term OC sequestration (burial) rate in seagrass meadows, evaluate its spatial and temporal variability, and understand the mechanisms that control the variability. Here, we report data on OC stocks and long‐term sequestration rates for 14 selected sediment cores collected from temperate and tropical seagrass meadows and adjacent bare areas in Japan and Thailand. We also tested several different radiocarbon dating calibration methods to evaluate sedimentation rates and identified potential complicating factors. The estimated OC sequestration rate ranged from 3.7 to 161 kg C ha−1 year−1, which is generally lower and less variable than reported global representative values, presumably because of differences in the time scale considered. The OC sequestration rate for temperate seagrass meadows was correlated with the average specific surface area of sediment, implying that geophysical and hydrodynamic factors constrain the long‐term OC sequestration rate. The baseline OC sequestration rate may be better constrained by the method used here, focusing on time scales of centuries to millennia, while the evaluation of OC sequestration on shorter time scales may be more suitable for assessing the environmental additionality of climate mitigation efforts based on blue carbon manipulation.
The Future of Employment: Purposive Interpretation and the Role of Contract after Uber
Authors: Atkinson Joe , Dhorajiwala Hitesh
Published: September 2021

A person's entitlement to workplace rights and protections under English law is conditional on their relationship falling within the legal category of employment, by virtue of them having the requisite status. The employment status of individuals performing on‐demand work via digital platforms is particularly contentious and has been a focal point for debate in recent years. The Supreme Court decision in Uber BV v Aslam represents a ground‐breaking judgment on this issue, which has radical implications for the correct approach to determining employment status more generally. It is argued here that, while leaving some important questions unanswered, the purposive and relational approach to employment status developed by the Supreme Court in Uber BV v Aslam is to be welcomed, and that this new approach has far‐reaching consequences for the future of the legal category of employment.
Small steps and stronger relationships: parents' experiences of homeschooling children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Authors: Ludgate Shannon , Mears Clair , Blackburn Carolyn
Published: September 2021

During the current global pandemic, parents and carers in England and across the UK have been asked by the Government to ‘home school’ their child/ren, and a plethora of resources have been produced and made available to assist with this. The perceived detrimental effects of being absent from school have been a driver for the Government in ensuring that schools remain open for as long as possible, and the current pandemic situation is replete with narratives of ‘loss’. Little attention has been paid to any potential benefits for children and families of homeschooling or the opportunities it provides. This paper reports on a small‐scale online survey that explored the experiences of parents’ homeschooling their child/ren with SEND during a global pandemic in England. The findings are revealed through a qualitative methodology merged with post‐qualitative concepts that emerged post‐analysis. Novel findings regarding possibilities for creative and inclusive learning practices, family bonding and children’s improved social and emotional well‐being are revealed in this paper.
Productivity impacts of hybrid rice seeds in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Chau Trinh , Scrimgeour Frank
Published: September 2021

Expanding the availability of hybrid rice varieties has been regarded as the most important measure addressing food security in developing Asian countries. The success story of hybrid rice production in China motivated the Vietnamese government to import hybrid seeds in an effort to increase rice productivity. Despite increased use of hybrid rice seeds and rising input intensity, rice productivity growth has slowed since 2006. Using a ten‐year balanced panel of households with changing adoption status, we estimate productivity impacts of hybrid rice adoption. We combine propensity score matching in adoption decisions with fixed‐effects estimators to control for heterogeneity in farming household and farmland characteristics. The frontier models are specified to allow for direct comparisons of the base productivity, factor productivity, and technical efficiency between hybrid and the current high‐yielding varieties. Our major finding is that hybrid rice varieties provide no productivity superiority over high‐yielding inbred seeds in our sample. A substantial technical efficiency gap (35%) exists in rice production, suggesting a potential benefit of improvements in management skills with the existing technology.
A project‐based learning approach to promote innovation and academic entrepreneurship in a master's degree in food engineering
Authors: Oliveira Leandro , Cardoso Eduardo L.
Published: September 2021

Entrepreneurship brings several benefits, such as fostering innovation and productivity, competitiveness, and socioeconomic development. The search for professionals with different skills to overcome the current and foreseen challenges is relevant in the agri‐food sector. Problem‐based learning (PBL) is described as an instructional approach, which promotes interdisciplinarity and critical thinking, with the potential to meet current challenges. This article describes how PBL, aligned with an innovation program and contest, has been integrated into a master's degree in food engineering to promote academic entrepreneurship. The alignment of the PBL with the program and contest allowed the development of innovative products with a view to solving problems faced by the agri‐food sector. The PBL strategy allowed students to mobilize knowledge from several curricular units of food studies for the development of different deliverables to participate in the innovation program and contest. This participation allowed students, supported by business mentors, to demonstrate their products to stakeholders. This way, it was possible to promote innovation in the agri‐food sector, stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit among higher education students, and understand its potential for replication and mobilization of skills acquired in different food study courses.
Growth and development of Chrysomya saffranea (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in response to different food substrates
Authors: Abd Al Galil Fahd Mohammed , Al‐Keridis Lamya Ahmed , AL‐Mekhlafi Fahd A. , Al‐Shuraym Laila A. , Alhag Sadeq K. , Ali El Hadi Mohamed Rania , Wadaan Muhammad A.
Published: September 2021

Chrysomya saffranea is an insect that is important in criminal forensics as it plays a large role in decomposition on human cadavers. In this paper, the different developmental stages of C. saffranea flies were studied in the laboratory on different food, such as meat, liver, fat tissue and mixed food, to test whether these media affect the development of their larvae and have an impact on the calculation of the post‐mortem interval. Our results indicated a significant growth enhancement among flies that fed on the mixed food (pure fat, meat and liver minced in equal proportions) compared with those that fed on minced (pure fat tissues, pure meat of and minced liver) of buffalo. The present results also confirmed the impact of food on the growth of C. saffranea, as well as the post‐mortem interval PMI.
Effect of Revtech thermal processing on volatile organic compounds and chemical characteristics of split yellow pea (Pisum sativum L.) flour
Authors: Fahmi Ronak , Ryland Donna , Sopiwnyk Elaine , Malcolmson Linda , Shariati‐Ievari Shiva , McElrea April , Barthet Veronique , Blewett Heather , Aliani Michel
Published: September 2021

Yellow pea (Pisumsativum L.) is an economically rich source of nutrients with health‐promoting effects. However, the consumption of pea ingredients is minimal due to their off‐flavor characteristics. The present study investigated the effect of Revtech heat treatment on the chemical profile and volatile compounds in split yellow pea flour. Revtech treatment (RT) was applied at 140°C with a residence time of 4 min in dry condition (RT 0%) and in the presence of 10% steam (RT 10%). Both thermal treatments resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in lipoxygenase activity and the concentration of key beany‐related odors such as heptanal, (E)‐2‐heptenal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, octanal, and (E)‐2‐octenal. In addition, RT 10% resulted in a significant reduction in pentanal, 1‐penten‐3‐ol, hexanal, and 1‐hexanol compared to untreated flour. The content of known precursors of lipoxygenase such as linoleic and linolenic acids was found in higher concentrations in heat‐treated flours, indicating the efficacy of Revtech technology in minimizing the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. No significant changes in the amino acid composition or the 29 selected phenolic compounds in pea flours were observed with Revtech processing except for two compounds, caffeic acid and gallocatechin, which were found at higher concentrations in RT 0%.

Practical Application

Thermal processing of split yellow pea flours at 140°C using Revtech technology successfully decreased the concentrations of volatile compounds responsible for beany off‐flavor while improving the nutritional quality of studied yellow pea flours. These results provide valuable information to the food industry for developing novel pulse‐based products with enhanced sensory characteristics.