bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CellPhy: accurate and fast probabilistic inference of single-cell phylogenies from scDNA-seq data
Authors: Kozlov Alexey , Alves Joao M. , Stamatakis Alexandros , Posada David
Published: August 2020

We introduce a maximum likelihood framework called CellPhy for inferring phylogenetic trees from single-cell DNA sequencing (scDNA-seq) data. CellPhy leverages a finite-site Markov genotype substitution model with 16 diploid states, akin to those typically used in statistical phylogenetics. It includes a dedicated error function for single cells that incorporates amplification/sequencing error and allelic dropout (ADO). Moreover, it can explicitly consider the uncertainty of the variant calling process by using genotype likelihoods as input. We implemented CellPhy in a widely used open-source phylogenetic inference package (RAxML-NG) that provides statistical confidence measurements on the estimated tree and scales particularly well on large scDNA-seq datasets with hundreds or thousands of cells. To benchmark CellPhy, we carried out 19,400 coalescent simulations of cell samples from exponentially-growing tumors for which the true phylogeny was known. We evolved single-cell diploid DNA genotypes along the simulated genealogies under different scenarios, including infinite- and finite-sites nucleotide mutation models, trinucleotide mutational signatures, sequencing, and amplification errors, allele dropouts, and cell doublets. Our simulations suggest that CellPhy is robust to amplification/sequencing errors and ADO and outperforms state-of-the-art methods under realistic scDNA-seq scenarios both in terms of accuracy and speed. Also, we sequenced 24 single-cell whole-genomes from a colorectal tumor. Together with three published scDNA-seq data sets, we analyzed these empirical data to illustrate how CellPhy can provide more reliable biological insights than most competing methods. CellPhy is freely available at https://github.com/amkozlov/cellphy.
Multi-organ signaling mobilizes tumor-associated erythroid cells expressing immune checkpoint molecules
Authors: Sano Yasuyo , Yoshida Toshimi , Choo Min-Kyung , Jiménez-Andrade Yanek , Hill Kathryn R. , Georgopoulos Katia , Park Jin Mo
Published: August 2020

Hematopoietic-derived cells are integral components of the tumor microenvironment and serve as critical mediators of tumor-host interactions. Cells derived from myeloid and lymphoid lineages perform well-established functions linked to cancer development, progression and response to therapy. It is unclear whether erythroid cells exert such host cell functions in cancer, but emerging evidence points to this possibility. Here we show that tumor-promoting environmental stress and tumor-induced physiological disruption trigger renal erythropoietin production and erythropoietin-dependent expansion of splenic erythroid cell populations in mice. These erythroid cells display molecular features indicative of an immature erythroid phenotype and express immune checkpoint molecules. Erythroid cells with similar properties are present in mouse and human tumor tissues. Antibody-mediated erythropoietin blockade or erythroid cell depletion reduces tumor growth. These findings reveal the potential of erythropoietin and erythroid cells as targets for cancer treatment.
Behavioral role of PACAP signaling reflects its selective distribution in glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal subpopulations
Authors: Zhang Limei , Hernández Vito S. , Gerfen Charles R. , Jiang Sunny Z. , Zavala Lilian , Barrio Rafael A. , Eiden Lee E.
Published: August 2020

The neuropeptide PACAP, acting as a co-transmitter, increases neuronal excitability, which may enhance anxiety and arousal associated with threat conveyed by multiple sensory modalities. The distribution of neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor, PAC1, throughout the mouse nervous system was determined, in register with expression of glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal markers, to develop a coherent chemoanatomical picture of PACAP’s role in brain motor responses to sensory input. A circuit role for PACAP was tested by observing fos activation of brain neurons after olfactory threat cue in wild type and PACAP knockout mice. Neuronal activation, and behavioral response, were blunted in PACAP knock-out mice, accompanied by sharply down-regulated vesicular transporter expression in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons expressing PACAP and its receptor. This report signals a new perspective on the role of neuropeptide signaling in supporting excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the nervous system within functionally coherent polysynaptic circuits.
A transitory signaling center controls timing of primordial germ cell differentiation
Authors: Lehmann Ruth , Banisch Torsten U , Slaidina Maija , Gupta Selena , Gilboa Lilach
Published: August 2020

Organogenesis requires exquisite spatio-temporal coordination of cell morphogenesis, migration, proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell types. For gonads, this involves complex interactions between somatic and germline tissues. During Drosophila ovary morphogenesis primordial germ cells (PGCs) are either sequestered in stem cell niches and maintained in an undifferentiated, germline stem cell state, or transition directly towards differentiation. Here, we identify a mechanism that links hormonal triggers of somatic tissue morphogenesis with PGC differentiation. An early ecdysone pulse initiates somatic swarm cell (SwC) migration, positioning them close to PGCs. A second hormone peak activates Torso-like signal in SwCs, which stimulates the Torso RTK signaling pathway in PGCs promoting their differentiation by de-repression of the differentiation gene bag of marbles. Thus, systemic temporal cues generate a transitory signaling center that coordinate ovarian morphogenesis with stem cell self-renewal and differentiation programs, a concept applicable broadly to the integration of stem cells and their niches.
Microbiome-derived metabolites reproduce the mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased insulin sensitivity observed in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ormsby Michael J. , Hulme Heather , Villar Victor H. , Hamm Gregory , Rodriguez-Blanco Giovanny , Bragg Ryan A. , Strittmatter Nicole , Schofield Christopher J. , Delles Christian , Salt Ian P. , Tardito Saverio , Burchmore Richard , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Wall Daniel M.
Published: August 2020

Diabetes is a global health problem that was estimated to be the 7thleading cause of death worldwide in 2016. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is classically associated with genetic and environmental factors, however recent studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome, which is altered in T2DM patients, is also likely to play a significant role in disease development. Despite this, the identity of microbiome-derived metabolites that influence T2DM onset and/or progression remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that a serum biomarker for T2DM, previously of unknown structure and origin, is actually two microbiome-derived metabolites, 3-methyl-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate (3M-4-TMAB) and 4-(trimethylammonio)pentanoate (4-TMAP). These metabolites are produced by theLachnospiraceaefamily of bacteria, which are highly prevalent in the gut microbiome of T2DM patients and are associated with high dietary fat intake. Treatment of human liver cells with 3M-4-TMAB and 4-TMAP results in a distinct change in the acylcarnitine profile in these cells and significantly reduced their insulin sensitivity; both indicators of T2DM. These results provide evidence of a mechanistic link between gut microbiome derived metabolites and T2DM.
Inferring Adaptive Introgression Using Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Svedberg Jesper , Shchur Vladimir , Reinman Solomon , Nielsen Rasmus , Corbett-Detig Russell
Published: August 2020

Adaptive introgression - the flow of adaptive genetic variation between species or populations - has attracted significant interest in recent years and it has been implicated in a number of cases of adaptation, from pesticide resistance and immunity, to local adaptation. Despite this, methods for identification of adaptive introgression from population genomic data are lacking. Here, we present Ancestry_HMM-S, a Hidden Markov Model based method for identifying genes undergoing adaptive introgression and quantifying the strength of selection acting on them. Through extensive validation, we show that this method performs well on moderately sized datasets for realistic population and selection parameters. We apply Ancestry_HMM-S to a dataset of an admixedDrosophila melanogasterpopulation from South Africa and we identify 17 loci which show signatures of adaptive introgression, four of which have previously been shown to confer resistance to insecticides. Ancestry_HMM-S provides a powerful method for inferring adaptive introgression in datasets that are typically collected when studying admixed populations. This method will enable powerful insights into the genetic consequences of admixture across diverse populations. Ancestry_HMM-S can be downloaded fromhttps://github.com/jesvedberg/Ancestry_HMM-S/.
NPC1-mTORC1 signaling Couples Cholesterol Sensing to Organelle Homeostasis and is a Targetable Pathway in Niemann-Pick type C
Authors: Davis Oliver B. , Shin Hijai R. , Lim Chun-Yan , Wu Emma Y. , Kukurugya Matthew , Maher Claire F. , Perera Rushika M. , Ordonez M. Paulina , Zoncu Roberto
Published: August 2020

Lysosomes promote cellular homeostasis through macromolecular hydrolysis within their lumen and metabolic signaling by the mTORC1 kinase on their limiting membranes. Both hydrolytic and signaling functions require precise regulation of lysosomal cholesterol content. In Niemann-Pick type C (NPC), loss of the cholesterol exporter, NPC1, causes cholesterol accumulation within lysosomes, leading to mTORC1 hyperactivation, disrupted mitochondrial function and neurodegeneration. The compositional and functional alterations in NPC lysosomes, and how aberrant cholesterol-mTORC1 signaling contributes to organelle pathogenesis are not understood. Through proteomic profiling of NPC lysosomes, we find pronounced proteolytic impairment compounded with hydrolase depletion and enhanced membrane damage. Genetic and pharmacologic mTORC1 inhibition restores lysosomal proteolysis without correcting cholesterol storage, implicating aberrant mTORC1 as a pathogenic driver downstream of cholesterol accumulation. Consistently, mTORC1 inhibition ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction in a neuronal model of NPC. Thus, cholesterol-mTORC1 signaling controls organelle homeostasis and is a targetable pathway in NPC.
The Multispecies Coalescent in Space and Time
Authors: McKenzie Patrick F. , Eaton Deren A. R.
Published: August 2020

A key distinction between species tree inference under the multi-species coalescent model (MSC), and the inference of gene trees in sliding windows along a genome, is in the effect of genetic linkage. Whereas the MSC explicitly assumes genealogies to be unlinked, i.e., statistically independent, genealogies located close together on genomes are spatially auto-correlated. Here we use tree sequence simulations with recombination to explore the effects of species tree parameters on spatial patterns of linkage among genealogies. We decompose coalescent time units to demonstrate differential effects of generation time and effective population size on spatial coalescent patterns, and we define a new metric, “phylogenetic linkage,” for measuring the rate of decay of phylogenetic similarity by comparison to distances among unlinked genealogies. Finally, we provide a simple example where accounting for phylogenetic linkage in sliding window analyses improves local gene tree inference.
The DCC receptor regulates astroglial development essential for telencephalic morphogenesis and corpus callosum formation
Authors: Morcom Laura , Gobius Ilan , Marsh Ashley P L , Suárez Rodrigo , Bridges Caitlin , Ye Yunan , Fenlon Laura R , Zagar Yvrick , Douglass Amelia M , Donahoo Amber-Lee S , Fothergill Thomas , Shaikh Samreen , Kozulin Peter , Edwards Timothy J , Cooper Helen M ,   IRC5 Consortium, Sherr Elliott H , Chédotal Alain , Leventer Richard J , Lockhart Paul J , Richards Linda J
Published: August 2020

The forebrain hemispheres are predominantly separated during embryogenesis by the interhemispheric fissure (IHF). Radial astroglia remodel the IHF to form a continuous substrate between the hemispheres for midline crossing of the corpus callosum (CC) and hippocampal commissure (HC). DCC and NTN1 are molecules that have an evolutionarily conserved function in commissural axon guidance. The CC and HC are absent inDccandNtn1knockout mice, while other commissures are only partially affected, suggesting an additional aetiology in forebrain commissure formation. Here, we find that these molecules play a critical role in regulating astroglial development and IHF remodelling during CC and HC formation. Human subjects withDCCmutations display disrupted IHF remodelling associated with CC and HC malformations. Thus, axon guidance molecules such as DCC and NTN1 first regulate the formation of a midline substrate for dorsal commissures prior to their role in regulating axonal growth and guidance across it.
Sweet anticipation: Predictability of familiar music in autism
Authors: Da Mota Patricia Alves , Stark Eloise A , Fernandes Henrique M , Ahrends Christine , Cabral Joana , Gebauer Line , Happé Francesca , Vuust Peter , Kringelbach Morten L
Published: August 2020

Autism has been characterised by different behavioural and cognitive profiles compared to typically developing (TD) individuals, and increasingly these differences have been associated with differences in structural and functional brain connectivity. It is currently unknown as to whether autistic and TD listeners process music in the same way: emotionally, mnemonically, and perceptually. The present study explores the brain’s dynamical landscape linked to music familiarity in an fMRI dataset from autistic and TD individuals. Group analysis using leading eigenvector dynamics analysis (LEiDA) revealed significantly higher probability of occurrence of a brain network in TD compared to autistic individuals during listening to familiar music. This network includes limbic and paralimbic areas (amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, and temporal pole). No significant differences were found between autistic and TD individuals while listening to a scrambled, i.e. unfamiliar and more unpredictable, version of the same music track. These findings provide novel neuroimaging insights into how autistic prediction monitoring may shape brain networks during listening to familiar musical excerpts.
Analysis of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) Purity Using Silver-Stained SDS-PAGE
Authors: Su Qin , Sena-Esteves Miguel , Gao Guangping
Published: August 2020

AAV virions are built from three major capsid proteins, VP1, VP2, and VP3, at a ratio of 1:1:18. On a silver-stained SDS-polyacrylamide gel, VP1, VP2, and VP3 should be the only visible bands in a highly purified recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) preparation, migrating at approximately 87, 73, and 62 kDa, respectively. This protocol describes how SDS-PAGE and silver staining can be used to determine the purity of an rAAV preparation. In addition, using a highly purified rAAV preparation whose particle titer is known, this assay can be used to derive a semiquantitative estimate of the particle concentration of a test vector.
Growing Adherent Cells for Staining
Authors: Rodig Scott J.
Published: August 2020

Adherent cells are easily prepared for cell staining by growing on a suitable microscope slide, coverslip, or plastic tissue culture dish. For high-resolution studies, adherent cells should be grown on the highest available grade glass coverslips, because the controlled thickness, flatness, and good optical properties of a proper coverslip are required to produce the best images. In addition, the glass surface is compatible with all fixing and staining solutions. If many antibodies, different dilutions, or various controls are to be tested on the same cell type, plating the cells onto multiwell slides can be helpful. For low-resolution work, such as crude antigen detection, hybridoma screening, or antibody titration, cells for staining can be grown on regular tissue culture dishes.
COVID-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia: intervention and mitigation efforts
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Paiman Norazha
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has sent shockwaves throughout the world in less than two months. Countries in South East Asia are not spared in this plight. As the disease can be transmitted from human to human, extensive control and mitigation efforts have been taken by almost every country where the disease has been reported. Southeast Asian countries or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), being one of the closest regions with China, have taken various measures to slow down and contain the spread of the pandemic virus.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple strategies have been taken by the government to reduce the number of infections in the region. This includes phases of lockdowns in affected areas and federal order to close businesses to reduce the rate of infection among the people. As ASEAN comprises diverse cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical differences, steps taken are definitely based on what are deemed important and applicable to each country.

Findings

This paper reviews what has been taken by each of the ASEAN members and further recommendations that can be taken to ensure the issue of human security in the region can be preserved.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to show mitigation and prevention strategies undertaken by ASEAN nation in combating COVID-19.
Understanding relationship between risks and claims for assessing risks with project data
Authors: Kumar Ratnesh , Iyer K. Chandrashekhar , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In construction management, risks and claims are treated separately, but several studies tacitly acknowledge a strong link between the two. In this context, this research intends to investigate whether risks and claims have a causal relationship? Based on this causal relationship, a claim-based risk assessment model (C-RAM) is developed to quantify occurrences and cost implications of risks using project data.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the causal relationship between risks and claims is established through a conceptual framework for content analysis of the literature on risk management (RM) and claim management (CM). Then, a C-RAM is developed based on the content analysis of 234 claims from 24 settled arbitration awards.

Findings

Risks and claims are found to be two stages in the same chain of uncertain events that affect projects, subsequently revealing a causal relationship between risks and claims. Due to this causal relationship, claim documents become a potential source of risk information from past projects. Proposed C-RAM quantifies occurrences of risks with three parameters: number of projects in which a risk occurs, number of ways in which a risk occurs, and number of claims a risk causes if it occurs. Also, cost implications of risks are quantified as percentage of contract sums for interpretation as tangible values.

Research limitations/implications

Though C-RAM is applicable to all types of claims, the results in this paper are based on impacts of risks in past projects that caused claims and reached to arbitration stage.

Practical implications

The causal relationship between risks and claims will encourage integration of knowledge on RM and CM which is currently treated separately. Practitioners can now visualize claims as cost implications of risks that occurred in projects. Further, C-RAM makes risk assessment (RA) more objective by quantifying the cost implications of risks as percentage of contract sums which can be readily used for contingency estimation.

Originality/value

The relationship between risks and claims, and the potential of claim documents as a source of project risk information, can initiate a new paradigm in RM research based on project data.
Struggling to breathe: COVID-19, protest and the LIS response
Authors: Gibson Amelia N. , Chancellor Renate L. , Cooke Nicole A. , Dahlen Sarah Park , Patin Beth , Shorish Yasmeen L.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a follow up to “Libraries on the Frontlines: Neutrality and Social Justice,” which was published here in 2017. It addresses institutional responses to protests and uprising in the spring and summer of 2020 after the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, all of which occurred in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The article expands the previous call for libraries to take a stand for Black lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe the events of 2020 (a global pandemic, multiple murders of unarmed Black people and the consequent global protests) and responses from within library and information science (LIS), from the perspectives as women of color faculty and library professionals.

Findings

The authors comment on how libraries are responding to current events, as well as the possibilities for panethnic solidarity. The authors also consider specifically how libraries and other institutions are responding to the racial uprisings through statements on social media and call for concrete action to ensure that their organizations and information practices are actively antiracist. In so doing, the authors update the claims and expand the appeals they made in 2017,that Black Lives Matter and that librarianship must not remain neutral.

Originality/value

This paper addresses recent institutional and governmental reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial uprisings of spring and summer 2020. It is original, current and timely as it interrogates ongoing events in a LIS context.
Reflective practice during action learning in management development programmes
Authors: Robertson Jane , Le Sueur Heidi , Terblanche Nicky
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the aspects that influence reflective practice during an action learning approach to management development programmes (MDPs).

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative inquiry approach was used to gather interview and pictorial data from 16 participants who had attended an action learning oriented MDP. Data were translated into interpretive stories using McCormack’s lenses, which were further analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Two key themes emerged: dealing with emotions and practising reflection. Participants initially found reflecting uncomfortable, but showed courage by persevering. Participants had to learn how to reflect and set aside time for it, while valuing support and guidance from their action learning facilitator.

Research limitations/implications

The findings and recommendations may not be relevant to all types of action learning as action learning forms and contexts differ.

Practical implications

Reflective practice is the responsibility of both the participant and the action learning facilitator. Participants need to create the time and space to learn, be fully present during reflection, practice mindfulness and have the courage to be uncomfortable while reflecting. Action learning facilitators could encourage reflection by creating a safe learning environment, selecting a diverse action learning team, designing reflection time into the MDP and helping participants apply reflection tools.

Originality/value

Reflective practice enhances learning; yet there is a need to better understand reflective practice in an action learning context. This study provides empirical evidence of the aspects that influence the reflection process and outcomes as well as practical guidelines to participants and facilitators on how to promote reflection.
Intellectual structure of multigenerational workforce and contextualizing work values across generations: a multistage analysis
Authors: Singh Vibhav , Verma Surabhi , Chaurasia Sushil
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study attempts to understand the research clusters and thematic evolution of the topic generational diversity at workplace, over the period of 2001–2009 and 2010–2018. Furthermore, it attempts to identify the key shifts (and convergence) that have taken place in the value system across generational cohorts.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, the first stage of the study involved an in-depth systematic analysis of extant literature on multigenerational workforce between 2001–2009 and 2010–2018 by applying bibliometric analysis. Following an explanatory mix-method approach, the second stage of the study comprised of 32 interviews conducted across generations, exploring the role of ethics at the workplace.

Findings

It was revealed that during the period 2001–2009, communication and identification of generational characteristics emerged as the major themes. The 2010–2018 period unraveled four themes of research – retaining and engaging millennials through leadership, generational differences in work values, impact of generational differences on organizational-level variables and generational diversity in education and nursing. The outcome from the second stage showed that work values differ across generations with an emphasis on intrinsic work values, and work values have rather deteriorated, with baby boomers possessing stronger work ethics in comparison to the millennials. Finally, an integrated model for multigenerational workforce has been proposed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides significant inputs to the expanding research in the area of work values, as it delves into the principal mechanisms leading to differences in work values among generations.

Originality/value

Bibliometric analysis, which is a quantitative approach to understanding the intellectual structure of a research topic, has been applied to generational diversity at the workplace. This constitutes a novel attempt that can be bracketed as a pertinent contribution to the field.
A scenario-based stochastic programming approach for aircraft expendable and rotable spare parts planning in MRO provider
Authors: Qin Yichen , Ma Hoi-Lam , Chan Felix T.S. , Khan Waqar Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to build a novel model and approach that assist an aircraft MRO procurement and overhaul management problems from the perspective of aircraft maintenance service provider, in order to ensure its smoothness maintenance activities implementation. The mathematical model utilizes the data related to warehouse inventory management, incoming customer service planning as well as risk forecast and control management at the decision-making stage, which facilitates to alleviate the negative impact of the uncertain maintenance demands on the MRO spare parts inventory management operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A stochastic model is proposed to formulate the problem to minimize the impact of uncertain maintenance demands, which provides flexible procurement and overhaul strategies. A Benders decomposition algorithm is proposed to solve large-scale problem instances given the structure of the mathematical model.

Findings

Compared with the default branch-and-bound algorithm, the computational results suggest that the proposed Benders decomposition algorithm increases convergence speed.

Research limitations/implications

The results among the same group of problem instances suggest the robustness of Benders decomposition in tackling instances with different number of stochastic scenarios involved.

Practical implications

Extending the proposed model and algorithm to a decision support system is possible, which utilizes the databases from enterprise's service planning and management information systems.

Originality/value

A novel decision-making model for the integrated rotable and expendable MRO spare parts planning problem under uncertain environment is developed, which is formulated as a two-stage stochastic programming model.
When predictors of outcomes are necessary: guidelines for the combined use of PLS-SEM and NCA
Authors: Richter Nicole Franziska , Schubring Sandra , Hauff Sven , Ringle Christian M. , Sarstedt Marko
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This research introduces the combined use of partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) that enables researchers to explore and validate hypotheses following a sufficiency logic, as well as hypotheses drawing on a necessity logic. The authors’ objective is to encourage the practice of combining PLS-SEM and NCA as complementary views of causality and data analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present guidelines describing how to combine PLS-SEM and NCA. These relate to the specification of the research objective and the theoretical background, the preparation and evaluation of the data set, running the analyses, the evaluation of measurements, the evaluation of the (structural) model and relationships and the interpretation of findings. In addition, the authors present an empirical illustration in the field of technology acceptance.

Findings

The use of PLS-SEM and NCA enables researchers to identify the must-have factors required for an outcome in accordance with the necessity logic. At the same time, this approach shows the should-have factors following the additive sufficiency logic. The combination of both logics enables researchers to support their theoretical considerations and offers new avenues to test theoretical alternatives for established models.

Originality/value

The authors provide insights into the logic, assessment, challenges and benefits of NCA for researchers familiar with PLS-SEM. This novel approach enables researchers to substantiate and improve their theories and helps practitioners disclose the must-have and should-have factors relevant to their decision-making.
Looking into the Islamic banking sector in Palestine: do religious values influence active social media engagement behavior?
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud , Porcu Lucia , Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how religious values of Islamic banking users influence their active social media engagement behavior (SMEB), when exposed to online brand related-content.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used for data collection was an online self-administered questionnaire. A total of 448 valid responses were obtained from Islamic banks customers, who are members of at least one online brand community (OBC) on Facebook. Responses were analyzed and processed by means of structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of the online survey reveal that religious values have a positive influence on the active SMEB in terms of contributing (like and/or share) and creating (posting positive comments) of brand related-contents via Facebook OBC. Religious values play a key role in encouraging Islamic banks’ customers to share and forward posts, advertisements and/or contents. Furthermore, religious values encourage customers to forward contents that comply with their religious values and beliefs and are also compatible with the Islamic rules of Shari’ah.

Originality/value

The findings of this study suggest that religious values are likely to impact customer behavior when consuming, liking, sharing and commenting on the online contents generated by Islamic banks. Given the fact that Islamic religious values are universal and persistent, there is a potential for long-term benefits for those Islamic banks that identify profitable religious consumer segments within the domestic and global markets as well as to promote and enhance active SMEB in terms of number of positive comments, likes and shares of brand-related contents.
Health-justice partnerships: innovation in service delivery to support mental health
Authors: Beardon Sarah , Woodhead Charlotte , Cooper Silvie , Raine Rosalind , Genn Hazel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the concept of “health-justice partnership” (HJP), the provision of legal assistance for social welfare issues in health-care settings. It discusses the role of these partnerships in supporting health and care for people with mental health issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors describe an example of an HJP; discuss the rationale and evidence for this approach in relation to mental health; and reflect on implementation challenges and future directions in the UK. The authors draw on both health and legal literature to frame the discussion.

Findings

Social welfare legal needs have negative impacts on mental well-being and are more likely to occur among people with mental health conditions. Integrating legal assistance with healthcare services can improve access to support for those with unmet need. High-quality research has demonstrated positive impacts for mental health and well-being as a result of HJP interventions. Both further research and wider strategies are required to support implementation of HJPs in practice.

Originality/value

Legal assistance is rarely positioned as a health intervention, yet it is an effective tool to address social welfare issues that are harmful to mental health and to which people experiencing mental health are at greater risk. This paper highlights the importance of the HJP movement as an approach for supporting people with mental health issues.
Detecting and quantifying social transmission using network‐based diffusion analysis
Authors: Hasenjager Matthew J. , Leadbeater Ellouise , Hoppitt William
Published: August 2020

Although social learning capabilities are taxonomically widespread, demonstrating that freely interacting animals (whether wild or captive) rely on social learning has proved remarkably challenging.

Network‐based diffusion analysis (NBDA) offers a means for detecting social learning using observational data on freely interacting groups. Its core assumption is that if a target behaviour is socially transmitted, then its spread should follow the connections in a social network that reflects social learning opportunities.

Here, we provide a comprehensive guide for using NBDA. We first introduce its underlying mathematical framework and present the types of questions that NBDA can address. We then guide researchers through the process of selecting an appropriate social network for their research question; determining which NBDA variant should be used; and incorporating other variables that may impact asocial and social learning. Finally, we discuss how to interpret an NBDA model's output and provide practical recommendations for model selection.

Throughout, we highlight extensions to the basic NBDA framework, including incorporation of dynamic networks to capture changes in social relationships during a diffusion and using a multi‐network NBDA to estimate information flow across multiple types of social relationship.

Alongside this information, we provide worked examples and tutorials demonstrating how to perform analyses using the newly developed nbda package written in the R programming language.
Thermal tolerance and the importance of microhabitats for Andean frogs in the context of land use and climate change
Authors: González‐del‐Pliego Pamela , Scheffers Brett R. , Freckleton Robert P. , Basham Edmund W. , Araújo Miguel B. , Acosta‐Galvis Andrés R. , Medina Uribe Claudia A. , Haugaasen Torbjørn , Edwards David P.
Published: August 2020

Global warming is having impacts across the Tree of Life. Understanding species’ physiological sensitivity to temperature change and how they relate to local temperature variation in their habitats is crucial to determining vulnerability to global warming.

We ask how species’ vulnerability varies across habitats and elevations, and how climatically buffered microhabitats can contribute to reduce their vulnerability.

We measured thermal sensitivity (critical thermal maximum—CTmax) of 14 species of Pristimantis frogs inhabiting young and old secondary, and primary forests in the Colombian Andes. Exposure to temperature stress was measured by recording temperature in the understorey and across five microhabitats. We determined frogs’ current vulnerability across habitats, elevations and microhabitats accounting for phylogeny and then ask how vulnerability varies under four warming scenarios: +1.5, +2, +3 and +5°C.

We found that CTmax was constant across species regardless of habitat and elevation. However, species in young secondary forests are expected to become more vulnerable because of increased exposure to higher temperatures. Microhabitat variation could enable species to persist within their thermal temperature range as long as regional temperatures do not surpass +2°C. The effectiveness of microhabitat buffering decreases with a 2–3°C increase, and is almost null under a 5°C temperature increase.

Microhabitats will provide thermal protection to Andean frog communities from climate change by enabling tracking of suitable climates through short distance movement. Conservation strategies, such as managing landscapes by preserving primary forests and allowing regrowth and reconnection of secondary forest would offer thermally buffered microhabitats and aid in the survival of this group.
Traditional water bodies and ecosystem services: Empirical evidence from West Bengal, India
Authors: Chowdhury Koushik , Behera Bhagirath
Published: August 2020

Traditional water harvesting systems are multi‐functional in nature and provide a variety of ecosystem services that contribute to the overall wellbeing of local people. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the variations in the level of awareness across households residing around three selected traditional water bodies in the Indian state of West Bengal. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression models have been used to identify and analyze the determinants of household perception on ecosystem services from tank water bodies. Results show that while a majority of households have strong perceptions on the provisioning and cultural ecosystem services of the tanks, the household perceptions on regulating and supporting services of the tank is found to be relatively weak. Households belonging to lower caste and poor are likely to be more dependent on ecosystem services from tanks than upper caste and rich households, and hence they have better perceptions of provisioning ecosystem services. Households’ awareness about provisioning ecosystem services is negatively related to their level of education and wealth. It is observed that household awareness about regulating and supporting ecosystem services is positively associated with the level of education of the households, ownership of tube well and private tanks. While it is essential to consider household perception on all the ecosystem services for sustainable use and management of traditional water harvesting systems, incorporating the local norms, customs and preferences in policy design are critical for achieving effective conservation outcomes.
A Preliminary Forensic Entomological Study of Beetles (Coleoptera) in Interior Alaska, USA*
Authors: Sampson Asia , Sikes Derek S.
Published: August 2020

Forensic entomology uses knowledge of arthropod ecology to help solve crimes. There has been no published forensic entomological research in Alaska. We used one piglet carcass split in half to create two carcass plots in Fairbanks (~64.8°N, subarctic) that were sampled over a period of 59 days in 2019. Four pitfall traps were placed around each carcass, and four similarly arranged pitfall traps were placed 40 m distant as controls. Traps were emptied approximately weekly covering the first four stages of decomposition. We focused on adults of the larger‐bodied (>9 mm) families and subfamilies of Coleoptera: Staphylinidae (subfamily Staphylininae), Carabidae, and Silphidae. A total of 621 specimens were collected and processed: 29 staphylinines, 210 carabids, and 382 silphids. A one‐way ANOVA showed no significant difference between the mean numbers of staphylinines or carabids caught in carcass versus control traps. Silphids showed significantly greater mean number of beetles caught in carcass traps relative to control traps. Four species of Silphidae were documented, but contrary to similar studies, the vast majority of specimens belonged to two species of Nicrophorus (N. vespilloides Herbst and N. investigator Zetterstedt). Each of the three target taxa showed a peak in the number of specimens collected during the bloat stage of decomposition despite the carabid peak being driven by a phytophagous species.
The Impact of Fatigue on Decision‐Making in the Footwear Examination: Evidence from Questionnaires and Eye‐Tracking Test
Authors: Yu Yang , Luo Yaping , Xie Wenyi , Lin Sheng , Liu Luoxi
Published: August 2020

To assess the influence of fatigue on decision‐making and performance in footwear examination, questionnaires and eye‐tracking techniques are employed. We ask 23 volunteers to wear shoes of four different outsole patterns and obtained 50 image pairs of questioned and known impressions under controlled conditions. Among which, 10 image sets were “repeated” as benchmarks by being horizontally flipped. To evaluate the accuracy of comparison, 12 qualified footwear examiners’ response and eye metrics in both morning and afternoon session were recorded and analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and gaze plots. The results revealed that as a group there is no significant statistic differences in either subjects’ behavioral performance or their eye gaze data after fatigue. When examined via the Earth Mover Metric method, the consistency of examiners as a group did not change after fatigue either. Statistically, the pupil size got smaller during the observation in the afternoon. Study also demonstrated that the visualization process of forensic footwear evidence through eye‐tracking method could be a promising technique for training and education.
Chemical shift imaging in the identification of those renal tumours that contain microscopic fat and the utility of multiparametric MRI in their differentiation
Authors: de Silva Suresh , Lockhart Kathleen , Aslan Peter , Nash Peter , Hutton Anthony , Malouf David , Lee Dominic , Cozzi Paul , Maclean Fiona , Thompson James
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the qualitative and MRI findings of renal tumours, to determine which lesions contain microscopic fat, one of the potential differentiating factors between tumour types.

Methods

73 patients who underwent 3 Tesla MRI including chemical shift imaging, with subsequent biopsy or excision for histopathological diagnosis, were included in the study. The images were reviewed for a decrease in signal intensity (SI) on the opposed phase compared with the in‐phase gradient echo T1 images, indicating the presence of microscopic fat. The chemical shift index was then calculated as a percentage of SI change and compared with the pathological diagnosis.

Results

In total, 38 (52%) of lesions demonstrated a decrease in SI, consistent with microscopic fat. Microscopic fat was found in 28 (80%) clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 6 (66.7%) angiomyolipomas, 2 (20%) papillary RCCs, 1 (20%) chromophobe RCC and 1 (9.1%) oncocytoma. Pairwise comparison of means indicated that the amount of microscopic fat was significantly larger only for angiomyolipomas compared with clear cell RCCs (P < 0.001) and other renal lesions (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A decrease in SI on opposed phase compared with in‐phase chemical shift imaging favours the diagnosis of either clear cell RCC or an angiomyolipoma. When combined with other parameters in mpMRI, this may aid differentiation of benign from malignant tumours and differentiation of aggressive from indolent RCC subtypes. This may be of value where biopsy is non‐diagnostic, not feasible due to location or in high‐risk patients.
MAb NJ001 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma invasiveness by directly regulating TIMP‐3 promoter activity via FOXP1 binding sites
Authors: Gu Chunrong , Luo Ying , Zhang Shichang , Xu Jian , Zhang Jiexin , Ju Huanyu , Liu Jingping , Zhang Lixia , Zhang Yan , Wu Lei , Xie Erfu , Xu Ting , Pan Shiyang
Published: August 2020

Background

Previously, we developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) NJ001 that binds to the antigen SP70 in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and showed it could inhibit lung adenocarcinoma (AD) growth. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanisms of NJ001 in lung AD metastasis.

Methods

Human lung AD cells (SPC‐A1 and A549) were treated with different concentrations of mAb NJ001, and the effects of NJ001 on cell migration and invasive activity were investigated using wound‐healing and Matrigel assays, respectively. The molecular mechanism of this inhibition was explored by microarrays, qRT‐PCR, western blot, luciferase assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA).

Results

MAb NJ001 markedly suppressed lung AD cell migration; and the invasiveness of SPC‐A1 and A549 cells treated with mAb NJ001 was diminished by 65%. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (TIMP‐3) was highly expressed in SPC‐A1 cells treated with mAb NJ001, whereas knockdown of TIMP‐3 by shRNA significantly increased SPC‐A1 and A549 invasiveness. MAb NJ001 affects lung AD by inhibiting TIMP‐3 through direct transcriptional regulation of FOXP1 binding sites in the TIMP‐3 promoter region, as shown in luciferase assays and EMSA.

Conclusions

MAb NJ001 inhibits invasiveness and metastasis in lung AD through the FOXP1 binding sites in the TIMP‐3 promoter region. It may have clinical applications in preventing and treating metastatic lung AD.
Exploration of microbial stimulants for induction of systemic resistance in plant disease management
Authors: Olowe Olumayowa Mary , Akanmu Akinlolu Olalekan , Asemoloye Michael Dare
Published: August 2020

Plants are exposed to different environmental stresses (biotic or abiotic) in their habitats, these stresses often result in several diseases and decline in crop production which are major concerns to crop producers and scientists. Habitat‐imposed biotic stress is one of the most common problems of crop production. The use of chemical‐based pesticides has been widely reported to control plant diseases but the residual effects of excessive application of pesticides necessitates the use of biological control agents known to play important safety roles in plant disease management. Symbiotic associations between diverse microorganisms and plant roots have also been proven to have enormous impacts on their respective growths and survival; induced systemic resistance (ISR) is part of the mechanism through which plant‐growth‐promoting bacteria and fungi stimulate plant growth and resistance to pathogens. Many of these microorganisms act as stimulants which can be exploited for boosting nutrient uptake, pest control and to protect crops from environmental stresses for better growth. This review focuses on the plant diseases, microbial stimulants and their mechanisms as nutrient enhancers in crop production as well as their potentials in biological control of plant diseases through ISR.
Does Firm Location Affect Management Team Size and Reputation? Evidence from Taiwan*☆
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Kang , Tseng Yijie , Hsieh Yu‐Ting , Yeh Yi‐Fang
Published: August 2020

This study explores the effect of the location of a firm’s headquarters on the firm’s management team size and reputation (MS&R) in a geographically small country (i.e., Taiwan) with numerous founding family firms. The results show that firm location quality positively relates to MS&R, and the association becomes weaker when firm profitability is higher or the founding family is present in the firm. Furthermore, the effect of firm location quality on management team reputation (team size) becomes stronger (weaker) when the CEO position is held by the founding family. Finally, the results are robust when considering endogeneity issues and other model settings.