bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORAI1 establishes resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection by regulating tonic type I interferon signaling
Authors: Wu Beibei , Ramaiah Arunachalam , Garcia Gustavo , Gwack Yousang , Arumugaswami Vaithilingaraja , Srikanth Sonal
Published: May 2021

ORAI1 and STIM1 are the critical mediators of store-operated Ca2+entry by acting as the pore subunit and an endoplasmic reticulum-resident signaling molecule, respectively. In addition to Ca2+signaling, STIM1 is also involved in regulation of a cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathway. UsingORAI1andSTIM1knockout cells, we examined their contribution to the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.STIM1knockout cells showed strong resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to enhanced type I interferon response. On the contrary,ORAI1knockout cells showed high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection as judged by increased expression of viral proteins and a high viral load. Mechanistically,ORAI1knockout cells showed reduced homeostatic cytoplasmic Ca2+concentration and severe impairment in tonic interferon signaling. Transcriptome analysis showed downregulation of multiple cellular defense mechanisms, including antiviral signaling pathways in ORAI1 knockout cells, which are likely due to reduced expression of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factors of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) family andMEF2C. Our results identify a novel role of ORAI1-mediated Ca2+signaling in regulating the baseline type I interferon level, which is a determinant of host resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Can you affect me? The influence of vitality forms on action perception and motor response
Authors: Lombardi G. , Zenzeri J. , Belgiovine G. , Vannucci F. , Rea F. , Sciutti A. , Di Cesare G.
Published: May 2021

During the interaction with others, action, speech, and touches can communicate positive, neutral, or negative attitudes. Offering an apple can be gentle or rude, a caress can be kind or rushed. These subtle aspects of social communication have been namedvitality formsby Daniel Stern. Although they characterize all human interactions, to date it is not clear whether vitality forms expressed by an agent affect the action perception and the motor response of the receiver. To this purpose, we carried out a psychophysics study aiming to investigate how perceiving different vitality forms can influence cognitive and motor tasks performed by participants. In particular, participants were stimulated with requests made through a physical contact or vocally and conveying rude or gentle vitality forms, and then they were asked to estimate the end of a passing action observed in a monitor (action estimation task) or to perform an action in front of it (action execution task) with the intention to pass an object to the other person presented in the video. Results showed that the perception of different vitality forms influences both the estimated duration of the action and the motor response of participants, suggesting how these forms of communication can positively or negatively affect our behavior.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus vFLIP Promotes MEndT to Generate Hybrid M/E State for Tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Weikang , Ding Yao , Lu Zhengzhou , Wang Yan , Yuan Yan
Published: May 2021

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative and invasive tumor caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The cellular origin of KS tumor cells remains contentious. Recently, evidence has accrued indicating that KS may arise from KSHV-infected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT), but the transformation process has been largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the KSHV-mediated MEndT process and found that KSHV infection rendered MSCs incomplete endothelial lineage differentiation and formed hybrid mesenchymal/endothelial (M/E) state cells characterized by simultaneous expression of mesenchymal markers PDGFRA/Nestin and endothelial markers PDPN/CD31. The hybrid M/E cells have acquired high tumorigenic propertiesin vitroand the potential to form KS-like tumors after transplanted in mice under renal capsules. These results faithfully recapitulate Kaposi’s sarcoma where proliferating KS spindle-shaped cells and the cells that line KS-specific aberrant vessels were also found to exhibit a hybrid M/E state. Furthermore, the genetic analysis identified KSHV-encoded FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) as a crucial regulator controlling KSHV-induced MEndT and generating hybrid M/E state cells for tumorigenesis. Overall, KSHV-mediated MEndT that transforms MSCs to tumorigenic hybrid M/E state cells driven by vFLIP is an essential event in Kaposi’s sarcomagenesis.

Author Summary

Kaposi’s sarcoma manifests as multifocal lesions with spindle cell proliferation, intense angiogenesis, and erythrocyte extravasation. Although the origin and true malignant nature of KS remains contentious, it is established that KSHV infection with concomitant viral oncogene expression in normal cell progenitors causes KS. The mechanism of KSHV oncogenesis could be revealed through reproduction of KS by infection of normal cells. This study reports that the KSHV infection of mesenchymal stem cells initiates mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT) that generates mesenchymal/endothelial (M/E) hybrid state cells. The hybrid M/E cells acquired high tumorigenic properties, including tumor initiation, angiogenesis, migration, and the potential to form KS-like tumors after transplanted in mice. This finding faithfully recapitulates Kaposi’s sarcoma where proliferating KS spindle cells and the cells that line KS-specific aberrant vessels are also found to exhibit the hybrid M/E state. We also found that KSHV-encoded viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) plays a crucial role in promoting MEndT and the generation of M/E state cells. These results provide a new layer of evidence for MSCs being the cell source of KS spindle cells and reveal novel insight into KS pathogenesis and viral tumorigenesis.
Using spatially-explicit plant competition models to optimise crop productivity in intercropped systems
Authors: Stefan Laura , Engbersen Nadine , Schöb Christian
Published: May 2021

Intercropping, by capitalizing on positive biodiversity–productivity relationships, represents a promising option to increase agricultural sustainability. However, the complexity and context-dependency of plant–plant interactions can make it challenging for farmers to find suitable crop combinations. Furthermore, intercropping is usually implemented with standard inter-row spacing and plant densities based on monoculture practices, which might not be the ideal configuration to maximise yield. Therefore, here we present a spatially-explicit method based on plant ecological interaction models that allowed to optimize crop species combinations and spatial configurations for maximal yield in intercropped systems. We tested this method with three crop species, namely oat, lupin, and camelina. In a first step, field experiments in which crop density was varied provided us with indications on which species would compete more with each other. The results showed us that oat and camelina strongly competed with each other. In addition, the distance experiments allowed us to understand how the changes in yield associated with the presence of neighbours vary with distance. This allowed us to find the sets of parameters (identity of neighbours, sowing density, distances between individuals) that optimises intercrop yield (measured as Land Equivalent Ratio [LER]) for the three considered species. Specifically, we show that alternating rows of species led to higher LERs than a homogeneous species mixing. In addition, for each spatial configuration considered, we provide indications for the optimal inter- and intra-row distances and information about relative yield losses with suboptimal planting patterns. By modelling crop yield from simple and reproducible density and distance experiments, our results allow to optimize crop mixtures in terms of species combinations and spatial configurations.
Analysis of extent of credit access among women farm-entrepreneurs based on membership in table banking (TB)
Authors: Cherotich Josephine , Sibiko Kenneth Waluse , Ayuya Oscar Ingasia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Inadequate finance is considered a major factor limiting the growth of small-scale women-owned farm enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa. Women empowerment programs such as table banking (TB) and women enterprise fund were initiated in an attempt to curb the credit gap affecting women in agribusiness. This paper determines the factors influencing the extent of credit access among women farm-entrepreneurs who are either members or nonmembers of TB groups in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in Kericho County using a sample of 384 respondents. Factor analysis was used to generate three indicators of entrepreneurial orientation which were included as explanatory variables in the regressions. Double hurdle econometric model was employed to analyze the factors influencing the decisions on credit uptake and amount of borrowed loan. Separate models were estimated for members and nonmembers of TB groups since they differed in volume and source of loan accessed.

Findings

Results reveal that age of the woman and innovativeness negatively influenced credit access, whereas education level, participation in off-farm activities, number of farm enterprises, perception on interest rate, extension contacts and financial knowledge positively influenced the decision to access credit. On the other hand, participation in off-farm activities, risk-taking behavior, total land size, extension access and financial knowledge were statistically significant with positive correlation on the amount of loan borrowed. Significant factors differ between members and nonmembers of TB groups implying divergence in underlying credit access challenges once one has joined such groups.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not consider supply-side factors affecting the amount of loan accessed by women farm-entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the pioneer studies using the double hurdle model to analyze factors influencing the extent of credit access specifically among women farm-entrepreneurs and carrying out the analysis by membership in TB groups.
University students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous library-supported learning: an empirical investigation in the context of the Line@Library
Authors: Tu Yun-Fang , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Chen Joyce Chao-Chen , Lai Chiulin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influences of task-technology fit on university students’ attitudes towards ubiquitous library-supported learning when they use a mobile library app, Line@Library.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, structural equation modelling to examine 158 valid questionnaires are used. The study aims to examine the effects of task-technology fit (TTF) on university students’ attitudes towards mobile learning (AML) when using Line@Library.

Findings

The results show that task-technology fit is an important role that influences the students’ attitudes towards mobile learning. The factor “technology characteristics” is considered when the students attempted to use the mobile app to solve problems or complete tasks. This study also found that the students responded with positive perceptions of the task-technology fit and had positive perceptions of its ease of use. Furthermore, usefulness, ease of use and affection of AML were found to be the most influential predictors of mobile library adoption intention.

Originality/value

From the perspective of learners, this study investigates the relationships of the combination of social media and a mobile library between TTF and AML. This study further found that not only ease of use, usefulness and affection but also task-technology fit can be a predictor that influences students’ attitudes towards mobile learning.
Foresight as decision-making support within bounded rationality in individuals and organizations – Embrapa’s strategic intelligence system – Agropensa’s case
Authors: Torres Lívia Abreu , Pena Jr Marcos Antonio Gomes
Published: May 2021

Purpose

No matter how much human beings strive to make strictly rational choices, they are incapable of doing so because human knowledge is limited and suffers the influence of psychological aspects. This paper aims to demonstrate how the use of foresight methods has contributed to minimize problems inherent to human rationality through a qualitative descriptive study of the case of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – Embrapa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collected primary and secondary data through document analysis and interviews with managers of the Embrapa’s strategic intelligence system (SIS), Agropensa (a recognized success case of strategic intelligence (SI)/futures studies in Brazilian public administration).

Findings

The results show that it was possible to strengthen corporate behavior in the long term, minimize biases inherent to the decision-making process and bring relevant information into the management of the organization. Foresight methods and tools have made it possible to mitigate problems arising from bounded rationality (BR) in the Embrapa’s decision-making processes. The change in company’s culture potentiated long-term views and access to future-bearing information. Embrapa’s SIS contributes to mitigate difficulties inherent to human nature by bringing uncertainty into managerial discussions.

Originality/value

Taking in consideration all the advances in the future studies/SI approach, this paper realizes that this particular practical case can contribute to scientific community deepening the understanding of how a structure dedicated to run future studies/SI can diminish BR impacts on the company’s decision-making process.
Free convective heat transfer efficiency in Al2O3–Cu/water hybrid nanofluid inside a rectotrapezoidal enclosure
Authors: Rahman Mohammad M. , Saghir Ziad , Pop Ioan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate numerically the free convective heat transfer efficiency inside a rectotrapezoidal enclosure filled with Al2O3–Cu/water hybrid fluid. The bottom wall of the cavity is uniformly heated, the upper horizontal wall is insulated, and the remaining walls are considered cold. A new thermophysical relation determining the thermal conductivity of the hybrid nanofluid has been established, which produced results those match with experimental ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations are solved using the finite element method of Galerkin type. The simulated results in terms of streamlines, heat lines and isotherms are displayed for various values of the model parameters, which govern the flow.

Findings

The Nusselt number, friction factor and the thermal efficiency index are also determined for the pertinent parameters varying different ratios of the hybrid nanoparticles. The simulated results showed that thermal buoyancy significantly controls the heat transfer, friction factor and thermal efficiency index. The highest thermal efficiency is obtained for the lowest Rayleigh number.

Practical implications

This theoretical study is significantly relevant to the applications of the hybrid nanofluids electronic devices cooled by fans, manufacturing process, renewable energies, nuclear reactors, electronic cooling, lubrication, refrigeration, combustion, medicine, thermal storage, etc.

Originality/value

The results showed that nanoparticle loading intensified the rate of heat transfer and thermal efficiency index at the expense of the higher friction factor or higher pumping power. The results further show that the heat transmission in Al2O3–Cu/water hybrid nanofluid at a fixed value of intensified $\phi_{hnf}$ compared to the Al2O3/water nanofluid when an amount of higher conductivity nanoparticles (Cu) added to it. Besides, the rate of heat transfer in Cu/water nanofluid declines when the lower thermal conductivity Al2O3 nanoparticles are added to the mixture.
Employer event communication and hospitality workers’ resilience during the COVID-19 crisis: the role of core beliefs examination and family support
Authors: Tuan Luu Trong
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Hospitality is one of the industries severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is vital to comprehend how to help the workforce in this service sector grow resilient through such a crisis. This paper aims to unpack the role of employer event communication in promoting hotel workers’ resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were garnered from 462 hotel workers who were on unpaid leave or layoff during the hotel shutdown.

Findings

The results unfolded the positive link between employer event communication and hotel workers’ resilience, for which core beliefs examination served as a mediation mechanism. Family support was found to moderate the effect of employer event communication on core beliefs examination.

Practical implications

The findings indicate to hospitality organizations that in face of a crisis such as the COVID-19, their employee resilience can be activated if they implement event communication activities. They should further realize that their support should go hand in hand with family support in fueling employee resilience from the crisis.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of how and when to promote resilience among hotel workers during a pandemic crisis.
The impact of knowledge management on the internationalization, organizational ambidexterity and performance of Spanish hotel chains
Authors: Ubeda-Garcia Mercedes , Rienda Laura , Zaragoza-Saez Patrocinio Carmen , Andreu-Guerrero Rosario
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationships between knowledge management, internationalization and ambidexterity, also exploring the influence of these variables on Spanish hotel chain performance. Hypotheses are proposed from the dynamic capabilities and knowledge-management views of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested on a sample of 70 Spanish hotel chains applying variance-based structural equation modeling (partial least squares).

Findings

The results show that Spanish hotel chains that use knowledge management processes achieve a greater degree of internationalization and this increases their organizational ambidexterity. This study can also confirm a direct, positive and significant relationship between organizational ambidexterity and performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research shows that knowledge may be considered an essential resource to improve hotel firms’ results. Spanish hotel firms should manage their knowledge to stimulate international activity because this could enhance learning capabilities related to organizational ambidexterity and positively influence performance.

Originality/value

The present paper analyzes relationships between variables that had not previously been analyzed in a single model, including knowledge management, the degree of internationalization of hotel chains, ambidexterity and performance.
An Analysis of hospital characteristics on lean and service quality
Authors: Vanichchinchai Assadej
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the differences across hospital characteristics (i.e. lean maturity, hospital size, hospital type and ISO 9001) on lean expectation, lean performance, service quality expectation and service quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey instruments were developed from an extensive literature review, validated by experts and tested by statistical techniques. Data was collected from the perspective of care providers in 220 outpatient departments of Thai hospitals with multiple respondents to improve reliability of data. Analysis of variance and independent sample t test were applied for analysis.

Findings

It was found that there are significant differences across lean maturity and hospital size on overall lean expectation and overall lean performance, and across ISO 9001 on overall service quality performance. Overall, service quality expectation and performance have higher mean scores than overall lean expectation and performance.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, this is one of the first studies to present insights into the links between Thai hospital characteristics, expected lean and service quality and performance from the care provider viewpoint. Findings form this study can be used to improve individual hospitals or develop healthcare system at national level.
Management accounting systems effectiveness, perceived environmental uncertainty and companies’ performance: the case of Jordanian companies
Authors: Abu Afifa Malik Muneer , Saleh Isam
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between management accounting systems effectiveness (MASE) and company performance and then it examines the role of perceived environmental uncertainty as a moderator on this relationship. It provides empirical evidence from a developing market, especially from the Jordanian market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on collecting its data using a quantitative method to assist in explaining and interpreting the results, whereby the study data were collected through a survey design approach using a questionnaire method to achieve the objectives of the study. The population of this study included all Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) at the end of 2019, a total of 187 companies. Therefore, the study sample consists of all these companies (a completely sensuous population) which are listed on ASE at the end of 2019.

Findings

The findings of this study offered that two informational characteristics of MASE, namely, timeliness and integration, have a significant impact on the financial performance and other characteristics have no impact on the financial (FP) and nonfinancial (NFP) performance. The informational characteristics of management accounting systems complement each other to ensure the MASE in the company, where the relationship between MASE proxied by four informational characteristics together and FP as well as NFP, were highly significant. Additionally, the findings documented that perceived environmental uncertainty, namely, customer uncertainty, competitor uncertainty and technology uncertainty separately do not moderate the relationship between MASE and company performance (both FP and NFP).

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study shape the way for more thorough studies into monitoring MASE. Nevertheless, to start efficient decisions, managers need to comprehend the interaction of the MASE with other factors. All these considerations need to be comprehended both for and against the performance. Finally, this study addressed important issues that have practical management value. However, it is limited to a sample from one country. Future research would be interesting to study different businesses and cultural settings to enhance the theoretical and practical contributions of the study’s findings and conclusions. To be more specific, further study should have a wider view of the determinants of performance by containing economic factors in different areas such as the MENA region.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study of Jordan to examine the relationship between MASE and company performance from two sides (namely, financial and non-financial performance), moderated by perceived environmental uncertainty. As such, the study raises significant findings drawing attention to management accounting systems and the role of management accounting systems in Jordan.
Emerging issues related to the management of patients in custody during the COVID-19 outbreak in France
Authors: Dufayet Laurène , Macaigne Cyrus , Soussy Nicolas , Alcaraz Elizabeth , Gorgiard Charlotte
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to give an overview of emerging issues relating to the management of patients in custody during the COVID-19 outbreak in France.

Design/methodology/approach

During custody in France, a medical consultation is provided for any patient who requests it. In the Paris area, this consultation is carried out by a practitioner in forensic medicine, based in a general hospital. Usually, most medical consultations for patients in custody take place directly in police stations. With the COVID-19 outbreak, the authors chose to suspend this activity, asking law enforcement to bring patients directly to their hospitals. Patients presenting with severe infections or indicative symptoms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection and a comorbidity are tested for COVID-19. Such patients remain hospitalized until results of the test are received. If the result is positive, they are hospitalized for the length of their custody. If sent to prison, they are transferred to a medical facility in detention.

Findings

From the onset of the outbreak, the authors observed increased pressure from law enforcement to obtain medical information. According to the French Code of Medical Ethics, no medical information should be disclosed regarding the authors’ patients’ medical situations. The authors are also concerned about sending a potentially infected patient back to a police station, to prison or to his/her home.

Originality/value

This paper provides a snapshot of issues relating to the management of patients in custody during the COVID-19 outbreak in France. Unfortunately, the current situation in France does not permit a wider range of testing for the specified population in this paper.
The role of business strategy on the adoption and effectiveness of broad-based employee share ownership
Authors: Yoon Yeongjoon , Sengupta Sukanya
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In this research, the authors try to answer the question of when broad-based employee share ownership (ESO) is more likely to be used and how it can be managed more effectively from the vertical fit perspective in strategic human resource management (HRM).

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes an unbalanced panel sample of 614 organizations (1,601 organization-year data points) in South Korea, utilizing hierarchical linear modeling (HLM).

Findings

The analysis demonstrates that organizations are more likely to adopt broad-based ESO when they utilize the prospector and analyzer strategies as opposed to the defender strategy. The analysis also reveals that the relationship between broad-based ESO and labor productivity is positive only when organizations utilize the prospector strategy as opposed to other types of strategies (i.e. analyzer and defender strategies).

Practical implications

The findings first indicate that the decision to adopt a broad-based ESO in organizations should be informed by their business strategy if they want to enhance labor productivity. Specifically, the results demonstrate that only the prospector firms, rather than defenders or analyzers, can reap the productivity benefit of broad-based ESO. Second, since innovation is a major source of productivity for prospector firms, the findings demonstrate that a broad-based ESO can be a vehicle that drives innovation. As a result, firms may want to consider utilizing broad-based ESOs to foster innovation.

Originality/value

The findings emphasize the relevance of the “vertical fit” perspective in examining the broad-based ESO and firm productivity relationship. Most past research utilized the “horizontal fit” framework in refining the relationship between broad-based ESO and productivity. Thus, the study emphasizes the need to utilize the “vertical fit” perspective, and not only the “horizontal fit” perspective, in the broad-based ESO research. Through this, the study meaningfully extends the research on the productivity effect of broad-based ESO by adding an important moderator (i.e. strategy) to the model.
A case of insufficient safeguards or state-enabled money laundering? ‘Golden Passport’ and ‘Golden Visa’ investment schemes in Europe
Authors: Pavlidis George
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To critically examine recent developments and proposals for the regulation and supervision of ‘golden passport’ and ‘golden visa’ investment schemes in Europe. We argue that FATF standards constitute an appropriate response to money-laundering risks associated with such investment schemes, but the EU needs to introduce further common rules, safeguards and control mechanisms in the aftermath of the recent scandal in Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on reports, legislation, legal scholarship and other open-source data to examine golden passport and golden visa investment schemes in the EU.

Findings

The EU has to forge a common approach to mitigate money-laundering risks associated with golden passport and golden visa investment schemes, taking into consideration the FATF standards.

Originality/value

This is the first study examining golden passport and golden visa investment schemes in the EU in the aftermath of the Cypriot scandal and proposing the overhaul of the EU legal framework in this regard.
How playable ads influence consumer attitude: exploring the mediation effects of perceived control and freedom threat
Authors: Hu Xiaohan , Wise Kevin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The playable ad is a new type of digital advertising that combines interactivity with gamification. Guided by psychological reactance theory, this study aims to explore the psychological processes and effects of playable ads on consumers’ perceived control and product attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted two experiments to examine the relationship between playable ads, perceived control and product attitude. This paper also applied psychological reactance theory and investigated whether perceived control triggered by the interactive features of playable ads influenced psychological reactance toward them.

Findings

Findings from two experiments show that playable ads, compared to video ads, increased consumers’ perceived control, which, in turn, led to more positive attitudes toward the advertised products (Studies 1 and 2). This study also supports psychological reactance theory by revealing that increased perceived control diminished perceived freedom threat and subsequently alleviated consumers’ psychological reactance toward advertising messages (Study 2).

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the effectiveness of a new type of ad-game integration – playable ads. Different from prior research in gamification of advertising, this paper examined the effectiveness of playable ads in an information processing context in which the ads were not the primary task to focus on. This study also extends psychological reactance theory in the context of interactive marketing by exploring the effect of perceived control afforded by digital message features in mitigating reactance.
Exploring internal challenges for quality assurance staff in Vietnam: voice of insiders
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Huu
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine how quality assurance practitioners in Vietnam describe their levels of professional knowledge and related skills, as well as identifying factors that interfere with the development of these skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured were conducted with 22 quality assurance practitioners who were directly involved in quality assurance policy-making and implementation.

Findings

Thematic analysis identified that internal challenges for quality assurance staff were mostly related to their lack of knowledge, skills and experience in this area. Limited capacity in English communication was also reported as a major challenge for Vietnamese quality assurance specialists.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that regular capacity-building programmes can help quality assurance staff gain the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their work performance.
Risk-based prioritization method for planning and allocation of resources in public sector
Authors: Santhiapillai Felix P. , Ratnayake R.M. Chandima
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a risk-based prioritization method (RBPM), using functional failure risk and strategic importance assessment, in order to support public managers' decision-making process for the planning and allocation of scarce resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology incorporates two assessment matrices into a management group’s decision-making process for resource allocation. As part of an action research strategy, the authors present the developed RBPM and its application in one Norwegian police district.

Findings

The RBPM provides a processual approach to detect risk of failures in the organization, which can facilitate better planning and allocation of resources, to mitigate risks from materializing and enhance performance. The results also indicate that the proposed assessment models provide an easier approach to consolidating different perspectives and weighting the strategic importance of disciplinary functions, when prioritizing the planning and allocation of scarce resources is necessary.

Research limitations/implications

The research is restricted in that it only considers one police district in Norway. Further limitation surrounds the issue of generalizability, as only one unit from the district is used. Further research should adapt and extend the developed RBPM in the district.

Practical implications

The RBPM may be of interest to public managers in the emergency sector operating with a large number of disciplinary functions in a highly dynamic and uncertain environment.

Originality/value

The RBPM applied in this study is based on approaches with advanced application in the oil and gas industry adapted to a contextually different environment which, in contrast, consists of functional hierarchies composed of human resources.
The Emperor's New Code? Time to Re‐Evaluate the Nature of Stewardship Engagement Under the UK's Stewardship Code
Authors: Reddy Bobby V.
Published: May 2021

John Kingman's review of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) doubted the effectiveness of the UK's Stewardship Code in encouraging informed and engaged stewardship by institutional investors of the companies in which they invest (issuers). Accordingly, the FRC updated the Stewardship Code in 2020 in a final bid to prove its effectiveness and relevance, and, in particular, to enhance issuer‐specific engagement by institutional investors. The update has enhanced the reach and substance of the Code. However, the legal, regulatory, contractual and competitive environment in which institutional investors exist will constantly forestall soft‐law attempts to foster greater issuer‐specific engagement, a point perhaps tacitly acknowledged by the 2020 Stewardship Code with its wider scope. Instead, in relation to engagement, stewardship disclosure should focus on the types of engagement that institutional investors are motivated to exercise in practice, such as engagement in response to hedge fund activism, and engagement on systemic risks.
Predictors of reoperation for perianal fistula in Crohn's disease
Authors: Nam Kwangwoo , Jung Won Beom , Lee Seung Bum , Soh Jae Seung , Yang Song Soo , Jung Seok Won
Published: May 2021

Objective

Treating perianal fistula in cases of Crohn's disease (CD) remains challenging and the postoperative recurrence rate of perianal fistula is 22%‐28%. This study aimed to identify the predictive risk factors for reoperation in Korean CD patients with perianal fistula.

Methods

Medical records of the patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed CD who underwent surgical treatment for perianal fistulas at four referral centers in Korea between March 2010 and February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The rate of reoperation due to perianal fistula recurrence, which was defined as any subsequent surgery for perianal fistula or abscess, and the potential risk factors for reoperation were analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐one patients at a mean age of 22 years were included in the study. During a median follow‐up period of 26 months (range 2‐89 mo), 21 (41.2%) patients underwent reoperation because of recurrent perianal fistula or abscess. The median interval from the first surgery to reoperation was 13 months. A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that drug escalation (from 5‐aminosalicylic acid [5‐ASA] to thiopurine or from 5‐ASA or thiopurine to anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents) after the first surgery was associated with a reduced likelihood of reoperation (hazard ratio 0.316, 95% confidence interval 0.117‐0.858, P = 0.024).

Conclusions

The postoperative recurrence rate was relatively high (41.2%) after the first surgery for perianal fistula in Korean patients with CD. Drug escalation therapy after the first surgery may help reduce the need for reoperation for perianal fistula.
CAFOs and Surface Water Quality: Evidence from Wisconsin
Authors: Raff Zach , Meyer Andrew
Published: May 2021

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)—animal feeding operations with over 1,000 animal units in confined spaces—have proliferated over the past thirty years in the United States. CAFOs provide operational cost savings, but higher animal concentrations in confined spaces can generate external costs, for example, non‐point source water pollution. In this study, we improve on previous research designs to estimate the relationship between the growth in CAFOs and surface water quality using longitudinal data on a large spatial scale. We use a panel dataset from 1995–2017 that links CAFO intensity with nearby surface water quality readings in Wisconsin to perform our analysis. Leveraging variation in CAFO intensity within hydrological regions over time, we find that increasing CAFO intensity increases the levels of nutrients, specifically total phosphorus and ammonia, in surface water; adding one CAFO to a Hydrologic Unit Code‐8 (HUC8) region leads to a 1.7% increase in total phosphorus levels and a 2.7% increase in ammonia levels, relative to sample mean levels. As an important contribution of our work, we use these results to calculate the external costs of surface water quality damages from CAFOs in Wisconsin. Our results imply that the marginal CAFO in Wisconsin produces non‐market surface water quality damages of at least $203,541 per year.
Decentralization Can Increase Cooperation among Public Officials
Authors: Molina‐Garzón Adriana , Grillos Tara , Zarychta Alan , Andersson Krister P.
Published: May 2021

Collective action among public officials is necessary for the effective delivery of many social services, but relatively little is known about how it can be fostered through policy reforms. In this article, we compare cooperation among public officials within decentralized versus centrally‐administered municipalities in Honduras. Leveraging a quasi‐experiment in health sector reform, coupled with behavioral games and social network surveys, we find that decentralization is associated with greater cooperation. When they are able to communicate, health sector workers in decentralized municipalities contribute more to a public good than their centrally‐administered counterparts. This increase in cooperative behavior results in part from the decentralization reform engendering greater numbers of interactions and stronger ties across different levels of government. These findings indicate that institutional reforms like decentralization can favorably reconfigure patterns of social interactions across public organizations, which is an important component of administrative capacity in developing countries.
Young and early‐onset dilated cardiomyopathy with malignant ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death induced by the heterozygous LDB3, MYH6, and SYNE1 missense mutations
Authors: Zhao Ting , Ma Yuting , Zhang Zuoquan , Xian Jianzhong , Geng Xiaojing , Wang Feng , Huang Jiana , Yang Zhe , Luo Yi , Lin Yubi
Published: May 2021

Background

The whole exome sequencing (WES) with targeted gene analysis is an effective diagnostic tool for cardiomyopathy. The early‐onset sudden cardiac death (SCD) was commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) induced by pathogenic genetic mutations.

Methods

In a Chinese Han family, the patient of 24 years old occurred with early‐onset and DCM and died of SCD associated with ICD storms induced by repetitive ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/F). Genomic DNA samples of peripheral blood were conducted for WES and Sanger sequence. Then, we performed bioinformatics analysis for 200 genes susceptible to cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Further, we analyzed how the potential pathogenic mutations affecting the secondary structure, hydrophobicity, and phosphorylation of amino acids, protein properties, and their joint pathogenicity by ProtParam, SOPMA, and ORVAL algorisms. The protein–protein interaction was analyzed by STRING algorism.

Results

The mutations of LDB3 p.M456R, MYH6 p.S180Y, and SYNE1 p.S4607F were identified as “Damaging/Deleterious.” The SYNE1 (p.S4607F) increased one of alpha helix and decreased one of beta sheet. The LDB3 (p.M456R) reduced one of beta sheet and increased one of beta turn. The MYH6 (p.S180Y) decreased two of beta sheets and four of beta turns, but significantly increased twelve coils. The hydrophobicity of amino acid residues and their adjacent sequences were decreased by LDB3 (p.M456R) and MYH6 (p.S180Y), and significantly increased by SYNE1 (p.S4607F). The mutations of LDB3 (p.M456R), SYNE1 (p.S4607F), and MYH6 (p.S180Y) resulted in the phosphorylation changes of the corresponding amino acid sites or the nearby amino acid sites. The pairwise combinations of LDB3, MYH6, and SYNE1 mutations have the high probability of causing disease, especially the highest probability for SYNE1 and LDB3 mutations. There was obviously indirect interaction of the proteins encoded by SYNE1, LDB3, and MYH6.

Conclusions

The multiple heterozygous mutations of SYNE1, LDB3, and MYH6 may be associated with young and early‐onset of DCM and SCD.
Lichen communities on Populus tremula are affected by the density of Picea abies
Authors: Nirhamo Aleksi , Pykälä Juha , Halme Panu , Komonen Atte
Published: May 2021

Questions

Aspen (Populus tremula) is declining in the old‐growth forests of boreal Fennoscandia. This threatens the numerous taxa that are dependent on old aspens, including many epiphytic lichens. Potential methods to aid epiphytic lichens on aspen are centered around treatments which affect the density of Norway spruce (Picea abies). In this study, we investigated how epiphytic lichen communities on aspen are affected by the variation of spruce density in the immediate vicinity of the focal aspen.

Location

Southern boreal forests in Finland.

Methods

We recorded the occurrence of lichens from 120 aspens in 12 semi‐natural forest sites. We used spruce basal area as the measure for spruce density. The selected aspens represented a gradient in spruce basal area in the vicinity of the aspen from 0 to 36 m2/ha. We also measured other tree‐ and stand‐level variables that are known to influence lichen occurrence.

Results

Lichen communities on aspen were affected by spruce density, stand age and bark pH. Both lichen species richness and the richness of red‐listed species were highest at an intermediate spruce density, and both increased with stand age. Lichen species richness was higher when bark pH was lower. Additionally, community composition was influenced the most by spruce density, followed by bark pH.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the detrimental effects of high spruce density on lichen diversity on aspens. This is caused by high spruce density resulting in low light availability. Lichen diversity on aspens was highest when spruce density was intermediate. Spruce thinning in aspen‐rich old‐growth forests can be helpful in ensuring the long‐term persistence of old‐growth lichens on aspen in protected forests.
Health‐related guilt in chronic primary pain: A systematic review of evidence
Authors: Serbic Danijela , Evangeli Michael , Probyn Katrin , Pincus Tamar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Chronic primary pain conditions are characterized by significant functional disability, emotional distress, and diagnostic uncertainty. Health‐related guilt associated with coping and living with chronic pain is poorly understood. There had been no attempts to synthesize findings on health‐related guilt across studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systemic review of evidence, to enable an understanding of the role of health‐related guilt in chronic primary pain, and to provide directions for future research.

Method

A search strategy was developed based on our eligibility criteria. Four databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for relevant papers from inception to 8 July 2020. Data from 12 qualitative and six quantitative studies were synthesized narratively.

Results

The review of qualitative studies resulted in three themes, relating to the management of pain, diagnostic uncertainty/legitimizing pain, and how participants’ actions or inactions affect others. These findings were integrated with evidence from quantitative studies, which showed that higher levels of guilt were associated with more pain and pain interference, functional impairment, and poorer psychological and social functioning.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that health‐related guilt is an important psychological factor associated with more pain and poorer function in people with chronic primary pain conditions. Future research should examine health‐related guilt as a potential mediating/moderating factor leading to more distress and suffering in this population and as a potential target for interventions.
Paradoxical changes in brain reward status during oxycodone self‐administration in a novel test of the negative reinforcement hypothesis
Authors: Nguyen Jacques D. , Grant Yanabel , Taffe Michael A.
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose

The extra medical use of, and addiction to, prescription opioid analgesics is a growing health problem. To characterize how prescription opioid abuse develops, this study investigated the affective consequences of escalating prescription opioid use using intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) reward and oxycodone intravenous self‐administration (IVSA) models.

Experimental Approach

Male Wistar rats were given access to oxycodone IVSA (0.15 mg·kg−1 per infusion, i.v.) in short‐access (ShA; 1 h) or long‐access (LgA; 12 h) sessions for five sessions per week followed by intermittent 60‐h discontinuations from drug access, a novel explicit test of the negative reinforcement hypothesis. Separate groups were first trained in the ICSS procedure and then in oxycodone IVSA in 11‐h LgA sessions.

Key Results

Rats given LgA to oxycodone escalated their responding more than ShA rats, with further significant increases observed following each 60‐h discontinuation. Presession brain reward thresholds increased with sequential daily LgA IVSA sessions, consistent with a growing negative affective state consequent to successive daily intoxication/abstinence cycles. A 1‐h oxycodone IVSA interval was sufficient to normalize these elevated reward thresholds, as was, paradoxically, a 60‐h weekend abstinence. The increase in ICSS thresholds was attenuated in a group treated with the long‐acting κ‐opioid antagonist norbinaltorphimine prior to IVSA training.

Conclusion and Implications

Changes in brain reward function during escalation of oxycodone self‐administration are driven by an interplay between κ‐opioid receptor‐mediated negative affective state associated with escalated oxycodone intake and dynamic restoration of brain reward status during longer periods of abstinence.