bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NKX2-1 controls lung cancer progression by inducing DUSP6 to dampen ERK activity
Authors: Ingram Kelley , Samson Shiela C. , Zewdu Rediet , Zitnay Rebecca G. , Snyder Eric L. , Mendoza Michelle C.
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death, with unclear mechanisms driving the transition to aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. The RAS→RAF→MEK→ERK pathway is hyper-activated in ∼50% of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). An initial activating mutation induces homeostatic feedback mechanisms that limit ERK activity. Additional, undefined genetic hits overcome the feedback, leading to high ERK activity that drives malignant progression. At detection, the majority of LUADs express the homeobox transcription factor NKX2-1, which also limits malignant progression. NKX2-1 constrains LUAD, in part, by maintaining a well-differentiated state with features of pulmonary identity. We asked if loss of NKX2-1 might also contribute to the release of ERK activity that drives tumor progression. Using human tissue samples and cell lines, xenografts, and genetic mouse models, we show that NKX2-1 induces the ERK phosphatase DUSP6. In tumor cells from late-stage LUAD with silencedNKX2-1, re-introduction of NKX2-1 induces DUSP6 and inhibits cell proliferation and migration and tumor growth and metastasis. CRISPR knockout studies show that DUSP6 is necessary for NKX2-1-mediated inhibition of tumor progressionin vivo. Further, DUSP6 expression is sufficient to inhibit RAS-driven LUAD. We conclude thatNKX2-1silencing, and therebyDUSP6downregulation, is a mechanism by which early LUAD can unleash ERK hyperactivation for tumor progression.
Sod1 Integrates Oxygen Availability to Redox Regulate NADPH Production and the Thiol Redoxome
Authors: Montllor-Albalate Claudia , Kim Hyojung , Jonke Alex P. , Torres Matthew P. , Reddi Amit R.
Published: March 2021

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) is a highly conserved and abundant antioxidant enzyme that detoxifies superoxide (O2⸱-) by catalyzing its conversion to dioxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). UsingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand mammalian cells, we discovered that a major new aspect of the antioxidant function of Sod1 is to integrate O2availability to promote NADPH production. The mechanism involves Sod1-derived H2O2oxidatively inactivating the glycolytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which in turn re-routes carbohydrate flux to the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) to generate NADPH. The aerobic oxidation of GAPDH is exclusively dependent on and rate-limited by Sod1. Thus, Sod1 senses O2via O2⸱-to balance glycolytic and oxPPP flux, through control of GAPDH activity, for adaptation to life in air. Importantly, this new mechanism for Sod1 antioxidant activity requires the bulk of cellular Sod1, unlike for its role in protection against O2⸱-toxicity, which only requires < 1% of total Sod1. Using mass spectrometry, we identified proteome-wide targets of Sod1-dependent redox signaling, including numerous metabolic enzymes. Altogether, Sod1-derived H2O2is important for antioxidant defense and a master regulator of metabolism and the thiol redoxome.

Significance Statement

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) is a key antioxidant enzyme and its importance is underscored by the fact that its ablation in cell and animal models results in oxidative stress, metabolic defects, and reductions in cell proliferation, viability, and lifespan. Curiously, Sod1 detoxifies superoxide radicals (O2⸱-) in a manner that produces an oxidant as a byproduct, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). While much is known about the necessity of scavenging O2⸱-, it is less clear what the physiological roles of Sod1-derived H2O2are. Herein, we discovered that Sod1-derived H2O2plays a very important role in antioxidant defense by stimulating the production of NADPH, a vital cellular reductant required for ROS scavenging enzymes, as well as redox regulating a large network of enzymes.
Climate and genetic diversity change in mammals during the Late Quaternary
Authors: Theodoridis Spyros , Flórez-Rodríguez Alexander , Truelsen Ditte M. , Giampoudakis Konstantinos , Garcia Raquel A. , Singarayer Joy , Valdes Paul , Rahbek Carsten , Marske Katharine A. , Nogués-Bravo David
Published: March 2021

Conservation decisions and future scenarios are in need of past baselines on climate change impacts in biodiversity. Although we know that climate change has contributed to diversity shifts in some mammals1,2,3,4,5,6,7, previous research often assumed that climate change is invariable across species’ ranges. We are therefore still ignorant of the true rates of climate change experienced by species assemblages over the last millennia, their impacts on intraspecific diversity, and how they compare to future climate change projections. Here, we use more than 9,000 Late Quaternary records, including fossils and ancient and modern DNA sequences, millennial-scale paleoclimatic reconstructions over the last 50,000 years and future climate change projections to document rates of climate change velocity and dynamics in genetic diversity experienced by an assemblage of 16 extinct and extant Holarctic mammal species. Extinct megafauna experienced velocities more than 15 times faster than the extant species, up to 15.2 km per decade. Notably, extant large-bodied grazers lost almost a 65% of their pool of genetic diversity since the Late Pleistocene, which indicates reduced ability to adapt to on-going global change. Additionally, mammal species experienced overall climate change velocities slower than that projected for the end of the 21stcentury but punctuated by comparable fast climate change episodes. Our results provide baselines on the impacts of ongoing and future climate change on the diversity of mammal species.
Isabelle Kocher – can she lead a historic turnaround at ENGIE?
Authors: Kumar K.B.S.
Published: March 2021

Study level/applicability

MS / MBA / Executive Education

Subject area

Leadership

Case overview

In 2019, French multinational electric utility company, ENGIE SA (ENGIE) was on the verge of zero carbon transition. Under the leadership of Isabelle Kocher (Kocher) who became the CEO in 2016, ENGIE embarked on an arduous journey toward re-profiling ENGIE toward renewable, low-carbon energies, such as solar, green gases and digital. Kocher inherited a loss-making company and took in on a path of transformation toward a company with business lines for future. This meant ENGIE would slowly move out of energy generation through non-renewable sources, toward renewables along with storage and digital technologies. This case chronicles Kocher’s turnaround plans and investments, and explains how she went about making ENGIE a forerunner in energy revolution. While the turnaround was on track, ENGIE was unable to give returns as expected. With mounting pressure Kocher announced a strategic plan in 2019, which reemphasized ENGIE’s focus on renewables and technology. But several major shareholders including the Government of France were not impressed with the plan. It is time Kocher proves that transformation of ENGIE into a clean power company also means returns for the shareholders.

Expected learning outcomes

The outcomes are as follows: First, to illustrate how leaders bring in change and innovation in large well-established companies. It shows the role of leaders in leading the innovation process and in molding the companies according to the opportunities and threats presented by the macro environment. Second, to analyze the role of a leader in bringing changes in the organization. Third, to understand the strategies used by energy companies as they position their businesses in the context of a changing energy landscape.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Note

Social implications

Renewable Energy – Growing cocnern about the impact of climate change on the world at large, has brought to the fore the importance of renewable energy.

Subject code

CSS 4: Environmental management
Bio-inspired circuitry of bee-bootstrap and Spider-latch comparator for ultra-low power SAR-ADC
Authors: Faheem Muhammad Yasir , Zhong Shun'an , Wang Xinghua , Azeem Muhammad Basit
Published: March 2021

Purpose

There are many types of the ADCs implemented in the mobile and wireless devices. Most of these devices are battery operated and operational at low input voltage. SAR ADC is popular for its low power operations and simple architecture. Scientists are still working to make its working faster under the same low power area. There are many SAR-ADC implemented in the past two decades, but still, there is a big room for dual SAR-ADC.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors are presenting a dual SAR-ADC with a smaller number of components and blocks. The proposed ultra-low-power circuit of the SAR-ADC consists of four major blocks, which include Bee-bootstrap, Spider-Latch dual comparator, dual SAR-logic and dual digital to analog converter. The authors have used the 90-nm CMOS library for the construction of the design.

Findings

The power breaks down of the comparator are dramatically improved from 0.006 to 0.003 uW. The ultimate design has 5 MHz operating frequency with 25 KS/s sampling frequency. The supply voltage is 1.2 V with 35.724 uW power consumption. Signal-to-noise and distortion ratio and spurious-free dynamic range are 65 and 84 dB, respectively. The Walden's figure of merits calculated 7.08 fj/step.

Originality/value

The authors are proposing two-in-one circuit for SAR-ADC named as “dual SAR-ADC”, which obeys the basic equation of duality, derived and proved under the heading of proposed solution. It shows a clear difference between the performance of two circuit-based ADC and one dual circuit ADC. The number of components is reduced by sharing the work load of some key components.
Internationalization of culture and soft power
Authors: Rabêlo Neto Alexandre , Sousa-Filho José Milton de , Carneiro Lima Afonso
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of soft power on the relationships between affinity toward country, country image, cosmopolitanism and preference on the internationalization of Brazilian cultural products.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey used data collected from a non-probabilistic sample of 478 Portuguese respondents, which was further analyzed using the partial least squares technique.

Findings

Affinity related to Brazil, the image of Brazil and cosmopolitanism influenced preference, and this, in turn, influenced the internationalization of Brazilian cultural products. Soft power moderated the relationships between cosmopolitanism and preference, country image and preference and preference and internationalization of cultural products.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the internationalization of a cultural product from one particular emerging economy (Brazil) to a specific developed economy (Portugal). Thus, the findings are bound to this specific context. However, it contributes to the field of international marketing research by concentrating on the moderating effects of soft power in the relationship between the investigated constructs.

Practical implications

In the case of Brazilian cultural products, i.e. music, emphases on Brazilian unique resources, i.e. the beauty, excitement, fantasy, mystique, prestige, etc. of natural resources, may be important features to be taken into consideration in national cultural policies.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the international marketing and consumer behavior literature by showing that consumer preference, affinity toward country and cosmopolitanism are important antecedents of the internationalization of cultural products.
Lean thinking in service digital transformation
Authors: Julião Jorge , Gaspar Marcelo Calvete
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic situation has imposed changes in the way many services are being provided. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of lean thinking and digital transformation on services redesign of a higher education institution. The aim is to improve efficiency and incorporate new health and safety recommendations because of the pandemic situation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a case study approach to explore how lean thinking contributes to the digital transformation of services. The data was collected through student surveys from a Portuguese University, where three different academic services were selected.

Findings

This paper identifies important requirements for new and improved online alternatives to face-to-face interactions of the students with the academic services. It also shows that lean thinking is a driver for digital transformation of services.

Practical implications

This paper presents a dedicated roadmap to aid the implementation of a digital transformation process within student academic services of higher education institutions.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the digital transformation of services through a lean thinking perspective and considering four dimensions: quality, efficiency, cost reduction and health and safety.
Market-oriented extension and farming efficiency in small-scale maize farmers: evidence from Northern Vietnam
Authors: To-The Nguyen , Nguyen-Anh Tuan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Northern Vietnam is a mountainous area where most farmers' livelihoods depend on maize production. Beside training in farming techniques, since 2013 extension courses on market access have been gradually delivered to maize farmers to help them save production costs and increase earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying robust regression and Tobit models to estimate technical efficiency (TE), the difference-in-difference (DID) technique is used in this study to determine the change in the TE of 1,035 farmers in the period 2013–2015 in Northern Vietnam.

Findings

The DID estimator indicated the initial success of extension courses by showing a faster increase in the TE of the receivers compared to that of non-receivers. However, co-operation in production and marketing by maize farmers and access to micro-credit resulted in an insignificant impact on the TE of maize farmers in 2015. These low impact results highlighted the inefficiency of the extension and micro-credit programmes and that raised the concern of policymakers. The distance to local market signifies the determination of farmers on their crops affected by how close their location to their input/output marketplaces.

Research limitations/implications

The Land Policy of the government should take into careful consideration measures to exploit all potential production and to mitigate poverty as well as foster the development of the region.

Originality/value

The expansion of extension courses on access to market has been recognised as an effective method to increase farmer's efficiency.
Identifying the optimal safety leader: a person-centered approach
Authors: Willis Sara , Clarke Sharon , O'Connor Elinor
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The research aimed to uncover leader profiles based on combinations of transformational (TFL), transactional (TAL) and passive leadership (PAL) and to examine how such constellations affect safety. Leader adaptability was tested as an antecedent of leader profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

Using latent profile analysis, the effect of different leader profiles on workplace safety was investigated in two survey studies.

Findings

In total, four leader profiles emerged: “active,” “stable-moderate,” “passive-avoidant” and “inconsistent” leader. A stable-moderate leader profile was identified as the optimal leader profile for safety performance. Leader adaptability was identified as a predictor of leader profile membership.

Practical implications

Safety leadership development should focus on training managers in optimal combinations of leadership practices.

Originality/value

The research calls into question the existence of a transformational or transactional leader. The findings suggest that higher frequency of leadership practices is not always more beneficial for workplace safety.
Managing voluntary collective turnover: the impact of a cynical workplace climate
Authors: Brown Michelle , Cregan Christina , Kulik Carol T. , Metz Isabel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Voluntary collective turnover can be costly for workplaces. The authors investigate the effectiveness of high-performance work system (HPWS) intensity as a tool to manage voluntary collective turnover. Further, the authors investigate a cynical workplace climate (CWC) as a boundary condition on the HPWS intensity–voluntary collective turnover relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The unit of analysis is the workplace, with human resource (HR) managers providing data on HPWS practices in Time 1 (T1) and voluntary collective turnover two years later. Aggregated employee data were used to assess the cynical workplace climate. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study’s results demonstrate a negative relationship between HPWS intensity and voluntary collective turnover when there is a low cynical workplace climate. The authors find that in a high cynical workplace climate, HPWS intensity is ineffective at managing voluntary collective turnover.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s results show that HPWS intensity needs to be well received by the workforce to be effective in reducing voluntary collective turnover.

Practical implications

To increase the chances of HPWS intensity reducing voluntary collective turnover, workplaces need to assess the level of employee cynicism in their workplace climates. When the climate is assessed as low in cynicism, the workplace can then consider implementing an HPWS.

Originality/value

The authors explain why the HPWS intensity–voluntary collective turnover relationship varies across workplaces. As HR practices are subject to interpretation, workplaces need to look beyond the practices in their HPWS and focus on employee receptivity to HR practices.
Extent of sustainability disclosure by Australian public universities: Inclusive analysis of key reporting media
Authors: Trireksani Terri , Zeng Yun‐Ting , Djajadikerta Hadrian Geri
Published: March 2021

This paper measures and inclusively analyses the extent of Australian public universities’ sustainability disclosures on three key reporting media, that is annual reports, stand‐alone sustainability reports, and websites. The study also compares the extent of the disclosures across university groupings. Content analysis was used to analyse the data by utilising the updated Graphical Assessment of Sustainability in Universities (GASU) indicators together with a weighted scoring scheme. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied in the comparison tests. The results of this study indicate that the extent of sustainability disclosures made by Australian public universities is overall fairly low, and the evaluation and comparison of the extent of sustainability disclosures among different university groupings overall show no significant difference. Overall, the findings suggest that there is a need to increase both the level of awareness and recognition of benefits resulted from performing sustainable development activities and the way these performances are better communicated to stakeholders.
From liberal to neoliberal citizenship: A commentary on Marion Fourcade
Authors: Joppke Christian
Published: March 2021

I argue that Marion Fourcade`s “ordinal citizenship”, which is an obsession with scoring and ranking, is part of a larger change of citizenship, from liberal to neoliberal. This is a citizenship whose equality promise has been hollowed‐out by the inequalities of global capitalism, and in which not only redistributive benefits (once called “social rights”) but even the access to citizenship itself (qua naturalization) are tied to individual merit and performance. If T.H. Marshall had hailed the evolution of liberal citizenship, with its social rights crown, as one from “contract to status”, thus reversing H.S. Maine`s famous “movement of the progressive societies”, the arrival of neoliberal citizenship marks the “reverse reverse”, back from status to capitalism`s original position of contract.
A collaborative approach to meeting oncology challenges in island communities in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Ward Iain Gordon , Mel Alfred , Soma Andrew , Atalifo‐Veu Ane , Karapetis Christos S , Yip Desmond
Published: March 2021

Treatment of cancer in small island communities is frequently challenged by the isolation and scattered nature of target populations, limited economic resources and overburdened healthcare systems. Strategies that have been successful in improving access to nonsurgical treatment in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and West Timor include balancing centralised location of scarce resources (particularly health professionals) with minimisation of patient travel, in‐country training by teams of oncology professionals from high‐income countries (HICs), sending health professionals to train in HICs, sharing and adaptation of treatment protocols, and telehealth initiatives. A common feature of successful initiatives is a collaborative approach. Cancer service design and implementation needs to be led by local health professionals with the collaboration of local health authorities and government. There is greater scope for collaboration between low‐ and middle‐income countries and for the use of virtual meetings, distance learning, and remote technical support.
Multi‐scale biogeographic controls over plant communities on granite outcrops in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region
Authors: Clark‐Ioannou Sophia M. , Wardell‐Johnson Grant W. , Millett Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Granite outcrops are globally widespread habitat islands that harbour naturally fragmented areas of vegetation in ‘pockets’ of soil. These habitats are ideal for investigating the drivers of biogeographic patterns at different scales. However, beyond the tropics, understanding of the environmental drivers of community composition within and between these ‘island on islands’ is limited. In this study, we determined within‐ and between‐outcrop patterns of plant biodiversity in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region – a global biodiversity hotspot. We measured plant community composition of soil‐patches on nine granite outcrops. Outcrop floristic composition was mostly controlled by geographic location and outcrop topography (slope and aspect‐northness), whereas plant community diversity (richness, abundance, evenness and Simpson diversity) was strongly controlled by soil‐patch size, regardless of outcrop location or size. Outcrops with larger soil‐patches hosted greater plant diversity on those soil‐patches. Effective conservation of outcrops should focus on protecting the fragile soil communities on multiple rock outcrops at a regional scale to allow for the continuing persistence of extraordinary biodiversity in these regions.
Quantifying the Yield Sensitivity of Modern Rice Varieties to Warming Temperatures: Evidence from the Philippines
Authors: Wang Ruixue , Rejesus Roderick M. , Tack Jesse B. , Balagtas Joseph V. , Nelson Andy D.
Published: March 2021

This study examines the relationship between yields of modern rice varieties and warming temperatures. Data from a long‐running farm‐level survey in the Philippines, with rich information on planted rice varieties, allow us to estimate fixed effect econometric models of rice yields. We find that increases in temperature, especially minimum temperatures, have statistically significant negative impacts on rice yields. Point estimates of the marginal effect of higher temperatures on rice yields indicate that early modern varieties bred primarily for higher yields, pest resistance, and/or grain quality traits (i.e., not necessarily abiotic stress tolerance) tend to be more resilient to heat events than traditional rice varieties. Moreover, the marginal effect point estimates also suggest that more recent rice varieties bred for better tolerance to abiotic stresses are likely more resilient to warming than both traditional varieties and early modern varieties. Notwithstanding the heat resilience pattern suggested by these point estimates, we are unable to find statistically significant differences in the marginal yield response to warming across these three rice varietal groups. These results provide suggestive evidence that rice breeding efforts have improved resilience to warming temperatures and point to several interesting future research directions.
Hate Crimes and Gender Imbalances: Fears over Mate Competition and Violence against Refugees
Authors: Dancygier Rafaela , Egami Naoki , Jamal Amaney , Rischke Ramona
Published: March 2021

As the number of refugees rises across the world, anti‐refugee violence has become a pressing concern. What explains the incidence and support of such hate crime? We argue that fears among native men that refugees pose a threat in the competition for female partners are a critical but understudied factor driving hate crime. Employing a comprehensive data set on the incidence of hate crime across Germany, we first demonstrate that hate crime rises where men face disadvantages in local mating markets. Next, we complement this ecological evidence with original survey measures and confirm that individual‐level support for hate crime increases when men fear that the inflow of refugees makes it more difficult to find female partners. Mate competition concerns remain a robust predictor even when controlling for anti‐refugee views, perceived job competition, general frustration, and aggressiveness. We conclude that a more complete understanding of hate crime and immigrant conflict must incorporate marriage markets and mate competition.
No links between genetic variation and developing theory of mind: A preregistered replication attempt of candidate gene studies
Authors: Opitz Timm , Schuwerk Tobias , Paulus Markus , Kloo Daniela , Osterhaus Christopher , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Sodian Beate
Published: March 2021

Genetic variability is being discussed as a source of inter‐individual differences in Theory of Mind development. Previous studies documented an association between variations in DRD4 VNTR 48 bp, OXTR rs53576, COMT rs4680, and Theory of Mind task performance. As empirical evidence on these associations is sparse, we conducted a preregistered replication attempt of a study reporting a link between DRD4 VNTR 48 bp and false belief understanding in 50‐month‐old children [Lackner, C., Sabbagh, M. A., Hallinan, E., Liu, X., & Holden, J. J. (2012). Developmental Science, 15(2), 272–280.]. Additionally, we attempted a replication of studies on the role of OXTR rs53576 and COMT rs4680 in Theory of Mind. In both replication attempts, we did not find any evidence for associations between the sampled genetic markers and Theory of Mind ability in a series of analyses. Extending the replication attempt of Lackner et al., we employed longitudinal data from several tasks and measurement points, which allowed us to run follow‐up robustness checks with more reliable scores. These extensive analyses corroborated our null finding. This comprehensive non‐replication is important to balance current research on genetic markers of Theory of Mind. In a combined evaluation of our own and previous studies, we point to substantial methodological issues that research on the genetic basis of Theory of Mind development faces. We conclude that these limitations currently prevent firm conclusions on genetic influences on Theory of Mind development.
Perampanel and pregnancy
Authors: Vazquez Blanca , Tomson Torbjörn , Dobrinsky Cindy , Schuck Edgar , O’Brien Terence J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The objective was to summarize pregnancy and fetal/postnatal outcomes following maternal perampanel exposure using preclinical and clinical data, and to use physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to improve understanding of perampanel pharmacokinetics (PK) during pregnancy.

Methods

Preclinical developmental studies with perampanel were conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits. Clinical data were collated from the Eisai global perampanel safety database, comprising reports of perampanel exposure during pregnancy from routine clinical settings, interventional studies, and non‐interventional post‐marketing studies, searched for events coded to Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) high‐level group terms of Pregnancy, Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum Conditions and/or the Standardized MedDRA Query terms of Congenital, Familiar, and Genetic Disorders. A PBPK model was used to predict clinical perampanel PK throughout pregnancy.

Results

Preclinical studies indicated that perampanel may be linked with post‐implantation loss and/or some specific physical development delays but not fertility and early embryonic development. As of August 31, 2018, 96 pregnancies in 90 women receiving perampanel had been reported. No concomitant medications were reported in 26 (28.9%) women taking perampanel. Overall, 43 pregnancies reached full term (all normal live births), 28 did not reach term (induced abortion, n = 18; spontaneous miscarriage, n = 6; incomplete spontaneous miscarriage, n = 2; premature delivery, n = 1; stillbirth [Fallot’s tetralogy], n = 1), 18 were lost to follow‐up, and seven were ongoing at data cut‐off. Adverse events were reported in five full‐term neonates (low Apgar score, n = 2; fatal neonatal aspiration, n = 1; cystic fibrosis and congenital deafness, n = 1; poor sucking reflex and shallow breathing, n = 1). PK simulations predicted perampanel exposure decreases throughout pregnancy and is up to four‐ and three‐fold lower towards the end of pregnancy compared with non‐pregnant women for total and unbound perampanel, respectively.

Significance

These data provide preliminary information on perampanel use during pregnancy and should be interpreted with caution. Further outcome data are required to estimate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes with perampanel exposure.
Power and conflict in inter‐organisational information systems development
Authors: Hekkala Riitta , Stein Mari‐Klara , Sarker Suprateek
Published: March 2021

The need for inter‐organisational information systems projects, which are complex undertakings often riddled with poorly understood power struggles and conflicts that hinder project success, has increased in previous decades. Through the lenses of systemic and episodic power, together with an organisational conflict model, this longitudinal, qualitative case study explores the dynamics of power and conflict and their effects in an inter‐organisational information systems development project. This study highlights that the bureaucratic, social and technical setup of the project forms a foundational system from which specific power practices emerge, in this case, the practices of hiding, storytelling and bargaining. The power practices have both restrictive and productive effects on conflict, but the practices cannot easily escape the confines of the foundational system and continue to cause the resurfacing of different manifestations of latent conflict inherent in the system. As a result, both ‘power to’ (systemic power) and ‘power over’ (episodic power) can escalate project conflict, and rational conflict management for gaining ‘win‐win’ resolutions may not be in the stakeholders' interests. Thus, strategies for openly managing political conflicts should be considered.
Two perspectives on supply chain resilience
Authors: Wieland Andreas , Durach Christian F.
Published: March 2021

More than a decade ago, other fields started to challenge the equilibrium‐focused meaning of resilience. They suggested that resilience does not just relate to the ability of a system to “bounce back” after an impeding event, but also to the capacity to adapt and transform. The operations and supply chain management literature remains surprisingly disconnected from these debates. This essay sets out to further our theoretical knowledge of what resilience means (or means to others) by disentangling two prominent perspectives of resilience—engineering resilience and social‐ecological resilience—and offering an updated definition of supply chain resilience. We integrate and discuss these perspectives in the context of our understanding of the supply chain as a system. The goal is to outline the potential links and inconsistencies of these perspectives with supply chain management (SCM). From there, we seek to develop a more comprehensive understanding of what resilience means in SCM. Supply chain resilience is then no longer understood in terms of stability, but in terms of adaptation and transformation.
Heat and mass transfer in refrigerated container used for tomatoes' transportation—Numerical and laboratory investigation
Authors: Liu Yajiao , Liu Li , Zhao Yu , Zheng Zhengrong , Dang Junhu , Lü Yuzheng , Zha Lüying , Luo Hao
Published: March 2021

To preserve vegetables fresh during long‐distance transportation, it is essential to study the heat and mass transfer characteristics inside refrigerated containers with vegetables for preventing vegetables from spoiling and withered. Based on a mechanical refrigerated container filled up with tomatoes, a 3‐D turbulence numerical model considering the heat and mass transfer characteristics of tomatoes was built in this paper. Then the dynamic temperature field, humidity field and water dissipation inside the container were calculated by the new built model for three different stacking methods. In addition, the numerical model was verified through laboratory investigation. The results indicate that in the steady state, the temperature field in the tomato storage area is higher and more layered than the surrounding environment area. The relative humidity in the container falls sharply in the initial period and then gradually increases and stabilizes in the end. When the container's loading rate is constant, compared with dense stacking method, the stacking method with 100 mm interval has a better effect for refrigerated transport. The temperature in the tomato storage area is lower, the relative humidity is higher, and the water dissipation of the tomatoes is less than the dense stacking method.

Practical Applications

A 3‐D turbulence numerical model considering the heat and mass transfer characteristics of tomatoes was built to investigate the heat and mass transfer characteristics inside refrigerated containers. The difference between the numerical results calculated with the new built model and the experimental results do not exceed 2%, which is less than the 5% error limit in engineering, indicating that the numerical model established in this paper can effectively reflect the heat and moisture transfer characteristics inside mechanical refrigerated container filled with tomatoes. It can provide theoretical guidance for the optimized design of cargo stacking method in refrigerated containers. What's more, the 3‐D turbulence numerical model has important guiding significance for the study of the temperature and humidity distribution inside mechanical refrigerated container, which can guide the optimal design of the container.
Hyperinsulinemia during pregnancy across varying degrees of glucose tolerance: An examination of the Kraft database
Authors: North Sylvia , Zinn Caryn , Crofts Catherine
Published: March 2021

Aim

Hyperinsulinemia is a known underlying driver of metabolic disease; however, its role in pregnancy complications is less understood due to insulin measurement not being a part of standard clinical assessments. This study aimed to characterize hyperinsulinemia in pregnancy by gestational diabetes (GD) status using Kraft methodology.

Methods

We analyzed historical data from 926 pregnant women who underwent a 100‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which included insulin measurement. Subjects were grouped by GD diagnosis status (“Normal”, “Borderline”, “GD”) and insulin responses over 3 h were compared between groups.

Results

“GD” was diagnosed in 20.3% of the subjects and 13.8% were grouped as “Borderline.” The prevalence of hyperinsulinemia using the Kraft algorithm was 33.1% for Kraft IIB and 42.0% for Kraft III. Compared to normal glucose‐tolerant mothers, individuals from the “Borderline” group had an exacerbated insulin response, although not to the same magnitude as those with “GD.”

Conclusions

Dynamic OGTT insulin measurement during pregnancy may provide a meaningful assessment of metabolic risk among women who would otherwise not be diagnosed with GD.
Promoting “Zest for Life”: A Systematic Literature Review of Resiliency Factors to Prevent Youth Suicide
Authors: Shahram Sana Z. , Smith Michelle L. , Ben‐David Shelly , Feddersen Melissa , Kemp Thomas E. , Plamondon Katrina
Published: March 2021

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth globally. In this critical interpretive synthesis, we examined literature on resiliency factors and suicidality. Systematic searches identified 474 articles, 37 of which were included. Results revealed internal (positive self‐appraisal, zest for life, personal traits, and coping skills) and external factors (social support system and inclusive environments) contribute to resilience among youth, with age, sex and gender, and Indigenous identity as important intersecting considerations. Findings validated fostering resilience as primary suicide prevention among youth, with little explanation forhowthese factors may work to protect youth from suicidality. Continued research in this area requires a focus on how to promote resilience at the community and systems levels.
Willingness to participate in research among black patients with liver disease: A national cross‐sectional study
Authors: McGuire F. Hunter , André Kat , Bradsher Minyone L. , Harrison Dawn , Sterling Richard K. , Reddy K. Rajender , Serper Marina , Golin Carol E. , Reau Nancy , Lim Joseph K. , Nelson David R. , Sarkar Souvik , Evon Donna M.
Published: March 2021

In the United States, Black people are disproportionately diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with White people but are under‐represented in HCV studies. In this US‐based cross‐sectional telephone survey study, we assessed willingness to participate (WTP) in health/medical research and attitudes and beliefs that may influence WTP among Black patients with HCV. Two hundred participants who had current or prior HCV diagnosis and self‐identified as Black or African American were recruited from a national HCV cohort study and an outpatient hepatology clinic. WTP responses ranged from 1 (not at all willing) to 5 (very willing). Multivariable models were used to identify factors associated with the overall mean WTP score. In addition, an open‐ended question solicited strategies to help increase research participation from the Black community. Overall, participants reported moderate WTP in research (Mean [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] = 3.78 [3.68, 3.88]). Of 13 types of research presented, participants reported lowest WTP for randomized controlled trials of medications (Mean [95% CI] = 2.31 [2.11, 2.50]). The initial multivariable model identified higher subjective knowledge of research as positively associated with WTP (Parameter estimate [95% CI] = 0.15 [0.02, 0.27]). Sensitivity analyses also identified higher perceived benefits of research as an additional factor associated with WTP. Qualitative findings indicate that greater community‐based outreach efforts would increase accessibility of research opportunities. When given the opportunity to participate, Black participants with HCV reported moderate WTP in health/medical research. Research sponsors and investigators should employ community‐based outreach to expand access and awareness of research opportunities.
Clinical and occupational health management of healthcare workers living with chronic hepatitis B: UK policy and international comparisons
Authors: Dolman Grace E. , Koffas Apostolos , Phipps Emily , Kennedy Patrick T.F.
Published: March 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a highly infectious bloodborne virus, which remains endemic in large geographic areas and represents a major global healthcare challenge. HBV transmission from healthcare workers, who perform exposure prone procedures (EPP), to patients is a recognized transmission risk, which varies widely globally. Although the risk is small in developed countries, it increases significantly in high‐prevalent, low‐resource countries, representing a major challenge to these healthcare systems and underlining the necessity for robust guidance to be in place. The HBV landscape has evolved as a result of global vaccination programs, implementation of standard precautions and the advent of new generation antiviral agents (3rd generation nucleos(t)ide analogues). In light of the progress in the field, the UK Advisory Panel for Healthcare Workers Infected with Bloodborne Viruses (UKAP) recently issued updated guidance, which essentially removes past barriers, restricting healthcare workers from performing EPPs solely on the basis of HBV DNA level, regardless of hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen and/or treatment status. Although the current recommendations remain conservative compared to those of other developed healthcare systems, UK practice is now in line with other high‐income countries, while ensuring patient safety remains paramount, without unduly restricting HCWs from clinical practice. The current article presents the latest UKAP guidance, considers its implications for HCWs and compares it with the guidance from major international scientific societies and governing bodies.
Grazing alters the sensitivity of plant productivity to precipitation in northern temperate grasslands
Authors: Batbaatar Amgaa , Bork Edward W. , Broadbent Tanner , Alexander Mike J. , Cahill James F. , Carlyle Cameron N.
Published: March 2021

Questions

Inter‐annual variability in precipitation is expected to increase in grasslands, potentially causing additional stress to systems already impacted by anthropogenic activities such as livestock grazing, which can induce changes to grassland vegetation. Yet, the sensitivity of key ecosystem functions to these co‐occurring factors is often overlooked. Here, we determine: (a) the effects of grazing on the sensitivity of above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP sensitivity) to inter‐annual variation in water‐year precipitation (the sum of precipitation from September through to the following August); (b) whether ANPP sensitivity to precipitation is associated with shifts induced by grazing in functional group biomass (grass vs forb) contribution to total ANPP, litter, and species richness, and mean annual water‐year precipitation; and (c) whether the impacts of grazing on ANPP vary between dry and wet years.

Location

Native grasslands in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

We used long‐term (14–28 years) ANPP and precipitation data from 31 grazed grasslands, each with a paired non‐grazed livestock exclosure. ANPP was sampled annually within exclosures and adjacent grazed locations at each site.

Results

We found that grazing increased ANPP sensitivity to inter‐annual changes in precipitation. Increased ANPP sensitivity to precipitation in grazed, relative to non‐grazed locations was associated with both an increase in the contribution of forbs to total ANPP and a decrease in the contribution of grasses to total ANPP; reduced litter also increased ANPP sensitivity to precipitation. Species richness was not associated with ANPP sensitivity in both grazed and non‐grazed locations. Arid grasslands were more sensitive to inter‐annual variation in precipitation when grazed than were mesic grasslands. Similarly, grazing reduced ANPP during dry years but had no effect during wet years.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings suggest that grazed grasslands are more vulnerable to reductions in primary productivity in dry years, which may present a challenge for maintaining ecosystem services in an era of increasing precipitation variability.
Vortical flow structures induced by red blood cells in capillaries
Authors: Yaya François , Römer Johannes , Guckenberger Achim , John Thomas , Gekle Stephan , Podgorski Thomas , Wagner Christian
Published: March 2021

Objective

Knowledge about the flow field of the plasma around the red blood cells in capillary flow is important for a physical understanding of blood flow and the transport of micro‐ and nanoparticles and molecules in the flowing plasma. We conducted an experimental study on the flow field around red blood cells in capillary flow that is complemented by simulations of vortical flow between red blood cells.

Methods

Red blood cells were injected in a 10 × 12 µm rectangular microchannel at a low hematocrit, and the flow field around one or two cells was captured by a high‐speed camera that tracked 250 nm nanoparticles in the flow field, acting as tracers.

Results

While the flow field around a steady “croissant” shape is found to be similar to that of a rigid sphere, the flow field around a “slipper” shape exhibits a small vortex at the rear of the red blood cell. Even more pronounced are vortex‐like structures observed in the central region between two neighboring croissants.

Conclusions

The rotation frequency of the vortices is to a good approximation, inversely proportional to the distance between the cells. Our experimental data are complemented by numerical simulations.
Identification of HLA‐A*01:01:01:76, ‐B*15:03:12, ‐B*49:01:01:14, and ‐C*04:01:01:115 by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Marin Rubio Luis Alberto , Rada Ramon , Ontañon Jesus
Published: March 2021

Four novel HLA class I alleles, ‐A*01:01:01:76, ‐B*15:03:12, ‐B*49:01:01:14, and ‐C*04:01:01:115, detected in Spanish individuals.
SMGS: A Software Tool for Step Product Data Modelling
Authors: Ghodous Parisa , Vandorpe Denis
Published: March 2021

STEP (International Standard for Product Data Representation and Exchange) is considered to be a key for the integration and exchange of product models. To achieve this objective the fundamental concept of Application Protocol has been developed. The design of an Application Protocol is composed of various processes based on different techniques. This design is vast, iterative and complex. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to develop a tool assisting the design of an Application Protocol.

In this paper we describe SMGS (STEP Model Generator System), a tool that gets the different application user models and gives the corresponding STEP models and verifies the uniqueness of these models. The problems encountered using the first prototype of this tool, in the crane industry’s domain are discussed. This prototype consists of three major components: user interface module, Integrated Resources mapping module and uniqueness testing module. The object-oriented methodology is used to design the user interface. With this interface, the expert of the application’s domain, with help of data dictionary built in system, can easily access to the integrated resource models of STEP and can specialize these resources.