bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mGlu2and mGlu3receptor negative allosteric modulators attenuate the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats
Authors: Tyler Ryan E. , Van Voorhies Kalynn , Blough Bruce E. , Landavazo Antonio , Besheer Joyce
Published: April 2022

Rationale

The subjective effects of alcohol are associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) vulnerability and treatment outcomes. The interoceptive effects of alcohol are part of these subjective effects and can be measured in animal models using drug discrimination procedures. The newly developed mGlu2and mGlu3negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) are potential therapeutics for AUD and may alter interoceptive sensitivity to alcohol.

Objectives

To determine the effects of mGlu2and mGlu3NAMs on the interoceptive effects of alcohol in rats.

Methods

Long-Evans rats were trained to discriminate the interoceptive stimulus effects of alcohol (2.0 g/kg, i.g.) from water using both operant (males only) and Pavlovian (male and female) drug discrimination techniques. Following acquisition training, an alcohol dose-response (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg) experiment was conducted to confirm stimulus control over behavior. Next, to test the involvement of mGlu2and mGlu3, rats were pretreated with the mGlu2-NAM (VU6001966; 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) or the mGlu3-NAM (VU6010572; 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) before alcohol administration (2.0 g/kg, i.g.).

Results

In Pavlovian discrimination, male rats showed greater interoceptive sensitivity to 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg alcohol compared to female rats. Both mGlu2-NAM and mGlu3-NAM attenuated the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats using Pavlovian and operant discrimination. There may be a potential sex difference in response to the mGlu2-NAM at the highest dose tested.

Conclusions

Male rats may be more sensitive to the interoceptive effects of 2.0 g/kg alcohol training dose compared to female rats. Both mGlu2and mGlu3NAM attenuate the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats. Sex differences in mGlu2-NAM sensitivity were observed. These drugs may have potential for treatment of AUD in part by blunting the subjective effects of alcohol.
Inferring functions of coding and non-coding genes using epigenomic patterns and deciphering the effect of combinatorics of transcription factors binding at promoters
Authors: Chandra Omkar , Sharma Madhu , Pandey Neetesh , Jha Indra Prakash , Mishra Shreya , Kong Say Li , Kumar Vibhor
Published: April 2022

The number of annotated genes in the human genome has increased tremendously, and understanding their biological role is challenging through experimental methods alone. There is a need for a computational approach to infer the function of genes, particularly for non-coding RNAs, with reliable explainability. We have utilized genomic features that are present across both coding and non-coding genes like transcription factor (TF) binding pattern, histone modifications, and DNase hypersensitivity profiles to predict ontology-based functions of genes. Our approach for gene function prediction (GFPred) made reliable predictions (>90% balanced accuracy) for 486 gene-sets. Further analysis revealed that predictability using only TF-binding patterns at promoters is also high, and it paved the way for studying the effect of their combinatorics. The predicted associations between functions and genes were validated for their reliability using PubMed abstract mining. Clustering functions based on shared top predictive TFs revealed many latent groups of gene-sets involved in common major biological processes. Available CRISPR screens also supported the inferred association of genes with the major biological processes of latent groups of gene-sets. For the explainability of our approach, we also made more insights into the effect of combinatorics of TF binding (especially TF-pairs) on association with biological functions.
A cobB like protein in Oryza sativa indica regulates the mitochondrial machinery under stress conditions
Authors: Khan Sonali , Mitra Nilabhra , Dey Sanghamitra
Published: April 2022

Sirtuins are ubiquitous in nature and are known to play an important role as metabolic regulators. In plants, these NAD+ dependent deacetylases are not well characterized. In this study, we are reporting a new member of sirtuin in Oryza sativa indica. It shares approx. 89% sequence identity with bacterial sirtuin, a class III sirtuin member. This protein is mostly present in mitochondria with trace amounts in the nucleus. It can physically interact with histones H3 and H4 and can specifically deacetylate histone H3 at K9 and K18 positions. In mitochondria, acetyl coA synthetase (AcS) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH2) are the targets for its deacetylation. This removal of acetyl group is the mode of regulation under certain stress conditions. Thus, this is the first mitochondrial cobB targeting important plant machinery under changing growth environment. The OscobB deacetylase activity is not majorly affected by its products, NAM & ADP ribose but are sensitive to certain metal ions like Fe2+ and Mg2+. In contrast to some class III members, it does not have any ADP ribosyl transferase activity. In response to abiotic stress conditions like dehydration and low temperature, this enzyme can also mobilize to the nucleus to regulate the plant metabolism.

Highlights

A new class III member of the sirtuin family found in Oryza sativa indica.

Under normal conditions, this protein is localized mostly in mitochondria, with trace amounts in the nucleus.

This enzyme is capable of using both NAD+ and NADP+ as a substrate for catalysis.

It specifically deacetylates the nuclear histone H3 at K9 and K18 positions.

Mitochondrial proteins acetyl coA synthetase (AcS) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH2) are the regulatory targets of OscobB.

Under certain stress conditions in plants like dehydration, pathogenesis and low temperature, there is localisation of OscobB from mitochondria to nucleus.
Newly discovered alleles of the tomato antiflorigen gene SELF PRUNING provide a range of plant compactness and yield
Authors: Kang Min-Sung , Kim Yong Jun , Heo Jung , Rajendran Sujeevan , Wang Xingang , Bae Jong Hyang , Lippman Zachary , Park Soon Ju
Published: April 2022

In tomato cultivation, a rare natural mutation in the flowering repressor antiflorigen gene SELF-PRUNING (sp-classic) induces precocious shoot termination and is the foundation in determinate tomato breeding for open field production. Heterozygosity for induced mutations in the florigen gene SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS in the background of sp-classic provides a heterosis-like effect by delaying shoot termination, suggesting subtle suppression of determinacy by genetic modification of florigen-antiflorigen balance could improve yield. Here, we isolated three new sp alleles from the tomato germplasm that show modified determinate growth compared to sp-classic, including one allele that mimics the effect of sft heterozygosity. Two deletion alleles eliminate functional transcripts and showed similar shoot termination, determinate growth, and yields as sp-classic. In contrast, amino acid substitution allele sp-5732 showed semi-determinate growth with more leaves and sympodial shoots on all shoots. This translated to greater yield compared to the other stronger alleles by up to 42%. Transcriptome profiling of axillary (sympodial) shoot meristems (SYM) from sp-classic and wild type plants revealed six mis-regulated genes related to the floral transition, which were used as biomarkers to show that the maturation of SYMs in the weaker sp-5732 genotype is delayed compared to sp-classic, consistent with delayed shoot termination and semi-determinate growth. Assessing sp allele frequencies from over 500 accessions indicated that one of the strong sp alleles (sp-2798) arose in early breeding cultivars but was not selected. The newly discovered sp alleles are potentially valuable resources to quantitatively manipulate shoot growth and yield in determinate breeding programs, with sp-5732 providing an opportunity to develop semi-determinate field varieties with higher yields.
HOPX governs a molecular and physiological switch between cardiomyocyte progenitor and maturation gene programs
Authors: Friedman Clayton E. , Cheetham Seth W. , Mills Richard J. , Ogawa Masahito , Redd Meredith A. , Chiu Han Sheng , Shen Sophie , Sun Yuliangzi , Mizikovsky Dalia , Bouveret Romaric , Chen Xiaoli , Voges Holly , Paterson Scott , De Angelis Jessica E. , Andersen Stacey B. , Yoon Sohye , Faulkner Geoffrey J. , Smith Kelly A. , Harvey Richard P. , Hogan Benjamin M. , Nguyen Quan , Kikuchi Kazu , Hudson James E. , Palpant Nathan J.
Published: April 2022

This study establishes the homeodomain only protein, HOPX, as a determinant controlling the molecular switch between cardiomyocyte progenitor and maturation gene programs. Time-course single-cell gene expression with genome-wide footprinting reveal that HOPX interacts with and controls core cardiac networks by regulating the activity of mutually exclusive developmental gene programs. Upstream hypertrophy and proliferation pathways compete to regulate HOPX transcription. Mitogenic signals override hypertrophic growth signals to suppress HOPX and maintain cardiomyocyte progenitor gene programs. Physiological studies show HOPX directly governs genetic control of cardiomyocyte cell stress responses, electro-mechanical coupling, proliferation, and contractility. We use human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to show that genetic variation in the HOPX-regulome is significantly associated with complex traits affecting cardiac structure and function. Collectively, this study provides a mechanistic link situating HOPX between competing upstream pathways where HOPX acts as a molecular switch controlling gene regulatory programs underpinning metabolic, signaling, and functional maturation of cardiomyocytes.
Using the consumption values to investigate consumer purchase intentions towards natural food products
Authors: Chakraborty Debarun , Dash Ganesh
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Natural food products are becoming more popular, and their health-related benefits are widely acknowledged. The authors wanted to see the influence of different consumption values on purchase intention of natural food products. To address this gap, the current study proposes to use theory of consumption values to explain customers purchase intention towards natural food products.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used theory of consumption values (TCV), attitude and purchase intention to develop a comprehensive model. About 464 respondents have responded to the structured questionnaire which was floated through email and WhatsApp. Finally, the authors used structural equation modelling and moderation analysis to arrive at the final results.

Findings

Except for social value, all constructs named conditional, functional, emotional and epistemic were found to have a favourable and significant impact on consumers’ purchase intention towards natural food products. The study shows that attitude has a moderating effect on the association between emotional value and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research illuminates the TCV which enable the long-term use of natural food products. In addition, the importance of attitude as a moderator of purchase intent provides a deep understanding of customer behaviour.

Originality/value

This model is the first of its kind in the current literature, using consumption values from the TCV with attitude to regulate purchase intention towards natural food products. In addition, theoretical advancements pave the path for future research.
Formation of TMT strategic consensus: the effects of collective team identification and information elaboration
Authors: Liu Yi , Yi Yaqun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

How is strategic consensus formed in top management team (TMT)? Prior literature provides inadequate evidence. A few scholars explore its antecedents from some perspectives (e.g. organizational or team structure) to address this gap but yield confusing results. This study aims to clarify the mechanism to reach TMT strategic consensus and explore both the effect of collective team identification and information elaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Stepwise regression analysis is applied to explore the formation process of strategic consensus by using data collected from 126 TMTs of Chinese firms.

Findings

Results show that collective team identification has a positive effect on TMT strategic consensus, whereas information elaboration has a U-shaped effect. Further, the U-shaped relationship between information elaboration and TMT strategic consensus is strengthened by collective team identification.

Originality/value

This study provides a nuanced explanation of the antecedents of strategic consensus in TMT by exploring the effects of collective team identification and information elaboration. Particularly, this study proposes a U-shaped relationship between information elaboration and strategic consensus, which enriches TMT decision-making literature and consensus research. Moreover, by examining the moderating effect of collective team identification, this study articulates why TMT members fail to achieve strategic consensus even when they have sufficiently discussed the task-relevant information.
Organisational and environmental indicators of B2B sellers’ sales performance in services firms
Authors: Rodriguez Rocio , Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Høgevold Nils M. , Svensson Göran
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a conceptual framework based on organisational and environmental indicators of business-to-business sellers’ sales performance in services firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research design was applied and data was gathered from 389 respondents across industries and different-sized services firms in Norway using a self-administered questionnaire.

Findings

Results show that the proposed six-dimensional framework of organisational and environmental indicators can be applied to manage seller–customer relationships in a business-to-business environment.

Research limitations/implications

A six-dimensional framework of organisational and environmental indicators is tested successfully in services firms.

Practical implications

Increasingly, services firms will need to work closely with business-to-business sellers to proactively adapt to market changes through a co-creation approach to build long-term seller–customer relationships.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has focused on relationship marketing in business-to-business relationships that proposes a conceptual framework based on organisational and environmental indicators of business-to-business sellers’ sales performance in services firms.
Disentangling effects of subjective and objective characteristics of advertising music
Authors: Liu Gordon , Abolhasani Morteza , Hang Haiming
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Drawing on information processing theory, this paper aims to study how consumers’ liking of background music in advertising affects their purchase intention and explore the roles of positive brand attitudes, music mode and music tempo within such a relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

We created several radio advertisements that promote two fictitious products: an electric car (EcoCar) and a reusable coffee mug (EcoMug). We study the role of music in these advertisements and examine how it affects purchase intention across multiple experiments.

Findings

We confirm the prediction that positive brand attitudes mediate the relationship between music liking and purchase intention. We also show that music moderates such an indirect relationship because major mode music strengthens the effect of positive brand attitudes on purchase intention. Additionally, we find that major mode music with a fast tempo can further strengthen the effect of positive brand attitudes on purchase intention. As a result, the indirect effect of music liking upon purchase intention via positive brand attitudes will be moderated jointly by the music mode and the music tempo.

Originality/value

Limited scholarship explores how the subjective characteristics of music affect consumer buying behaviour in conjunction with the objective characteristics of music. The current research addresses this gap by investigating how music liking (a subjective characteristic of music) and music mode and tempo (objective characteristics of music) affect consumer buying behaviour.
Culture and education with Alice Rigney (1942–2017), Australia's first Aboriginal woman school principal
Authors: MacGill Belinda , Whitehead Kay , Rigney Lester
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This article explores the childhood, professional life and social activism of Alice Rigney (1942–2017) who became Australia's first Aboriginal woman principal in 1986.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on interviews with Alice Rigney along with newspapers, education department correspondence and reports of relevant organisations which are read against the grain to elevate Aboriginal people's self-determination and agency.

Findings

The article illuminates Alice/Alitya Rigney's engagement with education and culture from her childhood to her work as an Aboriginal teacher aide, teacher, inaugural principal of Kaurna Plains Aboriginal school in Adelaide, South Australia; and her activism as a Narungga and Kaurna Elder. Furthermore, the article highlights her challenges to racial and gender discrimination in the state school system.

Originality/value

While there is an expanding body of historical research on Aboriginal students, this article focuses on the experiences of an Aboriginal educator which are also essential to deconstructing histories of Australian education.
A comprehensive evaluation method and application of shield tunnel structure health based on variable weight theory
Authors: Sun Fei , Li Changjun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In order to improve the comprehensive evaluation level of shield tunnel structure health, taking a subway tunnel section as an example, and combined with the onsite measured data, such as regular inspection, health monitoring and disease remediation, this paper introduces the variable weight theory to improve the traditional fixed-weight evaluation method from structural deformation, current durability and disease status.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the influence of the fluctuation of each index value on the index weight, a comprehensive structural health evaluation model of shield tunnel based on an improved variable weight matter-element extension model is proposed.

Findings

Compared with the traditional fixed-weight evaluation method, this model can correct the evaluation distortion caused by the fluctuation of index value and has optimal effect.

Originality/value

The sensitive analysis shows that several key indicators of the main threats to tunnel structure are obtained to improve the efficiency of operation, maintenance and management of shield tunnel structure.
The Million Farmers School: evaluating its impact on farmers' agricultural knowledge in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Anjani , Verma Smriti , Saroj Sunil , Prasad Amit Mohan , Kishore Avinash
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The Million Farmers School (MFS) program—also known as Kisan Pathshala was launched to impart training to the farmers by the government of the state of Uttar Pradesh (India) in December 2017. This study estimates the impact of training on agricultural knowledge of the farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on household survey conducted in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, during March–May 2019. The authors employed matching methods, the two-stage least square (2SLS)-residual and endogenous switching regression approaches to control for selection bias and endogeneity.

Findings

The results suggest that knowledge outcomes are significantly better among participants vis-à-vis non-participants. The results are robust to different model specifications. Further, the benefits are observed across different regions and social groups.

Research limitations/implications

The MFS program can go a long way in enhancing agricultural know-how and the farmers' economic well-being, bringing a transformative change in the agricultural landscape of UP.

Originality/value

This study is based on a field survey data and analyzes various aspects of the program's impact, design and implementation, and offers implementation advice for greater efficacy in future.
Revisiting social workers in schools (SWIS) – making the case for safeguarding in context and the potential for reach
Authors: Rafter Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recently, there have been renewed calls to place social workers in schools. Although these are not unchartered waters, contextual understandings of safeguarding have reaffirmed the centrality of schools in the lives of young people and keeping them safe. Yet, schools can only do so much to support young people. Safeguarding practice reviews continue to highlight the shortcomings of contextless assessment. This paper aims to make the case for a broader approach to safeguarding practice by placing social workers in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review was undertaken to elicit social workers in schools (SWIS) literature from the UK, as well as international examples. Keyword searches revealed a lack of consensus on shared/agreement terminology for SWIS. The literature was organised thematically, as a mechanism to open up the extent, range and nature of research activity in relation to SWIS.

Findings

Findings are presented in three themes: misunderstandings of SWIS – what do they actually do?; micro versus macro interventions; and the concept of reach.

Research limitations/implications

The main implications of this study are to sharpen the focus on the centrality of schools in the lives of children and young people; to expand school-based initiatives as a way to reach young people at risk; to re-centre practice to local, community orientation with an emphasis on early help; and to bring together pockets of good practice and learn from successful partnership models.

Originality/value

Little attempt has been made to contemplate the past and present and rethread school-based initiatives. There is an absence of attention afforded to the theoretical foundations of SWIS. This paper identifies a gap in interest from the early iterations of SWIS, with a recent upsurgence in attention.
Promoting respite for carers of people with dementia: a case study of social marketing effectiveness in hard to reach audiences
Authors: Phillipson Lyn , Hall Danika Valerie , Johnson Keryn Marie , Cridland Elizabeth , Fielding Elaine , Neville Christine , Hasan Helen
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe the development and approach of a theory-informed social marketing intervention that aimed to promote respite for carers of people with dementia. Despite a high need for respite, carers of people with dementia are often low users of available respite services. The reasons for this are complex, including knowledge, attitudinal, behavioural and systemic barriers. In the context of an aging population, effective strategies to support respite use by carers of people with dementia are needed.

Design/methodology/approach

Via formative research, the authors gained an in-depth understanding of a hard-to-reach and vulnerable group (carers of people with dementia). The resulting intervention informed, persuaded and supported carers to rethink the use of respite addressing specific barriers to service use. The intervention was evaluated using a naturalistic effects model.

Findings

Carers of people with dementia who were exposed to community-level campaign activities and also self-selected to take part in tailored coaching showed improvements to their respite knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. Intention to use respite and levels of personal gain from caring also increased. In contrast, carers only exposed to informational activities experienced negative changes to their respite beliefs and their sense of role captivity.

Practical implications

Social marketing can be used to support carer respite knowledge, attitudes and service-use behaviours in carers of people with dementia. The case study highlights an untapped role for social marketers to work in partnership with health professionals to support improvements in aged care services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known social marketing intervention promoting the use of respite to carers of people with dementia. Findings demonstrate that tailored support services are most effective in helping carers navigate and use respite services.
Exploring the deep neural network model’s potential to estimate abnormal audit fees
Authors: Choi Seung Uk , Lee Kun Chang , Na Hyung Jong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to estimate abnormal audit fees more precisely than the traditional audit fee model by applying an artificial intelligence (AI) method.

Design/methodology/approach

The AI technique employed in this paper is the deep neural network (DNN) model, which has been successfully applied to a wide variety of decision-making tasks. The authors examine the ability of the classic ordinary least squares (OLS) and the DNN models to describe the effects of abnormal audit fees on accounting quality based on recent research that demonstrates a systematic link between accruals-based earnings management and abnormal audit fees. Thus, the authors seek to imply that their new method provides a more precise estimate of abnormal audit fees.

Findings

The findings indicate that abnormal audit fees projected using the DNN model are substantially more accurate than those estimated using the classic OLS model in terms of their association with earnings management. Specifically, when abnormal audit fees predicted using the DNN rather than the OLS are incorporated in the accruals-based earnings management model, the adjusted R2s are larger. Additionally, the DNN-estimated coefficient of abnormal audit fees is more favorably associated to earnings management than the classic OLS-estimated coefficient. Additionally, the authors demonstrate that the DNN outperforms OLS in terms of explanatory power in a negative discretionary accruals subsample and a Big 4 auditor subsample. Finally, abnormal audit fees projected using the DNN method provide a better explanation for audit hours than those estimated using the OLS model.

Originality/value

This is the first approach that utilized a machine learning technology to estimate abnormal audit fees. Because more precise measurement yields more credible research results, the findings of this study imply a significant advancement in calculating unusually higher audit fees.
Assessing the level of food insecurity among cancer patients undergoing active cancer treatment in a low-income community
Authors: Aamazadeh Fatemeh , Alizadeh Mohammad , Farsad-Naeimi Alireza , Tofighi Zahra
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Food insecurity exists when access to nutritionally sufficient and secure foods or the ability to obtain admissible foods in socially acceptable ways is limited or uncertain. Food insecurity is most likely associated with chronic disease. However, research into the possible relationship between food insecurity and cancer, the world’s second leading cause of death, is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of food insecurity as well as the associated socioeconomic characteristics among cancer patients.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 cancer patients in Iran. The socioeconomic and 18-item U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Security Questionnaires were used to measure general and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as food security status.

Findings

The prevalence of food insecurity was 25.4% in the form of hunger and 52.5% in the form of hidden hunger. Only 22.1% of the patients were food secure. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that having children under 18 years old (P= 0.035), economic status (P< 0.001), age of the patient (P= 0.001), educational level of household’s head and his spouse (P= 0.044 andP= 0.045, respectively, had statistically significant relationships with food insecurity.

Originality/value

Cancer patients have a high rate of food insecurity. Considering the importance of food security for effective cancer treatment, the health system’s attention to this issue, particularly by policymakers, appears to be required.
Effect of selected process parameters on dimensional accuracy in Arburg Plastic Freeforming
Authors: Mele Mattia , Pisaneschi Gregorio , Campana Giampaolo , Zucchelli Andrea , Ciotti Michele
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The body of the literature on the Arburg Plastic Freeforming process is still very limited despite the increasing industrial importance of this technology. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of this technology by investigating relations between characteristic process parameters and part features. Particularly, the effects of nominal dimension, drop aspect ratio, build chamber temperature and part position on accuracy are investigated. The density of manufactured parts is also measured to understand its relation with dimensional error.

Design/methodology/approach

A benchmark part was designed and manufactured in Polycarbonate on an Arburg Plastic Freeformer 2K-3A. The process was repeated with two levels of drop aspect ratio (1.2125 and 1.2150) and two build chamber temperatures (90°C and 120°C). Each build job included five parts in different positions of the chamber. The dimensional accuracy of benchmarks was measured by using a digital caliper, while Archimede’s principle was used for density measurements. All the acquired results were processed through an analysis of variance to investigate the role of experimental factors.

Findings

Results demonstrate that the linear shrinkage occurring at the end of the 3D printing process is the main source of inaccuracy. The higher the building chamber temperature, the most the part accuracy is influenced by the nominal dimension. The drop aspect ratio affects the dimensional error in the XY plane by increasing the overlap of adjacent droplets. On the other hand, this parameter does not influence the accuracy along the Z direction. The position of the parts inside the building chamber exhibited an influence on results, arguably due to the hot airflows.

Research limitations/implications

This research did not allow for a complete understanding of the role of part positioning on part accuracy. Further study is needed to understand the detail of this phenomenon.

Practical implications

The results of this study can aid the users of Arburg Plastic Freeforming technology by uncovering the role of the main process parameters.

Originality/value

This paper expands the body of knowledge on the Arburg Plastic Freeforming process by providing new information on the role of the main process parameters on dimensional accuracy and density. Particularly, the results answer a research question on the role of the drop aspect ratio, demonstrating that its main effect is to vary the droplets overlap, which, in turn, affects the thermal shrinkage.
A review of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing synergy
Authors: Khorasani Mahyar , Loy Jennifer , Ghasemi Amir Hossein , Sharabian Elmira , Leary Martin , Mirafzal Hamed , Cochrane Peter , Rolfe Bernard , Gibson Ian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper reviews the synergy of Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing (AM) and discusses the integration of data-driven manufacturing systems and product service systems as a key component of the Industry 4.0 revolution. This paper aims to highlight the potential effects of Industry 4.0 on AM via tools such as digitalisation, data transfer, tagging technology, information in Industry 4.0 and intelligent features.

Design/methodology/approach

In successive phases of industrialisation, there has been a rise in the use of, and dependence on, data in manufacturing. In this review of Industry 4.0 and AM, the five pillars of success that could see the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics and materials science enabling new levels of interactivity and interdependence between suppliers, producers and users are discussed. The unique effects of AM capabilities, in particular mass customisation and light-weighting, combined with the integration of data and IoT in Industry 4.0, are studied for their potential to support higher efficiencies, greater utility and more ecologically friendly production. This research also illustrates how the digitalisation of manufacturing for Industry 4.0, through the use of IoT and AM, enables new business models and production practices.

Findings

The discussion illustrates the potential of combining IoT and AM to provide an escape from the constraints and limitations of conventional mass production whilst achieving economic and ecological savings. It should also be noted that this extends to the agile design and fabrication of increasingly complex parts enabled by simulations of complex production processes and operating systems. This paper also discusses the relationship between Industry 4.0 and AM with respect to improving the quality and robustness of product outcomes, based on real-time data/feedback.

Originality/value

This research shows how a combined approach to research into IoT and AM can create a step change in practice that alters the production and supply paradigm, potentially reducing the ecological impact of industrial systems and product life cycle. This paper demonstrates how the integration of Industry 4.0 and AM could reshape the future of manufacturing and discusses the challenges involved.
Effects of selective laser melting process parameters on the accuracy of the intaglio surface of maxillary removable partial denture frameworks
Authors: Chen Hu , Ma Kenan , Zhou Yongsheng , Wang Yong , Sun Yuchun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This in vitro study aims to explore the effects of selective laser melting (SLM) process parameters on the accuracy of the intaglio surface of cobalt–chromium alloy (Co–Cr), commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) maxillary removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks and optimize these process parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Maxillary RPD framework specimens designed on a benchmark model were built. The process parameters, including contour scan speed and laser power, infill scan speed and laser power, hatch space, build orientation and metallic powder type, were arranged through the Taguchi design. Three-dimensional deviations of the clasps area, connector area and overall area of maxillary RPD frameworks were analyzed by using root mean square (RMS) as a metric. One-way analyses of variance with the above RMSs as the dependent variable were carried out (α = 0.05).

Findings

Maxillary RPD frameworks built horizontally had a more accurate intaglio surface than those built at other orientation angles; CP Ti or Ti–6Al–4V maxillary RPD frameworks had a more accurate intaglio surface than Co–Cr ones; the Maxillary RPD framework built with a higher infill scan speed and lower infill laser power had the more accurate intaglio surface than the one built with other levels of these two process parameters.

Originality/value

A novel benchmark model for evaluating the accuracy of the intaglio surface of maxillary RPD frameworks manufactured by SLM is proposed. The accuracy of the intaglio surface of maxillary RPD frameworks can be improved by adjusting SLM process parameters. The optimal setting of process parameters concerning the accuracy of the intaglio surface of maxillary RPD frameworks was given.
Corporate social responsibility and work–life balance provisions for employee quality of life in hospitality and tourism settings
Authors: Diamantis Dimitrios , Puhr Ruth
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to outline the rationale for the theme issue question and introduces articles written by MBA students at Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, Switzerland. The issue provides best practice examples of corporate social responsibility in hospitality settings and explores the outcomes and implications for employee quality of life.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a descriptive review of the theme issue approach and the ways in which industry case study examples have been integrated with a review of literature to analyse the ways in which corporate social responsibility initiatives are increasingly focusing on work–life balance and quality of life considerations.

Findings

During their analysis and case study research, the MBA group found that the provision for quality of life outcomes has been enhanced in recent years by hospitality and tourism firms, and that since the onset of the pandemic, momentum has been building. Yet, a bigger and more complex question relates to work–life balance – a critical component of quality of life outcomes – and whether it is transferable to society as a whole.

Originality/value

The aim of this theme issue is to explore the linkages between work–life balance, corporate social responsibility and the concept of circular economic thinking and how this impacts on quality of life. The authors argue that by better understanding these relationships, it is possible to contribute to the longer-term goal of sustainability and sustainable development. In part, this is because work life provisions are not only applicable at the micro level (firms) but also at the macro level (society), the latter through enhanced focus on circular economic thinking and practice.
U2AF1 mutation connects DNA damage to the alternative splicing of RAD51 in lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Chen Chuanhui , Zhou Pinglang , Zhang Zhizhe , Liu Yu
Published: April 2022

The recurrent mutation (S34F) in splicing factor U2AF1 is frequently observed in lung adenocarcinoma, but its function remains largely unknown. To determine the mechanistic basis and consequences of U2AF1 mutations, we established non–small cell lung carcinoma A549 cell lines with exogenous expression of wildtype (U2AF1‐WT) or mutant (U2AF1‐S34F). Splicing analysis revealed that U2AF1‐S34F mainly caused aberrant exon usage and affected splicing of numerous DNA damage repair genes. Compared to A549 cells expressing U2AF1‐WT, cells expressing U2AF1‐S34F showed enhanced DNA damage and cell death in response to ATR inhibitors (ATRi). Mechanistically, U2AF1‐S34F induced mis‐splicing and downregulation of a key homologous recombination protein RAD51. Overexpression of RAD51 could largely rescue the defective DNA damage response in cells expressing U2AF1‐S34F. Moreover, A549 cells expressing U2AF1‐S34F, but not U2AF1‐WT, were highly sensitive to treatment even with low dose of RAD51 inhibitor on ATRi‐induced DNA damage. Our results suggest that U2AF1‐S34F causes mis‐splicing of DNA damage repair factors in lung cancer and sensitizes cells to RAD51 inhibition.
The expected advantage of administering prophylactic antibiotics using target‐ concentration controlled infusion: Development of a new pharmacokinetic model of cefazolin
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Jung Jiwon , Lee Jong Min , Yang Hong Seuk , Bang Ji‐Yeon , Lee Eun‐Kyung , Choi Byung‐Moon , Noh Gyu‐Jeong
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the utility of target‐concentration controlled infusion (TCI) as a prophylactic antibiotic administration method based on the results of a population pharmacokinetic model of cefazolin. In patients undergoing elective gastric surgery, 2 g of cefazolin was dissolved in 50 mL of saline and administered for 10 min prior to skin incision. Arterial blood samples were obtained at preset intervals to measure the total and free plasma concentrations of cefazolin. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using non‐linear mixed‐effects modelling. To evaluate the effectiveness of the TCI method, stochastic simulation was performed based on the model construction results. In total, 360 total and 360 free plasma concentration measurements from 40 patients were used to characterise the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin. The changes in the total concentration of cefazolin over time were well‐explained by the three‐compartment mammillary model. Fat‐free mass and estimated glomerular filtration rate were significant covariates. The probability of target attainment (PTA) to reach the target 100% fraction of time that the free plasma concentration of cefazolin was maintained above its minimal inhibitory concentration (fT > MIC) at MIC of 4 mg/L was also notably higher in the TCI method (90.7%) than in the standard method (17.0%). When cefazolin is administered by the TCI method, patient‐tailored antibiotic dosing may be possible. The potential benefits of administering prophylactic antibiotics by the TCI method were observed. Further research is warranted to confirm the effectiveness of the TCI method.
Impact of international trade, energy consumption and income on environmental degradation in Africa's OPEC member countries
Authors: Iorember Paul Terhemba , Gbaka Solomon , Jelilov Gylych , Alymkulova Nargiza , Usman Ojonugwa
Published: April 2022

The huge endowment, exploitation and trading of carbon content energy resources by the African OPEC member countries for economic expansion substantiate the fears of increasing global warming and environmental degradation. This study explores the dynamic effects of trade flows, energy consumption and per capita income on environmental degradation in seven of Africa's OPEC member countries (Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya and Nigeria), within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH). By employing the bootstrap panel cointegration test and the PMG/ARDL estimation technique on panel data spanning from 1990 to 2017, the empirical results show a positive but insignificant effect of trade flows on environmental degradation. The results further show that while renewable energy dampens environmental degradation, non‐renewable energy exerts upward pressure on environmental degradation. In addition, the results provide evidence in support of a U‐shaped EKC in the long run. The study, therefore, recommends the expansion of renewable energy consumption to ensure not only environmental sustainability but also to attain the regional goal of sustainable development.
Acute intermittent hemodialysis management in childhood: A single center experience
Authors: Güngör Tülin , Kargın Çakıcı Evrim , Yazılıtaş Fatma , Karakaya Deniz , Çelikkaya Evra , Bülbül Mehmet
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the common indications of acute intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) treatment in childhood and to assess the characteristics of the procedure, complications, and prognosis.

Methods

The study included 102 patients aged between 0 and 18 years, who had been acute dialysis indication and treated with IHD.

Results

In terms of acute kidney injury (AKI) etiology, glomerular diseases were prominent in 56% of the patients, and 8.6% of surviving patients progressed to end‐stage renal disease. Regarding the cause of AKI, having the glomerular disease was determined to be directly associated (p = 0.01) with the risk of progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) regardless of age, gender, onset time of renal replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Glomerular diseases were the most common in AKI etiology and were associated with the progression to CKD, independent of age, gender and the time of IHD onset in our study.
The sarcopenia index is an effective predictor for malnutrition in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Wu Ying‐Ke , Li Man , Zhang Yi‐Chao , Gao Rui‐Zhen , Su Yang , Zhou Yu , Zhao Kai‐Liang , Chen Chen , Wang Wei‐Xing
Published: April 2022

Aim

Reliable and valid predictors of malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis remain scarce, especially easily accessible blood indicators. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the validity of the sarcopenia index (serum creatinine/serum cystatin C × 100) as a tool in assessing the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 109 patients with cirrhosis who were hospitalised in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from August 2020 to June 2021. Malnutrition was diagnosed by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between sarcopenia index and malnutrition. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of sarcopenia index. By contrast, we evaluated the subjective global assessment and traditional nutrition‐related indicators.

Results

Of the 109 included patients, 71 (65.1%) were diagnosed with malnutrition. The sarcopenia index was significantly lower in malnourished patients (56.39 ± 15.23) compared with well‐nourished patients (74.95 ± 13.18, p < 0.001). In addition, the sarcopenia index was independently correlated with malnutrition (p < 0.001). The sarcopenia index was a good tool to predict malnutrition (area under curve = 0.833), which performed better than the subjective global assessment (area under curve = 0.782) and cholinesterase (area under curve = 0.812). A low sarcopenia index indicated longer hospital stay and higher risk of 90‐day re‐hospitalisation.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in this population. The sarcopenia index seems to be a good predictor in nutritional assessment of patients with cirrhosis.
Effect of prior immunotherapy on the efficacy of chemotherapy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Heraudet Luc , Delon Tara , Veillon Rémi , Vergnenègre Charlotte , Lepetit Hélène , Daste Amaury , Ravaud Alain , Zysman Maéva , Domblides Charlotte
Published: April 2022

Background

The effect of the sequential combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of different chemotherapy regimens administered after ICIs in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared to the same regimens administered without previous ICIs.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients treated between 2015 and 2019 for an advanced NSCLC, receiving a salvage chemotherapy just after ICI (CAI group) comparing them to ICI naive patients (CWPI group) undergoing the same chemotherapy at Bordeaux University Hospital. The primary outcome was the time to treatment discontinuation (TTD), and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR).

Results

A total of 152 patients were included, with 34/23 (CAI/CWPI) receiving paclitaxel/bevacizumab (PB), 24/11 paclitaxel (P), 27/12 gemcitabine (G) and 6/15 pemetrexed (PE). Characteristics were comparable, except for CAI treated with PB (more patients with an ECOG PS ≤1 [p <0.001]). Median number of lines received was higher in CAI for all groups. There was no difference between CAI and CWPI for TTD, OS and ORR. However, PB was associated with a nonsignificant increase in OS in the CAI group (HR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.38–1.2, p = 0.17].

Conclusion

Our data showed no difference in TTD, OS and ORR regardless of chemotherapy, but a trend towards an increased OS with PB when given after an ICI, while patients received chemotherapy later in the CAI group. This suggests that a sequential combination of ICI followed by chemotherapy could be an interesting strategy in advanced NSCLC for selected patients.