bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple and economical RNA extraction and storage packets for viral detection from serum or plasma
Authors: Hernandez Sarah , Cardozo Fátima , Myers David R. , Rojas Alejandra , Waggoner Jesse J.
Published: January 2022

RNA extraction is an essential step for detection and surveillance of common viral pathogens. Currently, sample processing and RNA extraction are costly and rely on proprietary materials that are difficult to acquire, maintain, and safely discard in low-resource settings. We developed an economical RNA extraction and storage protocol that eliminates the use of instrumentation, expensive materials, and cold chain requirements. Through an iterative process, we optimized viral lysis and RNA binding to and elution from glass fiber membranes. Protocol changes were evaluated by testing eluates in virus-specific real-time RT-PCRs (rRT-PCRs). Efficient, non-toxic viral lysis was achieved with a sucrose buffer including KCl, proteinase K and carrier RNA. Glass fiber membranes demonstrated concentration-dependent RNA binding of three arthropod-borne RNA viruses (arboviruses): dengue, chikungunya and Oropouche. Membrane binding was significantly increased in an acidic arginine binding buffer. For the clinical evaluation, 36 dengue virus (DENV)-positive serum samples were extracted in duplicate in the optimized protocol and results were compared to a commercial method. DENV RNA was successfully extracted from 71/72 replicates (98.6%) in the extraction packets, and rRT-PCR Ct values correlated between the techniques. Five clinical samples were selected to evaluate ambient-temperature storage up to 7 days on dried glass fiber membranes. DENV RNA was stable at 1, 3 and 7 days post extraction, with a mean difference in eluate RNA concentration of 0.14 log10 copies/μL. At a cost of $0.08 /sample, RNA extraction and storage packets address key limitations to available protocols and may increase capacity for molecular detection of RNA viruses.
Cardiac Damage Risk in Radiotherapy of Esophageal Cancer: The Importance of Baseline Cardiac Risk Profile
Authors: Ghaznavi Hamid , Allaveisi Farzaneh , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farzad
Published: January 2022

Background

The radiotherapy techniques are evolving. Besides optimal tumor coverage, considering organs at risk (OAR) is pertinent to radiation oncologists. In esophageal cancer radiotherapy, heart is the main OAR. Studies on excess absolute risk (EAR) of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in esophageal cancer radiotherapy are limited in the main literature. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the EAR of CVD in patients with esophageal cancer treated with the IMRT technique.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen patients with esophageal cancer were selected. The patients were planned for the IMRT technique, and the 10-year EAR of CVD was estimated using the linear model. The data of major CVD risk factors [including age, smoking, and family history of heart attack, systolic blood pressure, total and HDL cholesterol, and high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP)] were obtained and the baseline risk of CVD was categorized into low- and high-risk groups using the Reynolds risk score.

Results

Family history of heart disease and smoking increased the EAR of CVD significantly compared to the cholesterol and hsCRP. The 10-year EAR of the high-risk group was more than four times of the low-risk group at all ages. In the low-risk group, EAR of CVD after radiotherapy of esophageal cancer can increase by up to 9.1%, while in the high-risk group, EAR increased by 34.89%.

Conclusions

Adding the baseline CVD risk factors improved the estimation of EAR of heart disease after esophageal cancer radiotherapy with the IMRT technique.
Targeted degradation of PCNA outperforms stoichiometric inhibition to result in programed cell death
Authors: Chang Shih Chieh , Gopal Pooja , Lim Shuhui , Wei Xiaona , Chandramohan Arun , Mangadu Ruban , Smith Jeffrey , Ng Simon , Gindy Marian , Phan Uyen , Henry Brian , Partridge Anthony
Published: January 2022

Targeted protein degradation has emerged as a powerful technology – both as a biological tool and for broadening the therapeutic proteome. As tools to probe this approach on historically intractable targets, we have previously advanced ‘biodegraders’ — targeted degradation fusion constructs composed of mini-proteins/peptides linked to modified E3 ligase receptors. Herein, we gain deeper insights into the utility and potential of biodegraders, through a detailed study on Con1-SPOP, a biodegrader which rapidly degrades the potential cancer target, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In a variety of settings, the active biodegrader (Con1-SPOP) proved pharmacologically superior to its stoichiometric (non-degrading) inhibitor equivalent (Con1-SPOPmut). Specifically, in addition to more potent anti-proliferative effects in both 2D cell culture and 3D spheroids, PCNA degradation uniquely induced DNA damage, cell apoptosis and necrosis. Global proteomic profiling of a stable cell-line expressing Con1-SPOP under doxycycline (Dox) induction revealed that impaired mitotic division and mitochondria dysfunction is a direct consequence of PCNA degradation, effects not seen with the stoichiometric inhibitor protein. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of biodegraders, we showed that Dox-induced Con1-SPOP achieved complete tumor-growth inhibition in a xenograft model. To explore application of biodegraders as a novel therapeutic modality, modified mRNA encoding Con1-SPOP was synthesized and encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The approach successfully delivered mRNA in vitro to deplete endogenous PCNA within hours of application and with nanomolar potency. Overall, our results demonstrate the utility of biodegraders as biological tools and highlight target-degradation as a more efficacious approach versus stoichiometric inhibition. Finally, once in vivo delivery and expression are optimized, biodegraders may be leveraged as an exciting therapeutic modality.
Rapidly evolving viral motifs target biophysically constrained binding pockets of host proteins
Authors: Shuler Gal , Hagai Tzachi
Published: January 2022

Evolutionary changes in the host-virus interactome can alter the course of infection, but the biophysical and regulatory constraints that shape interface evolution remain largely unexplored. Here, we focus on viral mimicry of short host-like peptide motifs that allow binding to host domains and modulation of cellular pathways. We observe that motifs from unrelated viruses preferentially target conserved, widely expressed and highly connected host proteins, enriched with regulatory and essential functions. The interface residues within these host domains are more conserved and bind a larger number of cellular proteins than similar motif-binding domains that are not known to interact with viruses.

In stark contrast, rapidly evolving viral-binding human proteins form few interactions with other cellular proteins, display high tissue specificity and their interface residues have few inter-residue contacts. Our results distinguish between highly conserved and rapidly evolving host-virus interfaces, and show how regulatory, functional and biophysical factors limit host capacity to evolve, allowing for efficient viral subversion of host machineries.
Establishment of physiologically relevant oxygen gradients in microfluidic organ chips
Authors: Grant Jennifer , Lee Elizabeth , Almeida Micaela , Kim Seongmin , LoGrande Nina , Goyal Girija , Sesay Adama Marie , Breault David T. , Prantil-Baun Rachelle , Ingber Donald E.
Published: January 2022

In vitro models of human organs must accurately reconstitute oxygen concentrations and gradients that are observed in vivo to mimic gene expression, metabolism, and host-microbiome interactions. Here we describe a simple strategy to achieve physiologically relevant oxygen tension in a two-channel human small intestine-on-a-chip (Intestine Chip) lined with primary human duodenal epithelium and intestinal microvascular endothelium in parallel channels separated by a porous membrane while both channels are perfused with oxygenated medium. This strategy was developed using computer simulations that predicted lowering the oxygen permeability of poly-dimethlysiloxane (PDMS) chips in specified locations using a gas impermeable film will allow the cells to naturally decrease the oxygen concentration through aerobic respiration and reach steady-state oxygen levels < 36 mm Hg (< 5%) within the epithelial lumen. The approach was experimentally confirmed using chips with embedded oxygen sensors that maintained this stable oxygen gradient. Furthermore, Intestine Chips cultured with this approach supported formation of a villus epithelium interfaced with a continuous endothelium and maintained intestinal barrier integrity for 72 h. This strategy recapitulates in vivo functionality in an efficient, inexpensive, and scalable format that improves the robustness and translatability of Organ Chip technology for studies on microbiome as well as oxygen sensitivity.
Chronic brain functional ultrasound imaging in freely moving rodents performing cognitive tasks
Authors: Hady Ahmed El , Takahashi Daniel , Sun Ruolan , Akinwale Oluwateniola , Boyd-Meredith Tyler , Zhang Yisi , Charles Adam S , Brody Carlos D
Published: January 2022

Functional ultrasound imaging (fUS) is an emerging imaging technique that indirectly measures neural activity via changes in blood volume. To date it has not been used to image chronically during cognitive tasks in freely moving animals. Performing those experiments faces a number of exceptional challenges: performing large durable craniotomies with chronic implants, designing behavioural experiments matching the hemodynamic timescale, stabilizing the ultrasound probe during freely moving behavior, accurately assessing motion artifacts and validating that the animal can perform cognitive tasks at high performance while tethered. In this study, we provide validated solutions for those technical challenges. In addition, we present standardized step-by-step repro-ducible protocols, procedures and data processing pipelines that open up the opportunity to perform fUS in freely moving rodents performing complex cognitive tasks. Moreover, we present proof-of-concept analysis of brain dynamics during a decision making task. We obtain stable recordings from which we can robustly decode task variables from fUS data over multiple months. Moreover, we find that brain wide imaging through hemodynamic response is nonlinearly related to cognitive variables, such as task difficulty, as compared to sensory responses previously explored.
A predicted developmental and evolutionary morphospace for grapevine leaves
Authors: Chitwood Daniel H. , Mullins Joey
Published: January 2022

Using conventional statistical approaches there exist powerful methods to classify shapes. Embedded in morphospaces is information that allows us to visualize theoretical leaves. These unmeasured leaves are never considered nor how the negative morphospace can inform us about the forces responsible for shaping leaf morphology. Here, we model leaf shape using an allometric indicator of leaf size, the ratio of vein to blade areas. The borders of the observable morphospace are restricted by constraints and define an orthogonal grid of developmental and evolutionary effects which can predict the shapes of possible grapevine leaves. Leaves in the genusVitisare found to fully occupy morphospace available to them. From this morphospace we predict the developmental and evolutionary shapes of grapevine leaves that are not only possible, but exist, and argue that rather than explaining leaf shape in terms of discrete nodes or species, that a continuous model is more appropriate.
Efficacy of Pulmoary exercise administered in Supine, 45°, or 90° long sitting position on pulmonary parameters of patients with COPD: A Study Protocol
Authors: Awolola Eniola , Maharaj Sonill , Ojo Oluwafemi , Adeyeye Olufunke
Published: January 2022

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program commonly structured for the rehabilitation of chronic lung diseases like COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It aims to increase the patients’ quality of life by decreasing the symptoms frequently experienced from respiratory diseases.

Methods

Forty-two (42) patients aged 40 and above with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders will be assessed for eligibility for the study. The study design will be a double-blinded, randomized control trial with three intervention groups and three parallel placebo control groups.

ACBT, Autogenic drainage, and Reciprocal pulley exercise will be administered as an intervention in various body positions for 5 minutes, respectively. Ten continuous outcome variables at a different point with a minimum repeated measurement of six per subject will be utilized as an outcome measure. Baseline Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) will be assessed on entry into the study and after every procedure. MRC breathlessness scale, six minutes’ walk (6MWT) test, and CAT assessment test will be assessed at every two (2) weeks of the study. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of repeated ANOVA; P<0.05.

Discussion

The study outcome will determine pulmonary rehabilitation’s efficacy in various body positions on selected pulmonary parameters of COPD patients and identify the most productive approach among upper limb exercises, autogenic drainage, or ACBT in different fundamental body position

Trial Registration

www.pactr.org: PACTR202005890624077
A Systematic Review of Datasets to Research the Effect of Policy and Place on Immigrants’ Health
Authors: Allen Chenoa D.
Published: January 2022

State and local immigrant policies—which regulate immigrants’ rights and access to services and material resources—shape self-rated health and health care access for Hispanic/Latino immigrants. However, due to data limitations, we know little about their impacts on non-Hispanic immigrants or on objective measures of health. To help researchers address these gaps, this systematic review creates a comprehensive resource indexing nationally-representative US datasets that can be used to measure the effects of policy and place on immigrant health. Following PRISMA guidelines, I searched ICPSR and federal data repositories for nationally-representative, population-based, longitudinal or repeated cross-sectional datasets that included health/health care access, race/ethnicity, and state or county of residence. I extracted information about race, ethnicity, migration, language, and geocodes in each dataset for each year, 2005–2021. Data searches (final search December 2021) identified 54 datasets, many of which have never been used to study the effects of policies on immigrant health. These data sources have unexploited potential to advance this literature. For example, longitudinal data sources will allow researchers to examine the effects of policies on the same individuals over time, while datasets with detailed measures of race/ethnicity and migration can be used to distinguish which immigrants are most impacted.
An Acyclic Phosphonate Prodrug of HPMPC is Effective Against VZV in Skin Organ Culture and Mice
Authors: Lloyd M , Liu D , Lyu J , Fan J , Overhulse JM , Kashemirov BA , Prichard MN , McKenna CE , Moffat JF
Published: January 2022

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes chicken pox and shingles and is prevalent worldwide. Acyclovir and penciclovir (and its prodrugs) are first-line treatments for VZV infections, but they are not highly potent against VZV and resistance may arise in immunocompromised people on long-term therapy. HPMPC (cidofovir) is active against VZV, but cidofovir is not approved for treating VZV diseases, is nephrotoxic, and is not orally bioavailable. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of USC-373, a phosphonate prodrug of HPMPC with activity against VZV and other DNA viruses. In cultured fibroblasts, it was potent against VZV Ellen laboratory strain and was not overtly toxic, with EC50 of 4 nM and CC50 of 0.20 μM, producing a selectivity index of 50. In ARPE-19 cells, USC-373 was effective against VZV-ORF57-Luc wild type strain and the acyclovir-resistant isogenic strain. In human skin organ culture, USC-373 formulated in cocoa butter and applied topically prevented VZV-ORF57-Luc spread without toxicity. In NuSkin mice with human skin xenografts, one daily dose of 3 mg/kg was effective by the subcutaneous route, and one daily dose of 10 mg/kg was effective by the oral route. Remarkably, a 10 mg/kg oral dose given every other day was also effective. USC-373 was well tolerated and mice did not lose weight or show signs of distress. The prodrug modifications of USC-373 increase the potency and oral bioavailability compared to its parent nucleoside analog, HPMPC.
Unobservable land value in rural China and its microeconomic implication on land lease behavior
Authors: He Xu , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Total farmland value exceeds its value in agriculture but is not directly perceptible to villagers in China. Thus, the exceeded part is often neglected when discussing farmer’s land transaction decision. This study aims to revisit the question about how land titling project affects farmer’s land renting-out and investigate how this unobservable land value would distort the intentional effects of land titling.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first modifies a two-period model by incorporating the unobservable part of land value into the farmers’ leasing decision problem. Following the implications from the theoretical analysis, this study then exploits the difference-in-differences and the triple-differences approach to confirm the distorting effects that are resulted from the unobservable land value.

Findings

The modified theoretical model of this study reveals that land titling would encourage farmers to rent out land when the unobservable land value is predicted to be low but discourage farmers’ willingness to rent-out when this value is predicted to be high. The core reason for this significant conclusion lands in the uncertainty of the unobservable land value. Empirical analysis then provided two evidences for this presumption. Furthermore, this study also gave a disproof of the argument that the uncovered discouraging effect is due to a stronger endowment effect.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by highlighting the unobservable land value in the farmers’ land-related decisions. This part of land value is always neglected in previous discussions about the land tenure system, but it would cause distorting effects especially in regions without private land ownership.
Critical analysis of risks factors in using public-private partnership in building critical infrastructure resilience: a systematic review
Authors: Ampratwum Godslove , Tam Vivian W.Y. , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Public–private partnership (PPP) has been adopted in many areas especially within the architecture, engineering and construction research domain. However, the PPP in critical infrastructure resilience (CIR) has not received the needed attention even though it has been acclaimed to be the panacea for building infrastructure resilience. This paper aims to adopt a systematic review to proactively identify the risks factors that pertains to using PPP as a mechanism to build the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic methodology, a total record of 51 academic publications and 5 institutional reports from reputable organizations were identified and analyzed.

Findings

The selected literature was subjected to content analysis to retrieve 46 risk factors in PPP in CIR. The outcome of the systematic revealed the topmost risks as corruption, natural and unavoidable catastrophes, wars, terrorism, sabotage, cost overrun issues, a lack of centralized mechanism for coordinating integrated actions, inconsistent government policies, inadequate supervision, high operational cost due to robust and redundant measure, lack of supporting infrastructure, lack of open and integrated communication, unstable government, political interference, lack of PPP experience and legislation change. A conceptual framework was developed by grouping the identified risks under 13 categories.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study will be a guide for decision makers and stakeholders with the responsibility of building the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Originality/value

The study contributes to CIR research area by providing an in-depth knowledge on risks that are inherent in PPP in CIR.
Pakistan State Oil: multidimensional strategic issues of a market leader
Authors: Qureshi Jawaid Ahmed , Shamsi Aamir Firoz , Arif Farrah
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to analyze the multidimensional and complex crises, and market stature of a company that was a market and industry leader in a developing country; to evaluate and interpret the outcomes of decisions pertaining declining profits, outstanding receivables, branding, marketing and radical reforms to overcome the challenges of sustainable growth, customers and employees’ loyalty, market stature and leadership crises; and to design strategic solutions for sustaining its leadership position and combating severe challenges.

Case overview/synopsis

The purpose of this paper is to ponder upon various crises that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) was facing, so that learners can critically analyze, assess and design strategic solutions for it. PSO was the state-run market leader in the petroleum industry. The company had been struggling to combat multiple types of turmoil at a time. Its huge fund of receivables was blocked in circular debt that caused the company budget constraints and deficits. Due to a government policy shift, the demand for its furnace oil substantially reduced and profits plummeted. The countless internal and external crises posed severe menace to its competitive position vis-a-vis its rivals. This qualitative case study garners data from eight interviews from senior managers in the petroleum industry and adds content analysis technique to acquire pertinent data from renowned media sources and subsequent analysis. The drastic crises left PSO with dearth of funds and declining profitability. Consequently, due to limited marketing budget, creativity of its marketing team for devising effective marketing programs to raise market share was compromised. PSO underwent the issues of brand sustainability, sustainable growth, customers and employees’ loyalty, and market stature to financial and leadership crises. However, despite limitations, it still enjoyed a market leadership position among its rivals in the industry by occupying more than half of the chunk of market in the petroleum industry. This is a unique case study of a state-owned giant company facing multidimensional menaces. It offers tremendous learning opportunities for students who can devise creative strategic solutions and link theories and models with practice.

Complexity academic level

Graduate (MBA), MS, PhD (management and administrative sciences); Suitable for teaching in chapters: Anywhere but ideally near the middle or end of the above courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 11: Strategy.
Sustaining the Yellow Heart: responsible business by reducing inequalities at Digi Malaysia
Authors: E-Vahdati Sahar , Wan-Hussin Wan Nordin , Ling Oon Hun
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

This study enables to critique the development of a sustainability strategy brand; integrated reports, sustainability reports, usage of safe internet and online learning skills to reduce inequalities and increase stakeholders’ values.

Case overview/synopsis

Digi Telecommunications (Digi) has been publishing annual sustainability reporting in line with Global Reporting Initiatives since 2009. Albern Murty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digi, the largest player in the mobile telecommunications industry in Malaysia by the number of subscribers, decided to establish a responsible business brand known as Yellow Heart in 2018 to better serve their stakeholders demand. There was a low stakeholder understanding of Digi’s sustainability efforts and societal impacts. Digi’s Sustainability department aspired to make Yellow Heart the best industry practice for continuous improvements by making Responsible Business commitment one of the main pillars of the company’s strategy and vision. Yellow Heart was linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)10 on reducing inequalities by focusing on Digital Inclusion and Resilience to increase safe access opportunities, provide marginalized communities with opportunities to pursue interests in digital learning pathways and create a more sustainable digital future for all. The case study illustrates the sustainability management at Digi and the planned migration from sustainability reporting to integrated reporting to build trust in the business with all the stakeholders. The case dilemma involves the challenges that Philip Ling Oon Hun, the Head of the Sustainability, faced in deciding the SDGs to focus on and measuring and reporting their outcomes to contribute to the greater good, not only in pure business terms but also to society at large.

Complexity academic level

This case is appropriate for undergraduate or graduate-level programs in Accounting, Corporate Governance and Strategy Implementation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Factors influencing urban tourists’ receptivity to ecogamified applications: a study on transports and mobility
Authors: Souza Viviane Silva , Marques Susana Regina Bacelar de Vasconcelos
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The literature on the factors that enhance ecogamification and the intention to use smart tourism applications is vast and increasing. However, most studies tend to focus on the “user”, rather than the “tourist”, and that gap is the trigger for the present research. The purpose of this paper is to examine how home and travel environmental behaviour, travel motivations, types of entertainment (digital and non-digital) and technology proficiency (professional vs non-professional) influence the receptivity of urban tourists to different game elements in a transport and mobility context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study carried out a qualitative experiment with focus groups, with a total of 16 urban tourists. The software webQDA was used to systematize and categorize data and to analyze the content.

Findings

The results suggest differences and similarities in terms of receptivity of urban tourists to ecogamification, which might have implications for future studies on urban tourists’ typologies and segments and also for providers of ecogamified services, game designers and marketers.

Originality/value

Rather than addressing the game elements per se (which, in this research, are seen as means to an end), the novelty resides in the combination of characteristics that intersect urban tourism (travel motivations), gamification (entertainment preferences and technology proficiency) and sustainability (home–travel environmental behaviour). This intersection provides a lens to interpret tourists’ receptivity and interaction with different game elements (cooperation, reward, points, avatar and ranking).
Marketing performance: aligning people, processes, and results
Authors: Pimenta da Gama António
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate and extend existing knowledge about marketing performance assessment, making a case for a measurement system identifying five categories of metrics on which attention should be focused.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organized in three parts. It starts with a summary of the current state of knowledge about marketing performance assessment, followed by the presentation of the model in terms of its rationale and architecture. Then, the metrics that make up the model are explained and operationalized. Lastly, a concluding note is presented.

Findings

Both scholars and managers have been calling for methods and concepts addressing the how and why marketing succeeds or fails. The author believes that certain metrics, when integrated into a holistic and actionable framework, can have a positive and transformational impact on the way marketing is measured in organizations.

Originality/value

Metrics are meaningless when viewed in isolation. Yet, most of the literature on the subject focus on individual indicators. Also, it tends to overemphasize marketing outcomes. This work offers a complementary view to what has already been written on the subject, suggesting a performance assessment model that highlights requirements/prerequisites, processes, outcomes and organizational context.
The role of Islamic ethics in shaping passion for social innovation
Authors: Boussema Samira , Belkacem Lotfi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the role of ethics in the social innovation process and its effect on entrepreneurial passion. It explores the factors that encourage social entrepreneurs to innovate by examining the concepts of harmonious and obsessive passion and ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

The database consists of 97 entrepreneurs who benefited from the services offered by the support organizations for social entrepreneurs. The data are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that Islamic ethics has a positive effect on social innovation. This effect can be further amplified by harmonious passion (HP). Such passion certainly strengthens social entrepreneurs throughout the innovation process and consolidates the implementation phase of their projects.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of ethics in the process of social innovation. Ethics acts directly or through HP to stimulate social innovation. This passion enables taking actions and favors the creation of innovative social projects.

Originality/value

These findings add value to the previous literature by introducing ethics into the entrepreneurial passion theory and exploring new factors that promote social innovation.
Learning effectiveness of 3D virtual reality in hospitality training: a situated cognitive perspective
Authors: Lui Tsz-Wai , Goel Lakshmi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Training is one of the key dimensions of internal marketing. Virtual reality (VR), a computer technology that replicates an environment (real or imagined) and simulates a user’s physical presence in that environment to allow for user interaction, offers unique opportunities from a training perspective, such as allowing users to improve their skills without the consequence of failing real customers or the need to be in the real environment physically. This study aims to focus on comparing the effectiveness of VR hospitality training with that of real-world hospitality training.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts situated cognition theory to empirically test the effect of the awareness of contextual variables (social interaction, location and task) on learning and compare learning outcomes between tourism training in VR and real-world experimental settings.

Findings

Results indicate that location and task awareness enhance cognitive absorption, but social awareness does not influence cognitive absorption. There is no significant difference between training in real-world and VR environments. Finally, cognitive absorption has a positive effect on mental model change (the learning outcome).

Originality/value

This result advances the theoretical understanding on the significance of learning context by applying situated cognition theory in hospitality training and has significant implications for training that aims for rigor and efficiency within cost, location and time constraints.
Effect of curcumin on body mass index and glycemic indices in females with PCOS: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nouri Mehran , Sohaei Sara , Shalaby Mohammed Nader , Mehrabani Sanaz , Ramezani Atena , Faghih Shiva
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of curcumin supplementation body mass index and glycemic indices in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and ISI web of science to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the earliest record up to February 2021. The authors used a random-effects model to estimate pooled effect sizes.

Findings

A total of four potentially related clinical trials met the inclusion criteria which included a total of 198 participants. Random-effects meta-analysis showed significant effects of curcumin on fasting blood sugar (FBS) (−3.62 mg/dl, 95% CI [−5.65, −1.58], p-value < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), insulin level (−1.67 µU/mL, 95% CI [−3.06, −0.28], p-value = 0.018, I2 = 0.0%) and homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (−0.42, 95% CI [−0.76, −0.09], p-value < 0.01, I2 = 0.0%). No evidence of publication bias was discovered in the meta-analyses.

Originality/value

Present systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs showed beneficial effects of curcumin consumption on FBS, insulin level and HOMA-IR in patients with PCOS. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results.
A mixed methods study of architectural education during the initial COVID-19 lockdown: student experiences in design studio and technology courses
Authors: Bakir Ramy , Alsaadani Sara
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to understand and assess architecture students' experiences of online teaching during the initial lockdown caused by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic between March–June 2020. The exploratory study was conducted across two architectural engineering departments of two separate campuses of the same not-for-profit, non-governmental higher education institution in Cairo, Egypt, focusing on two course streams within their architectural curriculum; design-studio-based courses (DC) and technology courses (TC).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was used, where a questionnaire-based survey was developed to gather qualitative and quantitative data based on perceptions of a sample of 245 students. The survey quantitatively queried five dimensions related to students' learning experiences and qualitatively sought to evaluate both the positive experiences and challenges the students experienced.

Findings

Findings outline that students' experiences were neutral but veered toward the positive end of the scale. Three factors appear to have affected students' learning experiences; students' reliance on educational technologies, the stage of architectural education students were enrolled in when they went into lockdown, and finally, quality and timing of feedback received. While challenges were faced during transition to the digital realm, these may have compelled students to take ownership of the students' own knowledge construction.

Originality/value

Results provide a nuanced understanding of how students dealt with this critical transformation in architectural pedagogy at a unique moment in history, highlighting merits that could have an everlasting impact on design education during and after times of pandemic.
Investigating the impact of full-term experiential learning project on management graduates: an emerging economy perspective
Authors: Singh Etinder Pal , Doval Jyoti , Kumar Sanjeev , Khan Malik Muhammad Sheheryar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The gaps between what is taught in the classroom and what is required from the management graduates are evident globally. This research suggests that experiential learning has the potential to address this pronounced gap and examines the impact of a long-term experiential learning project in marketing curricula on management graduates in emerging Indian economy. This paper aims to investigate whether experiential learning results in conceptual clarity and application skills, influence positive behavioral change in the students and at the same time make learning an enjoyable and productive experience for management graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the results of a full-term long experiential learning project designed for the graduate students of the introductory marketing course in the emerging economy of India. The assessment of the experiential learning project was undertaken by using a 14-item survey instrument post activity and analyzed results by using quantitative methods.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that incorporation of experiential learning project in marketing curricula offers an excellent opportunity for the educators to ensure a high level of engagement, involvement, motivation, interest and satisfaction among Indian students. The project led to more enjoyment and productivity as compared to regular lecture method and assignments. The project provided an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and theory in a real-life setting.

Practical implications

This activity is ideal and relevant for marketing educators who are looking for a semester/term long experiential learning activity/group project to be conducted while teaching introduction to marketing course. This activity offers an excellent opportunity for educators to ensure that students are engaged, motivated and are ready to apply the marketing concepts. This activity can be used in both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses.

Originality/value

“Marketing Challenge,” a long duration (full-term) experiential learning project described in this paper, provides the students an opportunity to experience the new product development process from the product conception, development to selling the developed product. The authors perceive that in the coming future, educators will use experiential learning elements in the classrooms to achieve the learning outcomes of various management courses.
“Lost in the literature.” People with intellectual disabilities who identify as trans: a narrative review
Authors: Keates Nathan , Dewar Eleanor , Waldock Krysia Emily
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This narrative review aims to examine how trans people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and discussed in the academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review was carried out to better understand the positioning of people with intellectual disabilities who identify as trans.

Findings

There was a lack of clear terminology, an over medicalization of both people with intellectual disabilities and trans people and evidence that identifying with a non-conforming gender identity was seen as a problem by services. Services need to be better informed about issues around gender identity so that they are able to better support trans people with intellectual disabilities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous literature review has focused only on trans people with intellectual disabilities.
Intellectual disability in Switzerland: the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as a vehicle for progress
Authors: Büschi Eva , Antener Gabriela , Parpan-Blaser Anne
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the history, current status and future challenges for intellectual disability (ID) policy and practice in Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a review of the literature, academics in the field of ID in Switzerland reflect on critical issues.

Findings

The implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has resulted in the move from institutions to more flexible and individualised, community-based support services.

Originality/value

This paper describes a Western-European country facing the challenges of deinstitutionalisation to become an inclusive society due to directions given by the CRPD.
CRISPR/Cas9‐induced disruption of Bodo saltans paraflagellar rod‐2 gene reveals its importance for cell survival
Authors: Gomaa Fatma , Li Zhu‐Hong , Beaudoin David J. , Alzan Heba , Girguis Peter R. , Docampo Roberto , Edgcomb Virginia P.
Published: January 2022

Developing transfection protocols for marine protists is an emerging field that will allow the functional characterization of protist genes and their roles in organism responses to the environment. We developed a CRISPR/Cas9 editing protocol for Bodo saltans, a free‐living kinetoplastid with tolerance to both marine and freshwater conditions and a close non‐parasitic relative of trypanosomatids. Our results show that SaCas9/single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex‐mediated disruption of the paraflagellar rod 2 gene (BsPFR2) was achieved using electroporation‐mediated transfection. The use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can increase the efficiency of targeted homologous recombination when a repair DNA template is provided. Our sequence analysis suggests two mechanisms for repairing double‐strand breaks in B. saltans are active; homologous‐directed repair (HDR) utilizing an exogenous DNA template that carries an antibiotic resistance gene and likley non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ). However, HDR was only achieved when a single (vs. multiple) SaCas9 RNP complex was provided. Furthermore, the biallelic knockout of BsPFR2 was detrimental for the cell, highlighting its essential role for cell survival because it facilitates the movement of food particles into the cytostome. Our Cas9/sgRNA RNP complex protocol provides a new tool for assessing gene functions in B. saltans and perhaps similar protists with polycistronic transcription.
A unique case of driving while under the influence of isopropanol
Authors: Kirkton Carrie A. , Limoges Jennifer F.
Published: January 2022

Isopropanol intoxication, whether accidental or intentional, is not unusual. Alcoholics have long‐resorted to isopropanol because of its availability and cost. The incidence of isopropanol intoxication with driving, however, has been reported only a few times in the literature. A unique case is reported where an individual intentionally drank isopropanol and was involved in a minor traffic incident. The individual’s impairment was not consistent with a preliminary breath test of 0.062%. The officer proceeded to an evidential breath test, but received an “interferent‐detected” result, and then requested a drug recognition expert (DRE). A full DRE evaluation was performed, indicating central nervous system depressants, marijuana, and narcotic analgesics. Laboratory analysis included chromatographic testing for volatiles and an immunoassay drug screen. Results were positive for isopropanol and acetone; no other compounds were detected. This case report provides a unique comprehensive evaluation of a driver under the influence of isopropanol.
The deubiquitinase OTUD1 inhibits non‐small cell lung cancer progression by deubiquitinating and stabilizing KLF4
Authors: Ma Xiaoyan , Wang Liming , Shi Guifang , Sun Shuqing
Published: January 2022

Background

Lung cancer results in the highest mortality associated with cancer worldwide. Non‐small cell cancer (NSCLC) is the leading subtype of lung cancer. Ovarian tumor protease (OTU) domain‐containing protein 1 (OTUD1) is a member of the OTU subfamily of DUBs, and its function in NSCLC remains unclear.

Methods

GEPIA database was employed to reveal the expression level of OTUD1 in addition to Krüppel‐ like factor 4 (KLF4) in NSCLC tissue samples and prove the correlation between OTUD1 and KLF4. The protein level was estimated using western blot. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay was used to detect cell viability and transwell assay was utilized to observe cell migration and invasion. Cycloheximide (CHX) was introduced to measure half‐lives of KLF4 and deubiquitination assay was used to detect deubiquitination ability of OTUD1.

Results

OTUD1 expression was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Overexpression of OTUD1 inhibited NSCLC cell progression and it was promoted by knockdown of OTUD1. OTUD1 was positively correlated with KLF4 and stabilized KLF4 at protein level by deubiquitinating KLF4. Overexpressing KLF4 dramatically eliminated the effects of OTUD1 on the development of NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that OTUD1 suppresses NSCLC progression by mediating KLF4 stabilization, which suggests a potential gene target for the future treatment of NSCLC.
Asbestos‐related lung cancer: Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes in an Australian cohort seeking workers compensation
Authors: Hyland Rebecca A , Chrzanowska Agata , Hannaford‐Turner Kirsty , Davis Alexander , Ke Helen , Bradbury Lauren , Nagrial Adnan , McCaughan Brian , Hui Rina , van Zandwijk Nico , Takahashi Ken , Kao Steven C
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives

Due to difficulties in identifying sufficient‐sized cohorts there remains uncertainty about prognostic and clinical differences that may be unique to asbestos‐related lung cancer (ARLC). In this study, we use the Helsinki Criteria to define a group of ex‐workers with lung cancer attributable to asbestos exposure and investigate differences that may exist.

Methods

A total of 529 patients seeking workers’ compensation for their lung cancer were assigned to either ARLC or the non‐ARLC based on parameters defined in the Helsinki Criteria. Clinical and survival details were collected and analyzed.

Results

In our study population, ARLC patients were on average older (72.1 ± 7.8) than non‐ARLC patients (66.5 ± 10.2, P < 0.001) and were more likely to be diagnosed as a result of incidental findings or screening program (P < 0.001). The groups were similar in terms of clinical characteristics with the only difference being that plaques were more prevalent among ARLC patients (P < 0.001). Differences were observed for median overall survival (OS), ARLC (9 months) and non‐ARLC (13 months, P = 0.005), as well for treatment (P = 0.01). After adjusting for age, however, these differences disappeared.

Conclusions

Age at diagnosis, pleural plaques, and asymptomatic presentation were the attributes that we identified as significantly different between asbestos‐related cancer and other lung cancers. In this cohort, ARLC patients were older diagnosis and with worse overall survival.
Evaluation of molecular methods for plasma detection of EGFR mutations in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lee Kyunghoon , Lim Sangeun , Lee Yun‐Gyoo , Kim Haejeung , Lee Seungjun , Yu Hui‐Jin , Park Hyosoon , Kwon Min‐Jung , Woo Hee‐Yeon
Published: January 2022

Aim

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are detected in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and associated with responses to therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We compared the analytical performances of two real‐time PCRs and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect EGFR mutations using plasma.

Methods

Plasma EGFR tests were performed using 86 plasma samples from 75 prospectively enrolled NSCLC patients with early and advanced stages. Analytical performances of plasma‐using two real‐time PCR, Cobas EGFR mutation v2 and PANAMutyper, EGFR kit, and ddPCR were evaluated based on the tissue EGFR test results. The frequencies of EGFR mutations and acquired T790M mutation after TKI therapy were also assessed.

Results

The incidence of all EGFR mutations was 52.3% (23/44) in tissue and was up to 43.2% (19/44) in plasma. The Cobas detection rates of three EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions, L858R, and T790M) in plasma were similar to those in tissue. The Cobas showed a higher detection rate (76.7%) than that by the PANAMutyper (60.5%). Sensitivity for T790M mutation was lower than the sensitivity for the exon 19 deletions or L858R in both tests. Mutant allele frequency measured by ddPCR was significantly correlated with the semi‐quantitative values of the Cobas.

Conclusions

Plasma EGFR tests showed similar detection rates for common EGFR mutations compared to the tissue EGFR tests. Cobas showed higher sensitivity in detection of EGFR mutations in body fluids than the PANAMutyper. Real‐time PCR using plasma or body fluids could be a suitable first test for the detection of EGFR mutations.