bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging With Grace for People Living With HIV: Strategies to Overcome Leaky Gut and Cytomegalovirus Coinfection
Authors: Routy Jean-Pierre , Royston Léna , Isnard Stéphane
Published: January 2022

The intestinal epithelial layer acts as a mechanical and functional barrier between the intraluminal microbiota and the immunologically active submucosa. A progressive loss of gut barrier function (leaky gut) leads to enhanced translocation of microbial products, which in turn contributes as endotoxins to inflammaging. Th17 T cell represents the main immune sentinels in the gut epithelium, preventing aggression from commensal and pathogenic microbes. As HIV infection deeply affects gut Th17 function and increases gut permeability, microbial translocation occurs at high level in people living with HIV (PLWH) and has been associated with the development of non-AIDS comorbidities. Although the inflammatory role of endotoxins like lipopolysaccharide produced by Gram-negative bacteria is well-established, fungal products such as β-D-glucan emerge as new contributors. In addition, PLWH are more frequently infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) than the general population. CMV infection is a well-described accelerator of immune aging, through the induction of expansion of dysfunctional CD8 T-cells as well as through enhancement of gut microbial translocation. We critically review immune mechanisms related to bacterial and fungal translocation, with a focus on the contribution of CMV coinfection in PLWH. Improving gut barrier dysfunction, microbial composition, and reducing microbial translocation constitute emerging strategies for the prevention and treatment of HIV-associated inflammation and may be relevant for age-related inflammatory conditions.
Hackflex: low-cost, high-throughput, Illumina Nextera Flex library construction
Authors: Gaio Daniela , Anantanawat Kay , To Joyce , Liu Michael , Monahan Leigh , Darling Aaron E.
Published: January 2022

We developed a low-cost method for the production of Illumina-compatible sequencing libraries that allows up to 14 times more libraries for high-throughput Illumina sequencing to be generated for the same cost. We call this new method Hackflex. The quality of library preparation was tested by constructing libraries from

Escherichia coli

MG1655 genomic DNA using either Hackflex, standard Nextera Flex (recently renamed as Illumina DNA Prep) or a variation of standard Nextera Flex in which the bead-linked transposase is diluted prior to use. In order to test the library quality for genomes with a higher and a lower G+C content, library construction methods were also tested on

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PAO1 and

Staphylococcus aureus

ATCC 25923, respectively. We demonstrated that Hackflex can produce high-quality libraries and yields a highly uniform coverage, equivalent to the standard Nextera Flex kit. We show that strongly size-selected libraries produce sufficient yield and complexity to support de novo microbial genome assembly, and that assemblies of the large-insert libraries can be much more contiguous than standard libraries without strong size selection. We introduce a new set of sample barcodes that are distinct from standard Illumina barcodes, enabling Hackflex samples to be multiplexed with samples barcoded using standard Illumina kits. Using Hackflex, we were able to achieve a per-sample reagent cost for library prep of A$7.22 (Australian dollars) (US $5.60; UK £3.87, £1=A$1.87), which is 9.87 times lower than the standard Nextera Flex protocol at advertised retail price. An additional simple modification and further simplification of the protocol by omitting the wash step enables a further price reduction to reach an overall 14-fold cost saving. This method will allow researchers to construct more libraries within a given budget, thereby yielding more data and facilitating research programmes where sequencing large numbers of libraries is beneficial.
Optimization of the decolorization conditions of Rose Bengal by using Aspergillus niger TF05 and a decolorization mechanism
Authors: Zhou Minghui , Zhang Yan , Chen Yajun , Zhang Fangyan , Yang Daihu
Published: January 2022

Aspergillus niger TF05 was applied to decolorize Rose Bengal dye. The effects of carbon source, nitrogen source, metal ion and spore concentration on Rose Bengal treatment with A. niger TF05 were studied. A Plackett–Burman design (PBD) and a uniform design (UD) were used to optimize the decolorization conditions of A. niger TF05 and enhance its decolorization effect. The mechanism of Rose Bengal decolorization by A. niger TF05 was examined by analysing degradation products via UV–visible light spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and GC-MS. The best decolorization effect was achieved in the single factor test with glucose and ammonium chloride as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Mg2+ was an essential ion that could improve the mould ball state and adsorption efficiency if the spore concentration was maintained at 106 spores ml–1. The optimal decolorization conditions obtained using the PBD and UD methods were 11.5 g l−1 glucose, 6.5 g l−1 ammonium chloride, 0.4 g l−1 magnesium sulphate, pH 5.8, 28 °C, 140 r.p.m. rotational speed, 0.18 g l−1 dye concentration, 0.5 ml of inocula and 120 h decolorization time. Under these conditions, the maximum decolorization rate was 106%. Spectral analysis suggested that the absorption peak of the product changed clearly after decolorization; GC-MS analysis revealed that the intermediate product tetrachlorophthalic anhydride formed after decolorization. The combined use of the PBD and UD methods can optimize multi-factor experiments. A. niger TF05 decolorized Rose Bengal during intracellular enzymatic degradation after adsorption.
Inhibition of natural bacterial flora, Staphylococcus
aureus, and enterotoxin A production in cooked ground chicken with
oregano oil or tannic acid (TA) alone or combination
Authors: Al-Hijazeen Marwan , Mendonca Aubrey , Lee Eun Joo , Ahn Dong Uk
Published: January 2022

The effect of oregano oil and tannic acid (TA) on the aerobic plate count,
Staphylococcus aureus growth, and staphylococcal
enterotoxin A (SEA) production in cooked chicken breast meat held at abusive
temperatures were evaluated. Five treatments, namely, control, 200 ppm oregano
essential oil, 10 ppm TA, 200 ppm oregano oil + 10 ppm TA, and 5 ppm butylated
hydroxyanisole (BHA), were prepared. The antimicrobial effect of TA was weaker
than that of the oregano oil or BHA, and TA did not decrease the APC at the end
of the storage at 10°C or 25°C. Oregano oil + TA treatment
(combination) significantly suppressed the APC at all temperatures (10°C,
25°C, and 43°C) tested. Oregano oil + TA (combination) was the
most effective treatment for inhibiting S. aureus growth at
10°C and 25°C. All treatments inhibited SEA production in cooked
chicken at 25°C; however, oregano oil + TA (combination) was the most
effective in inhibiting SEA production at 10°C and 43°C (7 days
and 6 h, respectively). Based on these results, oregano oil has strong
antimicrobial activity, which increases when combined with TA. Oregano oil + TA
has a good potential for inhibiting the natural bacterial flora, growth of
S. aureus, and SEA production in cooked chicken to enhance
the microbial quality and safety under temperature abuse conditions.
SH3Ps recruit auxilin-like vesicle uncoating factors into clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Adamowski Maciek , Matijević Ivana , Narasimhan Madhumitha , Friml Jiří
Published: January 2022

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is an essential process of cellular cargo uptake operating in all eukaryotes. In animal and yeast, CME involves BAR-SH3 domain proteins, endophilins and amphiphysins, which function at the conclusion of CME to recruit factors for vesicle scission and uncoating. Arabidopsis thaliana contains BAR-SH3 domain proteins SH3P1-3, but their role is poorly understood. We identify SH3P1-3 as functional homologues of endophilin/amphiphysin. SH3P1-3 bind to discrete foci at the plasma membrane (PM), and colocalization indicates late recruitment of SH3P2 to a subset of clathrin-coated pits. PM recruitment pattern of SH3P2 is nearly identical to its interactor, a putative vesicle uncoating factor AUXILIN-LIKE1, and SH3P1-3 are required for most of AUXILIN-LIKE1 PM binding. This indicates a plant-specific modification of CME, where BAR-SH3 proteins recruit auxilin-like uncoating factors, rather than the uncoating phosphatases synaptojanins. Furthermore, we identify an unexpected redundancy between SH3P1-3 and a plant-specific endocytic adaptor, TPLATE complex, showing a contribution of SH3P1-3 to gross CME.
ARF small GTPases in the developmental function mediated by ARF regulators GNOM and VAN3
Authors: Adamowski Maciek , Matijević Ivana , Friml Jiří
Published: January 2022

ARF small GTPases are molecular switches acting in intracellular trafficking. Their cycles of activity are controlled by regulators, ARF Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (ARF-GEFs) and ARF GTPase Activating Proteins (ARF-GAPs). The ARF-GEF GNOM (GN) and the ARF-GAP VAN3 share a prominent function in auxin-mediated developmental patterning, but the ARFs which they might control were not identified. We conducted a loss-of-function and localization-based screening of the ARF/ARF-LIKE gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana with the primary aim of identifying functional partners of GN and VAN3, while extending the limited understanding of this gene group as a whole. We identified a function of ARLA1 in branching angle control. Mutants lacking the variably localized ARLB1, ARFB1, ARFC1, ARFD1, and ARF3, even in high order combinations, do not exhibit any evident phenotypes. Loss of function arfa1 phenotypes support a major role of ARFA1 in growth and development overall, but patterning defects typical to gn loss of function are not found. ARFA1 are not localized at the plasma membrane, where GN and VAN3 carry out developmental patterning function according to current models. Taken together, putative ARF partners of GN and VAN3 in developmental patterning cannot be conclusively identified.
Influence of Nesting Material Composition on Tick Tube Use by Peromyscus leucopus
Authors: Mandli Jordan T. , Ring Sydney E. , Paskewitz Susan M.
Published: January 2022

Host-targeted acaricides are a valuable tool for the reduction of ticks and tick-borne disease. Tick tubes (also known as tick control tubes) are commercially available products containing permethrin-treated nesting materials. Through superficial acaricide application to Peromyscus mice, tick tubes reduce populations of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say. Results of prior field trials have varied, suggesting that mouse behavior as well as the scale of the intervention and the composition of the local host community are important determinants of efficacy. Here we evaluated behaviors related to nest material collection by P. leucopus. Two forms of nest materials used in commercial tick tube products (cotton batting and balls) were assessed through side-by-side comparisons over a four-week period. We quantified cotton uptake by monitoring weekly changes in material weight and used video surveillance to categorize and assess mouse behaviors. The odds of cotton batting being taken from tubes was 2.14 times greater than cotton balls but the process was less efficient; mice removed 0.35 g less cotton batting for each removal event and required 2.17 times longer to complete the removal. While cotton balls were readily carried in the jaws of mice, batting required separating smaller fragments from the mass before placement in the oral cavity. Video surveillance suggested that a small number of mice were super users and responsible for 22% of the 119 visits in which material was removed. Combined, material weight loss and video-captured removal events improve our understanding of host usage of nest materials but also raise questions about dissemination of the material in nests of the local mouse community.
Validated method for automated glioma diagnosis from GFAP immunohistological images: a complete pipeline
Authors: Campo A. , Fernández-Flores F. , Pumarola M.
Published: January 2022

Background and objective

Glial fibrillar acid protein is a common marker for brain tumor because of its particular rearrangement during tumor development. It is commonly used in manually histological glioma detection and grading. An automatic pipeline for tumor diagnosis based on GFAP is proposed in the present manuscript for detecting and grading canine brain glioma in stages III and IV.

Methods

The study was performed on canine brain tumor stages III and IV as well as healthy tissue immunohistochemically stained for gliofibrillar astroglial protein. Four stereological indexes were developed using the area of the image as reference unit: density of glioma protein, density of neuropil, density of astrocytes and the glioma nuclei number density. Images of the slides were subset for image analysis (n=1415) and indexed. The stereological indexes of each subset constituted an array of data describing the tumor phase of the subset. A 5% of these arrays were used as training set for decision tree classification with PCA. The other arrays were further classified in a supervised approach. ANOVA and PCA analysis were applied to the indexes.

Results

The final pipeline is able to detect brain tumor and to grade it automatically. Added to it, the role the neuropil during tumor development has been quantified for the first time. While astroglial cells tend to disappear, glioma cells invade all the tumor area almost to a saturation in stage III before reducing the density in stage IV. The density of the neuropil is reduced during the tumour growth.

Conclusions

The method validated ere allows the automated diagnosis and grading of glioma in dogs. This method opens the research of the role of the neuropil in tumor development.

Graphical abstract
SOX17 Is Not Required for the Derivation and Maintenance of Mouse Extraembryonic Endoderm Stem Cell Lines
Authors: Dong Xudong , Ding Ailing , Lin Jiangwei
Published: January 2022

Extraembryonic endoderm stem (XEN) cell lines can be derived and maintained in vitro and reflect the primitive endoderm cell lineage. SOX17 is thought to be required for the derivation and maintenance of mouse XEN cell lines. Here we have re-evaluated this requirement for SOX17. We derived multiple SOX17-deficient XEN cell lines from preimplantation embryos of a SOX17-Cre knockout strain and chemically converted multiple SOX17-deficient embryonic stem cell lines into XEN cell lines by transient culturing with retinoic acid and Activin A. We confirmed the XEN profile of SOX17-deficient cell lines by immunofluorescence with various markers, by NanoString gene expression analyses, and by their contribution to the extraembryonic endoderm of chimeric embryos produced by injecting these cells into blastocysts. Thus, SOX17 is not required for the derivation and maintenance of XEN cell lines.
Optimization of CA-TIG welding parameters to predict and maximize tensile properties of super alloy 718 sheets for gas turbine applications
Authors: Sonar Tushar , Balasubramanian Visvalingam , Malarvizhi Sudersanan , Venkateswaran Thiruvenkatam , Sivakumar Dhenuvakonda
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The primary objective of this investigation is to optimize the constricted arc tungsten inert gas (CA-TIG) welding parameters specifically welding current (WC), arc constriction current (ACC), ACC frequency (ACCF) and CA traverse speed to maximize the tensile properties of thin Inconel 718 sheets (2 mm thick) using a statistical technique of response surface methodology and desirability function for gas turbine engine applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The four factor – five level central composite design (4 × 5 – CCD) matrix pertaining to the minimum number of experiments was chosen in this investigation for designing the experimental matrix. The techniques of numerical and graphical optimization were used to find the optimal conditions of CA-TIG welding parameters.

Findings

The thin sheets of Inconel 718 (2 mm thick) can be welded successfully using CA-TIG welding process without any defects. The joints welded using optimized conditions of CA-TIG welding parameters showed maximum of 99.20%, 94.45% and 73.5% of base metal tensile strength, yield strength and elongation.

Originality/value

The joints made using optimized CA-TIG welding parameters disclosed 99.20% joint efficiency which is comparatively 20%–30% superior than conventional TIG welding process and comparable to costly electron beam welding and laser beam welding processes. The parametric mathematical equations were designed to predict the tensile properties of Inconel 718 joints accurately with a confidence level of 95% and less than 4.5% error. The mathematical relationships were also developed to predict the tensile properties of joints from the grain size (secondary dendritic arm spacing-SDAS) of fusion zone microstructure.
Effect of aeromedical training on anxiety levels of ab initio pilots
Authors: Ata Nazim , Aytac Berna , Ertemir Dijan , Cetinguc Muzaffer , Yazgan Ebru
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Aeromedical training is meant to train aircrew in combating physiological problems that they might face in flight. Given the importance of the training, there are limited studies in the literature investigating the anxiety levels during aeromedical training along with training outcomes. This study aims to assess the untrained participants’ anxiety levels before and after aeromedical training, investigate the differences in anxiety levels across different physiological training devices and determine whether participants’ anxiety levels affect their G tolerances.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out on 61 healthy male subjects (n = 61) who had applied for initial aeromedical training. Anxiety surveys and visual analog scales were administered before and after the practical aeromedical training. In addition, blood pressure and heart rate measurements were carried out.

Findings

Participants had significantly higher anxiety levels before human centrifuge training (pre-Glab) than before the altitude chamber training (pre-hypobaric). Participants who experienced G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) had slightly more anxiety reported than the non-G-LOC group. There was a significant decrease between pre-Glab and post-Glab (after the human centrifuge training) and between pre-hypobaric and post-hypobaric (after the altitude chamber training) anxiety levels. The incidence of G-LOC was lower in participants having higher pre-G-Lab blood pressure. However, the difference in anxiety levels between the G-LOC group and the non-G-LOC group was not statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, state anxiety inventory was not performed after human centrifuge training as centrifuge training lasted for around 5 min only, and it is not advisable to repeat state anxiety inventory in such short periods. Blood pressure was not measured after G-Lab training because human centrifuge training is hard training and has an impact on blood pressure. Hence, it would have been difficult to distinguish whether the blood pressure change was due to anxiety or hard physical activity. These limitations, especially for the G-Lab, caused us to evaluate state anxiety only with VAS. It would be worthwhile to repeat similar studies with objective measurements before and after the training.

Practical implications

This information suggests that instructors who train the applicants on aerospace medicine be ready for the possible consequences of anxiety.

Originality/value

There are only a few centers in the world that include all the physiological training devices (practical aeromedical training laboratories) together. To the best of authors’ knowledge, there are no studies in the literature investigating the differences in anxiety levels across various physiological training devices. The studies about the effect of anxiety levels on aeromedical training outcomes and anxiety levels before and after the training are scant.
Sustainability and authenticity: are they food risk relievers during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Marozzo Veronica , Meleddu Marta , Abbate Tindara
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study jointly investigates sustainability and authenticity concepts in the food context during the COVID-19 outbreak with a fourfold objective: (1) understanding whether sustainability and authenticity are equivalent concepts in consumers' perceptions; (2) advancing knowledge on the role played by them about food frauds' perception; (3) investigating whether these concepts are considered as “risk relievers” by consumers, (4) comparing the concepts to understand which one has a greater weight on the consumer's perception.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a Combination of a Uniform and a shifted Binomial distribution (CUB models) on data gathered in Spain between June and August 2020 through an online questionnaire.

Findings

The findings reveal that: (1) consumers perceive sustainability and authenticity as different concepts in the food context and (2) as two important indicators of fraud protection of a product for consumers; (3) besides, authenticity is seen as a “risk reliever” in buying a food product, as well as sustainability, (4) although results underline high uncertainty in the latter case.

Originality/value

By considering that the COVID-19 outbreak seriously threatens food safety, security and nutrition, this research elucidates the relevant role of food sustainability and authenticity concepts as “risk relievers” in terms of food frauds and negative issues related to COVID-19.
Generating, weaving and curating: disciplinary processes for reading literary text
Authors: Reynolds Todd , Rush Leslie S. , Holschuh Jodi Patrick , Lampi Jodi P.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purposes of this study is to expand on previous work in English language arts (ELA) disciplinary literacy and to unpack literary text reading processes across three different participant groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors recruited literary scholars and first-year college students to read literary texts aloud and voice their thoughts. Transcripts were collaboratively coded and analyzed usinga prioriand emergent coding.

Findings

This study presents the findings in two ways. First, this study grouped the codes into four categories, namely, background knowledge, comprehension, disciplinary knowledge and building an interpretation. This described the differences in frequencies among the participants’ strategy use. Next, to more fully describe how participants read literary texts, this study presents the data using three processes, namely, generating, weaving and curating. These findings indicate a continuum of strategies and processes used by participants.

Practical implications

The study suggests using the ELA heuristic for instruction, which includes moving students beyond generating and weaving by asking them to do their own interpretive work of curation. This potential roadmap for instruction avoids a deficit mindset for students by recommending low-stakes opportunities that meet students where they are as they build their capacity for interpretive moves.

Originality/value

The findings help the field to gain an understanding of what novices and experts do when they read literary text, including both strategies and processes. This study also provide an ELA heuristic that has instructional implications. This study adds to the body of knowledge for disciplinary literacy in ELA in both theoretical and practical ways.
Effect of cutting parameters on tool life during end milling of AISI 4340 under MQL condition
Authors: Ahmad Ahsana Aqilah , Ghani Jaharah A. , Che Haron Che Hassan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the cutting performance of high-speed regime end milling of AISI 4340 by investigating the tool life and wear mechanism of steel using the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) technique to deliver the cutting fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were designed using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array with the parameters chosen: cutting speed (between 300 and 400 m/min), feed rate (between 0.15 and 0.3 mm/tooth), axial depth of cut (between 0.5 and 0.7 mm) and radial depth of cut (between 0.3 and 0.7 mm). Toolmaker microscope, optical microscope and Hitachi SU3500 Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope used to measure tool wear progression and wear mechanism.

Findings

Cutting speed 65.36%, radial depth of cut 24.06% and feed rate 6.28% are the cutting parameters that contribute the most to the rate of tool life. The study of the tool wear mechanism revealed that the oxide layer was observed during lower and high cutting speeds. The former provides a cushion of the protective layer while later reduce the surface hardness of the coated tool

Originality/value

A high-speed regime is usually carried out in dry conditions which can shorten the tool life and accelerate the tool wear. Thus, this research is important as it investigates how the use of MQL and cutting parameters can prolong the usage of tool life and at the same time to achieve a sustainable manufacturing process.
Merger and post-merger integration at Oxford University Hospitals: mixed-methods evaluation and lessons learned
Authors: Maile Edward John , Mitra Mahima , Ovseiko Pavel , Dopson Sue
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Hospital mergers are common in the United Kingdom and internationally. However, mergers rarely achieve their intended benefits and are often damaging. This study builds on existing literature by presenting a case study evaluating a merger of two hospitals in Oxford, United Kingdom with three distinct characteristics: merger between two university hospitals, merger between a generalist and specialist hospital and merger between two hospitals of differing size. In doing so, the study draws practical lessons for other healthcare organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed-methods single-case evaluation. Qualitative data from 19 individual interviews and three focus groups were analysed thematically, using constant comparison to synthesise and interpret findings. Qualitative data were triangulated with quantitative clinical and financial data. To maximise research value, the study was co-created with practitioners.

Findings

The merger was a relative success with mixed improvement in clinical performance and strong improvement in financial and organisational performance. The merged organisation received an improved inspection rating, became debt-free and achieved Foundation Trust status. The study draws six lessons relating to the contingencies that can make mergers a success: (1) Develop a strong clinical rationale, (2) Communicate the change strategy widely and early, (3) Increase engagement and collaboration at all levels, (4) Be transparent and realistic about the costs and benefits, (5) Be sensitive to the feelings of the other organisation and (6) Integrate different organizational cultures effectively.

Originality/value

This case study provides empirical evidence on the outcome of merger in a university hospital setting. Despite the relatively positive outcome, there is no strong evidence that the benefits could not have been achieved without merger. Given that mergers remain prevalent worldwide, the practical lessons might be useful for other healthcare organisations considering merger.
Local food consumption values and attitude formation: the moderating effect of food neophilia and neophobia
Authors: Hussain Khalil , Abbasi Amir Zaib , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Schultz Carsten D. , Ting Ding Hooi , Ali Faizan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The local food tourism in Pakistan is increasing rapidly, and it attracts scholars to determine the factors affecting local food tourists' buying choices. Particularly, the authors aim to investigate the role of food consumption values on predicting domestic tourists' attitude toward local food and its effect on the intention to try local food with the moderating effect of personality traits (neophobia and neophilia).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the study model on 250 completed responses from local food tourists. They collected the data from three tourism locations (Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar) in Pakistan. Their study utilizes the consumption value theory within the limits of Pakistan's local food tourism.

Findings

The empirical findings show that consumption values, such as price, emotion, interaction, epistemic value, location value and variety value, effectively explain the domestic tourists' attitude toward local food. The authors further report that food neophilia strengthens the local tourists' positive reception toward the local food. However, food neophobia weakens the direction between local tourists' attitude toward local food and the intention to try local food.

Practical implications

This study provides insights pertaining to tourists' local food consumption values (LFCVs) to a local destination owner and marketing manager to strategically work on LFCVs that are crucial for domestic tourists to derive their intention to try local food. Practitioners should work on domestic tourists who possess food neophobia trait and enquire them for their rejection or avoidance of a particular local destination. This will enable practitioners to bring innovation and development in the local destination, which ultimately promote local food tourism.

Originality/value

This study is the first to incorporate the variety and local value in tourists' LFCVs to predict local tourists' attitude toward local food. Additionally, the authors contribute to local food tourism by empirically studying the moderating role of personality traits (food neophilia and food neophobia) to examine the direction between local tourists' attitude and intention to local food.
The centrality of organisational factors in the growth of new technology-based firms
Authors: Tarillon Caroline
Published: January 2022

Purpose

New technology-based firms (NTBFs) are a great potential source of job creation and economic growth. In France, strong heterogeneity of their growth trajectories is observed yet many of them remain small. A better understanding of these trajectories is thus necessary. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of individual and organisational factors on 253 growth trajectories of NTBFs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a Heckman ordered probit model to study explanatory factors of growth trajectories in NTBFs created between 1999 and 2012. This method allows them to study the determinants of the presence of a growth dynamics at the same time as the determinants of growth intensity.

Findings

The model shows that entrepreneurs play a weak role in understanding the growth trajectories of their company. Rather, it is organisational factors – such as the level of innovation and the governance structure – that explain initiation of a growth trajectory and the intensity of the growth.

Originality/value

By using an original methodology, the authors highlight the importance of organisational factors and encourage entrepreneurs to develop a governance structure focused on internal stakeholders to support growth.
Digital preservation of information sources at academic libraries in Jordan: an employee’s perspective
Authors: Awamleh Manal Ahmad , Hamad Faten
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Digital preservation requires new skills and collaboration among library staff to maintain long-term access to information resources. Digital content and digital technologies pose a serious challenge to information institutions to continue to select, preserve and access information resources. However, there is an urgent need to increase awareness of the new trends in the partnership between research communities and academic libraries; there is also a need for new digital preservation-related skills among librarians. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the benefits, importance, requirements and challenges of digital preservation in academic libraries in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was disseminated to 150 library staff working at the 10 public universities in Jordan, with 133 questionnaires suitable to analyze with a response rate of (88.6%).

Findings

The results indicate a moderate perception of the benefits and importance of digital preservation, as well as the requirements and challenges in academic libraries in Jordan to carry out the digital preservation process. This indicated the importance of increasing the academic libraries' – specifically academic libraries in Jordan – awareness of the vast and important benefits of digital preservation to maintain long-term access to information. It was noted that factors such as sex, experience, educational level and specialization did not affect the results.

Practical implications

The findings will provide insights for other academic libraries on how to plan and develop preservation policies to maintain access to information.

Social implications

Access to information is a human right that contributes to the advocacy of sustainable development, and hence, digital preservation can facilitate long-term availability and accessibility to information.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights and practical solutions for academic libraries in response to technological development and the change requirements. It will help academic libraries handle and cope with the challenges of providing distance library services over digital channels.
Recordkeeping culture in Switzerland: the impact of language and communication on the success of recordkeeping initiatives
Authors: Frings-Hessami Viviane , Oliver Gillian
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Records management has been heavily influenced by practice in English-speaking countries but is often seen as a foreign import in non-Anglophone countries. This study aims to investigate how using English terminology or translating records management terminology into French in a Francophone environment impacts on the success of recordkeeping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Francophone archivists and records managers in Switzerland to assess their communication strategies and the language used to communicate recordkeeping objectives.

Findings

The research findings indicate that in a Francophone environment, archivists and records managers who use French terminology are more successful in promoting recordkeeping objectives than those who use English terminology. Given that research was limited to one Swiss canton, more research is needed to test these findings in other Francophone cantons, provinces and countries.

Originality/value

This study is important for the success of recordkeeping initiatives in non-Anglophone countries. It highlights the need to take into account the local information culture and use terminology with which people are most familiar.
On the build orientation effect in as-printed and as-sintered bending properties of 17-4PH alloy fabricated by metal fused filament fabrication
Authors: Suwanpreecha Chanun , Manonukul Anchalee
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically investigate the influence of build orientation on the anisotropic as-printed and as-sintered bending properties of 17-4PH stainless steel fabricated by metal fused filament fabrication (MFFF).

Design/methodology/approach

The bending properties of 17-4PH alloy fabricated by low-cost additive manufacturing (MFFF) using three build orientations (the Flat, On-edge and Upright orientations) are examined at both as-printed and as-sintered states.

Findings

Unlike tensile testing where the Flat and On-edge orientations provide similar as-sintered tensile properties, the On-edge orientation produces a significantly higher bending strain with a lower bending strength than the Flat orientation. This arises from the printed layer sliding due to the Poisson's effect, which is only observed in the On-edge orientation together with the alternated layers of highly deformed and shifted voids. The bending properties show that the Upright orientation exhibits the lowest bending properties and limited plasticity due to the layer delamination.

Originality/value

This study is the first work to study the effect of build orientation on the flexural properties for MFFF. This work gives insight information into anisotropy in flexural mode for MFFF part design.
Structural process model of absorptive capacity for stakeholder’s integration in decision-making: dynamic capability perspective
Authors: Bhupendra Kumar Verma , Sangle Shirish
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present empirical test to analyse a structural process model based on the constructs of absorptive capacity considering sustainability aspects. It integrates dynamic capability perspective to strengthen the existing literature. Findings of the study may help organisations to renovate business processes related to absorptive capacity and improve decision-making considering sustainability attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample for data analysis covers 389 managers of firms demonstrating some traits of sustainability orientation and operating in a developing economy like India. Structural equation modelling is applied to test a casual model.

Findings

Result of this study reveals that a formal system that drives knowledge sharing, storing and exploitation of knowledge, a structured way to appropriate and reward intellectual property rights can be fundamental to development of absorptive capacity. Such a system conducive to knowledge exploration and acquisition must lead to exploration of new knowledge sources and new knowledge. A firm’s knowledge acquisition system shall be able to deliver to acquire external as well as internal knowledge spread across departments.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers commercial output as an aspect of innovative capability, so this attribute is not included in absorptive capacity.

Practical implications

The study may help organisations to develop a systemic approach to evolve decision-making and develop suitable processes linked to absorptive capacity considering sustainability challenges and uncertain market conditions.

Social implications

The study presents a comprehensive view of absorptive capacity considering societal stakeholder’s knowledge in addition to technological and market knowledge.

Originality/value

There are hardly any research articles which link absorptive capacity, dynamic capability and sustainability strategies.
Challenges of knowledge management in the public sector: evidence from the King Abdullah Award for Excellence in Jordan
Authors: Aladwan Shaker A. , AL-Yakoub Tamara A. , Adaileh Ali M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to undertake an exploration of the challenges related to knowledge management (KM) within public sector organisations in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

There was the adoption of a qualitative method to achieve the objective of the study, with content analysis undertaken on ten assessment reports, so the results of the content analysis could be validated. A total of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted within the sample organisations. The sample was made up of ten public sector organisations that had participated at least twice within the King Abdullah Excellence Award with acknowledgement within their reports of failure to achieve results that were satisfactory for KM.

Findings

KM challenges identified reflect various aspects of different factors, such as organisational structure, culture, KM processes and the evaluation of KM. In practical terms, the main KM-related challenges for the Jordanian public sector are considered to be a lack of a culture of teamwork to support sharing and exchange of knowledge, lack of required documentation for the building of organisational memory needed for processes of KM, lack of training for KM, lack of clear vision and strategy for KM and lack of proper methodologies for the management of internal knowledge and weaknesses in the integration of information and data.

Originality/value

The study puts forward a conceptual model that can be used in assessing the challenges that managers face when they seek to implement KM in organisations within the public sector. The challenges of KM within the public sector have been studied widely, in general; however there is an importance to gaining better understanding of how to overcome those challenges. Compared with most of the existent studies, this particular research has offered detailed, specific insights into challenges for KM within the public sector, along with provision of a conceptual model that other researchers could use in the future.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend: Consumption of parasite infectious stages benefits hosts and predators depending on transmission mode
Authors: Koprivnikar Janet
Published: January 2022

Research Highlight: Hobart, B. K., Moss, W. E., McDevitt‐Galles, T., Stewart Merrill, T. E., Johnson, P. T. J. (2021). It's a worm‐eat‐worm world: Consumption of parasite free‐living stages protects hosts and benefits predators. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13591 Many parasites and pathogens have infectious stages that are vulnerable to consumption by non‐host organisms. This consumption can benefit both the predators that consume this unusual food resource and the hosts which are less likely to encounter infectious propagules. Yet the importance of these benefits may also depend on parasite transmission, which can influence consumer opportunities to feed upon free‐living infectious stages. Hobart et al. (2021) report that freshwater snails with high densities of symbiotic oligochaetes are less likely to be parasitized by trematodes (Platyhelminthes) with an ‘active’ versus ‘passive’ (motile or stationary, respectively) mode of transmission, supporting a protective effect via oligochaete predation upon infectious propagules. However, these predators benefit from snails harbouring passively acquired infections, and likely achieve their higher abundance from easy access to prey in the form of a second infectious stage emerging from these hosts. Consumption of free‐living infectious stages is thus beneficial to hosts and predators, but varies with parasite life history and ecology.
Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022 (CHEERS 2022) statement: updated reporting guidance for health economic evaluations
Authors: Husereau D , Drummond M , Augustovski F , Briggs AH , Carswell C , Caulley L , Chaiyakunapruk N , de Bekker‐Grob E , Greenberg D , Loder E , Mauskopf J , Mullins CD , Petrou S , Pwu R‐F , Staniszewska S ,   CHEERS 2022 ISPOR Good Research Practices Task Force
Published: January 2022

Health economic evaluations are comparative analyses of alternative courses of action in terms of their costs and consequences. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement, published in 2013, was created to ensure health economic evaluations are identifiable, interpretable, and useful for decision making. It was intended as guidance to help authors report accurately which health interventions were being compared and in what context, how the evaluation was undertaken, what the findings were, and other details that may aid readers and reviewers in interpretation and use of the study. The new CHEERS 2022 statement replaces previous CHEERS reporting guidance. It reflects the need for guidance that can be more easily applied to all types of health economic evaluation, new methods and developments in the field, as well as the increased role of stakeholder involvement including patients and the public. It is also broadly applicable to any form of intervention intended to improve the health of individuals or the population, whether simple or complex, and without regard to context (such as health care, public health, education, social care, etc). This summary article presents the new CHEERS 2022 28‐item checklist and recommendations for each item. The CHEERS 2022 statement is primarily intended for researchers reporting economic evaluations for peer reviewed journals as well as the peer reviewers and editors assessing them for publication. However, we anticipate familiarity with reporting requirements will be useful for analysts when planning studies. It may also be useful for health technology assessment bodies seeking guidance on reporting, as there is an increasing emphasis on transparency in decision making.
Cervical cancer and COVID—an assessment of the initial effect of the pandemic and subsequent projection of impact for women in England: A cohort study
Authors: Davies Jennifer M. , Spencer Alice , Macdonald Sian , Dobson Lucy , Haydock Emily , Burton Holly , Angelopoulos Georgios , Martin‐Hirsch Pierre , Wood Nick J. , Thangavelu Amudha , Hutson Richard , Munot Sarika , Flynn Marina , Smith Michael , DeCruze Bridget , Myriokefalitaki Eva , Sap Katelijn , Winter‐Roach Brett , Macdonald Robert , Edmondson Richard J.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To review the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the diagnosis of cervical cancer and model the impact on workload over the next 3 years.

Design

A retrospective, control, cohort study.

Setting

Six cancer centres in the North of England representing a combined population of 11.5 million.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for all diagnoses of cervical cancer during May–October 2019 (Pre‐COVID cohort) and May–October 2020 (COVID cohort). Data were used to generate tools to forecast case numbers for the next 3 years.

Main outcome measures

Histology, stage, presentation, onset of symptoms, investigation and type of treatment. Patients with recurrent disease were excluded.

Results

406 patients were registered across the study periods; 233 in 2019 and 173 in 2020, representing a 25.7% (n = 60) reduction in absolute numbers of diagnoses. This was accounted for by a reduction in the number of low stage cases (104 in 2019 to 77 in 2020). Adding these data to the additional cases associated with a temporary cessation in screening during the pandemic allowed development of forecasts, suggesting that over the next 3 years there would be 586, 228 and 105 extra cases of local, regional and distant disease, respectively, throughout England. Projection tools suggest that increasing surgical capacity by two or three cases per month per centre would eradicate this excess by 12 months and 7 months, respectively.

Conclusions

There is likely to be a significant increase in cervical cancer cases presenting over the next 3 years. Increased surgical capacity could mitigate this with little increase in morbidity or mortality.

Tweetable Abstract

Covid will result in 919 extra cases of cervical cancer in England alone. Effects can be mitigated by increasing surgical capacity.