bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HER2 Overexpression and Amplification in Uterine Carcinosarcomas With Serous Morphology
Authors: Jenkins Taylor M. , Cantrell Leigh A. , Stoler Mark H. , Mills Anne M.
Published: February 2022

Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is an aggressive malignancy with few treatment options. A recent clinical trial has shown an increase in progression-free survival in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive serous endometrial carcinomas treated with anti–HER2-targeted therapies. Few studies have evaluated HER2 expression/amplification in UCS. Similar to serous endometrial carcinoma, the majority of UCS have TP53 mutations and a serous epithelial component, suggesting that UCS may show similar rates of HER2 positivity and therapeutic response. Therefore, we evaluated HER2 expression/amplification in a cohort of UCS over a 5-year period. HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and chromogenic in situ hybridization were performed on tissue microarray and whole tissue sections and scored according to the most recent clinical trial recommendations. Three of 48 UCS (6%) had strong (3+) HER2 IHC expression, and 3 cases (6%) were equivocal (2+). Seven cases (15%) had HER2 amplification by chromogenic in situ hybridization, including all 3 with overexpression and 2 that were equivocal by IHC. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein, p53, and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression status was obtained from prior whole section analyses. All HER2-positive cases had a serous morphology and aberrant p53 expression. Only minimal PD-L1 expression was seen in the HER2-positive cases, and none had MMR loss. A subset of UCS with serous morphology have overexpression and/or amplification of HER2, which may predict response to HER2-targeted therapies. HER2-positive UCS may be less susceptible to immune checkpoint inhibition as they uncommonly show MMR deficiency and/or strong PD-L1 expression. Thus, HER2-targeted therapies could be of clinical utility in a subset of UCS without other adjuvant treatment options.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lung infection in coronavirus disease 2019: how common?
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Magnasco Laura , Vena Antonio , Portunato Federica , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may develop pulmonary bacterial coinfection or superinfection, that could unfavorably impact their prognosis.

Recent findings

The exact burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infection in peculiar populations such as patients with COVID-19 remains somewhat elusive, possibly because of wide heterogeneity in methods and endpoints across studies.

There was important heterogeneity in the retrieved literature on the epidemiology of MRSA lung infection in patients with COVID-19, both when considering all other bacteria as the denominator (relative prevalence ranging from 2% to 29%) and when considering only S. aureus as the denominator (relative prevalence ranging from 11% to 65%). Overall, MRSA is among the most frequent causative agents of pulmonary infection in patients with COVID-19. Improving our ability to rapidly reach etiological diagnosis of bacterial lung infection in COVID-19 patients remains fundamental if we are to improve the rates of appropriate antibiotic therapy in patients with COVID-19 and concomitant/superimposed MRSA infection, at the same time avoiding antibiotic overuse in line with antimicrobial stewardship principles.
Expectation for sweet taste changes peripheral glucose metabolism via basolateral amygdala
Authors: Yamamoto Izumi , Yonekura Toya , Ishimoto Taiga , Xu Shu-Cheng , Iijima Norifumi , Kimura Kazuhiro , Diano Sabrina , Toda Chitoku
Published: February 2022

Anticipatory physiological responses to food were first reported by Ivan Pavlov a century ago but the associated neural mechanism is still ill-defined. Here, we identified two types of neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), which are activated by sweetener (saccharin) or water after sucrose conditioning, representing expected sweet taste and unmet expectation, respectively. Saccharin-induced met-expectation of sweet taste enhances, while H2O-induced unmet-expectation deteriorates, glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues. Deletion of saccharin-responsive neurons in BLA impaired saccharin-induced increase in insulin sensitivity. Deletion of H2O-responsive neurons in BLA improved glucose intolerance by unmet-expectation. Saccharin- and H2O-responsive neurons had different gene expressions. Our data suggest that the gap between the expected incoming sugar and sweet taste is evaluated by distinct BLA neurons to control peripheral glucose metabolism.

One-Sentence Summary

Neurons in the basolateral amygdala control blood glucose levels by comparing anticipated sugar intake and sweet taste
Reconstructing phylogeny of the hornless rhinoceros Aceratheriinae
Authors: Lu Xiaokang , Deng Tao , Pandolfi Luca
Published: February 2022

This study presents the first phylogenetic analysis focused on the Subfamily Aceratheriinae to date, with 391 characters coded from 43 taxa at the species level. We added 77 newly defined and 33 revised characteristics, including features of the skull, teeth, and postcranial bones. In the present analysis, the tribe Teleoceratini, as well as the tribe Aceratheriini, was reclassified within Aceratheriinae, however, the traditionally established monophyly of each tribe was decomposed. Combined with detailed morphological comparisons, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Aceratheriinae and revised the diagnosis of Aceratheriinae. The reported skull and teeth specimens of Turkanatherium from the late Early Miocene indicate that it is not an acerathere and has been placed as a basal rhinocerotid. The Aceratheriinae has undergone evolutionary adaptation several times during the early stage of evolution, and several genera from the Oligocene to the Early Miocene have been reconstructed as early diverging taxa, such as Molassitherium, Protaceratherium, Plesiaceratherium and Chilotheridium; Aprotodon and Mesaceratherium from the Late Oligocene to the Early Miocene were united as the earliest divergent clade of Aceratheriinae; meanwhile, due to the limited materials, the phylogenies of Floridaceras and Dromoceratherium are unstable in this analysis, and both have been tentatively considered as the early diverging clades of Aceratheriinae. Alicornops was reclassified a member of Teleoceratini. Aceratheriini and Teleoceratini have been redefined as two highly specialized groups. Furthermore, Aceratheriini has been divided into two/three clades based on the difference in the skull outlines and the occlusal patterns of the cheek teeth.
Abnormal brain state distribution and network connectivity in aSYNGAP1rat model
Authors: Buller-Peralta Ingrid , Maicas-Royo Jorge , Lu Zhuoen , Till Sally M. , Wood Emma R. , Kind Peter C. , Escudero Javier , Gonzalez-Sulser Alfredo
Published: February 2022

Mutations in theSYNGAP1gene are one of the common predictors of neurodevelopmental disorders, commonly resulting in individuals developing autism, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and sleep deficits. EEG recordings in neurodevelopmental disorders show potential to identify clinically translatable biomarkers to both diagnose and track the progress of novel therapeutic strategies, as well as providing insight into underlying pathological mechanisms. In a rat model ofSYNGAP1haploinsufficiency in which the exons encoding the calcium/lipid binding and GTPase activating protein (GAP) domains have been deleted (Syngap+/Δ-GAP) we analysed the duration and occurrence of wake, non rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) brain states during 6 hour multi-electrode EEG recordings. We find that althoughSyngap+/Δ-GAPanimals spend an equivalent percent time in wake and sleep states, they have an abnormal brain state distribution as the number of wake and NREM bouts are reduced and there is an increase in the average duration of both wake and NREM epochs. We perform connectivity analysis by calculating the average imaginary coherence between electrode pairs at varying distance thresholds during these states. In group averages from pairs of electrodes at short distances from each other, a clear reduction in connectivity during NREM is present between 11.5 Hz and 29.5 Hz, a frequency range that overlaps with sleep spindles, oscillatory phenomena thought to be important for normal brain function and memory consolidation. Sleep spindles occurrence, amplitude, power and spread across multiple electrodes were not reduced inSyngap+/Δ-GAPrats, with only a small decrease in duration detected. Nonetheless, by analysing the dynamic imaginary coherence during sleep spindles, we found a reduction in high connectivity instances between short-distance electrode pairs. Finally, by comparing the dynamic imaginary coherence during sleep spindles between individual electrode pairs, we identified a group of channels over the right somatosensory, association and visual cortices that have a significant reduction in connectivity during sleep spindles in mutant animals. These data suggest thatSyngap+/Δ-GAPrats have altered brain state dynamics and EEG connectivity, which may have clinical relevance forSYNGAPhaploinsufficiency in humans.
Early removal of the infrapatellar fat pad beneficially alters the pathogenesis of moderate stage idiopathic knee osteoarthritis in the Dunkin Hartley guinea pig
Authors: Afzali Maryam F. , Radakovich Lauren B. , Campbell Margaret A. , Sanford Joseph L. , Sykes Madeline M. , Marolf Angela J. , Donahue Tammy H. , Santangelo Kelly S.
Published: February 2022

Background

The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is the largest adipose deposit in the knee; however, its contributions to the homeostasis of this organ remain unknown. To determine the influence of this depot on joint health, this study determined the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) following excision of the IFP in a rodent model of naturally-occurring disease.

Methods

Male Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (n=10) received surgical removal of the IFP in one knee at 3 months of age; contralateral knees received sham surgery as matched internal controls. Treadmill-based gait analysis was performed prior to IFP removal and monthly thereafter. Animals were harvested at 7 months of age. Both knees were processed for microcomputed tomography (microCT), histopathology, transcript expression analyses, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Fibrous connective tissue (FCT) developed in place of the native fat pad. Gait demonstrated no significant differences between IFP removal and contralateral limbs. MicroCT OA scores were improved in knees with the FCT. Histopathology confirmed maintenance of articular cartilage structure, proteoglycan content, and chondrocyte cellularity in FCT-containing knees. Transcript analyses revealed decreased expression of adipose-related molecules and inflammatory mediators in FCTs compared to IFPs. This was corroborated via IHC for select inflammatory mediators.

Discussion/Conclusion

Formation of the FCT resulted in reduced OA-associated changes in both bone and cartilage. A decrease in inflammatory mediators at transcript and protein levels may be associated with these improvements. The IFP may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of knee OA in this strain, with removal prior to disease onset appearing to have short-term benefits.
Factors affecting multiple borrowing among microfinance clients: evidences from Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Isahaque , Mia Md Aslam , Azman Azlinda , Masron Tajul Ariffin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Although microfinance had experienced rapid growth in most developing economies, multiple borrowing remains a growing concern for practitioners and researchers in recent years. Hence, the main purpose of the study is to evaluate the factors affecting multiple borrowing among microfinance clients.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary survey data of 400 microfinance clients from Bangladesh was collected to execute the research objective. Considering the types of dependent variable, this study employed logistics, probit, ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson regression techniques to analyze the data.

Findings

Among others, it was discovered that the expected (requested) loan amount is positively associated with multiple borrowing, while the level of training, small cattle farming business and marital status (widow/separated) exhibited negative effects under logistic regression. These results are robust with respect to the regression method, the specification and the definition of the outcome variable. Also, supply-side incentives (e.g. training) were found to partly influence the multiple-borrowing behavior of microfinance clients. These findings reiterate the contribution of both demand and supply-side factors to the multiple-borrowing behavior of clients. Consequently, policy implications and future research direction are advanced.

Originality/value

The authors have examined some individual-level characteristics as well as some supply-side incentives to better understand the underexplored issue of multiple-borrowing behavior among microfinance clients.
Travel experience sharing on social media: effects of the importance attached to content sharing and what factors inhibit and facilitate it
Authors: Arica Resat , Cobanoglu Cihan , Cakir Onur , Corbaci Abdülkadir , Hsu Meng-Jun , Della Corte Valentina
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing tourists to share their travel experiences on social media (SM).

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was administered to 1,280 American travelers, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The PLS-SEM results indicated that non-participant sharing had a direct and positive effect on tourists’ tendencies to share their travel experiences on SM. Environmental, relational and security concerns had direct and negative effects on actual travel-experience sharing, whereas altruism, personal fulfillment and self-actualization had direct and positive effects on actual travel-experience sharing.

Practical implications

Travelers were found to attach importance to content shared on SM when they believed the content to be objective and reliable and were more likely to share such content on their own SM accounts. This finding suggests that tourist-created content is crucial. Tourism businesses, therefore, should reduce or eliminate inhibitory factors to increase content sharing. This research provides guidance for tourism businesses’ SM initiatives.

Originality/value

The study, first, contributes to an understanding of the factors affecting the sharing of travel experiences on SM. Second, this study develops a holistic approach that integrates the factors that might affect tourists’ SM content-sharing behavior into a single model.
Digitalization and collaborative dynamics integrating artistic, technological and co-creative resources: the case of Postmodern Jukebox
Authors: Henriques Flávio Medeiros , Suarez Maribel Carvalho
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This work investigates how digital technologies and artistic resources interact in order to bring different Creative and Cultural Industry (CCI) actors together in networks. As the stage of this work, the authors investigate the musical collective Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ), a digital-based enterprise which is intensive in the use of social media platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative approach, based on a case study and netnography.

Findings

The findings demonstrate how the technology available to CCI enterprises can be used to leverage business through the engagement of its audience in collaborative processes. The analysis also evidences collaborative dynamics resulting from the integration of three key operant resources in CCI: artistic, technological and co-creative resources. Finally, the case shows the role of a CCI enterprise as an engagement platform that capture people’s emotions trough artistic content.

Originality/value

From a managerial perspective, the study demonstrates how a digital CCI enterprise manages the flow of resources and knowledge drawn from several networks in order to engage actors in co-creating value. Our analysis also suggests that emotions are not only drivers in bringing actors closer to the value cocreation process but also collectively created outputs within these interactions. In this process, the artistic resources of CCI's enterprises play a fundamental role in capturing and transforming these emotions by putting actors from different networks in contact.
Intra- and inter-organizational tensions of a digital servitization strategy. Evidence from the mechatronic sector in Italy
Authors: Galvani Serena , Bocconcelli Roberta
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the digital servitization (DS) process with the paradox theory lens. The purpose is to catch how intra- and inter-organizational tensions generate complexity along a DS journey to find “where” and “when” industrial companies can intervene to face them.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a qualitative, in-depth single case study, which longitudinally explores the DS strategy of a manufacturer along with three phases of development: design, implementation and assessment.

Findings

The analysis reveals six intra- and inter-organizational tensions in DS and provides insights on tensions’ origin and how to face them. A theoretical framework on DS complexity and an empirical framework on tensions’ origin is produced.

Originality/value

The research combines service and organizational paradox literature. Together with a longitudinal methodology, it results in a spatial and temporal analysis of DS, from which theoretical and managerial implications are drawn.
Analysing outsourced and insourced public infrastructure projects’ performance in a provincial department of public works: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Awuzie Bankole Osita , Mcwari Zwelinzima P. , Chigangacha Progress Shingai , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Haupt Theo C. , Obi Lovelin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

An increase in outsourcing of consultancy services has been observed during procurement and delivery of public-sector infrastructure projects. However, the incidence of project failure has continued unabated despite this shift by public-sector entities. Also, there appears to be limited literature focussed on seeking to provide the rationale governing the decision to outsource or insource consultancy services by public-sector organisations. The purpose of this study was to appraise the performance of public-sector projects in which consultancy services have been outsourced or insourced. These are the gaps which this study was undertaken to fill.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory methodology (GTM) research design was adopted based on the nature of evidence sought and gathered from a Provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (PDPWI) in South Africa. Data was obtained from a mixture of semi-structured interviews and project-specific documents spanning a five-year period and was analysed according to the procedures associated with GTM. Accordingly, open coding, axial coding and pattern matching were carried out at several intervals to develop categories and themes.

Findings

The findings of the study showed the absence of a structured approach within the PDPWI for facilitating decisions pertaining to outsourcing or insourcing consultancy services within construction projects. Furthermore, the study established that both approaches yielded similar results across all performance facets of cost, time and quality. In addition, a detailed insight into the steps required for the successful application of GTM in built environment research has been provided in the study.

Originality/value

Limited studies have been undertaken to compare the impact of either outsourced or insourced services on the organisational and project performance. This was the gap to which the study reported in this paper was undertaken to contribute.
Linking corporate governance with organisational growth: evidence from Indonesian Islamic banks
Authors: Mohd. Shariff Ros Aniza , Bahrul Ilmi Muhammad , Mohamad Muslim Har Sani
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link between corporate governance (CG) and organisational growth in Indonesian Islamic banks. Moreover, this research exposes the root causes of stagnancy in Indonesian Islamic banks from a governance perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used quantitative data such as secondary and primary data. This study used panel data analysis and examined managers’ perspectives of CG elements to show Islamic banking growth in Indonesia. The panel data set was extracted from 24 Indonesian Islamic banks’ annual reports from 2016 to 2018.

Findings

This study found that the number of Sharia supervisory boards, board commissioners’ meetings, board quality, incentive and compensation significantly and positively affected Islamic banks’ growth in Indonesia. Meanwhile, board independence was significant but negatively impacted Indonesian Islamic banks’ growth.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to enhancing the growth of Islamic banks in Indonesia and helps find the solution to Islamic banks’ problems. Hence, this study contributes to Islamic banks’ literature and banking policies, stakeholders, regulators and government.

Originality/value

Most studies have examined the growth of Islamic banking only from the financial and economic perspectives, while studies undertaken from the perspective of organisational growth and governance are still limited.
Research on the development path of China's digital trade under the background of the digital economy
Authors: Li Boning , Zhang Su
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how the development of digital trade can provide new development prospects to China's foreign trade under the background of the gradual expansion of China's digital economy and the further release of policy dividends.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the methods of literature collection and induction, combined with traditional trade theory, this paper analyzes the characteristics and challenges of digital trade under the background of the digital economy.

Findings

The findings reveal that China's digital trade development still faces some risks, such as the containment of China's core technology, digital security and unbalanced development among regions. Considering these risks, China should break through core technical problem, participate in the formulation of international rules to ensure data security, give priority to the development of service trade and improve the unbalanced development of digital trade.

Social implications

By analyzing the development status and characteristics of the digital economy and digital trade, this paper summarizes the challenges and comparative advantages faced by China's digital trade, and puts forward corresponding suggestions. These suggestions will allow China to take advantage of its rapid digital economy development and occupy a leading position in global digital trade.

Originality/value

This paper creatively expounds on the new development direction of digital trade from the perspective of comparative advantage and risks, and provides some suggestions to expedite China's digital trade development.
A week is a long time in a pandemic: learning strategy and survival insights from a micro-enterprise owner
Authors: Murphy Monica , Kelliher Felicity
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article explores the value of engaging a hybrid learning strategy in a micro-enterprise setting when responding to a global pandemic. The research question asks: “Does a hybrid learning strategy enhance a micro-enterprise's response to extreme events?”.

Design/methodology/approach

A micro-enterprise owner–manager (OM) reflects on their experience running a business during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which resulted in the complete decimation of the organization’s revenue stream in early 2020. Captured in conversation with an academic peer, these practitioner insights provide valuable case evidence relating to micro-enterprise response to extreme commercial events, such as a global pandemic.

Findings

The journey from initial survival-mode to emergent market opportunity recognition and subsequent growth is recorded. The paper contributes to the limited research on the impact of learning strategy plans on micro-enterprise crisis response strategies and provides insights into the value of engaging a hybrid learning strategy when responding to a significant external business shock.

Originality/value

Drawing from these insights, the authors offer a literature-informed framework from which to consider the dynamics of an adaptive strategic response in a micro-enterprise setting, offering a means through which micro-enterprises can plan for and respond to extreme events in the future.
Study on preparing of diallyl maleate modified acrylic resin
Authors: Gong Zheqing , Cao Shusen , Cai Zhibin , Chen Lijun
Published: February 2022

Purpose

There are three double bonds in the chemical structure of diallyl maleate. The purpose of this study is that the acrylate is modified with diallyl maleic anhydride to make the propionate resin present a spatial network structure, thereby improving the performance of the acrylate resin.

Design/methodology/approach

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate(BA) were used as were used as main monomers. Diallyl maleate (DAM) was used as crosslinking monomer and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) was used as fluoromonomer. Potassium persulfate (KPS) was used as thermal decomposition initiator, sodium lauryl sulfate (AS) and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) were used as anionic emulsifiers, and EFS-470 (Alkyl alcohol polyether type nonionic emulsifier) was a non-ionic emulsifier.

Findings

Through optimizing the reaction conditions, the uniform and stable latex is obtained. The polymer of structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and contact angle (CA) were tested on latex films. The particle size and distribution range of emulsion were tested with nano particle size analyzer.

Originality/value

The experimental results showed that the thermal decomposition temperature of the acrylic coating film increased by 20.56°C after modification. In addition, the effect of cross-linking density on the water contact angle of the fluorocarbon groups in DFMA when they migrate to the surface of the latex film during drying has been explored. The experimental results show that a higher degree of cross-linking will hinder the migration of fluorocarbon groups to the surface of the resin film.
Evolution of temperature and residual stress behavior in selective laser melting of 316L stainless steel across a cooling channel
Authors: Khan Hamaid Mahmood , Waqar Saad , Koç Ebubekir
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The current investigation aims at observing the influence of the cooling channel on the thermal and residual stress behavior of the selective laser melting (SLM)316L uni-layer thermo-mechanical model.

Design/methodology/approach

On a thermo-mechanical model with a cooling channel, the effect of scanning direction, parallel and perpendicular and scan spacing was simulated. The effect of underlying solid and powder bases was evaluated on residual stress profile and thermal variables at various locations.

Findings

The high heat dissipation of solid base due to high cooling rates and steep thermal gradients can reciprocate with smaller melt pool temperature and melt pool size. Given the same scan spacing, residual stresses were found lower when laser scanning was perpendicular to the cooling channel. Moreover, large scan spacing was found to increase residual stresses.

Originality/value

Cooling channels are increasingly being used in additive manufacturing; however, their effect on the residual stress behavior of the SLM component is not extensively studied. This research can serve as a foundation for further inquiries into the impact of base material design such as cooling channels on manufactured components using SLM.
The application of digital twin technology in operations and supply chain management: a bibliometric review
Authors: Bhandal Rajinder , Meriton Royston , Kavanagh Richard Edward , Brown Anthony
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The application of digital twins to optimise operations and supply chain management functions is a bourgeoning practice. Scholars have attempted to keep pace with this development initiating a fast-evolving research agenda. The purpose of this paper is to take stock of the emerging research stream identifying trends and capture the value potential of digital twins to the field of operations and supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work we employ a bibliometric literature review supported by bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence network analysis to examine current trends in the research field regarding the value-added potential of digital twin in operations and supply chain management.

Findings

The main findings of this work are the identification of four value clusters and one enabler cluster. Value clusters are comprised of articles that describe how the application of digital twin can enhance supply chain activities at the level of business processes as well as the level of supply chain capabilities. Value clusters of production flow management and product development operate at the business processes level and are maturing communities. The supply chain resilience and risk management value cluster operates at the capability level, it is just emerging, and is positioned at the periphery of the main network.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to conceptualise digital twin as a dynamic capability and employs bibliometric and network analysis on the research stream of digital twin in operations and supply chain management to capture evolutionary trends, literature communities and value-creation dynamics in a digital-twin-enabled supply chain.
The effects of industry 4.0 technologies on relational performance: the mediating role of supply chain emergence in the transitive logistics service triads
Authors: Swierczek Artur
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aims to explore the link between the industry 4.0 technologies, supply chain emergence and their resulting impact on relational performance in the transitive service triads. Second, the study also seeks to recognize the role of supply chain emergence as a mediator between the industry 4.0 technologies and relational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the complex adaptive system theory and supply chain practice view, the author developed an empirical model, estimated through survey-based research. Data derived from 350 transitive service triads were fed into the partial least squares structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the industry 4.0 technologies have a positive effect on supply chain emergence in the transitive service triads. Likewise, the research demonstrates that supply chain emergence has a positive effect on relational performance in triads. When estimating the model mediation, the author also found that supply chain emergence fully mediates the relationship between the industry 4.0 technologies and relational performance.

Research limitations/implications

First, it would be worthwhile to consider a detailed investigation of the effect of specific industry 4.0 technologies to obtain self-organization of actors and emergence. Moreover, it would also be interesting to further develop the methods for investigating variation in relational performance across the entire range of performance in triads. Finally, although the issue of relational performance has been relatively well explored within a dyadic setting, the author suggests pursuing the investigation on relational performance at the triadic level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theory of supply chain management and provides significant managerial implications on the role of the industry 4.0 technologies in obtaining supply chain emergence and producing relational performance in the transitive service triads.
Surveillance and pandemic governance in least‐ideal contexts: The Philippine case
Authors: Villar Eula Bianca , Magnawa John Pascual
Published: February 2022

This paper inquires how surveillance manifests in least‐ideal contexts (LICs), that is, countries with resource constraints, poor governance and proclivity for populism during COVID‐19, and its implications for crisis governance. Using the Philippines as a case, we advance three arguments. First, LICs can become spaces where inappropriate surveillance is undertaken. Second, liminal surveillance practices can become permanent policy fixtures in LICs. Finally, when a prevailing crisis approach of a government is perceived to be inconsistent with the needs of the public, it can lead to a self‐help system among various societal groups and actors. This self‐help system may not necessarily be aligned with the general direction of the national government. As a result, it can perpetuate a disjointed and maladaptive crisis governance approach, where main actors like national governments, and complementary actors like private sector firms, local government units and citizen organizations pursue goals independent of one another.
Sources of protein diet differentially stimulate the gut and water microbiota under freshwater crayfish, marron (Cherax cainii, Austin 2002) culture
Authors: Foysal Md Javed , Dao Thi Thanh Thuy , Fotedar Ravi , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Tay Alfred , Chaklader Md Reaz
Published: February 2022

To reduce the reliance on fishmeal (FM), other protein sources have been evaluated on cultured animals. In a 60‐days feeding trial, marrons (Cherax cainii) were fed a FM diet and five test diets containing 100% of plant‐based protein sources such as soybean, lupin and valorised animal‐based proteins such as poultry‐by‐product, black soldier fly and tuna hydrolysate. At the end of the trial, DNA samples from marron gut and rearing water were investigated through DNA‐based 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Plant‐based diets increased abundance for Aeromonas, Flavobacterium and Vogesella, whereas animal and insect proteins influenced diverse bacterial groups in the gut linked to various metabolic activities. Insect meal in the water favoured the growth of Firmicutes and lactic acid bacteria, beneficial for the marron health. Aeromonas richness in the gut and reared water signified the ubiquitous nature of the genus in the environment. The higher bacterial diversity in the gut and water with PBP and BSF was further supported by qPCR quantification of the bacterial single‐copy gene, rpoB. The overall results suggested that PBP and BSF can exhibit positive and influential effects on the gut and water microbial communities, hence can be used as sustainable ingredients for the crayfish aquaculture.
Polymorphic mutations in the polb gene promoter and their impact on transcriptional activity
Authors: Wu Qingjun , Qi Yuying , Wang Shuanghu , Liu Jian , Geng Peiwu , Zhou Quan , Zhang Wenqian , Cai Jianping , Hu Bin , Dai Dapeng , Li Hui
Published: February 2022

Background

DNA polymerase β is one of the key enzymes involved in DNA damage repair and its proper expression is strictly controlled within different cells. We previously reported that three genetic mutations in the promoter region of the polb gene are prevalent in the Chinese Han population and two types of mutation are associated with thymic hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to explore whether other mutated sites exist within the promoter region of the polb gene.

Methods

Genomic DNAs of 421 healthy Chinese Han individuals were extracted from whole blood samples and used for gene amplification of the promoter region of the polb gene. After gel purification, PCR amplicons were sequenced by the Sanger sequencing method and used for sequence alignment with the Lasergene program. PCR products with novel mutations were then subcloned into luciferase reporter plasmid pGL4.10 and transfected into 293T cells for dual‐luciferase activity analysis.

Results

In total, 11 mutated sites were detected in the Chinese Han population and eight of these were reported for the first time. Using a dual luciferase reporter system, it was found that one novel mutation −142 C > G could decrease the transcription activity of the polb gene, whereas two novel mutations, −152_−151insC and −218 C > G, could significantly increase the transcription activity of the polb gene.

Conclusions

High polymorphic sites could be found in the promoter region of polb gene and approximately half of them could influence its transcription activity.
The interactive effect between self social class and target social class on moral judgements
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Peng Xue , Hou Yanhui , Chima Nicholas
Published: February 2022

The gap between the rich and the poor is growing, and moral judgements between the rich and the poor will greatly affect their interaction and social stability. Based on subjective group dynamics theory, the current research leveraged two studies to test the interactive effect between self social class and target social class on moral judgements, and explored one important boundary of this interactive effect. The results of Study 1 showed that participants tended to make a stricter moral judgement on a target of the same social class as themselves than on a target of a different social class. The results of Study 2 further showed that people from the same social class and the same university judged each other with stricter moral standards; in contrast, people from the same social class but different universities did not use stricter moral standards. Therefore, individuals would make stricter moral judgements on people from the same social class as themselves, but make looser judgements on people from different social classes. This phenomenon only occurred when the participants and the target came from the same well‐defined groups instead of different well‐defined groups. Finally, the implications and limitations of this research were discussed.
Reducing health disparities through understanding the lived experiences of women living with HIV regarding intimate relationship power and reproductive decision‐making
Authors: Eruotor Shaheerah N. , Letvak Susan
Published: February 2022

Significant health disparities exist in both infection rates and outcomes for those with HIV, 19% of whom are women, the majority in their reproductive years of life and African American. Utilizing Husserlian phenomenological methodology, the purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of women living with HIV and their reproductive decision making, as well as the power dynamics within their relationship and if or how these dynamics shape their reproductive decision‐making. Data from in‐depth interviews from nine participants were analyzed utilizing The Listening Guide. Three major themes emerged: I Have My Tribe; I Have the Power; and I am HIV‐Positive, but I am Normal, and I am Informed. Although these women experienced personal betrayals and stigma, they were still capable of disclosing their HIV status to their significant others, demonstrating personal power which led to positive power dynamics between the women and their partners especially in terms of sexual and reproductive decision‐making. Efforts must continue to support HIV‐positive women in retaining their personal power if we are to reduce health disparities.
Cross‐boundary collaboration and knowledge creation in an online higher education course
Authors: Vartiainen Henriikka , Vuojärvi Hanna , Saramäki Kaija , Eriksson Miikka , Ratinen Ilkka , Torssonen Piritta , Vanninen Petteri , Pöllänen Sinikka
Published: February 2022

This study investigated an international, inter‐university and multidisciplinary online course with the aim of helping higher education students develop competencies for solving complex problems in collaboration with their peers and stakeholders. The course design was informed by the knowledge creation framework and ideas about cross‐boundary collaboration. We attempted to enrich perspectives on knowledge creation by investigating how higher education students (N = 42) from different fields of study and from 17 different nationalities perceived, built and regulated cross‐boundary collaboration in the pursuit of real‐life problems presented by companies or non‐governmental organisations. Drawing on data from 11 in‐depth group interviews and team reports of students who had completed this course, we showed the kinds of activities the students considered relevant for cross‐boundary collaboration and knowledge creation online. Given this extended context for knowledge creation, the study contributes to the pedagogical development of online learning in higher education.
The benefits of virtual learning webinars to both low‐ and high‐income countries
Authors: Ng Michael , Chamileke Nkomba , Mapulanga Victor , Campain Nicholas , Payne Stephen
Published: February 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has brought about many changes in the relationships between high‐income countries and partner organisations in low‐ or low–middle‐income countries, such as predominate in sub‐Saharan Africa. Medicine, surgery and in particular urology is no exception to the changes that COVID‐19 has demanded. Urolink represents the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) on the global urology stage and has been deleteriously impacted by the pandemic. Education, one of the pillars of Urolink’s founding philosophies, has conventionally been delivered by face‐to face teaching, training, or mentoring by UK urologists at their host’s site outside of the UK. As a consequence of the inability to travel due to the pandemic, BAUS Urolink has evolved a virtual on‐line webinar package evolved by, and delivered between, urologists in Lusaka, Zambia, and various centres in the UK. The aim was to deliver curricular‐based educational topics to trainees in both countries. This programme has generated a number of live webinars and archived recordings during the pandemic that has proven accessible and educationally acceptable to trainees in the UK and Zambia. This webinar series has also generated relationships between young urologists on different continents, given each a different view of healthcare delivery outside of their country of origin at no appreciable cost, and would appear to be an educational mechanism that is durable for, and applicable to, a wider participation in the post‐pandemic world.
Olfactory camouflage and communication in birds
Authors: Grieves Leanne A. , Gilles Marc , Cuthill Innes C. , Székely Tamás , MacDougall‐Shackleton Elizabeth A. , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: February 2022

Smell is a sensory modality that is rarely considered in birds, but evidence is mounting that olfaction is an important aspect of avian behaviour and ecology. The uropygial gland produces an odoriferous secretion (preen oil) that can differ seasonally and between the sexes. These differences are hypothesized to function in olfactory camouflage, i.e. minimizing detection by nest predators (olfactory crypsis hypothesis), and/or intraspecific olfactory communication, particularly during breeding (sex semiochemical hypothesis). However, evidence for seasonal and sex differences in preen oil is mixed, with some studies finding differences and others not, and direct evidence for the putative function(s) of seasonal variation and sex differences in preen oil remains limited. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for such changes in preen oil chemical composition, finding seasonal differences in 95% of species (57/60 species in 35 studies) and sex differences in 47% of species (28/59 species in 46 studies). We then conducted phylogenetic comparative analyses using data from 59 bird species to evaluate evidence for both the olfactory crypsis and sex semiochemical hypotheses. Seasonal differences were more likely in the incubating than non‐incubating sex in ground‐nesting species, but were equally likely regardless of incubation strategy in non‐ground‐nesting species. This result supports the olfactory crypsis hypothesis, if ground nesters are more vulnerable to olfactorily searching predators than non‐ground nesters. Sex differences were more likely in species with uniparental than biparental incubation and during breeding than non‐breeding, consistent with both the olfactory crypsis and sex semiochemical hypotheses. At present, the data do not allow us to disentangle these two hypotheses, but we provide recommendations that will enable researchers to do so.
Writing for digital news about HIV criminalization in canada
Authors: Hastings Colin
Published: February 2022

For years, HIV activists in Canada have expressed serious concerns about the stigmatizing and sensational way that HIV criminalization is portrayed in the mainstream press. Discourse analyses of the content of news stories about HIV criminalization confirm that news reports of HIV criminal cases rely on sensational language and reproduce negative stereotypes of people living with HIV. This paper contributes to social justice scholarship in the area by building upon studies of news content to uncover how news reports of HIV criminalization are produced in the first place. Through institutional ethnographic interviews with journalists who produce news stories about HIV criminalization, this study brings into view that conditions of convergence journalism make it exceedingly difficult for reporters to disrupt the genre of crime stories about HIV criminalization in which stigmatizing discourses proliferate.
“They're Not True Humans:” Beliefs about Moral Character Drive Denials of Humanity
Authors: Phillips Ben
Published: February 2022

A puzzling feature of paradigmatic cases of dehumanization is that the perpetrators often attribute uniquely human traits to their victims. This has become known as the “paradox of dehumanization.” I address the paradox by arguing that the perpetrators think about their victims as human in one sense, while denying that they are human in another sense. I do so by providing evidence that people harbor a dual character concept of humanity. Research has found that dual character concepts have two independent sets of criteria for their application, one of which is descriptive and one of which is normative. Four experiments provided evidence that people deploy a descriptive criterion according to which being human is a matter of being a Homo sapiens; as well as a normative criterion according to which being human is a matter of possessing a deep‐seated commitment to do the morally right thing. Importantly, I found that people are willing to affirm that someone is human in the descriptive sense, while denying that they are human in the normative sense, and vice versa. In addition to providing a solution to the paradox of dehumanization, these findings suggest that perceptions of moral character have a central role to play in driving dehumanization.
Management of shiitake mushroom‐induced ileus using balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Soga Koichi , Mukai Hiroki , Kitae Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

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