bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outlawing War
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: January 2022

This Chapter looks at justifications for war that were given to right wrongs and recover debts, restore honour, dignity or equilibrium, or simply as part of a right of self-preservation. It details how Germany and Great Britain, joined by Italy, decided to take coercive measures against Venezuela for unpaid debts in 1902. The chapter covers the attempt to outlaw the use of force through a multilateral treaty: the Kellogg-Briand Pact or Pact of Paris 1928. There is also a detailed look at the discussions at the League of Nations over whether the military action by Italy and Japan were Wars or something else. The emergence of the rule that territory cannot be seized by force is examined and related to the parallel rule that prohibits recognition of any such claimed acquisition of territory.
Triggering the International Law of Armed Conflict
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: January 2022

This chapter deals with thresholds which must be met before the law of armed conflict applies. This law of armed conflict (also known as international humanitarian law) is often known as the jus in bello. It applies whether or not the conflict is accepted as having given rise to a State of War. The chapter highlights the different situations where the international law of armed conflict applies and how this affects the regimes which can be used to prosecute war crimes.
Multi-wavelength constraints on the outflow properties of the extremely bright millisecond radio bursts from the galactic magnetar SGR 1935 + 2154
Authors: Yamasaki Shotaro , Kashiyama Kazumi , Murase Kohta
Published: January 2022

Extremely bright coherent radio bursts with millisecond duration, reminiscent of cosmological fast radio bursts, were codetected with anomalously-hard X-ray bursts from a Galactic magnetar SGR 1935 + 2154. We investigate the possibility that the event was triggered by the magnetic energy injection inside the magnetosphere, thereby producing magnetically-trapped fireball (FB) and relativistic outflows simultaneously. The thermal component of the X-ray burst is consistent with a trapped FB with an average temperature of ∼200–300 keV and size of ∼105 cm. Meanwhile, the non-thermal component of the X-ray burst and the coherent radio burst may arise from relativistic outflows. We calculate the dynamical evolution of the outflow, launched with an energy budget of 1039–1040 erg comparable to that for the trapped FB, for different initial baryon load η and magnetization σ0. If hard X-ray and radio bursts are both produced by the energy dissipation of the outflow, the outflow properties are constrained by combining the conditions for photon escape and the intrinsic timing offset ≲ 10 ms among radio and X-ray burst spikes. We show that the hard X-ray burst must be generated at rX ≳ 108 cm from the magnetar, irrespective of the emission mechanism. Moreover, we find that the outflow quickly accelerates up to a Lorentz factor of 102 ≲ Γ ≲ 103 by the time it reaches the edge of the magnetosphere and the dissipation occurs at 1012 cm ≲ rradio, X ≲ 1014 cm. Our results imply either extremely-clean (η ≳ 104) or highly-magnetized (σ0 ≳ 103) outflows, which might be consistent with the rarity of the phenomenon.
RasGRP Exacerbates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Through Regulation of ERK Activation
Authors: Tang Wen , Wang Lu , Liu Yan , Xiao Dong
Published: January 2022

Background

Excessive inflammatory activities are reported to be the primary cause of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Ras guanyl nucleotide-releasing protein (RasGRP) could prevent inflammatory response. However, its role in the regulation of inflammatory response in sepsis-associated AKI remains unclear.

Methods

Wild-type or RasGRP1-deficient mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide intraperitoneally in combination with D-galactosamine to establish a mouse model of sepsis-associated AKI. Serum inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, nitric oxide synthase 2, and interleukin 1β were measured using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The morphological change in kidney tubule was determined by hematoxylin-and-eosin staining. The protein levels of RasGRP, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were determined using Western blot.

Results

RasGRP1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in patients with sepsis-related AKI compared to those in healthy subjects. RasGRP knockout markedly reduced inflammatory cytokines induced by AKI in sepsis when compared with wild-type mice. Additionally, RasGRP deficiency inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 without altering JNK expression. In conclusion, we demonstrate that RasGRP1 plays a pivotal role in sepsis-associated AKI. Downregulation of RasGRP1 could significantly inhibit inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of ERK1/2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, thereby reducing AKI induced by sepsis.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that RasGRP exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury through regulating ERK activation, which reveals a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis-induced AKI.
CRISPR–Cas-mediated transcriptional control and epi-mutagenesis
Authors: Gardiner Jason , Ghoshal Basudev , Wang Ming , Jacobsen Steven E
Published: January 2022

Tools for sequence-specific DNA binding have opened the door to new approaches in investigating fundamental questions in biology and crop development. While there are several platforms to choose from, many of the recent advances in sequence-specific targeting tools are focused on developing Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats- CRISPR Associated (CRISPR-Cas)-based systems. Using a catalytically inactive Cas protein (dCas), this system can act as a vector for different modular catalytic domains (effector domains) to control a gene's expression or alter epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. Recent trends in developing CRISPR-dCas systems include creating versions that can target multiple copies of effector domains to a single site, targeting epigenetic changes that, in some cases, can be inherited to the next generation in the absence of the targeting construct, and combining effector domains and targeting strategies to create synergies that increase the functionality or efficiency of the system. This review summarizes and compares DNA targeting technologies, the effector domains used to target transcriptional control and epi-mutagenesis, and the different CRISPR-dCas systems used in plants.
The start of things for Kamiokande: The Kamioka Nucleon Decay Experiment
Authors: Suzuki Atsuto
Published: January 2022

In 1980, detecting the evidence of the so-called Grand Unified Theory (GUT) became a major challenge for experimentalists. The GUT predicted that protons would decay, and M. Koshiba proposed the Kamioka Nucleon Decay Experiment (Kamiokande), which was originally conceived and designed for the detection of proton decay signals. Kamiokande was a 3000-t water Cherenkov detector located 1000 m underground in the Kamioka mine. The unique feature of this experiment was the use of 1000 photomultiplier tubes with the world's largest diameter of 20 in (∼51 cm). This article describes the story of the Kamiokande experiment from the preparation stage to the observation of the first candidate events for proton decays.
Perceived rather than objective weight status is associated with suicidal behaviors among Chinese adolescents: a school-based study
Authors: Zu Ping , Xu Shao-Jun , Shi Cheng-Ying , Zhao Yu-Qiu , Huang Zhao-Hui , Tao Fang-Biao
Published: January 2022

Background

We aimed to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body weight perception (BWP) with suicidal behaviors among mainland Chinese adolescents.

Methods

A nationally representative sample (N = 10 110) of Chinese adolescents was assessed in this study. Suicidal behaviors (ideation, plan and attempt) were evaluated by four self-reported questions. Generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between BWP/BMI with suicidal behaviors.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal plan and suicidal attempt was 12, 5 and 2.1%, respectively. After adjusting potential covariates, perceiving oneself as obese was significantly associated with increased risks of suicidal ideation (OR: 2.4, 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.6–4.0, P = 0.001), suicidal plan (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.5–6.3, P = 0.002) and suicidal attempt (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5–9.1, P = 0.001) compared with perceiving as normal weight among male adolescents; the effect attenuated to null among female adolescents. Perceiving oneself as underweight and overweight both exhibited significant adverse effect on suicidal behaviors (only suicidal ideation and suicidal plan) compared with perceiving oneself as normal weight among male adolescents, but not among female adolescents. The actual measured BMI was not significantly associated with suicidal behaviors among neither gender.

Conclusions

Self-perception of their body image rather than actual measured weight may have a gender-specific adverse effect on suicidal behaviors among Chinese adolescents.
Racial Disparities in Mortgage Lending: New Evidence Based on Processing Time
Authors: Wei Bin , Zhao Feng
Published: January 2022

This paper examines racial disparities in mortgage processing time prior to the global financial crisis. We find that Black borrowers are underrepresented and experience a longer processing time than white borrowers among the mortgages securitized by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). At the same time, Black borrower are overrepresented and face a similar processing time among privately securitized (PLS) mortgages. Additionally, Black borrowers are strongly associated with faster segments of the mortgage markets, faster lenders within each segment, and the types of loan products that are processed faster, all of which subsequently experienced higher defaults. (JEL G01, G21, G23, G32, R30)
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF 14C PHOTOASSIMILATED INTO CARBOHYDRATES IN DIFFERENT GROWTH STAGES OF FRUIT-BEARING APPLE SHOOTS USING A 13CO2 IN-SITU EXPOSURE SYSTEM
Authors: Satoh Yuhi , Imada Shogo , Tako Yasuhiro , Moriya Yuki
Published: January 2022

In this study, we aimed to investigate the photoassimilation process of 14CO2 into agricultural plants through determining the photoassimilated carbohydrate-13C in each part (leaves, current branch and fruit) of the fruit-bearing apple shoots exposed to 13CO2 in different growth stages (early and late fruit development stages). The carbohydrate content was assessed as soluble (ethanol-extracted fraction) and other (HCl-extracted and residual fractions) components. The total (i.e. sum of the three fractions) bulk carbohydrate concentrations in all parts of the shoots were statistically similar between different growth stages. The changes in the concentration of 13C-labeled soluble carbohydrate (i.e. ethanol-extracted fraction) to the total content between different growth stages were statistically unclear among all parts of the shoot. These results suggest that the distribution ratio of photoassimilated 13C in soluble and other components in the apple shoot was thereabout constantly independent of the growth stages.
The Important Role of Motivation and Pleasure Deficits on Social Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Network Analysis
Authors: Hu Hui-Xin , Lau Wilson Y S , Ma Eugenia P Y , Hung Karen S Y , Chen Si-Yu , Cheng Kin-Shing , Cheung Eric F C , Lui Simon S Y , Chan Raymond C K
Published: January 2022

Negative symptoms, particularly the motivation and pleasure (MAP) deficits, are associated with impaired social functioning in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, previous studies seldom examined the role of the MAP on social functioning while accounting for the complex interplay between other psychopathology. This network analysis study examined the network structure and interrelationship between negative symptoms (at the “symptom-dimension” and “symptom-item” levels), other psychopathology and social functioning in a sample of 269 patients with SCZ. The psychopathological symptoms were assessed using the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Social functioning was evaluated using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Centrality indices and relative importance of each node were estimated. The network structures between male and female participants were compared. Our resultant networks at both the “symptom-dimension” and the “symptom-item” levels suggested that the MAP factor/its individual items were closely related to social functioning in SCZ patients, after controlling for the complex interplay between other nodes. Relative importance analysis showed that MAP factor accounted for the largest proportion of variance of social functioning. This study is among the few which used network analysis and the CAINS to examine the interrelationship between negative symptoms and social functioning. Our findings supported the pivotal role of the MAP factor to determine SCZ patients’ social functioning, and as a potential intervention target for improving functional outcomes of SCZ.
Situated gender equality in regional research and innovation: Collaborative knowledge production
Authors: Vehviläinen Marja , Valaskivi Liekki
Published: January 2022

Research and innovation (RI) policies in Europe aim to promote gender equality in the field of RI. However, gender equality at the regional level of RI has received little attention and has remained under-researched. This article draws on a process of collaborative knowledge production between regional developers and researchers in Finland, aiming to further gender equality in regional RI (2019–20). It examines negotiations about gender equality that occurred in the course of the process through the notion of situated gender equality. The developers initially stated that gender equality was needed as ‘a solution’ in regional development but did not know how to implement it. The process of collaborative knowledge production, a dialogue between the practices of regional development and the research-based conceptions of gender and participative methods, shows that gender equality in regional RI needs to be closely integrated into the practices of regional developers’ main development work.
Evaluation of Three Common Root Extraction Methods for Rotylenchulus reniformis Recovery from Cotton Roots
Authors: Schumacher Lesley A. , Grabau Zane J.
Published: January 2022

Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) substantially impacts cotton production, reducing yields up to 60%. Evaluating the efficacy of management methods relies on an accurate diagnosis of R. reniformis infection. Therefore, R. reniformis life stages (eggs and vermiform nematodes) were extracted from cotton roots at a long-term research site in Quincy, FL, U.S.A., in June 2017 and June 2018 and the efficiency of three common root extraction methods (blender, modified Baermann funnel, and mist chamber) for R. reniformis recovery from cotton roots was evaluated. Due to its passive extraction nature, the blender method consistently recovered all R. reniformis life stages and also recovered the greatest overall abundances of R. reniformis life stages from cotton roots at midseason. Due to their active extraction natures, modified Baermann funnel and mist chamber methods were only successful at recovering vermiform R. reniformis life stages from cotton roots. This work highlighted the importance of understanding the limitations of commonly used extraction methods to increase the accuracy of reniform nematode recovery from cotton roots and the possible implications for nematode management decisions.
A Preliminary Study for an Intraoperative 3D Bioprinting Treatment of Severe Burn Injuries
Authors: Albouy Marion , Desanlis Adeline , Brosset Sophie , Auxenfans Celine , Courtial Edwin-Joffrey , Eli Kyle , Cambron Scott , Palmer Justin , Vidal Luciano , Thépot Amélie , Dos Santos Morgan , Marquette Christophe A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Intraoperative three-dimensional fabrication of living tissues could be the next biomedical revolution in patient treatment.

Approach:

We developed a surgery-ready robotic three-dimensional bioprinter and demonstrated that a bioprinting procedure using medical grade hydrogel could be performed using a 6-axis robotic arm in vivo for treating burn injuries.

Results:

We conducted a pilot swine animal study on a deep third-degree severe burn model. We observed that the use of cell-laden bioink as treatment substantially affects skin regeneration, producing in situ fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, necessary for tissue regeneration and re-epidermalization of the wound.

Conclusions:

We described an animal study of intraoperative three-dimensional bioprinting living tissue. This emerging technology brings the first proof of in vivo skin printing feasibility using a surgery-ready robotic arm-based bioprinter. Our positive outcome in skin regeneration, joined with this procedure’s feasibility, allow us to envision the possibility of using this innovative approach in a human clinical trial in the near future.
Halomonas profundi sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment of the Mariana Trench
Authors: Wang Fan , Wan Jin-Jian , Zhang Xi-Ying , Xin Yu , Sun Mei-Ling , Wang Peng , Zhang Wei-Peng , Tian Ji-Wei , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Li Chun-Yang , Fu Hui-Hui
Published: January 2022

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, facultative anaerobic, non-flagellated, rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated MT13T and MT32, were isolated from sediment samples collected from the Mariana Trench at a depth of 8300 m. The two strains grew at −2–30 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 5.5–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.0) and with 0–15 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3–6 %). They did not reduce nitrate to nitrite nor hydrolyse Tweens 40 and 80, aesculin, casein, starch and DNA. The genomic G+C contents of draft genomes of strain MT13T and MT32 were 52.2 and 54.1 m ol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains MT13T and MT32 were affiliated with the genus

Halomonas

, with the highest similarity to the type strain of

Halomonas olivaria

. The values of average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization between strain MT13T and MT32, and between strain MT13T and five closely related type strains of

Halomonas

species indicated that strains MT13T and MT32 belonged to the same species, but represented a novel species in the genus of

Halomonas

. The major cellular fatty acids of strains MT13T and MT32 were C16 : 0, summed feature 3(C16 : 1
 ω7c/ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω7c/ω6c). Major polar lipids of strains MT13T and MT32 included phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol. Ubiquinone-9 was the predominant respiratory quinone. Based on data from the present polyphasic study, strains MT13T and MT32 represent a novel species of the genus

Halomonas

, for which the name Halomonas profundi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MT13T (=MCCC 1K06389T=KCTC 82923T).
Mapping The Global Landscape Of Chikungunya Rapid Diagnostic Tests: A Scoping Review
Authors: Moreira José , Brasil Patrícia , Dittrich Sabine , Siqueira André M
Published: January 2022

Background

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arboviral disease and represents a global health threat because of the unprecedented magnitude of its spread. Diagnostics strategies rely heavily on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody detection by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are available and promise to decentralize testing and increase availability at lower healthcare system levels.

Objectives

We aim to identify the extent of research on CHIKV RDTs, map the global availability of CHIKV RDTs, and evaluate the accuracy of CHIKV RDTs for the diagnosis of CHIKV.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies reporting symptomatic individuals suspected of CHIKV, tested with CHIKV RDTs, against the comparator being a validated laboratory-based RT-PCR or ELISA assay. The primary outcome was the accuracy of the CHIKV RDT when compared with reference assays.

Sources of evidence

Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from inception to October 13th, 2021. National regulatory agencies (European Medicines Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency) were also searched for registered CHIKV RDTs.

Results

Eighteen studies were included and corresponded to 3722 samples tested with RDTs between 2005-2019. The most development stage of CHIKV RDTs studies was phase I (7/18 studies) and II (7/18 studies). No studies were in phase IV. The countries that manufacturer the most CHIKV RDTs were Brazil (n=17), followed by the USA (n=7), and India (n=6). Neither at EMA nor FDA, registered products were found. Conversely, the ANVISA has approved 23 CHIKV RDTs. Antibody RDTs (n=43) predominated and demonstrated sensitivity between 20% and 100%. The sensitivity of the antigen RDTs ranged from 33.3 to 100%.

Conclusions

The landscape of CHIKV RDTs is fragmented and needs coordinated efforts to ensure that patients in CHIKV-endemic areas have access to appropriate RDTs. Further research is crucial to determine the impact of such tests on integrated fever case management and prescription practices for acute febrile patients.
Predicting clinical outcomes and hospitalization stay of hospitalized COVID-19 patients by using Deep Learning methods
Authors: Ziemys Arturas
Published: January 2022

Predicting outcomes and other critical clinical events of hospitalized COVID-19 patients may provide a valuable asset to healthcare and a chance to improve patient outcomes. Here, we have analyzed over 10,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the Houston Methodist Hospital at the Texas Medical Center from the beginning of pandemics till April of 2020. This work extends our previous study analyzing longitudinal symptomatics of the hospitalized patients by seeking to understand how standard patient clinical data, like demographics and comorbidities, together with symptom data from early hospitalization can be used to predict the clinical outcomes and hospitalization stay. Deep Learning (DL) classification and regression methods were applied to quantify patient record importance and to perform predictions. The results suggest that patient outcome can be predicted with up to 75% accuracy. However, the prediction of hospitalization stay was more complex indicating deeper optimization of features.
The Acute Effects of Physical Exercise Breaks on Cognitive Function During Prolonged Sitting: A First Quantitative Evidence
Authors: Li Jinming , Herold Fabian , Ludyga Sebastian , Yu Qian , Zhang Xingyu , Zou Liye
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the cognitive benefits of breaking up prolonged sitting (PS) by acute physical exercises (PE).

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library) to identify cross-over studies with a pre-posttest design that examined the effects of PE breaks during 3 to 5 h of prolonged sitting on cognitive performance. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model, with subgroup analyses investigating dose-response effects and differences between cognitive domains. Additionally, study quality was rated using the PEDro scale.

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 295 participants (171 female and 124 male) were included in this systematic review. Thereof, nine studies were included in our meta-analysis. We observed that during PS, PE breaks did not improve overall cognitive performance (Hedges’ g=-0.043[-0.158,0.073]). There was no between-study heterogeneity indicated. This is further supported by the subgroup analyses showing no differences in effect sizes between cognitive domains and different exercise intensities.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that interrupting PS by PE breaks neither improved, nor impaired cognitive performance. Consequently, PE breaks during PS allows to integrate regular physical activity in daily routines (i.e., through PE breaks) without compromising the performance of cognitively demanding tasks.
An ML prediction model based on clinical parameters and automated CT scan features for COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sinha Abhishar , Joshi Swati Purohit , Das Purnendu Sekhar , Jana Soumya , Sarkar Rahuldeb
Published: January 2022

Outcome prediction for individual patient groups is of paramount importance in terms of selection of appropriate therapeutic options, risk communication to patients and families, and allocating resource through optimum triage. This has become even more necessary in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Widening the spectrum of predictor variables by including radiological parameters alongside the usually utilized demographic, clinical and biochemical ones can facilitate building a comprehensive prediction model. Automation has the potential to build such models with applications to time-critical environments so that a clinician will be able to utilize the model outcomes in real-time decision making at bedside. We show that amalgamation of computed tomogram (CT) data with clinical parameters (CP) in generating a Machine Learning model from 302 COVID-19 patients presenting to an acute care hospital in India could prognosticate the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Models developed from CP alone, CP and radiologist derived CT severity score and CP with automated lesion-to-lung ratio had AUC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85-0.88), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.91), and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89-0.93), respectively. We show that an operating point on the ROC can be chosen to aid clinicians in risk characterization according to the resource availability and ethical considerations. This approach can be deployed in more general settings, with appropriate calibrations, to predict outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients effectively.
Prophylactic Antibiotics in Arteriovenous Fistulae: A systematic Review
Authors: Kordzadeh Ali , Hoff Mekhola , Askari Alan , Parsa Ali D.
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to establish and evaluate whether the use of prophylactic antibiotics in the creation of any autogenous arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients is indicated, evidence-based and/or recommended.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-aggregation of the literature from 1966 to August 2016 in the English language in Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted.

Results

The search produced a total of n=94 articles. Following the application of the recruitment criteria in accordance to PRISMA one (n=1) article was found eligible with a population of n=611 patients undergoing autogenous fistula formation. A total of n=136 patients received prophylactic antibiotics with no incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). The reported incidence of SSI in the group of patients (n=475) that did not receive prophylactic antibiotics was 0.2% (n=1). The quality of the article was assessed by the Oxford Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and their recommendation for practice was evaluated through National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Conclusion

The first systematic review of the literature demonstrates that the current use of prophylactic antibiotics in the creation of any autogenous AVF is not evidence-based and further research in this area is highly advocated.
Multiphasic hepatitis B virus kinetic patterns in humanized chimeric mice can be explained via stochastic agent-based modeling of intracellular virion production cycles
Authors: Hailegiorgis Atesmachew , Ishida Yuji , Collier Nicholson , Imamura Michio , Shi Zhenzhen , Reinharz Vladimir , Tsuge Masataka , Barash Danny , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Tateno Chise , Ozik Jonathan , Uprichard Susan L. , Chayama Kazuaki , Dahari Harel
Published: January 2022

Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) kinetics in urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficient (uPA-SCID) mice reconstituted with humanized livers from inoculation to steady state is highly dynamic despite the absence of an adaptive immune response. We developed a stochastic agent-based model that includes virion production cycles in individual infected human hepatocytes. The model was calibrated using a genetic algorithm approach with the serum HBV kinetics observed in mice inoculated with 108HBV genome equivalents and fit the data well when the following viral production parameters were assumed: (1) An eclipse phase lasting 5-50 hours and (2) a post-eclipse phase production rate that is based on increasing production cycles initially starting with a long production cycle of 1 virion per 20 hours that gradually reaches 1 virion per hour after approximately 3-4 days before virion production increases dramatically to reach to a steady state production rate of 4 virions per hour per cell. The model was then validated by showing it could accurately simulate the viral kinetics observed with lower HBV inoculation doses (104-107genome equivalents) in which similar, but delayed patterns were observed. Together, modeling suggests that it is the cyclic nature of the virus lifecycle combined with an initial slow but increasing rate of HBV production from each cell that plays a role in generating the observed multiphasic HBV kinetic patterns in humanized mice.
Structural characterization of the urease accessory protein UreF from Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liu Shimeng , Wu Wenyue , Zhao Qi , Liang Han , Che Shiyou , Zhang Hao , Liu Ruihua , Zhang Qionglin , Bartlam Mark
Published: January 2022

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that mostly affects those with weakened immune systems. Urease is a vital enzyme that can hydrolyze urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide as a source of nitrogen for growth. Urease is also a K. pneumoniae virulence factor that enables survival of the bacterium under nutrient-limiting conditions. UreF, an important nickel-binding urease accessory protein, is involved in the insertion of Ni2+ into the active site of urease. Here, the crystal structure of UreF from K. pneumoniae (KpUreF) is reported. Functional data show that KpUreF forms a stable dimer in solution. These results may provide a starting point for the design of urease inhibitors.
The alignment of the open innovation process and the project lifecycle
Authors: AlHarmoodi Shaima Mahmoud , Dulaimi Mohammed
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This research study aims to develop an alignment model based on a literature review that explains the association between the construction project lifecycle and the innovation process, while considering the integration of all stakeholders in the process in an open innovation context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct an extensive review of the open innovation and the construction project management literature to establish an alignment model through the investigation and analysis of the current scholarly contributions. This research study is based on a theoretical framework; thus, it has not utilized any primary data. Moreover, data collected for this research study was obtained from reliable literary sources.

Findings

The study presents an alignment model that has uncovered a strong correlation between project activities, stakeholder integration and innovation. The authors revealed critical factors that require an enhanced inter- and intra-collaboration between the various stakeholders and team members to achieve an effective innovation process in a project context.

Originality/value

This study provides a previously unexplored alignment between the project lifecycle and the innovation process. It signifies several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of innovations in a construction project context. Furthermore, it identifies different zones and knowledge transfer gates that necessitate proper leadership, stakeholder integration and team dynamics throughout the project lifecycle.
ANN-Python prediction model for the compressive strength of green concrete
Authors: Mater Yasser , Kamel Mohamed , Karam Ahmed , Bakhoum Emad
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Utilization of sustainable materials is a global demand in the construction industry. Hence, this study aims to integrate waste management and artificial intelligence by developing an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the compressive strength of green concrete. The proposed model allows the use of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), recycled fine aggregate (RFA) and fly ash (FA) as partial replacements of concrete constituents.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is constructed, trained and validated using python through a set of experimental data collected from the literature. The model’s architecture comprises an input layer containing seven neurons representing concrete constituents and two neurons as the output layer to represent the 7- and 28-days compressive strength. The model showed high performance through multiple metrics, including mean squared error (MSE) of 2.41 and 2.00 for training and testing data sets, respectively.

Findings

Results showed that cement replacement with 10% FA causes a slight reduction up to 9% in the compressive strength, especially at early ages. Moreover, a decrease of nearly 40% in the 28-days compressive strength was noticed when replacing fine aggregate with 25% RFA.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to normal compressive strength of green concrete with a range of 25 to 40 MPa.

Practical implications

The developed model is designed in a flexible and user-friendly manner to be able to contribute to the sustainable development of the construction industry by saving time, effort and cost consumed in the experimental testing of materials.

Social implications

Green concrete containing wastes can solve several environmental problems, such as waste disposal problems, depletion of natural resources and energy consumption.

Originality/value

This research proposes a machine learning prediction model using the Python programming language to estimate the compressive strength of a green concrete mix that includes construction and demolition waste and FA. The ANN model is used to create three guidance charts through a parametric study to obtain the compressive strength of green concrete using RCA, RFA and FA replacements.
Tackling gender bias in equity crowdfunding: an exploratory study of investment behaviour of Latin American investors
Authors: Cicchiello Antonella Francesca Francesca , Kazemikhasragh Amirreza
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Belonging to the financial technologies’ companies, equity-based crowdfunding platforms offer investors the opportunity to become shareholders through the purchase of small equity stakes of new innovative ventures. This paper aims to investigate gender-related differences in the behaviour of investors in firms seeking equity financing in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique database, with combined information from different equity crowdfunding platforms in Brazil, Chile and Mexico, the authors study the population of 492 projects between 2013 and 2017. To analyse the relationship between investors’ gender-related differences and equity crowdfunding investment, this paper applies Poisson regression.

Findings

Results suggest that the probability that an investor finances a firm is based on gender bias. Investors prefer firms led by entrepreneurs that are similar to them in terms of gender. Furthermore, the authors find evidence that both female and male investors are risk-averse and are more likely to invest in the equity of firms that are older and offer a higher percentage of equity. However, female investors are associated with firms that are on average older and offer 0.02% more equity.

Practical implications

These findings have implications for crowdfunding platforms managers when selecting their target companies and policymakers when defining political actions to promote greater use of equity crowdfunding among female entrepreneurs and decrease barriers hindering women’s access to investment.

Originality/value

Unique in its proposition and data usage, this study sheds light on the relationship between investors and entrepreneurs in the Latin American equity crowdfunding market.
Indirect customer-to-customer interactions and experiential value: examining solo and social diners
Authors: Han Wenjia , Jiang Wen , Tang Jason , Raab Carola , Krishen Anjala
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether indirect customer-to-customer interactions (CCI) affect consumers’ behavioral intentions and how that effect is generated. It also explores the effect of dining experience on customer behavioral intentions and how that effect varies by party type.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consists of an experimental survey-based study of n = 491 real-world consumers from a marketing research panel. Structural equation models are analyzed to examine hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Indirect CCIs significantly affect all five dimensions of experiential value. Food and beverage (F&B) excellence, aesthetics and service excellence positively affect customer revisit intentions and word-of-mouth intentions via restaurant image. Furthermore, party type moderates the effect of aesthetics on behavioral intentions so that the effect is significant for the social diner group only. Customer return on investment and playfulness show non-significant impacts on behavioral intentions.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware that indirect CCIs influence all aspects of the restaurant experience. Since F&B excellence, aesthetics and service excellence affect restaurant image and behavioral intentions, management can operationalize these elements of service. The impact of aesthetics differs by consumers’ party type, enabling management to create unique servicescapes based on their target customer segment.

Originality/value

The study pioneers an investigation of how indirect CCI is associated with behavioral intentions through the mediating effects of experiential value and restaurant image. It contributes to the literature by examining how the impact of diners’ experiences differs by party type.
“Should we get support or just guidelines?” (self) assessment on mentoring of early childhood education students
Authors: Visnjic Jevtic Adrijana , Rogulj Edita
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this research was to find out students' and mentors' attitudes toward the quality of mentoring support during teaching practicums. The research sought to determine whether there is any difference in (self) assessment between teacher mentors and early childhood education students.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the quantitative research methodology, the Crisp (2009) College Student Mentoring Scale (CSMS) instrument was used to assess the quality of mentoring support during teaching practicums. Assessments were made in relation to the following variables: support in the areas of psychological and emotional needs, support in professional development and the development of professional competencies and the role of mentors as models. Early childhood education students (n1 = 105) and mentors (n2 = 54) of teaching practicums at the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb, participated in the research.

Findings

The results of the research show that there is a statistically significant difference between student assessments and mentor self-assessment with regard to all researched areas of support. Mentors rated their mentoring skills higher than students did.

Originality/value

An approach in which mentoring is assessed in the context of support to students in different areas (e.g. psychological, emotional, professional) is rarely used in early childhood teacher education. Results indicate the need for a systematic evaluation of mentoring and the design of programs to strengthen mentoring competences.
Evaluation of birth companions perinatal and peer support provision in two prison settings in England: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Thomson Gill , Mortimer Rose , Baybutt Michelle , Whittaker Karen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper reports on insights from an evaluation of Birth Companions (BC) (a UK-based charity) perinatal support in two prison settings in England. The initiative involved the provision of group and/or one-to-one perinatal support and training women prisoners as peer supporters.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods study was undertaken that involved observations of support groups and peer support supervision sessions (n = 9); audio recorded interviews (n = 33) with prison and health-care staff, women in prison, peer supporters and BC staff; analysis of existing routinely collected data by BC and notes undertaken during regular meetings (n = 10) with the BC Project Manager. Thematic analysis was undertaken supported by MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software.

Findings

BC provided instrumental/practical support, emotional support, information support, signposting to services and advocating for women to the prison concerning their perinatal needs and rights. Key themes revealed that support had an impact on the lives of perinatal women by creating a safe place characterised by meaningful interactions and women-centred approaches that facilitated access to wider care and support. The service made a difference by empowering women and providing added value for peer supporters, prison, health-care and BC staff. Key enablers and strategies for the care of perinatal women and the delivery of perinatal support are also detailed.

Originality/value

Through longitudinal data and the involvement of a range of stakeholders, this study evidences the subtleties of support provided by BC and the potential it has to make a difference to perinatal women in prison and those volunteering or working within the prison system.
Board diversity and working capital management strategies: evidence from energy sector of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ammar Nawaz , Yahya Farzan , Waqas Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the mediating role of working capital management (WCM) efficiency between board diversity (based on gender and financial knowledge) and firm performance. The study further examines which WCM approach (conservative, moderate, and aggressive) they employ to increase (decrease) firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs listed energy firms of Pakistan over the period 2010 to 2019. The system generalized method of moments estimator and logit model are utilized to estimate the underlying relationships.

Findings

The results show that WCM efficiency partially mediates the relationship between board financial expertise (BFE) and firm performance. Nonetheless, the presence of female directors is merely symbolic until they reach a certain level as only the quadratic term of board gender diversity (BGD) has a significant effect on firm performance. Female directors do not influence WCM efficiency. The results also demonstrate that BGD encourages a conservative WCM approach, while BFE encourages a moderate WCM approach. Furthermore, both conservative and moderate WCM approaches are significantly associated with firm performance.

Practical implications

The findings hold implications for increasing the representation of women and financial experts on board to improve the capital structure decisions of the energy firms in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to explore the mediating role of WCM efficiency between board diversity and firm performance. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous study has investigated the effect of BGD and BFE on different WCM approaches distinctly.
What motivates retail investors to invest in government-issued digital sukuk during COVID-19?
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Muneeza Aishath , Kunhibava Sherin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To analyse Sukuk Prihatin (SP), the first-ever retail digital sukuk issued by the Government of Malaysia in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the national economic recovery plan. The issuance of SP was oversubscribed, even upsized, resulting in the government announcing its intention to issue similar types of sukuk in the future. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to understand the motivation for retail investors to invest in SP.

Design/methodology/approach

The purposive sampling method was applied via a self-administered survey, while the cross-sectional data were empirically tested using the SmartPLS 3.2.9 structural equation modelling. An integrated model of the theory of planned behaviour and social cognitive theories was used in determining investors’ intention to invest in SP.

Findings

The findings of this research revealed that attitude (ATT) towards SP investment (SPI), social norms (SN), perceived control (PBC) regarding SPI, sukuk features (SF), tax incentives (TI) and the spirit of unity and brotherhood (SUB) were significant determinants of investors’ willingness to invest in SP. This research also provided evidence for significant national pride-moderated interactions of ATT, SN, PBC, SF, TI and digitisation on investment intention.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study could assist governments and policymakers to structure sukuk and other debt-based capital market products to attract retail investors who would be willing to invest in the development of the nation in the midst of a crisis.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to investigate various relevant predictors, which have been derived from behavioural, contextual and motivational perspectives. These predictors could influence investors’ perceptions of an innovative sukuk like SP, which was issued in the midst of a pandemic. The value of this study is its possible use by governments and policymakers to further develop debt-based capital market products that have the dual function of an investment vehicle and a source of funds for the economic recovery of a nation.