bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet composition drives tissue-specific intensity of murine enteric infections
Authors: Israelsen Helene , Vedsted-Jakobsen Amalie , Zhu Ling , Gagnaire Aurelie , von Munchow Alexandra , Polakovicova Nina , Valente Angela H. , Raza Ali , Andersen-Civil Audrey I.S. , Olsen John E. , Myhill Laura J. , Geldhof Peter , Williams Andrew R.
Published: September 2023

Diet composition plays a large role in regulating of gut health and enteric infection. In particular, synthetic ‘Western-style’ diets may predispose to disease, whilst whole-grain diets containing high levels of crude fiber are thought to promote gut health. Here we show that, in contrast to this paradigm, mice fed unrefined chow are significantly more susceptible to infection withTrichuris muris, a caecum-dwelling nematode, than mice given refined, semi-synthetic diets (SSD). Moreover, mice fed SSD supplemented with inulin, a fermentable fiber, developed chronicT. murisburdens whereas mice given SSD efficiently cleared the infection. Diet composition significantly impacted infection-induced changes in the host gut microbiome. Mice infected with the bacteriumCitrobacter rodentiumwere also more susceptible to pathogen colonization when fed either chow or inulin-enriched SSD. However, transcriptomic analysis of tissues from mice fed either SSD or inulin-enriched SSD revealed that, in contrast toT. muris, increasedC. rodentiuminfection appeared to be independent of the host immune response. Accordingly, exogenous treatment with IL-25 partially reducedT. murisburdens in inulin-fed mice, whereas IL-22 treatment was unable to restore resistance toC. rodentiumcolonization. Diet-mediated effects on pathogen burden were more pronounced for large intestine-dwelling pathogens, as effects on small intestinal helminth (Heligmosomoides polygyrus) were less evident, and protozoan (Giardia muris) infection burdens were equivalent in mice fed chow, inulin-enriched SSD, or SSD, despite higher cyst excretion in chow-fed mice. Collectively, our results point to a tissue- and pathogen-restricted effect of dietary fiber levels on enteric infection intensity.

Importance

Enteric infections induce dysbiosis and inflammation and are a major public health burden. As the gut environment is strongly shaped by diet, the role of different dietary components in promoting resistance to infection is of interest. Whilst diets rich in fiber or whole grain are normally associated with improved gut health, we show here that these components predispose the host to higher levels of pathogen infection. Thus, our results have significance for interpreting how different dietary interventions may impact on gastrointestinal infections. Moreover, our results may shed light on our understanding of how gut flora and musical immune function is influenced by the food that we eat.
A workflow for the detection of antibiotic residues, measurement of water chemistry and preservation of hospital sink drain samples for metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Rodger G , Chau K , Aranega-Bou P , Roohi A , Moore G , Hopkins KL , Hopkins S , Walker AS , Stoesser N
Published: September 2023

Structured summary

Background

Hospital sinks are environmental reservoirs that harbour healthcare-associated (HCA) pathogens. Selective pressures in sink environments, such as antibiotic residues, nutrient waste and hardness ions, may promote antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) exchange between bacteria. However, cheap and accurate sampling methods to characterise these factors are lacking.

Aim

To validate a workflow to detect antibiotic residues and evaluate water chemistry using dipsticks. Secondarily, to validate boric acid to preserve the taxonomic and ARG (“resistome”) composition of sink trap samples for metagenomic sequencing.

Methods

Antibiotic residue dipsticks were validated against serial dilutions of ampicillin, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin, and water chemistry dipsticks against serial dilutions of chemical calibration standards. Sink trap aspirates were used for a “real-world” pilot evaluation of dipsticks. To assess boric acid as a preservative of microbial diversity, the impact of incubation with and without boric acid at ∼22°C on metagenomic sequencing outputs was evaluated at Day 2 and Day 5 compared with baseline (Day 0).

Findings

The limits of detection for each antibiotic were: 3µg/L (ampicillin), 10µg/L (doxycycline), 20µg/L (sulfamethoxazole) and 8µg/L (ciprofloxacin). The best performing water chemistry dipstick correctly characterised 34/40 (85%) standards in a concentration-dependent manner. One trap sample tested positive for the presence of tetracyclines and sulfonamides. Taxonomic and resistome composition were largely maintained after storage with boric acid at ∼22°C for up to five days.

Conclusions

Dipsticks can be used to detect antibiotic residues and characterise water chemistry in sink trap samples. Boric acid was an effective preservative of trap sample composition, representing a low-cost alternative to cold-chain transport.
Transmission dynamics and pathogenesis differ between pheasants and partridges infected with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses
Authors: Seekings Amanda H. , Liang Yuan , Warren Caroline J. , Hjulsager Charlotte K. , Thomas Saumya S. , Lean Fabian Z. X. , Núñez Alejandro , Skinner Paul , Selden David , Falchieri Marco , Simmons Hugh , Brown Ian H. , Larsen Lars. E. , Banyard Ashley C. , Slomka Marek J.
Published: September 2023

During the UK 2020-2021 epizootic of H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), high mortality occurred during incursions in commercially farmed common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Two pheasant farms, affected separately by H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes, included adjacently housed red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), which appeared to be unaffected. Despite extensive ongoing epizootics, H5Nx HPAIV partridge outbreaks were not reported during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in the UK, so it is postulated that partridges are more resistant to HPAIV infection than other gamebirds. To assess this, pathogenesis and both intra- and inter-species transmission of UK pheasant-origin H5N8-2021 and H5N1-2021 HPAIVs were investigated. Onward transmission to chickens was also assessed to better understand the risk of spread from gamebirds to other commercial poultry sectors. A lower infectious dose was required to infect pheasants with H5N8-2021 compared to H5N1-2021. However, HPAIV systemic dissemination to multiple organs within pheasants was more rapid following infection with H5N1-2021 than H5N8-2021, with the former attaining generally higher viral RNA levels in tissues. Intraspecies transmission to contact pheasants was successful for both viruses and associated with viral environmental contamination, while interspecies transmission to a first chicken-contact group was also efficient. However, further onward transmission to additional chicken contacts was only achieved with H5N1-2021. Intra-partridge transmission was only successful when high-dose H5N1-2021 was administered, while partridges inoculated with H5N8-2021 failed to shed and transmit, although extensive tissue tropism was observed for both viruses. Mortalities among infected partridges featured a longer incubation period compared to that in pheasants, for both viruses. Therefore, the susceptibility of different gamebird species and pathogenicity outcomes to the ongoing H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs varies, but pheasants represent a greater likelihood of H5Nx HPAIV introduction into galliforme poultry settings. Consequently, viral maintenance within gamebird populations and risks to poultry species warrant enhanced investigation.
Reciprocal sharing of extracellular proteases and extracellular matrix molecules facilitatesBacillus subtilisbiofilm formation
Authors: Rosazza Thibault , Earl Chris , Eigentler Lukas , Davidson Fordyce , Stanley-Wall Nicola R
Published: September 2023

Extracellular proteases are a class of public good that support growth ofBacillus subtiliswhen nutrients are in a polymeric form.B. subtilisbiofilm matrix molecules are another class of public good that are needed for biofilm formation and prone to exploitation. In this study, we investigated the role of extracellular proteases inB. subtilisbiofilm formation and explored interactions between different public good producer strains across various conditions. We confirmed that extracellular proteases support biofilm formation even when glutamic acid provides a freely available nitrogen source. Removal of AprE from the NCIB 3610 secretome adversely affects colony biofilm architecture, while sole induction of WprA activity into an otherwise extracellular protease-free strain is sufficient to promote wrinkle development within the colony biofilm. We found that changing the nutrient source used to support growth affectedB. subtilisbiofilm structure, hydrophobicity, and architecture. We propose that the different phenotypes observed may be due to increased protease dependency for growth when a polymorphic protein presents the sole nitrogen source. We however cannot exclude that the phenotypic changes are due to alternative matrix molecules being made. Co-culture of biofilm matrix and extracellular protease mutants can rescue biofilm structure, yet reliance on extracellular proteases for growth influences population coexistence dynamics. Our findings highlight the intricate interplay between these two classes of public goods, providing insights into microbial social dynamics during biofilm formation across different ecological niches.
A phage nucleus-associated RNA-binding protein is required for jumbo phage infection
Authors: Enustun Eray , Armbruster Emily G. , Lee Jina , Zhang Sitao , Yee Brian A. , Gu Yajie , Deep Amar , Naritomi Jack T. , Liang Qishan , Aigner Stefan , Adler Benjamin A. , Cress Brady F. , Doudna Jennifer A. , Chaikeeratisak Vorrapon , Cleveland Don W. , Ghassemian Majid , Yeo Gene W. , Pogliano Joe , Corbett Kevin D.
Published: September 2023

Large-genome bacteriophages (jumbo phages) of theChimalliviridaefamily assemble a nucleus-like compartment bounded by a protein shell that protects the replicating phage genome from host-encoded restriction enzymes and CRISPR/Cas nucleases. While the nuclear shell provides broad protection against host nucleases, it necessitates transport of mRNA out of the nucleus-like compartment for translation by host ribosomes, and transport of specific proteins into the nucleus-like compartment to support DNA replication and mRNA transcription. Here we identify a conserved phage nuclear shell-associated protein that we term Chimallin C (ChmC), which adopts a nucleic acid-binding fold, binds RNA with high affinityin vitro, and binds phage mRNAs in infected cells. ChmC also forms phase-separated condensates with RNAin vitro. Targeted knockdown of ChmC using mRNA-targeting dCas13d halts infections at an early stage. Taken together, our data suggest that the conserved ChmC protein acts as a chaperone for phage mRNAs, potentially stabilizing these mRNAs and driving their translocation through the nuclear shell to promote translation and infection progression.
Target-based discovery of a broad spectrum flukicide
Authors: Sprague Daniel J. , Park Sang-Kyu , Gramberg Svenja , Bauer Lisa , Rohr Claudia M. , Chulkov Evgeny G. , Smith Emery , Scampavia Louis , Spicer Timothy P. , Haeberlein Simone , Marchant Jonathan S.
Published: September 2023

Diseases caused by parasitic flatworms impart a considerable healthcare burden worldwide. Many of these diseases – for example, the parasitic blood fluke infection, schistosomiasis – are treated with the drug praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ is ineffective against disease caused by liver flukes from the genusFasciola. This is due to a single amino acid change within the target of PZQ, a transient receptor potential ion channel (TRPMPZQ), inFasciolaspecies. Here we identify benzamidoquinazolinone analogs that are active againstFasciolaTRPMPZQ. Structure-activity studies define an optimized ligand (BZQ) that caused protracted paralysis and damage to the protective tegument of these liver flukes. BZQ also retained activity againstSchistosoma mansonicomparable to PZQ and was active against TRPMPZQorthologs in all profiled species of parasitic fluke. This broad spectrum activity was manifest as BZQ adopts a pose within the binding pocket of TRPMPZQdependent on a ubiquitously conserved residue. BZQ therefore acts as a universal activator of trematode TRPMPZQand a first-in-class, broad spectrum flukicide.
Male violence disrupts estrogen receptor β signaling in the female hippocampus
Authors: Agrimi Jacopo , Bernardele Lucia , Sbaiti Naeem , Canato Marta , Marchionni Ivan , Oeing Christian U. , Vignoli Beatrice , Canossa Marco , Kaludercic Nina , Lodovichi Claudia , Maschio Marco Dal , Paolocci Nazareno
Published: September 2023

Women are the main target of intimate partner violence (IPV), which is escalating worldwide. Mechanisms subtending IPV-related disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, remain unclear. We employed a mouse model molded on an IPV scenario (malevs.female prolonged violent interaction) to unearth the neuroendocrine alterations triggered by an aggressive male mouse on the female murine brain. Experimental IPV (EIPV) prompted marked anxiety-like behavior in young female mice, coincident with high circulating/cerebral corticosterone levels. The hippocampus of EIPV-inflicted female animals displayed neuronal loss, reduced BrdU-DCX-positive nuclei, decreased mature DCX-positive cells, and diminished dendritic arborization level in the dentate gyrus (DG), features denoting impaired neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. These hallmarks were associated with marked down-regulation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) density in the hippocampus, especially in the DG and dependent prosurvival ERK signaling. Conversely, ERα expression was unchanged. After EIPV, the DG harbored lowered local BDNF pools, diminished TrkB phosphorylation, and elevated glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation. In unison, ERβ KO mice had heightened anxiety-like behavior and curtailed BDNF levels at baseline, despite enhanced circulating estradiol levels, while dying prematurely during EIPV. Thus, reiterated male-to-female violence jeopardizes hippocampal homeostasis in the female brain, perturbing ERβ/BDNF signaling, thus instigating anxiety and chronic stress.
A whole-brain model of auditory discrimination
Authors: Turan A. , Baspinar E. , Destexhe A.
Published: September 2023

Whole-brain simulations have been proposed previously to simulate global properties such as brain states or functional connectivity. Here, our aim is to build a whole-brain model to simulate a simple cognitive paradigm involving multiple brain areas. We focus on auditory discrimination, using a paradigm designed for the macaque cortex. To model at the whole-brain scale, we use The Virtual Brain (TVB) [18] simulation environment. TVB is a computational framework which simulates the brain as a network of small brain regions, where each node models neuronal populations and the connectivity between nodes determines the pathway of information flow over the brain. We use Adaptive Exponential (AdEx) neuronal population models [4, 11] to describe each node. For the connectivity, we use the open-access CoCoMac connectivity dataset [2], which is a matrix containing the connection weights between the nodes. We focus on a cognitive task that mainly involves the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In the auditory discrimination task, our pipeline starts from the primary auditory cortex stimulated by the auditory signals, it is then modulated in the PFC so that the stimulus discrimination occurs, after competition. Finally, it ends in the primary motor cortex which outputs the neuronal activity determining the motor action. Because the AdEx mean-fields can provide access to neuronal activity or local field potentials, we think that the present model constitutes a useful tool to promote interactions between theory and experiments for simple cognitive tasks in macaque monkey.
Valence-specific EEG microstate modulations during self-generated affective states
Authors: Nazare Karina , Tomescu Miralena I.
Published: September 2023

We spend a significant part of our lives navigating emotionally charged mind-wandering states by spontaneously imagining the past or the future, which predicts general well-being. We investigated brain self-generated affective states using EEG microstate analysis to identify the temporal dynamics of underlying brain networks that sustain endogenous affective state activity. With this aim, we compared the temporal dynamics of five distinct microstates between baseline resting-state, positive (e.g., awe, contentment), and negative (e.g., anger, fear) affective self-generated states. We found affect-related modulations of B, C, and D dynamics. Microstates B and D were increased, while microstate C was decreased during negative and positive valence self-generated affective states. In addition, we found valence-specific mechanisms of spontaneous affective regulation. Negative valence self-generated affective states specifically modulate the increased presence of D microstates and decreased occurrence of E microstates compared to baseline and positive valence affective states. The self-generated positive valence affective states are characterized by more prevalent B and les present A microstates compared to both baseline and negative valence affective states. These findings provide valuable insights into the neurodynamic patterns of affective regulation and implications for developing biomarkers for therapeutic interventions in mood and anxiety disorders.
Shareholder primacy or stakeholder pluralism? Environmental shareholder proposals and board responses
Authors: Carlisle Melissa , Millar Melanie I. , Jarosz Wukich Jacqueline
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examines shareholder and board motivations regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) to understand boards' stewardship approaches to environmental issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, the authors classify CSR motivations in all environmental shareholder proposals and board responses of Fortune 250 companies from 2013 to 2017 from do little (a shareholder primacy perspective) to do much (a stakeholder pluralism perspective). The authors calculate the motivational dissonance for each proposal-response pair (the Talk Gap) and use cluster analysis to observe evidence of board stewardship and subsequent environmental disclosure and performance (ED&P) changes.

Findings

Board interpretations of stewardship are not uniform, and they regularly extend to stakeholders beyond shareholders, most frequently including profit-oriented stakeholders (e.g. employees and customers). ED&P changes are highest when shareholders narrowly lead boards in CSR motivation and either request both action and information or information only. The authors observe weaker ED&P changes when shareholders request action and the dissonance between shareholders and boards is larger. When shareholders are motivated to do little for CSR, ED&P changes are weak, even when boards express more pluralistic motivations.

Research limitations/implications

The results show the important role that boards play in CSR and may aid activist shareholders in determining how best to generate change in corporate CSR actions.

Originality/value

This study provides the first evidence of board stewardship at the proposal-response level. It measures shareholder and board CSR motivations, introduces the Talk Gap, and examines relationships among proposal characteristics, the Talk Gap, and subsequent ED&P change to better understand board stewardship of environmental issues.
Cryptocurrency as an investment or speculation: a bibliometric review study
Authors: Vasudeva Sakshi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The study was done to review the existing literature available on the theme using a popular technique known as a bibliometric review. The purpose was to explore important bibliometric trends such as geographical distribution of research; the most relevant countries and institutions and important collaboration networks, frequently published authors, the most relevant topics/research domains and relationships among these, average citations or per year, the most relevant sources, top authors’ production, authors’ impact by H index and the progression of important keywords over a period of time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed literature published in the English language from 2012 onwards that used the words “cryptocurrency”, “Ethereum” “Bitcoin” along with “investment/s” or “speculation/s” in the Title/ABS/KEY. A specialized approach was followed to retrieve and analyze focused research. The data for analysis was extracted from the Scopus database and was analyzed using Biblioshiny and VOSViewer.

Findings

The study found that the countries such as the UK, Australia, China and the USA have special relevance in terms of the number of citations and collaboration networks. Cryptocurrency/Cryptocurrencies, bitcoin have been the base themes along with other crucial issues such as volatility, hedging, COVID-19 pandemic, Ethereum, blockchain, co-integration, portfolio diversification/optimization, spillover, safe haven, investor attention, gold, etc. There is a lot of interdisciplinary research on the theme.

Originality/value

The current study used a concentrated approach to study the bibliometric literature about the financial implications of cryptocurrency as an asset class and not prominently its technological or legal aspects.
The impact of FinTech firms on bank performance: evidence from the UK
Authors: Dasilas Apostolos , Karanović Goran
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on bank performance employing data from the United Kingdom (UK) banking sector for a period spanning from 2010 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs static as well as dynamic panel data regression analysis to assess the impact of FinTech on the profitability of UK banks.

Findings

The results show that FinTech firms positively impact bank performance. For every new FinTech firm introduced into the UK market, net interest margin (NIM) and yield on earning assets (YEA) increase by 6.385 and 3.192% of their sample means, respectively.

Practical implications

Cooperating with FinTech firms, UK banks can broaden their portfolio of financial services offered to their customers and optimize their profit margins.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the impact of FinTech on bank profitability employing data from a developed market.
Adaptive learning through technology: a technical review and implementation
Authors: Gransden Clay , Hindmarsh Matthew , Lê Ngoc Chi , Nguyen Thi-Huyen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There is an increase globally of students using technology to support their learning. The purpose of this paper is to outline the technical aspects of adaptive learning and contribute to the development of pedagogy that incorporates this method in teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a technical review article that summarises key guidance on the application of adaptive learning and then reflects on its application in a UK and Vietnamese context.

Findings

Initial analysis demonstrates that learning can occur asynchronously because of students engaging with adaptive learning. Issues and recommendations were derived from the reflections and practice of both UK and Vietnamese practitioners. Recommendations focussed on the more practical elements of constructing and maintaining adaptive learning. Questions were then constructed to make the decision of whether to implement adaptive learning into teaching and learning practices.

Originality/value

This academic commentary reflects on the implementation of asynchronous learning adaptive technologies in both the UK and Vietnam, specifically exploring the use of a “mastery path” and “computerised adaptive testing” to enhance student understanding.
Big data analytics: from leadership to firm performance
Authors: Koohang Alex , Sargent Carol Springer , Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Marotta Angelica
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a research model with eight constructs, i.e. BDA leadership, BDA talent quality, BDA security quality, BDA privacy quality, innovation, financial performance, market performance and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model focuses on whether (1) Big Data Analytics (BDA) leadership influences BDA talent quality, (2) BDA talent quality influences BDA security quality, (3) BDA talent quality influences BDA privacy quality, (4) BDA talent quality influences Innovation and (5) innovation influences a firm's performance (financial, market and customer satisfaction). An instrument was designed and administered electronically to a diverse set of employees (N = 188) in various organizations in the USA. Collected data were analyzed through a partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results showed that leadership significantly and positively affects BDA talent quality, which, in turn, significantly and positively impacts security quality, privacy quality and innovation. Moreover, innovation significantly and positively impacts firm performance. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence that leadership significantly and positively impacts BDA talent quality. BDA talent quality, in turn, positively impacts security quality, privacy quality and innovation. This is important, as these are all critical factors for organizations that collect and use big data. Finally, the study demonstrates that innovation significantly and positively impacts financial performance, market performance and customer satisfaction. The originality of the research results makes them a valuable addition to the literature on big data analytics. They provide new insights into the factors that drive organizational success in this rapidly evolving field.
On the factors influencing the ecological footprint: using an asymmetric quantile regression approach
Authors: Alqaralleh Huthaifa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In the new global economy, environmental degradation is still among the crucial struggles braving policymakers. The intention of the current analysis, therefore, is to investigate the asymmetric impact of energy use, trade openness, population changes and urbanization, on the ecological footprint (EF) in four ASEAN countries by using time span data extending from 1972 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The stationarity of the variables was first demonstrated by using a quantile autoregression unit root test. Then the cointegration relationship among quantiles was verified. In the third step, this study investigated the pattern of causality in quantiles which allowed them to model any locational asymmetry in such a relationship. In the final part of the paper, the asymmetric quantile approaches the methods adopted to address the ways in which the considered variables impacted on the EF.

Findings

The outcomes demonstrated that the estimated coefficient of the variables was generally found significant and in line with the expected impact sign. Likewise, locational asymmetry was detected from the fact that the considered variables at the upper tails did not operate in the same way as those in the lower ones. In this case, the results suggest that a rise in energy consumption, as well as a negative shock to economic growth and/or trade openness, all diminish environmental quality. In contrast, promoting economic growth, a positive shock to trade openness, and human capital reduce environmental degradation.

Originality/value

As far as is known, the current study among the early attempt to explore the asymmetric impact of trade openness, energy use, population changes and urbanization, on the EF in the ASEAN countries.
The curious case of Facebook commerce: an analysis of the digital commerce management guide 2021
Authors: Bhuiyan Shehreen Amin , Abedin Minhazul
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The very criticism of public policy being rigid and generalized on one hand, and insouciant and noncustomizable on the other has to be addressed to cope up with the comingled economic, social and environmental challenges. Policies that fail the litmus test of changing and challenging conditions will run the risk of not achieving their purpose and obstructing the ability of citizens, communities and businesses. This paper draws the case of Bangladesh to explore the principles of adaptive policies in the surfacing of the recently adopted Digital Commerce Management Guide 2021 under the National Digital Commerce Policy, 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative paper that is based on both primary and secondary data. While secondary data on the policy crafted a strong call for increased adaptiveness, primary data extracted from the interviews presented several lacking and loopholes from respondents’ firsthand experiences. Based on secondary content and primary data from consumers and business owners of the most-used social commerce platform (a form of digital commerce), Facebook commerce, hereto referred to as F-commerce, this paper discusses the possible characteristics of adaptive policy-making for more innovative, contextual, gender-inclusive, efficient and environmentally sustainable policies.

Findings

The paper points out some reform and adjustment scope for the recently introduced digital commerce policy to make it more adaptive to the present and upcoming policy context.

Research limitations/implications

It must be mentioned that there is a dearth of research on digital commerce policy and the platform as a whole.

Originality/value

Hence, this paper offers a fresh perspective toward time befitting policy formulation in the digital commerce sector and set in motion the policy attention that this platform requires.
Auditing safety leadership: three railroad catastrophes
Authors: Craig Russell , Amernic Joel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper addresses leadership and strategy issues associated with the management of safety. The paper proposes that companies conduct an annual safety leadership audit involving collaboration between their external financial auditors and their internal operational safety experts.

Design/methodology/approach

Three possible questions auditors should address in such a safety leadership audit are highlighted. The railroad industry is drawn upon for empirical support, including by reference to recent major railroa0d crashes in the US, Greece, and India.

Findings

The paper highlights the potential benefits of conducting a safety leadership audit, including that it will help assess whether a leader’s claims regarding safety are verifiable and accord with the data reported in financial statements. Several matters of critical but under emphasized importance in good safety leadership are highlighted.

Originality/value

This paper explores the somewhat novel idea of using audit procedures and external financial auditors to address matters of safety strategy and leadership. The paper proposes that a leader’s claims in respect of safety should be assessed in terms of whether they encourage a climate of “psychological safety,” report meaningful safety indicators, and use a “vocabulary of safety leadership.”
Digital team coaching for workplace communication: longitudinal evaluation of recipients’ perceptions
Authors: Giusino Davide , De Angelis Marco , Kubík Rudolf , Axtell Carolyn , Pietrantoni Luca
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of a digital-based team coaching intervention aimed at improving team communication in the workplace through social network visualization. The study examined recipients’ perceptions of the intervention at two time points and assessed the temporal stability of various factors, including the intervention’s integrity, design, transferability, acceptance and the usability of the adopted visualization tool. The moderating role of digital usability was also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Four team coaching sessions were delivered to 62 participants from seven teams across three departments within a large public health-care organization in Northern Italy. Perceptions of the intervention dimensions were collected after the second and fourth sessions.

Findings

Results indicated that, at both time points, recipients appreciated the intervention’s integrity and usability more than its design, transferability and acceptance. Furthermore, no significant changes in recipients’ perceptions were observed over time. The transferability of the intervention was significantly associated with its acceptance, but only when the usability of the digital tool was high.

Research limitations/implications

The study enriches existing literature on digital interventions in group communication by focusing on process dimensions like recipients’ perceptions of various aspects and the implementation process. Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of integrating specific techniques such as sociomapping and coaching within health-care organizations, encouraging more research and development in these areas.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the critical role of usability and integrity in digital-based team coaching interventions, suggesting that high-quality, user-friendly tools not only lead to initial effectiveness but also sustain positive impacts over time, while also increasing transferability and acceptance.

Originality/value

The present study uniquely deploys a longitudinal approach to examine recipients’ perceptions of a digital-based intervention that combines social network visualization and team coaching to enhance team communication.
Norms and consumer behaviors in tourism: a systematic literature review
Authors: Wasaya Allah , Prentice Catherine , Hsiao Aaron
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to review norms and their relationship with consumer behavior in the tourism sector. The review aims to identify gaps in relation to various norms and their impact on the literature to provide future research recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review method was used to analyze norms in consumer behavior research within the context of tourism and hospitality. The review focused on the research context, conceptualizations, roles, measurements, theoretical backgrounds and the major findings.

Findings

The review reveals that the conceptualizations and dimensionality of norms in the existing studies are inconsistent, and most research in the tourism context only adopted the concept partially without capturing the totality of the concept. The theoretical gaps and measurement of norms were also identified for future research.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to a better understanding of the role of norms in shaping tourist behavior and can guide practitioners in developing effective marketing strategies. The findings suggest the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the concept of norms in tourism in relation to theoretical underpinnings, measurement and application. The recommendations provided in this study can guide future research on norms and tourist behavior.

Originality/value

Norms have been extensively discussed in the literature. This paper is the first to systematically review norms and their influence on consumer behavior in the tourism sector.
Asymmetric volatility transmission and hedging strategies among REIT, stock, and oil markets
Authors: Mensi Walid , Jiang Zhuhua , Vo Xuan Vinh , Yoon Seong‐Min
Published: September 2023

How do price fluctuations in the real estate investment trust (REIT) market relate to price fluctuations in other financial markets, such as the stock and commodity markets? In order to grasper this topic, we examine the transmission of shocks and volatility spillover among the REIT, stock, and oil markets using a trivariate asymmetric GARCH model with BEKK specification. The empirical results indicate that there exists shock transmission from REIT to the oil markets and from the stock market to both the oil and REIT markets. The results also show that the volatility of the REIT market is transmitted to both oil and stock markets. Conditional correlations among the volatility of these markets are dynamic and crisis‐sensitive. The correlations are positive between the volatility of stock and both REIT and oil markets. However, equity investors should be more interested in adding REIT assets to equity portfolios than oil futures to minimise risk, without reducing expected returns.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation sequencing reveals epigenetic features and potential biomarkers of Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Lu Ding‐qi , Yao Xin‐yi , Ren Ya‐ting , Zhang Kai‐yuan , Zhu Xin‐chao , Hong Tao , Yu Xue , Xie Zhi‐min , Chen Li‐ying , Wang Xin‐chang
Published: September 2023

Aim

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a slowly progressive, inflammatory, autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was to construct the DNA methylation profiles of whole blood of SS patients and healthy controls (HC), and to explore the role of differentially methylated genes in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Methods

Whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing was performed on three SS patients and four HC. The biological function of genes associated with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) was investigated using Gene Ontology functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, using network‐based key driver analysis (KDA) to find KDA genes. In clinical samples of SS patients and controls, the expression levels of KDA genes were validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis. Moreover, the diagnostic value of KDA genes for SS was confirmed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

We identified 322 DMRs, annotated as 162 associated genes. Six genes were selected via the number of networks of KDA genes. Differential expression of genes such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, ADAR, and OAS2 was observed in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the minor salivary glands, which can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for SS.

Conclusion

Clinical sample validation suggested that HLA class I, ADAR, and OAS2 might play a role in the development of SS. Our study shows epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and potential disease markers associated with SS, which in turn will enable us to identify new therapeutic targets.
Social cognitive theory to improve symptom appraisal and help‐seeking among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: A qualitative study
Authors: Xiang Ling , Yoon Sungwon , Low Andrea H. L. , Leung Ying Ying , Fong Warren , Lau Tang Ching , Koh Dow Rhoon , Thumboo Julian
Published: September 2023

Aim

Social cognitive theory (SCT) has been successfully employed to improve symptom appraisal and help‐seeking among patients with various conditions but is yet to be applied in the context of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). This study aimed to explore the applicability of SCT in and possible approaches to improving symptom appraisal and help‐seeking of patients with ARDs, one of the key barriers to earlier diagnosis.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 33 ARD patients with a prolonged pre‐diagnosis interval (>3 months). We coded the transcripts deductively using SCT as the overarching framework and inductively for approaches identified from the interviews.

Results

All six main concepts of SCT (behavioral capacity, expectations, self‐efficacy, observational learning, reinforcements, and reciprocal determinism) were observed in the three stages of symptom appraisal and help‐seeking (detection, interpretation, and response) of patients with ARDs. While many participants reported that they were able and confident to detect their symptoms, they lacked the behavioral capacity and self‐efficacy to interpret symptoms correctly, which resulted in delayed help‐seeking and diagnosis. Possible approaches to address this suggested by participants (such as education of the general population) could improve behavioral capacity and self‐efficacy in symptom interpretation and enhance expectations, observational learning, reinforcements, and reciprocal determinism in symptom response.

Conclusion

Lack of behavioral capacity and self‐efficacy was observed in symptom interpretation of patients with ARDs, which resulted in delayed help‐seeking. Approaches could target the behavioral capacity and self‐efficacy for symptom interpretation to facilitate early help‐seeking and, in turn, earlier diagnosis among individuals with possible ARDs.
Pyrotinib plus antiangiogenic agents for HER2‐altered advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective real‐world study
Authors: Yang Yaning , Yang Guangjian , Li Weihua , Hao Xuezhi , Zhang Shuyang , Ai Xin , Lei Siyu , Xu Haiyan , Wang Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Although some targeted therapies have been shown to be effective in treating HER2‐altered non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the survival demands have not yet been met due to the high cost and limited availability. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of pyrotinib plus antiangiogenic agents, including apatinib, anlotinib, and bevacizumab, in previously treated patients with HER2‐altered advanced NSCLC.

Methods

In this retrospective real‐world study, patients with HER2‐altered NSCLC who received pyrotinib plus antiangiogenic agents as a second‐ or later‐line treatment between November 2015 and January 2022 were reviewed. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety profiles of patients were analyzed.

Results

A total of 107 patients were included in the analysis, of which 59 patients (55.1%) had received at least two lines of prior chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Most of them (87.9%) were identified as harboring HER2 exon 20 insertions. At the data cutoff date (May 13, 2022), the ORR, DCR, median PFS, and median OS were 19.6% (21/107), 94.4% (101/107), 7.13 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.26–8.01), and 19.50 months (95% CI: 12.83–26.17), respectively. There was no difference in the PFS between patients receiving apatinib or anlotinib/bevacizumab (median PFS, 7.13 vs. 6.27 months, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.87–2.54, p = 0.15). The most frequent grade 3 or higher treatment‐related adverse events was diarrhea (17.6%), followed by hypertension (11.0%) and nausea (3.3%). No treatment‐related death occurred.

Conclusion

In this study, pyrotinib plus antiangiogenic agents demonstrated promising efficacy and were tolerable in HER2‐altered NSCLC patients.
euka: Robust tetrapodic and arthropodic taxa detection from modern and ancient environmental DNA using pangenomic reference graphs
Authors: Vogel Nicola Alexandra , Rubin Joshua Daniel , Swartz Mikkel , Vlieghe Juliette , Sackett Peter Wad , Pedersen Anders Gorm , Pedersen Mikkel Winther , Renaud Gabriel
Published: September 2023

Ancient environmental DNA (aeDNA) is a crucial source of information for past environmental reconstruction. However, the computational analysis of aeDNA involves the inherited challenges of ancient DNA (aDNA) and the typical difficulties of eDNA samples, such as taxonomic identification and abundance estimation of identified taxonomic groups. Current methods for aeDNA fall into those that only perform mapping followed by taxonomic identification and those that purport to do abundance estimation. The former leaves abundance estimates to users, while methods for the latter are not designed for large metagenomic datasets and are often imprecise and challenging to use.

Here, we introduce euka, a tool designed for rapid and accurate characterisation of aeDNA samples. We use a taxonomy‐based pangenome graph of reference genomes for robustly assigning DNA sequences and use a maximum‐likelihood framework for abundance estimation. At the present time, our database is restricted to mitochondrial genomes of tetrapods and arthropods but can be expanded in future versions.

We find euka to outperform current taxonomic profiling tools and their abundance estimates. Crucially, we show that regardless of the filtering threshold set by existing methods, euka demonstrates higher accuracy. Furthermore, our approach is robust to sparse data, which is idiosyncratic of aeDNA, detecting a taxon with an average of 50 reads aligning. We also show that euka is consistent with competing tools on empirical samples.

euka's features are fine‐tuned to deal with the challenges of aeDNA, making it a simple‐to‐use, all‐in‐one tool. It is available on GitHub: https://github.com/grenaud/vgan. euka enables researchers to quickly assess and characterise their sample, thus allowing it to be used as a routine screening tool for aeDNA.
Environmental DNA‐based detection of pathogens in trade and captive settings: Best practices and validation for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Authors: Brunner Jesse L. , Yarber Christian M. , Pearhill Robert A. I. , Goldberg Caren S.
Published: September 2023

Detecting pathogens in the live animal trade is critical for tracking and preventing their movement, introduction and spillover into susceptible fauna. However, the scale of the live animal trade makes individually testing animals infeasible for all but the most economically important taxa. For instance, while the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), threatens amphibian, particularly caudate diversity, in Europe and the Americas, screening even a fraction of the millions of live amphibians imported into the United States, alone, is impractically laborious and expensive. A promising alternative to individual‐level sampling (e.g. swabbing the skin of salamanders) is to instead collect DNA from the animals' environment (e.g. housing container or water) which allows us to screen a whole group of animals at a time.

We used a series of experiments with Bsal‐spiked water and substrates and experimentally infected rough‐skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) to determine which methods yield the most Bsal environmental DNA (eDNA) and evaluate the capacity of these methods to detect Bsal‐infected animals in conditions found in captive settings and trade.

We found that filtering water housing infected animals for even an hour can consistently recover detectable levels of Bsal eDNA, that there is little evidence of Bsal eDNA being clumped in housing containers or swamped or inhibited by dirty housing containers, and that eDNA‐based methods achieves an equivalent or higher chance of detecting Bsal infections in a (virtual) population of co‐housed newts with fewer samples than individual swabs.

By sampling the genetic materials accumulated from a whole group of animals, eDNA‐based methods are a powerful means of detecting pathogens, such as Bsal, in shipments and captive populations. These methods bring routine pathogen surveillance into reach in many more contexts and can thus be an important tool in conservation and disease control.