bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Subtractive Proteomics Approach for the Identification of Immunodominant Acinetobacter baumannii Vaccine Candidate Proteins
Authors: Acar Mustafa Burak , Ayaz-Güner Şerife , Güner Hüseyin , Dinç Gökçen , Kılıç Ayşegül Ulu , Doğanay Mehmet , Özcan Servet
Published: June 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most dangerous multidrug-resistant pathogens worldwide. Currently, 50-70% of clinical isolates of A. baumannii are extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and available antibiotic options against A. baumannii infections are limited. There are still needs to discover specific de facto bacterial antigenic proteins that could be effective vaccine candidates in human infection. With the growth of research in recent years, several candidate molecules have been identified for vaccine development. So far, there is no public health authorities approved vaccine against A. baumannii. The purpose of this study was to identify immunodominant vaccine candidate proteins that can be immunoprecipitated specifically with patients’ IgGs. Relaying on hypothesis that IgGs of infected person have capacity to capture immunodominant bacterial proteins. Herein, outer membrane and secreted proteins of sensitive and drug resistant A. baumannii were captured by using IgGs obtained from patient and healthy control sera and were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. By using subtractive proteomic approach, we determined 34 unique proteins which were captured only in drug-resistant A. baumannii strain via patient sera. After extensive evaluation of predicted epitope regions, solubility, membrane transverse characteristics, and structural properties, we selected several notable vaccine candidates. We identified vaccine candidate proteins that triggered de facto response of human immune system against the antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii.
Identifying recent cholera infections using a multiplex bead serological assay
Authors: Jones Forrest K. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur R. , Mills Rachel , Khan Ashraful I , Slater Damien , Vater Kian Robert Hutt , Chowdhury Fahima , Kelly Meagan , Xu Peng , Kováč Pavol , Biswas Rajib , Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Ryan Edward T. , Calderwood Stephen B. , LaRocque Regina C. , Lessler Justin , Charles Richelle C. , Leung Daniel T. , Qadri Firdausi , Harris Jason B. , Azman Andrew S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Estimates of incidence based on medically attended cholera can be severely biased. Vibrio cholerae O1 leaves a lasting antibody signal and recent advances show that these can be used to estimate infection incidence rates from cross-sectional serologic data. Current laboratory methods are resource intensive and challenging to standardize across laboratories. A multiplex bead assay (MBA) could efficiently expand the breadth of measured antibody responses and improve seroincidence accuracy.

Methods

We tested 305 serum samples from confirmed cholera cases (4-1083d post-infection) and uninfected contacts in Bangladesh using an MBA (IgG/IgA/IgM for 7 Vibrio cholerae O1-specific antigens) as well as traditional vibriocidal and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (2 antigens, IgG and IgA).

Results

While post-infection vibriocidal responses were larger than other markers, several MBA-measured antibodies demonstrated robust responses with similar half-lives. Random forest models combining all MBA antibody measures allowed for accurate identification of recent cholera infections (e.g. past 200 days) including a cross-validated AUC (cvAUC200) of 92% with simpler 3 IgG antibody models having similar accuracy. Across infection windows between 45- and 300-days, accuracy of models trained on MBA measurements were non-inferior to models based on traditional assays.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate a scalable cholera serosurveillance tool that can be incorporated into multi-pathogen serosurveillance platforms.
Transition to Endemic: Acceptance of Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Among Canadian Adults in A National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Reifferscheid Laura , Wun Lee Janet Sau , MacDonald Noni E , Sadarangani Manish , Assi Ali , Lemaire-Paquette Samuel , MacDonald Shannon E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been proposed as solutions to waning immunity and decreased effectiveness of primary doses against infection with new SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, the effectiveness of additional vaccine doses relies on widespread population acceptance. We aimed to assess the acceptance of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses (third and annual doses) among Canadian adults and determine associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a national, cross-sectional online survey among Canadian adults from October 14 to November 12, 2021. Weighted multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with third and annual dose acceptance and indecision, compared to refusal. We also assessed influences on vaccine decision-making, and preferences for future vaccine delivery.

Results

Of 6010 respondents, 70% reported they would accept a third dose, while 15.2% were undecided. For annual doses, 64% reported acceptance, while 17.5% were undecided. Factors associated with third dose acceptance and indecision were similar to those associated with annual dose acceptance and indecision. Previous COVID-19 vaccine receipt, no history of COVID-19 disease, intention to receive an influenza vaccine, and increasing age were strongly associated with both acceptance and indecision. Chronic illness was associated with higher odds of acceptance, while self-reported disability was associated with higher odds of being undecided. Higher education attainment and higher income were associated with higher odds of accepting additional doses. Minority first language was associated with being undecided about additional doses, while visible minority identity was associated with being undecided about a third dose and refusing an annual dose. All respondents reported government recommendations were an important influence on their decision-making and identified pharmacy-based delivery and drop-in appointments as desirable. Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines was viewed positively by 75.5% of the dose 3 acceptance group, 12.3% of the undecided group, and 8.4% of the refusal group.

Conclusions

To increase acceptance, targeted interventions among visible minority and minority language populations, and those with a disability, are required. Offering vaccination at pharmacies and through drop-in appointments are important to facilitate uptake, while offering COVID-19/influenza vaccine co-administration may have little benefit among those undecided about additional doses.
Low normal factor V enhances thrombin generation in hemophilia A by a substrate competition mechanism with factor Xa
Authors: Monroe Dougald M. , Baird Christine , Peterson Julie A. , Mast Alan E. , Manco-Johnson Marilyn , Stobb Michael , Sindi Suzanne , Fogelson Aaron L. , Leiderman Karin , Neeves Keith B.
Published: June 2022

Bleeding patterns in people with hemophilia A cannot be predicted solely by factor VIII (FVIII) levels. Some of the variance in bleeding may be attributed to differences in plasma protein composition, and specifically other coagulation factors where the normal ranges span 50-150% of the population mean. We recently used a mathematical model of thrombus formation that identified factor V (FV) levels as a strong modifier of thrombin generation in FVIII deficiencies. Counterintuitively, the model predicted low normal FV levels enhanced thrombin generation. Here, we tested this prediction and investigated its mechanism. Thrombin generation in plasma from people with FVIII deficiencies (<5%) were negatively correlated with FV levels. A substrate competition mechanism wherein FV and FVIII compete for activation by FXa during the initiation of coagulation was tested in three models: In a purified system containing only FV, FVIII, and FXa, reducing FV enhanced FVIII activation. In synthetic plasma containing the essential proteins of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, low normal FV levels resulted in enhanced thrombin generation both in the presence or absence of TFPIα. In mixture studies using FVIII-deficient human plasma immunodepleted of FV, thrombin generation was enhanced at lower levels of FV. In all models the trend was nonlinear as the effect size was significant at low, but not high, FV levels. Our data show that low normal plasma levels of FV enhance thrombin generation in hemophilia A by reducing FXa substrate competition for FVIII activation and implicate FV levels as a strong modifier of bleeding in hemophilia A.

Key Points

Low normal levels of FV enhance thrombin generation in hemophilia A by reducing substate competition for FVIII activation.

Plasma FV levels are a strong modifier of bleeding in hemophilia A.
High sensitivity limited material proteomics empowered by data-independent acquisition on linear ion traps
Authors: Phlairaharn Teeradon , Grégoire Samuel , Woltereck Lukas R. , Petrosius Valdemaras , Furtwängler Benjamin , Searle Brian C. , Schoof Erwin M.
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the concept of cell heterogeneity in biology has gained increasing attention, concomitant with a push towards technologies capable of resolving such biological complexity at the molecular level. For single-cell proteomics using Mass Spectrometry (scMS) and low-input proteomics experiments, the sensitivity of an orbitrap mass analyzer can sometimes be limiting. Therefore, low-input proteomics and scMS could benefit from linear ion traps, which provide faster scanning speeds and higher sensitivity than an orbitrap mass analyzer, however at the cost of resolution. We optimized an acquisition method that combines the orbitrap and linear ion trap, as implemented on a tribrid instrument, while taking advantage of the high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) pro interface, with a prime focus on low-input applications. First, we compared the performance of orbitrap-versus linear ion trap mass analyzers. Subsequently, we optimized critical method parameters for low-input measurement by data-independent acquisition (DIA) on the linear ion trap mass analyzer. We conclude that linear ion traps mass analyzers combined with FAIMS and Whisper™ flow chromatography are well-tailored for low-input proteomics experiments, and can simultaneously increase the throughput and sensitivity of large-scale proteomics experiments where limited material is available, such as clinical samples and cellular sub-populations.
KDR Signaling in Muscle Stem Cells Promotes Asymmetric Division and Progenitor Generation for Efficient Regeneration
Authors: Chen William , Wang Yu Xin , Ritso Morten , Perkins Theodore J. , Rudnicki Michael A.
Published: June 2022

The regulation of muscle stem cell (MuSC) asymmetric division plays an essential role in controlling the growth and repair of skeletal muscle. We discover kinase domain receptor (KDR) as a positive modulator of MuSC asymmetric division using an in-niche high-content screen and confirmed its expression in satellite cells by ddPCR and immunofluorescence. Knockdown of KDR significantly reduces the numbers of asymmetric divisions, whereas ligand stimulation of KDR increases the numbers of asymmetric divisions. KDR signaling is impaired in dystrophin-deficient satellite cells and requires a polarized cell environment established by the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) to direct asymmetric division. Mice lacking KDR in MuSCs exhibit reduced numbers of satellite cells due to precocious differentiation, and deficits in regeneration consistent with impaired asymmetric division and reduced generation of progenitors. Therefore, our experiments identify KDR signaling as playing an essential role in MuSC function in muscle regeneration.

HIGHLIGHTS

KDR and VEGFA are expressed in satellite cells

Ligand activated KDR stimulates asymmetric satellite stem cell division

KDR signaling requires the presence of the DGC

KDR-deficient satellite cells give rise to reduced numbers of progenitors

eTOC blurb

Chen et al., performed a chemical screen using a novel screening platform to identify modulators of muscle stem cell asymmetric division. They discovered that KDR signalling requires the presence of the dystrophin associated glycoprotein complex and is an important regulator of muscle stem cell asymmetric division.
Sem1/DSS1 accelerates ATP-dependent substrate unfolding by the proteasome through a conformation-dependent intercomplex contact
Authors: Reed Randi G. , Jobin Gabriel W. , Tomko Robert J.
Published: June 2022

The 26S proteasome is an ∼70 subunit ATP-dependent chambered protease that destroys proteins via multiple highly coordinated processing steps. The smallest and only intrinsically disordered proteasome subunit, Sem1 (DSS1 in metazoans), is critical for efficient substrate degradation despite lacking obvious enzymatic activities and being located far away from the proteasome’s catalytic centers. Dissecting its role in proteolysis using cell-based approaches has been challenging because Sem1 also controls proteasome function indirectly via its role in proteasome biogenesis. To circumvent this challenge, we reconstituted Sem1-deficient proteasomes in vitro from purified components and systematically dissected its impact on distinct processing steps. Whereas most substrate processing steps are independent of Sem1, ATP-dependent unfolding is stimulated several-fold. Using structure-guided mutagenesis and engineered protein crosslinking, we demonstrate that Sem1 allosterically regulates ATP-dependent substrate unfolding via a distal conformation-dependent intersubunit contact. Together, this work reveals how a small, unstructured subunit comprising < 0.4% the total size of the proteasome can augment substrate processing from afar, and reveals a new allosteric pathway in controlling proteolysis.
Three-dimensional Interrogation of Cell Types and Instinctive Behavior in the Periaqueductal Gray
Authors: Vaughn Eric , Eichhorn Stephen , Jung Won , Zhuang Xiaowei , Dulac Catherine
Published: June 2022

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a critical midbrain hub that relays information from the forebrain to motor and autonomic brainstem centers to orchestrate instinctive behaviors. The current organization of the PAG into four main radial columns lacks the resolution needed to account for the vast range of PAG functions. Using spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomic measurements, we uncovered widespread transcriptional heterogeneity in the PAG with >100 excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations, which further assemble into 19 spatial metaclusters. We explored the transcriptional and spatial logic of PAG function during instinctive behaviors and demonstrated the regional recruitment of cell types for distinct behaviors. Unexpectedly, certain behaviors trigger differential spatial activation patterns within given cell types, illustrating the complexity of PAG molecular and functional 3D organization. The newly uncovered spatial motifs and high precision cellular map of instinctive behavior in the PAG open new avenues for a mechanistic understanding of PAG function.
Mechanistic insights of glucosome condensate formation by stochastic modeling approaches
Authors: Kang Hye-Won , Nguyen Luan , An Songon , Kyoung Minjoung
Published: June 2022

Human liver-type phosphofructokinase 1 (PFKL) has been shown to play a scaffolder role to recruit and organize glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes into a multienzyme metabolic condensate, the glucosome, that regulates glucose flux in living human cells. However, it has been challenging to characterize which factors control phase separation of PFKL and so glucosome condensates in a living cell, thus hampering to understand a mechanism of reversible glucosome formation and its functional contribution to human cells. In this work, we developed a stochastic model in silico using the principal of Langevin dynamics to investigate how biological properties of PFKL contribute to the formation of glucosome condensates. Molecular dynamics simulation using the Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) revealed the importance of an intermolecular interaction between PFKLs, an effective concentration of PFKL at a region of interest, and a pre-organization of its own self-assembly in formation of PFKL condensates and control of their sizes. Such biological properties that define intracellular dynamics of PFKL appear to be essential for phase separation of PFKL and thus formation of glucosome condensates. Collectively, our computational study provides mechanistic insights of glucosome formation, particularly an initiation step through the formation of PFKL condensates in living human cells.
TCF4trinucleotide repeat expansions and UV irradiation increase susceptibility to ferroptosis in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Saha Sanjib , Skeie Jessica M. , Schmidt Gregory A. , Eggleston Tim , Shevalye Hanna , Sales Christopher S. , Phruttiwanichakun Pornpoj , Dusane Apurva , Field Matthew G. , Rinkoski Tommy A. , Fautsch Michael P. , Baratz Keith H. , Roy Madhuparna , Jun Albert S. , Salem Aliasger K. , Greiner Mark A.
Published: June 2022

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), the leading indication for corneal transplantation in the U.S., causes loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and corneal edema leading to vision loss. FECD pathogenesis is linked to impaired response to oxidative stress and environmental ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. Although UVA is known to cause nonapoptotic oxidative cell death resulting from iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis has not been characterized in FECD. We investigated the roles of genetic background and UVA exposure in causing CEC degeneration in FECD. Using ungenotyped FECD patient surgical samples, we found increased levels of cytosolic ferrous iron (Fe2+) and lipid peroxidation in end-stage diseased tissues compared with healthy controls. Using immortalized and primary cell cultures modeling theTCF4intronic trinucleotide repeat expansion genotype, we found altered gene and protein expression involved in ferroptosis compared to controls including elevated levels of Fe2+, basal lipid peroxidation, and the ferroptosis-specific marker transferrin receptor 1. Increased cytosolic Fe2+levels were detected after physiologically relevant doses of UVA exposure, indicating a role for ferroptosis in FECD disease progression. Cultured cells were more prone to ferroptosis induced by RSL3 and UVA than controls, indicating ferroptosis susceptibility is increased by both FECD genetic background and UVA. Finally, cell death was preventable after RSL3 induced ferroptosis using solubilized ubiquinol, indicating a role for anti-ferroptosis therapies in FECD. This investigation demonstrates that genetic background and UVA exposure contribute to iron-mediated lipid peroxidation and cell death in FECD, and provides the basis for future investigations of ferroptosis-mediated disease progression in FECD.
First Report of Evaluation of Variant rs11190870 nearby LBX1 Gene with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Susceptibility in a South-Asian Indian Population
Authors: Singh Hemender , Shipra  , Gupta Manish , Bhau Poorvi , Chalotra Tania , Manotra Ruchi , Gupta Nital , Gupta Geetanjali , Pandita Ajay K. , Butt Mohammad Farooq , Sharma Rajesh , Pandita Sarla , Singh Vinod , Garg Bhavuk , Rai Ekta , Sharma Swarkar
Published: June 2022

LBX1 is a developmental gene involved in skeletal muscle development and somatosensory functioning and proven to be an important gene involved in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) etiology. Variant rs11190870 is located 7.5 kb downstream of LBX1 gene and is part of haplotype that is reported to provide risk for AIS. Several studies, including various Genome Wide Association, replication and meta-analyses studies have implicated its association with AIS in different populations. However, any such study is altogether lacking in South-Asian Indian populations. In this first genetic association study for AIS from the region, we tried to replicate association of variant rs11190870 in 95 AIS cases and 282 healthy non-AIS controls from Northwest India. The genotyping was carried out on a Realtime PCR using TaqMan allele discrimination assay and the variant was found to be following Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The statistical analyses of the genotyping data did not show significant association (p=0.66) of variant rs11190870 with AIS in the population of Northwest India. The results are interesting findings in a population that has never been studied before for AIS susceptibility. However, the findings can be attributed to under power study thus, need evaluation in a large sample set from the population. Interestingly, frequency distribution of the variant in Indian control population datasets was found to be different than other global populations. Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) differences in the genomic region were also observed in these populations while analysing 1000Genomes phase 3 data. It hints at existence of either haplotypic differences in LBX1 locus in South-Asian Indian populations with respect to other populations or genetic heterogeneity in AIS susceptibility. This lays a foundation for genome wide association study (GWAS) in Indian populations cohort, for better understanding of AIS, a task we are pursuing.
"Alexa, I just ate a donut": A pilot study collecting food and drink intake data with voice input
Authors: Millard Louise Amanda Claire , Johnson Laura , Neaves Samuel R , Flach Peter , Tilling Kate , Lawlor Deborah A.
Published: June 2022

Background
Voice-based systems such as Amazon Alexa may be useful to collect self-reported information in real-time from participants of epidemiology studies, using verbal input. We demonstrate the technical feasibility of using Alexa, investigate participant acceptability, and provide an initial evaluation of the validity of the collected data. We use food and drink information as an exemplar.

Methods
We recruited 45 staff and students at the University of Bristol (UK). Participants were asked to tell Alexa what they ate or drank for 7 days, and also to submit this information using a web form. Questionnaires asked for basic demographic information and about their experience during the study and acceptability of using Alexa.

Results
Of the 37 participants with valid data, most were 20-39 years old (N=30; 81%) and 23 (62%) were female. Across 29 participants with Alexa and web entries corresponding to the same intake event, 357 Alexa entries (61%) contained the same food/drink information as the corresponding web entry. Participants often reported that Alexa interjected, and this was worse when entering the food and drink information compared with the event date and time. The majority said they would be happy to use a voice-controlled system for future research.

Conclusions
While usability of our skill was poor, largely due to the conversational nature and because Alexa interjected if there was a pause in speech, participants were mostly open to participating in future research studies using Alexa. Many more studies are needed, in particular, to trial less conversational interfaces.
Thousands of human mutation clusters are explained by short-range template switching
Authors: Löytynoja Ari
Published: June 2022

Variation within human genomes is unevenly distributed, and variants show spatial clustering. DNA replication–related template switching is a poorly known mutational mechanism capable of causing major chromosomal rearrangements as well as creating short inverted sequence copies that appear as local mutation clusters in sequence comparisons. In this study, haplotype-resolved genome assemblies representing 25 human populations and multinucleotide variants aggregated from 140,000 human sequencing experiments were reanalyzed. Local template switching could explain thousands of complex mutation clusters across the human genome, the loci segregating within and between populations. During the study, computational tools were developed for identification of template switch events using both short-read sequencing data and genotype data, and for genotyping candidate loci using short-read data. The characteristics of template-switch mutations complicate their detection, and widely used analysis pipelines for short-read sequencing data, normally capable of identifying single nucleotide changes, were found to miss template-switch mutations of tens of base pairs, potentially invalidating medical genetic studies searching for a causative allele behind genetic diseases. Combined with the massive sequencing data now available for humans, the novel tools described here enable building catalogs of affected loci and studying the cellular mechanisms behind template switching in both healthy organisms and disease.
Proactive functional classification of all possible missense single-nucleotide variants in KCNQ4
Authors: Zheng Honglan , Yan Xinhao , Li Guanluan , Lin Hengwei , Deng Siqi , Zhuang Wenhui , Yao Fuqiang , Lu Yu , Xia Xin , Yuan Huijun , Jin Li , Yan Zhiqiang
Published: June 2022

Clinical exome sequencing has yielded extensive disease-related missense single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) of uncertain significance, leading to diagnostic uncertainty. KCNQ4 is one of the most commonly responsible genes for autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss. According to the gnomAD cohort, approximately one in 100 people harbors missense variants in KCNQ4 (missense variants with minor allele frequency > 0.1% were excluded), but most are of unknown consequence. To prospectively characterize the function of all 4085 possible missense SNVs of human KCNQ4, we recorded the whole-cell currents using the patch-clamp technique and categorized 1068 missense SNVs as loss of function, as well as 728 loss-of-function SNVs located in the transmembrane domains. Further, to mimic the heterozygous condition in Deafness nonsyndromic autosomal dominant 2 (DFNA2) patients caused by KCNQ4 variants, we coexpressed loss-of-function variants with wild-type KCNQ4 and found 516 variants showed impaired or only partially rescued heterogeneous channel function. Overall, our functional classification is highly concordant with the auditory phenotypes in Kcnq4 mutant mice and the assessments of pathogenicity in clinical variant interpretations. Taken together, our results provide strong functional evidence to support the pathogenicity classification of newly discovered KCNQ4 missense variants in clinical genetic testing.
High temporal resolution RNA-seq time course data reveals widespread synchronous activation between mammalian lncRNAs and neighboring protein-coding genes
Authors: Muskovic Walter , Slavich Eve , Maslen Ben , Kaczorowski Dominik C. , Cursons Joseph , Crampin Edmund , Kavallaris Maria
Published: June 2022

The advent of massively parallel sequencing revealed extensive transcription beyond protein-coding genes, identifying tens of thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Selected functional examples raised the possibility that lncRNAs, as a class, may maintain broad regulatory roles. Expression of lncRNAs is strongly linked with adjacent protein-coding gene expression, suggesting potential cis-regulatory functions. A more detailed understanding of these regulatory roles may be obtained through careful examination of the precise timing of lncRNA expression relative to adjacent protein-coding genes. Despite the diversity of reported lncRNA regulatory mechanisms, where causal cis-regulatory relationships exist, lncRNA transcription is expected to precede changes in target gene expression. Using a high temporal resolution RNA-seq time course, we profiled the expression dynamics of several thousand lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in synchronized, transitioning human cells. Our findings reveal that lncRNAs are expressed synchronously with adjacent protein-coding genes. Analysis of lipopolysaccharide-activated mouse dendritic cells revealed the same temporal relationship observed in transitioning human cells. Our findings suggest broad-scale cis-regulatory roles for lncRNAs are not common. The strong association between lncRNAs and adjacent genes may instead indicate an origin as transcriptional by-products from active protein-coding gene promoters and enhancers.
Predicting the adoption of e-procurement in construction project delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa: an application of UTAUT2
Authors: Addy Michael Nii , Addo Evans Teye , Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Yartey Joseph Eguei
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The substantial benefits of e-procurement to organizations and institutions have, over the past two decades, become central to supply chain management. This study aims to identify the factors that facilitate the adoption of e-procurement system using modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach, the factors identified in the UTAUT2 are operationalized and examined carefully. The investigation has been conducted using a survey questionnaire. The data set has been obtained from 205 construction professionals in Ghana.

Findings

The research evinced that the decision by individuals to adopt e-procurement is mainly influenced by performance expectancy and social influence. By implication, the study found out that the respondents are more likely to adopt e-procurement if it is seen to be user-friendly and useful, and when they have a community of people supporting its use. Overall, the findings suggest that the model can stimulate a high adoption and intention to use e-procurement technologies, given its good predictive potential and robustness.

Practical implications

The structures uncovered in the study show that not all UTAUT2 factors are applicable within the study area. The findings provide a good backdrop in the development of policy and a roadmap for e-procurement implementation in Ghana. This is particularly useful for system development and implementation purposes for government agencies, contracting organizations, professionals and users of e-procurement technologies.

Originality/value

The original contribution and value of the paper is the use of UTAUT2 to provide evidence on their significance to e-procurement adoption among construction professionals.
The impact of combining work with study on the labour market performance of graduates: the joint role of work intensity and job-field match
Authors: Di Paolo Antonio , Matano Alessia
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the effects of working during university education on labour market outcomes of university graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from three successive cohorts of graduates from the Spanish region of Catalonia, the authors estimate the effect of having worked in different types of jobs before graduation, classified according to work intensity and the match with the field of study, on the probability of being employed, having a permanent contract or having a job that requires the specific degree four years after graduation. The authors employ a multinomial endogenous treatment model that enables controlling for self-selection into pre-graduation working activities.

Findings

Pre-graduation work activities that are related to the field of study are generally beneficial for employability and job stability. Work experiences unmatched with the degree's content are detrimental for graduates' job–education match.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that jointly considers the role of work intensity (part-time vs full-time) and the relationship with the field of study in a framework that accounts for self-selection into different types of jobs. The authors also contribute to the literature by estimating the effect of pre-graduation jobs not only on the chances of being employed four years after graduation but also on two important aspects of job quality: having a permanent contract and having a job that requires the specific degree.
The effect of consumers’ perception of CSR activities on their purchasing behavior: the case of the Iranian automotive market
Authors: Tahssili Nazanin , Shahhoseini Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the customer’s perception of corporate social responsibility within the automotive market in Tehran, Iran, and whether it leads to a purchasing behavior directly or indirectly through support intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 235 customers of luxury and mid-range-priced automobiles were surveyed and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method.

Findings

Regarding luxury car owners, the authors concluded that both economical and ethical perceptions are indirectly related to purchasing behavior. Concerning mid-range-priced car buyers, both philanthropic and economical perceptions have a direct relationship with purchasing behavior, while the legal perception has an indirect relationship with purchasing behavior. The results show that Iranian car manufacturers and foreign car dealerships for both luxury and mid-range customers should focus on their economical responsibilities. The results show that luxury car manufacturers and dealerships should act ethically. With the importance of the philanthropic dimension for customers of mid-range cars, car dealerships dealing with mid-range-priced cars should focus more on their philanthropic activities. This study can help companies find better solutions to adjust their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies to the consumers’ beliefs, gain a competitive advantage in the market and fill the knowledge gap regarding Iranian consumers.

Originality/value

Although some research has been conducted on consumer perception and response regarding CSR in both developed and developing countries, no studies on consumer perception toward CSR have been carried out in Iran.
Forming post-COVID supply chains: does supply chain managers' social network affect resilience?
Authors: Nikookar Ethan , Yanadori Yoshio
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Rethinking how to build resilience in supply chains is once again highlighted by COVID-19. Research on supply chain resilience has established flexibility as a firm-level antecedent that contributes to supply chain resilience. However, the authors know little about how supply chain flexibility is developed within a firm. Drawing on social capital theory, the authors claim that the way supply chain managers are embedded in their social networks plays a critical role in developing this antecedent. Specifically, the authors hypothesize that supply chain managers' structural and relational embeddedness in their reference network, comprised of individuals from whom they seek advice, is instrumental to developing supply chain flexibility, which subsequently enhances the firm's supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data collected from 485 manufacturing firms in Australia and Hayes and Preacher's (2014) parallel multiple mediator model were employed to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study establish that supply chain managers' structural and relational embeddedness in their reference network indeed have implications for developing supply chain resilience. Furthermore, the mediator through which managers' social embeddedness influences supply chain resilience is identified in the current study.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the extant literature on supply chain resilience, investigating the role that supply chain managers' social capital play in developing the resilience of their firm.
Juridical review of law enforcement on money launderers: case study from Indonesia
Authors: Meiryani  , Warganegara Dezie Leonarda
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Efforts to prevent and eradicate the crime of money laundering require a strong legal basis to ensure legal certainty. This paper aims to analyse law enforcement on money launderers with juridical review perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used in this study is the statute approach, which is to examine all laws and regulations related to the crime of money laundering. The writing method used is the normative method, which is a type of research that uses the analysis of certain legislation.

Findings

Three new findings were discovered. In assessing the validity or validation of a business ownership or business transaction, there are at least three pieces of evidence that need to be used, namely, presence/absence of company/business registration in an official government database; the presence/absence (including the amount) of tax reported on income tax and VAT; and the presence/absence of other legal documents relating to the existence or general licensing of a business.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are also expected to be helpful for the community, government agencies, or institutions, such as the police, to combat corruption, and money laundering. The Prosecutor's Office and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) describe the handling of money laundering crimes originating from money laundering crimes.

Social implications

This research can provide an overview and input for the broader community as an early warning so as not to commit money laundering crimes.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneer studies looking into law enforcement on money launderers with comprehensive juridical review.
An indirect method to determine nonlinearly elastic shear stress-strain constitutive relationships for nonlinear torsional vibration of nonlinearly elastic shafts
Authors: Lin Fan , Peng Jianshe , Xue Shifeng , Yang Jie
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the authors aim to propose an effective method to indirectly determine nonlinear elastic shear stress-strain constitutive relationships for nonlinear elasticity materials, and then study the nonlinear free torsional vibration of Al–1%Si shaft.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study the authors use BoxLucas1 model to fit the determined-experimentally nonlinear elastic normal stress–strain constitutive relationship curve of Al–1%Si, a typical case of isotropic nonlinear elasticity materials, and then derive its nonlinear shear stress-strain constitutive relationships based on the fitting constitutive relationships and general equations of plane-stress and plane-strain transformation. Hamilton’s principle is utilized to gain nonlinear governing equation and boundary conditions for free torsional vibration of Al–1%Si shaft. Differential quadrature method and an iterative algorithm are employed to numerically solve the gained equations of motion.

Findings

The effect of four variables, namely dimensionless fundamental vibration amplitude ϑmax, radius α and length β, and nonlinear-elasticity intensity factor δ, on frequencies and mode shapes of the shafts is obtained. Numerical results are in good agreement with reference solutions, and show that compared with linearly elastic shear stress-strain constitutive relationships of the shafts made of the nonlinear elasticity materials, its actual nonlinearly elastic shear stress-strain constitutive relationships have smaller torsion frequencies. In addition, but β having opposite hardening effect, the rest of the four variables have softening effect on nonlinearly elastic torsion frequencies. Eventually, taking into account nonlinearly elastic shear stress-strain constitutive relationships, changes of the four factors, i.e. ϑmax, α, β and δ, cause inflation and deflation behaviors of mode shapes in nonlinear free torsional vibration.

Originality/value

The study could provide a reference for indirectly determining nonlinear elastic shear stress-strain constitutive relationships for nonlinear elasticity materials and for structure design of torsional shaft made of nonlinear elasticity materials.
Multispecies biofilms in fermentation: Biofilm formation, microbial interactions, and communication
Authors: Yao Shangjie , Hao Liying , Zhou Rongqing , Jin Yao , Huang Jun , Wu Chongde
Published: June 2022

Food fermentation is driven by microorganisms, which usually coexist as multispecies biofilms. The activities and interactions of functional microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria in biofilms have important implications for the quality and safety of fermented foods. It was verified that the biofilm lifestyle benefited the fitness of microorganisms in harsh environments and intensified the cooperation and competition between biofilm members. This review focuses on multispecies biofilm formation, microbial interactions and communication in biofilms, and the application of multispecies biofilms in food fermentation. Microbial aggregation and adhesion are important steps in the early stage of multispecies biofilm formation. Different biofilm‐forming abilities and strategies among microorganisms lead to several types of multispecies biofilm formation. The spatial distribution of multispecies biofilms reflects microbial interactions and biofilm function. Then, we discuss the intrinsic factors and external manifestations of multispecies biofilm system succession. Several typical interspecies cooperation and competition modes and mechanisms of microbial communication were reviewed in this review. The main limitations of the studies included in this review are the relatively small number of studies of biofilms formed by functional microorganisms during fermentation and the lack of direct evidence for the formation process of multispecies biofilms and microbial interactions and communication within biofilms. This review aims to provide the food industry with a sufficient understanding of multispecies biofilms in food fermentation.

Practical Application: Meanwhile, it offers a reference value for better controlling and utilizing biofilms during food fermentation process, and the improvement of the yield, quality, and safety of fermented products including Chinese Baijiu, cheeese,kefir, soy sauce, kombucha, and fermented olive.
Does Space Law Prevent Patterns of Antarctic Imperialism in Outer Space?
Authors: Padden Henry
Published: June 2022

This article will consider the ways states have exercised imperialism over Antarctica, focusing on two methods: the use of administrative acts and control over scientific research and resources. The article will then compare the Outer Space Treaty and the Antarctic Treaty System around these two methods, as well as the use of military capabilities as an important aspect of imperial control, to question whether space law prohibits imperialism. The Outer Space Treaty seeks to prevent the militarisation of space, the unequal use of resources and claims of sovereignty. However, given the methods of imperialism on Antarctica and the underdevelopment of space law, this kind of imperialism may also be exercised in outer space. It will argue that while formal sovereignty claims are prevented, de facto exclusive claims are not. The establishment of permanent bases under the jurisdiction of the sender state, and the commercial opportunities presented by scientific research and the exploitation of resources create incentives for the use of the military which is also not satisfactorily regulated by international space law.
An oldest‐old non‐small cell lung cancer patient with abscopal effect in a single lesion
Authors: Sakaguchi Tadashi , Ito Kentaro , Fujiwara Kentaro , Nishii Yoichi , Ochiai Satoru , Nomoto Yoshihito , Hataji Osamu
Published: June 2022

The abscopal effect without concomitant immunotherapy is a rare event, including among cases of lung cancer. Furthermore, the occurrence of limited abscopal effect for only a single lesion in the metastatic organ consistent with the irradiated organ would be an even more rare event. A 94‐year‐old man was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer with osteolytic bone metastases in his right iliac bone, and the right side of his axial vertebrae. After palliative radiation therapy to the right iliac lesion for pain relief without other anticancer therapy, the axial vertebral osteolytic lesion disappeared despite no reduction in the other lesions. This case furthers our understanding of the pathogenesis of the abscopal effect.
A novel technique of ultrasound‐guided lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve block: A cadaveric study
Authors: Tavoletti Diego , Nanka Ondrej , Rosano' Elisabetta , Cerchiara Paolo , Cerutti Elisabetta , Pecora Luca
Published: June 2022

Background

The lateral cutaneous branch of the iliohypogastric nerve (LCBIN) block combined with the lateral femoral cutaneous, superior cluneal and subcostal nerve blocks has been shown to provide complete anaesthetic coverage for the incisions used for hip arthroplasty. Successful ultrasound‐guided selective nerve blocks have been described for these nerves, except for the LCBIN. The objective of this cadaveric study was to determine the position of the LCBIN in order to provide the anatomical basis for an ultrasound‐guided nerve block approach. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the spread of injected dye after using the ultrasound‐guided nerve block approach.

Methods

The LCBIN and its relationship with iliac crest (IC) was assessed bilaterally in 27 adult cadaveric dissections. Bilaterally, in two cadavers, an ultrasound transducer was applied transversely above the IC and moved in caudal or cranial direction to identify the LCBIN. A needle was inserted in‐plane and 3 ml of a solution with methylene blue was injected and confirmed by dissection.

Results

The mean distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the point where the LCBIN crossed the IC was 9.74 ± 0.84 cm. The mean distance from the point where the nerve pierced the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle to the point where it crossed the IC was 0.59 ± 0.77 cm. The nerve was easily visualised in 3 out of 4 sides using ultrasound. However, the nerve was coloured in all cases.

Conclusion

The present study showed that the LCBIN has a constant location and is sonographically easy visualized in a well‐defined anatomical space. Thus, the ultrasound guided LCBIN block may be an alternative to the blind injection technique.
Understanding short‐term price pressure from index reconstitutions: Evidence from the CSI 300
Authors: Chu Gang , Goodell John W. , Li Xiao , Zhang Yongjie
Published: June 2022

Motivated by the mixed results of the few prior studies, we focus on the short‐term price performance of stocks added to or deleted from the CSI 300 Index. Consistent with the price pressure hypothesis, we evidence a temporary change in the prices of respective added and deleted stocks, followed by subsequent price reversions. To reconcile past studies, we also test several explanatory factors as potential sources of short‐term price pressure. Results show that changes in investor trading behaviour, investor awareness, firm risk, and liquidity explain the short‐term price pressure of added and deleted stocks, while changes in institutional trading, realised volatility, and liquidity explain the differences in the impact of reconstitutions between added and deleted stocks.