bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical cancer stem-like cell transcriptome profiles predict response to chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zuccherato Luciana W. , Machado Christina M. T. , Magalhães Wagner C. S. , Martins Patrícia R. , Campos Larissa S. , Braga Letícia C. , Teixeira-Carvalho Andrea , Martins-Filho Olindo A. , Franco Telma M. R. F. , Paula Sálua O. C. , de Silva Israel Tojal , Drummond Rodrigo , Gollob Kenneth J. , Salles Paulo Guilherme O.
Published: November 2020

Cervical cancer (CC) represents a major global health issue, particularly impacting women from resource constrained regions worldwide. Treatment refractoriness to standard chemo-radiotherapy has identified cancer stem cells as critical coordinators behind the biological mechanisms of resistance, contributing to CC recurrence. In this work, we evaluated differential gene expression in cervical cancer stem-like cells (CCSC) as biomarkers related to intrinsic chemoradioresistance in CC. A total of 31 patients with locally advanced CC and referred to Mario Penna Institute (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) from August 2017 to May 2018 were recruited for the study. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to enrich CD34+/CD45-CCSC from tumor biopsies. Transcriptome was performed using ultra-low input RNA sequencing and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Log2 fold differences and adjusted p value < 0.05 were determined. A panel of biomarkers was selected using the rank-based AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) and pAUC (partial AUC) measurements for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The analysis showed 1062 DEGs comparing between the Non-Responder (n=10) and Responder (n=21) groups to chemoradiotherapy. Overlapping of the 20 highest AUC and pAUC values revealed five transcripts potentially implicated in innate chemoresistance (ILF2, SNX2, COPZ1, AC016722.1 and AL360175.1). This study identifies DEG signatures that serve as potential biomarkers in CC prognosis and treatment outcome, as well as identifies potential alternative targets for cancer therapy.
Community interventions for people with complex emotional needs that meet the criteria for ‘personality disorder’ diagnoses: a systematic review of economic evaluations
Authors: Botham Joe , Clark Amy , Steare Thomas , Stuart Ruth , Oram Sian , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Jeynes Tamar , Broeckelmann Eva , Crawford Mike , Johnson Sonia , Simpson Alan , McCrone Paul
Published: November 2020

Background

Diagnoses of “personality disorder” are prevalent among people using community secondary mental health services. Whilst the effectiveness of a range of community-based treatments have been considered, as the NHS budget is finite, it is also important to consider the cost-effectiveness of those interventions.

Aims

To assess the cost-effectiveness of primary or secondary care community-based interventions for people with complex emotional needs that meet criteria for a diagnosis of “personality disorder” to inform healthcare policy making.

Method

Systematic review (PRESPORO #: CRD42020134068) of five databases, supplemented by reference list screening and citation tracking of included papers. We included economic evaluations of interventions for adults with complex emotional needs associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’ in community mental health settings published between before 18 September 2019. Study quality was assessed using the CHEERS statement. Narrative synthesis was used to summarise study findings.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. The studies mainly evaluated psychotherapeutic interventions. Studies were also identified which evaluated altering the setting in which care was delivered and joint crisis plans. No strong economic evidence to support a single intervention or model of community-based care was identified.

Conclusion

There is no robust economic evidence to support a single intervention or model of community-based care for people with complex emotional needs. The review identified the strongest evidence for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy with all three identified studies indicating the intervention is likely to be cost-effective in community settings compared to treatment as usual. Further research is needed to provide robust evidence on the cost-effectiveness of community-based interventions upon which decision makers can confidently base guidelines or allocate resources.
T2 heterogeneity as anin vivomarker of microstructural integrity in medial temporal lobe subfields in ageing and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wearn Alfie R. , Nurdal Volkan , Saunders-Jennings Esther , Knight Michael J. , Madan Christopher R. , Fallon Sean-James , Isotalus Hanna K. , Kauppinen Risto A. , Coulthard Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2020

A better understanding of early brain changes that precede loss of independence in diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is critical for development of disease-modifying therapies. Quantitative MRI, such as T2 relaxometry, can identify microstructural changes relevant to early stages of pathology. Recent evidence suggests heterogeneity of T2 may be a more informative measure of early pathology than absolute T2. Here we test whether T2 markers of brain integrity precede the volume changes we know are present in established AD and whether such changes are most marked in medial temporal lobe (MTL) subfields known to be most affected early in AD. We show that T2 heterogeneity was greater in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n=49) compared to healthy older controls (n=99) in all MTL subfields, but this increase was greatest in MTL cortices, and smallest in dentate gyrus. This reflects the spatio-temporal progression of neurodegeneration in AD. T2 heterogeneity in the entorhinal cortex also predicted cognitive decline over a year in people with MCI, where measures of volume or T2 in any other subfield or whole hippocampus could not. Increases in T2 heterogeneity in MTL cortices may reflect localised pathological change and may present as one of the earliest detectible brain changes prior to atrophy. Finally, we describe a mechanism by which memory, as measured by accuracy and reaction time on a paired associate learning task, deteriorates with age. Age-related memory deficits were explained in part by lower subfield volumes, which in turn were directly associated with greater T2 heterogeneity. We propose that tissue with high T2 heterogeneity represents extant tissue at risk of permanent damage but with the potential for therapeutic rescue. This has implications for early detection of neurodegenerative disease.
Test-adjusted results of mortality for Covid-19 in Germany, USA, UK
Authors: Mimkes Jürgen , Janssen Rainer
Published: November 2020

In a disease, where all infected persons show symptoms, it is reasonable to calculate mortality by case to fatality rate CFR. Deaths follow infections by a certain time lag. However, in the Covid-19 pandemic many infectious patients show no or hardly any symptoms. The reported infections and deaths do not run parallel, but diverge with the volume of tests.

Our investigations for Germany, USA and UK indicate that deaths do not follow the number of infections, but the positive rate of tests, multiplied by a constant factor F and shifted by about two weeks. These test adjusted results of mortality allow for the estimation of the number of deaths of Covid-19 about two weeks ahead, even in a sharply rising state of the pandemic. This gives medical authorities two weeks of time to plan for resources.
Intraspecific variation in symbiont density in an insect-microbe symbiosis
Authors: Parker Benjamin J. , Hrček Jan , McLean Ailsa H.C. , Brisson Jennifer A. , Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Many insects host vertically-transmitted microbes, which can confer benefits to their hosts but are costly to maintain and regulate. A key feature of these symbioses is variation: for example, symbiont density can vary among host and symbiont genotypes. However, the evolutionary forces maintaining this variation remain unclear. We studied variation in symbiont density using the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and the bacteriumRegiella insecticola, a symbiont that can protect its host against fungal pathogens. We found that relative symbiont density varies both between twoRegiellaphylogenetic clades and among aphid ‘biotypes’. Higher-density symbiont infections are correlated with stronger survival costs, but variation in density has little effect on the protectionRegiellaprovides against fungus. Instead, we found that in some aphid genotypes, a dramatic decline in symbiont density precedes the loss of a symbiont infection. Together, our data suggest that the optimal density of a symbiont infection is likely different from the perspective of aphid and microbial fitness.Regiellamight prevent loss by maintaining high within-host densities, but hosts do not appear to benefit from higher symbiont numbers and may be advantaged by losing costly symbionts in certain environments. The standing variation in symbiont density observed in natural populations could therefore be maintained by antagonistic coevolutionary interactions between hosts and their symbiotic microbes.
RESTORING CONNEXIN-36 FUNCTION IN DIABETOGENIC ENVIRONMENTS PRECLUDES MOUSE AND HUMAN ISLET DYSFUNCTION
Authors: St. Clair Joshua R , Westacott Matthew J , Miranda Jose , Farnsworth Nikki L , Kravets Vira , Schleicher Wolfgang E , Dwulet JaeAnn M , Levitt Claire H , Heintz Audrey , Ludin Nurin WF , Benninger Richard KP
Published: November 2020

The secretion of insulin from β-cells in the islet of Langerhans is governed by a series of metabolic and electrical events, which can fail during the progression of type2 diabetes (T2D). β-cells are electrically coupled via Cx36 gap junction channels, which coordinates the pulsatile dynamics of [Ca2+] and insulin release across the islet. Factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids disrupt gap junction coupling under invitro conditions. Here we test whether gap junction coupling and coordinated [Ca2+] dynamics are disrupted in T2D, and whether recovery of gap junction coupling can recover islet function. We examine islets from donors with T2D, from db/db mice, and islets treated with proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-ɣ) or free fatty acids (palmitate). We modulate gap junction coupling using Cx36 over-expression or pharmacological activation via modafinil. We also develop a peptide mimetic (S293) of the c-terminal regulatory site of Cx36 designed to compete against its phosphorylation. Cx36 gap junction permeability and [Ca2+] dynamics were disrupted in islets from both human donors with T2D and db/db mice, and in islets treated with proinflammatory cytokines or palmitate. Cx36 over-expression, modafinil treatment and S293 peptide all enhanced Cx36 gap junction coupling and protected against declines in coordinated [Ca2+] dynamics. Cx36 over-expression and S293 peptide also reduced apoptosis induced by proinflammatory cytokines. Critically S293 peptide rescued gap junction coupling and [Ca2+] dynamics in islets from both db/db mice and a sub-set of T2D donors. Thus, recovering or enhancing Cx36 gap junction coupling can improve islet function in diabetes.

KEY POINTS

- Cx36 gap junction permeability and associated coordination of [Ca2+] dynamics is diminished in human type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mouse models of T2D.

- Enhancing Cx36 gap junction permeability protects against disruptions to the coordination of [Ca2+] dynamics.

- A novel peptide mimetic of the Cx36 c-terminal regulatory region protects against declines in Cx36 gap junction permeability.

- Pharmacological elevation in Cx36 or Cx36 peptide mimetic recovers [Ca2+] dynamics and GSIS in human T2D and mouse models of T2D.
Integrating real-time data analysis into automatic tracking of social insect behavior
Authors: Sclocco Alessio , Ong Shirlyn Jia Yun , Aung Sai Yan Pyay , Teseo Serafino
Published: November 2020

Automatic video tracking has become a standard tool for investigating the social behavior of insects. The recent integration of computer vision in tracking technologies will likely lead to fully automated behavioral pattern classification within the next few years. However, most current systems rely on offline data analysis and use computationally expensive techniques to track pre-recorded videos. To address this gap, we developed BACH (Behavior Analysis maCHine), a software that performs video tracking of insect groups in real time. BACH uses object recognition via convolutional neural networks and identifies individually tagged insects via an existing matrix code recognition algorithm. We compared the tracking performances of BACH and a human observer across a series of short videos of ants moving in a 2D arena. We found that, concerning computer vision-based ant detection only, BACH performed only slightly worse than the human observer. Contrarily, individual identification only attained human-comparable levels when ants moved relatively slow, and fell when ants walked relatively fast. This happened because BACH had a relatively low efficiency in detecting matrix codes in blurry images of ants walking at high speeds. BACH needs to undergo hardware and software adjustments to overcome its present limits. Nevertheless, our study emphasizes the possibility of, and the need for, integrating real time data analysis into the study of animal behavior. This will accelerate data generation, visualization and sharing, opening possibilities for conducting fully remote collaborative experiments.
Loss of the RNA helicaseDhx15impairs endothelial energy metabolism, lymphatic drainage and tumor metastasis in mice
Authors: Ribera Jordi , Portolés Irene , Córdoba Bernat , Rodríguez-Vita Juan , Casals Gregori , de la Presa Bernardino González , Graupera Mariona , Soria Guadalupe , Tudela Raúl , Esteve-Codina Anna , Espadas Guadalupe , Sabidó Eduard , Jiménez Wladimiro , Sessa William C. , Morales-Ruiz Manuel
Published: November 2020

DHX15 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase involved in pre-mRNA splicing and a downstream substrate for Akt1, which plays a significant role in vascular biology. The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory function of DHX15 over the vasculature and endothelial cell biology.Results:DHX15-/-was lethal in mouse and zebrafish embryos. DHX15-/-zebrafish also showed an undeveloped parachordal line, which leads to the formation of lymphatic structures. DHX15+/-mice triggered lower vascular network density and impaired lymphatic function postnatally. Transcriptome and proteome analysis of DHX15 silenced LEC revealed alterations in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. The validation of these results demonstrated an uncoupling of the glycolysis with the oxidation of pyruvate in the mitochondria and a lower activity of the Complex I, resulting in lower cellular ATP production. Noteworthy, DHX15+/-mice partially inhibited primary tumor growth and reduced lung metastasis after injection of LLC1 tumor cells.
Heritability of cortical morphology reflects a sensory-fugal plasticity gradient
Authors: Vainik Uku , Paquola Casey , Wang Xindi , Zheng Yingqiu , Bernhardt Boris , Misic Bratislav , Dagher Alain
Published: November 2020

Human brain plastically adapts to environmental demands. Here, we propose that naturally occuring plasticity in certain brain areas should be reflected by higher environmental influence and therefore lower heritability of the structure of those brain areas. Mesulam’s (1998) seminal overview proposed a hierarchy of plasticity, where higher-order multimodal areas should be more plastic than lower-order sensory areas. Using microstructural and functional gradients as proxies for Mesulam’s hierarchy, we seek to test whether these gradients predict heritability of brain structure. We test this model simultaneously across multiple measures of cortical structure and microstructure derived from structural magnet resonance imaging. We also account for multiple other explanations of heritability differences, such as signal-to-noise ratio and spatial autocorrelation. We estimated heritability of brain areas using 984 participants from the Human Connectome Project. Multi-level modelling of heritability differences demonstrated that heritability is explained by both signal quality, as well as by the primary microstructural gradient. Namely, sensory areas had higher heritability and limbic/heteromodal areas had lower heritability. Given the increasing availability of genetically informed imaging data, heritability could be a quick method assess brain plasticity.

Highlights (up to 85 chars)

Cortical areas vary in heritability. This is seen across structural measures.

Heritability differences could be explained by plasticity, topography, or noise.

We build a comprehensive model testing many explanations across 5 measures.

Heritability is explained by noise and 1ststructural gradient reflecting plasticity.

Heritability could be a method to study brain plasticity.
Calcium depletion challenges endoplasmic reticulum proteostasis by destabilising BiP-substrate complexes
Authors: Preissler Steffen , Rato Claudia , Yan Yahui , Perera Luke A. , Czako Aron , Ron David
Published: November 2020

The metazoan endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves both as a hub for maturation of secreted proteins and as an intracellular calcium storage compartment, facilitating calcium release-dependent cellular processes. ER calcium depletion robustly activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, it is unclear how fluctuations in ER calcium impact organellar proteostasis. Here we report that calcium selectively affects the dynamics of the abundant metazoan ER Hsp70 chaperone BiP, by enhancing its affinity for ADP. In the calcium replete ER, ADP rebinding to post-ATP hydrolysis BiP-substrate complexes competes with ATP binding during both spontaneous and co-chaperone-assisted nucleotide exchange, favouring substrate retention. Conversely, in the calcium depleted ER, relative acceleration of ADP-to-ATP exchange favours substrate release. These findings explain the rapid dissociation of certain substrates from BiP observed in the calcium-depleted ER and suggest a mechanism for tuning ER quality control and coupling UPR activity to signals that mobilise ER calcium in secretory cells.
Modelling the active SARS-CoV-2 helicase complex as a basis for structure-based inhibitor design
Authors: Berta Dénes , Badaoui Magd , Buigues Pedro J. , Martino Sam Alexander , Pisliakov Andrei V. , Elghobashi-Meinhardt Nadia , Wells Geoff , Harris Sarah A. , Frezza Elisa , Rosta Edina
Published: November 2020

Having claimed over 1 million lives worldwide to date, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created one of the biggest challenges to develop an effective drug to treat infected patients. Among all the proteins expressed by the virus, RNA helicase is a fundamental protein for viral replication, and it is highly conserved among the coronaviridae family. To date, there is no high-resolution structure of helicase bound with ATP and RNA. We present here structural insights and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA helicase both in its apo form and in complex with its natural substrates. Our structural information of the catalytically competent helicase complex provides valuable insights for the mechanism and function of this enzyme at the atomic level, a key to develop specific inhibitors for this potential COVID-19 drug target.
Structure of nonstructural protein 1 from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Clark Lauren K. , Green Todd J. , Petit Chad M.
Published: November 2020

The periodic emergence of novel coronaviruses (CoVs) represents an ongoing public health concern with significant health and financial burden worldwide. The most recent occurrence originated in the city of Wuhan, China where a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged causing severe respiratory illness and pneumonia. The continual emergence of novel coronaviruses underscores the importance of developing effective vaccines as well as novel therapeutic options that target either viral functions or host factors recruited to support coronavirus replication. The CoV nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) has been shown to promote cellular mRNA degradation, block host cell translation, and inhibit the innate immune response to virus infection. Interestingly, deletion of the nsp1-coding region in infectious clones prevented the virus from productively infecting cultured cells. Because of nsp1’s importance in the CoV lifecycle, it has been highlighted as a viable target for both antiviral therapy and vaccine development. However, the fundamental molecular and structural mechanisms that underlie nsp1 function remain poorly understood, despite its critical role in the viral lifecycle. Here we report the high-resolution crystal structure of the amino, globular portion of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 (residues 10 – 127) at 1.77Å resolution. A comparison of our structure with the SARS-CoV-1 nsp1 structure reveals how mutations alter the conformation of flexible loops, inducing the formation of novel secondary structural elements and new surface features. Paired with the recently published structure of the carboxyl end of nsp1 (residues 148 – 180), our results provide the groundwork for future studies focusing on SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 structure and function during the viral lifecycle.

IMPORTANCE

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent for the COVID-19 pandemic. One protein known to play a critical role in the coronavirus lifecycle is nonstructural protein1 (nsp1). As such, it has been highlighted in numerous studies as a target for both the development of antivirals and for the design of live-attenuated vaccines. Here we report the high-resolution crystal structure of nsp1 derived from SARS-CoV-2 at 1.77Å resolution. This structure will facilitate future studies focusing on understanding the relationship between structure and function for nsp1. In turn, understanding these structure-function relationships will allow nsp1 to be fully exploited as a target for both antiviral development and vaccine design.
Is the Healthy Start scheme associated with increased food expenditure in low-income families with young children in the United Kingdom?
Authors: Parnham Jennie , Millett Christopher , Chang Kiara , Laverty Anthony A , von Hinke Stephanie , Pearson-Stuttard Jonathan , Vamos Eszter P
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Healthy Start is a food assistance programme in the United Kingdom (UK) which aims to enable low-income families on welfare benefits to access a healthier diet through the provision of food vouchers. Healthy Start was launched in 2006 but remains under-evaluated. This study aims to determine whether participation in the Healthy Start scheme is associated with differences in food expenditure in a nationally representative sample of households in the UK.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses of the Living Costs and Food Survey dataset (2010-2017). All households with a child (0-3 years) or pregnant woman were included in the analysis (n=4,869). Multivariable quantile regression compared the expenditure and quantity of fruit and vegetables (FV), infant formula and total food purchases. Four exposure groups were defined based on eligibility, participation and income (Healthy Start Participating, Eligible Non-participating, Nearly Eligible low-income and Ineligible high-income households).

Results

Of 876 eligible households, 54% participated in Healthy Start. No significant differences were found in FV or total food purchases between participating and eligible non-participating households, but infant formula purchases were lower in Healthy Start participating households. Ineligible higher-income households had higher purchases of FV.

Conclusion

This study did not find evidence of an association between Healthy Start participation and FV expenditure. Moreover, inequalities in FV purchasing persist in the UK. Higher participation and increased voucher value may be needed to improve programme performance and counteract the harmful effects of poverty on diet.
The transition of spatial organisation planning of pre and post-colonial housing in Khartoum
Authors: Ibrahim Gadsiah M.A. , Saeed Tallal A. , El-Khouly Tamir
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The focus of this paper is the changes in domestic social patterns from independence (1956) in Khartoum and their effects on domestic architecture, analysed using space syntax analysis. The built representation of the political change in Khartoum, which had led economic, cultural and social transformation, has not been well investigated. The domestic architecture is envisaged here to reflect the change from a liberal and secular British colonial lifestyle to a post-colonial native conservative and religious one.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explored twenty representative samples from the two eras in order to reveal the hidden nature of these patterns by employing space syntax analysis, particularly convex mapping. This analysis attempted to both decipher space transition and to identify patterns. Interviews were conducted to interpret the social meaning of these configurations and to factor in the historical context of the transition.

Findings

The analytical comparisons revealed that these socio-cultural changes had subtle effects on the transformations experienced in the use and spatial organization. The change shows the emerging dominance of privacy: the relationship with exterior had started to diminish, and some interior spaces were redefined. This privacy centred patterns also, in many post-colonial cases, have pushed the core of integration deeper in the access graph.

Social implications

The study sheds lights on the transition in the Sudanese society, reflected on the spatial arrangement of houses and traditions. It is directed to the Sudanese as well as regional societies who passed the transition before and after colonial eras.

Originality/value

The enclosed j-graph study on houses' plans is original and haven't been investigated using this space syntax approach.
The impact of firm size on competitive intelligence activities
Authors: Calof Jonathan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Given the importance of competitive intelligence (CI) to the economic performance of firms, understanding whether CI practice is impacted by firm size or by their awareness of CI maybe important when creating programs designed to improve firms’ CI performance. This paper aims to address this by examining the extent to which the CI practices of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large firms differed using a sample of firms with knowledge/awareness of CI.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed that included 10 CI organization questions and 67 CI process questions. The survey was sent to a sample with awareness/knowledge of CI – strategic and CI professionals (SCIP) members and individuals who had attended SCIP events T-tests were then used to compare the SME’s and large firms’ responses to the 10 CI organization and 67 CI process questions.

Findings

For firms with CI awareness/knowledge, the study results suggest that size has very little relationship with CI practice. Of the 10 CI organization variables, only two were significantly different between the SME’s and the large firms. Large firms had more full-time CI staff and were more likely to have a formal intelligence unit compared to the SME’s. Of the 67 CI process variables, only four were significantly different between the SME’s and the large firms. Large firms made more use of company intranet for distributing CI findings use business analytics software and use commercial databases for information than SME’s while the SME’s used social media, in particular Facebook more than large firms, in their competitive intelligence activities.

Originality/value

This study uses a sample frame of firms with CI awareness/knowledge in examining differences between SME’s and large firms CI practices.
The roles of learning orientation: structural determinants for improving knowledge sharing with committed and satisfied employees
Authors: Ro Yun Jeong , Yoo Myunghyun , Koo Yohan , Song Ji Hoon
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between several perceptional and behavioral determinants of employees’ knowledge sharing. Based on the conceptual model of the current research, individuals’ learning orientation was theorized as playing a mediating role in the influences of employees’ satisfaction and organizational commitment on knowledge sharing in the Korean retail service industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze variable relationships, a total of 868 cases, collected from the Korean retail service industry, were used. Structural equation modeling was used for analyzing structural influential relationships among the variables.

Findings

One of the most important findings is that learning orientation is the key factor influencing knowledge sharing. More specifically, the analysis demonstrated that job satisfaction and organizational commitment have a significant influence on knowledge sharing only through learning orientation in terms of its mediating effect. In other words, learning orientation is a facilitator enhancing knowledge sharing through motivation and intention. The findings of this study have theoretical implications. In addition, an individual’s job satisfaction and organizational commitment could lead to a more active learning orientation and eventually could enhance knowledge-sharing activities.

Practical implications

The findings show that learning orientation is the key factor influencing knowledge sharing. In other words, learning orientation is a facilitator enhancing knowledge sharing through motivation and intention. These findings provide practical implications for practitioners who attempt to promote knowledge sharing among employees.

Originality/value

Most studies have considered the variables of job satisfaction and employee commitment as outcome variables. However, in the research, this paper founds that satisfied and committed employees could be the most critical influencers for organization performance and knowledge improvement.
Relational impact of buyer–supplier dyads on sustainable purchasing and supply management: a proximity perspective
Authors: Houé Thierry , Duchamp David
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Sustainable purchasing and supply management (SPSM) is a lever of sustainable development for companies and remains an interesting research issue that can be analysed from various perspectives. By considering the polymorphic concept of proximity as a theoretical support, this research studies the buyer–supplier dyad and aims to answer the following question. How does the diversity of buyer–supplier dyad relationships influence the SPSM of direct and indirect purchases within a manufacturing company?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative approach founded on a matrix analysis to describe buyer–supplier relationships through the prism of the proximity concept. The field of study consists in a single case with embedded units including a manufacturing company and a sample of 13 suppliers of direct and indirect purchases.

Findings

The research reveals diverse combinations of proximities that characterise relationships between a buyer and suppliers of several purchasing categories. This diversity of relational contexts influences SPSM in different ways. The authors highlight three SPSM approaches labelled contractual, relational and embedded and describe practices carried out with suppliers as part of the different relational profiles.

Research limitations/implications

The research is developed in a single perspective. To ensure that it can be generalised, it should be applied in other contexts supported by new case studies.

Practical implications

The research provides practitioners with guidelines on building successful buyer–supplier partnerships in a sustainable view. The authors’ findings aid managerial decision-making by validating the necessity of adapting SPSM depending on buyer–supplier relational situations.

Originality/value

This paper offers an original study angle on buyer–supplier relationships based on a proximity analysis. The authors’ research confirms the variety of sustainable purchasing relationships underlined by the literature and can advance the portfolio approach to sustainable purchasing.
Challenging listening environments in higher education: an analysis of academic classroom acoustics
Authors: van den Heuij Kirsten , Goverts Theo , Neijenhuis Karin , Coene Martine
Published: November 2020

Purpose

As oral communication in higher education is vital, good classroom acoustics is needed to pass the verbal message to university students. Non-auditory factors such as academic language, a non-native educational context and a diversity of acoustic settings in different types of classrooms affect speech understanding and performance of students. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the acoustic properties of the higher educational teaching contexts meet the recommended reference levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Background noise levels and the Speech Transmission Index (STI) were assessed in 45 unoccupied university classrooms (15 lecture halls, 16 regular classrooms and 14 skills laboratories).

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that 41 classrooms surpassed the maximum reference level for background noise of 35 dB(A) and 17 exceeded the reference level of 40 dB(A). At five-meter distance facing the speaker, six classrooms indicated excellent speech intelligibility, while at more representative listening positions, none of the classrooms indicated excellent speech intelligibility. As the acoustic characteristics in a majority of the classrooms exceeded the available reference levels, speech intelligibility was likely to be insufficient.

Originality/value

This study seeks to assess the acoustics in academic classrooms against the available acoustic reference levels. Non-acoustic factors, such as academic language complexity and (non-)nativeness of the students and teaching staff, put higher cognitive demands upon listeners in higher education and need to be taken into account when using them in daily practice for regular students and students with language/hearing disabilities in particular.
Is there any effect of ESG scores on portfolio performance? Evidence from Europe and Turkey
Authors: Zehir Emre , Aybars Aslı
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of portfolios that are constructed based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores and consist of stocks located in Europe and Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to form the portfolios, firstly all stocks are ranked in a descending way based on ESG-based (ESG, environmental, social and governance) scores, separately. Then, 10% of stocks with the highest scores are included in the “Top” portfolio and 10% of stocks with the lowest scores are included in “Bottom” portfolio and totally performance of eight portfolios are investigated. Finally, capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and Fama-French three-factor model are employed as performance measurement benchmarks.

Findings

Results obtained from CAPM regression show that using ESG-based scores two portfolios underperform the market index. The results of the three-factor model provide that performances of Bottom ESG and Bottom GOV portfolios outperform the market excess return by 0.57% and 0.53%. The overall findings of this paper indicate that there is no relationship between socially responsible investment (SRI) and portfolio performance. These findings are in line with the efficient market hypothesis which indicates all information is reflected in prices.

Originality/value

The aim of the study is to provide insight on the question of “whether SRI has any effect on the portfolio performance”. As far as the literature review is concerned it is seen that this study provide additional insight by utilizing a longer time span together with data from numerous markets.
Motivations and challenges with the diffusion of additive manufacturing through a non-profit association
Authors: Stentoft Jan , Philipsen Kristian , Haug Anders , Wickstrøm Kent Adsbøll
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one technology among the many under the umbrella of Industry 4.0 technologies. AM is developing rapidly, and extant research reveals that the technology contains possibilities for firms to develop competitive advantages, but that it also poses several challenges to overcome before such benefits can be achieved. To provide further insight into this topic, this paper aims to analyse how a business association can disseminate knowledge and experience about AM to its members.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on 13 interviews from 11 different organisations within an embedded single-case study of a Danish non-profit business association.

Findings

The paper identifies 12 motivational factors for joining the association as well as seven perceived challenges in the current setup of the association. The paper demonstrates that barriers to the use of AM can be reduced through participation in a business association.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a single-case study design and does not provide a foundation for statistical generalisations. The challenges identified are biased towards the companies that are members and do not represent companies that either consciously or unconsciously are not part of the association.

Practical implications

Being aware of the barriers for AM is important to optimize the benefits of joining a business association. However, operating such an association with the purpose of disseminating AM knowledge involves the inherent dilemma of protecting knowledge for the individual members, and at the same time, fostering knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

The paper provides novel data on how a business association can help mitigate perceived barriers to using AM.
Business strategy – MSMEs' performance relationship: innovation and accounting information system as mediators
Authors: Latifah Lyna , Setiawan Doddy , Aryani Y. Anni , Rahmawati Rahmawati
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study provides empirical evidences on the relationship between business strategy and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) performance. Additionally, the study aims to explore the role of innovation and accounting information systems (AISs) in the strategy performance linkage among MSMEs in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted, which produced 102 valid responses. Surveys were distributed to MSME owners throughout Solo, Yogyakarta and Semarang, Indonesia. Data were analyzed by using structural equation model with partial least squares.

Findings

The result shows that business strategy has indirect impacts on MSMEs' performance. Both innovation and AIS positively mediate the relationship between business strategy and MSMEs’ performance.

Research limitations/implications

The performance variable was measured based on the owners' perception. This makes the results not to be reflective of the real performance situation.

Practical implications

Alignment between strategy and innovation plays a vital role in improving the performance of MSMEs. The differentiation strategy that focuses on product uniqueness and quality requires innovation to add value to the product and the customer. The innovation process is at high risk of failure, so MSMEs owners need accurate calculations in decision making. AISs are part of management control to reduce risk by identifying standards and directing organizational goals.

Originality/value

This study considers the contingency factors in the relationship between strategy and performance by providing innovation variables and AIS.
Learning sustainable work through critical design: a case study of a hackathon to prepare the future workforce
Authors: Islind Anna Sigridur , Norström Livia
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the future of work by investigating how work can be practiced to meet global sustainability goals. The authors draw from empirical findings from a case of critical design session with university students. The aim of the design session was, on the one hand, to embed sustainability into education and, on the other hand, to prepare students with necessary conceptual tools to be prepared for future work. The research questions explored are: What do students learn through engagement in critical design, and how can that foster sustainable work?

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach is a case study, drawing on critical design activities with 45 students at a university course. The data consists of students’ reflections on their design efforts and one researcher’s field notes from the design session.

Findings

The findings show that the students engaged in critical design learn different aspects of sustainable work: how to be solution oriented, how to use technology to do good in the world and outside-the-box thinking skills.

Originality/value

The authors contribute extended insight into what it means to work for sustainable development, hence doing sustainable work, and how sustainable work can be conducted in practice. The authors discuss three dimensions of sustainable work that we argue are essential to understand how professionals can work towards increased sustainability. The three dimensions are: participation-based work, practice-based work and context-based work.
Mycorrhizal associates of Cephalanthera falcata (Orchidaceae) in a habitat with giant individuals
Authors: Yamato Masahide , Kosaka Ryota , Masui Yurika , Goda Yugo , Shirasaka Shunsei , Maruyama Atsushi , Yukawa Tomohisa
Published: November 2020

We studied mycorrhizal symbioses of Cephalanthera falcata (Orchidaceae) in a population that included giant individuals, some of which were over 50 cm in height and had more than 10 shoots, as well as in two nearby habitats without giant individuals. For C. falcata adults in the habitat with giant individuals, a fungal lineage in the ectomycorrhiza‐forming clade of Sebacinales was detected as the dominant mycobiont. Furthermore, higher 13C enrichment, which is an indicator of mycoheterotrophy, was found in these C. falcata individuals compared to those in the two nearby habitats. These results indicate that the growth of giant C. falcata individuals may be a result of the increased ability of Sebacinales fungi to transfer carbon to the orchids. Furthermore, we attempted to discern the effect of mycobiont taxa on seedling development in the three habitats. Contrary to our expectations, Sebacinales fungi were not found to significantly impact seedling growth as this orchid was predominantly colonized by Thelephoraceae fungi at the seedling stage. These results suggest that seedling growth is mostly enhanced by symbiosis with Thelephoraceae fungi in this orchid, and that the growth of giant individuals due to colonization by Sebacinales fungi may occur subsequently.
Disruptions in preventive care: Mammograms during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Song Hummy , Bergman Alon , Chen Angela T. , Ellis Dan , David Guy , Friedman Ari B. , Bond Amelia M. , Bailey Julie M. , Brooks Ronald , Smith‐McLallen Aaron
Published: November 2020

Objective

To measure the extent to which the provision of mammograms was impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic and surrounding guidelines.

Data Sources

De‐identified summary data derived from medical claims and eligibility files were provided by Independence Blue Cross for women receiving mammograms.

Study Design

We used a difference‐in‐differences approach to characterize the change in mammograms performed over time and a queueing formula to estimate the time to clear the queue of missed mammograms.

Data Collection

We used data from the first 30 weeks of each year from 2018 to 2020.

Principal Findings

Over the 20 weeks following March 11, 2020, the volume of screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms fell by 58% and 38% of expected levels, on average. Lowest volumes were observed in week 15 (April 8 to 14), when screening and diagnostic mammograms fell by 99% and 74%, respectively. Volumes began to rebound in week 19 (May), with diagnostic mammograms reaching levels to similar to previous years’ and screening mammograms remaining 14% below expectations. We estimate it will take a minimum of 22 weeks to clear the queue of missed mammograms in our study sample.

Conclusions

The provision of mammograms has been significantly disrupted due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Whole‐genome single nucleotide polymorphism and mating compatibility studies reveal the presence of distinct species in sub‐Saharan Africa Bemisia tabaci whiteflies
Authors: Mugerwa Habibu , Wang Hua‐Ling , Sseruwagi Peter , Seal Susan , Colvin John
Published: November 2020

In sub‐Saharan Africa cassava growing areas, two members of the Bemisia tabaci species complex termed sub‐Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1) and SSA2 have been reported as the prevalent whiteflies associated with the spread of viruses that cause cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) pandemics. At the peak of CMD pandemic in the late 1990s, SSA2 was the prevalent whitefly, although its numbers have diminished over the last two decades with the resurgence of SSA1 whiteflies. Three SSA1 subgroups (SG1 to SG3) are the predominant whiteflies in East Africa and vary in distribution and biological properties. Mating compatibility between SSA1 subgroups and SSA2 whiteflies was reported as the possible driver for the resurgence of SSA1 whiteflies. In this study, a combination of both phylogenomic methods and reciprocal crossing experiments were applied to determine species status of SSA1 subgroups and SSA2 whitefly populations. Phylogenomic analyses conducted with 26 548 205 bp whole genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the full mitogenomes clustered SSA1 subgroups together and separate from SSA2 species. Mating incompatibility between SSA1 subgroups and SSA2 further demonstrated their distinctiveness from each other. Phylogenomic analyses conducted with SNPs and mitogenomes also revealed different genetic relationships among SSA1 subgroups. The former clustered SSA1‐SG1 and SSA1‐SG2 together but separate from SSA1‐SG3, while the latter clustered SSA1‐SG2 and SSA1‐SG3 together but separate from SSA1‐SG1. Mating compatibility was observed between SSA1‐SG1 and SSA1‐SG2, while incompatibility occurred between SSA1‐SG1 and SSA1‐SG3, and SSA1‐SG2 and SSA1‐SG3. Mating results among SSA1 subgroups were coherent with phylogenomics results based on SNPs but not the full mitogenomes. Furthermore, this study revealed that the secondary endosymbiont—Wolbachia—did not mediate reproductive success in the crossing assays carried out. Overall, using genome wide SNPs together with reciprocal crossings assays, this study established accurate genetic relationships among cassava‐colonizing populations, illustrating that SSA1 and SSA2 are distinct species while at least two species occur within SSA1 species.