bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban colonization of invasive species on islands:Mus musculusandRattus rattusgenetics of establishment on Cozumel island
Authors: Borja-Martínez Gabriela , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella
Published: July 2023

Humans and wildlife experience complex interactions in urban ecosystems, favoring the presence of commensal species, among which invasive species are particularly successful. Rodents are the main vertebrate group introduced to oceanic islands, where the invasion process and dispersal patterns strongly influence their evolutionary and genetic patterns. We evaluated the house mouseMus musculusand the black ratRattus rattuson Cozumel island, Mexico. We assessed genetic diversity and structure, connectivity, gene flow, relatedness and bottleneck signals based on microsatellite loci. Our findings show that the constant introduction of individuals of different origins to the island promotes high allelic diversity and the effective establishment of migrants. We identified a clear genetic structure and low connectivity for the two species, tightly linked with anthropogenic and urban features. Moreover, we foundM. musculushas a particularly restricted distribution within the city of San Miguel Cozumel, whilst its genetic structure is associated with the historical human population growth pulses accompanying the urbanization of the city. At the fine-scale genetic level, the main urban drivers of connectivity of the house mouse were both the impervious land surfaces, i.e. the urban landscape, and the informal commerce across the city (a proxy of resources availability). Chances of a secondary invasion to natural environments have been relatively low, which is crucial for the endemic taxa of the island. Nonetheless, improving urban planning to regulate future expansions of San Miguel Cozumel is of the outmost importance in order to prevent these invasive species to disperse further.
Single-cell analysis of the nervous system at small and large scales with instant partitions
Authors: Frazel PW , Fricano-Kugler K , May-Zhang AA , O’Dea MR , Prakash P , Desmet NM , Lee H , Meltzer RH , Fontanez KM , Hettige P , Agam Y , Lithwick-Yanai G , Lipson D , Luikart BW , Dasen JD , Liddelow SA
Published: July 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing is a new frontier across all biology, particularly in neuroscience. While powerful for answering numerous neuroscience questions, limitations in sample input size, and initial capital outlay can exclude some researchers from its application. Here, we tested a recently introduced method for scRNAseq across diverse scales and neuroscience experiments. We benchmarked against a major current scRNAseq technology and found that PIPseq performed similarly, in line with earlier benchmarking data. Across dozens of samples, PIPseq recovered many brain cell types at small and large scales (1,000-100,000 cells/sample) and was able to detect differentially expressed genes in an inflammation paradigm. Similarly, PIPseq could detect expected and new differentially expressed genes in a brain single cell suspension from a knockout mouse model; it could also detect rare, virally-la-belled cells following lentiviral targeting and gene knockdown. Finally, we used PIPseq to investigate gene expression in a nontraditional model species, the little skate (Leucoraja erinacea). In total, PIPSeq was able to detect single-cell gene expression changes across models and species, with an added benefit of large scale capture and sequencing of each sample.
Single-Molecule RNA Sizing Enables Quantitative Analysis of Alternative Transcription Termination
Authors: Patiño-Guillén G. , Pešović J. , Panic M. , Savic-Pavicevic D. , Bošković F. , Keyser U.F.
Published: July 2023

Transcription, a critical process in molecular biology, has found many applications in RNA synthesis, including mRNA vaccines and RNA therapeutics. However, current RNA characterization technologies suffer from amplification and enzymatic biases that lead to loss of native information. Here, we introduce a strategy to quantitatively study both transcription and RNA polymerase behaviour by sizing RNA with RNA nanotechnology and nanopores. To begin, we utilized T7 RNA polymerase to transcribe linear DNA lacking termination sequences. Surprisingly, we discovered alternative transcription termination in the origin of replication sequence. Next, we employed circular DNA without transcription terminators to perform rolling circle transcription. This allowed us to gain valuable insights into the processivity and transcription behaviour of RNA polymerase at the single-molecule level. Our work demonstrates how RNA nanotechnology and nanopores may be used in tandem for the direct and quantitative analysis of RNA transcripts. This methodology provides a promising pathway for accurate RNA structural mapping by enabling the study of full-length RNA transcripts at the single-molecule level.
Transcriptomic analysis identifies synapse-enriched lncRNAs required for excitatory synapse development and fear memory
Authors: Samaddar Sarbani , Srinivasan Balakumar , Garg Kamakshi , Raj Nandu , Sultana Sania , Mukherjee Utsav , Banerjee Dipanjana , Liau Wei-Siang , Palakodeti Dasaradhi , Bredy Timothy W. , Banerjee Sourav
Published: July 2023

Regulatory functions of lncRNAs in neurons have been majorly limited to the nucleus. The identity of synaptic lncRNAs and their functional role associated with synapse development and memory are poorly understood. We employed RNA-seq analysis of synaptoneurosomes to identify 94 synapse-enriched lncRNAs from the mouse hippocampus. We find Pvt1 to be a specific regulator of excitatory, but not inhibitory, synapse developmentin vivo. RNA-Seq from Pvt1 knockdown neurons identified down-regulated transcripts encoding pre- and post-synaptic proteins influencing synapse formation. This observation is congruent with reduction in mEPSC amplitude and frequency. We find a synapse-centric role for SynLAMP which is specifically transported to the synaptic compartment upon contextual fear conditioning (CFC) and regulate activity-dependent dendritic translation. CFC led to enhancement of interaction between SynLAMP and the translation repressor FUS, indicating SynLAMP to be a molecular decoy. SynLAMP RNAi partially occludes fear memory, suggesting an input-specific role of lncRNAs at the synapse.
Direct, quantitative, and comprehensive analysis of tRNA acylation using intact tRNA liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry
Authors: Fricke Riley , Knudson Isaac , Schepartz Alanna
Published: July 2023

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) provide the functional and essential link between the sequence of an mRNA and the protein it encodes. aaRS enzymes catalyze a two-step chemical reaction that acylates specific tRNAs with a cognate α-amino acid. In addition to their role in translation, acylated tRNAs contribute to non-ribosomal natural product biosynthesis and are implicated in multiple human diseases. From the standpoint of synthetic biology, the acylation of tRNAs with a non-canonical α-amino acid (ncAA) or more recently, a non-α-amino acid monomer (nαAA) is a critical first step in the incorporation of these monomers into proteins, where they can be used for fundamental and applied science. These endeavors all demand an understanding of aaRS activity and specificity. Although a number of methods to monitor aaRS functionin vitroorin vivohave been developed, many evaluate only the first step of the two-step reaction, require the use of radioactivity, or are slow, difficult to generalize, or both. Here we describe an LC-MS assay that rapidly, quantitatively, and directly monitors aaRS activity by detecting the intact acyl-tRNA product. After a simple tRNA acylation reaction workup, acyl- and non-acyl-tRNA molecules are resolved using ion-pairing reverse phase chromatography and their exact masses are determined using high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The intact tRNA assay we describe is fast, simple, and quantifies reaction yields as low as 0.23%. The assay can also be employed on tRNAs acylated with flexizyme to detect products that are undetectable using standard techniques. The protocol requires basic expertise in molecular biology, mass spectrometry, and RNAse-free techniques.
Statistical Optimization of Hydrazone-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Protein Delivery
Authors: Mozipo Esther A. , Galindo Alycia N. , Khachatourian Jenna D. , Harris Conor G. , Dorogin Jonathan , Spaulding Veronica R. , Ford Madeleine R. , Singhal Malvika , Fogg Kaitlin C. , Hettiaratchi Marian H.
Published: July 2023

Hydrazone-crosslinked hydrogels are attractive protein delivery vehicles for regenerative medicine. However, each regenerative medicine application requires unique hydrogel properties to achieve an ideal outcome. The properties of a hydrogel can be impacted by numerous factors involved in its fabrication. We used design of experiments (DoE) statistical modeling to efficiently optimize the physicochemical properties of a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrazone-crosslinked hydrogel for protein delivery for bone regeneration. We modified HA with either adipic acid dihydrazide (HA-ADH) or aldehyde (HA-Ox) functional groups and used DoE to evaluate the interactions of three input variables, the molecular weight of HA (40 or 100 kDa), the concentration of HA-ADH (1-3% w/v), and the concentration of HA-Ox (1-3% w/v), on three output responses, gelation time, compressive modulus, and hydrogel stability over time. We identified 100 kDa HA-ADH3.0HA-Ox2.33as an optimal hydrogel that met all of our design criteria, including displaying a gelation time of 3.7 minutes, compressive modulus of 62.1 Pa, and minimal mass change over 28 days. For protein delivery, we conjugated affinity proteins called affibodies that were specific to the osteogenic protein bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) to HA hydrogels and demonstrated that our platform could control the release of BMP-2 over 28 days. Ultimately, our approach demonstrates the utility of DoE for optimizing hydrazone-crosslinked HA hydrogels for protein delivery.

Graphical Abstract
Applying bag of words approach to determine remote sensing technology acceptance among smallholder plantations
Authors: Diana Shinta Rahma , Farida Farida
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Technology acceptance is a measure of that technology’s usefulness. Oil palm is one of the biggest contributors to Indonesia’s revenues, thus fueling its economy. Using remote sensing would allow a plantation to monitor and forecast its production and the amount of fertilizer used. This review aims to provide a policy recommendation in the form of a strategy to improve the added value of Indonesia’s oil palm and support the government in increasing oil palm production. This recommendation needs to be formulated by determining the users’ acceptance of remote sensing technology (state-owned plantations, private plantation companies and smallholder plantations).

Design/methodology/approach

This review’s methodology used sentiment analysis through text mining (bag of words model). The study’s primary data were from focus group discussions (FGDs), questionnaires, observations on participants, audio-visual documentation and focused discussions based on group category. The results of interviews and FGDs were transcribed into text and analyzed to 1) find words that can represent the content of the document; 2) classify and determine the frequency (word cloud); and finally 3) analyze the sentiment.

Findings

The result showed that private plantation companies and state-owned plantations had extremely high positive sentiments toward using remote sensing in their oil palm plantations, whereas smallholders had a 60% resistance. However, there is still a possibility for this technology’s adoption by smallholders, provided it is free and easily applied.

Research limitations/implications

Basically, technology is applied to make work easier. However, not everyone is tech-savvy, especially the older generations. One dimension of technology acceptance is user/customer retention. New technology would not be immediately accepted, but there would be user perceptions about its uses and ease. At first, people might be reluctant to accept a new technology due to the perception that it is useless and difficult. Technology acceptance is the gauge of how useful technology is in making work easier compared to conventional ways.

Practical implications

Therefore, technology acceptance needs to be improved among smallholders by intensively socializing the policies, and through dissemination and dedication by academics and the government.

Social implications

The social implications of using technology are reducing the workforce, but the company will be more profitable and efficient.

Originality/value

Remote sensing is one of the topics that people have not taken up in a large way, especially sentiment analysis. Acceptance of technology that utilizes remote sensing for plantations is very useful and efficient. In the end, company profits can be allocated more toward empowering the community and the environment.
Humanitarian supply chain management in the digital age: a hybrid review using published literature and social media data
Authors: Shrivastav Santosh Kumar , Bag Surajit
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine various data sources to identify trends and themes in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) in the digital age.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, various data sources such as published literature and social media content from Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs and forums are used to identify trending topics and themes on HSCM using topic modelling.

Findings

The study examined 33 published literature and more than 94,000 documents, including tweets and expert opinions, and identified eight themes related to HSCM in the digital age namely “Digital technology enabled global partnerships”, “Digital tech enabled sustainability”, “Digital tech enabled risk reduction for climate changes and uncertainties”, “Digital tech enabled preparedness, response and resilience”, “Digital tech enabled health system enhancement”, “Digital tech enabled food system enhancement”, “Digital tech enabled ethical process and systems” and “Digital tech enabled humanitarian logistics”. The study also proposed a framework of drivers, processes and impacts for each theme and directions for future research.

Originality/value

Previous research has predominantly relied on published literature to identify emerging themes and trends on a particular topic. This study is unique because it examines the ability of social media sources such as blogs, websites, forums and published literature to reveal evolving patterns and trends in HSCM in the digital age.
Evaluation analysis and promotion paths of regional green innovation vitality in China
Authors: Zhou Wenhao , Li Hailin , Zhang Liping , Tian Huimin , Fu Meng
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to construct a grey entropy comprehensive evaluation model to measure the regional green innovation vitality (GIV) of 31 provinces in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The traditional grey relational proximity and grey relational similarity degree are integrated into the novel comprehensive grey evaluation framework. The evaluation system of regional green innovation vitality is constructed from three dimensions: economic development vitality, innovative transformation power and environmental protection efficacy. The weights of each indicator are obtained by the entropy weight method. The GIV of 31 provinces in China is measured based on provincial panel data from 2016 to 2020. The ward clustering and K-nearest-neighbor (KNN) algorithms are utilized to explore the regional green innovation discrepancies and promotion paths.

Findings

The novel grey evaluation method exhibits stronger ability to capture intrinsic patterns compared with two separate traditional grey relational models. Green innovation vitality shows obvious regional discrepancies. The Matthew effect of China's regional GIV is obvious, showing a basic trend of strong in the eastern but weak in the western areas. The comprehensive innovation vitality of economically developed provinces exhibits steady increasing trend year by year, while the innovation vitality of less developed regions shows an overall steady state of no fluctuation.

Practical implications

The grey entropy comprehensive relational model in this study is applied for the measurement and evaluation of regional GIV, which improves the one-sidedness of traditional grey relational analysis on the proximity or similarity among sequences. In addition, a three-dimensional evaluation system of regional GIV is constructed, which provides the practical guidance for the research of regional development strategic planning as well as promotion paths.

Originality/value

A comprehensive grey entropy relational model based on traditional grey incidence analysis (GIA) in terms of proximity and similarity is proposed. The three-dimensional evaluation system of China's regional GIV is constructed, which provides a new research perspective for regional innovation evaluation and expands the application scope of grey system theory.
Does the S&P index effect differ between large and small company stocks?
Authors: Biktimirov Ernest N. , Xu Yuanbin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare market reactions to the change in the demand by index funds between large and small company stocks by examining the transition of the S&P 500, S&P 400 MidCap and S&P 600 SmallCap indexes from market capitalization to free-float weighting. This unique information-free event allows not only avoiding confounding information signaling and investor awareness effects but also comparing the effect of the decrease in demand on stocks of different sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the event study methodology to calculate abnormal returns and trading volume around the full-float adjustment day. It also tests for significant changes in institutional ownership and liquidity. Multivariate regressions are used to examine the relation of liquidity changes and price elasticity of demand to the cumulative abnormal returns around the full-float adjustment day.

Findings

This study finds significant decreases in stock price accompanied with significant increases in trading volume on the full-float adjustment day, and significant gains in quasi-indexer institutional ownership and liquidity. The main finding is that cumulative abnormal returns around the event period are related to changes in the number of quasi-indexer and transient institutional shareholders, not to changes in liquidity or price elasticity of demand.

Originality/value

This study provides the first comprehensive comparison analysis of stock market reactions to the decline in demand between large and small company stocks. As an important implication for future studies of the index effect, changes in institutional ownership should be considered in the analysis.
Economic institutions, political institutions and public debt in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nutassey Victoria Abena , Nomlala Bomi Cyril , Sibanda Mabutho
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study assessed the role of political institutions in the relationship between economic institutions and public debt in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data availability, the study was done for 40 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2010 to 2019 employing generalized method of moment.

Findings

The authors documented a negative and significant relationship between economic institutions and public debt as well as a negative and significant effect of political institutions on public debt in SSA. Also, the study recorded that political institutions play a negative and significant role in the economic institutions-public debt nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, a threshold of 3.691 is given when it comes to the role of political institutions in the association between government spending and public debt nexus in SSA.

Research limitations/implications

The authors failed to take certain indicators of economic institutions, such as freedom to trade internationally, the size of government and legal system and property into consideration.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that democracy is necessary for boosting economic institutions-induced public debt reduction in SSA.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is evident in two ways: first, the authors assessed the relationship between economic institutions and public debt in SSA using novel measures such as government integrity, tax burden and government spending from the Heritage Foundation instead of traditional institution measures from World Governance Indicators used by earlier studies. The authors further contribute to literature by being the first to consider the foundational role of political institutions in employing economic institutions to fight high public debt in SSA. Again, the authors included the threshold at which political institutions can cause economic institutions to have a desired impact on public debt in SSA.
Structural transformation and poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa countries: sectoral value-added analysis
Authors: Enongene Betrand Ewane
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of structural transformation on poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries with a higher share of services as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). The study specifically focuses on the value-added share as a percentage of GDP in the agricultural, manufacturing, industrial, and service sectors using time series data from 1988 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bound test framework for estimation, based on the conclusions drawn from the augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips–Perron unit root tests, which provide evidence of a mixed order of integration.

Findings

The result reveals that agriculture value-added (AVA), manufacturing value-added (MVA), industrial value-added (IVA), and services value-added (SVA) have a positive and significant impact on poverty alleviation in both the short and long run. However, the agriculture sector is found to be more effective in reducing poverty compared to the other sectors examined in this study. Additionally, this study challenges the notion that SSA countries have undergone an immature structural transformation. Instead, it reveals a pattern of stagnant structural transformation, as indicated by the lack of growth in the industrial and manufacturing value-added shares of GDP.

Practical implications

To enhance productivity and reduce poverty, SSA economies should adopt a development strategy that prioritizes heavy manufacturing and industrial sectors, leading to a transition from the agricultural to the secondary and tertiary sectors.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the emerging literature on structural transformation by investigating which sector is more efficient in reducing poverty in SSA countries, using the value-added share as a percentage of GDP for agricultural, manufacturing, industrial, and service sectors. The study also aims to determine if SSA countries have experienced immature structural transformation due to the growing share in the service sector.
Investment decisions regarding internet financial products considering network externalities: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Kang Weiyao , Yang Mengxi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of investors’ cognition and decision-making process with regard to internet financial products. The objective is to effectively guide users’ rational investments.

Design/methodology/approach

First, based on grounded theory, this study develops a tool for measuring users’ perceived value (PV) of internet financial products via in-depth interviews. Then, after comprehensively considering users’ environmental, individual and psychological characteristics, this study proposes a theoretical model of internet financial product investment decisions based on the PV of users. Finally, an empirical study is conducted on 693 valid sample data from e-commerce and online banking financial platforms.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that network externalities influence users’ financial behavior by herding (HE) (imitating others and discounting their own information) and PV. PV and HE are key factors in users’ investment decisions with regard to internet financial products. Moreover, users’ self-efficacy (SE) and platform type play moderate roles in the influence mechanism.

Practical implications

The research conclusions provide valuable references for designing financial products and establishing regulatory rules, which will help the internet financial industry to grow soundly and innovatively.

Originality/value

This study uncovers the mediating effect of HE and PV between network externalities and users’ investment intentions in the context of internet financial products. In addition, the moderating effect of users’ SE and platform types is revealed.
Obstacles and strategies in ecosystem governance: a view from the orchestrator side
Authors: Lechner Christoph , Dexheimer Maximilian , Lang Nikolaus , Wurzer Charline
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Platform ecosystem governance is a decisive issue for orchestrators, as the motivation and behaviors of the complementors in an ecosystem can be distinctly different, shaped by the specific arrangements they have within the ecosystem. However, knowledge about adaptation in the governance of platform ecosystems is quite limited. First, the authors hardly know which obstacles are arising for orchestrators due to typical governance settings and their consequences. Second, the authors know less about governance strategies by orchestrators that help deal with these obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow an inductive, multistep case-study-based approach with multiple cases using guidelines proposed by Yin (2018). Based on predefined criteria, the authors selected 41 platform ecosystems with a “hub and spoke” system within and across several industries and collected a wide range of data. The authors conducted 14 interviews with executives of these platform ecosystems to gain further insights, transcribed and/or summarized all interviews, and analyzed the data.

Findings

Based on the dataset, the authors identify four significant obstacles and ten strategies of orchestrators in platform ecosystems. This approach allows us to gain insight into innovative approaches orchestrators conduct to cope with these challenges.

Originality/value

The authors already have a broad range of studies on ecosystem governance in the literature. However, research dealing with the dynamics of governance regimes is quite rare. The study examines how orchestrators of platform ecosystems react to emerging obstacles they are confronted with during the evolution of their platform ecosystems. Partly, these strategies might be expected, but mostly they show innovative approaches for handling these obstacles that have not been reported in research so far.
An integrated framework of digital content marketing implementation: an exploration of antecedents, processes, and consequences
Authors: Jami Pour Mona , Karimi Zahra
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Due to the high penetration of social media and mobile devices in the recent decade, especially with the coronavirus, digital media tools have become a priority for marketing managers. Digital content marketing (DCM) is one of the crucial ingredients of the digital marketing strategy of businesses, which proposes value to the audience through brand-related and relevant content. The tourism industry is also trapped in the digital wave and has witnessed fundamental changes in how customers communicate. The growth of investment in DCM in this industry to introduce tourist attractions and acquire tourists calls for more research to explore multiple aspects of these initiatives' implementation. Despite the importance of DCM, there is no clear understanding of its implementation's various components. Therefore, the primary goal of the current study is to design a new comprehensive framework of DCM implementation that integrates its antecedents, process, and consequences in the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed method was applied to achieve the research goal. The initial criteria and main components of the framework were identified with a comprehensive literature review to develop the framework. To enrich the initial criteria, some semi-structured interviews with experts were conducted; then, the extracted criteria and sub-criteria were prioritized and weighted using the quantitative best-worst method (BWM).

Findings

The results indicate that the proposed integrated framework contains three categories of antecedents, processes, and consequences and 12 main concepts. The weights and ranks of the extracted concepts and their sub-criteria are calculated using BWM.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework helps managers have a big picture of the DCM strategy to successfully implement and consider the multiple dimensions of such initiatives. The proposed framework provides actionable insight for digital marketing decision-makers to manage such projects effectively and plan appropriate actions for progress.

Originality/value

A review of content marketing reveals that there are few studies conducted that integrate the components of the DCM implementation process, including antecedents, process, and consequences. This research is one of the first in the field of DCM implementation in the tourism industry to fill this theoretical gap. The main contribution of this research is to design a new integrated framework for DCM implementation that offers a holistic view of antecedents, process, and consequences.
Role of the chloride channel blocker in the formation of filtering tract scars after glaucoma surgery in rats
Authors: Jin Yujiao , Jin Weiyi , Sun Qiushuang , Li Nan , Jiang Meiling , Liu Yinfeng , Sun Lixia
Published: July 2023

Filtration surgery is commonly performed for glaucoma treatment to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP); however, scarring of the filtering bleb is the main cause of failure. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the chloride channel blocker 5‐nitro‐2‐(3‐phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) on scar formation in filtering blebs. A glaucoma filtering surgery model was generated using Sprague–Dawley rats, divided into the control and NPPB groups receiving injections of different NPPB concentrations. The IOP of all rats decreased 1‐day post‐surgery and gradually increased afterward. However, IOP in rats from the NPPB groups recovered more slowly than that of the control group rats. In addition, the area and survival times of filtering blebs in rats from the NPPB groups were substantially larger and longer than those in the control group. Twenty‐eight days after surgery, the protein and mRNA expression of collagen I, fibronectin and α‐smooth muscle actin in the filtering area of rats from the NPPB groups were significantly lower than that in the control group rats. Collectively, our study demonstrates that NPPB inhibits filtering bleb scar formation, maintains filtering bleb morphology and prolongs filtering bleb survival time by inhibiting the differentiation of conjunctival fibroblasts and extracellular matrix synthesis.
Chinese adolescents' reading engagement profiles and their relations to self‐concept and reading literacy
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous studies on reading engagement have generally used variable‐centred approaches to examine whole‐sample averages. Few have assumed a person‐centred approach, especially latent profile analysis (LPA), to examine students' reading engagement profiles. Although one study employed LPA to identify the reading engagement profiles of Chinese adolescents, how engagement dimensions combine within individuals was not clear from its results.

Methods

This study used LPA to examine the reading engagement profiles of 12,058 Chinese adolescents based on their patterns of behavioural, cognitive and emotional engagement. Additionally, how profile membership relates to self‐concept and reading literacy was examined.

Results

Four reading engagement profiles were identified: engaged (moderate to high on all three dimensions), moderately engaged (moderate on all three dimensions), disengaged (low on all three dimensions) and moderately cognitively engaged (moderate cognitive engagement/low behavioural and emotional engagement). Students with a higher reading self‐concept were more likely to exhibit a pattern of moderate to high engagement. Students with higher engagement patterns attained higher reading achievement.

Conclusions

Chinese adolescents showed multiple reading engagement profiles that were differently related to self‐concept and reading literacy. Teachers should be aware of subgroups of students displaying different reading engagement patterns and be able to evaluate and then address them with appropriate instructional practices.
Towards a common framework to support decision‐making in high‐risk, low‐time environments
Authors: Launder David , Penney Greg
Published: July 2023

In a recently published study, we completed a systematic literature review of 10,084 peer reviewed English language studies since 2000 within the context of threat assessment, sense making, and critical decision‐making in police, military, ambulance, and firefighting contexts. The results of our descriptive analysis found that although research into threat assessment and decision‐making has been historically ‘siloed’ from a service context perspective there are nonetheless some common elements that have either independently identified or in some instances coevolved. The insights gained and lessons learned from this vast data pool enabled the enhancement of the urban fire service operational response‐based SPAR decision framework into the Situation, Context, Decision, Plan, Act, Review or SPAR (CD) framework, a true interoperable all hazards and all services decision‐making framework that not only incorporates complexity analysis and contextual factors but is applicable to the full spectrum of emergency management operations. It is hoped that the application of a common framework may facilitate cross industry learnings by applying a more consistent lens for the review of high‐risk, low‐time decisions and the identification of common decision errors and effectiveness (and measurement) of current strategies to improve decision‐making including learning and development and policy and procedure design and implementation. While the SPAR (CD) framework has been developed based on research in high consequence and low time emergency service and military environments, we posit it is equally as applicable in other environments including business contexts and board rooms wherever decisions are required.
Crisis management during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Street food vendors' perspectives from Bangkok
Authors: Zafri Kazi Ziaul , Sigdel Bijay , Bhandari Pratikshya
Published: July 2023

In times of pandemic, today's informal sector's survival depends on the substantial implication of crisis management to reduce unforeseen barriers. This study explores deeper into street food vendors' crisis management practices, moving beyond the crisis's consequences by probing learning experiences throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) with 15 street food vendors from Bangkok city, this study identifies internal and external capabilities and internal migration factors in the initial survival stage while productive customer relationships, government guidance, and assistance along with community influence to develop the resilience with the aim of continuing business of street food vending during the crisis. Our findings highlight some predominant factors that can contribute to a theoretical understanding of crisis management for informal microenterprise street food vending, which can advance our conceptual understanding of future crisis preparedness during emergencies with practical implications.
Bridging human resource management theory and practice: Implications for industry‐engaged academic research
Authors: Timming Andrew R. , Macneil Johanna
Published: July 2023

The link between academic theory and the professional practice of human resource management (HRM) is often tenuous and disjointed. The “gap” between theory and practice is damaging to academics and practitioners. On the one hand, academic research is often highly theoretical and methodologically complex. On the other, HR professionals tend to oversimplify advice on “how to solve” HRM “problems” and they may conduct research lacking rigor and nuance. Insofar as a bridge can be built between HRM theory and practice, significant benefits exist for both parties. Mick Marchington exemplified this bridge. His commitment to pluralism wrought significant influence on the professional practice of HRM through highly readable and practically useful theory. We look to Marchington's work to draw lessons on how we can better bridge theory and practice for the enrichment of academics and practitioners. We develop a framework contrasting “academic esotericism” with “practitioner reductionism.” We then propose a third way: “industry‐engaged academic research.”
Towards the diversification of lactococcal starter and non‐starter species in mesophilic dairy culture systems
Authors: Mahony Jennifer , Bottacini Francesca , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: July 2023

Lactococcus is one of the earliest identified fermentative bacterial genera and among its member species, the dairy‐associated Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus cremoris are undoubtedly the best studied. These two species are believed to have evolved from plant‐associated lactococci and through genome decay and acquisition of plasmids, have adapted to the dairy niche. The past decade has witnessed a surge of activity in novel lactococcal species identification from insect, plant and animal sources. Currently, 22 Lactococcus species are described and in this review, we summarise the genome characteristics of and phylogenetic relationships among these species. Furthermore, we explore the role of mobile elements including plasmids and bacteriophages in the diversification of lactococcal species. The pace of identification of novel lactococcal species suggests that the number of lactococcal species is likely to continue to grow. With additional sequence data for the emerging species, it will be possible to perform pathogenicity/virulence risk evaluations and generate extensive insights into the niche adaptation strategies through which they have evolved.
Cleavage‐resistant RIPK1‐induced autoinflammatory syndrome—A report of three generations with periodic fever and clinical response to colchicine
Authors: Chougule Akshaya , Iyengar Vaishnavi V. , Gowri Vijaya , Taur Prasad , Madkaikar Manisha R. , Bodhanwala Minnie , Desai Mukesh M.
Published: July 2023

The clinical syndrome caused by cleavage‐resistant RIPK1 is known as CRIA (Cleavage‐resistant RIPK1‐induced autoinflammatory) syndrome. We present a family with three generations affected by CRIA syndrome. Our index patient (P1), a boy born of a non‐consanguineous marriage, developed recurrent episodes of fever after 5 months of age, with variable periodicity. His father (P2) and paternal grandmother also had periodic fever. At 23 months of age, P1 was diagnosed with renal biopsy‐proven steroid‐responsive nephrotic syndrome. His first visit to our center was at 2 years of age. At presentation, he had failure to thrive, microcytic hypochromic anemia, and elevated inflammatory markers and interleukin‐6 levels. Amyloid A protein was elevated, serum creatinine was normal, and proteinuria resolved after addition of steroids. Next‐generation sequencing showed heterozygous mutation (c.970G>A, p.Asp324His) in RIPK1. This mutation has been reported to cause CRIA syndrome. P2 and P1's asymptomatic younger brother had the same mutation. All the affected members showed variability with respect to frequency and duration of periodic fever as well as the age of onset. Both P1 and P2 had elevated amyloid A, with no evidence of renal dysfunction. P1 and P2 showed improvement in the intensity of fever spikes with colchicine treatment; however, both continue to have periodic fever.
Expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide induces ligament degeneration through endochondral ossification in osteoarthritis
Authors: Tokumoto Maya , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Nekomoto Akinori , Ishikawa Masakazu , Ikuta Yasunari , Miyaki Shigeru , Adachi Nobuo
Published: July 2023

Aim

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease in which degeneration occurs in various tissues such as cartilage and subchondral bone. Degeneration of ligaments also plays an important role in OA progression, resulting in an increase in chondrocytes and ossification, but the factor that causes this is still unclear. It is reported that the expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) increases OA progression, and CGRP might play a role in ligament degeneration because CGRP has a function in endochondral ossification. The purpose of this study is to analyze the mechanism of ligament degeneration and the function of CGRP.

Methods

To examine the relationship between ligament degeneration and CGRP expression, human posterior cruciate ligaments (PCL) from OA patients, and senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were histologically analyzed. The effect of CGRP on human ligament cells on chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis was also examined.

Results

In human PCL and SAMP8 mice, CGRP expression increased as degeneration progressed, and decreased in severe degeneration. CGRP was expressed in the chondrocyte‐like cells with SOX9. CGRP‐positive cells expressing type II collagen increased with OA progression. CGRP upregulated the gene expression of VEGF, SOX9, RUNX2, COL10a1, and MMP13 in the human ligament cells. CGRP also promoted chondrogenesis and osteogenesis from the human ligament cells.

Conclusion

During OA progression, CGRP plays a role in the transdifferentiation from ligament cells to chondrocytes and promotes endochondral ossification in the ligament. CGRP would be the therapeutic target to prevent ligament degeneration.
Sublingual floor of Rahmani sheep (Ovis aries): A scanning electron microscopy and histomorphology analysis
Authors: Madkour Fatma A. , Mohamed Alsayed A. , Mohammed Elsayed S. I. , Choudhary Om Prakash
Published: July 2023

The current study investigated the sublingual floor of Rahmani sheep (Ovis aries). Samples from nine healthy adult sheep have been analysed using morphometrical, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), and histological examination. The sublingual floor of the sheep was formed of a rostral prefrenular part (spatula‐shaped) and two lateral sublingual recesses. Right and left sublingual caruncles were asymmetrical in length and each one had a serrated border, divided into three papillae. At higher magnifications, the three papillae of the sublingual caruncle's edge were variable in shape, with other two papillae were demonstrated underneath the caruncle. Each sublingual recess had a sublingual fold (plica sublingualis) extended from the level of frenulum linguae till the glossopalatine arch, bordered with caudolaterally directed papillae till the level of first lower molar cheek teeth. The sublingual salivary glands were mixed (seromucoid) type. The glandular lobule consisted of mucous acini and sporadic serous acini, as well as the presence of some mucous acini capped by acidophilic cells, serous demilunes. The mucous acinus was formed of pyramidal mucous cells with pale stained cytoplasm and basally located nuclei. Two ducts; major sublingual and submandibular ducts were observed within the submucosa of the sublingual caruncle. The sublingual ductal pseudostratified columnar epithelium was interspersed by more goblet cells than that of the submandibular duct. Collagen fibres around the glandular lobules, intralobular and interlobular excretory ducts as well as the connective core of the papillae were noticed. By SEM, two epithelium‐lined pits on the surface of the sublingual floor mucosa caudal to the central incisive teeth were termed orobasal organ. As the first study to give a comprehensive analysis of the sheeps' sublingual floor, this one serves as a baseline for future clinical studies.
Phenotype and genotype correlation of inherited epidermolysis bullosa in Indonesia
Authors: Arline Diana Inne , Tan Ene‐Choo , Gondokaryono Srie Prihianti , Koh Mark Jean‐Aan , Dwiyana Reiva Farah , Rahardja July Iriani , Yogya Yuri , Rafi'ee Khadijah , Suwarsa Oki
Published: July 2023

Background

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genodermatoses with considerable clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Clinical diagnosis of the EB subtypes is frequently imprecise and requires confirmation with genetic testing. There is still limited study using genetic testing to identify EB subtypes in Indonesia. This study aims to identify the pathogenic variants of inherited EB patients at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Universitas Padjadjaran—Dr Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia and to describe the correlation between the phenotype and genotype of our patients.

Methods

Twelve patients clinically diagnosed with EB were included in this study. Genetic testing was performed in collaboration with KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.

Results

Pathogenic variants were identified in the COL7A1 gene in seven patients, namely Dominant Dystrophic EB (DDEB) with mutation types c.5945G>T, c.6218G>A, Recessive Dystrophic EB (RDEB) c.2005C>T, c.6081dup, c.1268C>T, c.1784C>T which are all known mutations. Novel mutations were found in the COL7A1 gene in two patients namely DDEB c.6253G>T and RDEB c.6740C>T. Two EB Simplex (EBS) patients showed mutation KRT14 gene as c.356T>C, c.373C>T which are known mutation. In addition, a novel mutation in LAMA3 gene c.2649del was found in one Junctional EB (JEB) patient.

Conclusion

The molecular diagnoses of 12 Indonesian EB patients were identified, of which three were novel pathogenic variants. Concordance between the initial clinical diagnosis and genetic testing was only 33%. This demonstrated the importance of early genetic testing for accurate diagnosis, prognostication, management and genetic counselling.