bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the mechanism by which a nonsense variant in RYR2 results in ventricular arrhythmia
Authors: Hopton Claire , Tijsen Anke J , Maizels Leonid , Arbel Gil , Gepstein Amira , Bates Nicola , Brown Benjamin , Huber Irit , Kimber Susan J , Newman William G , Venetucci Luigi , Gepstein Lior
Published: March 2021

Background

Heterozygous variants in the cardiac ryanodine receptor gene (RYR2) cause catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Most pathogenic RYR2 variants are missense variants which result in a gain of function, causing ryanodine receptors to be increasingly sensitive to activation by calcium, have an increased open probability and an increased propensity to develop calcium waves. However, some RYR2 variants can lead to arrhythmias by a loss of function mechanism.

Objective

To understand the mechanism by which a novel nonsense variant in RYR2 p.(Arg4790Ter) leads to ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) harbouring the novel nonsense variant in RYR2 were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (RYR2-hiPSC-CMs) and molecular and calcium handling properties were studied.

Results

RYR2-hiPSC-CMs displayed significant calcium handling abnormalities at baseline and following treatment with isoproterenol. Treatment with carvedilol and nebivolol resulted in a significant reduction in calcium handling abnormalities in the RYR2-hiPSC-CMs. Expression of the mutant RYR2 allele was confirmed at the mRNA level and partial silencing of the mutant allele resulted in a reduction in calcium handling abnormalities at baseline.

Conclusion

The nonsense variant behaves similarly to other gain of function variants in RYR2. Carvedilol and nebivolol may be suitable treatments for patients with gain of function RYR2 variants.
Some Clinical and Immunological Features of Imported COVID-19 Cases in Mongolia
Authors: Batmunkh Munkh-Undrakh , Lkhagvasuren Enkhsaikhan , Ravjir Oyungerel , Sandag Tsogtsaikhan
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 disturbs the normal immune responses causing an uncontrolled inflammatory response in patients with severe COVID-19. The pattern of the immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 in individuals may fluctuate. Some have a virus-dependent protective immune response resulting in asymptomatic or mild disease with elimination of the virus within 7-10 days after onset of infection. Others develop virus non-dependent uncontrolled hyper-inflammation in the later period, leading to severe disease with cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure.

Methods

The serum of 72 patients was investigated for titers of 15 cytokines and chemokines using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits in the serum of peripheral blood samples. The means of groups were compared using ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple post hoc comparisons if the ANOVA p-value was <0.05.

Results

Patients with pulmonary infiltrates on CT demonstrated a lower percentage of eosinophils (1.38±1.46%) and elevated level of serum CRP (8.57±19.10 mg/dL) compared to patients without pulmonary infiltrates (2.52±1.47% and 1.96±3.02 mg/dL respectively; p<0.05). ROC analysis for patients aged ≥35 years showed patients with mild disease (n=3) had a significantly higher titer of IL-1β and MCP-1 (AUC, 0.958 and 0.917 respectively, p<0.05) compared to patients with moderate disease (n=7).
A major population resource of 474,074 participants in UK Biobank to investigate determinants and biomedical consequences of leukocyte telomere length
Authors: Codd V. , Denniff M. , Swinfield C. , Warner S.C. , Papakonstantinou M. , Sheth S. , Nanus D.E. , Budgeon C.A. , Musicha C. , Bountziouka V. , Wang Q. , Bramley R. , Allara E. , Kaptoge S. , Stoma S. , Jiang T. , Butterworth A.S. , Wood A.M. , Di Angelantonio E. , Thompson J.R. , Danesh J.N. , Nelson C.P. , Samani N. J.
Published: March 2021

The determinants and biomedical consequences of variation in leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a proposed marker of biological age, are only partially understood. Here we report the creation and initial characterization of LTL measurements in 474,074 participants in UK Biobank. We confirm that older age and male sex associate with shorter LTL, with women on average ∼7 years younger in “biological age” than men. Compared to white Europeans, LTL is longer in African, Chinese and other major ancestries. Older paternal age at birth is associated with longer individual LTL. Higher white cell count is associated with shorter LTL, but proportions of white cell subtypes have weaker associations. Age, ethnicity, sex and white cell count explain ∼5.5% of LTL variance. Using paired samples from 1351 participants taken ∼5 years apart, we show the regression-dilution ratio for LTL is ∼0.65. This novel resource provides major opportunities to investigate LTL and multiple biomedical phenotypes.
Improving Pre-eclampsia Risk Prediction by Modeling Individualized Pregnancy Trajectories Derived from Routinely Collected Electronic Medical Record Data
Authors: Li Shilong , Wang Zichen , Vieira Luciana A. , Zheutlin Amanda B. , Ru Boshu , Schadt Emilio , Wang Pei , Copperman Alan B. , Stone Joanne , Gross Susan J. , Schadt Eric E. , Li Li
Published: March 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is a heterogeneous and complex disease associated with rising morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and newborns in the US. Early recognition of patients at risk is a pressing clinical need to significantly reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. We assessed whether information routinely collected and stored on women in their electronic medical records (EMR) could enhance the prediction of PE risk beyond what is achieved in standard of care assessments today. We developed a digital phenotyping algorithm to assemble and curate 108,557 pregnancies from EMRs across the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS), accurately reconstructing pregnancy journeys and normalizing these journeys across different hospital EMR systems. We then applied machine learning approaches to a training dataset from Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH) (N = 60,879) to construct predictive models of PE across three major pregnancy time periods (ante-, intra-, and postpartum). The resulting models predicted PE with high accuracy across the different pregnancy periods, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of 0.92, 0.83 and 0.89 at 37 gestational weeks, intrapartum and postpartum, respectively. We observed comparable performance in two independent patient cohorts with diverse patient populations (MSH validation dataset N = 38,421 and Mount Sinai West dataset N = 9,257). While our machine learning approach identified known risk factors of PE (such as blood pressure, weight and maternal age), it also identified novel PE risk factors, such as complete blood count related characteristics for the antepartum time period and ibuprofen usage for the postpartum time period. Our model not only has utility for earlier identification of patients at risk for PE, but given the prediction accuracy substantially exceeds what is achieved today in clinical practice, our model provides a path for promoting personalized precision therapeutic strategies for patients at risk.
FECAL MICROBIOME OF CHILDREN WITH NOROVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS
Authors: Merces Hernandez Juliana , Sousa Junior Edivaldo Costa , Sant’Ana Almeida Giovanna Brunetta , Rodrigues Portela Ana Caroline , Sousa Lucena Maria Silvia , Ferreira Cardoso Jedson , Amaral Reymão Tammy Kathlyn , Silva Lima Clayton Pereira , Teixeira Nunes Márcio Roberto , Monteiro Teixeira Dielle , Monteiro Siqueira Jones Anderson , Benchimol Gabbay Yvone , Damascena Silva Luciana
Published: March 2021

The human fecal microbiome is composed of endogenous bacteria, eukaryotic viruses, bacteriophages and retroviruses. Several pathological conditions, including gastroenteritis, may be characterized by imbalance of gastrointestinal functions, with alteration in the diversity and composition of the fecal microbiota. Were analyzed twenty-seven fecal microbiome in children hospitalized with gastroenteritis (norovirus positive) from northern region of Brazil. After sequencing, was verified the presence of the domains Bacteria (95%) and Eukaryota (3.1%), the viruses represented 1.9%. Among the pathogenic viruses were found in addition to noroviruses the picornaviruses, enterovirus and parechovirus. The bacteriophages detected were of Caudovirales order, familiesSiphoviridae,PodoviridaeandMyoviridae. In 22.2% (6/27) of the samples was observed co-infection between norovirus, enterovirus B and echovirus. As for the others components of the microbiome, we can highlight the presence of the taxonomic groups: Terrabacteria (50.2%), composed mainly of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes; Proteobacteria (34.5%) represented by theEnterobacteriaceaefamily; and FCB group (22%) whose most abundant microorganisms were those of the phylum Bacterioidetes. We performed a metagenomic approach to analyze the fecal microbiota of children with viral gastroenteritis, it was observed that the bacterias (Enterobacteriaceae) deserve attention in a possible association with noroviruses, as they were found in large quantities in infections. In addition, other enteric viruses were observed, such as enteroviruses.
Comparing divergence landscapes from reduced-representation and whole-genome re-sequencing in the yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata) species complex
Authors: Szarmach Stephanie J. , Brelsford Alan , Witt Christopher , Toews David P. L.
Published: March 2021

Researchers seeking to generate genomic data for non-model organisms are faced with a number of trade-offs when deciding which method to use. The selection of reduced representation approaches versus whole genome re-sequencing will ultimately affect the marker density, sequencing depth, and the number of individuals that can multiplexed. These factors can affect researchers’ ability to accurately characterize certain genomic features, such as landscapes of divergence—howFSTvaries across the genomes. To provide insight into the effect of sequencing method on the estimation of divergence landscapes, we applied an identical bioinformatic pipeline to three generations of sequencing data (GBS, ddRAD, and WGS) produced for the same system, the yellow-rumped warbler species complex. We compare divergence landscapes generated using each method for the myrtle warbler (Setophaga coronata coronata) and the Audubon’s warbler (S. c. auduboni), and for Audubon’s warblers with deeply divergent mtDNA resulting from mitochondrial introgression. We found that most high-FSTpeaks were not detected in the ddRAD dataset, and that while both GBS and WGS were able to identify the presence of large peaks, WGS was superior at a finer scale. Comparing Audubon’s warblers with divergent mitochondrial haplotypes, only WGS allowed us to identify small (10-20kb) regions of elevated differentiation, one of which contained the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial geneNDUFAF3. We calculated the cost per base pair for each method and found it was comparable between GBS and WGS, but significantly higher for ddRAD. These comparisons highlight the advantages of WGS over reduced representation methods when characterizing landscapes of divergence.
Neurite growth kinetics regulation through hydrostatic pressure in a novel triangle-shaped neurofluidic system
Authors: Maisonneuve B. G. C. , Batut A. , Varela C. , Vieira J. , Gleyzes M. , Rontard J. , Larramendy F. , Honegger T.
Published: March 2021

Microfluidic neuro-engineering design rules have been widely explored to create in vitro neural networks with the objective to replicate physiologically relevant structures of the brain. Several neurofluidic strategies have been reported to study the connectivity of neurons, either within a population or between two separated populations, through the control of the directionality of their neuronal projections. Yet, the in vitro regulation of the growth kinetics of those projections remains challenging. Here, we describe a new neurofluidic chip with a triangular design that allows the accurate monitoring of neurite growth kinetics in a neuronal culture. This device permits to measure the maximum achievable length of projecting neurites over time and to report variations in neurite length under several conditions. Our results show that, by applying positive or negative hydrostatic pressure to primary rat hippocampal neurons, neurite growth kinetics can be tuned. This work presents a pioneering approach for the precise characterization of neurite length dynamics within an in vitro minimalistic environment.
An efficient deep learning model for cultivar identification of a pistachio tree
Authors: Heidary-Sharifabad Ahmad , Zarchi Mohsen Sardari , Emadi Sima , Zarei Gholamreza
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper proposes a novel deep learning based method towards the identification of a pistachio tree cultivar from its image.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigated scope of this study includes Iranian commercial pistachios (Jumbo, Long, Round and Super long) trees. Effective use of high-resolution images with standard deep models is addressed in this study. A novel image patches extraction method is also used to boost the number of samples and dataset augmentation. In the proposed method, handcrafted ORB features are used to detect and extract patches which may contain identifiable information. An innovative algorithm is proposed for searching and extracting these patches. After extracting patches from initial images, a Convolutional Neural Network, named EfficientNet-B1, was fine-tuned on it. In the testing phase, several patches were extracted from the prompted image using the ORB-based method, and the results of their prediction were consolidated. In this method, patch prediction scores were in descending order, sorted by the highest score in a list, and finally, the average of a few list tops was calculated and the final decision was made.

Findings

Examining the proposed method on the test images led to an achievement of a recognition rate of 97.2% accuracy. Investigation of decision-making in the test dataset could reveal that this method outperformed human experts.

Originality/value

Cultivar identification using deep learning methods, due to their high recognition speed, lack of specialist requirement, and independence from human decision-making error is considered as a breakthrough in horticultural science. Variety cultivars of pistachio trees possess variant characteristics or traits, accordingly recognising cultivars is crucial to reduce the costs, prevent damages and harvest the optimal yields.
Adopting a socio-technical perspective to rethink the use of ICT in VNFIL
Authors: Fahrenbach Florian , Luomi-Messerer Karin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to draw on a socio-technical perspective to explore how information and communication technology (ICT) supports the validation of non-formal and informal learning (VNFIL) in specific practices and arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use qualitative content analysis to analyse 43 country reports of the “European inventory on validation” published by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) in 2019.

Findings

This study conceptualises ICT supported VNFIL practices and arrangements from a socio-technical perspective. Given this, the paper finds that ICT is used mainly to provide information on validation practices and arrangements, store qualification registers online and identify and document learning outcomes. The use of ICT to assess and certify learning outcomes remains limited.

Originality/value

VNFIL is very rarely seen in a technical context. This paper contributes to a theoretical perspective and highlights the mutual interdependence of social and technical components. Furthermore, this study provides an overview of inasmuch ICT is currently used to support VNFIL practices and arrangements. Based on the results, validation researchers and practitioners can get inspiration on how to develop ICT supported VNFIL practices and arrangements further.
Introducing the concept of cybersecurity footprint
Authors: Levy Yair , Gafni Ruti
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the concept of cybersecurity footprint.

Design/methodology/approach

Characteristics of cybersecurity footprint are presented based on documented cases, and the domino effect of cybersecurity is illustrated. Organizational and individual cybersecurity footprints are outlined. Active and passive – digital vs cybersecurity footprints are then reviewed. Taxonomy of aware/unaware vs active/passive cybersecurity footprints are presented, followed by brief discussion of the implications for future research.

Findings

The concept of cybersecurity footprint is defined, and the evidence from prior cyber incidents is shown to emphasize the concept. Smaller organizations may have a large cybersecurity footprint, whereas larger organizations may have smaller one. Cyberattacks are focusing on the individuals or small organizations that are in the supply chain of larger organizations causing the domino effect.

Practical implications

Implications of cybersecurity footprint to individuals, organizations, societies and governments are discussed. The authors present organizations with ways to lower cybersecurity footprint along with recommendations for future research.

Social implications

Cybersecurity has a significant social implication worldwide, as the world is becoming cyber dependent. With the authors’ introduction of the cybersecurity footprint concept and call to further understand how organizations can measure and reduce it, the authors envision it as another perspective of assessing cyber risk and further help mitigate future cyber incidents.

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing information and computer security body of knowledge on the concept of cybersecurity footprint with illustrated cases.
Training evaluation of a sales programme in a Portuguese cosmetics SME
Authors: Curado Carla , Sousa Inês
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the evaluation of a training programme in a Portuguese family’s small and medium enterprise (SME) in the cosmetics industry. This study addresses the four levels of the Kirkpatrick Model and estimates the return on investment (ROI) of a training programme in sales.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a case design to address the analysis of the training outcomes. This study uses data from 53 employees and explore the programme’s results.

Findings

This study provides evidence on the reactions of the trainees to the programme; the learning which results from it; and on the changes in trainees’ behaviours and the consequent results. This study also estimates the ROI of the programme; it is 5.55.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations to this study may be the use of data from a single training programme.

Practical implications

The research results offer managers some critical information in terms of future options in resource allocation. Training managers become more informed in making future choices on where to invest in training programmes.

Originality/value

The originality of the study regards the ROI estimation for an SME’s sales training programme. SMEs are not often addressed in the training evaluation literature. Because SMEs have limited organisational resources, and they do not invest much in training. Further, this estimation requires data gathering and reporting that is not commonly done, even for large firms.
The role of culture in student discipline of secondary schools in cross-cultural context: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Jayawardena Nirma Sadamali
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The present study is a systematic review that identifies future research avenues on culture and discipline in secondary schools in a cross-cultural context.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature, as published in top management, education and psychology journals, was reviewed around culture and discipline in secondary schools. This systematic literature review (SLR) used several preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and categorised the studies published during the period 2014–2020.

Findings

The author identified six major themes: (1) punishment, (2) restorative practices (RPs), (3) racial disparities, (4) competitiveness, (5) school climate and (6) secondary school student discipline in a cross-cultural context. Further, the author suggested several future research avenues under these emerging themes.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this study is limited to culture and discipline in a secondary school context. The findings provide a solid foundation for researchers in the areas of culture and discipline in secondary schools.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this study can be considered as the first SLR conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify several under-researched areas in the field of culture and discipline in secondary schools in a cross-cultural context. The study provides several future research insights.
A quantile regression approach to evaluate the relative impact of global and local factors on the MENA stock markets
Authors: Bahloul Slah , Ben Amor Nawel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the relative importance of local macroeconomic and global factors in the explanation of twelve MENA (Middle East and North Africa) stock market returns across the different quantiles in order to determine their degree of international financial integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use both ordinary least squares and quantile regressions from January 2007 to January 2018. Quantile regression permits to know how the effects of explanatory variables vary across the different states of the market.

Findings

The results of this paper indicate that the impact of local macroeconomic and global factors differs across the quantiles and markets. Generally, there are wide ranges in degree of international integration and most of MENA stock markets appear to be weakly integrated. This reveals that the portfolio diversification within the stock markets in this region is still beneficial.

Originality/value

This paper is original for two reasons. First, it emphasizes, over a fairly long period, the impact of a large number of macroeconomic and global variables on the MENA stock market returns. Second, it examines if the relative effects of these factors on MENA stock returns vary or not across the market states and MENA countries.
Family control, agency conflicts, corporate cash holdings and firm value
Authors: Moolchandani Ruchi , Kar Sujata
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper examines whether family control exerts any influence on corporate cash holdings in Indian listed firms. It also examines how this accumulated cash of family firms impacts firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses dynamic panel data regression estimated using two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) on S&P BSE 500 firms during 2009–2018 for testing the repercussions of family control on the cash levels of a firm. Further, fixed effects regression has been employed for the valuation analysis.

Findings

Estimation results showed that family control negatively impacts cash holdings in Indian firms. Further, the cash accumulation by family firms adversely affects the market valuation of the firm. These findings signal a principal–principal (P-P) agency conflict in Indian family firms, i.e. friction between family owners and minority shareholders' interests. Minority shareholders fear that a part of the cash reserves will be used by family members for personal benefits. Thus, they discount cash reserves in family firms.

Originality/value

The study adds to the determinants of corporate cash holdings in emerging markets. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study from India investigating family control as a determinant of cash policy. It sheds light on the P-P agency conflict in Indian family firms. P-P agency conflict is less researched in cash holdings literature as opposed to the principal–agent managerial disputes. Also, the study uses a more comprehensive definition of family control rather than just considering the ownership as used in prior cash holding research.
Big data analytics in digital platforms: how do financial service providers customise supply chain finance?
Authors: Song Hua , Li Mengyin , Yu Kangkang
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study examines the role of financial service providers (FSPs) in assessing the supply chain credit of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and how they help SMEs obtain supply chain finance (SCF) through an established digital platform using big data analytics (BDA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted data mining analysis on the archival data of China's FSPs in the mobile production industry from 2015 to 2018, using neural networks in the first stage and multiple regression in the second stage.

Findings

The findings suggest that digital platforms sponsored by FSPs have a discriminative effect based on implicit BDA on identifying the quality and potential risks of borrowers. The results also show that tailored information utilised by FSPs has a supportive effect based on explicit BDA in helping SMEs obtain financing.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emergent research on BDA in supply chain management by extending the contextual research on information signalling and platform theory in SCF. Furthermore, it examines the distinctive financing decision models of FSPs and provides a solution that addresses the information deficiency and overload of both lenders and borrowers and plays a certain reference role in alleviating the financing problems of SMEs.
Incarcerated individuals’ experiences of COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Pettus-Davis Carrie , Kennedy Stephanie C. , Veeh Christopher A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine steps taken by correctional staff to prevent COVID-19 from spreading through correctional facilities and explores strategies used by incarcerated individuals to reduce their own risk of contracting COVID-19 during confinement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from interviews with 327 individuals incarcerated after March 16, 2020, in Midwest1, Midwest2 and Southeast state using a questionnaire developed for this purpose. All study participants were actively involved in a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral health reentry intervention and the human subjects board approved the supplement of this study on COVID-19; interviews were conducted from April 15 to November 19, 2020.

Findings

Overall, 9.89% of participants contracted COVID-19. Most (68.50%) individuals learned about COVID-19 from television compared to official correctional facility announcements (32.42%). Participants wore face masks (85.02%), washed hands (84.40%) and practiced physical distancing when possible (66.36%). Participants reported that facilities suspended visitation (89.60%) and volunteers (82.57%), provided face masks (83.18%), sanitized (68.20%), conducted temperature checks (55.35%) and released individuals early (7.34%).

Social implications

Longitudinal observational study on the implementation and effectiveness of public health guidelines in prisons and jails may identify best practices for containing the infectious disease. Maximizing transparent communications, as well as COVID-19 prevention and mitigation efforts, are critical to achieving universal best practices for virus containment and amplifying public health.

Originality/value

Data presented indicate the early adoption of many Centers for Disease Control guidelines by individuals and correctional facilities, although broad variation existed. Data support the identification of containment strategies for feasible implementation in a range of correctional spaces.
Stakeholder preference mapping: the case for built heritage of Georgetown, Malaysia
Authors: Lou Eric C.W. , Lee Angela , Lim Yoke Mui
Published: March 2021

Purpose

While there is an established body of literature that discusses the importance of stakeholder management, and also the need for involvement of all stakeholders so that all values of a heritage site can be captured in a heritage management plan, the concepts are not generally developed in ways that make them useful in practice. This research seeks to bring greater clarity to the practice of stakeholder engagement in built heritage, so that organisations can manage their stakeholders in ways that meet their strategic goals. This study proposes a novel method to identify stakeholders, a stakeholder preference mapping approach, which will depict their influence on decisions based on a of power-interest scale.

Design/methodology/approach

This research posits a stakeholder preference mapping approach. Virtual Stakeholder Groups (VSG) were identified and stakeholder's significance impacts were measured using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 to determine in-depth consideration of each stakeholder's power and interest against differing stages of a heritage project. Participants were convened through a 5-day workshop, consisting of 20 Malaysian and 19 international participants (80% academics and 20% Malaysian civil servants). The Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis (MADA) technique was then used to demonstrate how stakeholder identification and analysis can be used to help heritage teams meet their mandates.

Findings

The research identified eight virtual VSG (Extremist, Expert, Economic, Social, Governance and Tourists) and their scale of power-interest influence at different stages of the heritage management process. The findings reveal varying levels of engagement from each of the different groups of stakeholders at each work stage – with Stage 5 (Construction) being the least engaged.

Originality/value

It is anticipated that through stakeholder preference mapping, heritage teams can increase the robustness of their strategies by identifying and effectively managing the important concepts; heritage teams can effectively manage the interface between the many (often competing) demands of differing stakeholders. Using Georgetown as a case study, the research team were able to delineate the interaction and interplay between the various stakeholders in the complex decision-making processes for a UNESCO heritage site. Applying the RIBA 2013 Plan of Work as a framework to the heritage management process enables a formalised mapping approach to the process.
A multi-level perspective on trust, collaboration and knowledge sharing cultures in a highly formalized organization
Authors: Alshwayat Dana , MacVaugh Jason Alexander , Akbar Hammad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate organizational culture’s perceived importance and practice as it unfolds across hierarchal layers of a formalized organization. Organizational culture is important in innovation and change and becomes significant if its importance and practice are shared across all levels of an organization. Highly formalized organizations are not an exception to this. Yet, there is a shortage of empirical evidence on how the organizational culture’s perceived importance and practice unfold across the senior-management, middle-management and operational levels of a formalized organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying a theoretical frame incorporating information asymmetry, knowledge sharing and cultural participation, this paper examined three important facets of culture, namely, trust, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Using a Jordanian bank’s case study, this paper collected data using a mixed-methods approach; quantitative to identify variations across levels and, subsequently, qualitative to explore the nuanced patterns in the perceived importance and practice of the three facets across different organizational levels in the context of a formalized organization.

Findings

The findings suggest that the importance and practice of the three cultural facets are shared, as well as differentiated across organizational levels based on purposiveness, person/situation-dependency and nature of work and nature/relevance of knowledge.

Originality/value

Using a multi-level lens provided insight not yet gained by current work in the field. This allowed us to unearth nuanced differences in the perception of organizational culture across organizational hierarchies. The paper contributes to the scholarship on organizational culture in the context of formalized organizations and to managerial practice by offering insights on how a shared practice of trust, collaboration and knowledge sharing is distributed across organizational levels, not captured before. This paper also suggests propositions related to each of three cultural facets, not spelled out before.
Minimising perceived travel risk in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to boost travel and tourism
Authors: Teeroovengadum Viraiyan , Seetanah Boopen , Bindah Eric , Pooloo Arshad , Veerasawmy Isven
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to confirm the expected impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) related to perceived travel risk on the likelihood of tourists to visit a destination. It then aims at identifying the key predictors of perceived travel risk in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. A theoretically grounded framework is proposed which can be further improved to understand and predict international travel behaviours within the context of global pandemics.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods design is adopted. In the first phase referred to as Study 1, a cross-sectional design is used based on a sample of 217 international outgoing tourists surveyed at the Mauritian International Airport and data is analysed using hierarchical regression. In Phase 2, referred to as Study 2, a purposive sample of tourists around the world are interviewed and data is analysed using the thematic analysis technique.

Findings

The results show that amongst those tourists who are willing to travel in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, the related perceived risk is likely to influence their travelling intention. Several key predictors of perceived travel risks are uncovered, those are categorised as COVID-19 status; transportation services; national sanitary measures; health-care services; accommodation services; ecotourism facilities. Moreover, the potential effects of those factors on perceived COVID-19 related travel risk are likely to be moderated by the trustworthiness of the information.

Practical implications

The implications of the study are important for researchers and policymakers to better understand and predict travellers’ behaviour in times of pandemics. These implications are also important to tourism marketers and transport and hospitality service providers to more effectively manage and mitigate the effect of such events.

Originality/value

The study provides an original comprehensive model grounded in the social cognitive theory and protection motivation theory to understand the predictors of perceived travel risks in relation to COVID-19 at a destination.
Linking knowledge management capabilities and the mediating role of the big data capabilities for enterprise value-adding processes
Authors: Shaqrah Amin , Alzighaibi Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge management capabilities (KMCAP) in enterprise systems value-adding processes (ENTVA) through the big data capabilities (BDCAP) spectrum.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework model is quantitatively tested using the Smart PLS method. An online questionnaire is developed and distributed to 120 technicians and knowledge workers in the royal commission for Yanbu industry (RCYI).

Findings

The findings of this study conclude that KMCAP has a significant direct effect on ENTVA and BDCAP. Also, this study concludes with interesting findings on the KMCAP domains.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings propose a wide-ranging awareness of knowledge management processes and BDCAP in the industrial enterprise systems environment. Future studies should consider other variables and different sectors and contexts.

Practical implications

This study includes implications for the full mediation effect of BDCAP between KMCAP and ENTVA.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the relationship between three vital processes of KMCAP “knowledge management acquisition, knowledge management sharing and knowledge management emission” and ENTVA mediates by BDCAP in the context of the RCYI in Saudi Arabia.
Genesis of Mafic Microgranular Enclaves in the Shaocunwu Granodiorite, Southern China, and their Implications: Evidence from Zircon and Whole‐rock Geochemistry
Authors: JIANG Hua , ZHANG Dayu , WANG Shiwei , FU Xiang , YE Longxiang , WHITE Noel C. , ZHOU Taofa
Published: March 2021

Magmatic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) are widely developed in the Shaocunwu granodiorite at the northeast margin of the eastern Jiangnan orogenic belt. Field geology showed that the MMEs occur as irregular ellipsoids near the edge of the intrusion, and consist of diorite, dominantly composed of amphibole, biotite, and plagioclase grains, with minor acicular apatite. Zircon U‐Pb dating showed the ages of the host granodiorites and MMEs are 145.9 ± 1.1 Ma and 145.6 ± 2.5 Ma, respectively, indicating both originated during coeval late Jurassic magmatism. Whole‐rock geochemical results show that the host granodiorite and MMEs have similar rare earth and trace element partition curves in spider grams, and similar 87Sr/86Sr, and 147Nd /144Nd isotope ratios, and their zircon 177Hf/176Hf isotopic ratios are similar. Geochemical studies indicate that both the host granodiorite and MMEs formed by mixing of coeval magma. Zircon Ti thermometers and oxygen fugacity of the host granodiorite and the MMEs show high oxygen fugacity, similar to that of W‐Cu (Mo) mineralized granitoids in the eastern Jiangnan orogenic belt. A similar magma mixing process was probably one of the mechanisms that generated the W‐Cu (Mo) fertile melts.
miRNA‐218‐5p increases cell sensitivity by inhibiting PRKDC activity in radiation‐resistant lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Chen Xiaoke , Xu Yuanyuan , Jiang Long , Tan Qiang
Published: March 2021

Background

Non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a malignancy with the highest mortality rate. Currently, surgery combined with radiotherapy is the first choice in the clinical treatment of lung carcinoma (LC); however, long‐term radiotherapy leads to radiation resistance in patients, resulting in treatment failure.

Methods

In this study, a new microRNA‐218‐5p (miRNA‐218‐5p) was identified, and its function in LC was investigated.

Results

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) results revealed that miRNA‐218‐5p was downregulated in LC. Overexpression or inhibition of miRNA‐218‐5p in LC and targeted binding of protein kinase, DNA‐activated, catalytic polypeptide (PRKDC) to miRNA‐218‐5p were confirmed by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. Exosomes from A549 and H1299 cells were cocultured with miRNA‐218‐5p and then cotransfected into radiation‐resistant A549R and H1299R cells; the proliferation of radiation‐resistant LC cells was found to be effectively inhibited and apoptosis was induced. Overexpression of miRNA‐218‐5p and X‐irradiation could enhance the radiosensitivity of LC cells. Exogenous miRNA‐218‐5p derived from A549 and H1299 cells could be transfected into radiation‐resistant LC cells and could inhibit PRKDC expression, thus accelerating DNA damage, apoptosis, and radiation sensitization of LC cells.

Conclusions

miRNA‐218‐5p could induce apoptosis and enhance the radiosensitivity of LC cells through regulatory activities, thus suggesting its application as a potential target for LC treatment.
Recombinant human adenovirus type 5 (Oncorine) reverses resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor in a patient with recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Zhang Qian‐Ning , Li Yan , Zhao Qi , Tian Mi , Chen Lu‐Lu , Miao Li‐Yun , Zhou Yu‐Jie
Published: March 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown significant efficacy in various solid tumors, but only a small subgroup of patients benefit from them because of immune resistance. Oncorine (formerly H101), a recombinant human adenovirus type 5, has direct anticancer properties and enhances cell‐mediated immune responses. At present, few studies on the role of Oncorine in reversing resistance to ICIs have been reported. Here, we present a case with recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The patient developed resistance to nivolumab therapy. After trying immunotherapy plus chemotherapy or antiangiogenesis therapy, the patient only obtained a transient response. The patient then received experimental treatment with Oncorine together with nivolumab and anlotinib. She experienced symptomatic improvement with a performance status score of 1, and achieved stable disease despite partial lung tissue necrosis. This was a successful exploration of oncolytic viruses reversing immune resistance.
Soil fertility and anthropogenic disturbances drive mammal species richness and assemblage composition on tropical fluvial islands
Authors: Ferreira Neto Gilson de Souza , Baccaro Fabricio Beggiato , Spironello Wilson Roberto , Benchimol Maíra , Fleischer Katrin , Quesada Carlos Alberto , Sousa Gonçalves André Luis , Pequeno Pedro Aurélio Lima , Barnett Adrian Paul Ashton
Published: March 2021

Floodplain areas comprise some 30% of the area in the Amazon, but are currently under severe anthropogenic threat. Across the Amazon Basin, forest‐dwelling non‐volant mammals play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity of forest functionality, yet have been poorly studied in fluvial island forests. Mammal assemblages may be affected by edaphic characteristics that operate indirectly via food nutritional quality, by patch attributes, and/or can be modulated by anthropogenic disturbances. Here, we conducted systematic and quantitative mammal surveys across fluvial islands of an Amazonian archipelago, to assess the influence of edaphic factors (soil fertility), island attributes (island area and degree of isolation) and anthropogenic characteristics (distance from human settlement and logging) on the patterns of mammal species composition and richness. On 28 islands, we conducted spoor surveys and deployed 49 camera traps (total effort of 2940 camera trap‐days). Subsequently, we performed multiple regression analysis to investigate the influence of environmental and anthropogenic predictors on mammal species richness, while dbRDA (distance‐based redundancy analysis) was used for species composition. We found that mammal species richness was positively correlated with soil fertility, and in combination with anthropogenic characteristics, both variables affected the species assemblage composition. In particular, smaller species were found across a variety of levels of soil fertility and anthropogenic disturbances, while larger mammals were mostly recorded at sites with higher soil fertility and low levels of anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the contribution of environmental and anthropogenic characteristics to the observed mammalian species richness and assemblage composition patterns will help optimise management and conservation efforts on Amazonian fluvial islands. In particular, we suggest enforcing hunting and logging restrictions within fluvial islands through surveillance activities, especially in more fertile islands.
To be or not to be maculate? – Colour/pattern change in the neotropical frog genus Phyllodytes
Authors: Novaes‐e‐Fagundes Gabriel , Solé Mirco
Published: March 2021

Colour/pattern variation is widespread among many anuran species, as polymorphisms or as ontogenetic, irreversible changes, or as dynamic, rapid reversible changes. Notwithstanding its commonness, the phenomenon and its implications to natural history and taxonomic knowledge are still overlooked in neotropical anurans. Herein we report dynamic colour/pattern change in a species belonging to the bromeliad‐dwelling treefrog genus Phyllodytes. It is the first report of this behaviour in this genus and it allows some unexpected striking insights into its taxonomy.
Demographic, Behavioral, and Proximal Risk Factors for Gambling Disorder in the US Military
Authors: Garvey Wilson Abigail L. , O'Gallagher Kevin G. , Liu Xian , Greenberg Jennifer G. , Otto Jean L. , Campbell Marjorie S. , Belsher Bradley E. , Evatt Daniel P.
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

To estimate the diagnostic prevalence and incidence of gambling disorder among United States service members and to identify associated risk factors, including demographics, history of mental illness or substance misuse, and proximity to legalized gambling vicinities.

Methods

Gambling disorder cases comprised active component Service members who received a pathological or problem gambling diagnosis between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2015. There were 901 cases (392 incidents) during the study period. Controls were matched on the case military entrance date (N = 43,564). Geospatial distance between gambling venue and military treatment facilities were calculated, then multivariable logistic regression and survival analyses were conducted.

Results

The 10‐year prevalence of gambling disorder was 6.6 per 100,000. Men were 3.5 times more likely than women to receive a gambling disorder diagnosis. Other risk factors included age over 24, Asian or Black race, formerly married, and enlisted rank. The odds of gambling disorder increased with duration and proximity to gambling venues, ranging from 2.0 to 3.9. Service members with prior substance misuse or mental health conditions were 3.9 times and 6.3 times more likely to receive a disordered gambling diagnosis than those without substance misuse or mental illness history, respectively.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

The results of this study reveal that proximity to gambling venues and slot machines on bases, as well as a history of substance misuse or mental disorders, are important risk factors for gambling disorder in the US military. Department of Defense screening policies that focus on high‐risk populations are appropriate. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00–00)
From scientific experiments to innovation: Impact pathways of a Synchrotron Light Facility
Authors: Catalano Gelsomina , López Gaston García , Sánchez Alejandro , Vignetti Silvia
Published: March 2021

Research infrastructures are commonly used by scientific and industrial communities to conduct research and experiments which translate in the creation of new knowledge. This knowledge may generate different outcomes (e.g., publications, patents) and find applications in different sectors and domains, ultimately triggering innovation developments. However, the pathway from knowledge creation to innovation is complex: it is split among different players, from the scientific community to industrial actors (even those not directly involved in the experiments) and may take time and significant investments.

The objective of this paper is to assess innovation impacts arising from a Research Infrastructure and specifically tracing and describing the pathways according to which these impacts may materialize. The example used is the ALBA Synchrotron Light source facility located in Barcelona and in operation since 2012.

The paper builds on the evidence collected through two surveys to direct and indirect users of ALBA (overall 384 questionnaires collected), in‐depth interviews as well as an analysis of patents’ citations. It draws from a pilot exercise carried out in the framework of the Horizon 2020 Ri‐Paths project. It contributes to the broader discussion on the socio‐economic impact assessment of Research Infrastructures and relevant methodologies and metrics.