bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG-representational geometries and psychometric distortions in approximate numerical judgment
Authors: Appelhoff Stefan , Hertwig Ralph , Spitzer Bernhard
Published: April 2022

When judging the average value of sample stimuli (e.g., numbers) people tend to either over- or underweight extreme sample values, depending on task context. In a context of overweighting, recent work has shown that extreme sample values were overly represented also in neural signals, in terms of an anti-compressed geometry of number samples in multivariate electroencephalography (EEG) patterns. Here, we asked whether neural representational geometries may also reflect underweighting of extreme values (i.e., compression) which has been observed behaviorally in a great variety of tasks. We used a simple experimental manipulation (instructions to average a single-stream or to compare dual-streams of samples) to induce compression or anti-compression in behavior when participants judged rapid number sequences. Model-based representational similarity analysis (RSA) replicated the previous finding of neural anti-compression in the dual-stream task, but failed to provide evidence for neural compression in the single-stream task, despite the evidence for compression in behavior. Instead, the results suggested enhanced neural processing of extreme values in either task, regardless of whether extremes were over- or underweighted in subsequent behavioral choice. We further observed more general differences in the neural representation of the sample information between the two tasks. The results suggest enhanced processing of extreme values as the brain’s default. Such a default raises new questions about the origin of common psychometric distortions, such as diminishing sensitivity for larger values.
MicroRNA-eQTLs in the developing human neocortex link miR-4707-3p expression to brain size
Authors: Lafferty Michael J. , Aygün Nil , Patel Niyanta K. , Krupa Oleh , Liang Dan , Wolter Justin M. , Geschwind Daniel H. , de la Torre-Ubieta Luis , Stein Jason L.
Published: April 2022

Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data have proven important for linking non-coding loci to protein-coding genes. But eQTL studies rarely measure microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs known to play a role in human brain development and neurogenesis. Here, we performed small-RNA sequencing across 212 mid-gestation human neocortical tissue samples, measured 907 expressed miRNAs, discovering 111 of which were novel, and identified 85 local-miRNA-eQTLs. Colocalization of miRNA-eQTLs with GWAS summary statistics yielded one robust colocalization of miR-4707-3p expression with educational attainment and brain size phenotypes, where the miRNA expression increasing allele was associated with decreased brain size. Exogenous expression of miR-4707-3p in primary human neural progenitor cells decreased expression of predicted targets and increased cell proliferation, indicating miR-4707-3p modulates progenitor gene regulation and cell fate decisions. Integrating miRNA-eQTLs with existing GWAS yielded evidence of a miRNA that may influence human brain size and function via modulation of neocortical brain development.
Impact of hydrostatic pressure on organic carbon cycling of the deep-sea microbiome
Authors: Amano Chie , Zhao Zihao , Sintes Eva , Reinthaler Thomas , Stefanschitz Julia , Kisadur Murat , Utsumi Motoo , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: April 2022

Deep-sea microbial communities are exposed to high hydrostatic pressure. While some of these deep-sea prokaryotes are adapted to high-pressure conditions, the contribution of piezophilic (i.e., pressure-loving) and piezotolerant prokaryotes to the total deep-sea prokaryotic community remains unknown. Here we show that the metabolic activity of prokaryotic communities is increasingly inhibited with increasing hydrostatic pressure. At 4,000 m depth, the bulk heterotrophic prokaryotic activity under in situ hydrostatic pressure was only about one-third of that measured on the same community at atmospheric pressure conditions. Only ∼5% of the bathypelagic prokaryotic community are piezophilic while ∼85% of the deep-sea prokaryotes are piezotolerant. A small fraction (∼10%) of the deep-sea prokaryotes is piezosensitive (mainly members of Bacteroidetes, Alteromonas) exhibiting specific survival strategies at meso- and bathypelagic depths. These piezosensitive bacteria elevated their activity by more than 100-fold upon depressurization. Hence, the consistently higher bulk metabolic activity of the deep-sea prokaryotic community measured upon depressurization is due to a rather small fraction of the prokaryotic community. Overall, the heterotrophic prokaryotic activity in the deep-sea is substantially lower than hitherto assumed with major impacts on the oceanic carbon cycling.
Unraveling the functional attributes of the language connectome: crucial subnetworks, flexibility and variability
Authors: Roger E. , Rodrigues De Almeida L. , Lœvenbruck H. , Perrone-Bertolotti M. , Cousin E. , Schwartz JL. , Perrier P. , Dohen M. , Vilain A. , Baraduc P. , Achard S. , Baciu M.
Published: April 2022

Language processing is a highly integrative function, intertwining linguistic operations (processing the language code intentionally used for communication) and extra-linguistic processes (e.g., attention monitoring, predictive inference, long-term memory). This synergetic cognitive architecture requires a distributed and specialized neural substrate. Brain systems have mostly been examined at rest. However, task-related functional connectivity provides additional and valuable information about how information is processed when various cognitive states are involved. We gathered thirteen language fMRI tasks in a unique database of one hundred and fifty neurotypical adults (InLang database). The tasks were designed to assess a wide range of linguistic processes and subprocesses. From this database, we applied network theory as a computational tool to model the task-related functional connectome of language (LANG). The organization of this data-driven neurocognitive atlas of language is examined at multiple levels, uncovering its major components (orcrucial subnetworks) and its anatomical and functional correlates. Furthermore, we estimate its reconfiguration as a function of linguistic demand (flexibility), or several factors such as age or gender (variability). By accounting for the multifaceted nature of language and modulating factors, this study can contribute to enrich and refine existing neurocognitive models of language. The LANG atlas can also be considered as a reference for comparative or clinical studies, involving a variety of patients and conditions.
A miniaturized ultrasound transducer for monitoring full-mouth oral health: a preliminary study
Authors: Qi Baiyan , Hariri Ali , Nezhad Reza K. , Fu Lei , Li Yi , Jin Zhicheng , Yim Wonjun , He Tengyu , Cheng Yong , Zhou Jiajing , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To customize a miniaturized ultrasound transducer to access full-mouth B-mode, color Doppler and spectral Doppler imaging for monitoring oral health.

Methods

A customized periodontal ultrasound transducer SS-19-128 (19 MHz, 128 channels) with 1.8 cm wide and 1 cm thick was developed and connected to a data acquisition (DAQ) system. B-mode, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler data could all be collected with SS-19-128. The imaging resolution and penetration capacity of SS-19-128 were characterized on phantoms. Five human subjects were recruited to demonstrate B-mode and Doppler imaging by SS-19-128. Gingival thickness was measured on 11 swine teeth by SS-19-128 for comparison to conventional transgingival probing via Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson correlation.

Results

The axial and lateral spatial resolution at 5.5 mm depth is 102.1 μm and 142.9 μm, respectively. The penetration depth in a tissue-mimicking phantom is over 30 mm. In vivo B-mode imaging of all 28 teeth was demonstrated on one human subject, and imaging of tooth #18 was accessed on five human subjects. Gingival thickness measurement compared with transgingival probing showed a bias of −0.015 mm and SD of 0.031 mm, and a r = 0.9235 (P<0.0001) correlation. In vivo color and spectral Doppler imaging of the supraperiosteal artery in human gingiva was performed to generate hemodynamic information.

Conclusions

The small size of SS-19-128 offers important advantages over existing technology—more specifically, whole-mouth scanning/charting reminiscent of radiography. This is nearly a two-fold increase in the number of teeth that can be assessed versus existing transducers.
Imaging optically thick tissues simply and reproducibly: a practical guide to Lightsheet Macroscopy
Authors: Williams Rebecca M. , Bloom Jordana C. , Robertus Cara , Recknagel Andrew K. , Putnam David , Schimenti John C. , Zipfel Warren R.
Published: April 2022

Lightsheet microscopy offers an ideal method for imaging of large (mm-cm scale) biological tissues rendered transparent via optical clearing protocols. However the diversity of clearing technologies and tissue types, and how these are adapted to the microscope can make tissue mounting glitchy and somewhat irreproducible. Tissue preparation for imaging can involve glues and or equilibration in a variety of expensive and/or proprietary formulations. Here we present practical advice for mounting and capping cleared tissues in optical cuvettes for macroscopic imaging, providing a standardized 3D cell that can be imaged routinely and relatively inexpensively. We show that acrylic cuvettes should be non-aberrating with objective numerical apertures less than 0.65, and present an inexpensive tool for alignment and calibration of standard lightsheet parameters. Mouse embryo, liver and heart imaging are demonstrated as examples with practical recommendations for acquisition and post-processing.
Full-mouth photoacoustic/ultrasound imaging of the periodontal pocket with a compact intraoral transducer
Authors: Fu Lei , Khazaeinezhad Reza , Hariri Ali , Qi Baiyan , Chen Casey , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: April 2022

Periodontitis is a public issue and imaging periodontal pocket is important to evaluate periodontitis. Regular linear transducers have limitations in imaging the posterior teeth due to their geometry restrictions. Here we characterized a transducer that can image the entire human mouth including assessment of periodontal pockets via a combination of photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging. Unlike conventional transducer design, this device has a toothbrush-shaped form factor with a side-view transducer to image molars (total size: 1 × 1.9 cm). A laser diode was integrated as the light source to reduce the cost and size and facilitates clinical transition. The in vivo imaging of a molar of a periodontal patient demonstrated that the transducer could image in the posterior area of gum in vivo; the value determined by imaging was within 7% of the value measured clinically.
Helical remodeling augments 5-lipoxygenase activity
Authors: Gallegos Eden M. , Reed Tanner D. , Mathes Forge A. , Guevera Nelson , Neau David B. , Huang Wei , Newcomer Marcia E. , Gilbert Nathaniel C.
Published: April 2022

The synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes implicated in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atherosclerosis is initiated by the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). The crystal structure of human Stable-5-LOX revealed a conformation where the catalytic iron was inaccessible to bulk solvent as two aromatic residues on a conserved helix-α2 (Hα2) plugged the substrate access portal. Here, we present a new conformation of 5-LOX where Hα2 adopts an elongated conformation equivalent to that described in other animal lipoxygenase structures. The sigmoidal kinetic behavior of 5-LOX, which is indicative of positive cooperativity, is consistent with a substrate-induced conformational change that shifts the ensemble of enzyme populations to favor the catalytically competent state. Strategic point mutations along Hα2 designed to unlock the closed conformation and elongate Hα2 resulted in improved kinetic parameters, altered limited-proteolysis data, and a drastic reduction in the length of the lag phase yielding the most active 5-LOX enzyme to date. Structural predictions by AlphaFold2 of these variants statistically favor an elongated Hα2 and reinforce a model in which improved kinetic parameters correlate with a more readily adopted, open conformation.
A neural decision signal during internal sampling from working memory
Authors: van Ede Freek , Nobre Anna C.
Published: April 2022

How humans transform sensory information into decisions that steer purposeful behaviour is a central question in psychology and neuroscience that is traditionally investigated during the sampling of external sensations. The decision-making framework of gradual information sampling toward a decision has been proposed also to apply when sampling internal sensory evidence from memory. However, neural evidence for this proposal remains lacking. Here we report that sampling internal visual representations from working memory elicits a scalp-EEG potential associated with gradual evidence accumulation – the Central Parietal Positivity (CPP). Consistent with an evolving decision process, we show how this signal (i) builds up to, and scales with, the time participants require to reach a decision about the cued memory content and (ii) is amplified when having to select (decide) among multiple contents in working memory. These results bring the electrophysiology of decision making into the domain of working memory and suggest that variability in memory-guided behaviour may be driven (at least in part) by variations in the sampling of our inner mental contents.
Relative stability of mRNA and protein severely limits inference of gene networks from single-cell mRNA measurements
Authors: Mahajan Tarun , Saint-Antoine Michael , Dar Roy D. , Singh Abhyudai
Published: April 2022

Inference of gene regulatory networks from single-cell expression data, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, is a popular problem in computational biology. Despite diverse methods spanning information theory, machine learning, and statistics, it is unsolved. This shortcoming can be attributed to measurement errors, lack of perturbation data, or difficulty in causal inference. Yet, it is not known if kinetic properties of gene expression also cause an issue. We show how the relative stability of mRNA and protein hampers inference. Available inference methods perform benchmarking on synthetic data lacking protein species, which is biologically incorrect. We use a simple model of gene expression, incorporating both mRNA and protein, to show that a more stable protein than mRNA can cause loss in correlation between the mRNA of a transcription factor and its target gene. This can also happen when mRNA and protein are on the same timescale. The relative difference in timescales affects true interactions more strongly than false positives, which may not be suppressed. Besides correlation, we find that information-theoretic nonlinear measures are also prone to this problem. Finally, we demonstrate these principles in real single-cell RNA sequencing data for over 1700 yeast genes.
Oncogene-induced matrix reorganization controls CD8+T cell function in the soft-tissue sarcoma microenvironment
Authors: Fuller Ashley M. , Pruitt Hawley C. , Liu Ying , Irizarry-Negron Valerie , Pan Hehai , Song Hoogeun , DeVine Ann , Katti Rohan , Devalaraja Samir , Ciotti Gabrielle E. , Gonzalez Michael , Williams Erik F. , Murazzi Ileana , Ntekoumes Dimitris , Skuli Nicolas , Hakonarson Hakon , Zabransky Daniel , Trevino Jose , Weeraratna Ashani , Weber Kristy , Haldar Malay , Fraietta Joseph A. , Gerecht Sharon , Eisinger-Mathason T. S. Karin
Published: April 2022

CD8+T cell dysfunction impedes anti-tumor immunity in solid cancers but the underlying mechanisms are diverse and poorly understood. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition has been linked to both impaired T cell migration and enhanced tumor progression; however, impacts of individual ECM molecules on T cell function in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are only beginning to be elucidated. Upstream regulators of aberrant ECM deposition and organization in solid tumors are equally ill-defined. Therefore, we investigated how ECM composition modulates CD8+T cell function in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), an immunologically active and desmoplastic tumor. Using an autochthonous murine model of UPS and data from multiple human patient cohorts, we discovered a multifaceted mechanism wherein the transcriptional co-activator YAP1 promotes collagen VI (COLVI) deposition in the UPS TME. In turn, COLVI induces CD8+T cell dysfunction and immune evasion by remodeling fibrillar collagen and inhibiting T cell autophagic flux. Unexpectedly, collagen I (COLI) opposed COLVI in this setting, promoting CD8+T cell function and acting as a tumor suppressor. Thus, CD8+T cell responses in sarcoma depend upon oncogene-mediated ECM composition and remodeling.
Obtaining Xenopus tropicalis Embryos by Natural Mating
Authors: Lane Maura , Khokha Mustafa K.
Published: April 2022

Xenopus is a powerful model system for cell and developmental biology in part because frogs produce thousands of eggs and embryos year-round. Natural matings are a simple and common method to obtain embryos for injection or other experimental use or to raise to adulthood. This method does not require sacrificing a male as in vitro fertilization (IVF) does. Male and female frogs are injected with an ovulation hormone, placed together in a mating bucket, and left for 4–6 h or overnight to mate. Embryos are then collected, treated with cysteine to remove the sticky jelly coat, and used for injections and/or raised to later stages or adulthood. For embryos raised past free-swimming stages, the cysteine step can optionally be skipped, and tadpoles can be allowed to hatch naturally from the jelly coat. Although there are many similarities between natural mating protocols for Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis, there are key differences such as hormone dosage, timing of ovulation, and embryo incubation temperature. Here we provide a specific protocol for inducing natural matings in X. tropicalis.
Novel fabrication technique for high-resolution spherical crystal analyzers using a microporous aluminium base
Authors: Said Ayman H. , Kim Jung Ho , Aran Emily K. , Gog Thomas
Published: April 2022

Modern inelastic X-ray spectrometers employ curved, bent and diced analyzers to capture sufficiently large solid angles of radially emitted scattered radiation emanating from the sample. Fabricating these intricate analyzers, especially when a high energy resolution of a few millielectronvolts is required, is very time-consuming, expensive and often a hit-or-miss affair. A novel fabrication technique is introduced, utilizing a concave-spherical, microporous aluminium base to hold an assembly of a thin glass substrate with a diced crystal wafer bonded to it. Under uniform vacuum forces, the glass substrate is drawn into the aluminium base, achieving the desired bending radius, while dicing of the diffracting crystal layer prevents bending strain from being imposed on the individual crystal pixels. This technique eliminates the need for permanently bonding the crystal assembly to the concave lens, offering the opportunity for correcting figure errors, avoiding long-term degradation of the permanent bond, and making both lens and crystal reusable. Process and material costs are thus substantially decreased. Two analyzers, Si(844) and Ge(337) with intrinsic resolutions of 14.6 meV and 36.5 meV, respectively, were produced in this fashion and characterized in resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) measurements. The achieved overall energy resolutions for both analyzers were 29.4 meV for Si(844) and 56.6 meV for Ge(337). Although the RIXS technique is veru sensitive to analyzer imperfections, the analyzers were found to be equal, if not superior, in quality to their traditional, permanently bonded counterparts.
Water-cooled magnetic coupling drive attenuator design for wiggler light source in the TPS 31A beamline
Authors: Hsu Ming-Ying , Lee Chien-Yu , Fung Hok-Sum , Chen Bo-Yi , Yin Gung-Chian
Published: April 2022

An attenuator is generally used to decrease the power of an X-ray beam and prevent damage to detector sensors and other optical components. Therefore, attenuators are designed using foil or gas to absorb light source power. In this project, a large aperture and a water-cooling attenuator system are construed for the TPS 31A Projection X-ray Microscope and Transmission X-ray Microscope beamline. The source size of the wiggler is 300 µm × 7 µm on TPS 31A. The X-ray beam size at the sample position is 50 mm × 20 mm, located 49.5 m from the source. The light emission power is 1000 W in white-beam operation mode. The attenuator is needed to absorb energy for the light source and it has 12 foil carriers. The absorption foil size is 56 mm × 46 mm for the beam size across different beamline operation modes, and the cooling capacity is greater than 1000 W. This study applies a magnetic coupling-type attenuator system with foil carrier cooling carried out by the side chamber walls without the feedthrough having water enter the chamber to solve the thermal dissipation issue.
Yes bank: a case of quick turnaround
Authors: Jethwani Kinjal , Ramchandani Kumar
Published: April 2022

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this paper is as follows: to understand and analyze the turnaround model of Pearce and Robbins (1993); to familiarize with parameters and actions in the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework of Reserve Bank of India (RBI); to comprehend the probable situation warranting turnaround; to identify the key ratios which signal the financial health of a bank; and to understand the applicability of the turnaround model in bank’s revival.

Case overview/synopsis

The case explores various challenges faced by Mr Prashant Kumar during the turnaround process of Yes bank. The youngest bank started its operation in 2004, and in the first six years of operations, Yes bank registered a compound annual growth rate of 100% on the balance sheet, becoming the fourth-largest private sector bank in the country. However, the irony is that this shine and glitter was a short-lived phenomenon and after the regulatory inspection of 2016, Yes bank collapsed like a house of cards. This case has incorporated the three major phases of Yes bank i.e. the rise, the fall and the revival. The turnaround process led by Mr Kumar was explained using the turnaround model given by Pearce and Robbins (1993) and the PCA framework of the RBI. The conditions which warranted the need for the turnaround in Yes bank and the factors responsible for the same are discussed. The multiple challenges faced by Mr Kumar and the strategic responses adopted by him were incorporated in great detail. What were the outcomes of those strategic choices? Should he continue with similar approaches? Was he successful in stabilizing the bank which was broken from the core? What next if stability is achieved? How Mr Kumar should lift Yes bank to the recovery zone? And most importantly, will Mr Kumar be able to change the poor public image of Yes bank? The reflections of all the above questions are narrated with the actions of Mr Kumar.

Complexity academic level

The case is intended to be taught in the class of strategic management for postgraduate-, master- or executive-level participants of business administration. As the case is focused on a banking organization, it also can be taught in banking class.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Digital pedagogies for librarians in higher education: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Saib Mousin Omar , Rajkoomar Mogiveny , Naicker Nalindren , Olugbara Cecilia Temilola
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and present a global perspective of digital pedagogies in relation to technology and academic librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology was used in this study.

Findings

Based on the data, academic librarians must develop a foundational understanding of 21st century pedagogies and digital skills to teach in an online environment.

Originality/value

This review paper considers the emergent teaching role of the academic librarian within the digital environment. The themes in the findings highlight the importance of digital pedagogical knowledge and digital fluency of academic librarians as a teacher within the digital environment in higher education.
Revitalizing indigenous ways of maintaining food security in a changing climate: review of the evidence base from Africa
Authors: Chanza Nelson , Musakwa Walter
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Against a milieu of fragmented research that documents indigenous practices related to food security, and the heterogeneous settings from which the studies have been conducted, this study aims to synthesize the evidence of indigenous knowledge-food security nexus to strengthen the call for the revitalization of indigenous knowledge (IK) as part of the mechanisms to manage food security challenges being aggravated by climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on insights from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this study reviews 122 articles accessed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, which covered indigenous methods used for producing, gathering, processing, preserving and storing diverse food sources that indigenous people deploy in securing their food systems.

Findings

The surge in attention to focus on IK-food security nexus tends to be influenced by the growing acknowledgement of climate change impacts on food systems. Essentially, the IK-based practices adopted address all the four food security pillars that are specified by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) as availability, accessibility, utilization and stability. The main motivation behind the continued use of IK-based ways relates largely to the interest to be food secure against climatic shocks and partly to the desire to maintain people’s food cultures and food sovereignty.

Originality/value

This study deploys the food security pillars provided by the FAO (2012) to demonstrate that IK-based ways of food management are capable of addressing all the four food security dimensions, a critical observation toward revitalizing IK in managing growing food security challenges that are intensified by climate change in SSA.
Implication of theory of planned behavior and marketing mix variables in assessing the mindset of consumers for solar products in India
Authors: Alam Ansari Sarwar , Fathima M.S. Arshiya
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Researchers are of the point of view that solar products are important, concerning society, environment and sustainability and thus with a standpoint belief that the awareness, as well as the perception of consumers, should be changed. With this understanding, this study aims to access and know the mindset of Indian consumers regarding solar products.

Design/methodology/approach

The respondent for the study was chosen from the four different states of India, i.e. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and one union territory of India, i.e. Jammu and Kashmir. For the best results, 501 questionnaires were distributed among selected areas. The interview method with the questionnaire was used by the researcher in the urban and rural areas of the Maharashtra, Bihar and urban areas of Uttar Pradesh. The data were also collected based on the questionnaire from Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The researchers have used the convenience sample method, as it was more suitable for the study. The researchers have targeted rural and urban areas to know the awareness of solar product utility with reference to the social marketing aspect.

Findings

Attitude, subjective norm, price and promotion variables impact consumers’ purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study is useful for academicians, social marketers, business practitioners and researchers to enhance their knowledge about the perception of Indian consumers toward solar products.

Practical implications

This paper will help the social marketers focus on their thinking and activities, which in turn will help policymakers, people and professionals concerned with the social marketing aspect.

Social implications

It is hoped that this research work will add value to the social marketing aspect and help social marketers, policymakers, practitioners and society. The paper has accomplished connecting people with solar products for the betterment of society.

Originality/value

The paper contains original ideas and a unique perspective on social marketing, which will be useful for social marketers and practitioners.
Examining Islamic microfinance as a mechanism of Takaful in high-risk countries: case study of Palestine
Authors: Migdad Abdalrahman Mohamad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the intersection between Islamic microfinance (MF) (IsMF) and Takaful in high-risk economies and propose a model for the sustainable application of IsMF. The word Takaful, although used to refer to Islamic insurance, means solidarity and is used as such in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a descriptive and analytical method to present findings derived from secondary data collected from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and primary data from semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Need in the Palestinian household is very high, and the performance of Palestinian MF institutions (MFI) was found to have deviated from the spirit of MF. A significant shortcoming by MFI lies in the Palestinian law that focuses on organizing MFI’s operations as financial institutions only. With a deviated purpose and generalized laws, the paper proposed a model of IMF. The model consists of three stages covering mission and market-based financing for the economically incapable and those better off. Finally, enacting laws to protect micro-enterprises and cooperation between institutions that operate at each stage is necessary.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature on MF and IsMF, especially in high-risk countries. Furthermore, this study proposes a model for IsMF best practices based on the spirit of MF where it is most needed.
Operation space analysis and trajectory planning of mechanical arm in narrow space for GIS (gas insulated switchgear) inspection robot
Authors: Pan Zhimin , Yan Yu , Huang Yizhou , Jiang Wei , Ye Gao Cheng , Li Hong Jun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to achieve optimal climbing control of the gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) robot, as the authors know that the GIS inspection robot is a kind of artificial intelligent mobile equipment which auxiliary or even substitute human labor drive on the inner wall of the gas-insulated metal enclosed switchgear. The GIS equipment fault inspection and maintenance can be realized through the robot manipulator on the mobile platform and the camera carried on the fuselage, and it is a kind of intelligent equipment for operation. To realize the inspection and operation of the GIS equipment pipeline without blind spots, the robot is required to be able to travel on any wall inside the pipeline, especially the top of the pipeline and both right and left sides of the pipeline, which requires the flexible climbing of the GIS inspection robot. The robot device has a certain adsorption function to ensure that the robot is fully attached to the wall surface. At the same time, the robot manipulator can be used for collision-free obstacle avoidance operation planning in the narrow operation space inside the GIS equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

The above two technologies are the key that the robot completes the GIS equipment inspections. Based on this, this paper focuses on modeling and analysis of the chassis adsorption characteristics for the GIS inspection robot. At the same time, the Denavit Hartenberg (D-H) coordinate model of the robot arm system has been established, and the kinematics forward and inverse solutions of the robot manipulator system have been derived.

Findings

The reachable working space point cloud diagram of the robot manipulator in MATLAB has been obtained based on the kinematics analysis, and the operation trajectory planning of the robot manipulator using the robot toolbox has been obtained. The simulation results show that the robot manipulator system can realize the movement without collision and obstacle avoidance. The space can cover the entire GIS pipeline so as to achieve no blind area operation.

Originality/value

Finally, the GIS inspection robot physical prototype system has been developed through system integration design, and the inspection, maintenance operation experiment has been carried out in the actual GIS equipment. The entire robot system can complete the GIS equipment inspection operation soundly and improve the operation efficiency. The research in this paper has important theoretical significance and practical application value for the optimization design and practical research of the GIS inspection robot system.
Stelco, Sears Canada and CN Rail: archival sources of advertising and marketing history in the Library and Archives Canada collection
Authors: Campbell Dalton , Griffin Kelly Anne , Elliott Andrew
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The archival records of Canadian corporations held by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) are a rich source of primary documents for the study of the history of marketing and advertising in Canada. The paper discusses the records of iconic department store Sears Canada, steel manufacturer Stelco, and Canadian National, the country’s largest railway, provide primary source material on marketing, sales, catalogues, promotions, celebrity endorsements, sponsorship of charitable causes and other areas of publicity. Additionally, discussing archival records provides a case study of the major archival processes involved in making historical documents available to researchers and the general public, including appraisal and evaluation, archival processing, preservation and digitisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses and highlights primary source archival records for the study of marketing history. These archival fonds are unique primary source records that document three historically significant Canadian corporations and their roles in Canadian history.

Findings

The archival records of Canadian corporations held by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) are a rich source of primary documents for the study of the history of marketing and advertising in Canada. The records of iconic department store Sears Canada, steel manufacturer Stelco, and Canadian National, the country’s largest railway, provide primary source material on marketing, sales, catalogues, promotions, celebrity endorsements, sponsorship of charitable causes and other areas of publicity. Additionally, discussing archival records provides a case study of the major archival processes involved in making historical documents available to researchers and the general public, including appraisal and evaluation, archival processing, preservation and digitisation.

Originality/value

The archival records of Canadian corporations held by Library and Archives Canada (LAC) are a rich source of primary documents for the study of the history of marketing and advertising in Canada. The records of iconic department store Sears Canada, steel manufacturer Stelco, and Canadian National, the country’s largest railway, provide primary source material on marketing, sales, catalogues, promotions, celebrity endorsements, sponsorship of charitable causes and other areas of publicity. Additionally, discussing archival records provides a case study of the major archival processes involved in making historical documents available to researchers and the general public, including appraisal and evaluation, archival processing, preservation and digitisation.
Relative deprivation, perceived status conflict and innovative behavior of outsourced employees: multiple moderating effects of dual organizational support
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Qin Chuanyan , Liu Shanshi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

How to manage outsourced employees in interorganizational teams with triangular relationships has not yet attracted enough attention. Based on relative deprivation theory, this study explores how relative deprivation affects outsourced employees’ innovative behavior and investigates the complex moderating effects of dual organizational support.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested their hypothesis by conducting a two-wave survey; responses to a questionnaire were collected from 283 outsourced employees and their managers among 52 client organizations.

Findings

Results found that relative deprivation negatively influences the outsourced employees’ innovative behavior by eliciting their perceptions of status conflict. Support from client (supplier) organization attenuates (aggravates) the positive impact of relative deprivation on innovative behavior throughout status conflict. The moderating effect of client organizational support was moderated by support from supplier organization.

Research limitations/implications

The authors selected the outsourced employees in a Chinese context to conduct this study, and the results need to be generalized in future research.

Practical implications

Client organizational support can alleviate the negative effect of relative deprivation on outsourced employees, whereas supplier organization support aggravates the negative effect; managers should pay attention to the different effects of the two organizations’ support and provide reasonable support for outsourced employees.

Originality/value

This study identified the mechanism of relative deprivation’s effect on outsourced employees’ innovative behavior from the perspective of interpersonal interaction and compared the effect of support from dual organizations. This study expands the research on triangular relationships, relative deprivation, status conflict and other field.
Virus isolation data improve host predictions for New World rodent orthohantaviruses
Authors: Mull Nathaniel , Carlson Colin J. , Forbes Kristian M. , Becker Daniel J.
Published: April 2022

Identifying reservoir host species is crucial for understanding the ecology of multi‐host pathogens and predicting risks of pathogen spillover from wildlife to people.

Predictive models are increasingly used for identifying ecological traits and prioritizing surveillance of likely zoonotic reservoirs, but these often employ different types of evidence for establishing host associations. Comparisons between models with different infection evidence are necessary to guide inferences about the trait profiles of likely hosts and identify which hosts and geographical regions are likely sources of spillover.

Here, we use New World rodent–orthohantavirus associations to explore differences in the performance and predictions of models trained on two types of evidence for infection and onward transmission: RT‐PCR and live virus isolation data, representing active infections versus host competence, respectively. Orthohantaviruses are primarily carried by muroid rodents and cause the diseases haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in humans.

We show that although boosted regression tree (BRT) models trained on RT‐PCR and live virus isolation data both performed well and capture generally similar trait profiles, rodent phylogeny influenced previously collected RT‐PCR data, and BRTs using virus isolation data displayed a narrower list of predicted reservoirs than those using RT‐PCR data. BRT models trained on RT‐PCR data identified 138 undiscovered hosts and virus isolation models identified 92 undiscovered hosts, with 27 undiscovered hosts identified by both models. Distributions of predicted hosts were concentrated in several different regions for each model, with large discrepancies between evidence types. As a form of validation, virus isolation models independently predicted several orthohantavirus–rodent host associations that had been previously identified through empirical research using RT‐PCR.

Our model predictions provide a priority list of species and locations for future orthohantavirus sampling. More broadly, these results demonstrate the value of multiple data types for predicting zoonotic pathogen hosts. These methods can be applied across a range of systems to improve our understanding of pathogen maintenance and increase efficiency of pathogen surveillance.
pamlr: A toolbox for analysing animal behaviour using pressure, acceleration, temperature, magnetic or light data in R
Authors: Dhanjal‐Adams Kiran L. , Willener Astrid S. T. , Liechti Felix
Published: April 2022

Light‐level geolocators have revolutionised the study of animal behaviour. However, lacking spatial precision, their usage has been primary targeted towards the analysis of large‐scale movements. Recent technological developments have allowed the integration of magnetometers and accelerometers into geolocator tags in addition to barometers and thermometers, offering new behavioural insights.

Here, we introduce an R toolbox for identifying behavioural patterns from multisensor geolocator tags, with functions specifically designed for data visualisation, calibration, classification and error estimation. More specifically, the package allows for the flexible analysis of any combination of sensor data using k‐means clustering, expectation maximisation binary clustering, hidden Markov models and changepoint analyses. Furthermore, the package integrates tailored algorithms for identifying periods of prolonged high activity (most commonly used for identifying migratory flapping flight), and pressure changes (most commonly used for identifying dive or flight events).

Finally, we highlight some of the limitations, implications and opportunities of using these methods.
The Possibility of Lawful Act Economic Duress: Pakistan International Airlines Corp v Times Travel (UK) Ltd
Authors: Pilkington Timothy , Winterton David
Published: April 2022

The voidability of a contract procured by ‘economic duress’ is now well‐established, but the precise boundaries of the doctrine remain contested. In Pakistan International Airlines Corp v Times Travel (UK) Ltd [2021] UKSC 40, the Supreme Court confronted the longstanding controversy as to whether a threat to perform a lawful act can provide grounds for a threatened party to avoid a contract for economic duress. This note argues that the Court's decision to affirm the existence of ‘lawful act duress’ is welcome. It is further argued that the specific kind of lawful act duress identified by the majority and relevant to determining the appeal, described as ‘deliberate maneuvering via illegitimate means’, provides helpful (and defensible) clarification of the content of this doctrine, and that the Court was correct to hold that the contract in Times Travel was not voidable on this basis.
Defer or deliver? Two‐year outcomes after late preterm pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Walker Susan , Manley Brett
Published: April 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Alice Beardmore‐Gray et al., pp. 1654–1663 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17167
Targeted clearance of p21‐ but not p16‐positive senescent cells prevents radiation‐induced osteoporosis and increased marrow adiposity
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Lagnado Anthony B. , Farr Joshua N. , Doolittle Madison , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L. , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Robbins Paul D. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Ikeno Yuji , Passos João F. , Monroe David G. , Pignolo Robert J. , Khosla Sundeep
Published: April 2022

Cellular senescence, which is a major cause of tissue dysfunction with aging and multiple other conditions, is known to be triggered by p16Ink4a or p21Cip1, but the relative contributions of each pathway toward inducing senescence are unclear. Here, we directly addressed this issue by first developing and validating a p21‐ATTAC mouse with the p21Cip1 promoter driving a “suicide” transgene encoding an inducible caspase‐8 which, upon induction, selectively kills p21Cip1‐expressing senescent cells. Next, we used the p21‐ATTAC mouse and the established p16‐INK‐ATTAC mouse to directly compare the contributions of p21Cip1 versus p16Ink4a in driving cellular senescence in a condition where a tissue phenotype (bone loss and increased marrow adiposity) is clearly driven by cellular senescence—specifically, radiation‐induced osteoporosis. Using RNA in situ hybridization, we confirmed the reduction in radiation‐induced p21Cip1‐ or p16Ink4a‐driven transcripts following senescent cell clearance in both models. However, only clearance of p21Cip1+, but not p16Ink4a+, senescent cells prevented both radiation‐induced osteoporosis and increased marrow adiposity. Reduction in senescent cells with dysfunctional telomeres following clearance of p21Cip1+, but not p16Ink4a+, senescent cells also reduced several of the radiation‐induced pro‐inflammatory senescence‐associated secretory phenotype factors. Thus, by directly comparing senescent cell clearance using two parallel genetic models, we demonstrate that radiation‐induced osteoporosis is driven predominantly by p21Cip1‐ rather than p16Ink4a‐mediated cellular senescence. Further, this approach can be used to dissect the contributions of these pathways in other senescence‐associated conditions, including aging across tissues.
Neo‐adjuvant FOLFIRINOX in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Temraz Sally , Nassar Farah , Hammoud Miza Salim , Mukherji Deborah , O'Reilly Eileen M. , Dbouk Haifa , Farhat Fadi , Charafeddine Maya , Faraj Walid , Khalifeh Mohammad J. , Abou‐Alfa Ghassan K. , Shamseddine Ali
Published: April 2022

Background

Surgery and systemic therapy provide the best option for long‐term cancer control in localized resectable pancreas cancer. The present study assessed the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant treatment with FOLFIRINOX in patients with borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) pancreas cancer (PDAC).

Methods

This was a prospective noninterventional observational trial of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in BR and LA PDAC. The primary objective was the R0/R1 surgical resection rate. Secondary objectives included progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), tolerability, and toxicity.

Results

Forty‐nine patients were enrolled between 2013 and 2019; the majority had LA disease (59.2%). Median age was 61 years, and median Ca 19‐9 level pretreatment was 523.4 μmol/L. Following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX, 11 patients (22.5%) underwent surgical resection, the majority of which were BR at diagnosis (72.7%). Median OS and PFS for the entire group were 25 (95% CI: 17.2–32.8) and 12 months (95% CI: 9.7–13.3), respectively. Median PFS in BR patients was 14 (95% CI: 10.5–17.5) compared to 12 months (95% CI: 5.2–18.8) in patients with LA patients. Median OS and PFS were not reached in patients who underwent surgical resection as compared to 22 (95% CI: 18.6–25.4) and 9 months (95% CI: 4.2–13.9) in those who did not, respectively. Grade 3/4 neutropenia, leukopenia, neuropathy, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea occurred in 6.3%, 2.1%, 10.4%, 4.2%, and 8.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX is an active regimen for patients with LA/BR PDAC with a resection rate of 22.5%. These results are in line with prior data.