bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication-competent HIV-1 in human alveolar macrophages and monocytes despite nucleotide pools with elevated dUTP
Authors: Cui Junru , Meshesha Mesfin , Churgulia Natela , Merlo Christian , Fuchs Edward , Breakey Jennifer , Jones Joyce , Stivers James T.
Published: May 2022

Although CD4+ memory T cells are considered the primary latent reservoir for HIV-1, replication competent HIV has been detected in tissue macrophages in both animal and human studies. During in vitro HIV infection, the depleted nucleotide pool and high dUTP levels in monocyte derived macrophages (MDM) leads to proviruses with high levels of dUMP, which has been implicated in viral restriction or reduced transcription depending on the uracil base excision repair (UBER) competence of the macrophage. Incorporated dUMP has also been detected in viral DNA from circulating monocytes (MC) and alveolar macrophages (AM) of HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART), establishing the biological relevance of this phenotype but not the replicative capacity of dUMP-containing proviruses. As compared to in vitro differentiated MDM, AM from normal donors had 6-fold lower levels of dTTP and a 6-fold increased dUTP/dTTP, indicating a highly restrictive dNTP pool for reverse transcription. Expression of uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) was 8-fold lower in AM compared to the already low levels in MDM. Accordingly, ∼80% of HIV proviruses contained dUMP, which persisted for at least 14-days due to low UNG excision activity. Unlike MDM, AM expression levels of UNG and SAM and HD domain containing deoxynucleoside triphosphate triphosphohydrolase 1 (SAMHD1) increased over 14 days post-HIV infection, while dUTP nucleotidohydrolase expression decreased. These AM-specific effects suggest a restriction response centered on excising uracil from viral DNA copies and increasing relative dUTP levels. Despite the restrictive nucleotide pools, we detected rare replication competent HIV in AM, peripheral MC, and CD4+ T cells from ART-treated donors. These findings indicate that the potential integration block of incorporated dUMP is not realized during in vivo infection of AM and MC due to the near absence of UBER activity. In addition, the increased expression of UNG and SAMHD1 in AM post-infection is too slow to prevent integration. Accordingly, dUMP persists in integrated viruses, which based on in vitro studies, can lead to transcriptional silencing. This possible silencing outcome of persistent dUMP could promote viral latency until the repressive effects of viral dUMP are reversed.
EEG Movement Tagging Objectively Measures Biological Motion Perception
Authors: Cracco Emiel , Oomen Danna , Papeo Liuba , Wiersema Jan R.
Published: May 2022

Detecting biological motion is essential for adaptive social behavior. Previous research has revealed the brain processes underlying this ability. However, brain activity during biological motion perception captures a multitude of components. As a result, it is often unclear which components reflect movement processing and which components reflect secondary processes building on movement processing. To address this issue, we developed a new approach that objectively defines the brain response associated with biological motion perception.

Specifically, we showed 30 male and female adults a point-light walker moving at a pace of 2.4 Hz and used EEG frequency tagging to measure the brain response coupled to that pace (‘movement tagging’). The results revealed a reliable response at the walking frequency that was reduced by two manipulations known to disrupt biological motion perception: phase scrambling and inversion. Interestingly, we also identified a brain response at half the walking frequency (i.e., 1.2 Hz), corresponding to the rate at which the individual dots completed a cycle. In contrast to the 2.4 Hz response, the response at 1.2 Hz was increased for scrambled walkers. These results show how frequency tagging can be used to objectively measure the visual processing of biological movements and can dissociate between global (2.4 Hz) and local (1.2 Hz) processes involved in biological motion perception, at different frequencies of the brain signal.
Subfunctionalized expression drives evolutionary retention of ribosomal protein paralogs in vertebrates
Authors: Xu Adele , Molinuevo Rut , Fazzari Elisa , Tom Harrison , Zhang Zijian , Menendez Julien , Casey Kerriann M. , Ruggero Davide , Hinck Lindsay , Pritchard Jonathan K. , Barna Maria
Published: May 2022

The formation of paralogs through gene duplication is a core evolutionary process. For paralogs that encode components of protein complexes such as the ribosome, a central question is whether they encode functionally distinct proteins, or whether they exist to maintain appropriate total expression of equivalent proteins. Here, we systematically tested evolutionary models of paralog function using the mammalian ribosomal protein paralogs eS27 (Rps27) and eS27L (Rps27l) as a case study. We first showed that eS27 and eS27L have inversely correlated mRNA abundance across cell types, with the highest eS27 in lymphocytes and the highest eS27L in mammary alveolar cells and hepatocytes. By endogenously tagging the eS27 and eS27L proteins, we demonstrated that eS27- and eS27L- ribosomes associate preferentially with different transcripts. Furthermore, we generated murine eS27 and eS27L loss-of-function alleles that are homozygous lethal at different developmental stages. However, strikingly, we found that expressing eS27 protein from the endogenous eS27L locus, or vice versa, completely rescues loss-of-function lethality and yields mice with no detectable deficits. Together, these findings suggest that eS27 and eS27L are evolutionarily retained because their subfunctionalized expression patterns render both genes necessary to achieve the requisite total expression of two equivalent proteins across cell types. Our work represents the most in-depth characterization of a mammalian ribosomal protein paralog to date and highlights the importance of considering both protein function and expression when investigating paralogs.
Variations of a theme - crystal forms of the amino acid transporter MhsT
Authors: Neumann Caroline , Focht Dorota , Trampari Sofia , Lyons Joseph , Nissen Poul
Published: May 2022

The bacterial amino acid transporter MhsT of the SLC6A family was crystallized in complex with different substrates in order to understand the determinants of substrate specificity of the transporter. Surprisingly, crystals of the different MhsT-substrate complexes showed interrelated, but different crystal packing arrangements. Space group assignment and structure determination of these different crystal forms presented challenging combinations of pseudosymmetry, twinning and tNCS.

Synopsis

An unusual case of protein-substrate complexes obtained in similar conditions, but containing different packing arrangements. The crystals exhibit a combination of various crystal imperfections (pseudosymmetry, twinning and tNCS) masking the true crystal symmetries and challenging data processing and structure determination.
Aminomethanesulfonic acid illuminates the boundary between full and partial agonists of the pentameric glycine receptor
Authors: Ivica Josip , Zhu Hongtao , Lape Remigijus , Gouaux Eric , Sivilotti Lucia G.
Published: May 2022

To clarify the determinants of agonist efficacy in pentameric ligand-gated ion channels we examined a new compound, aminomethanesulfonic acid (AMS), a molecule intermediate in structure between glycine and taurine. Despite wide availability, to date there are no reports of AMS action on glycine receptors, perhaps because AMS is unstable at physiological pH. Here we show that at pH 5, AMS is an efficacious agonist, eliciting in zebrafish α1 glycine receptors a maximum single channel open probability of 0.85, much greater than that of β-alanine (0.54) or taurine (0.12), and second only to that of glycine itself (0.96). Thermodynamic cycle analysis of the efficacy of these closely related agonists shows supra-additive interaction between changes in the length of the agonist molecule and the size of the anionic moiety. Single particle cryo-EM structures of AMS-bound glycine receptors show that the AMS-bound agonist pocket is as compact as with glycine, and three-dimensional classification demonstrates that the channel populates the open and the desensitized states, like glycine, but not the closed intermediate state associated with the weaker partial agonists, β-alanine and taurine. Because AMS is on the cusp between full and partial agonists, it provides a new tool to help us understand agonist action in the pentameric superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels.
Regulation of astrocyte lipid metabolism and ApoE secretion by the microglial oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol
Authors: Cashikar Anil G , Rios Danira Toral , Timm David , Romero Johnathan , Long Justin M , Han Xianlin , Holtzman David M. , Paul Steven M
Published: May 2022

Neuroinflammation is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and several other neurological and psychiatric disorders and is often associated with dysregulated cholesterol metabolism. Relative to homeostatic microglia, activated microglia express higher levels of Ch25h, an enzyme that hydroxylates cholesterol to produce 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC). 25HC is an oxysterol with interesting immune roles stemming from its ability to regulate cholesterol biosynthesis. Since astrocytes synthesize cholesterol in the brain and transport it to other cells via apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-containing lipoproteins, we hypothesized that secreted 25HC from microglia may influence lipid metabolism as well as extracellular ApoE derived from astrocytes. Here we show that astrocytes take up externally added 25HC and respond with altered lipid metabolism. 25HC increased extracellular levels of ApoE lipoprotein particles without altering Apoe mRNA expression, due to elevated Abca1 expression via activation of LXRs and decreased ApoE reuptake due to suppressed Ldlr expression via inhibition of SREBP. Astrocytes metabolized 25HC to limit its effects on lipid metabolism via Cyp7b1, an enzyme responsible for 7α-hydroxylation of 25HC. Knockdown of Cyp7b1 expression with siRNA prolonged the effects of 25HC on astrocyte lipid metabolism. 25HC also suppressed Srebf2 expression to reduce cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes but did not affect fatty acid levels or the genes required for fatty acid synthesis. We further show that 25HC led to a doubling of the amount of cholesterol esters and their concomitant storage in lipid droplets. Our results suggest an important role for 25HC in regulating astrocyte lipid metabolism.
The Systematic Optimization of Square Wave Electroporation for Six Commonly Used Human Cell Lines
Authors: Vieira Christian , Nesmith Thomas , Acharya Saujanya , Gupta Gagan D.
Published: May 2022

During cellular electroporation, the formation of transient pores allow for the diffusion of innately impermeable molecules. The diversity of cell and membrane structure results in unique properties with respect to sensitivity to electric fields. The growing use of human cell lines in biomedical research and technology has led to a demand for protocols that can effectively and economically perform electroporation. We electroporated six human cell lines using a fluorescent reporter to investigate the effects of pulse electric field strength, pulse duration, and DNA concentration during electroporation. It was found that the cell lines all responded to electric field strengths within 400-950V/cm with viability decreasing with increasing voltage. It was also observed that the concentration of DNA used directly impacts transfection efficiency and cell viability as well. To better characterize square wave electroporation, we adopted a model where the pulse is described by its energy density (J/L) with respect to the sample buffer volume. It was determined that the key electrical characteristics of electroporation can be generalized with this value to provide a simplified measure of pulse intensity. The resulting analysis was consistent with other models, indicating cell type specific optimal electrical and DNA concentrations.
Barriers constraining the growth of and potential solutions for emerging entrepreneurial SMEs
Authors: Khan Muhammad Asif
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Pakistan has marvellous growth and development capacity, and entrepreneurial small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in its development. As it is believed that entrepreneurial SMEs make an important contribution to the economy by providing employment and soaring production capacity, the purpose of this study is to investigate the hurdles that affect their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 225 entrepreneurial SMEs owners and managers in the southern region of Pakistan. Statistical analysis in SPSS was conducted to determine the barriers that limit the growth and development of SMEs.

Findings

The findings show that factors affecting entrepreneurial SMEs’ performance in Pakistan are lack of finance and infrastructure as well as economic barriers, corruption and management issues. These obstacles are positively and significantly associated with entrepreneurial SMEs’ failure.

Originality/value

This study’s significance lies in its identification of the barriers that affect the performance of entrepreneurial SMEs in Pakistan. The author also suggests how policymakers can devise better policies for SME growth.
Relationships between patient flow problems, health care services, and patient satisfaction: an empirical investigation of the emergency department
Authors: Al Owad Ali , Islam Mazharul , Samaranayake Premaratne , Karim Azharul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish empirical relationships between patient flow problems, healthcare service quality and patient satisfaction with emergency department (ED) service factors from the patient perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

In the overall study, of which the current investigation is a part, a mixed-method research approach was to achieve the research objectives. The results reported in this paper are based on a comprehensive questionnaire survey where a well-designed and reliable questionnaire was used to survey ED patients. This study conducted partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) by using Smart PLS software.

Findings

Results show that the respondents mostly agreed with the proposed concept of quality in ED and patients were less satisfied with ED services in general and with the internal and external environments in ED in particular. It was found that relationships between nine identified scales of patient flow problems, healthcare service quality, and patient satisfaction are significant. The findings reveal that the relationship between patient flow problems and patient satisfaction is positively mediated through healthcare service quality, which shows the predictive capability of the model, indicating high predictive relevance.

Research limitations/implications

This research involves a relatively small sample from a single case study. The positive relationship between patient flow problems and patient satisfaction indicate practical significance of the model for guiding to improve overall patient satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research, through the involvement of both hospital staff and the patient, brings out a holistic approach in terms of operational excellence in a critical unit such as the ED. The empirically established relationships form the benchmarking and guide for developing guidelines for designing policies for service improvements of ED practices.
To disclose or not disclose a workplace disability to coworkers: attributions and invisible health conditions in the workplace
Authors: Patton Eric
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The decision to disclose an illness is a difficult choice for many individuals. Despite national laws such Americans with Disabilities Act that protect workers with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, the stigmas around certain illnesses, fears of being judged by others using different standards, and concerns about a lack of support regardless of legal requirements are all reasons why someone may hesitate to disclose a health condition in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Using experimentally manipulated vignettes and a combination of theories on attribution and incivility, this study explores the dangers of not disclosing a disability/condition that can lead to behaviors that will engender judgments by coworkers.

Findings

The results of the study make clear that there are social benefits to disclosing a health condition rather than concealing. The findings clearly demonstrate that attributing an individual's negative behavior to their disposition will lead to more judgments of responsibility, and less sympathy and more anger compared to behaviors that can be explained by any health reason. Furthermore, more punishment, feelings of revenge and social distancing await individuals whose negative behavior cannot be explained by health issues.

Originality/value

This study combines issues of health, attributions, incivility in an experimental studies that illuminates issues surround disclosing a workplace disability that go beyond the typical focus of legal questions.
Polymatic plastics & packaging – market deepening versus geography expansion
Authors: Mathur Dhiraj , Narayanamurthy Gopalakrishnan , Sengupta Tuhin
Published: May 2022

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the need for a small business to expand geographically; to evaluate the business dynamics and challenges faced by an entrepreneur during the business life cycle; and to analyze the geography and create a growth strategy for small business setup in a phase where competition is moving from a moderate to an intense stage.

Case overview/synopsis

Polymatic Plastics & Packaging (PPP), a proprietorship firm of Mr Shantanu Kalia at Ludhiana, Punjab, India, was formed in 2016 and is involved in the manufacturing of bubble packing and stretch films. Growing business and competition have created both unique challenges as well as propositions for PPP. While growth in business is encouraging Shantanu to secure more contracts for his manufacturing unit, increased competition within Ludhiana is also creating a dilemma to either compete on home turf with USPs ranging from product quality, pricing and superior turn-around-time or explore additional geographies and expand horizontally.

Complexity academic level

The case is suitable for courses on entrepreneurship and geography strategy in graduate business programs. The case is also suitable for executive program for budding entrepreneurs seeking to explore specific service/product as a potential business proposition and building their business around it.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
The mental health support needs of university students with long-term physical health conditions
Authors: Wilson Ceri , Spencer Grace
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Supporting the mental health of university students is a key priority for higher education. Students living with long-term health conditions are at increased risk of poor mental health; yet little work has focused on their particular mental health needs or indeed, the implications for health education in the university setting. This study sought to identify the mental health support needs of students with long-term conditions, including best ways for universities to support these students.

Design/methodology/approach

A UK national online survey of 200 university students living with long-term physical health conditions (e.g. asthma, endometriosis, epilepsy) was conducted in 2019.

Findings

95% of respondents reported that their long-term condition/s had at least a moderate impact on their mental wellbeing, with 81% reporting that they felt depressed and anxious at least once a month because of their health. The most common suggestion for how universities can better support their mental wellbeing was to raise awareness about long-term conditions on campuses, with many reporting a lack of understanding about long-term conditions from academic and support services staff members – with negative impacts on their mental health. Because of this, some respondents reported a reluctance to come forward and seek help from university services, with 25% not formally disclosing their conditions.

Originality/value

These reported concerns underscore the need to develop health education amongst university staff about long-term conditions and to ensure these students are supported with their health at university.
A systematic review of green building practices implementation in Africa
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku , Amadi Godpower Chinyeru , Aigbedion Marvelous , Ogbaini Iliye Faith
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review on encumbrances facing the implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Green building practices (GBP) implementation is germane and promotes the development of a green environment and buildings. Many studies have been conducted on the encumbrances faced with GBP implementation, especially in developing countries. But evidence of a comprehensive study that investigates and analyses these hindrances from different developing countries is missing. Therefore, a systematic review is conducted systematically reviewing the current literature on encumbrances facing the implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Also, the study proffers possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 38 published papers were identified from the Web of Science, Scopus database and supported with materials from Google Scholar related to Africa’s GBP. The continent was divided into five regions, and each region covered three countries.

Findings

Two themes emerged from the analysed review – encumbrances facing GBP implementation and possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in African countries. A total of 18 encumbrances and 18 drivers were identified from the analysed literature and grouped into 6 sub-themes.

Research limitations/implications

Current empirical articles were reviewed to suggest the drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP that emerged from this paper. Thus, to enrich the results from this paper, primary source data of regional studies of GBP in Africa’s context should be carried out via the mixed-methods design.

Practical implications

A total of 18 drivers were identified for stakeholders to promote GBP in Africa and form part of the paper’s implications. Also, the paper findings would serve as a treasured suggestion for the stakeholders (policymakers, construction practitioners, clients and academics) who are fascinated by the promotion of GBP across African nations.

Originality/value

This is possibly the foremost analysed systematic review study on GBP implementation in Africa. Therefore, it fills the theoretical gap and proffers possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in the African context.
The effects of self-efficacy and collective efficacy on customer food waste reduction intention: the mediating role of ethical judgment
Authors: Ding Li
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to (1) examine the effects of restaurant customer self-efficacy and perceived collective efficacy toward food waste reduction on their food waste reduction intention (FWRI), and (2) explore the mediating role of customer ethical judgment toward restaurant food waste reduction behavior in the relationship between efficacy and food waste reduction intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey. The responses from 428 US restaurant customers were used for data analysis. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the path effects.

Findings

The study found that restaurant customer self-efficacy and perceived collective efficacy toward food waste reduction positively influenced their FWRI. These relationships were mediated by customers’ ethical judgment.

Practical implications

Restaurant practitioners are recommended to allocate resources to food waste reduction programs and make customers aware of the efforts they have dedicated. Customer FWRI can be increased if they judge such initiatives as highly ethical. The restaurant practitioners should also be aware of the distinct associations between customer self-efficacy and perceived collective efficacy and their ethical judgment.

Originality/value

This is the first study to discuss the roles of customer self-efficacy, perceived collective efficacy and ethical judgment toward food waste reduction in determining FWRI. The proposed framework enriches social cognitive theory and self-regulation theory. The results especially underscore the mediating role of customers’ ethical judgment.
Knowledge transfer, buyer-supplier relationship and supplier performance in agricultural supply chain: an agency theory perspective
Authors: Shukla Suwarna , Kapoor Rohit , Gupta Narain , Arunachalam Deepak
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the performance of marginalized farmers in supply relationships with agri-tech firms in emerging rural agricultural economies. The complex relationship among the suppliers, dual relationship and knowledge transfer (KT) was studied. This paper empirically investigates the relationship between KT and supplier’s performance improvement (SPI) via buyer–supplier relationship (BSR).

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded on agency theory, a conceptual framework has been proposed to identify the mediation effect of BSR. The context deals with suppliers who are farmers in developing nations. The hypotheses were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation with a sample of 121 marginalized farmers from Indian states. The data was collected using a survey instrument designed by adapting the well-cited and validated measures. These marginalized farmers worked in collaboration with the agri-tech firms facilitating them with the KT.

Findings

The relationships established from the results also indicate the fact that KT is a powerful tool to make connections with farmers that lead to their performance improvement. The KT was found as a driver to improve performance (SPI) and the BSR acted as a positive mediator in this study. The complex relationships among the KT, BSR and SPI hold.

Research limitations/implications

This paper can be subscribed to various nuanced understandings of the agricultural supply chain context in emerging economies, in the specialized cases where farmers belong to the marginalized communities. This study has the scope to replicate using a mixed-method approach in emerging economies beyond India. It also advances the agency theory literature in the supply chain discipline of emerging rural economies.

Practical implications

This study offers strategic implications for agri-tech practitioners, policymakers and academic debate. The marginalized farmers with KT and improved BSR can become a part of the mainstream value chain, their debts can be reduced, suicides can be prevented and the quality of their family life can be significantly improved.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique contribution by investigating how the agri-tech firms (non-traditional buyer) and supplier relationship and KT helps improve the economic sustainability of smallholder farmers in India. The authors immersed themselves in fieldwork by interacting and meeting in person with 121 farmers residing in the remotest of the remote rural areas across multiple states of India. This resulted in the collection of authentic data and capturing the ground realities from one of the fastest-growing and largest emerging economies.
Acculturation preferences, conflict and cultural enrichment on secondary education in Western Catalonia
Authors: Lapresta-Rey Cecilio , Hinostroza-Castillo Ursula , Senar Fernando , Ianos Maria Adelina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Located in Western Catalonia (Spain), the article’s aim is to analyse the acculturation preferences of majority group high-school students towards their peers of Moroccan and Romanian descent. Furthermore, it aims to delve deeper into the influence on the perception of conflict with these groups mediated by cultural enrichment.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are the result of conducting a questionnaire among 349 autochthonous students enrolled in Compulsory Secondary Education in Catalonia. The data have been analyzed using cluster analysis, ANOVA and mediation analysis.

Findings

The findings show that a small number of high-school students construct integration acculturation preferences towards Moroccans and Romanians, while the majority of the preferences are of assimilation or segregation. In addition, the perceived conflict is higher for Moroccans than Romanians, and the cultural enrichment is higher for Romanians than for Moroccans. Finally, there is a low mediating effect of cultural enrichment on the relationship between acculturation preferences and degree of conflict.

Originality/value

The relevance and originality of this article stems from the application of acculturation theory on the construction of acculturation preferences in the educational domain. Additionally, it is a context characterized by an exceptional cultural and linguistic diversity. Furthermore, acculturation preferences, perceived degree of conflict and perceived cultural enrichment are analyzed comparatively regarding descendants of Moroccans and Romanians. This approach has scarcely been used at an international level, and practically never at the Spanish and Catalan level.
The sustainable competitiveness of e-commerce development of IoT big data
Authors: He Jiangnan , Yin Xiaoyin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the sustainable development of e-commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes to analyze the development of rural e-commerce based on the perspective of big data of the Internet of things, in order to achieve the purpose of the development of e-commerce in China. In the analysis, this paper selects the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for analysis and filters the parameters of the model to improve the accuracy of the model.

Findings

The experimental results of this paper show that various efficiency values of the improved model have decreased, and the scale efficiency has decreased by 0.319 on average. From the decline of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of rural e-commerce in each province after excluding environmental variables, it can be concluded that environmental variables have a greater impact on the development efficiency of rural e-commerce.

Originality/value

In the analysis, this paper selects the DEA model for analysis and filters the parameters of the model to improve the accuracy of the model.
Overview of research on marine resources and economic development
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Chen Suisui
Published: May 2022

Purpose

With increasing marine resource development, the rapid development of the marine economy, and the continuous decline of the marine natural resource system, the contradiction between marine resources and economic development is becoming increasingly acute. The study of marine resources and economic development has become a hot and challenging issue in marine resource economics research in recent years. The purpose of this study is to analyze the current situation of marine resources and to realize the sustainable use of marine resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviews and analyzes the current status of research on marine resources and economic development issues in four main aspects: marine resource management, marine resources and economic growth, marine resources and economic security, and marine resource accounting in the field of marine resource economics.

Findings

It is found that compared to the current status of research on land-based resources and economic development, there is a significant lag in both theoretical construction and methodological innovation in marine resources and economic development.

Originality/value

The purpose of this study is to systematically grasp the current status of marine resources research, promote the coordinated development of marine resources and economic growth, and then realize the safe and sustainable development and utilization of marine resources.
Enhancing the properties of petrified paper with cellulose nanocrystal
Authors: Mohamed Walid Shaaban Abdelrasoul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find an applicable solution for the consolidation of petrified paper after disassembling it to complete other stages of treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were subjected to natural aging by being inoculated withAspergillus nigeruntil they reached the stage of adhesion and petrification. After that, the leaves were separated, and cellulose nanocrystals were applied, then the leaves were subjected to wet thermal aging for 21 days. Digital microscope, scanning electron microscope, mechanical properties measurement, measurement of color change, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pH measurement were used to evaluate the effects of the cellulose nanocrystal on paper.

Findings

The results proved that cellulose nanocrystal (5%) successes consolidation of petrified paper Without affecting its natural, mechanical and chemical properties.

Originality/value

This study was based on the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystal in strengthening the petrified papers and testing its effect on the physical, mechanical and chemical paper properties.
The evolving legitimacy of external quality assurance in Colombian higher education
Authors: Duque Juan Felipe
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze how the legitimacy of the policy of external quality assurance (EQA) in Colombian higher education has evolved over the past 30 years through an examination of its two main instruments: the compulsory control of minimum quality standards for academic programs and institutions (registro calificado) and accreditations of excellence for programs and institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the methodology of process-tracing, this paper offers a review of the main sequences of the policy of EQA in Colombian higher education: the origins (1990–1998), the expansion (1998–2011) and the contestation (2011–2021). In each sequence, the sources of the substantive and procedural legitimacy of the policy are analyzed. This analysis is based on qualitative data comprising semi-structured interviews with key informants, online information from the 2011 and 2018 student protests and official documentation.

Findings

The policy of EQA in Colombian higher education had relatively high levels of substantive and procedural legitimacy during the first two sequences. However, the situation has become more ambivalent since 2011. On the one hand, internal contradictions and student movements’ growing criticism of neoliberal policies have undermined some of the foundations of this policy. On the other hand, higher education institutions and the Colombian Government still have a positive perception of EQA and have recently revisited the policy to address some of its shortcomings.

Originality/value

From a conceptual standpoint, this paper advances our understanding of how quality assurance in higher education gains, sustains or loses legitimacy by discussing and testing typologies of legitimacy in the analysis of a national system of EQA. From an empirical perspective, this paper provides a diachronic analysis of EQA in Colombian higher education, a case that has primarily been studied through a technical-rational perspective.
“Sustainable attitude” – a modest notion creating a tremendous difference in the glamourous fast fashion world: investigating moderating effects
Authors: Mehta Pooja , Kaur Amarjit , Singh Sandeep , Mehta Minakshi Duggal
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine relationship between numerous factors (fashion orientation, conspicuous consumption and environmental consciousness) that influence fast fashion (FF) purchase intention and their impact on FF purchase behavior and exploring the moderating effect of sustainable clothing consumption attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative analysis approach, wherein data have been collected from 571 college students by using non-probability snowball sampling. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been applied to analyze the relationships among variables.

Findings

Determinants fashion orientation and conspicuous consumption have substantial impact on the desire to buy FF, which has strong association with FF purchasing behavior. Environmental awareness, contrarily, has detrimental impact on FF purchasing intentions. Furthermore, sustainable clothing consumption attitude significantly moderates FF intention–behavior relationship.

Practical implications

Findings may be viewed as a driving course in textile and garment sector for entrepreneurs as they represent customers’ intents and behavior in connection to the adoption of FF. Strategists can understand the product’s lifecycle; marketers can define innovative ways of marketing, advertising and promotion; start-ups can look for opportunities in sustainable fashion industry by innovating, manufacturing and dealing in eco-friendly sustainable products; and policymakers can make suitable policies to create awareness regarding sustainable fashion.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no study that comprehensively deals with defining, structuring and validating factors affecting purchase intention and behavior in case of fashion industry, accompanied by the role of sustainable consumption attitude as a moderator between FF intention and behavior, in a single model.
Enhancing the resolution of seismic data based on the non‐local similarity
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Cao Siyuan , Sun Yaoguang
Published: May 2022

We propose a resolution‐enhancement method based on the non‐local similarity of the seismic profile. Because of the similarity in underground structures, the seismic data have similar event structures in different regions. We introduce the similarity as prior information to enhance the resolution of seismic data. The similarity, as a regularization term for enhancing the resolution, can improve the stability of the solution. The non‐local similarity constraint is usually implemented based on nuclear norm minimization. We use the L1–L2 norm instead of the L1 norm in the nuclear norm, which will obtain a more accurate approximation of low rank. Compared with the deconvolution algorithm based on the L2 norm, we use non‐local similarity as a constraint term. The proposed method can enhance the resolution with a low signal‐to‐noise ratio, suppress random noise and improve lateral continuity. The synthetic and field data prove the superiority of the proposed method for low signal‐to‐noise ratio data.
Taxonomical and functional changes in COVID‐19 faecal microbiome could be related to SARS‐CoV‐2 faecal load
Authors: Grenga Lucia , Pible Olivier , Miotello Guylaine , Culotta Karen , Ruat Sylvie , Roncato Marie‐Anne , Gas Fabienne , Bellanger Laurent , Claret Pierre‐Géraud , Dunyach‐Remy Catherine , Laureillard Didier , Sotto Albert , Lavigne Jean‐Philippe , Armengaud Jean
Published: May 2022

Since the beginning of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has emerged as an important organ influencing the propensity to and potentially the severity of the related COVID‐19 disease. However, the contribution of the SARS‐CoV‐2 intestinal infection on COVID‐19 pathogenesis remains to be clarified. In this exploratory study, we highlighted a possible link between alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota and the levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in the gastrointestinal tract, which could be more important than the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the respiratory tract, COVID‐19 severity and GI symptoms. As established by metaproteomics, altered molecular functions in the microbiota profiles of high SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA level faeces highlight mechanisms such as inflammation‐induced enterocyte damage, increased intestinal permeability and activation of immune response that may contribute to vicious cycles. Uncovering the role of this gut microbiota dysbiosis could drive the investigation of alternative therapeutic strategies to favour the clearance of the virus and potentially mitigate the effect of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Underinvestment in nutrition research for at‐risk populations: An analysis of research funding awarded in Australia from 2014 to 2021
Authors: Alston Laura , Raeside Rebecca , Jia Si Si , Partridge Stephanie R.
Published: May 2022

Aim

To determine the proportion of research projects funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council research funding from 2014 to 2021 that aimed to understand or improve dietary behaviours for at‐risk populations in Australia and estimate the proportion of total funding allocated during this period.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the publicly available National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council funding grants over the 8 years from 2014 to 2021 (n = 18 098). At‐risk dietary populations included people living in rural and remote Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Descriptive analysis was undertaken.

Results

In total, 144 out of 18 098 (0.8%) individual grants totalling $96.8 million were identified relating to nutrition research from 2014 to 2021. Out of the 144, only 21 ($19.6 million; 0.1%) of all National Health and Medical Research Council grants were identified for nutritionally at‐risk populations, with the majority focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (15/21). The National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council grants that aimed to improve human dietary behaviours increased by 0.66% and 0.58%, respectively, from 2014 to 2021. However, the National Health and Medical Research Council grants aiming to improve nutritional behaviours in at‐risk populations decreased by 0.04% over the 8 years.

Conclusions

Despite slight increases in the proportions of funding to improve dietary behaviours over the past decade, nutrition research specifically targeting at‐risk groups is scarce and appears to have decreased over time. Insufficient investment in research for these groups presents a risk for widening health disparities now and into the future. As such, they must be further supported and considered in the design of future funding schemes.
Comorbidities in Black South Africans with established rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lala Vikash , Tikly Mohammed , Musenge Eustasius , Govind Nimmisha
Published: May 2022

Objective

Comorbidities contribute both to morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence and spectrum of comorbidities in South Africans with established RA.

Methods

A retrospective, consecutive case record review of 500 Black South African patients with established disease of ≥5 years attending a tertiary rheumatology service was performed. Common comorbidities including those listed in the Charlson Comorbidity Score (CCS) were documented.

Results

Most patients, 463 known alive (AG) and 37 known deceased (DG), were female (87%). Mean (SD) age and disease duration were 60 (11.1) and 10.7 (5.0) years respectively, and 98% had ≥1 comorbidities. Median CCS was 2, significantly higher in DG than AG (4 vs 2, P < .0001). Despite hypertension (70%) and hypercholesterolemia (47%) being the commonest comorbidities overall and type 2 diabetes (T2D) occurring in 15.4%, clinical cardiovascular events were rare (0.6%). Peptic ulcer disease (odds ratio [OR] = 8.67), congestive cardiac failure (OR = 7.09), serious infections (OR = 7.02) and tuberculosis (OR = 2.56) were significantly more common in DG than AG. Multivariate analysis showed that American College of Rheumatology functional class 3/4 was associated with increased risk for serious infections (OR = 3.84) and tuberculosis (OR = 2.10).

Conclusion

Despite the high burden of cardiometabolic comorbidities in South Africans with established RA, cardiovascular events were rare. Serious infections and tuberculosis, both associated with severe functional disability, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
Assessing the performance and efficiency of environmental DNA/RNA capture methodologies under controlled experimental conditions
Authors: Zaiko Anastasija , von Ammon Ulla , Stuart Jacqui , Smith Kirsty F. , Yao Richard , Welsh Melissa , Pochon Xavier , Bowers Holly A.
Published: May 2022

Growing interest and affordability of environmental DNA and RNA (eDNA and eRNA) approaches for biodiversity assessments and monitoring of complex ecosystems have led to the emergence of manifold protocols for nucleic acids (NAs) isolation and processing. Although there is no consensus on a standardized workflow, the common practice for water samples is to concentrate NAs via filtration using varying pore size membranes. Using the smallest pore is assumed to be most efficient for NAs capture from a wide range of material (including sub‐cellular particles); however, a trade‐off must occur between detection of a meaningful molecular signal and cost/time effort when processing samples using fine pore membranes.

Comparative studies involving formal efficiency assessments are lacking, which restricts informed decision‐making around an optimized sampling approach for applications such as biosurveillance (i.e. detection and monitoring of target taxa—nuisance organisms, endangered and indicator taxa or other species of economic or cultural importance). Here, we present an experimental study using an easily cultured microalgal species (Alexandrium pacificum) to test different filter membranes for capturing NAs in the context of cost/time effort and cell fractions encountered in nature (whole cells, partially lysed and naked NAs).

The results showed no statistically significant difference between membrane types for capturing target eDNA signal from intact and partially lysed cell treatments. In terms of time effort and volume processed, higher efficiency ratings were obtained with the larger pore size (5 μm) cellulose membranes. Positively charged nylon demonstrated enhanced capture of naked NAs, and especially eRNA signal, across treatments.

Our findings support using coarse pore size filters for adequate capture of target NA signal (from both eDNA and eRNA) with less processing time. The framework presented here can provide a quick and robust feasibility check and comparative assessment of new and existing NA processing technologies, and allows sufficient control over multiple parameters, including physical–chemical water properties, temporal scales, and concentration and type of input material.