bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Wide Analysis Across Alzheimer’s Disease Endophenotypes: Main Effects and Stage Specific Interactions
Authors: Jacobson Tanner Y. , Nho Kwangsik , Risacher Shannon L. , Gao Sujuan , Shen Li , Foroud Tatiana , Saykin Andrew J. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Genetic association analysis of key Alzheimer’s disease (AD) endophenotypes may provide insight into molecular mechanisms and genetic contributions.

Methods

Major AD endophenotypes based on the A/T/N (Amyloid-β, Tau, and Neurodegeneration) biomarkers and cognitive performance were selected from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) in up to 1,565 subjects. Genome-wide association analysis of quantitative phenotypes was performed using a main SNP effect and a SNP by Diagnosis interaction (SNPxDX) model to identify stage specific genetic effects.

Results

Sixteen novel or replicated loci were identified in the main effect model, with six (SRSF10, MAPT, XKR3, KIAA1671, ZNF826P, and LOC100507506) meeting study significance thresholds with the A/T/N biomarkers. The SNPxDX model identified three study significant genetic loci (BACH2, EP300, PACRG-AS1) associated with a neuroprotective effect in later AD stage endophenotypes.

Discussion

An endophenotype approach identified novel genetic associations and new insights into the associations that may otherwise be missed using conventional case-control models.
Associations of Telemedicine vs. In-Person Ambulatory Care Visits on Cancellation Rates and 30-Day Follow-Up Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Kubes Julianne N. , Graetz Ilana , Wiley Zanthia , Franks Nicole , Kulshreshtha Ambar
Published: August 2021

Importance

Studies have shown that telemedicine use in specific conditions can promote continuity of care, decreases healthcare costs, and can potentially improve clinical outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many healthcare systems to expand access for patients using telemedicine, but little is known about cancellation frequencies in telemedicine vs. in-person appointments and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Objective

Compare ambulatory clinic cancellation rates, 30-day inpatient hospitalizations rates, and 30-day emergency department visit rates between in-person and video telemedicine appointments, and examine differences in cancellation rates by age, race/ethnicity, gender, and insurance.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The largest academic healthcare system in the state of Georgia with ambulatory clinics in urban, suburban and rural settings.

Participants

Adults scheduled for an ambulatory clinic appointment from June 2020 to December 2020 were included. Each appointment was identified as either a video telemedicine or in-person clinic appointment. Demographics including age, race, ethnicity, gender, primary insurance, and comorbidities were extracted from the electronic medical record.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary process outcome was ambulatory clinic cancellation rates. The primary clinical outcomes were 30-day hospitalization rates and 30-day emergency department visit rates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess differences in the clinical outcomes between appointment types.

Results

A total of 1,652,623 ambulatory clinic appointments were scheduled during the study period. Ambulatory appointment cancellations rates were significantly lower among telemedicine appointments compared to in-person appointments (20.5% vs. 31.0%, p <.001). Cancellation rates were significantly lower for telemedicine appointments than in-person appointments regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, primary insurance, or specialty (p <.05 for all sub-groups). Telemedicine appointments was associated with lower 30-day hospitalization rates compared to in-person appointments (2.1% vs. 2.8%; aOR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.74). There was no difference in 30-day emergency department visit rates between telemedicine and in-person appointment patients (2.6% vs. 2.6%: aOR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.02)

Conclusions and Relevance

Our findings suggest that there are fewer barriers to attending an ambulatory care visit via telemedicine relative than in-person. Moreover, using telemedicine was not associated with any more frequent adverse clinical events compared with in-person visits.
Lessons Learned From the Implementation of a Participant-Collected, Mail-Based SARS-CoV-2 Serological Survey in Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Cramer Estee Y. , Snyder Teah , Ravenhurst Johanna , Lover Andrew A.
Published: August 2021

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 is largely driven by pre-symptomatic or mildly symptomatic individuals who transmit the virus. Serological tests to identify antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are an important tool to characterize subclinical infection exposure, which is critical in determining transmission trajectories and consequent population immunity. During the summer of 2020, a mail-based serological survey with self-collected dried blood spot (DBS) samples was implemented among university affiliates and their household members in Massachusetts, USA. Described here are some of the challenges faced and novel procedures used during the implementation of this study to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies amid the global pandemic. Important challenges included remote and contact-minimized participant recruitment, limited availability of commodities and laboratory capacity, a potentially biased sample population, and policy changes impacting the distribution of clinical results to study participants. Methods used to surmount these challenges and lessons learned are presented to inform similar studies. Key lessons relate to the acceptability and feasibility of DBS sampling, supply requirements, the logistics of packing and shipping packages, data linkages to enrolled household members, and the utility of having an on-call nurse available for participant concerns during sample collection.

Future studies might consider additional recruitment techniques such as conducting studies during academic semesters when recruiting in a university setting, partnerships with supply and shipping specialists, and using a stratified sampling approach to minimize potential biases in recruitment. This study design highlights the feasibility and acceptability of self-collected bio-samples and has broad applicability for other serological surveys for a range of pathogens.
Worldwide association of lifestyle related factors and COVID-19 mortality
Authors: Wang Jingzhou , Sato Toshiro , Sakuraba Atsushi
Published: August 2021

Background

Several lifestyle related factors such as obesity and diabetes have been identified as risk factors for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the global association between lifestyle related factors and COVID-19 mortality using data from each individual country.

Methods

The association between prevalence of seven lifestyle related factors (overweight, insufficient physical activity, smoking, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and age over 65) and COVID-19 mortality was assessed by linear and multivariable regression among 186 countries. The cumulative effect of lifestyle related factors on COVID-19 mortality was assessed by dividing countries into four categories according to the number of lifestyle related factors in the upper half range and comparing the mean mortality between groups.

Results

In linear regression, COVID-19 mortality was significantly associated with overweight, insufficient physical activity, hyperlipidemia, and age ≥65. In multivariable regression, overweight and age ≥65 demonstrated significant association with COVID-19 mortality (P = 0.0039, 0.0094). Countries with more risk factors demonstrated greater COVID-19 mortality (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion

Lifestyle related factors, especially overweight and elderly population, were associated with increased COVID-19 mortality on a global scale. Global effort to reduce burden of lifestyle related factors along with protection and vaccination of these susceptible groups may help reduce COVID-19 mortality.
Significant reduction in humoral immunity among healthcare workers and nursing home residents 6 months after COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Canaday David H. , Oyebanji Oladayo A. , Keresztesy Debbie , Payne Michael , Wilk Dennis , Carias Lenore , Aung Htin , Denis Kerri St. , Lam Evan C. , Rowley Christopher F. , Berry Sarah D. , Cameron Cheryl M. , Cameron Mark J. , Wilson Brigid , Balazs Alejandro B. , King Christopher L. , Gravenstein Stefan
Published: August 2021

High COVID-19 mortality among nursing home (NH) residents led to their prioritization for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; most NH residents received BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination under the Emergency Use Authorization due to first to market and its availability. With NH residents’ poor initial vaccine response, the rise of NH breakthrough infections and outbreaks, characterization of the durability of immunity to inform public health policy on the need for boosting is needed. We report on humoral immunity from 2 weeks to 6-months post-vaccination in 120 NH residents and 92 ambulatory healthcare worker controls with and without pre-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anti-spike and anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG, and serum neutralization titers, were assessed using a bead-based ELISA method and pseudovirus neutralization assay. Anti-spike, anti-RBD and neutralization levels dropped more than 84% over 6 months’ time in all groups irrespective of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. At 6 months post-vaccine, 70% of the infection-naive NH residents had neutralization titers at or below the lower limit of detection compared to 16% at 2 weeks after full vaccination. These data demonstrate a significant reduction in levels of antibody in all groups. In particular, those infection-naive NH residents had lower initial post-vaccination humoral immunity immediately and exhibited the greatest declines 6 months later. Healthcare workers, given their younger age and relative good-health, achieved higher initial antibody levels and better maintained them, yet also experienced significant declines in humoral immunity. Based on the rapid spread of the delta variant and reports of vaccine breakthrough in NH and among younger community populations, boosting NH residents may be warranted.
Comparison of Antibody Levels in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination Type in a Midwestern Cohort
Authors: Remy Laura , Tomomori-Sato Chieri , Conkright-Fincham Juliana , Wiedemann Leanne M. , Conaway Joan W. , Unruh Jay R.
Published: August 2021

We present preliminary data in an ongoing observational study reporting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reactive antibody levels from a convenience cohort of over 250 individuals in Kansas City. We observe stable antibody levels over one year in individuals who recovered from COVID19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. By comparison, our data reveals even higher antibody levels from naïve individuals vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and slightly lower levels from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) recipients. For all vaccines, inoculation after recovery resulted in higher antibody levels than vaccination alone. Responses to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines decreased over time from high initial levels but at the time of publication remain higher than those for recovered or J&J recipients. Within our limited cohort we only see slight demographic trends including higher antibody levels in recovered female vs. male individuals. Booster doses and breakthrough infections both result in rapid increases in antibody levels.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines among Incarcerated People in California State Prisons: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chin Elizabeth T. , Leidner David , Zhang Yifan , Long Elizabeth , Prince Lea , Schrag Stephanie J. , Verani Jennifer R. , Wiegand Ryan E. , Alarid-Escudero Fernando , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D. , Studdert David M. , Andrews Jason R. , Salomon Joshua A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Prisons and jails are high-risk settings for COVID-19 transmission, morbidity, and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines may substantially reduce these risks, but evidence is needed of their effectiveness for incarcerated people, who are confined in large, risky congregate settings.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to estimate effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna), against confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections among incarcerated people in California prisons from December 22, 2020 through March 1, 2021. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided daily data for all prison residents including demographic, clinical, and carceral characteristics, as well as COVID-19 testing, vaccination status, and outcomes. We estimated vaccine effectiveness using multivariable Cox models with time-varying covariates that adjusted for resident characteristics and infection rates across prisons.

Findings

Among 60,707 residents in the cohort, 49% received at least one BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 dose during the study period. Estimated vaccine effectiveness was 74% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64−82%) from day 14 after first dose until receipt of second dose and 97% (95% CI, 88−99%) from day 14 after second dose. Effectiveness was similar among the subset of residents who were medically vulnerable (74% [95% CI, 62−82%] and 92% [95% CI, 74−98%] from 14 days after first and second doses, respectively), as well as among the subset of residents who received the mRNA-1273 vaccine (71% [95% CI, 58−80%] and 96% [95% CI, 67−99%]).

Conclusions

Consistent with results from randomized trials and observational studies in other populations, mRNA vaccines were highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections among incarcerated people. Prioritizing incarcerated people for vaccination, redoubling efforts to boost vaccination and continuing other ongoing mitigation practices are essential in preventing COVID-19 in this disproportionately affected population.

Funding

Horowitz Family Foundation, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Science Foundation, Open Society Foundation, Advanced Micro Devices.
The pH Dependence of Niclosamide Solubility, Dissolution, and Morphology Motivates Potentially Universal Mucin-Penetrating Nasal and Throat Sprays for COVID19, its Contagious Variants, and Other Respiratory Viral Infections
Authors: Needham David
Published: August 2021

Motivation

With the coronavirus pandemic still raging, prophylactic nasal and early treatment throat sprays could help prevent infection and reduce viral load. Niclosamide has the potential to treat a broad range of viral infections if local bioavailability is optimized as mucin-penetrating solutions as opposed to more traditional microparticle-based sprays that cannot penetrate the mucin.

Experimental

pH-dependence of supernatant concentrations and dissolution rates of niclosamide were measured in buffered solutions by Nanodrop-UV/Vis-spectroscopy for niclosamide from different suppliers, as precipitated material, and as cosolvates. Data was compared to predictions from Henderson Hasselbalch and precipitation pH models. Optimal microscopy was used to observe the morphologies of precipitated and converted niclosamide.

Results

Supernatant-concentrations of niclosamide increased with increasing pH, from 1.77uM at pH 3.66 to 30uM at pH 8, and more rapidly from 90uM at pH8.5 to 300uM at pH 9.1, reaching 641uM at pH 9.5. Logarithmic rates for dissolution increased by ∼3x for pHs 8.62 to 9.44. However, when precipitated from supersaturated solution, niclosamide equilibrated to much lower final supernatant concentrations, reflective of more stable polymorphs at each pH that were also apparent for niclosamide from other suppliers and cosolvates.

Conclusions

Given niclosamide’s activity against COVID19, its more contagious variants, and other respiratory viral infections, these niclosamide solutions, that put the virus in lockdown, could represent universal prophylactic nasal and early treatment throat sprays. As solutions they would be the simplest and potentially most effective formulations from both an efficacy standpoint as well as manufacturing and distribution, with no cold chain. They now just need testing.
Antibody Responses 3-5 Months Post-Vaccination with mRNA-1273 or BNT163b2 in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Breznik Jessica A. , Zhang Ali , Huynh Angela , Miller Matthew S. , Nazy Ishac , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Costa Andrew P. ,   for the COVID-in-LTC Study Group
Published: August 2021

Nursing home residents often fail to mount robust responses to vaccinations and recent reports of breakthrough infections, particularly from variants of concern, raise questions about whether vaccination regimens elicit a sufficient humoral immune response or if booster doses are warranted. We examined SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and neutralizing capacity in nursing home residents 3-5 months after 2 doses of mRNA-1273 or BNT163b2 vaccination as per recommended schedules.

Nursing home residents were recruited from eight long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada, between March and July 2021. Antibody levels and neutralization capacity from a previously published convalescent cohort were used as a comparator. Serum SARS-CoV-2 IgA/G/M against spike (S) protein and its receptor-binding domain (RBD) were measured by validated ELISA, with assay cut-off at the mean and 3 standard deviations of a pre-COVID-19 population from the same geographic region. Antibody neutralization was measured against the wild-type strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the beta variant of concern (B.1.351).

No neutralizing antibodies were detected in ∼20% of residents to the wild-type virus (30/155; 19%) or beta variant (27/134; 20%). Residents that received BNT163b2 had a ∼4-fold reduction in neutralization to the wild-type strain, and a ∼2-fold reduction in neutralization to the beta variant relative to those who received mRNA-1273.

Current mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine regimens may not have equivalent efficacy in nursing home residents. Our findings imply that differences in the humoral immune response may contribute to breakthrough infections, and suggest that consideration of the type of vaccine administered to older adults will have a positive impact on the generation of protective immunity.
Istaroxime metabolite PST3093 selectively stimulates SERCA2a and reverses disease-induced changes in cardiac function
Authors: Arici Martina , Ferrandi Mara , Barassi Paolo , Hsu Shih-Che , Torre Eleonora , Luraghi Andrea , Ronchi Carlotta , Chang Gwo-Jyh , Peri Francesco , Ferrari Patrizia , Bianchi Giuseppe , Rocchetti Marcella , Zaza Antonio
Published: August 2021

Background

Heart failure (HF) therapeutic toolkit would strongly benefit from the availability of ino-lusitropic agents with a favorable pharmacodynamics and safety profile. Istaroxime is a promising agent, which combines Na+/K+ pump inhibition with SERCA2a stimulation; however, it has a very short half-life and extensive metabolism to a molecule, named PST3093. The present work aims to investigate whether PST3093, still retains the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of its parent compound.

Methods

We studied PST3093 for its effects on SERCA2a and Na+/K+ ATPase activities, Ca2+ dynamics in isolated myocytes and hemodynamic effects in an in-vivo rat model of diabetic (streptozotocin (STZ)-induced) cardiomyopathy.

Results

Istaroxime infusion in HF patients led to accumulation of PST3093 in the plasma; clearance was substantially slower for PST3093 than for istaroxime. In cardiac rat preparations PST3093 did not inhibit the Na+/K+ ATPase activity, but retained SERCA2a stimulatory activity. In in-vivo echocardiographic assessment, PST3093 improved overall cardiac performance and reversed most STZ-induced abnormalities. PST3093 i.v. toxicity was considerably lower than that of istaroxime and it failed to significantly interact with 50 off-targets.

Conclusions

Overall, PST3093 is a “selective” SERCA2a activator, the prototype of a novel pharmacodynamic category with a potential in the ino-lusitropic approach to HF with prevailing diastolic dysfunction. Its pharmacodynamics are peculiar and its pharmacokinetics are suitable to prolong the cardiac beneficial effect of istaroxime infusion.

Graphical abstract
Playing with FiRE: A genome resolved view of the soil microbiome responses to high severity forest wildfire
Authors: Nelson Amelia R. , Narrowe Adrienne B. , Rhoades Charles C. , Fegel Timothy S. , Daly Rebecca A. , Roth Holly K. , Chu Rosalie K. , Amundson Kaela K. , Geonczy Sara E. , Emerson Joanne B. , Young Robert B. , Steindorff Andrei S. , Mondo Stephen J. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Salamov Asaf , Borch Thomas , Wilkins Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Warming climate has increased the frequency and size of high severity wildfires in the western United States, with deleterious impacts on forest ecosystem resilience. Although forest soil microbiomes provide a myriad of ecosystem functions, little is known regarding the impact of high severity fire on microbially-mediated processes. Here, we characterized functional shifts in the soil microbiome (bacterial, fungal, and viral) across wildfire burn severity gradients one year post-fire in coniferous forests (Colorado and Wyoming, USA). We generated the Fire Responding Ecogenomic database (FiRE-db), consisting of 637 metagenome-assembled bacterial genomes, 2490 viral populations, and 2 fungal genomes complemented by 12 metatranscriptomes from soils affected by low and high-severity, and complementary marker gene sequencing and metabolomics data. Actinobacteria dominated the fraction of enriched and active taxa across burned soils. Taxa within surficial soils impacted by high severity wildfire exhibited traits including heat resistance, sporulation and fast growth that enhanced post-fire survival. Carbon cycling within this system was predicted to be influenced by microbial processing of pyrogenic compounds and turnover of dominant bacterial community members by abundant viruses. These genome-resolved analyses across trophic levels reveal the complexity of post-fire soil microbiome activity and offer opportunities for restoration strategies that specifically target these communities.
BioSANS: A Software Package for Symbolic and Numeric Biological Simulation
Authors: Fajiculay Erickson , Hsu Chao-Ping
Published: August 2021

Modeling biochemical systems can provide insights into behaviors that are difficult to observe or understand. It requires software, programming, and understanding of the system to build a model and study it. Softwares exist for systems biology modeling, but most support only certain types of modeling tasks. Desirable features including ease in preparing input, symbolic or analytical computation, parameter estimation, graphical user interface, and systems biology markup language (SBML) support are not seen concurrently in one software package. In this study, we developed a python-based software that supports these features, with both deterministic and stochastic propagations. The software can be used by graphical user interface, command line, or as a python import. We also developed a semi-programmable and intuitively easy topology input method for the biochemical reactions. We tested the software with semantic and stochastic SBML test cases. Tests on symbolic solution and parameter estimation were also included. The software we developed is reliable, well performing, convenient to use, and compliant with most of the SBML tests. So far it is the only systems biology software that supports symbolic, deterministic, and stochastic modeling in one package that also features parameter estimation and SBML support. This work offers a comprehensive set of tools and allows for better availability and accessibility for studying kinetics and dynamics in biochemical systems.
A systematic analysis of Trypanosoma brucei chromatin factors identifies novel protein interaction networks associated with sites of transcription initiation and termination
Authors: Staneva Desislava P. , Carloni Roberta , Auchynnikava Tatsiana , Tong Pin , Rappsilber Juri , Jeyaprakash A. Arockia , Matthews Keith R. , Allshire Robin C.
Published: August 2021

Nucleosomes composed of histones are the fundamental units around which DNA is wrapped to form chromatin. Transcriptionally active euchromatin or repressive heterochromatin is regulated in part by the addition or removal of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) by “writer” and “eraser” enzymes, respectively. Nucleosomal PTMs are recognized by a variety of “reader” proteins that alter gene expression accordingly. The histone tails of the evolutionarily divergent eukaryotic parasite Trypanosoma brucei have atypical sequences and PTMs distinct from those often considered universally conserved. Here we identify 65 predicted readers, writers, and erasers of histone acetylation and methylation encoded in the T. brucei genome and, by epitope tagging, systemically localize 60 of them in the parasite's bloodstream form. ChIP-seq shows that 15 candidate proteins associate with regions of RNAPII transcription initiation. Eight other proteins show a distinct distribution with specific peaks at a subset of RNAPII transcription termination regions marked by RNAPIII-transcribed tRNA and snRNA genes. Proteomic analyses identify distinct protein interaction networks comprising known chromatin regulators and novel trypanosome-specific components. Notably, several SET- and Bromo-domain protein networks suggest parallels to RNAPII promoter–associated complexes in conventional eukaryotes. Further, we identify likely components of TbSWR1 and TbNuA4 complexes whose enrichment coincides with the SWR1-C exchange substrate H2A.Z at RNAPII transcription start regions. The systematic approach used provides details of the composition and organization of the chromatin regulatory machinery in T. brucei and establishes a route to explore divergence from eukaryotic norms in an evolutionarily ancient but experimentally accessible eukaryote.
Targeted regulation of transcription in primary cells using CRISPRa and CRISPRi
Authors: Jensen Trine I. , Mikkelsen Nanna S. , Gao Zongliang , Foßelteder Johannes , Pabst Gabriel , Axelgaard Esben , Laustsen Anders , König Saskia , Reinisch Andreas , Bak Rasmus O.
Published: August 2021

Targeted transcriptional activation or interference can be induced with the CRISPR-Cas9 system (CRISPRa/CRISPRi) using nuclease-deactivated Cas9 fused to transcriptional effector molecules. These technologies have been used in cancer cell lines, particularly for genome-wide functional genetic screens using lentiviral vectors. However, CRISPRa and CRISPRi have not yet been widely applied to ex vivo cultured primary cells with therapeutic relevance owing to a lack of effective and nontoxic delivery modalities. Here we develop CRISPRa and CRISPRi platforms based on RNA or ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery by electroporation and show transient, programmable gene regulation in primary cells, including human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and human CD3+ T cells. We show multiplex and orthogonal gene modulation using multiple sgRNAs and CRISPR systems from different bacterial species, and we show that CRISPRa can be applied to manipulate differentiation trajectories of HSPCs. These platforms constitute simple and effective means to transiently control transcription and are easily adopted and reprogrammed to new target genes by synthetic sgRNAs. We believe these technologies will find wide use in engineering the transcriptome for studies of stem cell biology and gene function, and we foresee that they will be implemented to develop and enhance cellular therapeutics.
Texture of NiGe(Sn) on Ge(100) and its evolution with Sn content
Authors: Quintero Andrea , Gergaud Patrice , Nguyen-Thanh Tra , Hartmann Jean-Michel , Reboud Vincent , Cassan Eric , Rodriguez Philippe
Published: August 2021

The texture of the Ni monostanogermanide phase on a Ge(100) substrate was evaluated during a solid-state reaction, with a focus on the impact of Sn addition. Complementary X-ray diffraction analyses involving in situ X-ray diffraction, in-plane reciprocal space maps (RSMs) and pole figures were used to that end. A sequential growth of the phases for the Ni/Ge(Sn) system was found. An Ni-rich phase formed first, followed by the NiGe(Sn) phase. The NiGe and NiGe(Sn) layers were polycrystalline with different out-of-plane orientations. The number of out-of-plane diffraction peaks decreased with the Sn content, while the preferred orientation changed. In-plane RSM analyses confirmed these results. Sn addition modified the out-of-plane and in-plane orientations. Pole figure analysis revealed that numerous epitaxial texture components were present for the Ni/Ge system, while Sn addition reduced the number of epitaxial texture components. On the other hand, segregated Sn crystallized with an epitaxial alignment with the Ge substrate underneath.
Consumer attitudes towards leftover food takeout interventions: a case study of the doggy bag in Japan
Authors: Billore Soniya , Kobayashi Tomio , Wang Ou
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose is to explore consumer acceptance of the doggy bag as an intervention to promote sustainable food consumption. In particular, it explores consumer attitudes towards taking home the leftover food from eating out at restaurants as a way of sustainable consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A consumer survey to explore consumer attitudes, followed by an investigation of the media communications that promote the doggy bag as a tool to reduce food wastage.

Findings

Strategic communication was employed in an inclusive approach to increase the impact of the doggy bag on consumer behaviour. Consumers show a positive inclination towards using the doggy bag to take home the leftovers of their restaurant meals and reduce food wastage. Cultural biases can cause hurdles in the acceptance of the tool.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to approach the behavioural analysis of leftover food takeout interventions studied from the consumer perspective. Furthermore, it is based on a novel approach of experimental methods at ready-to-eat food outlets for communicating with consumers.
Corporate governance and generalist CEOs: evidence from board size
Authors: Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Ongsakul Viput , Jiraporn Pornsit , Uyar Ali
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the debate in the literature about generalist CEOs by exploring the effect of board governance on CEO general managerial ability, focusing on one of the most crucial aspects of the board of directors, board size. Prior research shows that smaller boards constitute a more effective governance mechanism and therefore are expected to reduce agency costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate the effect of board size on CEO general managerial ability, using a fixed-effects regression analysis, propensity score matching, as well as an instrumental-variable analysis. These techniques mitigate endogeneity greatly and make the results much more likely to show causality.

Findings

The results show that firms with smaller board size are more likely to hire generalist CEOs. Specifically, a decline in board size by one standard deviation raises CEO general managerial ability by 15.62%. A lack of diverse experiences in a small board with fewer directors makes it more necessary to hire a CEO with a broad range of professional experiences. Furthermore, the agency costs associated with generalist CEOs are greatly diminished in firms with a smaller board. Hence, firms with a smaller board are more inclined to hire generalist CEOs.

Originality/value

Although prior research has explored the effects of board size on various corporate outcomes, strategies and policies, this study is the first to investigate the effect of board size on CEO general managerial ability. This study contributes to the literature both in corporate governance and on CEO general managerial ability.
Corporate governance and firm performance: empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Noor Amna , Ali Shoukat
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to look into the governance–performance relationship in the context of critical firm characteristics, such as firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on total assets, sample firms were classified as small or large. The governance index, which is based on 29 governance provisions covering the audit committee, board committee, ownership and compensation structure of the respective firm, measures governance quality among sample firms. A higher governance index indicates a higher level of governance quality and vice versa. Accounting and market value measures are used to determine firm profitability. The authors used the two-stage least square (2SLS) method of estimation of the model to eliminate the simultaneous equation bias.

Findings

Corporate governance (CG) appears to have a positive impact on accounting return and market indices (Tobin’s Q), but it has little impact on return on equity. In terms of firm size, larger companies profited more from better governance implementation than smaller firms that lacked these principles, thus improving CG. The findings indicate that small businesses should improve their governance mechanisms to reap the benefits of CG in terms of increased profitability.

Research limitations/implications

There are certain drawbacks to this research. First, the authors omitted qualitative aspects of CG from the CG index, such as the board’s decision-making process, directors’ perceptions of the board’s position and directors’ age and qualifications. Such a qualitative component will improve the governance index in the future while building the governance index. Second, as the current study only looks at the nonfinancial sector, caution should be exercised before applying the findings to the entire population.

Practical implications

The findings show that companies that follow good governance standards have better accounting and market efficiency than those that do not. As a result, good governance practices can help firms in developing countries improve their performance. Academic researchers, regulators, investors, lenders and practitioners can find the findings useful in establishing a true relationship between firm performance and CG practices in Pakistan.

Originality/value

The relationship between governance and profitability in the context of firm size is examined in this research. Firms with varying resources and ability to implement CG codes have varying effects on profitability. To the authors’ knowledge, there was a gap in the literature that addressed this topic in the local context.
The heterogeneous effect of governance mechanisms on zero-leverage phenomenon across financial systems
Authors: Morais Flávio , Serrasqueiro Zélia , Ramalho Joaquim J.S.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the effect of country and corporate governance mechanisms on zero leverage is heterogeneous across market- and bank-based financial systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Using logit regression methods and a sample of listed firms from 14 Western European countries for the 2002–2016 period, this study examines the propensity of firms having zero leverage in different financial systems.

Findings

Country governance mechanisms have a heterogeneous effect on zero leverage, with higher quality mechanisms increasing zero-leverage propensity in bank-based countries and decreasing it in market-based countries. Board dimension and independency have no impact on zero leverage. A higher ownership concentration decreases the propensity for zero-leverage policies in bank-based countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings show the importance of considering both country- and firm-level governance mechanisms when studying the zero-leverage phenomenon and that the effect of those mechanisms vary across financial and legal systems.

Practical implications

For managers, this study suggests that stronger national governance makes difficult (favours) zero-leverage policies in market (bank)-based countries. In bank-based countries, it also suggests that the presence of shareholders that own a large stake makes the adoption of zero-leverage policies difficult. This last implication is also important for small shareholders by suggesting that investing in firms with a concentrated ownership reduces the risk that zero-leverage policies are adopted by entrenched reasons.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to consider simultaneously the effects of both country- and firm-level governance mechanisms on zero leverage and to allow such effects to vary across financial systems.
DroneSim: a VR-based flight training simulator for drone-mediated building inspections
Authors: Albeaino Gilles , Eiris Ricardo , Gheisari Masoud , Issa Raja Raymond
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore DroneSim, a virtual reality (VR)-based flight training simulator, as an alternative for real-world drone-mediated building inspection training.

Design/methodology/approach

Construction, engineering and management students were asked to pilot drones in the VR-based DroneSim space and perform common flight operations and inspection tasks within the spatiotemporal context of a building construction project. Another student group was also recruited and asked to perform a similar building inspection task in real world. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)–Task Load Index (TLX) survey was used to assess students’ inflight workload demand under both Real and DroneSim conditions. Post-assessment questionnaires were also used to analyze students’ feedback regarding the usability and presence of DroneSim for drone building inspection training.

Findings

None of the NASA–TLX task load levels under Real and DroneSim conditions were highly rated by students, and both groups experienced comparable drone-building inspection training. Students perceived DroneSim positively and found the VR experience stimulating.

Originality/value

This study’s contribution is twofold: to better understand the development stages involved in the design of a VR-based drone flight training simulator, specifically for building inspection tasks; and to improve construction students’ drone operational and flight training skills by offering them the opportunity to enhance their drone navigation skills in a risk-free, repeatable yet realistic environment. Such contributions ultimately pave the way for better integration of drone-mediated building inspection training in construction education while meeting industry needs.
How closeness matters: the role of geographical proximity in social capital development and knowledge sharing in SMEs
Authors: Chumnangoon Pollawat , Chiralaksanakul Anukal , Chintakananda Asda
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impacts of geographical proximity on social capital development through the inter-relationship between three social capital dimensions (structural, relational and cognitive dimension) and the knowledge sharing between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors empirically test a main hypothesis that the mechanism of social capital development that subsequently results in tacit knowledge sharing is different for SME buyer-supplier partners across their different geographical distances.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple-group analysis in structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to test the research hypotheses using data collected from approximately 200 SMEs in Thailand’s food industry.

Findings

At a great geographical distance, the structural dimension impacts the cognitive dimension only in an indirect way through a relational dimension, which subsequently leads to knowledge sharing between SME buyer-supplier partners. At close geographical proximity, while the indirect impact of structural dimension on cognitive dimension through a relational dimension is still presented as it is in a great geographical distance, structural dimension has a positive and direct impact on the cognitive dimension as a complementary way to jointly reinforce knowledge sharing between SME partners. Among distant SME partners, the relational dimension shows a stronger impact on the cognitive dimension. In contrast, the direct influence of structural, relational and cognitive dimensions on knowledge sharing is identical, regardless of geographical distance.

Practical implications

The managers of SMEs can design their network-building approach in such a way that different location partners can enhance knowledge sharing. Policymakers could consider these results as a guideline when imposing SME development policies and geographical cluster policies in emerging economies.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence that demonstrates how geographical proximity between SME partners in an emerging economy influences their social proximity through the lens of social capital development mechanism and thus leads to knowledge sharing between them.
Re-examination of the internet financial reporting determinants
Authors: Khlifi Foued
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relationship between the Internet Financial Reporting (IFR) levels and corporate characteristics. It is assumed that the relationship between the disclosure level and its determinants is known. Nevertheless, the results of the empirical studies confirm that it is a naive assumption. As a result, the author suggests refusing the conventional methods of econometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology consisted of four stages: First, the author tried to select the “best” model using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Second, the author checked out the stability of the relationship between corporate disclosure level and its determinants. Third, the regression analysis was used. Finally, the author proposed a “genetic-fuzzy system” for studying the determinants of corporate disclosure. The firms' yearly data collected consisted of a random sample of 152 Tunisian companies' websites.

Findings

The results show that the variables that should be used to explain the level of IFR are firm size, ownership concentration, firm performance and liquidity. The Chow forecast test shows that there is a significant and large difference between the actual and the predicted values. Consequently, the author suggests using non-parametric methods, particularly a methodology based on fuzzy logic concepts and genetic algorithms. This technique would allow the author to discover the true form of the relationship between the disclosure level and its determinants. Regarding the hypotheses of this study, the findings of the “genetic-fuzzy system” validate all the hypotheses. Indeed, the arguments of the agency theory, the signaling theory, and the political cost hypothesis were supported using the “genetic-fuzzy system.”

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in providing a new research methodology based on several statistical tools for dealing with an important research topic in accounting and finance, i.e. the determinants of IFR. The results of this study can be considered as a starting point to develop a unified methodology.
Health-care preventive measures, logistics challenges and corporate social responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic: break the ice
Authors: Sasmoko  , Lodhi Muhammad Saeed , Aziz Abdul Rashid Abdul , Bandar Nur Fatihah Abdullah , Embong Rahimah , Jabor Mohd Khata , Anis Siti Nisrin Mohd , Zaman Khalid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study aims to analyze the role of coronavirus testing capacity to possibly reduce the case fatality ratio (CFR) in a large cross-section of countries. The study controlled health-care expenditures, logistics performance index (LPI), carbon damages, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to understand the nature of causation between the CFR and stated factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional regression apparatus for coefficient estimates and variance decomposition analysis (VDA) for forecasting relationships between the variables over time.

Findings

The results confirmed the W-shaped relationship between CFR and case-to-test ratio (CTR) in the presence of a LPI that exacerbates the CFR cases across countries. The VDA estimates suggest that carbon damages, logistics activities, and CSR are likely to influence CFR over time.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is believed to be the first study that assesses the W-shaped relationship between the CFR and CTR in the presence of dynamic variables, which helps to formulate long-term sustainable health-care policies worldwide.
Boardroom gender diversity and corporate environmental performance: a multi-theoretical perspective in the MENA region
Authors: Issa Ayman , Zaid Mohammad A.A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the multi-theoretical perspective, the primary purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the inextricably entwined nexus between board gender diversity and corporate environmental performance within cross-country context.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis on a cross-country panel data analysis was used. Further, the authors applied static panel data estimator ordinary least squares (OLS) as a baseline model with different proxies of gender diversity. In addition, to control for the potential endogeneity problem and providing robust findings, the authors run two-stage least squares (2SLS) and lagged independent variables.

Findings

The findings clearly unveiled that corporate environmental performance is positively and significantly affected by the level of gender diversity on board. This inextricable and intimate nexus is vastly attributed to the argument that female directors show greater concerns for eco-friendly activities.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide useful and fruitful insights for regulatory parties and policymakers to mandate gender quota in electing boardroom members to ameliorate corporate environmental performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, most of the prior studies have not yet provided a multi-theoretical analysis of the effect of board gender diversity on environmental performance. Thereby, this study handled this contemporary gap and went beyond the narrow perspectives by diving deep with cross-country analysis.