bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nitrogen stress-inducible small RNA regulates CO2 fixation in Nostoc
Authors: Brenes-Álvarez Manuel , Olmedo-Verd Elvira , Vioque Agustín , Muro-Pastor Alicia M.
Published: July 2021

In the absence of fixed nitrogen, some filamentous cyanobacteria differentiate heterocysts, specialized cells devoted to fixing atmospheric nitrogen (N2). This differentiation process is controlled by the global nitrogen regulator NtcA and involves extensive metabolic reprogramming, including shutdown of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in heterocysts, to provide a microaerobic environment suitable for N2 fixation. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are major post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression in bacteria. In cyanobacteria, responding to nitrogen deficiency involves transcribing several nitrogen-regulated sRNAs. Here, we describe the participation of nitrogen stress-inducible RNA 4 (NsiR4) in post-transcriptionally regulating the expression of two genes involved in CO2 fixation via the Calvin cycle: glpX, which encodes bifunctional sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase/fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (SBPase), and pgk, which encodes phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). Using a heterologous reporter assay in Escherichia coli, we show that NsiR4 interacts with the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of glpX and pgk mRNAs. Overexpressing NsiR4 in Nostoc sp. PCC 7120 resulted in a reduced amount of SBPase protein and reduced PGK activity, as well as reduced levels of both glpX and pgk mRNAs, further supporting that NsiR4 negatively regulates these two enzymes. In addition, using a gfp fusion to the nsiR4 promoter, we show stronger expression of NsiR4 in heterocysts than in vegetative cells, which could contribute to the heterocyst-specific shutdown of Calvin cycle flux. Post-transcriptional regulation of two Calvin cycle enzymes by NsiR4, a nitrogen-regulated sRNA, represents an additional link between nitrogen control and CO2 assimilation.
Physical Activity in De Novo Parkinson Disease: Daily Step Recommendation and Effects of Treadmill Exercise on Physical Activity
Authors: Handlery Reed , Stewart Jill Campbell , Pellegrini Christine , Monroe Courtney , Hainline Garrett , Flach Alicia , Handlery Kaci , Fritz Stacy
Published: July 2021

Objective

People with Parkinson disease (PD) have low physical activity (PA) levels and are at risk for cardiovascular events. The 3 purposes of this study were to determine a step threshold that corresponds to meeting aerobic PA guidelines, determine effects of treadmill exercise on PA, and quantify the relationship between changes in daily steps and fitness.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of the Study in Parkinson’s Disease of Exercise trial, which randomized participants to high-intensity treadmill exercise, moderate-intensity treadmill exercise, or usual care for 6 months. Daily steps and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) were assessed at baseline and once each month using an activity monitor. Fitness was assessed via graded exercise test at baseline and at 6 months. A step threshold that corresponds to meeting PA guidelines was determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. The effect of treadmill exercise on PA was examined in those below the step threshold (ie, the least active participants). Pearson r correlations determined the relationship between daily steps and fitness.

Results

Individuals with de novo PD (n = 110) were included. Those with ≥4200 steps were 23 times more likely (95% CI = 7.72 to 68) to meet PA guidelines than those with <4200 steps. For those with <4200 steps at baseline (n = 33), only those in the high-intensity exercise group increased daily steps (median of differences = 1250 steps, z = −2.35) and MVPA (median of differences = 12.5 minutes, z = −2.67) at 6 months. For those with <4200 steps, changes in daily steps were not associated with changes in fitness (r = .183).

Conclusion

In people with PD and <4200 daily steps at baseline, high-intensity treadmill exercise increased daily steps and MVPA, but these changes were not associated with changes in fitness.

Impact

People with PD should be encouraged to take ≥4200 daily steps to meet PA guidelines through walking.
A Research Pathway Model for evaluating the implementation of practice-based research: The case of self-management health innovations
Authors: van Beest Wilke , Boon Wouter P C , Andriessen Daan , Pol Harald , van der Veen Gerrita , Moors Ellen H M
Published: July 2021

This study explores the evaluation of research pathways of self-management health innovations from discovery to implementation in the context of practice-based research. The aim is to understand how a new process model for evaluating practice-based research provides insights into the implementation success of innovations. Data were collected from nine research projects in the Netherlands. Through document analysis and semi-structured interviews, we analysed how the projects start, evolve, and contribute to the healthcare practice. Building on previous research evaluation approaches to monitor knowledge utilization, we developed a Research Pathway Model. The model’s process character enables us to include and evaluate the incremental work required throughout the lifespan of an innovation project and it helps to foreground that innovation continues during implementation in real-life settings. We found that in each research project, pathways are followed that include activities to explore a new solution, deliver a prototype and contribute to theory. Only three projects explored the solution in real life and included activities to create the necessary changes for the solutions to be adopted. These three projects were associated with successful implementation. The exploration of the solution in a real-life environment in which users test a prototype in their own context seems to be a necessary research activity for the successful implementation of self-management health innovations.
Racial disparities in sleep-related cardiac function in young, healthy adults: implications for cardiovascular-related health
Authors: Letzen Janelle E , Robinson Mercedes L , Saletin Jared M , Sheinberg Rosanne B , Smith Michael T , Campbell Claudia M
Published: July 2021

Study Objectives

Considerable evidence shows that individuals from marginalized racial/ethnic groups in the United States experience greater rates of sleep disturbance and cardiovascular complications. Because sleep is a modifiable factor that is critically involved in cardiovascular health, improved understanding of the association between sleep and cardiovascular health during early adulthood can prevent cardiovascular disparities. This study examined racial/ethnic differences in cardiovascular function during sleep using heart rate and heart-rate-variability analyses.

Methods

Participants in this laboratory-based sleep study included healthy, “good sleepers” who were in early adulthood and resided in the United States at the time of participation (14 non-Hispanic Black [NHB; age = 30.9 (6.6), 57% female], 12 Asian [Asian, age = 26.0 (5.2), 42% female], and 24 non-Hispanic white [NHW; age = 24.6 (5.8), 79% female]).

Results

After adjusting for demographic factors and an apnea–hypopnea index, we found significantly higher heart rate within NREM Stage 2 (N2) (b = −22.6, p = .04) and REM sleep (b = −25.8, p =.048) and lower heart rate variability during N2 sleep (b = −22.6, p = .04) among NHB individuals compared with NHW individuals. Furthermore, NHB and Asian participants demonstrated significantly lower percent of time in slow wave sleep (SWS) compared with NHW participants (NHB: b = −22.6, p =.04; Asian: b = −22.6, p = .04). Individuals’ percent of time in SWS significantly mediated differences in heart rate during N2 (indirect = 0.94, 95% CI [0.03, 2.68]) and REM sleep (indirect = 1.02, 95% CI [0.04, 3.04]).

Conclusions

Our results showed disparities in sleep-related cardiovascular function in early adulthood that are mediated by SWS. These data suggest targeting sleep health in early adulthood might help reduce cardiovascular disease burden on individuals from marginalized groups.
Arousal characteristics in patients with Parkinson’s disease and isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Brink-Kjær Andreas , Cesari Matteo , Sixel-Döring Friederike , Mollenhauer Brit , Trenkwalder Claudia , Mignot Emmanuel , Sorensen Helge B D , Jennum Poul
Published: July 2021

Study Objectives

Patients diagnosed with isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) have altered sleep stability reflecting neurodegeneration in brainstem structures. We hypothesize that neurodegeneration alters the expression of cortical arousals in sleep.

Methods

We analyzed polysomnography data recorded from 88 healthy controls (HC), 22 iRBD patients, 82 de novo PD patients without RBD, and 32 with RBD (PD + RBD). These patients were also investigated at a 2-year follow-up. Arousals were analyzed using a previously validated automatic system, which used a central electroencephalography lead, electrooculography, and chin electromyography. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to compare group differences at baseline and change to follow-up for arousal index (ArI), shifts in electroencephalographic signals associated with arousals, and arousal chin muscle tone. The regression models were adjusted for known covariates affecting the nature of arousal.

Results

In comparison to HC, patients with iRBD and PD + RBD showed increased ArI during REM sleep and their arousals showed a significantly lower shift in α-band power at arousals and a higher muscle tone during arousals. In comparison to HC, the PD patients were characterized by a decreased ArI in non-REM (NREM) sleep at baseline. ArI during NREM sleep decreased further at the 2-year follow-up, although not significantly.

Conclusions

Patients with PD and iRBD present with abnormal arousal characteristics as scored by an automated method. These abnormalities are likely to be caused by neurodegeneration of the reticular activation system due to alpha-synuclein aggregation.
Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A 13-Year Experience in Southern Thailand
Authors: Pakhathirathien Pattima , Janjindamai Waricha , Dissaneevate Supaporn , Thatrimontrichai Anucha , Maneenil Gunlawadee
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical features of NLE and to compare the neonatal outcomes between newborns born to pregnant women with SLE and healthy pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis between 2007 and 2019 in a tertiary referral hospital in Thailand. A total of 118 pregnant women with SLE with 132 neonates compared with 264 randomly selected healthy pregnant women.

Results

The median (interquartile range) gestational age and birth weight of 132 neonates born to women with SLE were 37 (35–38) weeks and 2687 g (2045–3160 g), respectively. The clinical features of NLE infants were hemolytic anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (2.7%) and hyperbilirubinemia (5.3%). There was no neonate with a congenital complete heart block or skin lesion. Moreover, logistic regression analysis found that neonates born to women with SLE increased the risk of preterm birth [odd ratio (OR) 8.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.32–18.21, p < 0.001], low birth weight (OR 10.35, 95% CI 5.08–21.08, p < 0.001), birth asphyxia (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.26–6.73, p = 0.011) and NICU admission (OR 4.26, 95% CI 2.44–7.42, p < 0.001). SLE disease activity and corticosteroid and azathioprine usage were associated with preterm delivery in pregnant women with SLE.

Conclusion

The major clinical features of NLE patients were hematologic and hepatobiliary abnormalities in our study. Pregnancies with SLE dramatically increased the risk of preterm delivery and neonatal complications.

Lay summary

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is the consequence of the transplacental passage of autoantibodies to newborns during pregnancy. The clinical features of NLE infants in our study were hemolytic anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (2.7%) and hyperbilirubinemia (5.3%). There was no neonate with a congenital complete heart block or skin lesion. We also compared the neonatal outcomes between 118 pregnant women with SLE and 264 randomly selected healthy pregnant women. Our study found that the neonates born to women with SLE increased the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, birth asphyxia and NICU admission. Moreover, SLE disease activity and corticosteroid and azathioprine usage were associated with preterm delivery in pregnant women with SLE.
Stemphylium Leaf Blight of Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum): An Emerging Disease in Sanxing, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Chun-Hsiang , Tsai Yi-Chen , Tsai Ichen , Chung Chia-Lin , Lin Yu-Chen , Hung Ting-Hsuan , Suwannarach Nakarin , Cheewangkoon Ratchadawan , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Ariyawansa Hiran A.
Published: July 2021

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is one of the main and oldest vegetable crops grown in Taiwan. A severe epidemic of leaf blight in Welsh onion caused by a Stemphylium-like pathogen was found in Sanxing, Taiwan, from 2018 to 2020. However, correct species identification, biology, and control of Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB) of Welsh onion are not well-established. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the causal agent of SLB in Sanxing and evaluate the in vitro sensitivity of Stemphylium-like pathogen to commonly used fungicides. A phylogenetic analysis based on combining the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and glyceraldedyhe-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) and calmodulin (cmdA) gene sequences together with morphological features identified that S. vesicarium is associated with SLB in Sanxing. When inoculated onto Welsh onion leaves, the isolates caused symptoms identical to those observed in the field; therefore, S. vesicarium was reisolated and Koch’s postulates were confirmed. We observed a higher incidence of SLB symptoms on the oldest leaves compared with younger leaves. The maximum and minimum temperatures for in vitro mycelial growth and conidial germination (%) of S. vesicarium were 20 to 30°C and 5°C, respectively. Sixteen fungicides were tested for their effectiveness to reduce the mycelial growth and conidial germination of S. vesicarium in vitro. Boscalid plus pyraclostrobin, fluopyram, fluxapyroxad, and fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin were highly effective at reducing mycelial growth and conidial germination in S. vesicarium. However, strobilurin fungicides (azoxystrobin and kresoxim-methyl) commonly used in Welsh onion production in Sanxing were ineffective. This study discusses the emergence of SLB caused by S. vesicarium in the foliar disease complex affecting Welsh onion and the management of the disease using fungicides with different modes of action in Taiwan. The research will support the sustainable management of SLB in Sanxing, Taiwan; however, further field assessments of the fungicides are warranted.
Crustacean Meal Elicits Expression of Growth and Defense-Related Genes in Roots of Lettuce and Tomato
Authors: Kandel Shyam L. , Anchieta Amy G. , Shi Ainong , Mou Beiquan , Klosterman Steven J.
Published: July 2021

Powdered crab and lobster shells (crustacean meal) obtained from fisheries are used as soil amendments to promote plant health and defense. In this study, a commercial crustacean meal amendment used to promote the health of lettuce, tomato, and other crop plants was applied to roots of lettuce and tomato seedlings. Gene expression profiling of the treated roots was assessed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) at 24 h after application relative to a 0 h time point. The RNA-seq analyses revealed upregulation of different types of genes in both tomato and lettuce roots at 24 h. Gene ontology analyses revealed increased expression of genes associated with oxidoreductases/metal ion binding in tomato roots at 24 h, while there was predominantly increased expression of genes associated with cell wall organization, lyases, and hydrolases in lettuce roots at 24 h. The types of defense-related genes expressed were also markedly different. In tomato roots, the most highly induced gene (log2 fold change 13.84, P ≤ 0.001) encoded a defense-associated miraculin-like protein, but transcripts of a similar gene were not induced in lettuce roots. Interestingly, phenylpropanoid pathway genes relating to cell wall biogenesis and lignification were significantly upregulated in both lettuce and tomato roots, suggesting that strengthening of plant cell walls is a common response to crustacean meal application. This research provides insight into gene expression patterns in the roots of lettuce and tomato in response to crustacean meal, improving our understanding of how this amendment could aid in plant health.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2022.
Mechanistic interactions of uromodulin with the thick ascending limb: perspectives in physiology and hypertension
Authors: Boder Philipp , Mary Sheon , Mark Patrick B. , Leiper James , Dominiczak Anna F. , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Rampoldi Luca , Delles Christian
Published: July 2021

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. The kidney is a major regulator of blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis, with monogenic disorders indicating a link between abnormal ion transport and salt-sensitive hypertension. However, the association between salt and hypertension remains controversial. Thus, there is continued interest in deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind these processes. Uromodulin (UMOD) is the most abundant protein in the normal urine and is primarily synthesized by the thick ascending limb epithelial cells of the kidney. Genome-wide association studies have linked common UMOD variants with kidney function, susceptibility to chronic kidney disease and hypertension independent of renal excretory function. This review will discuss and provide predictions on the role of the UMOD protein in renal ion transport and hypertension based on current observational, biochemical, genetic, pharmacological and clinical evidence.
Evolution of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody and IgG Avidity Post Pfizer and Moderna mRNA Vaccinations
Authors: Bliden Kevin P. , Liu Tiancheng , Sreedhar Deepika , Kost Jessica , Hsiung Jessica , Zhao Su , Shan Dingying , Usman Abira , Walia Naval , Cho Alastair , Jerjian Christophe , Tantry Udaya S. , Gurbel Paul A. , Tang Meijie , Dai Hongjie
Published: July 2021

Messenger RNA (mRNA) based vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna) are highly effective at providing immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there is uncertainty about the duration of immunity, evolution of IgG antibody levels and IgG avidity (an index of antibody-antigen binding strength), and differences in the immune responses between vaccines. Here we performed a prospective pilot study of 71 previously COVID-19 free subjects upon receiving both doses of either the Pfizer (n = 54) or Moderna (n = 17) mRNA vaccine. Anti-spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG antibodies were measured longitudinally using a qualitative finger stick MidaSpot™ rapid test at the point-of-care for initial screening and a quantitative dry blood spot-based pGOLD™ laboratory test over ∼ four months post-vaccination. The average anti-RBD IgG antibody levels peaked at ∼ two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine and declined thereafter, while antibody avidity increased, suggesting antibody maturation. Moderna vaccine recipients compared to Pfizer vaccine recipients exhibited higher side effect severity, higher peak anti-RBD IgG antibody levels, and higher avidity up to the 90 days period. Differences in antibody levels diminished at ∼ 120 days post-vaccination, in line with the similar efficacy observed in the two vaccines. The MidaSpot™ rapid test detected 100% anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD positivity for fully vaccinated subjects in both Pfizer and Moderna cohorts post full vaccination but turned negative greater than 90 days post-vaccination for 5.4% of subjects in the Pfizer cohort, whose quantitative anti-IgG were near the minimum levels of the group. Immune responses were found to vary greatly among vaccinees. Personalized longitudinal monitoring of antibodies could be necessary to assess the immunity duration of vaccinated individuals.
Estimating the death toll of the Covid-19 pandemic in India
Authors: Guilmoto Christophe Z
Published: July 2021

The absence of reliable registration of Covid-19 deaths in India has prevented the proper assessment and monitoring of coronavirus pandemic. India’s relatively young age structure tends to conceal the severity of Covid-19 mortality, which is concentrated in older age groups. In this paper, we present four different demographic samples of Indian populations for which we have information on both their demographic structures and death outcomes. We show that we can model the age gradient of Covid-19 mortality in India and use this modeling for estimating the level of Covid-19 mortality in the country. Our findings point to a death toll of about 2.2 million persons by late May 2021. Once India’s age structure is taken into account, these figures correspond to one of the most severe cases of Covid-19 mortality in the world.

Background

India has recorded after February a second outbreak of coronavirus that has affected the entire country. The accuracy of official statistics of Covid-19 mortality has been called in question and the real number of Covid-19 deaths is thought to be several times higher than reported. In this paper, we assembled four independent population samples to model and estimate the level of Covid-19 mortality in India.

Methods

We first used a first population sample with age and sex of Covid-19 victims to develop a Gompertz model of Covid-19 mortality in India. We applied and adjusted this mortality model on two other national population samples after factoring in the demographic characteristics of these samples. We finally derive from one of these samples the most reasonable estimate of Covid-19 mortality level in India and confirm this result with the use of a fourth population sample.

Findings

Our findings point to a death toll of about 2.2 million persons by late May 2021. This is the largest number of Covid-19 deaths in the world. Once standardized for its age and sex structure, India’s Covid-19 mortality rate is above that of Brazil or the USA.

Interpretation

Our analysis shows that existing population samples allow for an alternative estimation of deaths due to Covid-19 in India. The results confirm that only one out 7 Covid-19 deaths appear to be registered in India. The estimates point to a very Covid-19 mortality rate, which is even higher after age and sex standardization. The magnitude of the pandemic in India requires immediate attention and calls for a strong response based on a combination of non-pharmaceutical interventions and the scale-up of vaccination to make them accessible to all, with an improved surveillance system to monitor the progression of the pandemic.
Highly efficient synthetic CRISPR RNA/Cas9-based mutagenesis for rapid cardiovascular phenotypic screening in F0 zebrafish
Authors: Quick Rachael E. , Buck Luke D. , Parab Sweta , Tolbert Zane R. , Matsuoka Ryota L.
Published: July 2021

The zebrafish is a valuable vertebrate model to study cardiovascular formation and function due to the facile visualization and rapid development of the circulatory system in its externally growing embryos. Despite having distinct advantages, zebrafish have paralogs of many important genes, making reverse genetics approaches inefficient since generating animals bearing multiple gene mutations requires substantial efforts. Here, we present a simple and robust synthetic CRISPR RNA/Cas9-based mutagenesis approach for generating biallelic F0 zebrafish knockouts. Using a dual-guide synthetic CRISPR RNA/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (dgRNP) system, we compared the efficiency of biallelic gene disruptions following the injections of one, two, and three dgRNPs per gene into the cytoplasm or yolk. We show that simultaneous cytoplasmic injections of three distinct dgRNPs per gene into one-cell stage embryos resulted in the most efficient and consistent biallelic gene disruptions. Importantly, this triple dgRNP approach enables efficient inactivation of cell autonomous and cell non-autonomous gene function, likely due to the low mosaicism of biallelic disruptions. In support of this finding, we provide evidence that the F0 animals generated by this method fully phenocopied the endothelial and peri-vascular defects observed in corresponding stable mutant homozygotes. Moreover, this approach faithfully recapitulated the trunk vessel phenotypes resulting from the genetic interaction between two vegfr2 zebrafish paralogs. Mechanistically, investigation of genome editing and mRNA decay indicates that the combined mutagenic actions of three dgRNPs per gene lead to an increased probability of frameshift mutations, enabling efficient biallelic gene disruptions. Therefore, our approach offers a highly robust genetic platform to quickly assess novel and redundant gene function in F0 zebrafish.
Macrophage Circadian Rhythms are Differentially Affected Based on Stimuli
Authors: Lellupitiyage Don Sujeewa S. , Mas-Rosario Javier A. , Lin Hui-Hsien , Nguyen Minh N. , Taylor Stephanie R. , Farkas Michelle E.
Published: July 2021

Macrophages are white blood cells of the innate immune system that play disparate roles in homeostasis and immune responses. As a result, they have the capability to alter their phenotypes to pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) subtypes in response to their environment. 8-15% of the macrophage transcriptome has circadian oscillations, including genes closely related to their functioning. As circadian rhythms are also associated with cellular phenotypes, we hypothesized that the polarization of macrophages to opposing subtypes might differently affect their circadian rhythms. We tested this by tracking the circadian rhythms of the mouse model macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, which was stably transfected with Bmal1:luc and Per2:luc reporters, representing a positive and a negative component of the core molecular clock. The strength of rhythmicity was assessed using three measures: the relative power of the circadian band in the power spectral density, the rhythmicity index computed as the height of the third peak of the correlogram, and the maximum value of the chi square periodorgram. The period and amplitudes of the de-trended, smoothed time-series were estimated both by fitting to a damped cosine curve and by identifying the peak and trough of each cycle. M1 polarization decreased amplitudes and rhythmicities of both Bmal1:luc and Per2:luc, but did not significantly affect periods, while M2 polarization increased periods and caused no substantial alterations to amplitudes or rhythmicity. As macrophage phenotypes are also altered in the presence of cancer cells, we then tested the circadian effects of conditioned media from two mouse breast cancer cell lines on macrophage circadian rhythms. Media from highly agressive 4T1 cells caused loss of rhythmicity, while media from less aggressive EMT6 cells yielded no changes. As macrophages are known to play roles in tumors, and oncogenic features are associated with circadian rhythms, we also tested whether conditioned media from macrophages can alter circadian rhythms of cancer cells. We found that conditioned media from RAW 264.7 cells resulted in lower circadian rhythmicities and periods, but higher circadian amplitudes in human osteosarcoma, U2OS-Per2:luc cells. Taken together, our study shows that different circadian characteristics exist based on macrophage phenotypes, and suggests further that there is an association between circadian rhythms and macrophage polarization state. Additionally, our data shows that macrophages treated with breast cancer-conditioned media have circadian phenotypes similar to those of the M1 subtype, and cancer cells treated with macrophage-conditioned media have circadian alterations, providing insight to another level of cross-talk between macrophages and cancer cells that merits further investigation.
Aeroacoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of a morphing airfoil
Authors: Kan Zi , Li Daochun , Zhao Shiwei , Xiang Jinwu , Sha Enlai
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the aeroacoustic and aerodynamic performance of a morphing airfoil with a flexible trailing edge (FTE). The objective is to make a comparison of the aerodynamic noise characteristics between the conventional airfoil with a flap and morphing airfoil and analyse the noise reduction mechanisms of the morphing airfoil.

Design/methodology/approach

The computational fluid dynamic method was used to calculate the aerodynamic coefficients of morphing airfoil and the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawking’s acoustic analogy methods were performed to predict the far-field noise of different airfoils.

Findings

Results show that compared with the conventional airfoil, the morphing airfoil can generate higher lift and lower noise, but a greater drag. Additionally, the noise caused by the one-unit lift of the morphing airfoil is significantly lower than that of the conventional airfoil. For the morphing airfoil, the shedding vortex in the trailing edge was the main noise resource. As the angle of attack (AoA) increases, the overall sound pressure level of the morphing airfoil increases significantly. With the increase of the trailing edge deflection angle, the amplitude and the period of sound pressure of the morning airfoil fluctuation increase.

Practical implications

Presented results could be very useful during designing the morphing airfoil with FTE, which has significant advantages in aerodynamic efficiency and aeroacoustic performance.

Originality/value

This paper presents the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic characteristics of the morphing airfoil. The effect of trailing edge deflection angle and AoA on morphing airfoil was investigated. In the future, using a morphing airfoil instead of a traditional flap can reduce the aircraft`s fuel consumption and noise pollution.
Migration patterns and migrant workers' consumption
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Luo Li
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exam the relationship between migration patterns and migrant workers' consumption and study how to upgrade the consumption of migrant workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data from 3,368 migrant workers in China, this paper employs the extended linear expenditure system (ELES) model to analyze the difference of migrant workers' consumption in different migration patterns. A consumption function containing migration patterns was constructed to examine the impact of migration patterns on the consumption of migrant workers.

Findings

The consumption structure of migrant workers is in accordance with the migration theory and life cycle theory; there is a significant difference in the consumption between migrant workers of different migration patterns. Migrant workers who move to the city separated from their family members have lower levels of consumption, and the consumption structure shows the characteristics of “survival consumption,” mainly based on “food, residence and traffic.” On the contrary, migrant workers who move to the city with all their family members have higher levels of consumption, and their consumption is well structured, showing a gradual trend of upgrading and transformation.

Originality/value

This paper enriches the empirical literature on analyzing the migration patterns and their impact on migrant workers' consumption, which can help policymakers design reasonable policies of adaptation for the consumption upgrading of migrant workers.
A study of non-users of digital libraries: the case of the Capes digital library in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Wesley Rodrigo , Cendón Beatriz Valadares
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the reasons that hinder the use of digital libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed data obtained through a web survey sent to 14,763 faculty members in Brazilian universities. Of the 6,689 respondents, 1,075 (16.1%) reported not using the Capes digital library and 1,017 answered the questionnaire for non-users.

Findings

Results showed that the main reasons for non-use are lack of knowledge of the existence of the Capes digital library, use of other resources, preference for printed journals and difficulty of access. Eight factors of non-use were elicited: insufficient dissemination, inadequacies in contents, in infrastructure, in access policy, in training and in the interface, personal constraints and personal attitude. The reasons and factors for non-use were categorized as intrinsic and extrinsic to the digital library. Intrinsic reasons relate to characteristics of the Capes digital library. Extrinsic factors are influenced by user characteristics. The chi-square test demonstrated that the variables: area of knowledge, age, hours dedicated to research and computer skills influence non-use.

Originality/value

This study has contributed to research about non-users of digital libraries, differing from previous research by surveying a large-scale population and by investigating in a single work the reasons for non-use, other electronic sources used by non-users, advantages of using the digital library and intention of non-users to become users if barriers were removed. Qualitative data complemented the quantitative data collected which allowed a more complete picture of the respondent’s positions.
Envelope wages as a new normal? An insight into a pool of prospective quasi-formal workers in the European Union (EU)
Authors: Franic Josip , Cichocki Stanislaw
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In spite of millions of quasi-formal workers in the European Union (EU), there is still limited understanding of what motivates workers to participate in these detrimental employment schemes, and why certain groups of workers exhibit higher inclination towards it. This article takes a novel approach by putting prospective envelope wage earners in the centre of this analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the 2019 Special Eurobarometer on undeclared work are used, and two-level random intercept cumulative logit modelling is applied.

Findings

One in seven fully declared EU workers would have nothing against receiving one part of their wages off-the-books. Manual workers and individuals whose job assumes travelling are the most willing to accept such kind of remuneration, and the same applies to workers with low tax morale and those who perceive the risk of being detected and persecuted as very small. On the other hand, women, older individuals, married persons and employees from large enterprises express the smallest inclination towards envelope wages. The environment in which an individual operates also plays a non-negligible role as the quality of the pension system and the strength of social contract were also identified as significant determinants of workers' readiness to accept envelope wages.

Originality/value

This article fills in the gap in the literature by analysing what workers think about wage under-reporting and what factors drive their willingness to accept envelope wages.
Revealing at-risk learning patterns and corresponding self-regulated strategies via LSTM encoder and time-series clustering
Authors: Zhang Mingyan , Du Xu , Rice Kerry , Hung Jui-Long , Li Hao
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose a learning pattern analysis method which can improve a predictive model’s performance, as well as discover hidden insights into micro-level learning pattern. Analyzing student’s learning patterns can help instructors understand how their course design or activities shape learning behaviors; depict students’ beliefs about learning and their motivation; and predict learning performance by analyzing individual students’ learning patterns. Although time-series analysis is one of the most feasible predictive methods for learning pattern analysis, literature-indicated current approaches cannot provide holistic insights about learning patterns for personalized intervention. This study identified at-risk students by micro-level learning pattern analysis and detected pattern types, especially at-risk patterns that existed in the case study. The connections among students’ learning patterns, corresponding self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and learning performance were finally revealed.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used long short-term memory (LSTM)-encoder to process micro-level behavioral patterns for feature extraction and compression, thus the students’ behavior pattern information were saved into encoded series. The encoded time-series data were then used for pattern analysis and performance prediction. Time series clustering were performed to interpret the unique strength of proposed method.

Findings

Successful students showed consistent participation levels and balanced behavioral frequency distributions. The successful students also adjusted learning behaviors to meet with course requirements accordingly. The three at-risk patten types showed the low-engagement (R1) the low-interaction (R2) and the non-persistent characteristics (R3). Successful students showed more complete SRL strategies than failed students. Political Science had higher at-risk chances in all three at-risk types. Computer Science, Earth Science and Economics showed higher chances of having R3 students.

Research limitations/implications

The study identified multiple learning patterns which can lead to the at-risk situation. However, more studies are needed to validate whether the same at-risk types can be found in other educational settings. In addition, this case study found the distributions of at-risk types were vary in different subjects. The relationship between subjects and at-risk types is worth further investigation.

Originality/value

This study found the proposed method can effectively extract micro-level behavioral information to generate better prediction outcomes and depict student’s SRL learning strategies in online learning. The authors confirm that the research in their work is original, and that all the data given in the paper are real and authentic. The study has not been submitted to peer review and not has been accepted for publishing in another journal.
Strategic alliances and development of intellectual capital: a study of technology-based SMEs
Authors: Ferreira António , Franco Mário , Haase Heiko
Published: July 2021

Purpose

From an absorptive capacity perspective, this study aims to analyse the influence of strategic alliances on the development of intellectual capital.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was chosen, with data on technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal, leading to 257 valid answers.

Findings

The results obtained from a structural equation model show that learning/knowledge and efficiency as important functions underlying strategic alliances exert a strong influence on intellectual (human, structural and relational) capital.

Practical implications

These outcomes reveal that strategic alliances are a way for SMEs to overcome resource constraints in terms of intellectual capital, which represents an important implication for business practice. This study provides particular insights into how and to what extent alliance-specific mechanisms and functions lead to which improvement and effect.

Originality/value

The study underlines the importance of strategic alliances for technology-based SMEs. In this way, this study adds to the scarce in the field providing evidence for the SMEs sector. Therefore, strategic alliances and intellectual capital should be considered two key tools for this firm segment and worthy of further research in absorptive capacity.
Orality, literacy and the “great divide” in cultural values
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Building on the “Great Divide” thesis (Goody, 1977; Ong, 1982), this study analyzes the conceptual relationships between the two main communication modes (orality/literacy) and cultural values.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a purely conceptual approach to connect orality and literacy with nine cultural dimensions adopted from Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck’s (1961), Hall’s (1976) and Inglehart’s (1997) frameworks.

Findings

The analyses suggest that orality is associated with values such as high-context communication, poly-chronic time, public space proxemics, collectivism, hierarchical social structure, subjugation, past orientation, religiousness/traditionalism and survival cultural dimensions. Literacy is associated with opposing values, including low-context communication, mono-chronic time, private space proxemics, individualism, egalitarian social structure, dominance, future orientation, secularity/rationality, and self-expression cultural dimensions. The paper relies on modernization theory to explain the socio-economic implications and organizes the nine pairs of cultural dimensions according to the great divide between orality and literacy.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study conceptualizes orality and literacy, analyzes their salient differences and examines their relationships with cultural values. While many studies have tried to explain the differences in cultural values from an economic perspective, this study offers an alternative view of cultural values’ variations across the world.
Managing the tension between opposing effects of explainability of artificial intelligence: a contingency theory perspective
Authors: Abedin Babak
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Research into the interpretability and explainability of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) systems is on the rise. However, most recent studies either solely promote the benefits of explainability or criticize it due to its counterproductive effects. This study addresses this polarized space and aims to identify opposing effects of the explainability of AI and the tensions between them and propose how to manage this tension to optimize AI system performance and trustworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The author systematically reviews the literature and synthesizes it using a contingency theory lens to develop a framework for managing the opposing effects of AI explainability.

Findings

The author finds five opposing effects of explainability: comprehensibility, conduct, confidentiality, completeness and confidence in AI (5Cs). The author also proposes six perspectives on managing the tensions between the 5Cs: pragmatism in explanation, contextualization of the explanation, cohabitation of human agency and AI agency, metrics and standardization, regulatory and ethical principles, and other emerging solutions (i.e. AI enveloping, blockchain and AI fuzzy systems).

Research limitations/implications

As in other systematic literature review studies, the results are limited by the content of the selected papers.

Practical implications

The findings show how AI owners and developers can manage tensions between profitability, prediction accuracy and system performance via visibility, accountability and maintaining the “social goodness” of AI. The results guide practitioners in developing metrics and standards for AI explainability, with the context of AI operation as the focus.

Originality/value

This study addresses polarized beliefs amongst scholars and practitioners about the benefits of AI explainability versus its counterproductive effects. It poses that there is no single best way to maximize AI explainability. Instead, the co-existence of enabling and constraining effects must be managed.
Evaluating website quality: which decision criteria do consumers use to evaluate website quality?
Authors: Longstreet Phil , Brooks Stoney , Featherman Mauricio , Loiacono Eleanor
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine which design and operational attributes of e-commerce websites consumers use to assess website quality. Cue utilization theory is used to examine the explanatory power, robustness and relevance of the WebQual model. Results indicate which WebQual dimensions are the most relevant and salient to website users. These dimensions are categorized by their perceived and confidence values. A second study is conducted about how website users evaluate and utilize the WebQual dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methodology was utilized to provide insight into the nomological validity of the WebQual model by examining it through a cue utilization lens.

Findings

The first study categorizes the WebQual dimensions on their ability to provide a diagnostic measure of website quality, and consumer confidence in their ability to use these cues when judging the website's overall quality. The second study presents results of each dimension in relation to the quality evaluation of an actual e-commerce website. Additional analysis also revealed gender differences in cue utilization.

Originality/value

This study provided insight into WebQual-based research and identified original differences in cue utilization across genders. Results suggest that it may be beneficial for brand managers to focus on a subset of quality dimensions, rather than assume that consumers are comfortable using all website attributes to formulate quality judgments. These, results contribute to multiple literatures by providing a model that developers can utilize to focus on the deterministic characteristics of overall website quality. Further, the cue utilization perspective provides additional avenues for fruitful further research into consumer decision-making in the e-commerce context.
Service innovation in medical device manufacturers: does the digitalization matter?
Authors: Smania Guilherme Sales , Mendes Glauco Henrique de Sousa , Lizarelli Fabiane Letícia , Favoretto Camila
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to validate a model of relationships between critical factors such as service strategy, culture-climate, leadership, customer involvement, technology strategy and service innovation (SI). Moreover, it investigates the impact of SI on a company’s performance and the moderating role of digitalization in the relationships between critical factors and SI.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through a survey and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the collected data and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest positive associations of service strategy toward culture-climate, leadership, customer involvement and technology strategy in terms of significance and effect size. However, only two factors (e.g. customer involvement and technology strategy) positively influence SI, which affects financial and non-financial performance. Furthermore, digitalization does not strengthen the influence of four antecedents (i.e. culture-climate, leadership, customer involvement and technology strategy) in SI.

Originality/value

First, the study provides a comprehensive framework of SI critical factors and their impact on company performance. Second, it links servitization, SI and digitalization. Third, it tests the effects of digitalization.