bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Mechanisms of HIV-1 resistance to PGT135 in Chinese Subtype B’ Slow Progressor
Authors: Sun Shasha , Zou Sen , Hu Yuanyuan , Liu Ying , Ren Li , Hao Yanling , Hu Xintao , Ruan Yuhua , Ma Liying , Shao Yiming , Hong Kunxue
Published: December 2020

In our study, we describe a slow progressor CBJC515 from whom we constructed pseudoviruses expressing autologous Env. We surprisingly found all the pseudoviruses were resistant to PGT135. By making site-directed mutations and chimeric Env constructs, we found the early 05 strains escaped from PGT135 by losing the N332 glycan site, while the later 06 and 08 strains may escape with the retention of key epitopes through the change of V1/V4/C2 region or by N398/N611 glycan, which was selected as unique N-glycosylation site of CBJC515 compared with CBJC437 whose viruses were also harboring key epitopes but sensitive to PGT135. These findings provide insights into how HIV-1 can escape from N332-directed broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) responses without changing the epitope itself, and these ways may be useful to prolong the exposures of bNAb epitopes and contribute to bNAb development. Furthermore, our chimeric experiments also allowed us to explore the co-evolution and retention of functionality among regions. We confirmed that the V1V2 region has a wide range of effectiveness in interfering with the function of envelope protein and the V3 region can promote protein function recovery and buffer the harmful polymorphisms in the other regions contributing to the Env antigenic diversity. These results may provide some clues for the design of vaccines against HIV-1 strains.

IMPORTANCE

Our findings of mechanisms escaping from PGT135 verified the extensive role of long V1 region in mediating escape from V3-bNAbs. In addition, we also found multiple additional ways suggested that extreme variation may be needed by HIV-1 to escape from PGT135 without changing the epitope itself. Although the V3-glycan bNAb responses are among the most promising vaccine targets, as they are commonly elicited during infection, our findings indicated there may be additional difficulties to be taken into account in immunogen design, such as the consideration of other regions and some glycosylation sites affecting the mask of key epitopes, as well as the selection pressure that may be required by other bNAbs. Our chimeric experiment also highlighted the key role of V3 region in contributing to the maintenance of Env diversity by buffering deleterious polymorphisms, which may be helpful for vaccine design.
Dissociated face- and word-selective intracerebral responses in the human ventral occipito-temporal cortex
Authors: Hagen Simen , Lochy Aliette , Jacques Corentin , Maillard Louis , Colnat-Coulbois Sophie , Jonas Jacques , Rossion Bruno
Published: December 2020

The extent to which faces and written words share neural circuitry in the human brain is actively debated. Here we compared face-selective and word-selective responses in a large group of patients (N = 37) implanted with intracerebral depth electrodes in the ventral occipito-temporal cortex (VOTC). Both face-selective (i.e., significantly different responses to faces vs. nonface visual objects) and word-selective (i.e., significantly different responses to words vs. pseudofonts) neural activity is isolated through frequency-tagging. Critically, this sensitive approach allows to objectively quantify category-selective neural responses and disentangle them from general visual responses. About 70% of significant contacts show either only face-selectivity or only word-selectivity, with the expected right and left hemispheric dominance, respectively. Spatial dissociations are also found within core regions of face and word processing, with a medio-lateral dissociation in the fusiform gyrus (FG) and surrounding sulci, while a postero-anterior dissociation is found in the inferior occipital gyrus (IOG). Only 30% of the significant contacts show both face- and word-selective responses. Critically, in these contacts, across the VOTC or in the FG and surrounding sulci, between-category selective-amplitudes (faces vs. words) showed no-to-weak correlations, despite strong correlations in both the within-category selective amplitudes (face-face, word-word) and the general visual responses to words and faces. Overall, we conclude that category-selectivity for faces and written words is largely dissociated in the human VOTC.

Significance Statement

In modern human societies, faces and written words have become arguably the most significant stimuli of the visual environment. Despite extensive research in neuropsychology, electroencephalography and neuroimaging over the past three decades, whether these two types of visual signals are recognized by similar or dissociated processes and neural networks remains unclear. Here we provide an original contribution to this outstanding scientific issue by directly comparing frequency-tagged face- and word-selective neural responses in a large group of epileptic patients implanted with intracerebral electrodes covering the ventral occipito-temporal cortex. While general visual responses to words and faces show significant overlap, the respective category-selective responses are neatly dissociated in spatial location and magnitude, pointing to largely dissociated processes and neural networks.
PET/CT targeted tissue sampling reveals virus specific dIgA can alter the distribution and localization of HIV after rectal exposure
Authors: Taylor Roslyn A. , Xiao Sixia , Carias Ann M. , McRaven Michael D. , Thakkar Divya N. , Araínga Mariluz , Allen Edward J. , Rogers Kenneth A. , Kumarapperuma Sidath C. , Gong Siqi , Fought Angela J , Anderson Meegan R. , Thomas Yanique , Schneider Jeffrey R. , Goins Beth , Fox Peter , Villinger Francois J , Ruprecht Ruth M. , Hope Thomas J.
Published: December 2020

HIV vaccines have not been successful in clinical trials. Dimeric IgA (dIgA) is the most abundant antibody class in mucosal tissues, making dIgA a prime candidate for potential HIV vaccines. We coupled Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and fluorescent microscopy of64Cu-labeled, photoactivatable-GFP HIV (PA-GFP-BaL) and fluorescently labeled dIgA to determine how dIgA antibodies influence virus interaction with mucosal barriers and viral penetration in colorectal tissue. Our results show that HIV virions rapidly disseminate throughout the colon two hours after exposure. The presence of dIgA resulted in an increase in virions and penetration depth in the transverse colon. Moreover, virions were found in the mesenteric lymph nodes two hours after viral exposure, and the presence of dIgA led to an increase in virions in mesenteric lymph nodes. Taken together, these technologies enablein vivoandin situvisualization of antibody-virus interactions and detailed investigations of early events in HIV infection.
Establishing defined daily doses (DDDs) for antimicrobial agents used for pigs, cattle and poultry in Japan and comparing them with European DDD values
Authors: Fujimoto Kyoko , Kawasaki Mai , Abe Reiko , Yokoyama Takashi , Haga Takeshi , Sugiura Katsuaki
Published: December 2020

Monitoring of antimicrobial use is essential to manage the development and selection of antimicrobial resistance. A variety of indicators has become available to monitor antimicrobial use in human and animal medicine. One of them is an indicator based on defined daily dose (DDD). By using the number of DDDs used and normalizing it by the population at risk of being treated in a defined period, one can estimate the number of treatment days with antimicrobial agents in a population. For veterinary medicine, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published the European values of DDD (DDDvet) for food-producing animals. In this study, we defined Japanese defined daily doses for antimicrobial agents (DDDjp) using DDD values that we previously assigned for antimicrobial products approved for use in pigs, cattle and poultry in Japan and compared them with DDDvet values. For the comparison, the quotient of Japanese and European values (QDDD) was calculated and the effect of the administration route and the number of active substances contained in the preparation was investigated. A total of 59, 51 and 27 DDDjp values were defined for 43, 32 and 25 antimicrobial agents using the data of 269, 195 and 131 products approved for use in pigs, cattle and poultry respectively. A comparison was possible for 44, 27 and 17 pairs of DDDjp and DDDvet values for antimicrobial agents used for pigs, cattle and poultry respectively. The comparison showed median QDDD value of 0.66 and 0.63 for antimicrobial agents used for pigs and cattle respectively (P<0.01), indicating that the Japanese daily doses are significantly lower than the corresponding EMA values in these species. For the antimicrobial agents used for poultry, no siginificant difference was observed between DDDjp and DDDvet values with median QDDD value of 1.17. The difference between DDDvet and DDDjp values and absence of DDDvet values for some antimicrobial agents marketed in Japan indicate that DDDjp rather than DDDvet should be used as the basis for the calculation of antimicrobial use monitoring in farm animals in Japan.
mRNA vaccine CVnCoV protects non-human primates from SARS-CoV-2 challenge infection
Authors: Rauch Susanne , Gooch Karen , Hall Yper , Salguero Francisco J. , Dennis Mike J. , Gleeson Fergus V. , Harris Debbie , Ho Catherine , Humphries Holly E. , Longet Stephanie , Ngabo Didier , Paterson Jemma , Rayner Emma L. , Ryan Kathryn A. , Sharpe Sally , Watson Robert J. , Mueller Stefan O. , Petsch Benjamin , Carroll Miles W.
Published: December 2020

The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic necessitates the fast development of vaccines to meet a worldwide need. mRNA-based vaccines are the most promising technology for rapid and safe SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development and production. We have designed CVnCoV, a lipid-nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated, sequence optimised mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that encodes for full length, pre-fusion stabilised Spike protein. Unlike other mRNA-based approaches, CVnCoV exclusively consists of non-chemically modified nucleotides and can be applied at comparatively low doses. Here we demonstrate that CVnCoV induces robust humoral and cellular responses in non-human primates (NHPs). Animals vaccinated with 8 μg of CVnCoV were protected from challenge infection with SARS-CoV-2. Comprehensive analyses of pathological changes in challenged animals via lung histopathology and Computed Tomography (CT) scans gave no indication of enhanced disease upon CVnCoV vaccination. These results demonstrate safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of CVnCoV in NHPs that extend our previously published preclinical data and provide strong support for further clinical testing in ongoing phase 2b/3 efficacy studies.
EKLF/KLF1 expression defines a unique macrophage subset during mouse erythropoiesis
Authors: Mukherjee Kaustav , Xue Li , Planutis Antanas , Gnanapragasam Merlin Nithya , Chess Andrew , Bieker James J.
Published: December 2020

Erythroblastic islands are a specialized niche that contain a central macrophage surrounded by erythroid cells at various stages of maturation. However, identifying the precise genetic and transcriptional control mechanisms in the island macrophage remains difficult due to macrophage heterogeneity. Using unbiased global sequencing and directed genetic approaches focused on early mammalian development, we find that fetal liver macrophage exhibit a unique expression signature that differentiates them from erythroid and adult macrophage cells. The importance of EKLF/KLF1 in this identity is shown by expression analyses in EKLF-/- and in EKLF-marked macrophage cells. Single cell sequence analysis simplifies heterogeneity and identifies clusters of genes important for EKLF-dependent macrophage function and novel cell surface biomarkers. Remarkably, this singular set of macrophage island cells appears transiently during embryogenesis. Together these studies provide a detailed perspective on the importance of EKLF in establishment of the dynamic gene expression network within erythroblastic islands in the developing embryo and provide the means for their efficient isolation.
Transgelin: A New Gene Involved in LDL Endocytosis Identified by a Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 Screen
Authors: Lucero Diego , Dikilitas Ozan , Mendelson Michael M. , Islam Promotto , Neufeld Edward B. , Bansal Aruna T. , Freeman Lita A. , Vaisman Boris , Tang Jingrong , Combs Christian A. , Li Yuesheng , Voros Szilard , Kullo Iftikhar J. , Remaley Alan T.
Published: December 2020

To identify new genes involved in the cellular uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), we applied a novel whole genome CRISPR/Cas9 knockout-screen on HepG2 cell lines. We identifiedTAGLN(transgelin), an actin-binding protein, as a new gene involved in LDL endocytosis.In silicovalidation demonstrated that genetically predicted differences in expression ofTAGLNin human populations were associated with plasma lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL cholesterol) in the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium and lipid-related phenotypes in the UK Biobank. Decreased cellular LDL uptake observed inTAGLN-knockout cells due to decreased LDL receptor internalization, led to alterations in cellular cholesterol content and compensatory changes in cholesterol biosynthesis. Transgelin was also shown to be involved in the actin-dependent phase of clathrin-mediated endocytosis of other cargo besides LDL. The identification of novel genes involved in LDL uptake may improve the diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia and provide future therapeutic targets for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Orchard Management and Landscape Context Mediate the Floral Microbiome of Pear
Authors: Schaeffer Robert N. , Pfeiffer Vera W. , Basu Saumik , Brousil Matthew , Strohm Christopher , DuPont S. Tianna , Vannette Rachel L. , Crowder David W.
Published: December 2020

Crop-associated microbiota are key factors affecting host health and productivity. Most crops are grown within heterogeneous landscapes, and interactions between management practices and landscape context often affect plant and animal biodiversity in agroecosystems. However, whether these same factors typically affect crop-associated microbiota is less clear. Here, we assessed whether orchard management strategies and landscape context affected bacterial and fungal communities in pear (Pyrus communis) flowers. We found that bacteria and fungi responded differently to management schemes. Organically-certified orchards had higher fungal diversity in flowers than conventional or bio-based integrated pest management (IPM) orchards, but organic orchards had the lowest bacterial diversity. Orchard management scheme also best predicted the distribution of several important bacterial and fungal genera that either cause or suppress disease, with organic and bio-based IPM best explaining the distributions of bacterial and fungal genera, respectively. Moreover, patterns of bacterial and fungal diversity were affected by interactions between management, landscape context, and climate. When examining the similarity of bacterial and fungal communities across sites, both abundance- and taxa-related turnover were mediated primarily by orchard management scheme and landscape context, and specifically the amount of land in cultivation. Our study reveals local- and landscape-level drivers of floral microbiome structure in a major fruit crop, providing insights that can inform microbiome management to promote host health and high-yielding quality fruit.

IMPORTANCE

In tree fruits, proper crop management during bloom is essential for producing disease-free fruit. Tree fruits are often grown in heterogeneous landscapes; however, few studies have assessed whether landscape context and crop management affect the floral microbiome, which plays a critical role in shaping plant health and disease tolerance. Such work is key for identification of tactics and/or contexts where beneficial microbes proliferate, and pathogenic microbes are limited. Here, we characterize the floral microbiome of pear crops in Washington State, USA, where major production occurs in inter-mountain valleys and basins with variable elevation and microclimates. Our results show that both local (crop management) and landscape (habitat types and climate) level factors affect floral microbiota, but in disparate ways for each kingdom, suggesting a need for unique management strategies for each group. More broadly, these findings can potentially inform microbiome management in orchards for promotion of host health and high-quality yields.
Tyrosinase from mushroomAgaricus bisporusas an inhibitor of the Hepatitis C virus
Authors: Lopez-Tejedor David , Clavería-Gimeno Rafael , Velazquez-Campoy Adrian , Abian Olga , Palomo Jose M.
Published: December 2020

Tyrosinases from both a commercial semi-purifiedAgaricus bisporusprotein extract and directly isolated from white mushroom have been demonstrated to show antiviral activity against the Hepatitis C virus for the first time. The well-known tyrosinase fromA. bisporus (TyrAB)of 45kDa and a newly discovered 50-kDa isoform from this tyrosinase(Tyr50kDa)have been tested. Cell toxicity and antiviral activity of tyrosinases in cultured Huh 5-2 liver tumor cells transfected with a replicon system (a plasmid that includes all non-structural Hepatitis C virus proteins and replicates autonomously) was determined. NativeTyrABwas able to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis C virus without inducing toxicity in liver cells. In addition, the post-translational isoform ofTyr50kDashowed higher antiviral capacity than the former (up to 10 times greater), also exhibiting 10 times higher activity than the commercial drug Ribavirin®. This antiviral activity was directly proportional to the enzymatic activity of tyrosinases, since no antiviral capacity was observed for the inactive enzymes. The tyrosinases approach could represent a new antiviral inhibition mechanism, through a catalytic mechanism of selective hydroxylation of key role tyrosine residues in viral proteases. The tyrosinases directly extracted from fresh mushrooms (containing both tyrosinases) showed similar antiviral activity and, therefore, might provide low-cost drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C.
Three neurotransmitters regulate diverse inhibitory and excitatory Parvalbumin interneuron circuits in the dorsal horn
Authors: Gradwell MA , Boyle KA , Browne TJ , Dickie AC , Bell AM , Leonardo J , Reyes FS Peralta , Smith KM , Callister RJ , Dayas CV , Hughes DI , Graham BA
Published: December 2020

Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVINs) in the spinal dorsal horn are found primarily in laminae II inner and III. Inhibitory PVINs (iPVINs) play an important in segregating innocuous tactile input from pain-processing circuits, achieved through presynaptic inhibition of myelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors and postsynaptic inhibition of distinct spinal circuits. By comparison, relatively little is known of the role of excitatory PVINs (ePVINs) in sensory processing. Here we use neuroanatomical and optogenetic approaches to show that ePVINs comprise a larger proportion of the PVIN population than previously reported, and that both ePVIN and iPVIN populations form synaptic connections amongst (and between) themselves. We find that these cells contribute to neuronal networks that influence activity within several functionally distinct circuits, and that aberrant activity of ePVINs under pathological conditions contributes to the development of mechanical hypersensitivity.
Cell size distribution of lineage data: analytic results and parameter inference
Authors: Jia Chen , Singh Abhyudai , Grima Ramon
Published: December 2020

Recent advances in single-cell technologies have enabled time-resolved measurements of the cell size over several cell cycles. This data encodes information on how cells correct size aberrations so that they do not grow abnormally large or small. Here we formulate a piecewise deterministic Markov model describing the evolution of the cell size over many generations, for all three cell size homeostasis strategies (timer, sizer, and adder). The model is solved to obtain an analytical expression for the non-Gaussian cell size distribution in a cell lineage; the theory is used to understand how the shape of the distribution is influenced by the parameters controlling the dynamics of the cell cycle and by the choice of cell tracking protocol. The theoretical cell size distribution is found to provide an excellent match to the experimental cell size distribution ofE. colilineage data collected under various growth conditions.
Upregulation of DNA repair genes and cell extrusion underpin the remarkable radiation resistance ofTrichoplax adhaerens
Authors: Fortunato Angelo , Fleming Alexis , Aktipis Athena , Maley Carlo C.
Published: December 2020

Trichoplax adhaerensis the simplest multicellular animal with tissue differentiation and somatic cell turnover. Like all other multicellular organisms, it should be vulnerable to cancer, yet there have been no reports of cancer inT. adhaerens, or any other placozoan. We investigated the cancer resistance ofT. adhaerens, discovering that they are able to tolerate high levels of radiation damage (218.6 Gy). To investigate howT. adhaerenssurvive levels of radiation that are lethal to other animals, we examined gene expression after the X-ray exposure, finding overexpression of genes involved in DNA repair and apoptosis including theMDM2gene. We also discovered thatT. adhaerensextrudes clusters of inviable cells after X-ray exposure.T. adhaerensis a valuable model organism for studying the molecular, genetic and tissue-level mechanisms underlying cancer suppression.
A cross-cultural analysis of the modes and effectiveness of collaborative production of knowledge on Quora
Authors: Peng Yumeng , Zhou Xiang
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how cross-cultural elements such as cultural difference and stereotype are integrated into collaborative modes and actions and to explore their corresponding effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the quantitative content analysis is drawn from the posts with the topic of China on Quora. A collaborative case, where two users have a question-and-answer interaction, is taken as the unit of analysis. The effectiveness of collaboration is operationalized as the extent to which a collaboratively produced answer is visited and favorably reviewed, using the feedback index (the number of upvotes*1,000/views). One of the sampled collaborative cases is further analyzed qualitatively to see how cultural differences, stereotypes and other factors are incorporated into users' interaction.

Findings

This content analysis reveals nine modes of collaborative production of knowledge on Quora: initial questioning, pointed answering, raising doubts, responding to others, agreeing with others, correcting mistakes, enriching content, further questioning and extending issues. Diversity of the cross-cultural acts of collaborative production, particularly two of often-used collaborative actions, correcting stereotypes and supplementing cultural differences, helps to enhance overall collaborative effectiveness.

Practical implications

This paper offers new perspectives and ideas for strategies to change socially problematic stereotypes, e.g. to correct stereotypes where necessary and use more convincing resources such as reliable images as collaborative actions to bridge cultural differences. It also calls on social Q&A website developers to create more international users-friendly design by providing various channels for users with diverse cultural backgrounds to interact with each other.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate online collaborative knowledge production within a broader cross-cultural context. Specifically, cultural factors and cross-cultural collaborative actions have been innovatively integrated into this research, enriching the dimensions that can be used for collaboration classification. It is helpful for users from different countries to actively adopting different strategies to overcome cultural differences, preconceptions and other negative factors that are not conducive to communication and knowledge acquisition.
Measuring business impact: the lessons from the business schools
Authors: Kalika Michel , Shenton Gordon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an example of a fully operational impact assessment system called Business School Impact System (BSIS). It is designed specifically for business schools with a particular emphasis on their local and regional impact. Since its creation, the process has been adapted to schools of engineering and indeed to entire universities. The question of its relevance to all organisations is on the table.

Design/methodology/approach

Talking about measurement raises methodological issues that are common to all organisations. The methodology used in this chapter, particularly in its second part, is mainly inductive, based on direct experience in interviewing 44 business schools in 15 countries. The system was designed on the basis of a survey among around 20 actors of the education industries (deans, journalists). First of all, the system involves an extensive self-assessment phase based on the BSIS impact measurement framework consisting of 7 major impact dimensions and about 100 indicators. This is followed up by a two-day visit by two experienced experts (former deans) who engage in challenging discussions with internal practitioners and external stakeholders.

Findings

The question of the relevance of the dimensions used by business schools for companies is systematically asked, and it is argued that the seven dimensions of impact can be applied to all organisations whatever their mission.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology has not yet been tested on private organisations.

Practical implications

The process can be easily adapted to companies and could permit them to assess in a shared framework their impact. So, the practical implications are potentially large.

Social implications

One of the seven dimensions of impact is the social impact of the organisation and indeed the implications are significant in the social field.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the transfer of a process of impact measurement from the educational sector to companies is studied for the first time.
Linear analysis of parameters in Arrhenius model for Ti-6Al-4V at superplastic forming
Authors: Yang Junzhou , Wu Jianjun , Zhang Qianwen , Ren Yinxiang , Ruolan Han , Wang Kaiwei
Published: December 2020

Purpose

With the discussion on the linear relationship of determined material parameters, this study aims to propose a new method to analyze the deformation mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified constitutive model based on the hyperbolic sine Arrhenius equation has been established, which is applied to describe the flow behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy during the superplastic forming (SPF).

Findings

The modified constitutive model in this work has a good ability to describe the flow behavior for Ti-6Al-4V in SPF. Besides, a deformation map of titanium material is obtained based on the parameters. As the supplement, finite element models of high-temperature tensile tests are carried out as the application of the constitutive model.

Originality/value

The relationship between constitutive model parameters and forming mechanism is established, which is a new angle in rheological behavior research and constitutive model analysis.
Assessment of preconstruction factors in sustainable project management performance
Authors: Naji Khalid , Gunduz Murat , Salat Fatema
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The construction sector has a global reach, and construction professionals worldwide often encounter challenges in delivering a project on time and within the assigned budget. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the preproject factors that most affect the performance of construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to identify these factors from previous research, after which a questionnaire was developed and distributed to construction industry professionals worldwide. The response data were collected and analyzed using several methods, including Cronbach’s alpha, Relative Importance Index (RII), Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s and Pearson correlations.

Findings

The results highlight four categories of significance, namely design, stakeholder, engineering, and procurement, with 31 factors being assigned to these categories. The relationships between each factor based on the categories established in the survey are then presented. With the help of data analysis, focusing on these significant preproject factors will help management teams to evaluate and improve the preconstruction process to achieve a higher project success rate.

Originality/value

This study differs from other studies in the literature by gathering all relevant preconstruction success factors by an extensive literature review. Finally, highly ranked factors are studied in detail for a better understanding of the impact of preconstruction factors on project performance. This study is supported by powerful tests such as Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation to study the perception of different groups on preconstruction factors. Furthermore, the data analysis will help in identifying and avoiding the failure part of the previous projects and will improve the planning and/or forecasting of the new projects.
The monitoring of tele-homeworkers in the UK: legal and managerial implications
Authors: Lockwood Graeme , Nath Vandana
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the practical and legal complexities associated with tele-homeworking arrangements in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the study focusses on organisational practices and outcomes relating to the monitoring and surveillance of employees. Drawing on relevant UK legislation and illustrative case law examples, the study demonstrates the challenges and legal implications associated with tele-homeworking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a review of the literature and an examination of the EU and UK laws applicable to various employer and employee concerns that stem from tele-homeworking.

Findings

Tele-homeworking can be advantageous to both employers and employees, however, there are a number of growing concerns surrounding the monitoring of such workers. Developing technologies can act as a catalyst for legal disputes and the advances in workforce monitoring and surveillance reveal the complex challenges faced by both employers and employees. The indiscriminate monitoring of staff can result in claims of violations to the privacy rights of workers, breach of contract and discrimination claims. Several policy implications associated with monitoring tele-homeworkers surface from the analysis, including the need to ensure that any proposed surveillance is legitimate, proportionate and transparent.

Originality/value

The paper is beneficial in providing legal insights into the topical and continuing complexities associated with the monitoring of tele-homeworkers. The exogenous shock of COVID-19 has demanded the reorganisation of work. The extensive and developing capabilities that employers have at their disposal to engage in employee monitoring, give rise to a greater possibility of legal challenges by workers. The study serves to draw attention to various surveillance concerns and highlights the importance of employers undertaking an evaluation of their monitoring practices and complying with the legal framework.
The economic reality of Islamic banks’ transactions: a qualitative inquiry
Authors: Maali Bassam Mohammad , Fendi Usama Adnan , Atmeh Muhannad Ahmad
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the economic substance of Islamic banks’ transaction as perceived by the employees and regulators of banks and the effect of such substance on the need for special accounting standards for Islamic banks. If there is a distinctive “Islamic economic substance”, then special accounting practices may be necessary such as the standards of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative inquiry on one of the leading Islamic banks in the Middle East was conducted to investigate the economic substance of the bank’s main two transactions; the deposit system and Murabaha financing, as perceived by informants within one of the earliest Islamic banks and its regulators.

Findings

It is found that despite the belief that the transactions under examination were different from equivalents within conventional banking, practice within the bank was not consistent with such a belief. Informants largely perceived the economic reality of the investigated transaction as being not different from conventional banks’ transactions, and this would affect the need for special accounting and regulatory frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation is confined to informants working within one Islamic bank; their views and perceptions may not coincide with those working in other Islamic banks in the world.

Practical implications

The results of this investigation provide policy implications for Islamic banks, regulators and standards setters in regard to the need for special accounting standards for Islamic banks.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first papers that uses a qualitative inquiry on the main transactions of Islamic banks and the related need for special accounting practices. The paper provides a new perspective on the debate over whether Islamic banking is genuinely innovative or is merely a replicate for conventional banking.
Digital cultural heritage of rural tourism facilities in Poland
Authors: Król Karol
Published: December 2020

Purpose

At the turn of 2018 and 2019, a certain era in the history of Polish Internet came to an end. Most of the websites of rural tourism facilities hosted on free servers no longer exist; however, the very phenomenon has significantly distinguished itself in the promotion of rural tourism in Poland. The paper presents archaic websites or rural tourism facilities in Poland as digital cultural heritage assets. Its purpose is to propose attributes potentially indicative of content or phenomenon being part of digital cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 211 websites of rural tourism facilities in Poland, hosted on free servers, were analysed. The study investigated digital artefacts, i.e. only the websites that no longer exist but whose archival copies are found at the Internet Archive (IA).

Findings

The structure of most websites of rural tourism facilities was based on tables. None of the websites were responsive. The graphics of 132 websites (65%) were never changed, with the oldest recorded copies dating back to 2001 and the newest ones to 2018. On many websites, components that are relatively rarely found these days were noted, e.g. “marquee”-type “floating” objects or online surveys.

Originality/value

The phenomenon of using free-of-charge hosting services by rural tourism facilities in Poland in the years 2004–2012 is part of the history of Polish Internet and an example of digital cultural heritage. Archaic websites of rural tourism facilities in Poland are digital artefacts but not all of them have cultural values. In total, three groups of attributes are proposed that can be important for determining whether a website, content or phenomenon can be considered digital cultural heritage assets.
Team psychological capital and innovation: the mediating of team exploratory and exploitative learning
Authors: Tho Nguyen Dinh , Duc La Anh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of team psychological capital (PsyCap) on team innovation. The study also examines the mediating role of team learning, including exploratory and exploitative learning, in team innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 272 team leaders of firms in Vietnam was surveyed to validate the measures via confirmatory factor analysis and to test the model and hypotheses using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results demonstrate that team PsyCap has a positive effect on team innovation. Further, team exploratory learning mediates the relationship between team PsyCap and team innovation; however, team exploitative learning does not. Although team exploitative learning is explained by team PsyCap, it does not enhance team innovation.

Practical implications

The study findings suggest that, to enjoy a high level of team exploratory and exploitative learning and innovation, firms should develop team PsyCap. This could be undertaken by implementing leader–subordinate mentoring programs, together with creating a social context that helps in interacting and communicating among team members.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine the role of team PsyCap in team exploratory and exploitative learning and innovation, adding further insight to the literature on innovation at the team level.
The effect of supply chain disruptions on shareholder wealth in small and mid-cap companies
Authors: Alora Aswin , Barua Mukesh Kumar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Supply chain disruptions can have severe negative consequences on companies. However, studies measuring the financial impacts of supply chain disruptions are largely confined to developed nations and large companies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of supply chain disruption on small companies in the context of an emerging nation. Further, an attempt has been made to classify supply chain disruptions and measure its impact by its type.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the event study on 335 supply chain disruption events for a 10 year period starting from 2009 to 2019 has been used.

Findings

The results state that the Indian small and medium companies lost −4.49% of shareholder wealth in disruption. The findings also indicate that the financial and environmental disruptions can have severe effect on shareholder wealth as compared to other category.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined to a developing country. Considering multiple countries can provide comparative results and therefore a global consensus could be achieved.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the results help managers to plan and prioritize supply chain disruptions, regulatory authorities can plug any possible insider trading practices for small companies in the event of supply chain disruptions. Investors can plan and take prudent investing decisions based on the nature of the disruptions.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study measuring the supply chain disruption effects on smaller companies in an emerging nation. The study is also novel in incorporating financial disruptions and measuring source wise impact on shareholder wealth.
A randomized, noninferiority, controlled trial of two doses of intravenous subdissociative ketamine for analgesia in the emergency department
Authors: Lovett Shannon , Reed Trent , Riggs Robert , Lew George , Koch Erica , Durazo‐Arvizu Ramon A. , Rech Megan A.
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine if 0.15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) subdissociative ketamine is noninferior to 0.3 mg/kg in emergency department (ED) patients with acute pain.

Methods

This randomized, prospective, double‐blinded, noninferiority trial included patients’ age 18 to 59 years presenting to the ED with acute moderate to severe pain. Subjects were randomized to IV subdissociative ketamine, 0.15 mg/kg ("low" dose) or 0.30 mg/kg ("high" dose), over 15 minutes. The primary endpoint was the 11‐point numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score between groups at 30 minutes. Secondary endpoints included NRS pain scores at 15 and 60 minutes; change in NRS at 15, 30, and 60 minutes; rescue analgesia; and adverse effects. The noninferiority limit, δ0, was set to 1.3.

Results

Forty‐nine patients were included in each group. After the differences in the baseline NRS score were adjusted for, the mean NRS score at 30 minutes was 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.8 to 5.5) in the low‐dose group and 5.0 (95% CI = 4.2 to 5.8) in the high‐dose group (mean difference = 0.4, 95% CI = −0.8 to 1.5), indicating that the low‐dose subdissociative ketamine was noninferior to the high dose (lower limit of 95% CI = –0.8 to ≥1.3 = –δ0). Adverse effects were similar at 30 minutes. At 15 minutes, the high‐dose group experienced greater change in NRS; however, more adverse effects occurred.

Conclusion

Our data did not detect a large difference in analgesia or adverse effect profile between 0.15 mg/kg IV ketamine and 0.30 mg/kg in the short‐term treatment of acute pain in the ED.
Degree of pregnancy planning and recommended pregnancy planning behavior among women with and without chronic medical conditions – A large hospital‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: De Wolff Mie Gaarskjaer , Johansen Marianne , Rom Ane Lilleøre , Midtgaard Julie , Tabor Ann , Hegaard Hanne Kristine
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Pregnancy planning allows women to engage in pregnancy planning behaviors to optimize health status in the preconception period. Women with chronic medical conditions have a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore preconception care is recommended. The aim was to compare pregnancy planning among women with and without chronic medical conditions, and to assess adherence to the recommended pregnancy planning behaviors on folic acid intake, physical activity and abstention from smoking and alcohol, among women with and without chronic medical conditions stratified by pregnancy planning.

Material and methods

A cross‐sectional study with data from 28 794 pregnancies. Pregnancy planning was measured with the Swedish Pregnancy Planning Scale. Multiple Poisson regression with robust variance estimates was used to assess the associations between chronic medical condition (yes/no and main categories) and pregnancy planning, and chronic medical condition status and pregnancy planning behaviors stratified by pregnancy planning.

Results

In the study population, 74% reported high degree of pregnancy planning, and 22% had one or more chronic medical conditions. We found no overall association between chronic medical condition and pregnancy planning (adjusted rate ratio [RR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98‐1.01). However, women with type 2 diabetes and mental illness were significantly less likely to plan their pregnancies than women without these conditions (aRR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61‐0.88; aRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87‐0.96, respectively). Women with chronic medical conditions were more likely to adhere to the recommended planning behaviors; intake of folic acid, abstention from alcohol prior to pregnancy and no binge drinking in early pregnancy.

Conclusions

Overall, pregnancies were highly planned. Women with chronic medical conditions did not show a higher degree of pregnancy planning than women without chronic medical conditions but were, however. more likely to adhere to the generally recommended pregnancy planning behaviors (ie intake of folic acid and abstention from alcohol intake). Only women with mental illness and type 2 diabetes reported a lower degree of pregnancy planning. It is important that we continuously address pregnancy planning and planning behaviors for both women with and women without chronic medical conditions, especially women with type 2 diabetes and mental illness.
Clustering of desmosomal cadherins by desmoplakin is essential for cell‐cell adhesion
Authors: Wanuske Marie‐Therès , Brantschen Dominique , Schinner Camilla , Stüdle Chiara , Walter Elias , Hiermaier Matthias , Vielmuth Franziska , Waschke Jens , Spindler Volker
Published: December 2020

AIM

Desmoplakin (Dp) is a crucial component of the desmosome, a supramolecular cell junction complex anchoring intermediate filaments. The mechanisms how Dp modulates cell‐cell adhesion are only partially understood. Here, we studied the impact of Dp on the function of desmosomal adhesion molecules, desmosome turnover and intercellular adhesion.

METHODS

CRISPR/Cas9 was used for gene editing of human keratinocytes which were characterized by Western blot and immunostaining. Desmosomal ultrastructure and function were assessed by electron microscopy and cell adhesion assays. Single molecule binding properties and localization of desmosomal cadherins were studied by atomic force microscopy and super‐resolution imaging.

RESULTS

Knockout (ko) of Dp impaired cell cohesion to drastically higher extents as ko of another desmosomal protein, plakoglobin (Pg). In contrast to Pg ko, desmosomes were completely absent in Dp ko. Binding properties of the desmosomal adhesion molecules desmocollin (Dsc) 3 and desmoglein (Dsg) 3 remained unaltered under loss of Dp. Dp was required for assembling desmosomal cadherins into large clusters, as Dsg2 and Dsc3, adhesion molecules primarily localized within desmosomes, were redistributed into small puncta in the cell membrane of Dp ko cells. Additional silencing of desmosomal cadherins in Dp ko did not further increase loss of intercellular adhesion.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that Dp is essential for desmosome formation but does not influence intercellular adhesion on the level of individual cadherin binding properties. Rather, macro‐clustering of desmosomal adhesion molecules through Dp is crucial. These results may help to better understand severe diseases which are caused by Dp dysfunction.