bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel machine-learning tool to identify community risk for firearm violence: The Firearm Violence Vulnerability Index
Authors: Polcari Ann M. , Hoefer Lea E. , Zakrison Tanya L. , Cone Jennifer T. , Henry Marion C. W. , Rogers Selwyn O. , Slidell Mark B. , Benjamin Andrew J.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Firearm violence in the United States is a public health crisis, but accessing accurate firearm assault data to inform prevention strategies is a challenge. Vulnerability indices have been used in other fields to better characterize and identify at-risk populations during crises, but no tool currently exists to predict where rates of firearm violence are highest. We sought to develop and validate a novel machine-learning algorithm, the Firearm Violence Vulnerability Index (FVVI), to forecast community risk for shooting incidents, fill data gaps, and enhance prevention efforts.

METHODS

Open-access 2015 to 2022 fatal and nonfatal shooting incident data from Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and Rochester were merged on census tract with 30 population characteristics derived from the 2020 American Community Survey. The data set was split into training (80%) and validation (20%) sets; Chicago data were withheld for an unseen test set. XGBoost, a decision tree-based machine-learning algorithm, was used to construct the FVVI model, which predicts shooting incident rates within urban census tracts.

RESULTS

A total of 64,909 shooting incidents in 3,962 census tracts were used to build the model; 14,898 shooting incidents in 766 census tracts were in the test set. Historical third grade math scores and having a parent jailed during childhood were population characteristics exhibiting the greatest impact on FVVI’s decision making. The model had strong predictive power in the test set, with a goodness of fit (D
2) of 0.77.

CONCLUSION

The Firearm Violence Vulnerability Index accurately predicts firearm violence in urban communities at a granular geographic level based solely on population characteristics. The Firearm Violence Vulnerability Index can fill gaps in currently available firearm violence data while helping to geographically target and identify social or environmental areas of focus for prevention programs. Dissemination of this standardized risk tool could also enhance firearm violence research and resource allocation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.
Retinal self-organization: a model of retinal ganglion cells and starburst amacrine cells mosaic formation
Authors: de Montigny Jean , Sernagor Evelyne , Bauer Roman
Published: April 2023

Individual retinal cell types exhibit semi-regular spatial patterns called retinal mosaics. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and starburst amacrine cells (SACs) are known to exhibit such layouts. Mechanisms responsible for the formation of mosaics are not well understood but follow three main principles: (i) homotypic cells prevent nearby cells from adopting the same type, (ii) cell tangential migration and (iii) cell death. Alongside experiments in mouse, we use BioDynaMo, an agent-based simulation framework, to build a detailed and mechanistic model of mosaic formation. We investigate the implications of the three theories for RGC's mosaic formation. We report that the cell migration mechanism yields the most regular mosaics. In addition, we propose that low-density RGC type mosaics exhibit on average low regularities, and thus we question the relevance of regular spacing as a criterion for a group of RGCs to form a RGC type. We investigate SAC mosaics formation and interactions between the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) populations. We propose that homotypic interactions between the GCL and INL populations during mosaics creation are required to reproduce the observed SAC mosaics' characteristics. This suggests that the GCL and INL populations of SACs might not be independent during retinal development.
Paenibacillus auburnensis sp. nov. and Paenibacillus pseudetheri sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Lipski André , McInroy John A. , Clermont Dominique , Lamothe Lucie , Glaeser Stefanie P. , Criscuolo Alexis
Published: April 2023

Two Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterial strains, isolated from the rhizosphere of Zea mays were studied for their detailed taxonomic allocation. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, both strains JJ-7T and JJ-60T were shown to be members of the genus

Paenibacillus

. Strain JJ-7T was most closely related to the type strains of

Paenibacillus tianjinensis

(99.6 %) and

P. typhae

(98.7 %), and strain JJ-60T to

Paenibacillus etheri

(99.5 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to all other

Paenibacillus

species were ≤98.4 %. Both strains JJ-7T and JJ-60T showed 97.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between each other. Genomic comparisons showed that the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values to next related type strain genomes were always <94 and <56 %, respectively. The polar lipid profiles of both strains contain a number of phospholipids including diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, which is in accord with the genus

Paenibacillus

. The major quinone was MK-7 in both strains. Major fatty acids were iso- and anteiso-branched. Physiological and biochemical characteristics allowed a further phenotypic differentiation of strains JJ-7T and JJ-60T from the most closely related species. Thus, each strain represents a novel species of the genus

Paenibacillus

, for which the names Paenibacillus auburnensis sp. nov. and Paenibacillus pseudetheri sp. nov. are proposed, with JJ-7T (=CIP 111892T=DSM 111785T=LMG 32088T=CCM 9087T) and JJ-60T (=CIP 111894T=DSM 111787T=LMG 32090T=CCM 9086T) as the type strains, respectively.
Neuro-mesodermal assembloids recapitulate aspects of peripheral nervous system developmentin vitro
Authors: Rockel Anna F. , Wagner Nicole , Ergün Süleyman , Wörsdörfer Philipp
Published: April 2023

Here we describe a novel neuro-mesodermal assembloid model which recapitulates aspects of peripheral nervous system (PNS) development such as neural crest cell (NCC) induction, delamination, migration and sensory as well as sympathetic ganglion formation. The ganglia send neuronal projections to the mesodermal as well as the neural compartment. Axons in the mesodermal part are associated with Schwann cells. In addition, peripheral ganglia as well as nerve fibers interact with the co-developing vascular plexus, forming a neurovascular niche. Finally, developing sensory ganglia show response to capsaicin treatment indicating their functionality.

The presented assembloid model could help to uncover mechanisms of NCC delamination, migration and PNS development in the human tissue context. Moreover, the model could be used for toxicity screenings or drug testing. The co-development of mesodermal and neuroectodermal tissues and of a well-organized vascular plexus along with a peripheral nervous system allows to investigate the crosstalk between neuroectoderm and mesoderm and between peripheral neurons/neuroblasts and endothelial cells. Such interactions influence NCC delamination and migration, sensory neuron differentiation and rearrangement of the primitive vascular plexus in the embryo.
Towards robust clinical genome interpretation: developing a consistent terminology to characterize disease-gene relationships - allelic requirement, inheritance modes and disease mechanisms
Authors: Roberts Angharad M , DiStefano Marina T. , Riggs Erin Rooney , Josephs Katherine S , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Amberger Joanna , Amin Mutaz , Berg Jonathan S. , Cunningham Fiona , Eilbeck Karen , Firth Helen V. , Foreman Julia , Hamosh Ada , Hay Eleanor , Leigh Sarah , Martin Christa L. , McDonagh Ellen M. , Perrett Daniel , Ramos Erin M. , Robinson Peter N. , Rath Ana , van Sant David , Stark Zornitza , Whiffin Nicola , Rehm Heidi L. , Ware James S.
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

The terminology used for gene-disease curation and variant annotation to describe inheritance, allelic requirement, and both sequence and functional consequences of a variant is currently not standardized. There is considerable discrepancy in the literature and across clinical variant reporting in the derivation and application of terms. Here we standardize the terminology for the characterization of disease-gene relationships to facilitate harmonized global curation, and to support variant classification within the ACMG/AMP framework.

METHODS

Terminology for inheritance, allelic requirement, and both structural and functional consequences of a variant used by Gene Curation Coalition (GenCC) members and partner organizations was collated and reviewed. Harmonized terminology with definitions and use examples was created, reviewed, and validated.

RESULTS

We present a standardized terminology to describe gene-disease relationships, and to support variant annotation. We demonstrate application of the terminology for classification of variation in the ACMG SF 2.0 genes recommended for reporting of secondary findings. Consensus terms were agreed and formalized in both sequence ontology (SO) and human phenotype ontology (HPO) ontologies. GenCC member groups intend to use or map to these terms in their respective resources.

CONCLUSION

The terminology standardization presented here will improve harmonization, facilitate the pooling of curation datasets across international curation efforts and, in turn, improve consistency in variant classification and genetic test interpretation.
Stochastic modeling of the dynamics ofSalmonellainfection of epithelial cells
Authors: Hannig Jennifer , Beygi Alireza , Ackermann Jörg , Amstein Leonie , Welsch Christoph , Ðikić Ivan , Koch Ina
Published: April 2023

Bacteria of theSalmonellagenus are intracellular pathogens, which cause gastroenteritis and typhoid fever in animals and humans, and are responsible for millions of infections and thousands of deaths across the world every year. Furthermore,Salmonellahas played the role of a model organism for studying host-pathogen interactions. Taking these two aspects into account, enormous efforts in the literature are devoted to study this intracellular pathogen. Within epithelial cells, there are two distinct subpopulations ofSalmonella: (i) a large fraction ofSalmonella, which are enclosed by vacuoles, and (ii) a small fraction of hyper-replicating cytosolicSalmonella. Here, by considering the infection of epithelial cells bySalmonellaas a discrete-state, continuous-time Markov process, we propose a stochastic model of infection, which includes the invasion ofSalmonellainto the epithelial cells by a cooperative strategy, the replication inside theSalmonella-containing vacuole, and the bacterial proliferation in the cytosol. The xenophagic degradation of cytosolic bacteria is considered, too. The stochastic approach provides important insights into stochastic variation and heterogeneity of the vacuolar and cytosolicSalmonellapopulations on a single-cell level over time. Specifically, we predict the percentage of infected human epithelial cells depending on the incubation time and the multiplicity of infection, an d the bacterial load of the infected cells at different post-infection times.
Reconstruction of Gene Regulatory Networks using sparse graph recovery models
Authors: Shrivastava Harsh
Published: April 2023

Abstract

There is a considerable body of work in the field of computer science on the topic of sparse graph recovery, particularly with regards to the innovative deep learning approaches that have been recently introduced. Despite this abundance of research, however, these methods are often not applied to the recovery of Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs). This work aims to initiate this trend by highlighting the potential benefits of using these computational techniques in the recovery of GRNs from single cell RNA sequencing or bulk sequencing based gene expression data. GRNs are directed graphs that capture the direct dependence between transcription factors (TFs) and their target genes. Understanding these interactions is vital for studying the mechanisms in cell differentiation, growth and development. We categorize graph recovery methods into four main types based on the underlying formulations: Regression-based, Graphical Lasso, Markov Networks and Directed Acyclic Graphs. We selected representative methods from each category and made modifications to incorporate transcription factor information as a prior to ensure successful reconstruction of GRNs.
Musculoskeletal phenotypes in 3q29 deletion syndrome
Authors: Pollak Rebecca M , Tilmon Jacob C , Murphy Melissa M , Gambello Michael J , Sanchez Russo Rossana , Dormans John P , Mulle Jennifer G
Published: April 2023

3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29del) is a rare genomic disorder caused by a 1.6 Mb deletion (hg19, chr3:195725000–197350000). 3q29del is associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric phenotypes, including an astonishing >40-fold increased risk for schizophrenia, but medical phenotypes are less well-described. We used the online 3q29 registry (3q29deletion.org) to recruit 57 individuals with 3q29del (56.14% male) and requested information about musculoskeletal phenotypes with a custom questionnaire. 85.96% of participants with 3q29del reported at least one musculoskeletal phenotype. Congenital anomalies were most common (70.18%), with pes planus (40.35%), pectus excavatum (22.81%), and pectus carinatum (5.26%) significantly elevated relative to the pediatric general population. 49.12% of participants reported fatigue after 30 minutes or less of activity. Bone fractures (8.77%) were significantly elevated relative to the pediatric general population, suggesting 3q29del impacts bone strength. Participants commonly report receiving medical care for musculoskeletal complaints (71.93%), indicating that these phenotypes impact quality of life for individuals with 3q29del. This is the most comprehensive description of musculoskeletal phenotypes in 3q29del to date, suggests ideas for clinical evaluation, and expands our understanding of the phenotypic spectrum of this syndrome.
Acute kidney injury-induced circulating TNFR1/2 elevations correlate with persistent kidney injury and progression to fibrosis
Authors: Arthanarisami Akshayakeerthi , Komaru Yohei , Katsouridi Charikleia , Schumacher Julian , Verges Deborah K. , Ning Liang , Abdelmageed Mai M. , Herrlich Andreas , Kefaloyianni Eirini
Published: April 2023

Background

Elevated levels of circulating Tumor-Necrosis-Factor-Receptors 1 and 2 (cTNFR1/2) predict CKD progression. Whether acute kidney injury drives cTNFR1/2 elevations and whether they predict disease outcomes after AKI remains unknown.

Methods

We used AKI patient serum and urine samples, mouse models of kidney injury (ischemic, obstructive, toxic) and progression to fibrosis, nephrectomy, and related single cell RNA-sequencing datasets.

Results

We show that TNFR1/2 serum and urine levels are highly elevated in all mouse models of kidney injury tested, beginning within one-hour post-injury, and correlate with its severity. Consistent with this, serum and urine TNFR1/2 levels are increased in AKI patients and correlate with severity of kidney failure. Interestingly, the extracellular vesicle (EV)-bound forms of cTNFR1/2 correlate with renal function better than their soluble forms. TNF neutralization does not affect early cTNFR1/2 elevations, suggesting that cTNFR1/2 levels do not reflect injury-induced TNF activity. Kidney tissue expression of TNFR1/2 after AKI is only mildly increased and bilateral nephrectomies lead to strong cTNFR1/2 elevations, suggesting release of these receptors by extrarenal sources. cTNFR1/2 remain elevated for weeks after severe kidney injury and at these later timepoints cTNFR1/2 correlate to remaining kidney injury. During AKI-to-CKD transition, kidney expression of TNFR1/2 and cTNFR2 levels, correlate with development of fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that AKI drives acute increases in cTNFR1/2 serum levels which negatively correlate with kidney function, in particular their EV-bound forms. Sustained TNFR1/2 elevations after kidney injury during AKI-to-CKD transition correlate with persistent tissue injury and progression to kidney fibrosis.

Significance Statement

Circulating TNF-Receptor-1 and -2 (cTNFR1/2) elevations predict chronic kidney disease progression. It remains unknown whether kidney injury can drive cTNFR1/2 elevations, whether cTNFR1/2 levels predict disease outcomes after AKI, and which are their circulating molecular forms. This study shows that kidney injury strongly increases cTNFR1/2 levels and that their extracellular vesicle-bound forms better correlate with kidney function loss, compared to their soluble forms. Sustained cTNFR1/2 elevations correlate to remaining kidney injury, and cTNFR1/2 levels post injury predict progression to kidney fibrosis. This work, thus, points to novel mechanisms for the observed cTNFR1/2 elevations in kidney disease and identifies unique predictive and diagnostic value in cTNFR1/2 elevations in AKI or AKI-to-CKD transition.
Endosome dysfunction leads to gain-of-function TLR7 and human lupus
Authors: Mishra Harshita , Schlack-Leigers Claire , Lim Ee Lyn , Thieck Oliver , Magg Thomas , Raedler Johannes , Wolf Christine , Klein Christoph , Ewers Helge , Lee-Kirsch Min Ae , Meierhofer David , Hauck Fabian , Majer Olivia
Published: April 2023

Hyperactive Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 signaling has long been appreciated as a driver of autoimmune disease by breaking tolerance to self-nucleic acids in mouse models1–5. Recently, mutations in TLR7 or its associated regulator UNC93B16, 7, were identified as monogenic causes of human lupus; the unifying feature of these mutations being TLR7 gain-of-function. TLR7 is an intracellular transmembrane receptor, sensing RNA breakdown products within late endosomes8, 9. Hence, its function depends on intricate transport mechanisms and membrane interactions within the endomembrane network. Whether perturbations of any of these endosome-related processes can give rise to TLR7 gain-of-function and facilitate self-reactivity has not been investigated. Here, we show that a dysregulated endosomal compartment leads to unrestricted TLR7 signaling and human lupus. The late endosomal BLOC-1-related protein complex (BORC) together with the small Arf1-like GTPase Arl8b controls TLR7 protein levels, and a direct interaction between Arl8b and Unc93b1 is required to regulate TLR7 turnover. We identified an amino acid insertion in UNC93B1 in a patient with childhood-onset lupus, which reduces the interaction with the BORC-Arl8b complex and leads to endosomal TLR7 accumulation. Therefore, a failure to control the proper progression of TLR7 through its endocytic life cycle is sufficient to break immunological tolerance to nucleic acids in humans. Our results highlight the importance of an intact endomembrane system to prevent autoimmune disease. As the cellular mechanisms restricting TLR7 signaling can be manifold, identifying and stratifying lupus patients based on a TLR7-driven pathogenesis could be a viable strategy towards a targeted therapy.
Biological characterization of an emergent virus infecting vegetables in diversified production systems: physostegia chlorotic mottle virus
Authors: Temple Coline , Blouin Arnaud G. , Boezen Dieke , Botermans Marleen , Durant Laurena , De Jonghe Kris , de Koning Pier , Goedefroit Thomas , Minet Laurent , Steyer Stephan , Verdin Eric , Zwart Mark , Massart Sebastien
Published: April 2023

With the emergence of high throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies, the discovery of new plant viruses has outpaced their biological characterization. However, it is crucial to understand the biology of these viruses to evaluate the risks they pose for the production of crops and natural ecosystems and to manage them properly. In 2018, Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus (PhCMoV) was detected in Austria in aPhysostegiaplant (Lamiaceae) using HTS, and subsequent prepublication data sharing associated the presence of the virus with severe fruit symptoms on important crops like tomato, eggplant, and cucumber across nine European countries. This discovery led to a collaborative effort to understand better the virus’s genetic diversity, host range, symptomatology, and distribution. Still, specific knowledge gaps remained. In this study, the authors address these gaps by examining the transmission mode, prevalence, and disease severity of PhCMoV. Bioassay and field survey confirmed the causal association between the presence of the virus and symptoms on tomato and eggplant. The investigation also mapped out the historical and geographic footprint of the virus, spanning back 30 years and including a new location, Switzerland. Based on field survey, PhCMoV was found to naturally infect 11 new host plant species across seven families, extending the host range of PhCMoV to 20 plant species across 14 plant families. Greenhouse assays with mechanical inoculation showed that yield losses could reach 100% depending on the phenological stage of the plant at the time of infection. The study also identified a polyphagous leafhopper species (Anaceratagalliasp.) as the natural vector of PhCMoV. PhCMoV was widespread in diversified vegetable farms in Belgium where tomato is grown in soil, occurring in approximately one-third of such farms. However, outbreaks were sporadic and it can be suggested that they were associated with specific cultural practices, such as the cultivation of perennial plants in tomato tunnels that can serve as a host for both the virus and its vector. To further explore this phenomenon and better manage the virus, studying the ecology of theAnaceratagalliaevector would be beneficial.
The embedded construction of price fairness evaluations: a case study of Air Greenland
Authors: Thrane Sof , Balslev Lars , Friis Ivar
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how fairness evaluations are constructed in a B2B context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a field study of Air Greenland and its internal and external customers based on strong structuration theory (Stones, 2005). The authors employ context and conduct analysis to analyze how fairness evaluations emerge across four levels of structuration.

Findings

The paper finds that fairness evaluations emerge as a result of the interaction between external institutional pressures, agents' internal structures, and situated reflection and outcomes. The construction of fairness evaluations was embedded in contradictory institutional structures, where groups of actors constructed different evaluations of fair profits, procedures and prices. Actors furthermore worked on changing position-practice relations which shifted relations, external structures and affected outcomes and fairness evaluations.

Originality/value

This paper offers a conceptualization of embedded agency as emerging across the four levels of structuration. This contributes to debates in strong structuration theory through conceptualizing and analyzing how actors may be both be constrained and oriented by structures while reflexively adapting structures across the four levels of structuration. The paper extends extant pricing fairness research by illustrating how actors' construction of fairness flexibly develop fairness evaluations while responding to legitimacy and societal demands, including the needs of particular customer groups.
Do talent management practices improve organizational resilience? An empirical study within Tunisian companies
Authors: Bouteraa Amira , Bouaziz Fatma
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the impact of talent management practices on organizational resilience in Tunisian firms in times of the sanitary crises due to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A hypothetico-deductive approach is adopted. First, it is hypothesized that four talent management practices positively affect organizational resilience. Then, the hypotheses were tested by using quantitative methods. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed with PLS-SEM techniques.

Findings

Results show that talent identification positively affects organizational resilience operationalized through the three dimensions of agility, integrity and robustness. Talent development and talent succession planning positively influence the firms' agility only, whilst talent retention had no effect on the three organizational resilience dimensions.

Practical implications

The findings of this research may be helpful for human resources managers to recognize among talent management practices those that are mostly associated with organizational resilience and its dimensions. This could help them revise some talent management practices and implement those that are lacking to ensure strong and resilient firms, especially in a context characterized by the occurrence of crises of different natures.

Originality/value

The literature review showed that talent management practices and organizational resilience relationships are understudied. This research empirically highlights the relevance of the linkage between them. It contributes to the rare existent works by identifying a significant effect of talent identification on all organizational resilience dimensions and a positive effect of talent development and succession planning on agility.
Citation pattern of open access and toll-based research articles in the field of biological and physical sciences: a comparative study
Authors: Wani Zahid Ashraf , Shah Tariq Shafi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between the access mode of research articles [Open Access (OA) and Toll-Access (TA)] and their subsequent citation counts in Biological and Physical Sciences in three Impact factor zones (High, Medium and Low).

Design/methodology/approach

Three subjects each from Biological Sciences (Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics) and Physical Sciences (Astronomy, Oceanography and Optics) were selected for the study. A comprehensive list of journals (TA and OA) in select subjects of Biological and Physical Sciences was prepared by consulting Journal Citation Report’s Master Journal List (for the compilation of both Open Access and Toll Access journal list) and Directory of Open Access Journals (for the compilation of Open Access journal list). For each journal, essential details like content language, format, year of publication, access mode (Open Access or Toll Access), etc. were obtained from Ulrich’s Periodical Directory. Web of Science (WoS) was used as citations indexing tool in this study. The data set was run on the WoS to collect the citation data.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that open mode of access is not a prerequisite for higher citation boost as in the majority of the cases in this study, TA articles have garnered a greater number of citations as compared to open access articles in different Impact factor zones in Biological and Physical Sciences.

Originality/value

A novel approach has been adopted to understand and compare the research impact of open access (OA) and toll access (TA) journal articles in the field of Biological and Physical Sciences at three Impact factor zone levels to reveal the citation metrics encompassing three parameters, i.e. citedness, average citation count and year wise distribution of citations in select subjects of Biological and Physical Sciences.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/[DOI]/10.1108/OIR-01-2021-0029
Revolving credit facility (RCF): restructuring in a crisis situation
Authors: Situm Mario
Published: April 2023

Research methodology

The data for the case study were collected as part of a consulting project. In an interview (orientation meeting), the management of the company outlined the key data on the company and the problem, which were used to describe the case study. The account balances of the revolving credit facility were provided as an Excel file and analyzed and processed in the follow-up. The names of the company and individuals in the case were changed to protect the identities and privacy of the involved parties.

Case overview/synopsis

This case represents a real practical problem, in which James was asked to take over a mandate as interim manager for a family business in a severe crisis. The crisis situation also manifested itself in the company’s severely strained liquidity situation. One of the first important measures was to enable smooth solvency or to expand the liquidity scope. An analysis of the bank balances over a longer period of time showed that the liquidity situation had already been tight for several months, but the previous management had done nothing to remedy this situation. James asked himself how he should proceed to solve this problem.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for lectures that focus on corporate finance or financial restructuring. It should build on basic knowledge related to financing instruments and working capital. The case study can, therefore, be used for undergraduate students (Bachelor level) in a higher semester or as an introduction for Master’s students.

Learning objective

An instructor can use this case in courses related to finance or financial restructuring. Target groups are undergraduate students (Bachelor level) in a higher semester or as an introduction for Master’s students. Students should have prior knowledge of financing instruments and working capital management. The case shows a frequently occurring and therefore important standard case, which can be solved on the basis of the outlined procedure. After completion of the case studies, students should have a deeper understanding of basic financial principles and be able to propose how financial restructuring could be conducted in case of lack of liquidity and limits in headroom.
Eroski, a Mondragon coop: overcoming challenges and facing a new one
Authors: Roche Olivier Pierre , Calo Thomas J. , Shipper Frank , Scharf Adria
Published: April 2023

Research methodology

This case is based on primary and secondary sources of information. These sources include interviews with senior executives as well as documents provided by Mondragon and Eroski. The interviews were conducted on-site. In addition, the authors researched the literature on both organizations.

Case overview/synopsis

Eroski is the largest of Mondragon Corporation’s coops. Since its founding, Eroski has faced numerous challenges. It has responded to each challenge with out-of-the-box thinking. In response to the pandemic, Eroski become an e-commerce supermarket as well as selectively continuing bricks and mortar stores. As the pandemic is winding down, Eroski is considering how to respond to the “new normal,” which is largely undefined. The question posited at the end of the case is, “Will Eroski be able to hold to its social principles, maintain its unusual governance model and other unusual practices, and survive this latest challenge?”

Complexity academic level

Eroski of Mondragon is a complex and unusual organization. To appreciate the challenges and how they were overcome by its unique business model, a student must have a minimum background in management, corporate finance and marketing. Thus, this case would fit well into a senior or graduate class on strategic human resource management. It is also recommended for the strategy capstone course usually offered during the last year of a business bachelor’s degree (senior level) to ensure that students are introduced to what Paul Adler refers to as an alternative business model. It can also be targeted for an advanced management course or a strategy course at the MBA and executive levels.
Fundamental pillars for industry 4.0 development: implementation framework and challenges in manufacturing environment
Authors: Singh Mahipal , Goyat Rekha , Panwar Renu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

At the present time, Industry 4.0 has proven its effectiveness and significance in automation and data exchange within industries across different sectors worldwide. In the current literature, there is still a lack of research on adopting Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing setting in developing economies. The main purpose of the present study is to explore the fundamental pillars and framework for ease of adoption of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing environments, along with highlighting the benefits and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a systematic literature review has been conducted through protocol, search, appraisal, synthesis, analysis, report (PSALSAR) model. In the literature, the articles are included within time span of 2008–2022, consisting keywords like Industry 4.0, blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, 3D printing, big data analytics, etc. Based on available literature, conceptual implementation framework of Industry 4.0 is proposed.

Findings

This study explored the key ingredients that play an essential role to bridge the gap and construct a strong relationship among physical and cyber world. The results reveals that the emerging technologies such as IoT, blockchain, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, 3D printing, big-data analytics, cloud-computing join hands to accomplish success in Industry 4.0 by reducing human interference for effective and efficient systems. In addition, the study also explored the possible benefits of emerging technologies with challenges faced by manufacturing setting during adaptation of Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

As per the authors' best knowledge, no research articles are found in literature which explore various emerging technologies in Industry 4.0 with its implementation framework in the manufacturing setting in developing economies. The main focus of the present study is to discover the literature review in defined area and find the research gap among current scenario and future trend for execution of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing environment.
Managerial leadership and turnover intentions with the mediating role of employee happiness: an empirical study based on private universities
Authors: Kaur Rajwinder , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The core emphasis of the paper is to inspect the relationships between managerial leadership, employee happiness and turnover intentions among academicians of private universities in Punjab.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed study used a descriptive research methodology and a structured instrument to collect responses from individuals (n = 400) using a purposive sampling method. SPSS and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) are applied to evaluate the data.

Findings

The outcomes disclosed that managerial leadership has a substantial effect on employee happiness (ß = 0.591, p < 0.05) and turnover intentions (ß = 0.566, p < 0.05). Besides this, it has been discovered that employee happiness mediates the association among managerial leadership and turnover intentions. The present research is among the few empirical findings that have examined academicians' perspectives on their turnover intentions in private universities.

Originality/value

By concentrating on effective managerial leadership and employee happiness, the analysis will be advantageous for human resource (HR) managers and authorities of private universities to strengthen academician retention. Therefore, the study adds something novel to the corpus of extant literature.
Metabolomic profiles of not from concentrate orange juice after different sterilization treatments based on HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and UPLC‐QTOF‐MS
Authors: Sun Ruixue , Xing Ranran , Zhang Jiukai , He Lei , Ge Yiqiang , Zhang Weiwei , Deng Tingting , Chen Ying
Published: April 2023

Not from concentrate (NFC) orange juice is minimally processed, natural‐appearing food, and has become more popular. Sterilization is an important stage for NFC orange juice production. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the effect of sterilization on the metabolites of NFC orange juices, including three thermal (pasteurization, high‐temperature short time, and ultra‐high temperature) and one nonthermal (high hydrostatic pressure) method. A total of 108 metabolites, including 59 volatiles and 49 nonvolatiles were identified in orange juice. Of which, only butyl butanoate and 3‐carene were detected in fresh orange juice. Sterilization significantly changed the metabolites of orange juice, and different methods caused various changes. Esters were downregulated by both thermal and nonthermal sterilization, while most flavonoids and terpenes were upregulated. With comparative analyses of three thermal sterilization, we found that high temperature and relatively short‐time treatment preserved esters and ascorbic acid more effectively than low temperature and prolonged treatment. Aldehydes, however, were the opposite. Nonthermal sterilization is effective in preserving the metabolites of orange juice, especially for esters, terpenes, and flavonoids. In addition, 19 distinct metabolites were characterized between thermal and nonthermal samples by chemometrics analysis. These findings provide a new sight of the optimization of sterilization methods and references for different types of NFC orange juice identification.

Practical Application

This study provides a reference for the optimization of sterilization methods and identification of HHP and thermal NFC orange juice and also benefits the purchase of consumers.
Pelvis shape analysis with geometric morphometry in crossbreed cats
Authors: Manuta Nicoleta , Gündemir Ozan , Yalin Ebru Eravci , Karabağli Murat , Uçmak Zeynep Günay , Dal Gamze Evkuran , Gürbüz İftar
Published: April 2023

In this study, the geometric morphometry of the pelvis of 32 (16 male, 16 female) crossbreed cats was investigated. Pelvis images of cats were obtained by computerized tomography method. Then, these images were modelled and geometric morphometry was applied. Shape variations of the pelvis of all individuals were obtained by principal component analysis. The first principal component (PC1) value explained 18.44% of the total variation. Second principal component (PC2) and third principal component (PC3) values explained 16.84% and 13.60% of the total variation, respectively. The difference in the shape of the pelvis of female and male cats was more pronounced in PC2 and PC3, which differed in the linea terminalis. The centroid size difference in terms of sex in the Procrustes ANOVA result is statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). However, the shape difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). As a result of discriminant analysis, the pelvis of female and male cats was completely separated from each other. The crista iliaca of males was more lateral than females. Linea terminalis was wider in shape in females. The edge of the acetabulum was higher in shape in males. Regression analysis was performed to see whether the age and weight of the cats had an effect on the centroid size of the cats. Age and weight were not found to be effective on centroid size. The shape variations of the anatomical formations obtained by geometric morphometry method can be revealed, and it can be examined whether there is a shape difference between the groups.
Role of pelvic drain and timing of urethral catheter removal following RARP: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kawada Tatsushi , Mostafaei Hadi , Sari Motlagh Reza , Quhal Fahad , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Rajwa Pawel , von Deimling Markus , Bianchi Alberto , Pallauf Maximilian , Pradere Benjamin , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Miki Jun , Kimura Takahiro , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To assess the clinical value of routine pelvic drain (PD) placement and early removal of urethral catheter (UC) in patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), as perioperative management such as the necessity of PD or optimal timing for UC removal remains highly variable.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched for articles published before March 2022 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Studies were deemed eligible if they investigated the differential rate of postoperative complications between patients with/without routine PD placement and with/without early UC removal, defined as UC removal at 2–4 days after RARP.

Results

Overall, eight studies comprising 5112 patients were eligible for the analysis of PD placement, and six studies comprising 2598 patients were eligible for the analysis of UC removal. There were no differences in the rate of any complications (pooled odds ratio [OR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–1.00), severe complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥III; pooled OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.54–1.69), all and/or symptomatic lymphocele (pooled OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.50–1.33; and pooled OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.26–1.29, respectively) between patients with or without routine PD placement. Furthermore, avoiding PD placement decreased the rate of postoperative ileus (pooled OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.91). Early removal of UC resulted in an increased likelihood of urinary retention (OR 6.21, 95% CI 3.54–10.9) in retrospective, but not in prospective studies. There were no differences in anastomosis leakage and early continence rates between patients with or those without early removal of UC.

Conclusions

There is no benefit for routine PD placement after standard RARP in the published articles. Early removal of UC seems possible with the caveat of the increased risk of urinary retention, while the effect on medium‐term continence is still unclear. These data may help guide the standardisation of postoperative procedures by avoiding unnecessary interventions, thereby reducing potential complications and associated costs.
Plasma extracellular vesicle transcriptomics identifies CD160 for predicting immunochemotherapy efficacy in lung cancer
Authors: Liao Jiatao , Lai Hongyan , Liu Chang , Zhang Xin , Ou Qiuxiang , Li Qiaojuan , Li Yan , Wang Zhen , Liu Cuicui , Wu Xianghua , Wang Huijie , Yu Hui , Sun Si , Zhao Xinmin , Hu Zhihuang , Zhang Yao , Lin Ying , Yu Bo , Huang Shenglin , Wang Jialei
Published: April 2023

Better biomarkers are needed to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) treatment. We investigated the plasma extracellular vesicle (EV)‐derived long RNAs (exLRs) in unresectable/advanced LUAD to explore biomarkers for immunochemotherapy. Seventy‐four LUAD patients without targetable mutations receiving first‐line anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) immunochemotherapy were enrolled. Their exLRs were profiled through plasma EV transcriptome sequencing. Biomarkers were analyzed against response rate and survival using pre‐ and post‐treatment samples in the retrospective cohort (n = 36) and prospective cohort (n = 38). The results showed that LUAD patients demonstrated a distinct exLR profile from the healthy individuals (n = 56), and T‐cell activation‐related pathways were enriched in responders. Among T‐cell activation exLRs, CD160 exhibited a strong correlation with survival. In the retrospective cohort, the high baseline EV‐derived CD160 level correlated with prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.005), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.784 for differentiating responders from non‐responders. In the prospective cohort, the CD160‐high patients also showed prolonged PFS (P = 0.003) and OS (P = 0.014) and a promising AUC of 0.648. The predictive value of CD160 expression was validated by real‐time quantitative PCR. We also identified the dynamics of EV‐derived CD160 for monitoring therapeutic response. The elevated baseline CD160 reflected a higher abundance of circulating NK cells and CD8+‐naïve T cells, suggesting more active host immunity. In addition, increased CD160 levels of tumors also correlated with a favorable prognosis in LUAD patients. Together, plasma EV transcriptome analysis revealed the role of the baseline CD160 level and early post‐treatment CD160 dynamics for predicting the response to anti‐PD‐1 immunochemotherapy in LUAD patients.
Association of fasting blood glucose variability with all‐cause mortality in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Liu Xing , Lan Hongwen , Guo Qiannan , Xiong Tixiusi , Wang Kan , Jiang Chen , Zhang Jing , Wang Guohua , Dong Nianguo , Shi Jiawei
Published: April 2023

Background

Fasting blood glucose (FBG) variability, an emerging marker of glycemic control, has been shown to be related to the risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality in subjects with or without diabetes. However, whether FBG variability is independently associated with a higher all‐cause mortality in heart transplant recipients remains unknown.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study including 373 adult recipients who survived for at least 1 year after heart transplantation with a functioning graft and measured FBG more than three times within first year after transplantation. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between FBG variability and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Patients were categorized into three groups according to the coefficient of variation of FBG level: ≤7.0%, 7.0%–13.5%, and >13.5%. During a median follow‐up of 44.4 months (interquartile range [IQR], 22.6–63.3 months), 31 (8.3%) participants died. In univariate analyses, FBG variability was associated with an increased all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67, 5.38; p < .001). This association remained materially unchanged in the multivariable model adjusted for components of demographics, cardiovascular history and lifestyle, hospital information, immunosuppressive therapy, and post‐transplant renal function (HR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.43, 5.28; p = .004).

Conclusions

After heart transplantation, high FBG variability is strongly and independently associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality. Our findings suggest that FBG variability is a novel risk factor and prognostic marker for heart transplantation recipients in outpatient clinic.
Aligning orthodontic education: Investigating the use of a digital app to improve the performance in managing orthodontic problems
Authors: Woolley Julian , Bister Dirk , Sherriff Martyn , Jeremiah Huw
Published: April 2023

Introduction

General dentists are qualified to manage orthodontic emergencies within their scope of practice. This may involve advice, hands‐on intervention or referral to a specialist orthodontist. This study aimed to assess the effect of an orthodontic app on dental undergraduates' ability to manage common orthodontic issues. In addition, this study aimed to determine the confidence of dental students in finding information related to orthodontic emergencies (CFI) as well as their confidence in managing orthodontic emergencies (CMOE).

Materials and Methods

Students were randomised into one‐of‐three groups, an app group, an internet group and a closed‐book, exam‐style group. All participants self‐reported their CFI and CMOE. Following this, all participants were asked to complete a multiple‐choice question (MCQ) paper based on clinical orthodontic scenarios. In addition, the app group were instructed to complete an app usability questionnaire (MAUQ).

Results

Approximately, 91.40% of students (n = 84) had not received clinical training in managing orthodontic emergencies, and 97.85% (n = 91) had not managed an orthodontic emergency clinically within the last 6 months of their training. The mean score for CFI was 0.10 out of 1.0 (SD 0.11) and CMOE was 0.28 out of 1.0 (SD 0.23). Statistically significant better MCQ scores were found in the app group, and no statistically significant difference was found between the internet and exam‐style group.

Conclusions

This study is the first to consider the use of an orthodontic app to aid in the management of orthodontic issues. It has practical implications for how mobile apps can aid in learning and can be incorporated into the wider dental field.