bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOXB13 alters chromatin accessibility in prostate cancer through interactions with the SWI/SNF complex
Authors: Lingadahalli Shreyas , Fazlioglu Betul Ersoy , Altintas Umut Berkay , Cingoz Ahmet , Tekoglu Emirhan , Yu Ivan Pak Lok , Dikbas Ugur Meric , Andomat Hans , Kulac Ibrahim , Morova Tunc , Xiao Kevin , Gleave Martin , Fazli Ladan , Cejas Paloma , Cherkasov Artem , Zwart Wilbert , Long Henry , Collins Colin , Bagci-Onder Tugba , Lack Nathan A.
Published: September 2023

HOXB13 is a posterior homeobox protein that is associated with the initiation and growth of prostate cancer (PCa). While most research has focused on the role of HOXB13 on androgen receptor (AR) activity, we demonstrate that HOXB13 is essential to the proliferation of both AR-positive and -negative PCa. Strikingly, HOXB13 is remarkably selective and has almost no effect on non-prostatic tissues. Despite this common essentiality in PCa, HOXB13 activity is markedly different in AR-negative PCa, where interactions with the AP-1 change the HOXB13 cistrome in stem-cell like castration-resistant prostate cancer. We show that HOXB13 activity is commonly mediated by SMARCD2, a member of the mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. Despite the distinct transcription factor interactions in AR-positive and -negative PCa the HOXB13/SMARCD2 commonly alters chromatin accessibility at HOXB13 binding sites that causes increased proliferation in PCa. Overall, this work demonstrates a novel mechanism of action for HOXB13 and highlights its critical role in AR-negative castration-resistant prostate cancer.
KAT2paralogs prevent dsRNA accumulation and interferon signaling to maintain intestinal stem cells
Authors: Nguyen Mai-Uyen , Potgieter Sarah , Huang Winston , Pfeffer Julie , Woo Sean , Zhao Caifeng , Lawlor Matthew , Yang Richard , Halstead Angela , Dent Sharon , Sáenz José B. , Zheng Haiyan , Yuan Zuo-Fei , Sidoli Simone , Ellison Christopher E. , Verzi Michael
Published: September 2023

Histone acetyltransferasesKAT2AandKAT2Bare paralogs highly expressed in the intestinal epithelium, but their functions are not well understood. In this study, double knockout of murineKat2genes in the intestinal epithelium was lethal, resulting in robust activation of interferon signaling and interferon-associated phenotypes including the loss of intestinal stem cells. Use of pharmacological agents and sterile organoid cultures indicated a cell-intrinsic double-stranded RNA trigger for interferon signaling. Acetyl-proteomics and dsRIP-seq were employed to interrogate the mechanism behind this response, which identified mitochondria-encoded double-stranded RNA as the source of intrinsic interferon signaling.Kat2aandKat2btherefore play an essential role in regulating mitochondrial functions as well as maintaining intestinal health.

Highlights of the work

Kat2aandKat2bdouble knockout in the murine intestinal epithelium triggers activation of the interferon signaling pathway

Kat2a/Kat2bknockout leads to intestinal stem cell loss and other mucosal phenotypes consistent with interferon activation

Histone PTM mass spec profiling reveals the first in vivo study showing H3K9ac-specific loss withKat2aandKat2bdouble knockout, yet without correlation to interferon signaling pathway genes

Comprehensive proteomic analysis identifies non-histone acetyl-lysine targets of KAT2 in the mouse intestine in vivo, including mitochondrial proteins

Mitochondrial function is compromised uponKat2loss

dsRIP-seq identifies double-stranded RNA from the mitochondria as a trigger for the intrinsic immune response uponKat2double knockout
An atypical endomembrane localized CNL-type immune receptor with a conserved deletion in the N-terminal signaling domain functions in cell death and immunity
Authors: Sunil Sruthi , Beeh Simon , Stöbbe Eva , Fischer Kathrin , Wilhelm Franziska , Meral Aron , Paris Celia , Teasdale Luisa , Jiang Zhihao , Zhang Lisha , Parras Emmanuel Aguilar , Nürnberger Thorsten , Weigel Detlef , Lozano-Duran Rosa , Kasmi Farid El
Published: September 2023

Plants have evolved intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine rich repeat receptors (NLRs) to induce a superior immune response. Upon activation, coiled-coil (CC) domain containing NLRs (CNLs) oligomerize to form apparent cation channels that promote calcium influx and cell death induction, with the alpha-1 helix of the individual CC domains penetrating membranes. Some members of a monophyletic subclass of CNLs, the ancient and autonomous NLRs (ANLs), are characterized by putative N- myristoylation and S-acylation sites at the N-terminus of their CCG10/GAdomain, potentially mediating permanent membrane association. Whether thesePotentiallyMembraneLocalized NLRs (PMLs) mediate cell death upon activation in a similar way as reported for other CNLs has been unknown. We integrated phylogenetic, cell- biological, and functional studies to uncover the cell death function of an atypical but conserved Arabidopsis PML, PML5, which has a 113 amino acid deletion in its CCG10/GAdomain. Active PML5 oligomers localize in Golgi membranes and the tonoplast, changes vacuolar morphology, and induce cell death, with the short N- terminus being sufficient for cell death. Mutant analysis supports a potential key role of PMLs in plant immunity. Similar deletions as in Arabidopsis PML5 are found in several Brassicales paralogs, pointing to the evolutionary importance of this innovation. PML5 is thus a naturally occurring CNL variant with a minimal signaling ‘domain’ and its further study should help in understanding the functional importance of this minimal domain for NLR signaling.
Comparisons of newborn birthweights with maternal factors at Phalombe District Hospital, Malawi: a retrospective record review
Authors: Mfipa Dumisani , Hajison Precious L. , Mpachika-Mfipa Felistas
Published: September 2023

Background

Birthweight is an important indicator of the newborn’s future health. Maternal factors, including age, HIV status, parity and obstetric complications ([pre]-eclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage [APH] and sepsis), however, have been shown as risk factors of low birthweight (LBW). For data-guided interventions, we compared newborn birthweights with these factors at Phalombe District Hospital, Malawi.

Methods

Using a retrospective record review study design, we extracted data of 1,308 women and their newborns from maternity registers (October, 2022-March, 2023). Data were skewed. Its distribution in each group had different variabilities/shapes. We used Mann-Whitney U/Kruskal- Wallis H tests to compare mean rank of birthweights.

Results

Prevalence of LBW was 17.4% and median birthweight was 2,900.00g (interquartile range [IQR] 2,600.00g-3,200.00g). We observed significant difference in newborn birthweights among adolescent girls (≤19 years), young women (20-24 years), older women (25-34 years) and women of advanced maternal age (≥35 years), (mean ranks: 600.32, 650.85, 690.62 and 735.34, respectively, H[3] = 20.30, p<.001, η2= 0.01). Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences in newborn birthweights of adolescent girls and older women (p = .006), adolescent girls and women of advanced maternal age (p<.001). We observed no significant differences in newborn birthweights between HIV+ and HIV- women (mean ranks: 608.86 and 659.28, respectively, U = 67,748.50, Z = -1.417, p = .157, r = 0.04). We found significant differences in newborn birthweights between primiparous and multiparous women (mean ranks: 600.95 and 697.16, respectively, U = 180,062.00, Z = -4.584, p<.001, r = 0.13), women with and women with no (pre)-eclampsia, APH and sepsis (mean ranks: 340.09 and 662.64, respectively, U = 10,662.00, Z = -4.852, p<.001, r=0.13).

Conclusion

Significant differences reported notwithstanding, small effect sizes and a high prevalence of LBW were observed. Thus, all pregnant women should be prioritized to improve birthweight outcomes. Those with complications, however, require special care.
Characterizing Tissue Structures from Spatial Omics with Spatial Cellular Graph Partition
Authors: Wu Zhenqin , Kondo Ayano , McGrady Monee , Baker Ethan A. G. , Wu Eric , Rahim Maha K. , Bracey Nathan A. , Charu Vivek , Cho Raymond J. , Cheng Jeffrey B. , Afkarian Maryam , Zou James , Mayer Aaron T. , Trevino Alexandro E.
Published: September 2023

Spatial transcriptomic and proteomic measurements enable high-dimensional characterization of tissues. However, understanding organizations of cells at different spatial scales and extracting tissue structures of interest remain challenging tasks that require extensive human annotations. To address this need for consistent identification of tissue structures, in this work, we present a novel annotation method Spatial Cellular Graph Partitioning (SCGP) that allows unsupervised identification of tissue structures that reflect the anatomical and functional units of human tissues. We further present a reference-query extension pipeline SCGP-Extension that enables the generalization of existing reference tissue structures to previously unseen samples. Our experiments demonstrate reliable and robust partitionings of both spatial transcriptomics and proteomics datasets encompassing different tissue types and profiling techniques. Downstream analysis on SCGP-identified tissue structures reveals disease-relevant insights regarding diabetic kidney disease and skin disorder, underscoring its potential in facilitating spatial analysis and driving new discoveries.
A hybrid receptor binding protein enables phage F341 infection ofCampylobacterby binding to flagella and lipooligosaccharides
Authors: Ostenfeld Line Jensen , Sørensen Anders Nørgaard , Neve Horst , Vitt Amira , Klumpp Jochen , Holst Sørensen Martine C.
Published: September 2023

Flagellotropic bacteriophages are interesting candidates as therapeutics against pathogenic bacteria dependent on flagellar motility for colonization and causing disease. Yet, phage resistance other than loss of motility has been scarcely studied. Here we developed a soft agar assay to study flagellotropic phage F341 resistance in motileCampylobacter jejuni. We found that phage adsorption was prevented by diverse genetic mutations in the lipooligosaccharides forming the secondary receptor of phage F341. Genome sequencing showed phage F341 belongs to theFletchervirusgenus otherwise comprising capsular-dependentC. jejuniphages. Interestingly, phage F341 encodes a hybrid receptor binding protein (RBP) predicted as a short tail fiber showing partial similarity to RBP1 encoded by capsular-dependentFletchervirus,but with a receptor binding domain similar to tail fiber protein H ofC. jejuniCJIE1 prophages. Thus,C. jejuniprophages may represent a genetic pool from where lyticFletchervirusphages can acquire new traits like recognition of new receptors.
Engineered human myogenic cells in hydrogels generate functional myofibers within dystrophic mouse muscle
Authors: Kowala Anna , Meng Jinhong , Pourquié Olivier , Connelly John , Morgan Jennifer E , Lin Yung-Yao
Published: September 2023

Transplantation of human myogenic progenitor cells (MPCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating muscle-wasting diseases, e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). To increase engraftment efficiency of donor stem cells, modulation of host muscles is required, significantly limiting their clinical translation. Here we develop a clinically relevant transplantation strategy synergising hydrogel-mediated delivery and engineered human MPCs generated from CRISPR-corrected DMD patient-derived pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). We demonstrate that donor-derived human myofibers produce full-length dystrophin at 4 weeks and 5 – 6 months (long-term) post transplantation in the unmodulated muscles of the dystrophin-deficient mouse model of DMD. Remarkably, human myofibers are innervated by mouse motor neurons forming neuromuscular junctions and supported by vascularisation after long-term engraftment in dystrophic mice. PAX7+ cells of human origin replenish the satellite cell niche. There was no evidence of tumorigenesis in mice engrafted with hydrogel-encapsulated human MPCs. Our results provide a proof-of-concept in developing hydrogel-based cell therapy for muscle-wasting diseases.
Light-induced Trpin/Metout switching during BLUF domain activation in ATP-bound photoactivatable adenylate cyclase OaPAC
Authors: Chretien Anaïs , Nagel Marius F. , Botha Sabine , de Wijn Raphaël , Brings Lea , Dörner Katerina , Han Huijong , Koliyadu Jayanath C. P. , Letrun Romain , Round Adam , Sato Tokushi , Schmidt Christina , Secareanu Radu-Costin , von Stetten David , Vakili Mohammad , Wrona Agnieszka , Bean Richard , Mancuso Adrian , Schulz Joachim , Pearson Arwen R. , Kottke Tilman , Lorenzen Kristina , Schubert Robin
Published: September 2023

The understanding of signal transduction mechanisms in photoreceptor proteins is essential for elucidating how living organisms respond to light as environmental stimuli. In this study, we investigated the ATP binding, photoactivation and signal transduction process in the photoactivatable adenylate cyclase fromOscillatoria acuminata(OaPAC) upon blue light excitation. Structural models with ATP bound in the active site of native OaPAC at cryogenic as well as room temperature are presented. ATP is found in one conformation at cryogenic- and in two conformations at ambient-temperature, and is bound in a non-productive conformation. However, FTIR spectroscopic experiments confirm that the non-productive conformation is the native binding mode in dark state OaPAC and that transition to a productive conformation for ATP turnover only occurs after light activation. A combination of time-resolved crystallography experiments at synchrotron and X-ray Free Electron Lasers sheds light on the initial events around the Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) chromophore in the light-sensitive BLUF domain of OaPAC. Initial changes involve the highly conserved amino acids Tyr6, Gln48 and Met92. Crucially, the Gln48 side chain performs a 180° rotation during activation, leading to the stabilization of the FAD chromophore. Cryo-trapping experiments allowed us to investigate a late light-activated state of the reaction and revealed significant conformational changes in the BLUF domain around the FAD chromophore. In particular, a Trpin/Metouttransition upon illumination is observed for the first time in the BLUF domain and its role in signal transmission via α-helix 3 and 4 in the linker region between sensor and effector domain is discussed.
Mapping human natural killer cell development in pediatric tonsil by imaging mass cytometry and high-resolution microscopy
Authors: Hegewisch-Solloa Everardo , Melsen Janine E. , Ravichandran Hiranmayi , Rendeiro André F. , Freud Aharon G. , Mundy-Bosse Bethany , Melms Johannes C. , Eisman Shira E. , Izar Benjamin , Grunstein Eli , Connors Thomas J. , Elemento Olivier , Horowitz Amir , Mace Emily M.
Published: September 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells develop from CD34+ progenitors in a stage-specific manner defined by changes in cell surface receptor expression and function. Secondary lymphoid tissues, including tonsil, are sites of human NK cell development. Here we present new insights into human NK cell development in pediatric tonsil using cyclic immunofluorescence and imaging mass cytometry. We show that NK cell subset localization and interactions are dependent on NK cell developmental stage and tissue residency. NK cell progenitors are found in the interfollicular domain in proximity to cytokine-expressing stromal cells that promote proliferation and maturation. Mature NK cells are primarily found in the T-cell rich parafollicular domain engaging in cell-cell interactions that differ depending on their stage and tissue residency. The presence of local inflammation results in changes in NK cell interactions, abundance, and localization. This study provides the first comprehensive atlas of human NK cell development in secondary lymphoid tissue.
The Fanconi anemia core complex promotes CtIP-dependent end-resection to drive homologous recombination at DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: van de Kooij Bert , van der Wal Fenna J. , Rother Magdalena B. , Creixell Pau , Stout Merula , Wiegant Wouter , Joughin Brian A. , Vornberger Julia , van Vugt Marcel A.T.M. , Altmeyer Matthias , Yaffe Michael B. , van Attikum Haico
Published: September 2023

Homologous Recombination (HR) is a high-fidelity repair mechanism of DNA Double-Strand Breaks (DSBs), which are induced by irradiation, genotoxic chemicals or physiological DNA damaging processes. DSBs are also generated as intermediates during the repair of interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). In this context, the Fanconi anemia (FA) core complex, which is effectively recruited to ICLs, promotes HR-mediated DSB-repair. However, whether the FA core complex also promotes HR at ICL-independent DSBs remains controversial. Here, we identified the FA core complex members FANCL and Ube2T as HR-promoting factors in a CRISPR/Cas9-based screen with cells carrying the DSB-repair reporter DSB-Spectrum. Using isogenic cell-line models, we validated the HR-function of FANCL and Ube2T, and demonstrated a similar function for their ubiquitination-substrate FANCD2. We further show that FANCL and Ube2T are directly recruited to DSBs and are required for the accumulation of FANCD2 at these break sites. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that FANCL ubiquitin ligase activity is required for the accumulation of the nuclease CtIP at DSBs, and consequently for optimal end-resection and Rad51 loading. CtIP overexpression rescues HR in FANCL-deficient cells, validating that FANCL primarily regulates HR by promoting CtIP recruitment. Together, these data demonstrate that the FA core complex and FANCD2 have a dual genome maintenance function by promoting repair of DSBs as well as the repair of ICLs.
The Shape of Things in Cryo-ET: Why Emojis Aren’t Just for Texts
Authors: Maurer Valentin J. , Siggel Marc , Kosinski Jan
Published: September 2023

Detecting specific biological macromolecules in cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) data is frequently approached by applying cross-correlation-based 3D template matching. Structural models or simple geometric shapes such as spheres, cylinders, or rectangles are frequently used templates. To reduce computational cost and noise, high binning is used to aggregate voxels prior to template matching. At high binning primarily low-frequency information remains and it has been shown that template matching fails if different macromolecules have overlapping low-frequency spectrums. Here, we combine these ideas and show in theory why geometric shapes can be used as templates and validate our findings using a detailed subtomogram average, a sphere, and the so-called poop emoji () as templates to identify ribosomes in an annotatedS. cerevisiaedataset. Our findings indicate that with current template-matching methods, macromolecules can only be detected with high precision if their shape and size are sufficiently different from the background, or if they are present in significantly higher abundance than other macromolecules with similar features. This implies that template matching under these conditions has by design low precision and recall. We discuss these challenges and propose potential enhancements for future template matching methodologies.
Consumers’ response to CSR statement type in social crowding
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Wang Shiyu , Liang Yingqian
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Based on the construal level theory, this research study examines the interactive effect between social crowding and corporate social responsibility (CSR) statement type on consumers' purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two empirical experiments on a total of 508 subjects.

Findings

There is an interactive effect between social crowding and CSR statement type on consumers' purchase intention. Specifically, in high social crowding situations, concrete CSR statements lead to consumers' higher purchase intention, while in low social crowding situations, abstract CSR statements lead to consumers' higher purchase intention. Self-construal and processing fluency play a moderating and mediating role in the mechanism.

Originality/value

This research study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the interaction between social crowding and CSR statements, enriching the field of consumer behavior research on social crowding. Additionally, it offers practical insights for enterprises on how to present CSR information in crowded situations.
“Regions” as brands: an empirical validation of consumer-based brand equity framework and demonstration of cross-over effect
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Argho , Hall John , Wong Ho Yin , Lockshin Larry , Zhang Yunen , Thaichon Park
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically validate the holistic consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) framework and establishment of the cross-over effect using consumer preferences for wine “regions.”

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a sample of 275 regular wine purchasers in Australia, who were aged above 30 years old and had consumed regional wine in the last 3 months through an online consumer panel survey.

Findings

By testing competing CBBE models, the main research model was found to have the greatest predictive ability, due to its inclusion of both the rational and emotional paths and the cross-over effect between consumer brand judgment and brand feeling. This paper indicates that consumers enhance brand equity and develop a strong ongoing relationship with regional wine brands by simultaneously engaging in both mental behavior paths, where, in the meantime, rational processing has a cross-over effect on emotional processing.

Originality/value

This study expands the brand management literature by answering the future research on the CBBE model identified by Hall et al. (2021). Moreover, it establishes the underexplored cross-over effect within the CBBE literature. Furthermore, it adds to the marketing and wine-marketing literature by extending the concept of the brand to other attributes in consumer choice, such as a wine region as outlined by Giacomarra et al. (2020). Thus, this study advances the existing branding knowledge in a practical sense, which enables regional wine marketers and wine retailers to undertake promotional and product development strategies accordingly.
Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings
Authors: Nurick Saul , Thatcher Andrew
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate green buildings and individual productivity, specifically within the context of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) within green certified office buildings. The purpose of the research was to determine how self-assessed productivity levels were influenced by the indoor environment of the office building.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data analysis was conducted via semi-structured interviews in two financial services companies (FSCs), both based in green certified office buildings in South Africa. Thematic analysis was conducted to extract common themes from the data. Furthermore, the data were compared to previous research to identify new potential pathways or provide support for existing pathways.

Findings

The main findings were that physical components, such as temperature, lighting, ventilation and noise, contribute depending on the respondent to individual productivity, engagement, organisational commitment and psychological wellbeing. Safety, underpinned by location and amenities, was a new component not previously considered that subtly contributed to individual productivity.

Originality/value

The research provides valuable insight into the contributing factors that impact individual productivity within a green certified office building, as previous researchers have yet to reach a consensus on the relationship between individual productivity and IEQ in green certified office buildings.
Effect of industry 4 emerging technology on environmental sustainability of textile companies in Saudi Arabia: mediating role of green supply chain management
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Awais , Aljoghaiman Abdulaziz , Kaliani Sundram Veera Pandiyan , Ghouri Arsalan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The research objective was to check the impact of industry 4 (I4) technologies on environmental sustainability (ENS) with the mediating role of green supply chain management (GSCM) of textile companies in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from those respondents who were linked with management and also have knowledge of I4 technologies. The researchers distributed 500 questionnaires among respondents for data collection, 350 questionnaires were received, and used for analysis. The researchers employed the quantitative research approach and cross-sectional research design.

Findings

The results indicate that I4 has a positive effect on ENS and GSCM practices except for green purchasing where I4 has an insignificant impact on green purchasing. On the other hand, GSCM practices also significantly mediate between I4 and ENS except for green purchasing which has an insignificant mediating effect.

Practical implications

This study has a great theoretical contribution to literature as it provides strategic insight to managers as well as policymakers. From the perspective of resource-based view, this study is supportive to use I4 technology practices in GSCM. Furthermore, the current research suggests managers to implement I4 technologies and adopt the GSCM practices. These practices should be part of environmental strategies. The implementation of these practices will assist in building a strong reputation and satisfaction of customers and to fulfill the requisites of stakeholders.

Originality/value

The research was conducted with the extended framework of the mediating effect of GSCM between I4 and ENS of Saudi Arabia textile companies which are considered to be a pioneer study in the extant literature.
The mediating role of capital investment and financial sector in the energy-pollution discourse
Authors: Mesagan Ekundayo Peter , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The authors analyse the interactive influence of energy use, capital investment and finance on pollution in energy-dependent African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses data from 5 selected energy-dependent African nations (i.e. Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa) between 1981 and 2020 using the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) approach.

Findings

The panel result reveals that capital investment and energy interaction and financial development and capital investment moderation reduce pollution in all the countries. However, for country-specific results, the interaction of investment and energy lowers emissions in Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco but increases pollution in Egypt. Similarly, except for Egypt, financial development and capital investment interaction offset pollution in Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study stems from the inability to extend the scope to cover the entire African region. However, the fact that the authors selected the most prominent African nations in the sample to enable us to set the template for other smaller nations to follow makes the study tenable in its present form.

Practical implications

Energy-dependent African countries should invest in eco-friendly machines, technologies and equipment to lower pollution vis-à-vis production expansion.

Originality/value

The present research is more expansive by combining the finance and capital investment channels in the quest for decarbonising emerging African nations. Moreover, this is a comparative study, unlike past studies that mainly deploy a one-size-fits-all approach.
A thorn by any other name: the acceptability of terminology for subtle slights in UK workplaces
Authors: Smith Iain Alexander , Griffiths Amanda
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Employers are increasingly attempting to mitigate subtle but harmful forms of employee rudeness and slights. These include “microaggressions”, “everyday discrimination” and “workplace incivility”, among others. It is unclear which of these various terms is most acceptable for introducing the topic in the workplace. This paper explores human resources (HR) leaders' considerations about the terms and the organisational context that allow for successful implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

16 expert interviews were conducted with HR leaders from large organisations in the United Kingdom. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to explore interview transcripts.

Findings

HR leaders reflected on various terms for subtle slights, largely according to how understandable (coherent) and emotionally resonant (provocative) they appeared. They did not converge on any universally accepted term. Less abstract terms were regarded as most acceptable for a broad audience. There was a view that leaders, often representing dominant groups, would find provocative terms such as microaggressions less acceptable than under-represented groups; the latter would find their experiences of subtle slights validated by terms such as microaggressions. Participants suggested that understanding the need for change was a necessary precursor to participation in training. Compliance-based approaches were considered less helpful. Implications for the design of training initiatives are presented whereby several terms could be used and explained.

Originality/value

This is the first study to gather HR leaders' views on the acceptable terminology for subtle slights. Findings suggest employers may find value in adopting an implementation science approach to introducing diversity initiatives.
Herding and Google search queries in the Brazilian stock market
Authors: Carvalho Jeferson , Jordão da Gama Silva Paulo Vitor , Klotzle Marcelo Cabus
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the presence of herding in the Brazilian stock market between 2012 and 2020 and associates it with the volume of searches on the Google platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Following methodologies are used to investigate the presence of herding: the Cross-Sectional Standard Deviation of Returns (CSSD), the Cross-Sectional Absolute Deviation (CSAD) and the Cross-Sectional Deviation of Asset Betas to the Market.

Findings

Most of the models detected herding. In addition, there was a causal relationship between peaks in Google search volumes and the incidence of herding across the whole period, especially in 2015 and 2019.

Originality/value

This study suggests that confirmation bias influences investors' decisions to buy or sell assets.
Own goal or home run? Exploring the implementation of virtual reality training in football and baseball organisations
Authors: Dowsett Ross , Kinrade Noel , Whiteside David , Lawson Dillon , Barnett Cleveland , Magistro Daniele , Wilkins Luke
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Despite the perceived benefits of implementing virtual reality (VR) training in elite sport, arguably the most important element – the perceptions of practitioners – has been largely understudied. Therefore, the present study aims to explore practitioners' perceptions of VR training in elite football and baseball, with a focus on the important factors, obstacles, perceived knowledge and practical use of the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach measuring practitioner perceptions via an online questionnaire was adopted. Football respondents (n = 25) represented practitioners from major football leagues across the world, and baseball respondents (n = 15) represented practitioners from Major League Baseball.

Findings

Both football and baseball respondents reported that the most important factor for implementation of VR training was improvement in on-field performance (technical and tactical); whilst cost was viewed as the biggest obstacle. Both football and baseball respondents also noted that the most likely group to receive VR training would be injured and rehabilitating athletes. Mann–Whitney U tests revealed that football respondents perceived coach (p = 0.02) and executive approval (p < 0.001) as significantly greater obstacles than baseball respondents.

Originality/value

This research provides novel and invaluable information for stakeholders within VR regarding what the elite organisations of different sports perceive as the most important factors for implementation, as well as greatest obstacles preventing use. This information should guide future development and marketing of VR training systems in sport.
Mayo Clinic VT calculator: A practical tool for accurate wide complex tachycardia differentiation
Authors: Kashou Anthony H. , LoCoco Sarah , Gardner Matthew R. , Webb Jocelyn , Jentzer Jacob C. , Noseworthy Peter A. , DeSimone Christopher V. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , May Adam M.
Published: September 2023

The discrimination of ventricular tachycardia (VT) versus supraventricular wide complex tachycardia (SWCT) via 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for achieving appropriate, high‐quality, and cost‐effective care in patients presenting with wide QRS complex tachycardia (WCT). Decades of rigorous research have brought forth an expanding arsenal of applicable manual algorithm methods for differentiating WCTs. However, these algorithms are limited by their heavy reliance on the ECG interpreter for their proper execution. Herein, we introduce the Mayo Clinic ventricular tachycardia calculator (MC‐VTcalc) as a novel generalizable, accurate, and easy‐to‐use means to estimate VT probability independent of ECG interpreter competency. The MC‐VTcalc, through the use of web‐based and mobile device platforms, only requires the entry of computerized measurements (i.e., QRS duration, QRS axis, and T‐wave axis) that are routinely displayed on standard 12‐lead ECG recordings.
Two adjacent implant‐supported restorations in the aesthetic region: A 10‐year prospective case series
Authors: Meijer Henny J. A. , Stellingsma Kees , Vissink Arjan , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The treatment outcome of two adjacent implant‐supported restorations in the maxillary aesthetic region was assessed regarding peri‐implant soft and hard tissues, and satisfaction during a 10‐year follow‐up period.

Methods

Twenty patients missing two adjacent teeth in the maxillary aesthetic region and treated with two implant‐supported restorations were followed prospectively. The patients' clinical and radiographic parameters, as well as their satisfaction, were scored for a 10‐year follow‐up period.

Results

Seventeen patients' data were available for the 10‐year follow‐up. The survival rate of the implants and restorations was 100%. The 10‐year mean peri‐implant bone change at the side facing the adjacent tooth was +0.11 ± 0.57 mm and at the side facing the adjacent implant was −0.08 ± 0.50 mm. The peri‐implant soft tissues were healthy and the patients' satisfaction was high, but the papilla‐index showed compromised inter‐implant papillae and low Pink Esthetic Scores. These figures were of the same magnitude at all time points.

Conclusion

While it is difficult to obtain sufficient inter‐implant papillae and satisfactory Pink Esthetic Scores, the initial treatment results remained stable and the patients were satisfied with the final result throughout the 10‐year follow‐up period.
The bone shielding versus dual‐zone concept in treating thin‐walled fresh extraction sockets with immediate implant placement: Soft and hard tissue changes. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elaskary Abdelsalam , Ghallab Noha , Thabet Abdelrahman , Shemais Nesma
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the ridge alterations and esthetic outcome 1 year after immediate implant placement using the dual‐zone (DZ) technique versus the bone shielding concept in patients with intact thin‐walled sockets in the esthetic zone.

Material and Methods

This randomized clinical trial included 26 patients with nonrestorable maxillary teeth in the esthetic zone who were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 13 each) to receive immediate implants using either the bone shielding concept or DZ. Definitive restorations were delivered after 2 months. Pink esthetic scores (PESs), vertical soft tissue alterations, and bucco‐palatal ridge dimensional changes were measured and assessed using intra‐oral digital scans at baseline and 1 year post‐procedure. Labial bone thickness was measured using cone beam computed tomography scans at baseline and after 1 year.

Results

The bone shielding group provided bucco‐palatal ridge thickness stability after 1 year (9.43 mm) compared to baseline values (9.82 mm), while DZ showed a significant loss in the bucco‐palatal ridge thickness after 1 year (7.83) compared to baseline values (9.49). No significant difference was reported in the baseline bucco‐palatal ridge thickness between the two groups (p = 0.6). After 1 year, the bone shielding group demonstrated 0.38 mm ridge shrinkage which was statistically significant (p = 0.0002) compared to 1.67 mm ridge shrinkage in the DZ group. In addition, the average total PES in the bone shielding group was 12.04 versus 10.28 in the DZ group. No significant difference was reported in the mesial papilla length between the DZ and the bone shielding group after 1 year (p > 0.05). However, the midfacial gingival margin (p = 0.026) and distal papilla were significantly higher in the DZ group (p = 0.0025). There was no significant difference in the mean ± SD mm bone gain at the apical level between the two studied groups after 1 year (p = 0.06) showing 0.85 ± 0.23 and 0.64 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. However, the bone shielding concept showed a statistically significant more bone gain mm (p < 0.001) at the (0.56 ± 0.43) and crestal (0.03 ± 0.8) levels after 1 year compared to DZ which revealed 0.18 ± 0.5 and 0.38 ± 0.29 mm bone loss, respectively.

Conclusion

The bone shielding concept might offer a reliable alternative for restoring thin‐walled sockets by minimizing postextraction ridge dimensional alterations effect following immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone. Nevertheless, the study suffers from confounding bias since there are two systematic differences between the groups, the barrier membrane type, and the level of bone filling.

“This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization.” Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05381467.
Achieving conservation through cattle ranching: The case of the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Chiaravalloti Rafael Morais , Tomas Walfrido Morais , Akre Tom , Morato Ronaldo Gonçalves , Camilo Andre Restel , Giordano Anthony J. , Leimgruber Peter
Published: September 2023

Cattle ranching in the ~140,000 km2 Brazilian Pantanal is considered one of the most important cases of sustainable use of natural resources in the global south. The region has had a successful history of balancing environmental protection with the production of >3.8 million cattle. However, global change, infrastructure projects, and deforestation, threaten the sustainable use of the Pantanal. Here, using Ostrom's design principles as a framework, we interviewed 49 local stakeholders and conducted a review of secondary information aiming to evaluate the sustainability of cattle ranching practices across the region and the threats to it. We show that well‐defined property boundaries, congruence between appropriation and provision rules through low‐intensity cattle ranching, and co‐management of resources, are all key components for achieving sustainability in the Pantanal. However, we documented shortcomings in satisfying critical aspects of Orstrom's design principles. Specifically, we argue that the Pantanal needs better biodiversity and behavior monitoring, the creation of platforms or mechanisms to solve local conflicts around resource access and use, recognition by governments and international bodies of the local efforts to promote local sustainability, and the creation of networks effectively connecting existing sustainability initiatives.
There and back to the present: a model‐based framework to estimate phylogenetically constrained alpha diversity gradients
Authors: Duarte Leandro , Nakamura Gabriel , Debastiani Vanderlei , Maestri Renan , João Ramos Pereira Maria , Cianciaruso Marcus , Alexandre Felizola Diniz‐Filho José
Published: September 2023

The imprint left by niche evolution on the variation of biological diversity across spatial and environmental gradients is still debated among ecologists. Furthermore, understanding to what extent dispersal limitation may reinforce or blur such imprint is still a gap in the ecological knowledge. In this article we introduce a simulation approach coupled to approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) that parameterizes both the adaptation rate of species' niche positions over the evolution of a monophyletic lineage and the intensity of dispersal limitation associated with the variation of species alpha diversity among assemblages distributed across spatial and environmental gradients. The analytical tool was implemented in the R package 'mcfly' (www.r‐project.org). We evaluated the statistical performance of the analytical framework using simulated datasets, which confirmed the suitability of the analysis to estimate adaptation rate parameter but showed to be less precise in relation to the dispersal limitation parameter. Also, we found that increased dispersal limitation levels improved the parameterization of the adaptation rate of species' niche positions in simulated datasets. Further, we evaluated the role played by niche evolution and dispersal limitation on species alpha diversity variation of Phyllostomidae bats across the Neotropics. The framework proposed here shed light on the links between niche evolution, dispersal limitation and gradients of biological diversity, and thereby improved our understanding of evolutionary imprints on current biological diversity patterns.
A military reconnaissance network for small‐scale open‐scene camouflaged people detection
Authors: Liu Maozhen
Published: September 2023

Although the work of identifying animal and plant objects with highly similar patterns (e.g., texture, intensity, colour, etc.) to the background has recently attracted more research interest but rarely involves the military complex environment. Design an efficient camouflage small‐scale object detection algorithm that is capable of quickly discriminating the objects in open scenes from a long distance, to pre‐empt the enemy. In this work, we first recognize the fact that existing open‐source training datasets are scarce, and we have created a specific disguised people benchmark covering multiple scenes and weather conditions. Second, because the severe corruption of camouflage capabilities and chaotic scenes in the open battlefield on detailed features and generalization intensifies the challenge of feature extraction from a long‐range perspective, we propose a novel end‐to‐end Small‐scale open scene Camouflage Object Detection Network, called SM‐CODN. Inspired by the characteristics of biological brain partition, a multi‐domain partition module (MPM) with domain‐decoupling is proposed to enable specific knowledge learning for samples with obvious discrepancies in camouflage domain distribution. Concurrent with our work, we have designed a multi‐scale fusion module (MFM) to strengthen the semantic features related to small‐scale disguised objects. Moreover, due to the convergence direction of the detector in reasoning being inconsistent, a feature separation enhancement module (FSEM) is also proposed. Experimental results show that SM‐CODN surpasses many classic object detection methods and shows strong competitiveness compared with state‐of‐the‐art ones.
Prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of public stigma towards people with HIV and its impact on HIV testing uptake: A cross‐sectional study in 64 low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Mendez‐Lopez Ana , White Trenton M. , Fuster‐RuizdeApodaca María José , Lazarus Jeffrey V.
Published: September 2023

Background

HIV stigma and discrimination are drivers of adverse HIV outcomes because they deter individuals from engaging in the HIV care continuum. We estimate the prevalence of public stigma towards people with HIV, investigate individuals' sociodemographic determinants for reporting stigmatizing attitudes, and test the impact of HIV stigma on HIV testing uptake.

Methods

This was an observational study based on an analysis of cross‐sectional surveys from 64 low‐ and middle‐income countries. We used nationally representative survey data for the population aged 15–49 years from 2015 to 2021, which was the latest available data. HIV public stigma was measured using an index of two questions about attitudes towards people with HIV. First, prevalence estimates of HIV stigma were calculated by country, across countries, and by sociodemographic characteristics. Second, country fixed‐effects multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess sociodemographic determinants of holding stigmatizing attitudes towards people with HIV. Additional logistic regression models assessed country‐level income and HIV prevalence as determinants of stigma and assessed the role of HIV public stigma as a driver of testing uptake.

Results

A total of 1 172 841 participants were included in the study. HIV stigma was prevalent in all countries, ranging from 12.87% in Rwanda to 90.58% in Samoa. There was an inverse dose–response association between HIV stigma and educational level, wealth quintile, and age group, whereby higher levels of each were associated with lower odds of holding stigmatized attitudes towards people with HIV. The odds of stigmatized attitudes were lower among men and individuals with adequate knowledge of HIV. HIV stigma was lower in countries with greater gross domestic product per capita and HIV prevalence. Holding stigmatized attitudes towards people with HIV was associated with lower testing uptake, including having ever tested or having tested in the last year.

Conclusion

HIV stigma is present to a highly varying degree in all countries studied, so different approaches to reducing stigma towards people with HIV are required across settings. Action to eliminate HIV stigma is crucial if we are to progress towards ending HIV because holding stigmatized attitudes towards people with HIV was associated with reduced testing.
Infant sleep interventions with sleep measurements using actigraphy: A systematic review
Authors: Chae Sun‐Mi , Yeo Ji‐Young , Han Soo‐Yeon , Chung Na‐Ry , Hwang Ji‐Hye
Published: September 2023

Aim

This review investigated the outcomes and methodological quality of infant sleep intervention studies utilizing actigraphy.

Background

Parents need appropriate support for infant sleep from nurses. There are few methodological reports of actigraphy in infant sleep intervention studies that objectively measure infant sleep in a natural setting.

Design

This was a systematic review study.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from database establishment to 30 December 2021.

Review Methods

This systematic review utilized the Cochrane Collaboration review guidelines.

Results

Eleven sleep intervention studies were reviewed. Three used extinction‐based behavioural interventions, and eight included parental education programs. The infant sleep interventions positively affected the sleep outcomes of both infants and parents. Fairly consistent effects were found on infants' number of awakenings and sleep onset latency. However, parental psychosocial outcomes were inconsistent. All studies reported device placement, the algorithm for analysis, the use of a sleep diary and number of days/nights, but external movements affecting infants' sleep records were insufficiently reported. Only two studies had a low risk of bias.

Conclusions

The infant sleep interventions had positive effects on both infants and their parents. Comprehensive methodological considerations are required for more standardized assessments using actigraphy for infant sleep evaluation.