bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel inovirus reprograms metabolism and motility of marine Alteromonas
Authors: Jia Kuntong , Peng Yongyi , Chen Xueji , Jian Huahua , Jin Min , Yi Zhiwei , Su Ming , Dong Xiyang , Yi Meisheng
Published: June 2022

Members from the Inoviridae family with striking features are widespread, highly diverse and ecologically pervasive across multiple hosts and environments; however, very small amount of inoviruses have been isolated and studied. Here, a filamentous phage infecting Alteromonas abrolhosensis, designated ϕAFP1, was isolated from the South China Sea and represented as a novel genus of Inoviridae. ϕAFP1 consisted of a single-stranded DNA genome (5986 bp), encoding eight putative ORFs. Comparative analyses revealed ϕAFP1 could be regarded as genetic mosaics, which especially came from Ralstonia and Stenotrophomonas phages. The temporal transcriptome analysis of A. abrolhosensis to ϕAFP1 infection reveals that 7.78% of the host genes were differentially expressed. The genes involved in translation processes, ribosome pathways and degradation of multiple amino acid pathways at plateau period were upregulated, while host material catabolic and bacterial motility-related genes were downregulated, indicating that ϕAFP1 might hijack the energy of the host for the synthesis of phage proteins. ϕAFP1 exerted the step-by-step control on host genes through the appropriate level of the utilizing host resources, affirming a new non-standard regulatory strategy of viral temperately control over the host transcriptional profile. Our study provides novel information for a better understanding of filamentous phage characteristics and phage-host interactions.
CaMKII binding to GluN2B flips a β-adrenergic switch from synaptic depression to potentiation
Authors: Buonarati Olivia R. , Larsen Matthew E. , Qian Hai , Hell Johannes W. , Bayer K. Ulrich
Published: June 2022

Learning, memory and cognition are thought to require forms of synaptic plasticity such as hippocampal long-term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD), and such plasticity can be modulated by β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol or norepinephrine. For instance, LTP versus LTD is induced by high-versus low-frequency stimulation (HFS versus LFS) but, stimulating β-adrenergic receptors (βARs) enables LTP induction also by LFS. In contrast to HFS-LTP, such βAR-LTP requires signaling by L-type voltage-gated Ca2+-channels, not NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Surprisingly, we found that βAR-LTP still required a non-ionotropic NMDAR function: the stimulus-induced binding of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) that mediates CaMKII movement to excitatory synapses. In hippocampal neurons, β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol transformed LTD-type CaMKII movement to LTP-type movement, resulting in CaMKII movement to excitatory instead of inhibitory synapses. Additionally, isoproterenol enabled induction of a major cell-biological feature of LTP in response to LTD stimuli: increased SEP-GluA1 surface expression. Like for the βAR-LTP in hippocampal slices, the effects of isoproterenol on CaMKII movement and SEP-GluA1 surface expression involved L-type Ca2+-channels. Taken together, these results indicate that isoproterenol transforms LTD stimuli to LTP signals by switching CaMKII movement and GluN2B binding to LTP mode.

One Sentence Summary

Buonarati et al. show that β-adrenergic stimulation enables LTP induction in response to LTD stimuli by switching synaptic CaMKII movement to LTP mode.
Determinants of receptor tyrosine phosphatase homophilic adhesion: structural comparison of PTPRK and PTPRM extracellular domains
Authors: Hay Iain M. , Shamin Maria , Caroe Eve R. , Mohammed Ahmed S. A. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Jeffries Cy M. , Graham Stephen C. , Sharpe Hayley J. , Deane Janet E.
Published: June 2022

The type IIB receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (R2B RPTPs) are cell surface transmembrane proteins that engage in cell adhesion via their extracellular domains (ECDs) and cell signaling via their cytoplasmic phosphatase domains. The ECDs of R2B RPTPs form stable, homophilic, trans interactions between adjacent cell membranes. Previous work has demonstrated how one family member, PTPRM, forms homodimers; however, the determinants of homophilic specificity remain unknown. We have solved the X-ray crystal structure of the membrane-distal, N-terminal domains of PTPRK that form a head-to-tail dimer consistent with intermembrane adhesion. Comparison with the PTPRM structure demonstrates inter-domain conformational differences that may define homophilic specificity. Using small-angle X-ray scattering we determined the solution structures of the full-length ECDs of PTPRM and PTPRK, identifying that both are rigid, extended molecules that differ in their overall long-range conformation. Furthermore, we identify one residue, W351, within the interaction interface that differs between PTPRM and PTPRK and show that mutation to glycine, the equivalent residue in PTPRM, abolishes PTPRK dimer formation in vitro. This comparison of two members of the receptor tyrosine phosphatase family suggest that homophilic specificity is driven by a combination of shape complementarity and specific but limited sequence differences.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Cell-cell contacts are dynamically regulated, in part, by the actions of tyrosine kinases and phosphatases. The R2B family of receptor tyrosine phosphatases combine an adhesive extracellular domain with intracellular catalytic domains that bind and dephosphorylate key cell adhesion and polarity proteins. Previous work demonstrated that the extracellular domains form head-to-tail homodimers but, as the interface was composed of residues conserved across the family, homophilic specificity determinants remained unclear. We have used a range of structural techniques including X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering and AlphaFold modelling to demonstrate that, despite their similarity, two members of the R2B family possess significant differences in their overall shape. Our results support that a combination of subtle shape and sequence variations may determine homophilic binding.
DESIGN OF A CHIMERIC ACE-2/Fc-SILENT FUSION PROTEIN WITH ULTRAHIGH AFFINITY AND NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY FOR SARS-CoV-2 VARIANTS
Authors: Bodie Neil M. , Connolly David , Chu Jennifer , Uhal Bruce D
Published: June 2022

As the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate into Variants of Concern (VOC), there is a growing and urgent need to develop effective antivirals to combat the newly emerged infectious disease COVID-19. Recent data indicate that monoclonal antibodies developed early in the pandemic are no longer capable of effectively neutralizing currently active VOCs. This report describes the design of a class of variant-agnostic chimeric molecules consisting of an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) domain mutated to retain ultrahigh affinity binding to a wide variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants, coupled to an Fc-silent immunoglobulin domain that eliminates antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and simultaneously extends biological half-life compared to existing mABs. Molecular modeling revealed that ACE-2 mutations L27, V34 and E90 resulted in ultrahigh affinity binding of the LVE-ACE-2 domain to the widest variety of VOCs, with KDs of 93 pM, 507 pM and 73 pM for binding to the Alpha B1.1.7, Delta B.1.617.2 and Omicron B.1.1.529 variants, and notably, 78fM affinity to the Omicron BA.2 variant, respectively. Surrogate viral neutralization assays (sVNT) revealed titers of ≥4.9ng/ml, for neutralization of recombinant viral proteins corresponding to the Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants. The values above were obtained with LVE-ACE-2/mAB chimeras containing the Y-T-E sequence that enhances binding to the FcRn receptor, which in turn is expected to extend biological half-life 3-4-fold. It is proposed that this new class of chimeric ACE-2/mABs will constitute variant-agnostic and cost-effective prophylactics against SARS-CoV-2, particularly when administered by nasal delivery systems.
Structural stability of Human serum albumin is modified in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lin Hsien-Jung L. , Parkinson David H. , Holman J. Connor , Thompson W. Chad , Anderson Christian N. K. , Hadfield Marcus , Ames Stephen , Pina Nathan R. Zuniga , Bowden Jared N. , Quinn Colette , Hansen Lee D. , Price John C.
Published: June 2022

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can interrogate changes in structure and/or concentration of the most abundant proteins in a biological sample via heat denaturation curves (HDCs). In blood serum for example, HDC changes are a result of either concentration or altered thermal stabilities for 7-10 proteins and has previously been shown capable of differentiating between sick and healthy human subjects. Here, we compare HDCs and proteomic profiles of 50 patients experiencing joint-inflammatory symptoms, 27 of which were clinically diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The HDC of all 50 subjects appeared significantly different from expected healthy curves, but comparison of additional differences between the RA the non-RA subjects allowed more specific understanding of RA samples. We used mass spectrometry (MS) to investigate the reasons behind the additional HDC changes in RA patients. The HDC differences do not appear to be directly related to differences in the concentrations of abundant serum proteins. Rather, the differences can be attributed to modified thermal stability of the most abundant protein, human serum albumin (HSA). By quantifying differences in the frequency of artificially induced post translational modifications (PTMs), we found that HSA in RA subjects had a much lower surface accessibility, indicating potential ligand or protein binding partners in certain regions that could explain the shift in HSA melting temperature in the RA HDCs. Several low abundance proteins were found to have significant changes in concentration in RA subjects and could be involved in or related to binding of HSA. Certain amino acid sites clusters were found to be less accessible in RA subjects, suggesting changes in HSA structure that may be related to changes in protein-protein interactions. These results all support a change in behavior of HSA which may give insight into mechanisms of RA pathology.
Inflammasome targeting with an NLRP3 agonist therapy is feasible but ineffective in murine hepatocellular carcinoma models with liver damage
Authors: Pu Zhangya , Liu Zelong , Chen Jiang , Inoue Koetsu , Ruan Zhiping , Zhu Lingling , Kikuchi Hiroto , Matsui Aya , Huang Peigen , Duda Dan G.
Published: June 2022

Co-inhibition of programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) pathway has shown efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NLRP3 is a component of the inflammasome involved in the initiation, development, and progression of multiple cancers. We examined whether adding an NLRP3 agonist to dual PD-1/VEGFR inhibitors is feasible and can address treatment resistance in orthotopic HCC in mice with underlying liver damage. Mice with established tumors were treated with an NLRP3 agonist alone, combination of anti-VEGFR2 or the multikinase inhibitor regorafenib with anti-PD1 antibodies, or their combination. In all models tested, NLRP3 agonist therapy showed acceptable toxicity but no effect on tumor growth delay, disease morbidity, or survival. Pharmacodynamic analyses confirmed the effects of NLRP3 agonist therapy on inflammasome, evidenced by a significant elevation in plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β. However, these changes were not detectable in tumor tissues, where we detected increased expression of immunosuppressive markers IL-6, KC/GRO, CCL9, and IL-18, and immune checkpoint molecules (PD1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4) after NLRP3 agonist therapy. Thus, modulation of the inflammasome with a novel NLRP3 agonist was feasible in mice with orthotopic HCC and liver damage but did not enhance efficacy when combined with anti-PD1/VEGFR therapies.
A latitudinal pattern of plant leaf-associated bacterial community assembly
Authors: Wang Zihui , Jiang Yuan , Zhang Minhua , Chu Chengjin , Chen Yongfa , Fang Shuai , Jin Guangze , Jiang Mingxi , Lian Juyu , Li Yanpeng , Liu Yu , Ma Keping , Mi Xiangcheng , Qiao Xiujuan , Wang Xihua , Wang Xugao , Xu Han , Ye Wanhui , Zhu Li , Zhu Yan , He Fangliang , Kembel Steven W.
Published: June 2022

Plant-associated microbes are essential for promoting plant well-being, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting ecosystem function. However, little is known about the geographic distribution of plant-microbe symbioses and how they are formed and change along latitudinal gradients. Here we identified leaf bacteria for 328 plant species sampled from 10 forests along a tropical to temperate gradient in China. We analyzed the diversity and composition of plant leaf-associated bacteria and quantified the contributions of hosts, habitats, and neighborhood plants to the plant-bacterial symbiosis. We found a strong latitudinal gradient in leaf bacterial diversity and composition. Bacterial assemblages on leaves were most strongly selected by host plants, and the selection pressure increased with latitude. In contrast, at low latitudes and at large geographical scales multiple factors were found to jointly regulate bacterial community composition. Our result also showed that plant-bacteria symbiotic networks were structured by network hub bacteria taxa with high co-occurrence network centrality, and the abundance of temperate hub taxa was more influenced by host plants than that in tropical forests. For the first time, we documented a previously unrecognized latitudinal gradient in plant-bacterial symbioses that was regulated by a joint effect of multiple factors at low latitudes but mostly by host selection at high latitudes, implying that leaf microbiomes are likely to respond differently to global change along the latitudinal gradient.
Cardiac neural crest lineage diversity and underlying gene regulatory networks revealed by multimodal analysis
Authors: Iwase Akiyasu , Uchijima Yasunobu , Seya Daiki , Kida Mayuko , Higashiyama Hiroki , Matsui Kazuhiro , Taguchi Akashi , Yamamoto Shogo , Fukuda Shiro , Nomura Seitaro , Kohro Takahide , Shukunami Chisa , Akiyama Haruhiko , Seki Masahide , Suzuki Yutaka , Wada Youichiro , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kurihara Yukiko , Miyagawa-Tomita Sachiko , Kurihara Hiroki
Published: June 2022

Neural crest cells (NCCs), a multipotent stem cell population, contribute to cardiac development as a source of the outflow septum, vascular smooth muscle and semilunar valves. However, genetic programs underlying lineage diversification of cardiac NCCs remain largely unknown. Using single-cell (sc) and spatial transcriptomics, we demonstrate multiple NCC subpopulations with distinct gene expression signatures; smooth muscle(-like), non-muscle mesenchymal, and Schwann cell progenitor/melanoblast-like cells. Integrative scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq analyses predict lineage trajectories starting from immature NCCs, which bifurcate into smooth muscle(-like) and non-muscle mesenchymal lineages in association with hierarchical transcription factor networks. Combinatory analyses with Cre-mediated genetic lineage tracing characterize intermediate NCCs at the bifurcation as Sox9+/Scx+ tendon and cartilage progenitor-like cells with genetic programs, some of which are common to skeletal tissues whereas others are unique to cardiac NCCs. These findings provide a basis for understanding the roles of NCCs in cardiac development and pathogenesis particularly associated with calcification.
Size Quantification of Blood and Sugar Meals in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Authors: Venkataraman Krithika , Jové Veronica , Duvall Laura B.
Published: June 2022

Both male and female mosquitoes consume sugar-rich nectar meals required for metabolic energy, but only females consume protein-rich blood meals, which are required for egg development. The size of each meal consumed has subsequent effects on behavior and reproduction; therefore, precise quantification is an important aspect of mosquito feeding behavior studies. This protocol describes a high-throughput, end-point assay to quantify meal volumes ingested by individual mosquitoes. The addition of a fluorescent dye to the meal allows for meal size quantification. Individual mosquitoes that have been fed this meal are homogenized in 96-well plates, and the fluorescence levels are measured with a plate reader. This protocol can also be adapted to determine if alteration of meal composition affects the ingested meal volume, if mosquito strain or genotype dictates consumption, or if meals are derived from multiple sources.
Revisiting the influence of cultural novelty and emotional stability on general adjustment of expatriates hosted in emerging economies
Authors: Wu Jun , Yang Jun , McIntyre John R. , Zhang Xun
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The relationship between cultural novelty and cross-cultural adjustment of expatriates is often assumed to be negative and linear, while the empirical results for the relationship has been demonstrated by researchers as either negative, positive or absent.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research challenges the negative and linear assumption conceptually and empirically and tests a curvilinear relation between cultural novelty and general adjustment. The authors specifically propose and test a theoretical model whereby emotional stability moderates the curvilinear cultural novelty–general adjustment relationship such that the negative effect of cultural novelty on general adjustment is mitigated by emotional stability. Survey data are collected from expatriates recruited from two different host countries, India (N = 151) and China (N = 157).

Findings

The findings provide support for the curvilinear relationship between cultural novelty and general adjustment and the moderating effect of expatriates' emotional stability on this relationship.

Originality/value

This present study makes unique contributions to the expatriate management literature in at least two major ways: first, this study consolidates the otherwise contradictory findings and furthers the understanding on the nature of the effect of cultural novelty on expatriate adjustment. In addition, this research tests a cultural novelty–expatriate adjustment model using expatriate samples drawn from China and India, the two largest emerging markets that capture the demographic-profile changes pertaining to the newly emerging expatriation trends.
The psychological antecedents of personal financial management behavior: a meta-analysis
Authors: Goyal Kirti , Kumar Satish , Xiao Jing Jian , Colombage Sisira
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The intent of this study is to aggregate, in a measurable form, the results of previous studies on the association between personal financial management behavior (PFMB) and six psychological factors, which are financial attitude, financial self-efficacy, self-control, materialism, internal locus of control (LOC), and external LOC.

Design/methodology/approach

A stack of 32 research documents that investigated 52 relationships between various psychological variables and PFMB was analyzed using the meta-analysis technique. Along with the overall meta-analysis, a comprehensive subgroup analysis was also undertaken counseled to determine whether the results contrast on account of the age group of the sample and the economy of the country to which the sample belongs.

Findings

The overall meta-analysis findings do not support the association between PFMB and the various explanatory variables except for the significant positive association with self-control. In contrast, a subgroup study revealed that self-control (positively) and materialism (negatively) were found to be significantly associated with PFMB among adults. The association between internal LOC and PFMB is significant and positive among the young. Interestingly, self-control appeared to be significantly and positively associated with PFMB in developed countries. In developing countries, financial attitude, financial self-efficacy and internal LOC are significantly and positively associated with PFMB.

Originality/value

Distinct from other review papers, this meta-analysis quantitatively cumulates and reconciles the conflicting findings on the linkage between psychological predictors and PFMB. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis on the topic.
Sorting (and costing) the way out of the housing affordability crisis in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Fernandez Mario A. , Joynt Jennifer L.R. , Hu Chad , Martin Shane L.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of the joint operation of affordability policies and whether their impact is meaningful relative to the size of the affordability crisis. Its purpose is to construct the features of a comprehensive policy package linked to a measurable outcome: solving the affordability crisis in Auckland. This study investigates the scale and nature of an affordability package that responds to three research and policy questions: What should the rate of annual growth of affordable housing be to solve the affordability crisis? Consequently, how long would it take to solve it? And how much would that policy package cost?

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors argue that the disjoint operation of affordability policies is one of the reasons why their impacts relative to the size of the affordability crisis has been small or negligible. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that affordability is as much about raising households’ incomes as it is about lowering housing prices. This study uses a modelling-based framework to simulate some of the levers that local and central governments have to affect housing prices and affordability: direct intervention on the supply-side and subsidies. Specifically, this simulates retention-and-targeting (RT) programs and subsidies to raise deposits via shared ownership (SO) schemes.

Findings

This study finds that solving the affordability crisis would take a decade if the supply of affordable housing increases by at least 45% annually. With the introduction of RT and SO programs, it could still be solved within a decade, where the required growth rate decreases to 35%. However, for growth rates between 5% and 10%, the policy goal is met in approximately 40 years, and the SO program becomes exceedingly expensive.

Originality/value

Housing affordability is one of the hottest policy issues in New Zealand and the developed world. In the past decade, a number of affordability policies have been introduced with limited success due to their lack of interoperability and siloed efforts. Results in this paper should be interpreted as the boundaries of what is feasible and realistic in the realm of affordability policies. Therefore, its contribution relies on investigating the multiple effects if the financial, administrative and political barriers to RT and SO programs could be overcome. Its scope is a blueprint for the design of policies in other cities where unaffordability has become extreme.
Adaptation strategy, international experience and export performance of Moroccan handicraft firms: the mediating role of partnerships
Authors: Dassouli Sara , Bodolica Virginia , Satt Harit , M'hamdi Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the specific role that partnerships play in the relationship between adaptation strategy, international experience, and export performance of handicraft firms in an emerging country setting. The authors' purpose is to identify the key factors that may contribute to the success of export activities of small handicraft companies in international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a non-probability sampling technique, the authors collected survey data from 410 handicraft companies located in Morocco. The authors' conceptual model, which draws on the network theory, was tested using covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling by means of AMOS 24 Software.

Findings

The results indicate that adaptation marketing strategy and partnerships impact positively the export performance of handicraft firms. Partnerships also play an intermediary role by partially (fully) mediating the relationship between adaptation strategy (international experience) and export performance.

Practical implications

This study may assist marketers and entrepreneurs in handicraft companies to better understand the causal relationship between adaptation strategy, marketing experience and export performance of entrepreneurs' firms. Managers in these companies should be aware of the importance that partnerships play in boosting the export performance through marketing practices and experience.

Originality/value

The authors' paper contributes to the scant literature on the adaptation marketing strategy and export performance and the intermediary role of partnerships in the specific context of handicraft businesses operating in North African emerging markets, namely Morocco.
Justifying a financially and socially sustainable pension reform: a comparative study of Finland and France
Authors: Väänänen Niko , Liukko Jyri
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Increasing longevity and lower birth rates put pressure on the sustainability of pension systems. This compels countries to reform pension schemes. Different countries opt for different types of reforms. This article examines the scope of possibilities for a pension reform in two countries with distinct institutional and ideational setup: Finland and France.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilise the framework of different modes of justification presented by Boltanski and Thévenot to reveal the reasoning used in pension reform discussions in both countries. The authors study expert reports to analyse how nationally constructed ideas and local institutions frame and shape the different logics and justifications.

Findings

In Finland, the approach to pensions is dominated by industrial and market justifications. The pension system is institutionally separated into two different blocks: one addressing poverty and the other income maintenance. The separation enables the prevalence of these logics and makes it easier to promote reforms that emphasize efficiency and individual responsibility instead of income distribution. The French report is concentrated around civic and domestic dominated justifications by stressing solidarity and the role of pension systems connecting individuals and generations together. Any reform needs to consider these issues.

Originality/value

The article uses a novel research design to study pension reform processes. The article distinguishes the roles that ideas and institutions have in shaping expert reasoning and reform options. The authors show how ideas and institutions form a mutually reinforcing loop which helps to explain path-dependency in pension systems.
Psychopathy assessments in forensic psychiatry: a pilot study of Canadian practitioners’ use and perceptions
Authors: Larsen Rasmus Rosenberg , Burns Jessica , Khoshabe Reba , Raposo Nicole , Sng Danielle , Jalava Jarkko , Griffiths Stephanie
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to survey practitioners’ use and perceptions of psychopathy assessments in Canadian forensic psychiatric settings. Psychopathy assessments are widely used in forensic settings to inform decisions about sentencing, placement, rehabilitation and parole. Recent empirical evidence suggests that the utility of psychopathy assessments might be overestimated, leading to a debate about their legal and ethical justification. However, one shortcoming of these discussions is that they rely heavily on anecdotal evidence about how exactly psychopathy assessments influence forensic decisions, due to a general lack of survey data on field uses. Some data are available in European and American contexts, but little is known about Canadian clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this shortcoming in the literature, the authors conducted a pilot study of practitioners in forensic psychiatric units in Ontario (N = 18), evaluating their use of psychopathy assessments, reporting habits and their perceptions of psychopathic offenders.

Findings

Practitioners reported that they primarily used the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) as a risk assessment tool, often in combination with other tools. Most clinicians reported using psychopathy assessments infrequently, that there was a low base rate of psychopathic offenders and their attitudes and beliefs about psychopathy were generally consistent with the empirical literature.

Originality/value

This pilot study provides novel insights into the use of psychopathy assessments in Canadian forensic psychiatry with the potential to inform current debates.
Non-audit services and auditor independence in stable and unstable economic conditions
Authors: Ahmed Ammad , Dhull Sumit , Kent Richard
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between non-audit service fees provided by the auditor and auditor independence in stable and unstable economic conditions. Further, this study investigates whether client importance impairs auditor independence in two different Australian economic environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on financially distressed firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange from 2005 to 2014. The data is obtained from SIRCA and the Morning Star databases. The probit method is used as a baseline regression model, the two-stage least squares and the sensitivity of control variable tests are used to control for any endogeneity and self-selection bias concerns.

Findings

This study shows that in stable economic conditions, non-audit service fees provided by auditors impair auditor independence. This suggests that economic bonding between auditor and client serves as a threat to the auditor’s independence, perhaps because of the importance given to the larger clients. In contrast, the authors find no association between non-audit service fees and auditor independence in unstable (highly regulated) economic conditions largely because of higher litigation risk. The results of this study are robust to alternative model specifications and endogeneity concerns.

Practical implications

This study provides an important implication to regulators that macro-economic conditions influence the strength of incentives related to non-audit services for auditors. Furthermore, this study enhances the understanding of regulators (Australian Security Investment Commission) and the strategies adopted by Australian auditors in response to economic incentives and market-based incentives.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the existing literature by providing evidence that there is a tradeoff between market-based incentives (i.e. lower litigation costs) and economic incentives (i.e. non-audit services fees) with economic uncertainty influencing the importance of these incentives to auditors.
Topological design of the hybrid structure with high damping and strength efficiency for additive manufacturing
Authors: Wang Rong , Chen Yongxiong , Peng Xiuqian , Cong Nan , Fang Delei , Liang Xiubing , Shang Jianzhong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) printing provides more possibilities for composite manufacturing. Composites can no longer just be layered or disorderly mixed as before. This paper aims to introduce a new algorithm for dual-material 3D printing design.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel topology design method: solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) for hybrid lattice structure is introduced in this paper. This algorithm extends the traditional SIMP topology optimization, transforming the original 0–1 optimization into A–B optimization. It can be used to optimize the spatial distribution of bi-material composite structures.

Findings

A novel hybrid structure with high damping and strength efficiency is studied as an example in this work. By using the topology method, a hybrid Kagome structure is designed. The 3D Kagome truss with face sheet was manufactured by selective laser melting technology, and the thermosetting polyurethane was chosen as filling material. The introduced SIMP method for hybrid lattice structures can be considered an effective way to improve lattice structures’ stiffness and vibration characteristics.

Originality/value

The fabricated hybrid lattice has good stiffness and damping characteristics and can be applied to aerospace components.
Strategic use of social media to screen job applicants – a review of the benefits, concerns and best practices
Authors: Choudhury Muntakim
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of social media in screening job seekers. As social media sites have gained popularity in recent times, organizations are able to access large amounts of professional and personal information of job applicants. This information is used primarily to narrow the applicant pool, but concerns exist regarding the appropriateness of using such practices. The author identifies several best practices that can increase the effectiveness and reliability of using social media as a source of applicant data.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviewed relevant literature and research on the use of social media websites to screen applicants, identifying the benefits of such practices, along with its costs.

Findings

This paper aims at further developing the understanding of strategically using social media for applicant screening purposes and the implications of such practices. The author points out both the positive and negative aspects of using social media as a screening tool, with the hope that practitioners will use the information from job seekers’ social media pages in an unbiased and nondiscriminatory manner.

Originality/value

This paper provides guidelines regarding appropriate utilization of social media as a screening tool as part of an organization’s recruitment and selection process.
Public value creation and robotic process automation: normative, descriptive and prescriptive issues in municipal administration
Authors: Johansson Jörgen , Thomsen Michel , Åkesson Maria
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight problems and opportunities for introducing digital automation in public administration (PA) and to propose implications for public value creation of robotic process automation (RPA) through the perspective of good bureaucracy as a guiding framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper addresses the purpose by applying three normative ideal types: Weber’s ideal type for a bureaucracy, new public management and public value management. This paper synthesizes an analytical framework in conducting case studies of the implementation of RPA systems in municipal administration.

Findings

This paper contributes to new insights into public value creation and digital automation. The following four implications are proposed: the deployment of RPA in municipal administration should emphasize that organizing administrative tasks is essentially a political issue; include considerations based on a well-grounded analysis in which policy areas that are suitable for RPA; to pay attention to issues on legal certainty, personal integrity, transparency and opportunities to influence automated decisions; and that the introduction of RPA indicates a need to develop resources concerning learning and knowledge in the municipal administration.

Originality/value

This paper is innovative, as it relates normative, descriptive and prescriptive issues on the developing of digital automation in PA. The conceptual approach is unusual in studies of digitalization in public activities.
Resource supply and organismal dominance are associated with high secondary production in temperate agricultural streams
Authors: Wild Romy , Gücker Björn , Weitere Markus , Brauns Mario
Published: June 2022

Agricultural land‐use affects the environmental and biological characteristics of stream ecosystems through multiple pathways including nutrient and pesticide contamination, riparian clear‐cutting and hydromorphological degradation. These changes in the abiotic environment can have a direct effect on the productivity of macroinvertebrate communities through environmental filtering and via altered resource conditions encompassing a shift from allochthonous to autochthonous primary production and changes in elemental stoichiometry and food quality. Additionally, macroinvertebrate productivity can be affected indirectly via biological mechanisms, such as changes in species interactions, richness, competition, and predation. We studied the effects of agriculture on structural and functional descriptors of macroinvertebrate communities by assessing environmental characteristics and macroinvertebrate secondary production (MSP), biomass and density in two forested and two agricultural streams and investigated underlying biotic mechanisms. On average, MSP was 1.6–3.6, biomass 2.8–6.2 and density 5–13 times higher in agricultural than in forested streams. This pattern was associated with higher nutrient concentrations, standing crops of riparian herbaceous vegetation, suspended particulate organic carbon, quantity and quality of epilithic biofilms and chlorophyll‐a concentrations in seston and biofilm of the agricultural streams. Species richness and evenness were significantly lower in agricultural than in forested streams. A negative relationship between MSP and species richness and evenness indicated that density compensation and trait dominance were the prevalent mechanisms facilitating higher MSP in agricultural streams.

Our findings suggest that the loss of riparian canopy and excess nutrient conditions are the major environmental drivers contributing to homogenization of ecological niches and dominance of highly productive non‐insect generalist species. This study highlights the importance of an ecosystem approach to understanding how complex aggregate stressors affect the regulation of consumer–resource interactions. There is an urgent need to preserve or restore natural riparian vegetation, fostering habitat and resource diversity and limiting nutrient contamination to stream ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Inter‐individual variation in parasite manipulation of host phenotype: A role for parasite microbiomes?
Authors: Poulin Robert , Jorge Fátima , Salloum Priscila M.
Published: June 2022

Alterations in host phenotype induced by metazoan parasites are widespread in nature, yet the underlying mechanisms and the sources of intraspecific variation in the extent of those alterations remain poorly understood.

In light of the microbiome revolution sweeping through ecology and evolutionary biology, we hypothesise that the composition of symbiotic microbial communities living within individual parasites influences the nature and extent of their effect on host phenotype. The interests of both the parasite and its symbionts are aligned through the latter's vertical transmission, favouring joint contributions to the manipulation of host phenotype.

Our hypothesis can explain the variation in the extent to which parasites alter host phenotype, as microbiome composition varies among individual parasites. We propose two non‐exclusive approaches to test the hypothesis, furthering the integration of microbiomes into studies of host–parasite interactions.
MINERALIZED URBANIZATION IN AFRICA IN THE TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY: Becoming Urban through Mining Extraction
Authors: Bryceson Deborah Fahy , Gough Katherine V. , Jønsson Jesper Bosse , Kinabo Crispin , Shand Michael Clarke , Rodrigues Cristina Udelsmann , Yankson Paul W.K.
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on the urbanizing impact of the post‐millennial mineral boom at artisanal and small‐scale (ASM) or large‐scale (LSM) mining sites in three mineral‐rich countries, involving gold in Ghana, diamonds in Angola, and both minerals in Tanzania. The focus is on comparing the agency of miners and other residents migrating to, settling in, and making the mining site habitable. Their mobility and settlement patterns reveal an urbanization trend marked by population agglomeration and expanding labour complexity, taking distinct forms at the rush and mature stages of gold and diamond ASM and LSM sites. Citing data from household surveys conducted at 12 mining sites, we trace how ‘mineralized urbanization’ propels in‐migration, rising localized purchasing power, and proliferating service sector and trade activities, fuelling both urban demographic and economic change along the mining extraction trajectory. LSM and ASM generate synergies as well as detractive forces, depending on the size, age and history of the mining settlement development. What emerges is the differential development of households and settlements through strategic economic manoeuvring and the rough and tumble of happenstance, underlined by a compelling, albeit fluctuating, trajectory of non‐renewable mineralized urbanization.
Case report of acute encephalitis following the AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Li Shu‐Yuan , Chen Hsin‐Hua , Liu Po‐Yu , Shi Zhi‐Yuan , Lin Yu‐Hui , Tsai Che‐An , Lin Shih‐Ping
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccines have proven to be safe, effective and life‐saving. However, little information is available on the neurological complications of COVID‐19 vaccine. Here, we report a case who developed acute encephalomyelitis 1 week after being vaccinated with AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine (AZ vaccine). Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) was also suspected. After intravenous dexamethasone and subcutaneous fondaparinux therapy, he returned to normal life without neurological sequelae. Four months later, he received Moderna COVID‐19 vaccine without any sequelae.
Assessment of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐8, and CCL 5 levels in newly diagnosed Saudi patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Alturaiki Wael , Alhamad Abdulaziz , Alturaiqy Muath , Mir Shabir Ahmad , Iqbal Danish , Bin Dukhyil Abdul Aziz , Alaidarous Mohammed , Alshehri Bader , Alsagaby Suliman A , Almalki Sami G. , Alghofaili Fayez , Choudhary Ranjay K. , Almutairi Saeedah , Banawas Saeed , Alosaimi Bandar , Mubarak Ayman
Published: June 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder which mainly affects small joints, occurs most commonly in middle‐aged adults, and can be fatal in severe cases. The exact etiology of RA remains unknown. However, uncontrolled expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines can contribute to the pathogenesis of RA.

Aim

In the current study, we assessed the potential of serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐8, and C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)5 as early predictive markers for RA.

Methods

In addition to clinical examination, blood samples were collected from 100 Saudi patients recently diagnosed with early RA for basic and serological tests, including rheumatoid factor (RF), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Sera of 32 healthy individuals were used as controls. Specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the serum IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐8, and CCL5 levels in the samples.

Results

Our results indicated that RF, CRP, and ESR levels were higher in RA patients compared to controls. Furthermore, serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and CCL5, but not TNF‐α, significantly increased in RA patients compared to controls.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggested that IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and CCL5 can be used as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of RA.
Establishing a sustainable training programme in anaesthesia in Ethiopia
Authors: Holmaas Gunhild , Abate Ananya , Woldetsadik Assefu , Hevrøy Olav
Published: June 2022

Background

Lack of qualified staff is a major hindrance for quality and safety improvements in anaesthesia and critical care in many low‐income countries. Support in specialist training may enhance perioperative treatment and have a positive downstream impact on other hospital services, which may improve the overall standard of care.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2019, consultant anaesthetists from Haukeland University Hospital in Norway supported a postgraduate anaesthesia‐training programme at Addis Ababa University/Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospital in Ethiopia. The aim of the programme was to build a self‐sustainable work force of anaesthetists across the country who could perform high quality anaesthesia within the confinement of limited local resources. Over the course of 10 years, an almost continuous rotation of experienced anaesthetists and intensivists assisted training of Ethiopian residents in anaesthesia and critical care. Local specialists organised the programme; however, external support was necessary during this period to establish a sustainable training programme.

Results

Since the programme's commencement at Addis Ababa University in 2011, 159 residents have entered the programme and 71 have graduated. As the number of qualified anaesthetists increased, Ethiopian specialists gradually obtained responsibility for the programme. Candidates are recruited from various regions and from neighbouring countries. Five other Ethiopian training sites have been established. To date (May 2022), 112 residents have completed their training in Ethiopia, and 195 residents expect to graduate within 3 years.

Conclusion

Nearly 11 years after establishment of the programme, locally trained highly qualified anaesthetists work in Ethiopia's major hospitals throughout the country.
Electrocardiographic findings associated with early clinical deterioration in acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Weekes Anthony J. , Raper Jaron D. , Thomas Alyssa M. , Lupez Kathryn , Cox Carly A. , Esener Dasia , Boyd Jeremy S. , Nomura Jason T. , Davison Jillian , Ockerse Patrick M. , Leech Stephen , Abrams Eric , Kelly Christopher , O'Connell Nathaniel S.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We sought to determine associations of early electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns with clinical deterioration (CD) within 5 days and with RV abnormality (abnlRV) by echocardiography in pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter study of newly confirmed PE patients, early echocardiography and initial ECG were examined. Initial ECG patterns included lead‐specific ST‐segment elevation (STE) or depression (STD), T‐wave inversion (TWI), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), sinus tachycardia, and right bundle branch block as complete (cRBBB) or incomplete (iRBBB). We defined CD as respiratory failure, hypotension, dysrhythmia, cardiac arrest, escalated PE intervention, or death within 5 days. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for CD and abnlRV with univariate and full multivariate models in the presence of other variables.

Results

Of 1676 patients, 1629 (97.2%) had both ECG and GDE; 415/1676 (24.7%) had CD, and 529/1629 (32.4%) had abnlRV. AbnlRV had an OR for CD of 4.25 (3.35, 5.38). By univariable analysis, the absence of abnormal ECG patterns had OR for CD and abnlRV of 0.34 (0.26, 0.44; p < 0.001) and 0.24 (0.18, 0.31; p < 0.001), respectively. By multivariable analyses, one ECG pattern had a significant OR for CD: SVT 2.87 (1.66, 5.00). Significant ORS for abnlRV were: TWI V2–4 4.0 (2.64, 6.12), iRBBB 2.63 (1.59, 4.38), STE aVR 2.42 (1.58, 3.74), S1‐Q3‐T3 2.42 (1.70, 3.47), and sinus tachycardia 1.68 (1.14, 2.49).

Conclusions

SVT was an independent predictor of CD. TWI V2–4, iRBBB, STE aVR, sinus tachycardia, and S1‐Q3‐T3 were independent predictors of abnlRV. Finding one or more of these ECG patterns may increase considerations for performance of echocardiography to look for RV abnormalities and, if present, inform concerns for early clinical deterioration.