bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic glutamate uptake coordinates experience-dependent, eye-specific refinement in developing visual cortex
Authors: Sipe Grayson , Petravicz Jeremy , Rikhye Rajeev , Garcia Rodrigo , Mellios Nikolaos , Sur Mriganka
Published: May 2020

The uptake of glutamate by astrocytes actively shapes synaptic transmission, however its role in the development and plasticity of neuronal circuits remains poorly understood. The astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT1 is the predominant source of glutamate clearance in the adult mouse cortex. Here, we examined the structural and functional development of the visual cortex in GLT1 heterozygous (HET) mice using two-photon microscopy, immunohistochemistry and slice electrophysiology. We find that though eye-specific thalamic axonal segregation is intact, binocular refinement in the primary visual cortex is disrupted. Eye-specific responses to visual stimuli in GLT1 HET mice show altered binocular matching, with abnormally high responses to ipsilateral compared to contralateral eye stimulation and a greater mismatch between preferred orientation selectivity of ipsilateral and contralateral eye responses. Furthermore, the balance of excitation and inhibition in cortical circuits is dysregulated with an increase in somatostatin positive interneurons, decrease in parvalbumin positive interneurons, and increase in dendritic spine density in the basal dendrites of layer 2/3 excitatory neurons. Monocular deprivation induces atypical ocular dominance plasticity in GLT1 HET mice, with an unusual depression of ipsilateral open eye responses; however, this change in ipsilateral responses correlates well with an upregulation of GLT1 protein following monocular deprivation. These results demonstrate that a key function of astrocytic GLT1 function during development is the experience-dependent refinement of ipsilateral eye inputs relative to contralateral eye inputs in visual cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE

We show that astrocytic glutamate uptake via the transporter GLT1 is necessary for activity-dependent regulation of cortical inputs. Dysregulation of GLT1 expression and function leads to a disruption of binocular refinement and matching in visual cortex. Inputs from the ipsilateral eye are stronger, and monocular deprivation, which upregulates GLT1 expression in a homeostatic fashion, causes a paradoxical reduction of ipsilateral, non-deprived eye, responses. These results provide new evidence for the importance of glutamate transport in cortical development, function, and plasticity.
The novel Coronavirus enigma: Phylogeny and mutation analyses of SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in India during early 2020
Authors: Banerjee Anindita , Sarkar Rakesh , Mitra Suvrotoa , Lo Mahadeb , Dutta Shanta , Chawla-Sarkar Mamta
Published: May 2020

Background

This is a comprehensive analysis of 46 Indian SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences available from the NCBI and GISAID repository during early 2020. Evolutionary dynamics, gene-specific phylogeny and emergence of the novel co-evolving mutations in nine structural and non-structural genes among circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains in ten states of India have been assessed.

Materials and methods

46 SARS-CoV-2 nucleotide sequences submitted from India were downloaded from the GISAID (39/46) or from NCBI (7/46) database. Phylogenetic study and analyses of mutation were based on the nine structural and non-structural genes of SARS-CoV-2 strains. Secondary structure of RdRP/NSP12 protein was predicted with respect to the novel A97V mutation.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses revealed the evolution of “genome-type clusters” and adaptive selection of “L” type SARS-CoV-2 strains with genetic closeness to the bat SARS-like coronaviruses than pangolin or MERS-CoVs. With regards to the novel co-evolving mutations, 2 groups are seen to circulate in India at present: the “major group” (52.2%) and the “minor group” (30.4%), harboring four and five co-existing mutations, respectively. The “major group” mutations fall in the A2a clade. All the minor group mutations, except 11083G>T (L37F, NSP6) were unique to the Indian isolates.

Conclusion

The study highlights rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus and co-circulation of multiple clades and sub-clades, driving this pandemic worldwide. This comprehensive study is a potential resource for monitoring the novel mutations in the viral genome, changes in viral pathogenesis, for designing vaccines and other therapeutics.
A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm to Find Active Modules in Multiplex Biological Networks
Authors: Novoa-del-Toro Elva-María , Mezura-Montes Efrén , Vignes Matthieu , Magdinier Frédérique , Tichit Laurent , Baudot Anaïs
Published: May 2020

The identification of subnetworks of interest - or active modules - by integrating biological networks with molecular profiles is a key resource to inform on the processes perturbed in different cellular conditions. We here propose MOGAMUN, a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm to identify active modules in multiplex biological networks. MOGAMUN optimizes both the density of interactions and the scores of the nodes (e.g., their differential expression).

We compare MOGAMUN with state-of-the-art methods, representative of different algorithms dedicated to the identification of active modules in single networks. MOGAMUN identifies dense and high-scoring modules that are also easier to interpret. In addition, to our knowledge, MOGAMUN is the first method able to use multiplex networks. Multiplex networks are composed of different layers of physical and functional relationships between genes and proteins. Each layer is associated to its own meaning, topology, and biases; the multiplex framework allows exploiting this diversity of biological networks.

We applied MOGAMUN to identify cellular processes perturbed in Facio-Scapulo-Humeral muscular Dystrophy, by integrating RNA-seq expression data with a multiplex biological network. We identified different active modules of interest, thereby providing new angles for investigating the pathomechanisms of this disease.

Availability

MOGAMUN is available athttps://github.com/elvanov/MOGAMUN.

Contact

elva.novoa@inserm.fr,anais.baudot@univ-amu.fr
Multi-metrics assessment of dynamic cerebral autoregulation in middle and posterior cerebral arteries in young fit women
Authors: Labrecque Lawrence , Drapeau Audrey , Rahimaly Kevan , Imhoff Sarah , Billaut François , Brassard Patrice
Published: May 2020

Individuals with low orthostatic tolerance show greater decrease in posterior cerebral artery mean blood velocity (PCAvmean). Since young fit women often experience presyncopal symptoms, their posterior cerebral circulation may be prone to greater decreases in PCAvmean, probably explained by an attenuated dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA). Regional differences in dCA have never been evaluated in young fit women. We compared dCA in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in 11 young fit women (25 ± 4y;) in response to a sit-to-stand (5 min sitting followed by 5 min standing) and repeated squat-stand maneuvers performed at 0.05 Hz and 0.10 Hz. The cerebral pressure-flow relationship was characterized using four metrics: 1) percent reduction in blood velocity (BV) per percent reduction in MAP (% BV/% MAP) during initial orthostatic stress (0-15 s after sit-to-stand); 2) onset of the regulatory response (i.e. time delay before an increase in conductance (BV/MAP); 3) rate of regulation (RoR), following sit-to-stand and; 4) transfer function analysis (TFA) of forced MAP oscillations induced by repeated squat-stands. Upon standing, the relative decline in MCAvmeanand PCAvmeanwas similar (−25 ± 9 vs. −30 ± 13%; p=0.29). The onset of the regulatory response (p=0.665), %ΔBV/%ΔMAP (p=0.129) and RoR (p=0.067) were not different between MCA and PCA. In regard to TFA, there was an ANOVA artery effect for gain (p<0.001) and a frequency effect for phase (p<0.001). These findings indicate the absence of regional differences in dCA in young fit women.

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are there regional differences in the dynamic cerebral autoregulation in young fit women?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The key finding of this study is that there are no differences in dynamic cerebral autoregulation between both arteries. These results indicate that dynamic cerebral autoregulation does not seem to be responsible for making the posterior cerebral circulation more vulnerable to transient reduction in blood pressure in young fit women.
Hearing restoration by a low-weight power-efficient multichannel optogenetic cochlear implant system
Authors: Jablonski Lukasz , Harczos Tamas , Wolf Bettina , Hoch Gerhard , Dieter Alexander , Hessler Roland , Ayub Suleman , Ruther Patrick , Moser Tobias
Published: May 2020

In case of deafness, electrical cochlear implants (eCIs) bypass dysfunctional or lost hair cells by direct stimulation of the auditory nerve. However, spectral selectivity of eCI sound coding is low as the wide current spread from each electrode activates large sets of neurons along the tonotopic axis. As light can be better confined in space, optical cochlear implants (oCIs) promise to overcome this shortcoming of eCIs. This requires appropriate sound processing and control of multiple microscale emitters. Here, we describe the development, characterisation, and application of a preclinical low-weight and wireless LED-based multichannel oCI system for hearing restoration and its companion to its sister eCI system. The head-worn oCI system enabled deafened rats to perform a locomotion task in response to acoustic stimulation proving the concept of multichannel optogenetic hearing restoration in rodents.
An endocrine-hepato-muscular metabolic cycle links skeletal muscle atrophy and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Okun Jürgen G. , Rusu Patricia M. , Chan Andrea Y. , Yap Yann W. , Sharkie Thomas , Schumacher Jonas , Schmidt Kathrin V. , Zota Annika , Hille Susanne , Jungmann Andreas , Maggi Ludovico , Lee Young , Blüher Matthias , Herzig Stephan , Heikenwalder Mathias , Müller Oliver , Rose Adam J.
Published: May 2020

Both obesity and sarcopenia are frequently associated in ageing, and together may promote the progression of related conditions such as diabetes and frailty. However, little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning this association. Here we uncover dysregulated systemic alanine metabolism and hyper-expression of the alanine transaminases (ALT) in the liver of obese/diabetic mice and humans. Hepatocyte-selective silencing of both ALT enzymes revealed a clear role in systemic alanine clearance which related to glycemic control. In obese/diabetic mice, not only did silencing both ALT enzymes retard hyperglycemia, but also reversed skeletal muscle atrophy. This was due to a rescue of depressed skeletal muscle protein synthesis, with a liver-skeletal muscle amino acid metabolic crosstalk exemplified by ex vivo experiments. Mechanistically, chronic liver glucocorticoid and glucagon signaling driven liver alanine catabolism promoted hyperglycemia and skeletal muscle wasting. Taken together, here we reveal an endocrine-hepato-muscular metabolic cycle linking hyperglycemia and skeletal muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetes.
The Rapid Deployment of a 3D Printed “Latticed” Nasopharyngeal Swab for COVID-19 Testing Made Using Digital Light Synthesis
Authors: Bennett Ian , Bulterys Philip L. , Chang Melody , DeSimone Joseph M. , Fralick Jennifer , Herring Marie , Kabaria Hardik , Kong Christina S. , Larson Blane , Lu Owen , Maxner Arielle , Meyer Elle , Patterson Shawn , Pollack Steven , Rolland Jason , Schmidt Steven , Seshadri Sridhar , Swarup Keshav , Thomas Chelsey , Van Wert Ryan
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic that has disrupted supply chains globally. This black swan event is challenging industries from all sectors of the economy including those industries directly needed to produce items that safeguard us from the disease itself, especially personal protection equipment (N95 masks, face shields) and much needed consumables associated with testing and vaccine delivery (swabs, vials and viral transfer medium). Digital manufacturing, especially 3D printing, has been promulgated as an important approach for the rapid development of new products as well as a replacement manufacturing technique for many traditional manufacturing methods, including injection molding, when supply chains are disrupted. Herein we report the use of Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) for the design and large-scale deployment of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs for testing of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infections in humans. NP swabs have been one of society’s essential products hardest hit by the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19. A latticed tip NP swab was designed and fabricated by DLS from a liquid resin previously developed and approved for use to make dental night guard devices. These latticed NP swabs demonstrated non-inferiority in a human clinical study of patients suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Six scenarios of non-medical interventions in the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic
Authors: Kempf Peter
Published: May 2020

We investigate six scenarios spanning main parts of the decision space of non-medical interventions against the CoV-2 epidemic in Germany. Based on the notion of interventions-lifting we classify and evaluate the scenarios by five attributes (indicators): amount of interventions-lifting, death numbers, Public Health Care capacity, population immunity, peak dates of infections. For quantitative reasoning we use a simulated modified SEIR-model calibrated with actual data. We identify margins for intervention-liftings wrt. 13.05.2020 and discuss the relation to the effective reproduction number with a 6d-generation time. We show that, in order to constrain death numbers comparable to a strong Influenza epidemic, there is only a small corridor of 16% of possible liftings, with an additional 4% margin contributed by automated contact tracing. We show also that there is a much broader corridor of 50%+18%, though not overloading critical Public Health Care capacity, implying high death numbers.
T-cell hyperactivation and paralysis in severe COVID-19 infection revealed by single-cell analysis
Authors: Kalfaoglu Bahire , Almeida-Santos José , Adele Tye Chanidapa , Satou Yorifumi , Ono Masahiro
Published: May 2020

Severe COVID-19 patients can show respiratory failure, T-cell reduction, and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which can be fatal in both young and aged patients and is a major concern of the pandemic. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms of CRS in COVID-19 are poorly understood. Here we show single cell-level mechanisms for T-cell dysregulation in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thereby demonstrate the mechanisms underlying T-cell hyperactivation and paralysis in severe COVID-19 patients. Byin silicosorting CD4+ T-cells from a single cell RNA-seq dataset, we found that CD4+ T-cells were highly activated and showed unique differentiation pathways in the lung of severe COVID-19 patients. Notably, those T-cells in severe COVID-19 patients highly expressed immunoregulatory receptors and CD25, whilst repressing the expression of the transcription factor FOXP3 and interestingly, both the differentiation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and Th17 was inhibited. Meanwhile, highly activated CD4+T-cells express PD-1 alongside macrophages that express PD-1 ligands in severe patients, suggesting that PD-1-mediated immunoregulation was partially operating. Furthermore, we show that CD25+hyperactivated T-cells differentiate into multiple helper T-cell lineages, showing multifaceted effector T-cells with Th1 and Th2 characteristics. Lastly, we show that CD4+T-cells, particularly CD25-expressing hyperactivated T-cells, produce the protease Furin, which facilitates the viral entry of SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, CD4+T-cells from severe COVID-19 patients are hyperactivated and FOXP3-mediated negative feedback mechanisms are impaired in the lung, while activated CD4+T-cells continue to promote further viral infection through the production of Furin. Therefore, our study proposes a new model of T-cell hyperactivation and paralysis that drives pulmonary damage, systemic CRS and organ failure in severe COVID-19 patients.
Female Excellence in Rock Climbing Likely Has an Evolutionary Origin
Authors: Carroll Collin
Published: May 2020

The human body is exceptional for many reasons, not the least of which is the wide variety of movements it is capable of executing. Because our species is able to execute so many discrete activities, researchers often disagree on which were the movements most essential to the evolution of our species. This paper continues a recently introduced analysis, that the performance gap between female and male athletes narrows in sports which most reflect movements humans evolved to do. Here, I examine the performance gap in rock climbing. Because rock climbing is so similar to tree climbing, which bountiful evidence suggests has been key to the origin and proliferation of our species, we would expect to see a narrow performance gap between men and women in the sport. Indeed, this is the case. Female climbers are some of the best in the world irrespective of gender, a trend that is not found in any other major sport. I conclude that exceptional ability of female climbers is further evidence of the existence of sex-blind musculoskeletal adaptations, which developed over the course of human evolution to facilitate essential movements. These adaptations abate the general physical sexual dimorphism which exists in humans. This paper provides more evidence that the performance gap in sport can be used as a measure of human evolution.
SARS-CoV-2 genome evolution exposes early human adaptations
Authors: Wright Erik S. , Lakdawala Seema S. , Cooper Vaughn S.
Published: May 2020

The set of mutations observed at the outset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic may illuminate how the virus will adapt to humans as it continues to spread. Viruses are expected to quickly acquire beneficial mutations upon jumping to a new host species. Advantageous nucleotide substitutions can be identified by their parallel occurrence in multiple independent lineages and are likely to result in changes to protein sequences. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 is acquiring mutations more slowly than expected for neutral evolution, suggesting purifying selection is the dominant mode of evolution during the initial phase of the pandemic. However, several parallel mutations arose in multiple independent lineages and may provide a fitness advantage over the ancestral genome. We propose plausible reasons for several of the most frequent mutations. The absence of mutations in other genome regions suggests essential components of SARS-CoV-2 that could be the target of drug development. Overall this study provides genomic insights into how SARS-CoV-2 has adapted and will continue to adapt to humans.

In this study we sought signals of evolution to identify how the SARS-CoV-2 genome has adapted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that the genome is largely undergoing purifying selection that maintains its ancestral sequence. However, we identified multiple positions on the genome that appear to confer an adaptive advantage based on their repeated evolution in independent lineages. This information indicates how SARS-CoV-2 will evolve as it diversifies in an increasing number of hosts.
Protection of grapevine pruning wounds againstPhaeomoniella chlamydosporaandDiplodia seriataby biological and chemical methods
Authors: Martínez-Diz María del Pilar , Díaz-Losada Emilia , Díaz-Fernández Ángela , Bouzas-Cid Yolanda , Gramaje David
Published: May 2020

The grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) Botryosphaeria dieback and esca threaten the sustainability of the grapevine industry worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various liquid (pyraclostrobin + boscalid and thiophanate methyl) and paste (paste + tebuconazole) formulation fungicide treatments, and biological control agents (Trichoderma atrovirideSC1 andT. atrovirideI-1237), for their potential to prevent infection of grapevine pruning wounds byDiplodia seriataandPhaeomoniella chlamydosporain two field trials over two growing seasons. Treatments were applied to freshly pruned wounds following their label dosages recommendations. After 24 hours, wounds were artificially inoculated with 400 spores ofD. seriataor 800 spores ofP. chlamydospora. Isolations were made from the treated pruning wounds after 12 months to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments. Fungicide formulations were superior toTrichoderma-based treatments for the control of both pathogens during both growing seasons, with mean percent disease control of 44 to 95% forD. seriataand 46 to 67% forP. chlamydospora.Pyraclostrobin + boscalid was the most effective treatment.Trichoderma atroviride-based treatments did not reduce infection byD. seriataorP. chlamydosporacompared to the untreated inoculated control in both vineyards and seasons. This study represents the first vineyard assessment of several chemical and biological treatments to protect pruning wounds against GTDs fungi in Europe and provides growers with tangible preventative control practices to minimize yield losses due to GTDs.
Fast initial Covid-19 response means greater caution may be needed later
Authors: Hirschi Joël J.-M.
Published: May 2020

Background

As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds it is becoming increasingly clear that the strength of the first wave of the epidemic varies significantly between countries. In this study a simple numerical model is used to illustrate the impact the timing of initial measures against Covid-19 has on the first wave of infection and possible implications this may have for the measures taken as the first wave is ebbing. The results highlight that delaying measures by 10 days is sufficient to largely account for the differences seen between countries such as the UK and Germany for the first wave of infections. A pronounced first wave means that a larger fraction of the total population will have been infected and is therefore likely to display immunity. Even if this fraction is far below the level needed for “herd immunity” the effective reproduction factor Re is decreased compared to a population that had no prior exposure to the virus. Even a small reduction in Re can have major influence on the evolution of the epidemic after the first wave of infections. A large first wave means the resulting value for Re will be lower than if the first wave was mild. Without either vaccine or effective treatment countries that experienced a small first wave should therefore relax measures at a slower pace than countries where the first wave was strong.
Application of pooled testing in screening and estimating the prevalence of COVID-19
Authors: Guha Pritha , Guha Apratim , Bandyopadhyay Tathagata
Published: May 2020

The recent emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented healthcare challenge and catastrophic economic and social consequences to the countries across the world. The situation is even worse for emerging economies like India. WHO recommends mass scale testing as one of the most effective ways to contain its spread and fight the pandemic. But, due to the high cost and shortage of test kits, specifically in India, the testing is restricted to only those who are symptomatic. In this context, pooled testing is recommended by some experts as a partial solution to overcome this problem. In this article, we explain the basic statistical theory behind the pooled testing procedure for screening as well as prevalence estimation. In real world situations, the tests are imperfect, and lead to false positive and false negative results. We provide theoretical explanation of the impact of these diagnostic errors on the performances of individual testing and pooled testing procedures. Finally, we study the effect of misspecification of sensitivity and specificity of tests on the estimate of prevalence, an issue, which is debated a lot among the scientists in the context of COVID-19. Our theoretical investigations lead to some interesting and precise understanding of some of these issues.
Study on the inhibition of hydrogen embrittlement of 7050 aluminum alloy in humid air by MAO coating
Authors: Cai S.W. , Zong Y. , Hua T.S. , Song R.G.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to verify the inhibition of the hydrogen permeation effect of the coating and to quantitatively and qualitatively characterize the coating-induced stress.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of slow strain rate tensile testing (SSRT) in humid air, thickness measurement, fracture morphology, cross-section morphology and surface morphology, hydrogen content measurements, flow stress difference method.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the mechanism of the inhibition of hydrogen embrittlement by the coating is mainly attributed to the repression of hydrogen permeation and the additional coating-induced compressive stress.

Originality/value

It is proven that the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating does inhibit hydrogen entry into the alloy, and the stress induced by the MAO coating is compressive stress, which can restrain the hydrogen embrittlement of the alloy. Therefore, the mechanism of the inhibition of hydrogen embrittlement is dominated by the mechanisms of both hydrogen permeation inhibition and coating-induced stress.
Mitigating knowledge hiding in firms: an exploratory study
Authors: Butt Atif Saleem
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how firms can mitigate knowledge hiding behavior among their managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a multiple case study methodology for studying nine United Arab Emirates-based (UAE-based) firms. Furthermore, 26 semi-structured interviews with senior managers are undertaken.

Findings

Based on the qualitative interviews and comprehensive data analysis, results unveil three strategies that firms can opt for in order to mitigate knowledge hiding behavior among managers (reducing chain of command, developing informal interaction among managers, introducing and implementing incentive policy.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to the UAE culture only.

Practical implications

Firms can use the findings from this study to understand strategies that can help them to mitigate the knowledge hiding behavior of managers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge hiding literature by revealing strategies which discourages knowledge hiding behavior in firms.
The importance of place and authenticity in adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
Authors: Yazdani Mehr Shabnam , Wilkinson Sara
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In adaptive reuse, the importance of place referred to as “genius loci,” whereas authenticity refers to the design, materials, setting and workmanship of a building or place. Genius loci and authenticity are crucial evolving interconnected concepts; however, the concepts are usually studied separately, and consequently, overlooked in adaptive reuse practice. This paper provides precise definitions and a holistic understanding of these terms and discusses complications related to the understanding of the concepts in the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is an acknowledged way of analysing information related to a subject area and allows researchers to provide new insights and knowledge in a particular area. This paper applies a critical content analysis of published works related to genius loci and authenticity over time.

Findings

The findings show the inter-relationship of genius loci and authenticity, and how these concepts can be considered in the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, in theory and in practice. Consequently, a checklist is proposed to enable all interested parties engaged with the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to identify and preserve genius loci and authenticity.

Originality/value

Identity and values of heritage buildings are argued to be the strongest reasons for adaptation. Amongst a wide range of values associated with the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, place and authenticity are perceived to be the most confusing terms and concepts. Whilst place and authenticity are defined by many authors, their meaning and usage are subjective, which is a challenge in recognising and preserving the values they embody. This study contributes to the greater understanding of these concepts, their meanings and application in adaptive reuse.
Effects of economic deterrence variables and royalty rates on petroleum profit tax compliance in Nigeria: an empirical analysis
Authors: Ya’u Abba , Saad Natrah , Mas’ud Abdulsalam
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The oil and gas sector are among the nonrenewable energy sectors that contribute immensely to the economic development of more than 98 countries around the globe. Nigeria depends largely on revenue from oil and gas. Unfortunately, oil and gas companies mostly evade taxes. This study aims to investigate the effects of variables subsumed in the economic deterrence theory of Allingham and Sandmo (1972), which comprise (tax rate, penalty and detection probability) with one additional variable royalty rates (RR) on petroleum profit tax compliance (PPTC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey to collect data from 300 local and multi-national oil and gas companies in Nigeria. SPSS version 25 and partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) version 3.8 were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results reveal that there is a negatively significant relationship between tax rate and RR and PPTC. The findings also show a positive and significant relationship between penalty and detection probability and PPTC.

Originality/value

The implication of the current study is that the current tax rate and RR are determinants of PPTC in Nigeria. Policymakers, in collaboration with the tax authority, should revisit these variables to enhance the level of PPTC, which could lead to an overall improvement in the country’s tax revenue.
Heeding a missing link between field managers’ monitoring styles and salespersons’ performance in pharmaceutical selling context
Authors: Khan Faheem Ahmad , Shafi Khuram , Rajput Amer
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reveal important insights by examining the relationships of two different field managers’ monitoring styles with performance through salespersons’ engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 318 salespersons’ from 20 pharmaceutical firms. Given the performance-driven nature of the pharmaceutical sales profession, field managers seek to adopt the best monitoring style, which can optimize individual’s performance while providing a healthy work environment.

Findings

The results from multivariate analysis show the evidence of positive relationship between interactional monitoring and salespersons’ engagement. The results also confirm that engagement partially mediates the proposed relationships.

Originality/value

Authors assimilate and extend research and theory on field managers’ monitoring, salespersons’ performance and salespersons’ engagement to advance a model of salespersons’ reactions to different monitoring styles based on self-determination theory. Perhaps in no other field, the salespersons-field managers’ relationship is as important as in the field of pharmaceutical selling. The study offers insights about the important consequence of two different monitoring styles; also the study is one of the exceptional efforts to provide evidence regarding the role of engagement in the relationship between two different monitoring styles and salespersons’ performance.
Does intention influence the financial literacy of depositors of Islamic banking? A case of Malaysia
Authors: Ganesan Yuvaraj , Allah Pitchay Anwar Bin , Mohd Nasser Mohd Aliff
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Since the establishment of Islamic banks in Malaysia since the 1980s, the banking system has undergone rampant development within the financial industry. It has resulted in a positive competitive challenge for the conventional banks and able to attract not just the Muslim customers, but also those non-Muslim customers. At the same time, understanding the customers' knowledge of Islamic banking products is an interesting issue to explore. This issue is raised because the Islamic bank products are often packaged using Arabic terms, even though it is marketed in non-Arabic countries like Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to examine the factors that influence the intention of the Islamic banking customers as the result of relying on some information produced by Malaysian Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted using the existing underpinning theory of planned behaviour (TPB). A total of 300 questionnaires were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results indicated that perceived behavioural control, attitude and subjective norms of the Islamic banking depositors are positively influenced by the intention of the depositors to learn about Islamic banking.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main issues faced in this study is the result cannot be generalised. It is not possible to know based on the collected data if the sample is representative, other than the fact that all of the respondents are Islamic bank depositors. Nevertheless, it can still be a catalyst for further research as a link to existing findings in the area. There might be a bias on the understanding of the respondents about Islamic banking. This is due to the fact that Malaysia is a multi-racial population. Malay people might have a better understanding and basic knowledge about Islamic banking than the Chinese, Indians and other races. This cultural bias could be overcome in future studies by identifying respondents who have experiences in dealing with Islamic banking.

Originality/value

This study provides interesting insights of the Malaysian banking industry in terms of the multi-racial customers' intention to learn about Islamic banking, which is scarcely discussed in the extant literature.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2019-0011.
A study of development mode in green campus to realize the sustainable development goals
Authors: Zhu Bifeng , Zhu Chufan , Dewancker Bart
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the way to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Through the introduction and learning of a specific case, this paper summarizes the specific process of green campus’s development and construction and directly discusses how to achieve the goal of sustainable development. By analyzing the achievements and measures of its construction, on the one hand, the experience and shortcomings of its green campus construction are summarized; on the other hand, the impact of Stanford’s own green campus construction on the local community is discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes Stanford, one of the best green campuses assessed by sustainability tracking, assessment and rating system (STARS), as a case study in three steps. First, it introduces the academics, energy supply and demand, water and land, waste, management, food and living, buildings and transportation of its campus construction in detail; second, it uses the STARS to make a comprehensive sustainable evaluation of Stanford; finally, it discusses the development relationship between Stanford and local community.

Findings

The four characteristics of its green campus development model are summarized, namely, based on its own scientific research; from the aspect of environmental friendliness; to achieve joint participation; and forming complementary development with the community. The construction of green campus has changed from a single triangle framework composed of SDGs, STARS and universities to a compound triangle framework composed of SDGs, universities and communities on the existing basis, greatly expanding the way to realize SDGs.

Practical implications

This development mode will have direct guiding significance for the sustainable construction of other campuses.

Social implications

This paper also discusses the development concept from green campus to sustainable community to provide positive reference to achieve the global SDGs from the perspective of colleges and universities.

Originality/value

According to the historical track of its development, this paper combines the two (SDGs and green campus) to discuss by using campus construction as an effective way to achieve the SDGs. On the basis of literature research and case study, STARS sustainable assessment is introduced. This will lead to quantitative analysis of sustainable construction in the discussion of the specific case, judging the specific sustainable degree of all aspects of campus construction, to provide a scientific basis for summarizing its characteristics of development mode.
Study on Chinese Brand cultural archetype: theory building and cross-cultural comparison
Authors: Liu Yingwei , Wang Tao , Zhou Ling , Nie Chunyan
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The essence of “Chinese element” has been pinpointed as the representation of national cultural archetype resource of China, which reflects to the overall power enhancement of China. Applying the Chinese national cultural archetype resource, which will be used for promoting the Chinese Brand internationalization, aims for the consumers' approval with the hope of integrating and spreading the unique cultural advantage of Chinese brand. The recognizing of Chinese brand's cultural archetype in this paper has constituted the basis of Chinese brand's cultural archetype strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Grounded Theory, this paper has collected and analyzed the value symbols, character images and theme stories of Chinese narrative advertisements and constructed the cultural archetype framework of Chinese brands. This paper makes a comprehensive application of Charmaz's constructivist analysis and the main axis analysis and inspection method advocated by Strauss, with the aim of building a more objective and systematic theoretical framework for the Chinese brand cultural archetype.

Findings

In this framework, it revealed: (1) Chinese brand's cultural archetype can be divided into 12 concrete archetypes according to individual's relationship with self, the other, community and nature; (2) Consumers' different ways of self-categorization are attributed as the essential difference among various archetypes. This paper also compared and analyzed the differences between Chinese and Western cultural archetypes from three perspectives, formation of social structure, pedigree of myth and character's feature.

Originality/value

This paper has certain innovative significance to the theoretical construction of the archetype of Chinese brand culture. First, based on the cultural perspective, this paper applied the cultural psychological connotation of archetype to the brand research across culture, which is more conducive to the researchers' investigation of the cultural psychology of consumers in the cross-cultural context? Second, based on the identification and comparative study of Chinese brand culture archetype, it provides a new expansion and supplement for the research on brand internationalization and globalization in emerging countries.
The King Reports and the common law in South Africa
Authors: Judin J. Michael
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the King Reports and Codes and the development of South Africa’s common law. The role of developing the common law is explicitly recognised in the Constitution, as is the obligation to give effect to the spirit, purport and objects of the Bill of Rights. With decisions of the Supreme Court of Appeal being based on the King Code, the King Code is now an integral part of South Africa’s common law.

Design/methodology/approach

When the task team drafting King IV commenced their work, one of the important issues raised with Mervyn King, as Chairman, was the challenge to ensure that King IV was aligned to the now firmly entrenched common law principles taken from King I, King II and King III. It is believed that this has been achieved and it is hoped that King IV (and the subsequent King Reports that will inevitably follow because the corporate milieu keeps changing) continues to enrich South Africa’s common law.

Findings

The King Reports and Codes have been made part of South Africa’s common law.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the King Report and Code, as it relates to South Africa’s common law.
Effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion of bioactive peptide from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) tempe on angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory activity
Authors: Putra Ismail Dwi , Marsono Yustinus , Indrati Retno
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of hydrolysis by pepsin and pancreatin on the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of bioactive peptide from pigeon pea tempe and the absorption of pigeon pea tempe peptide by using the everted gut sac method.

Design/methodology/approach

The tempe was prepared by inoculating Raprima (Rhizopus oligosporus) on hulled-cooked pigeon pea for 48 h. The extraction was performed using the ultrasonic method at 40 kHz frequency and 100% ultrasonic power for 10 min. The extracted protein was placed in simulated gastrointestinal digestion using consecutive pepsin–pancreatin for 240 min. The hydrolysates were fractionated using a dialysis tube, and its absorption was assessed using the everted Sprague–Dawley rat gut sac.

Findings

The tempe protein from the hydrolyzed pigeon pea exhibited higher ACE inhibitory (71.53%) activity than that from the boiled pigeon pea (53.04%) (p = 0.028). The bioactive peptide of the digested pigeon pea tempe consisted of low-molecular-weight peptides (<1 kDa). The fraction also showed the highest ACE inhibition activity among the others (IC50 = 0.61 mg/mL, p = 0.021). Bioactive peptides from pigeon pea tempe were absorbed well in the small intestine, mainly in the jejunum. The activity of the absorbed peptides did not change considerably.

Originality/value

The activity of bioactive peptide of pigeon pea tempe was comparatively stable during digestion. It exhibited activity even after absorption in the small intestine. Thus, pigeon pea tempe can serve as an antihypertensive peptide source and alternative food for maintaining/reducing blood pressure.
A role for retinoids in the treatment of COVID‐19?
Authors: Trasino Steven E.
Published: May 2020

The 2020 global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2 or COVID‐19) is a serious threat to international health, and thus, there is an urgent need for discovery of novel therapies or use of repurposed drugs that can make a significant impact on slowing the spread of the virus. Type 1 interferons (IFN‐I) are a family cytokines of the early innate immune response to viruses that are being tested against SARS‐CoV‐2. However, coronaviruses similar to SARS‐CoV‐2 can suppress host IFN‐I antiviral responses. Retinoids are a family molecules related to vitamin A that possess robust immune‐modulating properties, including the ability to increase and potentiate the actions of IFN‐I. Therefore, adjuvants such as retinoids, capable of increasing IFN‐I‐mediated antiviral responses, should be tested in combinations of IFN‐I and antiviral drugs in pre‐clinical studies of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Immigration enforcement, crime, and demography
Authors: Chalfin Aaron , Deza Monica
Published: May 2020

Research Summary

This research leverages a remarkable natural experiment created by recent legislation in Arizona to study the impact of labor market immigration enforcement on crime. We show that Arizona's Mexican immigrant population decreased by as much as 20% in the wake of the passage of a broad‐based “E‐Verify” law requiring employers to verify the immigration status of new employees. In contrast to previous literature that studied traditional law enforcement‐based immigration enforcement programs such as “Secure Communities,” we find evidence that labor market‐based immigration enforcement led to a decline in some types of crime– particularly property crimes.

Policy Implications

It is critical to note that the crime reduction we observe is driven by an unprecedented decline in the share of the immigrant population that is young and male. As such, the effects are purely compositional, suggesting that young immigrant men are no more likely to commit crimes relative to young native men. Given that young immigrant men have high labor market participation and contribute disproportionately to economic output, this research highlights the promise, but also the potentially high costs, of labor market immigration enforcement.
Successful treatment of pyrotinib for bone marrow metastasis induced pancytopenia in a patient with non‐small‐cell lung cancer and ERBB2 mutation
Authors: Wu Yanyan , Ni Jun , Chang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaotong , Zhang Li
Published: May 2020

ERBB2 mutations are found in about 2% of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A recent study reported that pyrotinib (an irreversible pan ErbB inhibitor) had superior antitumor effect compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies in patients with ERBB2 mutations. Bone marrow metastasis is rare in lung adenocarcinoma, and has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis. Here, we report the case of a 62‐year‐old female diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and bone marrow metastasis. ERBB2 exon 20 insertion mutation was confirmed by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of lung tissue as well as bone marrow. The patient achieved stable disease and recovery of pancytopenia after two months of pyrotinib therapy. This is the first report of homogenous mutations of ERBB2 detected in bone marrow, as well as a good response of bone marrow to pyrotinib therapy.

Key points

This is the first report of a homogenous mutation of ERBB2 detected in the bone marrow of an NSCLC patient with bone marrow metastasis.

Our patient with NSCLC ERBB2 mutation and bone marrow metastasis responded well to pyrotinib therapy.