bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood-brain barrier alterations in human brain tumors revealed by genome-wide transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Schaffenrath Johanna , Wyss Tania , He Liqun , Rushing Elisabeth Jane , Delorenzi Mauro , Vasella Flavio , Regli Luca , Neidert Marian Christoph , Keller Annika
Published: February 2021

Background

Brain tumors, whether primary or secondary, have limited therapeutic options despite advances in understanding driver gene mutations and heterogeneity within tumor cells. The cellular and molecular composition of brain tumor stroma, an important modifier of tumor growth, has been less investigated to date. Only few studies have focused on the vasculature of human brain tumors despite the fact that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents the major obstacle for efficient drug delivery.

Methods

In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to characterize transcriptional alterations of endothelial cells (EC) isolated from primary and secondary human brain tumors. We used an immunoprecipitation approach to enrich for EC from normal brain, glioblastoma (GBM), and lung cancer brain metastasis (BM).

Results

Analysis of the endothelial transcriptome showed deregulation of genes implicated in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the vasculature of GBM and BM. Deregulation of genes defining the BBB dysfunction module was found in both tumor types. We identified deregulated expression of genes in vessel-associated fibroblasts in GBM.

Conclusion

We characterize alterations in BBB genes in GBM and BM vasculature and identify proteins that might be exploited for developing drug delivery platforms. In addition, our analysis on vessel-associated fibroblasts in GBM shows that the cellular composition of brain tumor stroma merits further investigation.
Photochemistry of Photosystems II and I in Rice Plants Grown under Different N Levels at Normal and High Temperature
Authors: Takahashi Yuki , Wada Shinya , Noguchi Ko , Miyake Chikahiro , Makino Amane , Suzuki Yuji
Published: February 2021

Although N levels affect leaf photosynthetic capacity, the effects of N levels on the photochemistry of photosystems II and I (PSII and PSI, respectively) are not well-understood. In the present study, we examined this aspect in rice (Oryza sativa L. ‘Hitomebore’) plants grown under three different N levels at normal or high temperatures that can occur during rice culture and do not severely suppress photosynthesis. At both growth temperatures, the quantum efficiency of PSII [Y(II)] and the fraction of the primary quinone electron acceptor in its oxidized state were positively correlated with the amount of total leaf-N, whereas the quantum yields of non-photochemical quenching and donor-side limitation of PSI [Y(ND)] were negatively correlated with the amount of total leaf-N. These changes in PSII and PSI parameters were strongly correlated with each other. Growth temperatures scarcely affected these relationships. These results suggest that the photochemistry of PSII and PSI is coordinately regulated primarily depending on the amount of total leaf-N. When excess light energy occurs in low N-acclimated plants, oxidation of the reaction center chlorophyll of PSI is thought to be stimulated to protect PSI from excess light energy. It is also suggested that PSII and PSI normally operate at high temperature used in the present study. In addition, as the relationships between Y(II) and Y(ND) were found to be almost identical to those observed in osmotically stressed rice plants, common regulation is thought to be operative when excess light energy occurs due to different causes.
Gender Representation in Fellowship Program Director Positions in ACGME-Accredited Chronic Pain and Acute Pain Fellowship Programs
Authors: D’Souza Ryan S , Langford Brendan , Moeschler Susan
Published: February 2021

Objective

We quantified the representation of female program directors (PDs) and assessed their respective demographics, academic metrics, and program-related characteristics in chronic pain and acute pain medicine fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Methods

We identified chronic and acute pain PDs on the ACGME website on November 15, 2020. We abstracted data from public databases and performed comparisons of demographics, academic metrics, and program-related characteristics between female and male PDs.

Results

We identified 111 chronic pain programs and 35 acute pain programs. Overall, there were 35 (31.5%) chronic pain programs with a female PD and 76 (68.5%) chronic pain programs with a male PD. Female chronic pain PDs published fewer peer-reviewed articles (4.0 publications, interquartile range [IQR] = 2.0–12.0) compared with male chronic pain PDs (9.0 publications, IQR = 4.0–27.0; P = 0.050), although there was no difference in the H-index score (3.0 vs 4.0 publications, respectively; P = 0.062) or senior academic rank status (57.1% vs 50.0%, respectively; P = 0.543). There were 10 (28.6%) acute pain programs with a female PD and 25 (71.4%) acute pain programs with a male PD. Similar to the chronic pain cohort, there was no difference in senior academic rank status based on gender in acute pain PDs (50.0% vs 24.0%, respectively; P = 0.227).

Conclusion

Our study highlights gender differences in the PD role in ACGME-accredited chronic and acute pain fellowships. Female PDs remain underrepresented and have fewer peer-reviewed publications. Senior academic rank status was similar across genders, contradicting the current evidence in academic medicine.
Effect of Virtual Reality Gait Training on Participation in Survivors of Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Rooij Ilona J M , van de Port Ingrid G L , Punt Michiel , Abbink-van Moorsel Pim J M , Kortsmit Michiel , van Eijk Ruben P A , Visser-Meily Johanna M A , Meijer Jan-Willem G
Published: February 2021

Objective

After stroke, people experience difficulties with walking that lead to restrictions in participation in daily life. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual reality gait training (VRT) compared to non–virtual reality gait training (non-VRT) on participation in community-living people after stroke.

Methods

In this assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel groups, people were included between 2 weeks and 6 months after stroke and randomly assigned to the VRT group or non-VRT group. Participants assigned to the VRT group received training on the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL), and participants assigned to the non-VRT group received treadmill training and functional gait exercises without virtual reality. Both training interventions consisted of 12 30-minute sessions during 6 weeks. The primary outcome was participation measured with the restrictions subscale of the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P) 3 months postintervention. Secondary outcomes included subjective physical functioning, functional mobility, walking ability, dynamic balance, walking activity, fatigue, anxiety and depression, falls efficacy, and quality of life.

Results

Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to the VRT group and 27 to the non-VRT group, of whom 25 and 22 attended 75% or more of the training sessions, respectively. No significant differences between the groups were found over time for the USER-P restrictions subscale (1.23; 95% CI = −0.76 to 3.23) or secondary outcome measures. Patients’ experiences with VRT were positive, and no serious adverse events were related to the interventions.

Conclusions

The effect of VRT was not statistically different from non-VRT in improving participation in community-living people after stroke.

Impact

Although outcomes were not statistically different, treadmill-based VRT was a safe and well-tolerated intervention that was positively rated by people after stroke. VR training might, therefore, be a valuable addition to stroke rehabilitation.

Lay Summary

VRT is feasible and was positively experienced by people after stroke. However, VRT was not more effective than non-VRT for improving walking ability and participation after stroke.
Inflating Away the Public Debt? An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Hilscher Jens , Raviv Alon , Reis Ricardo
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a new method for measuring the impact of inflation on the real value of public debt. The distribution of debt debasement is based on two inputs: the distribution of privately held nominal debt by maturity, for which we provide new estimates, and the distribution of risk-adjusted inflation dynamics, for which we provide a novel copula estimator using options data. We find that inflation by itself is unlikely to lower the U.S. fiscal burden significantly because debt is concentrated at short maturities and perceived inflation shocks have little short-run persistence and are small.
COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine and the importance of disease progression
Authors: Budny John A
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic struck swiftly and forcefully. The medical response both commercial and clinical achieved what it could with the resources it had. In addition, society changed old habits and developed new behavior patterns. It is appropriate to identify what lessons were learned from COVID-19 for the future. The most important observation for managing SARS-CoV-2 infections was the identification, but not necessarily appreciation, of the manner in which the virus acts over time in the host that it infects. Based on population densities, the ease with which people are mobile and the way that SARS-CoV-2 infected humans, other infectious diseases can easily become pandemics in the future. This review is not focused on a xenobiotic and its toxicant properties. Rather, the review describes the relationship between a therapeutic (hydroxychloroquine) and the progression of a disease (SARS-CoV-2) along with the timing and sequence of the various pathologies that the disease causes. While at first glance, this may appear to beyond the scope of toxicology, it is not. Toxicology is capable to address disease-induced pathologies because it can use the same skills and tools that it uses for pathologies that xenobiotics cause. Assessing the pathology caused by a disease concurrently with the pathology caused by the drug used to treat the disease, puts toxicology in a position to make a greater contribution to drug development. Repurposing toxicology, just as drugs were repurposed for the COVID-19 pandemic, will avoid missing or misusing a useful therapeutic agent just because the disease-initiated pathology was ignored or unappreciated.
Too Old for Agility? Employee Age and Readiness for Change Toward Scrum—The Moderating Roles of Age Climate and Subjective Age
Authors: Drazic Ivana , Schermuly Carsten C
Published: February 2021

While demographic change is leading to an aging workforce in many parts of the world, more and more companies are implementing agile forms of collaboration. These enable better adaptation to change through constant, iterative learning but require a corresponding mindset from the employees. According to meta-analytical findings, willingness to learn is negatively correlated with employee age, whereas willingness to change is not. We examined the relationship between employee age and readiness for change toward Scrum—the predominant framework of agile project management—focusing on moderating effects. We hypothesized that readiness for Scrum does not decrease with employee age per se, but that it depends on age climate and subjective age. Using an animated explainer video, we created a scenario in which Scrum gets implemented in the participants’ work area. We tested our hypotheses using two studies with age-heterogeneous samples (N1 = 146, N2 = 198), differing in their mean ages (M1 = 36.9, M2 = 41.6). Across studies, and consistent with expectations, readiness for Scrum increased with age when employees reported lower levels of subjective age. Regarding age climate, the results were mixed: In Study 1, readiness for Scrum increased with age when participants perceived a more negative age climate, whereas in Study 2, it increased in a more positive age climate. Results of the three-way interaction in Study 1 suggest a complex interplay between age identity and age climate. We interpret these results in light of existing theory and discuss possible implications for research and practice.
BurnNet: An Efficient Deep Learning Framework for Accurate Dermal Burn Classification
Authors: Bhansali Rohan , Kumar Rahul
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Burns are the fourth most prevalent unintentional injury around the world, and when left untreated can become permanent and sometimes fatal. An important aspect of treating burn injuries is accurate and efficient diagnosis. Classifying the three primary types of burns – superficial dermal, deep dermal, and full thickness – is essential in determining the necessity of surgery, which is often critical to the afflicted patient’s survival. Unfortunately, reconstructive burn surgeons and dermatologists are merely able to diagnose these types of burns with approximately 50-75% accuracy. As a result, we propose the use of an eight-layer convolutional neural network, BurnNet, for rapid and precise burn classification with 99.87% accuracy. We applied affine transformations to artificially augment our dataset and found that our model attained near perfect metrics across the board, demonstrating the high propensity of deep learning architectures in burn classification.
Trends in Technology Usage for Parkinson’s Disease Assessment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Deb Ranadeep , Bhat Ganapati , An Sizhe , Shill Holly , Ogras Umit Y.
Published: February 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder with complicated and disabling motor and non-motor symptoms. The complexity of PD pathology is amplified further due to its dependency on patient diaries and the neurologist’s subjective assessment of clinical scales. This challenge can be addressed by the advances in mobile technology, which can enable objective, accurate, and continuous patient monitoring. Indeed, a significant amount of recent work explores new cost-effective and subjective assessment methods of PD symptoms. For example, smart technologies, such as wearable sensors, have been used to analyze a PD patients’ symptoms to assess their disease progression and even to detect signs in their nascent stage for early diagnosis of PD.

This review focuses on the use of modern wearable and mobile equipment for PD applications in the last decade. Four significant fields of research were identified: Assistance to Diagnosis, Prognosis or Monitoring of Symptoms and their Severity, Predicting Response to Treatment, and Assistance to Therapy or Rehabilitation. This study starts with 31,940 articles published between January 2008 and December 2019 in the following four databases: Pubmed Central, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore and MDPI. A total of 976 papers are manually investigated and included in this review after removing unrelated articles, duplicate entries, publications in languages other than English, and other articles that did not fulfill the selection criteria. Our analysis shows that the numbers of published papers every year has increased at a constant rate from 2008 to 2015, while the rate of increase has significantly grown from 2016 to 2019. Majority of the papers (62%) were published in the last four years, and 21% papers in just 2019. In terms of the symptoms, gait and tremor are two major ones that researchers have focused on. The trend shows the growing interest in assessing Parkinson’s Disease with wearable devices in the last decade, particularly in the last 4 years. Our automated script makes the review easily reproducible for publications published in the future.
Performance of a Computational Phenotyping Algorithm for Sarcoidosis Using Diagnostic Codes in Electronic Medical Records: A Pilot Study from Two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Seedahmed Mohamed I , Mogilnicka Izabella , Zeng Siyang , Luo Gang , McCulloch Charles , Koth Laura , Arjomandi Mehrdad
Published: February 2021

Background

The accuracy of identifying sarcoidosis cases in electronic medical records (EMR) using diagnostic codes is unknown.

Methods

To estimate the statistical performance of using diagnostic codes, ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic codes in identifying sarcoidosis cases in EMR, we searched the San Francisco and Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers EMR and randomly selected 200 patients coded as sarcoidosis. To further improve diagnostic accuracy, we developed an “index of suspicion” algorithm to identify probable sarcoidosis cases based on clinical and radiographic features. We then determined the positive predictive value (PPV) of diagnosing sarcoidosis by two computational methods using ICD only and ICD plus the “index of suspicion” against the gold standard developed through manual chart review based on the American Thoracic Society (ATS) practice guideline. Finally, we determined healthcare providers’ adherence to the guidelines using a new scoring system.

Results

The PPV of identifying sarcoidosis cases in VA EMR using ICD codes only was 71% (95%CI=64.7%-77.3%). The inclusion of our construct of “index of suspicion” along with the ICD codes significantly increased the PPV to 90% (95%CI=85.2%-94.6%). The care of sarcoidosis patients was more likely to be classified as “Fully” or “Substantially” adherent with the ATS practice guideline if their managing provider was a specialist (45% of primary care providers vs. 74% of specialists; P=0.008).

Conclusions

Although ICD codes can be used as reasonable classifiers to identify sarcoidosis cases within EMR, using computational algorithms to extract clinical and radiographic information (“index of suspicion”) from unstructured data could significantly improve case identification accuracy.

Highlights

Identifying sarcoidosis cases using diagnostic codes in EMR has low accuracy.

“Unstructured data” contain information useful in identifying cases of sarcoidosis.

Computational algorithms could improve the accuracy and efficiency of case identification in EMR.

We introduce a new scoring system for assessing healthcare providers’ compliance with the American Thoracic Society (ATS) practice guideline.

Compliance scoring could help automatically assess sarcoidosis patients’ care delivery.
Molecular diagnosis and prognosis of cancers of unknown-primary (CUPs): progress from a microRNA-based droplet digital PCR assay
Authors: Laprovitera Noemi , Riefolo Mattia , Porcellini Elisa , Durante Giorgio , Garajova Ingrid , Vasuri Francesco , Aigelsreiter Ariane , Dandachi Nadia , Benvenuto Giuseppe , Agostinis Federico , Sabbioni Silvia , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Romualdi Chiara , Ardizzoni Andrea , Trerè Davide , Pichler Martin , D’Errico Antonia , Ferracin Manuela
Published: February 2021

Metastasis is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. Particularly challenging is the management of metastatic cancer of unknown primary site (CUP), whose tissue-of-origin (TOO) remains undetermined even after expensive investigations. CUP therapy is rather unspecific and poorly effective. Molecular approaches developed to identify CUPs’ potential tissue-of-origin, can overcome some of these issues. In this study, we applied a pre-determined set of microRNAs (miRNAs) to infer the TOO of 53 metastatic cancers of unknown or uncertain origin. We designed a molecular assay to quantify 89 miRNAs at the copy number level, using EvaGreen-based Droplet Digital PCR. We assessed miRNA expression in 159 samples including primary tumors from 17 tumor classes (reference set), metastases of known and unknown origin. We applied two different statistical models for class prediction to obtain CUP’s most probable TOOs. Specifically, we used the shrunken centroids using PAMR (Prediction Analysis of Microarrays for R) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models. The molecular test was successfully applied to FFPE samples and provided a site-of-origin identification within one-week from the biopsy procedure. The most frequently predicted origins were gastrointestinal, pancreas, breast and lung. The assay was applied to multiple metastases from the same CUP, collected from different metastatic sites: the molecular prediction revealed an impressive agreement in site-of-origin prediction, intrinsically validating our assay. The final prediction was compared with the clinico-pathological hypothesis of primary site. Moreover, a panel of 14 miRNAs proved to have prognostic value and being associated with overall survival. Our study demonstrated that miRNA expression profiling in CUP samples could be employed as diagnostic and prognostic test. Our molecular analysis can be performed on-request, concomitantly with standard diagnostic workup and in association with genetic profiling, to offer valuable indication about the possible primary site, thereby supporting treatment decisions.
Light spectra trigger divergent gene expression in barley cultivars
Authors: Monteagudo Arantxa , del Río Álvaro Rodríguez , Contreras-Moreira Bruno , Kiss Tibor , Mayer Marianna , Karsai Ildikó , Igartua Ernesto , Casas Ana M.
Published: February 2021

Light spectra influence barley development, causing a diverse range of responses among cultivars that are poorly understood. Here, we exposed three barley genotypes with different light sensitivities to two light sources: fluorescent bulbs, over-representing green and red wavebands, and metal halide lamps, with a more balanced spectrum. We used RNA sequencing to identify the main genes and pathways involved in the different responses, and RT-qPCR to validate the expression values. Different grades of sensitivity to light spectra were associated with transcriptional reprogramming, plastid signals, and photosynthesis. The genotypes were especially divergent in the expression of genes regulated by transcription factors from MADS-box, WRKY, and NAC families, and in specific photoreceptors such as phytochromes and cryptochromes. Variations in light spectra also affected the expression of circadian clock, flowering time, and frost tolerance genes, among others, resembling plant responses to temperature. The relation betweenPPD-H1, HvVRN1, andHvFT1expression might explain genotypic differences. Light-sensitive genotypes experienced a partial reversion of the vernalization process and senescence-related stress under the less favorable light quality conditions. The observed light-quality sensitivities reveal a complex mechanism of adaptation to regions with specific light quality features and/or possible regulation of light spectra in plant development during early spring.

Highlight

Development genes were affected by light quality in the barley varieties tested. Different grades of sensitivity were related to the expression of transcription factors, senescence, light signaling and cold-regulated genes.
Proteolysis of fibrillin-2 microfibrils is essential for normal skeletal development
Authors: Mead Timothy J. , Martin Daniel R. , Wang Lauren W. , Cain Stuart A. , Gulec Cagri , Cahill Elisabeth , Mauch Joseph , Reinhardt Dieter P. , Lo Cecilia W. , Baldock Clair , Apte Suneel S.
Published: February 2021

The embryonic extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes transition to mature ECM as development progresses, yet specific transition mechanisms ensuring ECM proteostasis and their regulatory impact are poorly defined. Fibrillin microfibrils are macromolecular ECM complexes serving structural and regulatory roles. In mice,Fbn1andFbn2,encoding major microfibrillar components, are strongly expressed during embryogenesis, but fibrillin-1 is the major component observed in adult tissue microfibrils. Here, analysis of mouseAdamts6andAdamts10mutant embryos, lacking these homologous secreted metalloproteases individually and in combination, along with in vitro analysis of microfibrils, measurement of ADAMTS6-fibrillin affinities and N-terminomics identification of ADAMTS6-cleaved sites, demonstrates a transcriptionally adapted system for fibrillin-2 proteolysis that contributes to postnatal fibrillin-1 dominance. The lack of ADAMTS6, alone and in combination with ADAMTS10 led to excess fibrillin-2 in perichondrium, with impaired skeletal development resulting from a drastic reduction of aggrecan, cartilage link protein and impaired BMP, but not TGFβ signaling in cartilage. Although ADAMTS6 cleaves fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2 as well as fibronectin, which provides the initial scaffold for microfibril assembly, primacy of the protease-substrate relationship between ADAMTS6 and fibrillin-2 was unequivocally established by reversal of these defects inAdamts6-/-embryos by genetic reduction ofFbn2, but notFbn1.
The promiscuous and highly mobile resistome of a superbug
Authors: Hernández-González Ismael , Mateo-Estrada Valeria , Castillo-Ramírez Santiago
Published: February 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a major global threat to public health. Understanding the population dynamics of AR is critical to restrain and control this issue. However, no study has provided a global picture of the resistome ofAcinetobacter baumannii, a very important nosocomial pathogen. Here we analyze 1450+ genomes (covering > 40 countries and > 4 decades) to infer the global population dynamics of the resistome of this species. We show that gene flow and horizontal transfer have driven the dissemination of AR genes inA. baumannii. We found considerable variation in AR gene content across lineages. Although the individual AR gene histories have been affected by recombination, the AR gene content has been shaped by the phylogeny. Furthermore, many AR genes have been transferred to other well-known pathogens, such asPseudomonas aeruginosaorKlebsiella pneumoniae. Finally, despite using this massive data set, we were not able to sample the whole diversity of AR genes, which suggests that this species has an open resistome. Ours results highlight the high mobilization risk of AR genes between important pathogens. On a broader perspective, this study gives a framework for an emerging perspective (resistome-centric) on the genome epidemiology (and surveillance) of bacterial pathogens.
Epigenetic therapy to enhance therapeutic effects of PD-1 inhibition in uveal melanoma
Authors: Sah Vasu R , Jespersen Henrik , Karlsson Joakim , Lindberg Mattias F , Nilsson Lisa M , Ny Lars , Nilsson Jonas A
Published: February 2021

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic skin melanoma but none of the treatments are approved for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (UM). Here we hypothesized that the poor responses to immunotherapy of UM can be enhanced by epigenetic modulation using HDAC or BET inhibitors (BETi). Cultured uveal melanoma cells were treated with the HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) entinostat or BETi JQ1. Entinostat induced HLA expression and PD-L1, but JQ1 did not. A syngenic mouse model carrying B16-F10 melanoma cells were treated with PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, which was curative. Co-treatment with the bioavailable BETi iBET-726 impaired the immunotherapy effect. Monotherapy of a B16-F10 mouse model with anti-PD-1 resulted in a moderate therapeutic effect that could be enhanced by entinostat. Mice carrying PD-L1 knockout B16-F10 cells were also sensitive to entinostat. This suggests HDAC inhibition and immunotherapy could work in concert. Indeed, co-cultures of UM with HLA-matched melanoma-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) resulted in higher TIL-mediated melanoma killing when entinostat was added. Further exploration of combined immunotherapy and epigenetic therapy in metastatic UM is warranted.
Physical properties and proximate composition of Thompson red avocado fruit
Authors: Tan Chin Xuan , Tan Seok Shin , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd , Tan Seok Tyug
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Thompson red avocado is a bright red-coloured fruit when ripe. As the global market for avocado fruit is increasing, this unique avocado variety could potentially be the savory fruit for consumers. The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of different parts of Thomson red avocado fruit.

Design/methodology/approach

Physical parameters were measured using a calibrated digital balance and a vernier caliper. The methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and a calibrated digital pH meter were used to measure the proximate composition and pH values of different fruit parts. Meanwhile, the total soluble solids and titratable acidity were determined using titration methods.

Findings

Thompson red avocado is a medium-sized fruit with an average mass, length and diameter of 216.92 g, 9.50 and 7.20 cm, respectively. The major part of the fruit is pulp (56.01%), followed by seed (33.04%) and peel (10.94%). Each of these fruit parts was further investigated for their proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids. All the fruit parts were found to be low in protein (<1%) and titratable acidity (<0.42%), but high in moisture content (>60%). The pH of these fruit parts was in the range of 5.04–5.59. Compared to the peel and seed, the pulp has the highest crude fat (20.79%), but the lowest ash content (1.47%), total carbohydrates (3.39%) and total soluble solids (7.83 ºBrix).

Originality/value

The physical and chemical properties of the commercial avocado varieties such as Fortuna, Collinson, Hass and Barker are well-documented in the literature. Unlike typical avocado fruits, which change from green into dark black, dark green or deep purplish colour when ripe, Thompson red variety changes into red colour when ripe. As the global market for avocado fruit is increasing, the unique, bright-red-coloured Thompson red avocado could potentially be the savoury fruit for consumers. Previous studies reported the nutritional composition of avocado fruit is affected by variety and geographical locations, but the data on the nutritional profile of Thompson red avocado fruit are scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the physical properties and nutrient contents of Thompson red avocado fruit.
Building codes and regulations for disaster resilience in Bangladesh: the case of Dhaka
Authors: Ahmed Iftekhar , Kabir Md Humayun
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The paper deals with the challenges and opportunities of enabling resilience of the built environment through building regulations and codes in a developing country context. The purpose of this paper is to explore how voluntary compliance can be achieved, drawing from the views of key stakeholders in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is a central hub of more than 20 million people. The city is growing rapidly in an unplanned manner to host the increasing population, creating vulnerability to different hazards including earthquakes, fires and building collapses. The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) and the building and planning regulations of the Capital Development Authority are the key instruments for ensuring safety, but lack of compliance is widespread. The views of relevant stakeholders on issues relating to compliance of safe building codes for ensuring disaster resilience were documented and analysed.

Findings

It was found that those involved in construction activities are in most cases not aware of the BNBC; landowners were reluctant to follow regulations and codes to avoid extra cost; and construction workers were not interested in compliance as there were no incentives. While enforced deterrence is required, it has its limitations in a context such as Dhaka. Raising awareness and building capacity at all levels can offer a way forward for voluntary compliance. Incorporation of knowledge on regulations and codes for disaster resilience into university and technical education curricula are likely to allow developing the capacity of built environment professionals and widespread awareness can be raised through training, media and public events.

Originality/value

There are many publications on building regulations and codes, but few specifically focussing on disaster resilience. Also, much of the discussion on regulations and codes deals with compliance through enforcement, but hardly any deal with the idea of voluntary compliance. There are also a lot of publications on disasters in the case study city, Dhaka, but comparatively few on building codes and regulations specifically for disaster resilience.
Sustainability in higher education: what is happening in Pakistan?
Authors: Habib Muhammad Nauman , Khalil Uzma , Khan Zunnoorain , Zahid Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Sustainability in higher education has gained the attention of researchers and academia; however, there is still a need to explore and assess it from different perspectives that are unexplored. This study aims to evaluate and report sustainability and sustainable development in the higher education sector of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

There are 195 recognized and registered degree awarding institutes in Pakistan. A survey-based study was designed using self-administered questionnaires distributed among the deans of 145 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) using a simple random sampling technique. Responses were recorded using five-point Likert scale. In this study, 74 HEIs participated while 69 responses were complete in all respects and used for data analysis. Responses were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The results show little evidence of sustainability in all areas of HEIs (including; curriculum, research, faculty, stakeholder’s engagement and governance). Sustainability of campus (operations) was evident and, to a certain extent, apparent in outreach activities. The core objective of HEIs is teaching and research, however, HEIs in Pakistan have yet to accommodate sustainability in these core areas. Sustainability in HEIs of Pakistan is in the preliminary and the introductory stage. For the attainment of sustainability in HEIs, comprehensive planning and internal governance are required.

Research limitations/implications

This study was based on a survey to report the overall situation of sustainability in Pakistan’s HEIs. Therefore, it has the limitation of being a descriptive study. Nevertheless, this study contributed to the body of knowledge by reporting sustainability practices from the Pakistani context. This study helped identify critical aspects of sustainability that require the attention of both regulatory authority and top management.

Originality/value

This is a comprehensive study based on extensive research survey techniques to present and report sustainability in higher education in Pakistan. The data collected represents the major HEIs in Pakistan and has contributed to the body of knowledge by presenting the contemporary and contextual situation of sustainability in HEIs of Pakistan.
Customer experience management: asking the right questions
Authors: Hodgkinson Ian R. , Jackson Thomas W. , West Andrew A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Customer experience is more critical than ever to firms’ successes and future growth opportunities. Typically measured through aggregate satisfaction scores, businesses have been criticized for oversimplifying what experience means. The purpose of this study is to provide a new perspective on experience management and offers a novel way forward for customer-centric strategizing.

Design/methodology/approach

Mapping the current digital technologies being used across businesses in all sectors to engage and connect with customers more effectively, this paper outlines some of the fundamental challenges of experience management and future opportunities to enhance business practice.

Findings

Businesses are capturing what they know about customers, rather than what a customer thinks and feels about the firm. Many experience management initiatives create customer pains (not gains), while for businesses, decision-making can be jeopardized by fake customer data. A framework based upon the five experience dimensions is presented for optimal customer-driven decision-making.

Practical implications

Going beyond aggregate satisfaction scores that serve as an output rather than an input into businesses strategizing, the paper presents an actionable framework for targeted investments and enhanced experience management practices.

Originality/value

Businesses are seeking to grow intelligent customer experience analysis capabilities to disrupt traditional business models toward greater customer-centricity and to track the digital spread of positive and negative experiences. Examining how this is being done and where the weaknesses lie by bridging management practice and the scientific literature, this paper provides new knowledge to advance customer-centric strategies for growth and profitability.
Six ways to build circular business models
Authors: Bocken Nancy , Ritala Paavo
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Circular business models can improve resource use in a financially and environmentally feasible way. However, companies struggle to choose among the vast variety of ways to achieve circularity within a business model. The purpose of this paper is to offer a pragmatic guide for making strategic decisions on circular business models.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a conceptual model of six different strategic approaches to circular business models and provides examples to business cases and practice to illustrate these.

Findings

This study identifies two critical strategy choices companies should make. First, an innovation strategy addresses the extent to which circularity is achieved with internal or external stakeholders. Second, a resource strategy addresses how companies achieve circularity by narrowing, slowing or closing resource loops. Using examples from business practice, this study illustrates how the combinations of these two strategies can be used to design competitive circular business models. Key managerial questions are also identified to help decide upon a feasible strategy for circular business model innovation.

Originality/value

While different types of circular business models have been described, it is less clear what the strategic choices are that companies need to make to find feasible business cases for circularity in terms of value proposition, value creation and delivery and value capture. This study outlines these through a “circular business model strategy framework”.
James G. March and management history: the case of government reorganizations
Authors: Schachter Hindy Lauer
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine March and Olsen’s 1983 study of American Government reorganization attempts between 1904 and 1980 in relation to three debates in management history scholarship. Can explorations of the past yield innovative interpretations of the present and future organizational activities? What is the role of multiple perspectives in understanding complex reality? How should management historians react to the differences in power held by various actors in historical scenarios and to the absence of documented evidence of the stances of many traditionally underrepresented groups?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes March and Olsen’s 1983 historical study on federal government reorganizations in relation to twentieth-century political science/public administration scholarship from 1919 to the present showing the unique focus and conclusion of March and Olsen’s work. The paper relates this focus and conclusions to three management questions.

Findings

This analysis shows that March and Olsen’s interpretation of American reorganization has had a significant impact on the work of political scientists studying programs that did not exist in 1983; this impact suggests how historical scholarship can invigorate understanding of current programs. The analysis also gives evidence to support March and Olsen’s focus on the importance of considering multiple perspectives to interpret complex realities. The analysis concludes that despite March’s acknowledging the importance of anti-establishment scholarship, March and Olsen’s 1983 work did not explore the role of power differentials or the voices of the oppressed in government reorganizations.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that it seeks to relate March and Olsen’s work to a scholarship domain where it has not often been considered. Management historians lament that their work and concerns have often been considered peripheral by the greater management field. By showing how a major management theorist such as March used historical analysis to further understanding of contemporary organizations the paper heightens the visibility and importance of management history work.
Evaluation of the Indonesia national strategic policy of science and technology development
Authors: Mustangimah Mustangimah , Putera Prakoso Bhairawa , Zulhamdani Muhammad , Handoyo Setiowiji , Rahayu Sri
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to outline the improvement of framing in Indonesia science and technology policy content, policy formulation model, policy strategy implementation and policy performance indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted by implementing action research model to generate new knowledge as a research interest, through the search for solutions or improvements to problematical situation, applying Soft Systems Methodology. Thus, this research model is regarded as Soft Systems Methodology-based Action Research (SSM-based AR).

Findings

Policy formulation is not evidence based in which policy documents remain theoretical and are impractical or not detailed in engaging real conditions and strategic issues, yet the targets are measurable despite predictive results. Change and strengthening are required in the national science and technology policy for the next period, on the basis that future research policies are encouraged to address problems and solutions to build a country based on science and technology. Indonesia requires policies involving both effective and efficient national research; therefore, the need for an integrated policy direction conveying science and technology and other related sectors, such as the health sector and food, remains vital.

Originality/value

Previously, science and technology policy planning in Indonesia was not equipped with data and indicators of success, having no target to achieve within a five-year period. In the coming periods, science and technology policy documents in Indonesia are issued in the form of government regulations/presidential decrees, including indicators of science and technology achievements (quantitatively) for five years.
Making sense of the individual experience of those who undertake new role development in the workplace
Authors: Thurgate Claire
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to generate an understanding of becoming an assistant practitioner (AP) through a work-based learning programme so that work-based learning programmes are designed and delivered to enable practitioners to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to undertake new roles from within.

Design/methodology/approach

The study, based on the lived experience of developing from a health-care assistant to an AP, was based on the philosophical assumption of understanding an experience at a particular time. Constructivism (Denzin and Lincoln, 2008) provided the conceptual framework and phenomenology of the theoretical perspective. Experiential learning, action, reflection and professional knowledge framed the literature review to inform understanding at the commencement of the study. Eight participants were selected, through purposive sampling, from one acute NHS Trust in South East England. Their matron and mentor were interviewed for contextualisation. Interviews occurred at 3 stages, 4 months after commencing the foundation degree (FD), 16 months after commencing the FD and 6 months after completing the FD. Each transcript was considered before moving to the next transcript, this allowed super-ordinate themes to be considered within groups before ascertaining similarities and differences across groups. The emergent and super-ordinate themes were synthesised to inform three over-arching super-ordinate themes.

Findings

The following over-arching super-ordinate themes emerged from the analysis of the participants’ transcripts from the three phases of the study: recognising the transition; the transition was not linear but was complex and influenced by the individuals’ behaviour, their ability to reflect and take action and to demonstrate professional knowledge. Supporting the journey; the workplace culture needed to support experiential learning and provide time and space to facilitate reflection. Being an AP; a change in professional knowledge and behaviour resulted in enhanced confidence and self-belief and the ability to be an AP.

Originality/value

This study, based on the lived experience of developing from a health-care assistant to the AP, where participants remained in their place of work rather than undertake placements which is a requirement of regulated programmes, demonstrated that individuals need to recognise the consequences of the behaviours, engage in experiential learning, take action and demonstrate a change in professional knowledge.
Exploring the relationship between cultural intelligence and employees demographic profiles: insights gained from a cross-cultural study in Oman
Authors: Rajasekar James , Al-Asfour Ahmed , Kentiba Efrem
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between cultural intelligence (CQ) and adult demographic profiles in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-cultural study used a self-reported demographic and a 20-item CQ scale. The demographic and CQ level of 287 adults working in Oman from different countries was evaluated.

Findings

The mean total CQ score of adults working in Oman was 4.77 + 1.53. Out of the four dimensions, this study founds higher values relating to motivational CQ followed by metacognitive and behavioral CQ with mean scores 5.22 + 1.53, 5.13 + 1.57 and 4.59 + 1.54, respectively. Significance, between-group differences (gender, age, job level, sector type, education level, nationality and study abroad), were observed in metacognitive and motivational dimensions of CQ (p < 0.001). All the regression models are significant, indicating that they express a meaningful relationship between each of the dependent variables and the variables in the model. The total CQ model explains 10.7% of the variance.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study provide additional insight to researchers in identifying the demographic profiles which predict the level of total CQ. The use of a longitudinal design to further confirm the results of this study is proposed.

Practical implications

The study helps practicing managers to understand the implications of cultural Intelligence and how it influences employee behavior from the perspectives of demographic perspectives.

Originality/value

The CQ levels of adults working in Oman vary according to their demographic profiles and the demographic profiles predict the CQ levels.