bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Intratumor Heterogeneity by Key Genes Selected using Concrete Autoencoder
Authors: Tanvir Raihanul Bari , Mamun Abdullah Al , Sobhan Masrur , Mondal Ananda Mohan
Published: September 2021

The tumor cell population in cancer tissue has distinct molecular characteristics and exhibits different phenotypes, thus, resulting in different subpopulations. This phenomenon is known as Intratumor Heterogeneity (ITH), a major contributor to drug resistance, poor prognosis, etc. Therefore, quantifying the levels of ITH in cancer patients is essential, and many algorithms do so in different ways, using different types of omics data. DEPTH (Deviating gene Expression Profiling Tumor Heterogeneity) is the latest algorithm that uses transcriptomic data to evaluate the ITH score. It shows promising performance, has strong similarity with six other algorithms and has an advantage over two algorithms that uses the same type of data (tITH, sITH). However, it has a major drawback since it uses expression values of all the genes (∼20K genes) in quantifying ITH levels. We hypothesize that a subset of key genes is sufficient to quantify the ITH level. To prove our hypothesis, we developed a deep learning-based computational framework using unsupervised Concrete Autoencoder (CAE) to select a set of cancer-specific key genes that can be used to evaluate the ITH score. For the experiment, we used gene expression profile data of tumor cohorts of breast, kidney, and lung cancer from the TCGA repository. Using multi-run CAE, we selected three sets of key genes, each set related to breast, kidney, and lung tumor cohorts. For the three cancers stated and three molecular subtypes of lung cancer, we calculated the ITH level using all genes and key genes selected by CAE and performed a side-by-side comparison. We could reach similar conclusions for survival and prognostic outcomes based on ITH scores derived from all genes and the sets of key genes. Additionally, for subtypes of lung cancer, the comparative distribution of ITH scores derived from all and key genes remains similar. Based on these observations, it can be stated that a subset of key genes, instead of all genes, is sufficient for ITH quantification. Our results also showed that many key genes are prognostically significant, which can be used as possible therapeutic targets.
An evolutionarily ancient Fatty Acid Desaturase is required for the synthesis of hexadecatrienoic acid, which is the main source of the bioactive jasmonate inMarchantia polymorpha
Authors: Soriano Gonzalo , Kneeshaw Sophie , Jimenez-Alemán Guillermo , Zamarreño Angel M. , Franco-Zorrilla José Manuel , Rey-Stolle Valcarce Mª Fernanda , Barbas Coral , García-Mina Jose M. , Solano Roberto
Published: September 2021

Jasmonates are fatty acid derived hormones that regulate multiple aspects of plant development, growth and stress responses. Bioactive jasmonates, defined as the ligands of the conserved COI1 receptor, differ between vascular plants and bryophytes (using jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine; JA-Ile and dinor-12-oxo-10,15(Z)-phytodienoic acid; dn-OPDA, respectively). Whilst the biosynthetic pathways of JA-Ile in the model vascular plantArabidopsis thalianahave been elucidated, the details of dn-OPDA biosynthesis in bryophytes are still unclear. Here, we identify an ortholog ofArabidopsisFatty Acid Desaturase 5 (AtFAD5) in the model liverwortMarchantia polymorphaand show that FAD5 function is ancient and conserved between species separated by more than 450 million years of independent evolution. Similar to AtFAD5, MpFAD5 is required for the synthesis of 7Z-hexadecenoic acid. Consequently, in Mpfad5mutants the hexadecanoid pathway is blocked, dn-OPDA levels almost completely depleted and normal chloroplast development is impaired. Our results demonstrate that the main source of dn-OPDA inMarchantiais the hexadecanoid pathway and the contribution of the octadecanoid pathway, i.e. from OPDA, is minimal. Remarkably, despite extremely low levels of dn-OPDA, MpCOI1-mediated responses to wounding and insect feeding can still be activated in Mpfad5, suggesting that dn-OPDA is not the only bioactive jasmonate and COI1 ligand inMarchantia.
Library-based analysis reveals segment and length dependent characteristics of defective influenza genomes
Authors: Mendes Marisa , Russell Alistair B.
Published: September 2021

Parasitic elements of the viral population which are unable to replicate on their own yet rise to high frequencies, defective interfering particles are found in a variety of different viruses. Their presence is associated with a loss of population fitness, both through the depletion of key cellular resources and the stimulation of innate immunity. For influenza A virus, these particles contain large internal deletions in the genomic segments which encode components of the heterotrimeric polymerase. Using a library-based approach, we comprehensively profile the growth and replication of defective influenza species, demonstrating that they possess an advantage during genome replication, and that exclusion during packaging reshapes population composition in a manner consistent with their final, observed, distribution in natural populations. We find that an innate immune response is not linked to the size of a deletion; however, replication of defective segments can enhance their immunostimulatory properties. Overall, our results address several key questions in defective influenza A virus biology, and the methods we have developed to answer those questions may be broadly applied to other defective viruses.
Development of spontaneous firing of fusiform neurons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus of mice occurs after hearing onset
Authors: Benites Nikollas M. , Rodrigues Beatriz , Silveira Carlos H. , Leão Ricardo M.
Published: September 2021

The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) in the auditory brainstem integrates auditory and somatosensory information. Mature fusiform neurons express two qualitative intrinsic states in equal proportions: quiet, with no spontaneous regular action potential firing, or active, with regular spontaneous action potential firing. However, how these firing states and other electrophysiological properties of fusiform neurons develop during early postnatal days to adulthood is not known. Thus, we recorded fusiform neurons from mice from P4 to P21 and analyzed their electrophysiological properties. In the pre-hearing phase (P4-P13), we found that fusiform neurons are mostly quiet, with the active state emerging after hearing onset at P14. Subthreshold properties present more variations before hearing onset, while action potential properties vary more after P14, developing bigger, shorter, and faster action potentials. Interestingly, the activity threshold is more depolarized in pre-hearing cells suggesting that persistent sodium current (INaP) increases its expression after hearing. In fact, INaP increases its expression after hearing, accordingly with the development of active neurons. Thus, we suggest that the post-hearing expression of INaP creates the active state of the fusiform neuron. At the same time, other changes refine the passive membrane properties and increase the speed of action potential firing of fusiform neurons.
Prevalent uses and evolution of exonic regulatory sequences in the human genome
Authors: Chen Jing , Ni Pengyu , Niu Meng , Guo Jun-tao , Su Zhengsheng
Published: September 2021

Background

It has long been known that exons can be used as cis-regulatory sequences such as enhancers. However, the prevalence of such dual-use of exons and how they evolve remain elusive. Our recently predicted highly accurate, large sets of cis-regulatory module candidates (CRMCs) and non-CRMCs in the human genome positioned us to address these questions.

Results

We found that exonic transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) occupied at least a third of the total exon lengths, and 96.7% of genes had exonic TFBSs. Both A/T and C/G in exonic TFBSs are more likely under evolutionary constraints than those in non-CRMC exons. Interestingly, exonic TFBSs in codons tend to encode loops rather than more critical helices and strands in protein structures, while exonic TFBSs in untranslated regions (UTRs) tend to avoid positions where known UTR-related functions are located. Moreover, active exonic TFBSs tend to be in close physical proximity to distal promoters whose immediately downstream genes have elevated transcription levels, suggesting that they might be involved in transcriptional regulation of target genes. It is highly possible that less critical positions in an exon that is physically close to a promoter can evolve into a TFBS when no non-exonic sequences are physically available to the promoter.

Conclusions

Exonic TFBSs might be more prevalent than originally thought and are likely in dual-use. Possible detrimental effects caused by such dual-use can be reduced by using less critical exonic positions. We proposed a parsimonious model to explain how a stretch of codons evolve into a TFBS.
Dominant carnivore loss benefits native avian and invasive mammalian scavengers
Authors: Fielding Matthew W. , Cunningham Calum X. , Buettel Jessie C. , Stojanovic Dejan , Jones Menna E. , Brook Barry W.
Published: September 2021

Scavenging by large carnivores is integral for ecosystem functioning by limiting the build-up of carrion and facilitating widespread energy flows. However, top carnivores have declined across the world, triggering trophic shifts within ecosystems. In this study, we use a natural ‘removal experiment’ of disease-driven decline and island extirpation of native mammalian (marsupial) carnivores to investigate top-down control on utilisation of experimentally placed carcasses by two mesoscavengers – the invasive feral cat and native forest raven. Ravens were the main beneficiary of carnivore loss, scavenging for five times longer in the absence of native mammalian carnivores. Cats scavenged on almost half of all carcasses in the region without dominant native carnivores. This was eight times more than in areas where other carnivores were at high densities. In the absence of native mammalian carnivores, all carcasses persisted in the environment for 3 weeks. Our results reveal the efficiency of carrion consumption by mammalian scavengers. These services are not readily replaced by less-efficient facultative scavengers. This demonstrates the significance of global carnivore conservation and supports novel management approaches, such as rewilding in areas where the natural suite of carnivores is missing.
SARS-CoV-2 originated from SARS-CoV-1-related Bat-CoVs through Pan-CoVs rather than from SARS-CoV-2-related Bat-CoVs
Authors: Desingu Perumal Arumugam , Nagarajan K.
Published: September 2021

The emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 sparked a dispute concerning its origin. Here, we report that the SARS-CoV-2 originated through pangolin-coronavirus (Pan-CoVs) from the SARS-CoV-related-bat-coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-1-rB-CoVs) rather than from SARS-CoV-2-related-bat-coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2-rB-CoVs), in contrast to the previous thought. Further, our analyses strongly suggest that the Pan-CoVs evolved from the SARS-CoV-1-rB-CoVs without recombination. Further, our results suggest that the SARS-CoV-1-rB-CoVs’ perhaps jumped into the pangolin, which forced the viruses to mutate and adapt to the new host, and resulted in the origin of Pan-CoVs. Surprisingly, the Pan-CoVs formed an evolutionary intermediate between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2-rB-CoVs at the spike gene. Our findings also suggest that the Pan-CoV/GX and Pan-CoV/Guangdong lineages recombined to form the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene. We also found evidence that the SARS-CoV-2-rB-CoVs spike gene evolved via recombination between Pan-CoV/Guangdong and SARS-CoV-1-rB-CoVs. Overall, our findings suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 emerged from SARS-CoV-1-rB-CoVs through host jumping.
Assembly formation is stabilized by Parvalbumin neurons and accelerated by Somatostatin neurons
Authors: Lagzi Fereshteh , Bustos Martha Canto , Oswald Anne-Marie , Doiron Brent
Published: September 2021

Learning entails preserving the features of the external world in the neuronal representations of the brain, and manifests itself in the form of strengthened interactions between neurons within assemblies. Hebbian synaptic plasticity is thought to be one mechanism by which correlations in spiking promote assembly formation during learning. While spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) rules for excitatory synapses have been well characterized, inhibitory STDP rules remain incomplete, particularly with respect to sub-classes of inhibitory interneurons. Here, we report that in layer 2/3 of the orbitofrontal cortex of mice, inhibition from parvalbumin (PV) interneurons onto excitatory (E) neurons follows a symmetric STDP function and mediates homeostasis in E-neuron firing rates. However, inhibition from somatostatin (SOM) interneurons follows an asymmetric, Hebbian STDP rule. We incorporate these findings in both large scale simulations and mean-field models to investigate how these differences in plasticity impact network dynamics and assembly formation. We find that plasticity of SOM inhibition builds lateral inhibitory connections and increases competition between assemblies. This is reflected in amplified correlations between neurons within assembly and anti-correlations between assemblies. An additional finding is that the emergence of tuned PV inhibition depends on the interaction between SOM and PV STDP rules. Altogether, we show that incorporation of differential inhibitory STDP rules promotes assembly formation through competition, while enhanced inhibition both within and between assemblies protects new representations from degradation after the training input is removed.
Myelin speeds cortical oscillations by consolidating phasic parvalbumin-mediated inhibition
Authors: Dubey Mohit , Pascual-Garcia Maria , Helmes Koke , Wever Dennis D. , Hamada Mustafa S. , Kushner Steven A. , Kole Maarten H. P.
Published: September 2021

Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons are critically involved in producing rapid network oscillations and cortical microcircuit computations but the significance of PV+ axon myelination to the temporal features of inhibition remains elusive. Here using toxic and genetic models of demyelination and dysmyelination, respectively, we find that loss of compact myelin reduces PV+ interneuron presynaptic terminals, increases failures and the weak phasic inhibition of pyramidal neurons abolishes optogenetically driven gamma oscillations in vivo. Strikingly, during periods of quiet wakefulness selectively theta rhythms are amplified and accompanied by highly synchronized interictal epileptic discharges. In support of a causal role of impaired PV-mediated inhibition, optogenetic activation of myelin-deficient PV+ interneurons attenuated the power of slow theta rhythms and limited interictal spike occurrence. Thus, myelination of PV axons is required to consolidate fast inhibition of pyramidal neurons and enable behavioral state-dependent modulation of local circuit synchronization.
CRISPR screens identify gene targets and drug repositioning opportunities at breast cancer risk loci
Authors: Tuano Natasha K , Beesley Jonathan , Manning Murray , Shi Wei , Malaver-Ortega Luis F , Paynter Jacob , Black Debra , Civitarese Andrew , McCue Karen , Hatzipantelis Aaron , Hillman Kristine , Kaufmann Susanne , Sivakumaran Haran , Polo Jose M , Reddel Roger , Band Vimla , French Juliet D , Edwards Stacey L , Powell David , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Rosenbluh Joseph
Published: September 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >200 loci associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. The majority of candidate causal variants (CCVs) are in non-coding regions and are likely to modulate cancer risk by regulating gene expression. We recently developed a scoring system, INQUISIT, to predict candidate risk genes at BC-risk loci. Here, we used pooled CRISPR activation and suppression screens to validate INQUISIT predictions, and to define the cancer phenotypes they mediate. We measured proliferation in 2D, 3D, and in immune-deficient mice, as well as the effect on the DNA damage response. We performed 60 CRISPR screens and identified 21 high-confidence INQUISIT predictions that mediate a cancer phenotype. We validated the direct regulation of a subset of genes by BC-risk variants using HiCHIP and CRISPRqtl. Furthermore, we show the utility of expression profiling for drug repurposing against these targets. We provide a platform for identifying gene targets of risk variants, and lay a blueprint of interventions for BC risk reduction and treatment.
MTCL2 promotes asymmetric microtubule organization by crosslinking microtubules on the Golgi membrane
Authors: Matsuoka Risa , Miki Masateru , Mizuno Sonoko , Ito Yurina , Yamada Chihiro , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: September 2021

The Golgi complex plays an active role in organizing asymmetric microtubule arrays essential for polarized vesicle transport. The coiled-coil protein MTCL1 stabilizes microtubules nucleated from the Golgi membrane. Here, we report an MTCL1 paralog, MTCL2, which preferentially acts on the perinuclear microtubules accumulated around the Golgi. MTCL2 associates with the Golgi membrane through the N-terminal coiled-coil region and directly binds microtubules through the conserved C-terminal domain without promoting microtubule stabilization. Knockdown of MTCL2 significantly impaired microtubule accumulation around the Golgi as well as the compactness of the Golgi ribbon assembly structure. Given that MTCL2 forms parallel oligomers through homo-interaction of the central coiled-coil motifs, our results indicate that MTCL2 promotes asymmetric microtubule organization by crosslinking microtubules on the Golgi membrane. Results of in vitro wound healing assays further suggest that this function of MTCL2 enables integration of the centrosomal and Golgi-associated microtubules on the Golgi membrane, supporting directional migration. Additionally, the results demonstrated the involvement of CLASPs and giantin in mediating the Golgi association of MTCL2.
BMSC-Derived Exosomal MiRNAs Can Modulate Bone Restoration in Diabetic Rats with Femoral Defects
Authors: Wang Ning , Liu Xuanchen , Tang Zhen , Wei Xinghui , Dong Hui , Liu Yichao , Wu Hao , Wu Zhigang , Li Xiaokang , Ma Xue , Guo Zheng
Published: September 2021

The exosomal miRNAs of BMSCs participate in hyperglycemia induced poor healing of bone defects. Here, we demonstrate that exosomes derived from BMSCs harvested from diabetes mellitus(DM) rats suppressed bone formation when administered to normal rats with bone defects. Using high-throughput sequencing analysis of microRNA molecules, high miR-140-3p levels were expressed in exosomes released by N-BMSCs. Using TargetScan software and luciferase activity assays,plxnb1was identified as the downstream molecular target of exosomal miR-140-3p that regulated osteogenesis. Transplantation of exosomes that overexpressed miR-140-3p into DM rats promoted the restoration of bone defects. Furthermore, miR-140-3p significantly promoted the differentiation of DM-BMSCs into osteoblasts and inhibited the expression p-RohA and p-ROCK in the plexin B1 signaling pathway. Taken together, these observations suggest that DM decreases the levels of exosomal miR-140-3p, which impedes bone formation and the differentiation of BMSCs. MiR-140-3p may represent a potential therapeutic target for DM related to abnormal bone metabolism.
Can two wrongs make a right? F508del-CFTR ion channel rescue by second-site mutations in its transmembrane domains
Authors: Prins Stella , Corradi Valentina , Sheppard David N. , Tieleman D. Peter , Vergani Paola
Published: September 2021

Deletion of phenylalanine 508 (F508del), in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel, is the most common cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). F508 is located on nucleotide-binding domain 1 (NBD1) in contact with cytosolic extensions of transmembrane helices, in particular intracellular loop 4 (ICL4). We carried out a mutagenesis scan of ICL4 by introducing five or six second-site mutations at eleven positions in cis with F508del, and quantifying changes in membrane proximity and ion-channel function of CFTR. The scan strongly validated the effectiveness of R1070W at rescuing F508del defects. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted two features characterizing the ICL4/NBD1 interface of F508del/R1070W-CFTR: flexibility, with frequent transient formation of interdomain hydrogen bonds, and loosely stacked aromatic sidechains, (F1068, R1070W, and F1074, mimicking F1068, F508 and F1074 in wild-type CFTR). F508del-CFTR had a distorted aromatic stack, with F1068 displaced towards space vacated by F508. In F508del/R1070F-CFTR, which largely retained F508del defects, R1070F could not form hydrogen bonds, and the interface was less flexible. Other ICL4 second-site mutations which partially rescued F508del-CFTR are F1068M and F1074M. Methionine side chains allow hydrophobic interactions without the steric rigidity of aromatic rings, possibly conferring flexibility to accommodate the absence of F508 and retain a dynamic interface. Finally, two mutations identified in a yeast scan (A141S and R1097T, on adjacent transmembrane helices linked to ICL1 and ICL4) also partially rescued F508del-CFTR function. These studies highlight the importance of hydrophobic interactions and conformational flexibility at the ICL4/NBD1 interface, advancing understanding of the structural underpinning of F508del dysfunction.
The birth-and-death evolution of cytochrome P450 genes in bees
Authors: Darragh Kathy , Nelson David R. , Ramírez Santiago R.
Published: September 2021

The birth-and-death model of multigene family evolution describes how families can expand by duplication and contract by gene deletion and formation of pseudogenes. The phylogenetic stability of a gene is thought to be related to the degree of functional importance. However, it is unclear how much evolution of a gene in a gene family is driven by adaptive versus neutral processes. The cytochrome P450s are one of the most diverse and well-studied multigene families, involved in both physiological and xenobiotic functions. Bees have a high toxin exposure due to their diet of nectar and pollen, as well as the resin-collecting behavior exhibited by some bees. Here, we describe the P450s of the orchid bee Euglossa dilemma. Orchid bees are a neotropical clade in which males form perfume bouquets used in courtship displays by collecting a diverse set of volatile compounds, resulting in high chemical compound exposure. We conducted phylogenetic and selection analyses across ten bee species encompassing three bee families. We do not find a relationship between the ecology of a bee species and its P450 repertoire. Our analyses reveal that P450 clades can be classified into stable and unstable clades, and that genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism are more likely to belong to unstable clades. Furthermore, we find that unstable clades are under more dynamic evolutionary pressures, with signals of adaptive evolution detected, suggesting that both gene duplication and positive selection driving sequence divergence have played a role in the diversification of bee P450s. Our works highlights the complexity of multigene family evolution which does not always follow generalized predictions.

Significance statement

Gene family evolution is characterized by deletion and duplication, but it is unclear if this is driven by adaptive or neutral evolutionary processes. To investigate the dynamics of gene family evolution we analyze the P450s of ten bee species, a well-studied gene family involved in both physiological and detoxification roles. We find that genes involved in detoxification are more likely to belong to unstable clades, exhibit dynamic evolutionary pressures, and show signals of adaptive evolution. However, we do not find evidence for a relationship between resin collection or sociality, and the P450 repertoire of a bee species. Our findings highlight the complexity of multigene family evolution which does not always follow generalized predictions.
Effective expression analysis using gene interaction matrices and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Pillai Arvind , Grabowski Piotr , John Bino
Published: September 2021

Artificial intelligence recently experienced a renaissance with the advancement of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). CNNs require spatially meaningful matrices (e.g., image data) with recurring patterns, limiting its applicability to high-throughput omics data. We present GIM, a simple, CNN-ready framework for omics data to detect both individual and network-level entities of biological importance. Using gene expression data, we show that GIM-CNNs can outperform comparable neural networks in performance and their design facilitates network-level interpretability. GIM-CNNs provide a means to discover novel disease-relevant factors beyond individual genes and their expression, factors that are likely missed by standard differential gene expression approaches.
A G-lectin Receptor Kinase is a Negative Regulator of Arabidopsis Immunity Against Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Zhou Dongmei , Godinez-Vidal Damaris , He Jiangman , Teixeira Marcella , Guo Jingzhe , Wei Lihui , Van Norman Jaimie M. , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: September 2021

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., RKN) are responsible for extensive crop losses worldwide. For infection, they penetrate plant roots, migrate between plant cells, and establish feeding sites, known as giant cells, in the root pericycle. Previously, we found that nematode perception and early plant responses were similar to those for microbial pathogens and require the BAK1 co-receptor in Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato. To identify additional receptors involved in this process, we implemented a reverse genetic screen for resistance or sensitivity to RKN using Arabidopsis T-DNA alleles of genes encoding transmembrane receptor-like kinases. This screen identified a pair of allelic mutations with enhanced resistance to RKN in a gene we named ENHANCED RESISTANCE TO NEMATODES 1 (ERN1). ERN1 encodes a G-type lectin receptor kinase (G-LecRK) with a single pass transmembrane domain. Further characterization showed that ern1 mutants displayed stronger activation of MAP kinases, elevated levels of the defense marker MYB51, and enhanced H202 accumulation in roots upon RKN elicitor treatments. Elevated MYB51 expression and ROS burst were also observed in leaves of ern1 mutants upon flg22 treatment. Complementation of ern1.1 with 35S- or native promotor-driven ERN1 rescued the RKN infection and enhanced defense phenotypes. Taken together, our results indicate that ERN1 is an important negative regulator of immunity.

One sentence summary

A plasma membrane localized G-lectin receptor kinase acts as a negative immune regulator by interfering with defense responses activated by nematode and microbial elicitors.
Are andragogy and heutagogy the secret recipe for transdisciplinary entrepreneurship education?
Authors: Martínez Lizbeth , Muñoz Jaime
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to construct an entrepreneurship educational pattern applicable to all disciplines at the undergraduate level. The proposal focusses on two-course models of transdisciplinary entrepreneurship education (TEE), which involve andragogy and heutagogy as the basis of entrepreneurial competency development.

Design/methodology/approach

The competencies acquired during the proposed course models for TEE are analysed through Bayesian methods. The study is conducted using 400 opinions of students from Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico City.

Findings

The proposed TEE models are auspicious for establishing an educational pattern to develop entrepreneurship competencies in undergraduate students with the independence of their school of origin.

Originality/value

Nowadays, universities recognise the importance of providing entrepreneurship education as part of their mission. However, well-defined canons to guide such teaching are still non-existent. This paper fills a gap on what and how to teach TEE. By providing a new competency classification based on soft and technical skills, the authors contribute to the pattern of what to teach in entrepreneurship. The authors provide guidance on the teaching methods for TEE through two-course models based on andragogy and heutagogy. Moreover, their efficacy is measured using the students’ perception of the acquired competencies and their usefulness.
Funding health in developing countries: foreign aid, FDI, or personal remittances?
Authors: Abraham Rebecca , Tao Zhi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper presents three models of funding health care in 130 developing countries, based upon a public system, a private system and personal remittances.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors trace the funding of health from foreign aid to health funding and health outcomes in the public system, foreign direct investment to health funding in the private system, and personal remittances to health outcomes. This is followed by panel data, fixed effects models subjected to 2-, 3- and 4-stage least squares regressions.

Findings

Findings from the first model were that aid in the form of Technical Cooperation Grants funded Infrastructure. Infrastructure Spending due to aid funds Government Health Plans, which reduced the Incidence of Tuberculosis, which in turn reduced Undernourishment and increases Life Expectancy. Other positive health outcomes included reduced Birth Rate and reduced Maternal Mortality. In the second model, Foreign Direct Investment increased Female Employment and GDP per Person, funding Private Health Plans, which increase Life Expectancy, reduced Undernourishment, increased Skilled Care at Birth, increased the Number of Hospital Beds, reduced Maternal Mortality and increased the Birth Rate. In the third model, Remittances influenced both Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses and Private Plans.

Social implications

Publicly funded programs may be directed to nutrition, increasing life expectancy. Private funding may be directed to improving maternal conditions, with remittances removing the liquidity constraints.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to trace health funding from its sources of foreign aid, foreign direct investment and personal remittances using three separate paths.
Vision-based target point tracking and aiming method
Authors: Liang Xiao Bo , Qu Xinghua , Zhang YuanJun , Xu Lianyin , Zhang Fumin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Laser absolute distance measurement has the characteristics of high precision, wide range and non-contact. In laser ranging system, tracking and aiming measurement point is the precondition of automatic measurement. To solve this problem, this paper aims to propose a novel method.

Design/methodology/approach

For the central point of the hollow angle coupled mirror, this paper proposes a method based on correlation filtering and ellipse fitting. For non-cooperative target points, this paper proposes an extraction method based on correlation filtering and feature matching. Finally, a visual tracking and aiming system was constructed by combining the two-axis turntable, and experiments were carried out.

Findings

The target tracking algorithm has an accuracy of 91.15% and a speed of 19.5 frames per second. The algorithm can adapt to the change of target scale and short-term occlusion. The mean error and standard deviation of the center point extraction of the hollow Angle coupling mirror are 0.20 and 0.09 mm. The mean error and standard deviation of feature points matching for non-cooperative target were 0.06 mm and 0.16 mm. The visual tracking and aiming system can track a target running at a speed of 0.7 m/s, aiming error mean is 1.74 pixels and standard deviation is 0.67 pixel.

Originality/value

The results show that this method can achieve fast and high precision target tracking and aiming and has great application value in laser ranging.
Does the indicator of relative need (IoRN2) tool improve inter-professional conversations?
Authors: Barron Wendy , Gifford Elaine , Knight Peter , Rainey Helen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper provides an overview of an improvement project that explored whether the implementation of IoRN2, a validated freely available tool designed for any health or social care professional to use, resulted in improved conversations across professions within an integrated rehabilitative reablement service.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative descriptive evaluative approach was applied underpinned by quality improvement Lean and Total Quality Management (TQM) to capture perceptions, variables and IoRN2 value-add. Professionals' (N = 8) across Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Social Work, Quality Improvement and Support Workers participated in one-to-one semi-structured <1 h interviews. Recurring themes and experiences were identified.

Findings

IoRN2 improved collaborative conversations. The evaluation of the tool demonstrated greatest impact when all professionals were IoRN2 trained. Participants, regardless of profession, believed that their conversations, professional relationships and outcomes improved when using IoRN2. When differing judgments arose with colleagues who were not IoRN2 trained, fear and tension emerged around trust, cultural manners and power play causing disconnects. Incorporating IoRN2 led to psychologically safe environments where trust, confidence and motivation to explore new creative conversations enhanced strength-based outcomes and helped to generate transformational change.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size offered transferable learning worthy of larger future study. The project lead was also the reablement service manager, which may have generated unintended influence.

Originality/value

IoRN2 has the potential to improve how HSC professionals converse, acting as a catalytic tool for system-level integration, transformation and sustainable improvement.
Differences between professionals’ views on patient safety culture in long-term and acute care? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liukka Mari , Hupli Markku , Turunen Hannele
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess how patient safety culture and incident reporting differs across different professional groups and between long-term and acute care. The Hospital Survey On Patient Safety Culture (HSPOSC) questionnaire was used to assess patient safety culture. Data from the organizations’ incident reporting system was also used to determine the number of reported patient safety incidents.

Design/methodology/approach

Patient safety culture is part of the organizational culture and is associated for example to rate of pressure ulcers, hospital-acquired infections and falls. Managers in health-care organizations have the important and challenging responsibility of promoting patient safety culture. Managers generally think that patient safety culture is better than it is.

Findings

Based on statistical analysis, acute care professionals’ views were significantly positive in 8 out of 12 composites. Managers assessed patient safety culture at a higher level than other professional groups. There were statistically significant differences (p = 0.021) in frequency of events reported between professional groups and between long-term and acute care (p = 0.050). Staff felt they did not get enough feedback about reported incidents.

Originality/value

The study reveals differences in safety culture between acute care and long-term care settings, and between professionals and managers. The staff felt that they did not get enough feedback about reported incidents. In the future, education should take these factors into consideration.
Socially responsible supply chain initiatives and their outcomes: a taxonomy of manufacturing companies
Authors: Picasso Fernando Gonçalves , Biazzin Cristiane , Paiva Ely Laureano , Beal Partyka Raul
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a taxonomy based on socially responsible practices across supply chains. The authors compare and contrast different socially responsible initiatives in manufacturing supply chains and their effect on economic performance, socially responsible outcomes and manufacturing costs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on survey data collected in 262 manufacturing plants located in 15 countries. Cluster analysis is conducted to develop the research taxonomy. Moreover, socially responsible initiatives were compared on a country level. Finally, multiple regressions were performed to identify associations between performance, manufacturing and socially responsible variables.

Findings

The taxonomy was constructed based on four socially responsible corporate dimensions (legal, ethical, discretionary and economic). The results identified three clusters of manufacturing organizations that adopt different approaches to socially responsible initiatives across supply chains and their performance.

Originality/value

Previous studies explored the elements and the impacts of the go-no-go decisions in the intersection between CSR and the supply chain. The present study brings new insights by analyzing how socially responsible initiatives in supply chains and their performance are different. Moreover, the sample encompasses 15 countries, and it proposes a taxonomy and directions to support the managers’ decision-making process.
A study of elementary teacher’s perspectives on professional development for social studies
Authors: Perrotta Katherine
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain perspectives from pre-service and in-service elementary teachers about challenges they face when teaching social studies, and how their participation in a content-based professional development opportunity can support their preparedness for social studies instruction. Five speakers who were experts in topics such as Native American history, historical preservation, women's history and the Constitution were featured at this workshop.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study methodology with both descriptive and explanatory data collection and analysis methods, which were inclusive of surveys and focus group sessions, was implemented. The National Council for the Social Studies (2017) Powerful and Authentic Social Studies framework was applied in order to examine whether elementary in-service and pre-service teachers participation in this content-focused professional development impacted their preparedness to teach social studies.

Findings

Major findings show that content-specific professional development can support pre-service and in-service elementary teachers' preparation to teach social studies through analysis of historical topics and contemporary issues, as well as mitigate challenges with regard to limited time dedicated to social studies instruction.

Originality/value

In light of the Senate's debate on passing the Educating for Democracy Act concerning funding for civics and history education, the originality of this study highlights the continued need for scholarship on how partnerships between colleges of education, school districts and local educational agencies to provide content-focused professional development can support elementary teachers' ambitious social studies instruction, which can foster greater understandings of historical content and civic participation in democratic society.
Does trust in e-government influence the performance of e-government? An integration of information system success model and public value theory
Authors: Abdulkareem Abdulrazaq Kayode , Mohd Ramli Razlini
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the usefulness of trust in e-government to influence the use and success of e-government services within the context of the information system (IS) success model and public value theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposed a conceptual model comprising 17 hypotheses tested using structural equation modelling-partial least squares. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 369 e-government users from Nigeria.

Findings

The results show that trust in e-government is directly influenced by all information quality, service quality and actual use. Also, trust in e-government predicts the public value of e-government, among other variables. Trust in e-government mediates the relationship between the quality dimensions and the public value of e-government. Also, the quality dimensions predict the actual use and user satisfaction with e-government. The most significant effect was established in the relationship between trust in e-government and the public value of e-government.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a targeted and small sample size compared to the teledensity of Nigeria, limiting analysis that might influence the relevance of the variables’ relationships. Other individual characteristics such as self-efficacy and access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital literacy were not included in the study.

Practical implications

It is expected that public service managers and ICT implementers would learn and take advantage of the system’s strengths and limitations and resolve expectations to enhance its value.

Originality/value

This study extended the DeLone and Mclean IS success model to incorporate public values as the net benefits of e-government. The public value of e-government was treated as a second-order construct.
Organizational learning mechanisms for learning schools
Authors: Schechter Chen , Qadach Mowafaq , Da’as Rima’a
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Organizational learning (OL) has been conceptualized as a critical component in school change processes. Nevertheless, OL in the school context is still somewhat obscure and difficult to comprehend, thus it is rarely translated into operational structures and processes and later permanently sustained. The purpose of this study is to present the organizational learning mechanisms (OLMs) framework as an institutionalized arrangement for collecting, disseminating, analyzing, storing, retrieving and using information that is relevant to the performance of school systems.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors examine the previous research on OLMs as a conceptual framework for OL in schools; then the authors present the various validated measures of OLMs in schools; and finally, the authors suggest implications for principals, as well as future explorations of the issue.

Findings

While the literature on OL in schools acknowledges the mystification of the term and the difficulty in translating it into operative procedures in dynamic and complex contexts, OLMs, as an integration of structural and cultural frameworks, are conceptualized as scaffolding for the development of learning schools.

Originality/value

The OLMs’ (structural and cultural) framework of information processing may help schools develop and sustain learning communities aimed at fostering the continuous growth of students and faculty members alike.
Environmental heterogeneity promotes individual specialisation in habitat selection in a widely distributed seabird
Authors: Trevail Alice M. , Green Jonathan A. , Bolton Mark , Daunt Francis , Harris Stephanie M. , Miller Peter I. , Newton Stephen , Owen Ellie , Polton Jeff A. , Robertson Gail , Sharples Jonathan , Patrick Samantha C.
Published: September 2021

Individual specialisations in behaviour are predicted to arise where divergence benefits fitness. Such specialisations are more likely in heterogeneous environments where there is both greater ecological opportunity and competition‐driven frequency dependent selection.

Such an effect could explain observed differences in rates of individual specialisation in habitat selection, as it offers individuals an opportunity to select for habitat types that maximise resource gain while minimising competition; however, this mechanism has not been tested before.

Here, we use habitat selection functions to quantify individual specialisations while foraging by black‐legged kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, a marine top predator, at 15 colonies around the United Kingdom and Ireland, along a gradient of environmental heterogeneity.

We find support for the hypothesis that individual specialisations in habitat selection while foraging are more prevalent in heterogeneous environments. This trend was significant across multiple dynamic habitat variables that change over short time‐scales and did not arise through site fidelity, which highlights the importance of environmental processes in facilitating behavioural adaptation by predators.

Individual differences may drive evolutionary processes, and therefore these results suggest that there is broad scope for the degree of environmental heterogeneity to determine current and future population, species and community dynamics.
Secretome analysis reveals a role of subinhibitory concentrations of polymyxin B in the survival of Vibrio cholerae mediated by the type VI secretion system
Authors: Mathieu‐Denoncourt Annabelle , Duperthuy Marylise
Published: September 2021

Antimicrobials are commonly used in prevention of infections including in aquaculture, agriculture and medicine. Subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial peptides can modulate resistance, virulence and persistence effectors in Gram‐negative pathogens. In this study, we investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of polymyxin B (PmB) on the secretome of Vibrio cholerae, a natural inhabitant of aquatic environments and the pathogen responsible for the cholera disease. Our proteomic approach revealed that the abundance of many extracellular proteins is affected by PmB and some of them are detected only either in the presence or in the absence of PmB. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) secreted hemolysin‐coregulated protein (Hcp) displayed an increased abundance in the presence of PmB. Hcp is also more abundant in the bacterial cells in the presence of PmB and hcp expression is upregulated upon PmB supplementation. No effect of the T6SS on antimicrobial resistance was observed. Conversely, PmB increases the T6SS‐dependent cytotoxicity of V. cholerae towards the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum and its ability to compete with Escherichia coli.
Peer support work for people experiencing mental distress attending the emergency department: Exploring the potential
Authors: Brasier Catherine , Roennfeldt Helena , Hamilton Bridget , Martel Andrew , Hill Nicole , Stratford Anthony , Buchanan‐Hagen Sally , Byrne Louise , Castle David , Cocks Nadine , Davidson Larry , Brophy Lisa
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study explored the benefits and limitations of employing peer support workers, who utilise their own lived experience of mental distress and recovery, to support people experiencing mental distress who are attending the ED.

Methods

This co‐produced qualitative study utilised four phases: (i) assemble a collaborative multi‐disciplinary research team and Expert Panel, of which at least half identified as having lived experience; (ii) a site visit to an ED; (iii) focus groups with consumers, support persons and ED staff; and (iv) a learning workshop for peer workers.

Results

Focus groups were run for consumers (n = 7), support persons (n = 5) and ED staff (n = 7). Eleven consumer peer workers participated in the learning workshop. Four themes were identified and triangulated: the individual in distress, peer support work, a ‘Peers in EDs’ service and the ED context. Overall, findings suggest that peer support workers contribute important skills including listening, de‐escalation, relationship‐building and empathy.

Conclusions

This study identified that peer support workers would bring important skills to an ED (e.g. empathetic support, de‐escalation). However, significant workforce and organisational support would be required.