bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Risks and Benefits of Providing HIV Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stover John , Kelly Sherrie L. , Mudimu Edinah , Green Dylan , Smith Tyler , Taramusi Isaac , Bansi-Matharu Loveleen , Martin-Hughes Rowan , Phillips Andrew N. , Bershteyn Anna ,   for the HIV Modeling Consortium
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions including to health services. In the early response to the pandemic many countries restricted population movements and some health services were suspended or limited. In late 2020 and early 2021 some countries re-imposed restrictions. Health authorities need to balance the potential harms of additional SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to contacts associated with health services against the benefits of those services, including fewer new HIV infections and deaths. This paper examines these trade-offs for select HIV services.

Methods

We used four HIV simulation models (Goals, HIV Synthesis, Optima HIV and EMOD) to estimate the benefits of continuing HIV services in terms of fewer new HIV infections and deaths. We used three COVID-19 transmission models (Covasim, Cooper/Smith and a simple contact model) to estimate the additional deaths due to SARS-CoV-2 transmission among health workers and clients. We examined four HIV services: voluntary medical male circumcision, HIV diagnostic testing, viral load testing and programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission. We compared COVID-19 deaths in 2020 and 2021 with HIV deaths occurring now and over the next 50 years discounted to present value. The models were applied to countries with a range of HIV and COVID-19 epidemics.

Results

Maintaining these HIV services could lead to additional COVID-19 deaths of 0.002 to 0.15 per 10,000 clients. HIV-related deaths averted are estimated to be much larger, 19 - 146 discounted deaths per 10,000 clients.

Discussion

While there is some additional short-term risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission associated with providing HIV services, the risk of additional COVID-19 deaths is at least 100 times less than the HIV deaths averted by those services. Ministries of Health need to take into account many factors in deciding when and how to offer essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work shows that the benefits of continuing key HIV services are far larger than the risks of additional SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
PuBliCiTy: Python Bioimage Computing Toolkit
Authors: Cicconet Marcelo
Published: March 2021

The Python Bioimage Computing Toolkit (PuBliCiTy) is an evolving set of functions, scripts, and classes, written primarily in Python, to facilitate the analysis of biological images, of two or more dimensions, from electron or light microscopes. While the early development was guided by the goal of replacing an existing internal code-base with Python code, the effort later came to include novel tools, specially in the areas of machine learning infrastructure and model development. The toolkit is built on top of the so-calledpython data science stack, which includesnumpy, scipy, scikit-image, scikit-learn, andpandas. It also contains some deep learning models, written in TensorFlow and PyTorch, and a web-app for image annotation, which uses Flask as the web framework. The main features of the toolkit are: (1) simplifying the interface of some routinely used functions from underlying libraries; (2) providing helpful tools for the analysis of large images; (3) providing a web interface for image annotation, which can be used remotely and on tablets with pencils; (4) providing machine learning model implementations that are easy to read, train, and deploy – written in a way that minimizes complexity for users without a computer science or software development background. The source code is released under an MIT-like license atgithub.com/hms-idac/PuBliCiTy. Details, tutorials, and up-to-date documentation can be found at the project’s page as well.

Project page

github.com/hms-idac/PuBliCiTy
Reduced antibody cross-reactivity following infection with B.1.1.7 than with parental SARS-CoV-2 strains
Authors: Faulkner Nikhil , Ng Kevin W. , Wu Mary , Harvey Ruth , Margaritis Marios , Paraskevopoulou Stavroula , Houlihan Catherine F. , Hussain Saira , Greco Maria , Bolland William , Warchal Scott , Heaney Judith , Rickman Hannah , Spyer Moira J. , Frampton Daniel , Byott Matthew , de Oliveira Tulio , Sigal Alex , Kjaer Svend , Swanton Charles , Gandhi Sonia , Beale Rupert , Gamblin Steve J. ,   Crick COVID-19 Consortium, McCauley John , Daniels Rodney , Howell Michael , Bauer David L.V. , Nastouli Eleni ,   SAFER Investigators, Kassiotis George
Published: March 2021

We examined the immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant B.1.1.7 that arose in the United Kingdom and spread globally. Antibodies elicited by B.1.1.7 infection exhibited significantly reduced recognition and neutralisation of parental strains or of the South Africa B.1.351 variant, than of the infecting variant. The drop in cross-reactivity was more pronounced following B.1.1.7 than parental strain infection, indicating asymmetric heterotypic immunity induced by SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Periodic synchronization of dengue epidemics in Thailand: the roles played by temperature and immunity
Authors: García-Carreras Bernardo , Yang Bingyi , Grabowski Mary K. , Sheppard Lawrence W. , Huang Angkana T. , Salje Henrik , Clapham Hannah Eleanor , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Doung-Ngern Pawinee , Lessler Justin , Cummings Derek A. T.
Published: March 2021

The spatial distribution of dengue and its vectors (spp. Aedes) may be the widest it has ever been, and projections suggest that climate change may allow the expansion to continue. However, the largest impacts of climate change on dengue might be in regions where the pathogen is already endemic. In these areas, the waxing and waning of immunity has a large impact on temporal dynamics of cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever. Here, we use 51 years of data across 72 provinces and characterise spatio-temporal patterns of dengue in Thailand, where dengue has caused almost 1.5 million cases over the last thirty years, and examine the roles played by temperature and dynamics of immunity in giving rise to those patterns. We find that timescales of multiannual oscillations in dengue vary in space and time and uncover an interesting spatial phenomenon: Thailand has experienced multiple, periodic synchronization events. We show that patterns in synchrony of dengue are consistent with those observed in temperature. Applying a temperature-driven dengue model, we explore how dynamics of immunity interact with temperature to produce the observed multiannual dynamics and patterns in synchrony. While multiannual oscillations are readily produced by immunity in absence of multiannual timescales in temperature, synchrony in temperature can synchronise dengue dynamics in different locations. However, at higher mean temperatures and lower seasonal variation, immune dynamics become more predominant, and dengue dynamics become more insensitive to multiannual fluctuations in temperature. These findings can help underpin predictions of disease patterns as global temperatures rise.

Author summary
Effects of accumulated temperature on growth curve ofGynostemma pentaphyllumstem and leaf under the conditions of Simulated light under the forest
Authors: chunyao Dun , Songsheng Wan , Shuanglong Li , yong Zeng , Daikun Wu
Published: March 2021

The effects of accumulated temperature on the growth curve and leaf number growth curve ofGynostemma pentaphyllumwere studied. The growth curve of twigs and strands were studied by curve regression analysis. The results showed that the growth ofGynostemma pentaphyllumLeaf growth curve was optimized, and the growth curve of stem and leaf ofGynostemma pentaphyllumwas established, and the curve was fitted and analyzed. Three - dimensional model of the effect of accumulated temperature on the stem length and leaf number ofGynostemma pentaphyllum. The results show that the stem length L and the accumulated temperature t of the strands are in the logistic function, the mathematical model was L=-112.69/(1+(t/892.1)3.31)+130.54, the number of gibbere leaf number n is logistic function with the accumulated temperature t, The model was n=-27.86/(1+(t/1159.77)0.26)+30.37, and the growth model could reflect the dynamic growth ofGynostemma pentaphyllumgrowth. The experimental results provide a theoretical basis for choosing suitable habitat forGynostemma pentaphyllumunder the forest.
Plasma concentrations of progesterone in the preceding estrous cycle are associated with the intensity of estrus and fertility of Holstein cows
Authors: Madureira A.M.L. , Burnett T.A. , Borchardt S. , Heuwieser W. , Baes C.F. , Vasconcelos J.L.M. , Cerri R.L.A.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the association between concentrations of progesterone(P4)during previous the estrous cycle with the intensity of spontaneous or estrogen-induced estrous expression and pregnancy per artificial insemination(P/AI). A total of 1,953 AI events from lactating Holstein cows were used, consisting of 1,289 timed AI events from experiment 1(Exp. 1)and 664 AI events from experiment 2(Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, cows were bred after a timed AI protocol based on estradiol and P4. In Exp. 2 animals were bred upon spontaneous estrus detection. In both experiments cows were continuously monitored by an automated activity monitor(AAM). The intensity of estrous expression was determined for each event and classified as either high or low intensity using the median of each experiment. Blood samples were collected for P4 analysis in Exp. 1 at –4 d, 0 d, and 7 d relative to timed AI, and in Exp. 2 immediately following estrus (0 d), 7 d, 14 d, and 21 d post-AI. Concentration of P4 was classified as greater or lower according to the median value in each experiment. Cows with lower concentrations of P4 at AI had greater estrous expression in Exp. 1 (363.6 ± 5.2 vs. 275.9 ± 8.0 % relative increase) and Exp. 2 (76.7 ± 1.9 vs. 67.4 ± 4.7 index; and 12.5 ± 0.5 vs. 9.3 ± 1.8 h). Cows with a greater intensity of estrous expression at timed AI had greater concentrations of P4 at –4 d than cows with lower intensity estrus or no estrous expression (4.6 ± 0.2 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2 vs. 3.7 ± 0.2 ng/mL). Cows with greater concentrations of P4 at –4 d had greater P/AI (32.8 ± 4.4 vs. 22.4 ± 4.5 %), whereas cows with lesser concentrations of P4 at d0 for either timed AI (35.2 ± 3.4 vs. 19.6 ± 4.6 %) or spontaneous estrus (31.8 ± 2.8 vs. 23.4 ± 3.2 %) had greater P/AI. Cows with greater concentrations of P4 7 d post-timed AI had greater P/AI compared with cows that had lower concentration of P4 (39.1 ± 2.9 vs. 24.7 ± 2.6 %). Similarly, cows that had lower concentrations of P4 at 7 d, 14 d and 21 d post-spontaneous estrus tended to have lower P/AI when compared with cows with greater concentrations of P4. Overall, concentrations of P4 prior to and at AI were associated with greater estrous intensity and P/AI at both spontaneous and timed AI events.
Social partner cooperativeness influences brainoxytocintranscription in Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Dimitriadou Sylvia , Santos Eduarda M. , Croft Darren P. , van Aerle Ronny , Ramnarine Indar W. , Filby Amy L. , Darden Safi K.
Published: March 2021

For non-kin cooperation to be maintained, individuals need to respond adaptively to the cooperative behaviour of their social partners. Currently, however, little is known about the biological responses of individuals to experiencing cooperation. Here, we quantify the neuroregulatory response of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) experiencing cooperation or defection by examining the transcriptional response of theoxytocingene (oxt; also known asisotocin), which has been implicated in cooperative decision-making. We exposed wild-caught females to social environments where partners either cooperated or defected during predator inspection, or to a control (non-predator inspection) context, and quantified the relative transcription of theoxtgene. We tested an experimental group, originating from a site where individuals are under high predation threat and have previous experience of large aquatic predators (HP), and a control group, where individuals are under low predation threat and naïve to large aquatic predators (LP). In HP, but not LP, fish brain mid-sectionoxtrelative transcription varied depending on social partner behaviour. HP fish experiencing cooperation during predator inspection had loweroxttranscription than those experiencing defection. This effect was not present in the control population or in the control context, where the behaviour of social partners did not affectoxttranscription. Our findings provide insight into the neuromodulation underpinning behavioural responses to social experiences, and ultimately to the proximate mechanisms underlying social decision-making.
Immunoglobulin superfamily receptor Junctional adhesion molecule 3 (Jam3) requirement for melanophore survival and patterning during formation of zebrafish stripes
Authors: Eom Dae Seok , Patterson Larissa B. , Bostic Raegan R. , Parichy David M.
Published: March 2021

Adhesive interactions are essential for tissue patterning and morphogenesis yet difficult to study owing to functional redundancies across genes and gene families. A useful system in which to dissect roles for cell adhesion and adhesion-dependent signaling is the pattern formed by pigment cells in skin of adult zebrafish, in which stripes represent the arrangement of neural crest derived melanophores, cells homologous to melanocytes. In a forward genetic screen for adult pattern defects, we isolated thepissarro(psr) mutant, having a variegated phenotype of spots, as well as defects in adult fin and lens. We show thatpsrcorresponds tojunctional adhesion protein 3b(jam3b) encoding a zebrafish orthologue of the two immunoglobulin-like domain receptor JAM3 (JAM-C), known for roles in adhesion and signaling in other developing tissues, and for promoting metastatic behavior of human and murine melanoma cells. We found that zebrafishjam3bis expressed post-embryonically in a variety of cells including melanophores, and thatjam3bmutants have defects in melanophore survival. Jam3b supported aggregation of cellsin vitroand was required autonomously by melanophores for an adherent phenotypein vivo. Genetic analyses further indicated both overlapping and non-overlapping functions with the related receptor, Immunoglobulin superfamily 11 (Igsf11) and Kit receptor tyrosine kinase. These findings suggest a model for Jam3b function in zebrafish melanophores and hint at the complexity of adhesive interactions underlying pattern formation.
C4-dicarboxylate metabolons: Interaction of C4-dicarboxylate transporters ofEscherichia coliwith cytosolic enzymes
Authors: Schubert Christopher , Unden Gottfried
Published: March 2021

Metabolons represent the structural organization of proteins for metabolic or regulatory pathways. Here the interaction of enzymes fumarase FumB and aspartase AspA with the C4-DC transporters DcuA and DcuB ofEscherichia coliwas tested by a bacterial two-hybrid (BACTH) assayin situ, or by co-chromatography (mSPINE). DcuB interacted strongly with FumB and AspA, and DcuA with AspA. ThefumB-dcuBand thedcuA-aspAgenes encoding the respective proteins are known for their colocalization on the genome and the production of co-transcripts. The data consistently suggest the formation of DcuB/FumB, DcuB/AspA and DcuA/AspA metabolons in fumarate respiration for the uptake of L-malate, or L-aspartate, conversion to fumarate and excretion of succinate after reduction. The DcuA/AspA metabolon catalyzes L-Asp uptake and fumarate excretion in concerted action also to provide ammonia for nitrogen assimilation.
Ventral Stress Fibers Induce Plasma Membrane Deformation in Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Ghilardi Samuel J. , Aronson Mark S. , Sgro Allyson E.
Published: March 2021

Interactions between the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane are essential for many eukaryotic cellular processes. During these processes, actin fibers deform the cell membrane outward by applying forces parallel to the fiber’s major axis (as in migration) or they deform the membrane inward by applying forces perpendicular to the fiber’s major axis (as during cytokinesis). Here we describe a novel actin-membrane interaction in human dermal myofibroblasts. When labeled with a cytosolic fluorophore, the myofibroblasts developed prominent fluorescent structures on the ventral side of the cell. These structures are present in the cell membrane and colocalize with ventral actin stress fibers, suggesting that the fibers bend the membrane to form a “cytosolic pocket” for the fluorophores to flow into, creating the observed structures. The existence of this pocket was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Dissolving the stress fibers, inhibiting fiber protein binding, or inhibiting myosin II binding of actin removed the observed structures. However, decreasing cellular contractility did not remove the structures. Taken together, our results illustrate a novel actin-membrane bending topology where the membrane is deformed outwards rather than being pinched inwards, resembling the topological inverse of cytokinesis.
Gallic Acid, a Methyl 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoate Derivative, Induces Neural Stem Cells to Differentiate and Proliferate
Authors: Jiang Junxing , Liu Weiyi , Hai Jitao , Luo Yan , Chen Keqi , Xin Yirong , Pan Junping , Hu Yang , Gao Qin , Xiao Fei , Luo Huanmin
Published: March 2021

Differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) are both important biological processes in cerebral neural network. However, these two capacities of NSCs are limited. Thus, the induction of differentiation and/or proliferation via administration of small molecules derived from natural plants can be considered as a potential approach to repair damaged neural networks. This paper reports that gallic acid, a catechol compound selected from derivatives of methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (MDHB), selectively induces NSCs to differentiate into immature neurons and promotes proliferation by activating phosphorylation of key proteins in the MAPK-ERK pathway. In addition, we found that 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was the main active structure which could show neurotrophic activity. The substitution of carboxyl group on the benzene ring into ester group may promote differentiation on the basis of the structure of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Meanwhile, the introduction of 5-hydroxyl group may promote proliferation. Generally, this study identified a natural catechol compound that promotes differentiation and proliferation of NSCs in vitro.
Multi-scale hierarchical neural network models that bridge from single neurons in the primate primary visual cortex to object recognition behavior
Authors: Marques Tiago , Schrimpf Martin , DiCarlo James J.
Published: March 2021

Primate visual object recognition relies on the representations in cortical areas at the top of the ventral stream that are computed by a complex, hierarchical network of neural populations. While recent work has created reasonably accurate image-computable hierarchical neural network models of those neural stages, those models do not yet bridge between the properties of individual neurons and the overall emergent behavior of the ventral stream. One reason we cannot yet do this is that individual artificial neurons in multi-stage models have not been shown to be functionally similar to individual biological neurons. Here, we took an important first step by building and evaluating hundreds of hierarchical neural network models in how well their artificial single neurons approximate macaque primary visual cortical (V1) neurons. We found that single neurons in certain models are surprisingly similar to their biological counterparts and that the distributions of single neuron properties, such as those related to orientation and spatial frequency tuning, approximately match those in macaque V1. Critically, we observed that hierarchical models with V1 stages that better match macaque V1 at the single neuron level are also more aligned with human object recognition behavior. Finally, we show that an optimized classical neuroscientific model of V1 is more functionally similar to primate V1 than all of the tested multi-stage models, suggesting room for further model improvements with tangible payoffs in closer alignment to human behavior. These results provide the first multi-stage, multi-scale models that allow our field to ask precisely how the specific properties of individual V1 neurons relate to recognition behavior.

Highlights

Image-computable hierarchical neural network models can be naturally extended to create hierarchical “brain models” that allow direct comparison with biological neural networks at multiple scales – from single neurons, to population of neurons, to behavior.

Single neurons in some of these hierarchical brain models are functionally similar to single neurons in macaque primate visual cortex (V1)

Some hierarchical brain models have processing stages in which the entire distribution of artificial neuron properties closely matches the biological distributions of those same properties in macaque V1

Hierarchical brain models whose V1 processing stages better match the macaque V1 stage also tend to be more aligned with human object recognition behavior at their output stage
Indicators bank for smart and resilient cities: design of excellence
Authors: Khatibi Hamed , Wilkinson Suzanne , Dianat Heiman , Baghersad Mostafa , Ghaedi Khaled , Javanmardi Ahad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The study aims to use DfX to develop a comprehensive database of smart and resilient indicators that assists city administrators and authorities alike. The Smart and Resilient Cities Indicators Bank (SRCIB) will identify the level of smart and resilience determinants that will simultaneously provide ways to improve the city's infrastructure to meet smart and resilient objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Design of excellence (DfX) is adopted in dissecting from four best indicators of established systems, and a database of indicators is developed and specified in diverse ways. A new indicator system is then created for smart and resilient cities.

Findings

The proposed indicator bank consists of four layers consisting of dimension, sub-dimension, key issues and the number of indicators resulting from four different indicator systems that the study have analysed.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed indicator bank is an exploratory approach that needs to be tested in a real scenario because the urban systems are complex inter-related systems with too many variables that may influence actual outcomes. Thus, the proposed indicators bank does not attempt to quantify or solve related urban issues commonly address in smart and resilient city concepts but more to enhance the management of attaining towards smart and resilient specifications.

Practical implications

The proposed indicator bank is an exploratory approach that needs to be tested in a real scenario because the urban systems are complex inter-related systems with too many variables that may influence actual outcomes. Thus, the proposed indicators bank does not attempt to quantify or solve related urban issues commonly address smart and resilient city concepts but more to enhance the management of attaining smart and resilient specifications.

Originality/value

The study builds a robust guide for assessing smart and resilient cities that is yet a widely accessible assessment framework. The proposed SRCIB allows local authorities and relevant stakeholders of typical cities to better manage its urban agenda towards smart and resilient city objectives when specific indicators are defined. Besides, a smart city can become resilient; likewise, a resilient city can become smart as the SRCIB is comprehensive.
The contribution of project management offices to addressing complexities in principal construction contracting
Authors: Ershadi Mahmoud , Jefferies Marcus , Davis Peter Rex , Mojtahedi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to identify major project management (PM) complexities in principal construction contracting; and second, to study the contribution of project management offices (PMOs) to addressing such complexities.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage research design was adopted through a structured literature review (SLR) and a qualitative survey study.

Findings

The two-stage study resulted in mapping out the contribution of 10 functional areas to 15 complexity factors that were retrieved from the literature and categorized using the TOE (technical, organizational and environmental) framework. Six outcomes including (1) facilitated processes, (2) improved decisions, (3) improved coordination, (4) enhanced alignment, (5) addressed uncertainties and (6) integrated oversight were identified that describe how PMOs can contribute to tackling complexities.

Research limitations/implications

Similar to other qualitative studies, this study has some limitations in terms of the replicability of results. Regarding the exploratory nature of this study to explain the contribution of PMO to complexity, further quantitative surveys can be conducted using a larger sample to statistically examine the significance of proposed relations between capabilities and complexity factors.

Practical implications

This study provides an understanding of the contribution of PMOs to tackling ever-increasing complexities embedded in construction contracting. The authors suggest requirements to be considered by professionals toward overcoming such complexities.

Originality/value

Although prior studies have separately investigated PMO functions and PM complexities, this study explores the link between these two spheres to discuss one important application of PMO in this context.
Spicing up hospitality service encounters: the case of Pepper™
Authors: Tuomi Aarni , Tussyadiah Iis P. , Hanna Paul
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the implications of integrating humanoid service robots into hospitality service encounters by evaluating two service prototypes using Softbank Robotics’ popular service robot Pepper™: to provide information (akin to a receptionist) and to facilitate order-taking (akin to a server). Drawing both studies together, the paper puts forward novel, theory-informed yet context-rooted design principles for humanoid robot adoption in hospitality service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a multiple method qualitative approach, two service prototypes are evaluated with hospitality and tourism experts (N = 30, Prototype 1) and frontline hospitality employees (N = 18, Prototype 2) using participant observation, in situ feedback, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation.

Findings

The adoption of humanoid service robots in hospitality is influenced by the following four layers of determinants: contextual, social, interactional and psychological factors, as well as extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of adoption. These empirical findings both confirm and extend previous conceptualizations of human-robot interaction (HRI) in hospitality service.

Research limitations/implications

Despite using photo-elicitation to evoke insight regarding the use of different types of service robots in hospitality, the paper mostly focuses on anthropomorphized service robots such as Pepper™.

Practical implications

Adopting humanoid service robots will transform hospitality operations, whereby the most routine, unpleasant tasks such as taking repeat orders or dealing with complaints may be delegated to service robots or human-robot teams.

Social implications

Working with and receiving service from Pepper™ changes the service encounter from direct practical, technical considerations to more nuanced social and psychological implications, particularly around feelings of self-esteem, social pressure and social judgment.

Originality/value

This paper presents one of the first empirical studies on HRI in hospitality service encounters using Softbank Robotics’ Pepper™. In doing so, the paper presents a novel framework for service robot adoption rooted in first-hand user interaction as opposed to previous, theory-driven conceptualizations of behavior or empirical studies exploring behavioral intention.
Risk-induced competitive productivity in times of recession: a chaordic tourism decision-making perspective
Authors: Pappas Nikolaos , Glyptou Kyriaki
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the interface of competitive productivity (CP) levels in times of turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a sample of 507 Athenian holidaymakers, the study uses a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the chaordic systems amongst perceived risks (social; destination; price; quality) in tourism purchasing intentions. It considers three grouping variables (age; monthly income; trip [domestic; overseas]). It further evaluates the effect sizes of those risks upon purchasing intentions by complementary using necessary condition analysis (NCA).

Findings

fsQCA revealed three sufficient configurations: price-quality nexus (micro); generated experience (meso) and perceived destination image (macro). NCA showcased that the effect size of the examined perceived risks is relatively low, while destination risks have the highest impact.

Research limitations/implications

Only a few studies use fsQCA and NCA in the field of tourism and hospitality studies thus, their full potential and implications of exploring the interface of tourism decision-making components with CP levels are still unexplored.

Originality/value

This is the first study examining the nonlinearity of risk-induced decision-making triggers of holidaymakers affected by the recession in line with the principles of CP. Its theoretical contribution lays in the exploration of the interface of CP and its three levels of application (micro [tourist], meso [firm/business], macro [destination]) in times of turbulence. Managerially, it strengthens the assumption that CP and customer loyalty are strongly associated even in times of turbulence when destinations and firms should make a strong point to maintain their competitive edge. Methodologically, the study highlights the value of fsQCA for identifying multiple pathways, a relatively new method in tourism. Furthermore, it introduces NCA, a new complementary method in tourism research.
Signaling and social influence: the impact of corporate volunteer programs
Authors: Cao Yinyin , Pil Frits K. , Lawson Benn
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide insight on how work–life initiatives impact employees. Using corporate volunteer programs as an example, the authors examine the role of coworker social influence in shaping the reactions of both employee participants and non-participants of the program. The paper further identifies several factors that may moderate these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed employees before and after the implementation of a new corporate work–life initiative. 99 employees provided data pre and post. OLS regression and hierarchical linear modeling were used to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Even in the context of low participation, work–life initiatives engendered positive organization-related perceptions among employees. These positive outcomes were due in part to coworkers' sharing of their volunteer experiences and were most prominent for employees in positions that afforded flexibility, and employees who reported close ties with coworkers.

Practical implications

The study deepens our understanding of employee reactions to work–life programs and underlines the importance of these programs even when employee participation is low. The role of coworker influence as a determinant of employee reactions suggests there may be value in purposefully fostering participants' sharing of volunteer experiences in the workplace.

Originality/value

This study takes a unique approach to examining the role of coworker influence in shaping employee reactions to corporate initiatives.
Changing dynamics and travel evading: a case of Indian tourists amidst the COVID 19 pandemic
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Cahyanto Ignatius , Sajnani Manohar , Shah Chetan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the factors that caused Indian tourists to avoid travelling abroad because of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. It will also identify the relationship between the perceived risk of travelling and the probability of travel evading in India owing to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an online structured questionnaire to collect data from Indian tourists to study six independent variables linked with their behavioural intentions (travel evading). The health belief model was used to examine tourist behaviour.

Findings

The results revealed a positive correlation between the perceived risk associated with COVID-19 and travel avoidance. Familiarity with COVID-19 was positively correlated with travel evading behaviours.

Practical implications

This study will assist stakeholders from around the world to adequately identify and thoroughly plan for logistical problems associated with travel such as travel insurance and pre-travel booking expenses to reduce travel evading behaviour and promote travel.

Originality/value

While a few studies have been conducted related to pandemics (Ebola, MERS-CoV, SARS), there is a paucity of literature that examines the factors which influence tourists’ travel evading behaviour owing to COVID-19. Moreover, most of the previous literature on pandemics is concentrated on American and European countries, whereas studies on the Indian sub-continent are very scarce. This study will fill this gap and will identify the factors which influence tourists in India to evade travel in response to COVID-19.
Intersectoral partnerships in the recycling sector
Authors: Alves Pacheco de Campos Simone , Gallon Shalimar , Goi Becker Rúbia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the nature of the characteristics and the social results of partnerships established between nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the company.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a qualitative collective case study. Data were collected through 12 interviews and analyzed through the content analysis technique.

Findings

The findings indicate that in the first case, the partnership is driven by the company’s interest in qualifying its supplier, facing a relational identity orientation, establishing philanthropic relationships. In the second case, the search for social legitimacy is evident, in the face of a collectivist identity orientation, in which Petro establishes a relationship of a transactional nature. Thus, the differential in intersectoral collaboration lies in the interaction among company, NGO and cooperatives. The results also show that the dialogue proximity between companies and civil society have a strong relationship with social results for the local communities.

Social implications

This study reveals the need to broaden the understanding of the social results of social partnerships to local communities.

Originality/value

The nature of the relationship among state, companies, NGOs and local communities in developing countries are different from developed countries. In the first case, companies are called to assume state’s role in improving quality of life and income generation.
Apocynin prevents reduced myocardial nerve growth factor, contributing to amelioration of myocardial apoptosis and failure
Authors: Jie Xi , Yang Hong , Wang Ke , Zhu Zong‐Feng , Wang Jia‐Pu , Yang Li‐Guo , Yang Zi‐Jian , Zhang Xiao‐Juan , Wang Ai‐Ling , Li Lu , Chi Rui‐Fang , Qin Fu‐Zhong , Li Bao , Fan Bianai
Published: March 2021

Reduced nerve growth factor (NGF) is associated with cardiac sympathetic nerve denervation in heart failure (HF) which is characterized by increased oxidative stress. Apocynin is considered an antioxidant agent which inhibits NADPH oxidase activity and improves reactive oxygen species scavenging. However, it is unclear whether apocynin prevents reduced myocardial NGF, leading to improvement of cardiac function in HF. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that apocynin prevents reduced myocardial NGF, contributing to amelioration of myocardial apoptosis and failure. Rabbits with myocardial infarction (MI) or sham operation were randomly assigned to receive apocynin or placebo for 4 weeks. MI rabbits exhibited left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and elevation in oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decreased reduced‐to‐oxidized glutathione ratio and an increased 4‐hydroxynonenal expression, and reduction in NGF and NGF receptor tyrosine kinase A (TrKA) expression in the remote non‐infarcted myocardium. Apocynin treatment ameliorated LV dysfunction, reduced oxidative stress, prevented decreases in NGF and TrKA expression and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis after MI. In cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes, hypoxia or hydrogen peroxide decreased NGF expression, and apocynin normalized hypoxia‐induced reduction of NGF. Recombinant NGF attenuated hypoxia‐induced apoptosis. Apocynin prevented hypoxia‐induced apoptosis, and the suppressive effect of apocynin on apoptosis was abolished by NGF receptor TrKA inhibitor K252a. We concluded that apocynin prevented reduced myocardial NGF, leading to attenuation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and LV remodelling and dysfunction in HF after MI. These findings suggest that strategies to prevent NGF reduction by inhibition of oxidative stress may be of value in amelioration of LV dysfunction in HF.
International Collaboration to Ensure Equitable Access to Vaccines for COVID‐19: The ACT‐Accelerator and the COVAX Facility
Authors: ECCLESTON‐TURNER MARK , UPTON HARRY
Published: March 2021

Policy Points

Equitable access to a COVID‐19 vaccine in all countries remains a key policy objective, but experience of previous pandemics suggests access will be limited in developing countries, despite the rapid development of three successful vaccine candidates.

The COVAX Facility seeks to address this important issue, but the prevalence of vaccine nationalism threatens to limit the ability of the facility to meet both its funding targets and its ambitious goals for vaccine procurement.

A failure to adequately address the underlying lack of infrastructure in developing countries threatens to further limit the success of the COVAX Facility.

Context

Significant effort has been directed toward developing a COVID‐19 vaccine, which is viewed as the route out of the pandemic. Much of this effort has coalesced around COVAX, the multilateral initiative aimed at accelerating the development of COVID‐19 vaccines, and ensuring they are equitably available in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This paper represents the first significant analysis of COVAX, and the extent to which it can be said to have successfully met these aims.

Methods

This paper draws on the publicly available policy documents made available by the COVAX initiatives, as well as position papers and public statements from governments around the world with respect to COVID‐19 vaccines and equitable access. We analyze the academic literature regarding access to vaccines during the H1N1 pandemic. Finally, we consider the WHO Global Allocation System, and its principles, which are intended to guide COVAX vaccine deployment.

Findings

We argue that the funding mechanism deployed by the COVAX Pillar appears to be effective at fostering at‐risk investments in research and development and the production of doses in advance of confirmation of clinical efficacy, but caution that this represents a win‐win situation for vaccine manufacturers, providing them with opportunity to benefit regardless of whether their vaccine candidate ever goes on to gain regulatory approval. We also argue that the success of the COVAX Facility with respect to equitable access to vaccine is likely to be limited, primarily as a result of the prevalence of vaccine nationalism, whereby countries adopt policies which heavily prioritize their own public health needs at the expense of others.

Conclusions

Current efforts through COVAX have greatly accelerated the development of vaccines against COVID‐19, but these benefits are unlikely to flow to LMICs, largely due to the threat of vaccine nationalism.
MiR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p inhibit monosodium urate‐induced gouty inflammation by targeting NLRP3
Authors: Wang Xiang , Chi Jingwei , Dong Bingzi , Xu Lili , Zhou Yue , Huang Yajing , Sun Shengnan , Wei Fanxiang , Liu Yuzhao , Liu Chuanfeng , Che Kui , Lv Wenshan , Chen Ying , Wang Yangang
Published: March 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play a crucial role in inflammation regulation; however, their relationship with inflammation in acute gouty arthritis has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we conducted a study to explore the regulatory roles of miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p in gouty‐associated inflammation.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to examine the molecular mechanisms of miRNA regulation in gouty inflammation. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the direct target of miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p.

Results

We found that miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p interacted with the 3′ untranslated region segment of NLRP3 (nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat [NLR] and pyrin domain containing receptor 3) and inhibited its expression. A decreased expression of miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p was observed in both mice air pouch synovium and phorbol myristrate acetate‐treated THP‐1 cells stimulated with monosodium urate (P < .05). Compared with the negative control group, NLRP3 expression at the transcript and protein level in miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p overexpression group significantly decreased after 6 hours of monosodium urate treatment in vivo and in vitro (P < .05). The results of the dual‐luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p directly targeted NLRP3.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study show that miR‐223‐3p and miR‐22‐3p can reduce the inflammatory effects of gout by inhibiting the expression of NLRP3.
Detection dogs in nature conservation: A database on their world‐wide deployment with a review on breeds used and their performance compared to other methods
Authors: Grimm‐Seyfarth Annegret , Harms Wiebke , Berger Anne
Published: March 2021

Over the last century, dogs have been increasingly used to detect rare and elusive species or traces of them. The use of wildlife detection dogs (WDD) is particularly well‐established in North America, Europe and Oceania, and projects deploying them have increased world‐wide. However, if they are to make a significant contribution to conservation and management, their strengths, abilities and limitations should be fully identified.

We reviewed the use of WDD with particular focus on the breeds used in different countries and for various targets, as well as their overall performance compared to other methods, by developing and analysing a database of 1,220 publications, including 916 scientific ones, covering 2,464 individual cases—most of them (1,840) scientific.

With the world‐wide increase in the use of WDD, associated tasks have changed and become much more diverse. Since 1930, reports exist for 62 countries and 408 animal, 42 plant, 26 fungi and six bacteria species. Altogether, 108 FCI‐classified and 20 non‐FCI‐classified breeds have worked as WDD. While certain breeds have been preferred on different continents and for specific tasks and targets, they were not generally better suited for detection tasks than others. Overall, WDD usually worked more effectively than other monitoring methods. For each species group, regardless of breed, detection dogs were better than other methods in 88.71% of all cases and only worse in 0.98%. It was only for arthropods that Pinshers and Schnauzers performed worse than other breeds. For mono‐ and dicotyledons, detection dogs did less often outperform other methods.

Although every breed can be trained as a WDD, choosing the most suitable dog for the task and target may speed up training and increase the chance of success. Albeit selection of the most appropriate WDD is important, excellent training, knowledge about the target density and suitability, and a proper study design all appeared to have the highest impact on performance. Moreover, an appropriate area, habitat and weather are crucial for detection dog work. When these factors are taken into consideration, WDD can be an outstanding monitoring method.
Endodontic set sealer eluates promote cytokine production in human mononuclear and periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Pérez‐Serrano Rosa M. , Soza‐Bolaños Ana I. , Castillo‐Valdés Samantha N. , Hernández‐Valdez Gabriela , Mora‐Izaguirre Ofelia , González‐Dávalos María L. , Dammaschke Till , Domínguez‐Pérez Rubén A.
Published: March 2021

Endodontic freshly mixed sealers display toxic effects; however, these are significantly reduced and most become relatively inert in the set state but there is no information about the possible inflammatory reaction promoted by them. Four contemporary and different formulated endodontic set sealers (MTA Fillapex, BioRoot RCS, AH Plus, and Pulp Canal Sealer) were evaluated. Human periodontal ligament cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated for 3, 6, 12 and 24 h. Interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐8 and interleukin‐10 concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All endodontic set sealer eluates promoted a similar production (P ˃ 0.05) of the four cytokines. However, their concentrations decreased within a short time period to nearly undetectable concentrations after 24 h, suggesting that the studied endodontic set sealers do not possess inflammatory properties which has favoured their long‐term use in clinical practice.
Single‐dose prolonged drug provocation test, without previous skin testing, is safe for diagnosing children with mild non‐immediate reactions to beta‐lactams
Authors: Prieto Ana , Muñoz Candelaria , Bogas Gádor , Fernández‐Santamaría Rubén , Palomares Francisca , Mayorga Cristobalina , Salas Maria , Doña Inmaculada , Torres María José
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Mild non‐immediate reactions (NIRs) to beta‐lactams (BLs) are the most frequent manifestation of drug allergy in children. The diagnostic approach is complex as the utility of skin tests (STs) and lymphocyte transformation tests (LTTs) is controversial. Drug provocation test (DPT) is the gold standard, although no standardized protocols exist. We aimed to investigate the utility of DPT in a unique dose without previous STs, and LTTs in the diagnosis of NIRs to BLs in children.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated children 0–14 years old referred to the Regional University Hospital of Málaga during 2017–2020 reporting NIRs to BLs. We performed a DPT with a unique dose followed by regular treatment at home. If positive, STs and LTTs were done after the reaction had disappeared.

Results

We included 194 children, having 24 (12.4%) a positive DPT. The main culprit was AX (70.1%) followed by AX‐clavulanic acid (CLV) (26.8%) and the main symptoms maculopapular exanthema (MPE) (49.5%) and delayed‐urticaria (48.5%). A decrease (p = 0.013) in the interval of days between drug administration and onset of symptoms was observed in positive DPT compared with the original reaction (3.5 vs 6 days), with no differences in the overall percentage of MPE and delayed‐appearing urticaria (p = 0.551). No severe reactions occurred during DPT. Moreover, STs were positive in 13.33% and LTTs in 52.9%.

Conclusions

Single‐dose DPT without previous STs is a safe and useful way to assess NIRs to BLs in children. LTT has shown to be useful, confirming a T‐cell mechanism involved in these reactions.