bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationalization and performance of small and medium-sized enterprises from emerging economies
Authors: Manotas Eva Cristina , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the use of hazards functions for studying the relationship between internationalization and performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Hazards functions analysis is applied to a sample of 64 companies, previously grouped into two subsets of manufacturing SMEs from an emerging economy. The first group contains firms that have attained an accelerated internationalization. And the second one those that have followed a sequential internationalization.

Findings

The results show strong evidence that internationalization positively affects the probability of a better performance, and therefore more competitiveness of SMEs.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology is an invitation to use models other than linear regression to explain the relationship between internationalization and performance, studying the risk function of poor performance, whose characterization in the lifetime of SMEs. The result of this study clearly illustrates how internationalization affects the performance of SMEs for both those SMEs with accelerated internationalization and those with a sequential process of internationalization.

Social implications

The implementation of quantitative methodologies, such as the analysis of hazards, has implications in the social practice of research in international business, by inviting the return of data from primary sources, obtained from direct sources, which, although they are not large samples, they are representative, and therefore the results of the well-applied methodology offer powerful and high-reliability information. Irreproducible and non-replicable research results threaten the credibility, usefulness and the very basis of all scientific fields. Studies in entrepreneurship, management and in international business are not exempt from this problem that affects the ethics and credibility of research works.

Originality/value

A literature review is presented exposing the disadvantages of the use of traditional correlation methodologies and proposes the methodology traditionally used in industrial engineering studies of hazard functions as a simple option, free of previous assumptions about the relation between internationalization and performance. Finally, the methodology is subjected to triple testing of conceptualization and measurement of internationalization, performance and the relation between internationalization and performance.
TISM for analysis of barriers affecting the adoption of lean concepts to electronics component manufacture
Authors: D. Senthil Kumar , Vinodh S.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the analysis of barriers affecting the adoption of lean concepts to electrical and electronics component manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean concepts are being increasingly applied by electrical and electronics component manufacturers to enhance product value through streamlined process. To facilitate smooth adoption of lean concepts, barriers need to be analyzed and prioritized. In this context, a structural model of 24 barriers is developed through total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach.

Findings

‘Changing governmental policies,’ ‘poor selection of change agents and improvement teams,’ ‘lack of top management commitment understanding and support of the system,’ ‘lack of team autonomy,’ ‘lack of flexibility and versatility’ and ‘lack of customer focus/involvement’ are found to be the dominant barriers based on TISM study. Interpretation statements are being derived from TISM model. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis is conducted.

Research limitations/implications

In the present paper, 24 barriers are considered. In future, additional barriers could be considered to deal with managerial advancements.

Practical implications

The paper reports the practical case of analysis of barriers to lean adoption in electronics component manufacture. Hence, the inferences have practical relevance.

Originality/value

The development of structural model for the analysis of barriers to lean implementation in electronics component manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises is the original contribution of the authors.
Information management in lean office deployment contexts
Authors: Freitas Rodrigo de Castro , Freitas Maria do Carmo Duarte
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Lean office covers the improvement of administrative processes and information flows. In offices, one of the essential challenges is to coordinate the development of information management capabilities. Thus, this paper aims to identify the key factors of information management in lean office deployment contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting a qualitative approach, it consists of theoretical research that applies grounded theory's coding technique and exploits 27 scientific studies on lean office published in the past 20 years.

Findings

It identifies five key factors for managing information into an organizational structure that optimizes information flow, such as “information-seeking,” “access to information,” “information quality,” “information processing” and “use of information and communication technology”.

Research limitations/implications

Data analysis was restricted in scientific research regarding lean office deployment. Therefore, the accuracy of the concepts and categories of information management proposed in this paper can be adjusted and validated in future research, thus deepening the discussion of its findings.

Practical implications

It highlights issues for managing information in contemporary organizations such as failures in information retrieval, restrictions on access to information, lack of quality information, inadequate information processing criteria and inefficiency of information systems infrastructure.

Originality/value

It analyzes the lean office deployment from the theoretical framework of information management. Thus, it differs from other studies in this field because it is not limited to the operational aspects of lean management. Nevertheless, it shows that lean office reconfigures information flows and continually improves organizations’ strategic management.
Examining the role of depression in the Filipino elderly’s food preferences in prison setting: data from conjoint analysis and SEM
Authors: de Guzman Allan , Barredo Sean Frances , Caillan Kim Rajah
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Previous studies suggest that the care for elderly prisoners is a growing problem. The emerging phenomenon such as the correctional ageing crisis is an urgent concern that needs to be collectively and holistically addressed from a multi-sectoral perspective. In a developing country, like the Philippines, where prison congestion is alarming, the need for more empirical investigations that probe into the prison life and services is warranted to better inform penal policy and practice that would improve health outcomes among incarcerated individuals. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which depression among Filipino elderly prisoners shape their food choices.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 160 Filipino elderly prisoners of age 60 and above from October to November 2018 was conducted using a three-part research instrument, which consists of a personal and nutrition-related checklist, 15-point geriatric depression scale and a set of cards that were ranked and sorted through the balanced incomplete block design.

Findings

Results of the survey were subjected to conjoint analysis and structural equation modeling using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 24. Interestingly, taste was the most considered attribute (30.765%) while portion size (9.759%) is the least considered by the Filipino elderly prisoners. Notably, depression has a significant positive effect on their food preferences in all attributes except portion size.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to two prison settings in the Philippines. Considering the results from the conjoint analysis, strategies can be developed in designing an individualized meal plan suitable for the needs of each elderly prisoner. Also, sizeable government appropriations should be in place to ensure the nutritional quality of food served to aging Filipino prisoners.

Practical implications

Provisions for a pool of nutritionists working hand in hand with other health members would guarantee a prison system that promotes the overall well-being of each prisoner. Further, this study can contribute valuable inputs in the menu cycle practice of prisons in the country. There may be a need to prioritize the nutritional aspect of these vulnerable and deprived groups so as to promote a better quality of life among elderly prisoners. Also, other forms of psychosocial, physical and spiritual health activities extended to elderly prisoners may prevent depressive symptoms.

Originality/value

Conjoint analysis is remarkably gaining prominence in not only the health-care setting (Phillips et al., 2002; Ryan and Farrar, 2000) but also the field of nutrition. It holds a number of unique and practical promises to prison settings.
Universities speak up regarding the implementation of sustainable development challenges
Authors: Farinha Carla Sofia , Caeiro Sandra Sofia , Azeiteiro Ulisses
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to expand knowledge and provide further insights on how education for sustainable development (ESD) has been integrated into programmes at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was given to key actors in charge of sustainability implementation at each Portuguese public university. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 13 of the survey respondents and the data were analysed.

Findings

Results showed that Portuguese public universities have their own strategies and policies on ESD, leading them to introduce initiatives arising from their proactiveness rather than governmental edicts. Some universities implemented ESD planning and beneficial “green” practices such as waste separation and recycling and ways to reduce energy consumption that can be a result of the improvement after the United Nations Decade 2005-2014. However, these actions seem to have been taken in isolation and not holistically integrated. Universities face many barriers including lack of funding, not properly trained people and inept government policies. They also must overcome challenges in implementing ESD.

Research limitations/implications

This research into the implementation of ESD has a national scope; the findings should be interpreted only in a Portuguese university context despite the high number of interviewees.

Practical implications

The study has increased knowledge, provided further insights on how ESD has been integrated at HEIs and provided examples of integrated practices at Portuguese universities. A Sustainability4U platform was proposed for enhancing awareness of the need for increasing sustainable development.

Originality/value

This study contributes to defining a country’s profile and how to implement sustainability in HEIs. The importance of obtaining information from key actors in sustainability at Portuguese public universities was highlighted.
Determining wine relevant markets
Authors: Romero-Gómez Exequiel , Ferro Gustavo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to verify how the product-relevant market for wines should be defined. To do so, the authors apply an empirical methodology to determine the levels of substitution among wine-categories, identifying each relevant market in Argentina.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform an econometric analysis applying the nested logit methodology that will enable us to estimate cross elasticities in wine segments in the Argentine market. The database contains 1,367 brands and a maximum of 395 firms offering products of different segments. If cross elasticities between wine segments are positive and significantly different to zero, the products belong to the same relevant market. In the methodological section, the authors discuss the pros and cons of this approach and its alternatives, while in the empirical analysis, they perform several robustness controls.

Findings

The proposed method and results provide an alternative to exogenously defining where each product category begins and ends. The results show that the relevant market for wines should be segmented by categories as the substitution between each one is very low.

Research limitations/implications

In this empirical work, the study analyzes whether each segment constitutes a relevant, independent market. In Argentina, the practice of competition policy does not recognize substitution between different categories of wine; thus, each category constitutes a relevant market by itself, while according to the international practice, the relevant market includes all wine categories. The results suggest exploring the existence of different relevant markets of wine.

Practical implications

Under the label “wine,” different types or qualities can act as substitutes among them in different possible relevant markets. A more precise definition of relevant markets permits informed decisions facing proposed mergers or anticompetitive practices.

Social implications

This study provides a mechanism to determine the levels of substitution among wine categories (i.e. to find the boundaries of each relevant market). Wine is a differentiated product and, as such, offers different qualities (categories) for consumers. The consideration of those differences in winery mergers has consequences on social welfare.

Originality/value

According to the international practice in competition policy, the relevant market includes all wine categories. This study provides an alternative to defining exogenously where each category of product begins and ends and does not assume a priori the direction or intensity of substitution among products.
Tribological behaviors of water-based drilling mud with oleic acid-filled microcapsules as lubricant additives for steel-steel contact
Authors: Ji Min , Liu Shuhai , Xiao Huaping
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the tribology behavior of steel–steel contact under the lubrication of water-based drilling mud with different oleic acid-filled microcapsules as lubricant additives.

Design/methodology/approach

A ball-on-disc tribometer was used to evaluate the lubrication properties of the steel–steel contact. The wear tracks of the worn surfaces were observed by a scanning electron microscope.

Findings

Results show that the dependence of both friction and wear on the category of additives shares a consistent pattern. In contrast to oleic acid and empty microcapsules, oleic acid-filled microcapsules achieve the best tribological performance which is related to the lubricant effect of oleic acid and the isolation and rolling abilities of microcapsules.

Practical implications

This study provides a helpful method of encapsulated lubricant additives to prolong lubrication performance for steel–steel contact.

Originality/value

This study has applied microcapsules to improve the tribological properties of drilling mud.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0320/
Applying big data to guide firms’ future industrial marketing strategies
Authors: Gnizy Itzhak
Published: March 2020

Purpose

While big data (BD), a transformative emerging phenomenon on its youth, plays a growing role in organizations in improving marketing decision-making, few academic works examine the mechanism through which BD can be applied to guide future competitive advantage strategies. The purpose of this paper is to examine if BD’s predictive power helps business to business (B2B) firms selecting their intended generic (differentiation, focus, and cost leadership) strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the learning theory, the study proposes the use of BD as a key driver of intended strategies. Based on data from a cross-industry sample of executives, a conceptual model is tested using path and robustness analyses.

Findings

The use of BD plays a prominent role in the selection of intended future strategies in industrial markets. Additional tests demonstrate conditions of competitive intensity and strategic flexibility where BD is more and less beneficial.

Research limitations/implications

The study furthers the understanding of traditional learning and intelligence use frameworks and of contemporary future strategies drivers.

Practical implications

BD availability enables managers leveraging knowledge embedded in data-rich systems to gain predictive insights that help in guiding new strategic directions to maintain competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The study reinforces the continued applicability of Porter’s generic positioning strategies in the digital era. It addresses the paucity of research on BD in B2B context and is the first to provide theoretical and practical reflections on how BD utilization influences industrial intended strategies. The study strengthens contemporary managerial views defending that data drive strategies rather than the opposite.
Dark side of joint R&D collaborations: dependence asymmetry and opportunism
Authors: Yang Naiding , Song Yue , Zhang Yanlu , Wang Jingbei
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to enhance the comprehensive understanding of the roles of resource investments, explicit contracts and three components ofguanxi(i.e.renqing,ganqingandmianzi) in asymmetric research and development (R&D) partnerships. Treating dependence asymmetry as a multidimensional construct, this study examines the moderating effects of these elements on the relationships between resources and information asymmetry and opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was executed by issuing questionnaires to R&D managers participating in R&D projects and collaborations in the Shanghai and Jiangsu provinces via e-mail and face to face surveys. A multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical test generally supported the conceptual model and produced the following findings: first, resources and information asymmetry significantly and positively affect opportunism. Second, the partner’s resource investments can weaken the effect of resources and information asymmetry on the partner’s opportunism. Third, explicit contracts can reduce the impact of information asymmetry on the partner’s opportunism. Fourth,renqingandganqingbut notmianzican weaken the influence of information asymmetry on the partner’s opportunism.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive and clear understanding of how opportunism can be curbed by jointly considering resource investments, explicit contracts andguanxiin asymmetric R&D cooperative relationships. Moreover, dependence asymmetry andguanxiare measured as a multidimensional construct and reveal their underlying structure, which expands previous understandings of risk management in R&D collaborations.
Open strategy: role of organizational democracy
Authors: Adobor Henry
Published: March 2020

Purpose

A core premise of the paper is that participative, democratic organizational forms have a direct effect on openness. A key proposition is that organizational forms that promote inclusion, transparency and shared decision-making more broadly as part of their structure and culture would enhance greater openness. However, democratic forms are not a panacea when it comes to openness, there are inherent paradoxes, leading to inevitable tradeoffs that democratic organizations must manage.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework in the study explores the interaction between open strategy making and organizational democracy. This paper reviews the literature on open strategy and organizational democracy and presents propositions linking openness and elements of democratic organizations.

Findings

Open strategy requires a level of inclusion and transparency not typically associated with hierarchical organizations. This paper proposed that an organizational context where there are institutionalized processes that promote both transparency and inclusiveness, shared decision-making and a supportive organizational culture would promote openness. At the same time, these organizations need to manage key paradoxes associated with organizational democracy to benefit from its positive effect on openness. The idea is not that hierarchies cannot be open; they may simply need to be more creative and work harder at providing the scaffolding for participation.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual paper and we cannot make any claims of causality. It is also possible to refine the framework by adding or eliminating some of the conceptual variables.

Practical implications

Opening up the strategy process to non-traditional stakeholders can improve the strategy formation process. Non-traditional stakeholders can bring new insight, and be motivated and prepared for strategy implementation when they are part of the strategy formation process. Organizations need to focus on creating a climate that supports openness by emphasizing structural forms that promote openness. Sharing decision-making, profits and creating a democratic culture are important for successful openness. In addition, organizations need to manage the tradeoffs that arise as they link organizational democracy to openness.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the link between open strategy and organizational democracy. The research sheds light on how organizational forms, specifically structure affects openness, as well as the limits to structure and openness.
Customer concentration types and public debt contracts
Authors: Na HyunJun
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how a firm’s customer concentration, which is the amount of sales between a supplier firm and the major customers, affects corporate bond contracts. This study also investigates how the types of customer concentration have a significant impact on bond contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses the Compustat’s segment customer database and the Mergent fixed income securities database, which provides details about publicly offered US bond issues and issuers. The sample also includes the US Congressional committees’ data from the 96th to 115th congresses. To control any endogenous concerns, the author uses changes in the seniority of US senators on powerful committees and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) as exogenous shocks. For a robustness test, the author also uses the propensity score-matched pairs.

Findings

While higher customer concentration, on average, leads to higher yield spreads and strict covenants, firms that have the US Government as a major customer pay lower yield spreads and have higher issue ratings. However, as a firm’s sales depend too heavily on the US Government customer channel, the bond issuance is likely to have lower issue ratings. The main findings also show that firms with government concentrations take advantage of political links, leading to lower yield spreads after two exogenous events.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper show the importance of a firm’s customer types in bond markets by emphasizing the positive impact of the US Government as the sales channel. Exogenous event studies based on the propensity-matched sample alleviate the endogenous concerns.
Why improving employee and manager relationships is vital to boost engagement
Authors: Johnson Cerys
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The author, CEO of a global enterprise, set out to explore the impact of employee and manager relationships on engagement. Her goal was to then determine strategies to improve these relationships to boost engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The author first reviewed studies regarding the impact of engaged employees on businesses and the role of employee and senior relationships with regards to this. She then explored the most effective approaches to improve these relationships and thereby employee engagement.

Findings

While it is not the only factor involved, there is a clear correlation between the relationships between employees and business leaders and employee engagement. There are several strategies businesses can adopt to improve the communication between these parties and remove hierarchical barriers, which will in turn improve employee engagement.

Originality/value

The value was in demonstrating that there are a wide variety of strategies businesses can use to improve engagement, using technology as well as traditional methods to ensure they reach all members of staff.
Different impacts of pMP19 on the virulence of Melissococcus plutonius strains with different genetic backgrounds
Authors: Nakamura Keiko , Okumura Kayo , Harada Mariko , Okamoto Mariko , Okura Masatoshi , Takamatsu Daisuke
Published: March 2020

Virulence factors responsible for bacterial pathogenicity are often encoded by plasmids. In Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agent of European foulbrood of honey bees, a putative virulence plasmid (pMP19) possessing mtxA, which encodes a putative insecticidal toxin, was found by comparative genome analyses. However, as the role of pMP19 in the pathogenesis of European foulbrood remains to be elucidated, we generated pMP19 cured‐M. plutonius from representative strains of the three genetically distinct groups (CC3, CC12 and CC13) and compared their virulence against Apis mellifera larvae using our in vitro infection model. Under the conditions tested, the loss of pMP19 abrogated the pathogenicity in CC3 strains, and > 94% of pMP19‐cured CC3 strain‐infected larvae became adult bees, suggesting that pMP19 is a virulence determinant of CC3 strains. However, introduction of mtxA on its own did not increase the virulence of pMP19‐cured strains. In contrast to CC3 strains, the representative CC12 strain remained virulent even in the absence of pMP19, whereas the representative CC13 strain was avirulent even in the presence of the plasmid. Thus, pMP19 plays a role in the virulence of M. plutonius; however, its impact on the virulence varies among strains with different genetic backgrounds.
miR‐15b enhances the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting BCL2
Authors: Wang Jun , Yao Shupeng , Diao Yanping , Geng Yan , Bi Yanling , Liu Guangyue
Published: March 2020

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a subtype of lung cancer (LC), which is the most common tumor worldwide. Accumulating evidence has elucidated an important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mediating the development and progression of several tumors. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and underlying mechanism of miR‐15b in LUAD.

Methods

CCK‐8 and Transwell assays were conducted to measure the capacities of cell viability and migration in SPC‐A1 cells. Luciferase assay was utilized to verifymiR‐15b direct binding to BCL2 mRNA 3′‐UTR.

Results

We determined that miR‐15b was overexpressed in LUAD and miR‐15b overexpression predicted a significantly worse outcome in patients with LUAD. miR‐15b improved LUAD growth in vitro and vivo. miR‐15b enhanced cell migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in LUAD. miR‐15b promoted cell viability, migration and EMT through inhibiting BCL2 expression by targeting to its mRNA 3′‐UTR. BCL2 reversed functions of miR‐15b on promoting cell proliferation, migration and EMT in SPC‐A1 cells.

Conclusions

miR‐15b promoted cell viability, migration and EMT by targeting BCL2 in LUAD. The newly identified miR‐15b/BCL2 axis provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of LUAD.
Lung cancer in patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis: A propensity score‐matched survival analysis cohort study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Qiliang , Yuan Fan , Liu Min
Published: March 2020

Background

Connective tissue disease increases the risk of lung cancer, but whether rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an effect on the overall survival (OS) rate in this population has not been well studied.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with lung cancer between January 2015 and December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the baseline of the two groups, whereas the differences between patients with and without RA were compared using survival analysis. Further, the effects of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and qi deficiency on survival in cases of RA with lung cancer were examined. Cox regression analysis was applied to predict the factors that influenced the survival of lung cancer to one year.

Results

Overall, 154 lung cancer patients, including 136 (88.3%) without RA and 18 (11.7%) with RA, were included. Two comparison cohorts were matched by 1:2 propensity score matching, which yielded 18 lung cancer patients with RA and 36 lung cancer patients without RA. Ultimately, the survival prognosis of lung cancer and RA was worse than that without RA, that of patients with ILD with RA and lung cancer was worse than that among those without RA, and that of patients with qi deficiency with RA and lung cancer was worse than that among those without RA.

Conclusions

The survival prognosis of lung cancer patients with RA is worse than that of those without RA. ILD and qi deficiency promote reduced survival when found in conjunction with RA in patients with lung cancer.
At three years, patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia are still at risk for relapse. Results of the international MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 trial
Authors: Ganzel Chezi , Wang Xin V. , Rowe Jacob M. , Richards Susan M. , Buck Georgina , Marks David I. , Litzow Mark R. , Paietta Elisabeth M. , Foroni Letizia , Luger Selina M. , Willman Cheryl L. , Mullighan Charles G. , Roberts Kathryn G. , Wiernik Peter H. , Douer Dan , Lazarus Hillard M. , Tallman Martin S. , Goldstone Anthony H.
Published: March 2020

Late relapse [>3 years from complete remission (CR)] in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), is unusual. Data from the MRC UKALLXII/ECOG E2993 trial are presented to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of late relapse in adult ALL. Of 1,909 patients, 1,752 (92%) achieved CR and among these 757 (43·2%) relapsed; 691 (91·3%) within three years and 66 (8·7%) beyond. Among these 66 patients, median time to relapse was 47 (37–144) months. Relapse beyond three years occurred in 3·8% of all who achieved CR. The cumulative risk of relapse was 40%, 43% and 45% at three, five and ten years respectively. Out of the 1 752 patients who achieved CR, 11·7% underwent autologous and 40·6% allogeneic transplant, while in CR1. Of the autologous patients, 43·2% relapsed early and 3·4% relapsed late. However, among the allogeneic patients, 13·2% relapsed early and only 1·3% late. The five‐year overall survival from relapse was 5·8% and 20% in the early and late relapse patients respectively. In conclusion, late relapse in adults with ALL is not uncommon, and is associated with better outcome after relapse compared to early relapse.
Ring finger protein 219 regulates inflammatory responses by stabilizing sirtuin 1
Authors: Hwang Jung Seok , Kim Eunsu , Hur Jinwoo , Yoon Taek Joon , Seo Han Geuk
Published: March 2020

Background and Purpose

Ring finger protein 219 (RNF219), a protein containing the C3HC4‐type RING‐HC motif, has been identified as a binding partner of the histone deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). To explore the functions of RNF219, we examined its possible roles in the cellular responses to inflammation.

Experimental Approach

Effects of RNF219 on SIRT1 were studied in vitro using RAW264.7 cells and in male BALB/c mice, treated with LPS or IFN‐γ. Western blots, RT‐PCR, co‐immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays were used, along with LC‐MS/MS analysis. In vivo, survival and serum cytokines and tissue levels of RNF219 and SIRT1 were measured.

Key Results

Binding of RNF219 to SIRT1 inhibited degradation of SIRT1 by preventing its ubiquitination, thereby prolonging SIRT1‐mediated anti‐inflammatory signalling. LPS caused RNF219 deacetylation, leading to instability of RNF219 and preventing its association with SIRT1. Accordingly, the acetylation status of RNF219 is a critical determinant in its interaction with SIRT1, affecting the response to inflammatory stimuli. The deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A, increased acetylation and stability of RNF219 and survival of mice injected with LPS, through the interaction of RNF219 with SIRT1.

Conclusion and Implications

RNF219 is involved in a novel mechanism to stabilize SIRT1 protein by protein–protein interaction, leading to the resolution of cellular inflammation. These observations provide new insights into the function of RNF219 in modulation of cellular inflammation, and may aid and encourage the development of new anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Response: Anxiety and behaviour in and beyond ASD; does the idea of ‘PDA’ really help? – a response to Green (2020)
Authors: Grahame Victoria , Stuart Lisa , Honey Emma , Freeston Mark
Published: March 2020

We acknowledge Green’s viewpoint and agree that currently the literature does not support the validity of PDA as an independent syndrome. However, the controversy is real and exists for a reason. We therefore argue that it is important to move beyond labelling and the potentially unhelpful implications of discussion around whether or not it is a condition, diagnosis or a co‐morbid condition, to a point of recognition of the phenomenon. We argue that what we need is more accurate description of these behaviours and better measurement to allow us to answer key questions about this phenomenon, whatever we name it. In our paper (Stuart et al, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2019) and response, we are trying to move the debate on from opinion and anecdote to be more data‐driven, which hopefully leads to increased identification of what research needs to be done. We build on this argument by outlining our second proposed and yet to be published paper exploring the role that IU has in the relationship between ASD, PDA (however we label this) and anxiety.
Preparation and separation of epothilones with anticancer activity
Authors: Long Rong , Yang Wenjian , Huang Gangliang
Published: March 2020

Epothilone is a kind of macrolide compound, which has anticancer activity and strong inhibitory effect on breast cancer and rectal cancer cells. Herein, the chemical and biological synthesis of epothilones and how to improve fermentation yield and separation methods were summarized and discussed.
Beyond weight loss: Impact of a weight management programme for mid‐older Australians in private health insurance
Authors: McGill Bronwyn , Bauman Adrian , Phongsavan Philayrath , Grunseit Anne C. , Lees Dominic , Shepherd Leah , Lawler Luke , O'Hara Blythe J.
Published: March 2020

Weight‐loss maintenance and lifestyle behaviour necessary to manage weight are undisputedly challenging. We evaluated a secondary prevention weight‐loss maintenance programme for participants (n = 490) with weight‐related chronic disease in the Australian private health insurance setting. This study investigated the impact of the maintenance programme on anthropometric and lifestyle risk behaviour changes after 6 and 12 months, and trends in weight‐loss maintenance after 1 year. Using a pre‐ and post‐test design, data were analysed with generalized linear mixed models for repeated measures to determine the effect of the programme on weight loss and lifestyle behaviour outcomes. After initially losing a clinically significant amount of weight (mean 9.1 kg), maintenance‐programme participants maintained clinically significant weight loss (mean 7.6 kg) at 12 months. Rates of discontinuation in the programme were high (47% at 6 months and 73% at 12 months). Weight‐loss maintenance was achieved by 76% of participants at 3 months and 62% at 6 months, stabilizing at 55% and 56% at 9 and 12 months, respectively. Greater initial weight loss was associated with weight‐loss maintenance at 12 months. Participants <55 years demonstrated consistent weight‐loss maintenance over this time but the odds for successful weight‐loss maintenance for those ≥55 years continued to decrease over time. At maintenance‐baseline, 68.3% of participants had sufficient physical activity for health; 61.4% and 19.8% met recommended fruit and vegetable consumption, respectively. All lifestyle risk behaviours were maintained at 12 months. A programme extending support strategies for maintaining weight‐related behaviour shows promise to successfully support these changes over 12 months. There is a potentially important opportunity for targeted intervention at 6 to 9 months.
Realisation of polyester fabrics with low transmission for ultraviolet light
Authors: Hoque Mohammad Toufiqul , Mahltig Boris
Published: March 2020

Due to the hazardous impact of ultraviolet (UV) light, textiles with UV‐protective properties are in great demand. This paper is related to the equipment of polyester textiles, with three different organic and water‐insoluble UV absorbers containing a cinnamate basic structure. To apply the UV absorbers from water‐based recipes, they are combined with polyethylene glycol PEG200 and different dispersing agents. The application onto two different polyester textiles is performed with a conventional high temperature process driven at 130°C with a process duration of more than 1 hour. Alternatively, an innovative microwave‐assisted process of a shorter duration of only 15 minutes is performed at 130°C. This microwave process is performed under solvothermal conditions using a CEM discover microwave machine. The sample evaluation is performed by UV‐visible spectroscopy in an arrangement of diffusive transmission with a special view of the spectral region from 300 to 500 nm. Finally, polyester fabrics with enhanced UV‐protective properties are realised. It is possible to decrease the diffusive transmission for the complete range of UV light to values of smaller than 5%. By contrast, the influence on the interaction with visible light is low, so the coloration properties of the treated polyester fabrics are less affected. The developed process can be used to realise polyester fabrics for various UV‐protective applications by a simple approach. The developed microwave process allows a decrease in process duration to more than 75% compared with the analogously presented high temperature process.
Influence of crop variety and fertilization on oviposition preference and larval performance of a generalist herbivore, the true armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta
Authors: Batallas Ronald E. , Rossato José A.S. , Mori Boyd A. , Beres Brian L. , Evenden Maya L.
Published: March 2020

The relationship between oviposition preference and offspring performance of herbivores is an essential question in the field of plant–insect interactions and may have important implications on integrated pest management practices. Here, we investigated the preference–performance relationship of a generalist herbivore, the true armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Leucaniini). We evaluated the effect of crop species, cultivars, and fertilization rate on host use by adult and larval M. unipuncta in both laboratory and field experiments. Female M. unipuncta preferred to oviposit on cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Zea mays L., all Poaceae) compared to oilseed (Brassica napus L., Brassicaceae) or pulse (Pisum sativum L., Fabaceae) crops. The preference–performance relationship was examined further on four cereal crops, spring wheat (T. aestivum cv. CDC Go), winter wheat (T. aestivum cv. CDC Buteo), feed barley (H. vulgare cv. Xena), and malt barley (H. vulgare cv. Copeland). Feed barley was the least preferred cereal by female moths but resulted in the highest larval performance of all tested plants suggesting that females did not select the host on which their offspring performs best, based on nutrient content. In contrast, late‐instar larvae selected the hosts, feed barley and malt barley, on which they performed the best, suggesting that larvae have a more active role in host selection for development, compared to adult females. The addition of fertilizer to host plants did not influence adult female oviposition preference. Larvae reared on plants treated with the half (70 mg N) or full (140 mg N) dose of fertilizer resulted in heavier pupae, compared to those reared on unfertilized plants, regardless of crop variety. However, under field conditions fertilization did not enhance larval performance on feed barley plants. The generalist herbivore M. unipuncta does not exhibit the ‘mother knows best’ principle on the tested hosts and potentially employs a bet‐hedging strategy instead.
Stable isotopes reveal unexpected relationships between fire history and the diet of Spotted Owls
Authors: Hobart Brendan K. , Kramer H. Anu , Jones Gavin M. , Dotters Brian P. , Whitmore Sheila A. , Keane John J. , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: March 2020

Although the effects of shifting fire regimes on bird populations have been recognized as important to ecology and conservation, the consequences of fire for trophic interactions of avian species – and raptors in particular – remain relatively unknown. Here, we found that within national parks with long‐standing (40+ years) fire management programmes, California Spotted Owls Strix occidentalis occidentalis consumed predominantly Woodrats Neotoma spp. and Pocket Gophers Thomomys spp.; however, in contrast to our predictions, when their territories experienced more extensive and frequent fire, Spotted Owls consumed proportionally more Flying Squirrels Glaucomys oregonensis. We hypothesize this finding could have been driven by either changes to prey abundance following fires (e.g. increases in flying squirrels) or changes to prey availability (e.g. shifts in forest structure or flying squirrel spatial distribution that increased predation upon them by owls). Our work thus demonstrates that fire may have unexpected consequences for the trophic interactions of raptor species and provides valuable information for the conservation of Spotted Owls in fire‐prone forest landscapes.
Epigenetic response of Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla to shale gas development
Authors: Frantz Mack W. , Wood Petra B. , Latta Steven C. , Welsh Amy B.
Published: March 2020

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation may vary in response to environmental stressors and introduce adaptive or maladaptive gene expression within and among wild bird populations. We examined the association between DNA methylation and demographic characteristics of the Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla in territories with and without disturbance from shale gas development in a Central Appalachian watershed during 2013–2015. We also evaluated the degree to which an individual’s methylated state was subject to change across years in individuals that returned over the course of more than one breeding season (i.e. recaptures). Overall, population methylation differed between adult male and female Waterthrush where adult males generally had fewer methylated restriction sites. Methylation also differed between adult females and nestlings. Age influenced methylation in both adult males and females with a decrease in methylation with age, although adult female recaptures had increased methylation with age. Adult males were variably methylated between shale gas undisturbed and disturbed areas at a population and restriction site (i.e. loci) level, where restriction sites were predominately less methylated in shale gas‐disturbed areas. Barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) data from 2013 feather samples showed adult males had fewer methylated sites at higher concentrations of Ba and Sr, whereas nestlings displayed no correlation of methylation to Ba and Sr concentrations. Adult females displayed increased methylation with increased Sr, a trend also seen year to year in adult female recaptures. Overall, results of our study suggest sex‐specific influences of shale gas development on gene expression that may affect long‐term population survival and fitness.
Constraint versus restraint in the body mass dynamics during moult of a species with precocial young
Authors: Van Dellen Amanda W. , Riecke Thomas V. , Leach Alan G. , Nicolai Christopher A. , Person Brian T. , Lemons Patrick R. , Eichholz Michael W. , Lindberg Mark S. , Schamber Jason L. , Herzog Mark P. , Sedinger James S.
Published: March 2020

Body mass declines during wing moult in numerous, but not all, populations of Anatidae. We assessed two leading hypotheses for body mass dynamics during wing moult: (1) body mass dynamics are adapted to attain a target body mass at the end of wing moult (restraint hypothesis) vs. (2) body mass dynamics reflect environmental constraint on the nutrient–energy balance during wing moult (constraint hypothesis). We used regressions of mass of breeding female Black Brant Branta bernicla nigricans on ninth primary length (a measure of moult stage) for each of 16 years to assess mass dynamics during wing moult and used regression equations to predict mass at the beginning and end of wing moult each year. We also included gosling mass at 30 days (an indicator of forage availability) in models of adult mass to assess how mass dynamics varied as a function of foraging conditions. Predicted body mass (± 95% CI) at the start of wing moult (ninth primary = 0 mm) varied significantly among years from 1032 ± 52 to 1169 ± 27 g. Similarly, predicted mass in late wing moult (ninth primary = 142 mm) ranged from 1048 ± 25 to 1222 ± 28 g. The rate of mass gain was significantly related to gosling mass at 30 days: interaction between adult ninth primary length and gosling mass = 0.0031 ± 0.0020 (P = 0.003). Females initiated wing moult at lower body masses, gained mass more rapidly and ended with wing moult heaviest when goslings were heaviest. Body mass dynamics of female Black Brant during wing moult were consistent with the constraint hypothesis. The positive association between gosling mass and rate of body mass gain by adult females during wing moult was also consistent with the constraint hypothesis.