bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional effect of indole-3 carbinol in the viability and invasive properties of cultured cancer cells
Authors: Baez-Gonzalez Andrea S. , Carrazco-Carrillo Jaime A. , Figueroa-Gonzalez Gabriela , Quintas-Granados Laura Itzel , Padilla-Benavides Teresita , Reyes-Hernandez Octavio D.
Published: May 2023

Cancer treatment typically involves multiple strategies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, to remove tumors. However, chemotherapy often causes side effects, and there is a constant search for new drugs to alleviate them. Natural compounds are a promising alternative to this problem. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural antioxidant agent that has been studied as a potential cancer treatment. I3C is an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor that plays a role in the expression of genes related to development, immunity, circadian rhythm, and cancer.

In this study, we investigated the effect of I3C on cell viability, migration, invasion properties, as well as mitochondrial integrity in hepatoma, breast, and cervical cancer cell lines. We found that all tested cell lines showed impaired carcinogenic properties and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential after treatment with I3C. These results support the potential use of I3C as a supplementary treatment for various types of cancer.
Role of Astrophorina sponges (Demospongiae) in food-web interactions at the Flemish Cap (NW Atlantic)
Authors: Stratmann Tanja , Murillo Francisco Javier , Sacau Mar , Alonso Mariano Koen , Kenchington Ellen
Published: May 2023

Deep-sea sponges are important contributors to carbon and nitrogen cycling due to their large filtration capacity. Species of the suborder Astrophorina form dense sponge grounds in the North Atlantic, where they serve as prey for spongivores, but also have non-trophic interactions with commensal epi- and endobionts. At the Flemish Cap (NW Atlantic) Astrophorina sponges are present in four previously described deep-sea epifaunal assemblages: the deep-sea coral assemblage, the lower slope assemblages 1 and 2, and the deep-sea sponge assemblage. To investigate their role in trophic and non-trophic interactions at the Flemish Cap, we developed trophic-/ non-trophic interaction web models for each of the four faunal assemblages using the published literature. By excluding the sponges from the models, we estimated how many trophic, facultative and obligatory non-trophic links would be lost, and how this removal affected food-web properties (number of compartments, links, link density, and connectance). Astrophorina sponges were mostly linked via facultative non-trophic links to 60, 59, 86, and 92 compartments in the deep-sea coral, the lower slope 1 and 2, and the deep-sea sponge assemblages, respectively. Direct trophic links only existed to Echinasteridae and Pterasteridae. As removing Astrophorina sponges from the interaction webs of the different assemblages had the highest impact on food-web properties compared to removing any other fauna present, these sponges were considered “highest impact taxa”. They were also identified, along with sea pens, as “structural species”/ “habitat formers” and “foundation species” based on non-trophic interactions in the deep-sea coral and deep-sea sponge assemblages.
The efficacy and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced and metastatic thyroid cancer: Study Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of Phase III and IV randomised controlled trials
Authors: Bindra Jessica , Vlok Ruan , Gild Matti
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are now readily considered in the management of advanced and metastatic thyroid cancer. However, a key limiting factor are their adverse events (AEs), which can impair quality of life and influence patient acceptance of treatment. Prior systematic reviews have assessed the efficacy and safety of TKIs by reviewing both retrospective and prospective studies and further Phase III randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have since been published. We therefore plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of only prospective phase III and IV RCTs including the most recently published trials to investigate the efficacy and AEs of TKIs in patients with advanced and metastatic thyroid cancer compared to placebo.

Review methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, OVID Medline, Embase and PubMed databases will be electronically searched. Grey literature will be searched throughClinicaltrials.govandwww.ISRCTN.com. Expert informants will be contacted. We will include Phase III and IV randomised controlled trials that investigate the efficacy and AEs of TKIs in adults with advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer compared to placebo. Two authors will extract and assess for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data extraction will include outcomes for objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) and AEs, including diarrhoea, nausea, hypertension, proteinuria, palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (PPE) and grade 3+ AEs, with a subgroup analysis on medullary vs differentiated thyroid cancer, TKI type and history of prior TKI or other systemic therapy. Pooled effect sizes will be meta-analysed using Review Manager 5 software through a random effects model. The study will be reported in line with the PRISMA guidelines.

Discussion

This will be the first systematic review to be conducted on the safety and efficacy of TKIs in advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer to meta-analyse phase III and IV RCT level data and include the most recently published trials. This review aims to highlight the balance between the therapeutic effect and toxicity of TKIs, and guide future studies that may be required in exploring different dosing and timing of TKI therapy.
Integrative mapping of spatial transcriptomic and amyloid pathology in Alzheimer’s disease at single-cell resolution
Authors: Zhang Guang-Wei , Xia Shangzhou , Zhang Nicole K. , Gao Fan , Zlokovic Berislav V. , Zhang Li I. , Zhao Zhen , Tao Huizhong W.
Published: May 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite decades of research, the underlying molecular and cellular changes of AD remain unresolved, especially in terms of the spatial structure of gene expression changes that correlates with pathology, e.g. amyloid beta (A-beta) plaques. Recent advances in imaging-or sequencing-based single-cell spatial transcriptomics have allowed a systematic dissection of molecular and cell architectures in the brain and other tissues. In this study, we employed the recently developed Stereo-seq technology to spatially profile the whole-genome transcriptomics in the 5xFAD mouse model and established the methodology to analyze the specific neuronal transcriptomic changes spatially correlated with amyloid pathology at single cell resolution. More specifically, we developed a pipeline for integrative image- and non-image-based cell segmentation, VoxelMorph-based non-linear alignment, and Unet-based object detection to achieve reliable transcriptomics analysis at the single-cell resolution, and investigated the spatial relationship between diverse neuronal clusters and A-beta depositions. This work has demonstrated the potential of using the Stereo-seq technology as a powerful tool to investigate AD and other complex neurological disorders.
Synergistic computational and experimental studies of a phosphoglycosyl transferase membrane/ligand ensemble
Authors: Majumder Ayan , Vuksanovic Nemanja , Ray Leah C. , Bernstein Hannah M. , Allen Karen N. , Imperiali Barbara , Straub John E.
Published: May 2023

Complex glycans serve important functions in all living systems. Many of these intricate and byzantine biomolecules are assembled employing biosynthetic pathways wherein the constituent enzymes are membrane associated. A signature feature of the stepwise assembly processes is the essentiality of unusual linear long-chain polyprenol phosphate-linked substrates, such as un-decaprenol phosphate in bacteria. In this study we focus on a small enzyme, PglC fromCampylobacter, structurally characterized for the first time in 2018, as a detergent solubilized construct. PglC is a monotopic phosphoglycosyl transferase (PGT), that embodies the functional core structure of the entire enzyme superfamily and catalyzes the first membrane-committed step in a glycoprotein assembly pathway. The size of the enzyme is significant as it enables high level computation and relatively facile, for a membrane protein, experimental analysis. Our ensemble computational and experimental results reveal a specific interaction of undecaprenol phosphate with PGT cationic residues and suggest a role for critical conformational transitions and electrostatic steering in substrate recognition, overcoming significant energetic barriers to binding. The study highlights that computation, guided by fundamental chemical principles, can advance the study of biochemical processes at membrane bilayers and provide chemical insight at a molecular level that cannot be derived by experiment alone.

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DNA double-strand break-capturing nuclear envelope tubules drive DNA repair
Authors: Shokrollahi Mitra , Stanic Mia , Hundal Anisha , Chan Janet N. Y. , Urman Defne , Hakem Anne , Garcia Roderic E. , Hao Jun , Maass Philipp G. , Dickson Brendan C. , Hande Manoor P. , Pujana Miquel A. , Hakem Razqallah , Mekhail Karim
Published: May 2023

The nuclear envelope is a membrane separating nuclear from cytoplasmic processes. Existing models suggest that damaged DNA moves to the envelope at the edge of the nucleus for repair. Yet, most damaged human DNA does not reposition to the nuclear periphery during repair. Here we show that human cells relocate the nuclear envelope to non-peripheral damaged DNA, providing solid support promoting the reconnection of DNA break ends. Upon DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction, cytoplasmic microtubules poke the nuclear envelope inwards, inducing an extensive network of DSB-capturing nuclear envelope tubules (dsbNETs). The formation of dsbNETs, which encompass the nuclear lamina and the inner and outer nuclear membranes, depends on DNA damage response kinases, dynamic microtubules, the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) proteins SUN1 and SUN2, nuclear pore protein NUP153, and kinesin KIF5B. Repressing dsbNETs compromises the reassociation of DSB ends. The timely reversal of dsbNETs by the kinesin KIFC3 also promotes repair. DSB ends reconnection is restored in dsbNETs-deficient cells by enlarging the 53BP1 DNA repair center. The lamina-binding domain of SUN1 mediates its entry into the tubules and DSB capture by the envelope. Fusing truncated SUN1 to the NHEJ repair protein KU70 fails to localize SUN1 to the tubules but rescues DSB targeting only to the boundary envelope. Although dsbNETs typically promote accurate DSB repair and cell survival, they are co-opted by the PARP inhibitor olaparib to induce aberrant chromosomes restraining BRCA1-deficient breast cancer cells. We uncover dsbNETs, which bring the nuclear envelope to DSBs for repair and potentiate the efficacy of anti-cancer agents. Our findings revise theories of the structure-function relationship of the nuclear envelope and identify dsbNETs as a critical factor in DNA repair and nuclear organization, with implications for health and disease.
Functional interrogation of twenty type 2 diabetes-associated genes using isogenic hESC-derived β-like cells
Authors: Xue Dongxiang , Narisu Narisu , Taylor D. Leland , Zhang Meili , Grenko Caleb , Taylor Henry J. , Yan Tingfen , Tang Xuming , Sinha Neelam , Zhu Jiajun , Vandana J. Jeya , Chong Angie Chi Nok , Lee Angela , Mansell Erin C. , Swift Amy J. , Erdos Michael R. , Zhou Ting , Bonnycastle Lori L. , Zhong Aaron , Chen Shuibing , Collins Francis S.
Published: May 2023

Genetic studies have identified numerous loci associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the functional role of many loci has remained unexplored. In this study, we engineered isogenic knockout human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines for 20 genes associated with T2D risk. We systematically examined β-cell differentiation, insulin production and secretion, and survival. We performed RNA-seq and ATAC-seq on hESC-β cells from each knockout line. Analyses of T2D GWAS signals overlapping with HNF4A-dependent ATAC peaks identified a specific SNP as a likely causal variant. In addition, we performed integrative association analyses and identified four genes (CP, RNASE1, PCSK1NandGSTA2) associated with insulin production, and two genes (TAGLN3andDHRS2) associated with sensitivity to lipotoxicity. Finally, we leveraged deep ATAC-seq read coverage to assess allele-specific imbalance at variants heterozygous in the parental hESC line, to identify a single likely functional variant at each of 23 T2D GWAS signals.
Ethno-botanical Study of Medicinal Plants from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh: Methanolic Extracts of Four Species and their Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory and Toxicity Properties
Authors: Soni Urvashi , Malviya Jitendra , Parmar Arvind , Singh Diwakar Kr
Published: May 2023

The traditional usage of Plumbago zeylanica L, Cassia alata L, Caesalpinia crista L, and Rubia Cordifolia L in the villages of Vidisha district in Madhya Pradesh, India, has sparked research into the plants’ phytochemical makeup and a range of possible medicinal benefits. This research is the first to describe the phytochemical makeup and powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of PZ stem. The PZ stem and CA fruit methanolic extracts had the greatest levels of phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol compounds and had a robust antioxidant capacity for scavenging DPPH and hydrogen peroxide with regard to A. flavus, A. baumannii,, A. fumigatus, S. aureus, K. pneumonia, and R. oryzae, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the chosen plant extracts were strongest for PZ, CA, and CA T. terrestris leaf.
Direct Prediction of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Conformational Properties From Sequence
Authors: Lotthammer Jeffrey M. , Ginell Garrett M. , Griffith Daniel , Emenecker Ryan J. , Holehouse Alex S.
Published: May 2023

Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are ubiquitous across all domains of life and play a range of functional roles. While folded domains are generally well-described by a single 3D structure, IDRs exist in a collection of interconverting states known as an ensemble. This structural heterogeneity means IDRs are largely absent from the PDB, contributing to a lack of computational approaches to predict ensemble conformational properties from sequence. Here we combine rational sequence design, large-scale molecular simulations, and deep learning to develop ALBATROSS, a deep learning model for predicting IDR ensemble dimensions from sequence. ALBATROSS enables the instantaneous prediction of ensemble average properties at proteome-wide scale. ALBATROSS is lightweight, easy-to-use, and accessible as both a locally installable software package and a point-and-click style interface in the cloud. We first demonstrate the applicability of our predictors by examining the generalizability of sequence-ensemble relationships in IDRs. Then, we leverage the high-throughput nature of ALBATROSS to characterize emergent biophysical behavior of IDRs within and between proteomes.

Update from previous version

This preprint reports an updated version of the ALBATROSS network weights trained on simulations of over 42,000 sequences.

In addition, we provide new colab notebooks that enable proteome-wide IDR prediction and annotation in minutes.

All conclusions and observations made in versions 1 and 2 of this manuscript remain true and robust.
Genomic insights into metabolic flux in hummingbirds
Authors: Gershman Ariel , Hauck Quinn , Dick Morag , Jamison Jerrica M. , Tassia Michael , Agirrezabala Xabier , Muhammad Saad , Ali Raafay , Workman Rachael E. , Valle Mikel , Wong G. William , Welch Kenneth C. , Timp Winston
Published: May 2023

Hummingbirds are very well adapted to sustain efficient and rapid metabolic shifts. They oxidize ingested nectar to directly fuel flight when foraging but have to switch to oxidizing stored lipids derived from ingested sugars during the night or long-distance migratory flights. Understanding how this organism moderates energy turnover is hampered by a lack of information regarding how relevant enzymes differ in sequence, expression, and regulation. To explore these questions, we generated a chromosome-scale genome assembly of the ruby-throated hummingbird (A. colubris) using a combination of long- and short-read sequencing, scaffolding it using existing assemblies. We then used hybrid long- and short-read RNA sequencing of liver and muscle tissue in fasted and fed metabolic states for a comprehensive transcriptome assembly and annotation. Our genomic and transcriptomic data found positive selection of key metabolic genes in nectivorous avian species and deletion of critical genes (SLC2A4,GCK) involved in glucostasis in other vertebrates. We found expression of a fructose-specific version ofSLC2A5putatively in place of insulin-sensitiveSLC2A5, with predicted protein models suggesting affinity for both fructose and glucose. Alternative isoforms may even act to sequester fructose to preclude limitations from transport in metabolism. Finally, we identified differentially expressed genes from fasted and fed hummingbirds, suggesting key pathways for the rapid metabolic switch hummingbirds undergo.
Multiplexed long-read plasmid validation and analysis using OnRamp
Authors: Mumm Camille , Drexel Melissa L. , McDonald Torrin L. , Diehl Adam G. , Switzenberg Jessica A. , Boyle Alan P.
Published: May 2023

Recombinant plasmid vectors are versatile tools that have facilitated discoveries in molecular biology, genetics, proteomics, and many other fields. As the enzymatic and bacterial processes used to create recombinant DNA can introduce errors, sequence validation is an essential step in plasmid assembly. Sanger sequencing is the current standard for plasmid validation; however, this method is limited by an inability to sequence through complex secondary structure and lacks scalability when applied to full-plasmid sequencing of multiple plasmids owing to read-length limits. Although high-throughput sequencing does provide full-plasmid sequencing at scale, it is impractical and costly when used outside of library-scale validation. Here, we present Oxford nanopore-based rapid analysis of multiplexed plasmids (OnRamp), an alternative method for routine plasmid validation that combines the advantages of high-throughput sequencing's full-plasmid coverage and scalability with Sanger's affordability and accessibility by leveraging nanopore's long-read sequencing technology. We include customized wet-laboratory protocols for plasmid preparation along with a pipeline designed for analysis of read data obtained using these protocols. This analysis pipeline is deployed on the OnRamp web app, which generates alignments between actual and predicted plasmid sequences, quality scores, and read-level views. OnRamp is designed to be broadly accessible regardless of programming experience to facilitate more widespread adoption of long-read sequencing for routine plasmid validation. Here we describe the OnRamp protocols and pipeline and show our ability to obtain full sequences from pooled plasmids while detecting sequence variation even in regions of high secondary structure at less than half the cost of equivalent Sanger sequencing.
The role of traditional aspects, health consciousness and environmental concerns in Italian agri-food consumption during Covid-19
Authors: Arcese Gabriella , Elmo Grazia Chiara , Fortuna Fabio , Pasca Maria Giovina , Risso Mario
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study investigates how consumers' food purchasing habits changed during the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. The research aims to understand if traditional aspects, health consciousness and environmental concerns have influenced and changed the purchases of food products post-pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a theoretical model to understand whether health consciousness, traditional aspects and environmental concerns affect consumers' purchasing intention. The study collects secondary data to analyse state of the art and investigate consumer behaviour in the agri-food system after the pandemic. Thereafter, a survey was conducted via a convenience random sampling procedure. The data (n = 622) were analysed using the formulated research framework and tested through the structural equation modelling procedure.

Findings

The findings reveal that health consciousness and traditional aspects (culinary traditions, ingredients usage from one's territory of origin, products' origin attention) are among the main reasons for purchasing agri-food goods after the pandemic. Instead, environmental concerns negatively affect consumers' purchase intentions.

Originality/value

The study identifies which aspects influenced consumers' purchasing intentions after the Covid-19 pandemic. It also provides insights for food companies and policymakers on the factors to be improved to optimize the agri-food sector following a sustainable perspective and in order to develop effective business strategies.
The impact of smart technologies on SMEs’ sustainability: the mediation effect of sustainability strategy
Authors: AlZayani Fatema , Mohammed Allam , Shoaib Haneen Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of smart technologies on SMEs sustainability and to measure the mediation effect of SMEs’ sustainability strategy in the relationship between smart technologies and SMEs’ sustainable performance in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The sustainability concept for the purpose of this study includes environmental sustainability, social sustainability and profitability factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the quantitative analysis method. The sample size was 403 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Bahrain.

Findings

The study concludes that smart technology has a major effect on profitability performance, among other sustainable performance factors. In addition, there is no mediation effect of “SMEs’ sustainability strategy”. The study has recommended improving SMEs’ participation in sustainable development principles by considering supportive global initiatives to “Net Zero Roadmap 2050”, increasing the demand for using technologies and including academic “sustainability” concepts in academic programs.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to Bahrain’s economic growth by studying the proactive and innovative methods for increasing SMEs’ efficiency. Furthermore, it adds value to Bahrain’s national economy by investigating the role of SMEs and its strategic practices by implementing smart businesses towards developing business empowerment in Bahrain’s economic vision for 2030 and meeting SDGs regionally and globally.
Research data management services in academic libraries: a comparative study of South Asia and Southeast Asia
Authors: Sinha Priyanka , A. Subaveerapandiyan , Sinha Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the research data management (RDM) services offered by academic libraries in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. This study aims to evaluate the library and information science professionals’ required RDM skills and the challenges faced with providing RDM services.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology for this study used a survey method with purposive sampling. Data were collected through online structured questionnaires, which were used to examine the current state of RDM services offered in academic libraries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Findings

South Asian and Southeast Asian region major types of RDM services provided were data repository, data management training, maintaining Web resources, data study and analysis, and promoting awareness of reusable data sources. Little attention was given to advisory services on data analysis/mining/visualization and supporting reproducibility and workflow transparency. The results indicated that most respondents agreed that metadata standards and data management planning skills were required for RDM services in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Originality/value

This study is significant because it offers a comprehensive assessment of ongoing RDM services in academic libraries of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Most current literature focuses on best practices in developed nations. This study highlights the need for more competent and dedicated academic staff for effective RDM services. Library professionals can use this study to identify the gaps in RDM services and suggest formative measures to overcome such challenges.
A study on the influences of journal axial vibration on ship shaft stern bearing dynamic characteristics
Authors: Zhu Junchao , Wei GuangCheng , Zong Chen , Xin DaKuan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aim to take the ship shaft stern bearing as the research object, and studies the influence of journal axial vibration on bearing dynamic characteristics under different misaligned angles and rotation speeds.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and harmonic excitation method were used to build bearing unstable lubrication model, and the dynamic mesh technology was used in calculation.

Findings

The results indicate that journal axial vibration has a significant effect on bearing dynamic characteristics, like maximum oil film pressure, bearing stiffness and damping coefficients, and the effect is positively correlated with journal misaligned angle. The effect of shaft rotation speed and journal axial vibration on bearing dynamics characteristics are independent; they have no coupling. Bearing axial stiffness is mainly affected by the journal axial displacement, bearing axial damping is mainly affected by journal axial velocity and they are positively correlated with the misaligned angle. The influence of rotational speed on bearing axial stiffness and axial damping is not obvious.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the bearing dynamic model by CFD and harmonic excitation method with consideration of cavitation effect and analyzing the influence of journal axial vibration on the dynamic characteristics. The results are benefit to the design of ship propulsion shaft and the selection of stern bearing. Also, they are of great significance to improve the operation stability of the shaft bearing system and the vitality of the ship.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2022-0337/
Homefluencers' endorsement of millennial consumers' purchase intention in new normal
Authors: Ghosh Mollika , Islam ABM Shahidul
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how “homefluencers” sponsored posts on millennial consumers' purchase intention in the international marketing sphere can be impacted in the new normal by drawing on source credibility, parasocial interaction (PSI) and persuasion knowledge model (PKM) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analysis as the data analysis method using non-probability purposive sampling of a total of 217 local millennial Instagram and Facebook users, who have followed homefluencers sponsored posts in fashion-beauty, yoga-fitness and food sectors.

Findings

Based on hypothesis testing, advertising recognition strongly mediates purchase intention with the indirect effects of expertise and trustworthiness than attractiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends the international marketing literature on source credibility, PSI, PKM and purchase intention theory in the new normal by proposing “Homefluencer's Endorsement Model for Purchase Intention” (HEMPI). Specifically, the mediating role of ad recognition of homefluencers sponsorship disclosure (#paidad, #sponsored), positively affects “change-of-persuasion meaning” on Instagram and Facebook, where research is rare.

Practical implications

This research provides valuable suggestions for global brand owners, consumers and authorities of Instagram and Facebook to consider post-COVID consumer behavior highlighting homefluencers sponsored collaboration.

Originality/value

The authors have contributed to the use of the source credibility model and PSI to identify the antecedents in determining how the homefluencer's effective sponsorship disclosure can positively activate ad recognition on millennial consumers' purchase intention in a crisis period from an international standpoint with the practical implications in post-COVID.
Parental influences on excessive Internet use among adolescents
Authors: O'Reilly Conor , Mohan Gretta
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Using longitudinal data, this study aims to provide a greater understanding as to how parenting factors, including the employment of various disciplinary techniques, during a young person's early adolescence may contribute to excessive Internet use (EIU) in later adolescence.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing “Problem Behaviour” theory (PBT) as a guiding framework, this study uses data from the Growing Up in Ireland ’98 Cohort to investigate the effect of proximal and distal parental influences, measured when children were 13 years old, on symptoms of EIU in young adults at 17 or 18 years. Multiple regression models control for other child and family factors, and separate models for males and females examine sex differentials.

Findings

Estimation did not find a statistically significant association between internet-specific mediation practices in early adolescence and EIU in later adolescence. However, regularly playing games or sports together is a protective factor. Parent-adolescent conflict and spending time home alone are estimated as risk factors. How parents deal with misbehaviour is a strong predictor of EIU, with the direction of association dependent upon the type and frequency of discipline employed.

Practical implications

The findings are of practical significance in informing parents of modifiable aspects of their behaviour that can lead to EIU.

Originality/value

The study applies a longitudinal modelling framework and considers the effect on EIU of various parental disciplinary techniques, representing a novel contribution.
New challenges for public value and accountability in the age of big data: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Pavone Pietro , Ricci Paolo , Calogero Massimiliano
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the literacy corpus regarding the potential of big data to improve public decision-making processes and direct these processes toward the creation of public value. This paper presents a map of current knowledge in a sample of selected articles and explores the intersecting points between data from the private sector and the public dimension in relation to benefits for society.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was performed to provide a retrospective review of published content in the past decade in the field of big data for the public interest. This paper describes citation patterns, key topics and publication trends.

Findings

The findings indicate a propensity in the current literature to deal with the issue of data value creation in the private dimension (data as input to improve business performance or customer relations). Research on data for the public good has so far been underestimated. Evidence shows that big data value creation is closely associated with a collective process in which multiple levels of interaction and data sharing develop between both private and public actors in data ecosystems that pose new challenges for accountability and legitimation processes.

Research limitations/implications

The bibliometric method focuses on academic papers. This paper does not include conference proceedings, books or book chapters. Consequently, a part of the existing literature was excluded from the investigation and further empirical research is required to validate some of the proposed theoretical assumptions.

Originality/value

Although this paper presents the main contents of previous studies, it highlights the need to systematize data-driven private practices for public purposes. This paper offers insights to better understand these processes from a public management perspective.
How value drivers of internet medical business model affect value creation: a configurational approach
Authors: Jiang Jihai , Liu Rui , Wang Fengquan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how value drivers of internet medical business model affect value creation through a configurational approach. The internet medical business model (IMBM) is such a business model that integrates online and offline medical services with the driving force of internet technologies covering prediagnosis, in-diagnosis and postdiagnosis. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the support of national policies have boosted the development of internet health care. However, there are still many challenges in practice, such as the unclear innovation path, as well as difficulties in landing and profiting. Academic research has not yet provided sufficient theoretical insights. Therefore, to better explain and guide practice, it is urgent to clarify the innovation path and mechanism of value creation for IMBM.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the sample of 58 internet medical firms in China, this paper adopts fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the configurational effects of IMBM’s value drivers on value creation.

Findings

Building on the business model canvas and the characteristics of internet health care, five value drivers of IMBM are identified, namely, functional value proposition, emotional value proposition, user involvement, resource capabilities and connection properties. And the five value drivers form three configurations, which are, respectively, labeled as resource-driven configuration, user-operated configuration and product-combined configuration. From the perspective of the integration of traditional and emerging theories, such as resource-based view, internet economics and value cocreation, each configuration leads to value creation and improves value results with different mechanisms behind it.

Originality/value

First, combined with the business model canvas and the characteristics of internet health care, this paper identifies five value drivers of IMBM, thus improving the relevant research on internet health care. Second, based on the configurational effects, this paper discusses the mechanism behind the configurational effects of IMBM’s value drivers on value creation, thus expanding relevant research on the value creation of business models. Third, applying fsQCA and combining the advantages of qualitative research and quantitative research, this paper adds to the configurations of IMBM’s value drivers that achieve high-value results.
Universities and innovation – the case of hybrid courses
Authors: Pandey Satyendra C. , Panda Swati
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Hybrid learning, integrating online methods of instruction with face-to-face learning methods, has recently gained increased attention. The literature on pedagogy and course management has focused on hybrid learning as a combination of virtual and physical environments, which can shift learning to a more student-centered model from the teacher-centered model. A gap exists in the literature related to the execution of hybrid learning and challenges faced by internal stakeholders, and the outcomes are achieved. This study aims to examine the implementation of hybrid learning courses and investigate the challenges and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative approach. This study presents a case of a management university in India. Ten semistructured interviews were conducted with the university officials, including the vice-chancellor, dean and faculty members. The data collection method also included reviewing university documents and reports.

Findings

While formalized knowledge transfer through online courses can facilitate knowledge dissemination, it has its own downsides: it needs to be contextualized; it requires additional resources; it is not a one size fits all policy, as its conducive to some and alienates others; and students may not completely adopt it.

Originality/value

This investigation attempts to examine the shift to hybrid learning in the Indian context.
Current status of Hoshin Kanri
Authors: Wilson Richard , Cudney Elizabeth A. , Marley Robert J.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide an introduction into Hoshin Kanri and how it has been used with other methodologies and frameworks. Additionally, factors that impact successful Hoshin Kanri implementation and future research opportunities are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to determine the methodologies and frameworks that have previously been explored and identify factors that lead to successful Hoshin Kanri implementation as it relates in the Western world.

Findings

Even though Hoshin Kanri has been used to a limited extent for decades in the West, there is still relatively little published research on the topic. In the period reviewed most published research was performed in the UK or USA. In addition, most years had less than two publications (the exception being five in 2020).

Research limitations/implications

This literature review was primarily focused on the manufacturing sector, publications from 1990–2021, and available in English.

Practical implications

Current practitioners may use the research in this review to improve their current Hoshin Kanri practices using the techniques mentioned as a means of continuous improvement or to build a new framework for their own needs.

Originality/value

This paper makes an important contribution to the study of Hoshin Kanri as it provides: (1) an updated literature review regarding the study and application of Hoshin Kanri, (2) a qualitative analysis of alternative methodologies and frameworks to traditional Hoshin Kanri and (3) success factors when considering implementation of Hoshin Kanri within an organization and researchers with potential ideas for future research.
Tree and shrub expansion at treeline drive contrasting responses in a subarctic passerine community
Authors: Mizel Jeremy D. , Schmidt Joshua H. , Roland Carl A. , Mcintyre Carol L.
Published: May 2023

Inferences about the mechanisms of distributional change are often made from simple assessments of variation in the geographical positions of populations. However, direct assessments of species' responses to local habitat change may be necessary for proper understanding of the drivers of distributional dynamics.

Amplified climate warming is inducing cascading impacts in boreal‐tundra regions including the expansion of conifers and deciduous shrubs (shrubs). In Denali National Park (Denali), Alaska, passerine birds are exhibiting rapid upslope shifts in distribution but the relative roles of conifer and shrub (woody vegetation) expansion in driving these shifts are unknown. Without directly assessing passerine‐vegetation dynamics, the assumption has been that the observed upslope shifts are indicative of shrub‐adapted passerines tracking the upslope expansion of shrubs. Here, we jointly investigate the processes of conifer and shrub expansion and their relationship to changes in passerine abundance in Denali.

We used a remotely sensed vegetation cover timeseries (1985–2020) to assess the topographic and edaphic correlates of conifer and shrub expansion. We then assessed the impacts of changes in shrub and conifer cover on the relative abundance of 12 passerine species (1995–2020).

Shrub and conifer colonization rates were highest at intermediate elevations near treeline. However, forest‐ and shrub‐adapted passerines differed in terms of the location in which their response was concentrated relative to treeline. The population growth rates of forest‐adapted passerines exhibited stronger effects of woody vegetation expansion at sites that were initially above treeline (IAT). In contrast, the population growth rates of shrub‐adapted passerines exhibited the negative effects of conifer expansion together with the positive effects of shrub expansion at initially below treeline sites. However, they showed a weak response to woody vegetation expansion at sites that were IAT.

Below treeline conifer infilling appears to be pushing the elevational distributions of shrub‐adapted passerines upslope rather than these species following the pull of modest shrub expansion above treeline, as previously assumed.

Overall, our findings illustrate the need for explicitly accommodating heterogeneity in habitat change at small spatial scales to properly view the distributional response, particularly when habitat change is concentrated at ecotones.
Trait‐mediated community assembly during experimental grassland restoration is altered by planting year rainfall
Authors: Atkinson Joe , Groves Anna M. , Towers Isaac R. , Catano Christopher P. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: May 2023

Ecological restoration outcomes are highly variable, undermining efforts to recover biodiversity and ecosystem functions. One poorly understood source of variability is ‘year effects’—interannual variation in environmental conditions during the first year of restoration that alter successional trajectories of plant communities.

There have been few experimental tests disentangling planting years from other differences among restoration projects (e.g. edaphic conditions, restoration approach), particularly those resolving mechanisms for year effects such as planting‐year rainfall. Moreover, past year effect studies focused almost exclusively on species‐level consequences. Therefore, the extent to which year effects influence the traits of communities is unknown.

To address these gaps and provide a mechanistic test of how precipitation contributes to year effects, we conducted an experiment where we manipulated rainfall (drought, average and high levels) during the first growing season, replicated across three establishment year treatments to disentangle the effects of precipitation from other drivers of year effects. In each establishment year, we seeded the same species mix to initiate grassland restoration. We then surveyed plant community compositions annually for 5 years to quantify trait responses of restored communities to planting year rainfall.

We found that variation in planting‐year precipitation altered community assembly trajectories by influencing community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait composition, and these effects persisted for at least 5 years. Over time, CWM specific leaf area and CWM seed mass decreased and CWM plant height increased. The effect of age on CWM plant height was stronger in plots that received mean and high watering treatments compared to drought treatments. This effect was also observed for CWM seed mass, albeit weaker.

We also found some evidence for planting year effects unrelated to planting‐year rainfall for the three CWM traits, illustrating how interannually varying environmental conditions besides rainfall can generate persistent year effect on plant communities through their traits.

Synthesis and applications. Our results provide evidence for planting year rainfall interacting with community assembly to alter the functional trait composition of restored grasslands. This suggests that interannual variation in rainfall during establishment is an important source of divergent biodiversity and functional outcomes in restored grasslands.
Internal hernia secondary to unexpected broad ligament defect: A case report
Authors: Schneider Mateus Henrique , Solís Pazmiño Andrea Paola , Maldonado Muñoz Pedro Luis , Pereira Cadore Érico
Published: May 2023

A broad ligament can drive it in 5% of cases. Bowel obstruction through a defect in the broad ligament of the uterus is an uncommon disease. We present a 41‐year‐old woman who underwent an abdominal laparoscopic. It showed diffuse loop dilation, minimal free fluid in the pelvis, and an unexpected small orifice in the right broad ligament of the uterus, which measured approximately 3 cm.
Chromosome‐level genomes of two armyworms, Mythimna separata and Mythimna loreyi, provide insights into the biosynthesis and reception of sex pheromones
Authors: Zhao Hanbo , Liu Hangwei , Liu Yipeng , Wang Chan , Ma Baiwei , Zhang Mengjun , Zhang Yan , Liu Yang , Yang Bin , Wang Sen , Jiang Fan , Wang Hengchao , Wang Anqi , Xu Dong , Wang Guirong , Fan Wei
Published: May 2023

Mythimna separata and Mythimna loreyi are global pests of gramineous cereals, heavily controlled with synthetic insecticides. Here, we generated two high‐quality chromosome‐level genome assemblies for M. separata (688 Mb) and M. loreyi (683 Mb). Our analysis identified Z and W chromosomes, with few genes and abundant transposable elements (TEs) found on the W chromosome. We also observed a recent explosion of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), which contributed to the larger genomes of Mythimna. The two armyworms diverged ~10.5 MYA, with only three chromosomes have intrachromosomal rearrangements. Additionally, we observed a tandem repeat expansion of α‐amylase genes in Mythimna, which may promote the digestion of carbohydrates and exacerbate their damage to crops. Furthermore, we inferred the sex pheromone biosynthesis pathway for M. separata, M. loreyi and Spodoptera frugiperda. We discovered that M. loreyi and S. frugiperda synthesized the same major constituents of sex pheromones through different pathways. Specifically, the double bonds in the dominant sex pheromone components of S. frugiperda were generated by Δ9‐ and Δ11‐desaturase, while they were generated by Δ11‐desaturase and chain‐shortening reactions in M. loreyi. We also identified pheromone receptor (PR) genes and inferred their corresponding components. These findings provide a better understanding of sex pheromone communication and promote the development of a new pest control strategy involving pheromone traps, which are more effective and environmentally friendly than current strategies.
A new metabolic trait in an acetogen: Mixed acid fermentation of fructose in a methylene‐tetrahydrofolate reductase mutant of Acetobacterium woodii
Authors: Moon Jimyung , Schubert Anja , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Müller Volker
Published: May 2023

To inactivate the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway in the acetogenic model bacterium Acetobacterium woodii, the genes metVF encoding two of the subunits of the methylene‐tetrahydrofolate reductase were deleted. As expected, the mutant did not grow on C1 compounds and also not on lactate, ethanol or butanediol. In contrast to a mutant in which the first enzyme of the pathway (hydrogen‐dependent CO2 reductase) had been genetically deleted, cells were able to grow on fructose, albeit with lower rates and yields than the wild‐type. Growth was restored by addition of an external electron sink, glycine betaine + CO2 or caffeate. Resting cells pre‐grown on fructose plus an external electron acceptor fermented fructose to two acetate and four hydrogen, that is, performed hydrogenogenesis. Cells pre‐grown under fermentative conditions on fructose alone redirected carbon and electrons to form lactate, formate, ethanol as well as hydrogen. Apparently, growth on fructose alone induced enzymes for mixed acid fermentation (MAF). Transcriptome analyses revealed enzymes potentially involved in MAF and a quantitative model for MAF from fructose in A. woodii is presented.