bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimum energy efficiency – is the energy performance certificate a suitable foundation?
Authors: Organ Samantha
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges of our time. The existing housing stock is a crucial component in achieving international and national climate change targets through energy efficiency improvements. The private rental sector incorporates some of the worst performing housing. To address this, the UK has implemented the minimum energy efficiency standard, based on the energy performance certificate rating. However, the energy performance certificate has a number of criticisms in the UK and across the EU. This viewpoints paper discusses the primary criticisms of the EPC and whether these undermine the minimum energy efficiency standard.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint paper draws on the recent work across academic, government and professional literature to develop a critique of the energy performance certificate and its underlying methodology as a basis on which to form the minimum energy efficiency standard.

Findings

The paper concludes that based on the current form of the energy performance certificate in the UK, the minimum energy efficiency standard is likely to unfairly advantage some landlords and penalise others. This has implications for landlords, tenants and the wider housing stock.

Originality/value

This paper presents a discussion of the new minimum energy efficiency standard based on the limitations of the energy performance certificate. It has implications for policymakers, researchers and practitioners in the private rental sector.
Facilitating collaboration between mathematics methods and content faculty through cross-departmental lesson study
Authors: Druken Bridget Kinsella , Marzocchi Alison S. , Brye Michelle V.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper reports on experiences of university-level mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) from participating in lesson study to improving mathematics teacher preparation. The authors investigate the questions: “What did MTEs report as benefits of participating in cross-departmental lesson study?” and “What considerations did MTEs report for stakeholders interested in lesson study?”

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed qualitative methodologies on one cycle of lesson study where the authors served as lesson study participants. Debrief and focus group interview data were analyzed for emergent codes on benefits, supports and challenges from a university-level lesson study.

Findings

Engaging in university-level lesson study provided MTEs firsthand professional development, created community, enabled attention to detail, improved knowledge of issues related to teaching mathematics, improved curricular materials and extended beyond one lesson. Institutional support, a natural evolution of the process, alignment of goals among members and support within the group supported their university-level lesson study. Challenges of time and funding, imposition, misalignment of goals and building trust are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes insights about benefits for MTEs who use lesson study to examine their own teaching practice for mathematics teacher preparation. The importance of supports and constraints is highlighted.
The macro talent management, decent work and national well-being nexus: a cross-country and panel data analysis
Authors: Anlesinya Alex , Amponsah-Tawiah Kwesi , Adom Philip Kofi , Damoah Obi Berko Obeng , Dartey-Baah Kwasi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

There is a paucity of research on the causal relationships between talent management (TM), decent work and national well-being. Hence, this study examines the nexus between macro talent management (MTM) practices, decent work and national well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed longitudinal data from 77 developing countries across the globe and also utilised panel data estimators and the bootstrapping mediation method for the analyses.

Findings

The results indicated that macro-level TM strategies can have a positive impact on decent work. Decent work also significantly improves national well-being (both subjective and economic well-being) over time as it shows a significant positive impact on change in national well-being measures. Furthermore, decent work serves as a mechanism that links MTM to improved national well-being at the macro level.

Practical implications

TM investments by governments can empower citizens to escape the tragedy of vulnerable and low-quality employment and well-being deficit as it has the potential to improve decent work and national well-being as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Originality/value

Beyond the myopic organisational and managerialist view, the authors show that TM can have a positive spillover impact on people and the general society across time by enhancing decent work opportunities to improve both subjective and economic well-being of citizens in a country. Additionally, because decent work has psychosocial and economic dimensions, this study has revealed a complex and compelling conduit for translating the gains of macro-level TM strategies to improve national well-being. Moreover, it provides original empirical evidence to expand the limited longitudinal TM literature. Lastly, it adds to knowledge in the developing countries' context.
Co-operatives, territories and social capital: reconsidering a theoretical framework
Authors: Bianchi Michele , Vieta Marcelo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper promotes a critical approach to co-operative studies by contributing new theoretical insights. The aim is to propose a new view on the co-operative firm as a socioeconomic phenomenon embedded into the local contexts in which it is situated. Sociological and economic analyses have mainly explored the relationship between co-operative members and the organization, the economic performance of co-operatives or compared co-operatives with other firm types. Less attention has been given to the co-operative–territory relation, which can reveal insights into members' collective actions, a co-operative's origins from specific social groups or how they establish relationships with certain community stakeholders over others.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a literature review of academic studies that situate co-operatives in relation to community, with a focus on how social capital theory has been deployed to understand this relation. It then proposes a theoretical examination of two fundamental authors in the field of social capital theory: Robert Putnam and Pierre Bourdieu. Drawing on findings from the literature review and considerations derived from the theoretical dialog between Putnam and Bourdieu, the paper proposes a revised social capital-based framework for analyzing key relations and expected outcomes of the co-operative–territory relation.

Findings

Reconsidering the role of social capital theory for co-operative studies, this article unfolds a dual reflection. First, it underlines the necessity for research that more closely considers co-operatives' territorial relationships. Second, it critically interrogates and pushes forward social capital theory as a framework for examining the social relations that embed co-operatives and their capacity to activate territorial economies.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the necessity for a further examination of the co-operative–territory relationship. It presents an innovative framework for improving sociological understanding of co-operatives as organizations embedded into their local socioeconomic contexts.
Identification of facilitators of sustainability innovation adoption by hoteliers of India
Authors: Kumar Divesh , Sheoran Monika
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to unfold the factors which influence the sustainability innovation (SUSINNOV) adoption initiatives taken by the hoteliers in India. Also, an empirical approach has been used to develop a scale entitled “sustainability innovation adoption scale”.

Design/methodology/approach

Churchill’s (1979) scale development methodology has been used in the current study. An exhaustive literature review was done for item generation. For scale refinement, an empirical study was conducted on managers of hotels in India to understand the sustainability initiatives taken by them. Structural equation modelling has been implemented to know about the causal effects between the various unobserved variables.

Findings

A scale to measure factors influencing SUSINNOV adoption by hoteliers has been developed and validated empirically. The findings highlight that there are three major factors which influence SUSINNOV adoption: diffusion of innovation (DIT) within the industry, environmental marketing strategy adopted by organisations and sustainability initiatives taken by companies and customers. Moreover, current study also attempts to highlight that DIT has a significant positive influence on environmental marketing system.

Research limitations/implications

This study has multiple implications for hotel industry practitioners as well as academicians. The present three-dimensional conceptual model can be used for novel causes by implementing the sustainability initiatives in the hotel industry which can result in socially acceptable, economically viable and environment-friendly practices. An important contribution of the current study is that it proposes a theoretical model and develops a scale which will enrich the innovation adoption theories. Managers can use this scale to evaluate the status of SUSINNOV adoptions in their business practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first temporal and spatial study which tries to make a scale by including a holistic view of the facilitators of sustainable innovation adoption in the hotel industry.
Acceptance and use of information technology: context of Portuguese universities
Authors: Pinho Cláudia , Franco Mário , Mendes Luis
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study aims to determine the influence of personality traits on the acceptance and usage of Web portals in Portuguese universities.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, a quantitative study was conducted using structural equation modelling and a structured questionnaire, directed to teaching and non-teaching staff in Portuguese universities.

Findings

The results obtained from 338 valid responses indicate a positive influence between personality traits and the use of Web portals.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the importance of usefulness and ease of use of Portuguese universities’ Web portals. It contributes to developing the literature about the process of information technology (IT) acceptance and use and users’ personality traits.

Originality/value

This study is innovative by contributing to the theory of personality traits and TAM in the context of Portuguese universities. The results reinforce the literature on TAM and the big five model, and on IT and Web portals in particular, which has been little explored in the academic context.
Effect of bainitic transformation on the microstructure and wear resistance of pearlitic rail steel
Authors: Tressia Gustavo , Alves Luis H.D. , Sinatora Amilton , Goldenstein Helio , Masoumi Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a lower bainite structure consists of a dispersion of fine carbide inside plates of bainitic ferrite from chemical composition unmodified conventional pearlitic steel under bainitic transformation and to investigate its effect on tensile properties and wear resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

A commercial hypereutectoid pearlitic rail steel was subjected to three different bainitic transformation treatments followed by tempering to develop a desirable microstructure with a DIL805 BÄHR dilatometer. A comprehensive microstructural study was performed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Finally, the mechanical properties and wear resistance were evaluated by tensile, microhardness, and pin-on-disc tests.

Findings

The results showed that the best combination of mechanical properties and sliding wear resistance was obtained in the sample subjected to bainitic transformation at 300°C for 600 sfollowed by tempering at 400°C for 300 s. This sample, which contained a bainitic ferrite structure, exhibited approximately 20% higher hardness and approximately 53% less mass loss than the as-received pearlitic sample due to the mechanically induced transformation in the contact surface.

Originality/value

Although pearlitic steel is widely used in the construction of railways, recent studies have revealed that bainitic transformation at the same rail steels exhibited higher wear resistance and fatigue strengths than conventional pearlitic rail at the same hardness values. Such a bainitic microstructure can improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance, which is a great interest in the railway industry.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2019-0282/
Effectiveness of e-learning: the mediating role of student engagement on perceived learning effectiveness
Authors: Panigrahi Ritanjali , Srivastava Praveen Ranjan , Panigrahi Prabin Kumar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study extends the literature on the effectiveness of e-learning by investigating the role of student engagement on perceived learning effectiveness (PLE) in the context of Indian higher education. Further, the impact of personal factors (Internet self-efficacy (ISE)) and environmental factors (information, system and service quality parameters) on various dimensions of student engagement (behavioral, emotional and cognitive) is studied through the lens of social cognitive theory (SCT).

Design/methodology/approach

An online management information systems (MIS) course is delivered to a batch of 412 postgraduate students. An online survey was conducted to measure the factors affecting their PLE. In addition to the survey, a summative assessment is conducted to evaluate the students in terms of their marks to assess their achievements (actual learning). Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to validate the developed research model.

Findings

It is discovered that the IS (information system) quality parameters (environmental factors) positively impact PLE. The ISE affects the PLE through the mediating effect of all the dimensions of student engagement. Furthermore, there exists a positive relationship between PLE and student marks.

Originality/value

This study develops a research model using personal and environmental factors to understand PLE through the lens of SCT and then empirically validates it. The psychological process from the students' ISE to the PLE is explained through the mediating effects of various dimensions of engagement. Further, it is found that the PLE is positively related to student marks.
Compounding education disengagement: COVID-19 lockdown, the digital divide and wrap-around services
Authors: Seymour Kathryn , Skattebol Jennifer , Pook Ben
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share reflections on the frontline delivery of a wrap-around secondary school re-engagement programme on compounding digital inequality during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a deliberative reflection on practice and policy lessons learned while negotiating the digital divide during the COVID-19 lockdown in the delivery of the yourtown education youth engagement programme.

Findings

Frontline youth worker practice lessons highlight the compounding effect of digital inequality on vulnerable young people who are already disengaged or disengaging from secondary education and the necessity for a reflexive, agile and adaptable practice response, particularly during unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper presents a wraparound service perspective and outlines important practice lessons gained from adapting an education re-engagement programme to respond to the COVID-19 lockdown in the Greater Brisbane area, Australia.
Technologies, knowledge and truth: the three dimensions of information literacy of university students in Slovakia
Authors: Fázik Jakub , Steinerová Jela
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inform on results of the study based on the dissertation project – the study of newcoming university students and their information literacy experience. It describes the three categories of information literacy experience as perceived by these students.

Design/methodology/approach

The document is based on a qualitative phenomenographic study of 40 first-year undergraduate students of teacher education programs from five faculties of Comenius University in Bratislava. Data were collected from each participant in two stages by three methods: written statements, drawings and interviews.

Findings

The phenomenographic analysis results in three categories of information literacy: (1) the conception of digital technologies, (2) the conception of knowledge and (3) the conception of truth. The outcome space presented by two alternative models points to a strong interrelation of all three categories. The resulting conceptions point to the diversity of the concept of information literacy in relation to other types of literacies, especially digital, reading and media literacy, as well as to intersections with other scientific disciplines such as psychology, cognitive science or philosophy.

Research limitations/implications

The most important limits of this qualitative research are the low numbers of participants and the high degree of subjectivity in data evaluation. For this reason, a verification study was carried out one-year later.

Originality/value

Although phenomenographic studies of information literacy in the educational context are quite common, the third category of this study brings a new contribution to the information literacy theory – the dimension of truth or truthfulness of information.
Understanding spiritual journey to hajj: Ghana and Uzbekistan perspectives
Authors: Preko Alexander , Allaberganov Azizbek , Mohammed Iddrisu , Albert Martins , Amponsah Robert
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the country-specific understanding of Hajj, its experience and challenges between the pilgrims of Ghana and Uzbekistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on the theory of constructivism, this study explored and used the purposive sampling method in the context of qualitative research to select 97 Muslim pilgrims from Ghana and Uzbekistan of varying demographics for in-depth interviews.

Findings

Findings show that the philosophy of Hajj as the fifth pillar obligation set by Allah was common among the Muslim pilgrims of these two countries which support earlier literature. Interestingly, this study uncovered some distinctions in the construction of the understanding of Hajj; that is Ghanaian pilgrims have attached social status of respect and titles to Hajj in their societies. While Uzbekistan pilgrims are seen in their communities as spiritual role models that inspire others to live meaningful lives in the society.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusion and the outcome of this study cannot be generalized as to represent the whole population of Ghana and Uzbekistan due to qualitative approach.

Practical implications

This study revealed country-specific understanding and experience of Hajj that can be used by the policymakers and marketers to create better travel package.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study advanced a cross-cultural Hajj understanding which is important to policymakers, businesses and spiritual tourism practitioners to have a better insight into Hajj in contexts.
Taking an eventful historic turn down the cultural memory lane
Authors: Deal Nicholous M. , Novicevic Milorad M. , Mills Albert J. , Lugar Caleb W. , Roberts Foster
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to find common ground between the supposed incompatible meta-historical positioning of positivism and post-positivism through a turn to mnemohistory in management and organizational history.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the idea of creative synthesis and positioning theory, the authors interject concepts from cultural memory studies in historical research on business and organizations to encourage management historians and organization theorists interested in joining the dialogue around how the past is known in the present. Using notions of “aftermath” and “events,” the idea of apositivism is written into historical organization studies to focus on understanding the complex ways of how past events translate into history. The critical historic turn event is raised as an exemplar of these ideas.

Findings

The overview of the emergence of the controversial historic turn in management and organization studies and the positioning of its adherents and antagonists revealed that there may be some commonality between the fragmented sense of the field. It was revealed that effective historyvis-à-vismnemohistory may hold the potential of a shared scholarly ethic.

Originality/value

The research builds on recent work that has sought to bring together the boundaries of management and organizational history. This paper explains how mnemohistory can offer a common position that is instrumental for theorizing the relationships among the past-infused constructs such as organizational heritage, legacy and identity.
Hybrid reality development - can social responsibility concepts provide guidance?
Authors: Perko Igor
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to define hybrid reality (HyR) as an ongoing process in which artificial intelligence (AI) technology is gradually introduced as an active stakeholder by using reasoning to execute real-life activities. Also, to examine the implications of social responsibility (SR) concepts as featured in the HyR underlying common framework to progress towards the redefinition of global society.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of systemic tools is used to examine and assess the development of HyR. The research is based on evolutionary and learning concepts, leading to the new meta-system development. It also builds upon the viable system model and AI, invoking SR as a conceptual framework. The research is conducted by using a new approach: using system dynamics based interactions modelling, the following two models have been proposed. The state-of-the-art HyR interactions model, examined using SR concepts; and a SR concept-based HyR model, examined using a smart vehicle case.

Findings

In the HyR model, interaction asymmetry between stakeholders is identified, possibly leading to pathological behaviour and AI technology learning corruption. To resolve these asymmetry issues, an interaction model based on SR concepts is proposed and examined on the example of an autonomous vehicle transport service. The examination results display significant changes in the conceptual understanding of transport services, their utilisation and data-sharing concepts.

Research limitations/implications

As the research proposal is theoretical in nature, the projection may not display a fully holistic perspective and can/should be complemented with empirical research results.

Practical implications

For researchers, HyR provides a new paradigm and can thereby articulate potential research frameworks. HyR designers can recognise projected development paths and the resources required for the implication of SR concepts. Individuals and organisations should be aware of their not necessarily passive role in HyR and can therefore use the necessary social force to activate their status.

Originality/value

For the first time, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the term HyR is openly elaborated and systemically examined by invoking concepts of SR. The proposed model provides an overview of the current and potential states of HyR and examines the gap between them.
Decision and coordination of a low-carbon supply chain considering environmental tax policy on consumers
Authors: Wang Chuanxu , Peng Qiaoyu , Xu Lang
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how upstream supply chain companies will control the carbon emissions and price decisions of products when the government implements environmental tax policy on consumers. It provides some suggestions to control carbon emissions for the government and manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes two-echelon Stackelberg game models with and without the implementation of environmental tax policy on consumers in a centralized scenario and a decentralized scenario. Through the comparative analysis of the four models, the optimal emission abatement and pricing strategies are obtained.

Findings

This paper concludes that implementing environmental tax policy on consumers within the market’s acceptable range is more beneficial to the retailer and the environment, as well as the overall social welfare, except for the manufacturer. Moreover, consumer’s low-carbon preference always has a broader impact on carbon abatement and corporate profits than environmental tax coefficient. Finally, the side-payment self-executing contract can effectively ensure that the supply chain members make rational decisions spontaneously while achieving a win-win solution of centralized scenario.

Originality/value

This paper first considers how the government’s environmental tax policy on consumers will affect the decision-making of supply chain companies, and proposes an improved side-payment self-enforcing contract to maximize environmental and economic benefits of centralized scenario. In addition, it provides a reference for the government to adopt both the carbon cap policy and the environmental tax policy.
Hedonic valuation of apartments in Kenya
Authors: Kieti Raphael Mutisya , Ogolla Walter
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper applies the hedonic pricing model (HPM) approach to identify critical determinants of apartment value and employs the technique to develop a valuation model that can accurately estimate the value of apartments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a case study design that was limited to transaction sales and attribute data of apartments in Nyali estate, Mombasa County in Kenya. A sample of 120 sales of apartments obtained from registered real estate firms was analyzed using quantitative methods.

Findings

According to the study results, the hedonic valuation model developed comprises four critical determinants of apartment value, namely, number of parking lots, presence of swimming pool, age of apartment and provision of balcony. The hedonic model was tested and found to be accurate and reliable in estimating apartment value.

Research limitations/implications

The model will improve accuracy, reliability and efficiency in valuation. The application of the model in the valuation of apartments is, however, limited to the case study area where the data are obtained. The scope of application of the model may be improved by increasing the sample size to include apartment sales data from other estates in Mombasa County.

Originality/value

Previous studies that have used the HPM technique in analysis of apartment values have focused on the “explanatory” and “contributory” power of attributes on apartment values, rather than the development and use of the model to measure value. The present study is the first to develop a HPM equation for property value estimation in the apartment real estate sector in Kenya.
The effect of induced mood on traders’ preferences in asset markets – experimental evidence
Authors: Lahav Yaron , Meer Shireen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In this paper, we study the effect of induced positive and negative moods on traders' willingness to trade (pay and accept) in experimental asset markets.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct experimental asset markets where subjects undergo a mood induction procedure prior to trade. After the subjects are induced with either negative or positive affect, they can trade an experimental asset with a known stream of dividends for a known number of periods.

Findings

We first show that both positive and negative affects are associated with larger positive deviations from fundamental values. We also show that when subjects are induced with positive mood, they bid higher prices but for fewer units of the stock. On the supply side, positive affect is associated with higher prices and quantities, and consequently in higher willingness to offer. Finally, we use our experimental data to test existing theories on mood effect. We find that negative affect is related to momentum trading, while positive affect is associated with information processing.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first work that studies the effect of mood on traders' behavior, rather than market outcomes.
Two-layer fabrics for moisture management
Authors: Niles Nilhan , Fernando Sandun , Rathnayake Nipuni , Hewamalavi Ayesha , Weerasinghe Samudika
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Woven fabrics have been popularised in use owing to their superior properties and functionality. Today, weavers strive to add value to their product to be competitive and to secure profit in performance fabrics such as technical fabrics, smart fabrics and sportswear fabrics. Over the years, fabrics with special properties such as moisture management have gained higher demand. In this context, multi-layer fabrics provide a reasonable solution to the demand.

Design/methodology/approach

An attempt was made to develop two-layer fabrics with different compositions and properties. A two-layer woven fabric was produced using handloom weaving, with a hydrophobic inner layer and hydrophilic outer layer, the two layers being attached together using different stitching methods. Different fabric structures and yarn counts were used to achieve the objectives.

Findings

Experiments carried out verified the suitability of the developed fabric for effective moisture management. It was found that a fabric with a 100% cotton outer layer and 100% polyester inner layer, both layers of 2 × 2 matt weave, showed the best properties.

Practical implications

In the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, the use of masks in public has become mandatory in many countries. This research will help handloom manufacturers meet the need using simple methods.

Originality/value

This research uses handloom fabric. As such it provides an opportunity for small and medium enterprises to use available low-cost technology to develop fabric with superior properties.
Xenorhabdus nematophila bacteria shift from mutualistic to virulent Lrp‐dependent phenotypes within the receptacles of Steinernema carpocapsae insect‐infective stage nematodes
Authors: Cao Mengyi , Goodrich‐Blair Heidi
Published: October 2020

Xenorhabdus nematophila bacteria are mutualists of Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes and pathogens of insects. Xenorhabdus nematophila exhibits phenotypic variation between insect virulence (V) and the mutualistic (M) support of nematode reproduction and colonization initiation in the infective juvenile (IJ) stage nematode that carries X. nematophila between insect hosts. The V and M phenotypes occur reciprocally depending on levels of the transcription factor Lrp: high‐Lrp expressors are M+V− while low‐Lrp expressors are V+M−. We report here that variable (wild type) or fixed high‐Lrp expressors also are optimized, relative to low‐ or no‐Lrp expressors, for colonization of additional nematode stages: juvenile, adult and pre‐transmission infective juvenile (IJ). In contrast, we found that after the bacterial population had undergone outgrowth in mature IJs, the advantage for colonization shifted to low‐Lrp expressors: fixed low‐Lrp expressors (M−V+) and wild type (M+V+) exhibited higher average bacterial CFU per IJ than did high‐Lrp (M+V−) or no‐Lrp (M−V−) strains. Further, the bacterial population becomes increasingly low‐Lrp expressing, based on expression of an Lrp‐dependent fluorescent reporter, as IJs age. These data support a model that virulent X. nematophila have a selective advantage and accumulate in aging IJs in advance of exposure to insect hosts in which this phenotype is necessary.
Comparative genomics reveals the in planta‐secreted Verticillium dahliae Av2 effector protein recognized in tomato plants that carry the V2 resistance locus
Authors: Chavarro‐Carrero Edgar A. , Vermeulen Jasper P. , E. Torres David , Usami Toshiyuki , Schouten Henk J. , Bai Yuling , Seidl Michael F. , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: October 2020

Plant pathogens secrete effector molecules during host invasion to promote colonization. However, some of these effectors become recognized by host receptors to mount a defence response and establish immunity. Recently, a novel resistance was identified in wild tomato, mediated by the single dominant V2 locus, to control strains of the soil‐borne vascular wilt fungus Verticillium dahliae that belong to race 2. With comparative genomics of race 2 strains and resistance‐breaking race 3 strains, we identified the avirulence effector that activates V2 resistance, termed Av2. We identified 277 kb of race 2‐specific sequence comprising only two genes encoding predicted secreted proteins that are expressed during tomato colonization. Subsequent functional analysis based on genetic complementation into race 3 isolates and targeted deletion from the race 1 isolate JR2 and race 2 isolate TO22 confirmed that one of the two candidates encodes the avirulence effector Av2 that is recognized in V2 tomato plants. Two Av2 allelic variants were identified that encode Av2 variants that differ by a single acid. Thus far, a role in virulence could not be demonstrated for either of the two variants.
US State Polarization, Policymaking Power, and Population Health
Authors: MONTEZ JENNIFER KARAS
Published: October 2020

Policy Points

Explanations for the troubling trend in US life expectancy since the 1980s should be grounded in the dynamic changes in policies and political landscapes. Efforts to reverse this trend and put US life expectancy on par with other high‐income countries must address those factors.

Of prime importance are the shifts in the balance of policymaking power in the United States, the polarization of state policy contexts, and the forces behind those changes.
Validity of the use of porcine bone in forensic cut mark studies
Authors: Bonney Heather , Goodman Adrian
Published: October 2020

Porcine bone is often used as a substitute for human bone in forensic trauma studies, but little has been published on its comparative mechanical behavior. The factors affecting mechanical properties and therefore selection of bone models are complex and include the age of the animal at death, and physiological loading conditions, the latter being of particular relevance when using a quadrupedal animal as a human substitute. The regional variation in hardness of adult and infant porcine bones was investigated using Vickers’ indentation tests and compared to published data for human limb bones to relate differences to inherent genetic effects and loading influences, and to examine the validity of the porcine‐human model. Significant differences in hardness were observed both along and around the adult porcine humerus and femur, but no significant differences were found along the length of the infant bones. Significant differences were found between the forelimb and hindlimb, but only in the infant specimens. The hardness values for porcine adult cortical bone from the femur (52.23 ± 1.00 kg mm−2) were comparable to those reported in the literature for adult human cortical bone from the fibula, ilium, and calcaneus. These data will help inform subject selection in terms of both species and bone type for use in future trauma studies.
Mental health presentations to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department during COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Joyce Laura R , Richardson Sandra K , McCombie Andrew , Hamilton Greg J , Ardagh Michael W
Published: October 2020

Objective

To describe mental health presentations to a tertiary ED in New Zealand during a national COVID‐19 lockdown.

Methods

A retrospective, comparative cohort study in Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.

Results

There was a 3510 (37%)‐patient decrease in all presentations to Christchurch Hospital ED during the 5‐week COVID‐19 lockdown period from 26 March 2020 to 28 April 2020, compared to a 111 (1.2%)‐patient decrease in the same time period in the previous year (P < 0.00001). There is usually a seasonal reduction in mental health attendances at this time of year compared to the weeks before. In 2019, there was a 49 (9.8%)‐patient reduction in mental health presentations, whereas in 2020 there was a 193 (34%)‐patient reduction (P < 0.001). In 2020, the proportion of mental health attendances compared to all ED attendances during the 5‐week lockdown period was similar to the 5‐week pre‐lockdown period (564/9460 vs 371/5950, P = 0.48). The proportion of mental health patients presenting due to overdose increased by 6.5% (158/564 vs 128/371, P = 0.035); those due to self‐harm increased by 3.5% (35/564 vs 36/371, P = 0.049). The proportion of mental health presentations due to anxiety, depression and other non‐self‐harm/overdose complaints decreased by 10% (371/564 vs 207/371, P = 0.002). The proportion of overdoses of paracetamol and ibuprofen increased by 13.4% during lockdown (22/158 vs 35/128, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

During the COVID‐19 lockdown, both overall ED presentations as well as mental health‐related presentations decreased. There was a relative increase in overdoses and self‐harm, particularly involving paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Proteomic assessment of serum biomarkers of longevity in older men
Authors: Orwoll Eric S. , Wiedrick Jack , Nielson Carrie M. , Jacobs Jon , Baker Erin S. , Piehowski Paul , Petyuk Vladislav , Gao Yuqian , Shi Tujin , Smith Richard D. , Bauer Douglas C. , Cummings Steven R. , Lapidus Jodi ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) Research Group
Published: October 2020

The biological bases of longevity are not well understood, and there are limited biomarkers for the prediction of long life. We used a high‐throughput, discovery‐based proteomics approach to identify serum peptides and proteins that were associated with the attainment of longevity in a longitudinal study of community‐dwelling men age ≥65 years. Baseline serum in 1196 men were analyzed using liquid chromatography–ion mobility–mass spectrometry, and lifespan was determined during ~12 years of follow‐up. Men who achieved longevity (≥90% expected survival) were compared to those who died earlier. Rigorous statistical methods that controlled for false positivity were utilized to identify 25 proteins that were associated with longevity. All these proteins were in lower abundance in long‐lived men and included a variety involved in inflammation or complement activation. Lower levels of longevity‐associated proteins were also associated with better health status, but as time to death shortened, levels of these proteins increased. Pathway analyses implicated a number of compounds as important upstream regulators of the proteins and implicated shared networks that underlie the observed associations with longevity. Overall, these results suggest that complex pathways, prominently including inflammation, are linked to the likelihood of attaining longevity. This work may serve to identify novel biomarkers for longevity and to understand the biology underlying lifespan.
Chronic opioid exposure differentially modulates oxycodone self‐administration in male and female rats
Authors: Mavrikaki Maria , Lintz Tania , Constantino Nick , Page Sarah , Chartoff Elena
Published: October 2020

Withdrawal from opioid painkillers can produce short‐lived physical symptoms and protracted psychological symptoms including anxiety and depressive‐like states that often lead to opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD). Studies testing the hypothesis that opioid withdrawal potentiates the reinforcing effects of opioid self‐administration (SA) are largely inconclusive and have focused on males. Although some clinical evidence indicates that women are more likely than men to misuse opioids to self‐medicate, preclinical studies in both sexes are lacking. Based on clinical reports, we hypothesized that withdrawal from escalating‐dose morphine injections that approximates a prescription painkiller regimen would lead to increased oxycodone SA to a greater extent in female compared to male rats. After escalating‐dose morphine (5–30 mg/kg or vehicle, twice/day for 12 days), rats underwent a 2‐week abstinence period during which withdrawal signs were measured. The impact of this treatment was assessed on oxycodone SA acquisition, maintenance, dose response, and progressive ratio responding, with additional analyses to compare sexes. We found that both sexes expressed somatic withdrawal, whereas only males demonstrated hyperalgesia in the warm water tail flick assay. During SA acquisition, males with prior morphine exposure took significantly more oxycodone than females. Finally, females with prior morphine exposure demonstrated the lowest motivation to SA oxycodone in the progressive ratio test. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, our findings suggest that prior opioid exposure increases vulnerability to initiate misuse more in males and decreases the reinforcing efficacy of oxycodone in females.
Price Dispersion in Farmland Markets: What Is the Role of Asymmetric Information?
Authors: Seifert Stefan , Kahle Christoph , Hüttel Silke
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the role played by information, search, and bargaining cost in agricultural land markets to explain price dispersion. Based on a hedonic model under incomplete information, we build a two‐tier stochastic frontier. By linking costs of being information deficient to agent characteristics such as degree of professionalism, we identify relative price effects of buyer and seller types related to information deficiency. We compile a comprehensive data set of more than 10,000 transactions in Saxony‐Anhalt, Germany, between 2014 and 2017. We find institutional sellers to achieve the lowest losses resulting from information deficiency and sell with mark‐ups, whereas other sellers incur losses. This seller group could benefit from investments in professionalism and roughly halve their cost of being information deficient. Tenant buyers can benefit from informational advantages resulting in markdowns with lowest effects in the harvest season. We conclude that Germany's policy makers can do more to support market transparency.
Prognostic performance of qSOFA in oncology patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected infection
Authors: Koh Tze Lui , Canet Emmanuel , Amjad Sobia , Bellomo Rinaldo , Taylor David , Gan Hui K. , Marhoon Nada , Lim Andrew , Ong Wee Loon , Krishnan Vivek , Khor Richard
Published: October 2020

Aim

We aimed to test the performance of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) in predicting the outcomes of oncology patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with suspected infection.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of all oncology patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary hospital with suspected infection from 1 December 2014 to 1 June 2017. Patients were identified by cross‐linkage of ED and Oncology electronic health records. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality and/or ICU stay ≥ 3 days.

Results

A total of 1655 patients were included in this study––1267 (76.6%) with solid tumor and 388 (23.4%) with hematological malignancies. At presentation, 495 patients had chemotherapy, and 140 had radiotherapy within the preceding 6 months. Four hundred patients received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in the previous 4 weeks. Overall, 371 (22.4%) patients had qSOFA ≥ 2. Such patients had a higher likelihood of respiratory infections compared to patients with a qSOFA < 2 (43.9% vs 29%) and were more likely to be admitted to ICU or require mechanical ventilation. In‐hospital mortality or in‐hospital mortality and/or ICU stay ≥ 3 days were 17.3% and 21%, for qSOFA ≥ 2 patients versus 4.7% and 6.9% for qSOFA < 2 patients (P < .001). qSOFA ≥ 2 had a negative predictive value of 95% for in‐hospital mortality and 93% for in‐hospital mortality or ICU stay ≥ 3 days.

Conclusion

Among oncology patients presenting to the ED with suspected infection, a qSOFA ≥ 2 is associated with a threefold risk of hospital mortality/prolonged ICU stay. Its absence helps identify low‐risk patients.
LINC01133 promotes the progression of cervical cancer via regulating miR‐30a‐5p/FOXD1
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhang Yuyang , Sun Xiuyun
Published: October 2020

Background

The prognosis of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (CC) remains poor, and its incidence is especially high in developing countries. Multiple long noncoding RNAs are recently identified as crucial oncogenic factors or tumor suppressors. In this study, we explored the function and mechanism of LINC01133 during the progression of CC.

Methods

Expression levels of LINC01133 and miR‐30a‐5p in 50 CC tissue samples were measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of oncogene forkhead box D1 (FOXD1). The association between pathological indices and the expression level of LINC01133 was also analyzed. Human CC cell lines HeLa and SiHa were used as cell models. CCK‐8 and bromodeoxyuridine assays were used to assess the effect of LINC01133 on CC cell line proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to study the effect of LINC01133 on CC apoptosis. Transwell assay was conducted to detect the effect of LINC01133 on migration and invasion. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the targeting relationship between miR‐30a‐5p to LINC01133.

Results

We observed that LINC01133 expression in CC clinical samples was significantly increased, with high expression associated with higher T stage and negative HPV infection of the patients. Its overexpression remarkably accelerated proliferation and metastasis of CC cells, with reduced apoptosis. LINC01133 knockdown suppressed the malignant phenotypes of CC cells. Overexpression of LINC01133 significantly reduced the expression of miR‐30a‐5p by sponging it and enhanced the expression of FOXD1.

Conclusions

We report the overexpression of LINC01133 in CC sample and cell lines, which correlated with unfavorable pathological indices. LINC01133 was a sponge of tumor suppressor miR‐30a‐5p, and it enhanced the expression of FOXD1 indirectly and functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA in CC.