bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Inputs and Accumulating Inequality in Children’s Reading: A Dynamic Approach
Authors: Blaabæk Ea Hoppe
Published: November 2021

Previous research shows that children from socioeconomically advantaged families read more than children from less advantaged homes. This article studies how inequality in the amount that children read accumulates across childhood and the extent to which this inequality depends on the cultural inputs parents provide. Additionally, the article studies whether children’s or parents’ cognitive ability moderates the effect of cultural inputs. Based on a Dynamic Panel Data Model and data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979—Children and Young Adults Supplement, I find that the amount that children read depends on both the cultural inputs they currently receive, but also on those inputs received in previous years (which shaped how much they read in previous years). This cross-time accumulation, coupled with a socioeconomic gradient in the levels of cultural inputs parents provide, leads to growing inequality in children’s reading. I do not find that cultural inputs are more effective in encouraging children with higher ability or children of mothers with higher ability to read more.
Utilizing community InfoSpots for health education: perspectives and experiences in Migoli and Izazi, Tanzania
Authors: Holst Christine , Tschirhart Naomi , Ngowi Bernard , Noll Josef , Winkler Andrea Sylvia
Published: November 2021

Limited access to health education can be a barrier for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We addressed this gap by installing community information spots (InfoSpots) with access to the internet and a locally stored digital health education platform (the platform) in Migoli and Izazi, Tanzania. The objective of this case study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of InfoSpot users and non-users in these communities. We conducted 35 semi-structured interviews with participants living, working or studying in Migoli or Izazi in February 2020 and subsequently analysed the data using content analysis.

The 25 InfoSpot users reported variations in use patterns. Users with more education utilized the platform for their own health education and that of others, in addition to internet surfing. High school students also used the platform for practicing English, in addition to health education. Most InfoSpot users found the platform easy to use; however, those with less education received guidance from other users. Non-users reported that they would have used the InfoSpot with the platform if they had been aware of its existence. All participants reported a positive view of the digital health messages, especially animations as a health knowledge transfer tool. In conclusion, different and unintended use of the platform shows that the communities are creative in ways of utilizing the InfoSpots and gaining knowledge. The platform could have been used by more people if it had been promoted better in the communities.
The crystal structure of D-amino acid oxidase with a substrate analog, o-aminobenzoate
Authors: Miyahara Ikuko
Published: November 2021

Since the discovery of D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) in 1935, many studies have been conducted without clarifying its 3D structure for a long time. In 1996, the crystal structure of DAO was determined, and it was shown that the catalytic bases required for the two catalytic mechanisms were not present in the active site. The crystal structure of DAO in complex with o-aminobenzoate was solved and is used for modeling Michaelis complex. The Michaelis complex model provided structural information leading to a new mechanism for reductive half-reaction of DAO. Currently, DAO is being researched for medical and applied purposes.
Lending Relationships and Optimal Monetary Policy
Authors: Bethune Zachary , Rocheteau Guillaume , Wong Tsz-Nga , Zhang Cathy
Published: November 2021

We construct and calibrate a monetary model of corporate finance with endogenous formation of lending relationships. The equilibrium features money demands by firms that depend on their access to credit and a pecking order of financing means. We describe the mechanism through which monetary policy affects the creation of relationships and firms’ incentives to use internal or external finance. We study optimal monetary policy following an unanticipated destruction of relationships under different commitment assumptions. The Ramsey solution uses forward guidance to expedite creation of new relationships by committing to raise the user cost of cash gradually above its long-run value. Absent commitment, the user cost is kept low, delaying recovery.
Individual attributes and inventors matching: A study using data from the Brazilian co-patents network
Authors: Mejdalani Alexandre , Gonçalves Eduardo
Published: November 2021

This paper uses a unique database that combines Brazilian patent data and personal microdata on formal employees from 2000 to 2011 to study the effect of inventor’s individual attributes on the propensity to cooperate. Our main contributions derive from (1) using a dominance coefficient decomposition to examine each individual’s returns based on the non-explicit hierarchy of the link and (2) finding what attributes inventors take into consideration when seeking working partnerships. The main results reveal that inventors tend to collaborate with others with similar educational background and centrality level, and there is a great likelihood of connectivity if educational and centrality levels are high. The dominance coefficient decomposition revealed that a type of social hierarchy emerges in the network.
Relationship Between Subacromial Bone Erosion and Hook Position of Clavicular Plate in Distal Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Shimpuku Eiji , Uchiyama Yoshiyasu , Imai Takeshi , Takatori Naoki , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate the influence of posterior hook position on subacromial bone erosion during surgical treatment of distal clavicle fractures with locking compression plate clavicle hook plate (CHP).

Design:

Single-center retrospective study.

Setting:

Level V trauma center (university hospital).

Patients:

Twenty-one patients (mean age, 45.8 years) treated with CHP were included. One, 3, 15, and 2 patients had Neer type I, IIa, IIb, and V fractures, respectively.

Intervention:

Open reduction and internal fixation were performed with locking compression plate CHP. All implants were removed after a mean of 6.1 months postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Japanese Orthopaedic Association shoulder scores were used to assess recovery. Radiographically, the coracoclavicular distance was measured as the distance between the tip of the coracoid process and the undersurface of the clavicle. Three-dimensional computed tomography was performed to identify bone erosion at the hook tips after implant removal. The distance from the acromioclavicular joint center to the bone erosion was divided into 5 areas at 5-mm intervals, and the position and depth of bone erosion were measured in each area.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 17.4 months; mean ± SD Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 75.9 ± 4.7 at the final follow-up, whereas the mean duration of bony union was 4.4 ± 1.0 (SD) months. Delayed bony union was observed in one patient, whereas a second surgery was required in another due to acromion cut-out. Radiography showed overreduction in 95% of cases. The correlation coefficient showed a difference between coracoclavicular distance and the position of bone erosion measured by CT (Rs = 0.32, P = 0.006). Erosion under the acromion surface was found in all patients. The depth of erosion correlated with the posterior hook position (Rs = 0.29, P = 0.023).

Conclusions:

Posterior hook tip placement increased the likelihood of bone erosion and complications due to overreduction. CHP should be set more anteriorly beneath the acromion to prevent complications.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Preferences for Shigellosis-Related Health Promotion Materials for Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Results From a Qualitative Assessment, Atlanta, GA
Authors: Respress Ebony , Evener Steve L. , Caruso Elise , Jacobson Kathleen , Bowen Anna , Kachur Rachel E. , Garcia-Williams Amanda G. , Wright Eric R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Shigellosis, an acute diarrheal disease, is the third most common bacterial infection in the United States. Shigellosis most commonly affects children younger than 5 years; however, clusters and outbreaks of shigellosis have been reported among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Evidence suggests that knowledge of shigellosis among MSM is low, indicating health promotion outreach is needed for this population.

Methods

To inform the development of shigellosis-related health communication materials and strategies, 6 focus groups were conducted in 2017, in Atlanta, GA among 24 self-identified gay and bisexual men. Participants were asked about their preferences and recommendations for health communication materials.

Results

Participants indicated they would prefer a range of physical and virtual materials placed in diverse locations where the community would see them. Respondents recommended health messages be simple, quick to read, and concise with limited word counts. Participants also advised the use of diverse images that were inclusive of couples of varying sexual orientations to reduce stigma. Participants advocated for the use of humor and provocative images to increase user engagement.

Conclusions

The results emphasize the potential benefits of conducting formative research when designing health communication materials. Incorporating messaging preferences of MSM in the development of shigellosis-related health communication materials could enhance their relevance for the target population while also avoiding unintended consequences associated with stigmatizing MSM.
An extended amygdala-midbrain circuit controlling cocaine withdrawal-induced anxiety and reinstatement
Authors: Tian Guilian , Hui May , Macchia Desiree , Derdeyn Pieter , Rogers Alexandra , Hubbard Elizabeth , Liu Chengfeng , Bartas Katrina , Carroll Sean , Beier Kevin T.
Published: November 2021

While midbrain dopamine (DA) neuronal circuits are central to motivated behaviors, much remains unknown about our knowledge of how these circuits are modified over time by experience to facilitate selective aspects of experience-dependent plasticity. Most studies of the DA system in drug addiction focus on the role of the mesolimbic DA pathway from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in facilitating drug-associated reward. In contrast, less is known about how midbrain DA cells and associated circuits contribute to negative affective states including anxiety that emerge during protracted withdrawal from drug administration. Here, we demonstrate the selective role of a midbrain DA projection to the amygdala (VTADA→Amygdala) for anxiety that develops during protracted withdrawal from cocaine administration but does not participate in cocaine reward or sensitization. Our rabies virus-mediated circuit mapping approach revealed a persistent elevation in spontaneous and task-related activity of GABAergic cells from the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) and downstream VTADA→Amygdala cells that could be detected even after a single cocaine exposure. Activity in BNSTGABAcells was related to cocaine-induced anxiety but not reward or sensitization, and silencing the projection from these cells to the midbrain was sufficient to prevent the development of anxiety during protracted withdrawal following cocaine administration. We observed that VTADA→Amygdala cells, but not other midbrain DA cells, were strongly activated after a challenge exposure to cocaine, and found that activity in these cells was necessary for the expression of reinstatement of cocaine place preference. Lastly, the importance of activity in VTADA→Amygdala cells extends beyond cocaine, as these cells mediate the development of anxiety states triggered by morphine and a predator odor. Our results provide an exemplar for how to identify key circuit substrates that contribute to behavioral adaptations and reveal a critical role for BNSTGABA→VTADA→Amygdala pathway in anxiety states induced by drugs of abuse or natural experiences as well as cocaine-primed reinstatement of conditioned place preference.
Sleep Need, the Key Regulator of Sleep Homeostasis, Is Indicated and Controlled by Phosphorylation of Threonine 221 in Salt Inducible Kinase 3
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Enxing , Liu Yuxiang , Yu Jianjun , Yang Jingqun , Li Chengang , Cui Yufeng , Wang Tao , Li Chaoyi , Liu Ziyi , Rao Yi
Published: November 2021

Sleep need drives sleep and plays a key role in homeostatic regulation of sleep. So far sleep need can only be inferred by animal behaviors and indicated by electroencephalography (EEG). Here we report that threonine 221 (T221) of the salt inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) was important for the catalytic activity and stability of SIK3. T221 phosphorylation in the mouse brain indicates sleep need: more sleep resulting in less phosphorylation and less sleep more phosphorylation during daily sleep/wake cycle and after sleep deprivation (SD). Sleep need was reduced in SIK3 loss of function (LOF) mutants and by T221 mutation to alanine (T221A). Sleep rebound after SD was also decreased in SIK3 LOF and T221A mutant mice. Other kinases such as SIK1 and SIK2 or other sites in SIK3 do not fulfil criteria to be both an indicator and a controller of sleep need. Our results reveal SIK3 T221 phosphorylation as the first and only chemical modification which indicates and controls sleep need.
Common proanthocyanidin-rich foods modulate gastrointestinal blooms of Akkermansia muciniphila in a diet-dependent manner
Authors: Chadaideh Katia S. , Eappen Kevin E. , Moore Brandi E. , Carmody Rachel N.
Published: November 2021

Developing methods to modulate growth of the mucin-degrading gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila could benefit patients with different health needs, as A. muciniphila has been associated with both positive metabolic health outcomes and detrimental neurodegenerative outcomes. Growth of A. muciniphila is sensitive to plant-derived polyphenols, and particularly proanthocyanidins (PACs), when administered in isolated form at supraphysiological doses. However, it remains unclear whether doses sufficient for these effects are achievable via diet. Here, we explore the extent to which nutritionally relevant doses of common polyphenol-rich foods – berries, wine, and coffee – influence A. muciniphila abundance in C57BL/6J mice under varying dietary conditions. By administering polyphenol-rich whole foods, comparing polyphenol-depleted and PAC-rich versus PAC-poor food supplements, and through gradient PAC-dosing experiments, we show that PAC-rich foods uniquely induce A. muciniphila growth at doses that are feasibly achieved through routine diet. Notably, the effects of PAC supplementation were detected against a high-fat diet but not a low-fat control diet background, highlighting the importance of habitual diet strategies in either amplifying or mitigating the prebiotic effects of PAC-rich food consumption. Ultimately, our work suggests that both PACs and diet influence A. muciniphila abundance with downstream impacts for human health.
Niche separation in cross-feeding sustains bacterial strain diversity across nutrient environments and may increase chances for survival in nutrient-limited leaf apoplasts
Authors: Murillo-Roos Mariana , Abdullah Hafiz Syed M. , Debbar Mossaab , Ueberschaar Nico , Agler Matthew T.
Published: November 2021

The leaf microbiome plays a crucial role in plant’s health and resilience to stress. Like in other hosts, successful colonization is dependent on multiple factors, among them, resource accessibility. The apoplast is an important site of plant-microbe interactions where nutrients are tightly regulated. While leaf pathogens have evolved elaborate strategies to obtain nutrients there, it is not yet clear how commensals survive without most of these adaptations. Resource limitation can promote metabolic interactions, which in turn shape and stabilize microbiomes but this has not been addressed in detail in leaves. Here, we investigated whether and how the nutrient environment might influence metabolic exchange and assembly of bacterial communities in Flaveria trinervia and F. robusta leaves. We enriched bacteria from both plant species in-vitro in minimal media with sucrose as a carbon source, and with or without amino acids. After enrichment, we studied the genetic and metabolic diversity within the communities. Enriched Pseudomonas koreensis strains could cross-feed from diverse leaf bacteria. Although P. koreensis could not utilize sucrose, cross-feeding diverse metabolites from Pantoea sp ensured their survival in the sucrose-only enrichments. The Pseudomonas strains had high genetic similarity (∼99.8% ANI) but still displayed clear niche partitioning, enabling them to simultaneously cross-feed from Pantoea. Interestingly, cross-feeders were only enriched from F. robusta and not from F. trinervia. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of the leaf apoplasts revealed contrasting nutrient environments, with greater concentrations of high-cost amino acids in F. trinervia. Additionally, P. koreensis strains were better able to survive without a cross-feeding partner in these richer apoplasts. Thus, cross feeding might arise as an adaptation to cope with nutrient limitations in the apoplast. Understanding how apoplast resources influence metabolic interactions could therefore provide plant breeders targets to manipulate leaf microbiome shape and stability.
OaAEP1-mediated PNA-protein conjugation enables erasable imaging of membrane protein
Authors: Lu Zhangwei , Liu Yutong , Deng Yibing , Jia Bin , Ding Xuan , Zheng Peng , Li Zhe
Published: November 2021

Methods to efficiently and site-specifically conjugate proteins to nucleic acids could enable exciting application in bioanalytics and biotechnology. Here, we report the use of the strict protein ligase to covalently ligate a protein to a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). The rapid ligation requires only a short N-terminal GL dipeptide in target protein and a C-terminal NGL tripeptide in PNA. We demonstrate the versatility of this approach by conjugating three different types of proteins with a PNA strand. The biostable PNA strand then serves as a generic landing platform for nucleic acid hybridization. Lastly, we show the erasable imaging of EGFR on HEK293 cell membrane through toehold-mediated strand displacement. This work provides a controlled tool for precise conjugation of proteins with nucleic acids through an extremely small peptide linker and facilitates further study of membrane proteins.

TOC
ATM-dependent formation of a novel chromatin compartment regulates the Response to DNA Double Strand Breaks and the biogenesis of translocations
Authors: Arnould Coline , Rocher Vincent , Bader Aldo S. , Lesage Emma , Puget Nadine , Clouaire Thomas , Mourad Raphael , Noordermeer Daan , Bushell Martin , Legube Gaëlle
Published: November 2021

DNA Double-Strand Breaks (DSBs) repair is essential to safeguard genome integrity but the contribution of chromosome folding into this process remains elusive. Here we unveiled basic principles of chromosome dynamics upon DSBs in mammalian cells, controlled by key kinases from the DNA Damage Response. We report that ATM is responsible for the reinforcement of topologically associating domains (TAD) that experience a DSB. ATM further drives the formation of a new chromatin sub-compartment (“D” compartment) upon clustering of damaged TADs decorated with γH2AX and 53BP1. “D” compartment formation mostly occurs in G1, is independent of cohesin and is enhanced upon DNA-PK pharmacological inhibition. Importantly, a subset of DNA damage responsive genes that are upregulated following DSBs also physically localize in the D sub-compartment and this ensures their optimal activation, providing a function for DSB clustering in activating the DNA Damage Response. However, these DSB-induced changes in genome organization also come at the expense of an increased translocations rate, which we could also detect on cancer genomes. Overall, our work provides a function for DSB-induced compartmentalization in orchestrating the DNA Damage Response and highlights the critical impact of chromosome architecture in genomic instability.
Coupled yawing and orbital rotation in kinesin motility revealed by polarization measurement of gold nanorods
Authors: Sugawa Mitsuhiro , Maruyama Yohei , Yamagishi Masahiko , Cross Robert A. , Yajima Junichiro
Published: November 2021

Kinesin motor domains generate impulses of force and movement that have both translational and rotational components, raising the question of how the rotational component contributes to motor functions. We used a new assay in which kinesin-coated gold nanorods (kinesin-GNRs) move on suspended microtubules, for two plus-end-directed and weakly-processive kinesins: single-headed KIF1A, dimeric ZEN-4. Polarization of the light scattered by two types of kinesin-GNRs periodically oscillated as they orbited the microtubule along a left-handed helical trajectory. Our analyses revealed that each kinesin-GNR unidirectionally rotates about its yaw axis as it translocates, and that the period of this yaw-axis rotation corresponds to two periods of its left-handed helical orbit around the microtubule axis. Theoretical analyses suggest that the yaw-axis rotation enhances biased lateral displacement of the kinesin team. Our study reveals biaxial rotation as a new mode of motility in kinesin teams that may help the team to sidestep roadblocks.
Heteromerization of alkaline-sensitive two-pore domain potassium channels
Authors: Khoubza Lamyaa , Kim Eun-Jin , Chatelain Franck C. , Feliciangeli Sylvain , Kang Dawon , Lesage Florian , Bichet Delphine
Published: November 2021

Two-pore domain (K2P) potassium channels are active as dimers. They produce inhibitory currents regulated by a variety of stimuli. Among them, TALK1, TALK2 and TASK2 form a subfamily of structurally related K2P channels stimulated by extracellular alkalosis. The human genes encoding them are clustered on chromosomal region 6p21. They are expressed in different tissues including the pancreas. By analyzing single cell transcriptomic data, we show that these channels are co-expressed in insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells. By different approaches we show that they form functional heterodimers. Heteromerization of TALK2 with TALK1 or with TASK2 endorses TALK2 with sensitivity to extracellular alkalosis in the physiological range. The association of TASK2 with TALK1 and TALK2 increases their unitary conductance. These results provide a new example of heteromerization in the K2P channel family expanding the range of their potential physiological and pathophysiological roles.
Disassembly of hemidesmosomes promotes tumorigenesis in PTEN-negative prostate cancer by targeting plectin into focal adhesions
Authors: Wenta Tomasz , Schmidt Anette , Zhang Qin , Devarajan Raman , Singh Prateek , Yang Xiayun , Ahtikoski Anne , Vaarala Markku , Wei Gong-Hong , Manninen Aki
Published: November 2021

Loss of α6β4-dependent hemidesmosomes has been observed during prostate cancer progression. However, the significance and underlying mechanisms by which aberrant hemidesmosome assembly may modulate tumorigenesis remain elusive. Using an extensive CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic engineering approaches in different prostate cancer cell lines combined within vivotumorigenesis studies in mice, bone marrow-on-chip assays and bioinformatics, as well as histological analysis of prostate cancer patient cohorts, we demonstrated that simultaneous loss of PTEN and hemidesmosomes induced several tumorigenic properties including proliferation, migration, resistance to anoikis, apoptosis, and drug treatmentin vitro, and increased metastatic capacityin vivo. Our studies showed that these effects were driven by activation of EGFR/PI3K/Akt and FAK/Src-pathways and were abolished by plectin downregulation. Therefore, dual loss of PTEN and hemidesmosomes may have diagnostic value helping to stratify prostate cancer patients with high risk for development of aggressive disease and highlight plectin as a potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
Control of Neutrophil activation through Semaphorin 7A-Plexin C1 is essential for immune defense during pulmonary sepsis
Authors: Granja Tiago , Köhler David , Tang Linyan , Burkhardt Philip , Heck-Swain Ka-Lin , Koeppen Michael , Magunia Harry , Bamberg Maximilian , Konrad Franziska , Ngamsri Kristian , Fuhr Anika , Keller Marius , Haeberle Helene A. , Bakchoul Tamam , Zarbock Alexander , Nieswand Bernhard , Rosenberger Peter
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary defense mechanisms are critical for host integrity during the early phase of pneumonia and sepsis. These processes are fundamentally dependent on the activation of neutrophils during the early phase of the innate immune response. Recent work has shown that semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) holds significant impact on platelet activation, yet its role in neutrophil migration and function is not well known. We report here that Sema7A binds to neutrophil PlexinC1, increasing integrins and L-selectin on the neutrophil surface. Sema7A-induced neutrophil activation also prompted neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro and the formation of platelet-neutrophil complexes in vivo. We also observed altered adhesion and transmigration of neutrophils in Sema7A-/- animals in the lung. Sema7A-/- animals also showed altered crawling properties of neutrophils. This resulted in increased number of neutrophils in the interstitial space of Sema7A-/- animals but reduced numbers of neutrophils in the alveolar space during pneumonia-induced pulmonary sepsis. This was associated with significantly worse outcome of Sema7A-/- animals in a model of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, we were able to show a correlation between serum levels of Sema7A in patients with ARDS and oxygenation levels. Thus, we show here that Sema7A has an immunomodulatory effect though which might influence patient outcome during pulmonary sepsis.

Sema7A controls pulmonary immune defense
Marketing geographical indication products in the digital age: a holistic perspective
Authors: Bartoli Chiara , Bonetti Enrico , Mattiacci Alberto
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses the impact of digitalization in the marketing of geographic indication (GI) products. Specifically, the objective is to provide a systemic and comprehensive view of marketing issues and challenges arising from evolving digitalization in the agriculture sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed an explorative cognitive mapping technique on a sample of key informants among Italian companies and a consortium of registered food, spirits and wine products.

Findings

This study describes the key concepts dominant in the discourse of informants concerning digitalization and its influence on the GI market. Three clusters and two loops were also identified to explain the relationship among key concepts, which stress changes regarding the relationship with the consumer, product experience and innovation, and the integration between physical and virtual space.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first attempt to apply cognitive maps to GIs. However, the study does have limitations: it was conducted on a small number of producers and was restricted to only Italy. Another limitation is that interviews were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

The results suggest important practical implications that stress the need for learning and increased digital competences for the efficient embedding of digital technologies in all business areas, increase product value and innovation, and the need for governance in support of digital transformation.

Originality/value

This work creates the new and valuable literature on food marketing and, specifically, on a changing market environment resulting from digitalization, by providing a holistic overview of digitalization in reference to the marketing of GIs.
Vardhman Envirotech: expanding by making world water positive
Authors: Ghura Amarpreet Singh , Abhishek Abhishek
Published: November 2021

Complexity academic level

The case provides an opportunity for participants to step into the shoes of Doshi and plan a way to expand Vardhman Envirotech (VE) business by either entering the government segment or by undertaking international market expansion. In doing so, participants should understand the existing strategy by taking into consideration the aspects regarding the manner in which VE’s Injection Recharge Well differs from the existing recharge well solutions. VE lack of experience in government segment, as well as international markets provides an interesting context for the case discussion wherein participants have to examine the positives and challenges of both expansion opportunities and decide the way forward.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS3: Entrepreneurship.
M-shopping service quality dimensions and their effects on customer trust and loyalty: an empirical study
Authors: Zhang Ruoqing , Jun Minjoon , Palacios Sergio
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The present study seeks to identify the salient mobile shopping (m-shopping) service quality dimensions as perceived by mobile shoppers (m-shoppers) and examines the linkages between the derived m-shopping service quality dimensions, customer trust and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The research instrument is developed based upon the mostly validated measures of prior studies. A pretest of the questionnaire is conducted to assess the content validity of the measurement scales. An online survey is used to collect the required data. We employ structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data collected from 286 m-shoppers.

Findings

We identify five key m-shopping service quality dimensions: responsiveness, personalization, ease of use, aesthetics and perceived risk based on an extensive review of relevant literature. The SEM results show that all the five m-shopping service quality dimensions significantly impact, directly and/or indirectly, customer loyalty. Moreover, the results show that trust plays a partial mediating role in the effects of responsiveness and personalization on loyalty; a full mediating role in the effects of aesthetics and perceived risk on loyalty and no mediating role in the effect of ease of use on loyalty.

Practical implications

Mobile retailers (m-retailers) can use the quality measurement tool developed in this study to detect service quality weaknesses and strengths. Based on their quality assessment, m-retailers can effectively allocate corporate resources to the important service quality attributes uncovered by this study, thereby improving their overall service quality performance and in turn expanding their loyal customer base.

Originality/value

Prior studies have demonstrated that service quality and customer trust play a pivotal role in enhancing customer loyalty in both offline and online settings. Unfortunately, no research has empirically examined the relationships between service quality dimensions, trust and loyalty in the context of m-shopping. Therefore, a major contribution of this study is to address this research gap and add knowledge to the limited body of post-adoption m-shopping research.
Research on seismic performance of prefabricated concrete-filled steel tubular frame joints
Authors: Li Shufeng , Zhao Di , Zhou Yating
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Concrete-filled steel tube structures are widely used for their high bearing capacity, good plasticity, good fire resistance and optimal seismic performance. In order to give full play to the advantages of concrete-filled steel tube, this paper proposes a prefabricated concrete-filled steel tube frame joint.

Design/methodology/approach

The concrete-filled steel tube column and beam are connected by high-strength bolted end-plate, and the steel bars in the concrete beam are welded vertically with the end-plates through the enlarged pier head. In addition, the finite element software ABAQUS is used numerically to study the seismic performance of the structure.

Findings

The ductility coefficient of the joint is in 1.72–6.82, and greater than 2.26 as a whole. The equivalent viscous damping coefficient of the joint is 0.13–3.03, indicating that the structure has good energy dissipation capacity.

Originality/value

The structure is convenient for construction and overcomes the shortcomings of the previous on-site welding and on-site concrete pouring. The high-strength bolted end-plate connection can effectively transfer the load, and each component can give play to its material characteristics.
Attenuation compensation for wavefield‐separation‐based least‐squares reverse time migration in viscoelastic media
Authors: Zhang Wei , Gao Jinghuai
Published: November 2021

Elastic least‐squares reverse time migration can image the multicomponent seismic recordings. However, on the one hand, without considering the intrinsic attenuation of the subsurface, it may produce blurred reflectivity images with incorrect positions of reflectors for seismic recordings with strong attenuation. On the other hand, the crosstalk artefacts created by the different wave modes may severely degrade the imaging quality. To alleviate these crosstalk artefacts and compensate for the attenuation effects, we have developed a time‐domain wavefield‐separation‐based least‐squares reverse time migration approach in viscoelastic media, which utilizes the viscoelastic wave equation on the basis of the standard linear solid model to simulate intrinsic subsurface attenuation. The key point of the proposed approach is that we utilize the separated gradient contribution of PP‐ and PS‐wave modes based on the wavefield separation technique in viscoelastic media to construct the P‐wave and S‐wave velocity images, respectively. Unlike the conventional wavefield‐separation‐based least‐squares reverse time migration approach, which generally uses the new stress–velocity equations to formulate, our proposed wavefield separation scheme fully depends on the conventional viscoelastic wave equation and its adjoint wave equation. By introducing the pure P‐wave stress in the forward and adjoint wavefields, the coupled wavefields can be well decomposed, which requires much less computational costs than the wavenumber‐domain wavefield separation scheme. Numerical examples using the layered and Marmousi‐2 models have shown that the proposed approach can improve the migration image quality under geological conditions with strong attenuation where elastic least‐squares reverse time migration may produce blurred and unfocused events. Meanwhile, the proposed least‐squares reverse time migration approach with the wavefield separation scheme has a better convergence rate and produces fewer crosstalk artefacts than that without the wavefield separation scheme.
Environmental stoichiometry mediates phytoplankton diversity effects on communities' resource use efficiency and biomass
Authors: Gerhard Miriam , Schlenker Alexandra , Hillebrand Helmut , Striebel Maren
Published: November 2021

Positive biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships are predicted to increase in strength when high environmental variability allows for complementarity between resource use strategies in diverse communities. This environmental variability can be represented by spatial or temporal variation in nutrient ratios, but resource use efficiency (RUE) and therefore biomass build‐up of primary producers might be restricted when nutrient ratios are highly imbalanced (i.e. limitation by one nutrient and beyond optimal ratios for growth). Although the linkages between ecosystem functioning, diversity and nutrient availability are theoretically well understood, we lack experimental evidence on how phytoplankton diversity affects resource use and biomass under variable nutrient ratios (N:P ratios).

Combining a mesocosm and a microcosm experiment, we tested diversity effects on ecosystem functioning by exposing a species diversity gradient generated by the loss of rare species in a natural community to different N:P ratios (uniform vs. a gradient). The N:P supply ratio gradient also allowed us to evaluate responses across balanced and imbalanced ratios.

We found that increased species diversity led to increased community RUE when supplied a gradient of N:P ratios; but restricted to the highest diversity level. However, diversity did not affect RUE under uniform nutrient ratios. The overall phytoplankton biomass and carbon:nutrient ratios responses to diversity reflected the patterns detected for RUE. Contrary to theoretical predictions, RUE was maintained under highest N:P supply ratios (extreme phosphorous limitation) suggesting that imbalanced N:P ratios do not necessarily decrease function. Thus, we showed that the nutrient context influences diversity effects on RUE and biomass.

Synthesis. Overall, our results suggest that the effect of rare phytoplankton species losses on community RUE and biomass can be compensated by the persistent species when nutrient ratios are uniform, but leads to decreases in ecosystem functioning under variable nutrient ratios. This work provides a first attempt for testing interactions between the nutrient context (including concentrations and ratios) and the diversity of (natural) communities experimentally, which is conceptually understood but poorly tested for phytoplankton.
Women and Civility in British Politics: Reflections on a Changing Environment
Authors: Peele Gillian
Published: November 2021

The last decade has seen mounting evidence of intimidation in British public life involving threatening behaviour towards and the abuse of public figures, especially MPs and parliamentary candidates. The killings of two MPs (Jo Cox and Sir David Amess) have highlighted the seriousness of this development for the health of British democracy. The article examines the problem using the Committee on Standards in Public Life's 2017 report, Intimidation in Public Life. It explores the possible causes of the decline in civility in British public life, and examines possible remedies for addressing the problem. It argues that the decline of civility and the coarsening of political life reflect a multifaced problem and that, in addition to new measures, such as providing MPs with enhanced security and strengthening protections against online harms, wider long‐term changes to our political culture are necessary to promote civility and tolerance and to foster values that reinforce liberal democracy.
Should a Christian Party Conceive Policies in Line with the Preferential Option for the Poor? Italian Historical Experience, 1946–1993
Authors: Sandonà Luca , Solari Stefano
Published: November 2021

Italy was governed by one party from 1946 to 1993: the Christian Democrats (Democrazia Cristiana or DC). Initially, the DC Party adopted policies in the classical and conservative tradition to cope with poverty: agrarian reform, expansive fiscal policies, and social housing. After the Second Vatican Council, which led to growing acceptance of the “preferential option for the poor,” a radical change emerged in the DC Party regarding some social‐democratic policies: the party endorsed universal healthcare and social pensions and assistance. The fundamental idea was the “decommodification” of basic services. In these reforms, there were some good results as well as some failures. There were also difficulties with public finances.
Reversible, regional ST‐segment elevation due to chylothorax
Authors: Brown Sarah H. , Neuss Michael J. , Heimlich J. Brett , Kronenberg Marvin W.
Published: November 2021

Chylothorax is an uncommon complication of thoracic surgery and, to our knowledge, has never been documented as a cause of dynamic ST‐segment elevation (STE). A 63‐year‐old woman with history of right pneumonectomy presented with chest pain and regional STE on 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Normal troponin‐I and a computed tomography (CT) scan showing a large right hemithoracic fluid collection indicated the unique cause of STE, which resolved after thoracentesis, was pericardial inflammation and cardiac compression from chylothorax. This case emphasizes nuances of ECG interpretation in the context of regional STE and explores the pathophysiology that links chylothorax with acute pericarditis.
Trends, geographical variation and factors associated with melatonin prescribing in general practices in England: A practice‐level analysis
Authors: Wan Mandy , Begum Rukeya , Rashed Asia N.
Published: November 2021

An overview of melatonin prescribing trends and variation in England is described in this study. Prescription reimbursement data for melatonin in England were extracted from publicly available primary care datasets between 2008–2019. Melatonin prescribing rates, cost and product license status were described over time. Potential factors associated with melatonin prescribing were investigated using Poisson regression. Melatonin prescribing increased from 2.0 to 19.9 per 1000 people between 2008 and 2019. While prescriptions for licensed products increased from 6.5% to 88.2%, spending on unlicensed products was £10 million and accounted for 23.3% of the total prescription cost in 2019. Practices with a higher proportion of children and older people and those serving more deprived patient populations were associated with a higher rate of prescribing (rate ratio = 1.51, 1.66 and 1.59, respectively). Melatonin prescribing in England has increased exponentially over the last decade, with substantial spending on unlicensed products of unknown quality. Patient‐level analysis research is needed.
Aptamer‐based biosensors and application in tumor theranostics
Authors: Mo Tong , Liu Xiyu , Luo Yiqun , Zhong Liping , Zhang Zhikun , Li Tong , Gan Lu , Liu Xiuli , Li Lan , Wang Huixue , Sun Xinjun , Fan Dianfa , Qian Zhangbo , Wu Pan , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2021

An aptamer is a short oligonucleotide chain that can specifically recognize targeting analytes. Due to its high specificity, low cost, and good biocompatibility, aptamers as the targeting elements of biosensors have been applied widely in non‐invasive tumor imaging and treatment in situ to replace traditional methods. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in using aptamer‐based biosensors in tumor diagnosis. After a brief introduction of the advantage of aptamers compared with enzyme sensors and immune sensors, the different sensing designs and mechanisms based on 3 signal transduction modes will be reviewed to cover different kinds of analytical methods, including: electrochemistry analysis, colorimetry analysis, and fluorescence analysis. Finally, the prospective advantages of aptamer‐based biosensors in tumor theranostics and post‐treatment monitoring are also evaluated in this review.
Novel amino acid‐stilbene quaternary ammonium salt fluorescent whitening agents: synthesis, optical properties, acid resistance and anti‐bacterial activity
Authors: Wan Maosheng , Luo Yanglin , Tong Zhangfa , Geng Qiaohong , Hua Li
Published: November 2021

With 4,4'‐diaminostilbene‐2,2'‐disulfphonic acid, 2,4,6‐trichloro‐1,3,5‐triazine and N,N‐dimethyldodecylamine as main raw materials, a stilbene quaternary ammonium salt intermediate was synthesised by condensation and quaternisation reaction under the catalysis of sodium hydroxide, and then reacted with two different amino acids to prepare novel amino acid‐stilbene quaternary ammonium salt fluorescent whitening agents. The structures of target compounds were characterized by Fourier Transform–infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Their photophysical properties, whitening performance and firmness in aqueous solution were assessed by means of ultraviolet absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra and a cotton fibre application test. The results showed that the two amino acid‐stilbene quaternary ammonium salt fluorescent whitening agents had a good whitening effect on cotton fibres and displayed strong acid resistance. Compared with the traditional fluorescent whitening agent C186, their firmness was greatly improved. The anti‐bacterial activities against three strains were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that they exhibited significant anti‐bacterial activity against the selected strains, and the respective minimum inhibitory concentration values against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli were 16.8 and 8.16 μg/ml.
Interaction of multispecies sward composition and harvesting management on herbage yield and quality from establishment phase to the subsequent crop
Authors: Komainda Martin , Muto Paul , Isselstein Johannes
Published: November 2021

Delayed harvest during different periods of the year may help to increase the multifunctionality in terms of simultaneous flowering resource and forage provision of ley grassland. Interaction effects of harvesting regime and the grass sward composition on herbage yield and quality were therefore investigated in two multispecies swards in the present study (a simple sward with five vs. a complex sward with 16 sown species) that lasted from the establishment phase (2017) over two main production years (2018 and 2019) until the subsequent cropping phase (2020) where legacy effects were analysed by growing annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum gaudini). A particular drought in the year 2018 affected the botanical composition which resulted in a lucerne‐dominated complex sward and a grass‐rich simple sward thwarting the initial aims of studying complex sward treatments. Extended regrowth in early summer increased herbage yield significantly while herbage quality, weighted over the respective periods, was hardly affected by harvesting regime. No consequence of the harvesting regime resulted during the subsequent cropping phase where the plots previously grown to the lucerne‐dominated complex sward resulted in significantly greater herbage dry‐matter yield, nitrogen yield and lower weed biomass. Overall, the interaction between harvesting management and grass sward composition was never significant. It is concluded that no negative consequence for herbage quality results at extended regrowth during part of the year. However, further studies comparing complex with simple multispecies swards should consider different soil types under more humid climate.
Implications of the unexpected persistence of human rhinovirus/enterovirus during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Canada
Authors: Champredon David , Bancej Christina , Lee Liza , Buckrell Steven
Published: November 2021

Stringent public health measures imposed across Canada to control the COVID‐19 pandemic have nearly suppressed most seasonal respiratory viruses, with the notable exception of human rhinovirus/enterovirus (hRV/EV). Thanks to this unexpected persistence, we highlight that hRV/EV could serve as a sentinel for levels of contact rate in populations to inform on the efficiency, or the need of, public health measures to control the subsequent COVID‐19 epidemic, but also for future epidemics from other seasonal or emerging respiratory pathogens.