bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene regulatory network (GRN) embedded agents connect cellular decision making to human pluripotent stem cell derived germ layer-like pattern formation
Authors: Kaul Himanshu , Werschler Nicolas , Tewary Mukul , Hagner Andrew , Ostblom Joel , Aguilar-Hidalgo Daniel , Zandstra Peter W.
Published: October 2020

The emergence of germ layers in embryos during gastrulation is a key developmental milestone. How morphogenetic signals engage the regulatory networks responsible for early embryonic tissue patterning is incompletely understood. To understand this, we developed a gene regulatory network (GRN) model of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lineage commitment and embedded it into ‘cellular’ agents that respond to a dynamic signalling microenvironment. We found that cellular pattern order, composition, and dynamics were predictably manipulable based on the GRN wiring. We showed that feedback between OCT4, and BMP and WNT pathways created a dynamic OCT4 front that mediates the spatiotemporal evolution of developmental patterns. Translocation of this radial front can be predictively disrupted in vitro to control germ-layer pattern composition. This work links the emergence of multicellular patterns to regulatory network activity in individual hPSCs. We anticipate our approach will help to understand how GRN structure regulates organogenesis in different contexts.
Distinctive alteration of presynaptic proteins in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Haytural Hazal , Jordá-Siquer Tomás , Winblad Bengt , Mulle Christophe , Tjernberg Lars O. , Granholm Ann-Charlotte , Frykman Susanne , Barthet Gaël
Published: October 2020

Synaptic degeneration has been reported as one of the best pathological correlate of cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, the location of these synaptic alterations within hippocampal sub-regions, the vulnerability of the presynaptic versus postsynaptic compartments, and the biological mechanisms for these impairments remain unknown. Here, we performed immunofluorescence labeling of different synaptic proteins in fixed and paraffin embedded human hippocampal sections and report reduced levels of several presynaptic proteins of the neurotransmitter release machinery (complexin-1, syntaxin-1A, synaptotagmin-1 and synaptogyrin-1) in AD cases. The deficit was restricted to the outer molecular layer (OML) of the dentate gyrus whereas other hippocampal sub-fields were preserved. Interestingly, standard markers of postsynaptic densities (SHANK2) and dendrites (MAP2) were unaltered, as well as the relative number of granule cells in the dentate gyrus, indicating that the deficit is preferentially presynaptic. Notably, staining for the axonal components, myelin basic protein, SMI-312 and Tau, was unaffected, suggesting that the local presynaptic impairment does not result from axonal loss or alterations of structural proteins of axons. There was no correlation between the reduction in presynaptic proteins in OML and the extent of the amyloid load or of the dystrophic neurites expressing phosphorylated forms of Tau. Altogether, this study highlights the distinctive vulnerability of the OML of dentate gyrus and supports the notion of presynaptic failure in AD.
Miro1-dependent Mitochondrial Dynamics in Parvalbumin Interneurons
Authors: Kontou Georgina , Antonoudiou Pantelis , Podpolny Marina , Arancibia-Carcamo I. Lorena , Higgs Nathalie F. , Szulc Blanka R. , Lopez-Domenech Guillermo , Salinas Patricia C. , Mann Edward O. , Kittler Josef T.
Published: October 2020

The spatiotemporal distribution of mitochondria is crucial for precise ATP provision and calcium buffering required to support neuronal signaling. Fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons expressing parvalbumin (PV) have a high mitochondrial content reflecting their large energy utilization. The importance for correct trafficking and precise mitochondrial positioning remains poorly elucidated in inhibitory neurons. Miro1 is a Ca2+-sensing adaptor protein that links mitochondria to the trafficking apparatus, for their microtubule-dependent transport along axons and dendrites, in order to meet the metabolic and Ca2+-buffering requirements of the cell. Here, we explore the role of Miro1 in parvalbumin interneurons and how changes in mitochondrial trafficking could alter brain network activity. By employing live and fixed imaging, we found that the impairments in Miro1-directed trafficking in PV+ interneurons altered their mitochondrial distribution and axonal arborization. These changes were accompanied by an increase in theex vivohippocampal γ-oscillation (30 – 80 Hz) frequency and promoted anxiolysis. Our findings show that precise regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in PV+ interneurons is crucial for proper neuronal signaling and network synchronization.
Estimating genetic nurture with summary statistics of multi-generational genome-wide association studies
Authors: Wu Yuchang , Zhong Xiaoyuan , Lin Yunong , Zhao Zijie , Chen Jiawen , Zheng Boyan , Li James J. , Fletcher Jason M. , Lu Qiongshi
Published: October 2020

Marginal effect estimates in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are mixtures of direct and indirect genetic effects. Existing methods to dissect these effects require family-based, individual-level genetic and phenotypic data with large samples, which is difficult to obtain in practice. Here, we propose a novel statistical framework to estimate direct and indirect genetic effects using summary statistics from GWAS conducted on own and offspring phenotypes. Applied to birth weight, our method showed nearly identical results with those obtained using individual-level data. We also decomposed direct and indirect genetic effects of educational attainment (EA), which showed distinct patterns of genetic correlations with 45 complex traits. The known genetic correlations between EA and higher height, lower BMI, less active smoking behavior, and better health outcomes were mostly explained by the indirect genetic component of EA. In contrast, the consistently identified genetic correlation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with higher EA resides in the direct genetic component. Polygenic transmission disequilibrium test showed a significant over-transmission of the direct component of EA from healthy parents to ASD probands. Taken together, we demonstrate that traditional GWAS approaches, in conjunction with offspring phenotypic data collection in existing cohorts, could greatly benefit studies on genetic nurture and shed important light on the interpretation of genetic associations for human complex traits.
Making the invisible enemy visible
Authors: Croll Tristan , Diederichs Kay , Fischer Florens , Fyfe Cameron , Gao Yunyun , Horrell Sam , Joseph Agnel Praveen , Kandler Luise , Kippes Oliver , Kirsten Ferdinand , Müller Konstantin , Nolte Kristoper , Payne Alex , Reeves Matt , Richardson Jane , Santoni Gianluca , Stäb Sabrina , Tronrud Dale , von Soosten Lea , Williams Christopher , Thorn Andrea
Published: October 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, structural biologists rushed to solve the structures of the 28 proteins encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome in order to understand the viral life cycle and enable structure-based drug design. In addition to the 204 previously solved structures from SARS-CoV-1, 548 structures covering 16 of the SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins have been released in a span of only 6 months. These structural models serve as the basis for research to understand how the virus hijacks human cells, for structure-based drug design, and to aid in the development of vaccines. However, errors often occur in even the most careful structure determination - and may be even more common among these structures, which were solved quickly and under immense pressure.

The Coronavirus Structural Task Force has responded to this challenge by rapidly categorizing, evaluating and reviewing all of these experimental protein structures in order to help downstream users and original authors. In addition, the Task Force provided improved models for key structures online, which have been used by Folding@Home, OpenPandemics, the EU JEDI COVID-19 challenge and others.
Deploying andin vitrogut model to assay the impact of a mannan-oligosaccharide prebiotic, Bio-MOS® on the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) gut microbiome
Authors: Kazlauskaite R. , Cheaib B. , Humble J. , Heys C. , Ijaz U. , Connelly S. , Sloan W.T. , Russell J. , Martinez-Rubio L. , Sweetman J. , Kitts A. , McGinnity P. , Lyons P. , Llewellyn M.
Published: October 2020

Mannose-oligosaccharide (MOS) pre-biotics are widely deployed in animal agriculture as immunomodulators as well as to enhance growth and gut health. Their mode of action is thought to be mediated through their impact on host microbial communities and associated metabolism. Bio-MOS is a commercially available pre-biotic currently used in the agri-feed industry. To assay Bio-MOS for potential use as a pre-biotic growth promotor in salmonid aquaculture, we modified an established Atlantic salmonin vitrogut model, SalmoSim, to evaluate its impact on host microbial communities. In biological triplicate, microbial communities were stabilised in SalmoSim followed by twenty-day exposure to the pre-biotic and then an eight day ‘wash out’ period. Exposure the MOS resulted in a significant increase in formate (p=0.001), propionate (p=0.037) and isovalerate (p=0.024) levels, correlated with increased abundances of several principally anaerobic microbial genera (Fusobacteria, Agarivorans, Pseudoalteromonas, Myroides). 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed a significant shift in microbial community composition in response to supplementation. In conjunction with previousin vivostudies linking enhanced VFA production alongside MOS supplementation to host growth and performance, our data suggest that Bio-MOS may be of value in salmonid production. Furthermore, our data highlight the potential role ofin vitrogut models to augmentin vivotrials of microbiome modulators.
Neurophysiological network dynamics of pitch change detection
Authors: Samiee Soheila , Vuvan Dominique , Florin Esther , Albouy Philippe , Peretz Isabelle , Baillet Sylvain
Published: October 2020

The detection of pitch changes is crucial to sound localization, music appreciation and speech comprehension, yet the brain network oscillatory dynamics involved remain unclear. We used time-resolved cortical imaging in a pitch change detection task. Tone sequences were presented to both typical listeners and participants affected with congenital amusia, as a model of altered pitch change perception.

Our data show that tone sequences entrained slow (2-4 Hz) oscillations in the auditory cortex and inferior frontal gyrus, at the pace of tone presentations. Inter-regional signaling at this slow pace was directed from auditory cortex towards the inferior frontal gyrus and motor cortex. Bursts of faster (15-35Hz) oscillations were also generated in these regions, with directed influence from the motor cortex. These faster components occurred precisely at the expected latencies of each tone in a sequence, yielding a form of local phase-amplitude coupling with slower concurrent activity. The intensity of this coupling peaked dynamically at the moment of anticipated pitch changes.

We clarify the mechanistic relevance of these observations in relation to behavior as, by task design, typical listeners outperformed amusic participants. Compared to typical listeners, inter-regional slow signaling toward motor and inferior frontal cortices was depressed in amusia. Also, the auditory cortex of amusic participants over-expressed tonic, fast-slow phase-amplitude coupling, pointing at a possible misalignment between stimulus encoding and internal predictive signaling. Our study provides novel insight into the functional architecture of polyrhythmic brain activity in auditory perception and emphasizes active, network processes involving the motor system in sensory integration.
Acute exposure to sublethal doses of neonicotinoid insecticides increases heat tolerance in honey bees
Authors: Gonzalez Victor H. , Hranitz John M. , McGonigle Mercedes B. , Manweiler Rachel E. , Smith Deborah R. , Barthell John F.
Published: October 2020

The European honey bee,Apis melliferaL., is the single most valuable managed pollinator in the world. Poor colony health or unusually high colony losses of managed honey bees result from myriad stressors, which are more harmful in combination. Climate change is expected to accentuate the effects of these stressors, but the physiological and behavioral responses of honey bees to high temperatures while under simultaneous pressure of one or more stressors remains largely unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that exposure to acute, sublethal doses of neonicotinoid insecticides reduce thermal tolerance in honey bees. We administered to bees oral doses of imidacloprid and acetamiprid at 1/5, 1/20, and 1/100 of LD50and measured their heat tolerance 4 h post-feeding, using both dynamic and static protocols. Contrary to our expectations, acute exposure to sublethal doses of both pesticides resulted in higher thermal tolerance and greater survival rates of bees. Bees that ingested the higher doses of pesticides displayed a critical thermal maximum from 2 °C to 4 °C greater than that of the control group, and a reduction in mortality from 69% to 96%. Our study suggests a resilience of honey bees to high temperatures when other stressors are present, which is consistent with studies in other insects. We discuss the implications of these results and hypothesize that this compensatory effect is likely due to induction of heat shock proteins by the insecticides, which provides temporary protection from extremely high temperatures.
Characterisation ofMetarhizium majus(Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) isolated from the Western Cape province, South Africa
Authors: Mathulwe Letodi L. , Jacobs Karin , Malan Antoinette P. , Birkhofer Klaus , Addison Matthew F. , Addison Pia
Published: October 2020

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are important soil-dwelling entomopathogens, which can be used as biocontrol agents against pest insects. During a survey of the orchard soil at an organic farm, the EPF were identified to species level, using both morphological and molecular techniques. The EPF were trapped from soil samples, taken from an apricot orchard, which were baited in the laboratory, using susceptible host insects. The identification ofMetarhizium majusfrom South African soil, using both morphological and molecular techniques, is verified. The occurrence ofM. majusin the South African soil environment had not previously been reported.
LC-MS/MS analysis of lesional and normally looking psoriatic skin reveals significant changes in protein metabolism and RNA processing
Authors: Sobolev V.V. , Ziganshin R.H. , Mezentsev A.V. , Soboleva A.G. , Denieva M. , Korsunskaya I.M. , Svitich O.A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the development of red scaly plaques. To date psoriasis lesional skin transcriptome has been extensively studied, whereas only few proteomic studies of psoriatic skin are available.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare protein expression patterns of lesional and normally looking skin of psoriasis patients with skin of the healthy volunteers, reveal differentially expressed proteins and identify changes in cell metabolism caused by the disease.

Methods

Skin samples of normally looking and lesional skin donated by psoriasis patients (n = 5) and samples of healthy skin donated by volunteers (n = 5) were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After protein identification and data processing, the set of differentially expressed proteins was subjected to protein ontology analysis to characterize changes in biological processes, cell components and molecular functions in the patients’ skin compared to skin of the healthy volunteers.

Results

The performed analysis identified 405 and 59 differentially expressed proteins in lesional and normally looking psoriatic skin compared to healthy control. We discovered decreased expression of KNG1, APOE, HRG, THBS1 and PLG in normally looking skin of the patients. Presumably, these changes were needed to protect the epidermis from spontaneous activation of kallikrein-kinin system and delay the following development of inflammatory response. In lesional skin, we identified several large groups of proteins with coordinated expression. Mainly, these proteins were involved in different aspects of protein and RNA metabolism, namely ATP synthesis and consumption; intracellular trafficking of membrane-bound vesicles, pre-RNA processing, translation, chaperoning and degradation in proteasomes/immunoproteasomes.

Conclusion

Our findings explain the molecular basis of metabolic changes caused by disease in skin lesions, such as faster cell turnover and higher metabolic rate. They also indicate on downregulation of kallikrein-kinin system in normally looking skin of the patients that would be needed to delay exacerbation of the disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021673.
Thousands of previously unknown phages discovered in whole-community human gut metagenomes
Authors: Benler Sean , Yutin Natalya , Antipov Dmitry , Raykov Mikhail , Shmakov Sergey , Gussow Ayal B. , Pevzner Pavel , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: October 2020

Background

Double-stranded DNA bacteriophages (dsDNA phages) play pivotal roles in structuring human gut microbiomes; yet, the gut phageome is far from being fully characterized, and additional groups of phages, including highly abundant ones, continue to be discovered by metagenome mining. A multilevel framework for taxonomic classification of viruses was recently adopted, facilitating the classification of phages into evolutionary informative taxonomic units based on hallmark genes. Together with advanced approaches for sequence assembly and powerful methods of sequence analysis, this revised framework offers the opportunity to discover and classify unknown phage taxa in the human gut.

Results

A search of human gut metagenomes for circular contigs encoding phage hallmark genes resulted in the identification of 3,738 apparently complete phage genomes that represent 451 putative genera. Several of these phage genera are only distantly related to previously identified phages and are likely to found new families. Two of the candidate families, “Flandersviridae” and “Quimbyviridae”, include some of the most common and abundant members of the human gut virome that infectBacteroides, ParabacteroidesandPrevotella. The third proposed family, “Gratiaviridae”, consists of less abundant phages that are distantly related to the familiesAutographiviridae,DrexlerviridaeandChaseviridae. Analysis of CRISPR spacers indicates that phages of all three putative families infect bacteria of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Comparative genomic analysis of the three candidate phage families revealed features without precedent in phage genomes. Some “Quimbyviridae” phages possess Diversity-Generating Retroelements (DGRs) that generate hypervariable target genes nested within defense-related genes, whereas the previously known targets of phage-encoded DGRs are structural genes. Several “Flandersviridae” phages encode enzymes of the isoprenoid pathway, a lipid biosynthesis pathway that so far has not been known to be manipulated by phages. The “Gratiaviridae” phages encode a HipA-family protein kinase and glycosyltransferase, suggesting these phages modify the host cell wall, preventing superinfection by other phages. Hundreds of phages in these three and other families are shown to encode catalases and iron-sequestering enzymes that can be predicted to enhance cellular tolerance to reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions

Analysis of phage genomes identified in whole-community human gut metagenomes resulted in the delineation of at least three new candidate families ofCaudoviralesand revealed diverse putative mechanisms underlying phage-host interactions in the human gut. Addition of these phylogenetically classified, diverse and distinct phages to public databases will facilitate taxonomic decomposition and functional characterization of human gut viromes.
Postmortem diagnosis of PPA2-associated sudden cardiac death from dried blood spot in a neonate presenting with vocal cord paralysis
Authors: Sanford Erica , Jones Marilyn C. , Brigger Matthew , Hammer Monia , Giudugli Lucia , Kingsmore Stephen F. , Dimmock David , Bainbridge Matthew N.
Published: October 2020

Biallelic variants in inorganic pyrophosphatase 2 (PPA2) are known to cause infantile sudden cardiac failure (OMIM #617222), but relatively little is known about phenotypic variability of these patients prior to their death. We report a 5-wk-old male with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and hypertension who had a sudden unexpected cardiac death. Subsequently, molecular autopsy via whole-genome sequencing from newborn dried blood spot identified compound heterozygous mutations in PPA2, with a paternally inherited, pathogenic missense variant (c.514G > A; p.Glu172Lys) and a novel, maternally inherited missense variant of uncertain significance (c.442A > T; p.Thr148Ser). This report expands the presenting phenotype of patients with PPA2 variants. It also highlights the utility of dried blood spots for postmortem molecular diagnosis.
(E)-4-Bromo-2-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenol: a new polymorph and thermochromism
Authors: Mason Helen E. , Howard Judith A. K. , Sparkes Hazel A.
Published: October 2020

A new polymorph of (E)-4-bromo-2-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenol, C13H10BrNO, is reported, together with a low-temperature structure determination of the previously published polymorph. Both polymorphs were found to have an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond between the phenol OH group and the imine N atom, forming an S(6) ring. The crystals were observed to have different colours at room temperature, with the previously published polymorph being more orange and the new polymorph more yellow. The planarity of the molecule in the two polymorphs was found to be significantly different, with dihedral angles (Φ) between the two aromatic rings for the previously published `orange' polymorph of Φ = 1.8 (2)° at 120 K, while the new `yellow' polymorph had Φ = 45.6 (1)° at 150 K. It was also observed that both polymorphs displayed some degree of thermochromism and upon cooling the `orange' polymorph became more yellow, while the `yellow' polymorph became paler upon cooling.
Employed in the foodservice industry: likelihood of intervention with food safety threats
Authors: DiPietro Robin B. , Harris Kimberly , Jin Dan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate restaurant employee behaviors and their likelihood of intervening when witnessing food safety threats.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method was used for this study with the focus group interview and survey questionnaire. A total of eight focus groups ranging in number of participants from to 6 to 12 were asked to respond to presented scenarios that depicted restaurant employees committing food safety risk behaviors and threats in the restaurant environment that would present food safety risks such as out-of-stock bathroom supplies, dirty tables in the restaurant dining area, employee personal hygiene issues and unclean production equipment. These participants were also asked to complete a draft of the survey that would later be edited and distributed to the sample population.

Findings

Results suggest that social norms and perceived severity of threats impact the likelihood that restaurant employees will intervene. Implications for academics and practitioners are discussed.

Originality/value

This study was special as it provides a synthetic viewpoint that considers how service organizations can work to do a better job of interviewing employees before starting their jobs about their beliefs and personal practices of food safety at home, their previous work in the restaurant industry and food safety culture that they may have worked in before, as well as increasing the communication in restaurants to build a food safety culture. These practices can help to lower risks to the public regarding food safety and can help to build relationship trust in the brands that we all love to indulge in when dining out.
Labor, classification and productions of culture on Netflix
Authors: Floegel Diana
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper examines promotional practices Netflix employs via Twitter and its automated recommendation system in order to deepen our understanding of how streaming services contribute to sociotechnical inequities under capitalism.

Design/methodology/approach

Tweets from two Netflix Twitter accounts as well as material features of Netflix's recommendation system were qualitatively analyzed using inductive analysis and the constant comparative method in order to explore dimensions of Netflix's promotional practices.

Findings

Twitter accounts and the recommendation system profit off people's labor to promote content, and such labor allows Netflix to create and refine classification practices wherein both people and content are categorized in inequitable ways. Labor and classification feed into Netflix's production of culture via appropriation on Twitter and algorithmic decision-making within both the recommendation system and broader AI-driven production practices.

Social implications

Assemblages that include algorithmic recommendation systems are imbued with structural inequities and therefore unable to be fixed by merely diversifying cultural industries or retooling algorithms on streaming platforms. It is necessary to understand systemic injustices within these systems so that we may imagine and enact just alternatives.

Originality/value

Findings demonstrate that via surveillance tactics that exploit people's labor for promotional gains, enforce normative classification schemes, and culminate in normative cultural productions, Netflix engenders practices that regulate bodies and culture in ways that exemplify interconnections between people, machines, and social institutions. These interconnections further reflect and result in material inequities that crystalize within sociotechnical processes.
Identifying the performance areas affecting the project performance for Indian construction projects
Authors: Ingle Prachi Vinod , Mahesh Gangadhar , M.D. Deepak
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The construction industry is facing challenges because of performance shortfalls. Construction projects are highly complex, distinctive, fragmented and do not have well-established performance assessment models to evaluate their project success. The purpose of this paper is to assess the direction through determination of performance areas that would affect project performance in Indian construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed to gather data on the perception of industry professionals on these identified areas. Purposive sampling method was used to select respondents for the survey. These performance areas are ranked using relative importance index to ascertain a level of importance among the group. Factor analysis (FA) was conducted to identify the significant performance areas project performance. Further to identify the most influence performance areas on Indian construction projects, multiple regression analysis was carried out.

Findings

Findings indicated 28 significant performance areas. This shows the low level of adoption of good construction management practices in Indian construction projects. FA resulted in the areas being grouped to nine broad significant performance areas with 59.49% of the total variance, namely, quality, schedule, environment and stakeholder satisfactions, cost, productivity, safety, communication management, customer relations and finance. Multiple regression analysis revealed two pivotal factors “customer relations” and “schedule” that significantly influence project performance in Indian construction industry.

Originality/value

The outcome of the study will guide project stakeholders, who desire to improve project performance on construction projects, to prioritize their efforts. It also highlights performance areas of project management which required more focussed research in the context of Indian construction projects. The findings can be extended to the developing countries.
The influence of organisational culture and information security culture on employee compliance behaviour
Authors: Solomon Grant , Brown Irwin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Organisational culture plays an important role in influencing employee compliance with information security policies. Creating a subculture of information security can assist in facilitating compliance. The purpose of this paper is to explain the nature of the combined influence of organisational culture and information security culture on employee information security compliance. This study also aims to explain the influence of organisational culture on information security culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was developed showing the relationships between organisational culture, information security culture and employee compliance. Using an online survey, data was collected from a sample of individuals who work in organisations having information security policies. The data was analysed with Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the model.

Findings

Organisational culture and information security culture have significant, yet similar influences on employee compliance. In addition, organisational culture has a strong causal influence on information security culture.

Practical implications

Control-oriented organisational cultures are conducive to information security compliant behaviour. For an information security subculture to be effectively embedded in an organisation's culture, the dominant organisational culture would have to be considered first.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence that information security subculture is influenced by organisational culture. Compliance is best explained by their joint influence.
Euro clearing after Brexit: shifting locations and oversight
Authors: Van Kerckhoven Sven , Odermatt Jed
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of moving Central Counterparty Clearing Houses (CCPs) that clear euro-denominated transactions to the Eurozone after the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. Prior to Brexit, the City of London had a dominant position in euro-clearing, but in the aftermath of Brexit, clearing houses might decide to move to the EU27. This paper aims to investigate the impact of moving euro-clearing to the EU27.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an economic, political and legal investigation based on desk research. It studies the relevant materials, as they relate to the functioning of Central Counterparty Clearing in the aftermath of Brexit, with specific attention to the potential shift of locations and oversight.

Findings

The development of a EU27 financial hub and the possibility to increase oversight over euro-denominated financial transactions, which were partly at the roots of the financial and Eurozone crisis, could strengthen the market shaping of European financial markets. However, localizing euro-denominated transactions in Europe could potentially give rise to efficiency losses and a higher risk for companies and investors. Furthermore, the European regulatory framework currently faces certain weaknesses, obstructing the regulatory potential of the EU.

Research limitations/implications

As the Brexit negotiations are not yet finished, this paper does not intend to set out a definite outcome of the processes currently taking place.

Practical implications

Shifting locations and oversight of CCPs as a result of Brexit could lead to the establishment of a large financial centre within the EU-27. At the same time, it is to be expected that such a development will have a significant impact on the financial infrastructure of the City of London.

Originality/value

There exists an important trade-off with regard to shifting locations that need to be at the forefront of the discussions and the negotiations when dealing with Brexit. This seems to be neglected in a lot of the current policy debates. This paper takes stock of the ongoing debate and how it relates to the functioning of CCPs.
Health coalition collaboration network, perceived satisfaction and success
Authors: Prochnow Tyler , Patterson Megan S. , Sharkey Joseph , Umstattd Meyer M. Renee
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The health equity and prosperity of communities is closely linked to the effectiveness and success of local health coalitions. Social network analysis (SNA) is one mechanism to quantify and understand the factors leading to collaboration and effectiveness within these coalitions. This study aims to investigate network characteristics associated with perceived success and satisfaction in a health coalition and determine significant factors related to organizational collaborations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined the Olympic Peninsula Healthy Community Coalition (OPHCC) which aims to prevent chronic disease in rural Clallam County, Washington. Representatives (n = 21) from member organizations (n = 18) were asked to report on organization characteristics, perceived satisfaction in coalition activities, perceived success toward coalition's mission, and collaborations with other organizations in the coalition. Multilevel modeling used to analyze whether an organization's position within the coalition network was associated with their perceived satisfaction and perceived success. Exponential random graph modeling was used to examine what factors may impact collaboration ties between coalition members.

Findings

Organization representatives reported a total of 252 collaboration ties. In multilevel models, organization characteristics and network centrality scores accounted for between 61 and 68% of variance displayed in satisfaction scores and 45–61% of variance in perceived success scores. Exponential random graph modeling revealed activity level, for-profit status, and transitivity as significant factors in collaborative tie presence.

Originality/value

Encouraging consistent active participation, a balance of organizational type, and projects which require more than two collaborators may provide an environment for collaborative ties between organizations.
A readiness framework to evaluate local economy for an entrepreneurial university
Authors: Borhani Morteza , Amiran Heidar , Edalatian Shahriari Jamshid , Kabaran Zadeh Ghadim Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for the transformation from a second-generation university to an entrepreneurial university. The work is practical and innovative, which provides the foundation for further work in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a systematic review of relevant studies on entrepreneurial universities, this paper proposed an evaluation framework with clear logic and practicability. This paper also provided a basis for further research. The restrictions of each factor were defined by the readiness framework, and the consequences of entrepreneurial activities on local economic development were analyzed by using the proposed model. The proposed conceptual framework aided policymakers in completing a much-needed assessment of the impact of organizational policies, practices and structures on the entrepreneurial activities and transformation from second-generation universities to third-generation organizations.

Findings

The proposed readiness framework led to the development of organizational interventions that facilitated successful entrepreneurial activities. The quantitative indicators of different university types were demonstrated in this study. The quantitative validation of the integrated framework suggested that university heads and policymakers can encourage and develop academic entrepreneurship by using a comprehensive systems approach for the identification, protection and commercialization of university’s intellectual property.

Originality/value

This paper provides a framework for policymakers or decision makers to better understand whether a local university is ready for entrepreneurship. This framework also provides a direction for future quantitative research.
Reconsidering public budgeting after the COVID-19 outbreak: key lessons and future challenges
Authors: Anessi-Pessina Eugenio , Barbera Carmela , Langella Cecilia , Manes-Rossi Francesca , Sancino Alessandro , Sicilia Mariafrancesca , Steccolini Ileana
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to offer a viewpoint on how governmental budgeting needs to be reconsidered after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on extant research, and drawing on the Italian context, the paper provides reflections on four interrelated aspects: (1) how budgeting and reporting processes and formats are being modified; (2) how budgeting may enhance governments' financial resilience; (3) how citizens are involved in the budgeting cycles and (4) how emergency responses may produce opportunities for corruption.

Findings

To tackle COVID-19 related challenges, budgeting, rebudgeting, reporting processes and formats need to be reconsidered and supported by the development of new competencies. Governments will need to put stronger emphasis on the anticipatory and coping roles of budgeting to reduce public organizations' exposure to shocks and support governmental resilience. The involvement of citizens has proven critical to face the pandemic and will become increasingly relevant due to the financial impacts of COVID-19 on future public service provision. Greater attention to the risks of increased corruption is also needed.

Originality/value

Drawing lessons from one of the countries most hit by COVID-19, the paper offers a viewpoint on a timely topic of international relevance by looking in an integrated way at interrelated topics such as budgeting, rebudgeting, reporting, financial resilience, coproduction and corruption.
An assessment of perceived participatory climate change adaptation initiatives in Ghana
Authors: Nunoo Edward Kweku , Twum Eric K. , Panin Anthony , Essien Bernice Agyeiwa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper presents assessment results on the level of perceived knowledge in climate change and the extent to which participatory awareness in adaptation initiatives by management and the public in key selected areas identified to be highly impacted by climate change has fared.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research design, using snowball, purposive and simple random sampling methods, was employed to assess respondents' level of knowledge in climate change and participatory adaptation awareness activities. Focus group discussion was finally used to appraise returned responses that compared indigenous knowledge with scientific data to examine variables influencing key determinants.

Findings

Age, gender, the level of education and work experience were all significant in determining outcome of responses by respondents on perceived level of knowledge in climate change and awareness in adaptation engagement efforts by the public. The study also confirmed existence of perceived knowledge and awareness gap with a marginal difference of 28% between management and stakeholder respondents.

Practical implications

Anthropogenic activities leading to climate change impacts are rarely linked to individual actions, lifestyles and community's sociocultural practices and choices.

Originality/value

There is a disconnect between what climate change managers know and are doing in terms of adaptation and mitigation efforts and what stakeholders should know and are expected to do toward achieving functional participatory engagements in Ghana. It calls for needs assessment on a governance system that will chart a new order to transform individual and household attitudes through curriculum development, awareness training, coping strategies to capacity building for members of the communities and households.
Application of multi-quality parameter design in the optimization of underfilling process – a case study of a vehicle electronic module
Authors: Huang Chien-Yi , Shen Li-Cheng , Wu Ting-Hsuan , Greene Christopher
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the key factors affecting the quality characteristics, such as the number of solder balls, the spread distance of residual underfill and the completion time of the underfilling.

Design/methodology/approach

The Taguchi method is applied to configure the orthogonal table and schedule and execute the experiment. In addition, principal components analysis is used to obtain the points. Then, based on gray relational analysis and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, the closeness between each quality characteristic and the ideal solution is adopted as the basis for evaluating the quality characteristics.

Findings

The optimal parameter combination is proposed, which includes 4 dispensing (11 mg/dispensing), a “half flow” interval state, 80°C preheating module PCB board and an L-shaped dispensing path and verification testing is performed.

Originality/value

For vehicles and handheld electronic products, solder joints that connect electronic components to printed circuit boards may be cracked due to collision, vibration or falling. Consequently, solder balls are closely surrounded and protected by the underfill to improve joint strength and resist external force factors, such as collision and vibration. This paper addresses the defects caused during the second reflow process of a vehicle electronic communication module after the underfilling process.
Experimental drought re‐ordered assemblages of root‐associated fungi across North American grasslands
Authors: Lagueux Devon , Jumpponen Ari , Porras‐Alfaro Andrea , Herrera Jose , Chung Y. Anny , Baur Lauren E. , Smith Melinda D. , Knapp Alan K. , Collins Scott L. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: October 2020

Plant‐associated fungi can ameliorate abiotic stress in their hosts, and changes in these fungal communities can alter plant productivity, species interactions, community structure and ecosystem processes.

We investigated the response of root‐associated fungi to experimental drought (66% reduction in growing season precipitation) across six North American grassland ecosystem types to determine how extreme drought alters root‐associated fungi, and understand what abiotic factors influence root fungal community composition across grassland ecosystems.

Next generation sequencing of the fungal ITS2 region demonstrated that drought primarily re‐ordered fungal species' relative abundances within host plant species, with different fungal responses depending on host identity. Grass species that declined more under drought trended toward less community re‐ordering of root fungi than species less sensitive to drought. Host identity and grassland ecosystem type defined the magnitude of drought effects on community composition, diversity and root colonization, and the most important factor affecting fungal composition was plant species identity.

Fungal diversity was less responsive to drought than fungal composition. Across ecosystems, latitude and soil pH were better predictors of fungal diversity than experimental drought. Drought significantly reduced fungal diversity and evenness only in sideoats gramaBouteloua curtipendulaand reduced root colonization only in blue gramaB. gracilis.

Our results illustrate that predicting the effects of drought on root‐associated fungi will require attention to host plant identity and ecosystem type. By comparing our findings against soil microbe responses in the same experiment, we propose the hypothesis that fungi in plant roots are less sensitive to drought than fungi inhabiting soils. Our study highlights the importance of studying community‐level re‐ordering of fungal composition for understanding plant responses to climate change.
Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal constipation – an observational hybrid survey on pregnant and postpartum women and their age‐matched non‐pregnant controls
Authors: Kuronen M , Hantunen S , Alanne L , Kokki H , Saukko C , Sjövall S , Vesterinen K , Kokki M
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of constipation during pregnancy and early puerperium.

Design

Observational survey.

Setting

Secondary and tertiary hospital in Finland.

Population

Pregnant (n = 474) and postpartum (n = 403) women and a control group of 200 non‐pregnant women who did not give birth in the past year.

Methods

Women reported bowel function and other gastrointestinal symptoms on a structured questionnaire using an 11‐point numerical rating scale (0 = no symptom, 10 = most severe symptom) and binominal yes/no questions during the second and third trimesters and few days and 1 month after childbirth.

Main outcome measure

Prevalence of constipation based on the Rome IV criteria.

Results

The data consist of five cohorts of women: second trimester (n = 264), third trimester (n = 210), after vaginal delivery (n = 200) or caesarean section (n = 203), and a control group (n = 200). The prevalence of constipation was 40% in pregnant women and 52% (P < 0.001) in postpartum women, which was a higher prevalence than that in the control group, where 21% had constipation (P < 0.001). A few days after delivery, the prevalence of constipation was lower after vaginal delivery (47%) than caesarean section (57%, P < 0.039). One month postpartum, the prevalence of constipation was low: 9% after vaginal delivery (P = 0.002 compared with the control group) and 15% after caesarean section. Other gastrointestinal symptoms were common; pregnant women had the highest prevalence (34%) of nausea/vomiting.

Conclusion

The prevalence of constipation was two‐ to three‐fold higher in pregnant women and a few days after delivery than in non‐pregnant women. During puerperium, bowel function returned to or below that reported in non‐pregnant women.

Tweetable abstract

Constipation is common in pregnancy and after delivery, but bowel function returns early in puerperium.
Building a global genomics observatory: Using GEOME (the Genomic Observatories Metadatabase) to expedite and improve deposition and retrieval of genetic data and metadata for biodiversity research
Authors: Riginos Cynthia , Crandall Eric D. , Liggins Libby , Gaither Michelle R. , Ewing Rodney B. , Meyer Christopher , Andrews Kimberly R. , Euclide Peter T. , Titus Benjamin M. , Therkildsen Nina Overgaard , Salces‐Castellano Antonia , Stewart Lucy C. , Toonen Robert J. , Deck John
Published: October 2020

Genetic data represent a relatively new frontier for our understanding of global biodiversity. Ideally, such data should include both organismal DNA‐based genotypes and the ecological context where the organisms were sampled. Yet most tools and standards for data deposition focus exclusively either on genetic or ecological attributes. The Genomic Observatories Metadatabase (GEOME: geome‐db.org) provides an intuitive solution for maintaining links between genetic data sets stored by the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC) and their associated ecological metadata. GEOME facilitates the deposition of raw genetic data to INSDCs sequence read archive (SRA) while maintaining persistent links to standards‐compliant ecological metadata held in the GEOME database. This approach facilitates findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable data archival practices. Moreover, GEOME enables data management solutions for large collaborative groups and expedites batch retrieval of genetic data from the SRA. The article that follows describes how GEOME can enable genuinely open data workflows for researchers in the field of molecular ecology.