bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic cigarettes induce mitochondrial DNA damage and trigger toll-like receptor 9-mediated atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Jieliang , Huynh Do Luong , Tang Moon-Shong , Simborio Hannah , Huang Jing , Kosmider Beata , Steinberg Michael B. , Le Le Thu Thi , Pham Kien , Liu Chen , Wang He
Published: August 2020

Objective

Both electronic cigarette (e-cig) use and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation have been implicated in promoting atherosclerosis. In this study we aimed to investigate the causative relationship of e-cig exposure on TLR9 activation and atherosclerosis development.

Approach and Results

Eight-week-old ApoE-/- mice fed normal chow diet were exposed to e-cig vapor (ECV) for 2 h/day, 5 days/week for 16 weeks. We found that ECV exposure significantly induced atherosclerotic lesions as examined by Oil Red O staining of aortic root and greatly upregulated TLR9 expression in classical monocytes and in the atherosclerotic plaques, which the latter was corroborated by upregulated TLR9 expression in human femoral artery atherosclerotic plaques in e-cig smokers. Intriguingly, we found a significant increase of damaged mitochondria DNA level in the circulating blood of ECV exposed mice. Furthermore, administration of TLR9 antagonist prior to ECV exposure not only alleviated atherosclerotic lesion and the upregulation of TLR9 in plaques, but also attenuated the increase of plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, reduced the accumulation of lipid and macrophages, and decreased the frequency of blood CCR2+ classical monocytes. Surprisingly, we found that the cytoplasmic mtDNA isolated from ECV extract-treated cells can greatly enhance the expression of TLR9 in reporter cells.

Conclusion

E-cig induces mtDNA damage and the mtDNA in circulating blood stimulates the expression of TLR9, which elevate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in monocyte/macrophage and consequently lead to atherosclerosis. Our results raise the possibility that intervention of TLR9 activation is a potential pharmacologic target of ECV-related inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
Fishing for contact: Modeling perivascular glioma invasion in the zebrafish brain
Authors: Umans Robyn A. , ten Kate Mattie , Pollock Carolyn , Sontheimer Harald
Published: August 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive, central nervous system (CNS) cancer for which there is no a cure. Invading tumor cells evade treatment, limiting the efficacy of the current standard of care regimen. Understanding the underlying invasive behaviors that support tumor growth may allow for generation of novel GBM therapies. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are attractive for genetics and live imaging, and have in recent years, emerged as a model system suitable for cancer biology research. While other groups have studied CNS tumors using zebrafish, few have concentrated on the invasive behaviors supporting the development of these diseases. Previous studies demonstrated that one of the main mechanisms of GBM invasion is perivascular invasion, i.e. single tumor cell migration along blood vessels. Here, we characterize phenotypes, methodology, and potential therapeutic avenues for utilizing zebrafish to model perivascular GBM invasion. Using patient derived xenolines or an adherent cell line, we demonstrate tumor expansion within the zebrafish brain. Within 24 hours post-intracranial injection, D54-MG-tdTomato glioma cells produce finger-like projections along the zebrafish brain vasculature. As few as 25 GBM cells were sufficient to promote single cell vessel co-option. Of note, these tumor-vessel interactions are CNS specific, and do not occur on pre-existing blood vessels when injected into the animal’s peripheral tissue. Tumor-vessel interactions increase over time and can be pharmacologically disrupted through inhibition of Wnt signaling. Therefore, zebrafish serve as a favorable model system to study perivascular glioma invasion, one of the deadly characteristics that make GBM so difficult to treat.
Variation and variability inDrosophilagrooming behavior
Authors: Mueller Joshua M. , Zhang Neil , Carlson Jean M. , Simpson Julie H.
Published: August 2020

Behavioral differences can be observed between species or populations (variation) or between individuals in a genetically similar population (variability). Here, we investigate genetic differences as a possible source of variation and variability inDrosophilagrooming. Grooming confers survival and social benefits. Grooming features of fiveDrosophilaspecies exposed to a dust irritant were analyzed. Aspects of grooming behavior, such as anterior to posterior progression, were conserved between and within species. However, significant differences in activity levels, proportion of time spent in different cleaning movements, and grooming syntax were identified between species. All species tested showed individual variability in the order and duration of action sequences. Genetic diversity was not found to correlate with grooming variability within a species:melanogasterflies bred to increase or decrease genetic heterogeneity exhibited similar variability in grooming syntax. Individual flies observed on consecutive days also showed grooming sequence variability. Standardization of sensory input using optogenetics reduced but did not eliminate this variability. In aggregate, these data suggest that sequence variability may be a conserved feature of grooming behavior itself. These results also demonstrate that large genetic differences result in distinguishable grooming phenotypes (variation), but that genetic heterogeneity within a population does not necessarily correspond to an increase in the range of grooming behavior (variability).
Bird populations most exposed to climate change are less responsive to climatic variation
Authors: Bailey Liam D. , van de Pol Martijn , Adriaensen Frank , Barba Emilio , Bellamy Paul E. , Bouvier Jean-Charles , Burgess Malcolm D. , Charmantier Anne , Cusimano Camillo , Doligez Blandine , Drobniak Szymon M. , Dubiec Anna , Eens Marcel , Eeva Tapio , Ferns Peter N. , Goodenough Anne E. , Hartley Ian R. , Hinsley Shelley A. , Ivankina Elena , Juskaitis Rimvydas , Kempenaers Bart , Kerimov Anvar B. , Lauriere Anne , Lavigne Claire , Leivits Agu , Mainwaring Mark C. , Matthysen Erik , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Orell Markku , Rytkönen Seppo , Senar Juan Carlos , Sheldon Ben C. , Sorace Alberto , Stenning Martyn J. , Török János , Vatka Emma , Vriend Stefan J.G. , Visser Marcel E.
Published: August 2020

The phenology of many species shows strong sensitivity to climate change; however, with few large scale intra-specific studies it is unclear how such sensitivity varies over a species’ range. We document large intra-specific variation in phenological sensitivity to temperature using laying date information from 67 populations of two European songbirds covering a large part of their breeding range. Populations inhabiting deciduous habitats showed stronger phenological sensitivity compared with those in evergreen and mixed habitats. Strikingly, however, the lowest sensitivity was seen in populations that had experienced the greatest change in climate. Therefore, we predict that the strongest phenological advancement will not occur in those populations with the highest sensitivity. Our results show that to effectively assess the impact of climate change on phenology across a species range it will be necessary to account for intra-specific variation in phenological sensitivity, climate change exposure, and the ecological characteristics of a population.
An early Sox2-dependent gene expression program required for hippocampal dentate gyrus development
Authors: Mercurio Sara , Alberti Chiara , Serra Linda , Meneghini Simone , Bertolini Jessica , Berico Pietro , Becchetti Andrea , Nicolis Silvia K.
Published: August 2020

The hippocampus is a brain area central for cognition. Mutations in the human SOX2 transcription factor cause neurodevelopmental defects, leading to intellectual disability and seizures, together with hippocampal dysplasia. We generated an allelic series of Sox2 conditional mutations in mouse, deleting Sox2 at different developmental stages. Late Sox2 deletion (from E11.5, via Nestin-Cre) affects only postnatal hippocampal development; earlier deletion (from E10.5, Emx1-Cre) significantly reduces the dentate gyrus, and the earliest deletion (from E9.5, FoxG1-Cre) causes drastic abnormalities, with almost complete absence of the dentate gyrus. We identify a set of functionally interconnected genes (Gli3, Wnt3a, Cxcr4, p73 and Tbr2), known to play essential roles in hippocampal embryogenesis, which are downregulated in early Sox2 mutants, and (Gli3 and Cxcr4) directly controlled by SOX2; their downregulation provides plausible molecular mechanisms contributing to the defect. Electrophysiological studies of the Emx1Cre mouse model reveal altered excitatory transmission in CA1 and CA3 regions.
The first thousands of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Algeria: some risk factors
Authors: Taleb Salima , Boussakta Marwa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Providing valuable information on the prevalence of Covid-19 is a crucial step to improve and accentuate the disease surveillance and prevention system as this can limit the spread of the virus.

Methods

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is essential to understand the epidemiological characteristics of the first cases in each country. The purpose of this study is to describe the geographic distribution and some risk factors in the first thousands of cases in Algeria. This descriptive study was carried out to examine recent data published by public health institutions in Algeria, websites and the world health organization.

Results

The 8306 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Algeria. By sex, men with 55.76% predominate, the most affected age group was 25 to 49 years old (41.1%), 600 cases of death were reported, subjects aged over 60 years are the most likely to die from COVID-19. Most of the confirmed subjects came from the cities of Blida and Algiers. All cases are human-to-human transmissions.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the lack of dical equipment in Algeria and in all countries of the world. This requires better management of the health sector on an international scale.
SARS-CoV-2 ORF9c Is a Membrane-Associated Protein that Suppresses Antiviral Responses in Cells
Authors: Dominguez Andres Ana , Feng Yongmei , Campos Alexandre Rosa , Yin Jun , Yang Chih-Cheng , James Brian , Murad Rabi , Kim Hyungsoo , Deshpande Aniruddha J. , Gordon David E. , Krogan Nevan , Pippa Raffaella , Ronai Ze’ev A.
Published: August 2020

Disrupted antiviral immune responses are associated with severe COVID-19, the disease caused by SAR-CoV-2. Here, we show that the 73-amino-acid protein encoded byORF9cof the viral genome contains a putative transmembrane domain, interacts with membrane proteins in multiple cellular compartments, and impairs antiviral processes in a lung epithelial cell line. Proteomic, interactome, and transcriptomic analyses, combined with bioinformatic analysis, revealed that expression of only this highly unstable small viral protein impaired interferon signaling, antigen presentation, and complement signaling, while inducing IL-6 signaling. Furthermore, we showed that interfering with ORF9c degradation by either proteasome inhibition or inhibition of the ATPase VCP blunted the effects of ORF9c. Our study indicated that ORF9c enables immune evasion and coordinates cellular changes essential for the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle.

One-sentence summary

SARS-CoV-2 ORF9c is the first human coronavirus protein localized to membrane, suppressing antiviral response, resembling full viral infection.
Multiplex LAMP for Simplified MonitoringCryptosporidiumandGiardiain Surface Water
Authors: Ongerth Jerry E. , Saaed Frhat M. A.
Published: August 2020

A detailed investigation was conducted into the application of an isothermal nucleic acid amplification procedure, LAMP, in conjunction with components of conventional procedure to determine ability to simplify water processing for monitoringCryptosporidiumandGiardiain surface water samples. Based on previous work demonstrating a high degree of sensitivity and selectivity of the LAMP procedure for detecting target organism DNA at low concentration in environmental media without significant interferences, this project sought to determine if LAMP primers for both organisms could be combined and applied to detect the target organisms collected from surface water samples after only minimal processing. Implementation consisted of optimizing previously described LAMPs for the SAM-1 gene ofCryptosporidiumand for the EF1-α gene ofGiardia; establishing their limits of detection on both specific DNA and on small numbers of oocysts and cysts processed by freeze-thaw cycles. Based on positive results from preliminary testing, a multiplexed LAMP for both organisms was applied. The multiplex lamp was able to detect the DNA ofCryptosporidiumand ofGiardiafrom samples seeded with replicates of 1, 2, 3 and 4 oocysts and cysts, both in clean water and in surface water processed by filtration and centrifuging to pellet followed only by freeze-thaw cycles. Positive and specific amplification was observed with potential for quantification using 25 µL reactions including 8 µL template, in RT qLAMP format by LightCycler. The procedure is significantly simpler and less time consuming presenting realistically practical procedure for improvement of surface water monitoring ofCryptosporidiumandGiardia, compared to the widely used USEPA Method 1623

Importance

Pathogen identification by LAMP is well established as a sensitive and highly selective procedure, insensitive to interferences, permitting specific detection of target DNA in samples containing extraneous DNA. This combination of features was shown effective for identifying numbers ofCryptosporidiumoocysts andGiardiacysts as few as 1 in unseparated particle assemblages subject only to freeze thaw cycles. Although LAMP has not been widely adopted for environmental monitoring, it has been previously demonstrated forCryptosporidiumand forGiardiain water and wastewater. Also, many clinical assays have demonstrated applicability to use where facilities and skills are limited. The simplified analysis sequence offers significant time and cost saving for routine monitoring ofCryptosporidiumandGiardiain surface water samples.
Transcription factor-based gene therapy to treat glioblastoma through direct neuronal conversion
Authors: Wang Xin , Pei Zifei , Hossain Aasma , Bai Yuting , Chen Gong
Published: August 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive adult primary cancer in the central nervous system (CNS). Therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma are under intense investigation, such as the emerging immunotherapy, but so far only marginal progress has been made due to the heterogeneity and highly invasive nature of glioblastoma. Here, we propose an alternative approach to tackle GBM through reprogramming proliferative GBM cells into non-proliferative neurons. We report efficient neuronal conversion from human GBM cells by overexpressing single neural transcription factor Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1), Neurogenin-2 (Neurog2) or Achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1). Subtype characterization reveals that the majority of Neurog2- and NeuroD1-converted neurons are glutamatergic, while Ascl1 favors GABAergic neuron generation. The GBM cell-converted neurons not only express pan-neuronal markers, such as NeuN and MAP2, but also exhibit neuron-specific electrophysiological activities. We further conducted transcriptome analyses to investigate the underlying cell conversion mechanism. Our RNA-seq analyses discover that neuronal genes are activated among glioma cells after overexpression of neural transcription factors, and different signaling pathways are activated by different neural transcription factors. Importantly, the neuronal conversion of GBM cells is accompanied by significant inhibition of GBM cell proliferation in bothin vitroandin vivomodels. Therefore, these results suggest that GBM cells can be reprogrammed into different subtypes of neurons, leading to a potential alternative approach to treat brain tumor.

Significance

Converting dividing glioblastoma cells into non-dividing neurons may provide an innovative therapeutic approach to treat glioblastoma.

Highlights

Efficient neuronal conversion of human glioblastoma cells achieved by overexpression of neural transcription factors

Neurog2- and NeuroD1-converted neurons are mostly glutamatergic, while Ascl1-converted neurons are mainly GABAergic

Transcriptome analyses reveal the activation of neuronal genes after overexpression of neural transcription factors in glioblastoma cells

Inhibition of cell proliferation during glioblastoma cell conversion bothin vitroandin vivo
A Simulation Study Investigating Potential Diffusion-based MRI Signatures of Microstrokes
Authors: Damseh Rafat , Lu Yuankang , Lu Xuecong , Zhang Cong , Marchand Paul J. , Corbin Denis , Pouliot Philippe , Cheriet Farida , Lesage Frederic
Published: August 2020

Recent studies suggested that cerebrovascular micro-occlusions, i.e. microstokes, could lead to ischemic tissue infarctions and cognitive deficits. Due to their small size, identifying measurable biomarkers of these microvascular lesions remains a major challenge. This work aims to simulate potential MRI signatures combining arterial spin labeling (ASL) and multi-directional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Driving our hypothesis are recent observations demonstrating a radial reorientation of microvasculature around the micro-infarction locus during recovery in mice. Synthetic capillary beds, randomly- and radially-oriented, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiograms, acquired in the barrel cortex of mice (n=5) before and after inducing targeted photothrombosis, were analyzed. Computational vascular graphs combined with a 3D Monte-Carlo simulator were used to characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) response, encompassing the effects of magnetic field perturbations caused by deoxyhemoglobin, and the advection and diffusion of the nuclear spins. We quantified the minimal intravoxel signal loss ratio when applying multiple gradient directions, at varying sequence parameters with and without ASL. With ASL, our results demonstrate a significant difference (p<0.05) between the signal-ratios computed at baseline and 3 weeks after photothrombosis. The statistical power further increased (p<0.005) using angiograms measured at week 4. Without ASL, no reliable signal change was found. We found that higher ratios, and accordingly improved significance, were achieved at lower magnetic field strengths (e.g., B0=3) and shorter readout TE (<16 ms). Our simulations suggest that microstrokes might be characterized through ASL-DWI sequence, providing necessary insights for posterior experimental validations, and ultimately, future translational trials.
Time-of-day effects in resting-state fMRI: changes in Effective Connectivity and BOLD signal
Authors: Vaisvilaite Liucija , Hushagen Vetle , Grønli Janne , Specht Karsten
Published: August 2020

The current project explored the hypothesis that time-of-day dependent metabolic variations may contribute to reduced reliability in resting-state fMRI studies. We have investigated time-of-day effects in the spontaneous fluctuations (>0.1Hz) of the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal. Using data from the human connectome project (HCP) release S1200, cross-spectral density dynamic causal modelling (DCM) was used to analyze time-dependent effects on the hemodynamic response and effective connectivity parameters. Hierarchical group-parametric empirical Bayes (PEB) found no support for changes in effective connectivity, whereas the hemodynamic parameters exhibited a significant time-of-day dependent effect. We conclude that these findings urge the need to account for the time of data acquisition in future MRI studies.
Investigation on performance and combustion of compression ignition aviation piston engine burning biodiesel and diesel
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhao Wanzhong , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Xiaqing
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to contrastively investigate the effects of biodiesel and diesel on the power, economy and combustion characteristics of a compression ignition aviation piston engine for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

Biodiesel used as alternative fuel will not be mixed with diesel during experimental study. Pure diesel fuel is used for the comparative test. Same fuel injection strategies, including pilot and main injection, are guaranteed for two fuels in same test points.

Findings

The engine-rated power of biodiesel is lower than diesel, which results in higher specific fuel combustion (SFC) and effective thermal efficiency (ETE). Biodiesel has the faster burning rate, shorter combustion duration. The crank angle of 50% mass fraction burned (CA50) is earlier than diesel. The ignition delay angle of biodiesel and diesel in the pilot injection stage is almost the same at high engine speed. As the speed and load decrease, the ignition delay angle of biodiesel in the pilot injection stage is smaller than diesel. At 100% high load conditions, the fuel-burning fraction of biodiesel in the pilot injection is the same as diesel. The peak heat release rate (HRR) of biodiesel is slightly lower than diesel. At 20% part load conditions, the fuel-burning fraction of biodiesel in the pilot injection stage is lower than diesel. Because of the combustion participation of unburned pilot injected fuel, the peak HRR of biodiesel in the main injection is equal to or even higher than diesel.

Originality/value

The application feasibility of alternative fuel and its effects on aviation engine power, economy and combustion characteristics will be evaluated according to the “drop-in“ requirements and on the low-cost premise without changing the aviation engine structure and parameters.
Strengthening the affectivity of atmospheres in urban environments: the toolkit of multi-sensory experience
Authors: Abusaada Hisham
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The affectivity is conceptualised in the literary work of phenomenological theories as a significant factor in urban environments studies that are related to change people's feelings. This article aims to present toolkits for creating affective urban atmospheres, which is based on communications between people and place.

Design/methodology/approach

To better comprehend the links between the felt body theory and reconstructing affective urban atmospheres in urban environments, this article has performed bibliographic investigations on the sensible approaches and presented Toolkit related to the multi-sensory experience.

Findings

This article breaks new ground to discuss the concepts of the felt body, vital drive and daily multi-sensory experience as a contribution to urban studies applications.

Research limitations/implications

This article clarified the possibility of creating affective urban atmospheres through the concepts of affectivity as a process at a pre-design stage.

Originality/value

In conclusion, it is argued that work on multi-sensory experience in urban environments needs to address the felt body and vital drive to become a set of urban studies tools of perceptual dimension.
Productivity as a value parameter for FM and CREM
Authors: Jensen Per Anker , van der Voordt Theo
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how facilities management (FM) and corporate real estate management (CREM) can add value to organisations by contributing to improved productivity of knowledge workers, and to explore interrelationships between productivity, employee satisfaction and other value parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a literature research of possible contributions of FM and CREM to improved labour productivity in relation to five activity areas of FM/CREM (portfolio management, project management, space and workplace management, property management and service management) and a first exploration of interrelationships between productivity and other value parameters.

Findings

The findings indicate that FM and CREM most directly can contribute to productivity by space and workplace management that supports different types of work and organisational activities. Portfolio and project management can mostly contribute by providing appropriate locations, adjacency relations between different parts of the organisation and supporting process flow and logistics. Property management can contribute to productivity by ensuring business continuity and comfortable indoor climate. Service management can contribute by relieving staff from trivial tasks by efficient services and by providing exiting experiences. Productivity shows to be mainly positively related to satisfaction; insights into interrelationships with other value parameters are still limited.

Practical implications

The results can be used to obtain a deeper understanding of how FM and CREM can add value to organisations by contributing to improved labour productivity. Practitioners can find inspiration on how to contribute to labour productivity and additional benefits within specific activity areas of FM and CREM. The exploration of interrelationships between productivity and other values can be used as input to a future research agenda.

Originality/value

The paper adds new insights to the growing body of knowledge about how FM/CREM can contribute to increased labour productivity and how other value parameters may be interrelated with productivity.
Effects of power on negotiations: a comparison of collaborative versus competitive approach
Authors: Fousiani Kyriaki , Steinel Wolfgang , Minnigh Pieter A.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine two opposing approaches to the effects of power on negotiation: a “collaborative approach” of power and a “competitive approach” of power. Accordingly, the authors state oppositional hypotheses based on each approach. This study further investigates the mediating role of the perceived threat of the negotiation and the moderating role of negotiation topic (i.e. topics that touch on one’s power position versus topics that are related to the tasks one needs to perform) in this relationship. Finally, the authors state a moderated mediation hypothesis where they expected that the negotiation topic would moderate the indirect effect of power on negotiation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A vignette study (N = 279) and a negotiation game (N = 138) were conducted where the power within dyads was manipulated.

Findings

Study 1 showed that powerholders prefer collaborative strategies, whereas powerless negotiators prefer competitive strategies. Perceived threat of the negotiation mediated this effect. Furthermore, both Studies 1 and 2 showed that the negotiation topic moderates the effect of power on negotiation strategies providing further support for the collaborative approach of power. Finally, Study 1 provided partial support for the moderated mediation hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

Both Studies 1 and 2 are experimental studies. A field study should try to replicate these results in the future.

Practical implications

This study illuminates the effects of power on negotiation and addresses inconsistent findings in the negotiation literature. The results might be of great importance to large organizations where power asymmetries constitute an integral part of the employee/manager interactions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to show the moderating role of negotiation topic in the relationship between power and negotiation.
The impact of supply chain fit on business and innovation performance in Brazilian companies
Authors: Zimmermann Ricardo , Ferreira Luis Miguel D.F. , Moreira Antonio Carrizo , Barros Ana Cristina , Correa Henrique Luiz
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the effect of the fit between supply and demand uncertainty (SDU) and supply chain responsiveness (SCR) (SC fit) on business and innovation performance in Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presented an analysis carried out on an empirical study based on a sample of 150 manufacturing companies. Business and innovation performance of companies with different types of SC fit ( high–high and low–low fits) and misfit (positive and negative) are compared and discussed.

Findings

The results indicated that SC fit had a positive effect on both business and innovation performance. Further analyses suggested that companies with SC fit present similar business performance, independent of the level of SDU that characterizes the environment where they compete, while companies in environments with higher levels of uncertainty tend to present superior innovation performance. Companies with positive and negative misfit present similar performance.

Originality/value

An analysis of the literature showed that there is no consensus when it comes to the definitions and measurements of SC fit. The paper investigates the effects of SC fit on business and innovation performance, while previous empirical studies have mainly addressed its impact on financial performance. Moreover, this study compares the effects of two types of fit and two types of misfit and assesses SC fit in Brazilian manufacturing companies, analyzing the context of an under-researched reality.
Barriers to healthcare delivery in Iranian prisons: a qualitative study
Authors: Hajebrahimi Ahmad , Alimohammadzadeh Khalil , Hosseini Seyed Mojtaba , Maher Ali , Bahadori Mohammadkarim
Published: August 2020

Purpose

High quality health-care delivery is not only the governments’ responsibility but also every prisoner’s right. Health care in prison and, particularly, of Iranian prisoners is increasingly important topic because of the rising number of the prison population. This paper aims to explore health-care managers’ perspectives and experiences of prisons and the barriers to health-care delivery in Iranian prisons.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was conducted in Iran from October 2018 to August 2019. The participants consisted of 51 health-care managers (50 men and one woman) from Iranian prisons. A combination of face-to-face (N = 42) and telephonic (N = 9) semi-structured interviews were used because of the geographical distribution of the respondents. The first part of the interview guide consisted of demographic characteristics, and the second part consisted of three main open ended-questions. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and thematic descriptive analysis was used to interpret the data.

Findings

The barriers to health-care delivery in Iranian prisons were categorized into four main topics: human resources, financing, facilities and barriers related to the health-care delivery process. Data synthesis identified the following themes for barriers to human resources: barriers to human resources planning (with eight sub-themes); barriers to education (with three sub-themes); and motivational barriers (with seven sub-themes). Moreover, barriers to financing consisted of five sub-themes. The barriers to facilities consisted of barriers related to physical infrastructures (with two sub-themes) and barriers related to equipment (with six sub-themes). Finally, barriers to the health-care delivery process included the following themes: communication barriers (with six sub-themes); legal barriers (with five sub-themes); and environmental-demographic factors (with seven sub-themes).

Originality/value

Identifying the barriers to health-care delivery in Iranian prisons plays a critical role in the improvement of planning, decision-making and the health-care delivery process.
Environmental disclosures on local governments' websites: a Malaysian context
Authors: Che Ku Kassim Che Ku Hisam , Ahmad Suraya , Mohd Nasir Noor Emilina , Mod Arifin Nur Nariza , Wan Mohd Nori Wan Mohd Nazif
Published: August 2020

Purpose

First, the paper examines the extent of environmental disclosures (EDs) made by the Malaysian local governments (LGs) on their websites. Second, it examines the patterns of disclosure with the aim of investigating the underlying motive behind the EDs.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive content analysis was employed to measure the EDs. A disclosure instrument, based on the extant studies, is designed to facilitate the measurement process.

Findings

The results suggest that LGs of various levels, have taken the initiative to report EDs on their websites even in the absence of any statutory reporting regulations either by the state or federal government. Differences in the types of EDs are also apparent and consistent with the premise of legitimacy theory.

Originality/value

A paucity of prior studies measuring EDs made at the LG level is observed in the literature. Research evidence focussing on the EDs reported on the websites is even more scarce. This lack of research contributes to a limited understanding on the development and challenges of the environmental reporting practices within the developing country's perspective. Moreover, generalising the findings of studies conducted in developed countries may not be possible due to a number of regulatory, political and socio-economic factors.
Business models for the now economy
Authors: Weinstein Art T.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Business models are a key to success. This paper aims to identify the characteristics of the Now Economy, discuss the components of an effective business model, examine numerous e-commerce business models and provide an application of online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on business models is reviewed. E-commerce models are explored as a means for building competitive advantage in the Now Economy. An in-depth case study of remote learning in universities illustrates the development of a sound digital business model.

Findings

Business models explain where and how an organization competes and the financial feasibility of its strategy. Digital business models create market differentiation or disruption. This paper explains 20 e-commerce business models and offers an in-depth view of the opportunities and challenges in the online learning sector.

Research limitations/implications

Building on the literature, this work is conceptual and presents a case study. It is not an empirical study. A three-point agenda for scholars includes research on speed and service in business models, assessing the impact of customer value and examining the market power of Big Tech.

Practical implications

The digital component of the economy is growing annually. Business practitioners must respond by developing winning business models. The remote learning application is particularly relevant given today’s changing educational market.

Originality/value

While there has been considerable research on business models, there has been limited work on digital business models, which is the focus of this article.
Minding the gap: the effect of CEO underpayment on firm-specific knowledge
Authors: Wang Linlin , Chu Zhaofang , Jiang Wan , Xu Yifan
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to build on equity theory to assess the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) underpayment on the accumulation of firm-specific knowledge, accounting for the moderating effects of the CEO compensation gap and the clarity of the board’s informal hierarchy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study starts with all firms listed in the Execucomp database for the period 1992 to 2006. Then, all data sources are merged and entries with missing information are excluded. The final data set used for model estimations includes 1,152 firm-year observations. The command xtreg in Stata 12 with the fixed-effect option (fe) is used to estimate the relationship between CEO underpayment and firm-specific knowledge.

Findings

This study proposed and examined the role of CEO underpayment in discouraging CEO willingness to invest firm-specific human capital and, accordingly, to adopt a strategy of accumulating lower levels of firm-specific knowledge assets. The empirical analyses strongly support this argument. Moreover, CEO compensation gaps and the informal hierarchy of boards negatively moderated this relationship. That is, CEO underpayment had a weaker negative effect on firm-specific knowledge when the CEO compensation gap and the clarity of the board’s informal hierarchy were high.

Originality/value

Prior studies from the knowledge-based perspective have focused on the importance of firm-specific knowledge in enabling a firm to achieve superior financial performance. However, relatively little attention has been paid to CEOs’ willingness to accumulate firm-specific knowledge. The present study contributes to the knowledge-based view of the firm. This study integrates equity theory with the knowledge-based view of the firm by highlighting how unfair compensation of CEOs may discourage them to fully realize a firm’s potential to generate specific knowledge. By incorporating the fairness issue of CEO compensation into the knowledge-based view, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the origins of firm-specific knowledge.
Attitudes towards CBT in trainee clinical psychologists
Authors: Hancox Laura Jane , Gresswell David M. , De Boos Danielle
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to address how one Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programme contributes to the shaping of attitudes of its trainee clinical psychologists (TCPs) towards cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 28 TCPs completed an online, mixed-methods questionnaire relating to their attitudes towards CBT, what factors had influenced their attitude and how competent they felt in applying CBT to clinical practice.

Findings

The majority of respondents reported a positive attitude towards CBT. There was a statistically significant positive change at an individual level in TCPs’ views of CBT between the point at which they applied for the DClinPsy and the present day. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified influential factors on the development of TCP attitudes towards CBT. The vast majority of TCPs reported that they felt competent applying CBT in their clinical practice.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the DClinPsy has a positive effect on TCPs’ attitudes towards CBT. However, the influence of placements has a more mixed effect on attitudes. A small sample size reduced the reliability of these conclusions. Recommendations for further evaluation have been made.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates the effect of a DClinPsy programme on TCPs’ attitudes towards CBT. The value is that it establishes which components of the course have different effects on trainee attitudes.
Participatory legal forms for public enterprises. How a group of affiliated public service organisations can help to overcome legal and institutional obstacles
Authors: Wulf Alexander J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In some political and economic situations, it may be desirable to have a company that operates with a legal structure that is midway between the two extreme poles of the private sector (i.e. privatisation) and the public sector (i.e. nationalisation). In such situations none of the existing legal forms for private or public enterprises creates the institutional conditions necessary for a profitable, collectively owned enterprise. A possible solution to this problem is the participatory legal form of a group of affiliated public service organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a case study on the crisis-beset Berlin Brandenburg Airport Company (BER) as an example, the author examines how the proposed alternative legal form for collective enterprises could have improved the legal and institutional framework of the airport company.

Findings

The problems that arose with Berlin Brandenburg airport had multiple causes. Had the airport company adopted the legal form of a group of affiliated public service enterprises, it might have been better able to deal with many of its problems because the organisational structure would have been more suitable. The case study demonstrates that the improved governance framework offered by a group of affiliated public service enterprises could have reduced the likelihood of the large scale, spectacular failure of the project that occurred.

Originality/value

A company that operates as collectively owned property is midway between the two extreme poles of private property and state property. In political and economic situations where such a solution is sought the question arises as to which legal or corporate form will provide the best conditions for successful management. The current lack of suitable available legal forms may be a factor in preventing the number of companies in collective ownership from increasing. The article points towards this gap and introduces the legal form of a group of affiliated public service enterprises, i.e. a collectively owned state consortium of social community interest enterprises.
Rotating Al2O3-H2O nanofluid flow and heat transfer with internal heating, velocity slip and different shapes of nanoparticles
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Nademi Rostami Mohammadreza
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This research numerically investigates the steady laminar 3D forced convective flow and heat transfer of a rotating Al2O3/water nanofluid past a linearly stretching sheet with the help of a novel two-phase analysis method by considering different nanoparticle shapes as well as velocity slip boundary condition plus internal heating.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ novel two-phase analysis method implements the Jang and Choi model for the effective thermal conductivity and incorporates it with Tiwari–Das mathematical model. Besides, the shape factors of the nanoparticles have also taken into account using the Timofeeva model for effective dynamic viscosity. The Prandtl number of the base fluid is kept constant at 6.2 and the temperature of the nanoparticles as well as the base fluid molecules is assumed to be 300 K. In short, after using the similarity transformation method, the obtained dimensionless nonlinear ODEs are numerically solved using the bvp4c built-in function from MATLAB. The governing parameters are solid volume concentration, rotation parameter, velocity slip parameter, heat generation or absorption parameter and Prandtl number of the base fluid.

Findings

It is argued that when the cylindrical shape for alumina is chosen, the maximum values for skin friction coefficients and local Nusselt number have been obtained among the other shapes. Further, the velocity slip enhancement in this problem will lead to a drastic reduction in the foregoing quantities of engineering interest.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is a novel attitude to two-phase nanofluid model.
Do frequent acquirers outperform in cross-border acquisitions? A study of Indian companies
Authors: Jain Samta , Kashiramka Smita , Jain P.K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of cross-border acquisitions (CBAs) on the financial and operating performance of acquiring firms from emerging economies in the long-term; the acquiring firms have been segregated into frequent (multiple) and first-time (single) acquirers based on their prior cross-border experience. The intent is to identify if overseas activities bring over and above advantage to multiple acquirers in terms of enhanced financial synergies and reduced costs, motivating them to engage in sequential international transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the impact of CBAs announced and completed during 2004–2013 by Indian companies listed on the NIFTY 500 index. The post-acquisition financial and operating performance of Indian cross-border acquirers has been compared with their pre-acquisition performance. The average performance over three-years immediately preceding the acquisition year constitutes the benchmark for the post-acquisition performance. The post-acquisition period includes a year of integration followed by three successive post-integration years. Therefore, in operational terms, the research period extends from 2001–2017. The long-term performance of frequent (multiple) and first-time (single) Indian acquirers has been investigated comprehensively using a set of 16 financial ratios. The performance has been assessed using the secondary data collected from financial statements of acquiring companies; the financial statements and the list of CBAs by Indian companies have been obtained from Thomson Reuter’s EIKON database.

Findings

The financial and operating performance of frequent as well as first-time acquirers have depicted a similarly deteriorating trend during the post-acquisition period. These findings indicate that the international expansion of Indian companies is not guided by synergy creation potential and may be pushed by the overconfidence or over-optimism and agency conflicts of managers. This, perhaps, indicates that firms are being imprudent in investing free cash flows available with them.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind. No study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has analysed the performance of acquiring firms by segregating them into frequent and first-time acquirers using accounting measures of performance. More so, an extensive analysis of the long-term financial and operating performance of acquiring companies is rare to come across in the extant literature.
Termite males enhance mating encounters by changing speed according to density
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki , Rizo Arturo , Pratt Stephen C. , Chouvenc Thomas
Published: August 2020

Search theory predicts that animals evolve efficient movement patterns to enhance encounter rates with specific targets. The optimal movements vary with the surrounding environments, which may explain the observation that animals often switch their movement patterns depending on conditions. However, the effectiveness of behavioural change during search is rarely evaluated because it is difficult to examine the actual encounter dynamics.

Here we studied how partner‐seeking termites update their search strategies depending on the local densities of potential mates. After a dispersal flight, termites drop their wings and walk to search for a mate; when a female and a male meet, they form a female‐led tandem pair and search for a favourable nesting site. If a pair is separated, they have two search options—reunite with their stray partner, or seek a new partner. We hypothesized that the density of individuals affects separation–reunion dynamics and thus the optimal search strategy.

We observed the searching process across different densities and found that termite pairs were often separated but obtained a new partner quickly at high mate density. After separation, while females consistently slowed down, males increased their speed according to the density. Under high mate density, separated males obtained a partner earlier than females, who do not change movement with density.

Our data‐based simulations confirmed that the observed behavioural change by males contributes to enhancing encounters. Males at very low mate densities did best to move slowly and thereby reduce the risk of missing their stray partner, who is the only available mate. On the other hand, males that experienced high mate densities did better in mating encounters by moving fast because the risk of isolation is low, and they must compete with other males to find a partner.

These results demonstrate that termite males adaptively update their search strategy depending on conditions. Understanding the encounter dynamics experienced by animals is key to connecting the empirical work to the idealized search processes of theoretical studies.