bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fleeting Effects of Incentives: Adult Age Differences in ERP Measures of Motivated Attention
Authors: Sullivan Margot D. , Kudus Farrah , Dyson Benjamin J. , Spaniol Julia
Published: April 2022

Reward-based motivation is associated with transient and sustained dopaminergic activity and with modulatory effects on attention and cognitive control. Age-related changes in the dopamine system are well documented, but little is known about age differences in the temporal dynamics of motivational influences on cognitive functions. The current study examined the effects of financial incentives on visual attention using event-related potentials (ERPs). Participants (26 younger, aged 18-33; 24 older, aged 65-95) completed an incentivized flanker task in which trial-level incentive cues signaled the availability of performance-contingent reward, and subsequent alerting cues signaled the onset of the flanker target. ERP components of interest included incentive-cue P2 and CNV, alerting-cue N1, target N1, and target P3. Transient effects of incentives were assessed by comparing ERP amplitudes across incentive and non-incentive trials from mixed-incentive blocks. Younger adults showed transient effects of incentives on all components, whereas older adults showed effects for incentive-cue P2 and alerting-cue N1 only. Sustained effects of incentives were assessed by comparing ERP amplitudes across non-incentive trials from mixed-incentive blocks and non-incentive trials from pure non-incentive blocks. Both age groups showed sustained effects of incentives on cue-locked ERPs, but only younger adults showed sustained effects on target-locked ERPs. Reaction-time patterns mirrored the ERP findings, in that younger adults showed greater incentive-based modulation than older adults. Overall, these findings suggest that both transient and sustained effects of incentives on visual attention are more fleeting for older than younger adults, consistent with widespread alterations in dopaminergic neuromodulation in aging.
genomeSidekick: a user-friendly epigenomics data analysis tool
Authors: Chen Junjie , Zhu Ashley J. , Packard René R. Sevag , Vondriska Thomas M. , Chapski Douglas J.
Published: April 2022

Recent advances in epigenomics measurements have resulted in a preponderance of genomic sequencing datasets that require focused analyses to discover mechanisms governing biological processes. In addition, multiple epigenomics experiments are typically performed within the same study, thereby increasing the complexity and difficulty of making meaningful inferences from large datasets. One gap in the sequencing data analysis pipeline is the availability of tools to efficiently browse genomic data for scientists that do not have bioinformatics training. To bridge this gap, we developed genomeSidekick, a graphical user interface written in R that allows researchers to perform bespoke analyses on their transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility or chromatin immunoprecipitation data without the need for command line tools. Importantly, genomeSidekick outputs lists of up- and downregulated genes or chromatin features with differential accessibility or occupancy; visualizes ‘omics data using interactive volcano plots; performs Gene Ontology analyses locally; and queries PubMed for selected gene candidates for further evaluation. Outputs can be saved using the user interface and the code underlying genomeSidekick can be edited for custom analyses. In summary, genomeSidekick brings wet lab scientists and bioinformaticians into a shared fluency with the end goal of driving mechanistic discovery.
Phylogeny and Metadata Network Database for Epidemiologic Surveillance
Authors: Stott Garrick , Lyu Leke , Veytsel Gabriella , Kuo Jacky , Lewis Ryan , Brown Armand , Fujimoto Kayo , Bahl Justin
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the difficulty in integrating disparate data sources for epidemiologic surveillance. To address this challenge, we have created a graph database to integrate phylogenetic trees, associated metadata, and community surveillance data for phylodynamic inference. As an example use case, we divided 22,713 SARS-CoV-2 samples into 5 groups, generated maximum likelihood trees, and inferred a potential transmission network from a forest of minimum spanning trees built on patristic distances between samples. We then used Cytoscape to visualize the resultant graphs.
Real-time streaming tomographic reconstruction with on-demand data capturing and 3D zooming to regions of interest
Authors: Nikitin Viktor , Tekawade Aniket , Duchkov Anton , Shevchenko Pavel , De Carlo Francesco
Published: April 2022

Complex dynamic tomographic experiments at brilliant X-ray light sources require real-time feedback on the sample changes with respect to environmental conditions, selecting representative regions of interest for high-resolution scanning, and on-demand data saving mechanisms for storing only relevant projections acquired by fast area detectors and reducing data volumes. Here the implementation details of a 3D real-time imaging monitoring instrument, with zooming to a volume of interest with easy-to-use visualization via ImageJ, a tool familiar to most beamline users, is presented. The instrument relies on optimized data flow between the detector and processing machines and is implemented on commodity computers. The instrument has been developed at beamline 2-BM of the Advanced Photon Source, where the automatic lens changing mechanism for zooming is implemented with an Optique Peter microscope. Performance tests demonstrate the ability to process more than 3 GB of projection data per second and generate real-time 3D zooming with different magnification. These new capabilities are essential for new APS Upgrade instruments such as the projection microscope under development at beamline 32-ID. The efficacy of the proposed instrument was demonstrated during an in situ tomographic experiment on ice and gas hydrate formation in porous samples.
Synergic action of an inserted carbohydrate-binding module in a glycoside hydrolase family 5 endoglucanase
Authors: Ye Ting-Juan , Huang Kai-Fa , Ko Tzu-Ping , Wu Shih-Hsiung
Published: April 2022

Most known cellulase-associated carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are attached to the N- or C-terminus of the enzyme or are expressed separately and assembled into multi-enzyme complexes (for example to form cellulosomes), rather than being an insertion into the catalytic domain. Here, by solving the crystal structure, it is shown thatMtGlu5 fromMeiothermus taiwanensisWR-220, a GH5-family endo-β-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), has a bipartite architecture consisting of a Cel5A-like catalytic domain with a (β/α)8TIM-barrel fold and an inserted CBM29-like noncatalytic domain with a β-jelly-roll fold. Deletion of the CBM significantly reduced the catalytic efficiency ofMtGlu5, as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry using inactive mutants of full-length and CBM-deletedMtGlu5 proteins. Conversely, insertion of the CBM fromMtGlu5 intoTmCel5A fromThermotoga maritimagreatly enhanced the substrate affinity ofTmCel5A. Bound sugars observed between two tryptophan side chains in the catalytic domains of active full-length and CBM-deletedMtGlu5 suggest an important stacking force. The synergistic action of the catalytic domain and CBM ofMtGlu5 in binding to single-chain polysaccharides was visualized by substrate modeling, in which additional surface tryptophan residues were identified in a cross-domain groove. Subsequent site-specific mutagenesis results confirmed the pivotal role of several other tryptophan residues from both domains ofMtGlu5 in substrate binding. These findings reveal a way to incorporate a CBM into the catalytic domain of an existing enzyme to make a robust cellulase.
Key components of successful post–hurricane reconstruction of transportation infrastructures
Authors: Safapour Elnaz , Kermanshachi Sharareh , Rouhanizadeh Behzad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In the aftermath of hurricanes, the damage levied on transportation infrastructures increases the timeliness of emergency responses and recovery procedures, making it essential that they are reconstructed as quickly as possible – on time and within budget. The aim of this study was to determine significant performance indicators (PIs) that considerably affect cost and schedule performance as well as reworks in post–hurricane reconstruction of transportation infrastructure including highways, bridges, roadways, etc. Additionally, the determined PIs were clustered to investigate key components.

Design/methodology/approach

The root causes of reconstruction projects' poor performance were identified through the existing literature, and 30 transportation infrastructure case studies were analyzed to determine the significant PIs that corresponded to cost, schedule performance and reworks. The factor analysis method was used to cluster the significant PIs and determine the key components affecting them.

Findings

Eight key components were found for cost, eight for schedule performance and six for reworks. The key components of cost performance are shortage of resources, information management, coordination, safety, location, quality of materials, quality of resources and project complexity. The key components of reconstruction schedule performance are human resources, risk management, work suspension, material resources, productivity, on-site inspections, geometrical characteristics and level of reconstruction complexity. The six key components of reconstruction reworks are logistic management, pace of decision-making, accommodation for staff, environmental issues, available temporary paths and volume of debris.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this research will assist authorities and decision makers in identifying and evaluating the critical root causes of poor cost performance, poor schedule performance and reworks and will enable them to facilitate the timely and effective allocation of resources.
Integrating the extended theory of planned behavior model and the food-related routines to explain food waste behavior
Authors: Chen Mei-Fang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the determinants of household food waste behavior to mitigate the negative effects of consumption on climate change through a model that extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by integrating motivations to reduce food waste – in addition to moral norms – as well as situational factors – in addition to planning and shopping routines – that affect food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

Online self-report questionnaires were used to collect empirical data in Taiwan; a total of 304 responses were retrieved. Two-step structural equation modeling was subsequently conducted.

Findings

The results indicated that the extended TPB model, which notably included motivations to reduce food waste and moral norms regarding reducing food waste, explained 56.84% of the variance in intention not to waste food. Perceived behavioral control regarding reducing food waste was associated with food planning and shopping routines. Intention not to waste food, food shopping routines, and situational factors were determinants of food waste behavior and explained 15.72% of the variance in food waste behavior.

Originality/value

The main theoretical contribution of this study is that the extended TPB model that includes both moral norms and motivation to reduce food waste elucidates the role of motivations in the formation of attitudes. In addition, not only intention not to waste food and shopping routines but also situational factors explained food waste behavior. These findings provide practical and policy implications for enhancing people's intention not to waste food and for reducing their actual food waste behavior.
Common conceptual flaws in realizing maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah vis-à-vis Islamic finance
Authors: Al-Nahari Ameen Ahmed Abdullah Qasem , Monawer Abu Talib Mohammad , Haji Abdullah Luqman Bin , Ali Abdul Karim Bin , Abdul Rahman Noor Naemah Binti , Achour Meguellati
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to scrutinize the misconceptions about maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah (objectives of Islamic law) that complicate its actualization, particularly in Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative inductive method to identify the flaws in understanding maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah vis-à-vis Islamic finance. It uses the views of classical and modern maqāṣid scholars to critically examine the flaws.

Findings

This study concludes that the five objectives of the Sharīʿah constitute the framework of maṣlaḥah (well-being). The levels of maṣlaḥah ― namely ḍarūriyyāt (essentials), ḥājiyyāt (needs) and taḥsīniyyāt (embellishments) ― are the categories of the means to ends. The demand for financial products falls under the ḥājiyyāt and taḥsīniyyāt categories, not ḍarūriyyāt. The maqāṣid (objectives) are derived from aḥkām (provisions) being verified by the parameters, while aḥkām are guided by maqāṣid.

Research limitations/implications

This study recommends further research to theorize the concepts of ḍarūriyyāt, ḥājiyyāt, taḥsīniyyat and mukammilāt (complements); to harmonize the maqāṣid with their essential elements and to formulate a conceptual framework for actualizing maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah in Islamic finance.

Practical implications

This paper will improve perceptions and bridge gaps between the understanding of maqāṣid theory and existing practices. It suggests that instead of ḍarūriyyāt, Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) should refer to ḥājiyyāt and taḥsīniyyāt.

Originality/value

This paper identifies and clarifies the misconceptions about maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah vis-à-vis Islamic finance in the existing literature. The findings align with the views of leading maqāṣid scholars in understanding the idea.
Analysis of time-varying seismic fragility of rigid frame pier of offshore bridge
Authors: Liang Yan , Wei Yingying , Li Panjie , Niu Huan , Shu Jingxiao
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Although mechanical behavior of rigid frame pier has been clearly recognized, their time-varying seismic performance are yet to be well characterized due to some offshore piers that are eroded by chloride ion and located in earthquake-prone area. In this study, the time-variant seismic fragility analysis was conducted to evaluate seismic performance of rigid frame pier under four damage states with considering the time-varying characteristics of the material.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper establishes the nonlinear finite element model for the investigated offshore reinforcement concrete (RC) pier with considering the time-varying durability damage of the materials and defines the damage state, damage position and damaged index of the offshore RC pier. It also analyzes the time-varying seismic fragility of the offshore RC pier by using the capacity demand ratio method in the whole life cycle.

Findings

The results show that chloride induced corrosion has a significant effect on the rigid frame pier and bending capacity of top section is less than that of bottom section. The rate of decline accelerates after the service life reaching 30 years under the coupling of the earthquake and the environmental erosion. In the early years of service, the seismic fragility of the structure changed slowly.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the influencing factors of seismic performance of rigid structure pier, and analyzes the seismic capacity and seismic performance of rigid structure pier under different service periods.
The impact of tourism promotion in tourist destinations: a bibliometric study
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an assessment of tourism promotion in tourist destinations and airports (TPTDs) and to organize and classify the literature on tourism promotion, with the aim of staging the importance of this topic and encouraging future research in the projection of tourism and marketing sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) database to analyze the bibliometric in TPTDs topic from 2000 to 2021. Additionally, the paper also uses the visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer software to map graphically the bibliographic material. The graphical analysis uses bibliographic coupling, co-citation, citation and co-occurrence of keywords.

Findings

This study provides an amended new definition of tourism promotion, which is the efficient management of a destination’s resources and strategic plans by destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to adapt the tourism supply to market trends and will empower tourists to visit such destinations. Furthermore, results also show a new paradigm applied to TPTDs topic and classified in five first-order research streams. Digital and mobile marketing, infrastructure, branding, quality, accessibility and information factors about a specific destination which are mostly demanded by tourists are considered as an important means of promotion for the tourism industry.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is important to identify new challenges and opportunities for researchers, DMOs, airport and airlines operators and stakeholders, as disentangling existing contradictions and applying new theoretical framework to make better future decisions by researchers and organizations to provide higher quality to new research in the context of the TPTDs.
Revealing or concealing: privacy information disclosure in intelligent voice assistant usage- a configurational approach
Authors: Cao Gaohui , Wang Ping
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Based on communication privacy management (CPM) theory, this study aimed to explore how gender and age criteria, motivational criterion (locatability), benefit-risk ratio criteria (perceived benefits of privacy information disclosure and privacy concerns), contextual criteria (privacy experience) and boundary coordination and turbulence (perceived effectiveness of privacy policy) interact and combine in leading to voice assistant (VA) users' intention to reveal or conceal their privacy information.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed and distributed to car drivers who have intelligent VA use experience while driving. A total of 230 valid responses were collected. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Via configuration analysis with fsQCA, five equivalent configurations leading to the high intention of disclosing privacy information, and one configuration leading to the intention of concealing privacy information were identified. Four theoretical configurational propositions were proposed. Moreover, the theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Originality/value

This study offers some insightful implications in the field of private information communication in artificial intelligence applications as well as practical implications for intelligent VA application design. The findings provide empirical evidence of privacy communication management in the context of smart VA usage.
How do keystones govern their business ecosystems through resource orchestration?
Authors: Cui Miao , Li Wanling , Cui Li , Jia Yibo , Wu Lin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Sharing resources with stakeholders is the key for keystones to govern business ecosystems successfully. However, existing research has not paid further attention to how keystones share resources under the condition of resource sufficiency and how keystones balance resource sharing with complementors when they lack resources. Therefore, this paper aims to explore how keystones govern their business ecosystems under the conditions of resource sufficiency and resource insufficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the single case study method. First, by adopting Gioia coding to analyze the relevant data of the case sample, this paper obtains the key concepts of the business ecosystem governance process. Then, it establishes the relationship between the concepts by analyzing the governance process of the case sample.

Findings

Under the condition of resource sufficiency, keystones under the condition of resource sufficiency, should make full use of resources to incubate more complementors, and further integrate the resources of the business ecosystem, to create more value for their business ecosystems. Under the condition of resource insufficiency, keystones should break the boundaries of business ecosystems and acquire external resources, to meet the resource needs of complementors. Subsequently, keystones should redeploy idle resources according to the actual needs of complementors, to meet the changing resource needs of complementors.

Originality/value

This study subdivides business ecosystem governance conditions and further constructs the business ecosystem governance process model, which provides a theoretical and practical reference for business ecosystem governance.
Growing from the South in the seed market: Grupo Don Mario
Authors: Marin Anabel , Stubrin Lilia Ines , Palacín Roitbarg Rocío
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The authors aim to draw lessons for research and policy from an exception(nal) case of a firm's international expansion in the seed market: Grupo Don Mario, a company originally from Argentina that supplies 20% of the soybean varieties used in the world. The authors describe the processes of expansion of the company, identify key features of its internationalisation, marketing and technological strategy and capabilities, and discuss implications for research and policy and questions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study. The paper uses quantitative and qualitative information collected from existing datasets and documents and new information from open ended interviews. This study method is exploratory.

Findings

First, new entrants from emerging economies should and can adopt an unique technological and marketing approach that distinguish them from incumbents to be able to overcome entry barriers in global concentrated markets. Second, technological capacities need to be complemented with regulatory and political to succeed in highly dynamic, uncertain and regulated sectors like seeds.

Research limitations/implications

Policies oriented to support business from emerging countries in highly dynamic sectors need to consider technological alternatives.

Originality/value

Grupo Don Mario is a case of great interest since it expanded in a period in which the global seed market concentrated massively through an unprecedented process of mergers and acquisitions, which involved the disappearance of hundreds of independent seed companies.
Factors affecting academic staff development in the context of university autonomy through the lens of stakeholders: a case study from Tay Nguyen University, Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Hieu Thi , Niem Le Duc , Tran Phong Cong , Nguyen Truc Thanh , Doan Dung Thi , Ngo Huyen Thi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at identifying perceived factors and measuring opinions about the factors' impact on academic staff development (ASD) at Tay Nguyen University (TNU), Dak Lak, Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method, the multiple regression model (ordinary least squares (OLS)) and a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. A sample of 70 managerial staff, 374 lecturers and 512 students of TNU was surveyed to obtain data.

Findings

The EFA showed that opinions concerning university autonomy (UA) and university social responsibility (USR) were positively correlated. With the above two factors united as responsible autonomy (RA), the OLS indicated perceptions that RA and internal driving factor (IF) had significant and positive impacts on the ASD, while external driving factor (EF) was found to have a perceived negative influence on ASD.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicated that there appears to be a close relationship between UA and USR, and these can be considered as a factor that has apparent impacts on the ASD of the university.

Practical implications

The degree of UA and USR of TNU should be enhanced through awareness of the university's academic staff, the application of a suitable evaluation system and the efficiency of university's regulations. In addition, efforts should be made to improve internal factors such as the dissemination of educational philosophy, the suitability of strategic plans, the development of key performance indicators KPIs and the building of organizational culture – all of which will help to heighten the university’s ASD. At the same time, TNU should endeavor to quickly transform aspects of administration and management to meet the shifting requirements of the autonomous environment and competitive features of the market economy. In particular, there is a need for the academic staff themselves to have increased capacity to adapt to these changes.

Social implications

The authors' results have a broader application to not only the case of TNU but to other situations in developing countries where universities are in transitional stages as governments assign increasing autonomy and responsibility to them.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that the academic staff of TNU should be provided with both professional autonomy and adaptive capacity to foster research and educational innovation in the market-based higher education system of Vietnam. More generally, if true, the paper suggests that an increase in the degree of UA and USR should be combined with the efforts to improve the internal environments such as disseminating educational philosophy, mission, vision and strategies and building organizational culture.
Drivers and barriers of Industry 4.0 technology adoption among manufacturing SMEs: a systematic review and transformation roadmap
Authors: Ghobakhloo Morteza , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Vilkas Mantas , Grybauskas Andrius , Amran Azlan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The present study offers a holistic but detailed understanding of the factors that might affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies to empower smaller businesses to embrace Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a systematic review of the literature and drew on the technology-organization-environment framework to identify various technological, organizational and environmental determinants of Industry 4.0 technology adoption and their underlying components. The study applied the textual narrative synthesis to extract findings from the eligible articles and interpret them into the Industry 4.0 technology adoption roadmap.

Findings

Industry 4.0 is a vital strategic option to SMEs, enabling them to keep up with the digitalization race. SMEs significantly lag behind large organizations in benefiting from disruptive Industry 4.0 technologies. SMEs are still struggling with the initial adoption decisions regarding the digital transformation under Industry 4.0. Results identified various determinants that might explain this condition. The study developed a digitalization roadmap that describes the necessary conditions for facilitating SMEs’ digitalization under Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

Various technological, organizational and environmental factors might determine the current positioning of SMEs against Industry 4.0. These determinants can act as barriers or drivers depending on their properties. The roadmap describes determinants indispensable to promoting Industry 4.0 technology adoption among SMEs, such as knowledge competencies or value chain digitalization readiness.

Originality/value

Exclusively focusing on empirical research that reported applied insights into Industry 4.0 technology adoption, the study offers unique implications for promoting Industry 4.0 digital transformation among SMEs.
Research on innovation features and optimization strategies of industrial clusters from the perspective of TLCN
Authors: Luo Yongcong , Zheng Jianzhuang , Ma Jing
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The focus of industrial cluster innovation lies in the cooperation between enterprises and universities/scientific research institutes to make a theoretical breakthrough in the system and mechanism of industrial cluster network. Under the theoretical framework of cluster network, industrial structure can be optimized and upgraded, and enterprise benefit can be improved. Facing the increasing proliferation and multi-structured enterprise data, how to obtain potential and high-quality innovation features will determine the ability of industrial cluster network innovation, as well as the paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on complex network theory and machine learning method, this paper constructs the structure of “three-layer coupling network” (TLCN), predicts the innovation features of industrial clusters and focuses on the theoretical basis of industrial cluster network innovation model. This paper comprehensively uses intelligent information processing technologies such as network parameters and neural network to predict and analyze the industrial cluster data.

Findings

From the analysis of the experimental results, the authors obtain five innovative features (policy strength, cooperation, research and development investment, centrality and geographical position) that help to improve the ability of industrial clusters, and give corresponding optimization strategy suggestions according to the result analysis.

Originality/value

Building a TLCN structure of industrial clusters. Exploring the innovation features of industrial clusters. Establishing the analysis paradigm of machine learning method to predict the innovation features of industrial clusters.
Investigating meaningful impact in adolescent writing achievement within a high‐stakes testing context
Authors: Smit Julie , Lesley Mellinee , Baker‐Beach Whitney , Stewart Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Background

This case study examined the consequences of a literacy initiative designed to improve writing instruction for a high school under pressure to increase standardised test scores or face government oversight. Realities of underperforming schools, such as interruptions to instructional time, a focus on formulaic essay writing and decontextualised grammar skills, high teacher turnover, and a disproportionately large percentage of students with low ability levels, impact the implementation and sustainability of research‐based practices. Thus, we embarked on a school‐university partnership designed to overcome these barriers. We co‐constructed research to determine the effectiveness of an instructional framework designed by the school's instructional coach (a teacher educator hired by the school district responsible for enacting literacy reform and providing professional development) and her work with four ninth‐grade and tenth‐grade English teachers (Years 10 and 11) in the United States. This engaged scholarship process empowered teachers and the instructional coach to make changes in their approach to writing instruction.

Methods

Our case study used the following data sources: teacher and student interviews, professional development and classroom observations, student writing attitude surveys and analyses of student writing. We utilised grounded theory to determine changes in classroom practice and students' academic growth.

Results

Our study revealed strengths of the professional development regarding classroom management and student writing dispositions. Yet it also illuminated problems such as continued emphasis on reading instruction, limited opportunities for student choice and lack of writing strategies that transferred to composing extended text.

Conclusion

These results raised critical questions, which aided the instructional coach in refining professional development for writing instruction.
COVID‐19: Omicron – the latest, the least virulent, but probably not the last variant of concern of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: April 2022

The Omicron variant rapidly became the dominant SARS‐CoV‐2 strain in South Africa and elsewhere. This review explores whether this rise was due to an increased transmission of the variant or its escape from population immunity by an extensively mutated spike protein. The mutations affected the structure of the spike protein leading to the loss of neutralization by most, but not all, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Omicron also shows substantial immune escape from serum antibodies in convalescent patients and vaccinees. A booster immunization increased, however, the titre and breadth of antiviral antibody response. The cellular immune response against Omicron was largely preserved explaining a satisfying protection of boosted vaccinees against severe infections. Clinicians observed less severe infection with Omicron, but other scientists warned that this must not necessarily reflect less intrinsic virulence. However, in animal experiments with mice and hamsters, Omicron infections also displayed a lesser virulence than previous VOCs and lung functions were less compromised. Cell biologists demonstrated that Omicron differs from Delta by preferring the endocytic pathway for cell entry over fusion with the plasma membrane which might explain Omicron’s distinct replication along the respiratory tract compared with Delta. Omicron represents a distinct evolutionary lineage that deviated from the mainstream of evolving SARS‐CoV‐2 already in mid‐2020 raising questions about where it circulated before getting widespread in December 2021. The role of Omicron for the future trajectory of the COVID‐19 pandemic is discussed.
Employees striving for innovation in social enterprises: The roles of social mission and commitment‐based human resource management
Authors: Chang Eunmi , Lee Jeong Won , Chin Hyun
Published: April 2022

Social enterprises, promising organizations for solving societal problems with innovative approaches, rely upon their members’ active roles for workplace innovation. However, we still have a limited understanding about how social enterprises can foster employees’ endeavors for innovation. By focusing on employee learning and innovative behavior, we investigate the influences of perceived social mission, value congruence, and human resource management (HRM) practices in social enterprises. We conducted two complementary studies to answer our research questions. In Study 1, with a survey of 369 employees from 68 social enterprises, we examined a multilevel moderated mediation model with firm‐level and individual‐level data. We found that perceived social mission promoted learning and innovative behavior by increasing value congruence, and that commitment‐based HRM practices enhanced the overall process from mission to employee efforts for innovation. In Study 2, with 300 daily surveys from 60 employees participating in an experience sampling study, we found that those with high‐value congruence showed a significantly more stable pattern with less variance in innovative behavior than in learning behavior. Our study adds novel implications to the underdeveloped literature on employee innovation and HRM in social enterprises by uncovering the positive effects of social mission and value facets for boosting learning and innovative behaviors. Our research also suggests that social enterprises should benefit from pursuing and emphasizing the social mission and commitment‐based HRM bundle together, which will promote the prosperity and well‐being of business and society.
Impact of cardiac dysfunction on morbidity and mortality in liver transplant candidates
Authors: Mohammadi Fadak , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Woodman Richard , Muller Kate , John Libby , Chen John , Wigg Alan
Published: April 2022

The prognostic role of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients is increasingly recognized. We studied its impact on morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation (LT) including development of post‐transplant cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this retrospective study, cirrhotic patients who underwent LT assessment from January 2010 to December 2020 were reviewed. Demographics, cardiac investigations and clinical courses were analyzed to identify the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and its role in LT outcomes. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression modelling, with LT as a time‐varying covariate and as an interaction variable with cardiac dysfunction. Three hundred and eight patients (70% male) were studied. The median (interquartile range) age at LT assessment was 56 (12) years. Cardiac dysfunction was found in 178 (58%) patients (diastolic, 169; systolic, 26; both, 17) and was significantly associated with hepatorenal syndrome/acute kidney injury and peri‐ and post‐transplant morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.94, 95% CI 1.06–3.52, P < .001; aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.06–3.82, P = .033; aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.01–3.65, P = .023, respectively). Cardiac dysfunction was not associated with mortality before (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.01, 95% CI .99–1.01) or after LT (aHR .74, 95% CI .4–1.05. Post‐transplant CVD (61% cardiac failure) occurred in 36 patients, and there was no significant association with cardiac dysfunction (P = .11). Cardiac dysfunction was common in LT candidates and was significantly associated with morbidity before and after LT. Studies on the role of advanced echocardiographic parameters to improve diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction and optimize LT outcomes are needed.
Combined therapy with CD4+CD25highCD127− T regulatory cells and anti‐CD20 antibody in recent‐onset type 1 diabetes is superior to monotherapy: Randomized phase I/II trial
Authors: Zieliński Maciej , Żalińska Magdalena , Iwaszkiewicz‐Grześ Dorota , Gliwiński Mateusz , Hennig Matylda , Jaźwińska‐Curyłło Anna , Kamińska Halla , Sakowska Justyna , Wołoszyn‐Durkiewicz Anna , Owczuk Radosław , Młynarski Wojciech , Jarosz‐Chobot Przemysława , Bossowski Artur , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Siebert Janusz , Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Marek‐Trzonkowska Natalia , Trzonkowski Piotr
Published: April 2022

Aims

Monotherapy with autologous expanded CD4+CD25highCD127− T regulatory cells (Tregs) or rituximab has been documented to slow disease progression in patients with recent‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Whether a combined therapy including both drugs would further benefit this patient population is unknown.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a three‐arms clinical trial to explore the efficacy and safety of the combined treatment with Tregs and rituximab in paediatric patients with T1DM. The patients were allocated to three groups: Tregs only (n = 13), Tregs + rituximab (n = 12) and control (n = 11). The key primary efficacy analyses were C‐peptide levels (mixed meal tolerance test) and the proportion of patients in remission at 12 and 24 months.

Results

At month 24, as compared with the control, both treatment groups remained superior in the area under the curve of C‐peptide mixed meal tolerance test, whereas in the analysis of all visits only the combined therapy improved area under the curve at 12 and 24 months. The proportion of patients in remission was significantly higher in the combined group than in the control group at 3, 6, 9 and 21 months but not at 18 and 24 months. There was no significant difference between the Tregs only group and control group. Adverse events occurred in 80% patients, mostly in the combined group and Tregs only group. No adverse events led to the withdrawal of the intervention or death. All comparisons were performed with alpha level of 5%.

Conclusions

Over 2 years, combined therapy with Tregs and rituximab was consistently superior to monotherapy in delaying T1DM progression in terms of C‐peptide levels and the maintenance of remission.
Extracellular vesicles from bone marrow stromal cells reduce the impact of stroke on glial cell activation and blood brain‐barrier permeability via a putative miR‐124/PRX1 signalling pathway
Authors: Tian Jianan , Yao Haiqian , Liu Yihang , Wang Xiaokun , Wu Jiarong , Wang Jia , Yu Dan , Xie Yibo , Gao Jiaqi , Zhu Yulan , Yang Chunxiao
Published: April 2022

Ischaemic stroke (IS) is a cerebrovascular disease caused by cerebral infarction and cerebral artery occlusion. In this study, we proposed that EVs from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) could reduce the impact of stroke by reducing the resultant glial cell activation and blood–brain barrier (BBB) leak. We furthermore investigated some of the signalling mechanisms. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t‐MCAO) mouse model was established. The behavioural deficits and neuronal damage were verified using Bederson's scale and the 28‐point neurological score. The area of cerebral infarction was detected. The expressions of astrocytes/microglia markers and BBB permeability were evaluated by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The internalization of EVs by astrocytes/microglia in the peripheral area was detected by fluorescence labelling. The expressions of astrocyte/microglia markers were measured by RT‐qPCR. Levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in microglia were detected by ELISA. BBB permeability was evaluated. The downstream target genes and pathway of miR‐124 were analysed. Microglia/astrocytes were treated by oxygen–glucose deprivation reoxygenation (OGD/R). OGD/R microglia/astrocyte conditioned medium was used to culture bEnd.3 cells. The transendothelial electric resistance (TEER) of bEnd.3 cells was measured, and BBB permeability was characterized. Our results suggested that EVs from BMSCs can indeed reduce the extent of stroke‐mediated damage and evidenced that these effects are mediated via expression of the non‐coding RNA, miR‐124 that may act via the peroxiredoxin 1 (PRX1). Our results provided further motivation to pursue the use of modified EVs as a treatment option for neurological diseases.
Size scaling of sea turtle reproduction may reconcile fundamental ecology and conservation strategies at the global scale
Authors: Wu Nicholas C. , Rusli Mohd Uzair , Broderick Annette C. , Barneche Diego R.
Published: April 2022

Aim

The body size of marine megafauna can influence population dynamics because larger females have disproportionally greater reproductive output. We explored how this size scaling relationship can affect predictions of population size structure in nesting sea turtles by combining a phylogenetically controlled meta‐analysis with a long‐term field nesting survey.

Location

Global (meta‐analysis) and Malaysia (field survey).

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Sea turtles.

Methods

We extracted body size and reproductive parameters of all sea turtle species from the literature and estimated the reproductive‐energy output using allometric models. We then examined the relationship between body size and the proportion of protected nesting beaches by country as an indicator of conservation efforts on body size. Long‐term monitoring (1993–2019) of body size and nesting data on green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Redang Island (Malaysia) was used to examine temporal changes in body size and fecundity and to test whether the size scaling of fecundity was isometric (linear) or allometric (curvilinear).

Results

We show that the total reproductive‐energy output of larger nesting females was, on average, disproportionately greater in all sea turtle species. We found no strong correlations for countries with a higher proportion of protected nesting sites with female size. Finally, we showed that scaling‐derived calculations of population‐level yearly reproductive output in the green turtle population from Redang Island were more accurate when using a hyperallometric (rather than an isometric) relationship at the individual level.

Main conclusions

Understanding ecosystem function and conservation effort requires accurate predictions of population trends. Our findings highlight the necessity to account for scaling effects of body size in predicting anthropogenically mediated population shifts, and the need to protect large females in order to facilitate effective population replenishment.
Supporting the involvement of older adults with complex needs in evaluation of outcomes in long‐term care at home programmes
Authors: Phillipson Lyn , Towers Ann‐Marie , Caiels James , Smith Louisa
Published: April 2022

Background

It is important to involve older people in evaluating public programmes that affect their lives. This includes those with physical and cognitive impairments (such as dementia) who may need support to live at home. Many countries have implemented new approaches to support older people to live well at home for longer. However, it can be challenging to involve disabled people in service evaluation, so we are unclear whether services are meeting their needs.

Aim

This study explored how a cascading methodology, offering different supports enabled the involvement of home care users with cognitive and physical impairments in the assessment of their care‐related quality of life.

Method

We used multiple tools from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) with n = 63 older adults who were recipients of home care in the Illawarra. We also offered different physical and cognitive supports as needed.

Results

We started with the standard ASCOT questionnaire to assess the care‐related quality of life, but then offered alternative formats (including Easy Read) and supports (including physical and cognitive assistance) if the older person needed them to participate. This allowed us to involve a greater diversity of older people in the evaluation, and changed what we found out about whether their care needs were being met.

Conclusion

There is a need to implement more flexible and inclusive methods to increase the involvement of vulnerable users of long‐term care in the assessment of service outcomes. This is important to ensure that the perspectives of all service users inform the delivery of person‐centred care. It is also critical to understand the extent to which programmes are meeting the needs of vulnerable service users.

Patient or Public Contribution

Service users with dementia were involved in the design of the ‘Easy Read’ questionnaire used in the study.
lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 plays an important role in intestinal acute graft‐versus‐host disease through the regulation of interleukin‐1β
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , Xia Mengting , Liu Jiang , Cui Jinwei , Zhang Yanyu , Sun Runjie , Cui Xing
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is one of the major complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the liver, skin, and gastrointestinal tract are the main target organs. The most common type is intestinal aGVHD. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have coregulatory functions and participate in a variety of intracellular regulatory processes. We investigated the expression of lncRNAs and their mechanisms in the development of aGVHD.

Methods

The participants included 15 patients with aGVHD and 4 healthy controls (HCs). To generate profiles of abnormally expressed lncRNAs, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lncRNAs from four patients and four HCs were validated by high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative real‐time‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). A number of databases, including Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, miRanda, TargetScan, and Metascape, were used for bioinformatics analysis. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that overexpression of lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 might induce aGVHD via the interleukin (IL)‐1β axis and a downstream miRNA. After the higher levels of lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 in other patients were confirmed by qRT‐PCR, serum IL‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

In our study, a large number of lncRNAs were found in PBMCs of patients with intestinal aGVHD, and bioinformatics analysis showed that the upregulated lncRNA lnc‐AC145676.2.1‐6‐3 probably affected the progression of intestinal aGVHD by regulating the hsa‐miR‐3064‐5p/IL‐1β axis. In addition, the changes in lncRNA expression levels were positively correlated with the clinical characteristics of intestinal aGVHD.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that lncRNAs in PBMCs may become new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for intestinal aGVHD.