bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online versus offline: preferred retail choice for premium brand purchase
Authors: Basu Rituparna , Sondhi Neena
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This exploratory study aims to examine the prevalent triggers that motivate a premium brand purchase in an online vs offline retail format.

Design/methodology/approach

A binary logit analysis is used to build a predictive model to assess the likelihood of the premium brand consumer seeking an online or an offline platform. Demographic and usage-based profile of the two set of consumers is established through a chi-square analysis.

Findings

Three hundred and forty six urban consumers of premium branded apparels residing in two Indian Metros were studied. A predictive model with 89.6% accuracy was validated for distinguishing premium brand buyers who shop at brick-and-mortar store or online platforms. Quality and finish were factors sought by the online buyer, whereas autotelic need, pleasurable shopping experience and social approval were important triggers for an in-store purchase.

Research limitations/implications

The study posits divergent demographics and motivational drivers that led to an online vs offline purchase. Though interesting and directional, the study results need to be examined across geographies and categories for establishing the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The study findings indicate that premium brand manufacturers can devise an omni-channel strategy that is largely tilted toward the online platform, as the quality conscious and brand aware consumer is confident and thus open to an online purchase. The implication for the physical outlet on the other hand is to ensure exclusive store atmospherics and knowledgeable but non-intrusive sales personnel.

Originality/value

The study is unique as it successfully builds a predictive model to forecast online vs offline purchase decisions among urban millennials.
Factors influencing the adoption of mobile payment systems in Indonesia
Authors: Lisana Lisana
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This empirical study aims to determine factors that influence an individual’s intention to use mobile payment (MP) systems. The study investigates direct, indirect and total effects as well as factors that mediate or moderate effects on intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model is derived from previous studies and combines factors from technology acceptance model and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention) with factors relevant to MP (perceived security, uncertainty avoidance, trust, network externalities and self-efficacy). Gender, age, MP experience and income are included as moderators of direct effects on behavioral intention. The sample includes 736 participants from the four large cities in Indonesia. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze and develop the theoretical model.

Findings

Self-efficacy has the greatest total effect on behavioral intention, followed in decreasing order of importance by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, trust, network externalities and uncertainty Avoidance. only gender and MP experience have significant moderating effects whereby the direct effects of self-efficacy and network externalities on behavioral intention are influenced by gender and MP experience, respectively. Trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have important mediation effects.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the limited theoretical understanding of MP adoption in Indonesia. New theoretical findings related to mediating and moderating effects, direct, indirect, and total effects are used to discuss important practical implications of the findings.
Marketing innovation and internationalization in smart city development: a systematic review, framework and research agenda
Authors: Christofi Michael , Iaia Lea , Marchesani Filippo , Masciarelli Francesca
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Smart cities and their internationalization process and efforts in order to gain the competitive advantage in the international arena have received a great deal of attention by marketing scholars and practitioners alike. Yet, the growing number of studies focused on this topic has led to considerable fragmentation and theoretical confusion.

Design/methodology/approach

To move the domain forward, this study applies the systematic review methodology and reviews 41 peer-reviewed articles published in highly esteemed publication outlets.

Findings

Building on the antecedents–phenomenon–consequences framework, the authors discuss the antecedents and consequences of the various innovative marketing strategies that smart cities adopt for their internationalization and development of an international competitive advantage. In the process of doing so, the authors synthesize the findings of the studies as well as literature gaps that provide fruitful avenues for future research.

Originality/value

This article offers a systematic review of extant marketing research on smart cities and their efforts to internationalize. In particular, this study advances the conceptual development of smart city internationalization and innovation by a marketing lens, provides an integrative, international-oriented framework that maps the extant literature across disciplines and countries, expands the boundaries of this research domain into new research paths and offers implications for policy and practice.
A “cracking” school culture: leading resource exploitation during implementation of a national reform
Authors: Tamir Emanuel , Ganon-Shilon Sherry
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study explores characteristics of strong school cultures through principals' exploitation of additional resources within implementation of a national reform.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive approach was utilized to analyze qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 35 Israeli high school principals who implemented a national reform in state and religious-state schools from all school districts.

Findings

The article presents four types of cracking cultures led by the principals: (1) a school values-based culture, such as respect; (2) a caring culture based on trust and a positive atmosphere; (3) a maintenance achievement-oriented culture; and (4) a creative culture that supports the teachers and takes risks in using resources beyond their intended purpose.

Originality/value

Exploring principals' exploitation of resources within a cracking culture may promote school improvement and innovation during national reform implementation.
The development and impact of team-based school technology leadership
Authors: Dexter Sara , Barton Emily A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The authors tested the efficacy of a team-based instructional leadership intervention designed to increase middle school mathematics and science teachers' use of educational technologies for multiple representations of content to foster students' conceptual understandings. Each school's leadership team comprised an administrator, a technology instructional specialist role, and a mathematics and a science teacher leader.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the intervention in a quasi-experimental design with five treatment and five matched comparison schools. Participants included 48 leadership team members and 100 grade 6–8 teachers and their students. The authors analyzed data using two-level, nested multiple regressions to determine the effect of treatment on leaders' practices; leaders' practices on teachers' learning and integration; and teachers' learning and integration on students' learning. Leaders and teachers completed monthly self-reports of practices; students completed pre- and post-tests of knowledge in science and math.

Findings

Significant treatment effects at the leader, teacher and student levels establish the efficacy of this team-based approach to school leadership of an educational technology integration innovation. Leaders at treatment schools participated in a significantly higher total frequency and a wider variety of leadership activities, with large effect sizes. Teachers participated in a significantly wider variety of learning modes focused on technology integration and integrated technology significantly more frequently, with a wider variety of technologies, all with moderate effect sizes. Students in treatment schools significantly outperformed students in comparison schools in terms of science achievement but not in mathematics.

Research limitations/implications

The overall sample size is small and the approach to participant recruitment did not allow for randomized assignment to the treatment condition. The authors tested the influence of treatment on leader practices, on teacher practices, and on student achievement. Future work is needed to identify the core components of treatment that influence practice and investigate the causal relationships between specific leaders' practices, teacher practices and student achievement.

Originality/value

This study establishes the efficacy of a replicable approach to developing team-based instructional leaders addressing educational technology. It contributes to the knowledge base about how district leaders and leadership educators might foster school leaders' instructional leadership, and more specifically technology leadership capacity.
Do firm characteristics and ownership structure affect corporate philanthropic contributions in Jordan?
Authors: Ananzeh Husam , Alshurafat Hashem , Hussainey Khaled
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the drivers of corporate donations in Jordan. In particular, to examine whether firm-specific characteristics and ownership types affect corporate donations.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a sample of 94 Jordanian listed companies, drawn from the manufacturing and service sectors, over the period 2010–2016. This paper uses ordinary least square regression with a year and industry fixed effects to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

This paper finds that corporate philanthropic contributions are positively associated with company size, age, profitability, media exposure and governmental ownership. This paper also finds that corporate philanthropic contributions are negatively associated with financial leverage and family ownership.

Originality/value

The paper provides new evidence on the determinants of corporate philanthropic contributions in a developing country.
A journey towards integrated person-centred care: a case study of a mental health perspective in the voluntary sector
Authors: Kermode Louise
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Person-centred care is a fundamental component of any service. This case study aims to explore the delivery of person-centred care in the voluntary sector, discussing how integrating support can be achieved to benefit individuals. It identifies challenges, best practice and learning that can be applied across sectors and promotes further enquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is the result of a service audit at a mental health charity. The findings are a blend of reflections, observations and examples from service delivery, synthesised with national policy to provide evidence of best practice and processes that enable person-centred care.

Findings

A focus on need not diagnosis, creating accessible and inclusive services, employing dual trained practitioners, having a varied skill mix along with holistic self-assessment tools are all enablers for integrated person-centred support. Multi-agency assessment frameworks, collaboration across services, cross-agency supervision and a shared vision for integration and person-centred care support services to coordinate more effectively. Barriers to integrated person-centred support include complex physical and mental health needs and harmful risk and safeguarding. The diversity of the voluntary sector, a lack of resources along with complex and competitive funding also hinder integration.

Originality/value

This case study provides a valuable insight into the voluntary sector and shares its findings to enhance best practice. It aims to promote interest and invites further research into health and social care delivery by the voluntary sector. As this delivery continues to increase, it is vital to examine the interface between the voluntary and statutory sector. Through better understanding and further research across all sectors, the author can identify how they can achieve person-centred outcomes and deliver the national policies.
Paperless custom clearance and business supply chains
Authors: Bassa Louis , Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Kamewor Francis Tetteh
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Seaports play an immeasurable role in the advancement of international trade. They have been the common avenue for the transportation of goods and services from one continent to another, and it has also been the linking transport of one mode of transport to another. The study sought to assess the effect of paperless information technology (IT)-based custom clearance at Ghana Seaports on businesses and industrial supply chains in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a survey with a sample size of 200 trading firms in Ghana.

Findings

The study discovered that IT-based port clearance has positive impact on customer order fulfillment, transaction cost reduction and supply chain relationships.

Practical implications

With the aim of making Ghana the transportation hub of businesses in the sub region, the paperless custom clearance has the potential to reduce delays at the port and improve their supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper provides researchers with a contemporary perspective toward understanding the effect of paperless custom clearance on the supply chain of businesses in the West African sub region.
COVID-19, sustainable development challenges of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the potential engines for an SDGs-based recovery
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Maria Alejandra , Mohieldin Mahmoud , Hult G. Tomas M. , Velez-Ocampo Juan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region and to discuss imperative engines for potential regional recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conceptually discusses the effects of COVID-19 on the LAC region and highlights potential areas for recovery.

Findings

The LAC region have a history of facing structural development challenges – due to digital inequality, environmental degradation, erosion of democracy and financial debt – which have led to a profound discontent among people in the LAC region and this dissatisfaction has been intensified by the crises stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. LAC region can increase its resilience and recover its path to sustainable development by consolidating impact-based regional value chains, attracting sustainability-themed foreign direct investment and nurturing structural development to facilitate LAC companies to expand into international markets (“multilatinas”).

Research limitations/implications

There are some preliminary studies on the economic and social impact of COVID-19 on the LAC region, however, the strategies that emerging and developing economies might pursue to promptly recover are still a matter of discussion. The uncertainty and heterogeneity of the developing and emerging economies and the multidimensional needed actions require local adaptations and adjustments.

Originality/value

The LAC COVID-19 crisis recovery requires shared responsibility, global solidarity, urgent and immediate cooperation and structural transformations to enable deeper regional integration. This integration should focus on impact-based value chains to be resiliently adaptable to changing global realities and arduous local contexts. This paper provides integrative avenues for potential regional recovery within the region.
Contexts of organizational learning in developing countries: the role of training programmes in Egyptian public banks
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Massoud Hiba , Ayoubi Rami
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Little research into organizational learning in the public sector in developing countries' is known. In this paper, the authors investigated the context of organizational learning in the public banks in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic field research was employed by spending a month inside each of two public banks in Egypt. The ethnographic experience was operationalised by using direct observations of learning processes, procedures and practices, semi-structured interviews with learning specialists and focus group discussions with bankers. The authors used thematic analysis to determine the main themes in the previous data collection methods of ethnographic approach.

Findings

The findings confirmed a lack of clear focus for the organizational learning practices employed by the banks, which highlights issues of seriousness in undertaking and/or tackling organizational learning, and increased doubts in relation to the added value of the different forms of formal trainings bankers participate in. To enhance the culture and maintain effective functioning of formal organizational learning, the authors suggest considering the following three categories of barriers: purpose-related barriers, implementation and evaluation barriers.

Originality/value

Despite the generalisability caveats associated with the organizations studied, the authors believe that this paper contributes to the existing theory of organizational learning as it provides insights and understanding on the purpose, frame, conduct and results of organizational learning in the public sector. More specifically, the study is unique and is different from previous relevant studies as it relies on ethnographical approach in exploring how organizational leaning practices are perceived in public banks in developing countries.
Fabrication and characterization of pillar interdigitated electrode for blood glucose sensing
Authors: Bose Anindya , Sengupta Sarthak
Published: April 2021

Purpose

A bio-sensor has been developed in this study for the purpose of point-of-care diagnostics. Point-of-care-diagnostic is a type of diagnosis where the diagnostic centre, i.e. the diagnosis kit is made available at the location of the patient when the patient needs immediate action. In this process of diagnosis a compact, portable, integrated kit must be available which can diagnose the disease of the patient by testing various analytes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a fully experimental methodology, a blood glucose sensor is made by conducting carbon interdigitated electrode (IDE) on a flexible substrate. IDEs are used to increase the effective capacitance of the structure, as well as the effective electroactive area of the sensor. Interdigitated structure permits two-electrode sticks with “each other” and “infuse” together. As a consequence, the distance between electrodes can be tuned to a much smaller value than traditional thin-film architectures. Narrowing the distance between electrodes allows for fast ion diffusion that offers better rate capability and efficiency in power density. The fabricated device exhibits a remarkable value of sensitivity in the order of 2.741 µA mM-1 cm−2.

Findings

A highly sensitive, portable and inexpensive blood glucose sensor has been developed in this context.

Originality/value

This research study can be a scope for future research in the field of bio-sensors.
An analysis of factors and conditions pertaining to the rise of the sharing economy
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the various factors and conditions pertaining to the rise of the sharing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

After framing the sharing economy concept, the study adopts a multidisciplinary approach and relies on the extant literature to analyze and classify eight major groups of factors behind the rise of the sharing economy.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the sharing economy (1) represents a significant paradigm shift emphasizing utilization rather than possession and relying on mutual trust, collaboration and reciprocity; (2) benefits from fundamental transformations such as the world population growth, global urbanization, surge in the world middle class and the convergence of tastes and preferences; (3) relies on technological innovation but is affected by socio-cultural and psychological conditions; (4) is driven by emerging trends in consumption, marketing and working conditions; (5) benefits from lax or nonexistent regulation and taxation; and (6) is recognized as clean and environmentally friendly.

Originality/value

This paper's chief contribution resides in adopting a multidisciplinary perspective to offer an in-depth analysis of the various types of factors behind the rise of the sharing economy.
CSR at scale: the relationship between corporate social commitment and social progress in developing economies
Authors: Whittingham Keith L.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

In recent decades, companies have increasingly engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with the goal of providing benefit to both society and the company. While these efforts can have measurable social impact at the local level, the cumulative impact may be much harder to observe and measure, due to the wide variety in both the CSR initiatives and the social challenges they seek to address. This study is an initial investigation of the relationship between national levels of commitment to CSR and national measures of social progress, in a sample of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using country-level participation in the UN Global Compact (UNGC) as a proxy for the level of CSR commitment, and 2018 Social Progress Index (SPI) scores, we investigate the relationship between these variables. SPI component and sub-component scores serve as dependent variables in several OLS regression models. Independent variables included the total number of companies participating in the UNGC, along with economic and socio-political control variables.

Findings

Regression models indicate that higher CSR commitment levels are related with higher scores in the primary components of social progress, but only in some sub-components and not others. Practitioners and policymakers can leverage this understanding when developing and supporting corporate social initiatives.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to demonstrate the country-level impact of firm-level CSR commitment and is among the first to employ the Social Progress Index.
Technopreneurship intention among nonbusiness students: a quantitative assessment
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The present study attempts to identify the predictive power of technopreneurial-related activities (TRAs), technopreneurial self-efficacy (TSE) and technopreneurial motivation (TM) on technopreneurial intention (TE) among the nonbusiness students.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed for investigation. A quantitative approach is adopted for this research, and the data are collected from the 282 students of the different public sector universities with a survey questionnaire. The application of structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to investigate the impact of TRAs, TSE and TM on TE.

Findings

The results of SEM found a positive and significant impact of TRAs, TSE and TM on TE among the nonbusiness students of Pakistan.

Practical implications

The study would be beneficial for the planners and policymakers of universities to improve modes of technopreneurship. The findings may encourage the students to develop strong beliefs, abilities and skills to start a new venture. The literature of entrepreneurship and technopreneurship may further enrich with empirical evidence of the present study.

Originality/value

The study would make technopreneurs able to deal with society's challenges.
Sustainability and financial performance relationship: international evidence
Authors: Yilmaz Ilker
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to examine the relationship of corporate sustainability to firm financial performance by presenting international data.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes non-financial companies from five emerging economies known as BRICS for a five-year period of 2014–2018. The study uses the ESG (environmental, social, governance) scores from Sustainalytics database and financial data from company reports. Panel regression models are developed to figure out the relationship.

Findings

The results of the article revealed that there is a positively significant relationship between sustainability performance and financial performance. Total ESG score has produced significant results while the individual scores of environmental, social, and governance have produced insignificant results; implying that the components of total ESG score have a joint effect on the financial performance.

Practical implications

The results of the article have important practical implications for companies. Engagement in sustainable business practices will help improve the financial performance. In addition, the companies should be active in all components of sustainability.

Originality/value

The article contributed empirical evidence for sustainability-financial performance relationship by using the international evidence from five emerging economies.
“Comet‐tailing” associated with gunshot entrance wounds
Authors: Prahlow Samuel P. , Brown Theodore T. , Dye Daniel , Poulos Christopher , Prahlow Joseph A.
Published: April 2021

A “plated bullet” has a thin layer of electroplated metal covering the lead core of the projectile. In certain situations, this thin layer of electroplated metal can fracture upon discharge of the firearm. When such fracturing occurs, vaporous lead can escape through the fracture lines of the spinning projectile, resulting in a spiral‐shaped deposition of dark residue surrounding a central bullet defect. The spiral‐shaped pattern is referred to as “comet‐tailing,” or the “vortex effect.” In this report, three homicide cases with associated comet‐tailing are presented. Police, death investigators, and forensic pathologists should be aware of this unique finding.
A step towards the validation of bacteria biotic indices using DNA metabarcoding for benthic monitoring
Authors: Aylagas Eva , Atalah Javier , Sánchez‐Jerez Pablo , Pearman John K. , Casado Nuria , Asensi Jorge , Toledo‐Guedes Kilian , Carvalho Susana
Published: April 2021

Environmental genomics is a promising field for monitoring biodiversity in a timely fashion. Efforts have increasingly been dedicated to the use of bacteria DNA derived data to develop biotic indices for benthic monitoring. However, a substantial debate exists about whether bacteria‐derived data using DNA metabarcoding should follow, for example, a taxonomy‐based or a taxonomy‐free approach to marine bioassessments. Here, we showcase the value of DNA‐based monitoring using the impact of fish farming as an example of anthropogenic disturbances in coastal areas and compare the performance of taxonomy‐based and taxonomy‐free approaches in detecting environmental alterations. We analysed samples collected near to the farm cages and along distance gradients from two aquaculture installations, and at control sites, to evaluate the effect of this activity on bacterial assemblages. Using the putative response of bacterial taxa to stress we calculated the taxonomy‐based biotic index microgAMBI. The distribution of individual amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), as a function of a gradient in sediment acid volatile sulphides, was then used to derive a taxonomy‐free bacterial biotic index specific for this data set using a de novo approach based on quantile regression splines. Our results show that microgAMBI revealed a organically enriched environment along the gradient. However, the de novo biotic index outperformed microgAMBI by providing a higher discriminatory power in detecting changes in abiotic factors directly related to fish production, whilst allowing the identification of new ASVs bioindicators. The de novo strategy applied here represents a robust method to define new bioindicators in regions or habitats where no previous information about the response of bacteria to environmental stressors exists.
Assessing soil microbial biodiversity as affected by grazing and woody vegetation cover in a temperate savannah
Authors: El Mujtar Verónica A. , Gregorutti Viviana C. , Eclesia Roxana P. , Wingeyer Ana , Lezana Lucrecia , Canavelli Sonia B. , Tittonell Pablo
Published: April 2021

Although it is well established that land use and management affects soil microbial biodiversity, with consequences for soil‐mediated ecosystem services, knowledge on human‐induced variability in soil bacterial and fungal communities is more abundant for cropping than for livestock systems. In particular, grazing management affects vegetation cover and light availability to lower vegetation layers, particularly in wooded grazing ecosystems. Our objective was to evaluate the use of T‐RFLP analysis to characterise soil microbial community patterns. We worked in a grazed temperate savannah in Entre Ríos (Argentina) and focused on two farms with different grazing management, resulting in different vegetation cover. At each farm, we sampled soils from four conditions forming a two shrub cover conditions (open and close) by two light availability conditions (high and low) factorial set with three replicates. T‐RFLP data for bacteria and fungi were used to characterise biodiversity patterns (diversity indexes, relative abundance of operational taxonomic units and community structure). Analyses were performed, between and within farms, using nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, non‐parametric multivariate analysis of variance and network analysis. Variation patterns of soil microbial communities were detected using T‐RFLP analysis in savannah soils from these two livestock farms. Farm, light and shrub conditions were statistically significant factors shaping variation patterns. For bacterial communities, light availability and shrub cover affected biodiversity and community structure respectively, but this impact was detected only for the farm with lower grazing intensity. For fungal communities, light availability was the factor shaping community structure, also with slightly higher impact on the farm with lower grazing intensity. These results suggest that in temperate woodlands lower grazing intensity, associated with higher vegetation cover, increases bacterial biodiversity while it decreases fungal community structure. Soil bacterial and fungal communities, showed contrasting patterns, and appear as sensitive indicators to monitor grazing management effects. We showed that T‐RFLP analysis is a cost‐effective methodology (compared to Illumina sequencing) that would be useful to disentangle impact of grazing intensity and vegetation cover in grazed temperate savannah.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma survival in South Australia: time trends and impact of tumour location
Authors: Meng Rosie , Chen John W. , D'Onise Katina , Barreto Savio G.
Published: April 2021

Background

It is unclear how global developments in management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have affected survival of Australian patients. This study aimed to determine trends in survival of PDAC over the last three decades in South Australia and to compare survival based on cancer location (head and uncinate process versus body and tail).

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study to include all cases of PDAC reported to the South Australian (state) Cancer Registry from 1990 to 2017.

Results

A total of 1051 patients diagnosed with PDAC between 1990 and 2017 were included. An overall increase in number of reported PDAC cases over time with more than a doubling in the crude rate from 1.73 to 3.50 per 100 000 persons between the decades 1990–1999 and 2010–2017 (P < 0.001) was noted. Overall median survival for PDAC was 7.4 months (95% confidence interval 6.8–8.0 months) and this has improved in recent decades. Overall median survival for PDAC affecting head and uncinate process of pancreas was significantly higher compared to body and tail (7.6 months versus 4.1 months; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study from South Australia demonstrates an increased reporting of PDAC over the last three decades. Although overall survival for patients with PDAC remains low, there has been a modest improvement in recent decades. The overall survival is significantly lower for patients with PDAC involving the body and tail compared to the head and uncinate process of pancreas. Risk factors for poor survival include the male gender and advancing age (>70 years).
Remodelling of membrane tubules by the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Allard Antoine , Lopes dos Santos Rogério , Campillo Clément
Published: April 2021

Inside living cells, the remodelling of membrane tubules by actomyosin networks is crucial for processes such as intracellular trafficking or organelle reshaping. In this review, we first present various in vivo situations in which actin affects membrane tubule remodelling, then we recall some results on force production by actin dynamics and on membrane tubules physics. Finally, we show that our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms by which actomyosin dynamics affect tubule morphology has recently been moved forward. This is thanks to in vitro experiments that mimic cellular membranes and actin dynamics and allow deciphering the physics of tubule remodelling in biochemically controlled conditions, and shed new light on tubule shape regulation.
Why Are Children So Distractible? Development of Attention and Motor Control From Childhood to Adulthood
Authors: Hoyer Roxane S. , Elshafei Hesham , Hemmerlin Julie , Bouet Romain , Bidet‐Caulet Aurélie
Published: April 2021

Distractibility is the propensity to behaviorally react to irrelevant information. Although children are more distractible the younger they are, the precise contribution of attentional and motor components to distractibility and their developmental trajectories have not been characterized yet. We used a new behavioral paradigm to identify the developmental dynamics of components contributing to distractibility in a large cohort of French participants balanced, between age groups, in gender and socioeconomic status (N = 352; age: 6–25). Results reveal that each measure of these components, namely voluntary attention, distraction, impulsivity, and motor control, present a distinct maturational timeline. In young children, increased distractibility is mostly the result of reduced sustained attention capacities and enhanced distraction, whereas in teenagers, it is the result of decreased motor control and increased impulsivity.
Near‐term ecological forecasting for dynamic aeroconservation of migratory birds
Authors: Horton Kyle G. , Van Doren Benjamin M. , Albers Heidi J. , Farnsworth Andrew , Sheldon Daniel
Published: April 2021

Near‐term ecological forecasting has the potential to mitigate negative impacts of human modifications on wildlife by directing efficient action through relevant and timely predictions. We used the U.S. avian migration system to highlight ecological forecasting applications for aeroconservation. We used millions of observations from 143 weather surveillance radars to construct and evaluate a migration forecasting system for nocturnal bird migration over the contiguous United States. We identified the number of nights of mitigation required to reduce the risk of aerial hazards to 50% of avian migrants passing a given area in spring and autumn based on dynamic forecasts of migration activity. We also investigated an alternative approach, that is, employing a fixed conservation strategy based on time windows that historically capture 50% of migratory passage. In practice, during both spring and autumn, dynamic forecasts required fewer action nights compared with fixed window selection at all locations (spring: mean of 7.3 more alert days; fall: mean of 12.8 more alert days). This pattern resulted in part from the pulsed nature of bird migration captured in the radar data, where the majority (54.3%) of birds move on 10% of a migration season's nights. Our results highlight the benefits of near‐term ecological forecasting and the potential advantages of dynamic mitigation strategies over static ones, especially in the face of increasing risks to migrating birds from light pollution, wind energy infrastructure, and collisions with structures.
Use of GLP1RAs and occurrence of respiratory disorders: A meta‐analysis of large randomized trials of GLP1RAs
Authors: Wei Jin‐Ping , Yang Chang‐Lin , Leng Wen‐Hua , Ding Liang‐Liang , Zhao Guo‐Hou
Published: April 2021

Objectives

No large sample studies have been designed to evaluate the efficacy of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) in the primary and secondary prevention of respiratory disorders. We aimed at evaluating the relationship between use of GLP1RAs and occurrence of 12 kinds of respiratory disorders.

Methods

Large randomized placebo‐controlled trials of GLP1RAs were included. We conducted meta‐analysis using random effects model and measured heterogeneity using I2. Treatment effect was presented as risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Seven trials including 55 922 participants were included in meta‐analysis. The occurrence rates of various respiratory disorders were low, with the minimum of 0.02% (pulmonary fibrosis) and the maximum of 2.31% (pneumonia). Although not reaching statistical significance, GLP1RAs versus placebo showed the reduced trends in the risks of nine kinds of respiratory disorders including pneumonia (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.78–1.01), squamous cell carcinoma of lung (SCCL; RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.25–1.21), asthma (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.51–1.32), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.73–1.10), but the increased trend in interstitial lung disease (ILD; RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.87–4.08). GLP1RAs had neutral effects on two other respiratory disorders. Heterogeneity in any meta‐analysis was absent or low.

Conclusion

GLP1RAs show the reduced trends in the risks of nine kinds of respiratory disorders (eg, pneumonia, SCCL, asthma, and COPD), but the increased trend in the risk of ILD. However, these findings need to be validated by further studies due to the low incidence rates of all the respiratory disorders.
FORUM: Saving the Museum Through Partnership
Authors: Ravenal John B.
Published: April 2021

Using a lifecycle model as a framework for identifying key moments of organizational maturity, this case study of a US art museum explores merger as a means for creating a turnaround. Even before the current coronavirus pandemic, many art museums found themselves facing the question of survival due to the ever‐rising fixed costs of remaining independent and the increasing competition for resources and audiences. DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, in Lincoln, Massachusetts, confronted this situation, requiring radical change to address a fiscal crisis. The result was an integration with Massachusetts’ largest preservation and conservation nonprofit. An analysis of our circumstances and process—including strengths and weaknesses, key strategic decisions, and mistakes—can offer lessons for other nonprofits in managing large‐scale change.
Early intervention evidence for infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Damiano Diane L , Longo Egmar
Published: April 2021

Aim

To perform an overview of systematic reviews and more recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on early motor interventions in infants aged 0 to 3 years with or at risk of cerebral palsy to inform current clinical and research efforts and provide a benchmark to assess future interventions ideally initiated within the first 6 months.

Method

Standardized searches of the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were conducted for systematic reviews (2009–2020) and RCTs (2015–2020).

Results

From 840 unique records, 31 full texts were reviewed, yielding three systematic reviews encompassing 46 studies, 16 with comparison groups, and six additional RCTs that met the criteria. Two enrichment‐ and activity‐based approaches had medium effect sizes on motor development, only one with low risk of bias; two others had large task‐specific effect sizes but some bias concerns; and three enriched environment studies with some bias concerns had medium effect sizes on cognitive development. Most had small or no effect sizes, bias concerns, and uncertain diagnostic determinations.

Interpretation

Data synthesis revealed limited data quantity and quality, and suggest, although not yet confirmed, greater benefit from early versus later intervention. Research efforts with greater early diagnostic precision and earlier intervention are accelerating, which may transform future outcomes and practices.

What this paper adds

For over 50% of trials within the reviews, the intervention was compared to standard care with only two showing efficacy.

Similar to results in older children, constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) emerged as efficacious with high effect sizes.

CIMT was not superior to similarly intense bimanual training or occupational therapy.

Goals‐Activity‐Motor Enrichment intervention initiated before 5 months of age was superior to equally intense standard care.

Several other enriched environment strategies promoted cognitive and/or motor development.
Cholesterol‐recognition motifs in the transmembrane domain of the tyrosine kinase receptor family: The case of TRKB
Authors: Cannarozzo Cecilia , Fred Senem Merve , Girych Mykhailo , Biojone Caroline , Enkavi Giray , Róg Tomasz , Vattulainen Ilpo , Casarotto Plinio C , Castrén Eero
Published: April 2021

Cholesterol is an essential constituent of cell membranes. The discovery of cholesterol‐recognition amino acid consensus (CRAC) motif in proteins indicated a putative direct, non‐covalent interaction between cholesterol and proteins. In the present study, we evaluated the presence of a CRAC motif and its inverted version (CARC) in the transmembrane region (TMR) of the tyrosine kinase receptor family (RTK) in several species using in silico methods. CRAC motifs were found across all species analyzed, while CARC was found only in vertebrates. The tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TRKB), a member of the RTK family, through interaction with its endogenous ligand brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a core participant in the neuronal plasticity process and exhibits a CARC motif in its TMR. Upon identifying the conserved CARC motif in the TRKB, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the mouse TRKB.TMR. The simulations indicated that cholesterol interaction with the TRKB CARC motif occurs mainly at the central Y433 residue. Our binding assay suggested a bell‐shaped effect of cholesterol on BDNF interaction with TRKB receptors, and our results suggest that CARC/CRAC motifs may play a role in the function of the RTK family TMR.
Neurodevelopmental origins of substance use disorders: Evidence from animal models of early‐life adversity and addiction
Authors: Levis Sophia C. , Baram Tallie Z. , Mahler Stephen V.
Published: April 2021

Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder with devastating personal, societal, and economic consequences. In humans, early‐life adversity (ELA) such as trauma, neglect, and resource scarcity are linked with increased risk of later‐life addiction, but the brain mechanisms underlying this link are still poorly understood. Here, we focus on data from rodent models of ELA and addiction, in which causal effects of ELA on later‐life responses to drugs and the neurodevelopmental mechanisms by which ELA increases vulnerability to addiction can be determined. We first summarize evidence for a link between ELA and addiction in humans, then describe how ELA is commonly modeled in rodents. Since addiction is a heterogeneous disease with many individually varying behavioral aspects that may be impacted by ELA, we next discuss common rodent assays of addiction‐like behaviors. We then summarize the specific addiction‐relevant behavioral phenotypes caused by ELA in male and female rodents and discuss some of the underlying changes in brain reward and stress circuits that are likely responsible. By better understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms by which ELA promotes addiction vulnerability, we hope to facilitate development of new approaches for preventing or treating addiction in those with a history of ELA.
Defluoridation of drinking water using a ceramic filter decorated with iron oxide‐biochar composites
Authors: Mandoreba Cynthia , Gwenzi Willis , Chaukura Nhamo
Published: April 2021

While effective defluoridation methods have been developed, most of them are expensive and difficult to apply at a household level. One safe, low‐cost, decentralized water treatment method which is attracting research attention is the use of ceramic filters (CFs). Few studies have explored the use of biochar composites in CFs for defluoridation of water, with the bulk of them being based on batch and column experiments. The aim of this work was to develop, and evaluate a laboratory‐scale, low‐cost CF using clay, sawdust, and iron oxide‐biochar (FBC) for fluoride removal in synthetic and real water samples. Three CFs were fabricated with varying FBC content (0%, 5%, and 10%). Water absorption, apparent porosity, and flow rate decreased with decreasing FBC content, while the impact strength increased with decreasing FBC content. The CFs reduced the fluoride concentration of both the ground water, and synthetic water to below the WHO recommended limit (1.5 mg/L). While further studies are required to optimize the CF, the results demonstrate that a CF decorated with FBC composites is effective for defluoridation of drinking water.
An intersectional pathway penalty: Filipina immigrant women inside and outside Canada’s Live‐In Caregiver Program
Authors: Lightman Naomi , Banerjee Rupa , Tungohan Ethel , de Leon Conely , Kelly Philip
Published: April 2021

This study uses Statistics Canada's Longitudinal Immigration Database to examine the ‘intersectional pathway penalty’ experienced by immigrant women from the Philippines entering Canada between 1996 and 2016 through three immigration categories. Estimating a series of growth curve models of employment income for 642,885 women, we compare Filipina immigrants’ earnings trajectories with female immigrants from other source countries to highlight how country of origin intersects with entry class to affect immigrant women's post‐migration labour market integration. Viewed through the lens of intersectionality, our results indicate that processes of differentiation tied to race and immigrant status result in Filipina women outperforming comparable women from other sources countries within the Live‐in Caregiver Program, where earnings are consistently lowest. However, within the higher earning Federal Skilled Worker Program entry class, Filipinas experience downward labour market mobility relative to women from other source countries, ultimately emphasizing the devalued nature of care work.