bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the relationships between agroecosystem condition and soil erosion regulating ecosystem service in Northern Germany
Authors: Rendon Paula , Steinhoff-Knopp Bastian , Saggau Philipp , Burkhard Benjamin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEcosystems provide multiple services that are necessary to maintain human life and activities. Agroecosystems are very productive suppliers of biomass-related provisioning ecosystem services, e.g. food, fibre and energy. At the same time, they are highly dependent on respective ecosystem condition and regulating ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water supply or soil erosion regulation. Assessments of this interplay of ecosystem conditions and services are very important to understand the relationships in highly managed systems. Therefore, the aim of this study is twofold: First, to test the concept and indicators proposed by the European Union Working Group on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) for the assessment of agroecosystem condition at a regional level. Second, to identify the relationships between ecosystem condition and the delivery of ecosystem services. For this purpose, we applied an operational framework for integrated mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services. We used the proposed indicators to assess the condition of agroecosystems in Northern Germany and the provision of the regulating ecosystem service control of erosion rates. We used existing data that are available from official databases for the calculation of the different indicators. We show maps of environmental pressures, ecosystem condition and ecosystem service indicators for the Federal State of Lower Saxony. Furthermore, we identified areas within the state where pressures are high, conditions are limited, and more sustainable management practices are needed.Despite the limitations of the indicators and data availability, our results show positive, negative and no significant correlations between the different pressures and condition indicators, and the control of erosion rates. Although the idea behind the MAES framework is to show the general condition of an ecosystem, when looking at the relationships between condition and ecosystem services, we identified that not all the indicators - as they are proposed- are suitable to explain to what extent ecosystems are able to provide certain ecosystem services. Further research on other ecosystem services provided by agroecosystems would facilitate the identification of synergies and trade-offs. Moreover, the definition of a reference condition, although complicated for anthropogenically highly modified agroecosystems, would provide a benchmark to compare information on the condition of the ecosystems, leading to better land use policy and management decisions
Mammalian copper homeostasis requires retromer-dependent recycling of the high-affinity copper transporter 1 (CTR1/SLC31A1)
Authors: Curnock Rachel , Cullen Peter J. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe mammalian cell surface is decorated with a plethora of integral membrane proteins including those required for the transport of micronutrients, such as copper, which are essential to cellular health. The concentration of micronutrients within the cell is tightly regulated to avoid their adverse deficiency and toxicity effects. The sorting and recycling of nutrients transporters within the endo-lysosomal network is recognised as an essential process in regulating nutrient balance. The evolutionarily conserved endosomal sorting complex, retromer, coordinates integral membrane protein recognition and retrieval. Cellular copper homeostasis is regulated primarily by two transporters: the major copper influx transporter copper transporter 1 (CTR1/SLC31A1), which controls the uptake of copper from the extracellular environment and is essential for early embryonic development, and the established retromer cargo, the copper-transporting ATPase, ATP7A. Here, we show that in response to fluctuating extracellular copper the retromer complex controls the delivery of CTR1 to the cell surface. Following copper exposure, CTR1 is endocytosed to prevent excessive copper uptake. We reveal that internalised CTR1 localises on retromer-positive endosomes and in response to decreased extracellular copper retromer controls the recycling of CTR1 back to the cell surface to maintain copper homeostasis. In addition to copper, CTR1 plays a central role in platinum uptake. Significantly, the efficacy of platinum-based cancer drugs has been correlated with CTR1 expression. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that retromer-deficient cells show reduced sensitivity to the platinum-based drug, cisplatin.
A Hyperactive Kunjin Virus NS3 Helicase Mutant Demonstrates Increased Dissemination and Mortality in Mosquitoes
Authors: Du Pont Kelly E. , Sexton Nicole R. , McCullagh Martin , Ebel Gregory D. , Geiss Brian J. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTThe unwinding of double-stranded RNA intermediates is critical for replication and packaging of flavivirus RNA genomes. This unwinding activity is achieved by the ATP-dependent nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) helicase. In previous studies, we investigated the mechanism of energy transduction between the ATP and RNA binding pockets using molecular dynamics simulations and enzymatic characterization. Our data corroborated the hypothesis that Motif V is a communication hub for this energy transduction. More specifically, mutations T407A and S411A in Motif V exhibit a hyperactive helicase phenotype leading to the regulation of translocation and unwinding during replication. However, the effect of these mutations on viral infection in cell culture andin vivois not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of Motif V in viral replication using T407A and S411A West Nile virus (Kunjin subtype) mutants in cell culture andin vivo.We were able to recover S411A Kunjin but unable to recover T407A Kunjin. Our results indicated that S411A Kunjin decreased viral infection, and increased cytopathogenicity in cell culture as compared to WT Kunjin. Similarly, decreased infection rates in surviving S411A-infectedCulex quinquefasciatusmosquitoes were observed, but S411A Kunjin infection resulted in increased mortality compared to WT Kunjin. Additionally, S411A Kunjin increased viral dissemination and saliva positivity rates in surviving mosquitoes compared to WT Kunjin. These data suggest that S411A Kunjin increases pathogenesis in mosquitoes. Overall, these data indicate that NS3 Motif V may play a role in the pathogenesis, dissemination, and transmission efficiency of Kunjin virus.IMPORTANCEKunjin and West Nile viruses belong to the arthropod-borne flaviviruses, which can result in severe symptoms including encephalitis, meningitis, and death. Flaviviruses have expanded into new populations and emerged as novel pathogens repeatedly in recent years demonstrating they remain a global threat. Currently, there are no approved anti-viral therapeutics against either Kunjin or West Nile viruses. Thus, there is a pressing need for understanding the pathogenesis of these viruses in humans. In this study, we investigate the role of the Kunjin virus helicase on infection in cell culture andin vivo. This work provides new insight into how flaviviruses control pathogenesis and mosquito transmission through the nonstructural protein 3 helicase.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibition results in mucus accumulation in human airway epithelia Calu-3 cells: Experimental and Machine Learning Studies
Authors: Laethem Brandon S. , Lewis Kenneth T. , Ramos Rafael , Hou Xia , Sun Fei , Taatjes Douglas J. , Jena Bhanu P. , Arslanturk Suzan 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTPorosomes are cup-shaped lipoprotein structures at the cell plasma membrane involved in fractional release of intra-vesicular contents during secretion. At the base of the porosome facing the cell cytoplasm, secretory vesicles dock, fuse and swell, to release intra-vesicular content during secretion. Earlier studies demonstrate the cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) associated with the porosome in human airways epithelial Calu-3 mucous-secreting cells, suggesting its possible involvement in porosome-mediated mucus secretion. The current study was undertaken to test this hypothesis. Electron microscopy followed by morphometric analysis using manual and computational machine learning approaches were used to assess changes in secretory vesicle size and content, following stimulation of secretion in the absence and presence of CFTR inhibitors. Results from the study demonstrate that stimulated Calu-3 cells pre-exposed to CFTR inhibitors, demonstrate attenuation of secretory vesicle swelling and the release of mucin. Consequently, accumulation of intracellular mucin is observed in cells exposed to CFTR inhibitors. These results further suggest that mucin secretion from Calu-3 cells involve CFTR both at the secretory vesicle membrane to regulate vesicle volume and hydration, and at the porosome to facilitate mucin hydration and secretion. These new findings progress our understanding of the involvement of CFTR on mucus hydration and secretion, providing critical insights into the etiology of CF disease.
Combining fine-scale social contact data with epidemic modelling reveals interactions between contact tracing, quarantine, testing and physical distancing for controlling COVID-19
Authors: Firth Josh A. , Hellewell Joel , Klepac Petra , Kissler Stephen ,   CMMID COVID-19 working group, Kucharski Adam J. , Spurgin Lewis G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCase isolation and contact tracing can contribute to the control of COVID-19 outbreaks1,2. However, it remains unclear how real-world networks could influence the effectiveness and efficiency of such approaches. To address this issue, we simulated control strategies for SARS-CoV-2 in a real-world social network generated from high resolution GPS data3,4. We found that tracing contacts-of-contacts reduced the size of simulated outbreaks more than tracing of only contacts, but resulted in almost half of the local population being quarantined at a single point in time. Testing and releasing non-infectious individuals led to increases in outbreak size, suggesting that contact tracing and quarantine may be most effective when it acts as a ‘local lockdown’ when contact rates are high. Finally, we estimated that combining physical distancing with contact tracing could enable epidemic control while reducing the number of quarantined individuals. Our approach highlights the importance of network structure and social dynamics in evaluating the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 control.
Number of term-time working hours among undergraduate students
Authors: Tan Tong Sheng , Lim Eivon , Loke Yiing Jia 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of term-time employment among undergraduate students and to identify the factors that affect the number of working hours in term-time employment. The study also aims to explore if students work during term time due to self-development or financial needs.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 400 undergraduates in a public university in Malaysia. A Tobit regression model was used to identify the factors that can significantly explain the varying working hours per week in the student sample.FindingsOnly 20.8% of the students in the sample undertook term-time employment, with an average of 16 working hours a week. The financial motivations to work were driven more by the need to sustain a desired lifestyle compared to financing basic living expenses. Students’ perceptions towards term-time employment significantly affected their working hours and likelihood of undertaking term-time employment.Practical implicationsAs students want to excel academically and at the same time gain working experience and skills, universities may want to revisit the higher education curriculum and reconsider the course credit weightage for academic and practical experience.Originality/valueInstead of just documenting the number of working hours among students, the study empirically explores the factors that affect the number of working hours and sheds light on the allocation of time and priorities by students among academics, self-development and social life.
Difference equation vs differential equation on different scales
Authors: He Ji-Huan , Ji Fei-Yu , Mohammad-Sedighi Hamid 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the numerical method is not everything for nonlinear equations. Some properties cannot be revealed numerically; an example is used to elucidate the fact.Design/methodology/approachA variational principle is established for the generalized KdV – Burgers equation by the semi-inverse method, and the equation is solved analytically by the exp-function method, and some exact solutions are obtained, including blowup solutions and discontinuous solutions. The solution morphologies are studied by illustrations using different scales.FindingsSolitary solution is the basic property of nonlinear wave equations. This paper finds some new properties of the KdV–Burgers equation, which have not been reported in open literature and cannot be effectively elucidated by numerical methods. When the solitary solution or the blowup solution is observed on a much small scale, their discontinuous property is first found.Originality/valueThe variational principle can explain the blowup and discontinuous properties of a nonlinear wave equation, and the exp-function method is a good candidate to reveal the solution properties.
Legal implications governing medical negligence in India: creating awareness through six-dimensional framework of effective communication
Authors: Sethi Deepa , Arya Vikas 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine the existing legal implications for medical negligence in India and recommending how open communication and empathy by the doctors can help prevent these implications.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on a qualitative method. Indian laws, Indian constitution, journal articles, books and other writings have been reviewed to develop this study.

Findings
There are many legal implications for medical negligence in India, and justice can be demanded under a number of Indian laws. This study also found that it is important to create awareness regarding the laws governing medical negligence through effective communication and empathy.

Originality/value
Extant literature discusses in detail the various laws related to medical negligence and few talk about creating awareness about these laws amongst people, and while some researchers understand the importance of sensitizing health professionals of the nitty-gritty of the legal implication governing medical negligence, none provides a framework of medical negligence with the help of sensitizing health professionals through communication. This study fills the gap by focusing on prevention than cure.
Decent work and healthy employment: a qualitative case study about Colombian millennials
Authors: Gallo Óscar , Gonzales–Miranda Diego René , Roman-Calderon Juan Pablo , García Gustavo A. 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to show how a group of Colombian millennials perceive different aspects of working life and how their ideas about job satisfaction, professional expectations and levels of autonomy are related to contemporary demands about inclusion, diversity, equity, autonomy and control.Design/methodology/approachWith this objective, 167 semi-structured interviews were conducted with millennials who work at 10 Colombian companies from the manufacturing and service sectors, located in the five main cities of the country. With a qualitative approach, in the interviews, the research team used a strategy inspired by the technique of generating visual structures associated with grounded theory.FindingsIt is concluded that new generations of Colombian workers know of the importance of rewards and autonomy in work and are more critical and less passive in the face of unhealthy working conditions. At the same time, their conduct and speeches are the consequence of the characteristics of the Colombian labour market. The document responds to the need to deepen the debates on welfare and happiness in organizations and to include the demands of millennials in the reflective and political horizon of the ideas of healthy employment and decent work. In practice, this article seeks to demystify ideas about millennials in Colombia and critically contribute to reflection on intergenerational relations in organizations and salary and welfare models. As a Latin American case, it is an original contribution that avoids the common places and the frivolity with which the insertion of the new generations into the working world has been analysed.Practical implicationsIn practice, this paper seeks to demystify ideas about millennials in Colombia and critically contribute to reflection on intergenerational relations in organizations and salary and welfare models.Originality/valueAs a Latin American case, it is an original contribution that avoids the common places and the frivolity with which the insertion of the new generations into the working world has been analysed.
Price discovery and volatility spillover: an empirical evidence from spot and futures agricultural commodity markets in India
Authors: R L Manogna , Mishra Aswini Kumar 
Published: May 2020

PurposePrice discovery and spillover effect are prominent indicators in the commodity futures market to protect the interest of consumers, farmers and to hedge sharp price fluctuations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the price discovery and volatility spillover in Indian agriculture spot and futures commodity markets.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses Granger causality, vector error correction model (VECM) and exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (EGARCH) to examines the price discovery and spillover effects for nine most liquid agricultural commodities in spot and futures markets traded on National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX).FindingsThe VECM results show that price discovery exists in all the nine commodities with futures market leading the spot in case of six commodities, namely soybean seed, coriander, turmeric, castor seed, guar seed and chana. Whereas in case of three commodities (cotton seed, rape mustard seed and jeera), price discovery takes place in the spot market. The Granger causality tests indicate that futures markets have stronger ability to predict spot prices. Supporting these, the results from EGARCH volatility test reveal that there exist mutual spillover effects on futures and spot markets. Thus, it could be inferred that futures market is more efficient in price discovery of agricultural commodities in India.Research limitations/implicationsThese results can help the market participants to benefit by hedging out the uncertainty and the policymakers to design futures contracts to improve the efficiency of the agricultural commodity derivatives market.Practical implicationsThe findings provide fresh view on lead–lag relationship between future and spot prices using the latest data confirming that futures market indeed is dominant in price discovery.Originality/valueThere are very few studies that have explored the efficiency of the agricultural commodity spot and futures markets in India using both price discovery and volatility spillover in a detailed manner, especially at the individual agriculture commodity level.
Low-cost 3D scanning systems for cultural heritage documentation
Authors: Gautier Quentin Kevin , Garrison Thomas G. , Rushton Ferrill , Bouck Nicholas , Lo Eric , Tueller Peter , Schurgers Curt , Kastner Ryan 
Published: May 2020

PurposeDigital documentation techniques of tunneling excavations at archaeological sites are becoming more common. These methods, such as photogrammetry and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), are able to create precise three-dimensional models of excavations to complement traditional forms of documentation with millimeter to centimeter accuracy. However, these techniques require either expensive pieces of equipment or a long processing time that can be prohibitive during short field seasons in remote areas. This article aims to determine the effectiveness of various low-cost sensors and real-time algorithms to create digital scans of archaeological excavations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a class of algorithms called SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) along with depth-sensing cameras. While these algorithms have largely improved over recent years, the accuracy of the results still depends on the scanning conditions. The authors developed a prototype of a scanning device and collected 3D data at a Maya archaeological site and refined the instrument in a system of natural caves. This article presents an analysis of the resulting 3D models to determine the effectiveness of the various sensors and algorithms employed.FindingsWhile not as accurate as commercial LiDAR systems, the prototype presented, employing a time-of-flight depth sensor and using a feature-based SLAM algorithm, is a rapid and effective way to document archaeological contexts at a fraction of the cost.Practical implicationsThe proposed system is easy to deploy, provides real-time results and would be particularly useful in salvage operations as well as in high-risk areas where cultural heritage is threatened.Originality/valueThis article compares many different low-cost scanning solutions for underground excavations, along with presenting a prototype that can be easily replicated for documentation purposes.
Entrepreneurial marketing strategy, institutional environment, and business performance of SMEs in Egypt
Authors: Adel Heba Mohamed , Mahrous Abeer A. , Hammad Rasha 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to study the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing strategy (EMS), institutional environment (IE) and business performance (BP). Further, it examines the role of gender and entrepreneurial experience (EE) as moderators of EMS-BP and IE-BP relationships.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review, the authors proposed a conceptual model that was tested using a quantitative approach. Questionnaires were filled by 202 owners/entrepreneurs of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. Because of the absence of a formal population-frame for the Egyptian SMEs, non-probability quota sampling technique was used that considered differences in gender and EE. SmartPLS software was used for data analysis.FindingsThe results indicated that EMS has significant positive effect on BP. IE has significant positive effect on EMS but insignificant effect on BP. Gender was found to be moderating significantly both the EMS-BP and IE-BP relationships. However, EE was found to be an insignificant moderator in the EMS-BP relationship.Practical implicationsThe findings communicate insights to the SMEs on the importance of undertaking proactive, risk-taking and innovative activities while creating and delivering value to their customers. Also, it encapsulates further implications for policymakers to promote a better IE for entrepreneurship in Egypt.Originality/valueThis study contributes conceptually to the interdisciplinary research that investigated the integration between entrepreneurship and marketing as a successful functional strategy in SMEs and its effect on enhancing BP and market share. Empirically, it adds value to the available literature on contemporary strategic entrepreneurship by analysing these IE-EMS-EE-Gender-BP relationships in a promising, yet under-researched, transitional economy.