bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Closed form solution of the SIR model for the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy
Authors: Giubilei Riccardo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe CODIV-19 outbreak in early 2020 generated a tremendous effort of epidemiologists and researchers to fit the experimental data with the solutions of the SIR model equations [1] or with more sophisticated models. In this paper we show that under same hypotheses, a closed form solution exists that reasonably fits the experimental data for Italy, and the results can be extended to any other area.
Molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 components caused ARDS in murine model
Authors: Gu Tingxuan , Zhao Simin , Jin Guoguo , Song Mengqiu , Zhi Yafei , Zhao Ran , Ma Fayang , Zheng Yaqiu , Wang Keke , Liu Hui , Xin Mingxia , Han Wei , Li Xiang , Dong Christopher D , Liu Kangdong , Dong Zigang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 has become a major challenge to global health, and until now, no efficient antiviral agents have been developed. The SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by pulmonary and systemic inflammation in severe patients, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused respiratory failure contributes to most mortalities. There is an urgent need for developing effective drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 caused ARDS. However, most researchers cannot perform SARS-CoV-2 related researches due to lacking P3 or P4 facility. We developed a non-infectious, highly safety, time-saving SARS-CoV-2 components induced murine model to study the SARS-CoV-2 caused ARDS and cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). We also investigated mAbs and inhibitors which potentially neutralize the pro-inflammatory phenotype of COVID-19, and found that anti-IL-1α, anti-IL-6, anti-TNFα, anti-GM-CSF mAbs, p38 inhibitor, and JAK inhibitor partially relieved CSS. Besides, anti-IL-6, anti-TNFα, anti-GM-CSF mAbs and inhibitors of p38, ERK, and MPO somewhat reduced neutrophilic alveolitis in the lung. In all, we established the murine model mimic of COVID-19, opening a biosafety and less time-consuming avenue for clarifying the mechanism of ARDS and CSS in COVID-19 and developing the therapeutic drugs.
Ozone nanobubble treatment effectively reduced pathogenic Gram positive and negative bacteria in freshwater and safe for tilapia
Authors: Jhunkeaw Chayuda , Khongcharoen Nareerat , Rungrueng Naruporn , Sangpo Pattiya , Panphut Wattana , Thapinta Anat , Senapin Saengchan , St-Hilaire Sophie , Dong Ha Thanh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHigh concentrations of pathogenic bacteria in water usually results in outbreaks of bacterial diseases in farmed fish. Here, we explored the potential application of an emerging nanobubble technology in freshwater aquaculture. Specifically, we aimed to determine if this technology was effective at reducing the concentration of pathogenic bacteria in the water, and to assess whether it was safe for fish. An ozone nanobubble (NB-O3) treatment protocol was established based on examination of nanobubble size, concentration, disinfection property, and impact on fish health. A 10-min treatment with NB-O3in 50 L water generated approximately 2-3 × 107bubbles with majority sizes less than 130 nm and ozone level of ∼800 mV ORP. A single treatment with water contaminated with eitherStreptococcus agalactiaeorAeromonas veroniieffectively reduced 96.11-97.92 % of the bacterial load. This same protocol was repeated 3 times with 99.93-99.99 % reduction in the bacterial concentration. In comparison, bacterial concentration the control tanks remained the same level during the experiments. In fish-cultured water with the presence of organic matter (e.g. mucus, feces, bacterial flora, feed, etc.), the disinfection property of NB-O3was reduced i.e bacterial concentration was reduced by 42.94 %, 84.94 % and 99.27 % after the first, second and third treatments, respectively. To evaluate the safety of NB-O3to fish, juvenile Nile tilapia were exposed to NB-O3treatment for 10 minutes. No mortality was observed during the treatment or 48 h post treatment. Gill histology examination revealed that a single NB-O3treatment caused no alteration morphology. However, damage in the gill filaments was noticed in the fish receiving two or three consecutive exposures within the same day. Results of all the experiments conducted in this study suggest that NB-O3technology is promising for controlling pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture systems, and may be useful at reducing the risk of bacterial disease outbreaks in farmed fish.
Genetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 isolates collected from Bangladesh: insights into the origin, mutation spectrum, and possible pathomechanism
Authors: Parvez Md Sorwer Alam , Rahman Mohammad Mahfujur , Morshed Md Niaz , Rahman Dolilur , Anwar Saeed , Hosen Mohammad Jakir 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), rages across the world, killing hundreds of thousands and infecting millions, researchers are racing against time to elucidate the viral genome. Some Bangladeshi institutes are also in this race, sequenced a few isolates of the virus collected from Bangladesh. Here, we present a genomic analysis of 14 isolates. The analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 isolates sequenced from Dhaka and Chittagong were the lineage of Europe and the Middle East, respectively. Our analysis identified a total of 42 mutations, including three large deletions, half of which were synonymous. Most of the missense mutations in Bangladeshi isolates found to have weak effects on the pathogenesis. Some mutations may lead the virus to be less pathogenic than the other countries. Molecular docking analysis to evaluate the effect of the mutations on the interaction between the viral spike proteins and the human ACE2 receptor, though no significant interaction was observed. This study provides some preliminary insights into the origin of Bangladeshi SARS-CoV-2 isolates, mutation spectrum and its possible pathomechanism, which may give an essential clue for designing therapeutics and management of COVID-19 in Bangladesh.
Modelling the effects of PPARβδ of innate inflammatory responses in lung tissues
Authors: Diaz Noelia Perez , Lione Lisa A , Hutter Victoria , Mackenzie Louise S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator activated receptor beta/delta (PPARβ/δ) is a nuclear receptor ubiquitously expressed in cells whose signaling controls inflammation and metabolism. However, there are great discrepancies in understanding the role of PPARβ/δ, having both anti- and pro-effects on inflammation. Understanding the PPARβ/δ mechanism of action may provide new molecular mechanisms for treating a variety of inflammatory-related diseases.We studied the PPARβ/δ-regulation of LPS-induced inflammation of pulmonary artery, bronchi and parenchyma from rat, using different combinations of agonists (GW0742 or L-165402) and antagonists (GSK3787 or GSK0660). LPS-induced inflammation is largely regulated by PPARβ/δ in the pulmonary artery, but it is a minor factor in bronchi or parenchyma. Agonists do not significantly inhibit inflammation, but activates the PPARβ/δ induction mode of action. Surprisingly, co-incubation of the tissue with agonist plus antagonist shows anti-inflammatory effects and switches the PPARβ/δ mode of action from induction to trans-repression, indicating that the PPARβ/δ induction mode of action is pro-inflammatory and the trans-repression anti-inflammatory. Us of Computational chemistry methods indicates that PPARβ/δ agonists are predicted to form polar interactions with the residues His287, His413 and Tyr437 whilst PPARβ/δ antagonists form polar interactions with the residues Thr252 and Asn307. Further, our modelling indicates favorable binding energies and the feasibility of simultaneous binding of two ligands in the PPARβ/δ binding pocket. In summary, this study provides novel insight into the complex relationship between ligand binding profiles and functional outcomes in a rat lung inflammation model, which will help inform the design of novel therapies for inflammatory lung diseases.
EXOC1 regulates cell morphology of spermatogonia and spermatocytes in mice
Authors: Osawa Yuki , Usui Miho , Kuba Yumeno , Le Hoai Thu , Mikami Natsuki , Nakagawa Toshinori , Daitoku Yoko , Kato Kanako , Shawki Hossam Hassan , Ikeda Yoshihisa , Kuno Akihiro , Morimoto Kento , Tanimoto Yoko , Huong Dinh Tra Thi , Murata Kazuya , Yagami Ken-ichi , Ema Masatsugu , Yoshida Shosei , Takahashi Satoru , Mizuno Seiya , Sugiyama Fumihiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSpermatogenesis requires high regulation of germ cell morphology. The spermatogonia regulates its differentiation state by its own migration. The male germ cells differentiate and mature with the formation of syncytia, failure of forming the appropriate syncytia results in the arrest of spermatogenesis at the spermatocyte stage. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of male germ cell morphological regulation are unknown. Here, we found that EXOC1 is important for the pseudopod formation of spermatogonia and spermatocyte syncytia in mice. We found that while EXOC1 contributes to the inactivation of Rac1 in the pseudopod formation of spermatogonia, in spermatocyte syncytium formation, EXOC1 and SNAP23 cooperate with STX2. Our results showed that EXOC1 functions in concert with various cell morphology regulators in spermatogenesis. Since EXOC1 is known to bind to several cell morphogenesis factors, this study is expected to be the starting point for the discovery of many morphological regulators of male germ cells.
Boundary sequences flanking the mouse tyrosinase locus ensure faithful pattern of gene expression
Authors: Seruggia Davide , Fernández Almudena , Cantero Marta , Fernández-Miñán Ana , Gomez-Skarmeta José Luis , Pelczar Pawel , Montoliu Lluis 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTControl of gene expression is dictated by cell-type specific regulatory sequences that physically organize the structure of chromatin, including promoters, enhancers and insulators. While promoters and enhancers convey cell-type specific activating signals, insulators prevent the cross-talk of regulatory elements within adjacent loci and safeguard the specificity of action of promoters and enhancers towards their targets in a tissue specific manner. Using the mouse tyrosinase (Tyr) locus as an experimental model, a gene whose mutations are associated with albinism, we described the chromatin structure in cells at two distinct transcriptional states. Guided by chromatin structure, through the use of Chromosome Conformation Capture (3C), we identified sequences at the 5’ and 3’ boundaries of this mammalian gene that function as enhancers and insulators. By CRISPR/Cas9-mediated chromosomal deletion, we dissected the functions of these two regulatory elements in vivo in the mouse, at the endogenous chromosomal context, and proved their role as genomic insulators, shielding theTyrlocus from the expression patterns of adjacent genes.
The process evaluation of a school-based physical activity intervention: influencing factors and potential consequences of implementation
Authors: Åvitsland Andreas , Ohna Stein Erik , Dyrstad Sindre Mikal , Tjomsland Hege Eikeland , Lerum Øystein , Leibinger Eva 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThis paper evaluates the implementation of a school-based physical activity intervention and discusses how the intervention outcomes can be influenced by the implementation.Design/methodology/approachIn four of the nine lower secondary schools in which the intervention was conducted, the authors examined implementation fidelity, adaptation, quality, responsiveness and dose received. The authors conducted focus group interviews with teachers (n = 8) and students (n = 46) and made observations. Dose delivered was examined quantitatively, with weekly registrations.FindingsResults showed that two out of four schools made few and positive adaptations, implemented the intervention with high fidelity and quality and responded positively. Four main factors were found to influence implementation: frame factors, intervention characteristics, participant characteristics and provider characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsA cross-sectional design was used and may not represent implementation throughout the whole school year.Practical implicationsIn terms of large-scale implementation, the intervention may be generalizable. However, intervention criteria such as adequate facilities and a flexible timetable may be unattainable for some schools. The intervention can be adapted without compromising its purpose, but adaptations should be a result of cooperation between students and teachers.Originality/valueProcess evaluations on this topic are rare. This study adds to a limited knowledge base concerning what factors may influence implementation of school-based physical activity interventions for adolescents.
Experiential learning for Chinese companies to complete cross-border acquisitions: the case of Chinese acquirers
Authors: Wang Le , Schweizer Lars , Michaelis Björn 
Published: June 2020

PurposeIn a contribution to the emerging research examining Chinese cross-border acquisitions (CBAs), the authors observe experiential learning applications for enhancing M&A completions. By emphasizing knowledge transfer, the authors reveal how target-to-target industry similarity and bidder-to-target cultural distance affect learning outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a binary logistic regression model, the authors examine a sample of CBA attempts announced by Chinese companies from January 2002 to December 2012 to identify the variables that affect the completion of CBAs.FindingsThe authors find that foreign acquisition experience but not domestic acquisition experience enhances subsequent acquisition attempts, especially when prior and focal target companies share the dominant industrial logic. Learning transfer is negatively affected when target countries are more culturally distant from China, but learning benefits appear to increase under strong bidder-to-target cultural distance.Originality/valueBy investigating learning in the precompletion stage in Chinese outward CBAs, the authors complement research that uses postacquisition performance to assess learning. The authors’ more fine-grained characterization reveals that acquisition experience increases knowledge transfer through experiential learning. Furthermore, the authors show that dominant industrial logic and cultural distance are underexplored contextual conditions, although they interact with foreign and domestic experience to affect the completion of CBAs.
Public, private or hybrid? Providing care services under austerity: the case of Italy
Authors: Dorigatti Lisa , Mori Anna , Neri Stefano 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe paper examines the different trajectories of externalisation and the development of different kinds of welfare mix in three different sub-sectors of socio-educational services: long-term care for the elderly, early childhood services and kindergartens. By integrating the industrial relations and comparative public administration literatures, it analyses the different rationales underpinning contracting-out decisions of Italian local governments.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a multi-method, multi-level approach: quantitative data on the provision of socio-educational services and the nature of the providers are combined with the analysis of 12 case studies of municipalities through 80 semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis.FindingsThe paper argues that differentials in labour regulation across the public/private divide and the consequent possibility to access labour markets characterised by cheaper labour and higher organisational flexibility are a key explanation in local governments' decisions to outsource. Despite labour market factors playing a prominent role, their relevance is significantly tempered by political and social factors and particularly by the strong opposition of citizens, personnel and trade unions to pure market solutions in the provision of such services. However, the centrality of these factors depends on the nature of the services: political sensibility against privatisation proved to be stronger in kindergartens, while services for the elderly were more frequently and less contentiously privatised.Originality/valueThe main contribution is the integration of the two research traditions to analyse patterns of outsourcing in the socio-educational services in Italy, showing that neither of them is able, alone, to explain the different private/public mix characterising different social and educational services.
What entrepreneurs do? Entrepreneurial action guided by entrepreneurial opportunities and entrepreneurial learning in early internationalising firms
Authors: Masango Shingairai Grace , Lassalle Paul 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThere is a growing interest in exploring the interface between international marketing and entrepreneurial opportunities. This paper contributes by defining and elucidating entrepreneurial action in early internationalising software firms and the corresponding emergent international marketing activities. Entrepreneurial action in early internationalising software firms is explored through the operationalisation of a reconceptualised entrepreneurial opportunity construct and the associated entrepreneurial learning processes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an inductive approach, which traces the evolution of five early internationalising propriety software South African firms; from the new venture idea to the establishment of the international entrepreneurial opportunity.FindingsThe findings provide support for entrepreneurial action guided by: prior industry experience, entrepreneurial alertness, opportunity confidence and two levels of entrepreneurial learning; experiential and double-loop learning. Learning by doing allows for the continuous evaluation of the new venture idea leading to the international entrepreneurial opportunity. Market responsiveness and continuous product development resulting in the emergence of the firm's inward international marketing activities constitute the key outcomes of entrepreneurial action.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a specific technology context, which is young software firms whose inward directed internationalisation activities coalesce around the development of their proprietary software technology.Originality/valueBased on an original dataset of early internationalising software firms from South Africa, this paper inductively operationalises and conceptualises entrepreneurial action as the combined interaction of four key constructs: contingent effects, attitudes to opportunities, learning by doing and entrepreneurial activities leading to the firm's inward international marketing activities and a diversified international client and end-user base.
Principals as socio-religious curators: progressive and conservative approaches in Islamic schools
Authors: Brooks Melanie C. , Brooks Jeffrey S. , Mutohar Agus , Taufiq Imam 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate how socio-religious dynamics influence (and are influenced by) principals in Islamic schools.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative case study took place in Semarang, Indonesia. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with school leaders along with school site observations. To frame the study, we drew from both Indonesian and international scholarship to understand extant perspectives on the context and on the ways that principals influence socio-religious thinking and practices in schools.FindingsFindings suggested that principals' personal experiences and beliefs are central to the ways that socio-religious thinking and practices are manifest in their school. Principals practice more progressive or conservative leadership by influencing the degree to which the school is (a) an open or closed system, (b) inclusive or exclusive in their practices and (c) plural or unitary in their teaching. In making decisions along each of these continua, principals in Islamic schools “curate” a socio-religious educational environment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on principals and socio-religious dynamics in schools by discovering specific continua of practice that collectively suggest a more conservative or progressive interpretation of Islam. As this area is understudied in educational leadership, the study makes a foundational empirical contribution, suggests theoretical constructs heretofore unexplored, and advances the notion of principal as curator of educational practice.
School principals' workplace well-being: a multination examination of the role of their job resources and job demands
Authors: Collie Rebecca J. , Granziera Helena , Martin Andrew J. 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the extent to which several workplace factors are implicated in school principals' well-being. Two job resources (i.e. participatory climate and collegial climate) and two job demands (i.e. barriers to professional learning and staff shortages) were investigated, along with two well-being outcomes (i.e. job satisfaction and occupational commitment). Interaction effects between the job resource and job demand variables were also tested.Design/methodology/approachData were from 5,951 principals in 22 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries that participated in the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2013. Path analysis of direct and interaction effects was tested, along with multigroup path analysis to determine any differences in results across nations.FindingsThe results showed that staff shortages and collegial climate predicted job satisfaction. All of the job resources and demands predicted occupational commitment. In addition, one interaction effect was significant showing that a participatory climate was especially important for occupational commitment under conditions of high staff shortages. The findings were similar across the 22 countries.Originality/valueThe study yields important knowledge about the cross-national salience of four job resources and demands that are associated with principals' well-being at work.