bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation of isolate substrate preferences in mixed communities revealed through ribosomal marker protein profiling
Authors: Saichek Nicholas R , Wang Ying , Kosina Suzanne M , Bowen Benjamin P , Chakraborty Romy , Northen Trent R 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAssessment of structure-function relationships is a central theme in microbial ecology. However, the degree that isolate metabolic activities are conserved in communities remains unclear. This is because tracking population dynamics and substrate partitioning in microbial communities remains technically challenging. Here, we describe the application of a mass spectrometry-based ribosomal marker protein profiling with stable isotope probing approach that allows for concurrent monitoring of community structure dynamics and resource assimilation within a five-member synthetic soil bacterial community. Using this approach, we find that isolate substrate preferences for glutamine and phenylalanine are largely conserved in the community and can be predicted using a weighted-sum model. However, time-series monitoring revealed a significant delay in phenylalanine incorporation by two of the strains, as well as enhanced growth for Variovorax paradoxus presumably due to interspecies interactions. The unique utility of this approach to temporally probe resource incorporation and community structure enables deciphering the dynamic interactions occurring within the community. Extension of this approach to other communities under various environmental perturbations is needed to reveal the generality of microbial conservation of substrate preferences.
mRNA vaccine-induced T cells respond identically to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern but differ in longevity and homing properties depending on prior infection status
Authors: Neidleman Jason , Luo Xiaoyu , McGregor Matthew , Xie Guorui , Murray Victoria , Greene Warner C. , Lee Sulggi A. , Roan Nadia R. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTWhile mRNA vaccines are proving highly efficacious against SARS-CoV-2, it is important to determine how booster doses and prior infection influence the immune defense they elicit, and whether they protect against variants. Focusing on the T cell response, we conducted a longitudinal study of infection-naïve and COVID-19 convalescent donors before vaccination and after their first and second vaccine doses, using a high-parameter CyTOF analysis to phenotype their SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells. Vaccine-elicited spike-specific T cells responded similarly to stimulation by spike epitopes from the ancestral, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variant strains, both in terms of cell numbers and phenotypes. In infection-naïve individuals, the second dose boosted the quantity and altered the phenotypic properties of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, while in convalescents the second dose changed neither. Spike-specific T cells from convalescent vaccinees differed strikingly from those of infection-naïve vaccinees, with phenotypic features suggesting superior long-term persistence and ability to home to the respiratory tract including the nasopharynx. These results provide reassurance that vaccine-elicited T cells respond robustly to emerging viral variants, confirm that convalescents may not need a second vaccine dose, and suggest that vaccinated convalescents may have more persistent nasopharynx-homing SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells compared to their infection-naïve counterparts.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells produce type I interferon and reduce viral replication in airway epithelial cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Cervantes-Barragan Luisa , Vanderheiden Abigail , Royer Charlotte J. , Davis-Gardner Meredith E. , Ralfs Philipp , Chirkova Tatiana , Anderson Larry J. , Grakoui Arash , Suthar Mehul S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInfection with SARS-CoV-2 has caused a pandemic of unprecedented dimensions. SARS-CoV-2 infects airway and lung cells causing viral pneumonia. The importance of type I interferon (IFN) production for the control of SARS-CoV-2 infection is highlighted by the increased severity of COVID-19 in patients with inborn errors of type I IFN response or auto-antibodies against IFN-α. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique immune cell population specialized in recognizing and controlling viral infections through the production of high concentrations of type I IFN. In this study, we isolated pDCs from healthy donors and showed that pDCs are able to recognize SARS-CoV-2 and rapidly produce large amounts of type I IFN. Sensing of SARS-CoV-2 by pDCs was independent of viral replication since pDCs were also able to recognize UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and produce type I IFN. Transcriptional profiling of SARS-CoV-2 and UV-SARS-CoV-2 stimulated pDCs also showed a rapid type I and III IFN response as well as induction of several chemokines, and the induction of apoptosis in pDCs. Moreover, we modeled SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lung using primary human airway epithelial cells (pHAEs) and showed that co-culture of pDCs with SARS-CoV-2 infected pHAEs induces an antiviral response and upregulation of antigen presentation in pHAE cells. Importantly, the presence of pDCs in the co-culture results in control of SARS-CoV-2 replication in pHAEs. Our study identifies pDCs as one of the key cells that can recognize SARS-CoV-2 infection, produce type I and III IFN and control viral replication in infected cells.ImportanceType I interferons (IFNs) are a major part of the innate immune defense against viral infections. The importance of type I interferon (IFN) production for the control of SARS-CoV-2 infection is highlighted by the increased severity of COVID-19 in patients with defects in the type I IFN response. Interestingly, many cells are not able to produce type I IFN after being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and cannot control viral infection. In this study we show that plasmacytoid dendritic cells are able to recognize SARS-CoV-2 and produce type I IFN, and that pDCs are able to help control viral infection in SARS-CoV-2 infected airway epithelial cells.
CSR committee attributes and CSR performance: UK evidence
Authors: Elmaghrabi Mohamed Esmail 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aims to explore the set of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee attributes that may enhance CSR performance and CSR strategy formation and reduce CSR controversies.[AQ1] Towards this end, the study also explores the differences between companies with and without CSR committees in terms of these three CSR performance facets.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a sample of financial times stock exchange (FTSE) 100 non-financial companies in 2015–2017. Kruskal-Wallis test is conducted to test the differences in CSR performance in firms with CSR board-level committee, CSR management committee and no committees. Additionally, a regression model is used to explore the attributes of CSR committees that lead to better/less CSR performance and CSR strategy/CSR controversies. A two-stage least squares regression model was used as a robustness check.FindingsFirms with board CSR committee have better CSR performance and CSR strategy and lower CSR controversies than both firms with no CSR committees and firms with a CSR management committee. Regression results show that CSR committees that are predominantly consisting of independent board members, chaired by a female director and setting more meetings have better CSR performance. Additionally, CSR committees were found to have lower CSR controversies when having more independent directors and a chair with CSR expertise. CSR strategy was better with the CSR committee represented by a larger group of members.Originality/valueThis study makes several contributions to the sustainability governance literature and regulatory/guidance interfaces. There is extant literature examining audit committee attributes and their effects on various firm outcomes. The same can be said on the regulations of the audit committee. CSR committees’ composition and benefits are, by far, less regulated and largely under-researched. Hence, this paper is considered an early attempt to explore the CSR performance improvements a CSR committee may bring and the composition that would bring better CSR performance.
“Like will to like” or “opposites attract”? Management board diversity affects employer attractiveness
Authors: Schäpers Philipp , Windscheid Leon , Mazei Jens , Thielsch Meinald T. , Hertel Guido 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
How diversity in management boards affects employer attractiveness has yet to be fully clarified. This paper aims to contrast the two main theoretical rationales – similarity attraction and diversity attraction – and examines whether potential employees are more attracted to an organization with a homogenous board (in terms of gender and ethnicity) or to an organization with a diverse board.

Design/methodology/approach
Participants (N = 629) were simultaneously presented with two pictures of management boards, whereby the gender and ethnic composition of the boards were manipulated. Moreover, to examine whether social desirability influences the ratings of an organization’s attractiveness, survey anonymity was varied using an indirect questioning technique.

Findings
The findings supported the diversity attraction rationale: organizations with gender-balanced, multicultural boards were seen as more attractive than organizations with monolithic boards. However, this effect seemed to be influenced – at least partially – by social desirability.

Research limitations/implications
Additional research is needed to examine the extents to which people care about the degree of similarity between themselves and a management board.

Practical implications
The findings illustrate board composition as an employer branding strategy. Specifically, the results indicate that an organization can benefit from a diverse management board when this information is communicated to applicants.

Social implications
People’s attitudes toward organizations with diverse boards seem – in part – to be rooted in their motivation to comply with social norms.

Originality/value
Theoretical accounts (similarity attraction theory vs diversity attraction) lead to somewhat contradicting predictions, and the available empirical evidence was rather indirect and correlational. This study provides a controlled empirical investigation contrasting the two contradicting predictions.
Effect of divider wall-to-end wall distance on the vortical structures and heat transfer characteristics of two-pass channel using topological analysis
Authors: Zhao Zhiqi , Luo Lei , Qiu Dandan , Wang Songtao , Wang Zhongqi , Sunden Bengt Ake 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This study aims to explore the 3 D separated flow fields and heat transfer characteristics at the end wall of a serpentine channel with various turn clearances using topological analysis and critical points principles of three-dimensional vortex flow.

Design/methodology/approach
This aims to explore the 3 D separated flow fields and heat transfer characteristics at the end wall of a serpentine channel with various turn clearances using topological analysis as well as critical points principles of three-dimensional vortex flow.

Findings
The endwall heat transfer in the narrow spacing passage is significantly stronger than that in a wide spacing channel. As the gap clearance is kept at 0.87 times of the hydraulic diameter, the endwall heat transfer and thermal performance can be accordingly enhanced with low pressure drops, which is because a relatively strong concentrated impingement flow for the medium gap clearance helps to restrain the downstream fluid flow and enhance the shear effect of the secondary flow.

Practical implications
The numerical results can be applied in designing sharp turn of serpentine channel in heat exchangers, heat sinks, piping system, solar receiver and gas turbine blades.

Originality/value
The evolution mechanism of the vortices in the turning region under different gap clearance was analyzed, and thermal enhancement characteristics were predicted innovatively using topological analysis method.
Examining the links between logistics outsourcing, company competitiveness and selected performances: the evidence from an emerging country
Authors: Afum Ebenezer , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi , Baah Charles , Dacosta Essel , Owusu Clifford Sekyere , Amponsah Owusu Joseph 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study examines the mediation effects of time-based competitiveness, cost-based competitiveness and customer performance between logistics outsourcing and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study relied on a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument and further employed partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to test all formulated hypotheses.FindingsThe results demonstrate that logistics outsourcing has a significant positive impact on time-based competitiveness, cost-based competitiveness, customer performance and financial performance. Time-based competitiveness and cost-based competitiveness were both found to have a significant positive impact on financial performance; however, customer performance had no significant impact on financial performance. The mediation analysis further indicates that while both time-based competitiveness and cost-based competitiveness play mediation effects between logistics outsourcing and financial performance, customer performance plays no mediation effect between logistics outsourcing and financial performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampled firms for this study came from a single emerging country; hence, the results cannot be generalized or imported to reflect the results that may be obtained from other emerging geographical settings.Practical implicationsThe results provide sufficient evidence for managers to turn their attention to logistics outsourcing, as a transformative business initiative, to gain time-based and cost-based competitiveness so as to improve financial performance.Originality/valueThe study provides significant insight and makes an additional contribution to literature in the area of logistics outsourcing, especially by collecting data from an emerging country. Modelling time-based competitiveness, cost-based competitiveness and customer performance as mediating variables between logistics outsourcing and financial performance make this work relatively different from other studies.
A comparative analysis of maintenance strategies and data application in asset performance management for both developed and developing countries
Authors: Wakiru James Mutuota , Pintelon Liliane , Muchiri Peter , Chemweno Peter 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe present study empirically compares maintenance practices under asset performance management (APM), employed by firms in developed and developing countries (Belgium and Kenya, respectively).Design/methodology/approachEmpirical observations and theoretical interpretations on maintenance practices under APM are delineated. A comparative cross-sectional survey study is conducted through an online questionnaire with 151 respondents (101 Kenya, 50 Belgium). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics like independent t-test and phi coefficient were used for analyzing the data.FindingsIn both countries, reduction of maintenance and operational budget, return on assets, asset ageing and compliance aspects were established as critical factors influencing the implementation of asset maintenance and performance management (AMPM). A significant difference in staff competence in managing vibration, ultrasound and others like predictive algorithms was found to exist between the firms of the two countries. The majority of firms across the divide utilize manual and computer-based tools to integrate and analyse various maintenance data sets, while standardization and maintenance knowledge loss were found to adversely affect maintenance data management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings are based on the limited number of returned responses of the survey questionnaire and focused on only two countries representing developed and developing economies. This study not only provides practitioners with the practical guidelines for benchmarking, but also induces the need to improve the asset maintenance strategies and data application practices for asset performance management.Practical implicationsThe paper provides insights to researchers and practitioners in the articulation of imperative effective maintenance strategies, benchmarking and challenges in their implementation, considering the different operational context.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to theory and practice within the field of AMPM where no empirical research comparing developed and developing countries exist.
Worker health in formal electronic waste recycling plants
Authors: Côté Daniel , Gravel Sylvie , Gladu Stéphanie , Bakhiyi Bouchra , Gravel Sabrina 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis article explores the protective measures and the occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention strategies in place in the formal electronic equipment recycling (e-recycling) industry, more specifically in the Greater Montreal area (Quebec, Canada) and their consequences: health inequalities and level of compliance with environmental standards.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted using two respondent-specific questionnaires, one for workers and one for supervisors. Data collection and analytic procedures drew from qualitative content analysis. It was tempted to identify differences in OHS practices in relation to the workers' employment status and to link the companies' OHS concerns to their level of compliance with environmental standards.FindingsThe article highlights specific OHS issues in the formal e-recycling industry. Enforcing compliance with environmental standards as a lever for promoting OHS appears to be a promising strategy. Another main finding was the workforce diversity and related OHS vulnerabilities in this industry and the challenges they pose to employers' ability to adequately and equally reach and protect all workers involved.Originality/valueTo date, too little attention appears to have been paid to working conditions and worker protection in this rapidly growing sector. Specific prevention programmes could be implemented and adapted to the industry's diverse workforce and its multiple OHS vulnerabilities. This issue calls for the international community to take responsibility, as many electronic waste (e-waste) generated worldwide is shipped to developing countries, where lack of regulation and control is much more striking in a sector that remains very largely informal.
Making for learning: how graduate students discuss and design for maker-focused pedagogy
Authors: Humburg Megan , Tan Verily , Maltese Adam V. , Simpson Amber , Danish Joshua A. 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis study aims to understand how graduate students in a maker education course discuss beliefs about making and implement these beliefs as pedagogy in their curricular designs.Design/methodology/approachInterview transcripts from seven students were analyzed thematically for conceptions of making and learning. Lesson plans were also coded for elements of making, and the authors compared students’ articulated ideas about making with the practical implementation of making in their designs.FindingsStudents reflected on the nature of making and the possible benefits and tensions surrounding the use of making for learning. Multiple students discussed benefits for their future learning and careers. Comparisons between interview and lesson plans highlight both successful alignments and key gaps in the application of making principles, including struggles that students encountered when translating their beliefs about making into real-world pedagogy.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the limited sample size, future research should explore the extent to which educators in other contexts encounter similar or different obstacles in their development of maker-focused pedagogies.Practical implicationsFindings can be used to inform future maker education courses to better support students in successfully translating core principles of making from general beliefs into effective and practical pedagogical strategies.Originality/valueDespite widespread interest in combining making with educational spaces, much remains to be understood about the strategies that educators use to integrate elements of making into their pedagogy. This study contributes discussions of the benefits and tensions that maker educators may encounter when blending tenets of making with the needs of formal education.
Exploring ideation strategies as an opportunity to support and evaluate making
Authors: Worsley Marcelo 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to compare two types of prompts, encouraging participants to think about real-world examples or engineering principles to show how these two approaches can result in vastly different design practices.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies (N = 20, N = 40) examine the impact of two different prompts. Non-expert students, from high school and university, completed a hands-on, engineering design task in pairs. Half were prompted to ideate using real-world examples, while the other half were prompted to ideate using engineering principles. The findings are based on human coding and artifact analyses.FindingsIn both studies, and across multiple measures, students in the principle-based condition performed better than students in the example-based condition.Research limitations/implicationsA seemingly small difference in how students are prompted or encouraged to approach a problem can have a significant impact on their experience. The findings also suggest that leveraging engineering principles, even when those principles are only loosely formed, can be effective even for non-experts. Finally, the findings motivate identifying student reasoning strategies over time as a potential means for assessment in Makerspaces.Practical implicationsEncouraging makers to think about different ways for approaching problems can be an important way to help them succeed. It may also be a useful way to chronicle their learning pathway.Originality/valueTo the author's knowledge, explicitly looking at ideation strategies has not been widely discussed within the Maker community as a way to support learners, or as a way to evaluate learning.