bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 3D organisation of mitochondria in primate photoreceptors
Authors: Hayes Matthew J. , Tracey-White Dhani , Kam Jaimie Hoh , Powner Michael B. , Jeffery Glen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVertebrate photoreceptors contain large numbers of closely-packed mitochondria which sustain the high metabolic demands of these cells. These mitochondria populations are dynamic and undergo fusion and fission events. This activity serves to maintain the population in a healthy state. In the event of mitochondrial damage, sub-domains, or indeed whole mitochondria, can be degraded and population homeostasis achieved. If this process is overwhelmed cell death may result. Death of photoreceptors contributes to loss of vision in aging individuals and is associated with many eye diseases. In this study we used serial block face scanning electron microscopy of adult (Macaca fascicularis) retinae to examine the 3D structure of mitochondria in rod and cone photoreceptors. Healthy-looking photoreceptors contain mitochondria with a range of shapes which are associated with different regions of the cell. In some photoreceptors we observe mitochondrial swelling and other changes we associate with stress or degeneration of the cell. In both rods and cones we identify elongated domains of mitochondria with densely-packed normal cristae associated with photoreceptor ciliary rootlet bundles. We observe mitochondrial fission and mitochondrion fragments localised to these domains. Swollen mitochondria with few intact cristae are located towards the periphery of the photoreceptor inner-segment in rods, whilst they are found throughout the cell in cones. Swollen mitochondria exhibit sites on the mitochondrial inner membrane which have undergone complex invagination resulting in membranous, electron-dense aggregates. Membrane contact occurs between the mitochondrion and the photoreceptor plasma membrane in the vicinity of these aggregates, and a series of subsequent membrane fusions results in expulsion of the mitochondrial aggregate from the photoreceptor. These events are primarily associated with rods, likely reflecting the ageing mechanism in primates where many rods die but cones do not. Possible consequences of this atypical mitochondrial degradation are discussed.
Identifying developing interneurons as a potential target for multiple genetic autism risk factors in human and rodent forebrain
Authors: Yang Yifei , Booker Sam A. , Clegg James M. , Urzainqui Idoia Quintana , Sumera Anna , Kozic Zrinko , Dando Owen , Lorenzo Sandra Martin , Herault Yann , Kind Peter C. , Price David J. , Pratt Thomas 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTAutism spectrum condition or ‘autism’ is associated with numerous monogenic and polygenic genetic risk factors including the polygenic 16p11.2 microdeletion. A central question is what neural cells are affected. To systematically investigate we analysed single cell transcriptomes from gestational week (GW) 8-26 human foetal prefrontal cortex and identified a subset of interneurons (INs) first appearing at GW23 with enriched expression of a disproportionately large fraction of risk factor transcripts. This suggests the hypothesis that these INs are disproportionately vulnerable to mutations causing autism. We investigated this in a rat model of the 16p11.2 microdeletion. We found no change in the numbers or position of either excitatory or inhibitory neurons in the somatosensory cortex or CA1 of 16p11.2+/- rats but found that CA1 Sst INs were hyperexcitable with an enlarged axon initial segment, which was not the case for CA1 pyramidal cells. This study prompts deeper investigation of IN development as a convergent target for autism genetic risk factors.
eggNOG-mapper v2: Functional Annotation, Orthology Assignments, and Domain Prediction at the Metagenomic Scale
Authors: Cantalapiedra Carlos P. , Hernández-Plaza Ana , Letunic Ivica , Bork Peer , Huerta-Cepas Jaime 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEven though automated functional annotation of genes represents a fundamental step in most genomic and metagenomic workflows, it remains challenging at large scales. Here, we describe a major upgrade to eggNOG-mapper, a tool for functional annotation based on precomputed orthology assignments, now optimized for vast (meta)genomic data sets. Improvements in version 2 include a full update of both the genomes and functional databases to those from eggNOG v5, as well as several efficiency enhancements and new features. Most notably, eggNOG-mapper v2 now allows: (i) de novo gene prediction from raw contigs, (ii) built-in pairwise orthology prediction, (iii) fast protein domain discovery, and (iv) automated GFF decoration. eggNOG-mapper v2 is available as a standalone tool or as an online service at http://eggnog-mapper.embl.de.
X-Linked Histone H3K27 Demethylase Kdm6a Regulates Sexually Dimorphic Differentiation of Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Zapata Lucas E. Cabrera , Cisternas Carla D. , Sosa Camila , Arevalo Maria Angeles , Garcia-Segura Luis Miguel , Cambiasso María Julia 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTSeveral X-linked genes are involved in neuronal differentiation and may contribute to the generation of sex dimorphisms in brain. Previous results showed that XX hypothalamic neurons grow faster, have longer axons, and exhibit higher expression of the neuritogenic gene neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than XY before perinatal masculinization. Here we evaluated the participation of candidate X-linked genes in the development of these sex differences, focusing mainly on Kdm6a, a gene encoding for an H3K27 demethylase with functions controlling gene expression genome-wide. We established hypothalamic neuronal cultures from wild-type or transgenic Four Core Genotypes mice, a model that allows evaluating the effect of sex chromosomes independently of gonadal type. X-linked genes Kdm6a, Eif2s3x and Ddx3x showed higher expression in XX compared to XY neurons, regardless of gonadal sex. Moreover, Kdm6a expression pattern with higher mRNA levels in XX than XY did not change with age at E14, P0, and P60 in hypothalamus or under 17β-estradiol treatment in culture. Kdm6a pharmacological blockade by GSK-J4 reduced the expression of neuritogenic genes Neurod1, Neurod2 and Cdk5r1 in both sexes equally, while a sex-specific effect was observed on Ngn3 levels, with a decrease in XX and an increase in XY neurons. Finally, both Kdm6a inhibition and its downregulation using siRNA reduced axonal length only in female neurons, abolishing the sex differences observed in control conditions. Altogether, these results point to Kdm6a as a key mediator of the higher axogenesis and Ngn3 expression observed in XX neurons before critical period of brain masculinization.
Taxonomic categories for commissioning and startup hot spot strategies
Authors: Mock Brant , O’Connor James 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to better understand distinct solution strategy types for common commissioning and startup problems (Hot Spots) in the construction of industrial facilities. The authors also sought to better understand which solution strategy types offer the best value for the effort required.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a method of qualitative coding of text-based data to identify themes, patterns and trends from a collection of 178 commissioning and startup (CSU) solution strategies for the CSU Hot Spots. Coding categories emerged after multiple iterations. The authors also mapped high-value, low-effort solution strategies across the categories. Chi-squared testing and analysis of proportion statistics help quantitatively justify this qualitative research.

Findings
The authors identified 12 distinct coding categories and showed that they follow a non-uniform distribution via statistical testing. Those strategy types which provide particularly good value for the effort required are identified (such as quality assurance and control strategies), as well as those strategy types that do not.

Research limitations/implications
Research is limited to CSU for the construction of industrial facilities. The findings are also limited to a subset of the most commonly problematic CSU activities. Many findings may be beneficial for heavy civil and commercial CSU as well.

Practical implications
Coding categories, definitions and descriptions provide a good overview of all 178 solution strategies for CSU project professionals. Implementing certain types of solutions or solution programs may allow CSU managers to prevent multiple Hot Spots from becoming problematic or to keep problems already occurring from becoming worse. Managers will also benefit from knowledge about which strategy types are more likely to give a higher value for lower effort.

Originality/value
Qualitative coding and analysis of solution strategies for common CSU problems have never been conducted so rigorously in any other CSU study. This method has yielded results distinct from other CSU studies which have used quantitative methods. Insights from findings have advanced the body of knowledge surrounding problem-solving in the commissioning and startup sub-discipline.
Incorporation of gradient-enhanced microplane damage model into isogeometric analysis
Authors: Han Jike , Yin Bo , Kaliske Michael , Tarada Kenjiro 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This study aims to develop a new analysis approach devised by incorporating a gradient-enhanced microplane damage model (GeMpDM) into isogeometric analysis (IGA), which shows computational stability and capability in accurately predicting crack propagations in structures with complex geometries.

Design/methodology/approach
For the non-local microplane damage modeling, the maximum modified von-Mises equivalent strain among all microplanes is regularized as a representative quantity. This characterization implies that only one additional governing equation is considered, which improves computational efficiency dramatically. By combined use of GeMpDM and IGA, quasi-static and dynamic numerical analyses are conducted to demonstrate the capability in predicting crack paths of complex geometries in comparison to FEM and experimental results.

Findings
The implicit scheme with the adopted damage model shows favorable numerical stability and the numerical results exhibit appropriate convergence characteristics concerning the mesh size. The damage evolution is successfully controlled by a tension-compression damage factor. Thanks to the advanced geometric design capability of IGA, the details of crack patterns can be predicted reliably, which are somewhat difficult to be acquired by FEM. Additionally, the damage distribution obtained in the dynamic analysis is in close agreement with experimental results.

Originality/value
The paper originally incorporates GeMpDM into IGA. Especially, only one non-local variable is considered besides the displacement field, which improves the computational efficiency and favorable convergence characteristics within the IGA framework. Also, enjoying the geometric design ability of IGA, the proposed analysis method is capable of accurately predicting crack paths reflecting the complex geometries of target structures.
Exploring the critical waste factors affecting construction projects
Authors: Bajjou Mohamed Saad , Chafi Anas 
Published: June 2021

PurposeWaste is typically encountered during the building's life cycle, from the design phase, through the construction phase, to modification and demolition. Most of these construction wastes are unnoticed or unattended by project managers, which lead to serious environmental problems. Effective waste reduction strategies will require a thorough and detailed understanding of the causes of construction waste. Hence, this paper aims to explore critical waste factors (CWFs) affecting the performance of construction projects.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review was carried out to determine these factors based on previous studies, from which a questionnaire was developed. Series of statistical analyses such as reliability analysis, Spearman Correlation, Kruskal–Wallis and factor analysis were performed on a total of 330 valid responses to identify latent factors responsible for wastes occurrence.FindingsThis study reveals 31 CWFs through evaluation of prior relevant studies carried out in several countries and then adjusted and validated through semistructured interviews. The significant differences in views within various groups of respondents with different organizational characteristics are highlighted. The results of factor analysis showed that there are six principal components extracted with 66.3% of variance explained (material-related factors; subcontractors and workers; planning, communication and coordination; people involvement and financial issues; people development strategies; and external factors).Originality/valueThis study differs from other studies in the literature by gathering all relevant waste factors including those related to nonphysical waste such as time, budget, workers and equipment. Furthermore, this paper will be of great interest to both practitioners and researchers since it brings various recommendations concerning the prevention/reduction of waste through lean construction for more sustainable construction projects.
New variational theory for coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system
Authors: Wang KangLe 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is defined by using fractal derivative, and its variational principle is constructed by the fractal semi-inverse method. The approximate analytical solution of the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is obtained by the fractal variational iteration transform method based on the proposed variational theory and fractal two-scales transform method. Finally, an example illustrates the proposed method is efficient to deal with complex nonlinear fractal systems.Design/methodology/approachThe coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is described by using the fractal derivative, and its fractal variational principle is obtained by the fractal semi-inverse method. A novel approach is proposed to solve the fractal model based on the variational theory.FindingsThe fractal variational iteration transform method is an excellent method to solve the fractal differential equation system.Originality/valueThe author first presents the fractal variational iteration transform method to find the approximate analytical solution for fractal differential equation system. The example illustrates the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Grain for Green Project in farmers’ minds: perceptions, aspirations and behaviours in eco-fragile region, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Duan Pei , Chen Shengdong , Zhang Heng , Zhang Fuchun 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
This study aims to focus on the analysis of the internal mechanism of farmers’ ecological cognition and the behaviour of Grain for Green Project (GGP), and the further relationship between ecological cognition and ecological aspiration, proposing climate change strategies and management from the perspective of farmers.

Design/methodology/approach
Theory of planned behaviour and social exchange theory were used to construct a theoretical framework and an ecological cognition under the influence of external factors, the aspiration and the behaviour of GGP, using ecological fragile areas in Bazhou and Changji, Xinjiang of 618 peasant households’ survey data. The structural equation model and Heckman two-step model were applied to analyse the relationship between ecological cognition and ecological aspiration of farmers, the impact of peasant households’ ecological cognition and aspiration to the behaviour of GGP and the influence factors of GGP behaviour.

Findings
This research’s results show that the three characterizations of ecological cognitive variables, attitude towards the behaviour (AB), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behaviour control (PBC), have significant positive impact on farmers’ GGP ecological aspiration. The comprehensive impact path coefficients of ecological cognition are PBC (0.498) > SN (0.223) > AB (0.177). Also, income change is a moderating variable, which has a significant moderating effect on the influence of AB and SN on ecological aspiration. Further, farmers’ ecological cognition has an influence on the behaviour of GGP, and the change of farmers’ income has a significant positive effect on farmers’ choice of returning farmland to forests.

Practical implications
The ecological protection policy suggestions and countermeasures can be drawn from the research conclusions, adapted to China’s ecologically fragile regions and even similar regions in the world to response the climate change.

Originality/value
Combining the theory of planning behaviour and social exchange, this paper empirically analyses the path of farmers’ ecological cognition and ecological aspiration, as well as the influencing factors.
Developing IT-enabled performance monitoring system for green logistics: a case study
Authors: Chhabra Deepti , Singh Rajesh Kr , Kumar Vikas 
Published: June 2021

PurposeLogistics companies are compelled to improve their efficiency and the environmental performance by introducing the green concept in their operations. The main purpose of the paper is to have continuous monitoring and tracking of logistics operations to enhance the green performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a case study approach. It illustrates a monitoring system to digitize the logistics activities by sending real-time GPS data to the server and capture the surrounding pictures with the help of the internet of things (IoTs) based camera. Data generated through digitization is mathematically analyzed for ensuring a green logistic system. The alerts due to the halts, help in keeping a check on fuel consumption, carbon emissions and security of logistics. Performance indicators such as carbon emissions and the value of travel time saving (VTTS) are selected for the study.FindingsThe findings of the study show that the actual travel time and distances are higher than the estimated travel time and distances. It also reveals that actual travel routes with diversions involve a considerably higher amount of carbon emissions during all sample travels. The results indicate a considerable saving in terms of carbon emissions, time and cost savings by effective practices of Green Logistics in Monitoring system (MSGL). These findings can help the top management of logistics companies in formulating effective strategies for technology applications in logistic operations to ensure green performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has been carried out under certain set of conditions, which may vary depending upon the organizations. Also certain more environmental dimensions for performance monitoring can be used as a future scope of study. Further studies also need to be carried out to widen the scope of the MSGL model at a global level rather than only at local level.Originality/valueAny organization which deploys transportation as part of their activity can use this MSGL model and then do the mathematical analysis to reduce the CO2 emissions, reduce the time and extra cost. The value of this study lies in the fact that government is trying different methods and models to reduce pollution. This MSGL should be made compulsory by the government as a part of their policies for environment of the country.
E-tailers adaptation during early stages of “social distancing causing crises”: an exploratory study
Authors: Halan Deepak 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper studies the impact of social distancing causing crises (SDCC) such as pandemics in its early stages on e-tailers demand and supply side operations and provides a conceptual framework for adaptation.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory-based approach has been used, wherein journal papers and news articles are the key data sources. Standard qualitative methodology, including open, axial and selective coding has been followed.FindingsThe study provides second order themes derived from first-order categories, the theoretical dimensions and their interrelationships on how e-tailers need to adapt to variations in online buying behaviour, manage manpower shortage and daily necessities inventory shortage, during SDCC. Panic buying emerges as a key disrupting factor as it has multiple repercussions on demand and supply side operations of e-tailers.Research limitations/implicationsExploratory qualitative research such as this is helpful in early development of a research stream and paves the way for future quantitative studies.Practical implicationsThis study makes a valuable contribution on e-tailers adaptation to SDCC with significant managerial implications. There are social, economic and policy implications too. For academicians, this study provides a conceptual framework and serves as a springboard for future research.Originality/valueThe study is unique as perhaps it is one of the first to study e-tailers adaptation to SDCC. It contributes to a body of the literature which is currently scarce but expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Fiscal reform: a computable general equilibrium (CGE) analysis for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Roos Elizabeth Louisa , Adams Philip David 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the broad economic effects of tax policy reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Design/methodology/approachUsing a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the KSA, three simulations are run. The first simulation is the baseline simulation, which generates growth paths of the Saudi economy in the absence of tax reform. In developing the baseline simulation, this study incorporates forecasts from the International Monetary Fund. The remaining simulations are policy simulations. A policy simulation deviates from the baseline simulation in response to a policy change. In the first policy simulation, this study introduces a value-added tax (VAT) that generates SAR 35bn. This study assumes budget neutrality with the additional tax revenue transferred to households via a lump sum payment. In the second policy simulation, this study introduces a corporate income tax that generates SAR 35bn. This study then calculates and compares the distortion these taxes introduce into the economy.FindingsThis study finds that although the introduction of new taxes increases government tax revenue, markets are distorted lowering efficiency and production. An introduction of VAT increases the cost of consumption relative to the cost of production. As a consequence, the real cost of labour increases lowering employment in the short run. Employment moves to the baseline, as wages adjust capital and real gross domestic product (GDP) is below base throughout the simulation period. The second simulation is an increase in the corporate tax rate with lowers the post-tax rates of return investors receive. This simulation shows that the negative impact on investment, capital and GDP is larger with the introduction of a corporate tax than with the VAT.Research limitations/implicationsLiterature focusing on tax policy reform in the Gulf Cooperation Council and, specifically, Saudi Arabia is limited. This paper contributes to the literature by focusing on the following: understanding the impact and mechanisms through which changes in taxation impact the economy more generally; understanding the potential harm caused to allocative efficiency and production due to taxes; and ways in which fiscal reform might complement other reforms such as efforts to diversify the economy, labour market and energy price reforms. This improves the information base available to policymakers charged with designing an optimal tax system that meets all future requirements of a country such as the KSA.Originality/valueThe authors developed and applied a CGE model for the KSA to analyse the impact of VAT and corporate tax on the Saudi economy. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no recent CGE models for Saudi Arabia that have been used for tax policy or quantifying the potential harm to the economy when new taxes are introduced.