bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between teaching modality and COVID-19, well-being, and teaching satisfaction (Campus & Corona): a cohort study among students in higher education
Authors: Fretheim Atle , Helleve Arnfinn , Løyland Borghild , Sandbekken Ida Hellum , Flatø Martin , Telle Kjetil , Watle Sara Sofie Viksmoen , Schjøll Alexander , Helseth Sølvi , Jamtvedt Gro , Hart Rannveig Kaldager 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAfter lock-down during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions globally struggled to balance the need for infection control and educational requirements as they prepared to reopen. A particularly difficult choice was whether to offer for in-person or online teaching, since there was little or no empirical research to inform this decision. Norwegian universities and university colleges opted for a hybrid model when they reopened for the autumn semester, with some students offered more in-person teaching than others. This gave us an opportunity to study the association between different teaching modalities and COVID-19 risk, quality of life (subjective well-being), and teaching satisfaction.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational cohort study among students in higher education institutions in Norway. Participants were surveyed biweekly from September to December in 2020.Findings26 754 students from 14 higher education institutions provided data to our analyses. Our best estimate for the association between two weeks of in-person teaching and COVID-19 risk was −22% (95% CI −77% to 33%), compared to online teaching. Quality of life was positively associated with in-person teaching (3% relative risk difference; 95% CI 2% to 4%), as was teaching satisfaction (10%; 95% CI 8% to 11%).InterpretationThe association between COVID-19 infection and teaching modality was highly uncertain. Shifting from in-person to online teaching seems to have a negative impact on the well-being of students in higher education.FundingNone.
Regional performance variation in external validation of four prediction models for severity of COVID-19 at hospital admission: An observational multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Wickstrøm Kristin E. , Vitelli Valeria , Carr Ewan , Holten Aleksander R. , Bendayan Rebecca , Reiner Andrew H. , Bean Daniel , Searle Tom , Shek Anthony , Kraljevic Zeljko , Teo James , Dobson Richard , Tonby Kristian , Köhn- Luque Alvaro , Amundsen Erik K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral prediction models for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have been published. Prediction models should be externally validated to assess their performance before implementation. This observational cohort study aimed to validate published models of severity for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 using clinical and laboratory predictors.MethodsPrediction models fitting relevant inclusion criteria were chosen for validation. The outcome was either mortality or a composite outcome of mortality and ICU admission (severe disease). 1295 patients admitted with symptoms of COVID-19 at Kings Cross Hospital (KCH) in London, United Kingdom, and 307 patients at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) in Oslo, Norway were included. The performance of the models was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration.ResultsWe identified two models for prediction of mortality (referred to as Xie and Zhang1) and two models for prediction of severe disease (Allenbach and Zhang2).The performance of the models was variable. For prediction of mortality Xie had good discrimination at OUH with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.87 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.95] and acceptable discrimination at KCH, AUROC 0.79 [0.76-0.82]. In prediction of severe disease, Allenbach had acceptable discrimination (OUH AUROC 0.81 [0.74-0.88] and KCH AUROC 0.72 [0.68-0.75]). The Zhang models had moderate to poor discrimination. Initial calibration was poor for all models but improved with recalibration.ConclusionsThe performance of the four prediction models was variable. The Xie model had the best discrimination for mortality, while the Allenbach model had acceptable results for prediction of severe disease.
Analysis of CHD-7 defective dauer nematodes implicates collagen misregulation in CHARGE syndrome features
Authors: Jofré Diego M. , Hoffman Dane K. , Cervino Ailen S. , Grundy McKenzie , Yun Sijung , Amrit Francis RG. , Stolz Donna B. , Salvatore Esteban , Rossi Fabiana A. , Ghazi Arjumand , Cirio M. Cecilia , Yanowitz Judith L. , Hochbaum Daniel 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTCHARGE syndrome is a complex developmental disorder caused by mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein7 (CHD7) and characterized by retarded growth and malformations in the heart and nervous system. Despite the public health relevance of this disorder, relevant targets of CHD7 that relate to disease pathology are still poorly understood. Here we report thatchd-7, the nematode ortholog of Chd7, is required for dauer morphogenesis, lifespan determination, and stress response. Consistent with our discoveries, we foundchd-7to be allelic toscd-3, a previously identified dauer suppressor from the TGF-β pathway. Notably, DAF-12 promotedchd-7 expression, which is necessary to repressdaf-9for execution of the dauer program. Transcriptomic analysis comparingchd-7–defective and normal dauers showed enrichment of collagen genes, consistent with a conserved role for the TGF-β pathway in formation of the extracellular matrix. To validate a conserved function forchd-7in vertebrates, we usedXenopus laevisembryos, an established model to study craniofacial development. Morpholino mediated knockdown of Chd7 led to a reduction incol2a1mRNA levels. Both embryonic lethality and craniofacial defects in Chd7-depleted tadpoles were partially rescued by over-expression ofcol2a1mRNA. We suggest that pathogenic features of CHARGE syndrome caused by Chd7 mutations, such as craniofacial malformations, result from the reduction of collagen levels, implying that the extracellular matrix might represent a critical target of Chd7 in CHARGE development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCHARGE Syndrome is a complex developmental disorder caused by mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein-7 (CHD7). Unfortunately, the cellular events that lead to CHARGE syndrome are still poorly understood. InC. elegans, we identifiedchd-7in a screen for suppressors of dauer formation, an alternative larval stage that develops in response to sensory signals of a harsh environment. We found thatchd-7regulates expression of collagens, which constitute the worm’s cuticle, a specialized extracellular matrix. In frog’s embryos, we show that Chd7 inhibition leads to poor Col2a1, which is necessary and sufficient to exhibit CHARGE features. These studies establishC. elegansas an amenable animal model to study the etiology of the developmental defects associated with pathogenic Chd7.
ACE2 protein expression within isogenic cell lines is heterogeneous and associated with distinct transcriptomes
Authors: Sherman Emily J. , Emmer Brian T. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTThe membrane protein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a physiologic regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and the cellular receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Prior studies of ACE2 expression have primarily focused on mRNA abundance, with investigation at the protein level limited by uncertain specificity of commercial ACE2 antibodies. Here, we report our development of a sensitive and specific flow cytometry-based assay for cellular ACE2 protein abundance. Application of this approach to multiple cell lines revealed an unexpected degree of cellular heterogeneity, with detectable ACE2 protein in only a subset of cells in each isogenic population. This heterogeneity was mediated at the mRNA level by transcripts predominantly initiated from theACE2proximal promoter. ACE2 expression was heritable but not fixed over multiple generations of daughter cells, with gradual drift toward the original heterogeneous background. RNA-seq profiling identified distinct transcriptomes of ACE2-expressing relative cells to non-expressing cells, with enrichment in functionally related genes and transcription factor target sets. Our findings provide a validated approach for the specific detection of ACE2 protein at the surface of single cells, support an epigenetic mechanismACE2gene regulation, and identify specific pathways associated with ACE2 expression in HuH7 cells.
Benchmarking smart manufacturing drivers using Grey TOPSIS and COPRAS-G approaches
Authors: Malaga Anilkumar , Vinodh S. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe objective of the study is to identify and analyse drivers of smart manufacturing using integrated grey-based approaches. The analysis facilitates industry practitioners in the identification of preference of drivers through which smart manufacturing can be implemented. These drivers are explored based on existing literature and expert opinion.Design/methodology/approachModern manufacturing firms have been adopting smart manufacturing concepts to sustain in the global competitive landscape. Smart manufacturing incorporates integrated technologies with a flexible workforce to interlink the cyber and physical world. In order to facilitate the effective deployment of smart manufacturing, key drivers need to be analysed. This article presents a study in which 25 drivers of smart manufacturing and 8 criteria are analysed. Integrated grey Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (grey TOPSIS) is applied to rank the drivers. The derived ranking is validated using “Complex Proportional Assessment – Grey” (COPRAS-G) approach.FindingsIn total, 25 drivers with 8 criteria are being considered and an integrated grey TOPSIS approach is applied. The ranking order of drivers is obtained and further sensitivity analysis is also done.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, 25 drivers of smart manufacturing are analysed. In the future, additional drivers could be considered.Practical implicationsThe study presented has been done with inputs from industry experts, and hence the inferences have practical relevance. Industry practitioners need to focus on these drivers in order to implement smart manufacturing in industry.Originality/valueThe analysis of drivers of smart manufacturing is the original contribution of the authors.
Impact of e-leadership and team dynamics on virtual team performance in a public organization
Authors: Elyousfi Fatima , Anand Amitabh , Dalmasso Audrey 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis study examines the effect of various attributes of leadership and teams, modeled as perceived e-leadership and perceived team dynamics on virtual team (VT) performance in a public organization.Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey instrument, data were collected from 184 participants involved in a virtual workplace from one of the largest Canadian public organizations. This study uses PLS-SEM software and quantitative methods.FindingsThis research identified that perceived team dynamics, which includes team member behavior, collaboration and support, has a significant medium effect on VT member performance. However, perceived e-leadership, which includes leaders' trust, leader communication/co-ordination and leader behavior, has a significant small effect on VT performance.Originality/valueThis study contribute to literature on VTs and VT's performance specially in public organizations. As the existing literature on employee performance has mainly focused on private organizations, and more so on VTs. However, little is known about VTs in public organizations and specifically about their performance.
A classification model for formal high-end menswear retailers in Italy
Authors: Arrigo Elisa , Brun Alessandro 
Published: March 2021

PurposeDespite menswear is gaining a significant relevance in terms of retail sales, it represents a neglected topic within the academic literature. Therefore, this paper aims at providing a better understanding of the formal menswear market by developing a tailor-made classification model for the identification of retailers' clusters and at discovering the critical success factors (CSFs).Design/methodology/approachThis research looked at most formal high-end menswear retailers in Italy adopting a methodology based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process and multiple case studies. Thirty interviews were conducted with experts, managers and shopkeepers from case studies.FindingsThe study develops for the first time a classification framework of formal high-end menswear retailers and a matching matrix to jointly analyse retailers' clusters and customer profiles in Italy. The results identify the CSFs pursued by menswear retailers and highlight the existence of four clusters of retailers (Differentiated Fashion Firms; Formal Menswear Leaders; Tailoring Firms and Luxury Brands) and seven customer profiles (Habitual Professionals, Special Events, Young People, Occasional Professionals, Foreigners, VIPs and Fashionistas).Originality/valueThe formal high-end menswear represents one of the most traditional Italian heritage markets while being almost ignored in the academic literature. Thus, the value of this research lays in deepening our understanding of this market from the retailers' perspective, by providing for the first time a taxonomy of its players and contributing to identifying the CSFs and the main customer profiles.
On the determinants, gains and challenges of electronic banking adoption in Nigeria
Authors: Aduba Joseph Junior 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the gains, challenges and determinants of electronic banking adoption in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applied the generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) to a large sample of respondents surveyed from five of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to model the determinants of electronic banking. In addition to many other advantages, GSEM can be used as a likelihood function. As a result, this paper proposes GSEM as the most appropriate tool for modelling the socioeconomic determinant of electronic banking adoption.FindingsAbout three-quarter of respondents adopted at least a form of electronic banking. However, only a tenth of users used e-banking for purchase of goods or services, implying low electronic payment adoption. The low adoption of electronic payment was due to poor digital security infrastructure which made users vulnerable to widespread electronic frauds. The findings also show that the adoption of e-banking platforms or services was characterized by users' socioeconomic status. For example, the odds of adopting internet/mobile banking decreases with older users but increase with higher educational attainment and income, whereas the odds of adopting e-banking platforms such as short message service (SMS) and point of sale (POS) banking increases with older users and informally employed users respectively.Practical implicationsFor a sustainable cashless economy and financial inclusion in Nigeria, policy consolidation that provides safe e-banking services is necessary. Also, e-banking service providers should deliver specific contents and services that match the physical and economic characteristics of users.Originality/valueGeneralized structural equation modelling (GSEM) is a robust likelihood function method that combines the power of structural equation modelling with the generalized linear model. The application of GSEM to predict the likelihood of adopting a banking technology or Service has not been explored in electronic banking literature. Also, as a fast-growing economy with a heterogeneous population, Nigeria presents an interesting context to study the determinants of electronic banking.
The best practice of marketing strategies for the Malaysian business event industry from experts' perspective
Authors: Hazira Mohd Nasir , Alagas Elangkovan Narayanan , Amin Muslim , Zamzuri Norol Hamiza , Zairul Mohd Mohd 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the best practices in marketing strategies for the Malaysian business event industry.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology was adopted to collect primary data from semi-structured interviews. The informants included ten experts from the Malaysian business event industry. The data collected were then grouped using the ATLAS.ti (v.8) software for thematic analysis. A trustworthiness assessment was applied to increase the credibility and ensure the rigour of the qualitative findings.FindingsThe qualitative results revealed the following final themes: event marketing, the marketing plan, the 7 Ps of the marketing mix, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and traditional and digital marketing. Interestingly, three inductive themes were also emerged as follows: relationship marketing, unique selling points (USPs) and key opinion leaders.Research limitations/implicationsThis study looked at Malaysian business events and focused only on findings from the industry expert's perspective. In the future, further investigation may concentrate on other business event industry players such as destination marketing companies, airline operators, travel intermediaries, clients, suppliers, universities and the government.Practical implicationsThe findings offer a holistic approach to increase Malaysia's competitiveness among other primary business event host destinations in the Asian-Pacific, improve its worldwide and Asian-Pacific rankings and better position the country as a preferred business event destination during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Originality/valueThis is the first such study to date, which has never been explored in qualitative academic research. This study has substantial implications for various business event industry stakeholders in Malaysia.
Oxidation of organoarsenicals and antimonite by a novel flavin monooxygenase widely present in soil bacteria
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Jian , Wu Yi‐Fei , Wang Zi‐Ping , Qiu Ji‐Guo , Li Xiao‐Long , Cai Feng , Xiao Ke‐Qing , Sun Xiao‐Xu , Rosen Barry P. , Zhao Fang‐Jie 
Published: March 2021

SummaryArsenic can be biomethylated to form a variety of organic arsenicals differing in toxicity and environmental mobility. Trivalent methylarsenite (MAs(III)) produced in the methylation process is more toxic than inorganic arsenite (As(III)). MAs(III) also serves as a primitive antibiotic and, consequently, some environmental microorganisms have evolved mechanisms to detoxify MAs(III). However, the mechanisms of MAs(III) detoxification are not well understood. In this study, we identified an arsenic resistance (ars) operon consisting of three genes, arsRVK, that contribute to MAs(III) resistance in Ensifer adhaerens ST2. ArsV is annotated as an NADPH‐dependent flavin monooxygenase with unknown function. Expression of arsV in the arsenic hypersensitive Escherichia coli strain AW3110Δars conferred resistance to MAs(III) and the ability to oxidize MAs(III) to MAs(V). In the presence of NADPH and either FAD or FMN, purified ArsV protein was able to oxidize both MAs(III) to MAs(V) and Sb(III) to Sb(V). Genes with arsV‐like sequences are widely present in soils and environmental bacteria. Metagenomic analysis of five paddy soils showed the abundance of arsV‐like sequences of 0.12–0.25 ppm. These results demonstrate that ArsV is a novel enzyme for the detoxification of MAs(III) and Sb(III) and the genes encoding ArsV are widely present in soil bacteria.
Molecular identification of a forensically relevant blowfly species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from the Nagpur region of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Shinde Apurva M. , Mahakalkar Archana L. , Sapkal Hemant P. , Abd Al GAlil Fahd Mohammed , Al‐Mekhlafi Fahd A. , Wadaan Muhammad A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBlowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are widely distributed in many parts of the world. These flies have forensic importance, as they infest carrion soon after death; this helps not only to estimate the post‐mortem interval, but also other forensic interpretations. However, the forensic value of most entomofauna found at crime scenes is dependent on accurate species identification. Traditional identification of blowflies is based on morphology, but this has limitations when it comes to identifying degraded or damaged samples, or immature stages of the flies. To increase the accuracy of species identification, DNA‐based technologies have been applied. Molecular identification, using the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I gene coupled with its phylogenetic analysis, has demonstrated the potential for rapid and accurate identification of Calliphoridae species. The present study used this process of molecular identification to identify blowflies collected from the Nagpur region (Maharashtra, India). Five flies belonging to two species (Chrysoma megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies) have been identified by mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I gene sequences, and have been added to GenBank [Accession nos: ‐ (MT502110, MT502109 Chrysomya megacephala) (MT502108, MT502111 – Chrysomya rufifacies) to aid researchers in the correct identification of blowfly species for future research or forensic applications.
The secret lives of single cells
Authors: Wood Thomas K. 
Published: March 2021

SummaryLooking back fondly on the first 15 years of Microbial Biotechnology, a trend is emerging that biotechnology is moving from studies that focus on whole‐cell populations, where heterogeneity exists even during robust growth, to those with an emphasis on single cells. This instils optimism that insights will be made into myriad aspects of bacterial growth in communities.
Protein quantification in ecological studies: A literature review and empirical comparisons of standard methodologies
Authors: Zaguri Moshe , Kandel Shani , Rinehart Shelby A. , Torsekar Viraj R. , Hawlena Dror 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Protein quantification is a routine procedure in ecological studies despite the inherent limitations of well‐acknowledged protein determination methods which have been largely overlooked by ecologists. Thus, we want to bridge this knowledge gap, in hopes of improving the way ecologists quantify proteins and interpret findings.

We surveyed the ecological literature to determine how and why ecologists quantify proteins. To determine whether different quantification methods produce comparable results across taxa, and between populations of a single species, we estimated the protein content of eight phylogenetically diverse taxa, and of desert isopods fed different diets, using various derived protocols of the 'crude protein', Bradford and bicinchoninic acid approach (BCA) methods.

We found that ecologists use many protein quantification procedures, often without reporting the crucial information needed to evaluate and repeat their methods. Our empirical work demonstrated that the three quantification methods examined, and their derived protocols, resulted in highly divergent protein estimations that were inconsistent in rank across taxa, preventing conversion between methods. We also found that different quantification methods yielded different answers to whether isopod protein content is affected by diet.

We conclude that commonly used quantification techniques yield distinct protein estimations with varying precision, and no single method is likely to be more accurate than another across taxa which may lead to inconsistent results across taxa and between conspecifics. Inaccurate protein quantification may explain the observed mismatch between organismal N and protein that has plagued some recent studies and that contradicts the principles of ecological stoichiometry. We recommend using a single BCA protocol to reduce inconsistencies across studies, until the promising amino acid analysis becomes more affordable, accurate and accessible to ecologists. Until then, ecologists should consider the abovementioned drawbacks of protein quantification methods and interpret their results accordingly.