bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovating with government digital platforms in low-income countries: the dynamic capabilities of Woredas in Ethiopia
Authors: Senshaw Debas , Twinomurinzi Hossana 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the dynamic capabilities of government organisations in Woredas of Ethiopia that digitally innovate on the existing government digital platform, the WoredaNet.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a qualitative interpretive case study strategy using three government administrative regions in Ethiopia (called Woredas), which digitally innovate using the government digital platform, the WoredaNet. A structured interview protocol was implemented for data collection. In total, 5 respondents representing users, information and communication technology (ICT) staff and management were selected from each of the Woredas (districts), yielding a total of 15 respondents.

Findings
Drawing from the dynamic capabilities literature, the findings reveal that the digital platform governance model plays the strongest role in digital government innovation. Specifically, the Woredas exhibit highly developed adaptive capabilities through learning from the affordances offered by the digital platform. Also, despite the collaborative nature of their absorptive capabilities, there are no clear organisational structures to manifest these capabilities (integrating new learnings). The innovative capabilities (creating digital government products or service innovations) are constrained by the governance model, which is centralised in one ICT unit.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to one of the Regional States of Ethiopia. Further studies would be needed to consider other regional states and more Woredas.

Practical implications
The research provides a means through which dynamic capabilities can improve digital innovation on government digital platforms, despite the scarcity of resources, especially in low-income countries.

Originality/value
The paper contributes to digital government and dynamic capability literature in revealing how digital innovations in government agencies might be organisationally enhanced through distributed digital platform governance models.
Valuation inaccuracy, approaches, basis and procedures for judgment execution in Ethiopia
Authors: Asnakew Masresha Belete , Amogne Minale Kassahun 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe causes of valuation inaccuracy, the approaches, basis and procedures used for value estimation were not profoundly identified in Ethiopia. Particularly, the causes of property valuation inaccuracy for court decisions have not been assiduously studied by scholars. Hence, the ultimate goal of this study aims to identify the determinant variables of valuation inaccuracy, the approaches, basis and procedures used for court execution purposes.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target populations of the study were the courts at the federal and regional levels. A purposive sampling technique was employed to undertake this study. The survey data was analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII).FindingsThe finding of this research revealed that courts have not outshined and uniform valuation manuals and guidelines that clearly state the approaches, procedures and bases of valuation. As a consequence, courts execute based on the opinion of value determined by other institutions. The insignificant numbers of independent valuation institution with the lack of uniform standards in the country prejudice the implementation of the decision of the court and faced injustice. The finding also reveals as there are several causative variables for real property valuation inaccuracy.Practical implicationsTo alleviate the problem, the government should strengthen the valuation sector by creating an independent institution for advancing valuation regulation and policymaking.Originality/valueThis study was the first of all and could be a pointer for different government and non-government bodies regarding the limitations of valuation for judgment execution purposes.
Reflections on the outcomes
Authors: Sanjeev Gunjan M. , Teare Richard 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to profile the experiences of the theme editor and the writing team of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “What should Indian tourism and hospitality managers focus on to stay competitive in the coming decade?”

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings
This paper identifies key issues shaping the Indian tourism and hospitality industry and some of the implications for managers. It also identifies ways of improving competitiveness and some of the ways in which the Indian Government (at national and state levels) is investing in and facilitating community-focussed tourism development.

Practical implications
The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing.

Originality/value
This paper draws on discussion and applied research with industry to identify and assess the likely impact of innovation, information technology, social media and related developments on tourism and hospitality industry development in India. The theme issue collection of this paper provides a rich picture of the occurring changes and prospects for the future.
Distinct effects of calcineurin dependent and independent immunosuppressants on endotoxaemia‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Role of androgens
Authors: Elzokm Shrouk S. , Fouda Mohamed A. , Abdel Moneim Rahab A. , El‐Mas Mahmoud M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEvidence suggests that immunosuppressant therapies protect against harmful effects of endotoxaemia. In this study, we tested whether calcineurin‐dependent (cyclosporine/tacrolimus) and ‐independent (sirolimus) immunosuppressants variably influence nephrotoxicity induced by endotoxaemia and whether this interaction is modulated by testosterone. We investigated the effects of immunosuppressants on renal histopathological, biochemical and inflammatory profiles in endotoxic male rats and the role of androgenic state in the interaction. Six‐hour treatment of rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 3 mg/kg) increased (i) serum urea/creatinine, (ii) width of proximal/distal tubules, (iii) tubular degeneration and vacuolation, (iv) Western protein expressions of renal toll‐like receptor 4, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and NADPH oxidase‐2, and (v) serum tumour necrosis factor‐α and myeloperoxidase. These endotoxic manifestations were intensified and eliminated upon concurrent exposure to cyclosporine and sirolimus, respectively. The cyclosporine actions appear to be a class rather than a drug effect because similar exacerbation of LPS nephrotoxicity was observed in rats treated with tacrolimus, another calcineurin inhibitor (CNI). Moreover, the deteriorated renal outcomes in LPS/tacrolimus‐treated rats were reduced after castration or androgen receptor blockade by flutamide. The data suggest opposite effects for calcineurin‐dependent (exaggeration) and ‐independent immunosuppressants (amelioration) on renal defects of endotoxaemia and implicate androgenic pathways in the worsened endotoxic renal profile induced by CNIs.
Racialising Baby Boys: Racial and Gender Politics in Infant Formula Advertisements in Cold War Korea, 1950s–1960s
Authors: Heo Na Sil 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article examines the racial and gender politics in infant formula advertisements in post‐war South Korea as one aspect of the transition between the Japanese empire and the new Cold War order. Despite the efforts to make the transition between the two orders seamless, the issue of infant feeding reveals the continuously shifting and unstable alliances, tensions and complexities of the socioeconomic and ideological nature of infant feeding and the incomplete overlapping between Japan and the United States in Cold War formations. Through a race and gender‐conscious reading of advertisements in local newspapers and childrearing literature, this article demonstrates how nursing babies were racialised vis‐à‐vis Japan and the United States. Through the iconography of baby boys in infant formula advertisements, the practice of bottle feeding and, by extension, autonomy were masculinised.
Exploring the residential segregation of Chinese languages and language groups of the Indian subcontinent in Sydney
Authors: Johnston Ron , Forrest James , Siciliano Frank 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMost studies of the spatial integration of immigrant groups and their descendants in multicultural cities use broad categories only, such as ethnic/racial identity and birthplace/ancestry, implicitly assuming that such groups are homogeneous. Some are not. Instead, they are subdivided according to further cultural characteristics such as language and religion, which may be central to group identity and residential location choices. Using data from the 2016 Australian census, we examine the spatial distribution of 17 language groups with 1,000 or more persons in Sydney—five Chinese languages and 12 from the Indian subcontinent—at five spatial scales: major regions, regions, districts, suburbs, and neighbourhoods. We find consistent evidence of significant levels of segregation among those speaking the 17 languages at the neighbourhood level, but a lack of differentiation among other scales in Sydney.
Movement of prion‐like α‐synuclein along the gut–brain axis in Parkinson's disease: A potential target of curcumin treatment
Authors: Chetty Devina , Abrahams Shameemah , van Coller Riaan , Carr Jonathan , Kenyon Colin , Bardien Soraya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA pathological hallmark of the neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD), is aggregation of toxic forms of the presynaptic protein, α‐synuclein in structures known as Lewy bodies. α‐Synuclein pathology is found in both the brain and gastrointestinal tracts of affected individuals, possibly due to the movement of this protein along the vagus nerve that connects the brain to the gut. In this review, we discuss current insights into the spread of α‐synuclein pathology along the gut–brain axis, which could be targeted for therapeutic interventions. The prion‐like propagation of α‐synuclein, and the clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal dysfunction in individuals living with PD, are discussed. There is currently insufficient evidence that surgical alteration of the vagus nerve, or removal of gut‐associated lymphoid tissues, such as the appendix and tonsils, are protective against PD. Furthermore, we propose curcumin as a potential candidate to prevent the spread of α‐synuclein pathology in the body by curcumin binding to α‐synuclein's non‐amyloid β‐component (NAC) domain. Curcumin is an active component of the food spice turmeric and is known for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and potentially neuroprotective properties. We hypothesize that once α‐synuclein is bound to curcumin, both molecules are subsequently excreted from the body. Therefore, dietary supplementation with curcumin over one's lifetime has potential as a novel approach to complement existing PD treatment and/or prevention strategies. Future studies are required to validate this hypothesis, but if successful, this could represent a significant step towards improved nutrient‐based therapeutic interventions and preventative strategies for this debilitating and currently incurable disorder.
CSNK2B: A broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disability and epilepsy severity
Authors: Ernst Michelle E. , Baugh Evan H. , Thomas Amanda , Bier Louise , Lippa Natalie , Stong Nicholas , Mulhern Maureen S. , Kushary Sulagna , Akman Cigdem I. , Heinzen Erin L. , Yeh Raymond , Bi Weimin , Hanchard Neil A. , Burrage Lindsay C. , Leduc Magalie S. , Chong Josephine S. C. , Bend Renee , Lyons Michael J. , Lee Jennifer A. , Suwannarat Pim , Brilstra Eva , Simon Marleen , Koopmans Marije , van Binsbergen Ellen , Groepper Daniel , Fleischer Julie , Nava Caroline , Keren Boris , Mignot Cyril , Mathieu Sophie , Mancini Grazia M. S. , Madan‐Khetarpal Suneeta , Infante Elena M. , Bluvstein Judith , Seeley Andrea , Bachman Kristine , Klee Eric W. , Schultz‐Rogers Laura E. , Hasadsri Linda , Barnett Sarah , Ellingson Marissa S. , Ferber Matthew J. , Narayanan Vinodh , Ramsey Keri , Rauch Anita , Joset Pascal , Steindl Katharina , Sheehan Theodore , Poduri Annapurna , Vasquez Alejandra , Ruivenkamp Claudia , White Susan M. , Pais Lynn , Monaghan Kristin G. , Goldstein David B. , Sands Tristan T. , Aggarwal Vimla 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCSNK2B has recently been implicated as a disease gene for neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) and epilepsy. Information about developmental outcomes has been limited by the young age and short follow‐up for many of the previously reported cases, and further delineation of the spectrum of associated phenotypes is needed. We present 25 new patients with variants in CSNK2B and refine the associated NDD and epilepsy phenotypes. CSNK2B variants were identified by research or clinical exome sequencing, and investigators from different centers were connected via GeneMatcher. Most individuals had developmental delay and generalized epilepsy with onset in the first 2 years. However, we found a broad spectrum of phenotypic severity, ranging from early normal development with pharmacoresponsive seizures to profound intellectual disability with intractable epilepsy and recurrent refractory status epilepticus. These findings suggest that CSNK2B should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with a broad range of NDD with treatable or intractable seizures.
Impact of Chk1 dosage on somatic hypermutation in vivo
Authors: Bello Amanda , Jungnickel Berit 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCheckpoint signaling in the context of a functional DNA damage response is crucial for the prevention of oncogenic transformation of cells. Our immune system, though, takes the risk of attenuated checkpoint responses during immunoglobulin diversification. B cells undergo continuous DNA damage and error‐prone repair of their immunoglobulin genes during the process of somatic hypermutation. An accompanying attenuation of the DNA damage response via the ATR–Chk1 axis in B cells is believed to allow for a better DNA damage tolerance and for evasion of apoptosis, so as to ensure mutations to be passed on. We sought to determine whether the downregulation of Chk1 could also directly influence the process of hypermutation in vivo by altering the relative activity of error‐prone DNA repair pathways. We analyzed the humoral response and the hypermutation process in mice whose B cells express reduced levels of the Chk1 protein. We found that Chk1 heterozygosity limits the accumulation of mutations in the immunoglobulin loci, likely by impacting on the survival of B cells as they accumulate DNA damage. Nevertheless, we unveiled an unanticipated role for Chk1 downregulation in favoring A/T mutagenesis at the antibody‐variable regions during hypermutation. Even though immunoglobulin mutagenesis was found to be reduced, Chk1 signaling attenuation allows for sustained mutagenesis outside the immunoglobulin loci. Our study thus reveals that a proper Chk1 dosage is crucial for adequate somatic hypermutation in B cells.
Predictors of long‐term success after catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes
Authors: Im Sung‐Il , Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Lee Adam , Higuchi Satoshi , Moss Joshua D. , Hsia Henry , Tseng Zian H. , Lee Randall , Marcus Gregory M. , Vedantham Vasanth , Scheinman Melvin , Lee Byron , Park Kyoung‐Min , Gerstenfeld Edward P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionSome patients have late recurrence after acutely successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of long‐term success following acutely successful PVC RFCA.MethodsWe identified consecutive patients at our institution with frequent PVCs undergoing RFCA and reviewed procedural data and medical records. Acute success was defined as elimination of targeted PVCs for at least 30‐min after RFCA. Long‐term success was defined as absence of targeted PVCs during all follow‐up visits and PVC‐burden <5% on follow‐up monitoring.ResultsAmong 241 patients (mean age 57 ± 15 years, 58% male), 161 (66.8%) had long‐term success with median follow‐up of 17.7 (IQR, 12.2–29.8) months. Unadjusted predictors of late PVC recurrence were increasing age, diabetes mellitus and alcohol use, while female‐sex, shorter ablation‐time, right ventricular PVC‐origin, single PVC morphology, and earliest bipolar activation ≥24 ms pre‐QRS were predictors of long‐term success. In multivariate‐analysis, female‐sex, single‐PVC morphology and earliest‐onset of PVC ≥ 24 ms pre‐QRS were independent predictors for long‐term success. The positive‐predictive value of earliest‐bipolar onset of PVC ≥ 24 ms pre‐QRS for long‐term success was 0.77 (p < .001). Negative‐predictive value of PVC < 15 ms pre‐QRS for long‐term success was 0.86 (p = .003), suggesting that RFCA when the bipolar electrogram preceded QRS by <15 ms was unlikely to result in long‐term success.ConclusionsFemale‐sex, single‐PVC morphology, and earliest‐onset of bipolar electrogram ≥24 ms pre‐QRS were multivariable predictors of long‐term success in patients with PVCs undergoing RFCA. RFCA at sites with local onset <15 ms pre‐QRS are unlikely to be successful.
How much impairment is required for ADHD? No evidence of a discrete threshold
Authors: Arildskov Trine Wigh , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. , Thomsen Per Hove , Virring Anne , Østergaard Søren D. 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundA diagnosis of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires the presence of impairment alongside symptoms above a specific frequency and severity threshold. However, the question of whether that symptom threshold represents anything more than an arbitrary cutoff on a continuum of impairment requires further empirical study. Therefore, we present the first study investigating if the relationship between ADHD symptom severity and functional impairment is nonlinear in a way that suggests a discrete, nonarbitrary symptom level threshold associated with a marked step increase in impairment.MethodsParent reports on the ADHD‐Rating Scale (ADHD‐RS‐IV), the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS‐P), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were collected in a general population sample of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders (N = 1,914–2,044).ResultsPiecewise linear regression analyses and nonlinear regression modeling both demonstrated that the relationship between symptom severity (ADHD‐RS‐IV total score) and impairment (WFIRS‐P mean score) was characterized by a gradual linear increase in impairment with higher symptom severity and no apparent step increase or changing rate of increase in impairment at a certain high ADHD‐RS‐IV total score level. Controlling for socioeconomic status, sex, and co‐occurring conduct and emotional symptoms did not alter these results, though comorbid symptoms had a significant effect on impairment.ConclusionsThere was no clear evidence for a discrete, nonarbitrary symptom severity threshold with regard to impairment. The results highlight the continued need to consider both symptoms and impairment in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Plasma heparin cofactor II activity is inversely associated with albuminuria and its annual deterioration in patients with diabetes
Authors: Hara Tomoyo , Uemoto Ryoko , Sekine Akiko , Mitsui Yukari , Masuda Shiho , Kurahashi Kiyoe , Yoshida Sumiko , Otoda Toshiki , Yuasa Tomoyuki , Kuroda Akio , Ikeda Yasumasa , Endo Itsuro , Honda Soichi , Yoshimoto Katsuhiko , Kondo Akira , Tamaki Toshiaki , Matsumoto Toshio , Matsuhisa Munehide , Abe Masahiro , Aihara Ken‐ichi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionThrombin exerts various pathophysiological functions by activating protease‐activated receptors (PARs). Recent data have shown that PARs influence the development of glomerular diseases including diabetic kidney disease (DKD) by regulating inflammation. Heparin cofactor II (HCII) specifically inactivates thrombin; thus, we hypothesized that low plasma HCII activity correlates with DKD development, as represented by albuminuria.Materials and MethodsPlasma HCII activity and spot urine biomarkers, including albumin and liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP), were determined as the urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR) and the urine L‐FABP‐to‐creatinine ratio (uL‐FABPCR) in 310 Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus (176 males and 134 females). The relationships between plasma HCII activities and those DKD urine biomarkers were statistically evaluated. In addition, the relationship between plasma HCII activities and annual uACR changes was statistically evaluated for 201/310 patients (115 males and 86 females).ResultsThe mean plasma HCII activity of all participants was 93.8 ± 17.7%. Multivariate‐regression analysis including confounding factors showed that plasma HCII activity independently contributed to the suppression of the uACR and log‐transformed uACR values (P = 0.036 and P = 0.006, respectively) but not uL‐FABPCR (P = 0.541). In addition, plasma HCII activity significantly and inversely correlated with annual uACR and log‐transformed uACR increments after adjusting for confounding factors (P = 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively).ConclusionsThe plasma HCII activity was inversely and specifically associated with glomerular injury in patients with diabetes. The results suggest that HCII can serve as a novel predictive factor for early‐stage DKD development, as represented by albuminuria.
Cyto‐histopathological and protein polymorphism alterations in five populations of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as biomonitor for water heavy metal pollution
Authors: Abu Shnaf Anwaar S. M. , Abd El‐Aziz Shaban H. , Ata Abdeltawab M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCytological, histopathological and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel analyses were carried out on five populations of common Nile tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) occurring in five sites – River Nile (reference site), Bahr Yusef canal, Ibrahimia canal, Irrigation drain and El Moheet drain of El Minia Province, Egypt – to evaluate the usability of Nile tilapia as a biomonitor for water heavy metal contaminants. Water surface samples were collected from the five sites, and lead (Pb) concentration was shown to surpass the limits defined by WHO. Ni and Cd levels were shown to be elevated in Ibrahimia canal samples. Moreover, the concentration of heavy metals in fish muscles collected from Bahr Yusef canal and El Moheet drain was the highest in comparison with those of the other water sites. Cytological examinations of blood smears showed not only a significant percentage of micronuclei in Irrigation drain population but also a significant percentage of binucleated cells in Ibrahimia canal and El Moheet drain populations. In addition, pathological alteration was observed in blood cells, especially in samples collected from Irrigation drain and El Moheet drain. Histopathological changes were strongly observed in the liver and the kidneys of El Moheet and Irrigation drain population. Moreover, total protein band pattern profiles showed extra bands in both Ibrahimia canal and Irrigation drain more than that recorded for the River Nile population. In conclusion, cyto‐histopathological and total protein band pattern results confirmed that O. niloticus responds sensitively to the excess of heavy metals present in the water.