bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deploying anin vitrogut model to assay the impact of a mannan-oligosaccharide prebiotic, Bio-Mos® on the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) gut microbiome
Authors: Kazlauskaite R. , Cheaib B. , Humble J. , Heys C. , Ijaz U. Z. , Connelly S. , Sloan W.T. , Russell J. , Martinez-Rubio L. , Sweetman J. , Kitts A. , McGinnity P. , Lyons P. , Llewellyn M.S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMannose-oligosaccharide (MOS) pre-biotics are widely deployed in animal agriculture as immunomodulators as well as to enhance growth and gut health. Their mode of action is thought to be mediated through their impact on host microbial communities and the associated metabolism. Bio-Mos is a commercially available pre-biotic currently used in the agri-feed industry. To assess Bio-Mos for potential use as a prebiotic growth promotor in salmonid aquaculture, we have modified an established Atlantic salmonin vitrogut model, SalmoSim, to evaluate its impact on the host microbial communities. Inoculated from biological triplicates of adult farmed salmon pyloric caeca compartments, the microbial communities were stabilised in SalmoSim followed by a twenty-day exposure to the prebiotic and in turn followed by an eight day ‘wash out’ period. Dietary inclusion of MOS resulted in a significant increase in formate (p=0.001), propionate (p=0.037) and isovalerate (p=0.024) levels, correlated with increased abundances of several, principally, anaerobic microbial genera (Fusobacterium,Agarivorans,Pseudoalteromonas). DNA metabarcoding with the 16S rDNA marker confirmed a significant shift in microbial community composition in response to MOS supplementation with observed increase in lactic acid producingCarnobacterium. In conjunction with previousin vivostudies linking enhanced volatile fatty acid production alongside MOS supplementation to host growth and performance, our data suggests that Bio-Mos may be of value in salmonid production. Furthermore, our data highlights the potential role ofin vitrogut models to augmentin vivotrials of microbiome modulators.ImportanceIn this paper we report the results of the impact of prebiotic (MOS supplementation) on microbial communities within recently developed Atlantic salmon gut microbiomein vitrosimulator. Our data suggest that Bio-Mos may be of value in salmonid production as it enhances volatile fatty acid production in the Atlantic salmon gut and correlates with a significant shift in microbial community composition with observed increase in lactic acid producingCarnobacterium. In conjunction with previousin vivostudies linking enhanced volatile fatty acid production alongside MOS supplementation to host growth and performance, our data suggest that Bio-Mos may be of value in salmonid production. Furthermore, our data highlights the potential role ofin vitrogut models to augmentin vivotrials of microbiome modulators.
Semantic scene-object consistency modulates N300/400 EEG components, but does not automatically facilitate object representations
Authors: Chen Lixiang , Cichy Radoslaw Martin , Kaiser Daniel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDuring natural vision, objects rarely appear in isolation, but often within a semantically related scene context. Previous studies reported that semantic consistency between objects and scenes facilitates object perception, and that scene-object consistency is reflected in changes in the N300 and N400 components in EEG recordings. Here, we investigate whether these N300/400 differences are indicative of changes in the cortical representation of objects. In two experiments, we recorded EEG signals while participants viewed semantically consistent or inconsistent objects within a scene; in Experiment 1, these objects were task-irrelevant, while in Experiment 2, they were directly relevant for behavior. In both experiments, we found reliable and comparable N300/400 differences between consistent and inconsistent scene-object combinations. To probe the quality of object representations, we performed multivariate classification analyses, in which we decoded the category of the objects contained in the scene. In Experiment 1, in which the objects were not task-relevant, object category could be decoded from around 100 ms after the object presentation, but no difference in decoding performance was found between consistent and inconsistent objects. By contrast, when the objects were task-relevant in Experiment 2, we found enhanced decoding of semantically consistent, compared to semantically inconsistent, objects. These results show that differences in N300/400 components related to scene-object consistency do not index changes in cortical object representations, but rather reflect a generic marker of semantic violations. Further, our findings suggest that facilitatory effects between objects and scenes are task-dependent rather than automatic.
Axonal T2 estimation using the spherical variance of the strongly diffusion-weighted MRI signal
Authors: Pizzolato Marco , Andersson Mariam , Canales-Rodríguez Erick Jorge , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Dyrby Tim B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn magnetic resonance imaging, the application of a strong diffusion weighting suppresses the signal contributions from the less diffusion-restricted constituents of the brain’s white matter, thus enabling the estimation of the transverse relaxation time T2 that arises from the more diffusion-restricted constituents such as the axons. However, the presence of cell nuclei and vacuoles can confound the estimation of the axonal T2, as diffusion within those structures is also restricted, causing the corresponding signal to survive the strong diffusion weighting. We devise an estimator of the axonal T2 based on the directional spherical variance of the strongly diffusion-weighted signal. The spherical variance T2 estimates are insensitive to the presence of isotropic contributions to the signal like those provided by cell nuclei and vacuoles. We show that with a strong diffusion weighting these estimates differ from those obtained using the directional spherical mean of the signal which contains both axonal and isotropically-restricted contributions. Our findings hint at the presence of an MRI-visible isotropically-restricted contribution to the signal in the white matter ex vivo fixed tissue (monkey) at 7T, and do not allow us to discard such a possibility also for in vivo human data collected with a clinical 3T system.
Heterozygous loss of ZBTB38 leads to early embryonic lethality in mice via suppressing Nanog and Sox2
Authors: Nishio Miki , Matsuura Takuya , Hibi Shunya , Ohta Shiomi , Oka Chio , Sasai Noriaki , Ishida Yasumasa , Matsuda Eishou 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTMammalian DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification which is involved in various biological processes, including gene expression regulation. In mice, methyltransferases are responsible for DNA methylation, which are critical for early embryogenesis. However, the significance of methyl-CpG binding proteins (MBPs) that bind methylated CpG remains largely unknown. We previously demonstrated that ZBTB38/CIBZ-a zinc finger type of MBP-is required for ES cell proliferation by positively regulating Nanog expression. However, the physiological function of ZBTB38 remains unclear. In this study, we generated conditional ZBTB38 knockout mice using Cre-loxP technology. Unexpectedly, our results showed that germline loss of the ZBTB38 single allele resulted in decreased epiblast cell proliferation and increased apoptosis shortly after implantation, leading to early embryonic lethality. We found that heterozygous loss of ZBTB38 reduced the expression of Nanog, Sox2, and the genes responsible for epiblast proliferation, differentiation, and cell viability. Despite this lethal phenotype, ZBTB38 is dispensable for ES cell establishment and identity. Together, these findings indicate that ZBTB38 is essential for early embryonic development, providing new insights into the roles of MBP in implantation.
Identification of HCN1 as a 14-3-3 client
Authors: Lankford Colten , Houtman Jon , Baker Sheila 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) is expressed throughout the nervous system and is critical for regulating neuronal excitability, with mutations being associated with multiple forms of epilepsy. Adaptive modulation of HCN1 has been observed as has pathogenic dysregulation. While the mechanisms underlying this modulation remain incompletely understood, regulation of HCN1 has been shown to include phosphorylation. A candidate phosphorylation-dependent regulator of HCN1 channels is 14-3-3. We used bioinformatics to identify three potential 14-3-3 binding sites in HCN1. Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrated that recombinant 14-3-3 binds all three phospho-peptides with low micromolar affinity. We confirmed that 14-3-3 could pull down HCN1 from multiple tissue sources and used HEK293 cells to detail the interaction. Two binding sites in the intrinsically disordered C-terminus of HCN1 were necessary and sufficient for a phosphorylation-dependent interaction with 14-3-3. The same region of HCN1 containing the 14-3-3 binding sites is required for phosphorylation-independent protein degradation. We propose a model in which phosphorylation of S810 and S867 (human S789 and S846) recruits 14-3-3 to inhibit a yet unidentified factor signaling for protein degradation, thus increasing the half-life of HCN1.
Using digital social stories to improve social skills in children with autism: a pilot experimental single-subject study
Authors: Safi Mohammed F. , Alnuaimi Maitha , Sartawi Abdelaziz 
Published: August 2021

PurposeChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face difficulty with educational attainment because of to their inability to interact with others. One intervention that is used to increase social skills in individuals with ASD is social stories. This study aimed at exploring the impact of digital social stories in improving social skills of two students with ASD in the UAE.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental AB single-subject study was conducted to investigate the impact of digital social stories on nonverbal communication, targeting two specific behaviors: raising hands before leaving one’s seat (TB1) and playing and sharing toys with peers (TB2). Two digital social stories (DSS1 and DSS2) were developed for the purpose of this study and transformed using a digital platform to be displayed on an iPad (tablet).FindingsThis study involved two male participants with ASD (10 and 11 years old). Participant one demonstrated improvement in TB1 (mean of 1.11) because of DSS1 in the intervention phase. Participant two demonstrated improvement of 18% in TB2 ( mean of 0.18) as a result of DSS2 in the intervention phase.Practical implicationsBoth students that participated in the study showed a positive change in their target behaviors during the intervention phase intervention at different levels. Using an ABA study design would have been stronger in establishing a more valid causal relation in this single-subject design study. However, due the COVID-19 closures and curfews, the researchers had to switch to the AB design.Originality/valueThis study demonstrated how social stories had a positive impact on ASD social skills. Further, it indicated the potential effectiveness of using digital social stories to reduce undesirable behaviors or increase a desirable behaviors in children who have ASD.
Successful collaboration between smart city consortium and Hong Kong Government in Covid-19 dashboard: the case of leadership in practice
Authors: Chun Daniel Jung Yue , Nabsiah Wahid Abdul , Tan Cheng Ling 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to discover why such a public partnership project had been successful with a non-profit third-party alliance such as a smart city consortium (SCC) promoting smart city development.

Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive case study is primarily based on analysing data collected from various texts, public statements, media interviews and three semi-structured interviews with key members involved in the Covid-19 dashboard project.

Findings
The data and analysis reviews that both interpersonal and interorganisational trust, dedication and proactiveness of the leaders at SCC were major contributing factors to why SCC was able to partner with the Hong Kong Government in the Covid-19 dashboard in the first place and that the success was also a direct outcome of effective mass collaborative knowledge management activities.

Research limitations/implications
The research in leadership attributes and activities in the non-profit alliance has been few and this collaborative partnership between the alliance and the government is an example of the importance of further research in smart city leadership.

Practical implications
In deploying projects for mass collaboration and knowledge sharing in smart city development (which is multi-disciplinary in nature). there are still many new and evolving organisational practices and leadership matters that many business leaders and city managers can learn from.

Social implications
Smart city development projects involve the notion of sharing data in an open environment enabled by software and mediating tools. Successful projects such as this Hong Kong Covid-19 dashboard which serves a diverse audience can further promote the importance of an open data policy regime for the benefit of the public.

Originality/value
This case study covers a highly original and unique case study with the leaders at the SCC and representatives from the Hong Kong Government.
The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on drug service provision in European prisons
Authors: Montanari Linda , Teltzrow Robert , Van Malderen Sara , Ranieri Roberto , Martín Peláez José Antonio , Vandam Liesbeth , Mounteney Jane , Pirona Alessandro , Meroueh Fadi , Giraudon Isabelle , Matias João , Skarupova Katerina , Royuela Luis , Morel d’Arleux Julien 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 containment measures on the provision of drug treatment and harm reduction services in European prisons in15 countries during the early phase of the pandemic (March –June 2020).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a mixed method research approach that triangulates different data sources, including the results of an on-line survey, the outcome of a focus group and four national case studies.

Findings
The emergence of COVID-19 led to a disruption in prison drug markets and resulted in a number of challenges for the drug services provision inside prison. Challenges for health services included the need to maintain the provision of drug-related interventions inside prison, while introducing a range of COVID-19 containment measures. To reduce contacts between people, many countries introduced measures for early release, resulted in around a 10% reduction of the prison population in Europe. Concerns were expressed around reduction of drug-related interventions, including group activities, services by external agencies, interventions in preparation for release and continuity of care.

Practical implications
Innovations aimed at improving drug service provision included telemedicine, better partnership between security and health staff and an approach to drug treatment more individualised. Future developments must be closely monitored.

Originality/value
The paper provides a unique and timely overview of the main issues, challenges and initial adaptations implemented for drug services in European prisons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sense of security when new at work: a thematic analysis of interviews with young adult retail workers in Sweden
Authors: Wall Erika , Svensson Sven , Berg Jansson Anna 
Published: August 2021

PurposePositive examples of situations in which young adults new at work experience feeling secure in the role as novice in the work force are here focused. The aim is to analyze how young adults who are new to the labor market express having a sense of security in the workplace. The long-term goal is to strengthen the conditions for the health and wellbeing of workers entering the retail labor market.Design/methodology/approachThirteen individual in-depth telephone/video-interviews were conducted with young adults (aged 18–28) working within the retail sector in Sweden. Using a thematic interview schedule, the interviews focused how the interviewees contextualizing stories on being novice at the labor market. The study is based on those parts of the material in which stories on feeling secure was expressed.FindingsThe analysis resulted in two themes: A sense of security is related to carrying out work safely and a sense of security is related to receiving support. The first theme illuminates how work is structured and safety training respectively contributes to a sense of security and the latter reveal how social support from a variety of sources (managers, colleagues and others outside the work environment) contributes to a sense of security when new at work.Originality/valueUsing a health promoting perspective, the study complements the existing perspectives of challenges faced by novices as they enter working life. Also, the study highlights the importance of including relations outside the workplace when searching for the understanding of the experiences of being new at work. The study indicates that focusing on the sense of security by well-structured work, safety training and social support might contribute to the strive for a sustainable working life for young adults.
The influence of the importance of cost information, product diversity and accountants’ participation on the activity-based costing adoption
Authors: Mazbayeva Kuralay , Barysheva Salima , Saparbayeva Saule Saulebaevna 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is twofold. The first objective is to examine the impact of the importance of cost information and product diversity on the adoption of activity-based costing (ABC) by Kazakhstani poultry organizations. The second goal is to establish the moderating impact of accountants’ involvement in the design for the costing system on the relationship between product diversity and the adoption of the ABC system.

Design/methodology/approach
The questionnaire was sent to all 58 poultry organizations in Kazakhstan and eventually, 43 completed questionnaires were collected, which is 74% of all Kazakhstani poultry organizations.

Findings
The results show that there is indeed a positive relationship between product diversity and ABC adoption when the level of diversity is used concurrently with accountants’ involvement in the design of product costing. In addition, product diversity was identified as a significant negative predictor of ABC adoption.

Originality/value
This study updates the literature on the rate of ABC adoption in a developing country like Kazakhstan, more specifically, in the poultry industry. It complements the understanding of the factors that influence the ABC adoption by taking a synergistic approach to factors such as product diversity and accountant involvement. At the same time, this study is one of the first empirical attempts to test the moderative role of the participation of accountants in the development of calculation systems in the ABC adoption.
Emotional labour, emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction in the hospitality industry
Authors: Amissah Eunice Fay , Blankson-Stiles-Ocran Sarah , Mensah Ishmael 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of emotional labour on frontline employees' emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction within the hotel industry.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative research approach was employed by administering questionnaires to 205 frontline employees from 16 luxury hotels in the Accra Metropolis, out of which 194 questionnaires were retrieved and analysed.FindingsThe results showed that surface acting was positively associated with emotional exhaustion, while deep and genuine acting were negatively associated with emotional exhaustion. In addition, both deep and genuine acting related positively with job satisfaction, while surface acting was negatively associated with job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsA lackadaisical attitude from hotel management and employees towards data collection was encountered. Also, the study area had very few upscale hotels, making the sample for the study relatively small. Further, since this study was taken from the African perspective, readers should be mindful of generalisation of the results.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the pioneers to have assessed the relationships between emotional labour, job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion in the African hospitality context. The study contributes to hospitality management literature by explaining how the acting strategies of emotional labour affect frontline employees in the hotel industry. A better understanding of emotional labour will help both management and frontline employees to employ the appropriate acting strategy in any given situation they encounter in the course of their service delivery, to reduce the emotional drain they face in handling especially difficult customers and to increase frontline employees' job satisfaction.
Optimal pricing decisions for multichannel healthcare service with differing consemers’ knowledge levels
Authors: Yang Feng , Wang Wei , Zheng Xiabing 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a stylized model to solve the pricing strategy, resource allocation and consumer surplus problems of multichannel healthcare services.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper considers a two-stage decision model with different levels of consumers’ knowledge. Faced with physical problems, knowledgeable consumers can solve their problems by seeking online healthcare channels, while unknowledgeable consumers need to make a two-stage decision to try to solve their problems.

Findings
The effective diagnosis rate and the proportion of knowledgeable consumers positively impact the optimal pricing in online and offline channels. In addition, a higher proportion of knowledgeable consumers does not result in higher demand in the online and offline channels. Moreover, if service providers lower their prices a small amount, they will lose some profit, but the consumer surplus will be higher, which will encourage more consumers to access healthcare services.

Research limitations/implications
Knowledge levels are simplified into two categories. Also, the authors assume the resources of online and offline healthcare services are comparable.

Originality/value
This paper incorporates the knowledge level and misdiagnosis rate into the model framework to study the most effective pricing strategy for multichannel healthcare services.