bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lignin accumulation in phloem and outer bark is not associated with resistance to mountain pine beetle in high elevation pines
Authors: Soderberg David N. , Kyre Bethany , Bonello Pierluigi , Bentz Barbara J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA key component in understanding plant-insect interactions is the nature of host defenses. Research on defense traits amongPinusspecies has focused on specialized metabolites and axial resin ducts, but the role of lignin in defense within diverse systems is unclear. We investigated lignin levels in the outer bark and phloem ofP. longaeva,P. balfouriana, andP. flexilis; high elevation species in the western United States known to differ in susceptibility to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB). Relative toP. flexilis,P. longaevaandP. balfourianaare attacked by MPB less frequently, and MPB brood production inP. longaevais limited. Because greater lignification of feeding tissues has been shown to provide defense against bark beetles in related genera, such asPicea, we hypothesized thatP. longaevaandP. balfourianawould have greater lignin concentrations thanP. flexilis. Contrary to expectations, we found that the more MPB-susceptibleP. flexilishad greater phloem lignin levels than the less susceptibleP. longaevaandP. balfouriana. No differences in outer bark lignin levels among the species were found. We conclude that lignification inPinusphloem and outer bark is likely not adaptive as a physical defense against MPB.
Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Compounds by Screening for Small Molecule Inhibitors of Nsp15 Endoribonuclease
Authors: Canal Berta , Fujisawa Ryo , McClure Allison W. , Deegan Tom , Wu Mary , Ulferts Rachel , Weissmann Florian , Drury Lucy S. , Bertolin Agustina P. , Zeng Jingkun , Beale Rupert , Howell Michael , Labib Karim , Diffley John F.X 
Published: April 2021

SummarySARS-CoV-2 is responsible for COVID-19, a human disease that has caused over 2 million deaths, stretched health systems to near-breaking point and endangered the economies of countries and families around the world. Antiviral treatments to combat COVID-19 are currently lacking. Remdesivir, the only antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19, can affect disease severity, but better treatments are needed. SARS-CoV-2 encodes 16 non-structural proteins (nsp) that possess different enzymatic activities with important roles in viral genome replication, transcription and host immune evasion. One key aspect of host immune evasion is performed by the uridine-directed endoribonuclease activity of nsp15. Here we describe the expression and purification of nsp15 recombinant protein. We have developed biochemical assays to follow its activity, and we have found evidence for allosteric behaviour. We screened a custom chemical library of over 5000 compounds to identify nsp15 endoribonuclease inhibitors, and we identified and validated NSC95397 as an inhibitor of nsp15 endoribonucleasein vitro. Although NSC95397 did not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 growth in VERO E6 cells, further studies will be required to determine the effect of nsp15 inhibition on host immune evasion.
SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Syrian hamster model causes inflammation as well as type I interferon dysregulation in both respiratory and non-respiratory tissues including the heart and kidney
Authors: Francis Magen E. , Goncin Una , Kroeker Andrea , Swan Cynthia , Ralph Robyn , Lu Yao , Etzioni Athema L. , Falzarano Darryl , Gerdts Volker , Machtaler Steven , Kindrachuk Jason , Kelvin Alyson A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) caused SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection is a disease affecting several organ systems. A model that captures all clinical symptoms of COVID-19 as well as long-haulers disease is needed. We investigated the host responses associated with infection in several major organ systems including the respiratory tract, the heart, and the kidneys after SARS-CoV-2 infection in Syrian hamsters. We found significant increases in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF) and type II interferons whereas type I interferons were inhibited. Examination of extrapulmonary tissue indicated inflammation in the kidney, liver, and heart which also lacked type I interferon upregulation. Histologically, the heart had evidence of mycarditis and microthrombi while the kidney had tubular inflammation. These results give insight into the multiorgan disease experienced by people with COVID-19 and possibly the prolonged disease in people with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).
Synthetic repertoires derived from convalescent COVID-19 patients enable discovery of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and a novel quaternary binding modality
Authors: Goike Jule , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Horton Andrew , Gardner Elizabeth C. , Bartzoka Foteini , Wang Nianshuang , Javanmardi Kamyab , Herbert Andrew , Abbassi Shawn , Renberg Rebecca , Johanson Michael J. , Cardona Jose A. , Segall-Shapiro Thomas , Zhou Ling , Nissly Ruth H. , Gontu Abhinay , Byrom Michelle , Maranhao Andre C. , Battenhouse Anna M. , Gejji Varun , Soto-Sierra Laura , Foster Emma R. , Woodard Susan L. , Nikolov Zivko L. , Lavinder Jason , Voss Will N. , Annapareddy Ankur , Ippolito Gregory C. , Ellington Andrew D. , Marcotte Edward M. , Finkelstein Ilya J. , Hughes Randall A. , Musser James M. , Kuchipudi Suresh V. , Kapur Vivek , Georgiou George , Dye John M. , Boutz Daniel R. , McLellan Jason S. , Gollihar Jimmy D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 into more easily transmissible and infectious variants has sparked concern over the continued effectiveness of existing therapeutic antibodies and vaccines. Hence, together with increased genomic surveillance, methods to rapidly develop and assess effective interventions are critically needed. Here we report the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies isolated from COVID-19 patients using a high-throughput platform. Antibodies were identified from unpaired donor B-cell and serum repertoires using yeast surface display, proteomics, and public light chain screening. Cryo-EM and functional characterization of the antibodies identified N3-1, an antibody that binds avidly (Kd,app= 68 pM) to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and robustly neutralizes the virusin vitro. This antibody likely binds all three RBDs of the trimeric spike protein with a single IgG. Importantly, N3-1 equivalently binds spike proteins from emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, neutralizes UK variant B.1.1.7, and binds SARS-CoV spike with nanomolar affinity. Taken together, the strategies described herein will prove broadly applicable in interrogating adaptive immunity and developing rapid response biological countermeasures to emerging pathogens.
Electrochemical corrosion resistance of thermal oxide formed on anodized stainless steel
Authors: Deng Hongda , Liu Yongliang , He Zhen , Gou Xiantao , Sheng Yefan , Chen Long , Ren Jianbing 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and explain thermal oxide effect on electrochemical corrosion resistance anodized stainless steel (SS).Design/methodology/approachElectrochemical corrosion resistance of thermal oxides produced on anodized 304 SS in air at 350°C, 550°C, 750°C and 950°C in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution have been investigated by dynamic potential polarization, EIS and double-loop dynamic polarization. Anodized 304 SS were obtained by anodization at the constant density of 1.4 mA.cm-2in the solution containing 28.0 g.L-1H3PO4, 20.0 g.L-1C6H8O7, 200.0 g.L-1H2O2at 70°C for 50 min. SEM and EDS had been also used to characterize the thermal oxides and passive oxide.FindingsInterestingly, anodized 304SS with thermal oxide produced at 350°C displayed more electrochemical corrosion and pitting resistance than anodized 304 SS only with passive oxide, as related to the formation of oxide film with higher chromium to iron ratio. Whereas, anodized 304SS with thermal oxide formed at 950°C shows the worse electrochemical corrosion and pitting resistance among those formed at the high temperatures due to thermal oxide with least compact.Originality/valueWhen thermally oxidized in the range of 350°C–950°C, electrochemical corrosion and pitting corrosion resistance of anodized 304 SS decrease with the increase of temperature due to less compactness, more defects of thermal oxide.
Evaluation of the ACE employment programme: helping employers to make tailored adjustments for their autistic employees
Authors: López Beatriz , Kargas Niko , Udell Julie , Rubín Tomáš , Burgess Linda , Dew Dominic , McDonald Ian , O’Brien Ann , Templeton-Mepstead Karen 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the views of autistic people, carers and practitioners regarding the barriers autistic employees face at work (Study 1) and to use these views to inform the design of an employment programme for autistic employees without learning disabilities (Study 2).

Design/methodology/approach
In Study 1, 16 (20%) carers, 17 (21%) practitioners and 47 (59%) autistic adults who had been or were currently employed, answered a survey regarding barriers at work. Study 2 evaluates the efficacy of a set of profiling assessment tools (PA) developed to help employers make individually-tailored adjustments for their autistic employees by delivering an employment programme consisting of 15, 8-week work placements.

Findings
In Study 1, only 25% of autistic adults reported having had adjustments in the workplace and all groups reported this as the main barrier – alongside employers’ lack of understanding. Two sets of results demonstrate the efficacy of the PA tools in addressing this barrier. First, a comparative cost simulation revealed a cost-saving in terms of on-job support of £6.67 per participant per hour worked relative to published data from another programme. Second, 83% of autistic employees reported having had the right adjustments at work.

Research limitations/implications
This is an exploratory study that did not include a comparison group. Hence, it was not possible to evaluate the efficacy of the PA tools relative to a standard employment programme intervention, nor to assess cost reduction, which currently is only estimated from already available published data.

Practical implications
Overall the findings from these studies demonstrate that the time invested in the high-quality assessment of the profile of autistic employees results in saving costs over time and better outcomes.

Originality/value
The originality of the Autism Centre for Employment programme resides in that, unlike other programmes, it shifts the focus from helping autistic employees to helping their employers.
Technological illiteracy in an increasingly technological world: methods to help employees create with rather than simply consume technology
Authors: Pfaltzgraf Daniel , Insch Gary S. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
This paper discusses the technology gap in today’s newer hires where younger employees are often believed to be more technologically astute than they really are. Younger employees are consumers of technology, but they have limited skills in using technology to solve business problems.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reflects a review of theory and research on technology training and practice.

Findings
Three recommendations are presented that could aid employers in bridging the gap between technology literacy perceptions and actual practice: build proficiency of business software, be the convener of learning in digitally focused training programs, and applying design thinking in business settings.

Originality/value
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses have been forced to incorporate more technology applications in their operations. This has exposed a paradoxical gap between perceived technology knowledge in their younger employees and actual skill sets. This article describes practical suggestions for enhancing corporate training programs to address this challenge.
Aerodynamic preliminary design optimization of a centrifugal compressor turbocharger based on one-dimensional mean-line model
Authors: Bourabia Lakhdar , Abed Cheikh Brahim , Cerdoun Mahfoudh , Khalfallah Smail , Deligant Michaël , Khelladi Sofiane , Chettibi Taha 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the development of a new turbocharger compressor is a challenging task particularly when both wider operating range and higher efficiency are required. However, the cumbersome design effort and the inherent calculus burden can be significantly reduced by using appropriate design optimization approaches as an alternative to conventional design techniques.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents an optimization-based preliminary-design (OPD) approach based on a judicious coupling between evolutionary optimization techniques and a modified one-dimensional mean-line model. Two optimization strategies are considered. The first one is mono-objective and is solved using genetic algorithms. The second one is multi-objective and it is handled using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II. The proposed approach constitutes an automatic search process to select the geometrical parameters of the compressor, ensuring the most common requirements of the preliminary-design phase, with a minimum involvement of the designer.

Findings
The obtained numerical results demonstrate that the proposed tool can rapidly produce nearly optimal designs as an excellent basis for further refinement in the phase by using more complex analysis methods such as computational fluid dynamics and meta-modeling.

Originality/value
This paper outlines a new fast OBPD approach for centrifugal compressor turbochargers. The proposal adopts an inverse design method and consists of two main phases: a formulation phase and a solution phase. The complexity of the formulated problem is reduced by using a sensitivity analysis. The solution phase requires to link, in an automatic way, three processes, namely, optimization, design and analysis.
Determinants of banks’ risk-taking behavior, stability and profitability: evidence from GCC countries
Authors: Saif-Alyousfi Abdulazeez Y.H. , Saha Asish 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effect of bank-specific, financial structure and macroeconomic factors on the risk-taking behavior, stability and profitability of banks in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies during 1998–2017.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a two-step system generalized method of moments dynamic model to analyze the data.

Findings
The results show that non-traditional activities increase the risk and decrease the stability and profitability of banks that are highly capitalized, highly liquid and large. Banks in this group are less engaged in securities investments and their higher degree of loan exposure leads to a decrease in risk and an increase in their stability and profitability. Higher concentration increases the risk and decreases the stability and profitability of banks that are less capitalized, less liquid and small. Banks with a higher share of non-traditional activities are riskier and less stable and less profitable before the financial crisis. The study finds that banks with relatively higher capitalization and high lending growth rates are riskier, profitable and less stable during the crisis. Larger commercial banks are less risky and more stable and profitable than smaller banks before the global financial crisis. Islamic banks performed better in terms of fee income, capitalization, liquidity, asset quality and have higher market concentration than conventional banks.

Originality/value
The study provides the first comprehensive empirical evidence on the drivers of risk-taking behavior, stability and profitability of the GCC banks. It also investigates the differences across these variables based on the characteristics of financial strength such as capitalization, liquidity and size; before, during and after the financial crisis; and differences between Islamic and conventional banks.
Development and integrated assessment of the circular economy in the European Union: the outranking approach
Authors: Ūsas Jonas , Balezentis Tomas , Streimikiene Dalia 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe Green Deal strategy of the European Union (EU) as well as the increasing concerns over resource scarcity worldwide has put forward such concepts as the circular economy. This paper seeks to compare the progress of the development of the circular economy across the EU Member States. Such analysis is helpful in guiding the circular economy support policies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a quantitative framework for analysis of the implementation of the circular economy objectives in the EU Member States. The framework proposed includes three multi-criteria decision making methods representing reference point and outranking approaches. The use of multiple methods allows exploiting the differences in the underlying aggregation principles.FindingsGermany, Sweden and the Netherlands appear as the most advanced in the sense of circular economy development. The results indicate that the water-locked small countries and the new EU Member States are among the lowest performing ones. The flows of the waste need to be monitored more tightly in order to increase the circularity. The development of recycling facilities can also increase circularity irrespectively of the economic development level (e.g. the case of Bulgaria).Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the discussion regarding the circular economy by proposing an indicator system and the multi-criteria analysis framework. The proposed indicator system covers input use (circularity), trade flows and recycling processes. The proposed framework can be applied to track the progress of different countries in implementing the targets of the circular economy.
Innovative response initiatives in the European Union to mitigate the effects of COVID-19
Authors: Almeida Fernando 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the European Union (EU) through heavy pressure on health services, business activity and people's life. To mitigate these effects, government agencies, civil society and the private sector are working together in proposing innovative initiatives. In this sense, this study aims to characterize and explore the relevance of these projects to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThe Observatory of Public Sector Innovation provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development was considered to enable the identification and exploration of innovative projects to combat COVID-19. A methodology based on mixed methods is adopted to initially identify quantitatively the distribution of these projects, followed by a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis that allows exploring their relevance.FindingsA total of 206 initiatives in the EU have been identified. The distribution of these projects is quite asymmetric, with Portugal and Austria totaling 33.52% of these projects. Most of these projects focus on the areas of public health, infection detection and control, virtual education, local commerce, digital services literacy, volunteering and solidarity and hackathons.Originality/valueThis work is relevant to identifying and understanding the various areas in which COVID-19 initiatives have been developed. This information is of great relevance for the actors involved in this process to be able to replicate these initiatives in their national, regional and local contexts.
A disaster relief commodity supply chain network considering emergency relief volunteers: a case study
Authors: Kebriyaii Omid , Hamzehei Marzieh , Khalilzadeh Mohammad 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe number of natural and man-made disasters is remarkable and threatened human lives at the time of occurrence and also after that. Therefore, an efficient response following a disaster can eliminate or mitigate the adverse effects. This paper aims to help address those challenges related to humanitarian logistics by considering disaster network design under uncertainty and the management of emergency relief volunteers simultaneously.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a robust fuzzy stochastic programming model is proposed for designing a relief commodity supply chain network in a disaster by considering emergency relief volunteers. To demonstrate the practicality of the proposed model, a case study is presented for the 22 districts of Tehran and solved by an exact method.FindingsThe results indicate that there are many parameters affecting the design of a relief commodity supply chain network in a disaster, and also many parameters should be controlled so that, the catastrophe is largely prevented and the lives of many people can be saved by sending the relief commodity on time.Practical implicationsThis model helps decision-makers and authorities to explore optimal location and allocation decisions without using complex optimization algorithms.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, employee workforce management models have not received adequate attention despite their role in relief and recovery efforts. Hence, the proposed model focuses on the problem of managing employees and designing a disaster logistics network simultaneously. The robust fuzzy stochastic programming method is applied for the first time for controlling the uncertainties in the design of humanitarian relief supply chains.
Quality factors and performance outcome of cloud-based marketing system
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Tang 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis study aims to propose an integrated model based on the DeLone and McLean Information System Success Model (DMISS) to examine whether quality factors (system, service and information) can affect user satisfaction and performance of cloud-based marketing systems.Design/methodology/approachRecently, technologies change quickly, innovation becomes a vital base of productivity and sustainable growth of businesses is widely accepted. Cyber-physical system technologies help industries change production and marketing cycles according to customers’ needs in real-time. In addition, processing information through cloud service helps companies meet customer needs. The advantages of cloud technology also make it easier for companies to quickly collect the latest data from various sources, making it more effective in decision-making. This research recommends cloud-based marketing to help companies maximize their revenue by providing useful information and better quality for business development. The data were gathered from China automotive companies’ customers. A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 165 (82.5%) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThis study verified that costumers’ perceived information quality, system quality and service quality positively caused the user satisfaction in the cloud-based marketing system.Practical implicationsThis paper presents beneficial advice for improving cloud-based marketing systems. Besides, the topic is relevant to cloud-based marketing systems’ success. A better understanding of the impact of intention to use and user satisfaction on cloud-based marketing systems could significantly enhance companies’ success. This paper’s theoretical and practical contributions are expressed to guide organizations and policymakers in increasing cloud-based marketing systems acceptance.Originality/valueThis study empirically tests the relationship of quality factors and performance outcome of cloud-based marketing system through a model based on DeLone and McLean theory. This study bridges the research gap by identifying the factors that drive the adoption of cloud-based services in marketing and the impact of user satisfaction and intention to use on the cloud-based marketing system performance in the case of china companies.