bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single cell trajectory analysis of human pluripotent stem cells differentiating towards lung and hepatocyte progenitors
Authors: Ori Chaido , Ansari Meshal , Angelidis Ilias , Theis Fabian J. , Schiller Herbert B. , Drukker Micha 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the development of human respiratory tissues is crucial for modeling and treating lung disorders. The molecular details for the specification of lung progenitors from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are unclear. Here, we use single cell RNA-sequencing with high temporal resolution along an optimized differentiation protocol to determine the transcriptional hierarchy of lung specification from human hPSCs and map out the underlying single cell trajectories. We show that Sonic hedgehog, TGF-βand Notch activation are required in anISL1/NKX2-1trajectory that gives rise to lung progenitors during the foregut endoderm stage. Induction ofHHEXmarks an alternative trajectory at the early definitive endoderm stage, which precedes the lung trajectory and generates a major hepatoblast population. Moreover, neither KDR+ nor mesendoderm progenitors are apparent intermediate states of lung and hepatic lineages. Our hierarchical multistep model predicts mechanisms leading to lung organogenesis, and creates a basis for studying early human lung development, as well as hPSC based disease and drug research.Abstract Figure
Fluctuating environments maintain genetic diversity through neutral fitness effects and balancing selection
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Farah , Tranchina Daniel , Gresham David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGenetic variation is the raw material upon which selection acts. The majority of environmental conditions change over time and therefore may result in variable selective effects. How temporally fluctuating environments impact the distribution of fitness effects and in turn population diversity is an unresolved question in evolutionary biology. Here, we employed continuous culturing using chemostats to establish environments that switch periodically between different nutrient limitations and compared the dynamics of selection to static conditions. We used the pooledSaccharomyces cerevisiaehaploid gene deletion collection as a synthetic model for populations comprising thousands of unique genotypes. Using barcode sequencing (barseq), we find that static environments are uniquely characterized by a small number of high fitness genotypes that rapidly dominate the population leading to dramatic decreases in genetic diversity. By contrast, fluctuating environments are enriched in genotypes with neutral fitness effects and an absence of extreme fitness genotypes contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity. We also identified a unique class of genotypes whose frequencies oscillate sinusoidally with a period matching the environmental fluctuation. Oscillatory behavior corresponds to large differences in short term fitness that are not observed across long timescales pointing to the importance of balancing selection in maintaining genetic diversity in fluctuating environments. Our results are consistent with a high degree of environmental specificity in the distribution of fitness effects and the combined effects of reduced and balancing selection in maintaining genetic diversity in the presence of variable selection.
What is behind grit? Developing stamina for your organization
Authors: Menéndez Blanco Juan Manuel 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper offers a practical conceptualization and understanding of grit, exploring what grit adds to the organizations and how to develop it at an individual and organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach
The article is based on Duckworth’s and colleagues’ research on grit and later developments, especially those related to the empirical check on the relationships between grit and individual accomplishment and company performance. It combines a literature review overview and conceptual developments with practical application.

Findings
Grit is a two-factor personality trait positively correlated to conscientiousness that promotes and predicts superior achievement and accomplishment. Developing a nurtured grit capacity requires promoting learning, coaching, executive intelligence, and positive interactions at work within a critical thinking environment.

Research limitations/implications
Following the conceptual model developed, further research is needed about the relationships between growth mindset, critical thinking, grit, grit and resilience, and how individual grit becomes organizational.

Practical implications
A superior accomplishment can be achieved by integrating and promoting grit employees within the company. Besides, grit is also a good predictor of happiness, rising above, hardiness, and other desirable attributes. Grit requires the development of a critical-thinking environment and executive intelligence workforce.

Social implications
Superior accomplishment through life helps to develop this goal in the workplace. The pandemic magnitude is partly due to a lack of critical thinking and grit.

Originality/value
This paper guides managers and professionals to implement a grit company strategy grounded on some reputation research without abstracted theoretical disquisitions.
Thanks, neighbor! Stock market experience around significant European tax cuts
Authors: Wang Huabing , Macy Anne 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper analyzes the effect of corporate tax cuts on the competitiveness of the tax-cutting countries and neighbor countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes four significant corporate tax reforms among the OECD countries in Europe that offer a one-time tax cut of 6% or more. The short-term event study approach examines the stock index reactions for both the tax-cutting countries and the other countries. Multivariate fixed-effect regressions are employed to study the cross-sectional variations in the non-tax-cut countries.FindingsThis paper finds positive excess returns for Slovakia and Germany around the tax-cut passage. Multivariate analysis of stock market reactions of the non-tax-cutting countries reveals some evidence supporting both the positive spillover effect and the negative competitive loss effect. More advanced countries are more likely to experience higher abnormal returns, while higher tax countries are more likely to suffer lower abnormal returns. Other factors identified that might have influenced the effect of a foreign tax cut include the existing trade flows with the tax-cutting countries, whether the country has a common currency and the export orientation of the economy.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are subject to sample-size issues. The lack of results for the other two countries is due to complicating events, as suggested by the further investigation of concurrent news events around the event days.Practical implicationsThe simultaneous analysis of the reform countries and the other countries in the region suggests that policymakers need to consider the relative positioning of their country vs the other countries in terms of economic development and current tax burdens when determining the optimal policy for their country or to respond to the tax policy changes in the other countries.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical evidence regarding the effect of corporate tax changes on competitiveness through the lens of stock markets' reactions, which depend on the net results of the spillover gain vs the competitive loss.
Blockchain in operations for food service distribution: steps before implementation
Authors: Vivaldini Mauro 
Published: February 2021

PurposeConsidering the importance of a safe food chain for consumers and the advent of blockchain technology (BT), this research studies a food service (FS) distributor. The research aims to understand the implications related to the functional processes of distribution in FS in which it would be possible to use blockchain to achieve agility, transparency of information and improvements in food safety.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, theory regarding blockchain technology in the supply chain (BT-SC) and FS was analyzed to contextualize the theme conceptually. A single case study including 11 supply chain companies was applied in a BT implementation study in an FS distributor.FindingsInvestment in infrastructure is often identified as a barrier to adoption of BT-SC. This was, however, not found in this case. Furthermore, the validation of users was only necessary for those parties directly participating in the process or information input. Finally, findings differentiate between qualifying criteria and operational processes when considering BT projects in FS.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are restricted to this single case that provided an in-depth understanding of the topic. Statistical generalization is not possible at this stage of the research.Practical implicationsThe study is a practical example and can provide several insights to anyone looking to implement BT in their SC.Social implicationsThe social importance of the study lies in the importance of FS in the food sector, and by presenting ways that contribute to mitigating risks to consumers.Originality/valueReal-life cases of application of BT-SC illustrate its functionalities in operational processes.
Impact of family control on information technology investment and information technology adoption in India
Authors: Mand Harvinder S. , Kaur Gaganpreet , Gill Amarjit , Mathur Neil 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study tests the impact of family control on information technology (IT) investment and IT adoption in MSMEs in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a survey research design. Micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners in India were surveyed to test the impact of family control on IT investment and IT adoption.FindingsOur empirical results show that family control — measured by family ownership, family member firm management, and/or family CEO duality — increases IT investment and IT adoption in India. Family ownership increases the chances of IT investment and IT adoption by 19.24% and 38.40%, respectively. Firm management by family members increases the chances of IT investment and IT adoption by 11.29% and 18.29%, respectively. CEO duality increases the chances of IT investment and IT adoption by 51.13% and 258%, respectively. Thus, CEO duality has a higher impact on IT investment and IT adoption than family ownership and firm management by family members.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical results may be generalized only to MSMEs similar to those surveyed in this study. Additionally, this study relied on the perceptions and judgments of MSME owners.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on the impact of family control on IT investment and IT adoption in the developing economics. This study can help scholars to develop further studies in the family control area. Our findings may help MSME owners to increase family control to survive and prosper into the future. Additionally, MSME management consultants may find the empirical results useful to provide consulting services.
Deciding between cash-based and in-kind distributions during humanitarian emergencies
Authors: García Castillo Jorge 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical model to decide between cash-based and in-kind distributions during emergency responses considering the needs of beneficiaries and market conditions. To allow the switch between modalities, a preparedness framework for humanitarian organizations (HOs) is provided.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is proposed to help humanitarian responders make quantitative decisions on the type of programs to implement in emergency responses. The model was applied to a field response by an international HO during the COVID-19 emergency in Colombia.FindingsCash-based and in-kind distributions are not mutually exclusive response modalities during emergencies, and the real needs of beneficiaries and market effects should be included in the modality selection decision to improve program effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is focused on short-term immediate response to emergencies; the proposed model assumes favorable market conditions and limits the aid options to direct in-kind and multipurpose cash assistance, excluding other types of cash transfers.Practical implicationsThe research outlines practical preconditions to operationalize switching between programs during an emergency. The study provides evidence that HOs should consider dynamics decision tools to select aid modalities and evaluate their response depending on market conditions.Social implicationsConsidering aid modality as a dynamic decision and including the needs from beneficiaries in the choice can have profound impact in the dignifying of humanitarian response to emergencies.Originality/valueThe quantitative model to decide between aid modalities is a novel approach to include beneficiaries' needs and market dynamics into humanitarian supply chain research. The preparedness framework closes the gap between the emergency preparedness literature and the operational constraints that organizations face for fast program implementation.
Internal processes in decision-making (mental, emotional, cultural, ethical and spiritual) of Afghan business leaders
Authors: Ibneatheer Mujeeb ur Rahman , Rostan Pierre , Rostan Alexandra 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand, which internal processes (mental, emotional, cultural, ethical and spiritual) Afghan business leaders use when making managerial decisions.

Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected through 1-h face-to-face interviews with Afghan business leaders. Interviews were conducted through open-ended questions in a semi-structured format. This method was considered most appropriate to acquire an understanding of senior executives’ interpretation and usage of decision-making processes. The method of analyzing data was thematic analysis where the researchers identified common themes, topics, ideas and patterns of meaning that come up repetitively. The objective of the analysis was to determine the most frequent decision-making processes by business leaders and the reasons for using these processes.

Findings
Although the usage of internal processes in decision-making are not homogeneous among Afghan business leaders, some of the processes are used more frequently than others such as mental, cultural and ethical processes. During the mental process of decision-making, the majority of leaders use intuitional decision-making, the minority using logic. Regarding the cultural dimension, the majority of leaders stated that they have an open, friendly, caring organization for each employee and horizontal culture in their organization. The minority indicated that they have a friendly culture but they also considered the processes and hierarchy in their organization. Considering the ethical process of decision-making, leaders stated that their priorities are more ethical than getting extra profit. They believe that profit will be generated while considering ethical values. As a leader noted: when you consider ethics and fulfill your obligations, the profit automatically generates. Most leaders use the internal process of emotion in their decision-making, but the usage has not been frequent. The emotional process of decision-making is more involved when the human factor is involved. For instance, one of the participants stated “I did not fire an employee that I had to because he was a needy and poor person.” About the spiritual process of decision-making, although all leaders agreed that they have used spirituality in decision-making, its usage varies. About one-third of the leaders mostly rely on spirituality or on religious teachings during the decision-making process, one-third somehow rely on spirituality or religion, about 50% of the time and one-third rely on spirituality between 25% to 30% of the time.

Originality/value
This study is pilot research as no previous research was carried out on this topic, therefore, it provides a basis of literature on the usage of internal processes on decision-making in Afghanistan. The findings may differ in other economic and national contexts.
Environmental justice research – limitations and future directions using qualitative research methods
Authors: Das Ujjaini 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to review some of the existing gaps in the third-generation of critical environmental justice (EJ) research and then propose promising combinations of theoretical concepts by adjoining (EJ) literature with other bodies of work with the use of qualitative research methods.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a critique of the third-generation of critical EJ literature. It demonstrates how the scope of this scholarship, particularly the third world EJ studies, can be expanded further by deploying various combinations of other theories and qualitative research methods.FindingsConceptually, this paper provides insights into the new directions that third world EJ theory can take by drawing from other bodies of work including the developmental state, caste, waste, informal sector and labor studies within its fold. Methodologically, the paper shows why and how qualitative research methods including single and multiple case study, participatory action research and ethnography can assist in developing these new integrations between theories.Research limitations/implicationsThis research calls for the need to conduct studies in each of the new research dimension suggested in this paper in novel empirical spaces. Such studies will enable the practice of EJ and will help to advance the field of EJ scholarship forward.Social implicationsAnalysis of new research combinations with qualitative research methods in new empirical spaces might create scope for practicing EJ in such spaces where various forms of environmental injustices prevail.Originality/valueThis paper identifies gaps in the third-generation of critical EJ research and proposes new research directions by combining other theories and qualitative methods.
The effects of tegaserod, a gastrokinetic agent, on voltage‐gated K+ channels in rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells
Authors: An Jin Ryeol , Jung Hee Seok , Seo Mi Seon , Kang Minji , Heo Ryeon , Park Hongzoo , Song Geehyun , Jung Won‐Kyo , Choi Il‐Whan , Park Won Sun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTegaserod, a gastroprokinetic agent, is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Despite its extensive clinical use, little is known about the effects of tegaserod on vascular ion channels, especially K+ channels. Therefore, we examined the effects of tegaserod on voltage‐gated K+ (Kv) channels in rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. Tegaserod inhibited Kv channels in a concentration‐dependent manner with an IC50 value of 1.26 ± 0.31 µmol/L and Hill coefficient of 0.81 ± 0.10. Although tegaserod had no effect on the steady‐state activation curves of the Kv channels, the steady‐state inactivation curve was shifted toward a more negative potential. These results suggest that tegaserod inhibits Kv channels by influencing their voltage sensors. The recovery time constant of channel inactivation was extended in the presence of tegaserod. Furthermore, application of train steps (1 and 2 Hz) in the presence of tegaserod progressively increased the inhibition of Kv currents suggesting that tegaserod‐induced Kv channel inhibition is use (state)‐dependent. Pretreatment with a Kv1.5 subtype inhibitor suppressed the Kv current. However, additional application of tegaserod did not induce further inhibition. Pretreatment with a Kv2.1 or Kv7 inhibitor did not affect the inhibitory effect of tegaserod on Kv channels. Based on these results, we conclude that tegaserod inhibits vascular Kv channels in a concentration‐ and use (state)‐dependent manner independent of its own functions. Furthermore, the major Kv channel target of tegaserod is the Kv1.5 subtype.
Low back pain presentations to New South Wales emergency departments: Trends over time and geographical variation
Authors: Ferreira Giovanni E , Herbert Rob , Machado Gustavo C , Richards Bethan , Harris Ian A , O'Keeffe Mary , Zadro Joshua R , Maher Chris G 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether rates of ED presentations because of low back pain (LBP) have increased from 2016 to 2019 in New South Wales and map the geographical distribution of ED presentations because of LBP across New South Wales.MethodsWe sourced data from the New South Wales Emergency Department Records for Epidemiology. We included all ED presentations aged 15 years and older with a diagnosis of LBP to the 178 public EDs across New South Wales from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019. We calculated the ratio (95% confidence interval) between the 2016 and 2019 age‐standardised rates to determine whether an increase in the rate of ED LBP presentations has occurred. To assess geographical variation, we aggregated presentations by their home postcode. We calculated age‐standardised rates per 100 000 person year for each of those areas using data from 2016 to 2019.ResultsWe included 188 275 LBP presentations for patients aged 15 years or older. Their mean (standard deviation) age was 51.3 (20.0) years. From 2016 to 2019, we observed a 5.3% increase in the age‐adjusted LBP ED presentation rates (age‐standardised ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.06). We found a 20‐fold variation in LBP ED age‐standardised presentation rates across the different local government areas of New South Wales. Higher rates were mostly observed in rural and regional areas.ConclusionsThe demand for ED services because of LBP has increased in New South Wales over time, and we observed a 20‐fold variation in presentation rates across different regions.
Major pathological response after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in esophageal spindle cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Fu Yang , Wang Pei‐Pei , He Du , Zheng Yue , Ding Zhen‐Yu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEsophageal spindle cell carcinoma (ESpCC) is a rare subtype of esophageal carcinoma, accounting for 1% of all esophageal malignancies. The clinical outcome is unknown due to the lack of treatment options. Here, we present the case of a 60‐year‐old male with initially unresectable ESpCC, in which platinum‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy was unsuccessful. He was subsequently treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy and after surgery achieved a complete pathological response; therefore, neoadjuvant immunotherapy might be a novel option for ESpCC patients.
Umm an‐Nar soft‐stone vessel assemblage from Tomb QA 1‐1 (Oman) based on finds recovered from half the tomb
Authors: Rutkowski Łukasz 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article is devoted to the soft‐stone vessels retrieved from QA 1‐1, a tomb from the Umm an‐Nar period in Wadi al‐Fajj, Northwest Oman, as part of a joint Polish–Omani project in 2016–2018. To date, the excavations, although confined to half of the tomb’s interior, have yielded as many as 67 soft‐stone vessels or their fragments, which, at least for the time being, is the second‐largest collection of these items obtained from one Umm an‐Nar tomb. The article primarily aims to present the current assemblage in terms of its spatial distribution within the tomb with particular emphasis on complete specimens discovered in situ. The paper aims to provide a valuable source of comparative research and thus may contribute to further discussions on the production and circulation of soft‐stone vessels in the land of Magan, as well as the burial rites related to furnishing the deceased with them.