bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The gut microbiota of environmentally enriched mice regulates visual cortical plasticity
Authors: Lupori Leonardo , Cornuti Sara , Mazziotti Raffaele , Borghi Elisa , Ottaviano Emerenziana , Sagona Giulia , Pizzorusso Tommaso , Tognini Paola 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTExposing animals to an enriched environment (EE) has dramatic effects on brain structure, function and plasticity. The poorly known “EE derived signals” mediating the EE effects are thought to be generated within the central nervous system. Here, we shift the focus to the body periphery, revealing that gut microbiota signals are crucial for EE-driven plasticity. Developmental analysis of intestinal bacteria composition in EE mice revealed striking differences from standard condition (ST) animals and enhanced levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Depleting the EE mice gut microbiota with an antibiotic cocktail decreased SCFA and prevented EE induction of adult ocular dominance (OD) plasticity, spine dynamics and microglia rearrangement. SCFA treatment in ST mice mimicked the EE induction of adult OD plasticity and morphological microglial rearrangement. Remarkably, transferring the microbiota of EE mice to ST recipients activated adult OD plasticity. Thus, taken together our data suggest that experience-dependent changes in gut microbiota regulate brain plasticity.
DNA methylation cues in nucleosome geometry, stability, and unwrapping
Authors: Li Shuxiang , Peng Yunhui , Landsman David , Panchenko Anna R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCytosine methylation at the 5-carbon position is an essential DNA epigenetic mark in many eukaryotic organisms. Although countless structural and functional studies of cytosine methylation have been reported in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, our understanding of how it influences the nucleosome assembly, structure, and dynamics remains obscure. Here we investigated the effects of cytosine methylation at CpG sites on nucleosome dynamics and stability. By applying long molecular dynamics simulations (five microsecond long trajectories, 60 microseconds in total), we generated extensive atomic level conformational full nucleosome ensembles. Our results revealed that methylation induces pronounced changes in geometry for both linker and nucleosomal DNA, leading to a more curved, under-twisted DNA, shifting the population equilibrium of sugar-phosphate backbone geometry. These conformational changes are associated with a considerable enhancement of interactions between methylated DNA and the histone octamer, doubling the number of contacts at some key arginines. H2A and H3 tails play important roles in these interactions, especially for DNA methylated nucleosomes. This, in turn, prevents a spontaneous DNA unwrapping of 3-4 helical turns for the methylated nucleosome with truncated histone tails, otherwise observed in the unmethylated system on several microsecond time scale.
Effects of developmental HR practices on management innovation: a scenario experiment study
Authors: Huang Jie , Tang Chunyong , Deng Ting 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis research aims to examine the influence of developmental human resources (HR) practices on management innovation. Drawing on social exchange theory, this paper analyzes the mediating role of responsibility for change and the moderating role of resource availability.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a scenario experiment using a sample of 329 part-time MBA students from various Chinese companies in Southwest China, using analysis of variance and regression to examine the hypotheses.FindingsThe results find a positive relationship between developmental HR practices and management innovation and responsibility for change mediates this relationship. Moreover, it examines the moderating role of resource availability. Resource availability positively moderates the correlation between responsibility for change and management innovation and moderates the mediation effect of responsibility for change on the correlation between developmental HR practices and management innovation.Practical implicationsOrganizations should enhance the actual use of developmental HR practices to ensure the provision of appropriate training and development opportunities for all levels of employees in a fair and equal environment. It is better to take up an individual approach when offering these practices. Organizations should provide enough resources for employees, such as financial, spatial and temporal, and ensure the fair distribution of these resources. Organizations should cultivate the responsibility for change of middle-senior managers who can serve as role models for subordinates.Originality/valueThis study broadens the research on developmental HR practices, confirming that it has a positive impact on management innovation. It also provides more insight into the “black box” of developmental HR practices affecting management innovation, namely, the mediating effect of responsibility for change. This study shows that resources are critical to understanding how developmental HR practices can contribute to management innovation through responsibility for change. Using social exchange theory, the research deduces the conditional indirect effect of the model and uses a scenario experiment method to conclude causality.
Transnationality in the XXI century. Concept and indicators
Authors: Ietto-Gillies Grazia 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of major structural changes on the conceptualization of the transnational corporation (TNC) based on foreign direct investment (FDI) and on indicators of transnationality.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis of three major structural changes which impact the current conception of transnationality. They are: the rise of digital companies; the increased role of finance in the economy; externalization of activities via non-equity modalities (NEMs) with an impact on FDI and on the labour market.FindingsThe paper finds that the current concept of transnationality needs widening to take account of companies with a low degree of fixed assets abroad such as the digital and the financial companies and those internationalizing via NEMs, as well as to take account of the evolving relationship between TNCs and labour.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research along the lines proposed should consider: working explicitly with the new, inclusive concept of transnationality and arrive at an empirical estimate of the proposed indices of transnationality which modify and amplify the current United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indices.Social implicationsUseful for understanding the nature of transnationality in the twenty-first century and for developing policies.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a new concept of transnationality and of the TNC, one that allows for new ways of organizing direct business activities abroad. It also proposes broadening the list of indicators of transnationality.
Employability in higher education: a review of key stakeholders' perspectives
Authors: Cheng Ming , Adekola Olalekan , Albia JoClarisse , Cai Sanfa 
Published: July 2021

PurposeEmployability is a key concept in higher education. Graduate employment rate is often used to assess the quality of university provision, despite that employability and employment are two different concepts. This paper will increase the understandings of graduate employability through interpreting its meaning and whose responsibility for graduate employability from the perspectives of four key stakeholders: higher education institutions, students, government and employers.Design/methodology/approachThere are two stages to this literature review which was undertaken across bibliographic databases. The first stage builds a conceptual understanding of employability, relating to definition and how employability can be achieved and enhanced from the perspective of stakeholders. A structured search employing Boolean searches was conducted using a range of terms associated with key stakeholders. The second round of review drew on documentary analysis of official statements, declarations, documents, reports and position papers issued by key stakeholders in the UK, available online.FindingsIt reveals that responsibility for employability has been transferred by the UK government to higher education institutions, despite clear evidence that it needs to be shared by all the key stakeholders to be effective. In addition, there is a gap between employers' expectation for employability and the government's employability agenda.Originality/valueThis article highlights that solely using employment rate statistics as a key indicator for employability will encourage the practice of putting employers' needs above knowledge creation and the development of academic disciplines, with the consequence that higher education will become increasingly vocation driven.
Do psychological social and financial perceptions of post-retirement life and demography influence the retirement planning behaviour?
Authors: Murari Krishna , Shukla Shalini , Adhikari Bhupendra 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe aim of this study is to understand the effects of psychological social and financial perceptions of post-retirement life and demographic characteristics on retirement planning behaviour (RPB) of the employees from different occupational sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe primary data from 400 employees in central government, state government and private sector is collected through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of 43 items to measure social and financial perceptions and RPB along with demographic information. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis are performed to find the significant variables of social and financial perceptions influencing the RPB.FindingsThe results of exploratory factor analysis revealed three principle components of social perceptions, four of financial perceptions and three of RPB. The role clarity, involvement, obligations, uncertainty and preparations have significant impact on RPB. This study found a moderate positive correlation between RPB and extracted factors of social and financial perceptions. The study confirms the significant effect of demographic variables such as age, marital status, occupational sector, income and education levels on RPB.Originality/valueThe study has number of implications for government and private sector organisations involved in offering the retirement planning solutions as well as to the employees. The stakeholders may take a note of the role of psychological social (role clarity and social involvement) and financial (financial obligations, uncertainty and preparation for post-retirement life) perceptions that influence RPB. The study also provides an insight to the policy makers for considering the demographic information such as age, education, marital status and income of the employees while designing/offering the choices of retirement plans to them. Further studies are recommended to validate the findings of this study in terms of testing the effect of psychological social and financial perceptions on retirement planning behaviour of the employees.
The development of legal framework for the management of World Heritage Sites in Oman: a case study on Bahla Oasis
Authors: Khalil Mohamed Ali Mohamed , Nasr Eman Hanye Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe study aims to analyze the development of Omani heritage legislation against the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (WHC), 1972 and WHC Operational Guidelines (WHC-OGs) to predict the possible effects of the recent developments on the management of the World Heritage Site in Oman.Design/methodology/approachThis study discusses the development of the heritage protection legislation in Sultanate of Oman since 1970; it analyses the Omani Cultural Heritage Law 35/2019 against the recommendations of the UNESCO WHC as well as the requirements of the World Heritage Operational Guidelines. Moreover, the research investigates the possible effects of the recent heritage legislation developments on the management of Bahla Fort and Oasis in Oman, which is the first Omani World Heritage Site and the only site with special management regulations.FindingsThe paper outlines the effects of both the Omani Cultural Heritage Law 35/2019 and the Special Management Regulations 81/2019 on the implementation of the Bahla Management Plan. Additionally, the research establishes how the customization of heritage legislation as a special heritage management regulation facilitates the implementation of national legislation to solve specific local problems.Originality/valueThe study establishes the significance of developing comprehensive legislation to protect and manage the rich Omani cultural heritage and World Heritage Sites in alignment with the WHC and the WHC-OGs.
A scalable mass customisation design process for 3D-printed respirator mask to combat COVID-19
Authors: Li Shiya , Waheed Usman , Bahshwan Mohanad , Wang Louis Zizhao , Kalossaka Livia Mariadaria , Choi Jiwoo , Kundrak Franciska , Lattas Alexandros , Ploumpis Stylianos , Zafeiriou Stefanos , Myant Connor William 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
A three-dimensional (3D) printed custom-fit respirator mask has been proposed as a promising solution to alleviate mask-related injuries and supply shortages during COVID-19. However, creating a custom-fit computer-aided design (CAD) model for each mask is currently a manual process and thereby not scalable for a pandemic crisis. This paper aims to develop a novel design process to reduce overall design cost and time, thus enabling the mass customisation of 3D printed respirator masks.

Design/methodology/approach
Four data acquisition methods were used to collect 3D facial data from five volunteers. Geometric accuracy, equipment cost and acquisition time of each method were evaluated to identify the most suitable acquisition method for a pandemic crisis. Subsequently, a novel three-step design process was developed and scripted to generate respirator mask CAD models for each volunteer. Computational time was evaluated and geometric accuracy of the masks was evaluated via one-sided Hausdorff distance.

Findings
Respirator masks were successfully generated from all meshes, taking <2 min/mask for meshes of 50,000∼100,000 vertices and <4 min for meshes of ∼500,000 vertices. The average geometric accuracy of the mask ranged from 0.3 mm to 1.35 mm, depending on the acquisition method. The average geometric accuracy of mesh obtained from different acquisition methods ranged from 0.56 mm to 1.35 mm. A smartphone with a depth sensor was found to be the most appropriate acquisition method.

Originality/value
A novel and scalable mass customisation design process was presented, which can automatically generate CAD models of custom-fit respirator masks in a few minutes from a raw 3D facial mesh. Four acquisition methods, including the use of a statistical shape model, a smartphone with a depth sensor, a light stage and a structured light scanner were compared; one method was recommended for use in a pandemic crisis considering equipment cost, acquisition time and geometric accuracy.
Additive manufacturing of aluminium alloy 2024 by laser powder bed fusion: microstructural evolution, defects and mechanical properties
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Gibbons Gregory J. , Das Amitabha , Manna Indranil , Tanner David , Kotadia Hiren R. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the microstructural evolution of high-strength 2024 Al alloy prepared by the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) route. The high-strength wrought Al alloy has typically been unsuitable for AM due to its particular solidification characteristics such as hot cracking, porosity and columnar grain growth.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research work, samples were fabricated using L-PBF under various laser energy densities by varying laser power and scan speed. The microstructural features that developed during the solidification are correlated with operating laser parameters. In addition, finite element modelling (FEM) was performed to understand the experimentally observed results.

Findings
Microstructure evolution and defect formation have been assessed, quantified and correlated with operating laser parameters. Thermal behaviour of samples was predicted using FEM to support experimental observations. An optimised combination of intermediate laser power and scan speed produced the least defects. Higher energy density increased hot tearing along the columnar grain boundaries, while lower energy density promoted void formation. From the quantitative results, it is evident that with increasing energy density, both the top surface and side wall roughness initially reduced till a minimum and then increased. Hardness and compressive strength were found to decrease with increasing power density due to stress relaxation from hot tearing.

Originality/value
This research work examined how L-PBF processing conditions influence the microstructure, defects, surface roughness and mechanical properties. The results indicates that complete elimination of solidification cracks can be only achieved by combining process optimisation and possible grain refining strategies.
Immunochromatographic assay based on high‐affine monoclonal antibody for the detection of imidocarb in milk
Authors: Chen Linlin , Hu Xiaofei , Sun Yaning , Xing Yunrui , Zhang Gaiping 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImidocarb (IM) is an antiprotozoal agent, which is mainly used to treat babesiosis and piroplasmosis for animals. However, overdose or improbable utilization cause IM residues in animal origin products, which would be harmful to human health. Here, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against IM with extremely sensitive and specific features has been successfully prepared from a novel immunogen synthesized by virtue of the active ester method. The concentration of half‐maximal inhibition (IC50) of the mAb was 0.074 ng/ml and the affinity constant was 4.58 × 1010 L/mol. On the basis of this condition, an immunochromatographic strip (ICS) is proposed that could be applied in milk samples to test IM rapidly. For the ICS, the visual detection limit (cut‐off value) was 5 ng/ml, IC50 was 0.4 ng/ml, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.078 ng/ml, the linear detection scope was 0.117 to 1.37 ng/ml. The recovery rates ranged from 88.83% to 91.47% and coefficients of variation (CV) were in the spectrum of 7.31% to 9.43%. In general, the recommended test strip provided an exceedingly simple and reliable detection method for quickly testing the IM.Practical ApplicationIn our joint efforts, an extremely sensitive monoclonal antibody against imidocarb was obtained and a test strip for the rapid detection of imidocarb in milk was developed. The developed method could be applied to the field and provided great potential for analytical of imidocarb in other matrixes.
Fabrication and characterization of ethyl acetate–hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex
Authors: Zhu Guangyong , Xiao Zuobing , Zhu Guangxu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFlavors play crucial role in food industry. Ethyl acetate, as probably one of the most used of all flavor chemicals by volume, is used widely in many industries. However, ethyl acetate is not too stable and can be slowly decomposed by moisture. Furthermore, ethyl acetate is a volatile liquid insoluble in water and it does not last long enough. In order to solve these problems, hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was used as wall material to encapsulate ethyl acetate in this work. The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the peaks at 1,744 and 1,056 cm–1 in the FTIR spectrum of ethyl acetate disappeared in the FTIR spectrum of ethyl acetate–hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex. After the encapsulation of ethyl acetate, the O‐H and C‐H stretching absorption of hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin changed. The TGA results showed that from 77°C to 292°C ethyl acetate is released from the ethyl acetate–hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex in temperatures far beyond ethyl acetate 77°C boiling point. This phenomenon confirmed that the lastingness and thermal stability of ethyl acetate can be improved by the formation of an inclusion complex. The loading capacity of ethyl acetate was 4.86 ± 0.08% and ethyl acetate:hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin stoichiometry is close to 1:1. The interaction of ethyl acetate and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was investigated using molecular mechanics calculation. The binding energy was calculated and the possible conformation of ethyl acetate–hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex was optimized to the minimum energy. The binding energy minimum is at the 0.44 × 10–10 m point and its value is −103.9 kJ/mol.Practical ApplicationEncapsulation of ethyl acetate in hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin is a possible way to protect ethyl acetate, improve its stability, water solubility, and may also enhance its lastingness.
Using target capture to address conservation challenges: Population‐level tracking of a globally‐traded herbal medicine
Authors: Manzanilla Vincent , Teixidor‐Toneu Irene , Martin Gary J. , Hollingsworth Peter M. , de Boer Hugo J. , Kool Anneleen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe promotion of responsible and sustainable trade in biological resources is widely proposed as one solution to mitigate current high levels of global biodiversity loss. Various molecular identification methods have been proposed as appropriate tools for monitoring global supply chains of commercialized animals and plants. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of target capture genomic barcoding in identifying and establishing the geographic origin of samples traded as Anacyclus pyrethrum, a medicinal plant assessed as globally vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Samples collected from national and international supply chains were identified through target capture sequencing of 443 low‐copy nuclear makers and compared to results derived from genome skimming of plastome and DNA barcoding of standard plastid regions and ITS. Both target capture and genome skimming provided approximately 3.4 million reads per sample, but target capture largely outperformed standard plant barcodes and entire plastid genome sequences. We were able to discern the geographical origin of Anacyclus samples collected in Moroccan, Indian and Sri Lankan markets, differentiating between plant materials originally harvested from diverse populations in Algeria and Morocco. Dropping costs of analysing samples enables the potential of target capture to routinely identify commercialized plant species and determine their geographic origin. It promises to play an important role in monitoring and regulation of plant species in trade, supporting biodiversity conservation efforts, and in ensuring that plant products are unadulterated, contributing to consumer protection.