bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers
Authors: Wiggen Talia D. , Bohn Bruno , Ulrich Angela K. , Stovitz Steven D. , Strickland Ali J. , Naumchik Brianna M. , Walsh Sara , Smith Stephen , Baumgartner Brett , Kline Susan , Yendell Stephanie , Hedberg Craig , Beebe Timothy J. , Demmer Ryan T. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring COVID-19 infection risk among health care workers (HCWs) is a public health priority. We examined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs following the fall infection surge in Minnesota, and before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, we assessed demographic and occupational risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsWe conducted two rounds of seroprevalence testing among a cohort of HCWs: samples in round 1 were collected from 11/22/20 - 02/21/21 and in round 2 from 12/18/20 - 02/15/21. Demographic and occupational exposures assessed with logistic regression were age, sex, healthcare role and setting, and number of children in the household. The primary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity. A secondary outcome, SARS-CoV-2 infection, included both seropositivity and self-reported SARS-CoV-2 test positivity.ResultsIn total, 459 HCWs were tested. 43/454 (9.47%) had a seropositive sample 1 and 75/423 (17.7%) had a seropositive sample 2. By time of sample 2 collection, 54% of participants had received at least one vaccine dose and seroprevalence was 13% among unvaccinated individuals. Relative to physicians, the odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection in other roles were increased (Nurse Practitioner: OR[95%CI] 1.93[0.57,6.53], Physician’s Assistant: 1.69[0.38,7.52], Nurse: 2.33[0.94,5.78], Paramedic/EMTs: 3.86[0.78,19.0], other: 1.68[0.58,4.85]). The workplace setting was associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (p=0.04). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among HCWs reporting duties in the ICU vs. those working in an ambulatory clinic was elevated: OR[95%CI] 2.17[1.01,4.68].ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCW increased during our study period which was consistent with community infection rates. HCW role and setting — particularly working in the ICU — is associated with higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Anther cones increase pollen release in buzz-pollinated Solanum flowers
Authors: Vallejo-Marín Mario , Pereira Nunes Carlos Eduardo , Russell Avery Leigh 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe widespread evolution of tube-like anthers releasing pollen from apical pores is associated with buzz pollination, in which bees vibrate flowers to remove pollen. The mechanical connection among anthers in buzz-pollinated species varies from loosely held conformations, to anthers tightly held together with trichomes or bio-adhesives forming a functionally joined conical structure (anther cone). Joined anther cones in buzz-pollinated species have evolved independently across plant families and via different genetic mechanisms, yet their functional significance remains mostly untested. We used experimental manipulations to compare vibrational and functional (pollen release) consequences of joined anther cones in three buzz-pollinated species of Solanum (Solanaceae). We applied bee-like vibrations to focal anthers in flowers with (“joined”) and without (“free”) experimentally created joined anther cones, and characterised vibrations transmitted to other anthers and the amount of pollen released. We found that joined anther architectures cause non-focal anthers to vibrate at higher amplitudes than free architectures. Moreover, in the two species with naturally loosely held anthers, anther fusion increases pollen release, while in the species with a free but naturally compact architecture it does not. We discuss hypotheses for the adaptive significance of the convergent evolution of joined anther cones.
Identification of Thermotolerant Rice Genotypes with Allele Coding at Seedling Stage
Authors: Shankar Bandi Arpitha , Kaushik Prashant 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRice-The most important plant in the world to ensure food security. Heat is one of the main factors that greatly limit rice production. With the increasing global warming, industrialization there is a great effect on climate change which requires us to see various alternatives for strains that are more tolerant to heat so that some techniques are developed to filter a large number of genotypes for high temperature tolerance. Here we report the standardization of Temperature Induction Response (TIR) technique to identify thermotolerant rice genotypes. The phenotypic characteristics of Rice due to high temperature is calculated with germination (%), growth of the seedling and molecular analysis is also considered. The heat stress is provided to the plants with the help of TIR protocol with the adjustment of temperature to lethal (55°C) and sub-lethal levels (38-55°C) in a TIR chamber with alterations in humidity. Of the 74 genotypes screened, 14 showed thermo tolerance caused by high temperatures. Both tolerant and sensitive genotypes were separated based on their survival percentages. The tolerant class are selected based on the growth and development of genotypes having high survival percentage and also their shoot and root lengths, fresh and dry weights are compared to the heat tolerant checks N22, Dular and Nipponbare. These genotypes have intrinsic heat tolerance and thus can be explored as a source of donors in breeding programs intended for global warming. The molecular markers which are identified to be linked with heat tolerant class through allele code are quite helpful and can be used in marker assisted breeding approach to attain heat tolerance in cultivated varieties.
An Information Theoretic Framework for Protein Activity Measurement
Authors: Griffin Aaron T. , Vlahos Lukas J. , Chiuzan Codruta , Califano Andrea 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNonparametric analytical Rank-based Enrichment Analysis (NaRnEA) is a novel gene set analysis method which leverages an analytical null model derived under the Principle of Maximum Entropy. NaRnEA critically improves over two widely used methods – Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and analytical Rank-based Enrichment Analysis (aREA) – as shown by differential activity measurement of ~2,500 transcriptional regulatory proteins across three cohorts in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) based on the enrichment of their transcriptional targets in differentially expressed genes. Phenotype-matched proteomic data from the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) was used to evaluate measurement accuracy. We show that the sample-shuffling empirical null models leveraged by GSEA and aREA are overly conservative, a shortcoming that is critically addressed by NaRnEA’s optimal analytical null model.
How the validation of prior learning can be used to assess entrepreneurial human capital investments and outcomes
Authors: Fahrenbach Florian 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to depart from the premise that human capital investments and human capital outcomes are often tacit – an aspect, which is often neglected in the current literature on entrepreneurial human capital. The idea of this conceptual paper is to shed light on the social process of how human capital investments and human capital outcomes can be valued and made visible through the validation of prior learning. Thus, this study conceptualises the validation of prior learning as a post hoc, the reflective process through which an aspiring entrepreneur is guided.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is conceptual and introduces a process model.

Findings
Findings indicate that the process of the validation of prior learning is well-suitable to inform aspiring entrepreneurs of their investments into human capital and their human capital outcomes. The process results in a (partial) certified qualification that provides entrepreneurial legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications
Thus far, the model is conceptual and should be validated via interviews and further empirical studies in the field.

Practical implications
Literature in the field of entrepreneurial human capital suggests that human capital outcomes are more important for success than inputs. Furthermore, context-specific knowledge, skills and abilities are more important than generalised outcomes. These findings have implications for the design of validation procedures.

Originality/value
Human capital has only been recently conceptualised as consisting of human capital investments and outcomes of human capital investment. However, thus far the literature falls short in acknowledging the tacit nature of human capital investments and human capital outcomes. This paper contributes a structured process of how human capital investments and human capital outcomes are linked and assessed. In so doing, this study extends a recent model of human capital investments and outputs (Marvel et al., 2016, p. 616).
Insight into online teaching behaviour of lecturers in Zimbabwean universities during the COVID-19 era and beyond: issues and challenges
Authors: Rudhumbu Norman , Parawira Wilson , Bhukuvhani Crispen , Nezandoyi Jacob , Majoni Cuthbert , Chikosha Felix , Zvokuomba Kwashirai , Chingwanangwana Bernard 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study aims to establish the online teaching behaviour of university lecturers as well as examine issues and challenges for online teaching in universities in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 era and beyond.Design/methodology/approachThe study assumed a quantitative approach that employed a structured questionnaire for data collection. Structural equation modelling using AMOS version 22 and independent samples t-test were used for data analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was used for data purification.FindingsThe results of the study showed that organisational factors, technological factors, pedagogical factors, student factors and the gender of lecturers have a significant influence on the behavioural intentions of lecturers to teach online. The results also showed that the behavioural intentions of lecturers to teach online has a significant influence on the actual online teaching behaviour of the lecturers. The results also showed that lecturers mostly used the WhatsApp platform for teaching. Issues and challenges affecting the online teaching behaviour of lecturers in universities in Zimbabwe were also identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study have implications for policy and practice with regard to online teaching and learning during periods of pandemics and beyond.Practical implicationsThe results showed that for effective teaching to be done in universities, universities should not continue focusing on single platforms such as blackboard, Moodle and others, but should allow for a multimedia approach that factors in platforms such as WhatsApp, Google Classroom and others. This will ensure that even universities with limited technology infrastructure will be able to have online teaching occurring.Social implicationsThe study demonstrated the influence of gender in online teaching by showing that there are gender differences in the way university lecturers conduct online teaching. This also has implication on teaching and policy as these results demonstrate a need for universities to come up with strategies and policies that ensure despite gender differences, university lecturers should be able to effective teach online.Originality/valueWhile the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology has been widely used in research, the current study represents the first opportunity that the theory has been used to establish the online teaching behaviour of university lecturers in the context of Zimbabwe.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine and pain relievers among refugees resettled in the USA
Authors: Rathi Naveen , Pye Mu , Sin Kai , Garza-Levitt Sarah Elizabeth , Kamimura Akiko 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), pain reliever use and the expectations refugees have of physicians about their practice of CAM use in the USA. Individuals with a refugee background are one of the populations who use CAM for treatment. However, to date, there is insufficient empirical evidence to describe CAM use among refugees resettled in the USA. In addition, collecting information about the use of pain relievers would help better understand the experiences of individuals with a refugee background.

Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from August 2018 to November 2019 using a self- or interviewer-administered survey from 94 refugees 18 years of age or older who had settled in the USA.

Findings
This study found the following: CAM practice is very common among refugees resettled in the USA, most refugees use non-prescription pain medicine and refugees prefer to see physicians who understand CAM. This study contributes valuable findings in the usage of CAM among refugees and determines that CAM is commonly used among refugees resettled in the USA for pain management.

Originality/value
By better understanding CAM, physicians can address a direct need for the refugee population-seeking health care in the USA and other countries that host refugee resettlement.
Remittances, institutions and human development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mohammed Umar 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between remittances, institutions and human development (HD) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using data from 2004 to 2018. The study attempts to answer two critical questions: Do the increasing remittances inflow to the region have any effect on human capital development? and does the effect of remittances on human development vary depending on the level of institutional quality?Design/methodology/approachThe analysis uses a dynamic model; system Generalized Method of Moments (Sys-GMM) as this approach controls for the endogeneity of the lagged dependent variable; thus, when there is a correlation between the explanatory variable and the error term, which is normally associated with remittances, it also controls for omitted variable bias, unobserved panel heterogeneity and measurement errors in the estimation.FindingsThe findings indicate a positive and significant impact of remittances on HD in SSA. The results further reveal a substitutional relationship between institutions and remittances in stimulating HD. The estimations mean that remittances promote HD in countries with a weak institutional environment. The findings also establish that the marginal significance of remittances as a source of capital for HD falls in countries with well-developed institutions.Practical implicationsTo increase the flow of remittances, policymakers should implement policies that increase the likelihood of both skilled and unskilled migrants sending remittances.Originality/valueMost empirical research on the impact of remittances on HD does not tackle the problem of endogeneity associated with remittances. This study, however, provides empirical evidence by using Sys-GMM that solves the problem. The current study also is the first work to examine the relationship between remittances, institutions and HD in SSA and provides a new guide for future research on the remittance and HD nexus.
Availability and preferences for information services to visually impaired tertiary students in Delhi
Authors: Bhardwaj Raj Kumar 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe study aims to understand the information services provided to visually impaired users in Indian universities. Further, the study identifies the nuances of information system for visually impaired (ISVI) development suitable to the requirements of the visually impaired community in Indian higher educational institutions.Design/methodology/approachA two-fold methodology was followed in the study: (1) empirical survey and (2) information system design and development. The empirical survey was conducted in Indian higher educational institutions wherein 316 responses were collected including 185 (58.5%) undergraduate and 131 (41.5%) postgraduate students. A stratified random sampling technique was used in data collection. Empirical study findings were further used as a basis for ISVI design and development for addressing the information requirements of visually impaired users.FindingsThe study found that 232 respondents (73.2%) access the Internet every day. “Surprisingly, 143 respondents (45.3%) revealed that no digital infrastructure is available in their institutions, while 173 respondents (54.7%) stated digital infrastructure is available. A total of 210 respondents (75.9%) highlighted that the interface of open access (OA) resources is not designed as per visually impaired (VI) students' requirements. information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure is not up to the mark revealed as by 34 respondents (10.7 percent) and was rated ‘poor.’” A total of 268 respondents (90.2%) expressed that their institution should develop the information system to full their information needs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted in only one state in India due to financial hindrances. Visually impaired students studying in other states of India are not covered in the study, which may have different perception about the design and development of information system for the visually impaired.Practical implicationsAn online ISVI is designed and developed under the study, which is accessible at http://www.isvi.in. Furthermore, the findings of the study may also be used by administrators of the higher educational institutions for building ICT infrastructure for visually impaired students.Originality/valueNo study has been conducted in Indian higher educational institutions for understanding the availability and preferences of information services to visually impaired tertiary students.
Transforming human trafficking rescue services in Nigeria: towards context-specific intersectionality and trauma-informed perspectives
Authors: Badejo Foluké Abigail , Gordon Ross , Mayes Robyn 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This study aims to introduce context-specific intersectionality and trauma-informed perspectives for transformative services theory and practice. While transformative service research concerning vulnerable people has focused on well-being and alleviating suffering, there has been less attention paid to how the intersection of scales of social categorisation such as class, gender and cultural norms shapes experiences and outcomes. Likewise, there is a paucity of attention to how lived experiences of trauma among people, such as human trafficking survivors, can and should influence service interactions, delivery and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors draw upon insights from a focused ethnographic study featuring narrative interviews with ten human trafficking survivors and seven rescue service industry stakeholders, as well as field observations, in Nigeria. Thus, this work enriches the limited scholarship on transformative services across Africa, where local cultural contexts have a significant influence on shaping service environments.

Findings
The authors identify how the intersections of socio-economic class, gender dynamics, cultural norms and trauma shape the service experience for survivors.

Originality/value
The authors argue for the criticality of intersectionality and trauma-informed perspectives to transformative services to improve the mental and economic well-being of survivors of human trafficking in the long term.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem and well-being in European smart cities: a comparative perspective
Authors: Penco Lara , Ivaldi Enrico , Ciacci Andrea 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between the strength of innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems and subjective well-being in 43 European smart cities. Subjective well-being is operationalized by a Quality of Life (QOL) survey that references the level of multidimensional satisfaction or happiness expressed by residents at the city level. The entrepreneurial ecosystem concept depicted here highlights actor interdependence that creates new value in a specific community by undertaking innovative entrepreneurial activities. The research uses objective and subjective variables to analyze the relationships between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and subjective well-being.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a cluster analysis with a nonaggregative quantitative approach based on the theory of the partially ordered set (poset); the objective was to find significant smart city level relationships between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and subjective well-being.FindingsThe strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem is positively related to subjective well-being only in large cities. This result confirms a strong interdependency between the creation of innovative entrepreneurial activities and subjective well-being in large cities. The smart cities QOL dimensions showing higher correlations with the entrepreneurial ecosystem include urban welfare, economic well-being and environmental quality, such as information and communications technology (ICT) and mobility.Practical implicationsDespite the main implications being properly referred to large cities, the governments of smart cities should encourage and promote programs to improve citizens' subjective well-being and to create a conducive entrepreneurship environment.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few contributions focused on the relationship between the entrepreneurial smart city ecosystem and subjective well-being in the urban environment.
Woolly hair nevus caused by somatic mutation and Costello syndrome caused by germline mutation in HRAS: Consider parental mosaicism in prenatal counseling
Authors: Liang Jianying , Guo Yifeng , Lu Zhiyong , Yu Hong , Wu Liangcai , Yao Zhirong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGermline mutations in HRAS cause Costello syndrome (CS), while mosaic mutations in HRAS show a variability of phenotypes, ranging from mild features such as keratinocytic epidermal nevus (KEN), sebaceous nevus (SN), woolly hair nevus (WHN) with KEN, to severe manifestations of CS with cutis laxa. We report two individuals. The first was a 2‐year‐old boy with woolly hair nevus (WHN) without any other cutaneous involvement, in whom somatic HRAS mutation (c.34G>A; p.Gly12Ser) was identified in his affected scalp and hair follicle specimens. This is the first reported WHN type 1 (no cutaneous involvement) patient caused by somatic HRAS mutation. The other individual was a 12‐year‐old girl with CS caused by germline HRAS mutation (c.34G>A), that manifested with coarse face, palmoplantar keratoderma, deep palmar and plantar creases, hyperpigmented patches, asymmetry and deformity of lower limbs, atopic dermatitis, as well as mental retardation. Of note, a linear hyperpigmented plaque was observed in her father’s lumbosacral region. Although the father refused to provide semen and skin tissue for further examination, this reminds us of possible mosaicism in parents of individuals with germline de novo HRAS mutation and underlines the importance of parental evaluation for prenatal counseling.