bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of Prm1 leads to defective chromatin protamination, impaired PRM2 processing, reduced sperm motility and subfertility in male mice
Authors: Merges Gina Esther , Meier Julia , Schneider Simon , Kruse Alexander , Fröbius Andreas Christian , Steger Klaus , Arévalo Lena , Schorle Hubert 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOne of the key events during spermiogenesis is the hypercondensation of chromatin by substitution of the majority of histones by protamines. In humans and mice, protamine 1 (PRM1/Prm1) and protamine 2 (PRM2/Prm2), are expressed in a species-specific ratio. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing we generated Prm1-deficient mice and demonstrate, that Prm1+/- mice are subfertile while Prm1-/- are infertile. Prm1-deficiency was associated with higher levels of 8-OHdG, an indicator for reactive oxygen mediated DNA-damage. While Prm1+/- males displayed moderate increased levels of 8-OHdG virtually all sperm of Prm1-/- males displayed ROS mediated DNA damage. Consequently, DNA integrity was slightly hampered in Prm1+/-, while DNA was completely fragmented in Prm1-/- animals. Interestingly CMA3 staining which indicates protamine-free DNA revealed, that Prm1+/- sperm displayed high levels (93%), compared to Prm2+/- (29%) and WT (2%) sperm. This is not due to increased histone retention as demonstrated by mass spectrometry (MassSpec) of nuclear proteins in Prm1+/- sperm. Further analysis of the MassSpec data from sperm nuclear proteome revealed, that only one protein (RPL31) is significantly higher abundant in Prm1+/- compared to WT sperm. Comparison of the proteome from Prm1-/- and Prm2-/- to WT suggested, that there are a small number of proteins which differ in abundance. However, their function was not linked mechanistically to primary defects seen in Prm1-/- mice and rather represent a general stress response. Interestingly, using acid urea gels we found that sperm from Prm1+/- and Prm1-/- mice contain a high level of unprocessed, full-length PRM2. Prm2 is transcribed as a precursor protein which, upon binding to DNA is successively processed. Further, the overall ratio of PRM1:PRM2 is skewed from 1:2 in WT to 1:5 in Prm1+/- animals. Our results reveal that Prm1 is required for proper processing of PRM2 to produce the mature PRM2 which, together with Prm1 is able to hypercondense DNA. Hence, the species specific PRM1:PRM2 ratio has to be precisely controlled in order to retain full fertility.
A Notch-dependent transcriptional mechanism controls expression of temporal patterning factors in Drosophila medulla
Authors: Ray Alokananda , Li Xin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTemporal patterning is an important mechanism for generating a great diversity of neuron subtypes from a seemingly homogenous progenitor pool in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Drosophila neuroblasts are temporally patterned by sequentially expressed Temporal Transcription Factors (TTFs). These TTFs are proposed to form a transcriptional cascade based on mutant phenotypes, although direct transcriptional regulation between TTFs has not been verified in most cases. Furthermore, it is not known how the temporal transitions are coupled with the generation of the appropriate number of neurons at each stage. We use neuroblasts of the Drosophila optic lobe medulla to address these questions and show that the expression of TTFs Sloppy-paired 1/ 2 (Slp1/2) is directly regulated at the transcriptional level by two other TTFs and the cell-cycle dependent Notch signaling through two cis-regulatory elements. We also show that supplying constitutively active Notch can rescue the delayed transition into the Slp stage in cell cycle arrested neuroblasts. Our findings reveal a novel Notch-pathway dependent mechanism through which the cell cycle progression regulates the timing of a temporal transition within a TTF transcriptional cascade.
Parents’ perceptions and intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19: Results from a cross-sectional national survey in India
Authors: Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Satapathy Prakasini , Rajagopal Vineeth , Rustagi Neeti , Vij Jatina , Jain Lovely , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Patro Binod , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Singh Ritesh , Pala Star , Sankhe Lalit , Modi Bhavesh , Bali Surya , Kiran Tanvi , Goel Kapil , Aggarwal Arun Kumar , Gupta Madhu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the success of adult vaccination against COVID-19, providing vaccines to children remains a challenge for policymakers globally. As parents are primary decision-makers for their children, we aimed to assess parents’ perceptions and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination in India.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based study was designed, parents or caregivers (N=770) were recruited through snowball sampling using Google form. Cross-tabulation was performed by parents’ intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 virus with sociodemographic characteristics and their risk perception towards COVID-19, trust in the healthcare system, and their history of vaccine hesitancy behavior. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the predictors of child vaccination intention among Indian parents.Results770 parents across the country have completed the survey. Of the 770 participants, 258 (33.5%) have shown intent to vaccinate their children. The stated likelihood of child vaccination was greater among parents who had a bachelor’s degree or higher education (aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15-3.51); as well as among parents who intended to vaccinate themselves (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.30-4.67). Parental concerns centered around vaccine safety and side effects.ConclusionIndian parents reported high knowledge of the COVID-19 virus and were aware of the development of a novel vaccine. However, about one-third of parents intended to vaccinate their children, and about half of them were not sure whether to vaccinate their children or not against the COVID-19 virus. The study highlighted the need for health promotion strategies that promote vaccine uptake among parents.
Measuring College Student Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccinations
Authors: Taylor Z.W. , Bicak Ibrahim , Childs Joshua , Fletcher Carla , Cornett Allyson 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis survey explores attitudes of 1,197 currently enrolled college students regarding their comfort taking a COVID-19 vaccine. Results suggest most college students are willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine if their institution requires it to return to campus in subsequent semesters. However, certain students of Color, students with disabilities, and adult students may be less willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine if it were required before or during an on-campus semester. Finally, many college students do not understand that COVID-19 vaccines will be free, possibly affecting these students’ willingness to vaccinate and their perceptions of safely and affordably returning to campus. Implications for postsecondary policy and leadership are addressed.
Blockchain in accounting research: current trends and emerging topics
Authors: Garanina Tatiana , Ranta Mikko , Dumay John 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis paper provides a structured literature review of blockchain in accounting. The authors identify current trends, analyse and critique the key topics of research and discuss the future of this nascent field of inquiry.Design/methodology/approachThis study’s analysis combined a structured literature review with citation analysis, topic modelling using a machine learning approach and a manual review of selected articles. The corpus comprised 153 academic papers from two ranked journal lists, the Association of Business Schools (ABS) and the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC), and from the Social Science Research Network (SSRN). From this, the authors analysed and critiqued the current and future research trends in the four most predominant topics of research in blockchain for accounting.FindingsBlockchain is not yet a mainstream accounting topic, and most of the current literature is normative. The four most commonly discussed areas of blockchain include the changing role of accountants; new challenges for auditors; opportunities and challenges of blockchain technology application; and the regulation of cryptoassets. While blockchain will likely be disruptive to accounting and auditing, there will still be a need for these roles. With the sheer volume of information that blockchain records, both professions may shift out of the back-office toward higher-profile advisory roles where accountants try to align competitive intelligence with business strategy, and auditors are called on ex ante to verify transactions and even whole ecosystems.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors identify several challenges that will need to be examined in future research. Challenges include skilling up for a new paradigm, the logistical issues associated with managing and monitoring multiple parties all contributing to various public and private blockchains, and the pressing need for legal frameworks to regulate cryptoassets.Practical implicationsThe possibilities that blockchain brings to information disclosure, fraud detection and overcoming the threat of shadow dealings in developing countries all contribute to the importance of further investigation into blockchain in accounting.Originality/valueThe authors’ structured literature review uniquely identifies critical research topics for developing future research directions related to blockchain in accounting.
Adaptive output-feedback robust active disturbance rejection control for uncertain quadrotor with unknown disturbances
Authors: Ahmed Nigar , Ali Shah Syed Awais 
Published: October 2021

PurposeIn this research paper, an adaptive output-feedback robust active disturbance rejection control (RADRC) is designed for the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) quadrotor attitude model subject to unwanted uncertainties and disturbances (UUDs).Design/methodology/approachIn order to achieve the desired control objectives in the presence of UUDs, the low pass filter (LPF) and extended high gain observer (EHGO) methods are used for the estimation of matched and mismatched UUDs, respectively. Furthermore, for solving the chattering incurred in the standard sliding mode control (SMC), a multilayer sliding mode surface is constructed. For formulating the adaptive output-feedback RADRC algorithm, the EHGO, LPF and SMC schemes are combined using the separation principle.FindingsThe findings of this research work include the design of an adaptive output-feedback RADRC with the ability to negate the UUDs as well as estimate the unknown states of the quadrotor attitude model. In addition, the chattering problem is addressed by designing a modified SMC scheme based on the multilayer sliding mode surface obtained by utilizing the estimated state variables. This sliding mode surface is also used to obtain the adaptive criteria for the switching design gain parameters involved in the SMC. Moreover, the requirement of high design gain parameters in the EHGO is solved by combining it with the LPF.Originality/valueDesigning the flight control techniques while assuming that the state variables are available is a common practice. In addition, to obtain robustness, the SMC technique is widely used. However, in practice, the state variables might not be available due to unknown parameters and uncertainties, as well as the chattering due to SMC reduces the performances of the actuators. Hence, in this paper, an adaptive output-feedback RADRC technique is designed to solve the problems of UUDs and chattering.
Putting a number on it: a latent profile approach to the typology of European Works Councils
Authors: De Spiegelaere Stan 
Published: October 2021

PurposeIdentify the different types of experiences of European Works Council (EWC) members based on the four fields of interaction of EWCs and evaluate their relative presence.Design/methodology/approachLatent profile analysis using survey data of over 1600 EWC representatives from more than 300 EWCs.FindingsFive different types of EWC experience are identified (marginalized, dominated, spearhead, participative and transnational forum). After 22 years of experience with EWCs, only a small minority of EWC representatives consider their EWC to be a participative structure. While trade union support and training increase the value of belonging to a well-functioning EWC type, they are not enough to circumvent structural obstacles. Additionally the analysis shows that domination by some countries in the functioning of an EWC is not always negative as this experience is present in both well- and ill-functioning EWC types.Research limitations/implicationsThe article argues that research should focus more on the moments of regression which EWCs face; and take a more nuanced approach to the domination by some countries of how EWCs function.Social implicationsThe article adds to the growing body of evidence that argues for structural intervention to improve EWC functioning.Originality/valueThis article uses insights from comparative case study research to cross-validate the findings using quantitative methods.
Factors influencing the participation of industry professionals in Work-Integrated Learning in Vietnamese universities: a qualitative approach
Authors: Thi Ngoc Ha Nguyen , Dakich Eva , Grieshaber Susan 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis article explores factors influencing the participation of industry professionals in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) in three Vietnamese public universities. The impact of the unique socio-cultural background of Vietnam on WIL is also addressed.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach that included three focus groups and 15 individual in-depth interviews was applied. In total, 30 key university and industry WIL stakeholders were involved. Thematic analysis was employed to identify enablers and inhibitors to the participation of industry professionals in WIL in Vietnamese universities.FindingsIndustry professionals faced more challenges than support when involved in WIL in three Vietnamese public universities. Four enablers of their participation in WIL stemmed from industry and nine inhibitors emerged from a variety of sources. The overwhelming number of inhibiting factors indicated difficulties associated with implementing WIL.Originality/valueThe rationale behind limited industry involvement in Vietnamese universities has not been explored previously. A holistic understanding of all key WIL stakeholders’ perceptions of factors influencing industry participation in a non-Western tertiary context may provide leads for higher education policy in Vietnam and add to the international literature.
Teachers’ technological competence and success in online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis: the moderating role of resistance to change
Authors: Masry-Herzalah Asmahan , Dor-Haim Peleg 
Published: October 2021

PurposeSimilar to education systems all over the world, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli education system shut its doors and moved to an online format. The present study aims to examine the relationship between Israeli teachers’ technological competence and their success in online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on 383 teachers’ who responded to a questionnaire about a month and a half after the transition to online teaching due to the COVID-19 crisis.FindingsThe study revealed a significant, positive relationship between technological competence and success in online teaching. Further, the study found that resistance to change among teachers played a key role in teaching success, such that it moderated the association between technological competency and online teaching success. Theoretical and practical implications are suggested.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to both theory and practice with regard to the matter of successful online teaching among teachers. The study introduces vital factors – specifically, resistance to change and technological competence – which may predict successful online teaching in schools during times of crisis.
Corn trade simulations of China: reduction in tariffs versus expansion in tariff-rate quotas
Authors: Liu Kai , Yamazaki Masato , Koike Atsushi , Mu Yueying 
Published: October 2021

PurposeCorn, which has the highest domestic production, planting area and consumption, is the top cereal in relation to demand and supply in China. However, the comparative advantage of China in corn has continuously deteriorated in recent years and based on the recent situation and possible supply and demand trends, it is widely accepted that a corn self-sufficiency rate of 95% is difficult to achieve. Under current import-restriction policies, corn may stand at the crossroads of reforms to solve its predicted insufficient supply. In this study, the authors analyse the necessity of relaxing trade restrictions on corn in China and explore the effects of trade restrictions by reducing tariffs and expanding tariff-rate quotas on corn and related industries and the welfare change caused by possible relaxations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors construct a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and design nine scenarios for the analysis.FindingsThe results show that relaxations of import restrictions are probable methods to meet the aim of sufficient corn supply during shortages. They are simulated to reduce corn's domestic production and price, increase import and import prices and lead to a decline in self-sufficiency but benefit the production of corn-related industries of corn. The results also imply that expanding the quota is a better method for releasing trade restrictions in China.Originality/valueThe comparative advantage of China in corn deteriorated with an increase in prices. Based on the current situation and possible trends of supply and demand, the referenced goal of achieving 95% corn self-sufficiency appears difficult, implying that reliance on imports is probably imminent and vital. This study provides simulation results in future scenarios and offers policy implications for China's corn trade policies.
Leadership, culture, intellectual capital and knowledge processes for organizational innovativeness across industries: the case of Poland
Authors: Kucharska Wioleta 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis study aims to present the overview of intellectual capital creation micro-mechanisms concerning formal and informal knowledge processes. The organizational culture, transformational leadership and innovativeness are also included in the investigation as ascendants and consequences of the focal relation of intellectual capital and knowledge processes.Design/methodology/approachBased on a sample of 1,418 Polish knowledge workers from the construction, healthcare, higher education and information technology (IT) industries, the empirical model was developed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method.FindingsThe study exposes that the essence of transformational leadership innovativeness oriented is developing all intellectual capital components. To do so, leaders must support both formal and informal knowledge processes through the organizational culture of knowledge and learning. Furthermore, for best results of the knowledge transformation into intellectual capital, the learning culture must be shaped by both components: learning climate and acceptance of mistakes.Practical implicationsPresented findings can be directly applied to organizations to enhance innovativeness. Namely, leaders who observe that the more knowledge is formally managed in their organizations, the less effective the knowledge exchange is-should put more effort into supporting informal knowledge processes to smoothly develop human and relational intellectual capital components. Shortly, leaders must implement an authentic learning culture, including the mistakes acceptance component, to use the full organizational potential to achieve intellectual capital growth. Intellectual capital growth is essential for innovativeness.Originality/valueThis study presents the “big picture” of all intellectual capital creation micro-mechanisms linking transformational leadership with organizational innovativeness and explains the “knowledge paradox” identified by Mabey and Zhao (2017). This explanation assumes that intellectual capital components are created informally (i.e. human and relational ones) and formally (i.e. structural ones). Therefore, for best effects, both formal and informal knowledge processes, must be supported. Furthermore, this study exposes that the intensity of all explored micro-mechanisms is industry-specific.
An integrated approach based on the decision-theoretic rough set for resilient-sustainable supplier selection and order allocation
Authors: Zhao Pengyun , Ji Shoufeng , Xue Yaoting 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative integration method based on decision-theoretic rough set and the extended VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje (VIKOR) methods to address the resilient-sustainable supplier selection and order allocation (SS/OA) problem.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, a two-stage approach is designed in this paper. First, the decision-theoretic rough set is employed to calculate the rough number for coping with the subjective uncertainty of data and assigning the weights for a resilient-sustainable evaluation criterion. On this basis, the supplier resilient-sustainable performance is ranked in combination with the extended VIKOR method. Second, a novel multi-objective optimization model is proposed that applies an improved genetic algorithm to select the resilient-sustainable supplier and allocate the corresponding order quantity under a multi-tier supplier network.FindingsThe results reveal that joint consideration of resilience and sustainability is essential in the SS/OA process. The method proposed in this study based on decision-theoretic rough sets and the extended VIKOR method can handle imprecise information flexibly, reduce information loss and obtain acceptable solutions for decision-makers. Numerical cases validate that this integrated approach can combine resilience and sustainability for effective and efficient SS/OA.Practical implicationsThis paper provides industry managers with a new perspective on SS/OA from a resilience and sustainability perspective as a basis for best practices for industry resilience and sustainability. The proposed method helps to evaluate the resilient-sustainable performance of potential suppliers, which is applicable to solving real-world SS/OA problems and has important practical implications for the resilient-sustainable development of supply chains.Originality/valueThe two interrelated priorities of resilience and sustainability have emerged as key strategic challenges in SS/OA issues. This paper is the first study of this issue that uses the proposed integrated approach.