bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TPR1, a novel rifampin derivative demonstrates efficacy alone and in combination with doxycycline against the NIAID Category A Priority PathogenF. tularensis
Authors: Cummings Jason E. , Slayden Keaton W. , Slayden Richard A. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesFrancisella tularensisis a highly virulent and contagious gram-negative intracellular bacterium that causes the disease tularemia in mammals and is classified as a Category A priority pathogen. The high infectivity, difficulty of obtaining a durable cure of disseminated disease and the emergence of drug resistance warrants investigation of new drugs that can be used alone and in combination with existing standard of care clinical drugs.MethodsWe utilized a systematic analysis of antibacterial potency, extent of dissemination by analysis of bacterial burden in a secondary vital organ, and survival rates to assess the efficacy of a novel rifampicin derivative, TPR1. The efficacy of TPR1 was evaluated alone and in combination with the standard of care drug, doxycycline, against Type AF. tularensisSchu S4 using a lethal pulmonary model of infection in mice.ResultsTPR1 has an MIC value range of 0.125-4 mg/L against reference laboratory strain SchuS4 and a panel of clinical strains. TPR1 alone reduced the bacterial burden in the lungs and spleen at 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, and no antagonism was observed when co-administered with doxycycline. Dosing at 40 mg/kg doxycycline reduced the bacterial burden by 1 Log10CFU in the lungs and 4 Log10CFU spleen in comparison to untreated controls. Co-administration of TPR1 and doxycycline demonstrated efficacy upon treatment withdrawal after 4 days of treatment, and 100% survival.ConclusionsSignificantly, TPR1 demonstrated efficacy when delivered alone and in combination with doxycycline, which provides compelling evidence of a superior treatment strategy that would normally rely on a single chemotherapeutic for efficacy. In addition, this work substantiates the use of rifampicin derivatives as a platform for the development of novel treatments to other bacterial agents in addition to tularemia.
Computational anatomy and geometric shape analysis enables analysis of complex craniofacial phenotypes in zebrafish
Authors: Diamond Kelly M. , Rolfe Sara M. , Kwon Ronald Y. , Maga A. Murat 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDue to the complexity of fish skulls, previous attempts to classify craniofacial phenotypes have relied on qualitative features or 2D landmarks. In this work we aim to identify and quantify differences in 3D craniofacial phenotypes in adult zebrafish mutants. We first estimate a synthetic ‘normative’ zebrafish template using microCT scans from a sample pool of wildtype animals using the Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs). We apply a computational anatomy (CA) approach to quantify the phenotype of zebrafish with disruptions inbmp1a, a gene implicated in later skeletal development and whose human ortholog when disrupted is associated with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Compared to controls, thebmp1afish have larger otoliths and exhibit shape differences concentrated around the operculum, anterior frontal, and posterior parietal bones. Moreover,bmp1afish differ in the degree of asymmetry. Our CA approach offers a potential pipeline for high throughput screening of complex fish craniofacial phenotypes, especially those of zebrafish which are an important model system for testing genome to phenome relationships in the study of development, evolution, and human diseases.Summary statementA computational anatomy approach offers a potential pipeline for high throughput screening of complex zebrafish craniofacial phenotypes, an important model system for the study of development, evolution, and human diseases.
The impacts of interest rate changes on US Midwest farmland values
Authors: Basha Albulena , Zhang Wendong , Hart Chad 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper quantifies the effects of recent Federal Reserve interest rate changes, specifically recent hikes and cuts in the federal funds rate since 2015, on Midwest farmland values.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply three autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models to a panel data of state-level farmland values from 1963 to 2018 to estimate the dynamic effects of interest rate changes on the US farmland market. We focus on the I-states, Lakes states and Great Plains states. The models in the study capture both short-term and long-term impacts of policy changes on land values.FindingsThe authors find that changes in the federal funds rate have long-lasting impacts on farmland values, as it takes at least a decade for the full effects of an interest rate change to be capitalized in farmland values. The results show that the three recent federal funds rate cuts in 2019 were not sufficient to offset the downward pressures from the 2015–2018 interest rate hikes, but the 2020 cut is. The combined effect of the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate moves on farmland values will be positive for some time starting in 2022.Originality/valueThis paper provides the first empirical quantification of the immediate and long-run impacts of recent Federal Reserve interest rate moves on farmland values. The authors demonstrate the long-lasting repercussions of Federal Reserve's policy choices in the farmland market.
Enhancing the social networks of adults with ASD: a low level community intervention
Authors: McConkey Roy , Cassin Marie-Therese , McNaughton Rosie , Armstrong Elaine 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to design and evaluate an innovative community-based service for adults with autism in a rural region of Northern Ireland. The goal was to reduce their social isolation through gaining social skills and building social networks.

Design/methodology/approach
Over three years, 54 persons with a median age of 21 years received 12 months of one-to-one, personalised support and opportunities to participate in peer groups and social activities which are detailed in the paper. Quantitative and qualitative information about the impact of the service was obtained from its users, their relatives, as well as service personnel.

Findings
Service users rated themselves to have changed in more ways than did their relatives and staff although there was a consensus that the changes were most marked in terms of spending more time out of the house, engaging in more community activities, being more independent and increased confidence. The main benefits they perceived from participation in the project were socialising, new experiences and learning new things.

Research limitations/implications
As with many service projects, a longer term follow-up of service users was not possible due to resource constraints.

Practical implications
The service could be replicated with suitable staff although current constraints on social care budgets have limited its expansion to more users and extension to other areas in Northern Ireland.

Social implications
Reducing the social isolation of adult persons with autism spectrum disorders needs to be personalised to the person, their living circumstances and the community in which they live. Family carers also stand to gain from community support services.

Originality/value
This low level, low cost service was implemented in a predominantly rural area with a majority of users from socially deprived areas.
How might we best support the effective and meaningful employment of autistic people and improve outcomes?
Authors: Cameron Carl , Townend Abbey 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
To determine the most appropriate and effective support to enable autistic people to gain and maintain employment in their chosen field. This paper aims to determine this and by which methods are most suitable for this kind of support, with a focus on mentoring.

Design/methodology/approach
Mentoring is an intervention that has shown promise in assisting people who encounter barriers in finding work (for example, Roycroft, 2014). This research was conducted to determine whether the mentoring of autistic adults is effective in helping them to gain and maintain employment. The study examined the mentoring records of 90 autistic adults who were in receipt of funded mentoring with 18 separate organisations across England.

Findings
The authors found that the nationally recognised statistic of autistic people in full-time employment as 16% (National Autistic Society, 2016) was ambitious and subject to regional variation. Based on the results of a programme providing employment and mentoring support that is available and accessible to autistic people, however, outcomes improve and employment is more likely to be achieved and maintained – including in areas of, especially low employment. It was found that 48% of autistic job seekers who were supported by specialist mentors found paid employment (full-time or part-time), demonstrating a 16% increase in paid employment between those who received mentoring support and those who did not.

Research limitations/implications
A wider study across the UK would first determine if the nationally recognised figure is incorrect and also highlight those areas of the country which perform particularly well or badly.

Originality/value
This paper believes that this is the only research of it is kind in the UK and that it is a springboard for others who have greater resources available to them. This study is two very early-career academics on the autism spectrum with limited resources available to us.
Architectural design and consumer experience: an investigation of shopping malls throughout the design process
Authors: Yuan Ye , Liu Gang , Dang Rui , Lau Stephen Siu Yu , Qu Guanhua 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the design elements of environmental features that affect consumer experience in shopping malls and develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between architectural design and consumer experience.Design/methodology/approachThrough the systematic literature review, 13 design elements were obtained and then verified through interviews of 30 professional designers. The obtained elements were made into a questionnaire to collect data across China from 1,016 consumers of different groups. Data were analyzed using cluster analysis, principal component analysis and difference analysis.FindingsThe results show that design elements that influence consumer experience in shopping malls are a four-dimensional construct: visual atmosphere, physical environment comfort, space structure and business planning, among which space structure and business planning play a larger role in the consumer experience. In addition, the perception differences of consumers for those elements are significant due to the individual differences.Originality/valueThis paper comprehensively investigates the architectural design elements affecting consumer experience in the Chinese mall context. Moreover, it provides unique insights about the relationship between architectural design and consumer experience by exploring the categories, weights and perception differences of those elements.
Proximity to broad bond rating change and annual report readability
Authors: Bradley Wray , Sun Li 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of proximity to broad bond rating change on annual report reading difficulty.Design/methodology/approachWe use regression analysis to examine the association between proximity to broad bond rating change and reading difficulty of annual report.FindingsUsing a large panel sample with 11,767 firm-year observations representing 1,474 unique US companies from 1994 to 2016, we find a significant positive relation between proximity to broad bond rating change and annual report reading difficulty, which suggests that the annual reports of borderline firms are difficult for stakeholders to read and understand.Originality/valueBy investigating whether and how borderline firms manipulate readability of annual reports, our study contributes to bond rating research in finance literature and disclosure quality research in accounting literature. To the best of our knowledge, this study is perhaps the first empirical study that directly tests the link between proximity to broad bond rating change and annual report readability. In particular, the majority of prior studies concentrate on the economic consequences of annual report readability, but few studies investigate the determinants of readability. Therefore, examining the impact of proximity to broad bond rating change on readability contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of annual report readability.
Implementation of circular economy principles during pre-construction stage: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijewansha Amodith Supunmal , Tennakoon G.A. , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S. , Ekanayake B.J. 
Published: February 2021

PurposeDespite the positive impacts of the construction sector on enhancing economic growth and ensuring societal well-being, its negative impacts on the environment from unsustainable resource consumption levels, emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and waste generation is monumental. Circular economy (CE) concept is identified globally as an avenue to address problems regarding adverse impacts of construction on the environment. This paper presents the principles of CE as an avenue for enhancing environmental sustainability during the pre-construction stage within Sri Lankan construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThis research was approached through a qualitative research method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts. The number of experts were limited due to lack of experts with knowledge on the subject area in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsFindings revealed a range of activities under each R principle of CE, that is, reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, reclassification and renewability that could be implemented during the pre-construction stage, thereby providing a guide for construction professionals in implementing CE at the pre-construction stage. The need to expand knowledge on CE concepts within the Sri Lankan construction sector was recognized.Originality/valueThis study provides a qualitative in-depth perspective on how 6R principles of CE could be integrated to a construction project during the pre-construction stage. By adopting the proposed activities under CE principles, construction professionals can enhance the environmental sustainability of construction projects.
A vegetarian educator in a meat obsessed country
Authors: Sturgeon Delia Cassandra 
Published: February 2021

PurposeFood consumption is a result of a choice that is influenced by economic status, society, culture, psychosomatic elements (Bisogni et al., 2002) and religious factors (Dewan, 2017) creating an identity based on one's beliefs (Mennell et al., 1992). Although many versions exist, this diet is often established on an ideology to abstain from using animals for dietary needs (Smart, 2004). There has been much research to explore vegetarian motivation and impacts of this diet on health; however, first-hand accounts are few.Design/methodology/approachAutoethnography was undertaken to understand my experience as a vegetarian living within a primarily meat consuming country. The theoretical framework driving the research uses social cognitive theory (SCT), the transtheoretical model (TTM) and ethical theory to address the vegetarian experience and emotions generated through such encounters.FindingsData collected, including conversations, headnotes and teaching material, were transcribed and categorised into four emerging themes including vegetarian experience, culture, identity as an educator; and impacts of beliefs. The author also discusses the motives for converting to vegetarianism and the experiences that came with behavioural change. Obstacles and opportunities presented by living in a dominant meat society are explored and the author’s influence on others as an educator, as a citizen in society and as a member of a family.Research limitations/implicationsBeing new to autoethnography proved to be a limitation in the study.Practical implicationsThis research may prove useful for researchers to gain an insider's view of a vegetarian's experience, and how the lifestyles impact students and others in a social context from the author's perspective.Social implicationsAutoethnography regarding vegetarianism from an educator's perspective is lacking and hence may give an insight to help fill the literature gap and change perspectives towards the vegetarian community.Originality/valueAutoethnography regarding vegetarianism from an educators perspective is lacking; hence, this would be a valuable insight to add to the literature gap.
An integrative model to understand consumers' trust and willingness to buy imported fresh fruit in urban China
Authors: Feng Ningning , Zhang Airong , van Klinken Rieks D. , Cui Lijuan 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an integrative model where perceived competence, perceived warmth and “clean green image” of an exporting country are drivers for Chinese consumers' trust in food quality and food safety, which in turn predict their willingness to buy fresh fruit from this country.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (N = 1,583) from the three metropolises in China were surveyed on their perceptions of the competence, warmth and clean green image of seven contrasting exporting countries and their trust in quality, trust in safety and willingness to buy fresh fruit imported from those countries.FindingsResults support the proposed integrative model, explaining 39%–55% of the variance in willingness to buy. Clean green image was the strongest predictor of willingness to buy through enhanced trust in food quality. The effects of country competence and warmth on willingness to buy through trust in food safety and quality varied with exporting country.Research limitations/implicationsThe integrative model and findings of this study can help agri-food industries develop an in-depth understanding of Chinese consumers and to develop targeted strategies to increase willingness to buy through improving consumer trust in food quality and safety.Originality/valueThis study extends the country image framework which previously only consisted of human characteristics (i.e. perceived competence and warmth) by incorporating environmental characteristics (i.e. clean green image) in examining consumers' willingness to buy imported fresh fruit.
Farmers' land allocation responses to the soybean rejuvenation plan: evidence from “typical farm” in Jilin, China
Authors: Guo Shijuan , Lv Xinye , Hu Xiangdong 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the impact of the soybean rejuvenation plan and the subsidy on farmers' land allocation decisions, which may reference policy adjustment from a micro perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a multi-objective optimized programming model on farm-level, which simulated the land-use changes, as well as the resulting changes in benefits of the rational “typical farm”. The simulation scenarios include changes in subsidy policy and production efficiency, and the baseline scenario was the production status in 2018.FindingsThe results show that an increase in soybean producer subsidy will encourage farmers to allocate more land for soybean planting, which can be considered as a policy tool in promoting soybean production in China. Besides, the effect of subsidy in adjusting soybean acreage for farms is further affected by external conditions such as production technology (such as breeding technology, pesticide and fertilizer application efficiency). Meanwhile, large-scale farms show more significant land adjustments when facing changes in policies and external conditions.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is to simulate the effects of soybean policy and subsidy change on farmers' land-allocation decisions through a multi-objective farmer decision-making model, which provides a micro perspective to understand the implementation effect of the soybean revitalization plan.
The 100 most-cited articles on malaria: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ghamgosar Arezoo , Zarghani Maryam , Nemati-Anaraki Leila 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The use of citation analysis to identify the first 100 articles on malaria offers unique insights into understanding the disease and subsequent follow-up treatment innovations over time. In this study, the 100 most-cited articles on malaria were analyzed, and key studies were highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach
The data of the most-cited articles for the period of four decades were extracted from the Web of Science database. The search terms malaria, plasmodium infection and remittent fever were used to identify the related articles for the study.

Findings
The preliminary data of the 100 most-cited articles were recorded and analyzed. The total number of retrieved articles was 55,517. Dondrop and colleagues wrote the most-cited articles focusing on a new treatment for falciparum malaria resistant to existing medications. The author, with the most publications, was N. J. White. The most-cited articles on malaria were published in 35 journals. The USA had published most of the influential articles, while the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit was the leading institute active in malaria research. The experimental method was the most frequent method used by the most-cited articles. There was a significant relationship between the number of authors, the presence of the corresponding author on Research Gate, the availability of the full text of the article on Research Gate, the impact factor of the journal in which the article was published and the international collaboration of authors and the number of citations on malaria. The most influential authors, countries, institutes, journals and articles were specified. Most of the notable articles on malaria were published in journals with high impact factors. A group of journals was introduced as the core journals.

Originality/value
It was found that having co-authors, the presence of the corresponding author on Research Gate, the availability of the full text of the article on Research Gate, the impact factor of the journal in which the article was published and international collaboration contributed to the publication of high-quality scientific products. Updated information on malaria is needed to present and expand the screening strategies to improve health and reduce burden of malaria.