bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional investigation of the DHH/DHHA1 family proteins in Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Wang Ying , Hao Wanshan , Guo Ziming , Sun Yiyang , Wu Yu , Sun Yukang , Gao Tianwen , Luo Yun , Jin Lizan , Yang Jieyu , Cheng Kaiying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
DHH/DHHA1 family proteins have been proposed to play critical roles in bacterial resistance to environmental stresses. Members of the most radioresistant bacteria genus, Deinococcus, possess two DHH/DHHA1 family proteins, RecJ and RecJ-like. While the functions of Deinococcus radiodurans RecJ (DrRecJ) in DNA damage resistance have been well characterized, the role and biochemical activities of D. radiodurans RecJ-like (DrRecJ-like) remain unclear. Phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses suggest that, beyond DNA repair, DrRecJ is implicated in cell growth and division. Additionally, DrRecJ-like not only affects stress response, cell growth, and division but also correlates with the folding/stability of intracellular proteins, as well as the formation and stability of cell membranes/walls. DrRecJ-like exhibits a preferred catalytic activity towards short single-stranded RNA/DNA oligos and c-di-AMP. In contrast, DrRecJ shows no activity against RNA and c-di-AMP. Moreover, a crystal structure of DrRecJ-like, with Mg2+ bound in an open conformation at a resolution of 1.97 Å, has been resolved. Subsequent mutational analysis was conducted to pinpoint the crucial residues essential for metal cation and substrate binding, along with the dimerization state, necessary for DrRecJ-like's function. This finding could potentially extend to all NrnA-like proteins, considering their conserved amino acid sequence and comparable dimerization forms.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Malakoplakia Mimicking Malignant Neoplasm on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Sung Woo Jung , Choi Byungwook 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We report a rare case of intramedullary spinal cord malakoplakia mimicking malignancy on 18F-FDG PET/CT. A 61-year-old man underwent a contrast-enhanced spinal cord MRI to evaluate 1 week of progressive left-sided weakness. Spinal cord MRI showed a 1.3-cm enhancing intramedullary cervical spinal cord mass at C5 level with cord edema. Subsequently, 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed for evaluation. The images showed a well-circumscribed hypermetabolic mass in the spinal cord; no lesions were suggestive of malignancy or metastasis. A subtotal tumor excision was performed; histopathological examination revealed malakoplakia. This emphasizes the significance of histopathological evaluation and the importance of diagnostic confirmation.
A short noncoding RNA modulates gene expression and affects stress response and parasite differentiation inLeishmania braziliensis
Authors: Quilles José C. , Espada Caroline R. , Orsine Lissur A. , Defina Tânia A. , Almeida Letícia , Holetz Fabíola , Cruz Angela K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe protozoan parasiteLeishmaniaspp. is a causative agent of leishmaniasis, a disease that affects millions of people in more than 80 countries worldwide. Apart from its medical relevance, this organism has a genetic organization that is unique among eukaryotes. Studies of the mechanisms regulating gene expression inLeishmanialed us to investigate noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as regulatory elements. We previously identified differentially expressed (DE) ncRNAs inLeishmania braziliensiswith potential roles in the parasite biology and development. Herein, we present a functional analysis of one such DE ncRNA, the 147-nucleotide-long transcript ncRNA97, which is preferentially expressed in amastigotes, the replicative form within mammalian phagocytes. By RT-qPCR the ncRNA97 was detected in greater quantities in the nucleus under physiological conditions and in the cytoplasm under nutritional stress. Interestingly, the transcript is protected at the 5’ end but is not processed by the canonical trypanosomatidtrans-splicing mechanism, according to the RNA circularization assay. ncRNA97 knockout(KO)and addback(AB)transfectants were generated and subjected to phenotypic analysis, which revealed that ncRNA97 impairs the starvation response and differentiation to the infective form. Comparative transcriptomics of ncRNA97KOand parental cells revealed that transcripts encoding amastigote-specific proteins were affected. This pioneering work demonstrates that ncRNAs contribute to the developmental regulatory mechanisms ofLeishmania.
Serratia sp. dominates the lung microbiome of patients with tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases
Authors: Belheouane Meriem , Kalsdorf Barbara , Niemann Stefan , Gaede Karoline I. , Lange Christoph , Heyckendorf Jan , Merker Matthias 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPathogenic mycobacteria, such as theMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (Mtbc), and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) can cause severe chronic pulmonary infections. However, not all infected patients develop active disease. Yet, it is unclear whether certain key taxa in the lung microbiome play a role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB) and NTM lung disease (LD).Material and methodsWe employed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (V3-V4) to characterize the baseline microbiome in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a patient cohort diagnosed with TB (n=23), NTM-LD (n=19), or non-infectious disease (n=4) prior to the initiation of therapy. The analysis included the depletion of human cells, removal of extracellular DNA, implementation of a decontamination strategy, and exploratory whole-metagenome sequencing (WMS) of selected specimens.ResultsThe generaSerratiaand unclassifiedYersiniaceaedominated the lung microbiome of all patients with a mean relative abundance of >15% and >70%, respectively. However, at the sub-genus level, as determined by amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), TB-patients exhibited increased community diversity, and TB specific ASV_7 (unclassifiedYersiniaceae), and ASV_21 (Serratia) signatures. Exploratory analysis by WMS and ASV similarity analysis suggested the presence ofSerratia liquefaciens,Serratia grimesii,Serratia myotisand/orSerratia quinivoransin both TB and NTM-LD patients. Overall, presence/absence of certainSerratiaASVs was significantly associated with disease state.ConclusionThe lung microbiome of TB patients harbors a distinct, and heterogenous microbiome structure with specific occurrences of certainSerratiatraits.Serratia sp.plays a pivotal role in our understanding of microbial interactions in the lung microbiome of patients infected with Mtbc.
Unlocking determinants of smart construction: an integrated model of UTAUT2, TTF, and perceived risk for IoT acceptance in AEC industry
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Guo Fangyu , Zhang Cheng , Hao Jianli , Wang Zhitao 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe Internet of Things (IoT) offers substantial potential for improving efficiency and effectiveness in various applications, notably within the domain of smart construction. Despite its growing adoption within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, its utilization remains limited. Despite efforts made by policymakers, the shift from traditional construction practices to smart construction poses significant challenges. Consequently, this study aims to explore, compare, and prioritize the determinants that impact the acceptance of the IoT among construction practitioners.Design/methodology/approachBased on the integrated model of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), Task-Technology Fit (TTF), and perceived risk. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 309 construction practitioners in China, and the collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate that TTF, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, and perceived risk exert significant influence on construction practitioners’ intention to adopt IoT. Conversely, social influence and habit exhibit no significant impact. Notably, the results unveil the moderating influence of gender on key relationships – specifically, performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and habit – in relation to the behavioral intention to adopt IoT among construction practitioners. In general, the model explains 71% of the variance in the behavioral intention to adopt IoT, indicating that the independent constructs influenced 71% of practitioners’ intentions to use IoT.Practical implicationsThese findings provide both theoretical support and empirical evidence, offering valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the critical factors influencing practitioners’ intention to adopt IoT. This knowledge equips them to formulate programs and strategies for promoting effective IoT implementation within the AEC field.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by affirming antecedents and uncovering moderators in IoT adoption. It enhances the existing theoretical frameworks by integrating UTAUT2, TTF, and perceived risk, thereby making a substantial contribution to the advancement of technology adoption research in the AEC sector.
Managing workplace bullying and harassment in the Canadian work context: same old, same old
Authors: McKay Ruth , Uruthirapathy Aareni , Pankova Yulia 
Published: May 2024

Purpose Canadian organizations started addressing workplace bullying and harassment in the 1990s. Proactive organizations have written policies, trained managers and employees, created a complaint process and conducted surveys. The objective of this study is to examine how effective these efforts by Canadian organizations have been.Design/methodology/approach Data for this research were collected through a survey administered to employees in Canadian workplaces (n = 1,000), including managers (n = 461). A stratified sample was used to facilitate a good representation of region, age, gender, sector and occupational level of working Canadians.Findings The survey indicated that some Canadian organizations continue to be negligent in addressing workplace bullying and harassment and that the problem is particular to large organizations, young employees and the private sector.Research limitations/implications The survey identifies that some Canadian organizations are still negligent in addressing workplace bullying and harassment. The problem is particular to large organizations, young employees and the public sector.Practical implications Senior and middle-level managers need to be aware that workplace bullying and harassment continue to occur in their work environment. Further, given that managers at times defer excessively to authority, the human resource (HR) department has a vital role in addressing workplace bullying and harassment. HR needs to establish a reputation among employees that their complaints will be taken seriously, and corrective actions will be taken.Originality/value This study examined the nature of workplace bullying and harassment in the Canadian context. The study found that organizations are still neglecting issues of workplace bullying and harassment and that there is a disconnect between what employees are experiencing and what senior management is professing is the situation. This disconnect is a continued liability for organizations.
A knowledge-based perspective on SME foreign market entry mode choices and changes
Authors: Stoian Maria-Cristina 
Published: May 2024

PurposeDespite the importance of foreign market entry mode (FMEM) decisions for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is insufficient understanding of the knowledge types and sources necessary for such decisions. This study addresses this issue by investigating the knowledge configurations that underpin FMEM initial choices and subsequent changes in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted an interpretive approach and analysed empirical data from 37 in-depth interviews with decision-makers in internationalised SMEs from the United Kingdom.FindingsThe findings reveal that different knowledge configurations drive FMEM decisions in SMEs. Based on the analysis conducted for this study, initial FMEM choices draw on prior experiential knowledge combined with knowledge from desk research and knowledge acquired from peers, competitors and international partners. However, unlike many previous contributions, this research shows that foreign market experiential knowledge does not influence mode changes. Within-mode changes rely mainly on mode-specific knowledge and on knowledge about exploiting the benefits of the internet and digital platform ecosystems. Conversely, between-mode changes draw on diverse knowledge that is frequently created in interaction with international stakeholders or acquired externally.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the SME internationalisation literature by highlighting the knowledge configurations that inform not only initial choices but also between- and within-mode changes. Moreover, it reveals the importance of distinct types of digital technology-based knowledge for facilitating mode changes. It also adds to the knowledge-based perspective by underscoring that dynamic and heterogenous knowledge configurations, often created in interaction with international stakeholders, promote firm internationalisation.
Exploring lean office in project management by means of a systematic literature review
Authors: Martins Edson Oliveira , Frederico Guilherme F. 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study aims to find the main contributions from lean office (LO) that can be applied to the project management field, correlating these two areas toward an improvement in project management performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a systematic literature review as a methodological approach to find the main potential contributions from LO that can be applied to project management.FindingsThis study has selected the 13 most cited potential contributions from LO and its level of occurrence in a systematic literature review (SLR).Research limitations/implicationsThis study explores theoretical aspects of LO benefits on project management, and further empirical studies are needed to determine the risks and benefits of the concept listed here.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that the most cited potential contribution from LO to the project management and those can be used as a guidance for project managers.Originality/valueThis article highlights the potential contributions from LO to project management field, which is novelty in the face of the existent literature.
Do nothing, do minimum or do something? Why public project appraisals “always” recommend large projects
Authors: Volden Gro Holst , Welde Morten , Engebø Atle , Andersen Bjørn Sørskot 
Published: May 2024

PurposeIn the project initiation phase, an appraisal is needed to clarify the strategic problem and alternative solutions. Full-scale construction projects and simple solutions (do-minimum alternatives) should be assessed. The do-nothing alternative is the baseline for the appraisal and an option in itself. The paper explores the role of do-nothing and do-minimum alternatives in public project appraisal, which may significantly impact the attractiveness of a construction project.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an empirical study from Norway, which requires external quality assurance (QA) of early project appraisals. The data include an extensive document review of 112 projects and interviews with 41 experts involved in the appraisal processes.FindingsOf 112 appraisals, 110 recommended a major construction project, including cases where the benefits and value were low or uncertain. The do-nothing alternative was generally included as a reference but not treated as a viable option. Do-minimum alternatives were often not explored. By contrast, the external QA reports recommended do-nothing or do-minimum in 28 cases. Interestingly, although political decision-makers rarely reject projects, they may put them on hold indefinitely, implying that the actual outcome in many cases is still do-nothing.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a topic that has been understudied in the literature. The findings contribute to the broader literature on project initiation processes, project appraisal and how to reduce the risk of bias and manipulation in appraisals.
A narrative review of e-health systems' evolution – evidence from a regional study
Authors: Kitanovikj Bojan , Koteska Bojana , Levkov Nikola , Velinov Goran , Chagoroska Zhaklina 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe growing implementation of electronic health (e-health) systems has raised the importance of analyzing how these systems have been implemented in diverse regions. By employing a contextual sensitive approach and social mechanism theory, this study aims to better understand the reasons for the success and failure of e-health initiatives in the ex-Yugoslav region and derive useful insights for policymakers.Design/methodology/approachWe employ a narrative review process grounded in the social mechanism theory, extended with field experts’ review, to acquire state-of-the-art information.FindingsFindings indicate that different e-health systems coexist and evolve in different contexts in different countries, with varying levels of success. The contextual differences shape the broader environment, affecting the level of preparedness and capability for e-health implementation. Top-down approaches dominate e-health implementation in most countries when it comes to design process features, and more developed countries do not rely on strong social mechanisms for implementing e-health due to the openness of their culture towards e-health innovations.Practical implicationsAnalyzing the milestones, challenges and functionalities of e-health systems in the region of interest can assist policymakers, academics and practitioners in making informed decisions and recommendations to enhance future e-health implementation.Originality/valueNo known studies evaluated e-health initiatives in the former ex-Yugoslav countries holistically and evolutionarily in the form of a comprehensive regional study. Further, our research endeavor is contextually specific since the health systems of these countries in the past were tied together under the federative umbrella health system and then diverged in terms of e-health development.
The effects of game mechanics on user retention in using social live streaming services
Authors: Tsou Hung-Tai , Lin Yu-Hsun , Loo Pui Yan 
Published: May 2024

PurposeSocial live streaming services (SLSS) have infused gamification into interface design and feature applications. Firms adopt gamification mechanisms to win customer loyalty in the live streaming and SLSS markets. Based on the mechanics-dynamics-aesthetics (MDA) framework and uses and gratifications 2.0 theory (UGT 2.0), this study aims to investigate the effects of game mechanics (mechanics) on enjoyment and user retention (aesthetics) through rewards and social interaction (dynamics) in the context of SLSS.Design/methodology/approachThis study used an online survey via Google Forms, SurveyCake and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Line to collect data from 232 SLSS users in Taiwan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyze the data.FindingsThe results validated the relationships between game mechanics and dynamic elements (rewards and social interaction) that triggered aesthetic elements (enjoyment feelings) among users. In addition, users experienced a sense of enjoyment that led to usage retention when using the gamified SLSS. Further, this study found enjoyment crucial for users to stay interactive with gamified services.Originality/valueDriven by UGT 2.0, this study closed the gaps by integrating the MDA framework into the SLSS context and better understanding how game mechanics are connected to rewards and social interaction, leading to enjoyment and user retention when using SLSS. This study provides fresh insights into gamification-oriented SLSS practices. It offers significant theoretical and managerial implications and provides guidelines for SLSS platform operators on fostering user retention.
Traditional and environmentally friendly attributes in products of highly design-oriented firms: an exploratory study in the perception of Italian entrepreneurs
Authors: Conti Emanuela , Jevnaker Birgit Helene , Camillo Furio , Musso Fabio 
Published: May 2024

Purpose The aim of this study was to empirically examine how much traditional attributes and green attributes characterize products within design-oriented firms. Further, we explored how these attributes relate to the perceived level of innovation of the firms.Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research was carried out in 86 Italian manufacturing companies that are members of the Industrial Design Association. Using the questionnaire method, the entrepreneurs’ perceptions have been analyzed. Data have been treated with hierarchical cluster analysis.Findings The analysis shows that environmental sustainability is the least important attribute of a design product and four clusters of highly design-oriented firms differ by design-product attributes. Further, the least green firms are also the least innovative in terms of incremental and general innovation.Research limitations/implications The small size of the sample and the provenance of firms from a single country imply limited generalizability, and further research on the topic is recommended.Practical implications Design-driven innovation based on traditional design attributes provides many competitive advantages to firms. However, given the growing concern about environmental challenges, investing in green attributes in design products allows for remaining competitive and more effective in innovation.Originality/value This study, for the first time, reveals the heterogeneity among design-oriented firms, particularly regarding the presence and assortment of traditional design attributes, as well as the incorporation of environmentally friendly attributes in their products. Moreover, the study uncovers the relationship between varying levels of green attributes in the offerings and the perception of the firm’s innovativeness.