bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial T6SS1 cluster identification and bioinformatics characterization of their putative effectors in Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli
Authors: Riviere Nahuel A. , Casabonne María Carolina , Smith Libia Y. , Marques da Silva Wanderson , Cataldi Ángel A. , Larzábal Mariano 
Published: March 2024

AbstractShiga toxing-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) O22:H8 strain is a serotype occasionally isolated in Argentinian cattle. Preliminary works showed that the cattle carrying STEC O22:H8 strains could not be experimentally colonized by EHEC O157:H7 strain. The type 6 secretion system (T6SS) is one of the most versatile virulence mechanisms involved in delivering effectors, particularly the T6SS1 translocate antibacterial toxins effectors during bacterial competition for niche-space. In this work, we could evidence the molecular bases of the success of STEC O22:H8 (154) strain during bacterial competition against EHEC O157:H7 strains. The genome sequence of STEC O22:H8 (154) allowed us to identify a complete T6SS1 cluster. In addition, we identify and characterized several putative T6SS1-antibacterial effectors encoded inside the T6SS1 clusters and in genomic pathogenic islands. Competition assays against EHEC O157:H7 strain confirmed the antibacterial activity of STEC O22:H8 (154) strainin vitro. Considering the absent of T6SS1 in STEC strains, we proposed the recent horizontal transfer acquisition and the most probably donor belong to the sameEscherichia colispecies. A safe STEC O22:H8 (154)Δstxwould be used as a new strategy to fight STECs in bovine intestinal colonization, leading in a reduction in beef contamination and consequently HUS cases in humans.
Windows of opportunity, strategic cognition and enterprise digital transformation
Authors: Zang Shuwei , Sun Mengyuan , Wang Qimeng , Wang Haofu , Tian Shanwu 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss how enterprises can effectively perceive and use the digital opportunities brought about by digital technologies and dynamic environments and how they can enhance their capabilities to realize digital transformation and adapt to the development of the digital economy era.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the windows of opportunity theory and strategic cognition theory, this paper conducts an empirical analysis of the questionnaire data of 268 enterprises and discusses the influence of external windows of opportunity and internal windows of opportunity on the digital transformation of enterprises, as well as the action mechanism of strategic cognition and entrepreneurship.

Findings
The results show that both the external windows of opportunity and the internal windows of opportunity have significant positive effects on the digital transformation of enterprises. Strategic cognition plays a partial mediating role in the external windows of opportunity and the internal windows of opportunity influencing the enterprise digital transformation process. Entrepreneurship plays a positive regulatory role in the process of external windows of opportunity and internal windows of opportunity influencing strategic cognition.

Originality/value
This paper deepens the relationship between internal and external windows of opportunity and enterprise digital transformation and contributes a new theoretical cognition. This paper integrates the strategic cognition theory to clarify the complex process mechanism of digital transformation using external situational opportunities and internal capabilities. This paper introduces entrepreneurship into the path mechanism of digital transformation and expands the characteristics of the study of digital transformation antecedents to the individual level within the enterprise.
Wind turbine emulator using three-phase IM controlled through an adaptive reactive power estimator fed by soft-VSI topology
Authors: Zerzeri Mouna , Moussa Intissar , Khedher Adel 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper aims to design a robust wind turbine emulator (WTE) based on a three-phase induction motor (3PIM).

Design/methodology/approach
The 3PIM is driven by a soft voltage source inverter (VSI) controlled by a specific space vector modulation. By adjusting the appropriate vector sequence selection, the desired VSI output voltage allows a real wind turbine speed emulation in the laboratory, taking into account the wind profile, static and dynamic behaviors and parametric variations for theoretical and then experimental analysis. A Mexican hat profile and a sinusoidal profile are therefore used as the wind speed system input to highlight the electrical, mechanical and electromagnetic system response.

Findings
The simulation results, based on relative error data, show that the proposed reactive power control method effectively estimates the flux and the rotor time constant, thus ensuring an accurate trajectory tracking of the wind speed for the wind emulation application.

Originality/value
The proposed architecture achieves its results through the use of mathematical theory and WTE topology combine with an online adaptive estimator and Lyapunov stability adaptation control methods. These approaches are particularly relevant for low-cost or low-power alternative current (AC) motor drives in the field of renewable energy emulation. It has the advantage of eliminating the need for expensive and unreliable position transducers, thereby increasing the emulator drive life. A comparative analysis was also carried out to highlight the online adaptive estimator fast response time and accuracy.
The Olympus scandal – the dark side of social networks and corporate culture
Authors: Ilieva Maria 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This study aims to build on the well-documented case of the Olympus scandal to dissect how social networks and corporate culture enabled corporate elites to commit fraud across multiple generations of leaders.

Design/methodology/approach
A flexible pattern matching approach was used to identify matches and mismatches between behavioural theory in corporate governance and the patterns observed in data from diverse sources.

Findings
The study applies the behavioural theory of corporate governance from different perspectives. Social networks and relationships were essential for the execution of the fraud and keeping it secret. The group of corporate elites actively created opportunities for committing misappropriation. This research presents individuals committing embezzlement because the opportunity already exists, and they can enrich themselves. The group of insiders who committed the fraud elaborated the rationalizations to others and asked outside associates to help rationalise the activities, while usually individuals provide rationalizations to themselves only.

Practical implications
The social processes among actors described in this case can inform the design of mechanisms to detect these behaviours in similar contexts.

Originality/value
This study provides both perspectives on the fraud scandal: the one of the whistle-blowers, and the opposing side of the transgressors and their associates. The extant case studies on Olympus presented the timeframe of the scandal right after the exposure. The current study dissects the events during the fraud execution and presents the case in a neutral or a negative light.
Higher education cooperation at the regional level
Authors: Knight Jane 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis article focuses on regional-level cooperation in higher education by examining the functional, organizational and political approaches (FOPA) framework for higher education regionalization and using supra-national regional universities as established and successful examples of regional-level higher education cooperation among countries.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is used to provide the structure for analyzing the key approaches to higher education regionalization, followed by an analysis of supra-national regional universities to demonstrate the application of the model.FindingsThe FOPA framework for higher education regionalization includes three approaches. The first is the functional approach, which includes both collaborative academic and research activities among higher education institutions as well strategies and policies to help align systems across a region. The second is the organizational approach, which focuses on networks, organizations, institutions and programs, which facilitate partnerships. The third is the political approach, which includes regional-level agreements, declarations and strategic plans to promote higher education collaboration. Key higher education activities for each approach are discussed in generic terms, with examples provided from major regions of the world.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was based on desk research only. No interviews were conducted.Practical implicationsA conceptual analysis and a model were provided for the concept of regionalization of higher education and for regional universities, which can help readers locate their interests and research in the regionalization of higher education. Examples of three different types of regional universities were provided to give concrete illustrations of a regional university.Social implicationsOne of the rationales driving regional universities is to address and increase a sense of regional identify and to meet the social, economic and educational needs of the specified region.Originality/valueRegional universities, such as the University of West Indies, Arab Open University and the Pan-Africa University, are an understudied phenomenon. Using them as innovative and sustainable examples of higher education regional cooperation and the FOPA model, this study illustrates how single-campus, multiple-campus and virtual regional universities are functioning to meet the diversified needs and priorities across a region through cooperation among countries.
Clinical significance of an elevated on‐admission beta‐hydroxybutyrate in acutely ill adult patients without diabetes
Authors: Lin Samuel , Depczynski Barbara , Varndell Wayne , Hui Su An , Chiew Angela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the relationship between point‐of‐care β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration and outcomes in adult patients without diabetes admitted through ED.MethodsThis was a prospective study from 10 March to 2 July 2021. Admitted patients without diabetes had capillary BHB sampled in ED. Outcomes of length‐of‐stay (LOS), composite mortality/ICU admission rates and clinical severity scores (Quick Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment score/National Early Warning Score [qSOFA/NEWS]) were measured. BHB was assessed as a continuous variable and between those with BHB above and equal to 1.0 mmol/L and those below 1.0 mmol/L.ResultsA total of 311 patients were included from 2377 admissions. Median length‐of‐stay was 4.1 days (IQR 2.1–9.8), 18 (5.8%) died and 37 (11.8%) were admitted to ICU. Median BHB was 0.2 mmol/L (IQR 0.1–0.4). Twenty‐five patients had BHB ≥1.0 mmol/L and five were >3.0 mmol/L. There was no significant difference in median LOS for patients with BHB ≥1.0 mmol/L compared to non‐ketotic patients, 5.3 days (IQR 2.2–7.5) versus 4.1 days, respectively (IQR 2.0–9.8) (P = 0.69). BHB did not correlate with LOS (Spearman ρ = 0.116, 95% confidence interval: 0.006–0.223). qSOFA and NEWS also did not differ between these cohorts. For those 25 patients with BHB ≥1.0 mmol/L, an infective/inflammatory diagnosis was present in 11 (44%), at least 2 days of fasting in 10 (40%) and ethanol intake >40 g within 48 h in 4 (16%).ConclusionsRoutine BHB measurement in patients without diabetes does not add to clinical bedside assessment and use should be limited to when required to confirm a clinical impression.
Energetics‐based connectivity mapping reveals new conservation opportunities for the endangered tiger in Nepal
Authors: Carter N. H. , Berti E. , Zuckerwise A. , Pradhan N. M. B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnhancing habitat connectivity is a key strategy for conserving endangered species in anthropogenic landscapes. However, connectivity planning often overlooks the crucial energetic costs to animals of traversing complex terrains. We applied a novel approach for estimating energy costs of movement for tigers – a globally endangered species. We used those estimates to calculate landscape connectivity for these animals across the extreme altitudinal gradient of Nepal, where recent sightings of tigers at higher elevations (~3200 m) suggest an upward range expansion from the tiger‐rich lowlands. To evaluate our estimates, we simulated tiger routes to higher‐elevation locations and compared modeled energy costs of those ascents to those derived from a previous model calibrated with data from GPS‐collared tigers in Russia. In areas below 3200 m, we found about 7.5 times greater land areas with high connectivity outside protected areas (~51 000 km2) than inside (~6800 km2). However, most of the highly connected areas below 3200 m consist of croplands (56%). Importantly, community‐managed forests, which spanned the altitudinal gradient, tended to include areas with moderate levels of connectivity. Our estimates of energy costs and those from Russia showed a strong consensus (ρ = 0.70, P < 0.05), with ours better capturing the higher energy costs of traversing mountains and of very large total ascents. Our results show that while barriers to tiger movement across Nepal are ubiquitous, other effective area‐based conservation measures (OECMs), like community‐managed forests, can play prominent roles in promoting tiger habitat connectivity while minimizing human–tiger conflict across anthropogenic landscapes. Our results also underscore the utility of integrating first principles of energy efficiency into connectivity analyses and planning.
Impact of farm subsidies on global agricultural productivity
Authors: Mamun Abdullah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe agriculture sector receives substantial fiscal subsidies in various forms, including through programs that are linked to production and others that are decoupled. As the sector has reached the technology frontier in production over the last three decades or so, particularly in high‐ and middle‐income countries, it is intriguing to investigate the impact of subsidies on productivity at aggregate level. This study examines the impact of subsidies on productivity growth in agriculture globally using a long time series on the nominal rate of assistance for 42 countries that covers over 80% of agricultural production. The econometric results show heterogenous effects from various subsidy instruments depending on the choice of productivity measure. Regression results suggest a strong positive effect of input subsidies on both output growth and labor productivity. A positive but relatively small impact of output subsidies is found on output growth only.
Whose critique matters? The effects of critic identity and audience on public opinion
Authors: Abramson Yehonatan , Menon Anil , Gitlin Abir 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhen evaluating the impact of naming and shaming on public opinion regarding human rights, existing scholarship focuses on messages coming from ingroup or outgroup critics. Diaspora critics, increasingly vocal and visible in recent years, occupy an in‐between identity. What, if any, is the impact of criticism coming from such critics? We address this question by fielding a pre‐registered survey experiment in Israel, a country that routinely faces diasporic criticism. We find that exposure to criticism from both diaspora and foreign critics (but not from domestic critics) triggered a backlash response on the criticized issue (human rights) compared to a no‐criticism condition. However, diaspora critics have a slight advantage over foreigners—their intentions for criticizing the state are perceived as more positive. Despite limited direct impact on public opinion, our findings suggest that the human rights regime could benefit from involving diasporic and domestic actors in their efforts.
An Indian surgeon's perspective on management of asymptomatic gallstones
Authors: Virk Sargun , Arora Harshit , Patil Priti , Sarang Bhakti , Khajanchi Monty , Bains Lovenish , Kizhakke Deepa Veetil , Jain Samarvir , Nathani Priyansh , Dev Ya , Gadgil Anita , Roy Nobhojit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionCholelithiasis is widely prevalent in India, with a majority of patients being asymptomatic while a small proportion experiencing mild complications. In the laparoscopic era, the rate of cholecystectomies has increased owing to early recovery and fewer complications. In asymptomatic patients, the risk of complications must be balanced against the treatment benefit. Recent guidelines suggest no prophylactic cholecystectomy in asymptomatic patients. We aimed to find out the Indian surgeons' perspective on asymptomatic gallstone management.MethodsA cross‐sectional e‐survey was conducted of practicing surgeons, onco‐surgeons and gastrointestinal‐surgeons in India. The survey had questions regarding their perspective on laparoscopic cholecystectomy and treatment modalities in asymptomatic gallstones.ResultsA total of 196 surgeons responded to the survey. Their mean age was 42.3 years. Overall, 111 (57%) respondents worked in the private sector. Most surgeons (164) agreed that the rate of cholecystectomy has increased since the advent of laparoscopy; 137 (70%) respondents agreed that they would not operate on patients without risk factors. Common bile duct stones, chronic hemolytic diseases, transplant recipients, and diabetes mellitus were the risk factors. Majority of the participants agreed on not performing a cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic gallstones.ConclusionThere exists a lack of consensus among Indian surgeons on asymptomatic gallstone management in India. Where the majority of cases are asymptomatic and do not require surgery, certain comorbidities can influence the line of treatment in individual patients. Currently, the treatment guidelines for asymptomatic patients need to be established as cholecystectomies may be overperformed due to the fear of development of complications.
Unveiling the influence of institutional quality on board gender diversity and corporate environmental, social, and governance disputes in China
Authors: Khalid Fahad , Naveed Khwaja , Sun Xinhui , Srivastava Mohit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper unravels an unprecedented interplay between board gender diversity (BGD) and corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disputes among Chinese A‐share‐listed nonfinancial companies from 2017 to 2021. Framed within a knowledge‐based and sensemaking perspective of institutional frameworks, the research not only illuminates the profound impact of internal (corporate governance ratings) and external (regional institutional development) institutional factors on this intricate relationship but also brings to light a paradigm‐shifting revelation. The study employed a diverse set of empirical tests, ranging from ordinary least squares regression to advanced methods such as the generalized method of moments, two‐stage least squares, and propensity score matching, providing a nuanced and comprehensive analysis. The findings highlight the pivotal role of female directors in significantly mitigating ESG disputes. A mechanism analysis further uncovers that internal and external institutional quality are potent positive moderators in shaping the BGD–ESG dispute dynamic. This research has profound implications, providing valuable insights for stakeholders, policymakers, and scholars, offering a comprehensive understanding of how gender diversity fosters sustainability while unravelling the intricate tapestry of internal and external institutional dynamics that shape ESG outcomes.
Who you know influences where you go: Intergroup contact attenuates bias in trainee teachers' school preferences
Authors: Doyle Lewis , Easterbrook Matthew J. , Tropp Linda R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe vicious cycle of educational inequality may be maintained and perpetuated by teachers' lack of desire to work in socioeconomically deprived communities. Across two studies (Ntotal = 606), we experimentally investigated whether teachers' aversions to such settings could be mitigated by contact experiences with (a) people experiencing financial hardship and (b) children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Trainee teachers rated their levels of desire to work in schools that varied in terms of the socioeconomic backgrounds and diversity of their student populations. They also reported their contact experiences. Although, overall, teachers showed an aversion to working in a school that served a diverse and low‐income community compared to one with average student demographics, this effect was attenuated when teachers had more prior contact with both close others in financial hardship and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. These findings were replicated across both studies. Further analyses also revealed that the relation between contact and school desirability may, at least in part, be mediated by changes in teaching self‐efficacy. These findings demonstrate the potential value of teachers' contact with other groups as a method of reducing bias in education.
The utility of exome sequencing in diagnosing pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders in a highly consanguineous population
Authors: Khalaf Tamam , Al Ojaimi Mode , Saleh Dina Amin , Sulaiman Alena , Sohal Aman P. , Khan Arif , El‐Hattab Ayman W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractExome sequencing (ES) has been utilized in diagnosing children with neurodevelopmental manifestations, this study aimed to investigate the utility of ES in children within a highly consanguineous population that presented with neurodevelopmental complaints. A retrospective chart review was performed for 405 children with neurodevelopmental complaints who have had ES and were evaluated in multiple centers in the United Arab Emirates over a four‐year period. Within the cohort of 405 children, consanguinity was reported in 35% (144/405). The primary clinical presentations were developmental delay/cognitive impairment, distinctive facial features, hypotonia, seizures, and weakness. The diagnostic yield was 57% (231/405). Novel variants were identified in 54% (125/231) of positive cases. Within the positive cases, specific treatment was available in 6% (13/231) and copy number variants (CNV) were reported in 3% (8/231) of cases. In eight children, variants in genes that have not yet been linked to human disease that could potentially be the cause of the observed phenotype “candidate genes” were identified. ES was utilized effectively within this cohort with a high diagnostic yield and through the identification of novel gene variants, CNVs, candidate genes and secondary findings as well as the alteration of the treatment plan in cases where treatment was available.