bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A workflow for the detection of antibiotic residues, measurement of water chemistry and preservation of hospital sink drain samples for metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Rodger G , Chau K , Aranega-Bou P , Roohi A , Moore G , Hopkins KL , Hopkins S , Walker AS , Stoesser N 
Published: September 2023

Structured summaryBackgroundHospital sinks are environmental reservoirs that harbour healthcare-associated (HCA) pathogens. Selective pressures in sink environments, such as antibiotic residues, nutrient waste and hardness ions, may promote antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) exchange between bacteria. However, cheap and accurate sampling methods to characterise these factors are lacking.AimTo validate a workflow to detect antibiotic residues and evaluate water chemistry using dipsticks. Secondarily, to validate boric acid to preserve the taxonomic and ARG (“resistome”) composition of sink trap samples for metagenomic sequencing.MethodsAntibiotic residue dipsticks were validated against serial dilutions of ampicillin, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin, and water chemistry dipsticks against serial dilutions of chemical calibration standards. Sink trap aspirates were used for a “real-world” pilot evaluation of dipsticks. To assess boric acid as a preservative of microbial diversity, the impact of incubation with and without boric acid at ∼22°C on metagenomic sequencing outputs was evaluated at Day 2 and Day 5 compared with baseline (Day 0).FindingsThe limits of detection for each antibiotic were: 3µg/L (ampicillin), 10µg/L (doxycycline), 20µg/L (sulfamethoxazole) and 8µg/L (ciprofloxacin). The best performing water chemistry dipstick correctly characterised 34/40 (85%) standards in a concentration-dependent manner. One trap sample tested positive for the presence of tetracyclines and sulfonamides. Taxonomic and resistome composition were largely maintained after storage with boric acid at ∼22°C for up to five days.ConclusionsDipsticks can be used to detect antibiotic residues and characterise water chemistry in sink trap samples. Boric acid was an effective preservative of trap sample composition, representing a low-cost alternative to cold-chain transport.
Transmission dynamics and pathogenesis differ between pheasants and partridges infected with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses
Authors: Seekings Amanda H. , Liang Yuan , Warren Caroline J. , Hjulsager Charlotte K. , Thomas Saumya S. , Lean Fabian Z. X. , Núñez Alejandro , Skinner Paul , Selden David , Falchieri Marco , Simmons Hugh , Brown Ian H. , Larsen Lars. E. , Banyard Ashley C. , Slomka Marek J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDuring the UK 2020-2021 epizootic of H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), high mortality occurred during incursions in commercially farmed common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Two pheasant farms, affected separately by H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes, included adjacently housed red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), which appeared to be unaffected. Despite extensive ongoing epizootics, H5Nx HPAIV partridge outbreaks were not reported during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in the UK, so it is postulated that partridges are more resistant to HPAIV infection than other gamebirds. To assess this, pathogenesis and both intra- and inter-species transmission of UK pheasant-origin H5N8-2021 and H5N1-2021 HPAIVs were investigated. Onward transmission to chickens was also assessed to better understand the risk of spread from gamebirds to other commercial poultry sectors. A lower infectious dose was required to infect pheasants with H5N8-2021 compared to H5N1-2021. However, HPAIV systemic dissemination to multiple organs within pheasants was more rapid following infection with H5N1-2021 than H5N8-2021, with the former attaining generally higher viral RNA levels in tissues. Intraspecies transmission to contact pheasants was successful for both viruses and associated with viral environmental contamination, while interspecies transmission to a first chicken-contact group was also efficient. However, further onward transmission to additional chicken contacts was only achieved with H5N1-2021. Intra-partridge transmission was only successful when high-dose H5N1-2021 was administered, while partridges inoculated with H5N8-2021 failed to shed and transmit, although extensive tissue tropism was observed for both viruses. Mortalities among infected partridges featured a longer incubation period compared to that in pheasants, for both viruses. Therefore, the susceptibility of different gamebird species and pathogenicity outcomes to the ongoing H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs varies, but pheasants represent a greater likelihood of H5Nx HPAIV introduction into galliforme poultry settings. Consequently, viral maintenance within gamebird populations and risks to poultry species warrant enhanced investigation.
Reciprocal sharing of extracellular proteases and extracellular matrix molecules facilitatesBacillus subtilisbiofilm formation
Authors: Rosazza Thibault , Earl Chris , Eigentler Lukas , Davidson Fordyce , Stanley-Wall Nicola R 
Published: September 2023

SummaryExtracellular proteases are a class of public good that support growth ofBacillus subtiliswhen nutrients are in a polymeric form.B. subtilisbiofilm matrix molecules are another class of public good that are needed for biofilm formation and prone to exploitation. In this study, we investigated the role of extracellular proteases inB. subtilisbiofilm formation and explored interactions between different public good producer strains across various conditions. We confirmed that extracellular proteases support biofilm formation even when glutamic acid provides a freely available nitrogen source. Removal of AprE from the NCIB 3610 secretome adversely affects colony biofilm architecture, while sole induction of WprA activity into an otherwise extracellular protease-free strain is sufficient to promote wrinkle development within the colony biofilm. We found that changing the nutrient source used to support growth affectedB. subtilisbiofilm structure, hydrophobicity, and architecture. We propose that the different phenotypes observed may be due to increased protease dependency for growth when a polymorphic protein presents the sole nitrogen source. We however cannot exclude that the phenotypic changes are due to alternative matrix molecules being made. Co-culture of biofilm matrix and extracellular protease mutants can rescue biofilm structure, yet reliance on extracellular proteases for growth influences population coexistence dynamics. Our findings highlight the intricate interplay between these two classes of public goods, providing insights into microbial social dynamics during biofilm formation across different ecological niches.
Male violence disrupts estrogen receptor β signaling in the female hippocampus
Authors: Agrimi Jacopo , Bernardele Lucia , Sbaiti Naeem , Canato Marta , Marchionni Ivan , Oeing Christian U. , Vignoli Beatrice , Canossa Marco , Kaludercic Nina , Lodovichi Claudia , Maschio Marco Dal , Paolocci Nazareno 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWomen are the main target of intimate partner violence (IPV), which is escalating worldwide. Mechanisms subtending IPV-related disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, remain unclear. We employed a mouse model molded on an IPV scenario (malevs.female prolonged violent interaction) to unearth the neuroendocrine alterations triggered by an aggressive male mouse on the female murine brain. Experimental IPV (EIPV) prompted marked anxiety-like behavior in young female mice, coincident with high circulating/cerebral corticosterone levels. The hippocampus of EIPV-inflicted female animals displayed neuronal loss, reduced BrdU-DCX-positive nuclei, decreased mature DCX-positive cells, and diminished dendritic arborization level in the dentate gyrus (DG), features denoting impaired neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. These hallmarks were associated with marked down-regulation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) density in the hippocampus, especially in the DG and dependent prosurvival ERK signaling. Conversely, ERα expression was unchanged. After EIPV, the DG harbored lowered local BDNF pools, diminished TrkB phosphorylation, and elevated glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation. In unison, ERβ KO mice had heightened anxiety-like behavior and curtailed BDNF levels at baseline, despite enhanced circulating estradiol levels, while dying prematurely during EIPV. Thus, reiterated male-to-female violence jeopardizes hippocampal homeostasis in the female brain, perturbing ERβ/BDNF signaling, thus instigating anxiety and chronic stress.
A whole-brain model of auditory discrimination
Authors: Turan A. , Baspinar E. , Destexhe A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWhole-brain simulations have been proposed previously to simulate global properties such as brain states or functional connectivity. Here, our aim is to build a whole-brain model to simulate a simple cognitive paradigm involving multiple brain areas. We focus on auditory discrimination, using a paradigm designed for the macaque cortex. To model at the whole-brain scale, we use The Virtual Brain (TVB) [18] simulation environment. TVB is a computational framework which simulates the brain as a network of small brain regions, where each node models neuronal populations and the connectivity between nodes determines the pathway of information flow over the brain. We use Adaptive Exponential (AdEx) neuronal population models [4, 11] to describe each node. For the connectivity, we use the open-access CoCoMac connectivity dataset [2], which is a matrix containing the connection weights between the nodes. We focus on a cognitive task that mainly involves the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In the auditory discrimination task, our pipeline starts from the primary auditory cortex stimulated by the auditory signals, it is then modulated in the PFC so that the stimulus discrimination occurs, after competition. Finally, it ends in the primary motor cortex which outputs the neuronal activity determining the motor action. Because the AdEx mean-fields can provide access to neuronal activity or local field potentials, we think that the present model constitutes a useful tool to promote interactions between theory and experiments for simple cognitive tasks in macaque monkey.
Valence-specific EEG microstate modulations during self-generated affective states
Authors: Nazare Karina , Tomescu Miralena I. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe spend a significant part of our lives navigating emotionally charged mind-wandering states by spontaneously imagining the past or the future, which predicts general well-being. We investigated brain self-generated affective states using EEG microstate analysis to identify the temporal dynamics of underlying brain networks that sustain endogenous affective state activity. With this aim, we compared the temporal dynamics of five distinct microstates between baseline resting-state, positive (e.g., awe, contentment), and negative (e.g., anger, fear) affective self-generated states. We found affect-related modulations of B, C, and D dynamics. Microstates B and D were increased, while microstate C was decreased during negative and positive valence self-generated affective states. In addition, we found valence-specific mechanisms of spontaneous affective regulation. Negative valence self-generated affective states specifically modulate the increased presence of D microstates and decreased occurrence of E microstates compared to baseline and positive valence affective states. The self-generated positive valence affective states are characterized by more prevalent B and les present A microstates compared to both baseline and negative valence affective states. These findings provide valuable insights into the neurodynamic patterns of affective regulation and implications for developing biomarkers for therapeutic interventions in mood and anxiety disorders.
Shareholder primacy or stakeholder pluralism? Environmental shareholder proposals and board responses
Authors: Carlisle Melissa , Millar Melanie I. , Jarosz Wukich Jacqueline 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study examines shareholder and board motivations regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) to understand boards' stewardship approaches to environmental issues.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis, the authors classify CSR motivations in all environmental shareholder proposals and board responses of Fortune 250 companies from 2013 to 2017 from do little (a shareholder primacy perspective) to do much (a stakeholder pluralism perspective). The authors calculate the motivational dissonance for each proposal-response pair (the Talk Gap) and use cluster analysis to observe evidence of board stewardship and subsequent environmental disclosure and performance (ED&P) changes.FindingsBoard interpretations of stewardship are not uniform, and they regularly extend to stakeholders beyond shareholders, most frequently including profit-oriented stakeholders (e.g. employees and customers). ED&P changes are highest when shareholders narrowly lead boards in CSR motivation and either request both action and information or information only. The authors observe weaker ED&P changes when shareholders request action and the dissonance between shareholders and boards is larger. When shareholders are motivated to do little for CSR, ED&P changes are weak, even when boards express more pluralistic motivations.Research limitations/implicationsThe results show the important role that boards play in CSR and may aid activist shareholders in determining how best to generate change in corporate CSR actions.Originality/valueThis study provides the first evidence of board stewardship at the proposal-response level. It measures shareholder and board CSR motivations, introduces the Talk Gap, and examines relationships among proposal characteristics, the Talk Gap, and subsequent ED&P change to better understand board stewardship of environmental issues.
Cryptocurrency as an investment or speculation: a bibliometric review study
Authors: Vasudeva Sakshi 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThe study was done to review the existing literature available on the theme using a popular technique known as a bibliometric review. The purpose was to explore important bibliometric trends such as geographical distribution of research; the most relevant countries and institutions and important collaboration networks, frequently published authors, the most relevant topics/research domains and relationships among these, average citations or per year, the most relevant sources, top authors’ production, authors’ impact by H index and the progression of important keywords over a period of time.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyzed literature published in the English language from 2012 onwards that used the words “cryptocurrency”, “Ethereum” “Bitcoin” along with “investment/s” or “speculation/s” in the Title/ABS/KEY. A specialized approach was followed to retrieve and analyze focused research. The data for analysis was extracted from the Scopus database and was analyzed using Biblioshiny and VOSViewer.FindingsThe study found that the countries such as the UK, Australia, China and the USA have special relevance in terms of the number of citations and collaboration networks. Cryptocurrency/Cryptocurrencies, bitcoin have been the base themes along with other crucial issues such as volatility, hedging, COVID-19 pandemic, Ethereum, blockchain, co-integration, portfolio diversification/optimization, spillover, safe haven, investor attention, gold, etc. There is a lot of interdisciplinary research on the theme.Originality/valueThe current study used a concentrated approach to study the bibliometric literature about the financial implications of cryptocurrency as an asset class and not prominently its technological or legal aspects.
The impact of FinTech firms on bank performance: evidence from the UK
Authors: Dasilas Apostolos , Karanović Goran 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study examines the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on bank performance employing data from the United Kingdom (UK) banking sector for a period spanning from 2010 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs static as well as dynamic panel data regression analysis to assess the impact of FinTech on the profitability of UK banks.FindingsThe results show that FinTech firms positively impact bank performance. For every new FinTech firm introduced into the UK market, net interest margin (NIM) and yield on earning assets (YEA) increase by 6.385 and 3.192% of their sample means, respectively.Practical implicationsCooperating with FinTech firms, UK banks can broaden their portfolio of financial services offered to their customers and optimize their profit margins.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines the impact of FinTech on bank profitability employing data from a developed market.
Adaptive learning through technology: a technical review and implementation
Authors: Gransden Clay , Hindmarsh Matthew , Lê Ngoc Chi , Nguyen Thi-Huyen 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThere is an increase globally of students using technology to support their learning. The purpose of this paper is to outline the technical aspects of adaptive learning and contribute to the development of pedagogy that incorporates this method in teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approachThis is a technical review article that summarises key guidance on the application of adaptive learning and then reflects on its application in a UK and Vietnamese context.FindingsInitial analysis demonstrates that learning can occur asynchronously because of students engaging with adaptive learning. Issues and recommendations were derived from the reflections and practice of both UK and Vietnamese practitioners. Recommendations focussed on the more practical elements of constructing and maintaining adaptive learning. Questions were then constructed to make the decision of whether to implement adaptive learning into teaching and learning practices.Originality/valueThis academic commentary reflects on the implementation of asynchronous learning adaptive technologies in both the UK and Vietnam, specifically exploring the use of a “mastery path” and “computerised adaptive testing” to enhance student understanding.
Big data analytics: from leadership to firm performance
Authors: Koohang Alex , Sargent Carol Springer , Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Marotta Angelica 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a research model with eight constructs, i.e. BDA leadership, BDA talent quality, BDA security quality, BDA privacy quality, innovation, financial performance, market performance and customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe research model focuses on whether (1) Big Data Analytics (BDA) leadership influences BDA talent quality, (2) BDA talent quality influences BDA security quality, (3) BDA talent quality influences BDA privacy quality, (4) BDA talent quality influences Innovation and (5) innovation influences a firm's performance (financial, market and customer satisfaction). An instrument was designed and administered electronically to a diverse set of employees (N = 188) in various organizations in the USA. Collected data were analyzed through a partial least square structural equation modeling.FindingsResults showed that leadership significantly and positively affects BDA talent quality, which, in turn, significantly and positively impacts security quality, privacy quality and innovation. Moreover, innovation significantly and positively impacts firm performance. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. Recommendations for future research are provided.Originality/valueThe study provides empirical evidence that leadership significantly and positively impacts BDA talent quality. BDA talent quality, in turn, positively impacts security quality, privacy quality and innovation. This is important, as these are all critical factors for organizations that collect and use big data. Finally, the study demonstrates that innovation significantly and positively impacts financial performance, market performance and customer satisfaction. The originality of the research results makes them a valuable addition to the literature on big data analytics. They provide new insights into the factors that drive organizational success in this rapidly evolving field.
On the factors influencing the ecological footprint: using an asymmetric quantile regression approach
Authors: Alqaralleh Huthaifa 
Published: September 2023

PurposeIn the new global economy, environmental degradation is still among the crucial struggles braving policymakers. The intention of the current analysis, therefore, is to investigate the asymmetric impact of energy use, trade openness, population changes and urbanization, on the ecological footprint (EF) in four ASEAN countries by using time span data extending from 1972 to 2018.Design/methodology/approachThe stationarity of the variables was first demonstrated by using a quantile autoregression unit root test. Then the cointegration relationship among quantiles was verified. In the third step, this study investigated the pattern of causality in quantiles which allowed them to model any locational asymmetry in such a relationship. In the final part of the paper, the asymmetric quantile approaches the methods adopted to address the ways in which the considered variables impacted on the EF.FindingsThe outcomes demonstrated that the estimated coefficient of the variables was generally found significant and in line with the expected impact sign. Likewise, locational asymmetry was detected from the fact that the considered variables at the upper tails did not operate in the same way as those in the lower ones. In this case, the results suggest that a rise in energy consumption, as well as a negative shock to economic growth and/or trade openness, all diminish environmental quality. In contrast, promoting economic growth, a positive shock to trade openness, and human capital reduce environmental degradation.Originality/valueAs far as is known, the current study among the early attempt to explore the asymmetric impact of trade openness, energy use, population changes and urbanization, on the EF in the ASEAN countries.