bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory tractMoraxella catarrhalisandKlebsiella pneumoniaecan promote pathogenicity of myelin-reactive Th17 cells
Authors: Mannion Jenny M. , Segal Benjamin M. , McLoughlin Rachel M. , Lalor Stephen J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe respiratory tract is home to a diverse microbial community whose influence on local and systemic immune responses is only beginning to be appreciated. The airways have been linked with trafficking of myelin-specific T cells in the pre-clinical stages of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Th17 cells are important pathogenic effectors in MS and EAE but are innocuous immediately following differentiation. Upregulation of the cytokine GM-CSF appears to be a critical step in their acquisition of pathogenic potential, but little is known about the mechanisms that mediate this process. Here, primed myelin-specific Th17 cells were transferred to congenic recipient mice prior to exposure to various human respiratory tract-associated bacteria and T cell trafficking, phenotype and the severity of resulting EAE monitored. Disease was exacerbated in mice exposed to the ProteobacteriaMoraxella catarrhalisandKlebsiella pneumoniae,but not the FirmicuteVeillonella parvula, and this was associated with a significant increase in GM-CSF+and GM-CSF+IFNγ+ex-Th17-like donor CD4 T cells in the lungs and CNS of these mice. These findings support the concept that respiratory bacteria may contribute to the pathophysiology of CNS autoimmunity by modulating pathogenicity in crucial T cell subsets that orchestrate neuroinflammation.
Income-based differences in health care utilization in relation to mortality: Trends in the Swedish population between 2004-2017
Authors: Flodin Pär , Allebeck Peter , Gubi Ester , Burström Bo , Agardh Emilie E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite universal health care, socioeconomic differences in health care utilization (HCU) persist in modern welfare states. The aim of this study is to assess income-based differences in utilization of primary- and specialized care in relation to mortality for the Swedish general population (>15 years old) between 2004 and 2017.Methods and FindingsUsing a repeated cross-sectional register-based study design, data on utilization of i) primary-ii) specialized outpatient- and iii) inpatient care, as well as iv) cause of death, were linked to family income and sociodemographic control variables. HCU and mortality for all-disease as well as for the five disease groups causing most deaths were compared for the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q5) income quintile using logistic regression. We also analysed income-related differences in the number of health care encounters ≤5 years prior to death.In 2017, for all diseases combined, Q1 utilized marginally more primary- and specialized outpatient care than Q5 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =1.07, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.08; OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.05, respectively), and considerably more inpatient care (OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.45). The largest relative inequality was observed for mortality (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.74, 1.82). This pattern was broadly reproduced for each of the five diseases.Time trends in HCU inequality varied by level of care. Each year, Q1 (vs. Q5) used more inpatient care and suffered increasing mortality rates. However, usage of primary- and specialized outpatient care increased more among Q5 than in Q1. Finally, Q1 and Q5 had similar number of encounters in primary- and inpatient care ≤5 years prior to death, but Q1 had significantly fewer outpatient encounters.ConclusionsIncome-related differences in the utilization of primary and specialized outpatient care were considerably smaller than for mortality, and this discrepancy widened with time. Facilitating motivated use of primary- and outpatient care among low-income groups could help mitigate the growing health inequalities.
miRNA binding pressure channels evolution of SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Zhiyanov A. , Shkurnikov M. , Nersisyan A. , Cai H. , Baranova A. , Tonevitsky A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn somatic cells, microRNAs (miRNAs) bind to the genomes of RNA viruses and influence their translation and replication. Here we demonstrate that a significant number of miRNA binding sites locate in the NSP4 region of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, and the intestinal human miRNAs exert evolutionary pressure on this region. Notably, in infected cells, NSP4 promotes the formation of double-membrane vesicles, which serve as the scaffolds for replication-transcriptional complexes and protect viral RNA from intracellular destruction. In three years of selection, the loss of many miRNA binding sites, in particular, those within the NSP4, has shaped the SARS-CoV-2 genomes to promote the descendants of the BA.2 variants as the dominant strains and define current momentum of the pandemics.
Determinants of species-specific utilization of ACE2 by human and animal coronaviruses
Authors: Wang Qingxing , Noettger Sabrina , Xie Qinya , Pastorio Chiara , Seidel Alina , Müller Janis A. , Jung Christoph , Jacob Timo , Sparrer Konstantin M.J. , Zech Fabian , Kirchhoff Frank 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTUtilization of human ACE2 allowed several bat coronaviruses (CoVs), including the causative agent of COVID-19, to infect humans either directly or via intermediate hosts. Here, we analyzed the ability of Spike proteins from 24 human or animal CoVs to use ACE2 receptors across nine reservoir, potential intermediate and human hosts. We show that overall SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants evolved more efficient ACE2 usage but mutation of R493Q in BA.5 Spike disrupts utilization of ACE2 from Greater horseshoe bats. Spikes from most CoVs showed species-specific differences in ACE2 usage, partly due to variations in ACE2 residues 31, 41 or 354. Mutation of T403R allowed the RaTG13 bat CoV Spike to use all ACE2 orthologs analysed for viral entry. Sera from COVID-19 vaccinated individuals neutralized the Spike proteins of a range of bat Sarbecoviruses. Our results define determinants of ACE2 receptor usage of diverse CoVs and suggest that COVID-19 vaccination may protect against future zoonoses of SARS-CoV-related bat viruses.HighlightsMutation of R493Q in BA.5 Spike disrupts utilization of ACE2 from Greater horseshoe batsVariations in ACE2 residues 31, 41 or 354 affect utilization by coronavirus Spike proteinsResidue R403 in the Spike protein of bat coronavirus allow broad and effective ACE2 usageSera from COVID-19 vaccinated individuals neutralize Spike proteins of bat Sarbecoviruses
Evaluation of data analytics-oriented business intelligence technology effectiveness: an enterprise-level analysis
Authors: Al-Okaily Aws , Teoh Ai Ping , Al-Okaily Manaf 
Published: March 2023

PurposeA crucial question still remains unanswered as to whether data analytics-oriented business intelligence (hereafter, BI) technologies can bring organizational value and benefits. Thereby, several researchers called for further empirical research to extend the limited knowledge in this critical area. In an attempt to deal with this issue, we presented and tested a theoretical model to assess BI effectiveness at the organizational benefits level in this research article.Design/methodology/approachThe suggested research model expands the application of the DeLone and McLean model in BI technology success or effectiveness research from individual level to organizational level. A cross-sectional survey is developed to obtain primary quantitative data from business and technology managers who are depending on BI technologies to make operational, technical and strategic decisions in Jordanian-listed firms.FindingsEmpirical findings show that system quality, information quality and training quality are significant predictors of user satisfaction, but not of perceived benefit. Data quality was found to be a strong predictor of both perceived benefit and user satisfaction. The influence of perceived benefit on user satisfaction was significant in turn both factors positively affect organizational benefits.Originality/valueThis research paper is a pioneering effort to assess BI technology effectiveness at an organizational level outside the context of developed countries. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior research has combined all dimensions used in this research in one single model.
Mediating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between employee job satisfaction and firm performance of small business
Authors: Deb Santus Kumar , Nafi Shohel Md. , Mallik Nandita , Valeri Marco 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe aim of this study is to measure the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and firm performance of small business and to identify the critical success constructs and significant path of emotional intelligence in relation to job satisfaction and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides an analysis of the relevant literature that has been published on the renowned journal of small business. This study’s theoretical framework and constructs were developed based on prior research of emotional intelligence in small business. Along with, data were gathered from 355 respondents, with a valid response rate of 73.95%. This study used the SEM-PLS to measure the validity of the theoretical framework and test the hypothesis.FindingsThis study revealed that infrastructure, leadership and management, salary, working hours, working environment and emotional intelligence are very crucial for job satisfaction and firm performance. Emotional intelligence mediated the relationship between five job satisfaction factors (working hours, organizational infrastructure, leadership and management, working environment, salary and other benefits) and firm performance. Thus, this study can contribute to enhancing firm performance and developing a new dimension of small business.Research limitations/implicationsThe result of this study will assist the researchers and service providers in understanding the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and firm performance of small businesses. Thereby, policy formulation in the era of training of employees, leadership and technology-based services orientation will assist to in enhancing opportunities for small businesses and upholding sustainable business.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyze the link of the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and firm performance of small business.
Yellow corn wholesale price forecasts via the neural network
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Yun 
Published: March 2023

PurposeForecasts of commodity prices are vital issues to market participants and policy makers. Those of corn are of no exception, considering its strategic importance. In the present study, the authors assess the forecast problem for the weekly wholesale price index of yellow corn in China during January 1, 2010–January 10, 2020 period.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ the nonlinear auto-regressive neural network as the forecast tool and evaluate forecast performance of different model settings over algorithms, delays, hidden neurons and data splitting ratios in arriving at the final model.FindingsThe final model is relatively simple and leads to accurate and stable results. Particularly, it generates relative root mean square errors of 1.05%, 1.08% and 1.03% for training, validation and testing, respectively.Originality/valueThrough the analysis, the study shows usefulness of the neural network technique for commodity price forecasts. The results might serve as technical forecasts on a standalone basis or be combined with other fundamental forecasts for perspectives of price trends and corresponding policy analysis.
Young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots in India: effort expectancy moderated model
Authors: James Blesson Varghese , Joseph David , Daniel Nisha 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to recognize the role of information system (IS) model on young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots. This model of IS takes into account the quality of information, the quality of system and the quality of service.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a sample frame for analysis which comprises young adult population in India, i.e. between the ages of 18 and 35. A questionnaire consisting of five components was used to collect information in a structured manner. The 386 responses thus collected were analysed using the structural equation model.FindingsIt was found that there is a significant influence of the quality of information, quality of system and quality of service on young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots. The findings also showed that there is moderation role of effort expectancy between the quality parameters and young adults’ user experience of housing and real estate chatbots.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focusses exclusively on the young adults from various parts of India. Future research can consider larger population categories across age groups and across sectors employing chatbots.Practical implicationsThis study will enable in-depth understanding of IS model – quality dimensions’ relation with the user experience. In particular, housing and real estate organisations will profit from the expanded usage of artificial intelligence through chatbots for user correspondence and communication.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is first of its kind, as it investigates how IS model – quality dimensions affect the young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots in India. This study also ventures into identifying the moderation role of effort expectancy between the quality dimensions as per IS model and young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots. This study will be useful for the stakeholders of housing and real estate industry.
Female corporate leadership, institutions and financing constraints around the world
Authors: Mertzanis Charilaos , Marashdeh Hazem , Ashraf Sania 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the effect of female top management and female dominant owner on whether firms experience obstacles to obtaining external finance in 136 medium- and low-income countries during 2006–2019. The analysis controls for the role of corporate governance and other firm-specific characteristics, as well as for the impact of national institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis elucidates the economic and non-economic factors driving female corporate leadership. Further, in order to capture the causal effect, the analysis uses univariate tests, multivariate regression analysis, disaggregation testing, sensitivity and endogeneity analysis to confirm the quality of the estimates. The analysis controls for various additional country-level factors.FindingsThe results show that female top management and female ownership are broadly significant determinants of firms' access to external finance, especially in relatively larger and more developed countries. The role of controlling shareholders is significant and mediates the gender effect. The latter appears more pronounced in smaller and medium-size firms, operating in the manufacturing and services sectors as well as in the countries with higher levels of development. This also varies with the countries' macroeconomic conditions and institutions governing gender development and equality as well as institutional governance effectiveness.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that firms wishing to improve the firms' access to external finance should consider the role of gender in both top management and corporate ownership coupled with the effect of the specific characteristics of firms and the conditioning role of national institutions.Originality/valueThe study examines the gender effects of top management and dominant ownership for the external financing decisions of firms in low- and middle-income countries, which are underresearched. These gender effects are mitigated in various ways by the specific characteristics of firms and especially on national institutions.
Herding or reverse herding: the reaction to change in investor sentiment in the Chinese and Pakistani markets
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Fayyaz , Bhutta Aamir Inam , Parveen Tahira 
Published: March 2023

PurposeInvestor sentiment (optimism or pessimism) may influence investors to follow others (herding) while taking their investment decisions. Herding may result in bubbles and crashes in the financial markets. The purpose of the study is to examine the presence of herding and the effects of investor sentiment on herding in China and Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe investor sentiment is captured by five variables (trading volume, advance/decline ratio, weighted price-to-earnings ratio, relative strength index and interest rates) and a sentiment index developed through principal component analysis (PCA). The study uses daily prices of 2,184 firms from China and 568 firms from Pakistan for the period 2005 to 2018.FindingsThe study finds that herding prevails in China while reverse herding prevails in Pakistan. Interestingly, as investors become optimistic, herding in China and reverse herding in Pakistan decrease. This indicates that herding and reverse herding are greater during pessimistic periods. Further, the increase in herding in one market reduces herding in the other market. Moreover, optimistic sentiment in the Chinese market increases herding in the Pakistani market but the reverse is not true.Practical implicationsConsidering the greater global financial liberalization, and better opportunities for emotion sharing, this study has important implications for regulators and investors. Market participants need to understand the prevalent irrational behavior before trading in the markets.Originality/valueSince individual proxies may depict different picture of the relationship between sentiment and herding therefore the study also develops a sentiment index through PCA and incorporates this index in the analysis. Further, this study examines cross-country effects of herding and investor sentiment.
Performance of franchisee: the role of reciprocal resources, relationship quality and cultural sensitivity
Authors: Luu Tien Dung , Mai Khanh Huyen Nguyen , Huynh Cuong Chi , Phan Ngoc Huong Thi , Le Nga Thanh , Le Thao Nguyen Diep 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to reveal the impact mechanism of franchisor-owned resources, franchise relationship quality and franchisee's dynamic capabilities on franchisee performance, with the moderating role of cultural sensitivity.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 290 middle managers and team leaders at 113 hotels and food and beverage settings participating in the international- and domestic franchises in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse the data.FindingsThe result reveals that franchisor-owned resources, franchise relationship quality and franchisee's dynamic capabilities significantly impacted franchisee performance. Furthermore, cultural sensitivity has a beneficial role in the effect of franchise relationship quality on franchisee performance.Originality/valueThis study develops an integrated analytical framework of franchisee performance from the franchisee's perspective, contributing to integrating international business theory in franchising studies, namely the resource-based view, dynamic capability view and relationship-marketing theory.
The potential of wildflower strips to enhance pollination services in sweet cherry orchards grown under polytunnels
Authors: Mateos‐Fierro Zeus , Garratt Michael P. D. , Fountain Michelle T. , Ashbrook Kate , Westbury Duncan B. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Sweet cherry production benefits from insect pollination, but the extent to which wildflower strips can boost pollinator visitation under polytunnels is unknown.

Wildflowers were established in alleyways between tree rows under polytunnels in 10 commercial cherry orchards. Their management involved either a single cut in September (Standard Wildflower Strips (SWS)) or being actively maintained to 20 cm with regular cutting (Actively Managed Wildflower Strips (AMWS)), compared with unsown Control Strips (CS). Flower visitors of cherry and wildflowers were recorded by visual observations for 3 years (2017–2019), while cherry production (quantity and quality) was assessed in 2019.

In total, 67 visitor species were identified; managed commercial species (Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris) made up ~74% of all records. During the cherry blossom period (anthesis), AMWS had the highest visitor density to cherry blossoms compared with CS and SWS but no significant difference in harvestable fruit was recorded. After anthesis, greater visitor density, diversity and richness were observed in both wildflower treatments compared with CS, being greatest in SWS, which was consistent with differences in floral communities between treatments.

Although visitor density was not correlated with fruit set, pollinating insects were key for fruit yields and quality. Fruit set was ~17% from blossoms exposed to visitors compared with <1% when excluded. Furthermore, hand pollination resulted in ~32% fruit set, indicating greatest pollination deficits in CS (~50%) compared with AMWS (~28%) and SWS (~35%).

Synthesis and applications. Sweet cherry is highly dependent on pollinators to underpin commercial yields, and pollination deficits exist under polytunnels. Growers should, therefore, reconsider their pollination strategies and look to combine effective pollinator management with polytunnel use to mitigate deficits; establishing and actively managing wildflowers in alleyways could enhance wild visitors and pollination.
CD4+ T cells inhibit the generation of CD8+ epidermal‐resident memory T cells directed against clinically relevant contact allergens
Authors: Funch Anders Boutrup , Weber Julie Friis , Lohmann Rebecca Kitt Davidson , Mraz Veronika , Yeung Kelvin , Jee Mia Hamilton , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Geisler Carsten , Menné Bonefeld Charlotte 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundCD8+ epidermal‐resident memory T (TRM) cells play central roles in local flare‐up responses to experimental contact allergens by inducing massive influx of neutrophils to the epidermis upon allergen challenge. Whether similar immunopathogenic mechanisms are involved in the responses to clinically relevant contact allergens is unknown.MethodsThe immune response to cinnamal, ρ‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) was studied in a well‐established mouse model for allergic contact dermatitis that includes formation of TRM cells by ELISA, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy analyses and cell depletion protocols.ResultsWe show that the formation of CD4+ and CD8+ epidermal TRM cells and the inflammatory response are highly allergen‐dependent. However, the magnitude of the flare‐up responses correlated with the number of epidermal CD8+ TRM cells, CXCL1/CXCL2 release and recruitment of neutrophils to the epidermis. Finally, depletion of CD4+ T cells strongly enhanced the number of epidermal CD8+ TRM cells, the flare‐up response and the epidermal infiltration of neutrophils for all allergens.ConclusionAs the first, this study demonstrates that clinically relevant contact allergens have the ability to generate pathogenic, epidermal CD8+ TRM cells that recruit neutrophils following re‐exposure to the allergen, but that this normally is counteracted by the simultaneous induction of anti‐inflammatory CD4+ T cells.