bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of convalescents boosts neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron that can be predicted by anti-S antibody concentrations in serological assays
Authors: Seidel Alina , Jahrsdörfer Bernd , Körper Sixten , Albers Dan , Maltitz Pascal von , Müller Rebecca , Lotfi Ramin , Wuchter Patrick , Klüter Harald , Schmidt Michael , Münch Jan , Schrezenmeier Hubert 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundRecent data on immune evasion of new SARS-CoV-2 variants raise concerns about antibody-based COVID-19 therapies. Therefore in this study the in-vitro neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 variants Wuhan D614G, Delta and Omicron in sera of convalescent individuals with and without boost by vaccination was assessed.Methods and FindingsThis in-vitro study included 66 individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, divided into subgroups without (n=29) and with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (n=37). We measured SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations by serological assays (anti-SARS-CoV-2-QuantiVac-ELISA (IgG) and Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S) and neutralizing titers against Wuhan D614G, Delta and Omicron in a pseudovirus neutralization assay.Sera of the majority of unvaccinated convalescents did not effectively neutralize Delta and Omicron (4/29, 13.8% and 19/29, 65.5%, resp.). Neutralizing titers against Wuhan D614G, Delta and Omicron were significantly higher in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated convalescents (p<0.0001) with 11.1, 15.3 and 60-fold higher geometric mean of 50%-neutralizing titers (NT50) in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated convalescents. The increase in neutralizing titers was already achieved by one vaccination dose. Neutralizing titers were highest in the first 3 months after vaccination. Concentrations of anti-S antibodies in the serological assays anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac-ELISA (IgG) and Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S predict neutralization capacity against Wuhan D614G, Delta and Omicron. While Wuhan D614G was neutralized in-vitro by Bamlanivimab, Casirivimab and Imdevimab, Omicron was resistant to these monoclonal antibodies.ConclusionsThese findings confirm substantial immune evasion of Delta and Omicron which can be overcome by vaccination of convalescents. This informs strategies for choosing of plasma donors in COVID-19 convalescent plasma programs that shall select specifically vaccinated convalescents with very high titers of anti-S antibodies.
Avobenzone, Guaiazulene and Tioxolone identified as potent autophagy inducers in a high-throughput image based screen for autophagy flux
Authors: Prajapat Surendra Kumar , Subramani Chandru , Sharma Puja , Vrati Sudhanshu , Kalia Manjula 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAutophagy is a conserved intracellular degradation pathway that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Given its critical role in several disease conditions, recent studies are focussed on identifying drugs/small molecules with autophagy modulating capacity for potential clinical applications. Here, we describe the development and characterisation of a quantitative image-based high content screening platform for autophagy flux measurements using the human melanoma A375 cell line that stably expresses the GFP-LC3-RFP probe. The GFP-LC3 is incorporated into autophagosomes, while RFP serves an internal control. The GFP/RFP fluorescence intensity ratio gives an accurate indication of autophagy induction (low ratio) vs blockage of autophagy flux (high ratio), and was validated with the autophagy inducer Torin1 and inhibitor Bafilomycin A1. This assay was used to screen the Spectrum collection library comprising of 2560 compounds, to identify autophagy modulators. In addition to known autophagy effectors, several novel autophagy inducers and inhibitors were identified in our study. Further three FDA approved drugs that are widely used in skin-care products: Avobenzone, Guaiazulene and Tioxolone, were validated as potent autophagy inducers that function in an mTOR independent manner.
Bayesian stroke modeling details sex biases in the white matter substrates of aphasia
Authors: Kernbach Julius M. , Hartwigsen Gesa , Lim Jae-Sung , Bae Hee-Joon , Yu Kyung-Ho , Schlaug Gottfried , Bonkhoff Anna , Rost Natalia S. , Bzdok Danilo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIschemic cerebrovascular events often lead to aphasia. Previous work provided hints that such strokes may affect women and men in distinct ways. Women tend to suffer strokes with more disabling language impairment, even if the lesion size is comparable to men. In 1,401 patients, we isolated data-led representations of anatomical lesion patterns and hand-tailored a Bayesian analytical solution to carefully model the degree of sex divergence in predicting language outcomes ∼3 months after stroke. We located lesion-outcome effects in the left-dominant language network that highlight the ventral pathway as a core lesion focus across different tests of language performance. We provide newly detailed evidence for sex-specific brain-behavior associations in the domain-general networks associated with cortico-subcortical pathways, with unique contributions of the fornix in women and cingular fiber bundles in men. Our collective findings suggest diverging white matter substrates in how stroke causes language deficits in women and men. Clinically acknowledging such sex disparities has the potential to improve personalized treatment for stroke patients worldwide.
Cannabis tourists' perceived constraints to engaging in commercial cannabis tourism overseas: a comparison of first-time and repeat tourists
Authors: Wen Jun , Kozak Metin , Ying Tianyu 
Published: January 2022

PurposeGiven the increasing number of tourists exposed to commercially available cannabis, it is important to understand visitors' perceived constraints to cannabis consumption while travelling. This study aims to compare cannabis tourists' perceived constraints between first-time and repeat tourists to gain comprehensive understanding.Design/methodology/approachThis study involved 32 conversational field interviews (5–10 min) with Chinese tourists who had smoked cannabis in coffee shops in Amsterdam to identify perceived constraints to engaging in cannabis tourism. The hierarchical constraint model (HCM) informed qualitative data coding using a deductive approach to compare first-time and repeat tourists. Content analysis was conducted manually.FindingsResults showed that both tourist groups faced intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural perceived constraints to cannabis consumption. Differences in first-time and repeat cannabis tourists' perceived constraints were explained using the neutralization technique framework and psychological tactics, such as the defence of necessity, claims of entitlement, normal practice and claims of relative acceptability. In addition, social exchange theory was employed to explain why repeat cannabis tourists perceived fewer constraints than first-time tourists.Practical implicationsAlthough the current study did not intend to address the importance of cannabis tourism in places where cannabis is commercially available, findings offer empirical guidance for industry practitioners and policymakers regarding cannabis use education, prevention and policy in tourism contexts; related efforts can promote the sustainable development of this tourism market while protecting cannabis tourists' physical and psychological well-being.Originality/valueThis study makes important theoretical contributions regarding travel constraints in the unique context of cannabis tourism between first-time and repeat tourists. Findings will also enable academics, industry operators, policymakers and local residents of cannabis tourism destinations to better understand how these tourists decide whether to consume cannabis overseas. Differences in these perceived constraints between first-time and repeat tourists are discussed to highlight the dynamic nature of travel constraints.
Work engagement, affective commitment, and career satisfaction: the mediating role of knowledge sharing in context of SIEs
Authors: Singh Anupriya 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine linkages between work engagement, affective commitment, and career satisfaction, while probing the mediating role of knowledge sharing in context of self-initiated- expatriates (SIEs).Design/methodology/approachA mediation model was tested using survey data from 266 SIEs working in US information technology (IT) multinational corporations (MNCs).FindingsThe results revealed significant direct and indirect effects of work engagement on affective commitment and career satisfaction through knowledge sharing.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough common method bias and validity of measurement were assessed in this study, the survey data were cross-sectional. Rigorous testing of the proposed mediated model through longitudinal design must be undertaken to allow for stronger inferences about causation.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that organizations must nurture a knowledge sharing culture to promote knowledge exchange amongst SIEs. This study also underscores the importance of SIEs' work engagement as an enabler of knowledge sharing. Managers have a critical role in creating the right work environment, where SIEs feel engaged in their work and motivated to share knowledge.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine interlinkages between work engagement, knowledge sharing, affective commitment and career satisfaction in SIEs' context.
Towards an analysis of the determinants of exports in Brazil: the perspective of exporting companies
Authors: Mataveli Mara , Ayala Juan Carlos , Gil Alfonso J. 
Published: January 2022

PurposeFew studies have analysed the determinants of exports in emerging economies, which are critical in the exporting reality of firms. Two variables decisively affect the export performance of firms – their size and their export experience. This paper analyses the relationship between size and export experience in the export intensity of Brazilian firms. In addition, it considers two variables (location and sector) that identify firms in Brazil and could affect their export intensity. This research answers the question of which characteristics of Brazilian companies determine their export intensity.Design/methodology/approachA statistically significant sample of 318 firms is collected from Brazilian exporting companies. Regression analysis is performed, and data describing the relationship between the export determinants and the export intensity of Brazilian firms are presented. Three evaluation models are proposed. In the first, the location and sector variables are considered. In the second, the firm size, firm location and sector are presented. In the third, the firm size, export experience, location and sector are proposed.FindingsThe results of the third model confirm that only export experience is statistically significant. Therefore, there is no relationship between firms' size, location and sector and export intensity for companies in Brazil.Originality/valueThis work shows the organisational characteristics that affect export performance in Brazil from the firm’s perspective; these are aspects that have been analysed less in emerging economies.
Informal communication in organizations: work time wasted at the water-cooler or crucial exchange among co-workers?
Authors: Koch Thomas , Denner Nora 
Published: January 2022

PurposePrevious research assumes that informal communication may be highly relevant for organizations, but little is known about its actual relevance for employees or its functions and effects. The article aims to examine functions, types and effects of informal communication in organizations.Design/methodology/approachResearch on internal communication usually focuses on formal strategic communication with or among employees. Informal communication between employees in organizations has received far less attention, although a great deal of communication in organizations is informal. Therefore, the present study analyses informal communication in organizations. The authors conducted a quantitative online survey of employees working for different organizations in Germany.FindingsThe authors show that five types of employee can be differentiated regarding their informal communication behavior: the chatterer, the focuser, the strategist, the small-talker and the networker. Moreover, the study demonstrates that informal communication significantly increases employees' perceptions of being informed, as well as their affective commitment, both of which increase job satisfaction. Finally, results show that informal communication does not decrease employees' productivity, but instead helps them to carry out their jobs more effectively.Originality/valueAlthough previous studies indicate that a large part of the communication among employees within an organization is informal, research has rarely dealt with this phenomenon, instead focusing especially on formal communication. This is one of the first papers that focuses on informal communication among employees using quantitative survey data.
Alfa pineapple: an entrepreneur’s dilemma
Authors: George Josemon , Dhaigude Amol S. , Padhi Sidhartha S. 
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes
The case depicts an opportunity for students to be exposed to the decision theory concept. The study aims to encourage them to use the data given in the case and exhibits to explore as follows: decision-making under uncertainty; decision-making under risk; compare and contrast uncertainty and risk; and evaluate the value of perfect information EVPI and understand its application in decision-making.

Case overview/synopsis
Vikas Teerth, a budding entrepreneur, wanted to venture out into the pineapple business. He had three land plots available, but he would like to take up a single plot after analyzing the possible returns factoring the volatile prices and other impending constraints. He wanted to use the decision-making approaches with the aid of probability to arrive at the best decision. This case helps the instructors to introduce the concept of decision-making under risk and under uncertainty which comes under the preview of decision theory. Students can use the data given in the case and exhibits to do the necessary calculations required and thereby get an insight into the process of calculated decision-making.

Complexity academic level
This case can teach decision theory in undergraduate-level and graduate-level courses in operations research, decision-making and industrial engineering. It can also be used to discuss issues and challenges faced in start-ups or SME entrepreneurship.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 7: Management Science.
The role of leadership–member exchange relationships in the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards by Greek public hospitals
Authors: Dalla Konstantia , Lois Petros , Makrygiannakis Georgios 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the quality of relations within upper-level management in Greek public hospitals (GPHs), as well as to specify the extent to which these facilitate or hinder the forthcoming International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) adoption and implementation.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted on a sample of 143 upper-management professionals drawn from across the 125 GPHs. A multivariate structural equation model (SEM) is used to investigate the degree of interdependence of the level of convenience of implementation under the view of the leader-member exchange (LMX) scale.FindingsThe findings suggest that the established leader-member relations in the GPHs facilitate reforms. However, these relationships are of little benefit to IPSAS adoption and implementation mainly due to the low degrees of competence and commitment to IPSAS. The passive adoption of IPSAS is the most likely outcome.Originality/valueThe study recontextualizes the LMX model to public sector research. The findings have value to hospital leadership and to policymakers, as well as to researchers studying the difficulties of IPSAS adoption and implementation.
Do politically connected, economically powerful firms comply with labor laws in China?
Authors: Chen Ying , Sun Yuanyuan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis study investigates, from a resource dependence perspective, the effects of domestic private firms' political connections and economic power on their labor law compliance in China.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data from a large-scale nationwide survey on Chinese domestic private firms, the Chinese Private Enterprise Survey collected from 2004 to 2012, to examine factors of interest that affect firms' compliance to labor laws. Hypotheses were tested using OLS regression models with robust standard errors.FindingsThe results indicate that domestic private firms' institutional political connections specified by the presence of a union or a Chinese Communist Party committee is positively related to firms' labor law compliance, and firm owners' formal political connections indicated by their membership in the People's Congress or the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference have a somewhat negative effect. The post-hoc analysis shows that firm owners' political representation at the county and city levels is negatively related with labor law compliance, while the political representation at the national level is positively related to labor law compliance. Moreover, the economic power of a domestic private firm is related positively to its labor law compliance. Finally, although the authors did not find evidence that the 2008 Labor Contract Law increased labor contract coverage, it did increase pension coverage after 2008.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study reveals a more refined relationship between domestic private firm owners’ political connections and the degree of labor law compliance. It also demonstrates that the economic power of domestic private firms has a positive effect on their labor law compliance. This implies the importance of the contribution of domestic private firms to economic and social development in China, warranting continued support of the development of the private sector in China.Originality/valueThis study adds to the sparse literature on the determinants of domestic private firms' labor law compliance in China. It also sheds light on whether political connections and the rising economic power of Chinese domestic private firms influence their compliance with labor laws.
Impact of financial inclusion on food security: evidence from developing countries
Authors: Arshad Ameena 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe paper empirically investigates the impact of financial inclusion on food security. Subsequently, it examines the overall effect of various dimensions of financial inclusion on food security of developing countries using the panel data for the time period of 2004–2019.Design/methodology/approachTo overcome the problem of endogeneity, the study has used a fixed-effect model, two-stage least-square and system generalized method of moments estimation techniques. Secondary data was collected from various websites such as WDI, FAO, UNICEF and UNESCO.FindingsIt was found in the study that there is a significant effect of financial inclusion on food security. The evidence shows that if there is more financial inclusion in the country, it will help poor people to cope with difficult situations they face and provide them food security. Financial development, per capita income, agriculture growth and education positively affect food security, while militarization and urbanization have a negative impact on food security. The crux of the analysis is that any country's financial sector is an integral part of any country that supports food security.Originality/valueThe literature does not clearly show the impact of financial inclusion dimensions on developing countries' food security. Therefore, there is a need to use all the dimensions of financial inclusion to check the overall impact on food security. For this purpose, the financial inclusion index is developed. A new dimension of non-life insurance is introduced that has not been used previously by any researcher to check financial inclusion impact.
Banning markets for moral reasons: is the abolition of slavery a role model for the future of animal production?
Authors: Mann Stefan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe market for slaves is one of the few cases where trade is banned for moral reasons in every country. While animal activists often link animal production to slavery, they fail to answer the question about why animal production persists in every country, while slavery is banned everywhere.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose of this paper is to show both parallels and differences between slavery and animal production, both from a historic and systematic perspective.FindingsIt can be shown that the claim about the many philosophical parallels between slavery and animal production is justified, but that the political economy between the cases differs strongly, particularly regarding the distribution of benefits.Practical implicationsThe paper argues that the food industry will play a decisive role in the future of animal production.Social implicationsThe loss of jobs would certainly be an issue if animal production was banned, whereas the labor market effects of abolition were more complex.Originality/valueWhile the comparison is not new, this is the first holistic evaluation of it.
Can you see opportunity knocking? An examination of technology-based political skill on opportunity recognition in online communities for MTurk workers
Authors: Di Gangi Paul M. , McAllister Charn P. , Howard Jack L. , Thatcher Jason Bennett , Ferris Gerald R. 
Published: January 2022

PurposePolitical skill has emerged as a concept of interest within the information systems literature to explain individual performance outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to adapt political skill to technology-mediated contexts. Specifically, the authors seek to understand political skill's role in shaping microtask workers' opportunity recognition when utilizing online communities in microtask work environments.Design/methodology/approachThe authors tested their research model using a survey of 348 Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers who participate in microtask-related online communities. MTurk is a large, popular microtasking platform used by thousands of microtask workers daily, with several online communities supporting microtask workers.FindingsTechnology-based political skill plays a critical role in shaping the resources microtasking workers rely upon from online communities, including opportunity recognition and knowledge sharing. The ability to develop opportunity recognition positively impacts a microtask worker's ability to leverage online communities for microtask worker performance. Tenure in the community acts as a moderator within the model.Originality/valueThe present study makes several contributions. First, the authors adapt political skill to an online community to account for how microtask workers understand a community's socio-technical environment. Second, the authors demonstrate the antecedent role of political skill for opportunity recognition and knowledge sharing. Third, the authors provide empirical validation of the link between online communities and microtask worker performance.