bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notch inhibition rescues TNF-α mediated block in multiciliated ependymal cell differentiation: Implications for hydrocephalus therapy
Authors: Adeyemi Clementine , Abdi Khadar 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTHydrocephalus is a prevalent condition among newborns leading to substantial neurocognitive and motor impairment. Novel therapies are needed to supplant invasive surgeries, but identifying targetable cells and pathways remains a hurdle to devising alternative pharmacological options. Multiciliated ependymal cells (MECs) promote cerebrospinal fluid flow within brain ventricles, and their dysfunction is associated with various forms of hydrocephalus. Here we show that an acute exposure to TNF-α strongly impairs the conversion of ependymal cell radial glial progenitors (ecRGPs) into MECs. Inhibition of MEC differentiation was correlated with elevated expression levels of notch pathway effectors normally downregulated prior to the transition of ecRGPs into MECs. TNF-α inhibitedMulticilingene upregulation along with downstream genes critical for centriole amplification and multicilia formation, resulting in cells with greatly diminished basal bodies and multicilia. Treatment with notch inhibitor DBZ, either in parallel with TNF-α or sequentially days later, rescued MEC differentiation and expression of genes required for multicilia formation. These results provide a rationale for how TNFα can impair MEC development, and they offer a targetable pathway to the treatment of some forms of hydrocephalus.
Preparation of inactivated whole culture vaccine composed ofPasteurella multocida, Avibacterium paragallinarum, andOrnithobacterium rhinotrachealeand evaluation of its protective efficacy in chickens
Authors: Roshdy Sally , Soliman Rafik , Aly Manal A. , Omar Lamiaa , Samir Ahmed , Abo-Elyazeed Heidy , Aboul-Ella Hassan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPoultry, mainly chickens and its white meat represents one of the main, nutritionally valuable, and affordable red meat replacer source of protein throughout the whole world with special reference to developing countries. A long list of microbial agents especially bacterial pathogens threat chickens production cycles. They constitute one of the major problems facing the rapidly expanding poultry industry and are responsible for considerable economic losses.). Fowl Cholera, Infectious Coryza, and Ornithobacterium Rhinotracheale (ORT) diseases were among the serious bacterial infections that affect respiratory tract of chickens with an global adverse effect on poultry production. A formalized whole culture vaccine of composed ofP. multocidaserotypes A5, A8, A9 and D2,Avibacterium paragallinarumserotype A and C andOrnithobacterium rhinotrachealeserotype A was prepared. This polyvalent vaccine proved to be safe producing no adverse side effects when injected in chickens. The immunizing efficacy of this vaccine was evaluated in SPF chickens, which were immunized at 6 weeks of age. The protective efficacy of the vaccine was determined using challenge test. The developed vaccine was effective in protecting chickens against Fowl Cholera, Infectious Coryza and Ornithobacterium Infection (ORT diseases) in chickens against challenge with these pathogens. Vaccinated chickens challenged with virulentPasteurella Multocidaserotypes A5, A8, A9 and D2 showed protection rates of 86.6%, 93.3%, 93.3% and 93.3%, respectively, as compared with 100% mortality in the non-vaccinated control. Vaccinated chickens challenged withAvibacterium paragallinarumserotypes A and C showed protection rates of 86.6% and 93.3%, respectively. Also, the protection rate against challenge with virulentOrnithobacterium rhinotrachealeserotype A reached to 96.6%.
Sex-differences in prostaglandin signaling: a semi-systematic review and characterization of PTGDS expression in human sensory neurons
Authors: Shen Breanna Q. , Sankaranarayanan Ishwarya , Price Theodore J. , Tavares-Ferreira Diana 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTThere is increasing evidence of sex differences in underlying mechanisms causing pain in preclinical models, and in clinical populations. There are also important disconnects between clinical pain populations and the way preclinical pain studies are conducted. For instance, osteoarthritis pain more frequently affects women but most preclinical studies have been conducted using males in animal models. The most widely used painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), act on the prostaglandin pathway by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the preclinical and clinical literature on the role of prostaglandins and COX in inflammation and pain. We aimed to specifically identify studies that used both sexes and investigate whether any sex-differences in the action of prostaglandins and COX inhibition had been reported, either in clinical or preclinical studies. We conducted a PubMed search and identified 369 preclinical studies and 100 clinical studies that matched our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Our analysis shows that only 17% of preclinical studies on prostaglandins used both sexes and, out of those, only 19% analyzed or reported data in a sex-aware fashion. In contrast, 79% of the clinical studies analyzed used both sexes. However, only 6% of those reported data in a sex-aware fashion. Interestingly, 14 out of 15 preclinical studies and 5 out of 6 clinical studies that analyzed data in a sex-aware fashion have identified sex-differences. This builds on the increasing evidence of sex-differences in prostaglandin signaling and the importance of sex-awareness in data analysis. The preclinical literature identifies a sex difference in prostaglandin D2synthase (PTGDS) expression where it is higher in female than in male rodents in the nervous system. We experimentally validated that PTGDS expression is higher in female human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons recovered from organ donors. Our semi-systematic literature review reveals a need for continued inclusivity of both male and female animals in prostaglandins studies and sex-aware analysis in data analysis in preclinical and clinical studies. Our finding of sex-differences in neuronal PTGDS expression in humans exemplifies the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how the prostaglandin system functions in the DRG in rodents and humans.
Emergent perceptual biases from state-space geometry in spiking recurrent neural networks trained to discriminate time intervals
Authors: Serrano-Fernández Luis , Beirán Manuel , Parga Néstor 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA stimulus held in working memory is perceived as contracted towards the average stimulus. This contraction bias has been extensively studied in psychophysics, but little is known about its origin from neural activity. By training recurrent networks of spiking neurons to discriminate temporal intervals, we explored the causes of this bias and how behavior relates to population firing activity. We found that the trained networks exhibited animal-like behavior. Various geometric features of neural trajectories in state space encoded warped representations of the durations of the first interval modulated by sensory history. Formulating a novel normative model, we showed that these representations conveyed a Bayesian estimate of the interval durations, thus relating activity and behavior. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that Bayesian computations already occur during the sensory phase of the first stimulus and persist throughout its maintenance in working memory, until the time of stimulus comparison.
Barriers to corporate social responsibility performance in construction organizations
Authors: Nguyen Minh Van 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis study aims to identify and prioritize barriers to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the construction sector.Design/methodology/approachA literature review was first conducted to identify barriers to CSR performance. After that, construction professionals were invited to validate the appropriateness of the obstacles. The discussion allowed the establishment of a list of barriers to CSR performance and their corresponding categories. Data collected from the survey were then analyzed to prioritize the importance of these barriers by the fuzzy DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) technique.FindingsThe findings presented 16 barriers to CSR, which were categorized into four clusters. The fuzzy DANP analysis showed that strategic vision is the most crucial cluster, followed by the measurement system, stakeholder perspective and scarce resources. Among the sixteen barriers examined, lack of awareness, knowledge and information of CSR; low priority of CSR; lack of metrics to quantify CSR benefits; lack of guidelines and coherent strategies; and lack of CSR enforcement mechanism are the five most crucial barriers.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first that proposes a comprehensive model to prioritize barriers to CSR performance of contractors considering their interrelationships. It provides construction stakeholders with a framework for understanding the linkage between the barriers and CSR framework under the umbrella of stakeholder theory. Thus, the findings might assist construction practitioners and academics in fostering the success of CSR implementation.
Covid-19 and informational efficiency in Asian emerging markets: a comparative study of conventional and Shariah-compliant stocks
Authors: Raza Muhammad Wajid , Said Bahrawar , Elshahat Ahmed 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
This study aims to provide a comparative insight into the level of informational efficiency and irregularities of Shariah-compliant stocks and conventional stocks in three emerging markets, namely, China, Malaysia and Pakistan. The empirical evidence is provided for pre-crisis and crisis periods caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
Informational efficiency is measured using the variance ratio (VR) Test developed by Kim (2006). The Approximate Entropy (ApEn) Metrics is used to investigate the level of irregularities in stock prices caused by the pandemic.

Findings
All the three emerging markets in the sample are not immune to the crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic. The level of informational efficiency of both the Shariah-compliant and conventional stock is affected by the crisis. However, the former exhibits relatively high level of informational efficiency and stability in returns as compared to more volatility of conventional stocks.

Practical implications
This study provides market agents and policy makers with a robust assessment of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on informational efficiency of Shariah-compliant and conventional stocks. Relatively high informational efficiency of Shariah-compliant stocks indicates that they are more transparent and that investors can trust the Shariah-compliant stocks more. This higher level of transparency and trust leads to more steady returns and lower levels of risk even during turbulent time like Covid-19. Investors can gain superior returns by conducting fundamental analysis and investing in index funds.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that highlights the difference in informational efficiency of conventional stocks and Shariah-compliant stocks in the crisis period caused by Covid-19. Unlike previous studies, this study uses firm level data which enables firm-wise assessment of informational efficiency.
An assessment of the linkages between the construction and other sectors of the Nigerian economy
Authors: Saka Najimu , Arowoiya Victor 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
The construction sector (CNS) occupies a very unique position in any economy depending on whether developed or developing economy. The size and linkages of the CNS are expected to be high to help push or pull the economy from developing to developed economy through elaborate forward and backward linkages, a cardinal aim of developing economies. This paper aims to investigate the forward and backward linkages of the CNS in the Nigerian economy.

Design/methodology/approach
In contrast to the traditional input–output analysis to assess sectoral economic performance and production interdependence, this paper used econometric techniques, including unit root test, cointegration test and Granger causality test to analyze the data. Time-series data (TSD) for the study were extracted from United Nations Statistical Department database.

Findings
The result indicated that the CNS has low forward linkages but high backward linkages to virtually all the sectors of the Nigerian economy. Thus, the outputs of construction mainly satisfy the manufacturing and other activities.

Originality/value
The paper gives an insight into the construction on backward linkages but less extensive forward linkages. The paper recommends a massive local content development of sector to deepen backward and forward linkages and thus helps pull or push weak sectors out of stagnation.
Alternative paths to high mass customization capability and the subsequent performance outcome
Authors: Sheng Hongyan , Feng Taiwen , Liu Lunming 
Published: November 2022

PurposeAccording to sociotechnical systems theory, this study examines the configurational effects of modularity (product and process modularity), supply chain integration (information, operational and relational integration) and the characteristics of customer need (customer need tacitness and diversity) on MCC and the impact of high MCC generated by different configurations on economic performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study tests the model by combining fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) with propensity score matching methods based on data from 277 Chinese manufacturers.FindingsThe authors identify four equifinal configurations sufficient for high MCC and categorize them into three types: modularity + integration oriented, integration + customer need oriented, modularity + integration + customer need balance. The results further indicate that the high MCC triggered by three types of configuration affects economic performance in different ways.Practical implicationsThe results deliver an important message to manufacturing enterprises that high MCC can be achieved through multiple equally-effective combinations. Moreover, managers should focus on the fit between multiple conditions and choose the appropriate pathway to enhance economic performance.Originality/valueFrom a configurational perspective, these findings enrich the literature on enablers and performance outcomes of MCC by introducing an integrated model.
Wearing leadership bi-focals in the post-pandemic university
Authors: Lieberman Devorah 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to provide insight for higher education leaders about how to navigate the immediate needs and long-term needs of an institution. COVID-19 disrupted higher education in unprecedented ways, but the post-pandemic world is proving to be just as challenging – if not more so. Presidents and higher education leaders must be nimble, prepared and multi-skilled to address immediate challenges while making the tough strategic decisions to ensure that colleges and universities remain viable and sustainable for generations to come.

Design/methodology/approach
This discussion focuses on the dual vision and the leadership skills that are essential in addressing both the short-term and long-term threats to colleges and universities resulting from the COVID pandemic (wearing leadership bi-focals). It analyzes the post-pandemic trends that are adversely impacting the future of higher education and details how the President is guiding her team at the University of La Verne through this generational crisis – a process she describes as wearing leadership bifocals.

Findings
What began as a sudden global health crisis has shaken institutions of higher education to their core, challenging some of the very foundations upon which they were built. By adopting a bifocal strategy, the University of La Verne can more clearly assess the challenges it faces in the post-pandemic world and the new opportunities around the corner. While this approach ultimately is a team effort, effective implementation requires leadership from the top. The entire campus community is depending on the President to inspire and lead.

Research limitations/implications
Much has been written about leadership during these troubling times in higher education. This paper is intended hoped to offer a best-practices approach for college and university Presidents in engaging their campus communities in addressing the short- and long-term challenges facing them.

Originality/value
The author’s lengthy experience as a University president and Provost – along with a focus on communication skills – provides a unique framework for addressing the complex challenges confronting higher education.
Synthesis and characterization of vanillin derived bio-based benzoxazine resin for high temperature application
Authors: Patil Dhananjay A. , Naiker Vidhukrishnan Ekambaram , Phalak Ganesh A. , Chugh Karan W. , Mhaske S.T. 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
This study aims to synthesize two different benzoxazines (Bz) monomers using bio-based and petroleum-based primary amines, respectively, and they have been compared to study their thermal and mechanical performances.

Design/methodology/approach
A bio-based bisphenol, Divanillin (DiVa), was formed by reacting two moles of vanillin with one mole of ethylenediamine (EDA) which was then reacted firstly with paraformaldehyde and EDA to form the benzoxazine DiVa-EDA-Bz, and secondly with paraformaldehyde and furfuryl amine (FFA) to form the benzoxazine DiVa-FFA-Bz. The molecular structure and thermal properties of the benzoxazines were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H,13C) spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The benzoxazines were further coated on mild steel panels to evaluate their mechanical properties and chemical resistance.

Findings
The DSC results of DiVa-FFA-Bz showed two exothermic peaks related to crosslinking compared to the one in DiVa-EDA-Bz. The DiVa-FFA-Bz also showed a higher heat of polymerization than DiVa-EDA-Bz. The TGA results showed that DiVa-FFA-Bz exhibited higher thermal stability with a residual char of 54.10% than 43.24% for DiVa-EDA-Bz. The chemical resistance test results showed that DiVa-FFA-Bz showed better chemical resistance and mechanical properties due to its higher crosslinking density.

Originality/value
This study shows the use of bio-based materials, vanillin and FFA, for synthesizing a benzoxazine resin and its application at high temperatures.
Developing a digital application for quality assurance of assessment programmes in higher education
Authors: Schellekens Lonneke H. , van der Schaaf Marieke F. , van der Vleuten Cees P.M. , Prins Frans J. , Wools Saskia , Bok Harold G.J. 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
This study aims to report the design, development and evaluation of a digital quality assurance application aimed at improving and ensuring the quality of assessment programmes in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach
The application was developed using a design-based research (DBR) methodology. The application’s design was informed by a literature search and needs assessment of quality assurance stakeholders to ensure compliance with daily practices and accreditation requirements. Stakeholders from three study programmes evaluated the application.

Findings
As part of the development of the application, module- and programme-level dashboards were created to provide an overview of the programme’s outcomes, assessment methods, assessment metrics, self-evaluated quality indicators and assessment documents. The application was evaluated by stakeholders at the module and programme levels. Overall, the results indicated that the dashboards aided them in gaining insight into the assessment programme and its alignment with underlying assessments.

Practical implications
Visualisation of the assessment programme’s structure and content identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement, which can be used to initiate a dialogue and further actions to improve assessment quality.

Originality/value
The application developed facilitates a cyclical and transparent assessment quality assurance procedure that is continuously available to various stakeholders in quality assurance.
Impact of organizational climate, culture, leadership and structure on competitive advantage: mediating effect of absorptive capacity
Authors: Mehmood Khawaja Khalid , Mushtaq Mehreen , Hanaysha Jalal Rajeh 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis research aimed to investigate absorptive capacity's (AC) mediating effect among four important organizational factors, namely transformational leadership (TL), innovative culture (IC), organizational structure (OS), organizational climate (OC)) and competitive advantage (CA).Design/methodology/approachA survey method was used for data collection and 107 valid responses were received from managers and top executives of different hotels operating in Pakistan. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) statistical techniques were used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings infer that OC positively affects CA by improving AC in an organization. Furthermore, AC was found as a partial mediator for the relationship among TL and CA as well as for the relationship among IC and CA.Originality/valueDespite the abundance of research on AC, the empirical studies regarding Ac's mediating effect among various organizational factors and CA are limited. Therefore, this paper makes a noteworthy contribution to the body of knowledge by testing the mediating effect of AC among various organizational factors and CA with reference to hospitality sector in Pakistan.