bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trypanosoma cruzi isolates naturally adapted to congenital transmission display a unique strategy of transplacental passage
Authors: Faral-Tello Paula , Greif Gonzalo , Romero Selva , Cabrera Andrés , Oviedo Cristina , González Telma , Libisch Gabriela , Arévalo Ana Paula , Varela Belén , Manuel Verdes José , Crispo Martina , Basmadjián Yester , Robello Carlos 
Published: July 2022

SummaryChagas disease is mainly transmitted by vertical transmission (VT) in non-endemic areas and in endemic areas where vector control programs have been successful. For the present study, we isolated natural strains vertically transmitted through three generations and proceeded to study their molecular mechanism of VT. No parasitemia was detected in immunocompetent mice, but they were able to induce an immune response and colonize different organs. VT experiments revealed that infection with the different strains did not affect mating, pregnancy or resorptions, but despiting low parasitemia, VT strains reached the placenta and resulted in higher vertical transmission rates than strains of either moderate or high virulence. While the virulent strain modulated more than 2500 placental genes, VT strains modulated 150, and none of the modulated genes is shared between them. VT strains downregulate genes associated with cell division and replication and upregulate immunomodulatory genes leading to anti-inflammatory responses and tolerance. The virulent strain stimulates a strong pro-inflammatory immune response, and this molecular footprint correlated with histopathological analyses. We herein describe a unique placental response regarding the passage of T cruzi VT isolates across the maternal-fetal interphase, challenging the current knowledge derived mainly from studies of laboratory-adapted or highly virulent strains.
Proteomics and metabolomics reveal an abundant α-glucosidase drives sorghum fermentability for beer brewing
Authors: Kerr E. D. , Fox G. P. , Schulz B. L. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a grass native to Africa, is a popular alternative to barley for brewing beer. The importance of sorghum to beer brewing is increasing because it is a naturally gluten-free cereal and because climate change is expected to cause a reduction in the production of barley over the coming decades. However, there are challenges associated with the use of sorghum instead of barley in beer brewing. Here, we used proteomics and metabolomics to gain insights into the sorghum brewing process, to advise processes for efficient beer production from sorghum. We found that during malting, sorghum synthesises the amylases and proteases necessary for brewing. Proteomics revealed that mashing with sorghum malt required higher temperatures than barley malt for efficient protein solubilisation. Both α- and β-amylase were considerably less abundant in sorghum wort than in barley wort, correlating with lower maltose concentrations in sorghum wort. However, metabolomics revealed higher glucose concentrations in sorghum wort than in barley wort, consistent with the presence of an abundant α-glucosidase detected by proteomics in sorghum malt. Our results indicate that sorghum can be a viable grain for industrial fermented beverage production, but that its use requires careful process optimisation for efficient production of fermentable wort and high-quality beer.
Charting the path between communication strategies and overseas purchasing service performance in the e-commerce context
Authors: Ahn Jiseon 
Published: July 2022

PurposeDespite the growth of the online overseas purchasing industry, there is a lack of studies addressing these companies' communication strategies. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of customer experiences with communication via overseas purchasing websites.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from overseas purchase customers in the United States, this study examines communication as either firm or customer generated and assesses their effects on brand-related outcomes.FindingsThe results show that both firm- and customer-generated communication influence brand awareness, perceived quality, and loyalty. Also, the impact of brand awareness on perceived quality is supported. Differences in the relationship between communication and behavior across demographic characteristics (i.e. gender, age, income) are identified, and the impact of firm-generated content on customers is found to be greater than that of customer-generated communication.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the limitations of quantitative surveys to examine overseas retailing practices, the results of this study provide a starting point for future researchers to conduct more qualitative studies with customers from various cultures.Originality/valueDue to the importance of communication marketing in the retail setting, this study provides useful guidelines for online retail services to enhance customers' interaction and empowerment.
Learning together: the effects of inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream schools
Authors: Dalcin Aline Krüger 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThis article aims to analyze the impact that the inclusion of students with disabilities has on the achievement of their schoolmates and to analyze the impact that this inclusion has on the achievement of the students with disabilities themselves.Design/methodology/approachThe author begins investigating how the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular schools affects achievement of schoolmates. To answer this research question, the author explores the natural variation in time in the number of students with disabilities and use data from National Exam of Upper Secondary Education (Enem). Then, the author investigates how the inclusion affects achievement of the students with disabilities themselves and uses propensity score matching methodologies and, again, data from Enem.FindingsThe results show that an additional percentage point in the proportion of students with disabilities would reduce schoolmates' writing scores by a 0.0031 standard deviation. In other subjects, the author finds weak or none evidence of a significant peer effect. In addition, using Propensity Score Matching methodologies, the results show that the mean scores are up to 44% of a standard deviation, which is higher among students with disabilities enrolled in regular schools compared to those who are enrolled in special schools. In summary, the evaluation is that inclusion policies achieve the goal of improving the performance of students with disabilities but such policies have a small and adverse side effect.Originality/valueFor this reason, the present study proposes to fill this gap in the literature by analyzing the impact of the inclusion of students with disabilities on both groups. In addition, this paper contributes to the empirical literature of peer effect with an analysis of the peer effect of students with disabilities per competency. Finally, the article is important given the existence of few articles in Brazil on the topic of education and people with disabilities.
Factors affecting effective facilities management practices in South Africa: a case study of Kwazulu Natal Province
Authors: Mewomo Modupe Cecilia , Ndlovu Petronella Minehle , Iyiola Comfort Olubukola 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Although facilities management (FM) has been advocated in the construction industry to address the issues of facilities in buildings, their adoption is still plagued with barriers. The factors affecting FM practices need detailed investigation. However, few studies have been conducted on the factors affecting FM practices in developing countries such as South Africa. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting effective FM practices in public buildings in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this aim, a quantitative survey was carried out using questionnaire to gather relevant data in the study area. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and principal component (factor) analysis. The study was conducted on 39 facilities managers in the Department of Public Works in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Findings
The descriptive analysis revealed that availability of funds, occupants’ knowledge of FM, absence of policy guiding FM practice, state of deterioration of facilities and design concepts and scope were significant challenges affecting effective FM practices in public buildings in South Africa. The result of the principal component analysis of the factors affecting FM practices were grouped into organisational factors, structural/design errors and end users’ elements.

Research limitations/implications
As it is widely understood that “money” plays a significant role in the performance of any activity or function, administrators/governments of public facilities should strive to plan and make appropriate finances accessible to facilities managers. Participation of facilities managers in the planning stage can also help reduce design flaws and their maintenance implications. In addition, adequate training for professionals can improve FM awareness and productivity.

Originality/value
The paper reveals the structural framework of the factors that can influence the effective facilities management practices in public buildings.
Audit committee and CSR disclosure: does the gender diversity of audit committee members matter?
Authors: Rezaei Pitenoei Yasser , Safari Gerayli Mehdi , Khozein Ali 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe gender theory demonstrates that women have made significant contributions to the increases of firm performance and monitoring the management. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the association between audit committee gender diversity (ACGD) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of the firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct regression analysis to test the association between the presence of female members on the AC and CSR disclosure. The final sample in this study consists of 693 firm‐year observations from Iranian listed firms over the period 2012–2018. Moreover, to ensure the robustness of the findings, this study uses a series of sensitivity analysis tests.FindingsThe regression results show that ACGD has a significant positive influence on the level of CSR disclosure. The finding is robust to alternative measure of ACGD, CSR disclosure and endogeneity concern.Practical implicationsThe findings have numerous practical implications for regulators, policy makers, managers and investors. This study has implications for Iranian regulators and policymakers and sends positive signal about recommending or requiring gender diversity on the board and its subgroups such as AC. Furthermore, the findings have implications for the investors, so that they have to make informed investment decisions given both financial factors and ACGD, and eventually invest in those firms with women membership in their AC’s composition.Social implicationsConcerning with board of directors and the general assembly of shareholders, as the findings suggest the significant role of ACGD in the enhancement of CSR disclosure, boards and the general assembly are to engage women in AC composition to both increase AC efficiency and improve CSR disclosure level.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind that investigates the association between ACGD and CSR disclosure in emerging capital markets, and therefore can contribute to extend the current literature on CSR in developing countries, especially Iran’s emerging capital market.
Functional training improves the effectiveness of stretching programs for university cleaning staff
Authors: Artiga Oliver , Bucy Ana , Qiu Ruo , Cramer Elaine , Raney Marcella 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether combining a structured stretching program with functional movement/body position training would yield additive effects on flexibility, ergonomic practices, and subjective pain levels for employees at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.Design/methodology/approachNine control and 13 experimental university cleaning staff participated in a 10-week full-body stretching intervention led by undergraduate students. Experimental participants also engaged in functional movement/body position training once per week. Joint range of motion, task ergonomic form, pain level, and stretching motivation results were compared pre- and post-intervention.FindingsOverall flexibility (+25.75 ± 3.33%) and task ergonomic form (+26.3 ± 10.5%) significantly improved and were negatively correlated with pain levels (r = −0.541 and r = −0.317, respectively). Experimental participants experienced greater improvements in shoulder (control: +16.8 ± 9.0%; experimental: +64.2 ± 11.5%) and hip (control: +31.4 ± 9.9%; experimental: +91.2 ± 19.9%) flexibility as well as in task-specific ergonomic form for vertical (control: +0.0 ± 5.3%; experimental: +35.2 ± 10.1%) and horizontal wiping (control: −4.7 ± 4.7%; experimental: +29.0 ± 7.8%). Intrinsic motivation was increased for both groups (+26.2 ± 15.4%).Originality/valueSupplementing a workplace stretching program with functional movement/body position training has the potential to improve flexibility and decrease pain while simultaneously increasing the likelihood that cleaning staff will participate in self-directed stretching in the future. The intervention serves as a model for workplace health management and wellness-focused community building on university campuses who insource cleaning staff.
Promotional inputs and selling: evidence from India
Authors: R.M. Harindranath , Sivakumaran Bharadhwaj 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The main purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of promotional inputs presented to salespeople, such as continuing medical education (CME) sponsorship and drug samples, on adaptive selling and sales performance.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed-methods approach. First, depth interviews were done and this was followed by a survey on 247 pharmaceutical executives in India. Data analysis was done using AMOS, Process Macro and floodlight analysis.

Findings
Results showed that CME sponsorship and drug samples drove adaptive selling and sales performance positively. Additionally, results reveal that CME program sponsorship negatively moderated the adaptive selling–sales performance relationship; free drug samples too negatively moderated this relationship.

Practical implications
Firms may hire salespersons with high customer orientation and adaptive selling and train them hone these further. The present research also crucially suggests that pharma firms may allocate CME sponsorship and drug samples to salespeople low on adaptive selling.

Originality/value
This could be the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that uses promotional inputs (such as CME sponsorship and drug samples) as an antecedent to adaptive selling and sales performance. Moreover, this is the only research that has tested CME sponsorships and drug samples as moderators to customer orientation–adaptive selling and adaptive selling–sales performance.
A VECM analysis of Bitcoin price using time-varying cointegration approach
Authors: Lee Yong , Rhee Joon Hee 
Published: July 2022

This study proposed an optimal model to examine the relationship between the Bitcoin price and six macroeconomic variables – the Bitcoin price, Standard and Poor's 500 volatility index, US treasury 10-year yield, US consumer price index, gold price and dollar index. It also examined the effectiveness of the vector error correction model (VECM) in analyzing the interrelationship among these variables. The authors employed the following approach: first, the authors sampled the period August 2010–February 2022. This is because Bitcoin achieved a market capitalization of more than US$1 tn over this period, gaining market attention and acceptance from retail, corporate and institutional investors. Second, the authors employed a VECM with the six macroeconomic variables. Finally, the authors expanded the long-run equilibrium relationship (time-invariant cointegration)-based VECM to develop a time-varying cointegration (TVC) VECM. The authors estimated the TVC VECM using the Chebyshev polynomial specification based on various information criteria. The results showed that the Bitcoin price can be modeled with the VECM (p = 1, r = 1). The TVC approach generated more explanatory power for Bitcoin pricing, indicating the effectiveness of the approach for modeling the long-run relationship between Bitcoin price and macroeconomic variables.
Droplet bouncing on topological nonwetting surfaces via laser fabrication
Authors: Zhuang Kai , Xiao Jieru , Yang Xiaolong 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that the droplet impact phenomenon is important for the advancement of industrial technologies in many fields such as spray cooling and ink jet printing. Droplet bouncing on the nonwetting surfaces is a special phenomenon in the impact process which has attracted lots of attention.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, the authors fabricated two kinds of representative nonwetting surfaces including superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) and a slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) with advanced UV laser processing.FindingsThe droplet bouncing behavior on the two kinds of nonwetting surfaces were compared in the experiments. The results indicate that the increasing Weber number enlarges the maximum droplet spreading diameter and raises the droplet bounce height but has no effect on contact time.Originality/valueIn addition, the authors find that the topological SHS and SLIPS with the laser-processed microwedge groove array produce asymmetric droplet bouncing with opposite offset direction. Microdroplets can be continuously transported without any additional driving force on such a topological SLIPS. The promising method for manipulating droplets has potential applications for the droplet-based microfluidic platforms.
Automatic alignment system device of micro–nanofluid control chip and its application
Authors: Wang Junyao , Chen Xingyu , Liu Huan , Sun Gongchen , Li Yunpeng , Cui Bowen , Lang Tianhong , Wang Rui , Zhang Yiying , Sun Maocheng Mao 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a micro-nano chip automatic alignment system. Used for micron and nanometer channel alignment of microfluidic chip.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, combined with the reconstructed micro–nanoscale Hough transform theory, a “clamp–adsorb–rotate” chip alignment method is proposed. The designed alignment system includes a microscopic identification device, a clamping device and a suction device. After assembly, the straightness of the linear slide rail in the horizontal and vertical directions was tested, respectively. The results show that in the horizontal and vertical directions, the linearity error of the linear slide is +0.29 and 0.30 µm, respectively, which meets the requirement of chip alignment accuracy of 15 µm. In the direction of rotation, the angular error between the microchannel and the nanochannel is ±0.5°. In addition, an alignment flow experiment of the chip is designed. The results demonstrate that the closer the angle between the microchannel and the nanochannel is to 90°, the fluid fills the entire channel. Compared with the conventional method, the method and the assembly system realize fully automatic double-layer chip alignment.

Findings
A mechanical device designed by Hough transform theory can realize microfluidic chip alignment at nanometer and micron level.

Originality/value
The automatic alignment device adopts Hough transform principle and can be used for microfluidic chip alignment.
Chip-level design for intelligent human position detection based on PIR sensor
Authors: Hsia Shih Chang , Wang Szu-Hong , Chen Hung-Lieh 
Published: July 2022

Purpose
This study aims to present a novel technique to localize the human position in a room, to manage people in a specified space.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, a real-time human sensing detection and smart lighting control was designed within a single silicon core. The chip has been successfully realized within 1.5 mm2 silicon area using TSMC 0.25 um process.

Findings
This chip can read the weak signal of pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor to find the position of human body in a dark room and then help control the smart lighting system for an intelligent surveillance system.

Originality/value
This chip presented the retriggering delay control to expand the LED lighting time infinitely to avoid lighting-off suddenly while users stay on a space. This function is very useful in a practical intelligent surveillance system that is mainly based on human detection to better reduce power dissipation and memory space.
Patient and learner experience in a new set up of a multidisciplinary dermatology‐rheumatology clinic care model for psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Hong Cassandra , Fang Sarah , Yeo Yi‐Wei , Koh Hong‐Yi , Lee Haur Yueh , Low Andrea Hsiu‐Ling , Leung Ying‐Ying 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectivesWe described the set‐up of a new multidisciplinary psoriatic arthritis‐psoriasis (PsA‐PsO) clinic incorporating service, education, and research between rheumatologists and dermatologists for PsA. We describe the patients' and learners' experience of this shared‐care model.MethodsA PsA‐PsO clinic was newly set up in 2019. Each patient was first seen by a trainee, followed by both a dermatologist and a rheumatologist simultaneously in the same consultation room. We collected patients' and learners' experience through self‐administered surveys.ResultsFrom May 2019 to January 2020, we collected data from 44 visits (55% new referrals, 45% follow up) from 30 patients: 22.7% were referred for diagnostic doubts, 77.3% were for therapeutic issues. Eight of the 10 patients referred for diagnosis had PsA confirmed. Medication changes occurred in 63.6% of visits; 63.6% of patients continued follow up in the PsA‐PsO clinic, and 36.4% were discharged back to the original respective care. The median (interquartile range) rating of patient satisfaction of the care was 8 (7–8) out of 10; 96.1% of patients would "probably" or "definitely recommend" the care to others. From 20 learners, 95% reported the experience as "extremely" or "very" beneficial to training. The PsA‐PsO clinic was suspended during the COVID‐19 pandemic from February 2020 because of lack of available staff. The service was resumed gradually from May 2021.ConclusionDespite challenges, we report the set‐up of a new care model between dermatologists and rheumatologists for care of patients with psoriatic disease. The care model was well received by patients. Learners from various levels reported benefit from the learning experience.