bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extrachromosomal DNA is associated with decreased immune cell infiltration and antigen presentation, represents a potential cancer immune evasion mechanism
Authors: Wu Tao , Wu Chenxu , Zhao Xiangyu , Wang Guangshuai , Ning Wei , Tao Ziyu , Chen Fuxiang , Liu Xue-Song 
Published: February 2022

AbstractExtrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is a type of circular and tumor specific genetic element. EcDNA has been reported to display open chromatin structure, facilitate oncogene amplification and genetic material unequal segregation, and is associated with poor cancer patients’ prognosis. The ability of immune evasion is a typical feature for cancer progression, however the tumor intrinsic factors that determine immune evasion remain poorly understood. Here we show that the presence of ecDNA is associated with markers of tumor immune evasion, and obtaining ecDNA could be one of the mechanisms employed by tumor cells to escape immune surveillance. Tumors with ecDNA usually have comparable TMB and neoantigen load, however they have lower immune cell infiltration and lower cytotoxic T cell activity. The microenvironment of tumors with ecDNA shows increased immune desert, decreased immune enriched fibrotic types. Both MHC class I and class II antigen presentation genes’ expression are decreased in tumors with ecDNA, and this could be the underlying mechanism for ecDNA associated immune evasion. This study provides evidence that the presence of ecDNA is an immune escape mechanism for cancer cells.
Exploring Genomic Conservation in Actinobacteriophages with Small Genomes
Authors: Tse Vincent Y. , Liu Haoyuan , Kapinos Andrew , Torres Canela , Cayabyab Breanna Camille S. , Fett Sarah N. , Nakashima Lucy G. , Rahman Mujtahid , Vargas Aida S. , Reddi Krisanavane , Parker Jordan Moberg , Freise Amanda C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractActinobacteriophages of a wide range of genome sizes continue to be isolated and characterized, but only a handful of these have atypically small genomes, defined in this work as genome sizes under 20,000 bp. These “small phages” are relatively rare and have received minimal study thus far. Of the actinobacteriophages published in PhagesDB.org, small phages have been isolated on Arthrobacter, Gordonia, Rhodococcus, and Microbacterium hosts. A previous study by Pope et al. showed that Gordonia small phages have similar gene products and amino acid sequences. Here, we set out to further examine relationships between small Gordonia phages as well as small phages that infect other hosts. Of the 3222 sequenced phages listed on PhagesDB, we identified 109 distinctly small phages with genome sizes under 20,000 bp. The majority of the small phages were isolated on Arthrobacter or Microbacterium hosts. Using comparative genomics, we searched for patterns of similarity among 34 cluster-representative small phages. Dot plot comparisons showed that there was more amino acid conservation than nucleotide identity amongst small phages. Gene content similarity (GCS) analysis revealed that the temperate Gordonia phages in Cluster CW share significant GCS values (over 35%) with the lytic Arthrobacter phages in Cluster AN, suggesting that some small phages have a considerable degree of genomic similarity with each other. SplitsTree analyses of shared phams (genes with substantial amino acid identity) supported the complexity of clustering criteria in small phages, given shuffling of genes across phages of different clusters and close relationships despite varied cluster membership. We observed this continuum of phage diversity through Rhodococcus phage RRH1’s closer similarity to phages in Gordonia subcluster CW1 than CW1 is to Gordonia subcluster CW3. Finally, we were able to confirm the presence of conserved phams across not only small Gordonia phages but also within small phages from different clusters and hosts. Studying these genomic trends hidden in small phages allows us to better understand and appreciate the overall diversity of phages.
Dynamical management of potential threats regulated by dopamine and direct- and indirect-pathway neurons in the tail of the striatum
Authors: Tsutsui-Kimura Iku , Uchida Naoshige , Watabe-Uchida Mitsuko 
Published: February 2022

SUMMARYAvoiding potential threats before experiencing an actual outcome is critical to prevent a disaster. Here we examined roles of the tail of the striatum (TS) and its dopamine input in threat management. Mice were presented with a potential threat (a moving object) while pursuing rewards. Mice initially failed to obtain rewards, but gradually successfully obtained rewards in later trials. We show that the initial failures depended on dopamine and direct-pathway neurons in TS, and variability in failure rate across trials and individuals was positively correlated with the activity of these neurons. In contrast, indirect-pathway neurons in TS were critical for eventual improvement in reward acquisition, and their activity was positively correlated with successful reward acquisition. These results demonstrate that direct- and indirect-pathway TS neurons promote and suppress threat avoidance, respectively, at different stages, providing a mechanism for overcoming a potential threat while maintaining the threat estimates.
Enhancing the quality of open and distance learning in China through the identification and development of learning design skills and competencies
Authors: Olney Tom , Li Chenxi , Luo Juan 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify staff skills and competencies on which Chinese open universities should focus their professional development activities in order to enhance the quality of open and distance learning (ODL) in China.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from surveys of 220 academic and academic-related Chinese staff, each of whom participated in one of seven 3-day Learning Design and Course Creation (LDCC) workshops at three large regional open universities in China between 2017 and 2019. The workshops were based on the UK Open University (UKOU) approach to learning design (LD) and course creation. Using content analysis methodology, textual responses were analysed and compared against the Instructional Design Competencies framework provided by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI).Findings(1) Designing instructional interventions, (2) keeping up to date with design theories, (3) communicating in order to manage stakeholders, teams and projects were the main competencies identified from the participants responses. However, these three identified competencies differed in emphasis between the institutions that took part.Originality/valueIn Western higher education institutions (HEIs), LD has developed as an important approach to improving quality. A need has been identified for robust approaches to quality and professional development opportunities to enhance teaching and learning standards in open and distance learning (ODL) in China. This paper identifies and discusses specific LD skills and competencies that could be targeted to improve the quality of ODL in China.
Knowledge transfer among members within cross-cultural teams of international construction projects
Authors: Zhou Qianwen , Chen Shou , Deng Xiaopeng , Mahmoudi Amin 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the key factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams in international construction projects from three levels: individual factors, team factors and knowledge characteristics. It also provides a comprehensive framework to examine how trust, cultural distance, team identification, knowledge tacitness and complexity and members' transfer willingness impact knowledge transfer effectiveness within cross-cultural teams.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model and 16 hypotheses were put forward through the literature review and pilot investigation. This study used structural equation modeling to examine how factors affect the effectiveness of knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams based on the questionnaire data of samples from Chinese international construction projects.FindingsThe findings show that affect-based trust and team identification positively affect the willingness to contribute knowledge. Conversely, knowledge tacitness, knowledge complexity and cultural distance negatively influence contribute willingness. Moreover, affect-based trust, cognition-based trust and team identity positively affect receive willingness, while cultural distance negatively impacts receive willingness. Additionally, affect-based and cognition-based trust, knowledge tacitness and complexity affect transfer effectiveness through the full mediation of transfer willingness, while cultural distance and team identity affect transfer effectiveness through the partial mediation of transfer willingness.Research limitations/implicationsOn the one hand, this research provides a holistic framework for factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams from three levels: individual factors, team factors and knowledge characteristics. On the other hand, the paper gives other researchers in international project management the enlightenment of focusing on members' cultural structure and the cross-cultural training of the team.Practical implicationsThis study offers the direction for cross-cultural team managers to formulate helpful approaches for knowledge transfer and assist corporate leaders in taking integral control measures to enhance knowledge transfer effectiveness within the team.Originality/valueThis study provides other researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the key factors affecting knowledge transfer within cross-cultural teams in international construction projects and insight for further research on project management and knowledge management.
Thriving or surviving: staff health metrics and lifestyle behaviours within an Irish higher education setting
Authors: Bickerdike Andrea , Dinneen Joan , O' Neill Cian 
Published: February 2022

PurposeDue to the international paucity of empirical evidence, this study aimed to investigate the health metrics and lifestyle behaviours of a staff cohort in a higher education institution (HEI) in Ireland.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 279 (16.4% response rate) HEI staff (academic, management, clerical/support), via a web-based health questionnaire that incorporated validated measures such as the Mental Health Index-5, Energy and Vitality Index, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (short form) and the AUDIT-C drinking subscale. A cluster analytical procedure was used to examine the presence of distinct clusters of individuals exhibiting either optimal or sub-optimal health behaviours.FindingsA multitude of concerning patterns were identified including poor anthropometric profiles (64.4% of males overweight/obese), excessive occupational sitting time (67.8% of females sitting for = 4 h per day), hazardous drinking among younger staff (38.2% of 18–34 year olds), sub-optimal sleep duration on weeknights (82.2% less than 8 h), less favourable mean psychometric indices than the general Irish population, and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (62.1% reporting <5 daily servings). Cluster analysis revealed “Healthy lifestyle” individuals exhibited significantly lower BMI values, lower stress levels and reported fewer days absent from work compared to those with a “Sub-optimal lifestyle”.Originality/valueIn contrast to the abundance of research pertaining to student cohorts, the current study is the first to examine the clustering of health-related variables in a cohort of HEI staff in Ireland. Findings will be used to inform policy at the host institution and will be of broader interest to higher education stakeholders elsewhere. Future longitudinal studies are required to monitor the health challenges experienced by this influential, yet under-researched cohort.
Machine-Learning-Algorithm to predict the High-Performance concrete compressive strength using multiple data
Authors: Kamath Muralidhar Vaman , Prashanth Shrilaxmi , Kumar Mithesh , Tantri Adithya 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
The compressive strength of concrete depends on many interdependent parameters; its exact prediction is not that simple because of complex processes involved in strength development. This study aims to predict the compressive strength of normal concrete and high-performance concrete using four datasets.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, five established individual Machine Learning (ML) regression models have been compared: Decision Regression Tree, Random Forest Regression, Lasso Regression, Ridge Regression and Multiple-Linear regression. Four datasets were studied, two of which are previous research datasets, and two datasets are from the sophisticated lab using five established individual ML regression models.

Findings
The five statistical indicators like coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error, root mean squared error, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and mean absolute percentage error have been used to compare the performance of the models. The models are further compared using statistical indicators with previous studies. Lastly, to understand the variable effect of the predictor, the sensitivity and parametric analysis were carried out to find the performance of the variable.

Originality/value
The findings of this paper will allow readers to understand the factors involved in identifying the machine learning models and concrete datasets. In so doing, we hope that this research advances the toolset needed to predict compressive strength.
A critical analysis of the anti-money laundering legal and regulatory framework of Mauritius: a comparative study with South Africa
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen , Dulloo Lubnaa 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Indeed, the value of money laundering globally is between 2% and 5% of the world’s gross domestic product, which represents $800bn to $2tn per year. There is therefore a dire and urgent need to curb money laundering offences at both national and international level. As such, the purposes of this research are to critically analyse the anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations of Mauritius, to identify loopholes in inherent in the Mauritian system and to suggest recommendations to enhance the AML laws in the country.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve these research objectives, the study will adopt the black letter methodology by analysing laws and regulations on AML of Mauritius and will also conduct a comparative analysis against the corresponding AML laws of South Africa. In fact, South Africa has been selected for the comparison to assess how Africa’s most powerful economic powerhouse is dealing with issues of money laundering and whether Mauritius may implement some of these measures to enhance its legal and regulatory framework on AML.

Findings
The research sets out a comprehensive view on the AML legislative framework of South Africa and Mauritius. It has highlighted the mechanisms used in these two countries to combat money laundering is the risk-based approach. Finally, recommendations have been proposed to improve the existing AML frameworks of Mauritius and which can further protect the financial system of the country. However, these suggestions will depend on the evolution of financial crimes within and outside the jurisdiction, and ongoing amendments will always be required to rigidly protect Mauritius from money launderers.

Originality/value
At present, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study will be amongst the first academic writings on the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory measures undertaken by the Mauritian authorities to deal with AML crimes in the country. The study is carried out with the aim of combining a large amount of empirical, theoretical and factual information that can be of use to various stakeholders and not only to academics.
Does it pay to pay attention to attention? Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Saxena Kirti , Chakraborty Madhumita 
Published: February 2022

Purpose This study aims to explore the asset pricing implications of attention allocation theories in the Indian stock market.Design/methodology/approach Investor attention is captured through investors' search behavior, the Google search volume index. Panel least square method is used in this study, and the research is performed at firm-level upon NSE100 constituent firms with 21,566 firm-week observations.Findings The authors find a significant increase in abnormal return following an increase in abnormal attention. Also, this effect is strengthened for smaller firms and firms with positive sentiments. Further, applying a geographic lens to the investigation, it is found that the attention impact is attributable to local investors. Finally, the study demonstrates that local attention-based portfolio formation and trading strategy, i.e. long in high abnormal local attention stocks and short in low abnormal local attention stocks, leads to a significant return premium.Research limitations/implications This study reveals that behavioral factors like investor attention drive the Indian Stock Market. Also, the geography analysis shows that observing investors' behavior enables predicting the arrival of private information. Thus abnormal local attention can be a potential input factor for forecasting exercises and trading strategy formation, thereby aiding in exploiting profitable opportunities.Originality/value The study captures asset pricing implications of investor attention and explores the effect of firm size and sentiment on the attention–return relationship in an emerging economy, India. It also relates location proximity with investors' attention allocation and tests its implications on stock prices.
Implementing a student-managed cryptoasset fund in a finance curriculum
Authors: Carpenter Tim 
Published: February 2022

PurposeIn 2004, Roanoke College began offering a Student-Managed Fund course, wherein students were able to manage a portfolio of equity and fixed income using real money. While not a widely adopted concept at the time, it has since become quite common in finance programs, either through courses or clubs. In February 2019, the author supplemented activities in the course with the addition of real cryptoassets for students to manage. The paper discusses the design, implementation, and pedagogical advantages of the fund.Design/methodology/approachThe paper expands on the existing literature regarding student-managed investment funds (SMIFs or SMFs) by presenting a case study on the implementation of a student-managed cryptoasset fund at Roanoke College.FindingsThe value of experiential learning through student-managed funds (SMFs) is well established. Thus, these programs have become much more common in recent years and are now often expanding to securities beyond equities and bonds. The introduction of cryptoassets to be traded by students at Roanoke College is another step in improving students' exposure to various markets and appears to further improve research and critical thinking skills.Originality/valueThis is certainly one of the first, and to the author's knowledge may be the only, real money cryptoasset fund managed by students.
Audit society goes viral: the rise of the online auditor
Authors: Jeacle Ingrid , Carter Chris 
Published: February 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to consider the impact of Michael Power’s (1997) Audit Society thesis for understanding the rise of audit logics in the virtual world.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews some of the key concepts in Audit Society and discusses them with reference to the role of the user review.

Findings
The paper argues that user reviews are an illustrative example of Audit Society in the online world, with notions of independence, measurability and expertise being deployed to create a sense of comfort and trust.

Originality/value
The paper enhances our understanding of the impact of Audit Society on everyday lives with particular reference to the lives of the digital citizen.
Reverse remanufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment and the circular economy
Authors: Brito José Luiz Romero de , Ruiz Mauro Silva , Kniess Cláudia Terezinha , Santos Mario Roberto dos 
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to analyze the chain of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its waste (WEEE), within the product chain of Recicladora Urbana (Reurbi), and its interaction with the circular economy.Design/methodology/approachExploratory research with a qualitative approach, based on the study case method, was conducted. The following stages were carried out: definition of the study object; bibliographic survey; documentary survey; technical visit to Reurbi; contacts with experts; creation of research instruments and research execution.FindingsThe main recipients of remanufactured EEE are third sector organizations that run social programs and schools with few financial resources. Recycling firms receive parts and components from the WEEE handled by Reurbi.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors only addressed the WEEE reverse remanufacturing chain of Reurbi; therefore, the authors cannot extend the results to an industrial sector.Practical implicationsOne practical contribution is disclosing the remanufacturing processes of EEE and the recycling processes of its waste, fostered by the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), under a circular economy policy.Social implicationsThere is a large market potential for reverse logistics of WEEE and end-of-life EEE as a source of raw material, which is yet to be explored in Brazil, for creating new jobs and revenue.Originality/valueThe publication of articles with the main reflections from the results can provide new discussions and provide opportunities for new studies regarding the Brazilian Solid Waste Policy.