bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms underlying the reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to thymic epithelial cells
Authors: Ma Zhongyao , Kang Seung Woo , Condie Brian G. , Manley Nancy R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThymic epithelial cells (TECs) are a critical functional component of the thymus’s ability to generate T cells for the adaptive immune system in vertebrates. However, no in vitro system for studying TEC function exists. Overexpression of the transcription factor FOXN1 initiates reprogramming of fibroblasts into TEC-like cells (iTECs) that support T cell differentiation in culture or after transplant. In this study, we characterized iTEC reprogramming at the cellular and molecular level to determine how reprogramming proceeds and identify mechanisms that can be targeted for improving this process. These data show that iTEC reprogramming consists of discrete gene expression changes that differ in early and late reprogramming, and that iTECs upregulate markers of both cortical and medullary TEC (cTEC and mTEC) lineages, although mTEC differentiation is blocked at a progenitor stage. We demonstrate that promoting proliferation enhances iTEC generation, and that Notch inhibition allows induction of mTEC differentiation. Finally, we show that a major difference between iTEC and fetal TEC is the expression of MHCII. This study supports future efforts to improve iTEC reprogramming for both research and translational uses.
Genomic insights into the evolutionary relationships and demographic history of kiwi
Authors: Westbury Michael V , De Cahsan Binia , Shepherd Lara D , Holdaway Richard N , Duchene David A , Lorenzen Eline D 
Published: March 2022

AbstractKiwi are a unique and emblematic group of birds endemic to New Zealand. Deep-time evolutionary relationships among the five extant kiwi species have been difficult to resolve, in part due to the absence of pre-Quaternary fossils to inform speciation events among them. Here, we utilise single representative nuclear genomes of all extant kiwi species (great spotted kiwi, little spotted kiwi, Okarito brown kiwi, North Island brown kiwi, and southern brown kiwi) and investigate their evolutionary histories with phylogenomic, genetic diversity, and deep-time (past million years) demographic analyses. We uncover low levels of gene-tree phylogenetic discordance across the genomes, suggesting clear distinction between species. However, we also find indications of post-divergence gene flow, concordant with recent reports of interspecific hybrids. The four species with available reference assemblies show relatively low levels of genetic diversity, which we suggest reflects a combination of older environmental as well as more recent anthropogenic influence. In addition, we uncover similarities and differences in the demographic histories of the five kiwi species over the past million years, and suggest hypotheses regarding the impact of known past environmental events, such as volcanic eruptions and glacial periods, on the evolutionary history of the group.
Psychologists’ views on the accessibility and effectiveness of psychological therapies for people with intellectual disabilities and autism
Authors: Siddell Poppy 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the views of psychologists working in community teams for people who have intellectual disabilities (ID) on the provision of psychological therapies to those with ID and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven clinical psychologists working across a large geographical area. Interviews concerned the accessibility and effectiveness of psychological therapies. These were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Findings
Participants expressed concern about lack of access to mainstream services, the lack of visibility of their service and the suitability of the physical space to deliver therapy. They were positive about the effectiveness of therapy but emphasised the importance of adaptations and managing expectations.

Research limitations/implications
There is a lack of research in this area, and further research is needed with service users to develop a fuller understanding of their needs.

Practical implications
Consideration needs to be given on how to optimally deliver psychological therapies for this group. This will need services to become more flexible and focussed on the needs of this group of service users.

Originality/value
This paper provides insights into the views of psychologists on providing psychological therapy to people who have autism and ID.
Business analytics: an example of integration of TD-ABC and the balanced scorecard
Authors: Nielsen Steen 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to combine a holistic model – in our case the balanced scorecard – with the time-driven activity-based costing model. The inspiration for this stems both from Kaplan and Norton and from the intense discussions and use of business analytics (BA) and performance management (PM). Second, to use numerical experiments – more specifically Monte Carlo simulation – to design and explore four hypothetical scenarios within such a holistic model. The paper also aims to emphasise the role played by statistics in increasing the confidence in using such a framework.Design/methodology/approachThe author runs four numerical experiments using different assumptions to show how a decision-maker can improve the outcome by making small changes in the key performance indicator (KPI) input variables.FindingsThe paper gives recommendations for the assumptions that each decision-maker has to consider when setting out to conduct this kind of analysis. Small changes in some input variables may completely change the output and hence the decision result.Practical implicationsThe paper shows why practitioners and researchers need to better understand the limitations of deterministic analysis to make realistic models when combining more accounting models. To choose the relevant probability distributions for the input resources is an important issue for the decision-maker as they have a very large impact on the result.Originality/valueThe real value of the paper lies in making students and practitioners as well as researchers aware of the opportunities for stochastic modelling and also to point at the problems and limitations of combining elements from BA with performance measurement and management.
Bubble detection in Bitcoin and Ethereum and its relationship with volatility regimes
Authors: Diniz Renan , Prince Diogo de , Maciel Leandro 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to test the existence of bubbles for the daily prices of cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum and verify if there is a relationship between bubbles and volatility regimes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test the presence of bubbles with the generalized supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) test using critical values simulated by the bootstrap procedures of Gutierrez (2011), Harvey et al. (2016) and Pedersen and Schütte (2020). Also, the authors estimate Markov regime switching generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model for these cryptocurrencies.FindingsThe GSADF test result indicates the presence of bubbles for both cryptocurrencies. Simulating critical values by wild-bootstrap, which is robust to non-stationary volatility, leads to the highest number of bubbles in both cryptocurrencies. In addition, based on the estimates of conditional variance models with regime changes, the authors find that the bubbles identified are associated with a regime of low returns volatility, indicating a change in the trade-off between risk and return when the prices of cryptocurrencies differ from their fundamental values.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors knowledge, there are no studies that test the explosive behavior for cryptocurrencies by the GSADF test using the bootstrap method to simulate critical values from the procedures of Harvey et al. (2016) or Pedersen and Schütte (2020). These bootstrapping procedures are robust to heteroscedasticity and avoid the detection of false bubbles. Further, the advantage of Harvey et al. (2016) procedure is the robustness to non-stationary volatility.
How do low-status expatriates deal with crises? Stress, external support and personal coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Haist Joshua , Kurth Philipp 
Published: March 2022

PurposeLow-status expatriates (LSEs), a highly vulnerable group, have been significantly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the stressors that continue to impact LSEs in Germany and their access to support during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretivist, qualitative research approach was employed. The authors utilised a multi-level data collection strategy that combined interview and questionnaire data from 16 expatriates and 16 social actors. The data were analysed using a directed content analysis method.FindingsLSEs experienced high levels of stress that were further exacerbated by the introduction of COVID-19 control measures that were intended to slow the spread of the virus. LSEs are particularly vulnerable due to their overrepresentation in precarious professions and the associated job insecurity. Critically, external support from employers and social actors is generally lacking, leaving LSEs to rely on their own personal coping strategies in difficult times.Research limitations/implicationsThe earlier Expatriate crisis Framework highlights the importance of external support for expatriates. However, this framework does not sufficiently account for personal coping strategies that are particularly important for individuals that cannot access such external support (e.g. LSEs). Herein, the authors offer a revised framework that is more applicable to LSEs.Practical implicationsCurrent practices are problematic, necessitating policy changes at both governmental and organisational levels.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the ways in which the pandemic has affected the already precarious position of LSEs and identifies the importance of personal coping strategies in the absence of external sources of support.
Impact of institutional voids on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Saha Krishnendu , Malesios Chrisovaladis , Chowdhury Soumyadeb , Dey Prasanta Kumar 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThere is a critical gap in assessing how institutional voids affect SMEs' growth, investment commitment and reputation. The purpose of this paper is to explain how institutional void affects these three dimensions of SME performance; and to develop an institutional void-SME performance framework that can be applied for strategising, resourcing and competency acquisition for better performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the Enterprise Survey Data of the World Bank, consisting of 118,763 firms from 140 countries. The structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to analyse the data, validate our analytical model and investigate the imposed theoretical claims of causality as indicated by specific research questions through correlation/covariation between the constructs of institutional void and SME performance.FindingsEvidence suggests that there is a strong positive correlation between formal institutional infrastructure (independent variable) and SMEs' reputation (dependent variable). Among the institutional sub-constructs, tax administration, business licensing and permits, access to a bigger market and skilled labour and informal competition are significant for the SME performance constructs. We find similar results while comparing SMEs with large businesses.Practical implicationsThe institutional void-SME performance framework developed from our findings will allow SMEs to manage institutional voids affecting their performance. The analytical framework can also be the foundation for future empirical research.Originality/valueThe originality of the study is embedded in its investigation of SMEs' investment commitment and reputation in relation to institutional voids. The latent relationship between the sub-constructs of institutional voids and SME performance adds new knowledge to the dynamic relationship between institutions and firm performance.
Adaptation strategies employed by rural women in the face of climate change impacts in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Nyahunda Louis , Tirivangasi Happy Mathew 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis study documented adaptation strategies employed by rural women in Vhembe district as they reel with climate change impacts. Women are heavily plagued by climate change impacts than any other genders worldwide. This is attributed to their high dependence on the natural resources for survival, low adaptive capacity, illiteracy, social ascribed roles that limit their participation in climate change initiatives like men and high poverty levels. Despite the daunting fact of women's vulnerability to climate change and its vagary impacts, women are agents of social change who have not remained passive victims to climate change and its impacts.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative methodology guided by multi-case study design. A sample of 25 participants was selected through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussions and individual interviews and analysed thematically. Rural women and traditional leaders served as key informants and participated in the study.FindingsThe study established that the effects of climate change on rural women are real; however, there is a cocktail of strategies employed by women in Vhembe district in response to these effects. The strategies include livelihood and crop diversification, use of indigenous knowledge systems and harnessing of social capital among other household-based adaptation strategies.Originality/valueThe study recommends that the best way of assisting rural women in adapting to climate change is through the amelioration of poverty, enhancing capacity building for women and elimination of all systems that serve as barriers to effective adaptation.
Latin American female academic perceptions about the COVID pandemic’s impact on gender equity and within-country inequality
Authors: Ramirez Lozano Julianna Paola , Bridshaw Araya Leslie Cecilia , Brito Ochoa María Paulina 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has brought us a serious economic, health and social problem worldwide crisis. In this context, there has been an increase in inequality between men and women throughout the world. In this situation of home confinement, uncertainty, stress and fear, women have been the most affected, regardless of their education level. The purpose of this study is to know the impact on the perception of academic women who suffered from a lack of gender equality (sustainable development) during the pandemic (SDG 5) and, therefore, the increase in the gender inequality gap (SDG 10) in Latin America (LA).

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study has a nonexperimental field and cross-sectional design that uses the field technique of focus groups.

Findings
This study revealed the deepest feelings of women researchers on this issue, leading to a deep reflection on the need to build the basis to transform unequal gender relations and introduce the gender perspective in a cross-sectional manner in a university context.

Originality/value
This study, analyzed from a gender perspective, aimed to unravel the complexity in which the majority of LA women academics live and to explain the gaps and differences in their lives caused by the inequalities that have increased due to the pandemic in Latin American societies.
Effects of trust in organizations and trait mindfulness on optimism and perceived stress of flight attendants during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Suthatorn Pornprom , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis research adopts the conservation of resources (COR) theory to examine the effects of trust in organizations and trait mindfulness on optimism and perceived stress of flight attendants in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachOnline survey data were collected from 234 flight attendants who work for five low-cost airlines based in Thailand. The data were analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results show that trust in an organization and trait mindfulness are negatively associated with the perceived stress of flight attendants. Their associations are also partially mediated by optimism. Moreover, the moderating effect analysis reveals that trait mindfulness intensifies the positive association between trust in organizations and optimism.Originality/valueThe evidence from this research broadens COR theory by showing that different aspects of resources can be combined to strengthen the ability of individuals to gain more resources to lessen stress.
A systemic approach for implementing AI methods in education during COVID-19 pandemic: higher education in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sayed Al Mnhrawi Dalia Nabil Tawfiq Al , Alreshidi Hamad A. 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The outbreak of COVID-19 has projected prominent threats to the learning and teaching environment. The context of pandemic has delivered numerous advices, which are relevant in dealing with the pandemic situation, to the educational institution administrators, educators and other officials.

Design/methodology/approach
The response of an educational body addresses the needs as well as the concerns of learners and their parents. Educational body incorporates asynchronous learning methodologies that work pre-eminent in digital media, to enhance their ability to teach distantly. To make remote teaching and learning efficient, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches are incorporated into the traditional system of education.

Findings
Educational body have to encompass a diversified tools and system that places COVID-19 in a worldwide, in addition to the general disciplines of classroom. AI and other technological advancement has introduced numerous tools and applications for handling the pandemic situation.

Originality/value
This research discussed the impact of COVID and influence of AI on education and also the significance and applications of AI in education system in Saudi Arabia. In addition, this study examined the experience of Saudi’s students Universities with AI applications, (316) form the sample of this study to response it’s the Likert scale tool. The results of the study indicated that in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government switched to online education, and positive responses were found from learners with taking all benefits of AI application. However, the lack of experience played a critical role in preventing full utilization of AI applications, which will motivate the decision maker to train the learner and the teacher to take advantage of these applications to face any pandemic in future.
Longitudinal prevalence of atopic dermatitis among freshmen at Hiroshima University between 2002 and 2019
Authors: Kan Takanobu , Tanaka Akio , Kanamoto Mayu , Morioke Satoshi , Takahagi Shunsuke , Hide Michihiro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been steadily increasing in recent decades, reaching a steady plateau at the end of the 20th century. However, most of them were surveys of children, and the current prevalence and severity of AD in adults are unknown. A longitudinal survey including 40 649 freshmen attending Hiroshima University between 2002 and 2019 was conducted, with the aim to determine changes in AD prevalence in young adults over the age of 18 years. All data were longitudinally collected at a fixed time of the year. The AD diagnosis and severity assessment were made by dermatologists based on the diagnostic criteria in the Japanese Guidelines for AD. History or comorbidities of asthma and allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, current AD management, and use of topical corticosteroids (TCS) were also surveyed using a questionnaire. The prevalence of AD in university freshmen is slightly increasing from 9.1% in 2002 to 12.0% in 2010, remaining steady at around 10–11% until 2019, with poorly controlled AD present in nearly 10%. History or comorbidities of asthma and allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis slightly increased from 2006 to 2019 in both the students with and without AD. Facial eczema was common among those with severe and most severe AD, whereas approximately 50% of the students with moderate AD and approximately 20% of those with mild AD exhibited facial eczema. The percentage of students treating AD at medical institutions and those self‐managing was almost the same. This survey also revealed the presence of substantial anxiety regarding TCS use for AD and the necessity of promoting more effective explanation and education on AD by medical professionals.
Disentangle genus microdiversity within a complex microbial community by using a multi‐distance long‐read binning method: example of Candidatus Accumulibacter
Authors: Adler Aline , Poirier Simon , Pagni Marco , Maillard Julien , Holliger Christof 
Published: March 2022

SummaryComplete genomes can be recovered from metagenomes by assembling and binning DNA sequences into metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). Yet, the presence of microdiversity can hamper the assembly and binning processes, possibly yielding chimeric, highly fragmented and incomplete genomes. Here, the metagenomes of four samples of aerobic granular sludge bioreactors containing Candidatus (Ca.) Accumulibacter, a phosphate‐accumulating organism of interest for wastewater treatment, were sequenced with both PacBio and Illumina. Different strategies of genome assembly and binning were investigated, including published protocols and a binning procedure adapted to the binning of long contigs (MuLoBiSC). Multiple criteria were considered to select the best strategy for Ca. Accumulibacter, whose multiple strains in every sample represent a challenging microdiversity. In this case, the best strategy relies on long‐read only assembly and a custom binning procedure including MuLoBiSC in metaWRAP. Several high‐quality Ca. Accumulibacter MAGs, including a novel species, were obtained independently from different samples. Comparative genomic analysis showed that MAGs retrieved in different samples harbour genomic rearrangements in addition to accumulation of point mutations. The microdiversity of Ca. Accumulibacter, likely driven by mobile genetic elements, causes major difficulties in recovering MAGs, but it is also a hallmark of the panmictic lifestyle of these bacteria.