bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can tracking mobility be used as a public health tool against COVID-19 following the expiration of stay-at-home mandates?
Authors: Her Peter , Saeed Sahar , Tram Khai Hoan , Bhatnagar Sahir R
Published: August 2021

Background

Considering the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and low vaccine access and uptake, minimizing human interactions remains an effective strategy to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to create a novel multidimensional mobility index to capture the complexity of human interaction and evaluate its utility as an early indicator of surges in COVID-19 cases.

Methods

We used publicly available anonymous cell phone data compiled by SafeGraph, from all counties in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana between January 1st to December 8, 2020. Six metrics of mobility were extracted for each county. Changes in mobility were defined as a time-updated 7-day rolling average. We used an unsupervised machine learning method known as functional principal component analysis (fPCA) to construct the latent mobility index (MI) using the six metrics of mobility. Associations between our MI and COVID-19 cases were estimated using a quasi-Poisson hierarchical generalized additive model adjusted for population density and the COVID-19 community vulnerability index.

Results

Individual mobility metrics varied significantly by counties and by calendar time. More than 50% of the variability in the data was explained by the first principal component by each state, indicating good dimension reduction. Following the expiration of stay-at-home orders, mobility increased across all counties and this was particularly evident on weekends. While an individual metric of mobility was not associated with surges of COVID-19, our MI was independently associated with COVID-19 cases in all four states given varying time-lags.

Conclusion

Following the expiration of stay-at-home orders, a single metric of mobility was not sensitive enough to capture the complexity of human interactions. Monitoring mobility can be an important public health tool, however, it should be modelled as a multidimensional construct.
A machine learning approach for identification of gastrointestinal predictors for the risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization
Authors: Lipták Peter , Banovčin Peter , Rosoľanka Róbert , Prokopič Michal , Kocan Ivan , Žiačikova Ivana , Uhrík Peter , Grendár Marian , Hyrdel Rudolf
Published: August 2021

Background and aim

COVID-19 can be presented with various gastrointestinal symptoms. Shortly after the pandemic outbreak several machine learning algorithms have been implemented to assess new diagnostic and therapeutic methods for this disease. Aim of this study is to assess gastrointestinal and liver related predictive factors for SARS-CoV-2 associated risk of hospitalization.

Methods

Data collection was based on questionnaire from the COVID-19 outpatient test center and from the emergency department at the University hospital in combination with data from internal hospital information system and from the mobile application used for telemedicine follow-up of patients. For statistical analysis SARS-CoV-2 negative patients were considered as controls to three different SARS-CoV-2 positive patient groups (divided based on severity of the disease).

Results

Total of 710 patients were enrolled in the study. Presence of diarrhea and nausea was significantly higher in emergency department group than in the COVID-19 outpatient test center. Among liver enzymes only aspartate transaminase (AST) has been significantly elevated in the hospitalized group compared to patients discharged home. Based on random forest algorithm, AST has been identified as the most important predictor followed by age or diabetes mellitus. Diarrhea and bloating have also predictive importance although much lower than AST.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 positivity is connected with isolated AST elevation and the level is linked with the severity of the disease. Furthermore, using machine learning random forest algorithm, we have identified elevated AST as the most important predictor for COVID-19 related hospitalizations.
Does learning to read change the perception of speech? Evidence from perceptual recalibration of speech sounds in adult illiterates, semi-literates, and literates of Tamil
Authors: Mitterer Holger , Arunkumar Mrudula , van Paridon Jeroen , Huettig Falk
Published: August 2021

How do different levels of representation interact in the mind? Key evidence for answering this question comes from experimental work that investigates the influence of knowledge of written language on spoken language processing. Here we tested whether learning orthographic representations (through reading) influences pre-lexical phonological representations in spoken-word recognition using a perceptual learning paradigm. Perceptual learning is well suited to reveal differences in pre-lexical representations that might be caused by learning to read because it requires the functional use of pre-lexical representations in order to generalize a learning experience. In a large-scale behavioural study in Chennai, India, 97 native speakers of Tamil with varying reading experience (from completely illiterate to highly literate) participated. In marked contrast to their performance in other cognitive tasks, even completely illiterate participants showed a perceptual learning effect that was not moderated by reading experience. This finding suggests that pre-lexical phonological representations are not substantially changed by learning to read and thus poses important constraints for the debate about the degree of interactivity between different levels of representations during human information processing.
Implication of the cellular factor CTCF in the regulation of Bovine Leukemia Virus latency and tridimensional chromatin organization
Authors: Rodari Anthony , Bellefroid Maxime , Galais Mathilde , Krijger Peter H.L. , Nestola Lorena , Plant Estelle , Vos Erica S.M. , Van Driessche Benoit , Vanhulle Caroline , Ammar Amina Ait , Ciuffi Angela , de Laat Wouter , Van Lint Carine
Published: August 2021

Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV)-induced tumoral development is a multifactorial phenomenon which remains largely unelucidated. Here, we highlighted the critical role of the cellular CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) both in the regulation of BLV transcriptional activities and in the deregulation of the tridimensional (3D) chromatin architecture surrounding the BLV integration site. We demonstrated the in vivo recruitment of CTCF to three conserved CTCF binding motifs along the BLV provirus. Next, we showed a critical role for CTCF in delimitating the epigenetic landscape along the BLV provirus as well as to repress the 5’Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) promoter activity, thereby contributing to viral latency, while favoring the 3’LTR promoter activity. Finally, we demonstrated that BLV integration deregulated host cellular 3D chromatin organization through the formation of abnormal viral/host chromatin loops. Altogether, our results highlight CTCF as a new critical effector of BLV transcriptional regulation and BLV-induced physiopathology.
Optimization of avian perching manoeuvres
Authors: KleinHeerenbrink Marco , France Lydia A. , Brighton Caroline H. , Taylor Graham K.
Published: August 2021

Perching at speed is amongst the most challenging flight behaviours that birds perform1,2, and beyond the capability of current autonomous vehicles. Smaller birds may touchdown by hovering3-8, but larger birds typically swoop upward to perch1,2 – presumably because the adverse scaling of their power margin prohibits slow flapping flight9, and because swooping transfers excess kinetic to potential energy1,2,10. Perching is risky in larger birds6,11, demanding precise control of velocity and pose12-15, but it is unknown how they optimize this challenging manoeuvre. More generally, whereas cruising flight behaviours such as migration and commuting are adapted to minimize cost-of-transport or time-of-flight16, the optimization of unsteady flight manoeuvres remains largely unexplored7,17. Here we show that swooping minimizes neither the time nor energy required to perch safely in Harris’ hawks Parabuteo unicinctus, but instead minimizes the distance flown under hazardous post-stall conditions. By combining motion capture data from 1,563 flights with flight dynamics modelling, we found that the birds’ choice of where to transition from powered dive to unpowered climb minimizes the distance from the landing perch over which very high lift coefficients are required. Time and energy are therefore invested to maintain the control authority needed to execute a safe landing, rather than being minimized continuously as in technical applications of autonomous perching under nonlinear feedback control13 and deep reinforcement learning18,19. Naïve birds learn this behaviour on-the-fly, so our findings suggest an alternative reward function for reinforcement learning of autonomous perching in air vehicles.
Recurrent allopolyploidization events diversify eco-physiological traits in marsh orchids
Authors: Wolfe Thomas M. , Balao Francisco , Trucchi Emiliano , Bachmann Gert , Gu Wenjia , Baar Juliane , Hedrén Mikael , Weckwerth Wolfram , Leitch Andrew R. , Paun Ovidiu
Published: August 2021

Whole-genome duplication, in particular allopolyploidy, has shaped the evolution of angiosperms and other organisms. Structural reorganization of chromosomes and repatterning of gene expression is frequently observed in early generation allopolyploids, with potential ecological consequences. The relative contributions of environmental and intrinsic drivers to these changes are unknown. We show here that in marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza, Orchidaceae), recurrently-formed allopolyploids are characterized by distinct eco-physiologies matching their respective environments, providing us with an excellent study system to address this question. Here we integrate eco-physiological and transcriptomic comparative studies to reveal a complex suite of intertwined, pronounced differences between sibling allopolyploids. We show thatDactylorhiza majalisthat is distributed in Central and Southern Europe favors meadows with mesic soils. Its sibling allopolyploidD. traunsteinerioccurs in fens, characterized by soils depleted by macro- and micronutrients, mainly in previously glaciated European areas. We further uncover distinct features in their nutrient transport, leaf elemental chemistry, light-harvesting, photoprotection, and stomata activity, that appear all linked to their distinct ecologies, in particular soil chemistry differences at their native sites. Recurrent polyploidization hence enriches biodiversity through eco-physiological diversification, providing the opportunity for sibling allopolyploids to evolve as distinct evolutionary units, despite pervasive interspecific gene flow.

Significance Statement

Whole-genome duplication resulting in polyploidy has underpinned the evolution of flowering plants and other organisms, and is important for many crops. However, the ecological implications of polyploidy remain little understood. Here, we demonstrate that two sibling allopolyploid marsh orchid species prefer distinct habitats, and have evolved a suite of distinctive ecophysiological characters (e.g. nutrient transport, energy harvesting and photoprotection). We argue that the divergence of these characters in the nascent polyploids drove adaptation into distinct ecological niches (low nutrient fens versus meadows with mesic soils), generating ecological barriers that maintains distinct, independent lineages, even in the presence of interspecific gene flow.
Barrier gesture relaxation during vaccination campaign in France: modelling impact of waning immunity
Authors: Vignals Carole , Dick David W. , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Wittkop Linda , Prague Mélanie , Heffernan Jane
Published: August 2021

Non-pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented intermittently for more than a year in most countries of the world to mitigate COVID-19 epidemic. In France, while the vaccination campaign is progressing, the French government has decided to remove many public health restrictions such as business closure, lockdowns and curfews. Nonetheless, social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing (also called barrier gestures) are still recommended. We utilize an age-structured compartmental SEIR model that takes into account SARS-CoV-2 waning immunity, vaccination, and increased transmissibility from variants of concern, to estimate if barrier gestures can be relaxed without causing a resurgence of severe infections. This model assumes that susceptibility to infection is a function of immunity status, which depends on initial infection severity and vaccination status. It is calibrated on confirmed COVID-19 cases from the French surveillance database, and accounts for changes in contact behaviors due to implementation of nation-wide public health policies. We study partial and full relaxation of barrier gestures occurring from August to December 2021 under various immunity duration assumptions. Maintaining application of barrier gestures appears essential to avoid a resurgence of severe infections that would exceed health care capacities, while surmounting vaccine hesitancy represents the key to consider their relaxation. Immunity duration assumptions significantly influence the short-term dynamic of the epidemic which should be considered for further modelling.
One-step Isolation of Protein C-terminal Peptides from V8 Protease-digested Proteins by Metal Oxide-based Ligand Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Nishida Hiroshi , Ishihama Yasushi
Published: August 2021

We have developed a one-step method to isolate protein C-terminal peptides from V8 protease-digested proteins by metal oxide-based ligand-exchange (MOLEX) chromatography. V8 protease cleaves the C-terminal side of Asp and Glu, affording a digested peptide with two carboxy groups at the C-terminus, whereas the protein C-terminal peptide has only one α-carboxy group. In MOLEX chromatography, a stable chelate is formed between dicarboxylates and metal atoms, so that the non-terminal (i.e., internal) peptide is retained, whereas the protein C-terminal peptide flows through the MOLEX column. After optimization of the MOLEX chromatographic conditions, 1619 protein C-termini were identified from 30 μg of peptides (10 μg each, in triplicate) derived from human HeLa cells by means of nanoLC/MS/MS. When the MOLEX-isolated sample from 200 µg of HeLa peptides was further divided into six fractions by high-pH reversed-phase LC prior to nanoLC/MS/MS, 2202 protein C-termini were identified with less than 3% contamination with internal peptides. We believe this is the largest coverage with the highest purity reported to date in human protein C-terminomics. This fast, simple, sensitive and selective method to isolate protein C-terminal peptides should be useful for profiling protein C-termini on a proteome-wide scale.
Differential Binding Kinetics for Evaluating Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Serum
Authors: Yao Danfeng , Yu Heng , Kantor Aaron B. , Osterfeld Sebastian J. , Saito Toshiro , Carbonell M. Luis , Choudhury Kalidip , Wang Shan X.
Published: August 2021

The ability to characterize the binding kinetics of drug-target interactions in a biologically relevant matrix, such as serum or plasma, remains a fundamental challenge in drug discovery. We apply a novel label-based giant magnetoresistance (GMR) biosensor platform to measure protein binding kinetics and affinities of drug-target pairs in buffer and different levels of serum. Specifically, we evaluate three well-established immune checkpoint inhibitors, pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab and compare the results with label-free kinetic platforms: surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and bio-layer interferometry (BLI). Labeling of analytes does not affect their association and dissociation rates (on and off rates) from GMR biosensors which enables kinetic measurements in biologically relevant matrices. Only the GMR biossensors is consistently suitable for measuring binding kinetics in up to 80% serum. The faster and different off-rates of the three immune checkpoint inhibitors in the presence of serum should be considered when modeling their pharmacological performance.

Teaser

We reveal the effects of serum on binding kinetics of antibody drugs, relevant to the pharmacological performance of immunotherapeutic.
Degradation intermediates as an indicator of mRNA and cell metabolism
Authors: Liu Yusheng , Zhang Yiwei , Nie Hu , Lu Falong , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: August 2021

Traditional mRNA degradation rate measurements involves complex experimental design with RNA labeling or transcription blocking together with sampling at multiple timepoints1,2. These experimental requirements limit the application of transcriptome-wide mRNA degradation rate analysis mainly in cultured cells, but rarely in in vivo samples. Therefore, a direct and simple strategy needs to be developed to study mRNA degradation rate. Here, we defined mRNA degradation intermediates as transcripts where decay is about to occur or has partially occurred in the 3’-untranslated regions after poly(A) tail deadenylation, and found that the proportion of mRNA degradation intermediates is a very simple and convenient indicator for evaluating the degradation rate of mRNA in mouse and human cell lines. In addition, we showed that a higher proportion of mRNA degradation intermediates is correlated with faster cell cycle and higher turnover rate of mouse tissues. Further, we validated that in mouse maturing oocytes where transcription is silent3,4, the proportion of mRNA degradation intermediates is positively correlated with the mRNA degradation rate. Together, these results demonstrate that degradation intermediates can function as a good indicator of mRNA, cell, and tissue metabolism, and can be easily assayed by total RNA 3’-end sequencing from a single bulk cell sample without the need for drug treatment or multi-timepoint sampling. This finding is of great potential for studies on mRNA degradation rate at the molecular, cellular, or organic level, including samples or systems that cannot be assayed with previous methods. In addition, further application of the findings into single cells will likely greatly aid the identification and study of rare cells with unique cellular metabolism dynamics such as tissue stem cells and tumor cells.
Local biodiversity change reflects interactions among changing abundance, evenness and richness
Authors: Blowes Shane A. , Daskalova Gergana N. , Dornelas Maria , Engel Thore , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Magurran Anne E. , Martins Inês S. , McGill Brian , McGlinn Daniel J. , Sagouis Alban , Shimadzu Hideyasu , Supp Sarah R. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: August 2021

Biodiversity metrics often integrate data on the presence and abundance of multiple species. Yet understanding covariation of changes to the numbers of individuals, the evenness of species’ relative abundances, and the total number of species remains limited. Using individual-based rarefaction curves, we introduce a conceptual framework to understand how expected positive relationships among changes in abundance, evenness and richness arise, and how they can break down. We then examined interdependencies between changes in abundance, evenness and richness in more than 1100 assemblages sampled either through time or across space. As predicted, richness changes were greatest when abundance and evenness changed in the same direction, and countervailing changes in abundance and evenness acted to constrain the magnitude of changes in species richness. Site-to-site changes in abundance, evenness, and richness were often decoupled, and pairwise relationships between changes in these components across assemblages were weak. In contrast, changes in species richness and relative abundance were strongly correlated for assemblages varying through time. Temporal changes in local biodiversity showed greater inertia and stronger relationships between the component changes when compared to site-to-site variation. Local variation in assemblage diversity was rarely due to a passive sample from a more or less static species abundance distribution. Instead, changing species relative abundances often dominated local variation in diversity. Moreover, how changing relative abundances combined with changes to total abundance frequently determined the magnitude of richness changes. Embracing the interdependencies between changing abundance, evenness and richness can provide new information for better understanding biodiversity change in the Anthropocene.
Harnessing Matrix Completion to Unify and Extend Viral Serology Studies
Authors: Einav Tal , Cleary Brian
Published: August 2021

The development of new vaccine strategies, as well as our understanding of key processes that shape viral evolution and host antibody repertoires, rely on measuring multiple antibody responses against large panels of viruses. Given the enormous diversity of circulating virus strains and antibody responses, exhaustive testing of all antibody-virus interactions is infeasible. Even within individual studies with limited panels, exhaustive testing is not always done, and there is no common framework for combining information across studies with partially overlapping panels, especially when the assay type or host species differ. Results from prior studies have demonstrated that virus-antibody interactions can be characterized in a vastly simpler and lower-dimensional space, suggesting that relatively few measurements could accurately predict unmeasured antibody-virus interactions. Here, we apply matrix completion to several of the largest-scale studies for both influenza and HIV-1. We explore how prediction accuracy evolves as the number of available measurements changes and approximate the number of additional measurements necessary in several highly incomplete datasets (suggesting ∼250,000 measurements could be saved). In addition, we show how the method can combine disparate datasets, even when the number of available measurements is below the theoretical limit that guarantees successful prediction. This approach can be readily generalized to other viruses or more broadly to other low-dimensional biological datasets.

Significance

One of the central problems in immunology is to characterize how our vast array of antibodies inhibits the diverse pathogens we encounter in our lives. In this work, we apply a well-studied mathematical technique called matrix completion that leverages patterns in partially-observed antibody-virus inhibition data to infer unmeasured interactions. We predict the results of tens of thousands of missing experiments in influenza and HIV-1 studies and quantify the expected error of our estimates. By harnessing matrix completion, future experiments could be designed that only collect a fraction of measurements, saving time and resources while maximizing the information gained.
Proteomic phenotyping of stimulated Müller cells uncovers profound pro-inflammatory signaling and antigen-presenting capacity
Authors: Schmalen Adrian , Lorenz Lea , Grosche Antje , Pauly Diana , Deeg Cornelia A. , Hauck Stefanie M.
Published: August 2021

Müller cells are the main macroglial cells of the retina exerting a wealth of functions to maintain retinal homoeostasis. Upon pathological changes in the retina, they become gliotic with both protective and detrimental consequences. Accumulating data also provide evidence for a pivotal role of Müller cells in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). While microglial cells, the resident immune cells of the retina are considered as main players in inflammatory processes associated with DR, the implication of activated Müller cells in chronic retinal inflammation remains to be elucidated. In order to assess the signaling capacity of Müller cells and their role in retinal inflammation, we performed in-depth proteomic analysis of Müller cell proteomes and secretomes after stimulation with INFγ, TNFα, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3. We used both, primary porcine Müller cells and the human Müller cell line MIO-M1 for our hypothesis generating approach. Our results point towards an intense signaling capacity of Müller cells, which reacted in a highly discriminating manner upon treatment with different cytokines. Stimulation of Müller cells resulted in a primarily pro-inflammatory phenotype with secretion of cytokines and components of the complement system. Furthermore, we observed evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction, implying oxidative stress after treatment with the various cytokines. Finally, both MIO-M1 cells and primary porcine Müller cells showed several characteristics of atypical antigen-presenting cells, as they are capable of inducing MHC class I and MHC class II with co-stimulatory molecules. In line with this, they express proteins associated with formation and maturation of phagosomes. Thus, our findings underline the importance of Müller cell signaling in the inflamed retina, indicating an active role in chronic retinal inflammation underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Structure modeling hints at a granular organization of the Vertebrate Golgi ribbon
Authors: Page Karen M. , McCormack Jessica J. , Lopes-da-Silva Mafalda , Patella Francesca , Harrison-Lavoie Kimberly , Burden Jemima J. , Quah Ying-Yi Bernadette , Scaglioni Dominic , Ferraro Francesco , Cutler Daniel F.
Published: August 2021

Vertebrate cells display a specific Golgi apparatus architecture, known as the “ribbon”, where the functional subunits, the mini-stacks, are linked into a tridimensional network. The importance of the ribbon architecture is underscored by evidence of its disruption in a host of diseases, but just how it relates to the biological Golgi functions remains unclear. Are all the connections between mini-stacks functionally equal? Is the local structure of the ribbon of functional importance? These are difficult questions to address, due to the lack of a secretory cargo providing a quantifiable readout of the functional output of ribbon-embedded mini-stacks. Endothelial cells produce rod-shaped secretory granules, the Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB), whose von Willebrand Factor (VWF) cargo is central to hemostasis. In these cells, the Golgi apparatus exerts a dual control on WPB size at both mini-stack and ribbon levels. Mini-stack dimensions delimit the size of VWF ‘boluses” while the ribbon architecture allows their linear co-packaging at the trans-Golgi network generating WPBs of different lengths. This Golgi/WPB size relationship lends itself to mathematical analysis. Here, different ribbon structures were modeled and their predicted effects on WPB size distribution compared to the ground truth of experimental data. Strikingly, the best-fitting model describes a Golgi ribbon made by linked subunits corresponding to differentially functioning monomer and dimer ministacks. These results raise the intriguing possibility that the fine-grained structure of the Golgi ribbon is more complex than previously thought.
The requirements for automation systems based on Boeing 737 MAX crashes
Authors: Demirci Seref
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to show the current situation and additional requirements for the aircraft automation systems based on the lessons learned from the two 737 MAX crashes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the Swiss cheese model was used to find the real root causes of the 737 MAX accidents. Then, the results have been compared with the actions taken by the manufacturers and authorities. Based on the comparison, the necessary improvements to prevent such accidents are defined. Regarding the faulty sensor that forms the accidents, a synthetic sensor was developed using an aerodynamic model.

Findings

It has been proven that the safety-critical automation systems should not be designed by relying on a single set of sensor data. Automation levels should be defined in a standard way. Depending on the defined automation level, the system must be designed as either fail-safe or fail-operational system. When designing backup systems, it should be decided by looking at not only whether it has power but also the accuracy of the incoming signals.

Practical implications

Aviation certification requirements related to automation systems need to be revised and improved. With this context, it was revealed that the certification processes for automation systems should be re-evaluated and updated by aviation authorities, especially Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Originality/value

Task sharing between automation system and pilot based on the classification of automation levels and determining certification requirements accordingly has been brought to the agenda. A synthetic Angle of Attack sensor was developed by using an aerodynamic model for fault detection and diagnosis.
Sports media professionals reflect on racial stereotypes and ethnic diversity in the organization
Authors: van Sterkenburg Jacco , de Heer Matthias , Mashigo Palesa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The aim of this article is to examine how professionals within Dutch sports media give meaning to racial/ethnic diversity in the organization and reflect on the use of racial stereotypes in sports reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten in-depth interviews with Dutch sports media professionals have been conducted to obtain the data. Respondents had a variety of responsibilities within different media organizations in the Netherlands. The authors used thematic analysis supplemented with insights from critical discourse analysis to examine how sports media professionals give meaning to racial/ethnic diversity and the use of racial/ethnic stereotypes.

Findings

The following main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: (1) routines within the production process, (2) reflections on lack of diversity on the work floor and (3) racial/ethnic stereotyping not seen as an issue. Generally, journalists showed paradoxical views on the issue of racial/ethnic diversity within sport media production dismissing it as a non-issue on the one hand while also acknowledging there is a lack of racial diversity within sport media organizations. Results will be placed and discussed in a wider societal and theoretical perspective.

Originality/value

By focussing on the under-researched social group of sport media professionals in relation to meanings given to race and ethnicity in the production process, this research provides new insights into the role of sports media organizations in (re)producing discourses surrounding race/ethnicity in multi-ethnic society and the operation of whiteness in sports media.
Listing popularity on the peer-to-peer accommodation platform: the heuristic-systematic and uncertainty reduction perspectives
Authors: Yan Ruihe , Zhang Kem Zikun , Gong Xiang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Listing popularity indicates the public’s interest in a listing on peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation platforms. Although listing popularity is crucial to the survival and development of the P2P accommodation platform, this issue has received limited attention in the tourism management discipline. Drawing upon the heuristic-systematic model and uncertainty reduction theory, this study aims to examine the impacts of host and property attributes on listing popularity.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was empirically validated using a data set of 6,828 listings on a popular P2P accommodation platform called Airbnb. This study chooses a hierarchical regression analysis to perform the model validation.

Findings

The findings reveal that host self-disclosure, host reputation and host identity verification are key host attributes in promoting listing popularity. Meanwhile, property visual description, property photo verification and property visual appeal are important property attributes in facilitating listing popularity.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds useful insights on understanding on determinants of listing popularity. Future researchers are recommended to empirically verify the underlying psychological mechanism by which host attributes and property attributes influence listing popularity.

Practical implications

The P2P accommodation platform should promote the listing popularity by taking advantage of the host attributes and providing property attributes.

Originality/value

First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few studies to explore the formation of the listing popularity. Second, this study examines how the host and property attributes promote the listing popularity through the heuristic and systematic information processing modes.
The age-friendly public health center satisfaction scale: development and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Baithesda Baithesda , Chen Ching-Min , Juniarti Neti , Tandilangi Abigail Asfas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study aimed to develop a reliable and valid instrument that could be used to assess the age-friendly Public Health Center Satisfaction (APHCS) among older people.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. The study was conducted in Manado City, Indonesia, from August to November of 2019 using stratified random sampling. A review of the literature and content analysis identified subscales and items to be included in the instrument. The 268 participants aged = 60 years were completed for psychometric evaluation with a response rate of 83.8%. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Cronbach's Alpha, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Person/Spearmen correlations.

Findings

The final scale consists of a three-factor structure with 16 items, which were accounted for 68.99% of the total variation in response. The Cronbach's alpha of the total APHCS was 0.88, which indicated the high reliability and acceptance of the instrument. Also, the concurrent validity was demonstrated by the significant differences in mean and associations among the APHCS scale, the age-friendly Public Health Center (PHCC) utilization, and individual variables, with r ranging from −0.13 to 0.30 (p < 0.05).

Research limitations/implications

Older people are more likely to use PHCCs than others, and they have higher expectations about health services. This study has highlighted the need for action on the quality of healthcare by providers and national authorities. High-quality primary healthcare that sees clients as partners, considering the needs and capacities of elderly clients should be provided as standard. The APHCS scale can enhance our understanding of elderly satisfaction toward the age-friendly PHCC program. Also, the instrument can be used for monitoring and measuring institutions, which is a basis for policymakers to improve and develop the age-friendly PHCC program.

Originality/value

The APHCS scale is a valid and reliable instrument for getting information about the satisfaction of the elderly toward the age-friendly PHCC program.
Augmented reality in retail: a systematic review of research foci and future research agenda
Authors: Chen Ruofei , Perry Patsy , Boardman Rosy , McCormick Helen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper synthesises peer-reviewed published journal articles on augmented reality in retail settings to ascertain the current foci of academic research in this nascent area and develop a conceptual framework to form the basis for a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis was conducted on a sample of 76 papers published between 1997 and 2020 identified through a systematic search of high quality peer-reviewed papers.

Findings

Three major research avenues and theoretical bases emerged: AR adoption-based factors with technology acceptance models, AR user experience design and features that influence consumer behaviour, and AR shopping experience and value theory. The resultant S-O-R-based conceptual framework highlights the functional and experiential elements needed for an effective consumer AR experience, which could be implemented by retailers seeking to engage consumers with an augmented shopping experience and make AR applications financially viable.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic literature review on AR in retail settings to include multiple disciplinary perspectives (HCI and marketing/management) and research methodologies.
The socially responsible European university: a challenging project
Authors: Barnett Ronald , Guzmán-Valenzuela Carolina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a thesis about the historical evolution of the relationship of the European University in relation to the idea of social responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is philosophical, conceptual and theoretical and in proffering a bold thesis, has an argumentative character appropriate to that style.

Findings

Three stages can be identified over the past 200 years in the relationship between the university and the matter of social responsibility, being successively tacit, weak and now hybrid. In the present stage, new spaces are opening for the university to transcend social responsibility, moving to a worldly and earthly responsibility. However, this new stage is having to contend against the university in an age of cognitive capitalism. As such, a large but hitherto unnoticed culture war is present, the outcome of which is unclear.

Research limitations/implications

The scholarship informing this paper is wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary (history, social theory, philosophy, critical higher education studies, literature on the idea of the university, comparative higher education, ethics and sociology of knowledge), as it has to be in sustaining the large thesis being contended for, and it has broad hinterlands, which can only lightly be intimated.

Practical implications

The key implication is that the idea of social responsibility is currently being construed too narrowly and that, therefore, universities – in developing their corporate strategies and missions – should be more ambitious and set their responsibility goals against horizons that go well beyond the social realm.

Originality/value

The thesis developed here is original in offering a three-stage theory of a 200-year evolution of the socially responsible European university. A new stage of an Earthly responsibility is glimpsed but it is having to contend with a continuing performative university, so leading to a hidden culture war and such that the future of university social responsibility is in doubt.
Toward an integrated reporting framework in higher education institutions: evidence from a public university
Authors: Aras Guler , Kutlu Furtuna Ozlem , Hacioglu Kazak Evrim
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate to what extent a public university, named Yildiz Technical University, integrated report provides disclosure on International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) content elements, suggesting the presence of integrated thinking, and whether higher education institutions’(HEIs) characteristics could affect the level of disclosure on that framework. Additionally, the purpose of this paper is to identify whether the Yildiz Technical University follows the IIRC framework and how integrated reporting can enhance the value creation for HEIs’ stakeholders in the context of voluntary reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct integrated reporting framework in HEIs specifically from a public university perspective, this paper has used a case study approach. Research data have been triangulated through interviews, questionnaires and finally, documents and archival records.

Findings

This paper gives insights into the reporting practices from a public institution, specifically from HEIs. Delivering high-quality services in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner is significant to public accountability and transparency. The Yildiz Technical University has been the best example in disclosing non-financial information to its stakeholders and enhancing the accountability tool.

Practical implications

This paper can be a leading practice and can be considered as an integrated reporting framework for HEIs willing to follow the same path.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to investigate the integrated reporting framework in a developing country, under HEIs and specifically for a public university.
Analysis of the heat transfer performance inside cavity of the counter rotating dual rotor bearing
Authors: Chen Fei , Wang Chao , Yan Ke , Ghouri Muhammad Azeem , Zhu  Yongsheng , Hong Jun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the temperature field and the heat transfer performance of the counter rotating dual rotor bearings (CRDRB) based on the air phase flow field at different speeds to provide effective support for the lubrication and the thermal design of CRDRB.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, taking H7006C angular contact ball bearing as an example, based on the flow visualization technique and the thermal analysis methods, the effects of outer ring speed on the air phase flow field, the temperature field and the heat transfer in bearing cavity were investigated.

Findings

Results indicated that there were more complex turbulent air vortices in CRDRB cavity. Turbulent cyclones in critical contact zone reduced the heat dissipation capacity of air. Compared with single rotor bearing with a static outer ring, the average heat transfer coefficient reduced by 11.78% and the average temperature raised by 3.06 K inside CRDRB cavity. Under the influence of outer ring rotation, the high temperature area in ball-inner raceway contact zone and pocket raised and reduced by 160.13% and 30.48%, respectively. The outer ring rotation had opposite effect on the heat dissipation of raceway contact zone and pocket.

Originality/value

The air phase flow field characteristics and the heat transfer performance of CRDRB were revealed and analyzed from the mechanism. An area quantification method was presented as an auxiliary mean of the thermal analysis to evaluate the heat transfer performance of bearing.
The bond between country and brand stereotypes: insights on the role of brand typicality and utilitarian/hedonic nature in enhancing stereotype content transfer
Authors: Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Szőcs Ilona , Florack Arnd , Kolbl Živa , Egger Martin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the stereotype content model (SCM), the authors investigate the stereotype content transfer (in terms of warmth and competence) from country to brand and the simultaneous impact of these two stereotypes on consumer responses toward brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test a structural equation model conceptualizing brand stereotypes as full mediators between country stereotypes and consumer outcomes. In addition, in a moderated mediation analysis, the authors investigate the role of brand typicality and utilitarianism/hedonism in potentially moderating the country to brand stereotype content transfer.

Findings

Country warmth and competence, respectively, impact brand warmth and competence, thus confirming the hypothesized stereotype content transfer. This transfer is found to be robust and not contingent on brands' perceived typicality of their country of origin. However, brands' utilitarian nature amplifies the positive impact of country competence on brand competence. Finally, brand stereotypes fully mediate the impact of country stereotypes on consumers' brand attitudes and behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

The authors provide the first empirical attempt that (1) explicitly differentiates between consumers' stereotypical perceptions of countries and stereotypical perceptions of brands from these countries, (2) empirically examines the transfer of stereotypical dimensions of different targets (i.e. country to brand), (3) explores boundary conditions for such transfer and (4) simultaneously considers the impact of both kinds of stereotypes on managerially relevant consumer outcomes.
Intellectual structure of information science 2011–2020: an author co-citation analysis
Authors: Zhao Dangzhi , Strotmann Andreas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study continues a long history of author co-citation analysis of the intellectual structure of information science into the time period of 2011–2020. It also examines changes in this structure from 2006–2010 through 2011–2015 to 2016–2020. Results will contribute to a better understanding of the information science research field.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-established procedures and techniques for author co-citation analysis were followed. Full records of research articles in core information science journals published during 2011–2020 were retrieved and downloaded from the Web of Science database. About 150 most highly cited authors in each of the two five-year time periods were selected from this dataset to represent this field, and their co-citation counts were calculated. Each co-citation matrix was input into SPSS for factor analysis, and results were visualized in Pajek. Factors were interpreted as specialties and labeled upon an examination of articles written by authors who load primarily on each factor.

Findings

The two-camp structure of information science continued to be present clearly. Bibliometric indicators for research evaluation dominated the Knowledge Domain Analysis camp during both fivr-year time periods, whereas interactive information retrieval (IR) dominated the IR camp during 2011–2015 but shared dominance with information behavior during 2016–2020. Bridging between the two camps became increasingly weaker and was only provided by the scholarly communication specialty during 2016–2020. The IR systems specialty drifted further away from the IR camp. The information behavior specialty experienced a deep slump during 2011–2020 in its evolution process. Altmetrics grew to dominate the Webometrics specialty and brought it to a sharp increase during 2016–2020.

Originality/value

Author co-citation analysis (ACA) is effective in revealing intellectual structures of research fields. Most related studies used term-based methods to identify individual research topics but did not examine the interrelationships between these topics or the overall structure of the field. The few studies that did discuss the overall structure paid little attention to the effect of changes to the source journals on the results. The present study does not have these problems and continues the long history of benchmark contributions to a better understanding of the information science field using ACA.