bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of host-microbe cell adherence by receptor domain shuffling
Authors: Baker EmilyClare P. , Sayegh Ryan , Kohler Kristin M. , Borman Wyatt , Goodfellow Claire K. , Brush Eden R. , Barber Matthew F.
Published: August 2021

Stable adherence to epithelial surfaces is required for colonization by diverse host-associated microbes. Successful attachment of pathogenic microbes via surface adhesin molecules is also the first step in many devastating infections. Despite the primacy of epithelial adherence in establishing host-microbe associations, the evolutionary processes that shape this crucial interface remain enigmatic. Carcinoembryonic antigen associated cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) encompass a multifunctional family of vertebrate cell surface proteins which are recurrent targets of bacterial surface adhesins at epithelial surfaces. Here we show that multiple members of the primate CEACAM family exhibit evidence of repeated natural selection at protein surfaces targeted by bacteria, consistent with pathogen-driven evolution. Inter-species diversity of CEACAM proteins, between even closely-related great apes, determines molecular interactions with a range of bacterial adhesins. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that repeated gene conversion of CEACAM extracellular domains during primate divergence plays a key role in limiting bacterial adhesin tropism. Moreover, we demonstrate that gene conversion has continued to shape CEACAM diversity within human populations, with abundant CEACAM1 variants mediating evasion of adhesins fromNeisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. Together this work reveals a mechanism by which gene conversion shapes first contact between microbes and animal hosts.
Spatially Resolved In Silico Modeling of NKG2D Signaling Kinetics Reveals Key role of NKG2D and Vav1 Co-clustering in Generating Natural Killer cell Activation
Authors: Grewal Rajdeep Kaur , Das Jayajit
Published: August 2021

Natural Killer (NK) cells provide key resistance against viral infections and tumors. A diverse set of activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors (NKRs) interact with cognate ligands presented by target host cells, where integration of dueling signals initiated by the ligand-NKR interactions determines NK cell activation or tolerance. Imaging experiments over decades have shown micron and sub-micron scale spatial clustering of activating and inhibitory NKRs. The mechanistic roles of these clusters in affecting downstream signaling and activation are often unclear. To this end, we developed a predictive in silico framework by combining spatially resolved mechanistic agent based modeling, published TIRF imaging data, and parameter estimation to determine mechanisms by which formation and spatial movements of activating NKG2D microclusters affect early time NKG2D signaling kinetics in a human cell line NKL. We show co-clustering of NKG2D and the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 in NKG2D microclusters plays a dominant role over ligand (ULBP3) rebinding in increasing production of phospho-Vav1(pVav1), an activation marker of early NKG2D signaling. The in silico model successfully predicts several scenarios of inhibition of NKG2D signaling and time course of NKG2D spatial clustering over a short (∼3 min) interval. Modeling shows the presence of a spatial positive feedback relating formation and centripetal movements of NKG2D microclusters, and pVav1 production offers flexibility towards suppression of activating signals by inhibitory KIR ligands organized in inhomogeneous spatial patterns (e.g., a ring). Our in silico framework marks a major improvement in developing spatiotemporal signaling models with quantitatively estimated model parameters using imaging data.
Phosphorylated tau fluid biomarker sites recognize earlier neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels in the postmortem Alzheimer’s disease brain
Authors: Moloney Christina M. , Labuzan Sydney A. , Crook Julia E. , Siddiqui Habeeba , Castanedes-Casey Monica , Lachner Christian , Petersen Ronald C. , Duara Ranjan , Graff-Radford Neill R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Mielke Michelle M. , Murray Melissa E.
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers have become increasingly more reliable in predicting AD pathology. While phosphorylated tau fluid biomarkers have been studied for over 20 years, there is a lack of deep characterization of these sites in the postmortem brain. Neurofibrillary tangle-bearing neurons, one of the major neuropathologic hallmarks of AD, undergo morphologic changes that mature along a continuum as hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates. To facilitate interpretation of phosphorylated tau sites as an early fluid biomarker, our goal was to characterize which neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels (pretangle, intermediary 1, mature tangle, intermediary 2, and ghost tangle) they recognize. We queried the Florida Autopsied Multi-Ethnic (FLAME) cohort for cases from Braak stages I-VI. We excluded non-AD pathologies and tauopathies. A total of 24 cases, 2 males and 2 females for each Braak stage, were selected. We performed immunohistochemistry on the posterior hippocampus using antibodies directed towards phospho (p) threonine (T) 181, pT205, pT217, and pT231. Slides were digitized to enable quantification of tau burden. To examine differences in regional vulnerability between CA1 and subiculum, we developed a semi-quantitative system to rank the frequency of each neurofibrillary tangle maturity level. We identified all neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels at least once for each phosphorylated tau site. Primarily earlier neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels (pretangle, intermediary 1, mature tangle) were recognized for all phosphorylated tau sites. There was an increase in tau burden in the subiculum compared to CA1; however, this was attenuated compared to thioflavin-S positive tangle counts. On a global scale, tau burden generally increased with each Braak stage. These results provide neurobiologic evidence that these phosphorylated tau fluid biomarker sites are present during earlier neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels. This may help explain why these phosphorylated tau biomarker sites are observed before symptom onset in fluids.
pH-Triggered Assembly of Endomembrane Multicompartments in Synthetic Cells
Authors: Lussier Félix , Schröter Martin , Diercks Nicolas J. , Jahnke Kevin , Weber Cornelia , Frey Christoph , Platzman Ilia , Spatz Joachim P.
Published: August 2021

Bottom-up synthetic biology thrives to reconstruct basic cellular processes into a minimalist cellular replica to foster their investigation in greater details with a reduced number of variables. Among these cellular features, the endomembrane system is an important aspect of cells which is at the origin of many of their functions. Still, the reconstruction of these inner compartments within a lipid-based vesicle remains challenging and poorly controlled. Herein, we report the use of pH as external trigger to self-assemble compartmentalized giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) by either bulk, or droplet-based microfluidics. By co-encapsulating pH sensitive small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), negatively charged SUVs and/or proteins, we show that acidification of the droplets efficiently produces GUVs while sequestrating the co-encapsulated material with flexibility and robustness. The method enables the simultaneous reconstruction of more than a single cellular phenotype from the bottom-up, corresponding to an important advancement in the current status quo of bottom-up synthetic biology.
Histopathological effects and micronucleus assay of glyphosate-based herbicides on cultured african catfish (Clarias Gariepinus, Burchell 1822)
Authors: Alarape S.A. , Adebiyi E.O. , Adeyemo O.K.
Published: August 2021

Glyphosate, a brand of agricultural herbicides which intensive use has led to widespread contamination of different ecosystems. This study was designed to determine both organotoxicity and genotoxicity of glyphosate on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to different concentrations for 96 hours. Questionnaires were administered (physically and online) to determine the type of glyphosate-based herbicides mostly used by fish farmers. Seventy-five apparently healthy adult Clarias gariepinus (300g) were sourced from a local farmer, transported in a plastic keg to Fish and Wildlife Laboratory at the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive medicine for two (2) weeks of acclimatization. After acclimatization, they were further divided into four (4) groups (T0 (Control), T1 (0.003ml/L), T2 (0.0045ml/L) and T3 (0.006ml/L)) by simple randomization and each group replicated into three (3) treatments. At the expiration of 96 hours of exposure, blood samples and organs (Gills, Kidney, and Liver) were collected for mononuclear assay and histopathological lesions respectively.

Exposed groups showed erratic swimming, splashing, and restlessness. Mortalities rate was dose-dependent (two (2) mortalities at 0.0045ml/L concentration (T2) and five (5) mortalities 0.006ml/L concentration (T3)). Observed histopathological lesions occurred at higher dose treatment (0.0045ml/L (T2) and (0.006ml/L) T3)) concentrations. The gills showed diffuse stunted and eroded secondary lamellae and severe congestion of the blood channel at the core of the primary lamellae. Lesions in the Liver include severe diffuse vacuolation of the hepatocytes, moderate to severe portal congestion and mild diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes and moderate diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes, and severe portal congestion. In the kidney, there was mild to moderate congestion of the interstitium and focus of interstitial oedema within the parenchyma. There was presence of micronucleus in the fish nucleated red blood cells at higher dose concentrations.

This study showed that Glyphosate-based herbicides are highly toxic to Clarias gariepinus, therefore their use near the fish farm or in areas close to the aquatic environment should be discouraged. The agricultural community should also be conscious of the potentially adverse effects of pesticides. This is to prevent the water body from the residue of herbicides that would have washed down to the water.
The Omega-3-fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid modulates intracellularmyo-inositol and its biosynthetic genes
Authors: Murray Marlene , Ok Taejun , Kang Haley , Lee Jee Yeon , Kim Bomi , Sung Hyukje , Tait Talisa , Colon Hidalgo Daniel , Guzman Yudy
Published: August 2021

Bipolar disorder is a debilitating mood disorder characterized by recurring episodes of mania and depression. It affects 2.6% of adults and has a lifetime prevalence among adults of 3.9%. Current mood stabilizers are not always effective and/or are not well tolerated by many patients; thus, there is a need to develop or identify more effective and less harmful treatments. Omega-3-fatty acids have been shown to be effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder; however, their mechanism of action is unknown.Myo-inositol depletion has been hypothesized as the mechanism by which mood stabilizers exert their therapeutic effect. Using an enzymatic assay, we determined intracellularmyo-inositol levels increased more than 2-fold when cells were grown in the presence of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). RT-qPCR was used to characterize the effects of DHA on genes in themyo-inositol biosynthetic pathway. We show DHA increases relative expression and has a concentration-dependent impact onINO1andINM1, which encodemyo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase andmyo-inositol monophosphate 1-phosphatase, respectively. We therefore conclude that the omega-3-fatty acid DHA exerts its therapeutic effect on bipolar disorder by increasing intracellularmyo-inositol, which may be accomplished by upregulating its biosynthetic genes.
Virtual Touch: Sensing and Feeling with Ultrasound
Authors: Moore Warren , Makdani Adarsh , Frier William , McGlone Francis
Published: August 2021

The sense of touch codes the detection and properties of physical objects on the body via mechanoreceptors within the skin. Technological advancements, such as ultrasonic haptic devices, are now able to ‘touch without touching’, claiming this is virtual touch. An initial aim of the study was to investigate subjective intensity and pleasantness ratings of ultrasound stimulation and the influence of top-down factors using the Touch Experience and Attitudes Questionnaire (TEAQ). Self-reported intensity and pleasantness ratings were measured in response to ultrasound stimuli. A second aim was to record from individual low threshold mechanoreceptors using the technique of microneurography in an attempt to determine which mechanoreceptors are activated by ultrasound stimulation of the skin. The major findings here were that microneurography found SAI and SAII units did not respond to ultrasound stimuli; intensity and pleasantness ratings were significantly different between age groups. Ultrasound can produce a variety of sensations with varying intensity and pleasantness ratings. A limitation of the study was the unexpected force difference generated between modulations. These findings have implications for mid-air haptics, somatosensory affective research, and virtual reality. Future research should focus on microneurography investigation of FA fibre responses to ultrasound.
Selective localization of Mfn2 near PINK1 enable its preferential ubiquitination by Parkin on mitochondria
Authors: Vranas Marta , Lu Yang , Rasool Shafqat , Croteau Nathalie , Krett Jonathan D. , Sauvé Véronique , Gehring Kalle , Fon Edward A. , Durcan Thomas M. , Trempe Jean-François
Published: August 2021

Mutations in Parkin and PINK1 cause an early-onset familial Parkinson’s disease. Parkin is a RING-In-Between-RING (RBR) E3 ligase that transfers ubiquitin from an E2 enzyme to a substrate in two steps: 1) thioester intermediate formation on Parkin, and 2) acyl transfer to a substrate lysine. The process is triggered by PINK1, which phosphorylates ubiquitin on damaged mitochondria, which in turn recruits and activates Parkin. This leads to the ubiquitination of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins and clearance of the organelle. While the targets of Parkin on mitochondria are known, the factors determining substrate selectivity remain unclear. To investigate this, we examined how Parkin catalyzes ubiquitin transfer to substrates. We found that His433 in the RING2 domain catalyzes acyl transfer. In cells, mutation of His433 impairs mitophagy. In vitro ubiquitination assays with isolated mitochondria show that Mfn2 is a kinetically preferred substrate. Using proximity-ligation assays, we show that Mfn2 specifically co-localizes with PINK1 and phospho-ubiquitin in U2OS cells upon mitochondrial depolarization. We propose a model whereby ubiquitination of Mfn2 is efficient by virtue of its localization near PINK1, which leads to the recruitment and activation of Parkin via phospho-ubiquitin at these sites.
Single-cell foundations of live social gaze interaction in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala
Authors: Monte Olga Dal , Fan Siqi , Fagan Nicholas A. , Chu Cheng-Chi J. , Zhou Michael B. , Putnam Philip T. , Nair Amrita R. , Chang Steve W. C.
Published: August 2021

Social gaze interaction powerfully shapes interpersonal communication in humans and other primates. However, little is known about the neural underpinnings of these social behavioral exchanges. Here, we studied neural responses associated with naturalistic, face-to-face, social gaze interactions between pairs of macaques. We examined spiking activity in a large number of neurons spanning four different brain regions involved in social behaviors – the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. We observed widespread single-cell representations of social gaze interaction functionalities in these brain regions – social discriminability, social gaze monitoring, and mutual eye contact selectivity. Many of these neurons discriminated looking at social versus non-social stimuli with rich temporal heterogeneity, or parametrically tracked the gaze positions of oneself or the conspecific. Furthermore, many neurons displayed selectivity for mutual eye contact as a function of the initiator or follower of mutual gaze events. Crucially, a significant proportion of neurons coded for more than one of these three signatures of social gaze interaction, supporting the recruitment of partially overlapping neuronal ensembles. Our findings emphasize integrated contributions of the amygdala and prefrontal circuits within the social interaction networks in processing real-life social interactions.
Strong neutral sweeps occurring during a population contraction
Authors: Moinet Antoine , Peischl Stephan , Excoffier Laurent
Published: August 2021

A strong reduction in diversity around a specific locus is often interpreted as a recent rapid fixation of a positively selected allele, a phenomenon called a selective sweep. Rapid fixation of neutral variants can however lead to similar reduction in local diversity, especially when the population experiences changes in population size, e.g., bottlenecks or range expansions. The fact that demographic processes can lead to signals of nucleotide diversity very similar to signals of selective sweeps is at the core of an ongoing discussion about the roles of demography and natural selection in shaping patterns of neutral variation. Here we quantitatively investigate the shape of such neutral valleys of diversity under a simple model of a single population size change, and we compare it to signals of a selective sweep. We analytically describe the expected shape of such “neutral sweeps” and show that selective sweep valleys of diversity are, for the same fixation time, wider than neutral valleys. On the other hand, it is always possible to parametrize our model to find a neutral valley that has the same width as a given selected valley. We apply our framework to the case of a putative selective sweep signal around the gene Quetzalcoatl inD. melanogasterand show that the valley of diversity in the vicinity of this gene is compatible with a short bottleneck scenario without selection. Our findings provide further insight in how simple demographic models can create valleys of genetic diversity that may falsely be attributed to positive selection.
Strategising management accounting: liberal origins and neoliberal trends
Authors: Alawattage Chandana , Wickramasinghe Danture
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper draws on the concepts of biopolitics and neoliberal governmentality to provide a sociological analysis of the strategic turn in management accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual and review paper addresses four interrelated questions: How can the early history of management accounting be revisited from a biopolitical angle? How has strategising been linked to the neoliberal evolution of capitalism? How has this neoliberal connection transformed management accounting into its new form of strategising? What are the implications of this transformation for future research and pedagogical practices in management accounting?

Findings

Management accounting is strategised in four interrelated directions: by absorbing the jurisdictional and veridictional roles of the market into the calculative practices of management accounting; by transforming management accounting's centripetal hierarchical order of calculations to a centrifugal order the neoliberal governmentality demanded; by re-calculating the point of production as a site in which labour now takes the form of entrepreneurs of the self, performing not only material but also immaterial elements of managerial labour; and by rescoping management accounting to address issues the “fourth or the global age of security” brought, including the social and the environmental ones.

Research limitations/implications

The research expands the existing frames of reference for exploring contemporary calculative practices in neoliberal governmentality.

Social implications

Strategic turn in management accounting implicates in issues of security, governance and ethics and offers “new opportunities” for expanding management accounting's relevance beyond economic enterprises to various civil society and political constituencies.

Originality/value

This paper makes a theoretical contribution to management accounting's contemporary developments by demonstrating how it moves into biopolitical circulation.
Impact of sustainable supply chain management and customer relationship management on organizational performance
Authors: Das Saikat , Hassan H.M. Kamrul
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the effect of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) , competitive advantage (CA) and customer relationship management (CRM) on organizational performance (OP).

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was employed in the present study as a research tool, consisting of 20 items. Information was gathered from 93 executives employed in the supply chain management (SCM) division of the multiple organizations in Chattogram, the commercial hub of Bangladesh and the findings of the research were evaluated using SMART PLS 3.0.

Findings

The findings supported the hypotheses that were formulated. The analysis shows that SSCM and CRM are significantly related to OP. The results show, however, a positive but insignificant relationship between CA and OP. In developing countries, SSCM and CA are more likely to be employed by businesses in order to accomplish OP. However, the relation between CRM and OP has been given comparatively less importance. It has been suggested that CRM, together with SSCM, should be considered in order to achieve OP.

Originality/value

Earlier study neglected to use the CRM in the measurement of OP along with CA and SSCM. This research seeks to emphasize the influence of CRM in the organization, together with SSCM. This lets companies understand the effect of SSCM and CRM in general since those companies must respond to consumer demands to product and industry developments and transfer appropriate resources to enhance manufacturing processes that combine technological and managerial efficiency.
Risk management factors contributing to transgressions in the procurement practices in South African SOEs
Authors: Myeza Lindani , Nkhi Naledi , Maroun Warren
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study aims to deepen the understanding of why risk management principles are circumvented, thereby contributing to transgressions in public procurement for South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs). A deeper understanding of why risk management principles are circumvented is especially important in South Africa, given the high social, economic and environmental risks to which national and major SOEs are exposed in the procurement process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative design, based on detailed semi-structured interviews with 19 participants comprising management advisors, forensic investigators and auditors to explore why risk management principles are circumvented by South Africa SOEs.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the tone that is set at political and executive level plays an important role in determining compliance with risk management principles by lower-level staff. Intense levels of political influence at SOEs are the main reason behind risk management systems being undermined.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the first explorations of why transgressions in public procurement continue to be evident despite risk management reforms being adopted by South Africa public sector. The research responds to the call for more studies on why reforms in South Africa public sector are not reducing transgression in public procurement. The study provides primary evidence on the importance of political and executive leadership in influencing the effectiveness of risk management reforms in the public sector.
Assessing students' self-assessment ability in an interdisciplinary domain
Authors: Alturki Sarah , Stuckenschmidt Heiner
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether students' self-assessment (SSA) could be used as a significant attribute to predict students' future academic achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors address how well students can assess their abilities and study the relationship between this ability and demographic properties and previous study performance. The authors present the study results by measuring the relationship between the SSA across five different topics and comparing them with the students' performance in these topics using short tests. The test has been voluntarily taken by more than 300 students planning to enroll in the School of Business Informatics and Mathematics master's programs at the University of Mannheim.

Findings

The study results reveal which attributes are mostly associated with the accuracy level of SSA in higher education. The authors conclude that SSA, it can be valuable in predicting master's students' academic achievement when taking specific measures when designing the predictive module.

Research limitations/implications

Due to time constraints, the study was restricted only to students applying to master's programs at the Faculty of Business Informatics and Mathematics at the University of Mannheim. This resulted in collecting a limited data set. Also, the scope of this study was restricted to testing the accuracy of SSA and did not test using it as an attribute for predicting students' academic achievement.

Originality/value

Predicting students' academic performance in higher education is beneficial from different perspectives. The literature reveals that a considerable amount of work is published to analyze and predict academic performance in higher education. However, most of the published work relies on attributes such as demographics, teachers' assessment, and examination scores for performing their prediction while neglecting the use of other forms of evaluation such as SSA or self-evaluation.
Health risk behaviors among university students: the role of outdoor sports and electronic sports
Authors: Anwar Saima , Noor Sadaf , Asrar-ul-Haq Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Involvement of youth in electronic sports is increasing and outdoor sports are decreasing day by day. It not only affects their health but also leads them towards noncommunicable diseases. Risk of noncommunicable diseases is associated with physical inactivity and affects physical and mental health. It results in different personal and social implications. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of outdoor sports and risks of electronic sports for health.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for study is collected from 450 university students using purposive sampling technique. In order to measure outdoor sports, a four items instrument developed by Simon and Smoll (1974) is used. For electronic sports, instrument is adopted from Lemmens et al. (2009) and for health of youth, instrument by Bailis et al. (2003) is used. After reliability and validity check, structural equation modeling is used to analyze data.

Findings

The results reveal that perceived outdoor sports have significant positive impact on health, whereas electronic sports have negative impact on youth health that lead them to certain noncommunicable diseases. There is need to emphasize and encourage youth for outdoor sports and avoid indulging in esports that may lead to addiction.

Practical implications

Electronic games have various risks for the development of syndromes among younger generation. Awareness should be provided that physical activities are essential for healthy life and how risky be the esports for their health. This study may be helpful for government as well to reduce dependency of youth on technological devices and provide necessary recreation facilities to engage in. This research study validates that outdoor sports have significantly positive impact on health of youth and it reduces health related problems and destructive behaviors among youth.

Originality/value

Involvement of youth in electronic sports is increasing and outdoor sports are decreasing day by day. It not only affects their health, but also leads them toward non-communicable diseases. The present study examines the impact of esports and physical sports on youth health.
The service triad: an empirical study of service robots, customers and frontline employees
Authors: Odekerken-Schröder Gaby , Mennens Kars , Steins Mark , Mahr Dominik
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Recent service studies suggest focusing on the service triad consisting of technology-customer-frontline employee (FLE). This study empirically investigates the role of service robots in this service triad, with the aim to understand the augmentation or substitution role of service robots in driving utilitarian and hedonic value and ultimately customer repatronage.

Design/methodology/approach

In study 1, field data are collected from customers (n = 108) who interacted with a service robot and FLE in a fast casual dining restaurant. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test hypotheses about the impact of service robots' anthropomorphism, social presence, value perceptions and augmentation opportunities in the service triad. In study 2, empirical data from a scenario-based experimental design (n = 361) complement the field study by further scrutinizing the interplay between the service robot and FLEs within the service triad.

Findings

The study provides three important contributions. First, the authors provide empirical evidence for the interplay between different actors in the “customer-FLE-technology” service triad resulting in customer repatronage. Second, the empirical findings advance the service management literature by unraveling the relationship between anthropomorphism and social presence and their effect on perceived value in the service triad. And third, the study identifies utilitarian value of service robots as a driver of customer repatronage in fast casual dining restaurants.

Practical implications

The results help service managers, service robot engineers and designers, and policy makers to better understand the implications of anthropomorphism, and how the utilitarian value of service robots can offer the potential for augmentation or substitution roles in the service triad.

Originality/value

Building on existing conceptual and laboratory studies on service robots, this is one of the first field studies on the service triad consisting of service robots – customers – frontline employees. The empirical study on service triads provides evidence for the potential of FLEs to augment service robots that exhibit lower levels of functional performance to achieve customer repatronage. FLEs can do this by demonstrating a high willingness to help and having excellent interactions with customers. This finding advocates the joint service delivery by FLE – service robot teams in situations where service robot technology is not fully optimized.
Is bribing a good strategy? Imbalanced interdependence and hazard of opportunism in bribery
Authors: Shin Ho Wook , Kim Jinsil , Lee Seung-hyun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In fragile institutional environments, firms often have no choice but bribery as the means to access the services monopolized by the government. Corrupt government officials whose resources are valuable to many different firms can easily find other firms willing to offer bribes. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how this imbalanced interdependence exposes the bribing firm to the hazard of opportunism from the bribed officials.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on World Business Environment Survey (WBES) data and the instrumental variable (IV) Probit estimator with Heckman correction for the potential selection bias.

Findings

The authors find that the more firms depend on bribery to acquire governmental resources, the severer the level of opportunism they encounter from the government officials. In addition, the authors find that although the presence of a legal alternative to bribery reduces the level of a corrupt government official's opportunism that a bribing firm experiences, the more firms depend on bribery despite the presence of a legal alternative, the higher the level of the corrupt official's opportunism that the firm will experience. Finally, the authors find that establishing a relational contract with government officials reduces the hazard of opportunism.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the resource dependence literature by finding that a greater imbalance in the interdependence between two parties in bribery exposes the more dependent party to a larger hazard of opportunism. The finding that an ineffective alternative to a current resource provider would not strengthen but weaken a resource seeker's bargaining power expands the literature. The authors also contribute to the corruption research by showing the significant strategic, not legal, risk to bribing firms of engaging in bribery, which to date has not been sufficiently discussed.
Does religion make consumers more environmentally friendly?
Authors: Arli Denni , Pentecost Robin , Thaichon Park
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite the importance of sustainability, some conservative religious groups do not believe and support climate change. There is a continuous debate on the role of religion on people’s attitudes toward the environment. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to (1) explore the impact of consumers’ religious orientation on motivation and commitment toward recycling; (2) examine the impact of economic motivation, commitment and love for nature toward intention to recycle; (3) investigate the mediating effect of motivation, commitment and love for nature on the relationship between consumer religiosity and their intention to recycle; and (4) examine the impact of consumers’ intention toward its subsequent behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience sampling methods, participants were recruited through an online survey platform (MTurk). The total completed respondents are 827 participants.

Findings

The results show consumers’ religiousness influence their motivation, commitment and love for nature. This study shows that consumers with high intrinsic and extrinsic religiousness are more likely to be motivated by economic motivation. Being religious does not make consumers more environmentally friendly.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not separate religion and between religious and non-religious consumers. Each religion may perceive environments differently. Future research may investigate each religion separately.

Originality/value

This paper has several contributions: (1) it contributes to the debate on the impact of religiousness on consumers’ attitudes toward sustainable-related behavior such as recycling. Does it matter? (2) the results show the most effective way to increase people’s intention to recycle; and (3) the results of this study will have implications for government, religious institutions on how to increase positive attitude toward the environment especially among religious consumers.
Tracing morphological transformations in Cairo's historic cemeteries, a step toward urban conservation
Authors: AlSadaty Aliaa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper focuses on the morphological transformations of Cairo's historic cemeteries that currently form a significant part of historic Cairo designated by the UNESCO as a world heritage site. Cairo's historic cemetery continues to be a main burial ground for the city reflecting layers of funeral epochs. Besides offering burial grounds, Cairo's city of the dead had always hosted living functions including residential and crafts among other activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a historico-geographical approach, this study traces morphological transformations of the eastern necropolis of Cairo. Using analysis of archival documents, cartographic and photographic analysis of the eastern necropolis, the study detects changes on three major aspects: (1) impacts of the ever-growing urban city core; (2) transformation of the cemetery's internal urban fabric and (3) change of the size of the residential urban block inside the cemetery.

Findings

Findings highlight alarming transformations on the said aspects, threatening the historic value and the urban integrity of Cairo's eastern necropolis. This calls for rising necessities of documentation projects for Cairo's necropolis, as well as urgent necessity of strict applications of local laws of urban conservation.

Originality/value

Despite their rich urban variety, cemeteries have been rarely investigated within the scope of urban morphology. This paper is among the few works that investigate cemeteries using tools and approaches of urban morphology. It also calls for further applications of morphological investigations and wider adoption of morphological approaches for the study of historic cemeteries in order to support their preservation.
Investigating association between factors fostering attention to a stock and rationales to buy it: an empirical analysis
Authors: Bondia Ripsy , Biswal Pratap C. , Panda Abinash
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Can something that drives our initial attention toward a stock have any implications on final decision to buy it? This paper empirically and statistically tests association, if any, between factors fostering attention toward a stock and rationales to buy it.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses survey responses of individual investors involving multiple response categorical data. Association between attention fostering factors and rationales is tested using a modified first-order corrected Rao-Scott chi-square test statistic (to adjust for within-participant dependence among responses in case of multiple response categorical variables). Further, odds ratios and mosaic plots are used to determine the effect size of association.

Findings

Strong association is seen between attention fostering factors and rationales to buy a stock. Further, strongest associations are seen in cases where origin is the same underlying influencing factor. Some of the most cited attention fostering factors and rationales in this research stem from familiarity bias and expert bias.

Practical implications

What starts as a trivial attention fostering factor, which may not even be recognized by majority investors, can go on to become one of the rationales for buying a stock. This can result in substantial financial implications for an individual investor. Investor education agencies and regulatory authorities can make investors cognizant of such association, which can help investors to improve and adjust their decision making accordingly.

Originality/value

The extant literature discusses factors/biases influencing buying decisions of individual investors. This research takes a step ahead by distinguishing these factors in terms of whether they play role of (1) fostering attention toward a stock or (2) of reasons for ultimately buying it. Such dissection of factors/biases, to the best of authors' knowledge, has not been done previously in any empirical and statistical analysis. The paper uses multiple response categorical data and applies a modified first-order corrected Rao-Scott chi-square statistic to test association. Application of the above-mentioned test statistic has not been done previously in context of individual investor decision-making.
Trusted institutions: Expertise, gender, and legitimacy on planning panels
Authors: Thorpe Amelia , Williamson Sue
Published: August 2021

Experts are increasingly replacing elected representatives in the planning of Australian cities and regions. Following concerns about delays and corruption, expert decision‐making has been promoted as an important mechanism to restore trust in the planning process. Others have expressed concerns about the loss of democracy entailed in this shift, but this is not the whole story. The nature of expertise is itself significant, and we examine the composition of these new decision‐making bodies. We focus on Local Planning Panels, the latest suite of expert planning bodies introduced in NSW, the state that has led the shift from elected to expert decision makers. Our analysis reveals that expert panels are highly gendered, which may work against the legitimacy and effectiveness of these increasingly influential planning bodies.
Perceptions of Immigrant Belonging and Support for Redistribution
Authors: Sandelind Clara , Hjerm Mikael
Published: August 2021

The national identity argument posits that a shared national identity can elicit social solidarity, or support for redistribution, in diverse societies. We analyse one, largely neglected, aspect of this argument, namely whether perceptions of immigrants' belonging to the nation can generate support for redistribution. Based on new survey data (N = 3,000), we measure how emotionally attached respondents think immigrants are to Sweden. We distinguish between immigrants born in Europe and immigrants born outside of Europe. Results show that people who believe that immigrants are attached to Sweden are more likely to be supportive of both generalised redistribution (welfare state support) and to display inclusive solidarity (willingness to grant rights to immigrants). This effect primarily holds for immigrants born outside Europe. We conclude that support for the welfare state and willingness to grant rights to immigrants depend on perceptions about immigrants' attachment to the nation, but mainly for non‐European immigrants.
Electrohydrodynamic processing of natural polymers for active food packaging: A comprehensive review
Authors: Charles Anto Pradeep Raja , Jin Tony Z. , Mu Richard , Wu Ying
Published: August 2021

The active packaging materials fabricated using natural polymers is increasing in recent years. Electrohydrodynamic processing has drawn attention in active food packaging due to its potential in fabricating materials with advanced structural and functional properties. These materials have the significant capability in enhancing food's quality, safety, and shelf‐life. Through electrospinning and electrospray, fibers and particles are encapsulated with bioactive compounds for active packaging applications. Understanding the principle behind electrohydrodynamics provides fundamentals in modulating the material's physicochemical properties based on the operating parameters. This review provides a deep understanding of electrospray and electrospinning, along with their advantages and recent innovations, from food packaging perspectives. The natural polymers suitable for developing active packaging films and coatings through electrohydrodynamics are intensely focused. The critical properties of the packaging system are discussed with characterization techniques. Furthermore, the limitations and prospects for natural polymers and electrohydrodynamic processing in active packaging are summarized.
Soil pH and moisture govern the assembly processes of abundant and rare bacterial communities in a dryland montane forest
Authors: Wang Jianming , Li Mingxu , Li Jingwen
Published: August 2021

The assembly mechanisms and ecological drivers of abundant and rare bacterial subcommunities in dryland montane forest ecosystems remain unclear. Here, we compared the biogeographic patterns of rare and abundant bacterial subcommunities and examined the ecological drivers governing their assembly processes in a dryland montane forest of China. Our results showed that a stronger relationship existed between phylogenetic turnover and spatial distance in rare subcommunities compared with that in abundant subcommunities. Null model analysis indicated that abundant subcommunities were predominantly controlled by dispersal limitation, whereas variable selection controlled rare bacterial assembly. More importantly, the balance between deterministic and stochastic processes for abundant and rare subcommunities was regulated by soil pH and soil moisture content, respectively, rather than aridity. Increasing soil moisture decreased the importance of deterministic processes for rare bacterial assembly. In abundant subcommunities, the dominance of stochastic processes was higher in neutral pH soils. Our findings suggested that divergent assembly mechanisms underlying distinct biogeographic patterns in rare and abundant bacterial subcommunities in dryland montane forests, and the assembly mechanisms of abundant and rare bacterial subcommunities were mediated by differentiated environmental factors. Our study provides a new understanding of the generation and maintenance of soil biodiversity in dryland ecosystems.
Susceptibility of lung cancer patients to COVID‐19: A review of the pandemic data from multiple nationalities
Authors: Lemos Ana Emília Goulart , Silva Gabriela Ribeiro , Gimba Etel Rodrigues Pereira , Matos Aline da Rocha
Published: August 2021

Several studies have highlighted that cancer patients tend to be more susceptible to develop severe infection and to die from COVID‐19. Certain medical conditions such as immunosuppression, presence of comorbidities, and underlying pulmonary damage are possible determinants of disease severity, especially in lung cancer patients. While recent studies have shown that lung cancer is one of the most prevalent tumor types among COVID‐19 cancer patients, we still have an incomplete view of how data from several countries work as a whole. The aim of this review was to investigate COVID‐19 prevalence in lung cancer patient cohorts and their probability to develop severe illness and death when compared to nonlung cancer patients from multiple nationalities, including countries that have been the epicenters of the pandemic. We also focus on some intrinsic lung cancer features that might influence COVID‐19 outcomes. An integrative view of the susceptibility of lung cancer patients might be especially relevant to assist physicians in evaluating the risks of COVID‐19 in these patients, and to foster better decisions on treatment delay.
Nonfatal firearm injuries: Utilization and expenditures for children pre‐ and postinjury
Authors: Pulcini Christian D. , Goyal Monika K. , Hall Matt , Gruhler De Souza Heidi , Chaudhary Sofia , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Fein Joel A. , Fleegler Eric W.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Firearm injuries are one of the leading preventable causes of morbidity and mortality among children. Limited information exists about the impact of nonfatal firearm injuries on utilization and expenditures. Our objective was to compare health care encounters and expenditures 1 year before and 1 year following a nonfatal firearm injury.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of children 0 to 18 years with ICD‐9/ICD‐10 diagnosis codes for firearm injury (excluding nonpowder) in the emergency department or inpatient setting from 2010 to 2016 in the Medicaid MarketScan claims database. Outcomes included: (1) difference in health care encounters for 1 year before and 1 year after injury, (2) difference in health care expenditures, and (3) difference in complex chronic disease status. Descriptive statistics characterized patient demographics and health care utilization. Health expenditures were evaluated with Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests.

Results

Among 1,821 children, there were 22,398 health care encounters before the injury and 28,069 after. Concomitantly, there was an overall increase of $16.5 million in health expenditures ($9,084 per patient). There was a 50% increase in children qualifying for complex chronic condition status after firearm injury.

Conclusions

Children who experience nonfatal firearm injury have increased number of health care encounters, chronic disease classification, and health care expenditures in the year following the injury. Prevention of firearm injuries in this vulnerable age group may result in considerable reductions in morbidity and health care costs.