bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taiwan Biobank: a rich biomedical research database of the Taiwanese population
Authors: Feng Yen-Chen Anne , Chen Chia-Yen , Chen Tzu-Ting , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Yang Hwai-I , Chen Wei J. , Shen Chen-Yang , Ge Tian , Huang Hailiang , Lin Yen-Feng
Published: December 2021

The Taiwan Biobank (TWB) is an ongoing prospective study of over 150,000 individuals aged 30-70 recruited from across Taiwan beginning in 2012. A comprehensive list of phenotypes was collected for each consented participant at recruitment and follow-up visits through structured interviews and physical measurements. Biomarkers and genetic data were also generated for all participants from blood and urine samples. We present here an overview of the genetic data quality, population structure, and familial relationship within TWB, which consists of predominantly Han Chinese-ancestry individuals, and highlight important attributes and genetic findings thus far from the biobank. A linkage to Taiwan’s National Health Insurance database of >25 years and other health-related registries is underway that will enrich the phenotypic spectrum of TWB and enable deep and longitudinal genetic investigations. TWB provides one of the largest biobank resources for biomedical and public health research in East Asia that will contribute to our understanding of the genetic basis of human health and disease in global populations through collaborative studies with other biobanks.
Applying computer vision to digitised natural history collections for climate change research: temperature-size responses in British butterflies
Authors: Wilson Rebecca J , de Siqueira Alexandre Fioravante , Brooks Stephen J , Price Benjamin W , Simon Lea M , van der Walt Stéfan J , Fenberg Phillip B
Published: December 2021

Natural history collections (NHCs) are invaluable resources for understanding biotic response to global change. Museums around the world are currently imaging specimens, capturing specimen data, and making them freely available online. In parallel to the digitisation effort, there have been great advancements in computer vision (CV): the computer trained automated recognition/detection, and measurement of features in digital images. Applying CV to digitised NHCs has the potential to greatly accelerate the use of NHCs for biotic response to global change research. In this paper, we apply CV to a very large, digitised collection to test hypotheses in an established area of biotic response to climate change research: temperature-size responses.

We develop a CV pipeline (Mothra) and apply it to the NHM iCollections of British butterflies (>180,000 specimens). Mothra automatically detects the specimen in the image, sets the scale, measures wing features (e.g., forewing length), determines the orientation of the specimen (pinned ventrally or dorsally), and identifies the sex. We pair these measurements and meta-data with temperature records to test how adult size varies with temperature during the immature stages of species and to assess patterns of sexual-size dimorphism across species and families.

Mothra accurately measures the forewing lengths of butterfly specimens and compared to manual baseline measurements, Mothra accurately determines sex and forewing lengths of butterfly specimens. Females are the larger sex in most species and an increase in adult body size with warm monthly temperatures during the late larval stages is the most common temperature size response. These results confirm suspected patterns and support hypotheses based on recent studies using a smaller dataset of manually measured specimens.

We show that CV can be a powerful tool to efficiently and accurately extract phenotypic data from a very large collection of digital NHCs. In the future, CV will become widely applied to digital NHC collections to advance ecological and evolutionary research and to accelerate the use of NHCs for biotic response to global change research.
Multiscale selection in spatially structured populations
Authors: Doekes Hilje M. , Hermsen Rutger
Published: December 2021

The spatial structure of natural populations is key to many of their evolutionary processes. Formal theories analysing the interplay between natural selection and spatial structure have mostly focused on populations divided into distinct, non-overlapping groups. Most populations, however, are not structured in this way, but rather (self-)organise into dynamic patterns unfolding at various spatial scales. Here, we present a mathematical framework that quantifies how patterns and processes at different spatial scales contribute to natural selection in such populations. To that end, we define the Local Selection Differential (LSD): a measure of the selection acting on a trait within a given local environment. Based on the LSD, natural selection in a population can be decomposed into two parts: the contribution of local selection, acting within local environments, and the contribution of interlocal selection, acting among them. Varying the size of the local environments subsequently allows one to measure the contribution of each length scale. To illustrate the use of this new multiscale selection framework, we apply it to two simulation models of the evolution of traits known to be affected by spatial population structure: altruism and pathogen transmissibility. In both models, the spatial decomposition of selection reveals that local and interlocal selection can have opposite signs, thus providing a mathematically rigorous underpinning to intuitive explanations of how processes at different spatial scales may compete. It furthermore identifies which length scales—and hence which patterns—are relevant for natural selection. The multiscale selection framework can thus be used to address complex questions on evolution in spatially structured populations.
Ordering and topological defects in social wasps’ nests
Authors: Krishna Shivani , Gopinath Apoorva , Bhattacharjee Somendra M.
Published: December 2021

Social insects have evolved a variety of architectural formations. Bees and wasps are well known for their ability to achieve compact structures by building hexagonal cells.Polistes wattii, an open nesting paper wasp species, builds planar hexagonal structures. Here, using the pair correlation function approach, we show that their nests exhibit short-range hexagonal order (no long-range order) akin to amorphous materials. Hexagonal orientational order was well preserved globally. We also show the presence of topological defects such as dislocations (pentagon-heptagon disclination pairs) and Stone-Wales quadrupoles, and discuss how these defects were organized in the nest, thereby restoring order. Furthermore, we suggest the possible role of such defects in shaping nesting architectures of other social insect species.
SHOT-R: A next generation algorithm for particle kinematics analysis
Authors: Corradi Eloina , Boscheri Walter , Baudet Marie-Laure
Published: December 2021

Analysis of live-imaging experiments is crucial to decipher a plethora of cellular mechanisms within physiological and pathological contexts. Kymograph, i.e. graphical representations of particle spatial position over time, and single particle tracking (SPT) are the currently available tools to extract information on particle transport and velocity. However, the spatiotemporal approximation applied in particle trajectory reconstruction with those methods intrinsically prevents an accurate analysis of particle kinematics and of instantaneous behaviours. Here, we present SHOT-R, a novel numerical method based on polynomial reconstruction of 4D (3D+time) particle trajectories. SHOT-R, contrary to other tools, computesbona fideinstantaneous and directional velocity, and acceleration. Thanks to its high order continuous reconstruction it allows, for the first time, kinematics analysis of co-trafficked particles. Overall, SHOT-R is a novel, versatile, and physically reliable numerical method that achieves all-encompassing particle kinematics studies at unprecedented accuracy on any live-imaging experiment where the spatiotemporal coordinates can be retrieved.
Human gut bifidobacteria inhibit the growth of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Ricci Liviana , Mackie Joanna , Donachie Gillian E. , Chapuis Ambre , Mezerová Kristýna , Lenardon Megan D. , Brown Alistair J. P. , Duncan Sylvia H. , Walker Alan W.
Published: December 2021

The human gut microbiota protects the host from invading pathogens and the overgrowth of indigenous opportunistic species via mechanisms such as competition for nutrients and by production of antimicrobial compounds. Here, we investigated the antagonist activity of human gut bacteria towards Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause severe infections and mortality in susceptible patients. Co-culture batch incubations of C. albicans in the presence of faecal microbiota from six different healthy individuals revealed varying levels of inhibitory activity against C. albicans. 16S rRNA gene sequence profiling of these faecal co-culture bacterial communities showed that the Bifidobacteriaceae family, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis in particular, were most correlated with antagonistic activity against C. albicans. Follow up mechanistic studies confirmed that culture supernatants of Bifidobacterium species, particularly B. adolescentis, inhibited C. albicans in vitro under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Production of the fermentation acids acetate and lactate, together with the concomitant decrease in pH, were strong drivers of the inhibitory activity. Bifidobacteria may therefore represent attractive targets for the development of probiotics and prebiotic interventions tailored to enhance inhibitory activity against C. albicans in vivo.
A systematic review of observational methods used to quantify personal protective behaviours among members of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the concordance between observational and self-report measures in infectious disease health protection
Authors: Davies Rachel , Mowbray Fiona , Martin Alex F , Smith Louise E , Rubin G James
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the quantity and quality of studies using an observational measure of behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to narratively describe the association between self-report and observational data for behaviours relevant to controlling an infectious disease outbreak.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of observational studies.

Data sources

We searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Publons, Scopus and the Public Health England behavioural science LitRep database from inception to 17thSeptember 2021 for relevant studies.

Study selection

We included studies which collected observational data of at least one of three health protective behaviours (hand hygiene, face covering use and maintaining physical distance from others (‘social distancing’)) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies where observational data were compared to self-report data in relation to any infectious disease were also included.

Data extraction and synthesis

We evaluated the quality of studies using the NIH quality assessment scale for observational studies, extracted data on sample size, setting and adherence to health protective behaviours, and synthesized results narratively.

Results

Of 27,279 published papers on COVID-19 relevant health protective behaviours that included one or more terms relating to hand hygiene, face covering and social distancing, we identified 48 studies that included an objective observational measure. Of these, 35 assessed face covering use, 17 assessed hand hygiene behaviour and seven assessed physical distancing. The general quality of these studies was good. When expanding the search to all infectious diseases, we included 21 studies that compared observational versus self-report data. These almost exclusively studied hand hygiene. The difference in outcomes was striking, with self-report over-estimating observed adherence by up to a factor of five in some settings. In only four papers did self-report match observational data in any domains.

Conclusions

Despite their importance in controlling the pandemic, we found remarkably few studies assessing protective behaviours by observation, rather than self-report, though these studies tended to be of reasonably good quality. Observed adherence tends to be substantially lower than estimates obtained via self-report. Accurate assessment of levels of personal protective behaviour, and evaluation of interventions to increase this, would benefit from the use of observational methods.
A lung targeted miR-29 Mimic as a Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Chioccioli Maurizio , Roy Subhadeep , Rigby Kevin , Newell Rachel , Dansereau Oliver , Pestano Linda , Dickinson Brent , Ahangari Farida , Jankins Gisli , Iain Stewart , Saini Guari , Johnson Simon R , Braybrooke Rebecca , Herazo-Maya Jose , Aurelien Nachelle , Yu Guying , Sauler Maor , DeIuliis Giuseppe , Montgomery Rusty L , Kaminski Naftali
Published: December 2021

microRNAs are non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene networks. Previously, we reported a systemically delivered miR-29 mimic MRG-201 that reduced fibrosis in animal models, but at doses prohibiting clinical translation. Here, we generated MRG-229, a next-gen miR-29 mimic with improved chemical stability, conjugated with the internalization moiety BiPPB (PDGFbetaR-specific bicyclic peptide). In TGF-b-treated human lung fibroblasts and precision cut lung slices, MRG-229 decreased COL1A1 and ACTA2 gene expression and reduced collagen production. In bleomycin-treated mice, intravenous or subcutaneous delivery of MRG-229 downregulated profibrotic gene programs at doses more than ten-fold lower than the original compound. In rats and non-human primates, and at clinically relevant doses, MRG-229 was well tolerated, with no adverse findings observed. In human peripheral blood decreased mir-29 concentrations were associated with increased mortality in two cohorts potentially identified as a target population for treatment. Collectively, our results provide support for the development of MRG-229 as a potential therapy in humans with IPF.

One Sentence Summary

One Sentence Summary: A stabilized, next-generation miR-29 mimic has been developed that demonstrates efficacy at commercially viable doses with a robust safety margin in non-human primates.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron neutralization by therapeutic antibodies, convalescent sera, and post-mRNA vaccine booster
Authors: Lusvarghi Sabrina , Pollett Simon D. , Neerukonda Sabari Nath , Wang Wei , Wang Richard , Vassell Russell , Epsi Nusrat J. , Fries Anthony C , Agan Brian K , Lindholm David A. , Colombo Christopher J. , Mody Rupal , Ewers Evan C. , Lalani Tahaniyat , Ganesan Anuradha , Goguet Emilie , Hollis-Perry Monique , Coggins Si’Ana A. , Simons Mark P. , Katzelnick Leah C. , Wang Gregory , Tribble David R. , Bentley Lisa , Eakin Ann E. , Broder Christopher C. , Erlandson Karl J. , Laing Eric D. , Burgess Timothy H. , Mitre Edward , Weiss Carol D.
Published: December 2021

The rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 along with its high number of mutations in the spike gene has raised alarm about the effectiveness of current medical countermeasures. To address this concern, we measured neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in three important settings: (1) post-vaccination sera after two and three immunizations with the Pfizer/BNT162b2 vaccine, (2) convalescent sera from unvaccinated individuals infected by different variants, and (3) clinical-stage therapeutic antibodies. Using a pseudovirus neutralization assay, we found that titers against Omicron were low or undetectable after two immunizations and in most convalescent sera. A booster vaccination significantly increased titers against Omicron to levels comparable to those seen against the ancestral (D614G) variant after two immunizations. Neither age nor sex were associated with differences in post-vaccination antibody responses. Only three of 24 therapeutic antibodies tested retained their full potency against Omicron and high-level resistance was seen against fifteen. These findings underscore the potential benefit of booster mRNA vaccines for protection against Omicron and the need for additional therapeutic antibodies that are more robust to highly mutated variants.

One Sentence Summary

Third dose of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly boosts neutralizing antibodies to the Omicron variant compared to a second dose, while neutralization of Omicron by convalescent sera, two-dose vaccine-elicited sera, or therapeutic antibodies is variable and often low.
Quantifying the inverted U: A meta-analysis of prefrontal dopamine, D1-receptors, and working memory
Authors: Weber Matthew A. , Conlon Mackenzie M. , Stutt Hannah R. , Wendt Linder , Eyck Patrick Ten , Narayanan Nandakumar S.
Published: December 2021

Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex can be disrupted in human disorders that affect cognitive function such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. Dopamine has a powerful effect on prefrontal circuits via the D1-type dopamine receptor (D1DR). It has been proposed that prefrontal dopamine has “inverted U-shaped” dynamics, with optimal dopamine and D1DR signaling required for optimal cognitive function. However, the quantitative relationship between prefrontal dopamine and cognitive function is not clear. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of published manipulations of prefrontal dopamine and the effects on working memory, a high-level executive function in humans, primates, and rodents that involves maintaining and manipulating information over seconds to minutes. We reviewed 646 papers and found that 75 studies met criteria for inclusion. Our quantification of effect sizes for dopamine, D1DRs, and behavior revealed a negative quadratic slope. This is consistent with the proposed inverted U-shape of prefrontal dopamine and D1DRs and working memory performance, explaining 10% of the variance. Of note, the inverted quadratic fit was much stronger for prefrontal D1DRs alone, explaining 26% of the variance, compared to prefrontal dopamine alone, explaining 10% of the variance. Taken together, these data, derived from a variety of manipulations and systems, demonstrate that optimal prefrontal dopamine signalling is linked with higher cognitive function. Our results provide insight into the fundamental dynamics of prefrontal dopamine, which could be useful for pharmacological interventions targeting prefrontal dopaminergic circuits, and into the pathophysiology of human brain disease.
Persistent symptoms among children and adolescents with and without anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: a population-based serological study in Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Dumont Roxane , Nehme Mayssam , Lorthe Elsa , de Mestral Carlos , Richard Viviane , Baysson Hélène , Pennacchio Francesco , Lamour Julien , Semaani Claire , Zaballa María-Eugenia , Pullen Nick , Perrin Anne , L’Huillier Arnaud G. , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Guessous Idris , Stringhini Silvia
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background

It is now established that a significant proportion of adults experience persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, evidence for children and adolescents is still inconclusive. In this population-based study, we examine the proportion of children and adolescents reporting persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as assessed by serological status, and compare this to a seronegative control group.

Methods

We conducted a serosurvey in June-July 2021, recruiting 660 children and adolescents from 391 households selected randomly from the Geneva population. We tested participants for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid (N) protein to determine previous infection. A parent filled a questionnaire including questions on COVID-19-related symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks.

Findings

Among children seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the sex- and age-adjusted prevalence of symptoms lasting longer than two weeks was 18.3%, compared to 11.1% among seronegative children (prevalence difference (ΔaPrev)=7.2%, 95%CI:1.5-13.0). Main symptoms declared among seropositive children were fatigue (11.5%) and headache (11.1%). For 8.6% (aPrev, 95%CI: 4.7-12.5) of seropositives, these symptoms were declared to be highly limiting of daily activities. Adolescents aged 12-17 years had a higher adjusted prevalence of persistent symptoms (aPrev=29.1%, 95%CI:19.4-38.7) than younger children. Comparing seropositive and seronegative adolescents, the estimated prevalence of symptoms lasting over four weeks is 4.4% (ΔaPrev, 95%CI:-3.8-13.6).

Interpretation

A significant proportion of children aged 12 to 17 years had symptoms lasting over two weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an estimated prevalence of symptoms lasting over 4 weeks of 4.4% in this age group. This represents a large number of adolescents in absolute terms, and should raise concern in the context of unknown long-term evolution of symptoms. Younger children appear to experience long-lasting symptoms less frequently, as no difference was observed between the seropositive and seronegative sample. Further studies with larger samples sizes are needed.

Funding

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Geneva General Directorate of Health, HUG Private Foundation, SSPH+, Fondation des Grangettes.
TIAToolbox: An End-to-End Toolbox for Advanced Tissue Image Analytics
Authors: Pocock Johnathan , Graham Simon , Vu Quoc Dang , Jahanifar Mostafa , Deshpande Srijay , Hadjigeorghiou Giorgos , Shephard Adam , Saad Bashir Raja Muhammad , Bilal Mohsin , Lu Wenqi , Epstein David , Minhas Fayyaz , Rajpoot Nasir M. , Ahmed Raza Shan E
Published: December 2021

Computational Pathology (CPath) has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by advanced deep learning (DL) algorithms. These algorithms typically share the same sequence of steps. However, due to the sheer size and complexity of handling large multi-gigapixel whole-slide images, there is no open-source software library that provides a generic end-to-end API for pathology image analysis using best practices for CPath. Most researchers have designed custom pipelines from the bottom-up, restricting the development of advanced CPath algorithms to specialist users. To help overcome this bottleneck, we present TIAToolbox, a Python toolbox designed to make CPath more accessible to new and advanced CPath scientists and pathologists alike. We provide a usable and adaptable library with efficient, cutting-edge and unit-tested tools for data loading, pre-processing, model inference, post-processing and visualization. This enables all kinds of users to easily build upon recent DL developments in the CPath literature. TIAToolbox provides a user-friendly modular API to enable seamless integration of advanced DL algorithms. We show with the help of examples how state-of-the-art DL algorithms can be streamlined using TIAToolbox.
A Population Genomic Assessment of Three Decades of Evolution in a Natural Drosophila Population
Authors: Lange Jeremy D. , Bastide Héloïse , Lack Justin B. , Pool John E.
Published: December 2021

Population genetics seeks to illuminate the forces shaping genetic variation, often based on a single snapshot of genomic variation. However, utilizing multiple sampling times to study changes in allele frequencies can help clarify the relative roles of neutral and non-neutral forces on short time scales. This study compares whole-genome sequence variation of recently collected natural population samples of Drosophila melanogaster against a collection made approximately 35 years prior from the same locality – encompassing roughly 500 generations of evolution. The allele frequency changes between these time points would suggest a relatively small local effective population size on the order of 10,000, significantly smaller than the global effective population size of the species. Some loci display stronger allele frequency changes than would be expected anywhere in the genome under neutrality – most notably the tandem paralogs Cyp6a17 and Cyp6a23, which are impacted by structural variation associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. We find a genome-wide excess of outliers for high genetic differentiation between old and new samples, but a larger number of adaptation targets may have affected SNP-level differentiation versus window differentiation. We also find evidence for strengthening latitudinal allele frequency clines: northern-associated alleles have increased in frequency by an average of nearly 2.5% at SNPs previously identified as clinal outliers, but no such pattern is observed at random SNPs. This project underscores the scientific potential of using multiple sampling time points to investigate how evolution operates in natural populations, by quantifying how genetic variation has changed over ecologically relevant timescales.
WITHDRAWN: The cardiac lncRNA Chantico directly regulatesCxcl1chemokine transcription
Authors: Hall Johnathon M. , Kainth Amoldeep S. , Rowton Megan J. , Lu Emery , Haddad Gabriela , Keplinger Amanda J. , Šćepanović Jelena , Perez-Cervantes Carlos , Chan Sunny S.K. , Piccirilli Joseph A. , Moskowitz Ivan P. , Ruthenburg Alexander J.
Published: December 2021

Withdrawal Statement

The corresponding author has withdrawn this preprint owing to inability to reproduce some of the data, instances of inappropriate data exclusion, and loss of much of the primary experimental records/data. Specifically, Figures 2B,E,H; 3; 4; 5A,B,D; 6; S2A,C; S4A; S5; and S6A,B and attendant text contain analyses for which the primary record and/or raw data no longer exist; the analyses, where still available, suffer from inappropriate data exclusion and thus should not be construed to be an accurate reflection of the experiments. Attempts by others in the lab to repeat several of the experiments in these indicated panels have failed reproduce the presented effects, despite showing much greater precision. Therefore the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
An early Cambrian polyp reveals an anemone-like ancestor for medusozoan cnidarians
Authors: Zhao Yang , Parry Luke A. , Vinther Jakob , Dunn Frances S. , Li Yu-jing , Wei Fan , Hou Xian-guang , Cong Pei-yun
Published: December 2021

Extant cnidarians are a disparate phylum of non-bilaterians and their diploblastic body plan represents a key step in animal evolution. Anthozoans (anemones, corals) are benthic polyps, while adult medusozoans (jellyfishes) are dominantly pelagic medusae. A sessile polyp is present in both groups and is widely conceived as the ancestral form of their last common ancestor. However, the nature and anatomy of this ancestral polyp, particularly of medusozoans, are controversial, owing to the divergent body plans of both groups in the extant lineages and the rarity of medusozoan soft tissues in the fossil record. Here we redescribe the enigmaticConicula striataLuo et Hu from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota, south China, which has previously been interpreted as a polyp, lophophorate or deuterostome. We show thatC. striatapossessed features of both anthozoans and medusozoans. Its stalked polyp and fully encasing conical, annulated organic skeleton (periderm) are features of medusozoans. However, the gut is partitioned by ∼28 mesenteries, and has a tubular pharynx, resembling anthozoans. Our phylogenetic analysis recoversC. striataas a stem medusozoan, indicating that the enormously diverse medusozoans were derived from an anemone-like ancestor, with the pharynx lost and number of mesenteries reduced prior to the origin of crown group Medusozoa.
Effect of electrolysis parameters on corrosion resistance of extra-low carbon high silicon iron-based alloy
Authors: Zhang Yue , Xiao Jun , Yang Shaoguang , Zhao Aimin
Published: December 2021

Purpose

High silicon iron-based alloys possess excellent corrosion resistance in certain specific media, but the effects of electrolysis parameters on corrosion resistance remain unknown. This study aims to guide the development and application of an extra-low carbon high silicon iron-based alloy (ECHSIA) in electrode plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion resistance of ECHSIA and a conventional high-silicon cast iron (CHSCI) was analyzed through experimental characterizations. The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of electrolysis parameters on the corrosion resistance of ECHSIA was investigated through corrosion experiments. The relationship between the electrolysis parameters and the corrosion resistance of ECHSIA was statistically investigated using the grey correlation analysis method.

Findings

The corrosion resistance of the ECHSIA is better than that of the CHSCI. The corrosion rate showed an increasing tendency with the increase in the nitric acid concentration (CHNO3), electrolyte temperature and current density. The grey correlation analysis results showed that the CHNO3 was the main factor affecting the corrosion rate of the ECHSIA.

Originality/value

An ECHSIA with a single ferrite microstructure was prepared. This study provides a guideline for the future development and application of ECHSIAs as electrode plates.
Marketing and family-related factors affecting food label use: the mediating role of consumer knowledge
Authors: Van der Merwe Daleen , de Beer Hanli , Nel Marli , Ellis Susanna M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the influence of marketing- and family-related factors on consumers' in-store usage of different types of food label information. Furthermore, the authors determined the mediating role of consumers' knowledge about healthy foods between these factors and their label consultation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey among 223 purposively selected South African working female consumers via social media. Subjective and objective knowledge about healthy foods, the importance of marketing- and family-related factors and the extent of food label usage were determined. Structural equation modelling served to test the mediating effect of knowledge in the relationship of the marketing and family-related factors with food label usage.

Findings

Marketing-related factors demonstrated a strong direct effect on food label usage. Subjective knowledge about healthy foods mediated the relationship between family members' dietary needs and food label usage. However, objective knowledge was not a mediator.

Practical implications

Respondents' firm reliance on marketing-related factors (instead of knowledge) during food label usage is not in the best interest of consumers' healthy food choices. Healthy food choices based on factual knowledge rather than marketing efforts are necessary to establish long-term healthy food habits, hence the need for retailers' response in supplying healthier food options. Role players in consumer education should focus on increasing consumers' healthy food knowledge.

Originality/value

In the context of rising awareness of public health concerns, healthy food choice among consumers is essential. This study contributes to the complexity of consumers' need to make healthy food choices within an economic-driven marketing environment.
Determining the main criteria for selecting appropriate methods for repair and maintenance of commercial real estate in Iran
Authors: Sarvari Hadi , Chan Daniel W.M. , Sahib Abeer Imad , Jayasena Nimesha Sahani , Rakhshanifar Mansooreh , Al-Gburi Ghufran
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The average lifetime of a building in Iran is only one-quarter of the reported global average lifespan. A major reason why buildings in Iran have shorter service life is attributed to the inappropriate selection of the facility repair and maintenance (R&M) methods. Hence, selecting the appropriate R&M methods is critical in upholding or even extending the lifespan of the building. The purpose of this paper is to determine the main criteria for selecting the suitable R&M methods of commercial real estate (CRE) in Iran as a major challenge encountered by the Iranian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The total number of identified criteria (related to the selection of the suitable R&M methods) is 16, which is divided into five clusters (referred as main criteria in this study): human resources; flexibility and technical capability; safety and risk; cost of maintenance; and facilities and technology. To analyze the identified criteria, the expert opinions were collected through both face-to-face interviews and distribution of Delphi survey questionnaires. A total of 12 industrial experts in the construction industry were invited to participate in a Delphi survey to solicit their perceptions and opinions on the identified criteria in this research.

Findings

The findings indicated that, among the five main criteria, the cost of maintenance is the most important criteria for selecting appropriate R&M methods of CRE in Iran. In addition, the criterion of facilities and technology was recognized as the least important among the main criteria.

Originality/value

The research, significantly, justified the configuration of non-compliance with the practice and its deliverables and developed a diagnostic study on the grounds of failure in the Iranian construction industry regarding the issues which are threatening the expected and desirable outcomes. The research achievements and suggested effective recommendations can serve as a useful policy and consultative instrument for the relevant stakeholders in the construction industry engaged in building R&M work.
Product intellectualization ecosystem: a framework through grounded theory and case analysis
Authors: Dong Xiaosong , Cao Wenli , Bao Yeqing
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper provides the strategic direction and coordination mechanism selection for the intelligent transformation of manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is developed through grounded theory and case analysis.

Findings

Collaboration value is the building block of the intelligent product ecosystem. The ecosystem is upgraded via a path of product coordination, platform coordination and network coordination.

Practical implications

This paper provides a framework for enterprises to build an intelligent product ecosystem.

Originality/value

The proposed intelligent product ecosystem framework is new to the literature and lays down a fruitful avenue for future research.
From offline shopping to online shopping in Nigeria: evidence from African emerging economy
Authors: Oloveze Ambrose Ogbonna , Ogbonna Chinweike , Ahaiwe Emmanuel , Ugwu Paschal Anayochukwu
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The study builds on studies in online shopping. Existing studies in online shopping proved that it is an attraction to shoppers. In Nigeria's emerging economy the increasing Internet penetration does not equate with intention to use online shopping because it is not really used by users for online shopping. Consumers are considering it unattractive because of serious concerns that border on product quality of online shops and poor know-how on e-tech. The study sought to explore factors that could mitigate challenges to successful online shopping in Nigeria's emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey method was used to sample 246 respondents. Measurement items were adapted from related literature. Confirmatory factor analysis and content validity were used to check the reliability and validity. A set of fit indices were used to check the goodness of fit. Data was analysed using structural equation model.

Findings

Results indicate direct effects of consumer attitude, perceived usefulness and social influence on intention to use online shopping with consumer attitude shown to have a greater degree of importance towards intention to use online shopping. Thus, consumers' attitude of browsing online and going offline for purchases is dependent on attitude of like or dislike. Perceived ease of use, social influence and perceived usefulness had an indirect positive effect on consumer attitude to intention to use online shopping. Social influence is indicated to have a direct positive effect on perceived ease of use. Also perceived ease of use had a positive and direct effect on perceived usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is not large enough and the use of snowball sampling limits representativeness.

Practical implications

The study indicated vital factors African emerging economies like Nigeria can use to improve consumer confidence towards intention to use online shopping and drive cashless policies. Several studies have missed the indirect effect of referents (social influence) on adoption of technology. The study proved that it can produce indirect effect as well as direct effect on intention to use online shopping.

Originality/value

Several studies have missed the indirect effect of referents (social influence) on adoption of technology. The study proved that it can produce indirect effect as well as direct effect on online shopping.
Stock market development: a reflection of governance regulatory framework in Nigeria
Authors: Fagbemi Fisayo , Adeosun Opeoluwa Adeniyi , Bello Kehinde Mary
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The article examines the possible long-run and short-run impact of regulatory quality on stock market performance in Nigeria for 1996–2019 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test and cointegrating regression techniques.

Findings

Findings reveal that regulatory quality positively and significantly influences the performance of stock market, which strengthens the view that market-enhancing governance can engender an improvement in stock market performance. The study further demonstrates that quality of the regulatory environment is a critical component of market operations, since the improvement of the operation of stock market performance depends on appropriate policy measures, which could be the outcome of improved governance.

Practical implications

It is suggested that, while improving the institutional environment is a challenge to regulators, there is need for strong and effective regulatory mechanism to enhance the development of stock market in the country.

Originality/value

Based on the two competing hypotheses and limited attention, previous studies accorded the role of regulatory quality in the performance of stock market in the context of Nigeria. This study assessed the gap in the literature by taking the task of validating the impact of regulatory quality on stock market development.
A worldwide quantitative review of the iSchools' archival education
Authors: Li King Kwan , Chiu Dickson K.W.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Archival studies have long been a critical part of information education around the world. This paper attempts to provide a worldwide overview of archival education among main information schools worldwide and find out their similarity and differences to suggest measures for the development of archival education.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research is conducted including ten elements of the iSchools' archival education which are (1) geographical distribution, (2) names of degrees, (3) names of concentration/specialization, (4) names of academic units offering the programs, (5) levels of academic units offering the programs, (6) study mode, (7) credit requirement for program completion, (8) percentage of required credits, (9) capstone requirements and (10) other accreditations. Programs among different regions are compared.

Findings

The study found that 43 out of 96 iSchool members from 13 countries/regions offer a total of 45 master's level archival education, and most of them are from North America. Both similarities and differences among the schools are identified and discussed.

Practical implications

This study’s findings suggest that iSchools may explore the possibility of organizing more conferences and forums to exchange ideas on archival studies and education issues. The iSchool community could contribute to this traditional field by attracting more members worldwide and cooperating with other accreditation organizations of archival education.

Originality/value

Most research on archival education focuses on just regional or country-based issues, and scant research explores a global view.
Consumers’ perception on artificial intelligence applications in marketing communication
Authors: Chen Huan , Chan-Olmsted Slyvia , Kim Julia , Mayor Sanabria Irene
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine consumers’ perception of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI marketing communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data and phenomenological reduction was used to analyze data.

Findings

Findings suggest that consumers’ interpretation of AI is multidimensional and relational with a focus on functionality and emotion, as well as comparison and contrast between AI and human beings; consumers’ perception of voice-assisted AI centers on the aspects of function, communication, adaptation, relationship and privacy; consumers consider AI marketing communication to be unavoidable and generally acceptable; and consumers believe that AI marketing communication to be limited in its effect on influencing their evaluation of products/brands or shaping their consumptive behaviors.

Originality/value

According to the authors' knowledge, this study is the first research project to gauge consumers' perception on AI and AI marketing communication.
Bulldog decision
Authors: Cyphers Travis Lee , Apodaca Julianne Renee
Published: December 2021

Theoretical basis

The theoretical basis for this case is a focus on ethical decision-making based upon a decision-making tree proposed by Bagley et al. (2003). Once multiple options are determined as ethical, integrating authentic leadership into the decision-making process can help leaders made difficult decisions.

Research methodology

The authors conducted extensive research through IBISWorld, EBSCOhost, and academic journals to review ethical decision-making and authentic leadership. The authors successfully piloted the case with over 100 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in leadership courses.

Case overview/synopsis

The case describes an ethical decision a young commanding officer must make. A soldier under their leadership has been charged with an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The officer must decide between two actions that are legal within the military justice system. Each decision has ramifications that will significantly affect the organization.

Complexity academic level

The case is best taught in undergraduate and graduate leadership courses. Course participants do not need a detailed understanding of military leadership or military law to apply fundamental concepts.
Research Note: Signal‐to‐noise ratio computation for challenging land single‐sensor seismic data
Authors: Bakulin Andrey , Silvestrov Ilya , Protasov Maxim
Published: December 2021

This study explores practical methods of estimating the signal‐to‐noise ratio of challenging seismic data containing a signal too small to be identified visually, as often occurring in a desert environment with single‐sensor surveys. As a result, the estimation can only be performed using an ensemble of traces. We compare several data‐driven estimation approaches and reveal their practical limits using a controlled experiment. We identify a stacking‐based method as the most robust with the broadest range of applicability. We relate the number of traces in the ensemble to the lowest reliably estimated absolute signal‐to‐noise ratio possible with this method using such an ensemble. We support the findings using synthetic and single‐sensor field data with low signal‐to‐noise ratios down to ‐60 dB. The proposed methodology allows reliable data‐driven estimation of very low absolute signal‐to‐noise ratios directly from pre‐stack seismic data.
How does anisotropy of focal region change structure of moment tensors?
Authors: Diner Çağrı
Published: December 2021

The invariants of the moment tensor such as its norm, eigenvalues and trace are closely related to the physical properties of the seismic source and the focal region, for example, seismic moment, radiation pattern, non‐double‐couple components. In this study, we investigate the relationship between these invariants and the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the transversely isotropic elasticity tensor of the focal region. More specifically, we study how these invariants change as the source orientations vary with respect to the symmetry axes of the transversely isotropic elasticity tensor, by plotting these invariants on the stereographic net. Fortunately, one can plot them since they are independent of the strike of the fault when the focal region is a vertical transversely isotropic medium . Eigenvalues of the elasticity tensor control the invariants of the moment tensor; for instance, the ratio of the maximum and minimum norms achieved for some orientations of source is equal to the ratio of the two specific eigenvalues of the elasticity tensor. Moreover, the separation of the eigenvectors of the moment tensor from the eigenvectors of the source tensor is related to the deviation of the eigenvalues of the transversely isotropic elasticity tensor from the eigenvalues of the closest isotropic elasticity tensor. It is also found that this deviation is responsible for the percentages of non‐double‐couple components of the resulting moment tensor. This linear algebra point of view makes it easier to understand why and how the structure of the moment tensor changes for different orientations of sources.
Why Offences Specific to Prostitution are Unjustified
Authors: Pundik Amit
Published: December 2021

The criminalisation of prostitution takes various forms: some offences target sex‐workers, others are aimed at third‐parties (pimps or advertisers) or criminalise clients for consumption. I argue that existing theories cannot justify any offences specific to prostitution; hence, either current prostitution‐specific offences should be extended to other types of sexual relations or the criminalisation of prostitution should be abolished. I propose a ‘continuum’ of different scenarios in which consideration, either monetary or in‐kind, was necessary for sexual relations to take place – from street prostitution to marriage solely based on financial interests. The absence of variables found in prostitution from the other scenarios on the continuum does not impinge on the normative flaw that existing theories attribute to prostitution. Consequently, even if existing theories can justify the criminalisation of prostitution, they cannot justify prostitution‐specific offences because the same justification would over‐inclusively apply to forms of sexual relations whose criminalisation is commonly regarded as unjustified.
Bioactive compounds in lettuce: Highlighting the benefits to human health and impacts of preharvest and postharvest practices
Authors: Yang Xiao , Gil María I. , Yang Qichang , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A.
Published: December 2021

Lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetables worldwide and is available throughout the entire year. Lettuce is also a significant source of natural phytochemicals. These compounds, including glycosylated flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, the vitamin B groups, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, and sesquiterpene lactones, are essential nutritional bioactive compounds. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the composition of health‐promoting compounds in different types of lettuce, the potential health benefits of lettuce in reducing the risks of chronic diseases, and the effect of preharvest and postharvest practices on the biosynthesis and accumulation of health‐promoting compounds in lettuce.