bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missense variants in human ACE2 modify binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike
Authors: MacGowan Stuart A. , Barton Michael I. , Kutuzov Mikhail , Dushek Omer , van der Merwe P. Anton , Barton Geoffrey J.
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection begins with the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (Spike) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). To explore whether population variants in ACE2 might influence Spike binding and hence infection, we selected 10 ACE2 variants based on affinity predictions and prevalence in gnomAD and measured their affinities for Spike receptor binding domain through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We discovered variants that enhance and reduce binding, including two variants with distinct population distributions that enhanced affinity for Spike. ACE2 p.Ser19Pro (ΔΔG = ± 0.59 0.08 kcal mol−1) is often seen in the gnomAD African cohort (AF = 0.003) whilst p.Lys26Arg (ΔΔG = 0.26 0.09 kcal mol−1) is predominant in the Ashkenazi Jewish (AF = 0.01) and European non-Finnish (AF = 0.006) cohorts. Carriers of these alleles may be more susceptible to infection or severe disease and these variants may influence the global epidemiology of Covid-19. We also identified three rare ACE2 variants that strongly inhibited (p.Glu37Lys, ΔΔG = −1.33 ± 0.15 kcal mol−1 and p.Gly352Val, predicted ΔΔG = −1.17 kcal mol−1) or abolished (p.Asp355Asn) Spike binding. These variants may confer resistance to infection. Finally, we calibrated the mCSM-PPI2 ΔΔG prediction algorithm against our SPR data, give new predictions for all possible ACE2 missense variants at the Spike interface and estimate the overall burden of ACE2 variants on Covid-19 phenotypes.
Probenecid Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Murray Jackelyn , Hogan Robert J. , Martin David E. , Blahunka Kathy , Sancillo Fred , Balyan Rajiv , Lovern Mark , Still Richard , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: May 2021

Effective vaccines are slowing the COVID-19 pandemic, but SARS-CoV-2 will likely remain an issue in the future making it important to have therapeutics to treat patients. There are few options for treating patients with COVID-19. We show probenecid potently blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication in mammalian cells and virus replication in a hamster model. Furthermore, we demonstrate that plasma concentrations up to 50-fold higher than the protein binding adjusted IC90 value are achievable for 24h following a single oral dose. These data support the potential clinical utility of probenecid to control SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans.
A genetic switch for male UV-iridescence in an incipient species pair of sulphur butterflies
Authors: Ficarrotta Vincent , Hanly Joseph J. , Loh Ling S. , Francescutti Caroline M. , Ren Anna , Tunström Kalle , Wheat Christopher W. , Porter Adam H. , Counterman Brian A. , Martin Arnaud
Published: May 2021

Mating cues evolve rapidly and can contribute to species formation and maintenance. However, little is known about how sexual signals diverge and how this variation integrates with other barrier loci to shape the genomic landscape of reproductive isolation. Here, we elucidate the genetic basis of UV iridescence, a courtship signal that differentiates the males ofColias eurythemebutterflies from a sister species, allowing females to avoid costly heterospecific matings. Anthropogenic range expansion of the two incipient species established a large zone of secondary contact across the eastern US with strong signatures of genomic admixtures spanning all autosomes. In contrast, Z chromosomes are highly differentiated between the two species, supporting a disproportionate role of sex chromosomes in speciation known as the large-X (or large-Z) effect. Within this chromosome-wide reproductive barrier, linkage mapping indicates thatcis-regulatory variation ofbric a brac(bab) underlies the male UV-iridescence polymorphism between the two species. Bab is expressed in all non-UV scales, and butterflies of either species or sex acquire widespread ectopic iridescence following its CRISPR knock-out, demonstrating that Bab functions as a suppressor of UV-scale differentiation that potentiates mating cue divergence. These results highlight how a genetic switch can regulate a premating signal and integrate with other reproductive barriers during intermediate phases of speciation.

Significance statement

Incipient species are at an intermediate stage of speciation where reproductive isolation is counteracted by the homogenizing effects of gene flow. Human activity sometimes leads such species to reunite, as seen in the Orange Sulphur butterfly, which forms large hybridizing populations with the Clouded Sulphur in alfalfa fields. Here we show that the sex chromosome maintains these species as distinct, while the rest of their genome is admixed. Sex chromosomes notably determine which males display to females a bright, iridescent ultraviolet signal on their wings. Genetic mapping, antibody stainings, and CRISPR knock-outs collectively indicate that the genebric a braccontrols whether UV-iridescent nanostructures develop in each species, elucidating how a master switch gene modulates a male courtship signal.
Rapid evolution of seed dormancy during sunflower de-domestication
Authors: Hernández Fernando , Vercellino Roman B. , Pandolfo Claudio , Mandel Jennifer R. , Presotto Alejandro
Published: May 2021

Hybridization between crops and their wild relatives may promote the evolution of de-domesticated (feral) weeds. Wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is typically found in ruderal environments, but crop-wild hybridization may facilitate the evolution of weedy populations. Using one crop-specific mitochondrial marker (CMS-PET1) and 14 nuclear SSR markers, we studied the origin and genetic diversity of a recently discovered weedy population of sunflower (named BRW). Then, using a resurrection approach, we tested for rapid evolution of weedy traits (seed dormancy, herbicide resistance, and competitive ability) by sampling weedy and wild populations 10 years apart (2007 and 2017). All the weedy plants present the CMS-PET1 cytotype, confirming their feral origin. At the nuclear markers, BRW showed higher genetic diversity than the cultivated lines and low differentiation with one wild population, suggesting that wild hybridization increased their genetic diversity. We found support for rapid evolution towards higher seed dormancy, but not for higher competitive ability or herbicide resistance. Our results highlight the importance of seed dormancy during the earliest stages of adaptation and show that crop-wild hybrids can evolve quickly in agricultural environments.
Impact of Type II LRRK2 inhibitors on signalling and mitophagy
Authors: Tasegian Anna , Singh Francois , Ganley Ian G , Reith Alastair D , Alessi Dario R
Published: May 2021

Much effort has been devoted to the development of selective inhibitors of the LRRK2 as a potential treatment for LRRK2 driven Parkinson’s disease. In this study we first compare the properties of Type I (GSK3357679A and MLi-2) and Type II (GZD-824, Rebastinib and Ponatinib) kinase inhibitors that bind to the closed or open conformations of the LRRK2 kinase domain, respectively. We show that Type I and Type II inhibitors suppress phosphorylation of Rab10 and Rab12, key physiological substrates of LRRK2 and also promote mitophagy, a process suppressed by LRRK2. Type II inhibitors also display higher potency towards wild type LRRK2 compared to pathogenic mutants. Unexpectedly, we find that Type II inhibitors, in contrast to Type I compounds, fail to induce dephosphorylation of a set of well-studied LRRK2 biomarker phosphorylation sites at the N-terminal region of LRRK2, including Ser935. These findings emphasize that the biomarker phosphorylation sites on LRRK2 are likely reporting on the open vs closed conformation of LRRK2 kinase and that only inhibitors which stabilize the closed conformation induce dephosphorylation of these biomarker sites. Finally, we demonstrate that the LRRK2[A2016T] mutant which is resistant to MLi-2 Type 1 inhibitor, also induces resistance to GZD-824 and Rebastinib suggesting this mutation could be exploited to distinguish off target effects of Type II inhibitors. Our observations provide a framework of knowledge to aide with the development of more selective Type II LRRK2 inhibitors.
DJ-1 depletion slows down immunoaging in T-cell compartments
Authors: Zeng Ni , Capelle Christophe , Baron Alexandre , Cire Severine , Leonard Cathy , Coowar Djalil , Koseki Haruhiko , Westendorf Astrid M. , Buer Jan , Brenner Dirk , Krüger Rejko , Balling Rudi , Ollert Markus , Hefeng Feng Q.
Published: May 2021

Decline in immune function during aging increases susceptibility to different aging related diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms, especially the genetic factors contributing to imbalance of naïve/memory T-cell subpopulations, still remain largely elusive. Here we show that loss of DJ-1 encoded by PARK7/DJ-1, causing early-onset familial Parkinson’s disease (PD), unexpectedly delayed immunoaging in both human and mice. Compared with two gender-matched unaffected sibling carriers of similar ages, the index PD patient with DJ-1 deficiency showed a decline in many critical immunoaging features, including almost doubled frequencies of non-senescent T cells. The observation of a ‘younger’ immune system in the index patient was further consolidated by the results in aged DJ-1 knockout mice. Our data from bone marrow chimera models and adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that DJ-1 regulates several immunoaging features via hematopoietic-intrinsic and naïve-CD8-intrinsic mechanisms. Our finding suggests an unrecognized critical role of DJ-1 in regulating immunoaging, discovering a potent target to interfere with immunoaging- and aging-associated diseases.
Granger-causal inference of the lamellipodial actin regulator hierarchy by live cell imaging without perturbation
Authors: Noh Jungsik , Isogai Tadamoto , Chi Joseph , Bhatt Kushal , Danuser Gaudenz
Published: May 2021

Many cell regulatory systems implicate nonlinearity and redundancy among components. The regulatory network governing lamellipodial and lamellar actin structures is prototypical of such a system, containing tens of actin-nucleating and -modulating molecules with functional overlap and feedback loops. Due to instantaneous and long-term compensation, phenotyping the system response to perturbation provides limited information on the roles the targeted component plays in the unperturbed system. Accordingly, how individual actin regulators contribute to lamellipodial dynamics remains ambiguous. Here, we present a perturbation-free reconstruction of cause-effect relations among actin regulators by applying Granger-causal inference to constitutive image fluctuations that indicate regulator recruitment as a proxy for activity. Our analysis identifies distinct zones of actin regulator activation and of causal effects on filament assembly and delineates actin-dependent and actin-independent regulator roles in controlling edge motion. We propose that edge motion is driven by assembly of two independently operating actin filament systems. A record of this paper’s Transparent Peer Review process is included in the Supplemental Information.
Syn3 Gene Knockout Negatively Impacts Aspects of Reversal Learning Performance
Authors: Moore Alyssa , Linden Jérôme , Jentsch James D.
Published: May 2021

Behavioral flexibility enables the ability to adaptively respond to changes in contingency requirements to maintain access to desired outcomes, and deficits in behavioral flexibility have been documented in many psychiatric disorders. Previous research has shown a correlation between behavioral flexibility measured in a reversal learning test and Syn3, the gene encoding synapsin III, which negatively regulates phasic dopamine release. Syn3 expression in the hippocampus, striatum, and neocortex is reported to be negatively correlated with reversal learning performance, so here, we utilized a global knockout line to investigate reversal learning in mice homozygous wildtype, heterozygous null, and homozygous null for the Syn3 gene. Compared to wildtype animals, we found a reversal specific effect of genetic Syn3 deficiency that resulted in a greater proportional increase in trials required to reach a preset performance criteria during contingency reversal, despite no observed genotype effects on the ability to acquire the initial discrimination. Behavioral flexibility scores, which quantified the likelihood of switching subsequent choice behavior following positive or negative feedback, became significantly more negative in reversal only for Syn3 homozygous null mice, suggesting a substantial increase in perseverative behavior in the reversal phase. Syn3 ablation reduced the number of anticipatory responses made per trial, often interpreted as a measure of waiting impulsivity. Overall, Syn3 expression negatively affected behavioral flexibility in a reversal specific manner but may have reduced waiting impulsivity.
Comparison of the neuraminidase antigenicity in recently circulating influenza A and vaccine viruses
Authors: Gao Jin , Li Xing , Wan Hongquan , Ye Zhiping , Daniels Robert
Published: May 2021

Neuraminidase (NA or N) antigens in circulating influenza viruses are not extensively evaluated for vaccine strain selection like hemagglutinin (HA or H) even though viral-based influenza vaccines include the recommended strain NA in varying amounts. As NA can also elicit a protective response, we assessed the antigenic similarity of the NAs from human H1N1 and H3N2 viruses that were prevalent between September 2019 to December 2020 to NAs from several recently recommended vaccine strains. To eliminate the dependence on isolates, the enzyme-linked lectin assay for analyzing NA antigenicity was performed with reverse genetic viruses carrying the same HA. Our results show that ferret antisera against NAs from the recommended H1N1 and H3N2 vaccine strains for the 2020-21 northern hemisphere influenza season recognize and inhibit the most prevalent circulating N1s and N2s, suggesting the NAs from the influenza A vaccine and circulating strains are antigenically similar. Comparisons of the recent N2s also revealed a bias in the reactivity of NA antisera from the egg and cell-based H3N2 vaccine strains due to a C-terminal substitution, indicating the C-terminus can influence N2 antigenicity and should receive consideration during the H3N2 strain selection.
High-Throughput Measurement of Metastable DNA Secondary Structures using Multiplexed Low-Yield Bisulfite Sequencing (MLB-seq)
Authors: Li Jiaming , Bae Jin H. , Yordanov Boyan , Wang Michael X. , Phillips Andrew , Zhang David Yu
Published: May 2021

Predicting DNA secondary structures is critical to a broad range of applications involving single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), yet remains an open problem. Existing prediction models are limited by insufficient experimental data, due to a lack of high-throughput methods to study DNA structures, in contrast to RNA structures. Here, we present a method for profiling DNA secondary structures using multiplexed low-yield bisulfite sequencing (MLB-seq), which examines the chemical accessibility of cytosines in thousands of different oligonucleotides. By establishing a probability-based model to evaluate the consensus probability between MLB-seq data and structures proposed using NUPACK software, we identified the secondary structures of individual ssDNA molecules and estimated the distribution of multiple secondary structures in solution. We studied the structures of 1,057 human genome subsequences and experimentally confirmed that 84% adopted two or more structures. MLB-seq thus enables high-throughput ssDNA structure profiling and will benefit the design of probes, primers, aptamers, and genetic regulators.
Multiview super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Wu Yicong , Han Xiaofei , Su Yijun , Glidewell Melissa , Daniels Jonathan S. , Liu Jiamin , Sengupta Titas , Rey-Suarez Ivan , Fischer Robert , Patel Akshay , Combs Christian , Sun Junhui , Wu Xufeng , Christensen Ryan , Smith Corey , Bao Lingyu , Sun Yilun , Duncan Leighton H. , Chen Jiji , Pommier Yves , Shi Yun-Bo , Murphy Elizabeth , Roy Sougata , Upadhyaya Arpita , Colón-Ramos Daniel , La Riviere Patrick , Shroff Hari
Published: May 2021

We enhance the performance of confocal microscopy over imaging scales spanning tens of nanometers to millimeters in space and milliseconds to hours in time, improving volumetric resolution more than 10-fold while simultaneously reducing phototoxicity. We achieve these gains via an integrated, four-pronged approach: 1) developing compact line-scanners that enable sensitive, rapid, diffraction-limited imaging over large areas; 2) combining line-scanning with multiview imaging, developing reconstruction algorithms that improve resolution isotropy and recover signal otherwise lost to scattering; 3) adapting techniques from structured illumination microscopy, achieving super-resolution imaging in densely labeled, thick samples; 4) synergizing deep learning with these advances, further improving imaging speed, resolution and duration. We demonstrate these capabilities on more than twenty distinct fixed and live samples, including protein distributions in single cells; nuclei and developing neurons inCaenorhabditis elegansembryos, larvae, and adults; myoblasts inDrosophilawing imaginal disks; and mouse renal, esophageal, cardiac, and brain tissues.
PRDM proteins control Wnt/β-catenin activity to regulate craniofacial chondrocyte differentiation
Authors: Shull Lomeli C. , Kim Hyun Min , Lencer Ezra S. , Goyama Susumu , Kurokawa Mineo , Costello James C. , Jones Kenneth , Artinger Kristin B.
Published: May 2021

Cranial neural crest (NCC)-derived chondrocyte precursors undergo a dynamic differentiation and maturation process to establish a scaffold for subsequent bone formation, alterations in which contribute to congenital birth defects. Here, we demonstrate that transcription factor and histone methyltransferase proteins Prdm3 and Prdm16 control the differentiation switch of cranial NCCs to craniofacial cartilage. Loss of either results in hypoplastic and unorganized chondrocytes due to impaired cellular orientation and polarity. We show that PRDMs regulate cartilage differentiation by controlling the timing of Wnt/β-catenin activity in strikingly different ways: prdm3 represses while prdm16 activates global gene expression, though both by regulating Wnt enhanceosome activity and chromatin accessibility. Finally, we show that manipulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pharmacologically or generating prdm3-/-;prdm16-/- double mutants rescues craniofacial cartilage defects. Our findings reveal upstream regulatory roles for Prdm3 and Prdm16 in cranial NCCs to control Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity during chondrocyte differentiation to ensure proper development of the craniofacial skeleton.

Highlights

Prdm3 and Prdm16 are required for chondrocyte organization in vertebrate craniofacial cartilage

Loss of Prdm3 and Prdm16 alters expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling components

Prdm3 and Prdm16 oppositely control global chromatin accessibility

Prdm3 and Prdm16 cartilage defects can be rescued pharmacologically or genetically
Plant pathogenic bacterium can rapidly evolve tolerance to an antimicrobial plant allelochemical
Authors: Alderley Carrie Louise , Edwards Greenrod Samuel Terrence , Friman Ville-Petri
Published: May 2021

Crop losses to plant pathogens are a growing threat to global food security and more effective control strategies are urgently required. Biofumigation, an agricultural technique where Brassica plant tissues are mulched into soils to release antimicrobial plant allelochemicals called isothiocyanates (ITCs), has been proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to agrochemicals. While biofumigation has been shown to suppress a range of plant pathogens, its effects on plant pathogenic bacteria remain largely unexplored. Here we used a laboratory model system to compare the efficacy of different types of ITCs against Ralstonia solanacearum plant bacterial pathogen. Additionally, we evaluated the potential for ITC-tolerance evolution under high, intermediate and low transfer frequency ITC exposure treatments. We found that allyl-ITC was the most efficient compound at suppressing R. solanacearum growth, and its efficacy was not improved when combined with other types of ITCs. Despite consistent pathogen growth suppression, ITC tolerance evolution was observed in the low transfer frequency exposure treatment, leading to cross-tolerance to ampicillin beta-lactam antibiotic. Mechanistically, tolerance was linked to insertion sequence movement at four positions in genes that were potentially associated with stress responses (H-NS histone like protein), cell growth and competitiveness (acyltransferase), iron storage ((2-Fe-2S)-binding protein) and calcium ion sequestration (calcium-binding protein). Interestingly, pathogen adaptation to the growth media also indirectly selected for increased ITC tolerance through potential adaptations linked with metabolism and antibiotic resistance (dehydrogenase-like protein) and transmembrane protein movement (Tat pathway signal protein). Together, our results suggest that R. solanacearum can rapidly evolve tolerance to allyl-ITC plant allelochemical which could constrain the long-term efficiency of biofumigation biocontrol and potentially shape pathogen evolution with plants.
Multi-modal adaptor-clathrin contacts drive coated vesicle assembly
Authors: Smith Sarah M. , Larocque Gabrielle , Wood Katherine M. , Morris Kyle L. , Roseman Alan M. , Sessions Richard B. , Royle Stephen J. , Smith Corinne J.
Published: May 2021

Clathrin-coated pits are formed by the recognition of membrane and cargo by the heterotetrameric AP2 complex and the subsequent recruitment of clathrin triskelia. A potential role for AP2 in coated-pit assembly beyond initial clathrin recruitment has not been explored. Clathrin binds the β2 subunit of AP2, and several binding sites on β2 and on the clathrin heavy chain have been identified, but our structural knowledge of these interactions is incomplete and their functional importance during endocytosis is unclear. Here, we analysed the cryo-EM structure of clathrin cages assembled in the presence of β2 hinge and appendage (β2HA) domains. We find that the β2-appendage binds in at least two positions in the cage, demonstrating that multi-modal binding is a fundamental property of clathrin-AP2 interactions. In one position, β2-appendage cross-links two adjacent terminal domains from different triskelia below the vertex. Functional analysis of β2HA-clathrin interactions reveals that endocytosis requires two clathrin interaction sites: a clathrin-box motif on the hinge and the “sandwich site” on the appendage, with the appendage “platform site” having less importance. From these studies and the work of others, we propose that β2-appendage binding to more than one clathrin triskelion is a key feature of the system and likely explains why clathrin assembly is driven by AP2.
Building information modelling (BIM) penetration in quantity surveying (QS) practice
Authors: Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Lee Jane Jia Suen , Chong Heap-Yih , Akanmu Abiola Abosede
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study investigates building information modelling (BIM) penetration in quantity surveying (QS) practice by examining the significance attached to the benefits and barriers of BIM adoption, BIM capabilities and future directions of BIM in QS processes. A popular opinion amongst construction researchers is that BIM has the capacity to revolutionize the industry. The study draws-out information in the literature regarding discipline-specific penetration of BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

Snowball sampling method was used to obtain information through a survey questionnaire. A total of 73 participants, largely quantity surveyors in Western Australia, took part in the study. Reductionist methodology was used to identify key variables of QS-BIM competencies that are most significant statistically.

Findings

BIM does not impose additional difficulties to traditional QS processes. Adherence to standard method of measurement and limited market demand do not hinder BIM deployment significantly. Quantity surveyors are able to use BIM to support their professional services once definitive design models are involved. In addition, the study identifies BIM penetration barriers to include constraints caused by centralised database management and interoperability issues, limitations imposed by market drivers, lack of in-house expertise to manage modelling needs and limited capability in software management.

Practical implications

Future opportunities for skill development are in the areas noted in the findings. Whilst many studies have reported resistance and widespread scepticism amongst some construction disciplines regarding BIM adoption, this study finds BIM penetration in QS practice is considerable, a direction that could trigger further novel innovations.

Originality/value

The methodology reported in the study is novel. In addition, findings from the study inspires other discipline-specific studies to articulate their BIM-penetration trends so that t broad areas of construction can develop a balanced strategy around BIM and innovation development.
Towards dynamic processes-of-business processes: a new understanding
Authors: Cagnin Maria Istela , Nakagawa Elisa Yumi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of this work is to overcome the difficulty to manage large, dynamic business processes formed from the complicated interplay of business processes of distinct organizations, which take part of strategic alliances of organizations (joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions) and have their software systems as part of complex, large software-intensive systems called Systems of Systems (SoS). Hence, the authors introduce the novel concept of Processes-of-Business Processes (PoP), deepening on their characteristics and related key terms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the systematically retrieved and analyzed literature and on the authors’ experience from research/industrial projects, the authors defined PoP and have applied them in the Brazilian public health SoS, which involve several organizations and their business processes and their independent software systems as well.

Findings

Provided by PoP, a new understanding of the large, dynamic business processes of alliances of organizations is fundamental to advance both the state of the art and the state of the practice on business process management.

Research limitations/implications

The adoption of PoP in other real-world scenarios is still required to get quantitative evidence.

Practical implications

The adoption of PoP can certainly contribute to the success of new businesses and even promoting sustainability and longevity of SoS, which are in fact deeply impacted by business processes.

Originality/value

The concept of PoP can change the mindset of the research community and practitioners about how large, dynamic business processes should be seen and further managed.
Impact of Chinese firms’ political connections on EVA performance: the moderating roles of connection heterogeneity and product diversification
Authors: He Xiaoming , Chen Ao
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of a firm’s political connections on its economic value added (EVA) performance while treating connection heterogeneity and product diversification as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 1,143 Chinese manufacturing listed firms in China’s A-share market from 2012 to 2017, this study conducted panel data analysis to investigate proposed relationships.

Findings

The findings provide evidence that political connections promote EVA performance of enterprises and both connection heterogeneity and product diversification negatively moderate the political connections – EVA performance relationship.

Originality/value

Drawing sights from the resource-based view, this study investigates the influence of corporate political connections on EVA performance, considering contingent factors of connection heterogeneity and corporate strategy (i.e. product diversification). It, thus, contributes to the literature on political connections by providing additional evidence to explaining the inconclusive findings on the political connections–firm performance relationship and extending prior research by emphasizing the moderating roles of connection heterogeneity and corporate strategy. It also complements prior research on EVA performance by exploring its antecedents.
An analytical review of construction law research
Authors: Khademi Adel Tahereh , Modir Mohsen , Ravanshadnia Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This article investigates recent studies of construction law in different areas, including civil engineering; construction building technology; transportation; multidisciplinary studies and the environment, as well as their changing trends in the years between 2000 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The transformation trend of construction law is investigated based on collecting main keywords from the Web of Science (WoS) database selectively from different viewpoints and using Scientometric Analysis by CiteSpace and HistCite software. The top journals, top universities, and the most active countries in publishing and expanding construction law, keyword co-occurrence network, top keywords with the strongest citation bursts, cluster analysis, the most cited articles are determined both generally and yearly.

Findings

By interpreting the Scientometric results, focal points of legal issues and their changing trends during the last two decades are reviewed. Scholars’ data concerning interesting topics, construction law industry future needs, knowledge gaps, and speculation about future views and direction are obtained.

Research limitations/implications

Restrictions on data search, limiting the category of studies to a specific domain, and limiting research time to 20 years are some limitations of this article.

Social implications

All these results address legal issues, comprehensive laws, plenary contracts, and efficient dispute resolution based on cultures and themes.

Originality/value

Given the importance of legal issues at all stages of the construction cycle, a review of this multidisciplinary and new science over the past two decades can provide hot issues, knowledge gaps, and a better view of the future.
Diamond in the rough? An “empty review” of research into “neurodiversity” and a road map for developing the inclusion agenda
Authors: Doyle Nancy , McDowall Almuth
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aims of the paper were to highlight the dearth of applied practitioner research concerning the expression of neurodiversity at work and develop an epistemological framework for a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic empty review protocol was employed, with threea prioriresearch questions, inquiring as to the extent of neurodiversity research within mainstream work psychology, psychology in general and lastly within cross-disciplinary academic research. The results of the final search were quality checked and categorized to illustrate where studies relevant to practice are currently located.

Findings

The academic literature was found to be lacking in contextualized, practical advice for employers or employees. The location and foci of extracted studies highlighted a growing science-practitioner gap.

Research limitations/implications

The research focused on common neurominority conditions such as autism and dyslexia; it is acknowledged that the neurodiversity definition itself is broader and more anthropological in nature. A need for a comprehensive research agenda is articulated, and research questions and frameworks are proposed.

Practical implications

Guidance is given on applying disability accommodation to both individual and organizational targets.

Social implications

The disability employment gap is unchanged since legislation was introduced. The neurodiversity concept is no longer new, and it is time for multi-disciplinary collaborations across science and practice to address the questions raised in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper offers an original analysis of the neurodiversity paradox, combining systematic inquiry with a narrative synthesis of the extant literature. The conceptual clarification offers clear directions for researchers and practitioners.
Physical health symptoms among Ethiopian returnees who were trafficked aboard
Authors: Gezie Lemma Derseh , Atinafu Asmamaw
Published: May 2021

Purpose

There is a growing evidence of considering human trafficking as a severe form of violence which usually results in various health outcomes including symptoms of physical health problems. This study aims to examine the magnitude of physical health symptoms during the trafficking period and compare it with that of the period prior to it.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,387 trafficking returnees from abroad via three trafficking corridors of Ethiopia were recruited consecutively. Among socio-demographic and other characteristics, data on various physical health symptoms that were experienced during the trafficking period and in the two years prior to trafficking were collected. The proportions of physical health symptoms experienced during the two periods were determined and compared using chi-square test.

Findings

Among all participants, 598 (46.79%) of them experienced weight loss during the trafficking period and 106 (8.28%) before the trafficking period. The extra 38.50% which was experienced during the trafficking period was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Similar significant differences were observed for symptoms such as forgetfulness (p < 0.0001), stomachache (p = 0.0039), gynecological problems (p = 0.041), bone fracture (p < 0.0001), back pain (p < 0.0001), and wound (p < 0.0001); but not significantly different for symptoms such as skin disease (p-value = 0.1944), tooth pain (p-value =0.6587) and sight problem (p-value = 0.1306).

Originality/value

Comparing the frequencies of physical health symptoms before and during the trafficking period among victims of trafficking is relatively a new approach to measure the nexus between Human trafficking and health problems.
Effect of material thickness and reduction ratio on roughness transfer in skin-pass rolling to DC04 grade sheet materials
Authors: Özakın Batuhan , Çolak Bilal , Kurgan Naci
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The last stage of the cold rolling process is skin-pass rolling and one of its most significant goals is to obtain appropriate topography on the surface of the sheet steel used extensively such as in automotive industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of thickness change and various reduction ratios on roughness transfer of DC04 grade sheet material.

Design/methodology/approach

DC04 grade sheet materials with different reduction ratios and several thicknesses were subjected to skin-pass rolling process in the rolling equipment with a two-high roll. Some roughness parameters were determined as a result of roughness measurements from the surfaces of roughened sheet materials.

Findings

While the roughness transfer is higher in 1-mm thick material in reduction ratios up to 430 micrometers; in reduction ratios above 430 micrometers, it is higher for 1.5-mm thick materials. As the reduction ratio increases in DC04 grade sheet materials, the homogeneity of the roughness distribution in 1-mm thickness sheet material deteriorates, while the roughness distribution in 1.5-mm thickness sheet material is more homogeneous.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates how material thickness and reduction ratio affect the roughness transfer in skin-pass rolling. The results obtained can be used by optimizing in manufacturing processes.
A study on tribological behaviour and analysis of ZnO reinforced AA6061 matrix composites fabricated by stir casting route
Authors: RM Sakthi Sadhasivam , K. Ramanathan , B.V. Bhuvaneswari , R. Raja
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The most promising replacements for the industrial applications are particle reinforced metal matrix composites because of their good and combined mechanical properties. Currently, the need of matrix materials for industrial applications is widely satisfied by aluminium alloys. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the tribological behaviour of the zinc oxide (ZnO) particles reinforced AA6061 composites prepared by stir casting route.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, AA6061 aluminium alloy matrix reinforced with varying weight percentages (3%, 4.5% and 6%) of ZnO particles, including monolithic AA6061 alloy samples, is cast by the most economical fabrication method, called stir casting. The prepared sample was subjected to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, experimental density measurement by Archimedian principle and theoretical density by rule of mixture and hardness test to investigate mechanical property. The dry sliding wear behaviour of the composites was investigated using pin-on-disc tribometer with various applied loads of 15 and 20 N, with constant sliding velocity and distance. The wear rate, coefficient of friction (COF) and worn surfaces of the composite specimens and their effects were also investigated in this work.

Findings

XPS results confirm the homogeneous distribution of ZnO microparticles in the Al matrix. The Vickers hardness result reveals that higher ZnO reinforced (6%) sample have 34.4% higher values of HV than the monolithic aluminium sample. The sliding wear tests similarly show that increasing the weight percentage of ZnO particles leads to a reduced wear rate and COF of 30.01% and 26.32% lower than unreinforced alloy for 15 N and 36.35% and 25% for 20 N applied load. From the worn surface morphological studies, it was evidently noticed that ZnO particles dispersed throughout the matrix and it had strong bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix, which significantly reduced the plastic deformation of the surfaces.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this work is to use the reinforcement of ZnO particles with AA6061 matrix and preparing by stir casting route and to study and analyse the physical, hardness and tribological behaviour of the composite materials.
Interactive effects of advising strength and brand familiarity on users' trust and distrust in online recommendation agents
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Weiquan , Xu Jingjun (David) , Ding Donghong , Deng Honglin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the effects of advising strength of a recommendation agent on users' trust and distrust beliefs and how the effects are moderated by perceived brand familiarity.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model is evaluated using a laboratory experiment with 149 participants.

Findings

Results reveal that a strong advising tone leads to higher trust in terms of users' credibility and benevolence beliefs and lower distrust in terms of their discredibility beliefs (the trustor's concerns regarding the trustee's dishonesty and competence in engaging in harmful behavior) when perceived brand familiarity is high. By contrast, when brand familiarity is low, strong advising tone results in low trust in terms of users' credibility belief and high distrust in terms of their beliefs in discredibility and malevolence (concerns regarding the trustee's conduct in terms of a malicious intention that can hurt the trustor's welfare).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the trust and distrust literature by studying how each of the dimensions of trust and distrust can be affected by an RA's design feature. It extends the attribution theory to the RA context by studying the moderating role of brand familiarity in determining the effects of the advising strength of an RA. It provides actionable guidelines for practitioners regarding the adoption of an RA's appropriate advising strength to promote different types of products.
Gender gap in STEM education and career choices: what matters?
Authors: Tandrayen-Ragoobur Verena , Gokulsing Deepa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The paper innovates on the existing literature by assessing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) tertiary education enrolment and career choice in a small country setting and by extending on Master and Meltzoff (2016) theoretical framework to provide a holistic explanation of the gender disparity through a mix of personal, environmental and behavioural factors. The study first probes into the existence of potential gender disparity in STEM tertiary enrolment in Mauritius. Second, in contrast with existing studies where selective factors are used to measure the gender gap in STEM education, this paper investigates into a combination of personal, environmental and behavioural factors that may influence participation in STEM education and career.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey of 209 undergraduates enroled in the main public university and investigates into the existence of a gender gap in STEM tertiary education enrolment and the reasons behind this disparity. Consistent with the theoretical model, the empirical analysis also investigates into the work environment (which cannot be measured from the survey), via semi-structured interviews of 15 women in STEM professions.

Findings

The logit regression results first reveal the existence of a gender disparity in the choice of STEM-related degrees. The probability of a female student to enrol in a STEM degree is lower than that of a male student, after controlling for all the personal, environmental and behavioural factors. The most important set of reasons influencing the student's STEM degree choice are self-efficacy and the student's academic performance in STEM subjects at secondary school level. The findings also demonstrate that young women are relatively more likely to choose STEM degrees than their male counterparts when they are supported by their family, school and teachers. There is further evidence of lower participation of women in STEM professions as well as significant challenges which women in STEM careers face compared to their male colleagues.

Originality/value

This study adopts a holistic framework to assess the factors that hinder women's participation in STEM tertiary education and career in Mauritius.
In quest of goldilocks ranges in searching for information on the web
Authors: Matysek Anna , Tomaszczyk Jacek
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The quest to discover optimal conditions or amounts has been carried out in many scientific disciplines and practical fields. In astrophysics, biology, medicine, psychology and education, the quest has resulted in finding the right amount of something, a desirable middle between extremes, a balance between conditions or the optimal state of a system. The results are referred to as the Goldilocks principle, which is based on the idea of being “just right”. The aim of our study was to find out if there are any measures in information search that could be identified as Goldilocks ranges.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a user experiment in which 68 participants carried out a time-unlimited, topical search task involving finding relevant websites on the basis of which the participants were supposed to prepare a presentation on a given topic. We examined aspects of their search behavior.

Findings

We found that information search Goldilocks ranges can be identified for a length of a search session, number of relevant results, number of queries submitted and number of search engine results pages (SERPs) visited. This preliminary study has resulted in indicating the following dominant ranges: Number of relevant documents found: 5–8; Time spent searching: 21–35 min; Number of queries submitted: 3–7; Number of SERPs viewed: 1–3.

Originality/value

Till now, no one has studied Goldilocks ranges in information retrieval. The Goldilocks ranges have some practical implications for improving the effectiveness of web searching.
Evaluating the wage differential between the formal and informal economy: a gender perspective
Authors: Williams Colin , Gashi Ardiana
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Despite a widespread assertion that wages are lower in the informal than formal economy, there have been few empirical evaluations of whether this is the case and even fewer studies of the gender variations in wage rates in the formal and informal economies. Consequently, whether there are wage benefits to formal employment for men and women is unknown. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the wage differential between formal and informal employment for men and women.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the wage differential between the formal and informal economy for men and women, data are reported from a 2017 survey involving 8,533 household interviews conducted in Kosovo.

Findings

Using decomposition analysis and after controlling for other determinants of wage differentials, the finding is that the net hourly earnings of men in formal employment are 26% higher than men in informal employment and 14% higher for women in formal employment compared with women in informal employment.

Practical implications

Given the size of the wage differential, the costs for employers will need to significantly increase in terms of the penalties and risks of detection if informal employment is to be prevented, along with more formal employment opportunities using active labour market policies for vulnerable groups, perhaps targeted at men (who constitute 82.8% of those in informal employment).

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to evaluate the differentials in wage rates in the formal and economy from a gender perspective.
Quality matters: reviewing the connections between perceived quality and clothing use time
Authors: Aakko Maarit , Niinimäki Kirsi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Extending the active lifetimes of garments by producing better quality is a widely discussed strategy for reducing environmental impacts of the garment industry. While quality is an important aspect of clothing, the concept of quality is ambiguous, and, moreover, consumers may perceive quality in individual ways. Therefore, it is important to deepen the general understanding regarding the quality of clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an integrated literature review of the recent discussion of perceived quality of clothing and of the links between quality and clothing lifetimes; 47 selected articles and other literature obtained primarily through fashion/clothing/apparel journals were included in this review.

Findings

The main ideas from the articles are thematized into the following sections: the process of assessment, levels involved in assessment, multidimensional cues of assessment, and quality and clothing use times. The paper highlights that perceiving quality is a process guided by both expectations and experience, and assembles the various aspects into a conceptual map that depicts the connections between the conceptual levels involved in assessing quality. It also illustrates connections between quality and clothing use times.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focused on perceived quality on a conceptual level. Further studies could examine and establish deeper links between quality, sustainability and garment lifespans.

Originality/value

The study draws together studies on perceived quality, presenting the foundational literature and key concepts of quality of clothing. It summarizes them in a conceptual map that may help visualize various aspects affecting the assessment of quality and deepen the general understanding of the quality of garments.