bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing the hierarchy of predictive auditory sequences in the marmoset brain
Authors: Jiang Yuwei , Komatsu Misako , Chen Yuyan , Xie Ruoying , Zhang Kaiwei , Xia Ying , Gui Peng , Liang Zhifeng , Wang Liping
Published: October 2021

Our brains constantly generate predictions of sensory input that are compared with actual inputs, propagate the prediction-errors through a hierarchy of brain regions, and subsequently update the internal predictions of the world. However, the essential feature of predictive coding, the notion of hierarchical depth and its neural mechanisms, remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the hierarchical depth of predictive auditory processing by combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and high-density whole-brain electrocorticography (ECoG) in marmoset monkeys during an auditory local-global paradigm in which the temporal regularities of the stimuli were designed at two hierarchical levels. The prediction-errors and prediction updates were examined as neural responses to auditory mismatches and omissions. Using fMRI, we identified a hierarchical gradient along the auditory pathway: midbrain and sensory regions represented local, short-time-scale predictive processing followed by associative auditory regions, whereas anterior temporal and prefrontal areas represented global, long-time-scale sequence processing. The complementary ECoG recordings confirmed the activations at cortical surface areas and further differentiated the signals of prediction-error and update, which were transmitted via putatively bottom-up γ and top-down β oscillations, respectively. Furthermore, omission responses caused by absence of input, reflecting solely the two levels of prediction signals that are unique to the hierarchical predictive coding framework, demonstrated the hierarchical predictions in the auditory, temporal, and prefrontal areas. Thus, our findings support the hierarchical predictive coding framework, and outline how neural circuits and spatiotemporal dynamics are used to represent and arrange a hierarchical structure of auditory sequences in the marmoset brain.
Internally Generated Time in the Rodent Hippocampus is Logarithmically Compressed
Authors: Cao Rui , Bladon John H. , Charczynski Stephen J. , Hasselmo Michael E. , Howard Marc W.
Published: October 2021

The Weber-Fechner law proposes that our perceived sensory input increases with physical input on a logarithmic scale. Hippocampal “time cells” carry a record of recent experience by firing sequentially during a circumscribed period of time after a triggering stimulus. Different cells have “time fields” at different delays up to at least tens of seconds. Past studies suggest that time cells represent a compressed timeline by demonstrating that fewer time cells fire late in the delay and their time fields are wider. This paper asks whether the compression of time cells obeys the Weber-Fechner Law. Time cells were studied with a hierarchical Bayesian model that simultaneously accounts for the firing pattern at the trial level, cell level, and population level. This procedure allows separate estimates of the within-trial receptive field width and the across-trial variability. After isolating across-trial variability, time field width increased linearly with delay. Further, the time cell population was distributed evenly along a logarithmic time axis. These findings provide strong quantitative evidence that the neural temporal representation in rodent hippocampus is logarithmically compressed and obeys a neural Weber-Fechner Law.
Comparative analysis reveals the long-term co-evolutionary history of parvoviruses and vertebrates
Authors: Campbell Matthew A. , Loncar Shannon , Kotin Robert , Gifford Robert J.
Published: October 2021

Parvoviruses (familyParvoviridae) are small DNA viruses that cause numerous diseases of medical, veterinary, and agricultural significance and have important applications in gene and anticancer therapy. DNA sequences derived from ancient parvoviruses are common in animal genomes and analysis of theseendogenous parvoviral elements(EPVs) has demonstrated that the family, which includes twelve vertebrate-specific genera, arose in the distant evolutionary past. So far, however, such ‘paleovirological’ analysis has only provided glimpses into biology of parvoviruses and their long-term evolutionary interactions with hosts. Here, we comprehensively map EPV diversity in 752 published vertebrate genomes, revealing defining aspects of ecology and evolution within individual parvovirus genera. We identify 364 distinct EPV sequences and show these represent ∼200 unique germline incorporation events, involving at least five distinct parvovirus genera, that took place at points throughout the Cenozoic Era. We use the spatiotemporal and host range calibrations provided by these sequences to infer defining aspects of long-term evolution within individual parvovirus genera, including mammalian vicariance for genusProtoparvovirus, and inter-class transmission for genusDependoparvovirus. Moreover, our findings support a model of virus evolution in which the long-term co-circulation of multiple parvovirus genera in vertebrates reflects the adaptation of each viral genus to fill a distinct ecological niche. Our discovery that parvovirus diversity can be understood in terms of genus-specific adaptations acquired over millions of years has important implications for their development as therapeutic tools - we show that these endeavours can now be approached from a rational foundation based on comparative evolutionary analysis. To support this, we published our data in the form of an open, extensible, and cross-platform database designed to facilitate the wider utilisation of evolution-related domain knowledge in parvovirus research.
Genome-wide association identifies candidate genes for drought tolerance in coast redwood and giant sequoia
Authors: De La Torre Amanda R. , Sekhwal Manoj K. , Puiu Daniela , Salzberg Steven L. , Scott Alison Dawn , Allen Brian , Neale David B. , Chin Alana R.O. , Buckley Thomas N.
Published: October 2021

Drought is a major limitation for survival and growth in plants. With more frequent and severe drought episodes occurring due to climate change, it is imperative to understand the genomic and physiological basis of drought tolerance to be able to predict how species will respond in the future. In this study, univariate and multitrait multivariate GWAS methods were used to identify candidate genes in two iconic and ecosystem-dominating species of the western US – coast redwood and giant sequoia – using ten drought-related physiological and anatomical traits and genome-wide sequence-capture SNPs. Population level phenotypic variation was found in carbon isotope discrimination, osmotic pressure at full turgor, xylem hydraulic diameter and total area of transporting fibers in both species. Our study identified new 78 new marker × trait associations in coast redwood and six in giant sequoia, with genes involved in a range of metabolic, stress and signaling pathways, among other functions. This study contributes to a better understanding of the genomic basis of drought tolerance in long-generation conifers and helps guide current and future conservation efforts in the species.

Significance Statement

Climate change brings more frequent and severe drought events that challenge the survival of natural populations of plants. While most of our knowledge about drought tolerance comes from annual and domesticated plants, the genomic basis of drought tolerance in long-generation trees is poorly understood. Here, we aim to fill this gap by identifying candidate genes in two conifer species, coast redwood and giant sequoia.
Toll-like receptor signalling via IRAK4 confers epithelial integrity and tightness through regulation of junctional tension
Authors: Peterson Jesse , Sivars Kinga Balogh , Bianco Ambra , Röper Katja
Published: October 2021

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mammalian systems are well characterised for their role in innate immunity. In addition, TLRs also fulfil crucial functions outside immunity, including the dorso-ventral patterning function of the original Toll receptor in Drosophila and neurogenesis in mice. Recent discoveries in flies suggested key roles for TLRs in epithelial cells in patterning of cytoskeletal activity near epithelial junctions. Here we address the function of TLRs and the downstream key signal transduction component IRAK4 (interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4) in human epithelial cells. Using differentiated human Caco-2 cells as a model for the intestinal epithelium, we show that these cells exhibit baseline TLR signalling as revealed by p-IRAK4 and that blocking IRAK4 function leads to a loss of epithelial tightness involving key changes at tight junctions and adherens junctions. These changes correlate with a loss of epithelial tension and changes in junctional actomyosin. Knock-down of IRAK4 and certain TLRs phenocopies the inhibitor treatment. These data suggest a model whereby TLR receptors near epithelial junctions might be involved in a continuous sensing of the epithelial state to promote epithelial tightness and integrity.
Analysis of the Streptococcus mutans proteome during acid and oxidative stress reveals modules of co-expression and an expanded role for the TreR transcriptional regulator
Authors: Tinder Elizabeth L. , Faustoferri Roberta C. , Buckley Andrew A. , Quivey Robert G. , Baker Jonathon L.
Published: October 2021

Streptococcus mutans promotes a tooth-damaging dysbiosis in the oral microbiota because it can form biofilms and survive acid stress better than most of its ecological competitors, which are typically health-associated. Many of these commensals produce hydrogen peroxide, therefore S. mutans must manage both oxidative stress and acid stress with coordinated and complex physiological responses. In this study, the proteome of S. mutans was examined during regulated growth in acid and oxidative stresses, as well as in deletion mutants with impaired oxidative stress phenotypes, Δnox and ΔtreR. 607 proteins exhibited significantly different abundance levels across the conditions tested, and correlation network analysis identified modules of co-expressed proteins that were responsive to the deletion of nox and/or treR, as well as acid and oxidative stress. The data provided evidence explaining the ROS-sensitive and mutacin-deficient phenotypes exhibited by the ΔtreR strain. SMU.1069-1070, a poorly understood LytTR system, had elevated abundance in the ΔtreR strain. S. mutans LytTR systems regulate mutacin production and competence, which may explain how TreR affects mutacin production. Furthermore, the gene cluster that produces mutanobactin, a lipopeptide important in ROS tolerance, displayed reduced abundance in the ΔtreR strain. The role of Nox as a keystone in the oxidative stress response was also emphasized. Crucially, this dataset provides oral health researchers with a proteome atlas that will enable a more complete understanding of the S. mutans stress responses that are required for pathogenesis, and facilitate the development of new and improved therapeutic approaches for dental caries.

Importance

Dental caries is the most common chronic infectious disease worldwide, and disproportionally affects marginalized socioeconomic groups. Streptococcus mutans is a considered a primary etiologic agent of caries, with its pathogenicity dependent on coordinated physiologic stress responses that mitigate the damage caused by the oxidative and acid stress common within dental plaque. In this study, the proteome of S. mutans was examined during growth in acidic and oxidative stresses, as well in nox and treR deletion mutants. 607 proteins were differentially expressed across the strains/growth conditions, and modules of co-expressed proteins were identified, which enabled mapping the acid and oxidative stress responses across S. mutans metabolism. The presence of TreR was linked to mutacin production via LytTR system signaling and to oxidative stress via mutanobactin production. The data provided by this study will guide future research elucidating S. mutans pathogenesis and developing improved preventative and treatment modalities for dental caries.
Molecular connectivity between extra-cytoplasmic sigma factors and PhoP accounts for integrated mycobacterial stress response
Authors: Goar Harsh , Paul Partha , Khan Hina , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: October 2021

The main purpose of this study is to understand how mycobacteria can sense numerous stress conditions and mount an appropriate stress response. Recent studies suggest that at low pH M. tuberculosis encounters reductive stress, and in response, modulates redox homeostasis by utilizing the phoPR regulatory system. However, the mechanism of integrated regulation of stress response remains unknown. To probe how PhoP contributes to redox stress response, we find that a PhoP-depleted M. tuberculosis shows a significantly enhanced susceptibility to redox stress relative to the WT bacilli. In keeping with these results, PhoP was shown to contribute to mycothiol redox state. Because SigH, one of the alternative sigma factors of mycobacteria, is known to control expression of redox inducible genes, we probed whether previously-reported PhoP-SigH interaction accounts for mycobacterial redox stress response. We had shown that under acidic conditions PhoP functions in maintaining pH homeostasis via its interaction with SigE. In striking contrast, here we show that under redox stress, direct recruitment of SigH, but not PhoP-SigH interaction, controls expression of mycobacterial thioredoxin genes, a major mycobacterial anti-oxidant system. Together, these unexpected results uncover novel stress-specific enhanced or reduced interaction events of sigma factors and PhoP, as the underlying mechanisms of an adaptive programme, which couples low pH conditions and mycobacterial thiol redox homeostasis.

Significance

M. tuberculosis encounters reductive stress under acidic pH. To investigate the mechanism of integrated stress response, we show that PhoP plays a major role in mycobacterial redox stress response. We observed a significant correlation between phoP-dependent and redox-active expression of thioredoxin genes, a major mycobacterial antioxidant system. Further probing on functioning of regulators reveals that while PhoP controls pH homeostasis via its interaction with SigE, direct recruitment of SigH, but not PhoP-SigH interaction, controls expression of thioredoxin genes. These strikingly contrasting results showing enhanced PhoP-SigE interaction under acidic pH and reduced PhoP-SigH interaction under redox conditions, uncover the underlying novel mechanism of mycobacterial adaptive program, coupling low pH with maintenance of redox homeostasis.
Accounting articles on developing countries in ranked English language journals: a meta-review
Authors: Moses Olayinka , Hopper Trevor
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The paper conducts a metadata analysis of articles on developing countries in highly ranked “international” accounting journals, the topics covered, research methods employed, their authorship and impact, across countries and continents.

Design/methodology/approach

A database of the publications of accounting journals ranked A*, A and B in the Australian Business Dean Council (ABDC) journal rankings from 2009 to 2018 was constructed. A structured literature review, partly using NVivo and Leximancer, analysed the 1,317 articles on developing countries. A parallel online repository contains the research data.

Findings

Articles on accounting in developing countries increased by 36% over the ten years but remained a small proportion of all published articles (i.e. 1,317 of 13,805 representing 9.5%). They have concentrated on quantitative market-based studies of financial reporting and auditing, especially in larger and relatively richer developing countries in Asia and Africa, with developed capital markets. Broader topics deemed important in recent reviews of the area, for instance, on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on smaller, poorer countries, which have been neglected, albeit less so in qualitative studies. The research identifies important jurisdictional differences. Many authors held positions in British Commonwealth universities. The most cited articles overall, all quantitative, were in highly ranked North American journals, whereas most qualitative studies came from journals located in richer British Commonwealth countries.

Research limitations/implications

The study only covers English language journals. Journals in other languages and lesser ranked journals, especially those based in developing countries, may be important sources too.

Practical implications

More research on a broader range of accounting issues, especially in smaller and poorer developing countries, is needed. Although quantitative work is valuable, more recognition of the value of qualitative studies is needed, especially given the disappointing results of market-based policies prescribed by foreign institutions and their shift to advocating good governance reforms and achieving SDGs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the most exhaustive analysis of recent accounting research on developing countries. It traces which journals have published such research, when, on which countries, on what topics and by whom. This is of interest to journal editors, course designers and researchers in the area. The authors hope that making the raw data and detailed analyses available online, consistent with protocols adopted in science disciplines, will encourage accounting researchers to do likewise to enable further testing of results and claims and build knowledge cumulatively.
A carbon dioxide detector fabrication with screen printing technique for use in airplanes
Authors: Masat Mehmet , Ertuğrul Mehmet , Korul Hakan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

From the beginning of aviation history, fire has been a serious problem for aircrafts. The purpose of this study is to provide a reference document on current risks and proposed reductions for smoke and fire incidents in commercial transport aircrafts. For this purpose, metal oxide carbon dioxide (CO2) detector was produced with the screen printing technique to detect CO2 and carbon monoxide gases from the sensors required to observe the occurrence of fire that may occur in the aircraft and to take the necessary steps to control it.

Design/methodology/approach

The screen printing technique was used as the gas sensor production technique for the produced sensor and tin oxide was used as the metal oxide in the produced samples. The samples produced were examined under the gases with specified gas detecting properties, and it was concluded that they can be used simultaneously with smoke detectors to increase the detection reliability and decrease the alarm time with the smoke detectors currently used in today's passenger aircrafts.

Findings

When the electrical characteristics of the sensor made were examined, it was observed that it meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency standards (the fire should be detected within 1 min), and the false alarm situation experienced in the smoke sensors used today can be eliminated.

Originality/value

There is no other sensor than the smoke detectors that are used for fire detection in cargo section, lavatories and avionic compartment on aircrafts. With this study, the gas detecting feature of the produced samples was examined under the specified gases, and it was concluded that they can be used simultaneously with smoke detectors to increase detection reliability and decrease alarm time as compared to with the smoke detectors currently used in today's passenger aircrafts.
Communication performance inherent in the repetitive attributes of projects: the case of mass housing projects
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Amos-Abanyie Samuel , Fugar Frank , Afram Samuel Owusu , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Banahene Emmanuel Owusu
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The perception that the repetitive nature and attributes of mass housing projects (MHPs) induce significant influence on communication among projects teams have persistently been acknowledged without an empirical accentuation. This seemingly untested knowledge tends to limit the predictive accuracy of success and effectiveness of adopted communication style, strategies and models in mass housing particularly due to the incidence of the repetitive attributes. The purpose of this study is to delineate the influence of the repetitive attributes of mass housing projects on communication performance among the project team.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of questionnaire survey and structural equation modelling analysis, a hypothesized model tested evaluated the effects of the repetitive attributes of mass housing on information flow and information composition communication performance.

Findings

In the case of influence on information flow, it was seen to be substantial whereas that of the information composition was moderate.

Originality/value

The findings offer empirical credence to the existing perception and indeed affirm that the repetitive features of MHPs significantly contribute to communication performance related to information flow and information composition among the project team. The implication of these findings is that, practitioners and stakeholders on mass housing are urged to explore bespoke communication methods, medium, strategies and management approaches that fit the MHP attributes and environment to engender managerial and communication efficiencies in the delivery.
Mind the gap: independent directors and corporate social responsibility in China
Authors: Jin Ruijie , Jiang Xiaoxian , Shen Ao
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of independent directors on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) gap – a misalignment between internal and external CSR. More specifically, the authors investigate how two types of independent directors (i.e. politically connected and foreign) affect a firm’s CSR gap in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the fixed-effects regression model to analyze the panel dataset, which is conducted by a sample of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2008 to 2015.

Findings

The findings indicate that, on average, firms undertake more external than internal CSR actions. Importantly, the authors find that firms having politically connected independent directors on boards have a wider gap between their internal and external CSR. In contrast, firms having foreign independent directors on boards have a narrower gap between their internal and external CSR.

Practical implications

This study provides insights into the role of independent directors in increasing or decreasing the gap between a firm’s internal and external CSR actions, which offers important implications for policymakers and investors.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on the causes of the CSR gap and deepens the theoretical understanding of the governance role of independent directors in China.
Crosstalk reduction using novel cross-shaped resonators with via fence in high-frequency transmission lines
Authors: V. Yokesh , Mohammed Gulam Nabi Alsath , Kanagasabai Malathi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a suitable guard trace to reduce the electromagentic interference between two closely spaced high frequency transmission lines. A novel cross-shaped resonator combined via fence is passed down to alleviate far-end and near-end crosstalk (NEXT) in tightly coupled high-speed transmission lines. The distance between the adjacent transmission lines is increased stepwise as a function of trace width.

Design/methodology/approach

A rectangular-shaped resonator via fence is connected by a guard trace has been proposed to overcome the coupling between the traces that is separated by 2 W. Similarly, by creating a cross-shaped resonator via fence connected by guard trace that reduces the spacing further by 1.5 W.

Findings

A tightly coupled transmission line structure that needs separation by a designed unit cell structure. Further research needs to be conducted to improve the NEXT, far-end crosstalk (FEXT) and spacing between the transmission lines.

Originality/value

This study portrays a novel method that combines the resonators via fence with a minimum spacing between the tightly coupled transmission lines which reduce the NEXT and FEXT; thereby reducing the size of the routing area. The resultant test structures are characterized at high frequencies using time domain and frequency domain analysis. The following scattering parameters such as insertion loss, NEXT and FEXT of the proposed method are measured as 1.504 dB, >30 dB and >20 dB, respectively.
Earthquake response of linear-elastic arch-frames using exact curved beam formulations
Authors: Bozyigit Baran
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to obtain earthquake responses of linear-elastic multi-span arch-frames by using exact curved beam formulations. For this purpose, the dynamic stiffness method (DSM) which uses exact mode shapes is applied to a three-span arch-frame considering axial extensibility, shear deformation and rotational inertia for both columns and curved beams. Using exact free vibration properties obtained from the DSM approach, the arch-frame model is simplified into an equivalent single degree of freedom (SDOF) system to perform earthquake response analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic stiffness formulations of curved beams for free vibrations are validated by using the experimental data in the literature. The free vibrations of the arch-frame model are investigated for various span lengths, opening angle and column dimensions to observe their effects on the dynamic behaviour. The calculated natural frequencies via the DSM are presented in comparison with the results of the finite element method (FEM). The mode shapes are presented. The earthquake responses are calculated from the modal equation by using Runge-Kutta algorithm.

Findings

The displacement, base shear, acceleration and internal force time-histories that are obtained from the proposed approach are compared to the results of the finite element approach where a very good agreement is observed. For various span length, opening angle and column dimension values, the displacement and base shear time-histories of the arch-frame are presented. The results show that the proposed approach can be used as an effective tool to calculate earthquake responses of frame structures having curved beam elements.

Originality/value

The earthquake response of arch-frames consisting of curved beams and straight columns using exact formulations is obtained for the first time according to the best of the author’s knowledge. The DSM, which uses exact mode shapes and provides accurate free vibration analysis results considering each structural members as one element, is applied. The complicated structural system is simplified into an equivalent SDOF system using exact mode shapes obtained from the DSM and earthquake responses are calculated by solving the modal equation. The proposed approach is an important alternative to classical FEM for earthquake response analysis of frame structures having curved members.
Factors affecting perception of Indian adolescent students toward interactive online mental health information during COVID-19
Authors: Kaushal Arun , Dogra Pallavi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the critical factors affecting the perception of adolescent students toward interactive online mental health information available on health-related websites.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data was collected with the help of an online self–structured questionnaire. The questionnaire includes the identified variables extracted from previous literature related to the mental health information websites using the Likert scale. The respondents include the adolescent school students belonging to the northern region of India: semi-urban/rural locations of Uttar Pradesh (Agra and Mathura) and urban cities (Faridabad, Gaziabad, Delhi and NCR). The criteria for selecting respondents were that students must have visited any online health information-related websites at least once. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the factors with the help of SPSS.20.

Findings

The identified factors that include information delivery medium/mode, websites’ navigation structure, customized information or content, ability to form a virtual relationship and supplementary features of the websites may benefit the health communication system of any country and the health-care industry.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations such as a limited number of respondents and even on that sample was taken for teenagers; thereby creating fewer generalizations related to the present context. Further, only exploratory factor analysis is applied in the study to identify the factors but future researchers may proceed to develop the conceptual model of perception toward online information with the help of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques.

Practical implications

The results of this study are useful for government officials especially those related to the ministry of health care and public health organizations of various countries, who usually invest in co-designing authentic, reliable and high interactive online information-sharing websites.

Social implications

The results of the study will facilitate the various social child welfare associations and non-governmental organizations that are usually involved in the holistic development of adolescents. The identified factors can be seriously taken into considerations by these associations while they are formulating any on line websites for sharing health-related information to adolescents.

Originality/value

The study is unique as it provides insight into the opinion of the adolescent students, primarily upon encountering the online mental health information concerning the Indian perspective. Future researchers, health-care policymakers and health-care professionals may use the study to capture a complete picture of a relevant phenomenon in their work.
Enhanced packet reordering procedure to improve TCP communication
Authors: Kasimsetti Sai Prasanthi , Hussain Asdaque
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The research work is attained by Spurious Transmission–based Enhanced Packet Reordering Method (ST-EPRM). The packet reordering necessity is evaded by presenting random linear network coding process on wireless network physical layer which function on basis of sequence numbers. The spurious retransmission happening over wireless network is obtained by presenting monitoring concept for reducing number of spurious retransmissions because it might need more than three DUPACKs for triggering fast retransmit. This monitoring node performs as centralized node as well variation amid buffer length and number of packets being sent can be predicted. This information helps in differentiating spurious retransmission from the packet loss.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on transmission detection, action is accomplished whether to retransmit or evade transmission. Monitoring node selection is achieved by presenting improved cuckoo search algorithm. The modified support vector machine algorithm is greatly used for variation-based spurious transmission.

Findings

The research work which is attained by ST-EPRM. The packet reordering necessity is evaded by presenting random linear network coding process on wireless network physical layer which function on basis of sequence numbers. The spurious retransmission happening over wireless network is obtained by presenting monitoring concept for reducing number of spurious retransmissions because it might need more than three DUPACKs for triggering fast retransmit. This monitoring node performs as centralized node as well variation amid buffer length and number of packets being sent can be predicted. This information helps in differentiating spurious retransmission from the packet loss.

Originality/value

Based on transmission detection, action is accomplished whether to retransmit or evade transmission. Monitoring node selection is achieved by presenting improved cuckoo search algorithm. The modified support vector machine algorithm is greatly used for variation-based spurious transmission.
What matters for pension planning in Turkey: financial literacy or perceived consumer risks?
Authors: Türkmen Ahmet , Kılıç Yunus
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study mainly aimed to show that financial literacy is not always enough in explaining workers' individual pension plan ownership as financial literacy knowledge does not always result in financially literate decisions/actions, and in such cases perceived consumer risks can be used to explain the IPP ownership decision of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected via a questionnaire adapted from earlier questionnaires using convenience and snowball sampling methods with Internet based applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp. T-tests, ANOVA and Chi-Square tests were conducted to find out if there is a relation/interaction between individual pension plan (IPP) ownership and financial literacy, and perceived consumer risks (N = 651).

Findings

It is found out that financial literacy level does not have a statistically significant relation with individual pension system (IPS) involvement of workers in Turkey, but perceived consumer risks show differences based on IPP ownership.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study contributes to the literature being the first paper to study the relationship between financial literacy and workers' IPP ownership decisions in Turkey and it also shows that perceived consumer risks can be used for explaining workers' IPS involvement in cases where financial literacy knowledge does not translate into financially literate decisions.
Examining digital information literacy as a determinant of women's online shopping behavior
Authors: Mahmood Munazza , Batool Syeda Hina , Rafiq Muhammad , Safdar Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The present study aims to examine the current digital information literacy (DIL) skills of female online shoppers in Lahore city of Pakistan. Data were gathered from a purposive sampling of women, aged between 20–50 years who were buying products online, not from the traditional retail stores. Out of 309 received questionnaires, 269 responses were useable and were utilized for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to deduce inferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach was employed for this study, and a survey was conducted to collect the data from the study's respondents. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Findings

Results revealed that the digital information literacy skills of women were good to a moderate level. However, they were not confident in applying advanced searching options. In accordance with what was hypothesized in a directional hypothesis, DIL was found to be a strong predictor of online shopping behavior of women, consequently highlighting the importance of such competencies in modern life. Other findings illustrate that participating women rarely engaged in online shopping and felt hesitation in using credit/debit card for online transactions.

Research limitations/implications

These observations highlight the important role of information professionals in creating digital literacy among different population groups, specifically women, by planning digital information instruction through courses, workshops and trainings. This could eventually be possible with the dynamic role of librarians or information professionals in the society.

Originality/value

The present study adopts the unique approach of measuring online shopping behavior of female shoppers in connection with their digital information literacy skills.
Measuring the performance of expert-based evaluation method (EBEM) used for listing and grading heritage buildings: the case of Panaji city
Authors: Nadkarni Rohit Ramakrishna , Puthuvayi Bimal
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The identification (listing) and classification (grading) of urban heritage buildings for conservation is a challenging task for urban planners and conservation architects. Most of the world's cities depend on the expert-based evaluation method (EBEM) for listing and grading heritage buildings. The Panaji city in India provided a unique opportunity to assess the performance of the EBEM as two independent agencies carried out the heritage listing and grading process. Considering the case of Panaji, this research aims to measure the performance of EBEM used for listing and grading heritage buildings and identify the issues associated with the existing methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This research presents a comparative analysis of the building listed and graded by the two agencies. The buildings that both agencies graded were identified and analysed using a confusion matrix. The grading classification was tested for accuracy, precision, sensitivity and F-score.

Findings

The result shows a low accuracy and F-score, which reflects the level of buildings misclassified. The misclassification is the product of the lack of standardisation of methodology and the subjectivity level involved in the EBEM.

Originality/value

Heritage listing and grading is a time-consuming process, and no city has the time and resource to conduct studies to check the accuracy. The cities in India and across the world, which follow a similar EBEM process, should consider this study's finding and revisit their methodology and develop a more reliable methodology for listing and grading heritage buildings.
Opinion: revisiting the means to select and transmit of the AAC model
Authors: Fuller Donald R. , Pampoulou Eliada
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper, a theoretical article, aims to revisit the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) communication model and its transmission processes and interface as proposed by Lloyd, Quist and Windsor in 1990. More specifically, the focus of this paper is on the classifications of the SELECT (i.e. the means to select symbols) and TRANS (i.e. the means to transmit messages) components of the AAC transmission processes and interface.

Design/methodology/approach

The field of AAC is evolving at a rapid rate. As the field continues to evolve in terms of its clinical, social, research and theoretical underpinnings, it is incumbent upon academics and practitioners in AAC to be cognizant of terminological and theoretical changes that may be needed to keep pace with the evolution of the field.

Findings

The authors welcome feedback from academics and clinicians with the hope that a more thorough discussion will lead stakeholders to more accurate and descriptive terminology related to the means to select and transmit components of the AAC model transmission processes.

Originality/value

The goal of this article was to suggest that the aided versus unaided classification continue to be used to classify the means to select but a new taxonomy be adopted for the means to transmit, thereby eliminating the use of the terms high and low technology. Terminology developed to describe TRANS should be unambiguous, include both expressive and receptive communication and be clinically relevant. In the opinion of the authors, the proposed taxonomy meets all three of these criteria.
ANTi-History of the functionalist paradigm in organization theory: using the lens of March and Simon’sOrganizations
Authors: Mills Albert James , Novicevic Milorad Miodr , Roberts Foster
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of James March and his actor-network in the development of a functionalist paradigm of organization theory (OT). Recognizing the important contribution of March to the development of the field of OT, the authors set out to understand the role that he played in establishing the oft-quoted development of founding a behavioral facet of the functionalist paradigm of management theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on ANTi-History to study some of the key factors that contributed to the challenges associated with the creation of a functionalist paradigm of OT. ANTi-History is an amodernist method drawing attention to how history is produced, differing from a modernist method for identifying the single-most truth of a series of past events and from a postmodernist method for revealing the relativity of accounts of the past. To that end, the method of ANTi-History is to explore the intersections of a series of human (e.g. scholars), non-human (e.g. a textbook) and non-corporeal (e.g. paradigms) actors to assess their role in producing a version of the past (e.g. a unified field of OT).

Findings

The authors reveal how the history, producing the paradigmatic idea of OT as a supposed field of inquiry, is not an account of an actual field of inquiry as much as it is the outcome of the shared and conflicted worldviews of multiple actors.

Originality/value

The unique and original contribution is in the tracking over time of the relationship between a known and important actor James March and the formation of a specific paradigm of OT. In particular, the authors focus on the factors and activities that formed or failed to form OT at points in time and James March’s role in this. In the process, the authors set out to learn not simply what James March achieved but how he achieved it.
Effects of content characteristics on stages of customer engagement in social media: investigating European wine brands
Authors: Vlachvei Aspasia , Notta Ourania , Koronaki Eirini
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study advances knowledge of interactive marketing strategies by examining the effect of different content types on the three stages of customer engagement (CE) in social media, namely, relationship formation, engagement creation and engagement contribution, for European wine brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative content analyses are conducted; a panel data analysis validates the impact of content type on the three stages of CE in social media.

Findings

The results indicate that remunerative content is the most consistent and promising strategy for enhancing all three stages of CE in social media. Social content motivates consumers to interact with wine brands by commenting, which is the most demanding and time-consuming form of engagement.

Practical implications

The empirical results offer valuable directions for managers and marketers of European wine brands on creating and maintaining optimal interactive engagement in all three stages with their Facebook communities over the long run.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically examine, through objective measurement, how content type affects the three stages of CE in social media. The case of European wine brands is examined, over time, through a panel data analysis.
Fire buckling curves for torsionally sensitive steel members subjected to axial compression
Authors: Possidente Luca , Tondini Nicola , Battini Jean-Marc
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Buckling should be carefully considered in steel assemblies with members subjected to compressive stresses, such as bracing systems and truss structures, in which angles and built-up steel sections are widely employed. These type of steel members are affected by torsional and flexural-torsional buckling, but the European (EN 1993-1-2) and the American (AISC 360-16) design norms do not explicitly treat these phenomena in fire situation. In this work, improved buckling curves based on the EN 1993-1-2 were extended by exploiting a previous work of the authors. Moreover, new buckling curves of AISC 360-16 were proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The buckling curves provided in the norms and the proposed ones were compared with the results of numerical investigation. Compressed angles, tee and cruciform steel members at elevated temperature were studied. More than 41,000 GMNIA analyses were performed on profiles with different lengths with sections of class 1 to 3, and they were subjected to five uniform temperature distributions (400–800 C) and with three steel grades (S235, S275, S355).

Findings

It was observed that the actual buckling curves provide unconservative or overconservative predictions for various range of slenderness of practical interest. The proposed curves allow for safer and more accurate predictions, as confirmed by statistical investigation.

Originality/value

This paper provides new design buckling curves for torsional and flexural-torsional buckling at elevated temperature since there is a lack of studies in the field and the design standards do not appropriately consider these phenomena.
Global presence of open-source research data management platform for libraries: the Dataverse project
Authors: Jamwal Vineet , Kaur Simran
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide statistical information on the worldwide spread of the open-source research data management application, the Dataverse Project, to librarians, data managers and information managers who are considering using the application at their own institution.

Design/methodology/approach

To produce a list of dataverse repositories, the official Dataverse website was evaluated, and JSON data were downloaded and parsed. Data standardisation was performed to assess the state of installations in various nations and continents across the world.

Findings

Globally, the Dataverse repositories have seen a rise in overall installations. The year 2020 alone saw a 23.21% rise. In a country-by-country comparison, the USA (13) has the most dataverse installations, while Europe (25) has the highest number of installations worldwide.

Originality/value

This research will be useful to librarians, data managers and information managers, among others, who want to learn more about Dataverse repositories throughout the world before deploying at their local level.
Do the diversification of income and assets spur bank profitability in Bangladesh? A dynamic panel data analysis
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Jashim , Majumder Md. Tofael Hossain , Akter Aklima , Zaman Rabaya
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of bank diversification (i.e. diversification of income and diversification of assets) on Bangladeshi banks’ profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a dynamic panel data model with system generalized methods of moments, the authors examine an unbalanced panel data from 32 banks spanning 318 bank-year observations from 2007 to 2016.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant positive association of income diversification and asset diversification on bank profitability. Therefore, the results show that banks can generate profit from diversification of income and diversification of assets.

Originality/value

One of the rare attempts to investigate the relationship between diversification and profitability in Bangladesh’s banking sector is this report. The authors anticipate the results to have major consequences for Bangladeshi bank regulators and other related economies.