bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of Human BCCIP and Implications for Binding and Modification of Partner Proteins
Authors: Choi Woo Suk , Liu Bochao , Shen Zhiyuan , Yang Wei
Published: December 2020

BCCIP was isolated based on its interactions with tumor suppressors BRCA2 and p21. Knockdown or knockout of BCCIP causes embryonic lethality in mice. BCCIP deficient cells exhibit impaired cell proliferation and chromosome instability. BCCIP also plays a key role in biogenesis of ribosome 60S subunits. BCCIP is conserved from yeast to humans, but it has no discernible sequence similarity to proteins of known structures. Here we report two crystal structures of an N-terminal truncated human BCCIPβ, consisting of residues 61-314. Structurally BCCIP is similar to GCN5-related acetyltransferases (GNATs) but contains different sequence motifs. Moreover, both acetyl-CoA and substrate-binding grooves are altered in BCCIP. A large 19-residue flap over the putative CoA binding site adopts either an open or closed conformation in BCCIP. The substrate binding groove is significantly reduced in size and is positively charged despite the acidic isoelectric point of BCCIP. BCCIP has potential binding sites for partner proteins and may have enzymatic activity.
Hyperactivation of L-lactate oxidase by liquid-liquid phase separation
Authors: Ura Tomoto , Kagawa Ako , Yagi Hiromasa , Tochio Naoya , Kigawa Takanori , Mikawa Tsutomu , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: December 2020

Liquid droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation are attracting attention as functional states of proteins in living cells. Liquid droplets are thought to activate enzymatic reactions by assembling the required molecules. Thus, liquid droplets usually increase the affinity of an enzyme to its substrates, leading to decreasedKMvalues. In this study, we demonstrate a new mechanism of enzyme activation in the droplets using Llactate oxidase (LOX). In the presence of poly-L-lysine (PLL), LOX formed droplets with diameters of hundreds of nanometers to tens of micrometers, stabilized by electro-static interaction. The enzyme activity of LOX in the droplets was significantly enhanced by a fourfold decrease inKMand a tenfold increase inkcat. To our knowledge, this represents the first report for increasingkcatby the formation of the liquid droplet. Interestingly, the conformation of LOX changed in the liquid droplet, probably leading to increasedkcatvalue. Understanding enzyme activation in the droplets provides essential information about enzyme function in living cells in addition to biotechnology applications.
A molecular mechanism for the generation of ligand-dependent differential outputs by the epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Huang Yongjian , Ognjenović Jana , Karandur Deepti , Miller Kate , Merk Alan , Subramaniam Sriram , Kuriyan John
Published: December 2020

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that couples the binding of extracellular ligands, such as EGF and transforming growth factor-α(TGF-α), to the initiation of intracellular signaling pathways. EGFR binds to EGF and TGF-αwith similar affinity but generates different signals from these ligands. To address the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon, we have carried out cryo-EM analyses of human EGFR bound to EGF and TGF-α. We show that the extracellular module adopts an ensemble of dimeric conformations when bound to either EGF or TGF-α. The two extreme states of this ensemble represent distinct ligand-bound quaternary structures in which the membrane-proximal tips of the extracellular module are either juxtaposed or separated. EGF and TGF-αdiffer in their ability to maintain the conformation with the membrane-proximal tips of the extracellular module separated, and this conformation is stabilized preferentially by an oncogenic EGFR mutation. Close proximity of the transmembrane helices at the junction with the extracellular module has been associated previously with increased EGFR activity. Our results show how EGFR can couple the binding of different ligands to differential modulation of this proximity, thereby suggesting a molecular mechanism for the generation of ligand-sensitive differential outputs in this receptor family.
microRNAs slow translating ribosomes to prevent protein misfolding
Authors: Sako Hiroaki , Akimoto Takayuki , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Ushida Takashi , Yamamoto Tadashi
Published: December 2020

An evolutionarily conserved mechanism, use of non-optimal codons, slows ribosomes during translation to allow proper folding of nascent polypeptides. However, until now, it was unknown whether any eukaryote-specific mechanisms exist for this purpose. Here, we propose that miRNAs slow translating ribosomes to prevent protein misfolding, with little negative effect on protein abundance. To prove this, we bioinformatically analyze ribosome profiling and miRNA binding sites and biochemically confirm that miRNA deficiency causes severe misfolding, which is rescued by slowing translating ribosomes. We demonstrate that non-cleaving shRNAs, targeting regions where elongation rates become faster in miRNA-deficient cells, improve protein folding with minimal effects on protein abundance. These results reveal broader functionality of miRNAs and a previously unknown mechanism to prevent protein misfolding.

One Sentence Summary

Eukaryote use of miRNAs prevents protein misfolding in a target-specific manner.
Spatial rearrangement of theStreptomyces venezuelaelinear chromosome during sporogenic development
Authors: Szafran MJ. , Małecki T. , Strzałka A. , Pawlikiewicz K. , Duława J. , Zarek A. , Kois-Ostrowska A. , Findlay K. , Le TBK. , Jakimowicz D.
Published: December 2020

Depending on the species, bacteria organize their chromosomes with either spatially separated or closely juxtaposed replichores. However, in contrast to eukaryotes, significant changes in bacterial chromosome conformation during the cell cycle have not been demonstrated to date.Streptomycesare unique among bacteria due to their linear chromosomes and complex life cycle. These bacteria develop multigenomic hyphae that differentiate into chains of unigenomic exospores. Only during sporulation-associated cell division, chromosomes are segregated and compacted. In this study, we show that at entry to sporulation, arms ofS. venezuelaechromosomes are spatially separated, but they are closely aligned within the core region during sporogenic cell division. Arm juxtaposition is imposed by the segregation protein ParB and condensin SMC. Moreover, we disclose that the chromosomal terminal regions are organized into domains by theStreptomyces-specific protein - HupS. Thus, we demonstrate chromosomal rearrangement from open to close conformation duringStreptomyceslife cycle.
MBGC: Multiple Bacteria Genome Compressor
Authors: Grabowski Szymon , Kowalski Tomasz M.
Published: December 2020

Genomes within the same species reveal large similarity, exploited by specialized multiple genome compressors. The existing algorithms and tools are however targeted at large, e.g., mammalian, genomes, and their performance on bacteria strains is mediocre. In this work, we propose MBGC, a specialized genome compressor making use of specific redundancy of bacterial genomes. Our tool is not only compression efficient, but also fast. On a collection of 168,311 bacterial genomes, totalling 587 GB, we achieve the compression ratio around the factor of 730, and the compression (resp. decompression) speed around 1070 MB/s (resp. 740 MB/s) using 8 hardware threads, on a computer with a 6-core / 12-thread CPU and a fast SSD, being about 4 times more succinct and more than an order of magnitude faster in the compression than our main competitors.

Availability and implementation

MBGC is freely available at github.com/kowallus/mbgc.
Prediction of Eye, Hair and Skin Color in Admixed Populations of Latin America
Authors: Palmal Sagnik , Adhikari Kaustubh , Mendoza-Revilla Javier , Fuentes-Guajardo Macarena , de Cerqueira Caio C. Silva , Chacón-Duque Juan Camilo , Sohail Anood , Hurtado Malena , Villegas Valeria , Granja Vanessa , Jaramillo Claudia , Arias William , Lozano Rodrigo Barquera , Everardo-Martínez Paola , Gómez-Valdés Jorge , Villamil-Ramírez Hugo , Hünemeier Tábita , Ramallo Virginia , Gonzalez-José Rolando , Schüler-Faccini Lavinia , Bortolini Maria-Cátira , Acuña-Alonzo Victor , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Gallo Carla , Poletti Giovanni , Bedoya Gabriel , Rothhammer Francisco , Balding David , Faux Pierre , Ruiz-Linares Andrés
Published: December 2020

We report an evaluation of prediction accuracy for eye, hair and skin pigmentation based on genomic and phenotypic data for over 6,500 admixed Latin Americans (the CANDELA dataset). We examined the impact on prediction accuracy of three main factors: (i) The methods of prediction, including classical statistical methods and machine learning approaches, (ii) The inclusion of non-genetic predictors, continental genetic ancestry and pigmentation SNPs in the prediction models, and (iii) Compared two sets of pigmentation SNPs: the commonly-used HIrisPlex-S set (developed in Europeans) and novel SNP sets we defined here based on genome-wide association results in the CANDELA sample. We find that Random Forest or regression are globally the best performing methods. Although continental genetic ancestry has substantial power for prediction of pigmentation in Latin Americans, the inclusion of pigmentation SNPs increases prediction accuracy considerably, particularly for skin color. For hair and eye color, HIrisPlex-S has a similar performance to the CANDELA-specific prediction SNP sets. However, for skin pigmentation the performance of HIrisPlex-S is markedly lower than the SNP set defined here, including predictions in an independent dataset of Native American data. These results reflect the relatively high variation in hair and eye color among Europeans for whom HIrisPlex-S was developed, whereas their variation in skin pigmentation is comparatively lower. Furthermore, we show that the dataset used in the training of prediction models strongly impacts on the portability of these models across Europeans and Native Americans.
Dynamics of the compartmentalizedStreptomyceschromosome during metabolic differentiation
Authors: Lioy Virginia , Lorenzi Jean-Noël , Najah Soumaya , Poinsignon Thibault , Leh Hervé , Saulnier Corinne , Aigle Bertrand , Lautru Sylvie , Thibessard Annabelle , Lespinet Olivier , Leblond Pierre , Jaszczyszyn Yan , Gorrichon Kevin , Varoquaux Nelle , Junier Ivan , Boccard Frédéric , Pernodet Jean-Luc , Bury-Moné Stéphanie
Published: December 2020

Streptomycesare among the most prolific bacterial producers of specialized metabolites, including antibiotics. The linear chromosome is partitioned into a central region harboring core genes and two extremities enriched in specialized metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (SMBGCs). The molecular mechanisms governing structure and function of these compartmentalized genomes remain mostly unknown. Here we show that in exponential phase, chromosome structure correlates with genetic compartmentalization: conserved, large and highly transcribed genes form boundaries that segment the central part of the chromosome into domains, whereas the terminal ends are transcriptionally, largely quiescent compartments with different structural features. Onset of metabolic differentiation is accompanied by remodeling of chromosome architecture from an ‘open’ to a rather ‘closed’ conformation, in which the SMBGCs are expressed forming new boundaries. Altogether, our results reveal thatS. ambofaciens’linear chromosome is partitioned into structurally distinct entities, indicating a link between chromosome folding, gene expression and genome evolution.
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in mice is linked to bone loss via the bone marrow immune microenvironment
Authors: Tian Jingwen , Moon Ji Sun , Nga Ha Thi , Chung Hyo Kyun , Lee Ho Yeop , Kim Jung Tae , Chang Joon Young , Kang Seul Gi , Ryu Dongryeol , Che Xiangguo , Choi Je-Yong , Tsukasaki Masayuki , Sasako Takayoshi , Lee Sang-Hee , Shong Minho , Yi Hyon-Seung
Published: December 2020

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) is a critical regulator of skeletal muscle mass and function. Although muscle atrophy due to mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with bone loss caused by reduction of mechanical loading, questions remain about the biological characteristics in the relationship between muscle and bone. Here, we have shown that muscle atrophy caused by skeletal muscle-specificCrif1knockout (MKO) modulates the bone marrow inflammatory response, leading to bone loss. Transcriptome analysis of the extensor digitorum longus revealed that local mitochondrial stress increased serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in mice. However, we have shown byFgf21knockout in MKO mice that FGF21 is dispensable for muscle atrophy-mediated bone loss. RNA sequencing in MKO mice indicated that mitochondrial stress response in skeletal muscles induces an inflammatory response and adipogenesis in the bone marrow. We also found, using transcriptomic analysis of bone marrow, that the CXCL12–CXCR4 axis is important for T-cell homing to the bone marrow, which is an immunological mediator of muscle-bone communication. CXCR4 antagonism attenuated bone marrow inflammation and bone loss in MKO mice. Together, these data highlight the role that muscle mitochondrial dysfunction plays in triggering bone marrow inflammation via the CXCL12–CXCR4 signaling axis, which is critical for inducing bone loss.
Deletion of the Clock GenePeriod2 (Per2)in Glial Cells Alters Mood-Related Behavior in Mice
Authors: Martini Tomaz , Ripperger Jürgen A. , Stalin Jimmy , Kores Andrej , Stumpe Michael , Albrecht Urs
Published: December 2020

The circadian clock regulates many biochemical and physiological pathways, and lack of clock genes, such asPeriod(Per) 2, do not only affect circadian activity rhythms, but can also modulate food-anticipatory and mood-related behaviors. However, it is not known how cell-type specific expression ofPer2contributes to these behaviors. In this study, we find thatPer2in glial cells is important for balancing mood-related behaviors. Genetic and adeno-associated virus-mediated deletion ofPer2in glial cells of mice leads to a depression-resistant phenotype, as manifested in reduced despair and anxiety. This is paralleled by an increase of theGABA transporter 3(Gat3) mRNA and a reduction of glutamate levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Exclusive deletion ofPer2in glia of the NAc reduced despair, but had no influence on anxiety. Our data provide strong evidence for an important role of glialPer2in regulating mood-related behavior.
Notch signaling is a critical initiator of roof plate formation as revealed by the use of RNA profiling of the dorsal neural tube
Authors: Ofek Shai , Wiszniak Sophie , Kagan Sarah , Tondl Markus , Schwarz Quenten , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: December 2020

The factors underlying establishment of the definitive roof plate (RP) and its segregation from neural crest (NC) and interneurons are unknown. We performed transcriptome analysis at trunk levels of quail embryos comparing the dorsal neural tube at premigratory NC and RP stages. This unraveled molecular heterogeneity between NC and RP stages, and within the RP itself. By implementing these genes, we asked whether Notch signaling is involved in RP development. First, we observed that Notch is active at the RP-interneuron interface. Furthermore, gain and loss of Notch function in quail and mouse embryos, respectively, revealed no effect on early NC behavior. Constitutive Notch activation caused a local downregulation of RP markers with a concomitant development of dI1 interneurons, as well as an ectopic upregulation of RP markers in the interneuron domain. Reciprocally, in mice lacking Notch activity both the RP and dI1 interneurons failed to form and this was associated with expansion of the dI2 population. Collectively, our results offer a new resource for defining specific cell types, and provide evidence that Notch is required to establish the definitive RP, and to determine the choice between RP and interneuron fates, but not the segregation of RP from NC.

Summary statement

A new set of genes involved in Notch-dependent roof plate formation is unraveled by transcriptome analysis.
Ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen-like protein 2 (OCIAD2) is a novel metazoan specific complex III assembly factor
Authors: Chojnacka Katarzyna Justyna , Mohanraj Karthik , Callegari Sylvie , Marins Mussulini Ben Hur , Elanchelyan Praveenraj , Gosk Aleksandra , Banach Tomasz , Góral Tomasz , Rehling Peter , Serwa Remigiusz Adam , Chacińska Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

Assembly of the dimeric complex III (CIII2) in the mitochondrial inner membrane is an intricate process in which many factors are involved. Despite many studies this process is yet to be completely understood. Here we report the identification of human OCIAD2 (Ovarian Carcinoma Immunoreactive Antigen domain containing protein 2) protein as an assembly factor for CIII2. OCIAD2 was found deregulated in several carcinomas and in some neurodegenerative disorders; however its non-pathological role was not elucidated to date. We have shown that OCIAD2 localizes to mitochondria and interacts with electron transport chain (ETC) proteins. Complete loss of OCIAD2 using gene editing in HEK293 cells resulted in abnormal mitochondrial morphology, decrease assembly of both CIII2and supercomplex III2+IV and decreased activities of complex I and III. Identification of OCIAD2 as a protein required for assembly of functional CIII2provides a new insight into the biogenesis and architecture of the ETC. Elucidating the mechanism of OCIAD2 action is important both for the understanding of cellular metabolism and for understanding of its role in the malignant transformation.
Genome-wide CRISPR and small-molecule screens uncover targetable dependencies in ATRT
Authors: Merk Daniel J. , Hirsch Sophie , Tsiami Foteini , Walter Bianca , Haeusser Lara A. , Babaei Sepideh , Admar Jakob , Casadei Nicolas , Roggia Cristiana , Spohn Michael , Schittenhelm Jens , Singer Stephan , Schüller Ulrich , Piccioni Federica , Persky Nicole S. , Root David E. , Claassen Manfred , Tatagiba Marcos , Tabatabai Ghazaleh
Published: December 2020

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are incurable high-grade pediatric brain tumors. Concepts for molecular-driven therapies in ATRTs lag behind, mainly due to the absence of actionable genetic alterations. We performed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens in six human ATRT cell lines and identified a total of 671 context-specific essential genes. Based on these genetic dependencies, we constructed a library of small-molecule inhibitors that we found to preferentially inhibit growth of ATRT cells. CDK4/6 inhibitors, among the most potent drugs in our library, are capable of inhibiting tumor growth due to mutual exclusive dependency of ATRTs onCDK4orCDK6. These distinct dependencies drive heterogeneity in response to CDK4/6 inhibitors in ATRTs. Our approach might serve as a blueprint for fostering the identification of functionally-instructed therapeutic strategies in other incurable diseases beyond ATRT, whose genomic profiles also lack actionable alterations so far.
An Rshiny app for modelling environmental DNA data: accounting for false positive and false negative observation error
Authors: Diana Alex , Matechou Eleni , Griffin Jim E. , Buxton Andrew S. , Griffiths Richard A.
Published: December 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys have become a popular tool for assessing the distribution of species. However, it is known that false positive and false negative observation error can occur at both stages of eDNA surveys, namely the field sampling stage and laboratory analysis stage.

We present an RShiny app that implements the Griffin et al. (2019) statistical method, which accounts for false positive and false negative errors in both stages of eDNA surveys. Following Griffin et al. (2019), we employ a Bayesian approach and perform efficient Bayesian variable selection to identify important predictors for the probability of species presence as well as the probabilities of observation error at either stage.

We demonstrate the RShiny app using a data set on great crested newts collected by Natural England in 2018 and we identify water quality, pond area, fish presence, macrophyte cover, frequency of drying as important predictors for species presence at a site.

The state-of-the-art statistical method that we have implemented is the only one that has specifically been developed for the purposes of modelling false negatives and false positives in eDNA data. Our RShiny app is user-friendly, requires no prior knowledge of R and fits the models very efficiently. Therefore, it should be part of the tool-kit of any researcher or practitioner who is collecting or analysing eDNA data.
In vitroevaluation of antifungal activity ofAgeratum conyzoides,Basella albaandMitracarpus villosuson the strain ofLasiodiplodia theobromaein the Kisangani Region / D R Congo
Authors: Kwembe J.T.K. , Asumani M.K. , Onautshu O. , Mpiana P.T. , Haesaert G.
Published: December 2020

Following our previous investigations relating to the in vitro evaluation of antifungal activity, this study focused on the demonstration of the inhibitory power of extracts of fresh and dry leaves of Ageratum conyzoides, Basella alba and Mitracarpus villosus on the strain of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, fungus responsible for brown rot of cocoa pod in the Kisangani region. In six repetitions on the Patato dextrose agar medium, the strain of L. theobromae was inhibited up to 68.1% by the aqueous extract of B. alba; 60.0% by the ethanolic extract of A. conyzoides and 55.2% by the ethanolic extract of M. villosus (all obtained from dry leaves). Only the fresh leaves of the aqueous (56.7%) and ethereal (51.1%) extracts of A. conyzoides showed high inhibition percentages compared to those of the extracts of the fresh leaves of B. alba and M. villosus. The extracts of the dry leaves showed high inhibition percentages followed by those of the fresh leaves and finally those of crude extracts after two days of incubation. Thus, in addition to the expected results, the plants studied are all active. These inhibitory powers could be very high for the secondary metabolites of the respective plants.
The role of mechanical interactions in EMT
Authors: Murphy Ryan J. , Buenzli Pascal R. , Tambyah Tamara A. , Thompson Erik W. , Hugo Honor J. , Baker Ruth E. , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

The detachment of cells from the boundary of an epithelial tissue and the subsequent invasion of these cells into surrounding tissues is important for cancer development and wound healing, and is strongly associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Chemical signals, such as TGF-β, produced by surrounding tissue can be up-taken by cells and induce EMT. In this work, we present a novel cell-based discrete mathematical model of mechanical cellular relaxation, cell proliferation, and cell detachment driven by chemically-dependent EMT in an epithelial tissue. A continuum description of the model is then derived in the form of a novel nonlinear free boundary problem. Using the discrete and continuum models we explore how the coupling of chemical transport and mechanical interactions influences EMT, and postulate how this could be used to help control EMT in pathological situations.
Coiled-coil heterodimers with increased stability for cellular regulation and sensing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated cell fusion
Authors: Plaper Tjaša , Aupič Jana , Dekleva Petra , Lapenta Fabio , Manček Keber Mateja , Jerala Roman , Benčina Mojca
Published: December 2020

Coiled-coil (CC) dimer-forming peptides are attractive designable modules for mediating protein association. Highly stable CCs are desired for biological activity regulation and assay. Here, we report the design and versatile applications of orthogonal CC dimer-forming peptides with a dissociation constant in the low nanomolar range.In vitrostability and specificity was confirmed in mammalian cells by enzyme reconstitution, transcriptional activation using a combination of DNA-binding and a transcriptional activation domain, and cellular-enzyme-activity regulation based on externally-added peptides. In addition to cellular regulation, coiled-coil-mediated reporter reconstitution was used for the detection of cell fusion mediated by the interaction between the spike protein of pandemic SARS-CoV2 and the ACE2 receptor. This assay can be used to investigate the mechanism and screen inhibition of viral spike protein-mediated fusion under the biosafety level 1conditions.
Short-term financial sustainability of agricultural cooperatives
Authors: Piccoli Pedro , Bianchini Junior Nilton , Coser Jeferson , Moreira Vilmar R.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

From 2006 to 2016, Brazilian agricultural cooperatives exhibited a sharp increase in sales. Since the operational cycle of these organizations demands a positive net working capital that is usually funded by debt, the authors examine whether this rise in sales was obtained at the cost of the short-term financial sustainability. As a matter of comparison, the authors conduct the same analysis for Brazilian agricultural public traded companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the dynamic analysis of working capital method to measure the short-term financial sustainability of these organizations.

Findings

The authors find that the expansion of net working capital caused by the growth of the revenues of the sampled cooperatives was mostly funded by short-term debt, which rose by 31% in annualized terms. The authors also document that around 60% of these firms displayed a current capital structure that can be considered risky in terms of indebtedness, and that the majority of firms exhibited a non-sustainable growth in the period, what contrasts with the performance presented by Brazilian agricultural publicly traded companies, since only 16% of the firms from this group have shown a non-sustainable growth. This distinction seems to be explained by the lower capacity of agricultural cooperatives to provide resources from their operations.

Originality/value

The authors investigate the short-term financial sustainability of a unique dataset of 65 Brazilian agricultural cooperatives and provide insight for researchers analyzing the dual nature of these firms.
Identifying gaps in using artificial intelligence to support students with intellectual disabilities from education and health perspectives
Authors: Kharbat Faten F. , Alshawabkeh Abdallah , Woolsey M. Lynn
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Students with developmental/intellectual disabilities (ID/DD) often have serious health issues that require additional medical care and supervision. Serious health issues also mean increased absence and additional lags in academic achievement and development of adaptive and social skills. The incorporation of artificial intelligence in the education of a child with ID/DD could ameliorate the educational, adaptive and social skill gaps that occur as a direct result of persistent health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education for students with ID/DD was collected systematically from international online databases based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The collected articles were analyzed deductively, looking for the different gaps in the domain. Based on the literature, an artificial intelligence–based architecture is proposed and sketched.

Findings

The findings show that there are many gaps in supporting students with ID/DD through the utilization of artificial intelligence. Given that the majority of students with ID/DD often have serious and chronic and comorbid health conditions, the potential use of health information in artificial intelligence is even more critical. Therefore, there is a clear need to develop a system that facilitates communication and access to health information for students with ID/DD, one that provides information to caregivers and education providers, limits errors, and, therefore, improves these individuals' education and quality of life.

Practical implications

This review highlights the gap in the current literature regarding using artificial intelligence in supporting the education of students with ID/DD. There is an urgent need for an intelligent system in collaboration with the updated health information to improve the quality of services submitted for people with intellectual disabilities and as a result improving their quality of life.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the gaps in incorporating artificial intelligence and its service to individuals with ID/DD. The research additionally proposes a solution based on the confounding variables of students’ health and individual characteristics. This solution will provide an automated information flow as a functional diagnostic and intervention tool for teachers, caregivers and parents. It could potentially improve the educational and practical outcomes for individuals with ID/DD and, ultimately, their quality of life.
Data privacy-related behavior and concerns of activity tracking technology users from Germany and the USA
Authors: Ilhan Aylin , Fietkiewicz Kaja J.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This investigation aims to examine the differences and similarities between activity tracking technology users from two regions (the USA and Germany) in their intended privacy-related behavior. The focus lies on data handling after hypothetical discontinuance of use, data protection and privacy policy seeking, and privacy concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected through an online survey in 2019. In order to identify significant differences between participants from Germany and the USA, the chi-squared test and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied.

Findings

The intensity of several privacy-related concerns was significantly different between the two groups. The majority of the participants did not inform themselves about the respective data privacy policies or terms and conditions before installing an activity tracking application. The majority of the German participants knew that they could request the deletion of all their collected data. In contrast, only 35% out of 68 participants from the US knew about this option.

Research limitations/implications

This study intends to raise awareness about managing the collected health and fitness data after stopping to use activity tracking technologies. Furthermore, to reduce privacy and security concerns, the involvement of the government, companies and users is necessary to handle and share data more considerably and in a sustainable way.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on users of activity tracking technologies from a broad perspective (here, participants from the USA and Germany). It incorporates not only concerns and the privacy paradox but (intended) user behavior, including seeking information on data protection and privacy policy and handling data after hypothetical discontinuance of use of the technology.
Adapting to COVID-19 disruptions: student engagement in online learning of accounting
Authors: Ali Irshad , Narayan Anil Kumar , Sharma Umesh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights on student engagement in the learning of accounting during the COVID-19 disruptions and the pivot to online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on reflections of academic staff members teaching accounting papers at two large New Zealand universities. Further supporting information was derived from student feedback collected via paper appraisals.

Findings

The findings of this paper suggest that there were some successes and numerous challenges in engaging students in online learning of accounting. Strategies that seem to have worked well include the use of synchronous and asynchronous channels to proactively facilitate and provide learning support to students in online learning. The challenges include frustrations with online technologies and the difficulties of making personal connections with students; therefore, engaging some of the cohort in the learning proved to be difficult.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper suggest that there were some successes and numerous challenges in engaging students in online learning of accounting. Strategies that seem to have worked well include the use of synchronous and asynchronous channels to proactively facilitate and provide learning support to students in online learning. The challenges include frustrations with online technologies and the difficulties of making personal connections with students; therefore, engaging some of the cohort in the learning proved to be difficult. At risk, students were less likely to participate in online live sessions due to issues such as the lack of proper computer equipment, connectivity issues, family responsibilities or the home environment.

Practical implications

This paper has the potential to inform and enhance practices of higher education institutions, accounting educators and other stakeholders such as support staff on strategies that could be implemented to achieve effective student engagement in online accounting education.

Originality/value

This paper is original and contributes towards sharing ideas with the academic community on effective teaching practices used during the COVID-19 pivot to online delivery, which can enhance student engagement in business education.
A model utilizing the artificial neural network in cost estimation of construction projects in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tawal Dareen Ryied , Arafah Mazen , Sweis Ghaleb Jalil
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Cost estimation is one of the most significant steps in construction planning, which must be undertaken in the preliminary stages of any project; it is required for all projects to establish the project's budget. Confidence in these initial estimates is low, primarily due to the limited availability of suitable data, which leads the construction projects to frequently end up over budget. This paper investigated the efficacy of artificial neural networks (ANNs) methodologies in overcoming cost estimation problems in the early phases of the building design process.

Design/methodology/approach

Cost and design data from 104 projects constructed over the past five years in Jordan were used to develop, train and test ANN models. At the detailed design stage, 53 design factors were utilized to develop the first ANN model; then the factors were reduced to 41 and were utilized to develop the second predictive model at the schematic design stage. Finally, 27 design factors available at the concept design stage were utilized for the third ANN model.

Findings

The models achieved average cost estimation accuracy of 98, 98 and 97% in the detailed, schematic and concept design stages, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This paper formulated the aims and objectives to be applicable only in Jordan using historical data of building projects.

Originality/value

The ANN approach introduced as a management tool is expected to provide the stakeholders in the engineering business with an indispensable tool for predicting the cost with limited data at the early stages of construction projects.
Identifying contradictions in an incumbent–startup ecosystem–an activity theory approach
Authors: Baloutsos Stratos , Karagiannaki Angeliki , Pramatari Katerina
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Discussion regarding systems that promote innovation, aptly named innovation ecosystems, has been intensifying both in academia and business. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the activity theory as a theoretical framework for conceptualising and studying innovation ecosystems. Using the activity theory, it investigates elements that affect the success and viability of innovation ecosystems formed between startups and incumbent firms, collaborating with an established firm within the context of an open innovation programme.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an exploratory case research approach and proposes the activity theory as a theoretical background to be used in innovation ecosystem research. Based on this approach, this study draws from interviews and research observations in an innovation ecosystem formed between an established firm and various startups that aim to co-develop innovative offerings.

Findings

By applying the activity theory tools, this study identifies several contradictions between interacting actors of this innovation ecosystem that can adversely affect the innovation process. Furthermore, it proposes the use of the activity theory as a fitting theoretical lens to study innovation ecosystems.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is related to the focus on the incumbent–startup context for extending the innovation ecosystem literature. Using the activity theory as a viable methodological tool allows us to conceptualise firms as social constructs and hence pinpoint inner characteristics that can affect and shape their interactions and the broader ecosystem. This process is further enhanced by the use of primary data that give unique insights into the inner workings of innovation ecosystems by identifying underlying contradictions.
Employee engagement: exploring higher education non-tenure track faculty members’ perceptions
Authors: Kovaleski Brad J. , Arghode Vishal
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study employee engagement in higher education by examining full-time non-tenure track faculty members’ perceptions at a North East US state public university.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used semi-structured face-to-face personal interviews with 11 non-tenure track full-time university faculty. Using a phenomenological approach, thematic analysis was conducted for employee interview data. The data was further refined through first and second cycle coding. The primary eight coded clusters were further reduced to three data clusters, each representing an evolving unit of meaning.

Findings

The analysis revealed three themes relating to how full-time non-tenure track faculty experience and understand engagement: required institutional engagement, perceived necessary engagement and relational collegial engagement.

Originality/value

The study adds to the limited research available on non-tenure track faculty members within higher education organization and their perceptions of engagement.
Attitudes towards entrepreneurship among the students of Thailand: an entrepreneurial attitude orientation approach
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Memon Maqsood , Shah Naimatullah
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The present study predicts attitude towards entrepreneurship among the students of Thailand through the entrepreneurial attitude orientation (EAO) model.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is used, based on cross-sectional data from public sector universities of Thailand. The respondents are bachelor's and master's students who are acquiring entrepreneurship education. A random sampling technique was used to approach students to participate in the survey. A total of 392 useable questionnaires were returned, providing data for analysis.

Findings

Using structural equation modeling, the results show a positive and significant impact of achievement, personal control and innovation on attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Self-esteem, however, has a non-significant impact on attitudes towards entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

This study may be helpful for university policymakers wishing to know more about students' entrepreneurial attitudes, as there is a strong need to divert more students towards entrepreneurship. This study may contribute to the entrepreneurship literature and the EAO scale, particularly in developing and Asian contexts.

Originality/value

This study offers evidence of the development of entrepreneurial attitudes among the students of Thailand, which ensures the further validation of the EAO scale in a developing country.
Confidentiality and security of information in the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa
Authors: Marutha Ngoako Solomon , Mosweu Olefhile
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study sought to investigate a framework for ensuring the confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa. In most instances, trauma to HIV/AIDS patients accelerate because of their personal information relating to the state of illness leaks to public people.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used literature to study confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa.

Findings

The study revealed that confidentiality and security of information has been neglected, in most instances, at the health-care facilities, and this has, to some extent, affected HIV/AIDS patients negatively, leading to trauma, stigma and skipping of treatment by patients resulting in accelerated mortality among chronic patients. The study recommends that patients’ information be always strictly controlled and kept confidential and secured at all the times, especially that of HIV/AIDS patients.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can be used by health-care facilities to guide the management and promotion of the confidentiality and security of information in the public health-care facilities to curb additional trauma to HIV/AIDS patients in the context of Africa, and even beyond.

Originality/value

The study provides a framework to ensure the confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb additional trauma to HIV/AIDS patients.
Cis-normativity at work: exploring discrimination against US trans workers
Authors: Suárez Mario I. , Marquez-Velarde Guadalupe , Glass Christy , Miller Gabe H.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how gender variation in trans identities shape exposure to bias and discrimination. The authors then examine how trans identities intersect with race/ethnicity, education and social class to shape exposure risk to bias, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey with 24,391 trans-identified respondents. To account for the nested nature of trans people in state contexts, the authors use two-level logistic multilevel models. The authors are guided by Puwar’s bodies out of place as the theoretical grounding for this study.

Findings

The authors find significant differences in how trans women and men experience discrimination. The authors also find differences in race, education and social class. Finally, the presence of anti-discrimination policies presents mixed results.

Originality/value

The authors’ analysis reveals important differences in trans workers’ exposure to discrimination based on gender identity, social class, race/ethnicity and policy context, and draws upon a rich and large data set.
FDGM(1,1) model based on unified fractional grey generation operator
Authors: Meng Wei , Li Qian , Zeng Bo , Yang Yingjie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to unify the expression of fractional grey accumulating generation operator and the reducing generation operator, and build the FDGM(1,1) model with the unified fractional grey generation operator.

Design/methodology/approach

By systematically studying the properties of the fractional accumulating operator and the reducing operator, and analyzing the sensitivity of the order value, a unified expression of the fractional operators is given. The FDGM(1,1) model with the unified fractional grey generation operator is established. The relationship between the order value and the modeling error distribution is studied.

Findings

The expression of the fractional accumulating generation operator and the reducing generation operator can be unified to a simple expression. For −1<r < 1, the fractional grey generation operator satisfies the principle of new information priority. The DGM(1,1) model is a special case of the FDGM(1,1) model with r = 1.

Research limitations/implications

The sensitivity of the unified operator is verified through random numerical simulation method, and the theoretical proof was not yet possible.

Practical implications

The FDGM(1,1) model has a higher modeling accuracy and modeling adaptability than the DGM(1,1) by optimizing the order.

Originality/value

The expression of the fractional accumulating generation operator and the reducing generation operator is firstly unified. The FDGM(1,1) model with the unified fractional grey generation operator is firstly established. The unification of the fractional accumulating operator and the reducing operator improved the theoretical basis of grey generation operator.
Perceived benefits of retrofitted residential secondary glazing: an exploratory Australian study
Authors: Bulut Mehmet , Wilkinson Sara , Khan Aila , Jin Xiao-Hua , Lee Chyi Lin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Retrofitting single glazing with double glazing saves energy and enhances indoor comfort, however replacement can be expensive. Secondary glazing is an easier-to-install, cost-effective retrofit alternative. There is a gap in the literature about post-retrofit occupant satisfaction with secondary glazed windows in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research addresses this gap, with an online survey completed by 56 respondents in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory who retrofitted secondary glazing. This research seeks a deeper understanding of occupier views. Issues of validity and internal and external reliability were addressed in the research.

Findings

Strong satisfaction and significant improvement in indoor comfort was found. Over 80% of respondents felt their home had better thermal and noise insulation. Nearly 79% found a positive impact on their property value and 77% would retrofit secondary glazing if they moved. Occupants considered secondary glazing a suitable technical, economic and environmental alternative to double glazing in retrofits.

Research limitations/implications

There is a chance of sampling bias; only satisfied respondents answer the survey. Survey data was collected from occupants located in a small geographic area and who used the same manufacturer. Different climatic conditions, varying specifications and quality of installed systems could influence perceptions.

Practical implications

Many reported health and wellbeing improvements, higher comfort, higher property value and willingness to invest in residential energy efficiency measures. These findings need to be more widely known in the Australian market.

Originality/value

Few studies focus on retrofitting secondary glazing to Australian residential buildings. This study highlights the social, economic and environmental benefits perceived by occupants post-retrofit.