bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistive force theory and wave dynamics in swimming isolated flagellar apparatus
Authors: Goli Pozveh S. , Bae A. J. , Gholami A.
Published: July 2020

Cilia-driven motility and fluid transport is ubiquitous in nature and essential for many biological processes, including swimming of eukaryotic unicellular organisms, mucus transport in airway apparatus or fluid flow in brain. The-biflagellated micro-swimmerChlamydomonas reinhardtiiis a model organism to study dynamics of flagellar synchronization. Hydrodynamic interactions, intracellular mechanical coupling or cell body rocking are believed to play crucial role in synchronization of flagellar beating in green algae. Here, we use freely swimming intact flagellar apparatus isolated from wall-less strain ofChlamydomonasto investigate wave dynamics. Our analysis in phase coordinates show that, when the frequency difference between the flagella is high, neither mechanical coupling via basal body nor hydrodynamics interactions are strong enough to synchronize two flagella, indicating that beating frequency is controlled internally by the cell. We also examined the validity of resistive force theory for a flagellar apparatus swimming freely in the vicinity of a substrate and found a quantitative agreement between experimental data and simulations with drag anisotropy of ratio 2. Finally, using a simplified wave form, we investigated the influence of phase and frequency differences, intrinsic curvature and wave amplitude on the swimming trajectory of flagellar apparatus. Our analysis shows that by controlling phase or frequency differences between two flagella, steering can occur.
Can Bayesian phylogeography reconstruct migrations and expansions in human history?
Authors: Neureiter Nico , Ranacher Peter , van Gijn Rik , Bickel Balthasar , Weibel Robert
Published: July 2020

Bayesian phylogeography aims to reconstruct migrations in evolutionary processes. This methodological framework has been used for the reconstruction of homelands and historical expansions of various language families, but its reliability for language diversification research has remained unclear. We contribute to this discussion with a simulation study where we distinguish two types of spatial processes:migrationandexpansion. By migration we denote long-distance movement of whole populations, leaving their previous habitat empty. Expansions are small-scale movements of speakers or inclusions of new speakers into the language community, cumulatively contributing to a gradual spread into new territories. We simulate migrations, in the form of directional random walks, and expansions, in the form of a grid-based region-growing process. We run both simulation scenarios with varying degrees of directional trends and evaluate the performance of state-of-the-art phylogeographic methods. Our results show that phylogeography fails to reconstruct migrations, but works surprisingly well on expansions, even under severe directional trends. We demonstrate that migrations and expansions have typical phylogenetic and spatial patterns, which in the one case inhibit and in the other facilitate phylogeographic reconstruction. Furthermore, we propose descriptive statistics to identify whether a real sample of languages (Bantu), their relationship and spatial distribution, better fits a migration or an expansion scenario. Bringing together the results of the simulation study and theoretical arguments, we make recommendations for judging the adequacy of phylogeographic models to reconstruct the spatial evolution of languages.
Staphylococcal protein A inhibits complement activation by interfering with IgG hexamer formation
Authors: Cruz Ana Rita , den Boer Maurits A. , Strasser Jürgen , Beurskens Frank J. , de Haas Carla J. C. , Aerts Piet C. , Wang Guanbo , de Jong Rob N. , Bagnoli Fabio , van Strijp Jos A. G. , van Kessel Kok P. M. , Schuurman Janine , Preiner Johannes , Heck Albert J. R. , Rooijakkers Suzan H. M.
Published: July 2020

IgG molecules are essential players in the human immune response against bacterial infections. An important effector of IgG-dependent immunity is the induction of complement activation, a reaction that triggers a variety of responses that help to kill bacteria. Antibody-dependent complement activation is promoted by the organization of target-bound IgGs into hexamers that are held together via noncovalent Fc-Fc interactions. Here we show that Staphylococcal protein A (SpA), an important virulence factor and vaccine candidate ofStaphylococcus aureus, effectively blocks IgG hexamerization and subsequent complement activation. Using native mass spectrometry and high-speed atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate that SpA blocks IgG hexamerization through competitive binding to the Fc-Fc interaction interface on IgG monomers. In concordance, we show that SpA interferes with the formation of (IgG)6:C1q complexes and prevents downstream complement activation on the surface ofS. aureus.Lastly, we demonstrate that IgG3 antibodies againstS. aureuscan potently induce complement activation even in the presence of SpA. Altogether, this study identifies SpA as an immune evasion protein that specifically blocks IgG hexamerization.
Competition for electrons favors N2O reduction in denitrifyingBradyrhizobium isolates
Authors: Gao Y , Mania D , Mousavi SA , Lycus P , Arntzen M , Woliy K , Lindström K , Shapleigh JP , Bakken LR , Frostegård Å
Published: July 2020

Bradyrhizobia are common members of soil microbiomes and known as N2-fixing symbionts of economically important legumes. Many are also denitrifiers, which can act as sinks or sources for N2O. Inoculation with compatible rhizobia is often needed for optimal N2-fixation, but the choice of inoculant may also have consequences for N2O emission. Here, we analyzed the phylogeny and denitrification capacity ofBradyrhizobiumstrains, most of them isolated from peanut-nodules. All were dinitrifiers, but only~1/3 could reduce N2O while most others were net N2O producers. The N2O-reducing isolates showed strong preference for N2O- over NO3−-reduction. Such preference was also observed in a study of other bradyrhizobia and tentatively ascribed to competition between the electron pathways to Nap (periplasmic NO3−reductase) and Nos (N2O reductase). Another possible explanation is lower abundance of Nap than Nos. Here, proteomics revealed that Nap was instead more abundant than Nos, supporting the hypothesis that the electron pathway to Nos outcompetes that to Nap. In contrast,Paracoccus denitrificans, which has membrane-bondNO3−reductase (Nar), reduced N2O and NO3−simultaneously. We propose that the control at the metabolic level, favoring N2O reduction over NO3−reduction, applies also to other denitrifiers carrying Nos and Nap but lacking Nar.

Originality-Significance Statement

This study extends the current knowledge on denitrification in bradyrhizobia, which mostly originates from studies of one model strain, by investigating the denitrification phenotypes of a diverse collection of Bradyrhizobium isolates. Only 1/3 of them could reduce N2O while the others were net sources for this potent greenhouse gas. All N2O-reducers showed strong preference for N2O over NO3−. We revealed by proteomics that this was not explained by differences in the abundances of Nap (periplasmic nitrate reductase) and Nos (N2O reductase), which strengthens our hypothesis (Maniaet al., 2020) of a metabolic control mechanism by which Nos competes efficiently with Nap for electrons, making these organisms strong sinks for N2O. The findings highlight the potential importance of these organisms as N2O sinks in natural and agricultural ecosystems and pinpoint the need to take N2O reduction into account, along with N2-fixation effectiveness, when searching for strains suitable for production of inoculants.
The PRRA insert at the S1/S2 site modulates cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 usage by the closely related Bat raTG13
Authors: Liu Shufeng , Selvaraj Prabhuanand , Lien Christopher Z. , Wu Wells W. , Chou Chao-Kai , Wang Tony T.
Published: July 2020

Biochemical and structural analyses suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is well-adapted to infecting human and the presence of four residues (PRRA) at the S1/S2 site within the Spike protein may lead to unexpected tissue or host tropism. Here we report that SARS-CoV-2 efficiently utilized ACE2 of 9 species except mouse to infect 293T cells. Similarly, pseudoviruses bearing spike protein derived from either the bat raTG13 or pangolin GX, two closely related animal coronaviruses, utilized ACE2 of a diverse range of animal species to gain entry. Removal of PRRA from SARS-CoV-2 Spike displayed distinct effects on pseudoviral entry into different cell types. Strikingly, insertion of PRRA into the raTG13 Spike selectively abrogated the usage of horseshoe bat and pangolin ACE2 but conferred usage of mouse ACE2 by the relevant pseudovirus to enter cells. Together, our findings identified a previously unrecognized effect of the PRRA insert on SARS-CoV-2 and raTG13 spike proteins.
Supramolecular networks supported by the anion...π linkage of Keggin-type heteropolyoxotungstates
Authors: Panteleieva Olha S. , Ponomarova Vira V. , Shtemenko Alexander V. , Domasevitch Kostiantyn V.
Published: July 2020

Anion...π interactions are newly recognized weak supramolecular forces which are relevant to many types of electron-deficient aromatic substrates. Being less competitive with respect to conventional hydrogen bonding, anion...π interactions are only rarely considered as a crystal-structure-defining factor. Their significance dramatically increases for polyoxometalate (POM) species, which offer extended oxide surfaces for maintaining dense aromatic/inorganic stacks. The structures of tetrakis(caffeinium) μ12-silicato-tetracosa-μ2-oxido-dodecaoxidododecatungsten trihydrate, (C8H11N4O2)4[SiW12O40]·3H2O, (1), and tris(theobrominium) μ12-phosphato-tetracosa-μ2-oxido-dodecaoxidododecatungsten ethanol sesquisolvate, (C7H9N4O2)3[PW12O40]·1.5C2H5OH, (2), support the utility of anion...π interactions as a special kind of supramolecular synthon controlling the structures of ionic lattices. Both caffeinium [(HCaf)+in (1)] and theobrominium cations [(HTbr)+in (2)] reveal double stacking patterns at both axial sides of the aromatic frameworks, leading to the generation of anion...π...anion bridges. The latter provide the rare face-to-face linkage of the anions. In (1), every square face of the metal–oxide cuboctahedra accepts the interaction and the above bridges yield flat square nets,i.e.{(HCaf+)2[SiW12O40]4−}n. Two additional cations afford single stacks only and they terminate the connectivity. Salt (2) retains a two-dimensional (2D) motif of square nets, with anion...π...anion bridges involving two of the three (HTbr)+cations. The remaining cations complete a fivefold anion...π environment of [PW12O40]3−, acting as terminal groups. This single anion...π interaction is influenced by the specific pairing of (HTbr)+cations by double amide-to-amide hydrogen bonding. Nevertheless, invariable 2D patterns in (1) and (2) suggest the dominant role of anion...π interactions as the structure-governing factor, which is applicable to the construction of noncovalent linkages involving Keggin-type oxometalates.
Structural diversity in copper(I) iodide complexes with 6-thioxopiperidin-2-one, piperidine-2,6-dithione and isoindoline-1,3-dithione ligands
Authors: Wheaton Amelia M. , Guzei Ilia A. , Berry John F.
Published: July 2020

Copper(I) iodide complexes are well known for displaying a diverse array of structural features even when only small changes in ligand design are made. This structural diversity is well displayed by five copper(I) iodide compounds reported here with closely related piperidine-2,6-dithione (SNS), isoindoline-1,3-dithione (SNS6), and 6-thioxopiperidin-2-one (SNO) ligands: di-μ-iodido-bis[(acetonitrile-κN)(6-sulfanylidenepiperidin-2-one-κS)copper(I)], [Cu2I2(CH3CN)2(C5H7NOS)2] (I), bis(acetonitrile-κN)tetra-μ3-iodido-bis(6-sulfanylidenepiperidin-2-one-κS)-tetrahedro-tetracopper(I), [Cu4I4(CH3CN)4(C5H7NOS)4] (II), catena-poly[[(μ-6-sulfanylidenepiperidin-2-one-κ2
O:S)copper(I)]-μ3-iodido], [CuI(C5H7NOS)]
n
(III), poly[[(piperidine-2,6-dithione-κS)copper(I)]-μ3-iodido], [CuI(C5H7NS2)]
n
(IV), and poly[[(μ-isoindoline-1,3-dithione-κ2
S:S)copper(I)]-μ3-iodido], [CuI(C8H5NS2)]
n
(V). Compounds I and II crystallize as discrete dimeric and tetrameric complexes, whereas III, IV, and V crystallize as polymeric two-dimensional sheets. To the best of our knowledge, compound III is the first instance of an extended hexagonal [Cu3I3] structure that is not supported by bridging ligands. Structures I, II, and IV display weak to moderately strong Cu...Cu cuprophilic interactions [Cu...Cu internuclear distances range between 2.5803 (10) and 2.8485 (14) Å]. All structures except III display weak hydrogen-bonding interactions between the N—H of the ligand and the μ2 and μ3-I− atoms. Structure III contains classical N–H...O interactions between the SNO ligands that connect the molecules in a three-dimensional framework. Complex V features π–π stacking interactions between the aryl rings of the SNS6 ligands within the same polymeric sheet. In structure IV, there were three partially occupied solvent molecules of dichloromethane and one partially occupied molecule of acetonitrile present in the asymmetric unit. The SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18] was used to correct the diffraction data for diffuse scattering effects and to identify the solvent molecules. The given chemical formula and other crystal data do not take into account the solvent molecules.
How to promote rural revitalization via introducing skilled labor, deepening land reform and facilitating investment?
Authors: Han Jun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article revealed the difficulties that lie ahead of implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article performed a systematic analysis of the difficulties ahead of implementation of the rural revitalization strategy on the basis of three factors, namely, people, land and money.

Findings

This article concluded that it is necessary to revitalize the rural human resources by introducing skilled labor; managing the farmer–land relationships through deepening the land reform and facilitating multidimensional investment that includes fiscal, financial and social factors.

Originality/value

For the first time, this article systematically explored the solutions to the problems related to people, land and money in the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.
Impact of work values and knowledge sharing on creative performance
Authors: Ren Hualiang , Zhang Qinglei , Zheng Ying
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the influence of employees’ work values on their creative performance and test the role of knowledge sharing among them.

Design/methodology/approach

This work surveyed 387 employees in six companies across three cities to test the research hypothesis model.

Findings

The findings reveal that comfort and security (comfort) work values have a significant negative impact on the creative performance, whereas competence and growth (competence) work values and status and independence (status) work values have a significant positive impact on creative performance. Knowledge sharing plays a mediating role between work values and creative performance.

Originality/value

This study reveals the influence mechanism of work values on creative performance from a new perspective and confirms the differing effects of different types of work values on creative performance.
Effect of magnetic slot wedge on the performance of bulb tubular turbine generator
Authors: Qiu Hongbo , Zou Xutian , Fan Xiaobin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Owing to the salient pole structure and stator slots of hydro-generator, the air gap magnetic field in the generator is unevenly distributed. High-frequency harmonic components contained in the inhomogeneous air gap magnetic field will have a negative impact on the generator performance. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to improve the distribution of air gap magnetic field by using appropriate magnetic slot wedge, thereby improving the generator performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a 24 MW, 10.5 kV bulb tubular turbine generator as an example, the 2 D electromagnetic field model of the generator is established by finite element method. The correctness of the model is verified by comparing the finite element calculation data with the experimental data. The influences of the permeability and thickness of the magnetic slot wedge on the generator performance are studied.

Findings

It is found that the intensity and harmonic content of the air gap magnetic field will change with the permeability of slot wedge and then the performance parameters of the generator will also change nonlinearly. The relationship between the eddy current loss, torque ripple, output voltage and other parameters of the generator and the permeability of slot wedge is confirmed. In addition, the variation of losses and torque with wedge thickness is also obtained.

Originality/value

The influence mechanism of magnetic slot wedge on the performance of hydro-generator is revealed. The presented results give guidelines to selecting suitable magnetic slot wedge to improve generator performance.
We said, they said: the politics of conceptual frameworks in disasters and climate change in Colombia and Latin America
Authors: Lizarralde Gonzalo , Páez Holmes , Lopez Adriana , Lopez Oswaldo , Bornstein Lisa , Gould Kevin , Herazo Benjamin , Muñoz Lissette
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Few people living in informal settlements in the Global South spontaneously claim that they are “resilient” or “adapting” to disaster risk or climate change. Surely, they often overcome multiple challenges, including natural hazards exacerbated by climate change. Yet their actions are increasingly examined through the framework of resilience, a notion developed in the North, and increasingly adopted in the South. To what extent eliminate’ do these initiatives correspond to the concepts that scholars and authorities place under the resilience framework?

Design/methodology/approach

Three longitudinal case studies in Yumbo, Salgar and San Andrés (Colombia) serve to investigate narratives of disaster risks and responses to them. Methods include narrative analysis from policy and project documents, presentations, five workshops, six focus groups and 24 interviews.

Findings

The discourse adopted by most international scholars and local authorities differs greatly from that used by citizens to explain risk and masks the politics involved in disaster reduction and the search for social justice. Besides, narratives of social change, aspirations and social status are increasingly masked in disaster risk explanations. Tensions are also concealed, including those regarding the winners and losers of interventions and the responsibilities for disaster risk reduction.

Originality/value

Our findings confirm previous results that have shown that the resilience framework contributes to “depoliticize” the analysis of risk and serves to mask and dilute the responsibility of political and economic elites in disaster risk creation. But they also show that resilience fails to explain the type of socioeconomic change that is required to reduce vulnerabilities in Latin America.
Structuring architectural competitions as a competitive procurement process
Authors: Laryea Samuel , Watermeyer Ron
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Architectural competitions have been in existence for over 2,500 years. Past studies on this have focussed on the architectural aspects, competition formats, design evaluation by jury members and its evolution. However, no comprehensive research has examined the way that architectural competitions can be structured as a competitive procurement process for contractual outcomes. This paper addresses that gap by examining the way in which a two-stage proposal procedure (as defined by ISO 10845) was used to convert the architectural ideas competition for two new universities in South Africa (SPU and UMP) into a public procurement process with contractual outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was designed to examine (1) the procurement and contractual aspects of the two-stage proposal procedure within a public procurement context; (2) the challenges encountered in implementing the procurement procedure adopted; and (3) the outcomes of the procurement process. In total, 16 documents relating to the architectural competition were examined, using document analysis, to obtain insights into the procurement approach and processes. This was followed by in-depth interviews with the competition administrators to identify the key challenges encountered in implementing the procurement procedure. A content analysis method was used to analyse the qualitative data.

Findings

Only 40% of architects who expressed interest made submissions in the first stage. Those admitted to the second stage associated themselves with architectural practices and submitted tender offers which were evaluated on the basis of their financial offer, preference and quality. Most participants experienced difficulty with the procurement procedure due to unfamiliarity with the process and tight timescales. However, necessary clarifications provided by the client's team enabled them to respond appropriately and the procurement procedure proved effective for procuring innovative design ideas from nine talented architects. They were all based in small to medium-sized firms rather than large firms.

Originality/value

This paper fills an important gap in current understanding of how architectural competitions may be alternatively structured into a competitive procurement process, using empirical evidence from two architectural competitions. Architectural competitions have traditionally been used and characterized in the research literature primarily as an ideas competition rather than a competitive procurement process. This paper, therefore, extends current knowledge on the traditional way architectural competitions are generally used in practice and demonstrates through examination of two case studies how architectural competitions may be further extended and utilized as a competitive procurement process rather than just a process for obtaining ideas.
Elephant’s habitat suitability assessment through geo spatial quantification in Panchet forest division, West Bengal
Authors: Mandal Mrinmay , Das Chatterjee Nilanjana
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Ecologically habitat is an area of a particular species wherefrom its play every relationship with the surrounding. Therefore, every species hold habitat that supports to survive its life. The large terrestrial herbivore animal elephant (Elephas maximus) requires deferent kind of habitat for their biological behaviour. Forest habitat one of the landscapes entire their home range is very much responsible for selecting suitable habitat. The nature of habitat selection by an elephant is deeply concerned with landscape attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study started in this opinion. The study area Panchet Forest Division (PFD) has 28 forest patches are not in same size. Generally, forest patches are the most suitable habitat for elephant in every forest landscape as well as in PFD. But which forest patch will be highly suitable that depends on ecological function of other geospatial attributes like patch shape complexity, patch core, road intervention intensity, amount of water body and composition of the forest. The present study measures these attributes by different sequential steps such as field inquiry, satellite image processing and GIS application by using ERDAS 9.3 and ArcGIS 10.3 version software.

Findings

After measuring these attributes value, Habitat Suitability Index is assessed through combined weighted principle method and prepared a suitability map. This map signifies that Joypur-I and II, Upper Peardoba, Brindabanpur, Kalabagan forest patches have good condition for elephant to prefer as a suitable habitat in PFD.

Originality/value

Spatial classification of elephant habitat in PFD helps society and managing authority. It facilitates better management and reducing the chance of human – elephant frequent contact.
Looking for knowledge management in library and information science research
Authors: Agarwal Naresh Kumar , Islam Md. Anwarul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the place of knowledge management (KM) in library and information science (LIS) research. The authors looked for KM articles published in top LIS journals since 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed publication trends and the distribution of articles by KM-related terms used, region/country and information-setting type. The authors also identified the top-cited KM articles published in these LIS journals.

Findings

In total, 672 KM-related articles (only 3.84%) were found within the 17,491 articles published in these LIS journals.

Research limitations/implications

This low percentage shows that while it might seem like LIS people are advocating for KM in libraries and other information settings, the authors find that despite the synergies, KM is yet to find a broader place within other LIS concerns.

Originality/value

Research published during the past two decades has frequently discussed how KM is important for libraries and for LIS. However, the authors do not know the extent to which KM forms a part of LIS research.
Cut resistant characteristic of weft plain-knitted structure for protective clothing
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Gu Chunhua , Liu Na , He Yindi , Du Zhaofang
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to study cut resistant property of basic weft plain-knitted fabric for protective clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Effects of fiber materials, fabric direction and knitting technology (sinking-depth) were explored, respectively. Cut process of fabric was tracked and the theoretical analysis was provided to evaluate energy transferring of cutting. Fiber-based cut behavior was observed by SEM images. Deformation energy stored in the loop due to yarn bending was regard as initial elastic potential energy of the fabric, which was related to loop structure.

Findings

Cut resistance of the fiber material was the dominant factor for cut resistance of weft plain-knitted fabric, while unit loop structure played a critical role in improving cut resistance.

Social implications

Cut resistance of the fiber material was the dominant factor for cut resistance of weft plain-knitted fabric, while the unit loop structure played a critical role in improving cut resistance.

Originality/value

The paper provides theoretical support of developing flexible protective clothing.
Foreigners, fakes and flycatchers: stereotypes, social encounters and the problem of discomfort on the street in Arusha, Tanzania
Authors: Loeng Martin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to research on the interrelations between urban tourism, travelling and landscapes. It shows how young visitors to the tourism-reliant city of Arusha, northern Tanzania, experience and interpret discomfiting encounters with street sellers by drawing on stereotypes circulating in guidebooks, online forums and in the tourism industry. In turn, such re-interpreted encounters are increasingly seen as problematic for the city’s development of urban tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on extensive ethnographic fieldwork with tourist-product street sellers in Arusha and Moshi, Tanzania in 2015–2017. With detail-oriented focus on social interaction and communication, the author has used participant observation and interviews to understand the perspectives and actions involved. Complementing this, the author draws on interviews with tour companies and local authorities to connect everyday occurrences with broader political, economic and urban transformations.

Findings

This paper explores the interrelation between changing urban landscapes, gentrification and burgeoning urban tourism by highlighting not only how streets are created and sought to be re-created but how also re-interpreted stories and stereotypes fundamentally influence how it is understood by local authorities. As the consumption of place, shopping and foreigners’ experiences take centre stage in Arusha’s urban development project, practices and people that are re-interpreted as causes of discomfort, become objects of ordering and discipline.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes that the social encounters beyond dichotomies of host–guest relationships are a fruitful and important means of investigating how “encounters” connect space to power, the street to urban planning and mundane on-the-street interactions to processes of transformation and gentrification. This paper presents a reading of “landscapes” not as a text, but as a series of encounters that catch our attention when and where they break our norms, or the norms of others.
The impact of social media on the performance of microfinance institutions in developing countries: a quantitative approach
Authors: Daowd Ahmad , Kamal Muhammad Mustafa , Eldabi Tillal , Hasan Ruaa , Missi Farouk , Dey Bidit Lal
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Over the last few decades, microfinance industry is argued to have played a constructive role in alleviating poverty level and providing the underprivileged with access to financial services. Statistics from the World Bank reveal that, currently, only 4% of the underprivileged have been served out of the 3 billion+ potential clients. Such results are due to several claims, particularly the operational and financial challenges faced by microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the constant flux inviting more attentions towards its performance. While explicit attention is given by many researchers towards mobile banking and information and communication technology (ICT) in improving the MFIs’ performance, the study on how social media, as a rapidly growing online phenomenon, can impact on the MFIs’ performance remains scarce. As such, this study aims to investigate this impact based on four dimensional performance indicators:efficiency,financial sustainability,portfolio qualityandoutreach.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is proposed and tested to ascertain the relationship between social media applications and organisational performance. In so doing, web-based questionnaires have been used to collect data from MFI employees in developing countries. Results reveal a significant influence of the social media over the MFIs’ performance, offering valuable insights into both researchers and practitioners in the domain of microfinance, as well as social media—conforming that the adoption of social media as marketing, advertising and communication tools may significantly improve the MFIs’ performance.

Findings

The results demonstrate that there is a positive and significant impact of social media use within microfinance on the key indicators of MFIs. They also show that the highest impact of social media usage within the microfinance is on the portfolio quality. In addition, it was found that marketing and advertising; communication and sales and distribution are the main areas where social media is able to support while social networking websites are the most popular platforms employed in MFIs.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature few theoretical and practical aspects. First, this study developed a model for assessing the value of social media as a new phenomenon within this type of organisation. Second, it offers microfinance sponsors, managers and policy makers with a frame of reference to understand what social media platform can be deployed for each purpose. Third, with the identification of the main MFIs’ performance indicators, this research provided a reference of performance measurement guide for microfinance industry when assessing different technological employment.
Graphic symbol preferences of adults with disabilities in one non-profit foundation in Greece
Authors: Pampoulou Eliada , Diamanti Ioanna
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Graphic symbols, such as photographs, Makaton and Pics for PECS, are often used in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to support people with complex communication disorders. However, there is little research focusing on the preferences of people with disabilities in terms of which type of graphic symbol they prefer to use for their communication interactions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the symbol preferences of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and those with intellectual disability. The research questions are as follows: Do people prefer coloured or black and white symbols? What type(s) of symbols do they prefer to use for their communication interactions? What type(s) of symbols do they consider more appropriate for children? What type(s) of symbols do they consider more appropriate for adults?

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire with simple instructions was used to elicit the information from the participants. Through purposive sampling, 25 participants between the ages of 20 and 32 were selected. Twelve participants had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, while the rest had mild or moderate intellectual disability.

Findings

Most of the participants preferred coloured symbols. Of all the six types of symbols, they preferred to use photographs and considered these as being the most appropriate symbols for adults, whereas, for them, Talking Mats is better for children.

Originality/value

It is vital that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and taken into account when services are to be provided.
Rogue people: on adversarial crowdsourcing in the context of cyber security
Authors: Moradi Mohammad , Li Qi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Over the past decade, many research works in various disciplines have benefited from the endless ocean of people and their potentials (in the form of crowdsourcing) as an effective problem-solving strategy and computational model. But nothing interesting is ever completely one-sided. Therefore, when it comes to leveraging people's power, as the dark side of crowdsourcing, there are some possible threats that have not been considered as should be, such as recruiting black hat crowdworkers for organizing targeted adversarial intentions. The purpose of this paper is to draw more attention to this critical issue through investigation of its different aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

To delve into details of such malicious intentions, the related literature and previous researches have been studied. Then, four major typologies for adversarial crowdsourced attacks as well as some real-world scenarios are discussed and delineated. Finally, possible future threats are introduced.

Findings

Despite many works on adversarial crowdsourcing, there are only a few specific research studies devoted to considering the issue in the context of cyber security. In this regard, the proposed typologies (and addressed scenarios) for such human-mediated attacks can shed light on the way of identifying and confronting such threats.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this the first work in which the titular topic is investigated in detail. Due to popularity and efficiency of leveraging crowds' intelligence and efforts in a wide range of application domains, it is most likely that adversarial human-driven intentions gain more attention. In this regard, it is anticipated that the present research study can serve as a roadmap for proposing defensive mechanisms to cope with such diverse threats.
Novel implementation of 3D multiplexers in nano magnetic logic technology
Authors: Farzaneh Farnoosh , Faghih Mirzaee Reza , Navi Keivan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Owing to recent challenges of CMOS manufacturing and power consumption in silicon technologies among alternative technologies, Nanomagnetic logic (NML) is one of the most promising technologies, so it was selected for this study. NML is non-volatile with ultra-low power dissipation that operates at room temperature. This paper aims to propose novel implementation of 2% and 4% multiplexers (MUXs) in NML technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed multiplexers in NML technology are verified by HDL-based simulators. In addition, this study estimated area and power dissipation of the proposed design to compare and approve the promising improvements in comparison to other similar NML implementations.

Findings

The results show the remarkable improvements in terms of APDP term in comparison to the recent proposed MUXs in NML technology which are reported in Table 2. The proposed implementation of the MUX in NML is designed in three-dimensional layout to improve interconnection complexity which is an integration challenge. Also, by facilitating the routing signals and total wire length needed for clock signals, the negative impact of the power dissipated in clock wires is improved.

Originality/value

These findings would appeal to a broad audience, such as the readership of Microelectronics International Journal. The authors confirm that this work is original and has not been published elsewhere nor is it currently under consideration for publication elsewhere. All authors have approved the paper and agreed with submission to Microelectronics International Journal. The authors have read and have abided by the statement of ethical standards for manuscripts submitted to Microelectronics International Journal. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
The depth of brand engagement funnel: dimensionalizing interaction in social media brand communities
Authors: Rossolatos George
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the augmenting literature on consumer brand engagement (CBE) in social media brand communities (SMBCs) by offering the model of the depth of brand engagement funnel (DOBEF). The model is intended to complement the multi-dimensional conceptualization of CBE in the extant consumer behaviour literature and to critically address some of its foundational tenets.

Design/methodology/approach

A computer-mediated discourse analytic (CMDA) approach is adopted while using a mixed methods research design whereby qualitative data are quantified with a view to enhancing the robustness of the interpretive procedure. The data comprise 170 UGC posts stemming from three fast-moving consumer goods brands’ SMBC threads. Additionally, a netnographic approach is adopted in data collection, while data analysis/synthesis proceeds with the application of the laddering technique with the aid of the computer-aided qualitative discourse analytic CAQDAS software atlas.ti.

Findings

The bulk of user-generated content (UGC) in the scrutinized brand initiated thematic threads were found to be relevant, albeit negatively valenced or lacking in relevance altogether. This behavioural response pattern to brand initiated themes poses significant constraints to the level and quality of CBE. Multi-dimensional engagement across the DOBEF’s strata was found to be scarce, while engagement diminishes gravely as the upper layers of the model are reached.

Research limitations/implications

By conducting analyses on coded data alongside DOBEF’s strata, rather than treating consumer comments as raw data, the narrowing down of the semantic focus of posted comments in a thread-specific fashion is enabled, thus meeting the narrow contextualization criterion that is lacking from various studies in the extant literature.

Practical implications

By shifting focus in identifying CBE levels in SMBCs from attitudinal/behavioural antecedents/outcomes towards the content of the interaction, a nuanced perspective is offered as regards the depth of interaction, while addressing posted comments not only in terms of valencing, but even more importantly of valorization.

Social implications

By attending closely to incidents of negative brand engagement, and by dimensionalizing engagement along the funnel’s strata, a more nuanced understanding of territories where brand communities contribute to the dilution, rather than the enhancement of brand equity was obtained.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that discusses engagement on the grounds of deeply-laden consumer axiologies and the degree to which these are congruent with specific brand initiated thematic threads in SMBCs. It is anticipated that the discourse analytic (DA) approach that is adopted here will instigate further research that attends to UGC in a small-data, highly context-specific, rather than a big-data vein.
How Do Advocacy Think Tanks Relate to Academic Knowledge? The Case of Norway
Authors: Christensen Johan , Holst Cathrine
Published: July 2020

Think tanks often present themselves as contributors to a more reflective and informed political debate and their policy advice as based on knowledge and research. Yet, they also claim to be alternatives to university research and research institutes and often use knowledge and expertise to pursue explicitly ideological agendas. How do think tanks handle this balancing act of knowledge provision and ideological commitment? How do they relate to academia and what characterizes their approach to academic knowledge? The paper explores these questions through an investigation of the three main advocacy think tanks in Norway, based on an analysis of their organization, activities, staff and publications, and through interviews with think tank staff. The paper describes the specific ways in which these think tanks gather and utilize knowledge, and how they position themselves relative to academia. It also reflects on possible explanations for this pattern and on its normative implications.
Honouring student voices: clearly, i am a literate being
Authors: Seeger Victoria , McNemar Stephanie
Published: July 2020

Two studies, one of middle school students and the other of high school students, demonstrated that students who were labeled as ‘struggling’ in the area of literacy saw themselves quite differently when their voices were heard. When these labeled students were viewed through a strengths lens rather than a deficits one, competent literacy skills of the students surfaced, and they were empowered by what they learned about their literacy skills. These research studies explore self‐efficacy and resiliency for literacy, the importance of knowing students deeply, relationship building, and the role of growth mindset for students who have been labeled but consider themselves literate beings.
Potential of grape byproducts as functional ingredients in baked goods and pasta
Authors: Iuga Mădălina , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: July 2020

Wine making industry generates high quantities of valuable byproducts that can be used to enhance foods in order to diminish the environmental impact and to obtain more economic benefits. Grape byproducts are rich in phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, which make them suitable to improve the nutritional value of bakery, pastry, and pasta products. The viscoelastic behavior of dough and the textural and the sensory characteristics of baked goods and pasta containing grape byproducts depend on the addition level and particle size. Thus, an optimal dose of a finer grape byproducts flour must be found in order to minimize the negative effects such as low loaf volume and undesirable sensory and textural characteristics they may have on the final product quality. In the same time, an enrichment of the nutritional and functional value of the product by increasing the fiber and antioxidant compounds contents is desired. The aim of this review was to summarize the effects of the chemical components of grape byproducts on the nutritional, functional, rheological, textural, physical, and sensory characteristics of the baked goods and pasta. Further researches about the impact of foods enriched with grape byproducts on the human health, about molecular interactions between components, and about the effects of grape pomace compounds on the shelf life of baked goods and pasta are recommended.
Facile potentiometric sensing of gallic acid in edible plants based on molecularly imprinted polymer
Authors: Yang Tan , Zhang Qian , Chen Tiane , Wu Wei , Tang Xin , Wang Ge , Feng Jianfang , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2020

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have become a valuable material in the field of electrochemical sensors, due to their selective recognition capabilities towards target molecules. A low‐cost potentiometric sensor based on molecular imprinting was developed for the measurement of gallic acid (GA) in edible plants. The imprinted polymer was synthesized by bulk polymerization in the presence of trimethylolpropane triacrylate as the cross‐linker and 2,2’‐azo‐bisisobutyronitrile as the initiator. The sensing component of the sensor was fabricated by the incorporation of MIPs in a polyvinyl chloride matrix. The species and amount of MIPs were optimized, and the imprinted poly(methacrylic acid) sensor was examined and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and potential response. The proposed sensor exhibited a fast near‐Nernst response to GA in the range of 1 × 10−5 to 3.2 × 10−4mol/L. The potentiometric measurement of GA in edible plants was checked by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the two test results showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The imprinted sensor is applicable to the electrochemical determination of GA in edible plants.

Practical Application

The proposed MIP‐based potentiometric sensor provided a low‐cost, efficient, and green tool for the rapid determination of the bioactive ingredient GA in edible plants. The knowledge obtained will offer useful reference to the quality control and bioactive assessment of botanical food.
Quality attributes of breads from high‐quality cassava flour improved with wet gluten
Authors: Akintayo Olaide A. , Oyeyinka Samson A. , Aziz Aziz O. , Olawuyi Ibukunoluwa F. , Kayode Rowland M. O. , Karim Olayinka R.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the physical, chemical, and sensory attributes of breads produced from preheated high‐quality cassava flour (PCF) and its composite with wheat flour (CWF). Wet gluten was added to the PCF and CWF for production of bread, while bread from wheat served as the control. Flour functionality was determined prior to bread production. The moisture contents of the flour samples were in the range of 12.80 to 14.21%, and PCF exhibited water absorption capacity (1.12 mL/g) comparable to that of wheat flour (WF) (1.10 mL/g). There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in color characteristics, except in L* values and breads produced from WF and CWF were similar in specific volume (3.85 to 4.21 mL/g) and firmness (2.04 to 2.64 N). Breads from WF and CWF exhibited similar crumb microstructure, though gas bubbles in the sample from PCF appeared less developed. Wheat bread had significantly (P < 0.05) higher calorie, crude protein and crude fat, but lower crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate compared to other bread samples. Sensory evaluation showed that bread from PCF was not significantly different from 100% wheat bread in crust color, texture, and overall acceptability but was impaired in flavor. The study revealed the feasibility of bread baking from preheated cassava flour with added gluten extract. The bread produced had some quality attributes comparable to that of wheat bread.

Practical Application

Bread from wheat‐cassava composite flour with added gluten was similar to wheat bread in specific volume and firmness while sample from cassava flour with added gluten compared favorably well with wheat bread in crust color, texture, and overall acceptability. Findings from the study present wheat gluten extract as a viable component to be used in nonwheat flours for bread making. This could be a basis to further add value to the gluten churned out as a by‐product in the wheat starch industry.