bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional audit and survey of Open Science and Data Sharing practices at The Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Sanam , Cobey Kelly D. , Presseau Justin , Alayche Mohsen , Willis Jessie Virginia , Moher David
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To audit all publications produced by Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital researchers regarding open science practices and to survey Neuro-based researchers about barriers and facilitators to data sharing.

Setting, design and participants

In the first study, we retrieved 313 unique publications and collated all Neuro publications from 2019 and extracted information from each article pertaining to data sharing and other open science practices. We included all empirical papers and pre-prints that were reported in English. In the second study, one hundred twenty-four participants (out of 553) completed the survey, a response rate of 22.42%. We surveyed all Neuro researchers.

Primary and secondary outcomes

for the audit we examined data sharing and open science practices. For the survey, we asked participants about their data sharing practices.

Results

We found that 66.5% of these publications (n=208) included a data sharing statement. Overall, 74.5% (n=155) of articles had data that was publicly available. When examining broader open science practices, rates of compliance tended to be lower. For example, 94.9% (n=297) of publications failed to register a protocol. Among participants who had published a first or last authored paper in the past year, most participants, 53 of 74 (71.62%), reported that they had openly shared their research data. Less than half of the participants 37.50% (n=45) reported having engaged in training related to data sharing within the last 12 months.

Conclusion

We found that half of all publications included in the audit shared data. Participants indicated an appetite for resources for learning about data sharing signaling a willingness to perform better.

Strengths and limitations of this study

To serve as a baseline to benchmark for improvements in data sharing and other open science practices

To measure progress over time.

The results of the study cannot be generalized.

It is hard to measure changes in the community.
Rational identification of potent and broad sarbecovirus-neutralizing antibody cocktails from SARS convalescents
Authors: Cao Yunlong , Jian Fanchong , Zhang Zhiying , Yisimayi Ayijiang , Hao Xiaohua , Bao Linlin , Yuan Fei , Yu Yuanling , Du Shuo , Wang Jing , Xiao Tianhe , Song Weiliang , Zhang Ying , Liu Pulan , An Ran , Wang Peng , Wang Yao , Yang Sijie , Niu Xiao , Zhang Yuhang , Gu Qingqing , Shao Fei , Hu Yaling , Yin Weidong , Zheng Aihua , Wang Youchun , Qin Chuan , Jin Ronghua , Xiao Junyu , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney
Published: August 2022

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages have escaped most RBD-targeting therapeutic neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), which proves the previous NAb drug screening strategies deficient against the fast-evolving SARS-CoV-2. Better broad NAb drug candidate selection methods are needed. Here, we describe a rational approach for identifying RBD-targeting broad SARS-CoV-2 NAb cocktails. Based on high-throughput epitope determination, we propose that broad NAb drugs should target non-immunodominant RBD epitopes to avoid herd immunity-directed escape mutations. Also, their interacting antigen residues should focus on sarbecovirus conserved sites and associate with critical viral functions, making the antibody-escaping mutations less likely to appear. Following the criteria, a featured non-competing antibody cocktail, SA55+SA58, is identified from a large collection of broad sarbecovirus NAbs isolated from SARS convalescents. SA55+SA58 potently neutralizes ACE2-utilizing sarbecoviruses, including circulating Omicron variants, and could serve as broad SARS-CoV-2 prophylactics to offer long-term protection. Our screening strategy can also be applied to identify broad-spectrum NAb drugs against other fast-evolving viruses, such as influenza viruses.
Haplotype-based inference of recent effective population size in modern and ancient DNA samples
Authors: Fournier Romain , Reich David , Palamara Pier Francesco
Published: August 2022

1

Individuals sharing recent ancestors are likely to co-inherit large identical-by-descent (IBD) genomic regions. The distribution of these IBD segments in a population may be used to reconstruct past demographic events such as effective population size variation, but accurate IBD detection is difficult in ancient DNA (aDNA) data and in underrepresented populations with limited reference data. In this work, we introduce an accurate method for inferring effective population size variation during the past ~2,000 years in both modern and aDNA data, called HapNe. HapNe infers recent population size fluctuations using either IBD sharing (HapNe-IBD) or linkage disequilibrium (HapNe-LD), which does not require phasing and can be computed in low coverage data, including data sets with heterogeneous sampling times. HapNe showed improved accuracy in a range of simulated demographic scenarios compared to currently available methods for IBD-based and LD-based inference of recent effective population size, while requiring fewer computational resources. We applied HapNe to several modern populations from the 1, 000 Genomes Project, the UK Biobank, the Allen Ancient DNA Resource, and recently published samples from Iron Age Britain, detecting multiple instances of recent effective population size variation across these groups.
Energy dissipation in early detection of cellular responses to metabolic challenges
Authors: Bento Rafael N. , Rendas Miguel A. , Semedo Valdir A. R. , Marques Cátia F. , Justino Gonçalo. C. , Bernardes Carlos E. S. , da Piedade Manuel E. Minas , Antunes Fernando
Published: August 2022

Metabolic alterations have been recognized to underly the etiology of many diseases. Herein, cellular energy dissipation was evaluated as a novel non-specific global biomarker of metabolic alterations. Energy dissipation, measured as heat by microcalorimetry, was maximal during Saccharomyces cerevisiae adaptation to growth conditions before fast proliferation took place. This response was further augmented by 95 % in media where nutrient assimilation was more difficult, and by 133 % under sub-optimal non-carbon nutrient levels. In this last case, the increase in energy dissipation (1) reflected changes in amino acid and glycolytic metabolism and (2) anticipated changes in the growth curve significantly later observed by traditional microbiological measurements. It was, therefore, an early marker of adaptive responses that compensated for sub-optimal nutrient levels and maintained phenotypic stability. Compensatory responses buffer systems against perturbations and delay the onset of diseases. Microcalorimetry can, therefore, provide a biomarker development platform for early disease-diagnosis.

HIGHLIGHTS

Energy dissipation measurements detect cell responses to metabolic challenges.

The detection by microcalorimetry occurs considerably earlier than by traditional microbiological measurements.

Sub-optimal non-carbon nutrient levels impact energy dissipation long before cell proliferation.

Energy dissipation is highly sensitive to increased nutrient assimilation difficulty.
Molecular and structural characterization of lenalidomide-mediated sequestration of eIF3i
Authors: Lin Zhi , Shen Dacheng , Yang Bo , Woo Christina M.
Published: August 2022

Lenalidomide is a ligand of the E3 ligase substrate adaptor cereblon (CRBN) that achieves its clinical effects in part by promotion of substrate recruitment and degradation. In contrast to prior substrates, eIF3i is recruited but not degraded upon complex formation with lenalidomide and CRBN, although the structural details and mechanistic outcomes of this interaction are unresolved. Here, we characterize the structural basis and mechanistic outcomes of lenalidomide-induced sequestration of eIF3i from the eIF3 complex. Identification of the binding interface on eIF3i by a covalent lenalidomide probe and chemical proteomics rationalizes the sequestration event. We further connect eIF3i and CRBN to known lenalidomide effects on angiogenic markers, Akt1 phosphorylation, and associated antiangiogenesis phenotypes. Finally, we find that eIF3i sequestration is observed in MM.1S and MOLM13 cells after the degradation of other substrates, such as IKZF1. The defined binding interface elucidated by chemical proteomics, and connection of eIF3i sequestration to phenotypic outcomes of lenalidomide open future directions in designing new chemical adaptors for protein sequestration as a strategy to selectively control translational profiles and downstream cellular function.
The Hypoxia-regulated Ectonucleotidase CD73 is a Host Determinant of HIV Latency
Authors: Sperber Hannah S. , Raymond Kyle A. , Bouzidi Mohamed S. , Ma Tongcui , Valdebenito Silvana , Eugenin Eliseo , Roan Nadia R. , Deeks Steven G. , Winning Sandra , Fandrey Joachim , Schwarzer Roland , Pillai Satish K.
Published: August 2022

Deciphering the mechanisms underlying viral persistence is critical to achieving a cure for HIV infection. We implemented a systems approach to discover molecular signatures of HIV latently-infected CD4+ T cells, identifying the immunosuppressive, adenosine-producing ectonucleotidase CD73 as a key surface marker of latent cells. Hypoxic conditioning, reflecting the lymphoid tissue microenvironment, increased the frequency of CD73+ CD4+ T cells and promoted HIV latency. Transcriptomic profiles of CD73+ CD4+ T cells favored viral quiescence, immune evasion, and cell survival. CD73+ CD4+ T cells were capable of harboring a functional HIV reservoir and reinitiating productive infectionex vivo. CD73 or adenosine receptor blockade facilitated latent HIV reactivationin vitro, mechanistically linking adenosine signaling to viral quiescence. Finally, tissue imaging of lymph nodes from HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy revealed spatial association between CD73 expression and HIV persistencein vivo. Our findings warrant development of HIV cure strategies targeting the hypoxia-CD73-adenosine axis.
Optimal construction of a functional interaction network from pooled library CRISPR fitness screens
Authors: Gheorghe Veronica , Hart Traver
Published: August 2022

Functional interaction networks, where edges connect genes likely to operate in the same biological process or pathway, can be inferred from CRISPR knockout screens in cancer cell lines. Genes with similar knockout fitness profiles across a sufficiently diverse set of cell line screens are likely to be co-functional, and these “coessentiality” networks are increasingly powerful predictors of gene function and biological modularity. While several such networks have been published, most use different algorithms for each step of the network construction process. In this study, we identify an optimal measure of functional interaction and test all combinations of options at each step – essentiality scoring, sample variance and covariance normalization, and similarity measurement – to identify best practices for generating a functional interaction network from CRISPR knockout data. We show that Bayes Factor and Ceres scores give the best results, that Ceres outperforms the newer Chronos scoring scheme, and that covariance normalization is a critical step in network construction. We further show that Pearson correlation, mathematically identical to ordinary least squares after covariance normalization, can be extended by using partial correlation to detect and amplify signals from “moonlighting” proteins which show context-dependent interaction with different partners.
Plasmodium falciparumhas evolved multiple mechanisms to hijack human immunoglobulin M
Authors: Ji Chenggong , Shen Hao , Su Chen , Li Yaxin , Chen Shihua , Sharp Thomas H. , Xiao Junyu
Published: August 2022

Plasmodium falciparumcauses the most severe malaria in humans. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) serves as the first line of humoral defense against infection and potently activates the complement pathway to facilitateP. falciparumclearance. A number ofP. falciparumproteins hijack IgM, leading to immune evasion and severe disease. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, we delineate howP. falciparumproteins VAR2CSA, TM284VAR1, DBLMSP, and DBLMSP2 target IgM. Each protein binds IgM in a different manner, and together they present a variety of Duffy-binding-like domain-IgM interaction modes. We further show that these proteins interfere directly with IgM-mediated complement activation, with VAR2CSA exhibiting the most potent inhibitory effect. Structural analyses suggest that VAR2CSA occludes the congregation of the complement C1 complex on IgM. These results underscore the importance of IgM for the adaptation ofP. falciparumto humans, and provide critical insights into the immune evasion mechanism ofP. falciparum.
The redlegged earth mite draft genome provides new insights into pesticide resistance evolution and demography in its invasive Australian range
Authors: Thia Joshua A. , Korhonen Pasi K. , Young Neil D. , Gasser Robin B. , Umina Paul A. , Yang Qiong , Edwards Owain , Walsh Tom , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: August 2022

Genomic data provide valuable insights into pest management issues such as resistance evolution, historical patterns of pest invasions and ongoing population dynamics. We assembled the first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite,Halotydeus destructor(Tucker, 1925), to investigate adaptation to pesticide pressures and demography in its invasive Australian range using whole-genome pool-seq data from regionally distributed populations. Our reference genome comprises 132 autosomal contigs, with a total length of 48.90 Mb. We observed a large complex ofacegenes, which has presumably evolved from a long history of organophosphate selection inH. destructorand may contribute toward organophosphate resistance through copy number variation, target-site mutations, and structural variants. In the putative ancestralH. destructor acegene, we identified three target-site mutations (G119S, A201S, and F331Y) segregating in organophosphate resistant populations. Additionally, we identified two newparasodium channel gene mutations (L925I and F1020Y) that may contribute to pyrethroid resistance. Regional structuring observed in population genomic analyses indicates that gene flow inH. destructordoes not homogenise populations across large geographic distances. However, our demographic analyses were equivocal on the magnitude of gene flow; the short invasion history ofH. destructormakes it difficult to distinguish scenarios of complete isolation vs. ongoing migration. Nonetheless, we identified clear signatures of reduced genetic diversity and smaller inferred effective population sizes in eastern vs. western populations, which is consistent with the stepping-stone invasion pathway of this pest in Australia. These new insights will inform development of diagnostic genetic markers of resistance, further investigation into the multifaceted organophosphate resistance mechanism, and predictive modelling of resistance evolution and spread.
Sequencing and variant detection of eight abundant plant-infecting tobamoviruses across Southern California wastewater
Authors: Rothman Jason A. , Whiteson Katrine L.
Published: August 2022

Tobamoviruses are agriculturally-relevant viruses that cause crop losses and have infected plants in many regions of the world. These viruses are frequently found in municipal wastewater - likely coming from human diet and industrial waste across wastewater catchment areas. As part of a large wastewater-based epidemiology study across Southern California, we analyzed RNA sequence data from 275 influent wastewater samples obtained from eight wastewater treatment plants with a catchment area of approximately 16 million people from July 2020 – August 2021. We assembled 1,083 high-quality genomes, enumerated viral sequencing reads, and detected thousands of single nucleotide variants from eight common tobamoviruses: Bell Pepper Mottle Virus, Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus, Pepper Mild Mottle Virus, Tobacco Mild Green Mosaic Virus, Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Tomato Mottle Mosaic Virus, and Tropical Soda Apple Mosaic Virus. We show that single nucleotide variants had amino acid-altering consequences along with synonymous mutations, which represents potential evolution with functional consequences in genomes of these viruses. Our study shows the importance of wastewater sequencing to monitor the genomic diversity of these plant-infecting viruses, and we suggest that our data could be used to continue tracking the genomic variability of such pathogens.

Importance

Diseases caused by viruses in the genus Tobamovirus cause crop losses around the world. As with other viruses, mutation occurring in the virus’ genomes can have functional consequences and may alter viral infectivity. Many of these plant-infecting viruses have been found in wastewater, likely coming from human consumption of infected plants and produce. By sequencing RNA extracted from influent wastewater obtained from eight wastewater treatment plants in Southern California, we assembled high-quality viral genomes and detected thousands of single nucleotide variants from eight tobamoviruses. Our study shows that Tobamovirus genomes vary at many positions, which may have important consequences to viral host switching and the detection of these viruses by agricultural or environmental scientists.
Neutralization sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 sublineage
Authors: Gruell Henning , Vanshylla Kanika , Tober-Lau Pinkus , Hillus David , Sander Leif Erik , Kurth Florian , Klein Florian
Published: August 2022

The recently emerged BA.2.75 Omicron sublineage of SARS-CoV-2 identified in numerous countries is rapidly increasing in prevalence in regions of India. Compared with BA.2, the spike protein of BA.2.75 differs in nine amino acid residues. To determine the impact of the spike mutations on polyclonal and monoclonal antibody activity, we investigated the neutralization sensitivity of BA.2.75 in comparison with B.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/5. Analysis of post-boost samples from 30 vaccinated individuals revealed significantly lower serum neutralizing activity against BA.2.75 than against BA.2. However, BA.2.75 was more sensitive to serum neutralization than the widely circulating BA.4/5 sublineages. Moreover, evaluation of 17 clinical-stage monoclonal antibodies demonstrated individual differences in Omicron sublineage activity. Notably, some authorized antibodies with low activity against other Omicron sublineages demonstrated high BA.2.75 neutralizing potency. Our results indicate a less pronounced degree of antibody evasion of BA.2.75 compared with BA.4/5 and suggest that factors beyond immune evasion may be required for an expansion of BA.2.75 over BA.4/5.
Quantitative assaying of SpCas9-NG with fluorescent reporters
Authors: Baccouche Alexandre , Montagne Kevin , Yachie Nozomu , Fujii Teruo , Genot Anthony
Published: August 2022

The Cas9 enzyme has revolutionized biology in less than a decade. Engineering Cas9 to expand its functionality has become a major research goal, yet assaying variants of Cas9 remains a laborious task that is commonly performed with gel electrophoresis. Fluorescence assays have been reported for Cas9 but their utility for assaying variants of Cas9 has not been investigated in detail. Here we use a simple fluorescent assay to resolve differences of activity between the wild type Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and SpCas9-NG, a variant with an expanded PAM repertoire. We compare the kinetics of the two enzymes on dozens of mutated RNA guides – highlighting the benefits of fluorescence such as quantitativity, sensitivity, multiplexing, non-invasiveness and real-timeness. This validates fluorescence as a tool for engineering Cas9 and lays the groundwork for directly evolving Cas9 in microfluidic compartments.
The RecA-directed recombination pathway of natural transformation initiates at chromosomal replication forks in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Johnston Calum , Hope Rachel , Soulet Anne-Lise , Dewailly Marie , De Lemos David , Polard Patrice
Published: August 2022

Homologous recombination (HR) is a crucial mechanism of DNA strand exchange that promotes genetic repair and diversity in all kingdoms of life. Bacterial HR is driven by the universal recombinase RecA, assisted by dedicated mediators that promote its polymerization on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In bacteria, natural transformation is a prominent HR-driven mechanism of horizontal gene transfer specifically dependent on the conserved DprA recombination mediator. Transformation involves internalisation of exogenous DNA as ssDNA, followed by its integration into the chromosome by RecA-directed HR. How DprA-mediated RecA filamentation on transforming ssDNA is spatiotemporally coordinated with other cellular processes remains unknown. Here, we tracked the localisation of functional fluorescent fusions to DprA and RecA in Streptococcus pneumoniae and revealed that both accumulate in an interdependent manner with internalised ssDNA at replication forks. In addition, dynamic RecA filaments were observed emanating from replication forks, even with heterologous transforming DNA, which probably represent chromosomal homology search. In conclusion, this unveiled interaction between HR transformation and replication machineries highlights an unprecedented role for replisomes in anchoring transforming ssDNA to the chromosome, which would define a pivotal early HR step for its chromosomal integration.
Water: new aspect of hydrogen bonding in the solid state
Authors: Milovanović Milan R. , Stanković Ivana M. , Živković Jelena M. , Ninković Dragan B. , Hall Michael B. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: August 2022

All water–water contacts in the crystal structures from the Cambridge Structural Database with d
OO ≤ 4.0 Å have been found. These contacts were analysed on the basis of their geometries and interaction energies from CCSD(T)/CBS calculations. The results show 6729 attractive water–water contacts, of which 4717 are classical hydrogen bonds (d
OH ≤ 3.0 Å and α ≥ 120°) with most being stronger than −3.3 kcal mol−1. Beyond the region of these hydrogen bonds, there is a large number of attractive interactions (2062). The majority are antiparallel dipolar interactions, where the O—H bonds of two water molecules lying in parallel planes are oriented antiparallel to each other. Developing geometric criteria for these antiparallel dipoles (β1, β2 ≥ 160°, 80 ≤ α ≤ 140° and T
HOHO > 40°) yielded 1282 attractive contacts. The interaction energies of these antiparallel oriented water molecules are up to −4.7 kcal mol−1, while most of the contacts have interaction energies in the range −0.9 to −2.1 kcal mol−1. This study suggests that the geometric criteria for defining attractive water–water interactions should be broader than the classical hydrogen-bonding criteria, a change that may reveal undiscovered and unappreciated interactions controlling molecular structure and chemistry.
The COVID-19 pandemic: opportunity or challenge for climate change risk disclosure?
Authors: Ben-Amar Walid , Comyns Breeda , Martinez Isabelle
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how climate change risk reporting might evolve in various world regions in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple-case study approach and adopting an institutional theory lens, we assess whether the pandemic is likely to strengthen or weaken institutional pressures for climate change risk disclosures and predict how climate-related risk reporting will evolve post-pandemic.

Findings

The authors find that climate change risk reporting is likely to evolve differently according to geographical location. The authors predict that disclosure levels will increase in regions with ambitious climate policy and where economic stimulus packages support sustainable economic recovery. Where there has been a weakening of environmental commitments and economic stimulus packages support resource intensive business, climate change risk reporting will stagnate or even decline. The authors discuss the scenarios for climate change risk reporting expected to play out in different parts of the world.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the nascent literature on climate change risk disclosure and identify future directions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Synchronous chemical conversion process on 6061/7075 aluminum alloys and galvanized steel
Authors: Li Xinxiang , Zhan Wen , Qian Xuzheng , Zu Yunhe , Xie Fan , Tian Feng , Liu Xiaohui , Ding Yunhu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to focus the synchronous chemical conversion technology–based titanium/zirconium composite on 6061, 7075 aluminum alloys and galvanized steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of pH, temperature, reaction time and other process parameters on the corrosion resistance of the three metal surface coatings were investigated by copper sulfate drop and electrochemical corrosion performance tests under a certain content of H2TiF6 and H2ZrF6. The surface morphology and element distribution of the conversion coating were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

The results show that the optimal synchronization chemical conversion conditions of 6061/7075 aluminum alloys/galvanized steel are controlled as follows: H2TiF6 2.2 mL/L, H2ZrF6 1 mL/L, pH 3.9, conversion temperature 35°C and conversion time 120 s.

Originality/value

Multi-metals chemical conversion coating can be obtained simultaneously with uniform corrosion resistance and surface morphology. The presence of microdomain features in multiple metals facilitates simultaneous chemical conversion into coatings.
Spatial governance of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration towards low-carbon transition
Authors: Fu Haiyue , Zhao Shuchang , Liao Chuan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to promote urban–rural synergy in carbon reduction and achieve the dual carbon goal, reconstruct the low-carbon urban–rural spatial pattern and explore planning strategies for carbon mitigation in urban agglomerations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose the idea of land governance zoning based on low-carbon scenario simulation, using the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration as the empirical research area. Specifically, the authors analyze its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of carbon balance over the past two decades and simulate the land use pattern under the scenario of low-carbon emission in 2030. Furthermore, the authors create spatial zoning rules combined with land use transition characteristics to classify the urban agglomeration into carbon sink restoration zone, carbon sink protection zone, carbon control development zone and carbon transition agriculture zone and put forward corresponding targeted governance principals.

Findings

The study findings classify the BTH urban agglomeration into carbon sink restoration zone, carbon sink protection zone, carbon control development zone and carbon transition agriculture zone, which account for 28.1%, 17.2%, 20.1% and 34.6% of the total area, respectively. The carbon sink restoration zone and carbon sink protection zone are mainly distributed in the northern and western parts and Bohai Rim region. The carbon transition agriculture zone and carbon control development zone are mainly distributed in the southeastern plain and Zhangjiakou.

Research limitations/implications

The authors suggest restoring and rebuilding ecosystems mainly in the northwest and east parts to increase the number of carbon sinks and the stability of the ecosystem. Besides, measures should be taken to promote collaborative emission reduction work between cities and optimize industrial and energy structures within cities such as Beijing, Langfang, Tianjin and Baoding. Furthermore, the authors recommend promoting sustainable intensification of agriculture and carefully balance between both economic development and ecological protection in Zhangjiakou and plain area.

Originality/value

The authors propose a zoning method based on the optimization of land use towards low-carbon development by combining “top-down” and “bottom-up” strategies and provide targeted governance suggestions for each region. This study provides policy implications to implement the regional low-carbon economic transition under the “double carbon” target in urban agglomerations in China.
Diagnosing critical barriers to international construction joint ventures success in the developing country of Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Mershack Opoku , Chan Albert P.C. , Mohandes Saeed Reza , Agyemang Daniel Yamoah
Published: August 2022

Purpose

International construction joint ventures (ICJVs) implementation is plagued with several barriers, full understanding of which is still lacking due to a lack of an in-depth exploration of them, particularly in developing countries. To fill this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the critical barriers to the success of ICJVs hosted in developing countries by examining the Ghanaian case.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on a previous study that identified 37 barriers factors to ICJVs success via a systematic literature review. Through expert interviews, 34 potential barriers were identified, and a two-round survey was conducted with 84 ICJVs practitioners in Ghana. The data collected was analyzed using the combination of a multidimensional fuzzy logic method and confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

Results showed that 22 barriers were critical. The top five most critical barriers were “lack of preparedness to accept company philosophy,” “competing objectives,” “opportunistic behavior of parties,” “conflicts” and “lack of management control.” Furthermore, the results uncovered and confirmed five significant underlying components for the 22 critical barriers, namely, organizational-related, cultural-related, knowledge-related, individual-related and logistics-related barriers.

Practical implications

The findings could be useful to ICJVs practitioners and policymakers in developing suitable strategies for the successful implementation of ICJVs. Further, foreign firms aiming to execute and promote ICJVs in Ghana could have prior knowledge of the critical barriers and prepare for them.

Originality/value

This study empirically analyzed the individual levels of barriers criticalities in ICJVs context and from a specific-country perspective – the developing country of Ghana – rather than in the context of construction joint ventures and from a cross-country perspective in extant studies.
Understanding the role of influencers on live streaming platforms: when tipping makes the difference
Authors: Zhou Liying , Jin Fei , Wu Banggang , Wang Xiaodong , Lynette Wang Valerie , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine if the participation of live-stream influencers (LSIs) affects tipping frequency on live streaming platforms, and further investigate the mediating and moderating mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

Quasi-experiment and difference-in-differences models are used for data analysis. Propensity score matching is used to address potential unobservable endogeneity.

Findings

Real-time live streaming data reveal that LSIs’ participation significantly improves tipping frequency in live streaming rooms. Also, more users are attracted to the live streaming rooms and more users become active in participation. Additionally, the positive impact of LSIs’ participation is enhanced in the live streaming rooms with a greater number of relationship links between users.

Research limitations/implications

The findings clarify the new role of influencers and reveal the mechanisms on how LSIs benefit the platforms.

Practical implications

The findings offer novel insights into implementing influencer marketing to interactive social media platforms, by encouraging influencer participation, user relationship building and influencer network growth.

Originality/value

This study highlights the value of LSIs for interactive social media platforms in terms of organic growth, revenue generation and cost reduction.
Designing energy futures: a participatory foresight study in Australia
Authors: Koskinen Ilpo , Gilmore Nicholas , Gui Emi Minghui
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to: first, it studies expert opinions about the future of clean, decentralized energy technology in Australia; second, develop an interpretive and participatory foresighting methodology for a forthcoming study.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports a forecasting study about the future of clean energy. Driven mostly by economics and changing carbon policies, the energy sector is currently moving from fossil fuels to a variety of cleaner technologies. Energy experts have several incommensurate interpretations of how this change will happen. This paper describes the first phase of an ongoing study that foresight clean energy futures in Australia. By building on a participatory method in a scientific expert community, it describes the path from technological presumptions into four parallel yet interconnected scenarios. The paper also explores the social drivers behind these scenarios.

Findings

First, energy experts in Australia classify futures into four main scenarios: abundant, where energy will be mostly produced by solar cells; traded, where the future of energy lies in virtual power plants and microgrids; circular, which targets Australia’s NetZero goals through biomaterials, carbon capture and new powerful; secure, which secures the country’s energy supply through coal and nuclear energy. Second, they locate policy as the most important form of wildcards. The policy is multilayered from local to US politics and falls outside the scope of forecasting.

Research limitations/implications

The most important limitations of the study are: first, its reliance on scientific and technological experts, which guarantees its scientific validity but may underrepresent the social drivers of energy; second, this study is a methodological pilot of a larger study that will target industrial, commercial and local drivers; third, its focus on Australia, where politics, the size of the country and climate shape the uptake of clean energy in specific ways, most notably in the case of rapid uptake of solar energy.

Practical implications

The main practical implications of the paper are its broad focus on clean energy futures and its participatory foresighting approach, which can be repeated in other studies.

Social implications

The main social implication of the study is that it clearly shows that a technological perspective is necessary but not sufficient in understanding the future of clean energy. The paper also shows that local drivers importantly mold the future and should be taken into account in future studies and policy.

Originality/value

This paper makes two contributions. First, it organizes several technologies into four scenarios that clarify Australia’s clean energy futures better than a piecemeal study would do. Second, it developed and piloted an interpretive participatory methodology for studying futures by building on references from design research. This methodology will be used in subsequent studies.
Buoyant heat transfer of nanofluids in a vertical porous annulus: a comparative study of different models
Authors: Reddy N. Keerthi , Sankar M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to numerically study the buoyant convective flow of two different nanofluids in a porous annular domain. A uniformly heated inner cylinder, cooled outer cylindrical boundary and adiabatic horizontal surfaces are considered because of many industrial applications of this geometry. The analysis also addresses the comparative study of different porous media models governing fluid flow and heat transport.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite difference method has been used in the current simulation work to obtain the numerical solution of coupled partial differential equations. In particular, the alternating direction implicit method is used for solving transient equations, and the successive line over relaxation iterative method is used to solve time-independent equation by choosing an optimum value for relaxation parameter. Simpson’s rule is adopted to estimate average Nusselt number involving numerical integration. Various grid sensitivity checks have been performed to assess the sufficiency of grid size to obtain accurate results. In this analysis, a general porous media model has been considered, and a comparative study between three different models has been investigated.

Findings

Numerical simulations are performed for different combinations of the control parameters and interesting results are obtained. It has been found that the an increase in Darcy and Rayleigh numbers enhances the thermal transport rate and strengthens the nanofluid movement in porous annulus. Also, higher flow circulation rate and thermal transport has been detected for Darcy model as compared to non-Darcy models. Thermal mixing could be enhanced by considering a non-Darcy model.

Research limitations/implications

The present results could be effectively used in many practical applications under the limiting conditions of two-dimensionality and axi-symmetry conditions. The only drawback of the current study is it does not include the three-dimensional effects.

Practical implications

The results could be used as a first-hand information for the design of any thermal systems. This will help the design engineer to have fewer trial-and-run cases for the new design.

Originality/value

A pioneering numerical investigation on the buoyant convective flow of two different nanofluids in an annular porous domain has been carried out by using a general Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model to govern fluid flow in porous matrix. The results obtained from current investigation are novel and original, with numerous practical applications of nanofluid saturated porous annular enclosure in the modern industry.
The “indie” premium: how independent firms create product value across cultures
Authors: Davvetas Vasileios , Biraglia Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Although firm growth through the acquisition of independent players is at a record high, market reports reveal a parallel increase in independent firms that enjoy noticeable consumer support across industries and threaten MNC-owned brands in several countries. Despite this evident contrast, no research has investigated how independent firms stack up against their non-independent counterparts from a consumer perspective. This study examines this standoff and proposes that independent firms outperform their non-independent contenders in fostering perceptions of product craftmanship and warmth in specific product categories and cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experimental studies were conducted across five countries (Study 1:N = 360; USA and China – Study 2:N = 487; UK and India – Study 3:N = 323; Italy). Data were analysed using experimental techniques (Analysis of Variance) and conditional process analyses (Moderated Mediation) using PROCESS.

Findings

The findings suggest that (1) firm independence fosters perceptions of product craftmanship and warmth in individualistic cultures, (2) consumers view products sold by independent firms as warmer and more authentic than products sold by non-independent firms in hedonic but not in utilitarian product categories, (3) the positive effects of firm independence on product craftmanship and warmth are neutralized for vertically collectivist cultures (India) and reversed in horizontally collectivist cultures (China), (4) loss of firm independence leads to higher drops in perceived craftmanship and product preference when it is caused by a takeover from a foreign multinational (compared to a domestic corporation).

Originality/value

This research provides a first account of how perceptions of firm independence drive assessments of product craftmanship and authenticity, elicit feelings of warmth and build product preference. The findings inform decisions of multinational corporations regarding (1) how to communicate the acquisition of independent firms in local markets, (2) how to balance an international brand portfolio in culturally diverging markets and different product industries, (3) how to optimize brand architecture through the relative exposure of the corporate brand image vis-à-vis the image of standalone brands owned by the corporation and (4) offer smaller independent players an alternative positioning strategy to differentiate from global competitors enjoying the resources or support of bigger corporations.
The impact of management practices and managerial behavioral attributes on credit rating quality
Authors: Arianpoor Arash , Yazdanpanah Reza
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study mainly aims to explore the impact of management practices and managerial behavioral attributes on credit rating quality in Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 214 firms were assessed from 2014 to 2020. The credit rating quality was measured through Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and the entropy weighting method. In accordance with the theoretical literature, managerial entrenchment, managerial myopia, managerial overconfidence and managerial narcissism were considered as the managerial attributes. Furthermore, to examine management practices, cash flow management and accrual management were explored.

Findings

The results of this study showed that the cash flow from operations management and the accrual management has a significant positive effect on the credit rating quality. The managerial entrenchment, managerial narcissism and managerial myopia have significant negative effects on credit rating quality, while the effect of managerial overconfidence on credit rating quality is not significant.

Originality/value

Understanding the factors that affect the credit rating quality is of a great importance. Considering the significance of cash management in the present era and the impact of managerial psychological and behavioral characteristics in the development of the organization, empirical results of this study can help investors, capital market regulators and other stakeholders to strengthen the firm and better decisions.
A maturity model framework for integrated virtual care
Authors: Sinn Chi-Ling Joanna , Pasat Zain , Klea Lindsay , Hogeveen Sophie , Holditch Ceara , Beltzner Carrie , Costa Andrew
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) and virtual visits have the potential to transform care delivery and outcomes but require intentional planning around how these technologies contribute to integrated care. Since maturity models are useful frameworks for understanding current performance and motivating progress, the authors developed a model describing the features of RPM that can advance integrated care.

Design/methodology/approach

This work was led by St. Joseph's Health System Centre for Integrated Care in collaboration with clinical and programme leads and frontline staff offering RPM services as part of Connected Health Hamilton in Ontario, Canada. Development of the maturity model was informed by a review of existing telehealth maturity models, online stakeholder meetings, and online interviews with clinical leads, programme leads, and staff.

Findings

The maturity model comprises 4 maturity levels and 17 sub-domains organised into 5 domains: Technology, Team Organisation, Programme Support, Integrated Information Systems, and Performance and Quality. An implementation pillars checklist identifies additional considerations for sustaining programmes at any maturity level. Finally, the authors apply one of Connected Health Hamilton's RPM programmes to the Team Organisation domain as an example of the maturity model in action.

Originality/value

This work extends previous telehealth maturity models by focussing on the arrangement of resources, teams, and processes needed to support the delivery of integrated care. Although the model is inspired by local programmes, the model is highly transferable to other RPM programmes.
Staff perspectives on obesity within a Welsh secure psychiatric inpatient setting
Authors: Davies Joseph Lloyd , Bagshaw Ruth , Watt Andrew , Hewlett Paul , Seage Heidi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand the perceived causes and consequences of weight gain within a secure psychiatric inpatient service in South Wales.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sample of 12 staff members were interviewed. These interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Three themes were identified, these were increasing demand for integrated physical health care, unhealthy lifestyles and weight gain viewed as a symptom of poor mental health.

Originality/value

It is a unique insight into the factors that contribute to obesity in a Welsh secure unit and adds to current understanding of the challenges of improving weight management services within this sector.
M&A capability and long-term firm performance: a strategic management perspective
Authors: Vinocur Eduardo , Kiymaz Halil , Loughry Misty L.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the puzzle of mergers and acquisitions’ (M&A) long-term performance through the strategic management perspective. The authors measure the M&A capability construct and test its relationship with the long-term performance of the firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a natural language processing (NLP) methodology to quantify unstructured data from 564 annual reports and 2,602 M&A synopses from January 01, 2013 to December 31, 2016. The authors combine qualitative document analysis with a quantitative method using a multiple regression analysis model.

Findings

Among serial acquirers, M&A capability positively relates to long-term firm performance measured by both return on equity and price-to-book value. The authors also find that the size of the company and the number of acquisitions influence the M&A capability, confirming previous results in the literature.

Research limitations/implications

Detailed M&A management plans are usually confidential and not fully reported. Future studies could employ enhanced artificial intelligence tools to measure the M&A capability construct beyond filing reports, encompassing interviews, social media posts, press releases and other unstructured data sources.

Practical implications

Firms can improve their M&A capability by understanding the underlying foundation of the construct provided in the research. Additionally, researchers can build on the methodology employed using advanced NLP tools to measure M&A capability.

Social implications

Improving their M&A capability would allow firms to better choose their targets and conduct a superior integration process, which could prevent distressing mergers, unnecessary negative social impacts and culture disruption. As a result, the ensuing organization would be stronger, and the long-term performance would improve.

Originality/value

This study addresses gaps in the literature on M&A performance and provides a new empirical method to measure the M&A capability.