bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry analysis of newly emerging coronavirus HCoV-19 spike S protein and human ACE2 reveals camouflaging glycans and unique post-translational modifications
Authors: Sun Zeyu , Ren Keyi , Zhang Xing , Chen Jinghua , Jiang Zhengyi , Jiang Jing , Ji Feiyang , Ouyang Xiaoxi , Li Lanjuan
Published: April 2020

The pneumonia-causing COVID-19 pandemia has prompt worldwide efforts to understand its biological and clinical traits of newly identified HCoV-19 virus. In this study, post-translational modification (PTM) of recombinant HCoV-19 S and hACE2 were characterized by LC-MSMS. We revealed that both proteins were highly decorated with specific proportions of N-glycan subtypes. Out of 21 possible glycosites in HCoV-19 S protein, 20 were confirmed completely occupied by N-glycans, with oligomannose glycans being the most abundant type. All 7 possible glycosylation sites in hACE2 were completely occupied mainly by complex type N-glycans. However, we showed that glycosylation did not directly contribute to the binding affinity between SARS-CoV spike protein and hACE2. Additionally, we also identified multiple sites methylated in both proteins, and multiple prolines in hACE2 were converted to hydroxylproline. Refined structural models were built by adding N-glycan and PTMs to recently published cryo-EM structure of the HCoV-19 S and hACE2 generated with glycosylation sites in the vicinity of binding surface. The PTM and glycan maps of both HCoV-19 S and hACE2 provide additional structural details to study mechanisms underlying host attachment, immune response mediated by S protein and hACE2, as well as knowledge to develop remedies and vaccines desperately needed nowadays.
Intra-species signaling betweenPseudomonas aeruginosagenotypes increases production of quorum sensing controlled virulence factors
Authors: Mould Dallas L. , Botelho Nico J. , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: April 2020

The opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosadamages hosts through the production of diverse secreted products, many of which are regulated by quorum sensing. ThelasRgene, which encodes a central quorum-sensing regulator, is frequently mutated, and loss of LasR function impairs the activity of downstream regulators RhlR and PqsR. We found that in diverse models, the presence ofP. aeruginosawild type causes LasR loss-of-function strains to hyperproduce RhlR/I-regulated antagonistic factors, and autoinducer production by the wild type is not required for this effect. We uncovered a reciprocal interaction between isogenic wild type andlasRmutant pairs wherein the iron-scavenging siderophore pyochelin, specifically produced by thelasRmutant, induces citrate release and cross-feeding from wild type. Citrate stimulates RhlR signaling and RhlI levels in LasR-but not in LasR+ strains, and the interactions occur in diverse media. Co-culture interactions between strains that differ by the function of a single transcription factor may explain worse outcomes associated with mixtures of LasR+ and LasR loss-of-function strains. More broadly, this report illustrates how interactions within a genotypically diverse population, similar to those that frequently develop in natural settings, can promote net virulence factor production.
A Cytoskeletal Protein Complex is Essential for Division of Intracellular Amastigotes ofLeishmania mexicana
Authors: Kelly Felice D. , Tran Khoa D. , Hatfield Jess , Schmidt Kat , Sanchez Marco A. , Landfear Scott M.
Published: April 2020

Previous studies inLeishmania mexicanahave identified the cytoskeletal protein KHARON as being important for both flagellar trafficking of the glucose transporter GT1 and for successful cytokinesis and survival of infectious amastigote forms inside mammalian macrophages. KHARON is located in three distinct regions of the cytoskeleton: the base of the flagellum, the subpellicular microtubules, and the mitotic spindle. To deconvolve the different functions for KHARON, we have identified two partner proteins, KHAP1 and KHAP2, that associate with KHARON. KHAP1 is located only in the subpellicular microtubules, while KHAP2 is located at the subpellicular microtubules and the base of the flagellum. Both theKHAP1andKHAP2null mutants are unable to execute cytokinesis but are able to traffic GT1 to the flagellum. These results confirm that KHARON assembles into distinct functional complexes and that the subpellicular complex is essential for cytokinesis and viability of disease-causing amastigotes but not for flagellar membrane trafficking.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Receptor Binding Domain undergoes Conformational Change upon Interaction with Low Molecular Weight Heparins
Authors: Mycroft-West Courtney J. , Su Dunhao , Li Yong , Guimond Scott E. , Rudd Timothy R. , Elli Stefano , Miller Gavin , Nunes Quentin M. , Procter Patricia , Bisio Antonella , Forsyth Nicholas R. , Turnbull Jeremy E. , Guerrini Marco , Fernig David G. , Yates Edwin A. , Lima Marcelo A. , Skidmore Mark A.
Published: April 2020

The dependence of the host on the interaction of hundreds of extracellular proteins with the cell surface glycosaminoglycan heparan sulphate (HS) for the regulation of homeostasis is exploited by many microbial pathogens as a means of adherence and invasion. The closely related polysaccharide heparin, the widely used anticoagulant drug, which is structurally similar to HS and is a common experimental proxy, can be expected to mimic the properties of HS. Heparin prevents infection by a range of viruses when added exogenously, including S-associated coronavirus strain HSR1 and inhibits cellular invasion by SARS-CoV-2. We have previously demonstrated that unfractionated heparin binds to the Spike (S1) protein receptor binding domain, induces a conformational change and have reported the structural features of heparin on which this interaction depends. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that enoxaparin, a low molecular weight clinical anticoagulant, also binds the S1 RBD protein and induces conformational change. Here we expand upon these studies, to a wide range of low molecular weight heparins and demonstrate that they induce a variety of conformational changes in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. These findings may have further implications for the rapid development of a first-line therapeutic by repurposing low molecular weight heparins, as well as for next-generation, tailor-made, GAG-based antiviral agents, against SARS-CoV-2 and other members of theCoronaviridae.
Activity profiling and structures of inhibitor-bound SARS-CoV-2-PLpro protease provides a framework for anti-COVID-19 drug design
Authors: Rut Wioletta , Lv Zongyang , Zmudzinski Mikolaj , Patchett Stephanie , Nayak Digant , Snipas Scott J. , El Oualid Farid , Huang Tony T. , Bekes Miklos , Drag Marcin , Olsen Shaun K.
Published: April 2020

In December 2019, the first cases of a novel coronavirus infection causing COVID-19 were diagnosed in Wuhan, China. Viral Papain-Like cysteine protease (PLpro, NSP3) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication and represents a promising target for the development of antiviral drugs. Here, we used a combinatorial substrate library containing natural and a wide variety of nonproteinogenic amino acids and performed comprehensive activity profiling of SARS-CoV-2-PLpro. On the scaffold of best hits from positional scanning we designed optimal fluorogenic substrates and irreversible inhibitors with a high degree of selectivity for SARS PLpro variants versus other proteases. We determined crystal structures of two of these inhibitors (VIR250 and VIR251) in complex with SARS-CoV-2-PLpro which reveals their inhibitory mechanisms and provides a structural basis for the observed substrate specificity profiles. Lastly, we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2-PLpro harbors deISGylating activities similar to SARS-CoV-1-PLpro but its ability to hydrolyze K48-linked Ub chains is diminished, which our sequence and structure analysis provides a basis for. Altogether this work has revealed the molecular rules governing PLpro substrate specificity and provides a framework for development of inhibitors with potential therapeutic value or drug repositioning.
How mutations of intrinsically disordered protein regions can drive cancer
Authors: Mészáros Bálint , Hajdu-Soltész Borbála , Zeke András , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna
Published: April 2020

Many proteins contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) which carry out important functions without relying on a single well-defined conformation. IDRs are increasingly recognized as critical elements of regulatory networks and have been also associated with cancer. However, it is unknown whether mutations targeting IDRs represent a distinct class of driver events associated with specific molecular and system-level properties, cancer types and treatment options. Here, we used an integrative computational approach to explore the direct role of intrinsically disordered proteins/protein regions (IDPs/IDRs) driving cancer. We showed that around 20% of cancer drivers are primarily targeted through a disordered region. The detailed analysis of these IDRs revealed that they can function in multiple ways that are distinct from the functional mechanisms of ordered drivers. Disordered drivers play a central role in context-dependent interaction networks and are enriched in specific biological processes such as transcription, gene expression regulation and protein degradation. Furthermore, their modulation represents an alternative mechanism for the emergence of all known cancer hallmarks independently of the modulation of globular proteins. Disordered drivers are also highly relevant at the sample level, and their mutations can represent the key driving event in certain individual cancer patients. However, treatment options for such patients are currently severely limited. The presented study highlights a largely overlooked class of cancer drivers associated with specific cancer types that need novel therapeutic options.
HPC-REDItools: a Novel HPC-aware Tool for Improved Large Scale RNA-editing Analysis
Authors: Flati Tiziano , Gioiosa Silvia , Spallanzani Nicola , Tagliaferri Ilario , Diroma Maria Angela , Pesole Graziano , Chillemi Giovanni , Picardi Ernesto , Castrignanò Tiziana
Published: April 2020

Background

RNA editing is a widespread co-/post-transcriptional mechanism that alters primary RNA sequences through the modification of specific nucleotides and it can increase both the transcriptome and proteome diversity. The automatic detection of RNA-editing from RNA-seq data is computational intensive and limited to small data sets, thus preventing a reliable genome-wide characterisation of such process.

Results

In this work we introduce HPC-REDItools, an upgraded tool for accurate RNA-editing events discovery from large dataset repositories. Availability:https://github.com/BioinfoUNIBA/REDItools2.

Conclusions

HPC-REDItools is dramatically faster than the previous version, REDItools, enabling big-data analysis by means of a MPI-based implementation and scaling almost linearly with the number of available cores.
The spatial regulation of condensin activity in chromosome condensation
Authors: Lamothe Rebecca , Costantino Lorenzo , Koshland Douglas E.
Published: April 2020

Condensin mediates chromosome condensation, which is essential for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. Prior to anaphase of budding yeast, the ribosomal DNA (RDN) condenses to a thin loop that is distinct from the rest of the chromosomes. We provide evidence that the establishment and maintenance of this RDN condensation requires the regulation of condensin by Cdc5p (polo) kinase. We show that Cdc5p is recruited to the site of condensin binding in the RDN by cohesin, a complex related to condensin. Cdc5p and cohesin prevent condensin from misfolding the RDN into an irreversibly decondensed state. From these and other observations, we propose that the spatial regulation of Cdc5p by cohesin modulates condensin activity to ensure proper RDN folding into a thin loop. This mechanism may be evolutionarily conserved, promoting the thinly condensed constrictions that occur at centromeres and RDN of mitotic chromosomes in plants and animals.
Distinct roles of BRCA2 in replication fork protection in response to hydroxyurea and DNA interstrand cross-links
Authors: Rickman Kimberly A. , Noonan Raymond J. , Lach Francis P. , Sridhar Sunandini , Wang Anderson T. , Abhyankar Avinash , Huang Athena , Kelly Michael , Auerbach Arleen D. , Smogorzewska Agata
Published: April 2020

DNA interstrand cross-links (ICLs) are a form of DNA damage that requires the interplay of a number of repair proteins including those of the Fanconi anemia (FA) and the homologous recombination (HR) pathways. Pathogenic variants in the essential gene BRCA2/FANCD1, when monoallelic, predispose to breast and ovarian cancer, and when biallelic, result in a severe subtype of Fanconi anemia. BRCA2 function in the FA pathway is attributed to its role as a mediator of the RAD51 recombinase in HR repair of programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). BRCA2 and RAD51 functions are also required to protect stalled replication forks from nucleolytic degradation during response to hydroxyurea (HU). While RAD51 has been shown to be necessary in the early steps of ICL repair to prevent aberrant nuclease resection, the role of BRCA2 in this process has not been described. Here, based on the analysis of BRCA2 DNA-binding domain (DBD) mutants (c.8488-1G>A and c.8524C>T) discovered in FA patients presenting with atypical FA-like phenotypes, we establish that BRCA2 is necessary for the protection of DNA at ICLs. Cells carrying BRCA2 DBD mutations are sensitive to ICL-inducing agents but resistant to HU treatment consistent with relatively high HR repair in these cells. BRCA2 function at an ICL protects against DNA2–WRN nuclease–helicase complex and not the MRE11 nuclease that is implicated in the resection of HU-induced stalled replication forks. Our results also indicate that unlike the processing at HU-induced stalled forks, the function of the SNF2 translocases (SMARCAL1, ZRANB3, or HLTF), implicated in fork reversal, are not an integral component of the ICL repair, pointing to a different mechanism of fork protection at different DNA lesions.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a pentacopper(II) 12-metallacrown-4: cis-diaquatetrakis(dimethylformamide-κO)manganese(II) tetrakis(μ3-N,2-dioxidobenzene-1-carboximidate)pentacopper(II) dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Van Trieste III Gerard P. , Zeller Matthias , Zaleski Curtis M.
Published: April 2020

The title compound, [Mn(C3H7NO)4(H2O)2][Cu5(C7H4NO3)4]·C3H7NO or cis-[Mn(H2O)2(DMF)4]{Cu[12-MCCu(II)N(shi)-4]}·DMF, where MC is metallacrown, shi3− is salicylhydroximate, and DMF is N,N-dimethylformamide, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n. Two crystallographically independent metallacrown anions are present in the structure, and both anions exhibit minor main molecule disorder by an approximate (non-crystallographic) 180° rotation with occupancy ratios of 0.9010 (9) to 0.0990 (9) for one anion and 0.9497 (8) to 0.0503 (8) for the other. Each pentacopper(II) metallacrown contains four CuII ions in the MC ring and a CuII ion captured in the central cavity. Each CuII ion is four-coordinate with a square-planar geometry. The anionic {Cu[12-MCCu(II)N(shi)-4]}2− is charged-balanced by the presence of a cis-[Mn(H2O)2(DMF)4]2+ cation located in the lattice. In addition, the octahedral MnII counter-cation is hydrogen bonded to both MC anions via the coordinated water molecules of the MnII ion. The water molecules form hydrogen bonds with the phenolate and carbonyl oxygen atoms of the shi3− ligands of the MCs.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of N-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyclopropyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide
Authors: Pokhodylo Nazariy , Slyvka Yurii , Pavlyuk Volodymyr
Published: April 2020

The title compound, C19H17ClN4O2, was obtained via a two-step synthesis involving the enol-mediated click Dimroth reaction of 4-azidoanisole with methyl 3-cyclopropyl-3-oxopropanoate leading to the 5-cyclopropyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid and subsequent acid amidation with 4-chloroaniline by 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). It crystallizes in space group P21/n, with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. In the extended structure, two molecules arranged in a near coplanar fashion relative to the triazole ring planes are interconnected by N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds into a homodimer. The formation of dimers is a consequence of the above interaction and the edge-to-face stacking of aromatic rings, which are turned by 58.0 (3)° relative to each other. The dimers are linked by C—H...O interactions into ribbons. DFT calculations demonstrate that the frontier molecular orbitals are well separated in energy and the HOMO is largely localized on the 4-chlorophenyl amide motif while the LUMO is associated with aryltriazole grouping. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to further analyse the intermolecular interactions.
Macromolecular X-ray crystallography: soon to be a road less travelled?
Authors: Beale John H.
Published: April 2020

The number of new X-ray crystallography-based submissions to the Protein Data Bank appears to be at the beginning of a decline, perhaps signalling an end to the era of the dominance of X-ray crystallography within structural biology. This letter, from the viewpoint of a young structural biologist, applies the Copernican method to the life expectancy of crystallography and asks whether the technique is still the mainstay of structural biology. A study of the rate of Protein Data Bank depositions allows a more nuanced analysis of the fortunes of macromolecular X-ray crystallography and shows that cryo-electron microscopy might now be outcompeting crystallography for new labour and talent, perhaps heralding a change in the landscape of the field.
Cathodic protection criteria of low alloy steel in simulated deep water environment
Authors: Sun Haijing , Xue Weihai , Xu Jiaxin , Chen Guoliang , Sun Jie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to provide theoretical guidance and experimental analysis for optimized cathodic protection (CP) design of low alloy steel in deep water environments.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, the CP criteria of 10Ni5CrMoV low alloy steel were investigated in a simulated deep water environment (350 m) regarding the theoretical protection potential and measured protection potential. The influences of hydrostatic pressure (HP) and temperature were also discussed in detail. The theoretical protection potential was analyzed with the Nernst equation, and the measured minimum protection potential was derived by extrapolating the Tafel portion of anodic polarization curves.

Findings

The results indicate that the minimum protection potential of low alloy steel shifts to a positive value in a deep-ocean environment. This can be attributed to the combined effects of HP and the temperature. Moreover, the temperature has a stronger influence compared with HP. The results suggest that the CP potential criteria used in shallow water are still applicable in the deep ocean, which is further confirmed through the SEM and x-ray diffraction analysis of the corrosion products resulted from the potentiostatic cathodic polarization experiments at −0.85 VCSE.

Originality/value

In recent decades, successful applications of CP for long-term corrosion protection of the steel components applied at a subsea level have enabled the offshore industry to develop reliable and optimized CP systems for shallow water. However, differences in the seawater environment at greater depths have raised concerns regarding the applicability of the existing CP design for deeper water environments. Hence, this research focuses on the CP criteria of low alloy steel in simulated deep water environment concerning the theoretical protection potential and measured protection potential. The influences of HP and temperature were also discussed.
Corporate listening: unlocking insights from VOC, VOE and VOS for mutual benefits
Authors: Macnamara Jim
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Comparatively, while the voice of customers, employees, and other stakeholders have been identified as key components of corporate and marketing communication, little attention has been paid to how organizations listen to, make sense of, and use the information provided. The research reported in this article examined how a multinational corporation and its subsidiaries listen to their customers, employees, and other stakeholders and explored how corporate listening can be improved for mutual benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reports participatory action research within a multinational corporation operating in Europe, Canada and Australia, which set out to become a “listening organization” to improve its relationships and performance. The research was informed by interviews, observation, content analysis of relevant documents, and critical reflection.

Findings

This analysis illustrates the need for and benefits of looking beyond statistical data to analyze textual, aural and visual data available from call centers, open-end survey comments, complaints, correspondence, social media and other sources, and it identifies methods, tools and technologies for ethical insightful corporate listening.

Research limitations/implications

This article advocates a “turn” from a focus on voice to focus on listening, noting that expression of the voice of customers, employees and other stakeholders has no value to them or organizations without active listening.

Originality/value

This paper reports an in-depth study of corporate listening to multiple stakeholders and identifies opportunities for increased insights and understanding that can lead to tangible benefits for both organizations and their stakeholders.
Relationship between self-efficacy and knowledge sharing: systematic review
Authors: Safdar Muhammad , Batool Syeda Hina , Mahmood Khalid
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to systematically collect and review the research studies that provide empirical evidence regarding the existence of relationship between self-efficacy and knowledge sharing or influence of self-efficacy on sharing of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The studies were collected through searching in Google Scholar, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts) and Web of Science. All types of studies, except books, were selected for review. Time limitation was not applied.

Findings

It can be concluded from majority of reviewed studies that self-efficacy influenced knowledge sharing. This systematic review also establishes that majority of reviewed studies confirmed existence of relationship (positive) between variables self-efficacy and knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

A language limit was applied, and only English language studies were reviewed.

Originality/value

This review is first of its kind that systematically collected and reviewed the studies that examined the relationship between self-efficacy and knowledge sharing. This paper is also first in terms of a study which systematically collected and reviewed studies that investigated impact of self-efficacy on sharing of knowledge. Findings of current research paper will be helpful for organizations striving to implement a knowledge-sharing culture. Similarly, this study will also help the readers in understanding the ways to improve their knowledge-sharing practices and learning.
A novel steady-state maintenance simulation framework for multi- information disseminations in crowd network
Authors: Wang Zhong , Sun Hongbo , Fan Baode
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The era of crowd network is coming and the research of its steady-state is of great importance. This paper aims to establish a crowd network simulation platform and maintaining the relative stability of multi-source dissemination systems.

Design/methodology/approach

With this simulation platform, this paper studies the characteristics of “emergence,” monitors the state of the system and according to the fixed point judges the system of steady-state conditions, then uses three control conditions and control methods to control the system status to acquire general rules for maintain the stability of multi-source information dissemination systems.

Findings

This paper establishes a novel steady-state maintenance simulation framework. It will be useful for achieving controllability to the evolution of information dissemination and simulating the effectiveness of control conditions for multi-source information dissemination systems.

Originality/value

This paper will help researchers to solve problems of public opinion control in multi-source information dissemination in crowd network.
The role of stakeholders in shifting environmental practices of music festivals in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Hazel Dominique , Mason Courtney
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase understandings of the complexity of stakeholder relationships and their impact on environmental practices in music festivals in Western Canada, but also to highlight how managers can leverage their festival platform for stakeholders to create new partnerships that foster and support primary values around sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a community-based participatory framework to guide this study, and qualitative research methods in the form of in-depth interviews and surveys at three separate music festivals within the interior of British Columbia, Canada.

Findings

The majority of patrons are aware of the environmental impacts of music festivals and are more likely to attend a festival with effective practices. By making environmental sustainability a core value of the festival and communicating environmental objectives with both stakeholders and patrons, managers can begin to alleviate the operational barriers to environmentalism.

Originality/value

One of the primary contributions of this study is that it provides management with deeper understandings of a wide range of barriers to effective environmental practices in Western Canada. We consult directly with both festival management and attendees about environmental practices. This paper presents a fuller perspective of how to move beyond simple measures and craft a more sophisticated and flexible environmental strategy that reduces risk, anticipates obstacles and greatly improves the odds of successful implementation.
Tasks mapping in the network on a chip using an improved optimization algorithm
Authors: Darbandi Mehdi , Ramtin Amir Reza , Sharafi Omid Khold
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A set of routers that are connected over communication channels can from network-on-chip (NoC). High performance, scalability, modularity and the ability to parallel the structure of the communications are some of its advantages. Because of the growing number of cores of NoC, their arrangement has got more valuable. The mapping action is done based on assigning different functional units to different nodes on the NoC, and the way it is done contains a significant effect on implementation and network power utilization. The NoC mapping issue is one of the NP-hard problems. Therefore, for achieving optimal or near-optimal answers, meta-heuristic algorithms are the perfect choices. The purpose of this paper is to design a novel procedure for mapping process cores for reducing communication delays and cost parameters. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm standing on crowding distance (MOPSO-CD) has been used for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed approach, in which the two-dimensional mesh topology has been used as base construction, the mapping operation is divided into two stages as follows: allocating the tasks to suitable cores of intellectual property; and plotting the map of these cores in a specific tile on the platform of NoC.

Findings

The proposed method has dramatically improved the related problems and limitations of meta-heuristic algorithms. This algorithm performs better than the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm in convergence to the Pareto, producing a proficiently divided collection of solving ways and the computational time. The results of the simulation also show that the delay parameter of the proposed method is 1.1 per cent better than the genetic algorithm and 0.5 per cent better than the PSO algorithm. Also, in the communication cost parameter, the proposed method has 2.7 per cent better action than a genetic algorithm and 0.16 per cent better action than the PSO algorithm.

Originality/value

As yet, the MOPSO-CD algorithm has not been used for solving the task mapping issue in the NoC.
Robotopias: mapping utopian perspectives on new industrial technology
Authors: Firth Rhiannon , Robinson Andrew
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper maps utopian theories of technological change. The focus is on debates surrounding emerging industrial technologies which contribute to making the relationship between humans and machines more symbiotic and entangled, such as robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. The aim is to provide a map to navigate complex debates on the potential for technology to be used for emancipatory purposes and to plot the grounds for tactical engagements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a two-way axis to map theories into to a six-category typology. Axis one contains the parameters humanist–assemblage. Humanists draw on the idea of a human essence of creative labour-power, and treat machines as alienated and exploitative form of this essence. Assemblage theorists draw on posthumanism and poststructuralism, maintaining that humans always exist within assemblages which also contain non-human forces. Axis two contains the parameters utopian/optimist; tactical/processual; and dystopian/pessimist, depending on the construed potential for using new technologies for empowering ends.

Findings

The growing social role of robots portends unknown, and maybe radical, changes, but there is no single human perspective from which this shift is conceived. Approaches cluster in six distinct sets, each with different paradigmatic assumptions.

Practical implications

Mapping the categories is useful pedagogically, and makes other political interventions possible, for example interventions between groups and social movements whose practice-based ontologies differ vastly.

Originality/value

Bringing different approaches into contact and mapping differences in ways which make them more comparable, can help to identify the points of disagreement and the empirical or axiomatic grounds for these. It might facilitate the future identification of criteria to choose among the approaches.
Sense of belonging as an indicator of social capital
Authors: Ahn Mi Young , Davis Howard H.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the possibility of using sense of belonging as an indicator for social capital. Social capital, from the collective social capital theory perspective, is constructed from three main elements: trust, social network and participation. Social capital is crucial to civil society and well-being, but there is no consensus on how to define and measure it. This paper approaches this problem with the different but related concept of sense of belonging, as belonging overlaps with social capital conceptually, but also is more amenable to measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from approximately 800 university students and used to explore the relationship between belonging and social capital both conceptually and empirically in the higher education context.

Findings

The mixed methods research analysis in this paper provides strong evidence to show how sense of belonging and social capital are theoretically and empirically intertwined, Conceptually they occupy overlapping spheres and their connections can be clearly traced and measured. This is supported by substantial statistical evidence of their relatedness, despite their independent origins in social research. For these reasons, this paper argues that sense of belonging can be used as a simplified alternative way to measure social capital.

Originality/value

This paper explains the advantages of using sense of belonging to understand social capital. It sets out a conceptual framework and provides a statistical demonstration. This paper develops and enriches a current strand of social capital and sense of belonging research in the fields of sociology and higher education policy.
Competitiveness and social network of Brazilian fish farmers
Authors: Pigatto Gessuir , Martinelli Raiane Real , Queiroz Timoteo Ramos , Bánkuti Ferenc Istvan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present a methodological framework to evaluate the relationship between social network centrality, individual competitiveness and network competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Tilapia fish farmers in the Canoas I hydroelectric dam (states of São Paulo and Paraná, Brazil) were provided with a roster of all actors in their network and interviewed to obtain information on relational and competitiveness variables. UCINET was used to calculate the degree centrality of each farmer. Seven competitiveness drivers were combined into a single indicator to determine the level of competitiveness. A four-quadrant matrix was constructed to investigate the relationship between degree centrality and level of competitiveness.

Findings

A positive relationship was found between degree centrality and level of competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Agents upstream or downstream of fish farming were not interviewed, precluding an in-depth analysis of competitiveness in terms of market structure and market relations. The authors suggest that future studies should investigate the influence of upstream and downstream agents on the social network and competitiveness of fish farmers. It is also important to monitor changes in the level of competitiveness of fish farmers in the event of a national economic crisis.

Originality/value

Development of a novel methodological framework on the basis of two methodologies, social network analysis and competitiveness analysis.
Health service provision for disease control among prisoners: a conceptual note
Authors: Farhoudi Behnam , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Dadras Omid , Tashakoriyan Mehrzad , Nazari Pouya Mohammad , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Dolan Kate
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of present study was to integrate vital noncommunicable diseases (coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and mental health disorders) into Prison-Based Active Health Services Provision (PAHSP).

Design/methodology/approach

On Jan 1, 2018, there were 230,000 prisoners in Iran. Timely and systematic detection and diagnosis of chronic health conditions among this population are imperative. The collaboration between healthcare providers in prison and members of the multidisciplinary team of the healthcare community outside prison initiated an active health service provision approach for HIV and tuberculosis (TB). Guidelines for the control of HIV and TB in prison were piloted, and the finalized version was named “Prison-based Active Health Services Provision” (PAHSP), which has been scaled up in 16 of 260 Iranian prisons.

Finding

The PAHSP approach emphasizes the importance of early identification of key symptoms and risk factors. This approach provides an opportunity for improved prevention and treatment, enabling prisoners identified at risk or those who have been diagnosed with a target disease to be followed up and receive the appropriate health care.

Originality/value

Initiatives such as screening for chronic health conditions coupled with treatment will reduce the burden of chronic illness among prisoners and the broader community, thereby saving on healthcare costs and lives.
Family roles, challenges and needs in caring for traumatic brain injury (TBI) family members: a systematic review
Authors: Azman Azlinda , Jali Nor Amalina , Jamir Singh Paramjit Singh , Abdullah Jafri Malin , Ibrahim Haidi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Advanced medical technology has reduced the mortality rate among traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. This, however, has led to an increasing number of surviving patients with a major disability. As a consequence, these patients need attentive care which becomes an important issue for the society, particularly family members. Thus, this paper aims to review some of the salient roles, challenges and needs of the family caregivers in caring or nursing for their family members diagnosed with TBI.

Design/methodology/approach

An inclusive search of the literature was undertaken to identify the family roles, challenges and needs in supporting and nursing TBI patients.

Findings

Previous studies have shown that the family needs to address two important aspects of taking care of TBI patients, which involve emotional and physical affairs. Hence, it is essential for the family members to have adequate information on healing treatment, nursing and care methods, financial support, support groups, managing self-care and, more importantly, emotional and social support.

Originality/value

This paper is not currently under consideration, in press or published elsewhere. In Malaysian culture, nursing disabled patients have always been a family responsibility. The role of nursing the patients has been done domestically and is considered a private affair. In order to execute the role, some put the patient needs as their priority and leave aside their needs and matters.
Addictive use of smartphone, depression and anxiety among female undergraduates in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayandele Olusola , Popoola Olugbenga A , Oladiji Tolulope O
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examined the prevalence and relationship between addictive use of smartphones and symptoms of depression and anxiety among female undergraduates.

Design/methodology/approach

Standardized scales were used to measure the addictive use of smartphones, depression and anxiety among 398 female students (mean age 21.75 years, SD = 2.67) at two large higher institutions in southwest Nigeria and were opportunely sampled. Two hypotheses were tested using Spearman's rho and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Findings

The results showed that 1.01% of the respondents were probable smartphone addicts and 17.34% were at-risk, while 14.32% and 16.33% manifested symptoms of anxiety and moderate-to-severe depression, respectively. Depression (r = 0.24, p < 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) have significant relationship with addictive use of smartphone. Addictive/at-risk smartphone users significantly scored higher on symptoms of depression (average rank of 233.40) than normal smartphone users (average rank of 191.88); U = 9387.50; z = −2.81, p < 0.05; Also, addictive/at-risk smartphone users reported significantly higher level of anxiety (average rank of 229.27) than normal smartphone users (average rank of 192.81); U = 9689.00; z = −2.46, p < 0.05.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizing these results to a clinical setting and other at-risk demographic groups might prove difficult due to the respondents' condition of homogeneity.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that relationships exist between the addictive use of smartphones and symptoms of depression and anxiety among undergraduate students in southwest Nigeria. Clinicians should assess smartphone use in the management of depression and anxiety disorders.

Social implications

University administrators should target prevention and intervention strategies that would assist students to be taught positive ways of using their smartphones.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge by revealing relationships between smartphone addiction and mental health in an African sample.
The role of intellectual capital in fostering SD-Orientation and firm performance
Authors: Alves Helena , Cepeda-Carrion Ignacio , Ortega-Gutierrez Jaime , Edvardsson Bo
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This research aims to understand the relationship among Intellectual Capital (IC), Service Dominant Orientation (SD-Orientation) and firms performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A model conceptualizing the relationship among the three constructs was tested through structural equation modelling on a sample of 101 firms from SABI Spanish database.

Findings

The results confirm the influence of IC, in all of its dimensions, on SD-Orientation and of SD-orientation on performance. Furthermore, the results show that SD- Orientation fully mediates the relationship between IC and performance, except for relational capital that by itself also directly influences financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

Data is limited to a sample of only one country and 101 services firms. Therefore, future studies should be carried out with samples from other countries.

Practical implications

The main results show HC, relational capital and SC are a great influence and antecedent on SD-Orientation, therefore, as an implication, firms need to take care of the several components (human, structural and social) of IC in order to become more service oriented, something that will allow them to achieve a better performance.

Originality/value

Until know there was no other study testing the influence of IC on SD-Orientation, therefore this study contributes to understand SD-orientation and the necessary resources to operationalize it, including the links to financial performance.
A systems approach for green public procurement implementation
Authors: Wang Conghu , Qiao Yuhua , Li Xiaoming
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify important factors in green public procurement (GPP) implementation and then to clarify how these factors affect GPP implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied the Delphi method first and then conducted a focused and constrained multiple case study at 18 government procurement centers across China.

Findings

The authors identified four clusters of factors for successful GPP implementation: more clear, consistent and operational policy goals; a nation-wide green procurement campaign to enhance social capital and cultural resources; promoting staff’s ethics, professionalism, capacity and knowledge; and establishing checks and balances among organizations involved in the whole purchasing process.

Social implications

GPP can significantly improve environmental protection and sustainable development.

Originality/value

Based on key insights from systems theory and agency theory, the authors emphasize that GPP implementation must take down its own functional silos and adopt a process approach across organizational tiers to synchronize human resource based and inter-organizational capabilities into a unified whole through information sharing, communications and collaboration.
Integrated reporting and change: evidence from public universities
Authors: Iacuzzi Silvia , Garlatti Andrea , Fedele Paolo , Lombrano Alessandro
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to set out the case for integrated reporting (IR) and its potential to lead to change in the public sector by examining it in practice and analyzing the challenges associated with its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the role of IR in the public sector through the development of a theoretical framework applied to a case study focused on the University of Udine in Italy.

Findings

IR can be considered more as an incremental than a groundbreaking transformation of existing arrangements and approaches. The analysis revealed that the vagueness, complexity and intrinsic discrepancy between the IR concept and its operationalization brought the University of Udine to challenge and debate the IR approach and ultimately, to reconceptualize and implement its own version that better fitted its strategic aims, its intended audience and its status as a public entity.

Research limitations/implications

The application of the findings to other contexts should be further investigated, while the analytical framework should be applied to different settings and could be enriched to add knowledge and sharpen the paradigms of integrated thinking and value co-creation. Moreover, the interviews focused on people directly involved in the preparation of the integrated report, excluding other stakeholders. Further research could explore their perceptions of IR and focus on their understanding of the IR as well as the value co-creation process.

Practical implications

The findings provide decision makers with insights about how IR can be promoted to enhance its impact on value co-creation. The key processes to be considered for a public organization are integrated thinking and value co-creation, while the key aspects to be investigated in an integrated report for the public sector are materiality and stakeholder engagement. Yet, the IR framework is missing indications on how to account for stakeholders' inputs, outputs and outcomes in a value co-creation process, which is fundamental in a public service logic.

Originality/value

The results shed further light on two fundamental phenomena in the public sector, namely, integrated thinking and value co-creation. The paper also answers the call for more empirical research on IR's rhetoric and practice and on its concrete role in the value creation process.
Blockchain as a tool for land rights: ownership of land in Cyprus
Authors: Yapicioglu Balkiz , Leshinsky Rebecca
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to set out an argument for the use of blockchain technology as a land registration tool, for Cyprus and other disputed land contexts, to assist with land disputes, which may, in turn, promote peace and harmony.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is exploratory in nature. It raises the historical and present land issues in Cyprus and highlights that blockchain technologies could work as a tool to record disputed property rights on the Island.

Findings

While there have been many pilots to date for blockchain land registration, there is still scope to develop blockchain as a tool to record land interests. Cyprus offers an exemplar opportunity to use such a tool to assist in developing peace on the Island.

Originality/value

While the paper is conceptual in its application of blockchain technologies, it is novel in that it strives to show how technologies such as blockchain can act as a tool to assist with land registration matters, which, in turn, can assist with new ways to approach the peace process. More research is necessary for this area of inquiry, especially as to how sidechains can act as a conduit for recording competing land interests and disputed land claims.
An integrated approach to teaching and learning nanotechnology: the Omni Nano model
Authors: Curreli Marco , Rakich Sladjana Sandy
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this commentary is to describe how Omni Nano has designed and implemented a model for teaching Nanotechnology to high school students.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary describes the Omni Nano program and the approach taken to support high school science teachers to include Nanotechnology education in their STEM programs.

Findings

The program findings are determined from qualitative teacher and student program surveys and informal interviews. The strong positive comments indicate that Omni Nano is successful at sparking students’ interest in nanotechnology and teaching nanotechnology concepts effectively.

Practical implications

The Omni Nano model demonstrates how complex STEM topics such as Nanotechnology can be designed and implemented effectively to promote student learning.

Originality/value

As the field of nanotechnology continues to evolve, high schools will need to provide additional coursework to scaffold student development and meet the demand for nanotech careers. Omni Nano has developed the first nanotechnology curriculum for high school students.