bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylodynamic analysis of an emergentMycobacterium bovisoutbreak in an area with no previously known wildlife infections
Authors: Rossi Gianluigi , Crispell Joseph , Brough Tanis , Lycett Samantha J. , White Piran C. L. , Allen Adrian , Ellis Richard J. , Gordon Stephen V. , Harwood Roland , Palkopoulou Eleftheria , Presho Eleanor L. , Skuce Robin , Smith Graham C. , Kao Rowland R.
Published: November 2020

Understanding how an emergent pathogen successfully establishes itself and persists in a previously unaffected population is a crucial problem in disease ecology. In multi-host pathogen systems this problem is particularly difficult, as the importance of each host species to transmission is often poorly characterised, and the epidemiology of the disease is complex. Opportunities to observe and analyse such emergent scenarios are few.

Here, we exploit a unique dataset combining densely-collected data on the epidemiological and evolutionary characteristics of an outbreak ofMycobacterium bovis(M. bovis,the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, bTB) in a population of cattle and badgers in an area considered low-risk for bTB, that has no previous record of either persistent infection in cattle, or of any infection in wildlife.

We analyse the outbreak dynamics using a combination of mathematical modelling, machine learning and Bayesian evolutionary analyses. Comparison toM. boviswhole-genome sequences from Northern Ireland confirmed this to be a single introduction of the pathogen from the latter region, with evolutionary analysis supporting an introduction directly into the local cattle population at least six years prior to its first discovery in badgers. Once introduced, the evidence supportsM. bovisepidemiological dynamics passing through two phases, the first dominated by cattle-to-cattle transmission before becoming established in the local badger population.

These findings emphasise the importance of disease surveillance for early containment of outbreaks, in particular for pathogens not causing immediately evident symptoms in the infected host, and highlight the utility of combining dynamic modelling and phylogenetic analyses for understanding the often complex infection dynamics associated with emergent outbreaks.
Stable transfection in the protist Corallochytrium limacisporum allows identification of novel cellular features among unicellular relatives of animals
Authors: Kożyczkowska Aleksandra , Najle Sebastián R. , Ocaña-Pallarès Eduard , Aresté Cristina , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki , Casacuberta Elena
Published: November 2020

The evolutionary path from protists to multicellular animals remains a mystery. Recent work on the genomes of several unicellular relatives of animals has shaped our understanding of the genetic changes that may have occurred in this transition. However, the specific cellular modifications that took place to accommodate these changes remain unclear. Functional approaches are now needed to unravel how different cell biological features evolved. Recent work has already established genetic tools in three of the four unicellular lineages closely related to animals (choanoflagellates, filastereans, and ichthyosporeans). However, there are no genetic tools available for Corallochytrea, the lineage that seems to have the widest mix of fungal and metazoan features, as well as a complex life cycle. Here, we describe the development of stable transfection in the corallochytrean Corallochytrium limacisporum. Using a battery of cassettes to tag key cellular components, such as nucleus, plasma membrane, cytoplasm and actin filaments, we employ live imaging to discern previously unknown biological features of C. limacisporum. In particular, we identify two different paths for cell division—binary fission and coenocytic growth—that reveal a non-linear life cycle in C. limacisporum. Additionally, we found that C. limacisporum is binucleate for most of its life cycle, and that, contrary to what happens in most eukaryotes, nuclear division is decoupled from cell division. The establishment of these tools in C. limacisporum fills an important gap in the unicellular relatives of animals, opening up new avenues of research with broad taxon sampling to elucidate the specific cellular changes that occurred in the evolution of animals.
Morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics of the otic ganglion in the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigerMolina)
Authors: Sienkiewicz Waldemar , Kuchinka Jacek , Dudek Agnieszka , Nowak Elżbieta , Kaleczyc Jerzy , Radzimirska Małgorzata , Szczurkowski Aleksander
Published: November 2020

The available literature provides relatively little information on the morphology of the autonomic head ganglia in rodents including their neurochemical codding. The present study was thus designed to investigate the morphology and neurochemical properties of the otic ganglion in the chinchilla. The results will contribute to our knowledge of the organization of the autonomic nerve system in mammals.

Morphological investigations of the otic ganglion were performed using the modified acetylcholinesterase method. The cellular structure was investigated with histological techniques and neurochemical properties were studied with double-labelling immunofluorescence method

Macromorphological investigations allowed the otic ganglion to be identified as a compact, oval agglomeration of neurons and nerve fibers located inside the skull on the medial surface of the mandibular nerve, just above the oval foramen. Multidimensional cross-sections revealed densely arranged neuronal perikarya and two populations of nerve cells differing in size were distinguished. The large cells (40–50 μm) accounted for about 80% of the neurons in the otic ganglion cross-sections. Moreover, a small number of intraganglionic nerve fibers was observed. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that over 85% of the neuronal cell bodies in the otic ganglion contained immunoreactivity to VAChT or ChAT. VIP-immunoreactive perikarya comprised approximately 10% of the ganglionic cells. Double staining revealed the presence of VAChT and NOS-positive neurons which amounted to about 45% of the nerve cells in the otic ganglion. NOS-positive only perikarya comprised approx. 15% of all the neurons. Immunoreactivity to enkephalin, substance P, somatostatin and galanin was expressed in single nerve cell bodies and nerve fibres except numerous SP-positive intraganglionic nerve fibres. Some of them stained also for CGRP. Single neurons stained for TH.

The present results, compared with previous findings, suggest the existence interspecies differences in the morphology, cellular structure and immunohistochemical properties of the head autonomic ganglia in mammals.
Mycobacteria-host interactions in human bronchiolar airway organoids
Authors: Iakobachvili Nino , Leon Icaza Stephen Adonai , Knoops Kèvin , Sachs Norman , Mazères Serge , Simeone Roxane , Peixoto Antonio , Murris-Espin Marlène , Mazières Julien , López-Iglesias Carmen , Ravelli Raimond B.G. , Neyrolles Olivier , Meunier Etienne , Lugo-Villarino Geanncarlo , Clevers Hans , Cougoule Céline , Peters Peter J.
Published: November 2020

Tuberculosis, one of the oldest human pathogens remains a major global health threat. Recent advances in organoid technology offer a unique opportunity to grow different human “organs”in vitro, including the human airway, that faithfully recapitulate tissue architecture and function. We have explored the potential of human airway organoids (AOs) as a novel system in which to model tuberculosis infection. To this end, we adapted biosafety containment level 3–approved procedures to allow successful microinjection ofMycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, into AOs. We reveal that mycobacteria infected epithelial cells with low efficiency, and that the organoid microenvironment was able to control, but not eliminate the pathogen. We demonstrate that AOs responded to infection by inducing cytokine and antimicrobial peptide production, and inhibiting mucins. Given the importance of myeloid cells in tuberculosis infection, we co-cultured mycobacteria-infected organoids with human monocyte-derived macrophages, and found that these cells were recruited to the organoid epithelium. We conclude that adult stem cell–derived airway organoids can be used to model early events of tuberculosis infection and offer new avenues for fundamental and therapeutic research.
Transcriptome Analysis of NPFR Neurons Reveals a Connection Between proteome Diversity and Social Behavior
Authors: Ryvkin Julia , Bentzur Assa , Shmueli Anat , Tannenbaum Miriam , Shallom Omri , Dokarker Shiran , Levi Mali , Shohat-Ophir Galit
Published: November 2020

Complex social behaviors are mediated by the activity of highly intricate neuronal networks, the function of which is shaped by their transcriptomic and proteomic content. Contemporary advances in neurogenetics, genomics, and tools for automated behavior analysis make it possible to functionally connect the transcriptome profile of candidate neurons to their role in regulating behavior. In this study we usedDrosophila melanogasterto explore the molecular signature of neurons expressing receptor for neuropeptide F (NPF), the fly homologue of neuropeptide Y (NPY). By comparing the transcription profile of NPFR neurons to those of nine other populations of neurons, we discovered that NPFR neurons exhibit a unique transcriptome, enriched with receptors for various neuropeptides and neuromodulators, as well as with genes known to regulate behavioral processes, such as learning and memory. By manipulating RNA editing and protein ubiquitination programs specifically in NPFR neurons, we demonstrate that their delicate transcriptome and proteome repertoires are required to suppress male courtship and certain features of social group interaction. Our results highlight the importance of transcriptome and proteome diversity in the regulation of complex behaviors and pave the path for future dissection of the spatiotemporal regulation of genes within highly complex tissues, such as the brain.
DeletingMecp2from the entire cerebellum rather than its neuronal subtypes causes a delay in motor learning in mice
Authors: Achilly Nathan P. , He Lingjie , Kim Olivia A. , Ohmae Shogo , Wojaczynski Gregory J. , Lin Tao , Sillitoe Roy V. , Medina Javier F. , Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: November 2020

Rett syndrome is a devastating childhood neurological disorder caused by mutations inMECP2. Of the many symptoms, motor deterioration is a significant problem for patients. In mice, deletingMecp2from the cortex or basal ganglia causes motor dysfunction, hypoactivity, and tremor, which are abnormalities observed in patients. However, little is known about the consequences of deletingMecp2from the cerebellum, a brain region critical for motor function. Here we show that deletingMecp2from the entire cerebellum, but not from individual cerebellar cell types, causes a delay in motor learning that is overcome by additional training. We also observed irregular firing rates of Purkinje cells and transcriptional misregulation within the cerebellum of knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that the motor deficits present in Rett syndrome arise, in part, from cerebellar dysfunction. For Rett syndrome as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders, our results highlight the importance of understanding which brain regions contribute to disease phenotypes.
CERI, CEFX, and CPI: largely improved positive controls for testing antigen-specific T cell function in PBMC compared to CEF
Authors: Lehmann Alexander A. , Reche Pedro A. , Zhang Ting , Suwansaard Maneewan , Lehmann Paul. V.
Published: November 2020

Monitoring antigen-specific T cell immunity relies on functional tests that require T cells and antigen presenting cells to be uncompromised. Drawing of blood, its storage and shipment from the clinical site to the test laboratory, and the subsequent isolation, cryopreservation and thawing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before the actual test is performed can introduce numerous variables that may jeopardize the results. Therefore, no T cell test is valid without assessing the functional fitness of the PBMC being utilized. This can only be accomplished through inclusion of positive controls that actually evaluate the performance of the antigen-specific T cell and antigen presenting cell (APC) compartments. CEF peptides have been commonly used to this extent. Here we show that CEF peptides fail as a positive control in nearly half of test subjects. Moreover, CEF peptides only measure CD8+ T cell functionality. More reliable alternatives for the assessment of CD8+ T cells are introduced here, as well as positive controls for the CD4+ T cell and APC compartments. In sum, we offer new tools and strategies for the assessment of PBMC functional fitness required for reliable T cell immune monitoring.
A practical PPE decontamination method using warm air and ambient humidity
Authors: Kwiek Jesse J. , Pickett Christopher R. , Flanigan Chloe A. , Lee Marcia V. , Saif Linda J. , Jahnes Jeff , Blonder Greg
Published: November 2020

Despite a year-and-a-half of Sars-CoV-2 pandemic experience, personal protective equipment (PPE) remains in short supply1. Current decontamination methods are complex, slow, expensive and particularly ill-suited for low to middle income nations where the need is greatest. We propose a low temperature, ambient humidity decontamination method (WASP-D) based on the thirty minute or less half-life of Sars-CoV-2 (and other common pathogens) at temperatures above 45°C, combined with the observation that most PPE are designed to be safely transported and stored at temperatures below 50°C. Decontamination at 12 hours, 46°C (115°F) and ambient humidity should consistently reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load by a factor of 106, without negatively affecting PPE materials or performance.
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2-controlled Essrg regulates intestinal Microfold cell differentiation
Authors: George Joel Johnson , Oittinen Mikko , Martin-Diaz Laura , Zapilko Veronika , Iqbal Sharif , Rintakangas Terhi , Martins Fábio Tadeu Arrojo , Niskanen Henri , Katajisto Pekka , Kaikkonen Minna , Viiri Keijo
Published: November 2020

Microfold cells (M cells) are immunosurveillance epithelial cells located in the Peyer’s patches in the intestine responsible for monitoring and transcytosis of antigens, microorganisms and pathogens. Many transcription factors, e.g., Spi-B and Sox8, necessary to M cell differentiation have been described but the exhaustive set of factors sufficient for differentiation and development of a mature M cell remains elusive. Moreover, the role of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) as an epigenetic regulator of M cell development has not yet been interrogated. Here, we show that PRC2 regulates a significant set of genes during the M cell differentiation including many transcription factors. Estrogen related receptor gamma (Esrrg) is a novel M cell specific transcription factor acting on a RankL-Rank induced NF-kB pathway, upstream of Sox8 and necessary but not sufficient for a mature M cell marker Gp2 expression. To conclude, with the aid of PRC2 target survey we identified the list of developmental genes specifically implicated in M cell development and Essrg as a necessary factor for Sox8-mediated M cell differentiation.
Submicronic Laue diffraction to determine in-depth strain in very closely matched complex HgCdTe/CdZnTe heterostructures with a 10−5 resolution
Authors: Biquard X. , Ballet P. , Tuaz A. , Jouneau P. H. , Rieutord F.
Published: November 2020

Cross-sectional submicronic Laue diffraction has been successfully applied to HgCdTe/CdZnTe heterostructures to provide accurate strain profiles from substrate to surface. Combined with chemical-sensitive techniques, this approach allows correlation of lattice-mismatch, interface compositional gradient and strain while isolating specific layer contributions which would otherwise be averaged using conventional X-ray diffraction. The submicronic spatial resolution allowed by the synchrotron white beam size is particularly suited to complex infrared detector designed structures such as dual-color detectors. The extreme strain resolution of 10−5 required for the very low lattice-mismatch system HgCdTe/CdZnTe is demonstrated.
The effect of longer-range waviness on X-ray reflectivity measurements
Authors: Cole Jacob A. , Cuadra Jefferson A. , Panas Robert M. , Smith Stuart T.
Published: November 2020

A model for calculating the X-ray reflectivity (XRR) of surfaces to extract both roughness and waviness features is presented. Expressions of reflectivity intensity are derived as a function of root-mean-square (RMS) roughness σ, RMS waviness σ
L
, and the cut-off frequency between the features ω0. Experiments were conducted at the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, beamline 8.3.2, on BK7 glass manufactured with a multi-step polishing process to validate the model, and were compared with atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fizeau interferometry and surface profilometry measurements. The parameter results and their deviations for XRR measurements were σ = 2.9 ± 0.2 nm and σ
L
= 14.6 ± 0.5 nm with a wavelength cut-off of 1/(18 ± 2) µm−1, while the results from the AFM, Fizeau and profilometry measurements were σAFM = 3.4 ± 0.4 nm, σ
L,Fizeau = 21.6 nm, σprof = 4.0 ± 0.1 nm, and σ
L,prof = 21.4 ± 0.1 nm with cut-offs for the profilometry and Fizeau measurements limited to frequencies of (1/16) µm−1 to (1/4) mm−1.
Comparison of traditional and synchrotron beam methodologies in Mössbauer experiments in a rotating system
Authors: Kholmetskii A. L. , Yarman T. , Yarman O. , Arik M.
Published: November 2020

Recent Mössbauer experiments in a rotating system reported by others in the literature have involved the application of synchrotron radiation onto a spinning semi-circular resonant absorber. Here, the physical interpretation of these methodologies, and their alleged performance improvement, is analyzed in the light of our own team's past experience based instead on the traditional laboratory setup. It is shown that a number of fundamental shortcomings in the approach reported in the literature deprives it of any practical significance with respect to the improvement of the technique of Mössbauer rotor experiments with a synchrotron source. It is concluded that, at present, only Mössbauer experiments relying on an ordinary compact source of resonant radiation and a resonant absorber both fixed on the rotor promise to provide crucial information with respect to the physical origin of the observed energy shift between emitted and absorbed resonant radiation in a rotating system.
China's higher education governance during COVID: a mixed-methods study of policy analysis and student perspectives
Authors: Lawrence Leigh , Wu Jian
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study analyzed Chinese higher education (HE) governance policies during the first four months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, providing insight into HE management, policymaking and governance. This study also illuminates Chinese student experiences and real-time policy impact, providing insight into the effectiveness of HE crisis management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using frameworks of real-time policy evaluation, this paper analyzed theoretical and realized policy impacts through the theoretical framing of temporality. Using real-time evaluation methods, this paper first identified HE policy priorities and then used a mixed-methods approach of “policy as discourse” analysis and a quantitative survey from Chinese HE students to assess the theoretical and realized impact of policies.

Findings

An analysis of HE policies identified three priorities: pastoral care, graduate employment and ideological education. Discourse analysis revealed each priority of HE policies was intrinsically linked to mitigating societal, economic and political consequences of the epidemic. Survey data revealed the perceived effectiveness of policies mirrored China's top-down government structure. Additionally, students expressed strong support in the central government's crisis management, despite relatively little realized policy impact.

Originality/value

This paper presents a timely review of HE governance during a global pandemic by offering a snapshot of HE crisis management and contributing to the literature surrounding China's ongoing HE centralization. This paper also provides unique insight into HE's role in state development, variations between prescriptive and realized policy impact and the “crisis as opportunity” paradox in a contemporary setting.
Online training for physical activity practitioners on evidence-based practices for clients with autism
Authors: McNamara Scott , Bittner Melissa , Healy Sean
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Physical activity professionals often lack the experience and knowledge to implement the pedagogical and behavioral strategies required to successfully work with people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To enable individuals with ASD to achieve the benefits of exercise, physical activity professionals must be knowledgeable and skilled in relation to delivering evidence-based practices (EBP). The recent worldwide coronavirus disease pandemic highlights the value and necessity of effective online learning. Recent research has suggested that online settings are a viable setting for professional learning. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess an online course’s impact on physical activity professionals’ frequency of use and self-efficacy toward using EBPs with individuals with ASD.

Design/methodology/approach

The online program was developed to provide training for a wide-range of professionals interested in working with people with ASD. A survey was administered to participants prior to and after completion of the online course to collect data on sample demographics, and the participants’ perceived frequency and self‐efficacy in using EBPs. Eighty-six physical activity professionals participated in the study.

Findings

Overall, their self-efficacy toward EBPs and frequency at which participants reported to use EBPs increased significantly from pretest to posttest (p < 0.05). The participants also reported using three of the nine covered EBPs more frequently at post-course completion. In addition, participants’ self-efficacy toward eight of the EBPs was significantly higher post-intervention.

Originality/value

Findings from this study suggests that a well-structured online intervention has promise for preparing physical activity professionals to work with people with ASD.
The underlying states of salesperson product buy-in and product strategy buy-in
Authors: Zeiss Jessica , Chapman Joseph
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to collect data that allows researchers to capture both affective and cognitive buy-in influenced by both product and product strategy targets.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of 13 salesperson interviews followed the cluster and axial coding of grounded theory interview protocol.

Findings

This study finds two types of buy-in that are uniquely contingent on the target, and for which are influenced by both cognitive and affective states of being. Additionally, it finds that either affective or cognitive states of being can both drive and inhibit salesperson buy-in of either target. While the targets of buy-in appear to be mutually exclusive, the cognitive nature of disconfirming evidence appears to directly inhibit both targets of buy-in while also resulting in negative affect.

Research limitations/implications

Further study that uncovers the causal role of an affective state inhibiting buy-in after the introduction of disconfirming evidence is warranted.

Practical implications

Managerial training and messaging approaches for achieving the two buy-in targets will likely differ or focus on only one type for efficient training.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the simultaneous effects of the two underlying states of cognition and affect on buy-in development. It is found that the two states can influence each other to stunt buy-in. The present study contributes to sales behavior literature by allowing the possibility of a sequence of states that stunt buy-in, positioning simultaneous examination is vital to the conceptualization of buy-in.
The demographic profile of victims of investment fraud: an update
Authors: Lokanan Mark Eshwar , Liu Susan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the demographic factors of investors, contributing to financial victimization that occurs in Canada from June of 2008 to December of 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

In all 235 cases disclosing the details of financial crime victims are collected from the Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) enforcement platform between June of 2009 and December of 2019 for the analysis. The study used a descriptive analysis to showcase the demographic characteristics of investors who have been victims of financial crimes in Canada.

Findings

The findings indicate that these investors of age 60 and above were more likely to fall prey to various types of financial crime. The results also disclosed that retirees and investors with limited investment knowledge increase the probability of being vulnerable to the perpetrators than others.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the study helps regulators in the securities industry gain insights into demographic portraits of the more vulnerable investors. Hence, more precautionary measures could pitch into these concerns to protect specific subsets of investors from investment fraud.

Originality/value

Individuals who are more vulnerable to investment fraud might not be entirely comparable with the stereotypical victims that most studies portray. The research gap could cause individual investors who appear to be at lower risk to unconsciously fall prey to investment fraud. The IIROC study, detailing the demographic factors of victims, can fill the gap and improve understanding of the tendency of victims.
Entrepreneurial intentions of real estate students: an ordinal analysis of the predictors
Authors: Ayodele Timothy Oluwafemi , Babalola Mujidat Olubola , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu , Olaoye Olaitan Waliu , Lawale Rachel
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the predictors of entrepreneurial intentions of real estate students in an emerging economy where there are significant odds against paid employment owing to the dwindling economic drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was obtained using closed-ended questionnaire served on final-year real estate students in three tertiary institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. Out of a total of 231 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 160 (69.3%) were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. Using ordinal least square regression, the study examined the influence of the independent variables on the respondents’ entrepreneurial intention across two models. While the first model was without the moderators of prior entrepreneurial exposure (that is, parental occupation, relationship with a real estate entrepreneur, previous/current engagement in business and attendance at business/entrepreneurial seminars/workshops), the second included all the control variables. Other descriptive and inferential statistical methods were adopted.

Findings

The findings revealed that personal satisfaction/prestige, support system, university education, age, cumulative grade points and mothers’ education were statistically significant predictors, atp< 0.05, across the two models examined. Fathers’ education and occupation were only significant in the second model, that is, when controlled for prior entrepreneurial exposure. Also, the influence of faculties and barriers of registration/information were significant at 10% level only in the second model. Finally, the study found no statistically significant differencing across gender, family status, mothers’ occupation and relationship with a real estate entrepreneur.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurship is a significant factor influencing economic growth and increased market competitiveness, an examination of students entrepreneurial intentions appear important, especially in regions where there are low economic opportunities.

Originality/value

This study is among the first attempts at understanding the predictors of real estate students’ entrepreneurial intentions from an emerging market perspective.
Maintenance practices in Nigeria’s public health-care buildings: a systematic review of issues and feasible solutions
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Health-care building maintenance has been receiving concern because of the recent global pandemic. However, there are inadequate broad studies affecting health-care facilities maintenance and feasible solutions in Nigeria. This study aims to conduct an all-inclusive review of public hospital building maintenance issues and proffer possible solutions to improve maintenance practices in health-care buildings via a framework that will support studies in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of published papers from 2006 to 2020 was conducted. Based on the keywords, 3 pertinent databases were searched and descriptions of the findings from 40 studies were recognised and used in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Findings

Two main themes (issues and feasible solutions to improve practices) emerged from public health-care building maintenance practices. The study developed a framework that describes the relationship between issues and possible solutions with an emphasis on how to improve human development, management efficiency, technical competence and professional skills, cost-minimisation and others.

Practical implications

As part of the paper implications, emerged issues were group into five categories (human development, management, technical, limited financial resources and others). The proposed framework for future studies will attempt to mitigate issues and proffer feasible solutions to improve hospital building maintenance practices in Nigeria and other developing countries that are facing similar challenges.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is possibly the first comprehensive review of public health-care building maintenance practices in Nigeria. Moreover, this review demonstrates how the proposed feasible solutions can mitigate problems.
A predictive model for serious police misconduct by variation of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Cubitt Timothy , Wooden Ken , Kruger Erin , Kennedy Michael
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Misconduct and deviance amongst police officers are substantial issues in policing around the world. This study aims to propose a prediction model for serious police misconduct by variation of the theory of planned behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Using two data sets, one quantitative and one qualitative, provided by an Australian policing agency, a random forest analysis and a qualitative content analysis was performed. Results were used to inform and extend the framework of the theory of planned behaviour. The traditional and extended theory of planned behaviour models were then tested for predictive utility.

Findings

Each model demonstrated noteworthy predictive power, however, the extended model performed particularly well. Prior instances of minor misconduct amongst officers appeared important in this rate of prediction, suggesting that remediation of problematic behaviour was a substantial issue amongst misconduct prone officers.

Practical implications

It is an important implication for policing agencies that prior misconduct was predictive of further misconduct. A robust complaint investigation and remediation process are pivotal to anticipating, remediating and limiting police misconduct, however, early intervention models should not be viewed as the panacea for police misconduct.

Originality/value

This research constitutes the first behavioural model for police misconduct produced in Australia. This research seeks to contribute to the field of behavioural prediction amongst deviant police officers, and offer an alternative methodology for understanding these behaviours.
Holding aid-related misconduct accountable: civil and administrative remedies
Authors: Wang Sally Junsong
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis on aid-related misconduct and sectoral regulatory failures. Via a series of Oxfam revelations, this paper aims to highlight potential civil and administrative remedies to rectify wrongdoings and increase accountability in aid organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Chronicling recent revelations of misconduct by aid workers, this paper begins with an overview of moral and legal responsibilities of the entrusted; then it illustrates how the Oxfam misconduct violates those moral and legal responsibilities in aid delivery. The author draws upon legal and administrative dilemmas on regulating the aid sector and aid workers’ behavior. Finally, this paper offers practical civil remedies for the harmed and administrative remedies for long-term institutional reforms.

Findings

The damage – across a broad spectrum of interests, caused by aid workers engaging in exploitative conduct – not only is a betrayal of the trust reposed by vulnerable people in these individuals but also a failure with far-reaching implications on the part of the donor organizations. The use of the criminal law in aid-related misconduct is highly problematic, assuming a specific offense is committed (which, in many cases, it may not have). There are jurisdictional limitations on the ability of donor countries and international regulations other than in regard to peacekeepers are almost nonexistent. Given such context, civil and administrative remedies provide a viable alternative for the harmed who seek justice.

Research limitations/implications

Legal remedies can be highly jurisdictional contingent. Depending on the specific jurisdiction where misconduct takes place, there are potentially other suited remedies not mentioned in this paper to address aid workers’ unethical behavior.

Practical implications

This paper provides tips on using existing legal channel (the civil law) and available pro bono resources to hold transgressors and their employers accountable.

Social implications

Effective regulating aid-related conduct prevents further harm on vulnerable people and restores public trust in the aid sector.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the regulatory blind spot on aid workers’ exploitative conduct through the context of Oxfam revelations. Second, it provides practical policy recommendations for navigating legal and administrative dilemmas on regulating aid workers’ behavior.
The rise of PropTech: emerging industrial technologies and their impact on real estate
Authors: Starr Christopher W. , Saginor Jesse , Worzala Elaine
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Industry 4.0 recognizes a broad set of technologies that rapidly redefine industry, including real estate. These broad technologies include the Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, decision automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence. This paper explores applies Industry 4.0 to commercial real estate, resulting in a framework defined here as Real Estate 4.0, a concept that encompasses fintech and proptech.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper examines Industry 4.0 technology to construct a framework for Real Estate 4.0. We also focus on how the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating proptech, particularly as it relates to getting employees back into their traditional work environments.

Findings

As a research paper, this is not a traditional research project with empirical findings. It is a primer on how the rapidly changing technologies of Industry 4.0 are now disrupting and transforming real estate today into what we are calling Real Estate 4.0.

Practical implications

Practitioner insight and future research are informed by a framework for Real Estate 4.0 drawn from the technologies of Industry 4.0. Additional implications are outlined for practical, systemic change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic within the scope of Real Estate 4.0 technology.

Originality/value

This is a combined effort by experts in three contributing disciplines: systems science, planning and real estate. Our intent is to provide a primer for those of us in the latter two fields so that we can embrace the rapidly changing built environment landscape as it adjusts and adapts to a post COVID-19 environment that will be critical to maintain real estate investment values and enhance the real estate user's experience.
An examination of artefacts in market-oriented firms
Authors: O'Regan Cynthia , Dwyer Tomás , Mulligan Julie
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and influence of artefacts in market-oriented firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Document analysis, direct observation and 14 key informant interviews were undertaken in 6 case study of companies.

Findings

The research investigated the nature and influence of four categories of artefacts in market-oriented firms, specifically, stories, arrangements, rituals and language. The four categories of artefacts were found to embody, reinforce, create and compliment the values, norms and behaviours of a market-oriented culture. Market-oriented artefacts are thus core to a market-oriented culture and in developing a market orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The four categories of artefact, namely, stories, arrangements, rituals and language embody a market-oriented culture; these artefacts are necessary to implement market-oriented behaviours. Artefacts play a significant cultural and behavioural part in creating a market-oriented culture.

Practical implications

To be a market-oriented firm means implementing a market-oriented culture. This paper requires managers to assess the degree to which they have developed and used market-oriented artefacts in the establishment and strengthening of a market-oriented culture.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the limited understanding of market-oriented artefacts as an element of a market-oriented culture.
Family firms’ selective learning-by-exporting: product vs process innovation and the role of technological capabilities
Authors: Freixanet Joan , Monreal Joaquin , Sánchez-Marín Gregorio
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how family governance and technological capabilities influence the conversion of new knowledge obtained from exports into various innovation outputs, a phenomenon called “learning-by-exporting (LBE).”

Design/methodology/approach

To properly examine the causal links proposed in the study, first, the control for endogeneity. Second, a propensity-score matching longitudinal analysis is conducted, a particularly robust empirical method that enhances reliability in non-experimental data, over an average sample of 663 manufacturing companies for the period 2007 to 2014.

Findings

Family firms’ innovation strategies and abilities render them more likely to convert the new knowledge from exporting into product innovation and more efficient in this endeavor than non-family firms. This diverts family firms’ typically limited resources from process innovation, and they have a smaller LBE effect than non-family firms in terms of process innovation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the internationalization literature by producing a more nuanced view of the learning-by-exporting effect which considers the type of innovation outcomes developed following export activity. It also helps to identify some of the firm-specific factors that shape the relationship between exports and innovation, by empirically examining for the first time the role of family governance in innovation capabilities and decisions.
People's participation in home composting: an exploratory study based on Moratuwa and Kaduwela municipalities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando R. Lalitha S.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Improper waste management has been a serious issue in many countries, thus, home composting is considered as an effective method in solid waste management (SWM). Based on qualitative research methods, this study explores peoples' motives to choose composting and main problems confronted by them in home composting in Kaduwela and Moratuwa municipalities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and proposes policy measures to improve home compositing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was mainly based on qualitative research methods. A convenient sample of 40 households including 20 households from each municipal council (MC) has been selected using semi-structured interviews. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Citizens have chosen to compost mainly, for gardening, the influence of local authorities, economic benefits and environmental and health concerns. Fear of potential health problems, lack of resources, problems caused by animals, problems related to compost bins, limited knowledge and awareness about composting are difficulties encountered during home composting. Providing compost bins to people at a concessionary price or for free of charge, providing required facilities and financial assistance, promoting people's positive attitudes and awareness, encouraging the use of compost in households, improving the standard of composting and making relevant legal and institutional arrangements to promote people's participation in home composting are suggested for encouraging home composting.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a small sample, which is the main limitation of this study.

Practical implications

The policy implication will help to improve composting solid waste practices of the Local Governments.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research on composting related to the selected municipalities. As composting is an effective method in SWM, the findings and the proposed policy measures of this study will help to improve the SWM of the Local Governments of Sri Lanka.
Gauging Cameroon’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for enduring a novel health crisis
Authors: Bang Henry Ngenyam , Mbah Marcellus Forh , Ndi Humphrey Ngala , Ndzo Judwin Alieh
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine Cameroon’s health service resilience in the first five months (March–July 2020) of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The motive is to diagnose sub-optimal performance in sustaining health-care services during the pandemic to identify areas for improvement and draw lessons for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This is principally qualitative, exploratory, analytical and descriptive research that involves the collation of empirical, primary and secondary data. A conceptual framework [health systems resilience for emerging infectious diseases (HSREID)] provides structure to the study and an anchor for interpreting the findings. The research validity has been established by analysing the aims/objectives from multiple perspectives in the research tradition of triangulation.

Findings

Cameroon has exerted much effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, several constraints and gaps exist. The findings reveal limitations in Cameroon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the provision of fundamental health-care services under contextual themes of health infrastructure/medical supplies, human capital, communication/sensitisation/health education, governance and trust/confidence. Analysis of the identified impediments demonstrates that Cameroon’s health-care system is not resilient enough to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and provides several insights for an enhanced response as the pandemic accelerates in the country.

Originality/value

This is one of the first scholarly articles to examine how Cameroon’s health-care system is faring in COVID-19 combat. Underscored by the novel HSREID model, this study provides initial insights into Cameroon’s resilience to COVID-19 with a view to enhancing the health system’s response as the pandemic unfolds and strengthens readiness for subsequent health crises.
Nonprofits meet millennials: a hybrid approach of uses and gratifications and TAM to identify the drivers of monetary donation intention
Authors: Florenthal Bela , Awad Manar , Godar Susan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are increasingly using social media outlets to target millennials for donations of time and money. This study aims to investigate the motivational drivers of millennials’ intention to donate money to charities on social media sites (SMSs).

Design/methodology/approach

A partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The results indicate that both information seeking and entertainment, coupled with subjective norm, directly affect millennials’ intention to donate money to NPOs via SMSs. In addition, attitude toward engagement with NPOs on SMSs mediates the impact of credibility (fully, positively), irritation (fully, negatively) and entertainment (partially, positively) on behavior intention. Implications for practitioners are discussed.

Originality/value

An integration of two leading theories, Uses and An integration of two leading theories, Uses and Gratifications (U&G) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)—is used to examine the antecedents of donation behavior of this cohort as related to their engagement with NPOs on SMSs. Such an approach has not been used in the past to examine Millennials’ engagement with NPOs on SMSs.
Lichen planus‐like lesion preceding bullous pemphigoid development after programmed cell death protein‐1 inhibitor treatment
Authors: Sugawara Arisa , Koga Hiroshi , Abe Toshifumi , Ishii Norito , Nakama Takekuni
Published: November 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) antibody are used in major breakthrough therapies in cancer, however they cause unique adverse events, termed immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Among the various dermatological irAEs, an autoimmune bullous disease, bullous pemphigoid (BP), the hallmarks of which are circulating autoantibodies to epidermal basement membrane zone (BMZ) including BP180, have been noted. However, the mechanism and timing of autoantibody production in PD‐1 inhibition remains unclear. Herein we report the case of a lichen planus (LP)‐like lesion in presence of anti‐BMZ antibodies, preceding BP in a patient treated with pembrolizumab, a PD‐1 antibody. A 72‐year‐old Japanese woman with a 3‐month history (6 cycles) of pembrolizumab was referred to our department for pruritic purple‐red papules or plaques. Histological finding revealed LP‐like dermatitis. Although pembrolizumab was stopped because of disease progression, she developed edematous erythematous lesions and tense blisters seven weeks later. Based on histopathological findings, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) assay and positive findings on chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) for BP180, she was diagnosed with BP and administered oral prednisolone. The blisters and erythemas improved, whereas her respiratory condition worsened and she died 29 days after the development of BP. We performed DIF of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens biopsied from the LP‐like lesion and revealed IgG deposition at the epidermal BMZ. This finding showed anti‐BMZ antibodies had already existed at LP‐like lesion preceding development of BP; this suggests that the preceding LP‐like lesion induced anti‐BMZ antibody production, resulting in the development of BP.