bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type-specific EV-D68 real-time RT-PCR assay for the detection of all extant enterovirus D68 strains
Authors: Ng Terry Fei Fan , Nix W. Allan , Rogers Shannon L. , Emery Brian , Chern Shur-Wern , Butler Kiantra , Oberste M. Steven
Published: October 2022

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) has caused recurring respiratory disease outbreaks in the United States since 2014. The dominant circulating EV-D68 strain has evolved from clade B1 to the more recent B2 and B3 clades. As recurrent outbreaks and continued virus evolution are expected for EV-D68, a robust real-time PCR assay that detects known strains as well as potential emerging strains is critical for national surveillance and clinical diagnostics. We describe a type-specific EV-D68 real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assay termed CDC2022, which targets sequences encoding conserved amino acid regions of all extant EV-D68 strains. We targeted three motifs conserved among all strains in the last 60 years. The assay achieved 100% (270/270) sensitivity and 100% (344/344) specificity when tested with a collection of 613 respiratory specimens, compared to the gold-standard EV semi-nested VP1 PCR and sequencing assay (snPCR/Seq). CDC2022 gave negative results with 289/289 non-target viruses, including 104 EV A-D isolates, 165 rhinovirus (RV) isolates or clinical specimens, and 14 other common respiratory viruses. The assay can detect as few as 0.28 CCID50per reaction. Anin silico“phylo-primer-mismatch” analysis was performed to visualize primer/probe mismatches and to compare CDC2022 with other EV-D68 rRT-PCR assays, including the previous CDC assay (CDC2015) developed in 2014 for clade B1 strains. It showed that CDC2022 has the fewest primer/probe mismatches among all assays analyzed and is suitable for all clades. We additionally tested 11 EV-D68-positive clinical specimens from 2022 that were confirmed by snPCR/Seq, and all were detected. CDC2022 assay could provide a critical tool for molecular surveillance of EV-D68.
The voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 underlies endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Castro Joel , Maddern Jessica , Chow Chuen Yuen , Tran Poanna , Vetter Irina , King Glenn F. , Brierley Stuart M.
Published: October 2022

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is the primary symptom of endometriosis patients, but adequate treatments are lacking. Modulation of ion channels expressed by sensory nerves innervating the viscera have shown promise for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder. However, similar therapies have not been explored for endometriosis-associated CPP. Here we examined the role of the voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel NaV1.7 in the sensitivity of vagina-innervating sensory afferents and investigated whether NaV1.7 inhibition reduces nociceptive signals from the vagina and ameliorates endometriosis-associated CPP. The mechanical responsiveness of vagina-innervating sensory afferents was assessed withex vivosingle unit recording preparations. Pain evoked by vaginal distension (VD) was quantified by the visceromotor response (VMR)in vivo. In control mice, pharmacological activation of NaV1.7 with OD1 sensitised vagina-innervating pelvic afferents to mechanical stimuli. Using a syngeneic mouse model of endometriosis, we established that endometriosis sensitized vagina-innervating pelvic afferents to mechanical stimuli. The highly selective NaV1.7 inhibitor Tsp1a revealed that this afferent hypersensitivity occurred in a NaV1.7-dependent manner. Moreover,in vivointra-vaginal treatment with Tsp1a reduced the exaggerated VMRs to VD that is characteristic of mice with endometriosis. Conversely, Tsp1a did not alterex vivoafferent mechanosensitivity orin vivoVMRs to VD in Sham control mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that NaV1.7 plays a crucial role in endometriosis-induced vaginal hyperalgesia. Importantly, NaV1.7 inhibition selectively alleviated endometriosis-associated CPP without the loss of normal sensation, suggesting that selective targeting of NaV1.7 could improve the quality of life of women with endometriosis.
Upregulation of CD55 complement regulator in distinct PBMC subpopulations of COVID-19 patients is associated with suppression of interferon responses
Authors: Detsika M. G. , Sakkou M. , Triantafillidou V. , Konstantopoulos D. , Grigoriou E. , Psarra K. , Jahaj E. , Dimopoulou I , Orfanos S. E. , Tsirogianni A. , Kollias G. , Kotanidou A.
Published: October 2022

Complement activation has been verified in COVID-19 patients by both increased serum levels of complement factors C3a and C5b-9 and increased complement deposition at the tissue levels. Complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) CD55, CD46, CD59 and CR1 act to control complement overactivation and eliminate complement deposition and cell lysis. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of CRPs in COVID-19 in order to identify potential dysregulated expression patterns of CRPs and address whether these may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis performed on isolated PBMCs revealed an increase of CD55 expression in severe and critical COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. This increase was also detected upon integrated subclustering analysis of the monocyte, T cell and B cell populations. Flow cytometric analysis verified the distinct pattern of upregulated CD55 expression in monocyte and T cell sub populations of severe COVID-19 patients. This upregulation was associated with decreased expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in patients with severe COVID-19 suggesting a potential suppressor effect of CD55 on interferon responses. The present study identifies a COVID-19 specific CD55 expression pattern in PBMC subpopulations that coincides with reduced interferon responses thus indicating that the complement regulator CD55 may contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
The FIGNL1-interacting protein C1orf112 is synthetic lethal with PICH and mediates RAD51 retention on chromatin
Authors: Stok Colin , van den Tempel Nathalie , Everts Marieke , Wierenga Elles , Bakker Femke , Kok Yannick , Alves Inês Teles , Jae Lucas T. , Bhattacharya Arkajyoti , Karanika Elefteria , Perepelkina Polina , Bergink Steven , Chan Kok-Lung , de Boer H. Rolf , Fehrmann Rudolf S.N. , van Vugt Marcel A.T.M.
Published: October 2022

Joint DNA molecules are natural by-products of DNA replication and repair. Persistent joint molecules give rise to ultrafine DNA bridges (UFBs) in mitosis, which compromise sister chromatid separation. The DNA translocase PICH (ERCC6L) plays a central role in UFB resolution. A genome-wide loss-of-function screen was performed to identify the genetic contexts in which cells become dependent on PICH. In addition to genes involved in DNA condensation, centromere stability and DNA damage repair, we identified the uncharacterized protein C1orf112. We find that C1orf112 interacts with and stabilizes the AAA+ ATPase FIGNL1. Inactivation of either C1orf112 or FIGNL1 resulted in UFB formation, prolonged retention of RAD51 on chromatin, impaired replication fork dynamics, and consequently impaired genome maintenance. Combined, our data reveal that inactivation of C1orf112 and FIGNL1 dysregulates RAD51 dynamics at replication forks, resulting in DNA replication defects, and a dependency on PICH to preserve cell viability.
Leaf starch metabolism sets the phase of stomatal rhythm
Authors: Westgeest Adrianus J. , Dauzat Myriam , Simonneau Thierry , Pantin Florent
Published: October 2022

In leaves of C3and C4plants, stomata open during the day to favour CO2entry for photosynthesis, and close at night to prevent inefficient transpiration of water vapour. The circadian clock paces rhythmic stomatal movements throughout the diel (24-h) cycle. Leaf transitory starch is also thought to regulate the diel stomatal movements, yet the underlying mechanisms across time (key moments) and space (relevant leaf tissues) remains elusive. Here, we developed PhenoLeaks, a pipeline to analyse the diel dynamics of transpiration, and used it to screen a series of Arabidopsis mutants impaired in starch metabolism. We detected a sinusoidal, endogenous rhythm of transpiration that overarches days and nights. We uncovered that a number of severe mutations in starch metabolism affect the endogenous rhythm through a phase shift, resulting in delayed stomatal movements throughout the daytime and reduced stomatal preopening during the night. Nevertheless, analysis of tissue-specific mutations revealed that neither guard-cell nor mesophyll-cell starch metabolism are strictly required for normal diel patterns of transpiration. We propose that leaf starch influences the timing of transpiration rhythm through an interplay between the clock and sugars across tissues, while the energetic effect of starch-derived sugars is usually non-limiting for endogenous stomatal movements.

One-sentence summary

The PhenoLeaks pipeline for monitoring diel transpiration dynamics reveals that leaf starch metabolism sets the timing of the endogenous stomatal rhythm.
Genetic diversity and structure in wild Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora A. Froehner) populations in Yangambi (DR Congo) and their relation with forest disturbance
Authors: Depecker Jonas , Verleysen Lauren , Asimonyio Justin A , Hatangi Yves , Kambale Jean-Léon , Mwanga Mwanga Ithe , Tshimi Ebele , Dhed’a Benoit , Bawin Yves , Staelens Ariane , Stoffelen Piet , Ruttink Tom , Vandelook Filip , Honnay Olivier
Published: October 2022

Degradation and regeneration of tropical forests can strongly affect gene flow in understorey species, resulting in genetic erosion and changes in genetic structure. Yet, these processes remain poorly studied in tropical Africa. Coffea canephora is an economically important species, found in the understorey of tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, and the genetic diversity harboured in its wild populations is vital for sustainable coffee production worldwide. Here, we aimed to quantify genetic diversity, genetic structure, and pedigree relations in wild C. canephora populations, and we investigated associations between these descriptors and forest disturbance and regeneration. Therefore, we sampled 256 C. canephora individuals within 24 plots across three forest categories in Yangambi (DR Congo), and used genotyping-by-sequencing to identify 18 894 SNPs. Overall, we found high genetic diversity, and no evidence of genetic erosion in C. canephora in disturbed old-growth forest, as compared to undisturbed old-growth forest. Additionally, an overall heterozygosity excess was found in all populations, which was expected for a self-incompatible species. Genetic structure was mainly a result of isolation-by-distance, reflecting geographical location, with low to moderate relatedness at finer scales. Populations in regrowth forest had lower allelic richness than populations in old-growth forest and were characterised by a lower inter-individual relatedness and a lack of isolation-by-distance, suggesting that they originated from different neighbouring populations and were subject to founder effects. Wild Robusta coffee populations in the study area still harbour high levels of genetic diversity, yet careful monitoring of their response to ongoing forest degradation remains required.
Development of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines encoding spike N-terminal and receptor binding domains
Authors: Stewart-Jones Guillaume B.E. , Elbashir Sayda M. , Wu Kai , Lee Diana , Renzi Isabella , Ying Baoling , Koch Matthew , Sein Caralyn E. , Choi Angela , Whitener Bradley , Garcia-Dominguez Dario , Henry Carole , Woods Angela , Ma LingZhi , Montes Berrueta Daniela , Avena Laura E. , Quinones Julian , Falcone Samantha , Hsiao Chiaowen J. , Scheaffer Suzanne M. , Thackray Larissa B. , White Phil , Diamond Michael S. , Edwards Darin K. , Carfi Andrea
Published: October 2022

With the success of mRNA vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), strategies can now focus on improving vaccine potency, breadth, and stability. We present the design and preclinical evaluation of domain-based mRNA vaccines encoding the wild-type spike-protein receptor-binding (RBD) and/or N-terminal domains (NTD). An NTD-RBD linked candidate vaccine, mRNA-1283, showed improved antigen expression, antibody responses, and stability at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) compared with the clinically available mRNA-1273, which encodes the full-length spike protein. In mice administered mRNA-1283 as a primary series, booster, or variant-specific booster, similar or greater immune responses and protection from viral challenge were observed against wild-type, beta, delta, or omicron (BA. 1) compared with mRNA-1273 immunized mice, especially at lower vaccine dosages. These results support clinical assessment of mRNA-1283 (NCT05137236).

One Sentence Summary

A domain-based mRNA vaccine, mRNA-1283, is immunogenic and protective against SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants in mice.
Lack of accelerated ovarian aging in a follicle-stimulating hormone receptor haploinsufficiency model
Authors: Mehalko Kristen , Kim Minhoo , Paye Sanjana , Koh Kelly , Lu Ryan J. , Benayoun Bérénice A.
Published: October 2022

Follicle-stimulation hormone (FSH) and FSH receptor (FSHR) signaling is essential for lifelong ovarian and endocrine functions in females. Previous studies have reported thatFshrhaploinsufficiency in female mice led to accelerated ovarian aging, including anticipated progressive fertility decline, irregular estrus cycles, increased follicular atresia and premature ovarian failure at 7 to 9 months of age. Interestingly, these phenotypes resemble key characteristics of human menopause and thusFshrhaploinsufficiency was proposed as a promising research mouse model of menopause. However, theFshrhaploinsufficiency model had not been fully explored, especially at the molecular level. In this study, we characterized the ovarian and endocrine functions of aFshrheterozygous knockout allele that was generated on the C57BL/6 genetic background as part of the Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP). Based on our analyses of these mice using a breeding assay, ovarian tissue histology and serum hormone quantifications (i.e. FSH, AMH, INHA) analyses, the KOMPFshrheterozygous knockout female mice do not show the anticipated phenotypes of ovarian aging in terms of fertility and endocrine function. We further confirmed that the expression ofFshris unaltered in the ovaries of the KOMPFshrheterozygous knockout animals compared to wild-type. Together, our data suggests that the KOMPFshrheterozygous knockout strain does not recapitulate the previously reported ovarian aging phenotypes associated to another model ofFshrhaploinsufficiency.
Fate and plasticity of SARS-CoV-2-specific B cells during memory and recall response in humans
Authors: Zurbuchen Yves , Michler Jan , Taeschler Patrick , Adamo Sarah , Cervia Carlo , Raeber Miro E. , Acar Ilhan E. , Nilsson Jakob , Soyka Michael B. , Moor Andreas E. , Boyman Onur
Published: October 2022

B cell responses to different pathogens recruit tailored effector mechanisms, resulting in functionally specialized subsets. For human memory B cells (MBCs), these include CD21+ resting, CD21−CD27+ activated, and CD21−CD27− atypical cells. Whether these subsets follow deterministic or interconnected fates is unknown. We demonstrate in COVID-19 patients that single clones of SARS-CoV-2-specific MBCs followed multiple fates with distinctive phenotypic and functional characteristics. 6–12 months after infection, most circulating MBCs were CD21+ resting cells, which also accumulated in peripheral lymphoid organs where they acquired markers of tissue residency. Conversely, at acute infection and following SARS-CoV-2-specific immunization, CD21− MBCs became the predominant subsets, with atypical MBCs expressing high T-bet, inhibitory molecules, and distinct chemokine receptors. B cell receptor sequencing allowed tracking of individual MBC clones differentiating into CD21+, CD21−CD27+, and CD21−CD27− cell fates. Collectively, single MBC clones can adopt functionally different trajectories, thus contributing to immunity to infection.
A protein synthesis brake for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance
Authors: Lv Kaosheng , Tong Wei
Published: October 2022

Bmi1 is essential for normal and leukemic hematopoiesis, but its target genes in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are incompletely understood. In this issue of Genes & Development, Burgess et al. (pp. 887–900) demonstrate a novel role of Bmi1 in regulating ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis. Bmi1-deficient HSCs exhibited reduced transplantability, with the up-regulation of ARX and genes involved in ribosome biogenesis. However, depletion of ARX or its known targets, p16Ink4a/p19Arf, only partially rescues Bmi1 loss-induced hematopoietic defects. They further demonstrate an increased protein synthesis rate and resultant proteostatic stress in Bmi1−/− HSCs, indicating a novel mechanism by which Bmi1 controls HSC maintenance.
CdII-based compound as a multi-responsive fluorescent probe for sensing FeIII cations and CrVI oxyanions
Authors: An Yan-Yan , Su Li-Jun , Zhao Xin , Yan Juan-Zhi
Published: October 2022

A new luminescent CdII compound, poly[[μ2-1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene]{μ2-5-[(3-carboxylphenoxy)methyl]isophthalato}cadmium(II)], [Cd(C16H10O7)(C12H10N4)]
n
or [Cd(HL)(1,4-bib)]
n
{H3
L is 5-[(3-carboxyphenoxy)methyl]isophthalic acid and 1,4-bib is 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene}, I, has been synthesized successfully from CdII and a semirigid tricarboxylic ligand under hydrothermal conditions. Structure analysis shows that I is a two-dimensional structure with the point symbol {44.62}. The three-dimensional framework is constructed by O—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Furthermore, the obtained CdII compound displays high solvent stability and excellent thermal stability, as shown by powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry measurements. Studies of the luminescence properties reveal that compound I can act as a promising luminescent sensor for detecting FeIII cations and CrVI oxyanions with high selectivity and low detection limits (0.19 µM for Fe3+ and 1.13 µM for Cr2O7
2−), and is additionally free from the interference of other ions. The mechanism of selective quenching was studied by measuring the UV–Vis absorption of the host compound and the target analytes.
Interrelations of slenderness ratio and main design criteria in supertall buildings
Authors: Ilgın Hüseyin Emre
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To date, there are no studies in the literature that provide a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between the slenderness ratio and the main design criteria in supertall towers (=300 m). In this paper, this important issue was explored using detailed data collected from 75 cases.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was carried out with a comprehensive literature review including the database of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat(CTBUH) (CTBUH, 2022), peer-reviewed journals, MSc theses and PhD dissertations, conference proceedings, fact sheets, architectural and structural magazines and other Internet sources. In this study, the case study method was also used to gather and consolidate information about supertall towers to analyze the interrelationships. Cases were 75 supertall buildings in various countries [44 from Asia (37 from China), 16 from the Middle East (6 from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates), 11 from the United States of America and 3 from Russia, 1 from the UK].

Findings

The paper's findings highlighted as follows: (1) for buildings in the height range of 300–399 m, the slenderness ratio was usually between 7 and 7.9 and megatall towers were frequently built at a slenderness ratio of 10–15; (2) the median slenderness ratio of buildings in the 400–599 m height ranges was around 8.6; (3) a trend towards supertall slender buildings (=8) was observed in Asia, the Middle East and North America; (4) residential, office and mixed-use towers had a median slenderness ratio of over 7.5; (5) all building forms were utilized in the construction of slender towers (>8); (6) the medium slenderness ratio was around 8 for supertall buildings constructed with outriggered frame and tube systems; (7) especially concrete towers reached values pushing the limits of slenderness (>10) and (8) since the number of some supertall building groups (e.g. steel towers) was not sufficient, establishing a scientific relationship between aspect ratio and related design criteria was not possible.

Originality/value

To date, there are no studies in the literature that provide a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between the slenderness ratio and the main design criteria in supertall towers (=300 m). This important issue was explored using detailed data collected from 75 cases.
The study of students' discussion process in a teacher-developed problem-solving learning design: Transcript-based lesson analysis of a social studies lesson
Authors: Nozaki Shiho
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the process of students' discussion in a problem-solving lesson developed autonomously by a teacher. It is expected to contribute to the accumulating and theorizing of teachers' professional development in school-based curriculum studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A transcript-based lesson analysis (TBLA) was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods. The data were from a third-year junior high school social studies lesson in which whole-class discussions took place. The frequency of the appearance of keywords in the utterances was represented in the form of cumulative relative frequency graphs, and a diagram of the students' discussion process was drawn based on them.

Findings

The diagram confirmed the frequent occurrence, disappearance and transmission of keywords in the process of the lesson. The interpretation of the lesson transcript revealed that the students listened carefully to others' utterances, shared important keywords and examined the ideas critically. They were supported in identifying the connections between their interests by the teacher. The students' interactions and teacher's interventions were facilitated by the integrated curriculum design of teaching and learning.

Originality/value

This study verifies that students' collaborative and critical learning takes place in a lesson developed by a teacher based on the practiced curriculum. The findings of this study suggest that lesson study (LS) focusing on the words in utterances provide clues for evaluating the practiced curriculum and reveal the teacher's professional development.
Granular inflation spillovers
Authors: Esquierro Leon , Da Silva Sergio
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The authors test the granularity hypothesis to international inflation spillovers using annual exports and inflation data for 138 countries from 1991 to 2020. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors quantify the power law for the right tail of the export volumes distribution and discuss its implications. Then, the authors compute the granular residual, a measure of shocks to the largest countries.

Findings

The authors find export volumes across countries are not Gaussian-distributed but follow a power law. This finding means the largest countries disproportionately impact world inflation. In addition, the authors find that countries with higher relative weight in international trade determine a portion of international spillovers greater than their trade share. Moreover, eight big grains are responsible for the bulk of inflation spillovers.

Practical implications

The policy implication is that other countries' central banks should closely monitor the eight big grains when conducting their domestic monetary policy.

Originality/value

This is the first study spotting the problem of granular inflation spillovers.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the volatility of conventional and Islamic stock indexes: a comparative study on ASEAN and GCC countries
Authors: Sundarasen Sheela , Kamaludin Kamilah , Ibrahim Izani
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to adopt Morlet’s wavelet method to examine the differences in the level of volatility (i.e. riskiness) between the conventional and Shari’ah indexes during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 4 to June 19, 2020) on selected Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. As a comparison, the equivalent time period of relative tranquillity is used; February 4 to June 19, 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Morlet’s wavelet method is used in analyzing the volatility levels for both the conventional and Shari’ah indexes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic for the selected ASEAN and GCC countries.

Findings

This study has several findings; first, the markets in the ASEAN region appear to be more volatile during the pandemic than in the GCC region. Second, most of the Shari’ah indexes were more volatile during the COVID-19 pandemic than their conventional counterparts. Nevertheless, the GCC index pairs appear to show more similarities between both the Shari’ah and conventional index.

Practical implications

The findings from this study indicate that investors, government, regulators and all other stakeholders should stay vigilant during a pandemic or health threat period as it has become a pertinent source of volatility spillovers. As such, investors should devise optimal asset allocation strategies, portfolio diversification and portfolio rebalancing measures, taking into consideration not only financial adversity but also public health gravity as a potential source of turbulent markets.

Originality/value

This study uses the wavelet method to examine the volatility level of both the Shari’ah and conventional indexes during the COVID-19 pandemic and its equivalent time frame in 2019. It has further added to the Islamic literature by comparing the volatility between selected ASEAN and GCC countries. The wavelet method is most appropriate for short-duration studies as it captures both the time and frequency domains of the time-series behavior.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability – a scientometric analysis of the interrelationship
Authors: Bhargava Akshay , Ligade Pallavi
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Traditional economic systems have had serious detrimental effects on environmental development and unequal wealth distribution, culminating in ecological disasters and demographic imbalances. A study of the interrelationships between the principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) would be advantageous, given the prevalence of unequal opportunities and access to resources in a global economy (CSR). To address global and diverse challenges, fieldwork and their relationships must be examined. In this context, the current study aims to investigate the linkages between the concepts of CSR and sustainability to better understand current scientific advances and future research prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

The bibliometric analysis technique is applied in the implementation of this study project. To find the existing links, a total of 3,079 publications on the themes of sustainability and CSR were analysed. The research works from Scopus were chosen because they have a large number of papers, authors and journals while meeting the peer-review standard for scientifictuality, and they have a high number of papers, authors and journals.

Findings

As a result, interest in this field of study has grown significantly, with Garca-Sánchez being the most productive author, Business, Management and Accounting is the most researched topic, and sustainability Switzerland being the most productive publication. The USA has the most articles and citations, whereas Salamanca University is the most prolific producer. Future research should concentrate on the social dimension and its implications for the Circular Economy. Finally, a research line is presented that integrates recommendations from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Originality/value

The paper does fit in bringing the relevant and novel collection of data.
Customer acceptance of online delivery platform during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Almunawar Mohammad Nabil , Anshari Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Purpose

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous businesses have migrated to an online delivery platform (ODP) to survive and reconnect with their customers. This study aims to focus on how the public perceives ODP. It examined the acceptance of digital platforms for delivering daily necessities, especially food, in Brunei Darussalam during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The online survey collected 350 valid samples, and the online questions were distributed using a snowball sampling method, with the questionnaire’s softcopy prepared in Qualtrics and sent via email and social media as hyperlinks. In 2021, we sent out the questionnaire link via email, WhatsApp and Facebook to people and organizations for about six months.

Findings

According to the findings of the study, product quality is a critical factor that consumers consider while making online purchases of different products. The COVID-19 condition positively affects customer acceptance, performance, effort and product quality. This research indicates that service quality, online habits and trust do not influence customer acceptance of an ODP.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding factors influencing the acceptance of ODPs. The factors that influence people’s acceptance of ODPs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are assessed as to whether the COVID-19 pandemic influences people’s acceptance and the identified factor that has the strongest influence on the acceptance of digital delivery platforms.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge about how customer behaviors triggered by the COVID-19 condition influence customer acceptance of ODP and how behavior influences customer acceptance of ODP.

Originality/value

This paper is useful to academics, practitioners and policymakers in public administration and policy management. The research provides some insights into massive adoption of ODPs that affects the disruption of conventional business practices.
Transdisciplinary multistage system modeling: migrant entrepreneurship in the digital economy
Authors: Satalkina Liliya , Zenk Lukas , Steiner Gerald
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The dynamics of modern life lead to societal changes that affect innovation systems. Entrepreneurship is an important driver for fostering adaptive capacities of innovation systems in such uncertain and complex environments. This study aims to gain a detailed understanding of how (innovative) entrepreneurship can promote innovation systems, leading to more sustainable societies. A particular focus is placed on migrant entrepreneurship in the digital economy, as a concrete implication of innovative entrepreneurship, and its role within the Austrian innovation system.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to develop a shared system understanding from a scientific and practical perspective, transdisciplinary multistage system modeling was applied. The transdisciplinary discourse involved 14 experts, and several system models were iteratively co-created during the course of the research.

Findings

The main result demonstrates the interrelationship between the innovation system and migrant entrepreneurship in the digital economy, which includes six core reinforcing loops: (1) the mindsets of entrepreneurs, (2) the role of international collaboration, (3) the role of entrepreneurial education, the financial sphere in regard to (4) government and (5) private funding, as well as (6) the impact of formal procedures.

Originality/value

The authors present and discuss the relational dynamics of this complex phenomenon as well as the applied transdisciplinary approach, with the aim of identifying a potential way to improve the sustainable impact of (migrant) entrepreneurship considering the case of the Austrian innovation system.
Primary healthcare managers’ perceptions of management competencies at different management levels in digital health services: secondary analysis
Authors: Ylitalo Antti , Laukka Elina , Heponiemi Tarja , Kanste Outi Ilona
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe primary health-care managers’ perceptions of management competencies at different management levels in digital health services using the management competency assessment program as a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary analysis study involving 21 semi-structured individual interviews was conducted among Finnish primary health-care managers at different management levels (frontline, middle and senior). The deductive framework method was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Similarities and differences were found in management competencies between different levels of management. Competencies related to the use of digitalization were highlighted by managers at all management levels. Managers at all management levels were involved in developing digital solutions and supporting employees in using digital solutions in their work. Frontline and middle managers emphasized more issues related to day-to-day management and communication with employees, whereas senior managers highlighted the management of large entities.

Research limitations/implications

In the secondary analysis, data were used for purposes other than originally intended. Therefore, the data are subject to limitations of the methodology applied and should be transferred to other contexts with caution.

Practical implications

Identifying the management competencies needed to manage digital health services is important to target managers’ training according to needs in the future.

Social implications

The results could be used to develop the management of digital health services, as well as improve digital health services and their deployment.

Originality/value

Previous literature mostly examined managers’ informatics competencies and paid little attention to other management competencies. This study discusses more broadly the management competencies that digital health services require from managers at different levels of management.
Corporate governance in a weak legal environment: a systematic review focusing on Zimbabwe
Authors: Nyakurukwa Kingstone , Seetharam Yudhvir
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Literature shows that corporate governance matters more in countries with weak legal environments. The purpose of this study is to synthesise and map research that has been done so far on corporate governance in Zimbabwe, a country that has been characterised by weak legal systems and lack of respect for property rights.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 20 articles indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases was carried out to establish the trends and evolution of corporate governance in Zimbabwe.

Findings

The articles reviewed looked at the association between corporate governance attributes and firm performance, disclosure of information and economic growth. The proportion of independent directors was found to significantly affect firm performance and information disclosure in most of the studies. The majority of the studies used descriptive statistics and simple regression in their methodologies. The stakeholder theory is the most used in the studies reviewed.

Originality/value

The study highlights the need to strengthen the state infrastructure that enhances corporate governance at the firm level. When state-owned companies adhere to good corporate governance practices, this can cascade to the private sector.
A study on the thermal responsive behavior of hydrogel-based materials and their potential use in medical applications
Authors: Junaid Aniqa , Najabat Ali Murtaza , Mir Mariam , Hassan Sadia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present synthesis protocol of hydrogel composed of Chitosan (CS) and Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and establish an understanding of its thermal responsive behavior. It aims to prove the basic temperature sensing ability of a novel CS-PEG-based hydrogel and define its sensing span.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes synthesis of CS and PEG-based hydrogel samples by first performing dissolution of both constituents, respectively, and then adding Glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent. It further includes proposed hydrogel’s swelling studies and dynamic behavior testing, followed by hydrogel characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and SEM. The last section focuses on the use of proposed hydrogel as a temperature sensor.

Findings

Detailed experimental results show that a hydrogel comprising of CS and PEG presents a thermally responsive behavior. It offers potential to be used as a temperature responsive hydrogel-based sensor which could be used in medical applications.

Originality/value

This research study presents scope for future research in the field of thermally responsive bio-sensors. It provides basis for the fabrication of a thermal responsive sensor system based on hydrogels that can be used in specific medical applications.
Does source credibility matter in promoting sustainable consumption? Developing an integrated model
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kaushal Shailesh Kumar , Kumar Kishore
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of source credibility while purchasing environment-friendly products using Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior as underpinning model.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical model was empirically tested with the data collected from 334 respondents using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results gave empirical support to the addition of source credibility to the original theory of planned. Moreover, consumer attitude was found mediating the effect of corporations’ credibility on purchase intention. Also, attitude and perceived behavioral control were found as the most important predictors of consumer’s intention to purchase environment-friendly products.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights for the marketers engaged in sustainable business practices. Amid, ever-increasing carbon emission, promoting the use of environment-friendly products has become the need of the time. Credibility plays a crucial role while promoting and communicating an organization’s sustainable practices among its stakeholders including consumers. Therefore, the marketer should formulate appropriate marketing communication strategy to communicate the consumer about the green practices and environment-friendly products they produce. The results suggest that corporation’s credibility shapes consumer attitude and influences intention to purchase environment-friendly products. Earning trust of the consumer is pivotal to achieve success in the market. Therefore, results may help the marketers to better understand consumer’s response toward their marketing strategies and further convince and persuade them to buy their products.

Social implications

The findings of this study may be useful for marketers, strategists, policymakers and government while formulating promotional strategies to make consumer aware, educate and persuade them to purchase products which do not cause harm to the environment.

Originality/value

The study is novel in terms of exploring role of source credibility and extending theory of planned behavior in the context of sustainable consumption.
Partnering with people living with dementia and care partners in technology research and design: Reflections and recommendations
Authors: Liddle Jacki , Worthy Peter , Frost Dennis , Taylor Eileen , Taylor Dubhglas
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Occupational therapists may recommend and support technology use for facilitating independence, safety, wellbeing, and participation. There are high expectations for technology for people living with dementia. However, there is recognition that technologies will need to improve to deliver these expected benefits. People living with dementia have historically been excluded from direct involvement in research and design. A program of participatory research was undertaken to codesign technologies and technology research with people living with dementia and care partners. This work aims to capture the requirements, actions, and barriers experienced in forming these partnerships in technology research and design.

Methods

A shared metareflection of experiences was conducted by members (5) of the research teams involved in three participatory research and technology design studies. The team comprising living experience experts, an occupational therapist, and interaction designer reflected on their experiences and derived recommendations. Key considerations for effective partnerships were drawn inductively by the authors from study experiences, materials, and reflexive discussion.

Findings

Six core areas were identified. These were four action areas—(1) Agree on the value; (2) The time to start partnering is now; (3) Ask not assume; and (4) Push back on ‘we always have’—(5) barriers and tensions, and (6) unexpected benefits. The reflections indicated that genuine partnerships and engagements were possible with living experience experts in research and design teams. These required resourcing and focussed actions to promote partnership. Despite some structural changes that encourage partnering, there are considerable barriers to this engagement; however, benefits beyond the expected ones can be realised.

Conclusion

Genuine partnerships in technology research and design with living experience experts are possible and lead to benefits for the team, research outcomes, and technologies. Recommended actions could support expansion of effective partnerships with people living with dementia and care partners as well as other partnerships in research.
Serotiny as a reproductive strategy in the specially protected speciesAriocarpus kotschoubeyanus(Cactaceae)
Authors: Jiménez‐Sierra Cecilia L. , Arroyo‐Pérez Erika , Flores Joel , Zavala Hurtado José A.
Published: October 2022

Plant species with aerial seed banks are commonly referred to as “serotinous,” an adaptation in which seed release happens in response to an environmental trigger. Individuals ofAriocarpus kotschoubeyanus(Cactaceae), a specially protected species, store some seeds on the plant over 1 year. We examined the seed retention time, the release mechanism, and the germination behavior of this species in Central Mexico. Flowers produced in a population ofA. kotschoubeyanuswere monitored, and the number of fruits retained or expelled was determined to calculate the serotiny degree (the number of seeds retained in the tubercules of the plant divided by the total number of seeds produced per plant). The seed retention in previous years was estimated for 30 individuals. The dynamics of retained seeds in the mother plant (seed age in “rings”) were determined from the annual average production of tubercules per individual, using observations for 5 years. A germination test employing the seeds collected from recently formed fruits and those obtained from different rings was conducted. We observed that 86.6% of the plants showed seed retention (aerial seed bank) in some ring of the aerial stems. The serotiny degree was 37.3, having 32.68 seeds per plant. Seeds retained in the “rings” from 1‐ to 24‐year‐old plants had a higher germination proportion (between 0.40 and 0.73) than fresh seeds (0.13). Seeds increase their germination proportion with age; thus, seed retention by tubercules (serotiny) represents a reproductive strategy to conserve germplasm until favorable conditions to germinate are present.
Impact assessment of job reallocation on unemployment in Morocco: An ARDL approach
Authors: Beladel Asmae , Raouf Radouane
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the impact of the sectoral reallocation of labor on unemployment in Morocco. Using the Lilien index for job reallocation, we estimate an autoregressive distributed lag model using quarterly data between 2001 and 2019. The analysis yielded two key findings. In the short run, job reallocation raises unemployment, which can be attributed to the inadequacy of the quantity of newly created jobs in the emerging sectors, the mismatch between the actual and the needed skills of the workforce, and the costs of job search. In the long run, job reallocation reduces unemployment as the emerging sectors develop and the workforce adapts to the changes in the labor market. Policymakers should design strategies that accelerate the adaptation of labor supply to the needs of emerging sectors and reduce transitional unemployment. Public policy should focus on identifying and developing emerging and labor‐intensive sectors that can absorb the surplus of skilled and unskilled labor.
The Future of Irish‐UK Relations: Borders and Identities after Brexit: Introduction
Authors: Colfer Barry , Diamond Patrick
Published: October 2022

It is apparent that the consociational framework established by the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement (B/GFA) is under threat, while the UK's withdrawal from the EU poses major challenges for maintaining peace, prosperity and social cohesion in Northern Ireland (NI). The contributions to this special collection examine key elements of the post‐Brexit reality, with a particular focus on NI and the future of the intergovernmental bodies established by the B/GFA. The implications of the UK government's attempt unilaterally to disapply parts of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland are examined.
Vocational guidance and vocational counsellors (1920)
Authors: Fischer Aloys , Winch Christopher
Published: October 2022

This classic essay—‘Berufsberatung und Berufsberater’ by Aloys Fischer (1880–1937) is here published for the first time in English, in a translation by Christopher Winch. Fischer discusses the vocational situation after the end of the First World War and considers the needs of young people seeking to choose an occupation in difficult circumstances. He emphasises that vocational choice is difficult and requires specialist help. To this end he describes what he takes to be the aims and duties of the role of vocational counsellor and describes that kind of preparation that such a counsellor needs in order to properly fulfil his/her role. Much turns in the discussion on differences between German and English expressions, and these are discussed in the complementary essay, ‘Aloys Fischer: Vocational Orientation and Vocational Choice as Fundamental Prerequisite for Vocational Education’ by Erika Gericke, which also explores Fischer's significance in the light of contemporary German VET. An introduction to the broader context is provided in ‘Founding German Vocational Education: Kerschensteiner, Spranger and Fischer as key figures in the classical German VET Theory’ by Christian Steibe, Dina Kuhlee and Christopher Winch, the Editors of this Special Issue.