bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The recovery of plant community composition following passive restoration across spatial scales
Authors: Ladouceur Emma , Isbell Forest , Clark Adam T. , Harpole W. Stanley , Reich Peter B. , Tilman G. David , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: April 2022

Human impacts have led to dramatic biodiversity change which can be highly scale-dependent across space and time. A primary means to manage these changes is via passive (here, the removal of disturbance) or active (management interventions) ecological restoration. The recovery of biodiversity, following the removal of disturbance is often incomplete relative to some kind of reference target. The magnitude of recovery of ecological systems following disturbance depend on the landscape matrix, as well as the temporal and spatial scales at which biodiversity is measured.

We measured the recovery of biodiversity and species composition over 27 years in 17 temperate grasslands abandoned after agriculture at different points in time, collectively forming a chronosequence since abandonment from one to eighty years. We compare these abandoned sites with known agricultural land-use histories to never-disturbed sites as relative benchmarks. We specifically measured aspects of diversity at the local plot-scale (α-scale, 0.5m2) and site-scale (γ-scale, 10m2), as well as the within-site heterogeneity (β-diversity) and among-site variation in species composition (turnover and nestedness).

At our α-scale, sites recovering after agricultural abandonment only had 70% of the plant species richness (and ∼30% of the evenness), compared to never-ploughed sites. Within-site β-diversity recovered following agricultural abandonment to around 90% after 80 years. This effect, however, was not enough to lead to recovery at our γ-scale. Richness in recovering sites was ∼65% of that in remnant never-ploughed sites. The presence of species characteristic of the never disturbed sites increased in the recovering sites through time. Forb and legume cover declines in years since abandonment, relative to graminoid cover across sites.

Synthesis.We found that, during the 80 years after agricultural abandonment, old-fields did not recover to the level of biodiversity in remnant never-ploughed sites at any scale. β-diversity recovered more than α-scale or γ-scales. Plant species composition recovered, but not completely, over time, and some species groups increased their cover more than others. Patterns of ecological recovery in degraded ecosystems across space and long time-scales can inform effective, targeted active restoration interventions and perhaps, lead to better outcomes.
A mathematical model that predicts human biological age from physiological traits identifies environmental and genetic factors that influence aging
Authors: Libert Sergiy , Chekholko Alex , Kenyon Cynthia
Published: April 2022

Why people age at different rates is a fundamental, unsolved problem in biology. We created a model that predicts an individual’s age from physiological traits that change with age in the large UK Biobank dataset, such as blood pressure, lung function, strength and stimulus- reaction time. The model best predicted a person’s age when it heavily-weighted traits that together query multiple organ systems, arguing that most or all physiological systems (lung, heart, brain, etc.) contribute to the global phenotype of chronological age. Differences between calculated “biological” age and chronological age (ΔAge) appear to reflect an individual’s relative youthfulness, as people predicted to be young for their age had a lower subsequent mortality rate and a higher parental age at death, even though no mortality data were used to calculate ΔAge. Remarkably, the effect of each year of physiological ΔAge on Gompertz mortality risk was equivalent to that of one chronological year. A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of ΔAge, and analysis of environmental factors associated with ΔAge identified known as well as new factors that may influence human aging, including genes involved in synapse biology and a tendency to play computer games. We identify a small number of readily measured physiological traits that together assess a person’s biological age and may be used clinically to evaluate therapeutics designed to slow aging and extend healthy life.
Predictable fluctuations in excitatory synaptic strength due to natural variation in presynaptic firing rate
Authors: Ren Naixin , Wei Ganchao , Ghanbari Abed , Stevenson Ian H.
Published: April 2022

Many controlled, in vitro studies have demonstrated how postsynaptic responses to presynaptic spikes are not constant but depend on short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) and the detailed timing of presynaptic spikes. However, the effects of short-term plasticity (depression and facilitation) are not limited to short, sub-second timescales. The effects of STP appear on long timescales as changes in presynaptic firing rates lead to changes in steady-state synaptic transmission. Here we examine the relationship between natural variations in the presynaptic firing rates and spike transmission in vivo. Using large-scale spike recordings in awake mice from the Allen Institute Neuropixels dataset, we first detect putative excitatory synaptic connections based on cross-correlations between the spike trains of millions of pairs of neurons. For the subset of pairs where a transient, excitatory effect was detected, we use a model-based approach to track fluctuations in synaptic efficacy and find that efficacy varies substantially on slow (∼1 minute) timescales over the course of these recordings. For many connections, the efficacy fluctuations are correlated with fluctuations in the presynaptic firing rate. To understand the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship, we then model the detailed probability of postsynaptic spiking on a millisecond timescale, including both slow changes in postsynaptic excitability and monosynaptic inputs with short-term plasticity. The detailed model reproduces the slow efficacy fluctuations observed with many putative excitatory connections, suggesting that these fluctuations can be both directly predicted based on the time-varying presynaptic firing rate and, at least partly, explained by the cumulative effects of STP.
Investigating CRISPR spacer targets and their impact on genomic diversification of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Walker Alejandro R. , Shields Robert C.
Published: April 2022

CRISPR-Cas is a bacterial immune system that restricts the acquisition of mobile DNA elements. These systems provide immunity against foreign DNA by encoding CRISPR spacers that help target DNA if it re-enters the cell. In this way, CRISPR spacers are a type of molecular tape recorder of foreign DNA encountered by the host microorganism. Here, we extracted ∼8,000 CRISPR spacers from a collection of over three hundred Streptococcus mutans genomes. Phage DNA is a major target of S. mutans spacers. Strains have also generated immunity against mobile DNA elements such as plasmids and integrative and conjugative elements. There may also be considerable immunity generated against bacterial DNA, although the relative contribution of self-targeting versus bona fide intra- or inter-species targeting needs to be investigated further. While there was clear evidence that these systems have acquired immunity against foreign DNA, there appeared to be minimal impact on horizontal gene transfer (HGT) constraints on a species-level. There was little or no impact on genome size, GC content and ‘openness’ of the pangenome when comparing between S. mutans strains with low or high CRISPR spacer loads. In summary, while there is evidence of CRISPR spacer acquisition against self and foreign DNA, CRISPR-Cas does not act as a barrier on the expansion of the S. mutans accessory genome.

Impact Statement

CRISPR-Cas is a widespread bacterial immune system that has been repurposed as a molecular biology tool. This study investigates the role of these systems in the biology and evolution of the dental caries pathogen Streptococcus mutans. CRISPR spacers, that encode immunity against foreign DNA, were extracted from over three hundred S. mutans isolates. Sequence analysis showed that the CRISPR spacers match against phage, mobile element, and bacterial DNA. This shows that S. mutans is actively acquiring immunity against horizontally acquired DNA. However, additional analysis revealed little to no impact of CRISPR-Cas systems on diversification of the S. mutans genome. This suggests that while these systems are actively acquiring CRISPR spacers to defend against foreign DNA, the overall impact on the S. mutans genome might be small.

Data Summary

Supporting data provided on the Github platform: https://github.com/theshieldslab/Streptococcus-mutans-CRISPR-Spacers-Analysis

The authors confirm all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files.
A genome-wide screen reveals that Dyrk1A kinase promotes nucleotide excision repair by preventing aberrant co-stabilization of cyclin D1 and p21
Authors: Bélanger François , Roussel Cassandra , Sawchyn Christina , Gezzar-Dandashi Sari , Ishimwe Aimé Boris Kimenyi , Mallette Frédérick Antoine , Wurtele Hugo , Drobetsky Elliot
Published: April 2022

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) eliminates highly-genotoxic solar UV-induced DNA photoproducts that otherwise stimulate malignant melanoma development. Here, a genome-wide loss-of-function screen, coupling CRISPR/Cas9 technology with a flow cytometry-based DNA repair assay, was used to identify novel genes required for efficient NER in primary human fibroblasts. Interestingly, the screen revealed multiple genes encoding proteins, with no previously known involvement in UV damage repair, that significantly modulate NER uniquely during S phase of the cell cycle. Among these, we further characterized Dyrk1A, a dual specificity kinase that phosphorylates the proto-oncoprotein cyclin D1 on threonine 286 (T286), thereby stimulating its timely cytoplasmic relocalization and proteasomal degradation required for proper regulation of the G1-S phase transition and control of cellular proliferation. We demonstrate that in UV-irradiated HeLa cells, depletion of Dyrk1A leading to overexpression of cyclin D1 causes inhibition of NER uniquely during S phase and reduced cell survival. Consistently, expression/nuclear accumulation of nonphosphorylatable cyclin D1 (T286A) in melanoma cells strongly interferes with S phase NER and enhances cytotoxicity post-UV. Moreover, the negative impact of cyclin D1 (T286A) overexpression on repair is independent of cyclin-dependent kinase activity but requires cyclin D1-dependent co-stabilization of p21. Our data indicate that inhibition of NER during S phase might represent a previously unappreciated non-canonical mechanism by which oncogenic cyclin D1 fosters melanomagenesis.
Cell wound repair requires the coordinated action of linear and branched actin nucleation factors
Authors: Hui Justin , Nakamura Mitsutoshi , Dubrulle Julien , Parkhurst Susan M.
Published: April 2022

Cells are subjected to a barrage of daily insults that often lead to its cortex being ripped open and requiring immediate repair. An important component of the cell’ s repair response is the formation of an actomyosin ring at the wound periphery to mediate its closure. Inhibition of linear actin nucleation factors and myosin result in a disrupted contractile apparatus and delayed wound closure. Here we show that branched actin nucleators function as a scaffold to assemble and maintain this contractile actomyosin cable. Removing branched actin leads to the formation of smaller circular actin-myosin structures at the cell cortex and slow wound closure. Removing linear and branched actin results in failed wound closure. Surprisingly, removal of branched actin and myosin results in the formation of parallel linear actin filaments that undergo a chiral swirling movement to close the wound. These results provide insight into actin organization in contractile actomyosin rings and uncover a new mechanism of wound closure.

Hui et al. find that branched actin is required during cell wound repair to serve as a scaffold to anchor the contractile actomyosin cable at the wound periphery. Inhibition of branched actin and myosin results in parallel linear filaments that swirl to close the wound, uncovering a new mechanism for cell wound repair.
DMT1 bridges endosomes and mitochondria to modulate mitochondrial iron translocation
Authors: Barra Jonathan , Crosbourne Isaiah , Wang Ling , Bossardi-Ramos Ramon , Jourd’heuil Frances , Nelson Iram , Adam Alejandro P. , Corr David T. , Jourd’heuil David , Barroso Margarida
Published: April 2022

Transient “kiss-and-run” endosome-mitochondria interactions can mediate mitochondrial iron translocation (MIT) but the associated mechanisms are still elusive. We show that Divalent Metal Transporter 1 (DMT1) modulates MIT via endosome-mitochondria interactions in invasive MDA-MB-231, but not in non-invasive T47D breast cancer cells. CRISPR/Cas9-based DMT1 knockout (KO) stable cells were used to demonstrate that DMT1 regulates MIT, endosomal speed, and labile iron pool (LIP) levels only in MDA-MB-231. DMT1 silencing increases PINK1/Parkin mitophagy markers, the autophagy marker LC3B, as well as mitochondrial ferritin in MDA-MB-231, but not in T47D. Strikingly, re-expression of DMT1 in MDA-MB-231 DMT KO cells rescues all protein levels evaluated. DMT1 silencing decreases Tom20 colocalization with PMPCB, a DMT1 interactor that regulates mitophagy hyperactivation. In MDA-MB-231 both mitochondrial metabolism and invasion were impaired by DMT1 silencing and rescued by DMT1 re-expression. DMT1 acts as a bridge between endosomes and mitochondria to support higher MIT/lower LIP levels, which are necessary for sustaining mitochondrial bioenergetics and invasive cancer cell migration.

Cellular iron metabolism is tightly regulated, and cancer cells rely on mitochondrial iron for malignancy. Here, we report that the divalent metal transporter DMT1 serves as a bridge between endosomes and mitochondria regulating mitochondrial iron translocation in breast cancer cells.
Incomplete activation of developmentally required genes Alyref1 and Gabpb1 leads to preimplantation arrest in cloned mouse embryos
Authors: Ihashi Shunya , Hamanaka Mizuto , Kaji Masaya , Mori Miki , Imasato Yuma , Nakamura Misaki , Anzai Masayuki , Matsumoto Kazuya , Ikawa Masahito , Miyamoto Kei
Published: April 2022

Differentiated cell nuclei can be reprogrammed after nuclear transfer (NT) to oocytes and the produced NT embryos can give rise to cloned animals. However, development of NT embryos is often hampered by recurrent reprogramming failures, including the incomplete activation of developmental genes, yet specific genes responsible for the arrest of NT embryos are not well understood. Here, we searched for developmentally important genes among the reprogramming-resistant H3K9me3-repressed genes, and identified Alyref and Gabpb1 by siRNA screening. Gene knockout of Alyref and Gabpb1 by the CRISPR/Cas9 system resulted in early developmental arrest in mice. Single embryo RNA-seq revealed that Alyref is needed for the formation of inner cell mass. The supplement of Alyref and Gabpb1 by mRNA injection supported efficient preimplantation development of cloned embryos. Thus, our study shows that the H3K9me3-repressed genes contain developmentally required genes and the incomplete activation of such genes results in preimplantation arrest of cloned embryos.
Kinesin-1 transports morphologically distinct intracellular virions during vaccinia infection
Authors: Xu Amadeus , Basant Angika , Schleich Sibylle , Newsome Timothy P , Way Michael
Published: April 2022

Intracellular mature virions (IMV) are the first and most abundant infectious form of vaccinia virus to assemble during its replication cycle. IMV can undergo microtubule-based motility, but their directionality and the motor involved in their transport remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that IMV, like intracellular enveloped virions (IEV), the second form of vaccinia, undergo anterograde transport and recruit kinesin-1. In vitro reconstitution of virion transport reveals that IMV and IEV move toward microtubule plus-ends with respective velocities of 0.66 and 0.56 μm/s. Quantitative imaging establishes IMV and IEV recruit an average of 65 and 115 kinesin-1 motor complexes respectively. In the absence of kinesin-1 there is a near-complete loss of in vitro motility and defects in the cellular spread of both virions. Our observations demonstrate kinesin-1 transports two morphologically distinct forms of vaccinia. Reconstitution of vaccinia-based microtubule motility in vitro provides a new model to investigate how motor number and regulation impacts transport of a bona fide kinesin-1 cargo.
Study on cooling inerting of an airborne fuel tank in flight
Authors: Liu Guannan , Wang Liqun , Wang Hongming , Huang Long , Peng Hao , Feng Shiyu
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to seek a new economic and environmental protection fuel tank inerting method.

Design/methodology/approach

The principle that serves as the basis for the cooling inerting process is described, the workflow of the cooling inerting system is designed, the mathematical model of the cooling inerting system is established, and the important performance changes of cooling inerting in the flight package line and the influence of key parameters on it are simulated by using Modelica software.

Findings

The results show that the cooling inerting system can be turned on to quickly reduce the vapour concentration in the gas phase in the fuel space and reduce the temperature below the flammability limit. Within a certain range of pumping flow, the inerting effect is more obvious when the pumping flow is larger. Simply running the cooling inerting system on the ground can remain the tank in an inert state throughout the flight envelope.

Research limitations/implications

However, cooling inerting is suitable for models with fewer internal heat sources. An excessive number of internal heat sources will lead to inerting failure.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical support for the feasibility of cooling inerting. Cooling inerting does not require engine air, and the cooling is mainly accomplished with air, which places a small load on the cooling system and has a much lower cost than the airborne hollow fibre film inerting technology widely used at present. It is a promising new inerting technology.
Trade credit from agrochemical vendors as an alternative source of finance for cabbage producers in the Bono East Region of Ghana
Authors: Amrago Ernest Christlieb , Mensah Nicholas Oppong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine trade credit from agrochemical vendors as an alternative source of finance for cabbage producers in the Bono East Region of Ghana. The determinants of trade credit supply and impact on cabbage producer’s profitability are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample size is 260. The perception index, probit regression, negative binomial regression and the propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to assess the perception of trade credit, factors influencing trade credit supply and the impact of trade credit supply on the cabbage producer’s profitability and agrochemical vendor’s welfare respectively.

Findings

The perception index analysis revealed that the agrochemical vendors, in general, had a positive perception of trade credit. Different groups of factors influence trade credit supply. Further along, the number of times trade credit was used by the cabbage producers was influenced by several factors. On the PSM result, trade credit use had a significant positive impact on the cabbage producer’s profitability. In detail, all the matching estimations revealed that profitability increased above Gh¢ 4,000.00 (US$ 692.04). Likewise, the robustness check result (Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA)), was no different from the matching estimations. Generally, the result indicates that the impact of trade credit supply on the agrochemical vendor's welfare using total household expenditure, total savings and income as proxy variables for welfare were positive.

Originality/value

Trade credit has encountered less attention in the agricultural finance discourse; however, this study makes an imperative contribution on the same. Specifically, the study reveals the determinants of trade credit supply from agrochemical vendors and a positive impact of trade credit use on the cabbage producer’s profitability, a result which has not been investigated in the trade credit literature.
Evaluating lean techniques to improve success factors in the construction phase
Authors: Noorzai Esmatullah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a decision-making model to analyze and select the most appropriate lean technique (LT), considering success factors to improve site management and reduce waste in the construction phase.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review identified six LTs and the 11 most critical factors affecting the efficiency of the construction phase. Then, the appropriateness of these LTs to improve the identified factors were assessed using the analytic hierarchy process. At last, a sensitivity analysis of the results was performed to validate the findings.

Findings

The results show that the most effective LT to improve success factors in the construction phase is “Daily Huddle Meetings”, and the most critical factor with the greatest impact on LT selection is determined to be “Efficient Construction Management”.

Originality/value

Few studies have evaluated the suitability of LTs in terms of construction success factors (CSFs). Hence, given the vital role of the construction phase in the whole project life cycle and the impact of LTs in improving the productivity of this phase, this research investigates the correlation between LTs and CSFs to promote efficient site management.
Bi-objective green in-house transportation scheduling and fleet size determination in mixed-model assembly lines with mobile robots
Authors: Zhou Binghai , Zhang Jihua , Fei Qianran
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Facing the challenge of increasing energy cost and requirement of reducing the emissions, identifying the potential factors of them in the manufacturing factories is an important prerequisite to control energy consumption. This paper aims to present a bi-objective green in-house transportation scheduling and fleet size determination problem (BOGIHTS&FSDP) in automobile assembly line to schedule the material delivery tasks, which jointly take the energy consumption into consideration as well.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposes an optimal method for material handling in automobile assembly line. To solve the problem, several properties and definitions are proposed to solve the model more efficiently. Because of the non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard nature of the proposed problem, a Multi-objective Discrete Differential Evolution Algorithm with Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS-MDDE) is developed to solve the multi-objective problem.

Findings

The performances of VNS-MDDE are evaluated in simulation and the results indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective and efficient in solving BOGIHTS&FSDP problem.

Originality/value

This study is the first to take advantage of the robot's interactive functions for part supply in automobile assembly lines, which is both the challenge and trend of future intelligent logistics under the pressure of energy and resource. To solve the problem, a VNS-MDDE is developed to solve the multi-objective problem.
Aiming for jackpot in the stock market
Authors: Kakinuma Yosuke
Published: April 2022

Learning outcomes

The case illustrates the application of the prospect theory to risk-seeking investor behavior. It also provides an example that standard valuation methods such as discount cash flow), discount divided model and price multiples are not always applicable to value a stock. The students are exposed to a real situation where investors turn risk-seeking. The case offers insights into why irrational investors are attracted to risky assets and their probable socio-demographics.

Case overview/synopsis

This case illustrates a case when investors become risk-seeking and how the prospect theory explains the investors’ risk appetite. Energy Earth PCL is a coal importer and distributor incorporated in Thailand. Its shares had been suspended for trading before the Stock Exchange of Thailand allowed temporary trading in July 2019. A series of unfavorable events leading up to the temporary trading period suggest that the company’s financial health was severely distressed. Its book value was presumably negative and its going concern was threatened. However, investors still bought the shares with the hope of hitting the jackpot. The case presents an example of the psychological aspects of humans when investing in a stock market. With an application of the prospect theory, irrational risk-seeking behavior explains the motivation to invest in risky stocks.

Complexity academic level

Introductory finance course.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 1 Accounting and Finance.
Assessing the quality and credibility of scholarly information resources: an investigation into information behaviours of university faculty members
Authors: Habiba Umme , Islam Md. Emdadul
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at assessing faculty members' information searching patterns and the process of determining their information sources' quality and credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This study administered an online survey through email invitation to secure data from 987 (55%) faculty members of both public and private universities of Bangladesh. The data were analysed using various descriptive statistics, and parametric and non-parametric tests such as Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and one-way ANOVA tests, to see the significant differences according to demographic characteristics at a 0.05 level of significance.

Findings

This study's outcomes affirm that most participants use Google Scholar and ResearchGate when searching/seeking information. Furthermore, for authenticating the credibility and quality of information, most faculty members tried to identify the information source and applied personal knowledge regarding information authentication. The statistical test results also found significant differences among faculty members' demographic characteristics (gender, age, experience and area of specialization) using the various source types. No significant differences were observed for determining information credibility in terms of faculty members’ demographic characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

As a limitation, this study only includes public and private universities in Bangladesh. This research could be more comprehensive if faculty members from other countries had participated in the survey.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to approach this significant but less addressed area to understand faculty member's behaviour in terms of determining the quality and credibility of information resources in Bangladesh.
Development of design quality indicators for public school facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Daghistani Omar H. , Sanni-Anibire Muizz O.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop a set of design quality indicators (DQIs) suitable for the design and evaluation of public schools in terms of their technical, functional and behavioral performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology entailed the review of literature on the design quality of school buildings to identify potential DQIs. Subsequently, the eighty four DQIs were validated through a three-round Delphi evaluation process, with 35 participants in the first round and 28 participants in the second and third rounds. The participants consisted of architects, facility managers, administrators, teachers and students. The results of the Delphi survey were analyzed based on the relative importance index, which was further rated according to the levels of importance.

Findings

The findings from this process revealed that most of the DQIs were categorized as extremely important and very important.

Originality/value

The design quality of school buildings is crucial to the success of a community’s social life and educational process. However, the lack of a set of DQIs has hindered the potential to benchmark similar facilities and derived lesson learned. The value of the DQIs is in its potential application as a design tool for proposed school buildings, as well as for facility audit of existing school buildings.
Research on development level and spatial distribution characteristics of state-owned forest farms in China
Authors: Ni Longzhen , Fang Liang , Chen Wenhui
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to depict the spatial pattern of the development level of China's state-owned forest farms, thereby providing theoretical reference and empirical evidence for the improvement of the corresponding development policies.

Design/methodology/approach

A development evaluation index system was established in this paper to comprehensively measure the development level of China's state-owned forest farms based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model analysis framework and the actual situation of state-owned forest farms by using the entropy weight - technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (entropy weight TOPSIS) evaluation method and exploratory spatial analysis method.

Findings

Studies show that the state-owned forest farms in China are generally not well developed. The pressure system that represents the input level displays an apparent restrictive effect on provinces whose comprehensive score <0.15. The response system, which represents development dynamism, has an apparent restrictive function on the provinces whose comprehensive score is 0.35. In terms of the specific spatial characteristics, the V-shape displayed by southwest–northwest and southeast–northwest has an inward trend of gradual reduction, with high-low agglomeration and low-low agglomeration correlation effects as well as apparent basin characteristics.

Originality/value

In this paper, the development level and spatial pattern of state-owned forest farms in China were accurately depicted, and the development path support and decision-making basis were provided for improving the overall development level of state-owned forest farms in China.
Can knowledge management processes support business transformation? The mediating role of business agility
Authors: Altarawneh Samiah Jaber , Al-Adaileh Raid
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of knowledge management processes (KMPs) on business transformation (BT) as mediated by business agility (BA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a quantitative, descriptive and analytical study. A two-stage sampling was selected. A total of 380 questionnaires were distributed using a self-administered survey to six companies representing the study context. A total of 362 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using SPSS and Path analysis (AMOS-22), with a response rate of 95.2%.

Findings

The study revealed that creation, storage, sharing and application of knowledge had statistically significant impact on BT. Moreover, the results revealed that BA had a positive effect on BT. Finally, this study confirms the mediating role of BA.

Practical implications

This study has several practical implications. These include, but are not limited to, more focus on both the KMPs and BT dimensions to improve their levels. There is also a need to search for other factors that can support BT efforts to enhance the growth potential and survival of business organizations.

Originality/value

The study confirms that KMPs can facilitate transforming of business to cope with unending environmental changes. Considering the scarcity of the available empirical as well as theoretical studies within the Jordanian as well as the overall Arab countries context, the study and its findings are expected to provide some insights and useful contribution concerning the potential mediating impact of BA, which, as revealed by the literature review, has rarely been considered in previous studies. This could open the door for further research to understand the mechanisms of BT and its predictive variables.
Near-zero carbon stochastic dispatch optimization model for power-to-gas-based virtual power plant considering information gap status theory
Authors: Ju Liwei , Yin Zhe , Zhou Qingqing , Liu Li , Pan Yushu , Tan Zhongfu
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to form a new concept of power-to-gas-based virtual power plant (GVPP) and propose a low-carbon economic scheduling optimization model for GVPP considering carbon emission trading.

Design/methodology/approach

In view of the strong uncertainty of wind power and photovoltaic power generation in GVPP, the information gap decision theory (IGDT) is used to measure the uncertainty tolerance threshold under different expected target deviations of the decision-makers. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model, nine-node energy hub was selected as the simulation system.

Findings

GVPP can coordinate and optimize the output of electricity-to-gas and gas turbines according to the difference in gas and electricity prices in the electricity market and the natural gas market at different times. The IGDT method can be used to describe the impact of wind and solar uncertainty in GVPP. Carbon emission rights trading can increase the operating space of power to gas (P2G) and reduce the operating cost of GVPP.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers the electrical conversion and spatio-temporal calming characteristics of P2G, integrates it with VPP into GVPP and uses the IGDT method to describe the impact of wind and solar uncertainty and then proposes a GVPP near-zero carbon random scheduling optimization model based on IGDT.

Originality/value

This study designed a novel structure of the GVPP integrating P2G, gas storage device into the VPP and proposed a basic near-zero carbon scheduling optimization model for GVPP under the optimization goal of minimizing operating costs. At last, this study constructed a stochastic scheduling optimization model for GVPP.
Investigating young consumers’ online buying behavior in COVID-19 pandemic: perspective of Bangladesh
Authors: Sumi Razia Sultana , Ahmed Mahjabeen
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the changing buying behavior of young Bangladeshi consumers in this pandemic situation toward online orientation. The major determinants of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and consumer value theory are used to explore their impact on buying attitudes toward behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a model has been conceptualized to examine the influence of hedonic and utilitarian motivational values along with perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on actual buying behavior under pandemic conditions. A structured questionnaire has been prepared for an online survey, and data have been collected from 395 online shoppers. The structural equation modeling technique has been applied to analyze the data using SPSS and SmartPLS 3 software.

Findings

The results of this study support that perceived enjoyment and utilitarian attributes (price, convenience and health aspects) positively affect online buying attitudes along with perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Finally, online buying behavior is significantly influenced by the positive attitude of consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study may contribute to developing marketing strategies that may attract buyers toward a new business orientation with prosperous supreme features in the future. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the existing behavioral patterns of consumers and opened a new opportunity for marketers.

Practical implications

Young consumers are a larger section, and deep knowledge about youngsters may direct marketers toward appropriate use of marketing tools and strategies in the future.

Originality/value

This study integrated the TAM with hedonic and utilitarian motivational predictors to measure their impact on consumers' online buying behavior.
Conflicting social influences regarding controversial information systems: the case of online dating
Authors: Chen Qi , Turel Ofir , Yuan Yufei
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Controversial information systems (IS) represent a unique context in which certain members of a user's social circle may endorse the use of a system while others object to it. The purpose of this paper is to explore the simultaneous and often conflicting roles of such positive and negative social influences through social learning and ambivalence theories in shaping user adoption intention of a representative case of controversial IS, namely online dating services (ODS).

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested with two empirical studies using structural equation modeling techniques. The data of these studies were collected from 451 (Study 1) and 510 (Study 2) single individuals (i.e. not in a relationship).

Findings

(1) Positive social influence has a stronger impact on perceived benefits and adoption intention, while negative social influence exerts a greater impact on perceived risks; (2) positive and negative social influences affect adoption intention toward ODS differently, through benefit and risk assessments; and (3) ambivalence significantly negatively moderates the effects of social influences on adoption.

Originality/value

This study enriches and extends the IS use, ambivalence theory, prospect theory, and social learning theory research streams. Furthermore, this study suggests that it is necessary to focus on not only the oft-considered positive but also negative social influences in IS research.
Identification of critical factors for big data analytics implementation in sustainable supply chain in emerging economies
Authors: Jain Prashant , Tambuskar Dhanraj P. , Narwane Vaibhav
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The advancements in internet technologies and the use of sophisticated digital devices in supply chain operations incessantly generate enormous amounts of data, which is termed as big data (BD). The BD technologies have brought about a paradigm shift in the supply chain decision-making towards profitability and sustainability. The aim of this work is to address the issue of implementation of the big data analytics (BDA) in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) by identifying the relevant factors and developing a structural model for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comprehensive literature review and experts’ opinion, the crucial factors are found using the PESTEL framework, which covers political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors. The structural model is developed based on the results of the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) procedure and MICMAC analysis.

Findings

The policy support regarding IT, culture of data-based decision-making, inappropriate selection of BDA technologies and the laws related to data security and privacy are found to affect most of the other factors. Also, the company’s vision towards environmental performance and willingness for material and energy optimization are found to be crucial for the environmental and social sustainability of the supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

The study is focused on the manufacturing supply chain in emerging economies. It may be extended to other industry sectors and geographical areas. Also, additional factors may be included to make the model more robust.

Practical implications

The proposed model imparts an understanding of the relative importance and interrelationship of factors. This may be useful to managers to assess their strengths and weaknesses and ascertain their priorities in the context of their organization for developing a suitable investment plan.

Social implications

The study establishes the importance of BDA for conservation and management of energy and material. This is crucial to develop strategies for enhancing eco-efficiency of the supply chain, which in turn enhances the economic returns for the society.

Originality/value

This study addresses the implementation of BDA in SSCM in the context of emerging economies. It uses the PESTEL framework for identifying the factors, which is a comprehensive framework for strategic planning and decision-making. This study makes use of the TISM methodology for model development and deliberates on the social and environmental implications too, apart from theoretical and managerial implications.
Can smart tourism technology enhance destination image? The case of the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition
Authors: Chang Sueting
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Smart tourism technology (STT) has become prominent in the development of the tourism industry. This study aims to propose a model that integrates the cognitive–affective–behavioral model and trust transfer theory in the context of the 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, a mega-event.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative model incorporating a questionnaire was used as the study framework. A total of 456 valid travel survey questionnaires were obtained.

Findings

The results suggested that the antecedents (STT and perceived value [PV]) positively affected memorable tourism experience (MTE) (cognitive component). MTE positively affected destination image (DI) (affective component), and DI positively affected intentions to revisit and recommend locations (behavioral component). Finally, MTE mediated the relationships among DI, STT and PV.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the development of a theoretical framework that incorporates a MTE in the context of mega-events and smart tourism concepts. The findings can help governments and the tourism industry understand the effects of STT on tourists’ experiences, perceptions and behaviors.
The social return on investment model: a systematic literature review
Authors: Corvo Luigi , Pastore Lavinia , Mastrodascio Marco , Cepiku Denita
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Social return on investment (SROI) has received increasing attention, both academically and professionally, since it was initially developed by the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund in the USA in the mid-1990s. Based on a systematic review of the literature that highlights the potential and limitations related to the academic and professional development of the SROI model, the purpose of this study is to systematize the academic debate and contribute to the future research agenda of blended value accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach, this study endeavors to provide reliable academic insights into the factors driving the usage of the SROI model and its further development.

Findings

A systematic literature review produced a final data set of 284 studies. The results reveal that despite the procedural accuracy characterizing the description of the model, bias-driven methodological implications, availability of resources and sector specificities can influence the type of approach taken by scholars and practitioners.

Research limitations/implications

To dispel the conceptual and practical haze, this study discusses the results found, especially regarding the potential solutions offered to overcome the SROI limitations presented, as well as offers suggestions for future research.

Originality/value

This study aims to fill a gap in the literature and enhance a conceptual debate on the future of accounting when it concerns a blended value proposition.
The facets of the sustainability paradox
Authors: Argento Daniela , Broccardo Laura , Truant Elisa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine why the sustainability paradox exists and how it unfolds by focusing on intraorganizational dynamics. It explores how organizational actors perceive and make sense of sustainability and thereby contribute to the sustainability paradox.

Design/methodology/approach

In a case study on IREN, an Italian listed multi-utility with considerable engagements with sustainability, data collection through interviews, e-mails and document analysis revealed contradictions raised by directors and middle managers. Findings were analyzed by iterating with the literature used to frame this study, which combines organizational sensemaking, paradoxes and management control.

Findings

The sustainability paradox comprises various facets. Directors and middle managers interpret sustainability differently depending on their role within the organization and their perceptions of the concept itself. Different interpretations thus occur within and across organizational levels and functions, impacting how sustainability is implemented and monitored. The use of parallel management control systems (MCSs) reflects multiple and fragmented sensemaking, which explains the facets of the sustainability paradox.

Research limitations/implications

Although this work illuminates the role played by individuals at top- and middle-management organizational levels and MCSs in relation to the sustainability paradox, more research is needed on how individuals make sense of sustainability at the lowest organizational levels.

Practical implications

Organizations claiming commitment to sustainability must establish communication forms on the practicalities of sustainability throughout the organization to stimulate shared sensemaking and the design and use of inclusive MCSs.

Originality/value

This paper explains why and how organizations unconsciously enact various facets of the sustainability paradox.
Stakeholder interactions as sources for organisational learning: insights from the water sector
Authors: Giacomini Davide , Paredi Diego , Sancino Alessandro
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to understand stakeholders' sentiments with respect to company policies in the water utilities (WU) sector and to explore if and how these sentiments could be a source for organisational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the use of social media in WUs’ and stakeholders’ reactions as a source of data for organisational learning. This paper relies on a mixed-methods approach based on sentiment analysis of Facebook (FB) pages and semi-structured interviews with sustainability managers from a sample of Italian WUs.

Findings

Findings show that WUs increasingly use FB mainly to promote and disclose environmental issues and as a source of information for organisational learning. A longitudinal analysis of environmental disclosure via FB reveals a growing trend of both companies’ posts and stakeholder interactions and significant differences among organisations in their ways of using information and knowledge obtained from social media.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this paper builds an original link between disclosure via social media and organisational learning processes. Empirically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to identify the quantity and quality of environmental disclosure via FB and the related stakeholders’ reactions.