bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household Transmission and Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infections by Age in 2 US Communities
Authors: McLean Huong Q. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Hanson Kayla E. , Zhu Yuwei G. , Deyoe Jessica E. , Meece Jennifer K. , Halasa Natasha B. , Chappell James D. , Mellis Alexandra , Reed Carrie , Belongia Edward A. , Talbot H. Keipp , Rolfes Melissa A.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVES

Examine age differences in SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk from primary cases and infection risk among household contacts, and symptoms among those with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

People with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nashville, Tennessee and central and western Wisconsin and their household contacts were followed daily for 14 days to ascertain symptoms and secondary transmission events. Households were enrolled between April 2020 and April 2021. Secondary infection risks (SIR) by age of the primary case and contacts were estimated using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The 226 primary cases were followed by 198 (49%) secondary SARS-CoV-2 infections among 404 household contacts. Age group-specific SIR among contacts ranged from 36% to 53%, with no differences by age. SIR was lower from primary cases aged 12-17 years than from primary cases 18-49 years (risk ratio [RR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.91). SIR was 55% and 45%, respectively, among primary case-contact pairs in the same versus different age group (RR 1.47; 95% CI 0.98-2.22). SIR was highest among primary case-contacts pairs aged ≥65 years (76%) and 5-11 years (69%). Among secondary SARS-CoV-2 infections, 19% were asymptomatic; there was no difference in the frequency of asymptomatic infections by age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both children and adults can transmit and are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. SIR did not vary by age, but further research is needed to understand age-related differences in probability of transmission from primary cases by age.
SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant: is it really more deadly? A population level observational study
Authors: Moore Candace Makeda , Sergienko Ruslan , Arbel Ronen
Published: August 2021

Background

In 2021 a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which came to be called the alpha variant, spread around the world. There were conflicting reports on this COVID-19 variant strain’s potentially increased lethality. In Israel, this strain became predominant in a very short time period.

Methods

COVID-19 mortality and case fatality rates were examined in Israel in terms of weekly and cumulative numbers.

Results

COVID-19 case fatality rates in Israel rose quickly at the beginning of the pandemic and peaked in May 2020. The highest crude mortality came later in the second and third waves, but case the case fatality rates did not rise in 2021 with the increasing dominance of the alpha variant.

Conclusions

Based on the results of examining case-fatality and mortality rates, we concluded that while the alpha variant of the virus raised mortality, in line with the fact that it is more infectious than wild-type, once this strain was caught by patients in Israel, it was not more likely to kill them than the original strain
A nuclear role for the Argonaute protein AGO2 in mammalian gametogenesis
Authors: Griffin Kimberly N , Li Haixin , Walters Benjamin William , Wang Huafeng , Kaya Carolyn B , Kanyo Jean , Lam TuKiet , Cox Andy L , Chung Jean-Ju , Lesch Bluma J
Published: August 2021

Argonaute 2 (AGO2) is a ubiquitously expressed protein critical for regulation of mRNA translation and vital to animal development. AGO2 protein is found in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, and while its cytoplasmic role is well studied, the biological relevance of nuclear AGO2 is unclear. Here, we address this problem in vivo, using developing spermatogenic cells as a model. Remarkably, we find that AGO2 acts in the germ cell nucleus to positively regulate protein expression. We show that AGO2 dynamically binds both chromatin and nuclear mRNA transcripts of hundreds of genes required for sperm production, and germline conditional knockout (cKO) of Ago2 causes depletion of the corresponding proteins, along with defects in sperm number and morphology. Nuclear AGO2 partners with splicing, export, and chromatin factors to promote transcript export and protein expression. Together, our data reveal an unexpected role for nuclear AGO2 in enhancing expression of developmentally important genes.
A micro-evolutionary change in target binding sites as a key determinant of Ultrabithorax function in Drosophila
Authors: Khan Soumen , Pradhan Saurabh J. , Giraud Guillaume , Bleicher Françoise , Paul Rachel , Merabet Samir , Shashidhara LS
Published: August 2021

Hox genes encode Homeodomain-containing transcription factors, which specify segmental identities along the anterior-posterior axis. Functional changes in Hox genes have been directly implicated in the evolution of body plans across the metazoan lineage. The Hox protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is expressed and required in developing third thoracic (T3) segments in holometabolous insects studied so far, particularly, of the order Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera. Ubx function is key to specify differential development of the second (T2) and T3 thoracic segments in these insects. While Ubx is expressed in the third thoracic segment in developing larvae of Hymenopteran Apis mellifera, the morphological differences between T2 and T3 are subtle. To identify evolutionary changes that are behind the differential function of Ubx in these two insects, which are diverged for more than 350 million years, we performed comparative analyses of genome wide Ubx-binding sites between Drosophila and Apis. Our studies reveal that a motif with a TAAAT core is a preferred binding site for Ubx in Drosophila, but not in Apis. Biochemical and transgenic assays suggest that in Drosophila, TAAAT core sequence in the Ubx binding sites is required for Ubx-mediated regulation of two of its target genes studied here. CG13222, a gene that is normally upregulated by Ubx and vestigial (vg), whose expression is repressed by Ubx in T3. Interestingly, changing the TAAT site to a TAAAT site was sufficient to bring an otherwise unresponsive enhancer of the vg gene from Apis under the control of Ubx in a Drosophila transgenic assay. Taken together, our results suggest an evolutionary mechanism by which critical wing patterning genes might have come under the regulation of Ubx in the Dipteran lineage.
Superantigens promote Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection by eliciting pathogenic interferon-gamma (IFNγ) production that subverts macrophage function
Authors: Tuffs Stephen W. , Goncheva Mariya I. , Xu Stacey X. , Craig Heather C. , Kasper Katherine J. , Choi Joshua , Flannagan Ronald S. , Kerfoot Steven M. , Heinrichs David E. , McCormick John K.
Published: August 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a foremost bacterial pathogen responsible for a vast array of human diseases. Staphylococcal superantigens (SAgs) constitute a family of potent exotoxins secreted by S. aureus, and SAg genes are found ubiquitously in human isolates. SAgs bind directly to MHC class II molecules and T cell receptors, driving extensive T cell activation and cytokine release. Although these toxins have been implicated in serious disease including toxic shock syndrome, we aimed to further elucidate the mechanisms by which SAgs contribute to staphylococcal pathogenesis during septic bloodstream infections. As most conventional mouse strains respond poorly to staphylococcal SAgs, we utilized transgenic mice encoding humanized MHC class II molecules (HLA-DR4) as these animals are much more susceptible to SAg activity. Herein, we demonstrate that SAgs contribute to the severity of S. aureus bacteremia by increasing bacterial burden, most notably in the liver. We established that S. aureus bloodstream infection severity is mediated by CD4+ T cells and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is produced to very high levels during infection in a SAg-dependent manner. Bacterial burden and disease severity were reduced by antibody blocking of IFNγ, phenocopying isogenic SAg deletion mutant strains. Additionally, cytokine analysis demonstrated that the immune system was skewed towards a proinflammatory response that was reduced by IFNγ blocking. Infection kinetics and flow cytometry analyses suggested this was a macrophage driven mechanism, which was confirmed through macrophage depletion experiments. Further validation with human leukocytes indicated that excessive IFNγ allowed S. aureus to replicate at a higher rate within macrophages. Together, this suggests that SAgs promote S. aureus survival by manipulating immune responses that would otherwise be effective at clearing S. aureus. This work implicates SAg toxins as critical targets for preventing persistent or severe S. aureus disease.
Embryonic and aglomerular kidney development in the bay pipefish, Syngnathus leptorhynchus
Authors: Maters Bianca R. , Stevenson Emily , Vize Peter D.
Published: August 2021

In this report we describe the embryogenesis of the bay pipefish, Syngnathus leptorhynchus, and the organogenesis of its aglomerular kidney. Early development was analyzed via a series of montages and images documenting embryos collected from the brood pouches of pregnant males. Despite differences in terminal morphology between pipefish and common teleost models such as medaka and zebrafish, the embryogenesis of these highly advanced fishes is generally similar to that of other fishes. One of the unique features of these fishes is their utilization of an aglomerular kidney. Histological analysis revealed a single long, unbranched kidney tubule in late embryos. The development and structure of this organ was further investigated by cloning the sodium potassium ATPase alpha subunit, atp1a, from S. leptorhynchus and developing whole mount fluorescent in situ hybridization protocols for embryos of this species. Fluorescent stereoscopic and confocal visualization techniques were then used to characterize the 3D morphology of aglomerular kidneys in intact embryos. In all embryonic stages characterized, the aglomerular kidney is a single unbranched tube extending from just behind the head to the cloaca.
Chlorophyll fluorescence-based estimates of photosynthetic electron transport in Arctic phytoplankton assemblages
Authors: Sezginer Yayla , Suggett David J. , Izett Robert W. , Tortell Philippe D.
Published: August 2021

We employed Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry for high-resolution mapping of marine phytoplankton photophysiology and primary productivity in the Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait regions of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in the summer of 2019. Continuous ship-board analysis of chlorophyllavariable fluorescence demonstrated relatively low photochemical efficiency over most of the cruise-track, with the exception of localized regions within Barrow Strait where there was increased vertical mixing and proximity to land-based nutrient sources. Along the full transect, we observed strong non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, with relaxation times longer than the 5-minute period used for dark acclimation. Such long-term quenching effects complicate continuous underway acquisition of fluorescence amplitude-based estimates of photosynthetic electron transport rates, which rely on dark acclimation of samples. As an alternative, we employed a new algorithm to derive electron transport rates based on analysis of fluorescence relaxation kinetics, which does not require dark acclimation. Direct comparison of kinetics- and amplitude-based electron transport rate measurements demonstrated kinetic-based estimates were, on average, 2-fold higher than amplitude-based values. The magnitude of decoupling between the two electron transport rate estimates increased in association with photophysiological diagnostics of nutrient stress. Discrepancies between electron transport rate estimates likely resulted from the use of different photophysiological parameters to derive the kinetics- and amplitude-based algorithms, and choice of numerical model used to fit variable fluorescence curves and analyze fluorescence kinetics under actinic light. Our results highlight environmental and methodological influences on fluorescence-based productivity estimates, and prompt discussion of best-practices for future underway fluorescence-based efforts to monitor phytoplankton photosynthesis.
Calibration free counting of low molecular copy numbers in single DNA-PAINT localization clusters
Authors: Stein J. , Stehr F. , Jungmann R. , Schwille P.
Published: August 2021

Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) has revolutionized light microscopy by enabling optical resolutions down to a few nanometer. Yet, localization precisions commonly not suffice to visually resolve single subunits in molecular assemblies or multimeric complexes. Since each targeted molecule contributes localizations during image acquisition, molecular counting approaches to reveal the target copy numbers within localization clusters have been continuously proposed since the early days of SMLM, most of which rely on preliminary knowledge of the dye photo-physics or on a calibration to a reference. Previously, we developed localization-based Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (lbFCS) as an absolute ensemble counting approach for the SMLM-variant DNA-Points Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography (PAINT), for the first time circumventing the necessity for reference calibrations. Here, we present a revised framework termed lbFCS+ which allows absolute counting of copy numbers for individual localization clusters in a single DNA-PAINT image. In lbFCS+, absolute counting in individual clusters is achieved via precise measurement of the local hybridization rates of the fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotides (‘imagers’) employed in DNA-PAINT imaging. In proof-of-principle experiments on DNA origami nanostructures, we demonstrate the ability of lbFCS+ to truthfully determine molecular copy numbers and imager association and dissociation rates in well-separated localization clusters containing up to six docking strands. We show that lbFCS+ allows to resolve heterogeneous binding dynamics enabling the distinction of stochastically generated and a priori indistinguishable DNA assemblies. Beyond advancing quantitative DNA-PAINT imaging, we believe that lbFCS+ could find promising applications ranging from bio-sensing to DNA computing.
Arf6 anchors Cdr2 nodes at the cell cortex to control cell size at division
Authors: Opalko Hannah E. , Miller Kristi E. , Kim Hyun-Soo , Vargas-Garcia Cesar , Singh Abhyudai , Keogh Michael-Christopher , Moseley James B.
Published: August 2021

Fission yeast cells prevent mitotic entry until a threshold cell surface area is reached. The protein kinase Cdr2 contributes to this size control system by forming multiprotein nodes that inhibit Wee1 at the medial cell cortex. Cdr2 node anchoring at the cell cortex is not fully understood. Through a genomic screen, we identified the conserved GTPase Arf6 as a component of Cdr2 signaling. Cells lacking Arf6 failed to divide at a threshold surface area and instead shifted to volume-based divisions at increased overall size. Arf6 stably localized to Cdr2 nodes in its GTP-bound but not GDP-bound state, and its GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) Syt22 was required for both Arf6 node localization and proper size at division. In arf6Δ mutants, Cdr2 nodes detached from the membrane and exhibited increased dynamics. These defects were enhanced when arf6Δ was combined with other node mutants. Our work identifies a regulated anchor for Cdr2 nodes that is required for cells to sense surface area.
Single cell based high-throughput Ig and TCR repertoire sequencing analysis in rhesus macaques
Authors: Walsh Evan S. , Tollison Tammy S. , Brochu Hayden N. , Shaw Brian I. , Diveley Kayleigh R. , Chou Hsuan , Law Lynn , Kirk Allan D. , Gale Michael , Peng Xinxia
Published: August 2021

Recent advancements in microfluidics and high-throughput sequencing technologies have enabled recovery of paired heavy- and light-chains of immunoglobulins (Ig) and VDJ- and VJ-chains of T cell receptors (TCR) from thousands of single cells simultaneously in humans and mice. Despite rhesus macaques being one of the most well-studied model organisms for the human adaptive immune response, high-throughput single cell immune repertoire sequencing assays are not yet available due to the complexity of these polyclonal receptors. Here we employed custom primers that capture all known rhesus macaque Ig and TCR isotypes and chains that are fully compatible with a commercial solution for single cell immune repertoire profiling. Using these rhesus specific assays, we sequenced Ig and TCR repertoires in over 60,000 cells from cryopreserved rhesus PBMC, splenocytes, and FACS-sorted B and T cells. We were able to recover every Ig isotype and TCR chain, measure clonal expansion in proliferating T cells, and pair Ig and TCR repertoires with gene expression profiles of the same single cells. Our results establish the ability to perform high-throughput immune repertoire analysis in rhesus macaques at the single cell level.
Interdomain linkers regulate histidine kinase activity by controlling subunit interactions
Authors: Maschmann Zachary , Chandrasekaran Siddarth , Chua Teck Khiang , Crane Brian R.
Published: August 2021

Bacterial chemoreceptors regulate the cytosolic multi-domain histidine kinase CheA through largely unknown mechanisms. Residue substitutions in the peptide linkers that connect the P4 kinase domain to the P3 dimerization and P5 regulatory domain affect CheA basal activity and activation. To understand the role that these linkers play in CheA activity, the P3-to-P4 linker (L3) and P4-to-P5 linker (L4) were extended and altered in variants ofThermotoga maritima (Tm)CheA. Flexible extensions of the L3 and L4 linkers in CheA-LVI (linker variant 1) allowed for a well-folded kinase domain that retained wild-type (WT)­like binding affinities for nucleotide and normal interactions with the receptor-coupling protein CheW. However, CheA-LV1 autophosphorylation activity registered -50-fold lower compared to WT. Neither a WT nor LV1 dimer containing a single P4 domain could autophosphorylate the P1 substrate domain. Autophosphorylation activity was rescued in variants with extended L3 and L4 linkers that favor helical structure and heptad spacing. Autophosphorylation depended on linker spacing and flexibility and not on sequence. Pulse-dipolar electron-spin resonance (ESR) measurements with spin-labeled ATP analogs indicated that CheA autophosphorylation activity inversely correlated with the proximity of the P4 domains within the dimers of the variants. Despite their separation in primary sequence and space, the L3 and L4 linkers also influence the mobility of the P1 substrate domains. In all, interactions of the P4 domains, as modulated by the L3 and L4 linkers, affect domain dynamics and autophosphorylation of CheA, thereby providing potential mechanisms for receptors to regulate the kinase.
Investigating the Lipid Selectivity of Membrane Proteins in Heterogeneous Nanodiscs
Authors: Keener James E. , Jayasekera Hiruni S. , Marty Michael T.
Published: August 2021

The structure and function of membrane proteins can be significantly impacted by the surrounding lipid environment, but membrane protein-lipid interactions in lipid bilayers are often difficult to study due to their transient and polydisperse nature. Here, we used two native mass spectrometry (MS) approaches to investigate how the Escherichia coli ammonium transporter (AmtB) and aquaporin Z (AqpZ) selectively remodel their local lipid environment in heterogeneous lipoprotein nanodiscs. First, we used gas-phase ejection to isolate the membrane protein with bound lipids from heterogeneous nanodiscs with different combinations of lipids. Second, we used solution-phase detergent extraction as an orthogonal approach to study membrane protein remodeling of lipids in the nanodisc with native MS. Our results showed that Triton X-100 and LDAO retain lipid selectivity that agrees with gas-phase ejection, but C8E4 distorts some preferential lipid interactions. Both approaches reveal that AmtB has a few selective binding sites for phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipids, is selective for binding phosphatidylglycerols (PG) overall, and is nonselective for phosphatidylethanolamines (PE). In contrast, AqpZ prefers either PC or PG over PE and prefers PC over PG. Overall, these experiments provide a detailed picture of how membrane proteins bind different lipid head groups in the context of mixed lipid bilayers.
Real-space modeling for complex structures based on small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Omote Kazuhiko , Iwata Tomoyuki
Published: August 2021

A three-dimensional real-space model has been created for hierarchical materials by matching observed and simulated small-angle X-ray scattering patterns. The simulation is performed by arranging the positions of small primary particles and constructing an aggregate structure in a finite-sized cell. In order to avoid the effect of the finite size of the cell, the cell size is extended to infinity by introducing an asymptotic form of the long-range correlations among the primary particles. As a result, simulations for small-angle X-ray scattering patterns can be performed correctly in the low-wavenumber regime (<0.1 nm−1), allowing the model to handle hundred-nanometre-scale structures composed of primary particles of a few nanometres in size. An aerogel structure was determined using this model, resulting in an excellent match with the experimental scattering pattern. The resultant three-dimensional model can generate cross-sectional images similar to those obtained by transmission electron microscopy, and the calculated pore-size distribution is in accord with that derived from the gas adsorption method.
Sustainable procurement practices in the supplier selection process: an exploratory study in the context of Brazilian manufacturing companies
Authors: Barbanti Alex Moysés , Anholon Rosley , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Martins Vitor William Batista , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Leal Filho Walter
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the adoption of sustainable procurement practices adopted by Brazilian manufacturing companies in supplier selection; additionally, it is aimed to understand which of these practices enable a better differentiation of the analysed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was performed to compose the theoretical base of this research. In addition, a detailed study of ISO 20400 standard was conducted. The guidelines of ISO 20400 were used as a base to structure a questionnaire used in a survey with professionals working in procurement sphere of manufacturing companies in Brazil. The data were analysed via frequency and CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) method.

Findings

A moderate dispersion in the adoption level of sustainable procurement practices in supplier selection process of the manufacturing companies was observed; in practices associated with social aspects, the dispersion is greater. A negative issue to be highlighted is that almost 20% of analysed companies did not even considered in their supplier selection process if their candidates accomplish philanthropic activities, generate jobs in local community and fulfill the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of United Nations (UN). Those two last practices are the ones with the best capacity to differ the companies in the sample.

Originality/value

There are few studies that focuses on understanding the adoption of sustainable procurement practices in manufacturing companies' supplier selection process. The main contribution of this study to the literature is to evidence that social requirements in supplier selection process are considered in a clear and well-structured form only by few Brazilian manufacturing companies. Despite the sample size, companies analysed in this research are prominent organisations in manufacturing sector. Thus, if this situation occurs in these companies, a more critical scenario will be evidenced in other organisations. This study has implication for practice and academy. For companies' managers, information present here can be used to debate the theme in the organisational context and the nine practices and scale can be used to perform a critical analysis of company's practices. For researchers, the information present here can be used as starting point for futures studies.
Life management of the quantity surveyors working for contractors at sites: female vs male
Authors: Perera B.A.K.S. , Ridmika K.I. , Wijewickrama M.K.C.S.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The construction industry (CI) is known for heavy workloads and long working hours. Consequently, quantity surveyors (QSs) find it difficult to integrate work with life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the causes and consequences of poor life management (LM) in both female and male QSs working for contractors at construction sites and strategies that would improve the LM of the QSs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed research approach by conducting semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey to identify the significant causes and consequences of poor LM in QSs and strategies that would improve the LM of the QSs. Manual content analysis and mean weighted rating (MWR) were used to analyze the collected data.

Findings

Heavy workloads are the most significant cause of poor LM in QSs. The study found that male QSs are highly addicted to substance use and that female QSs lose sleep because of poor LM. Teamwork is the most significant strategy that would enhance the LM of both female and male QSs working at sites.

Originality/value

The traditional work–life balance refers to the harmony between work and non-work lives of an individual. LM is associated with five spheres of life: work, family life, health, social life and spiritual life. Given that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have focused on LM, this study becomes significant because it identifies the causes and consequences of poor LM of QSs working in the CI and the strategies that would enhance the LM of the QSs.
Between liability and asset: a critical review of 25 years of foreignness research in international business
Authors: An Young Hoon , Zagelmeyer Stefan , Rygh Asmund
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The dialectics of liabilities of foreignness (LOF) and assets of foreignness (AOF) have led to further explorations of what it means for an organisation to be foreign. This paper reviews, synthesises and contextualises recent research on both the challenges and benefits of foreignness, to develop a balanced and integrated view of this international business concept.

Design/methodology/approach

This review aims at mapping the key concepts, theories, methods and contexts in the literature and organising the key findings in an antecedent-outcomes-strategy framework, explicitly comparing LOF and AOF to explore their interrelationships. Drawing on a sample of 126 journal articles, NVivo was used to code and identify key thematic areas.

Findings

The review confirms a shift in the literature towards acknowledging the notion of AOF. Using different theoretical lenses, it identifies, reviews and discusses antecedents, consequences and strategy implications of LOF and AOF. It argues that foreignness will continue to be a fundamental concept in international business research and suggests that AOF and LOF deserve an equally central place in an integrated analytical framework of foreignness in international business strategy.

Originality/value

The paper is the first systematic attempt to integrate the literature on LOF and AOF. The systematic comparison across drivers, outcomes and strategies allows for a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of foreignness and the underlying phenomenon of foreignness. The authors also explore the paradox perspective on foreignness.
The impact of a refurbishment programme on older people living in sheltered housing
Authors: Sattar Zeibeda (Zeb) , Wilkie Stephanie , Ling Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore residents' perceptions of a refurbishment programme to sheltered housing schemes and its impact on their well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology draws upon a realist evaluation framework. Four participatory appraisals (PAs) and 19 interviews with residents were conducted in the sheltered housing schemes. Ages of participants ranged from 50 to 99 years.

Findings

Two categories of residents were identified: healthy active older adults and older frail adults (or over 85+). Residents said their social and emotional well-being improved from the provision of indoor and outdoor communal areas. Older frail residents only accessed the new communal spaces when staff took them in their wheelchairs. The physical changes increased opportunities for social connections for residents. Conservatories and sensory gardens were most popular. Residents felt that structured activities in the new spaces and digital training would improve their social activities.

Research limitations/implications

The participatory methods spanned over an hour, and some residents felt too tired to complete the full session.

Practical implications

A practical limitation was that some sensory rooms were not fully completed at the time of the evaluation.

Originality/value

This paper adds the following: Perceptions of residents of a refurbishment programme in sheltered housing and the impact on their well-being. Perceptions of residents about social activities after a refurbishment programme. Perceptions of residents about the impact of physical changes to their sheltered housing schemes and impact on their internal accessibility to the improvements.
To sell, or not to sell: social media data-breach in second-hand Android devices
Authors: BenRhouma Oussama , AlZahrani Ali , AlKhodre Ahmad , Namoun Abdallah , Bhat Wasim Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the private-data pertaining to the interaction of users with social media applications that can be recovered from second-hand Android devices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a black-box testing-principles based methodology to develop use-cases that simulate real-world case-scenarios of the activities performed by the users on the social media application. The authors executed these use-cases in a controlled experiment and examined the Android smartphone to recover the private-data pertaining to these use-cases.

Findings

The results suggest that the social media data recovered from Android devices can reveal a complete timeline of activities performed by the user, identify all the videos watched, uploaded, shared and deleted by the user, disclose the username and user-id of the user, unveil the email addresses used by the user to download the application and share the videos with other users and expose the social network of the user on the platform. Forensic investigators may find this data helpful in investigating crimes such as cyber bullying, racism, blasphemy, vehicle thefts, road accidents and so on. However, this data-breach in Android devices is a threat to user's privacy, identity and profiling in second-hand market.

Practical implications

Perceived notion of data sanitisation as a result of application removal and factory-reset can have serious implications. Though being helpful to forensic investigators, it leaves the user vulnerable to privacy breach, identity theft, profiling and social network revealing in second-hand market. At the same time, users' sensitivity towards data-breach might compel users to refrain from selling their Android devices in second-hand market and hamper device recycling.

Originality/value

This study attempts to bridge the literature gap in social media data-breach in second-hand Android devices by experimentally determining the extent of the breach. The findings of this study can help digital forensic investigators in solving crimes such as vehicle theft, road accidents, cybercrimes and so on. It can assist smartphone users to decide whether to sell their smartphones in a second-hand market, and at the same time encourage developers and researchers to design methods of social media data sanitisation.
Analysis of carbon credit trading (CCT) practices: a study of manufacturing organizations in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Garg Ajay K. , Kohli Amit , Cummings Jill Beverly
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Factors that affect the use of carbon credit trading (CCT) by industries include as follows: avoiding carbon taxes, international expansion, venture capital, competitive advantage and clean technology. The impact of these factors is examined here in relation to the profile of 14 Canadian organizations to investigate factors that influence CCT practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This research involves a survey of 150 employees at 14 industries in British Columbia (BC) Canada to review and analyze their perceptions of factors that impact CCT.

Findings

Results demonstrate the potential for enhancing the use of CCT by organizations. It was shown that organizations perceive that CCT enhances their competitive advantage, which is an incentive that needs further investigation as having potential for encouraging CCT and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.

Research limitations/implications

Due to limited funding and workforce, as well as geographical constraints, only 14 industrial organizations were engaged in this research in BC Canada. The scope of future research needs to be enlarged by considering neighboring countries such as the USA and Mexico. This research regarding factors that impact organizations in adopting carbon crediting trading has the potential to provide and shape inter-continental comparisons.

Practical implications

This study illustrates how CCT has the potential to enhance competitive advantage and may impact the industry toward reducing GHG emissions through CCT. This concept adds a new environmental protection factor and dimension to trade and industry. As organizations plan to invest funds in different carbon reduction projects this may result in expanded employment opportunities.

Social implications

Organizations are interested in CCT but may hesitate in engaging in CCT as it can be a complex procedure. In addition to further research, workshops and seminars regarding CCT and dissemination of research should be organized by the universities, related authorities and government organizations to make CCT more known and feasible. This study shows that financial and non-financial benefits may be gained by any organization when involved in CCT. Larger advertising and information campaigns may motivate more organizations in this regard.

Originality/value

This study extends the study of Garg et al. (2017) regarding challenges for CCT practices. International Journal of Management, 10(1), 85–96. It contributes evidence that the size (revenue) of an organization does not affect the level of carbon credits traded and shows potential for smaller organizations to be encouraged to take part in CCT.
The influence of illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders on students mental health during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan: a Web-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Abbas Jaffar , Shuja Kanwar Hamza , Rehna Tasnim , Ziapour Arash , Yousaf Ishrat , Karamat Tehmina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at home and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study aims to focus on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, Web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different universities of twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception and mental health disorders.

Findings

The findings indicated normal (43.2%), mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%) and severe (22.7%) levels of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%) and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.

Originality/value

The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals’ mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental health-care facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.
“The door has opened”: moving forward with menstrual health programming in Bangladesh
Authors: Warrington Siobhan , Coultas Mimi , Das Mitali , Nur Effat
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In Bangladesh, as elsewhere, menstruation is surrounded by stigma, silence, and shame. Despite being a critical part of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), it remains significantly under-researched and addressed. However, the focus on menstrual health (MH) programming is growing globally, with increased awareness of the importance of holistic and rights-based approaches. This case study aims to examine and reflect upon the MH landscape and programming in Bangladesh, assessing the progress, challenges, and potential ways forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on a non-systematic review of recent global and national literature, eight semi-structured interviews, a review of national television adverts and the authors’ experiences of MH research and programming in Bangladesh.

Findings

Hygiene-based education delivered through schools is a common entry point for MH programming in Bangladesh, with limited activities conducted in communities (including with men and boys) and through media. The focus of MH programming has tended to be narrow, with insufficient recognition of the wider gender equality and health implications of menstruation. There are growing efforts to coordinate MH work by different agencies and to collectively advocate for increased government engagement. While significant progress has been made, this case study identifies several gaps and tensions that reflect the complexity of addressing MH.

Originality/value

This case study presents an overview of recent MH experiences and programming in Bangladesh. It recognises the different sectors, sites and stakeholders involved, and includes experiences and perspectives of practitioners, academics, and programme participants.
A survey on various handover technologies in 5G network using the modular handover modules
Authors: Kulkarni Sanjay Sudhir , Bavarva Arjav A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Fifth-generation (5G) networks play a significant role in handover methods. 5G wireless network is open, flexible and highly heterogeneous along with the overlay coverage and small cell deployments. Handover management is one of the main problems in the heterogeneous network. Also, handover satisfies the needs of ultra-reliable communications along with very high reliability and availability in 5G networks. Handover management deals with every active connection of a user’s device, which moves the connection between the user’s device and the counterparty from one network point to another. Thus, the handover decision determines the best access network and also decides whether the handover is performed or not.

Design/methodology/approach

The main intention of this survey is to review several existing handover technologies in 5G. Using the categories of analysis, the existing techniques are divided into different techniques such as authentication-based techniques, blockchain-based techniques, software-defined-based techniques and radio access-based techniques. The survey is made by considering the methods such as used software, categorization of methods and used in the research works. Furthermore, the handover rate is considered for performance evaluation for the handover techniques in 5G. The drawbacks present in the existing review papers are elaborated in research gaps and issues division.

Findings

Through the detailed analysis and discussion, it can be summarized that the widely concerned evaluation metric for the performance evaluation is the handover rate. It is exploited that the handover rate within the range of 91%–99% is achieved by three research papers.

Originality/value

A survey on the various handover mechanisms in 5G networks is expected in this study. The research papers used in this survey are gathered from different sources such as Google Scholar and IEEE. Also, this survey suggests a further extension for the handover mechanism in 5G networks by considering various research gaps and issues.
The synergetic effect of after sales service, customer satisfaction, loyalty and repurchase intention on word of mouth
Authors: Nasir Mohd , Adil Mohd , Dhamija Aruna
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Under a dynamic business environment that is seen today, organizations need to adopt the right blend of strategies to attract, retain and maintain customers. Extant marketing literature has shed light on some key roles that after-sale service and the larger customer support system could play in attaining the same. Specifically, this paper aims to attempt to model the linkages between after-sales service, service quality, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and word of mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 280 two-wheeler owners, who had a recent experience of after sales service at their respective authorized service centers, through purposive sampling method.

Findings

The findings reveal that both customer loyalty and repurchase intention significantly and positively mediate the relationship between customer satisfaction and word of mouth. This indicates that satisfied customers are more likely to be loyal to the service firms and would spontaneously engage themselves with positive word of mouth.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing importance of after-sales service, empirical researches on this subject have been quite limited. This study aims at filling the void in extant literature by examining the inter-relationships between after-sales service, service quality, customer satisfaction and WOM.
Modeling spiritual intelligence on quality of work life of college teachers: a mediating role of psychological capital
Authors: Singla Himanshu , Mehta Minakshi Duggal , Mehta Pooja
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of spiritual intelligence on the quality of work life (QWL) of college teachers. Besides this, the mediating impact of psychological capital on improving their QWL and moderating effect of gender has also been examined in the study.

Design/methodology/approach

Variance-based structural equation modelling is used for testing the proposed structural model with a sample of 451 college teachers.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that QWL is positively influenced by spiritual intelligence. Moreover, QWL can be augmented with the presence of psychological capital. Nevertheless, there exist no gender differences with respect to the relationships of the study.

Practical implications

The study holds implications for the teachers and educational institutions as they can prepare themselves to cope up with the stressful events and experience a good QWL.

Social implications

A teacher’s role is said to be instrumental in bringing about a holistic development in pupil’s personality by instilling right value system in him/her. Nevertheless, such role of the teachers can only be justified if the teachers are equipped with higher levels of spiritual intelligence and are psychologically more active and satisfied with their work life.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that makes an incremental contribution to the QWL literature by exploring a partial mediating role of psychological capital on the relationship between spiritual intelligence and QWL.
Sustainable campus using concept mapping: a bottom-up approach engaging both staff and students
Authors: Homer Stephen T. , Khor Kuan Siew
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight a multidimensional model of sustainability practices that are considered meaningful and practical for implementation by higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

The Concept System® Global MAX© software facilitated the bottom-up approach of this study, where 32 staff and students of a private HEI were prompted with the question, “What design features or facilities should the university building have for you to consider the building sustainable?” Their opinions were collected as statements via online brainstorming and the process was followed through with the sorting and rating of reduced statements. The software was also used to perform multi-dimensional scaling and cluster analysis to generate the findings of this study.

Findings

An eight-cluster solution was proposed based on the themes within respective clusters. Respondents rated the importance of sustainability resource usage and sustainability and technology highly. Whilst sustainable campus facilities appeal to students, education for sustainable development were more important to staff.

Originality/value

The community-based participatory research recommends activities that enhance the adoption of sustainable development in making universities a “living lab” for sustainability.