bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-virus fusion measurements reveal multiple mechanistically equivalent pathways for SARS-CoV-2 entry
Authors: Sengar Anjali , Cervantes Marcos , Bondalapati Sai T. , Hess Tobin , Kasson Peter M.
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 binds to cell-surface receptors and is activated for membrane fusion and cell entry via proteolytic cleavage. Phenomenological data have shown that SARS-CoV-2 can be activated for entry at either the cell surface or in endosomes, but the relative roles in different cell types and mechanisms of entry have been debated. Here we use single-virus fusion experiments and exogenously controlled proteases to probe activation directly. We find that plasma membrane and an appropriate protease are sufficient to support SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus fusion. Furthermore, fusion kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses are indistinguishable no matter which of a broad range of proteases was used to activate the virus. This suggests that fusion mechanism is insensitive to protease identity or even whether activation occurs before or after receptor binding. These data support a model for opportunistic fusion by SARS-CoV-2, where subcellular location of entry likely depends on the differential activity of airway, cell-surface, and endosomal proteases, but all support infection. Inhibiting any single host protease may thus reduce infection in some cells but may be less clinically robust.

Importance

SARS-CoV-2 can use multiple pathways to infect cells, as demonstrated recently when new viral variants switched dominant infection pathways. Here, we use single-virus fusion experiments together with biochemical reconstitution to show that these multiple pathways coexist simultaneously and specifically that the virus can be activated by different proteases in different cellular compartments with mechanistically identical effect. The consequences of this are that the virus is evolutionarily plastic and that therapies targeting viral entry should address multiple pathways at once to achieve optimal clinical effects.
Genetic network regulating visual acuity makes limited contribution to visually guided eye emmetropization
Authors: Tkatchenko Tatiana V. , Tkatchenko Andrei V.
Published: May 2021

During postnatal development, the eye undergoes a refinement process whereby optical defocus guides eye growth towards sharp vision in a process of emmetropization. Optical defocus activates a signaling cascade originating in the retina and propagating across the back of the eye to the sclera. Several observations suggest that visual acuity might be important for optical defocus detection and processing in the retina; however, direct experimental evidence supporting or refuting the role of visual acuity in refractive eye development is lacking. Here, we used genome-wide transcriptomics to determine the relative contribution of the retinal genetic network regulating visual acuity to the signaling cascade underlying visually guided eye emmetropization.

Our results provide evidence that visual acuity is regulated at the level of molecular signaling in the retina by an extensive genetic network. The genetic network regulating visual acuity makes relatively small contribution to the signaling cascade underlying refractive eye development. This genetic network primarily affects baseline refractive eye development and this influence is primarily facilitated by the biological processes related to melatonin signaling, nitric oxide signaling, phototransduction, synaptic transmission, and dopamine signaling. We also observed that the visual-acuity-related genes associated with the development of human myopia are chiefly involved in light perception and phototransduction. Our results suggest that the visual-acuity-related genetic network primarily contributes to the signaling underlying baseline refractive eye development, whereas its impact on visually guided eye emmetropization is modest.
Pannexin 3 deletion reduces fat accumulation and inflammation in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Wakefield Charles Brent , Lee Vanessa R. , Johnston Danielle , Boroumand Parastoo , Pillon Nicolas J. , Sayedyahossein Samar , O’Donnell Brooke L. , Tang Justin , Sanchez-Pupo Rafael E. , Barr Kevin J. , Gros Robert , Flynn Lauren , Borradaile Nica M. , Klip Amira , Beier Frank , Penuela Silvia
Published: May 2021

Background

Pannexin 3 (PANX3), is a channel-forming glycoprotein that enables nutrient-induced inflammationin vitro, and genetic linkage data suggests it regulates body mass index. Here, we characterized inflammatory and metabolic parameters in globalPanx3knockout (KO) mice in the context of forced treadmill running (FEX) and high fat diet (HFD).

Methods

C57BL/6N (WT) and KO mice were randomized to either a FEX running protocol or no running (SED) from 24 until 30 weeks of age. Body weight was measured biweekly, and body composition was measured at 24 and 30 weeks of age. Male WT and KO mice were fed a HFD from 12 – 28 weeks of age. Metabolic organs were analyzed for a panel of inflammatory markers and PANX3 expression.

Results

In females there were no significant differences in body composition between genotypes, which could be due to the lack of PANX3 expression in female white adipose tissue, while male KOs fed a chow diet had lower body weight, and lower fat mass at 24 and 30 weeks of age, which was reduced to the same extent as 6 weeks of FEX in WT mice. Additionally, male KO mice exhibited significantly lower expression of multiple pro-inflammatory genes in white adipose tissue compared to WT mice. While on a HFD body weight differences were insignificant, in KO mice, multiple inflammatory genes were significantly differently expressed in quadriceps muscle and white adipose tissue resulting in a more anti-inflammatory phenotype compared to WT mice. The lower fat mass in male KO mice may be due to significantly fewer adipocytes in their subcutaneous fat compared to WT mice. Mechanistically, adipose stromal cells (ASCs) cultured from KO mice grow significantly slower than WT ASCs.

Conclusion

PANX3 is expressed in male adult mouse adipose tissue and may regulate adipocyte numbers, influencing fat accumulation and inflammation.
Autonomic arousals contribute to brain fluid pulsations during sleep
Authors: Picchioni Dante , Özbay Pinar S. , Mandelkow Hendrik , de Zwart Jacco A. , Wang Yicun , van Gelderen Peter , Duyn Jeff H.
Published: May 2021

During sleep, slow waves of neuro-electrical activity engulf the human brain and aid in the consolidation of memories. Recent research suggests that these slow waves may also promote brain health by facilitating the removal of metabolic waste, possibly by orchestrating the pulsatile flow of cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) through local neural control over vascular tone. To investigate the role of slow waves in the generation of CSF pulsations, we analyzed functional MRI data obtained across the full sleep-wake cycle and during a respiratory task during wakefulness. This revealed a novel generating mechanism that relies on the autonomic regulation of cerebral vascular tone without requiring slow electrocortical activity or even sleep. Therefore, the role of CSF pulsations in brain waste clearance may, in part, depend on proper autoregulatory control of cerebral blood flow.

One-Sentence Summary

Autonomic regulation of cerebral vascular tone mediates CSF flow and may contribute to brain waste clearance.
Inferring Gene Regulatory Networks from Single Cell RNA-seq Temporal Snapshot Data Requires Higher Order Moments
Authors: Raharinirina N. Alexia , Peppert Felix , von Kleist Max , Schütte Christof , Sunkara Vikram
Published: May 2021

Single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has become ubiquitous in biology. Recently, there has been a push for using scRNA-seq snapshot data to infer the underlying gene regulatory networks (GRNs) steering cellular function. To date, this aspiration remains unrealised due to technical- and computational challenges. In this work, we focus on the latter, which is under-represented in the literature.

We took a systemic approach by subdividing the GRN inference into three fundamental components: the data pre-processing, the feature extraction, and the inference. We saw that the regulatory signature is captured in the statistical moments of scRNA-seq data, and requires computationally intensive minimisation solvers to extract. Furthermore, current data pre-processing might not conserve these statistical moments.

Though our moment-based approach is a didactic tool for understanding the different compartments of GRN inference, this line of thinking–finding computationally feasible multi-dimensional statistics of data–is imperative for designing GRN inference methods.
Bayesian genome-wide analysis of cattle traits using variants with functional and evolutionary significance
Authors: Xiang Ruidong , Breen Ed J. , Prowse-Wilkins Claire P. , Chamberlain Amanda J. , Goddard Michael E.
Published: May 2021

Context

Functional genomics studies have revealed genomic regions with regulatory and evolutionary significance. Such information independent of association analysis may benefit fine-mapping and genomic selection of economically important traits. However, systematic evaluation of the use of functional information in mapping, and genomic selection of cattle traits is lacking. Also, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from the high-density (HD) panel are known to tag informative variants, but the performance of genomic prediction using HD SNPs together with variants supported by different functional genomics is unknown.

Aims

We selected six sets of functionally important variants and modelled each set together with HD SNPs in Bayesian models to map and predict protein, fat, and milk yield as well as mastitis, somatic cell count and temperament of dairy cattle.

Methods

Two models were used: 1) BayesR which includes priors of four distribution of variant-effects, and 2) BayesRC which includes additional priors of different functional classes of variants. Bayesian models were trained in 3 breeds of 28,000 cows of Holstein, Jersey and Australian Red and predicted into 2,600 independent bulls.

Key results

Adding functionally important variants significantly increased the enrichment of genetic variance explained for mapped variants, suggesting improved genome-wide mapping precision. Such improvement was significantly higher when the same set of variants were modelled by BayesRC than by BayesR. Combining functional variant sets with HD SNPs improves genomic prediction accuracy in the majority of the cases and such improvement was more common and stronger for non-Holstein breeds and traits like mastitis, somatic cell count and temperament. In contrast, adding a large number of random sequence variants to HD SNPs reduces mapping precision and has a worse or similar prediction accuracy, compared to using HD SNPs alone to map or predict. While BayesRC tended to have better genomic prediction accuracy than BayesR, the overall difference in prediction accuracy between the two models was insignificant.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of functional data in genomic mapping and prediction.

Implications

We highlight the need for effective tools exploiting complex functional datasets to improve genomic prediction.
Inbreeding reduces fitness of seed beetles under thermal stress
Authors: Ivimey-Cook Edward , Bricout Sophie , Candela Victoria , Maklakov Alexei A. , Berg Elena C.
Published: May 2021

Human-induced environmental change can influence populations both at the global level through climatic warming and at the local level through habitat fragmentation. As populations become more isolated, they can suffer from high levels of inbreeding which contributes to a reduction in fitness, termed inbreeding depression. However, it is still unclear if this increase in homozygosity also results in a corresponding increase in sensitivity to stressful conditions, which could intensify the already detrimental effects of environmental warming. Here, in a fully factorial design, we assessed the life-long impact of increased mutation load and elevated temperature on key life history traits in the seed beetle,Callosobruchus maculatus. We found that beetles raised at higher temperatures had far reduced fitness and survival than beetles from control temperatures. Importantly, these negative effects were exacerbated in inbred beetles as a result of increased mutation load, with further detrimental effects manifesting on individual hatching probability and lifetime reproductive success. These results reveal the harmful impact that increasing temperature and likelihood of habitat fragmentation due to anthropogenetic changes in environmental conditions could have on populations of organisms worldwide.
SILAKin: A novel high throughput SILAC and mass spectrometry-based assay to identify the substratome of kinases secreted by pathogens
Authors: Smirlis Despina , Dingli Florent , Sabatet Valentin , Roth Aileen , Knippchild Uwe , Loew Damarys , Späth Gerald F. , Rachidi Najma
Published: May 2021

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most important reversible post-translational modifications. It affects every cellular process including differentiation, metabolism and cell cycle. Eukaryotic protein kinases (ePK) catalyse the transfer of a phosphate from ATP onto proteins, which regulates fast changes in protein activity, structure or subcellular localisation. The systematic identification of substrates is thus crucial to characterise the functions of kinases and determine the pathways they regulate, and even more so when studying the impact of pathogens-excreted kinases on the host cell signal transduction. Several strategies and approaches have been used to identify substrates, but all show important limitations thus calling for the development of new efficient and more convenient approaches for kinase substrate identification.

Herein, we present SILAkin, a novel and easy method to identify substrates that is applicable to most kinases. It combines phosphatase treatment, pulse heating,in vitrokinase assay (IVKA) and SILAC (Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino acids in Cell culture)-based quantitative mass spectrometry (MS). We developed SILAkin using theLeishmaniacasein kinase 1 (L-CK1.2) as experimental model.Leishmania, an intracellular parasite causing Leishmaniasis, releases L-CK1.2 in its host cell. Applying this novel assay allowed us to gain unprecedented insight into host-pathogen interactions through the identification of host substrates phosphorylated by pathogen-excreted kinases. We identified 225 substrates, including 85% previously unknown that represent novel mammalian CK1 targets, and defined a novel CK1 phosphorylation motif. The substratome was validated experimentally by L-CK1.2 and human CK1δ, demonstrating the efficiency of SILAkin to identify new substrates and revealing novel regulatory pathways. Finally, SILAkin was instrumental in highlighting host pathways potentially regulated by L-CK1.2 inLeishmania-infected host cells, described by the GO terms ‘viral & symbiotic interaction’, ‘apoptosis’, ‘actin cytoskeleton organisation’, and ‘RNA processing and splicing’. SILAkin thus can generate important mechanistic insights into the signalling of host subversion by these parasites and other microbial pathogen adapted for intracellular survival.
Sequencing SARS-CoV-2 in a malaria research laboratory in Mali, West Africa: the road to sequencing the first SARS-CoV-2 genome in Mali
Authors: Dara Antoine , Kouriba Bouréma , Daou Amadou , Sangare Abdoul Karim , Kassogue Djibril , Dara Charles , Djimde Abdoulaye
Published: May 2021

Next generation sequencing (NGS) has become a necessary tool for genomic epidemiology. Even though the utility of genomics in human health has been proved, the genomic surveillance has never been so important until the COVID 19 pandemic. This has been evidenced with the detection of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil recently using genomic surveillance. Until recently, Malian scientists did not have access to any local NGS platform and samples had to be shipped abroad for sequencing. Here, we report on how we adapted a laboratory setup forPlasmodiumresearch to generate the first complete SARS-CoV-2 genome locally. Total RNA underwent a library preparation using an Illumina TruSeq stranded RNA kit. A metagenomics sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq platform following by bioinformatic analyses on a local server in Mali. We recovered a full genome of SARS-CoV-2 of 29 kb with an average depth coverage of 200x. We have demonstrated our capability of generating a high quality genome with limited resources and highlight the need to develop genomics capacity locally to solve health problems. We discuss challenges related to access to reagents during a pandemic period and propose some home-made solutions.
Effects of digital devices on noise levels in an academic library
Authors: Chaputula Aubrey
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Proliferation of digital devices amongst patrons implies that libraries are faced with the challenge of providing conducive study spaces to patrons. This study, therefore, aims to establish the effect of digital devices on noise levels in the Mzuzu University Library and measures that have been taken to curb it.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was anchored by the technology advancement model. The mixed methodological design was used and involved use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 110 students, whilst an interview was conducted with one librarian responsible for managing service. SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data, whilst qualitative data was presented by following order of the themes.

Findings

The findings revealed that students owned a number of digital devices that included smartphones, laptops and augmented reality/virtual reality headsets which they deployed for a variety of uses. The findings further indicated that use of digital devices in the library has resulted in an upsurge in noise levels. Measures taken by students and library staff to tackle the problem have had limited success.

Practical implications

The prevalence of mobile digital devices has resulted in high levels of noise in academic libraries. However, this has not diminished users’ desire for a quiet study place. This paper, therefore, offers some insights of how libraries can combat the problem of noise to ensure that libraries remain attract to all groups of users.

Social implications

Besides transforming the way people do business and interact with others, digital devices have also negatively impacted people and society in the form of increased road traffic accidents due to misuse. Promoting responsible use of digital devices in the library may have spill-over effects, in that library patrons may become more disciplined in their usage of the digital devices elsewhere, thereby help eradicate the ills that have come about due to their wanton use.

Originality/value

Some studies that have been done have pointed to a high prevalence rate of digital devices at Mzuzu University. However, none of them has investigated the impact the existing digital devices have had on noise levels in the library. This study is one of the first studies to be done on the topic not only at Mzuzu University but also academic libraries in Malawi. It is further hoped that action taken based on the recommendations made would lead to reduced noise levels in the library that will lead to creation of a conducive place for study.
BDM–MDM integrated solution concept for scheduling information-driven projects
Authors: Maheswari J. Uma , Mujumdar Purva , Padala S.P. Sreenivas , Gwaskoti Abhishek
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Scheduling in information-driven design phase of construction projects is challenging due to multiple entity types (teams, components, deliverables, activities or parameters) and their dependencies/linkages. Established techniques such as dependency structure matrix (DSM), beeline diagramming method (BDM), multiple domain matrix (MDM), etc. have been independently utilized in past to model information dependencies/linkages and associated iteration. However, there has not been a holistic solution yet for scheduling multiple entity types and their relationships. Hence, an integrated solution needs to be developed that schedules information-driven projects accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study data collection approach is utilized. With data from two projects, i.e. hostel design and highway design, a BDM–MDM integrated solution was developed and applied to the same. Feedback from experts was obtained for refinements.

Findings

The proposed solution is efficient for scheduling multiple entity types and their information dependencies/linkages.

Practical implications

The proposed integrated solution enables the project participants to schedule information-driven projects systematically. Application to two distinct design cases emphasizes that the concept is generic and can be applied to any information-driven project with multiple entity types.

Originality/value

The BDM–MDM integrated solution concept is investigated for scheduling multiple entity types in any information-driven projects. This study also explored the terminologies such as multiple entity types and information-driven scheduling.
Contagious endowment effects across transactions
Authors: Pyo Tae-Hyung , Kwon JaeHwan , Gruca Thomas , Nayakankuppam Dhananjay
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The endowment effect is arguably one of the most robust phenomena documented in economics, behavioral decision theory and consumer research. However, the endowment effect has traditionally been studied as a fairly static phenomenon at the transactional level of analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper documents this “contagious” endowment effect using lab experiments and such field data as eBay transactions and discuss the managerial implication of these findings.

Findings

This study suggests that the endowment effect is not limited to the level of the specific object, but can manifest itself with the more abstract class of objects to which a specific object happens to belong.

Research limitations/implications

A logical next step would be to examine the boundary conditions – how similar does the subsequent object have to be for the endowment effect to transfer over to it? A related aspect would be whether there are boundary conditions arising from the quality of the endowment.

Practical implications

The effects reported here probably underlie the success of the many types of “bait and switch” schemes that have been used by the more unsavory type of marketer. As such, these findings might have implications for policy in the area of consumer protection.

Originality/value

This paper argues for and presents evidence consistent with the notion that the endowment effect is dynamic and can be transferred from one transaction to another and refer to this generalization of the endowment effect to other, similar products as “contagious endowment.”
Maturity of workplace relocation: a systematic literature review from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed M. , Hassanain Mohammad A. , Al-Hammad Abdul-Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify research gaps on workplace relocation, through investigating and critiquing the published literature, in the facilities management (FM) and real estate management (REM) domains, over three decades.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review was conducted, using academic search engines, using qualitative analysis software, in the domains of FM and REM, on workplace relocation, from 1990 to 2020, chronologically. The paper proposes future research directions through a maturity matrix.

Findings

Several gaps in workplace relocation research were identified, including the need for a wide-ranging coverage of workplace relocation lifecycle, a review and assessment of factors affecting workplace relocation over its lifecycle, studies on large organizations mobility, studies of international experiences on workplace relocation, absence of a holistic framework for the workplace relocation process and digital tools and solutions to facilitate the processes. A three levels maturity matrix for future research, proposing the adoption of qualitative, quantitative and applications research approaches, was presented.

Practical implications

This study enlists a chronological comprehension of knowledge obtained from the review of the internationally published literature. The research investigated and identified gaps, gripping for future research efforts.

Originality/value

This study reviews 30 years of published literature on workplace relocation and proposes topics for advancing future research, collectively.
Knowledge sharing in public organizations in Pakistan: leaders’ ethical role and psychological capital of employees
Authors: Amber Quratulain , Qazi Abdul Baseer , Javaid Nadeem , Khan Iram A. , Ahmad Mansoor
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of ethical leaders on the knowledge-sharing behavior of public sector employees. Ethical leaders engender knowledge-sharing behavior of employees by influencing their psychological capital.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the mechanism by which ethical leaders shape the knowledge-sharing behavior of employees, cross-sectional self-reported data (n= 339) are collected from employees working at decision-making positions in federal ministries in Pakistan.

Findings

Analysis results indicate that ethical leaders influence public employees to share knowledge with colleagues. Moreover, the mediary role of ethical values, organizational identification and altruism is evident, however, the mediary role of self-efficacy is not evident from results.

Practical implications

This implies that policymakers should be cognizant of the indirect mechanism by which ethical leaders positively influence the behavior of public employees. This knowledge helps them consider the recruitment, promotion and training of employees, especially the leaders, in line with the required ethical value consideration in public sector organizations.

Originality/value

This research is based on originally collected data from the field.
Perceived overqualification and contact center workers’ burnout: are motivations mediators?
Authors: Chambel Maria José , Carvalho Vânia S. , Lopes Sílvia , Cesário Francisco
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the direct effect of the perceived overqualification on the burnout syndrome and the indirect effect through the workers’ autonomous and controlled motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested with a sample of 3,256 contact center operators from one Portuguese company and data were analyzed using the software package Mplus to conduct structural equation models.

Findings

The results revealed that workers’ perceived overqualification is positively related to burnout and that both autonomous and controlled motivation partially mediates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design should be regarded as a limitation. Moreover, each variable was only assessed with self-reported measures, the sample comprised call center employees from only one company and one country (Portugal), and the workers were all employed in commercial services of telecommunications, energy, banking or insurance companies, which may constrain the generalization of these results.

Practical implications

Workers’ perceived overqualification should be avoided to prevent their burnout. Furthermore, an increase in workers’ skills and competencies, enhanced decision latitude, and the task variety and quality should be crucial for employees to develop more autonomous motivation to work in a contact center and the promotion of their well-being at work. More precisely, as overqualification concerns the employees’ perceptions of surplus education, experience and knowledge, from a practical perspective, enhancing the decision latitude, task variety and quality of these individuals’ work may contribute to decreasing individuals’ perception of overqualification and, therefore, contribute to increasing workers’ autonomous motivations and well-being.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence concerning the mediating role of both workers’ autonomous and controlled motivation to explain the relationship between perceived overqualification and burnout.
Lifetime ratio improvement technique using special fixed sensing points in wireless sensor network
Authors: L. Niranjan , Priyatham M. Manoj
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the lifetime ratio of wireless sensor networks for maintaining the battery level at a desired point for better improvement of network health.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensor point network (SPN) is used for variety of applications like weather check, tracking of undesirable vehicles and delivery of data to end points. The proposed special high health sensing point (SHHSP) scheme will overcome several limitations of existing game theory approaches with respect to delay, health and overall throughput.

Findings

The simulation results of the proposed SHHSP scheme confirms the excellence over the existing works examined with respect to delay, hops, energy consumed, nutrition SP, harmful SP, throughput and overhead.

Practical implications

It is proposed for a smart communication system in IoT, where in the communication between the sensing point network to its neighbouring sensing network is carried out by selection of SHHSP, this is implemented by using the remaining energy and distance vector with respect to control station. The system is applicable to weather check and can also be used in tracking of vehicles in a vehicle ad hoc networks.

Originality/value

It is subsidized to the IoT system and vehicle-to-vehicle communication system where in the safety is of utmost concern. The system is concentrated on the battery concern of SPN in a pool of SPNs.
The role of communication medium in increasing e-waste recycling awareness among higher educational institutions
Authors: Nanath Krishnadas , Ajit Kumar Shivani
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to test the effectiveness of communication platforms in conveying the importance of sustainability messages focusing on electronic waste (e-waste) recycling. While corporate communication has been explored well, this research explores the influence of communication medium on the shift in attitude and behavioural intention of higher education students.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design approach was used with quantitative data analysis to address the research questions.

Findings

The results revealed that the text form of communication was more effective in conveying the e-waste recycling message. Students demonstrated a significant shift in attitude and call for action when they read the sustainability article instead of watching a video with the same message.

Practical implications

With several universities trying to integrate sustainability in their curriculum, this research provides guidelines on effective communication methods for students. It also sheds light on the choice of platforms that can be used by organisations to reach out to their employees to convey sustainability-related messages.

Originality/value

The paper addresses sustainability communication in a university by exploring the best method of communication. The results open up new conversations on the media richness theory in the context of sustainability.
A global race to dominate the internet of things: how China caught up
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Li Xiaoping , Xiong Jie , Yan Jie , Xu Lu , Wang Ruoxi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In the ongoing Industry 4.0 era, the internet of things (IoT) has become a global race in the current information technology climate. However, little is understood about the pattern of the global competitive arena or its players’ set up strategy. This paper aims to attempt to compare the cross-country development of the IoT industry. In particular, from the lens of industrial policies, this paper highlights how China, as a latecomer, gains momentum to emerge victorious as a leader in this global race.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on five dimensions, namely, foundation, trajectory, characteristic, application and social impacts, this paper presents the evolution of the IoT industry in the USA, European Union, Japan, South Korea and China. From the lens of windows of opportunities, this paper analyzes how China seized the opportunity with the emerging technology, thereby, enabling it to create a competitive advantage.

Findings

This paper finds that China’s IoT industry takes a distinct trajectory, where scientific institutions, enterprises and governmental policies collaborate in unison, during which the first phase was when scientific research institutions introduced the conceptual new technology from developed countries. This technological foresight allowed for the identification and realization of critical technologies, strategic fields and technological trends. The second phase was the continuous dissatisfaction of capabilities of critical technologies, which creates disruptions that significantly altered the environment of technological competition.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive and comparative review of IoT industries in a global context, with the critical and influential role of the windows of opportunities on those enterprises lagging behind the technological wave.
Is it possible developing reliable prediction models considering only the pipe’s age for decision-making in sewer asset management?
Authors: Hernandez Nathalie , Caradot Nicolas , Sonnenberg Hauke , Rouault Pascale , Torres Andrés
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was exploring and comparing different deterioration models based on statistical and machine learning approaches. These models were chosen from their successful results in other case studies. The deterioration models were developing considering two scenarios: (i) only the age as covariate (Scenario 1); and (ii) the age together with other available sewer characteristics as covariates (Scenario 2). Both were evaluated to achieve two different management objectives related to the prediction of the critical condition of sewers: at the network and the sewer levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Six statistical and machine learning methods [logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), multinomial logistic regression, ordinal logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis and support vector machine] were explored considering two kinds of predictor variables (independent variables in the model). The main propose of these models was predicting the structural condition at network and pipe level evaluated from deviation analysis and performance curve techniques. Further, the deterioration models were exploring for two case studies: the sewer systems of Bogota and Medellin. These case studies were considered because of both counts with their own assessment standards and low inspection rate.

Findings

The results indicate that LR models for both case studies show higher prediction capacity under Scenario 1 (considering only the age) for the management objective related to the network, such as annual budget plans; and RF shows the highest success percentage of sewers in critical condition (sewer level) considering Scenario 2 for both case studies.

Practical implications

There is not a deterioration method whose predictions are adaptable for achieving different management objectives; it is important to explore different approaches to find which one could support a sewer asset management objective for a specific case study.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper consists of there is not a paper in which the prediction of several statistical and machine learning-based deterioration models has been compared for case studies with different local assessment standard. The above to find which is adaptable for each one and which model is adaptable for each management objective.
Quality of newspaper reporting of suicidal behavior in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Ransing Ramdas , Kar Sujita Kumar , Menon Vikas , Mhamunkar Aman , Patil Ishwar , Arafat S.M. Yasir
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the adherence of media reports of suicide published in vernacular language newspapers against the World Health Organization guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a content analysis of all suicide-related news reports published in the seven most widely circulated vernacular newspapers of Maharashtra. News reports published from April 2020 to May 2020 were included.

Findings

Among the 355 retrieved suicide reports, 39.2% reports were placed at a prominent position of the newspaper, 92.8% mentioned the name of a person, 93.8% mentioned the method of suicide, while 56.0% reported monocausal explanations for suicide. In contrast, 20.8% of news reports acknowledged a link with mental health disorders, while 0.3% news reports provided information about suicide prevention programs, and 0.8% mentioned suicide-related statistics.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report content analysis of suicide reports from Maharashtra state, which is one of the most developed states in India and has high rates of youth and farmer suicides.
Hey Alexa: examining the effect of perceived socialness in usage intentions of AI assistant-enabled smart speaker
Authors: Hsieh Sara H. , Lee Crystal T.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Artificially intelligent (AI) assistant-enabled smart speaker not only can provide assistance by navigating the massive amount of product and brand information on the internet but also can facilitate two-way conversations with individuals, thus resembling a human interaction. Although smart speakers have substantial implications for practitioners, the knowledge of the underlying psychological factors that drive continuance usage remains limited. Drawing on social response theory and the technology acceptance model, this study aims to elucidate the adoption process of smart speakers.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey of 391 smart speaker users were obtained. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Media richness (social cues) and parasocial interactions (social role) are key determinants affecting the establishment of trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which, in turn, affect attitude, continuance usage intentions and online purchase intentions through AI assistants.

Originality/value

AI assistant-enabled smart speakers are revolutionizing how people interact with smart products. Studies of smart speakers have mainly focused on functional or technical perspectives. This study is the first to propose a comprehensive model from both functional and social perspectives of continuance usage intention of the smart speaker and online purchase intentions through AI assistants.
Using a simulation-based process to select applicants: enhancing quality evaluation of a teacher education programme
Authors: Levin Orna , Paryente Bilha
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the process of using simulation to select candidates from a pool of teacher-education-programme applicants, considering the applicants’ perspective. The population of applicants to teacher-education programmes has been the subject of numerous studies; however, only a minor portion of these examined the applicants’ perspective regarding the applicant-selection process. Furthermore, the process of using simulation as a tool for applicant selection to a teacher-education has not been studied yet.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study focuses on applicants’ experience of the simulation-based selection (SBS) and its potential advantages. A total of 188 applicants completed a reflection questionnaire and participated in interviews; 15 of them also participated in focus groups. The data were analysed using the thematic-cognitive method.

Findings

Data analysis revealed three major themes and nine subthemes, which represent the value of SBS from the applicants’ perspective in terms of social–interpersonal, cognitive–professional and emotional–personal skills.

Practical implications

Research findings may enable decision-makers in teacher-education programmes to improve the candidate selection process, which will lead to the absorption of suitable teachers on the one hand and prevent the integration of unsuitable candidates on the other.

Originality/value

This pioneering study contributes to our understanding of the applicant-selection process and offers practical recommendations for using SBS to enhance the quality of the selection process.
Infonomics and the environment
Authors: Barragan Salvador
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible implications of applying the infonomics methodology and measurement model within records and information management (RIM) to reduce organizations’ electronic footprint. By analyzing content using infonomics, it is possible for RIM managers in the private sector to keep only information with the highest value and change their behavior around keeping content beyond its infonomic value. This, in turn, may reduce the stress upon natural resources that are used in maintaining information data centers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines different theories of evaluating information value and describes the role of infonomics in analyzing information as an asset to minimize its electronic footprint. Its focus is on the implications of applying a set of measurements that go beyond the information valuing models currently used in RIM; thereby, this study addresses how information that has superseded its business value may be eliminated.

Findings

This paper concludes that infonomics could elevate RIM function and alter how RIM managers within the private sector value information. Further, the inclusion of infonomics into RIM models may create new roles for RIM managers and extend the influence and reach of RIM. This may also lead to valuing all content and eliminating content that no longer has any business value. This may also eliminate the need for large data storage centers that harness and exhaust nonrenewable resources. Future developments must be watched and analyzed to see if this becomes a norm.

Practical implications

This paper will be of interest to stakeholders responsible for valuing information, appraisal of information, life-cycle management, records management, InfoSec and big data analytics.

Originality/value

The work is original but parts of this subject have been previously addressed in another study.
Impact of mandatory corporate social responsibility on corporate financial performance: the Indian experience
Authors: Sharma Rattan , Aggarwal Priti
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure on the firm’s financial performance in the aftermath of insertion of Section 135 in the Companies Act, 2013 for Indian listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, fixed effect panel regression model and principal component analysis on a data set of 153 non-financial companies listed in BSE-500 companies for a period of 2015–2019.

Findings

The empirical results of the paper suggest that the mandatory CSR expenditure negatively impacts the company’s profitability.

Practical implications

The study has important implications for regulators and listed companies. Firstly, the mandatory CSR expenditure acts as a burden onto the on-going activities of the firms. CSR activities, therefore, should be integrated with the existing skillsets and expertise of the firms. Secondly, the government can encourage CSR activities by making the expenditure tax deductible. Moreover, the Schedule VII list of activities has a scope to become more inclusive rather than the present exhaustive list.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the gap in the expectation and actualisation of the CSR mandate by studying the recent data of the sample companies of the BSE-500 index. The paper adds to the CSR literature in the emerging market context.
Using memoir in social studies and history classes: a VARK approach to address all learning styles
Authors: Liftig Robert Alan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Using primary sources, such as memoirs, letters and diaries, rather than relying solely on secondary sources (i.e. the textbook) is a more effective way for students to appreciate the lived experiences of those who were present when the history was made. This article details how memoir was used in a college classroom in Connecticut as a supplement to required texts. It provides a lesson plan, a sequence of activities and a list of recommended primary sources that were used to explore selected topics. It proposes reasons for why this method of instruction has been so successful.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses VARK approach: visual, auditory, reading, kinesthetic; sequential activities using text, video and primary sources; PowerPoint from group work; presentation via ZOOM; and required text used as lens through which to see student choice topics.

Findings

Accessing VARK learning behaviors and including the original voices of those who lived through history improves student engagement, increases understanding and empathy and promotes sense of agency to student progress.

Research limitations/implications

Students focus on a particular aspect of history. Shared text covers all of it, through a thematic lens. Final exam and papers insure that students are responsible for all of the course material.

Practical implications

Young students might “role play” individuals in history, or particular situations, but this is not accepted, practical or as useful in higher grades. Using primary sources bridges that gap.

Social implications

Teamwork, shared technical skills, product produced and shared, and sense of group experience lead to more unified classroom. Teacher role is more of director and editor rather than information giver.

Originality/value

The study is not a new idea, but one that is usually used only as a one-off and should be made part of standard curriculum.