bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RefDeduR: A text-normalization and decision-tree aided R package enabling accurate and high-throughput reference deduplication for large datasets
Authors: Shen Jiaxian , Ling Fangqiong , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: October 2022

As the scientific literature grows exponentially and research becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, accurate and high-throughput reference deduplication is vital in evidence synthesis studies (e.g., systematic reviews, meta-analyses) to ensure the completeness of datasets while reducing the manual screening burden. Existing tools fail to fulfill these emerging needs, as they are often labor-intensive, insufficient in accuracy, and limited to clinical fields. Here, we present RefDeduR, a text-normalization and decision-tree aided R package that enables accurate and high-throughput reference deduplication. We modularize the pipeline into text normalization, three-step exact matching, and two-step fuzzy matching processes. We also introduce a decision-tree algorithm, consider preprints when they co-exist with a peer-reviewed version, and provide actionable recommendations. Therefore, the tool is customizable, accurate, high-throughput, and practical. RefDeduR provides an effective solution to perform reference deduplication and represents a valuable advance in expanding the open-source toolkit to support evidence synthesis research.
The unique synaptic circuitry of specialized olfactory glomeruli inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Gruber Lydia , Cantera Rafael , Pleijzier Markus William , Steinert Michael , Pertsch Thomas , Hansson Bill S. , Rybak Jürgen
Published: October 2022

In theDrosophilaolfactory system most odorants are encoded in the antennal lobe in a combinatory way, activating several glomerular circuits. However, odorants of particular ecological role for the fly are encoded through activation of a single specialized olfactory pathway. Comparative analyses of densely reconstructed connectomes of one broadly tuned glomerulus (DL5) and one narrowly tuned glomerulus (DA2) gained detailed insight into the variations of synaptic circuitries of glomeruli with different computational tasks. Our approach combined laser-branding of glomeruli of interest with volume based focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to enable precise targeting and analysis of the two glomeruli. We discovered differences in their neuronal innervation, synaptic composition and specific circuit diagrams of their major cell types: olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), uniglomerular projection neurons (uPNs) and multiglomerular neurons (MGNs). By comparing our data with a previously mapped narrowly tuned glomerulus (VA1v), we identified putative generic features of narrowly tuned glomerular circuits, including higher density of neuronal fibers and synapses, lower degree of OSN lateralization, stronger axo-axonic connections between OSNs, dendro-dendritic connections between many uPNs, and lower degree of presynaptic inhibition on OSN axons. In addition, this work revealed that the dendrites of the single uPN in DL5 contain a substantial amount of autapses interconnecting distant regions of the dendritic tree. The comparative analysis of glomeruli allows to formulate synaptic motifs implemented in olfactory circuits with different computational demands.
Hippocampal firing fields anchored to a moving object predict homing direction during path-integration-based behavior
Authors: Jazi Maryam Najafian , Tymorek Adrian , Yen Ting-Yun , Kavarayil Felix Jose , Stingl Moritz , Chau Sherman Richard , Baskurt Benay , Vilela Celia García , Allen Kevin
Published: October 2022

Homing based on path integration (H-PI) is a form of navigation in which an animal uses self-motion cues to keep track of its position and return to a starting point. Despite evidence for a role of the hippocampus in H-PI, the firing patterns of hippocampal neurons associated with homing performance are unknown. Here we developed a behavioral task for mice to characterize spatially selective cells during H-PI. The task required a mouse to find a variably placed lever on an arena before returning to its home base. H-PI was assessed in complete darkness. Recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons in mice showed that several firing fields were anchored to the lever position. The spatial stability of lever-anchored fields was reduced during trials with lower homing accuracy, and the activity of a subset of lever-anchored firing fields predicted homing direction. These results demonstrate how neurons with object-anchored firing fields contribute to navigation.
A predictive unifying explanation for nuclear shapes based on a simple geometric principle
Authors: Dickinson Richard B. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: October 2022

Nuclei have characteristic shapes dependent on cell type, which are critical for proper cell function, and nuclei lose their distinct shapes in multiple diseases including cancer, laminopathies, and progeria. Nuclear shapes result from deformations of the sub-nuclear components—nuclear lamina and chromatin. How these structures respond to cytoskeletal forces to form the nuclear shape remains unresolved. Although the mechanisms regulating nuclear shape in human tissues are not fully understood, it is known that different nuclear shapes arise from cumulative nuclear deformations post-mitosis, ranging from the rounded morphologies that develop immediately after mitosis to the various nuclear shapes that roughly correspond to cell shape (e.g., elongated nuclei in elongated cells, flat nuclei in flat cells). Here we establish a simple geometric principle of nuclear shaping: the excess surface area of the nucleus (relative to that of a sphere of the same volume) permits a wide range highly deformed nuclear shapes under the constraints of constant surface area and constant volume, and, when the lamina is smooth (tensed), the nuclear shape can be predicted entirely from these geometric constraints alone for a given cell shape. This principle explains why flattened nuclear shapes in fully spread cells are insensitive to the magnitude of the cytoskeletal forces. We demonstrate this principle by predicting limiting nuclear shapes (i.e. with smooth lamina) in various cell geometries, including isolated on a flat surface, on patterned rectangles and lines, within a monolayer, isolated in a well, or when the nucleus is impinging against a slender obstacle. We also show that the lamina surface tension and nuclear pressure can be estimated from the predicted cell and nuclear shapes when the cell cortical tension is known, and the predictions are consistent with measured forces. These results show that excess lamina surface area is the key determinant of nuclear shapes, and that nuclear shapes can be determined purely by the geometric constraints of constant (but excess) nuclear surface area and nuclear volume, not by the magnitude of the cytoskeletal forces involved.
nf-encyclopedia: A cloud-ready pipeline for chromatogram library data-independent acquisition proteomics workflows
Authors: Allen Carolyn , Meinl Rico , Searle Brian C , Just Seth , Pino Lindsay K , Fondrie William E
Published: October 2022

Data independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry methods provide systematic and comprehensive quantification of the proteome; yet, relatively few open-source tools are available to analyze DIA proteomics experiments. Fewer still are tools that can leverage gas phase fractionated (GPF) chromatogram libraries to enhance the detection and quantification of peptides in these experiments. Here, we present nf-encyclopedia, an open-source NextFlow pipeline that connects three open-source tools—MSConvert, EncyclopeDIA, and MSstats—to analyze DIA proteomics experiments with or without chromatogram libraries. We demonstrate that nf-encyclopedia is reproducible both when run on a cloud platform or a local workstation and provides robust peptide and protein quantification. Additionally, we found that MSstats enhances protein-level quantitative performance over EncyclopeDIA alone. Finally, we benchmarked the ability nf-encyclopedia to scale to large experiments in the cloud by leveraging the parallelization of compute resources. The nf-encyclopedia pipeline is available under a permissive Apache 2.0 license—run it on your desktop, cluster, or in the cloud: https://github.com/TalusBio/nf-encyclopedia.
Taste triggers a homeostatic temperature control in hungry flies
Authors: Umezaki Yujiro , Hidalgo Sergio , Nguyen Erika , Nguyen Tiffany , Suh Jay , Uchino Sheena S. , Chiu Joanna C. , Hamada Fumika N.
Published: October 2022

Hungry animals consistently show a desire to obtain food. Even a brief sensory detection of food can trigger bursts of physiological and behavioral changes. However, the underlying mechanisms by which the sensation of food triggers the acute behavioral response remain elusive. We have previously shown inDrosophilathat hunger drives a preference for low temperature. BecauseDrosophilais a small ectotherm, a preference for low temperature implies a low body temperature and a low metabolic rate. Here, we show that taste sensing triggers a switch from a low to a high temperature preference in hungry flies. We show that taste stimulation by artificial sweeteners or optogenetics triggers an acute warm preference, but is not sufficient to reach the fed state. Instead, nutrient intake is required to reach the fed state. The data suggest that starvation recovery is controlled by two components: taste-evoked and nutrient-induced warm preferences, and that taste and nutrient quality play distinct roles in starvation recovery. Animals are motivated to eat based on time of day or hunger. We found that clock genes and hunger signals profoundly control the taste-evoked warm preferences. Thus, our data suggest that the taste-evoked response is one of the critical layers of regulatory mechanisms representing internal energy homeostasis and metabolism.
Chikungunya virus transmission in the Southernmost state of Brazil was characterized by self-limited cases (2017–2019) and a larger 2021 outbreak
Authors: Gregianini Tatiana Schäffer , Salvato Richard Steiner , Barcellos Regina Bones , Godinho Fernanda Marques , Ruivo Amanda Pellenz , de Melo Viviane Horn , Schroder Júlio Augusto , Martiny Fernanda Letícia , Möllmann Erica Bortoli , Favreto Cátia , Baethgen Ludmila Fiorenzano , Ferreira Vithoria Pompermaier , de Lima Lívia Eidt , Piazza Cláudia Fasolo , Machado Taís Raquel Marcon , Becker Irina Marieta , Ramos Raquel Rocha , Frölich Guilherme Carey , Rossetti Alana Fraga , Almeida Lucas da Cunha , Rodrigues Tahiana Machado Antunes , Bragança Isabella Tabelli , Campos Aline Alves Scarpellini , Manzoni Verônica Baú , Machado Lais Ceschini , da Silva Luisa Maria Inácio , de Oliveira André Luiz Sá , Paiva Marcelo Henrique Santos , Nunes Zenaida Marion Alves , de Almeida Paula Rodrigues , Demoliner Meriane , Gularte Juliana Schons , da Silva Mariana Soares , Filippi Micheli , Pereira Vyctoria Malayhka de Abreu Góes , Spilki Fernando Rosado , da Veiga Ana Beatriz Gorini , Wallau Gabriel Luz
Published: October 2022

Chikungunya is a reemerging arthropod-borne virus that has been causing large outbreaks in the Americas. In Brazil, Asian-Caribbean and ECSA genotypes have been detected and lead to large outbreaks in several states since 2014. In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the southernmost State, the first autochthonous cases were reported in 2016. We employed genome sequencing and epidemiological investigation to characterize the increasing CHIKF burden in RS between 2017– 2021. Distinct lineages of the ECSA genotype were responsible for human infections between 2017–2021. Until 2020, CHIKV introductions were most travel associated and transmission was limited. Then, in 2021, the largest outbreak occurred in the state associated with the introduction of a new ECSA lineage. New CHIKV outbreaks are likely to occur in the near future due to abundant competent vectors and a susceptible population, exposing more than 11 million inhabitants to an increasing infection risk.
Locus coeruleus norepinephrine selectively controls visual attention
Authors: Ghosh Supriya , Maunsell John H. R.
Published: October 2022

Norepinephrine (NE) neuromodulation plays a role in diverse non-specific physiological and cognitive functions including wakefulness, arousal, and cognitive performance. NE modulation of neuronal responses in the cerebral cortex has been proposed to mediate improved task-specific behavior by enhancing sensory processing. However, the sensory-specific NE contribution on performance remains unknown. We directly tested the role of NE-mediated neuromodulation of sensory signals on perceptual performance in non-human primates doing visual spatial attention tasks. We found that NE neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) respond selectively to an attended stimulus. Optogenetically enhancing the sensory-specific responses of LC-NE neurons improved the monkeys’ sensory discrimination in a spatially selectively way, without affecting motor processing. These findings identify a specific contribution of NE neuromodulation of sensory representations to selective attention and performance.

One-Sentence Summary

Optogenetic activation of monkey locus coeruleus causes a strong and spatially selective improvement in visual sensitivity.

Graphical abstract

Elevation of phasic norepinephrine signal by optogenetic stimulation of locus coeruleus in non-human primates selectively improves attentional performance that attributes to enhanced sensory sensitivity.
Subcellular proteomics and iPSC modeling uncover reversible mechanisms of axonal pathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cai Yifei , Kanyo Jean , Wilson Rashaun , Bathla Shveta , Cardozo Pablo Leal , Tong Lei , Qin Shanshan , Fuentes Lukas A. , Pinheiro-de-Sousa Iguaracy , Huynh Tram , Sun Liyuan , Mansuri Mohammad Shahid , Tian Zichen , Gan Hao-Ran , Braker Amber , Trinh Hoang Kim , Huttner Anita , Lam TuKiet T. , Petsalaki Evangelia , Brennand Kristen J. , Nairn Angus C. , Grutzendler Jaime
Published: October 2022

Axonal spheroids (dystrophic neurites) are commonly found around amyloid deposits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They impair electrical conduction, disrupt neural circuits, and correlate with AD severity. Despite their significance, the mechanisms underlying spheroid formation remain unknown. To address this, we developed a proximity labeling proteomics approach to uncover the proteome of spheroids in human postmortem and mouse brains. Additionally, we established a human iPSC-derived AD model allowing mechanistic investigation of spheroid pathology and optical electrophysiology. This approach revealed the subcellular molecular architecture of spheroids and identified abnormalities in key biological processes, including protein turnover, cytoskeleton dynamics, and lipid transport. Notably, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which regulates these processes, was activated within spheroids. Furthermore, phosphorylated mTOR levels in spheroids strongly correlated with AD severity in humans. Importantly, inhibition of mTOR in iPSC-derived neurons and in mice ameliorated spheroid pathology. Altogether, our study provides a multidisciplinary toolkit for investigating mechanisms and novel targets for axonal pathology in neurodegeneration.
Elucidation of small molecule passive permeation across lipid membranes using conventional solution state NMR methods
Authors: Serrano-Sanchez Angela , Cassar Joseph , White Lisa J. , Popoola Precious I. A. , Hiscock Jennifer R. , Ortega-Roldan Jose L.
Published: October 2022

Quantifying small molecule uptake across a biological membrane in any cell system is crucial for the development of efficacious and selective drugs. However, obtaining such data is not trivial, especially in bacterial systems. Herein, we present an assay which enables the determination of the degree of passive permeation and membrane interaction of mixtures of small molecules in vesicles of a desired lipid composition, including that of bacterial membranes. The assay employs highly accessible conventional solution NMR experiments, exploiting the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement effect, and allows the measurement of membrane permeation on mixtures of any number of small molecules which do not exhibit heterogeneous molecular signal overlap in under 20 minutes. As a proof-of -principle we apply this methodology to candidates from a class of supramolecular self-associating amphiphiles, members from which have been shown to interact with biological phospholipid membranes and elicit an antimicrobial effect, allowing the determination and comparison of their membrane permeability and membrane interaction properties.
Magnesium modulates Bacillus subtilis cell division frequency
Authors: Guo Tingfeng , Herman Jennifer K.
Published: October 2022

By chance, we discovered a window of extracellular magnesium (Mg2+) availability that modulates Bacillus subtilis division frequency without affecting growth rate. In this window, cells grown with excess Mg2+ produce shorter cells than those grown in unsupplemented medium. The Mg2+-responsive adjustment in cell length occurs in both rich and minimal media and in domesticated and undomesticated strains. Of other divalent cations tested, manganese (Mn2+) and zinc (Zn2+) also resulted in cell shortening, but only at concentrations that affected growth. Cell length decreased proportionally with increasing Mg2+ from 0.2 mM to 2.0 mM, with little or no detectable change in labile, intracellular Mg2+ based on a riboswitch reporter. Cells grown in excess Mg2+ had fewer nucleoids and possessed more FtsZ-rings per unit cell length, consistent with increased division frequency. Remarkably, when shifting cells from unsupplemented to supplemented medium, more than half of the cell length decrease occurred in the first 10 min, consistent with rapid division onset. Relative to unsupplemented cells, cells growing at steady-state with excess Mg2+ showed enhanced expression of a large number of SigB-regulated genes and activation of the Fur, MntR, and Zur regulons. Thus, by manipulating the availability of one nutrient, we were able to uncouple growth rate from division frequency and identify transcriptional changes suggesting cell division is accompanied by oxidative stress and an enhanced demand to sequester and/or increase uptake of iron, Mn2+, and Zn2+.

IMPORTANCE

The signals cells use to trigger cell division are unknown. Although division is often considered intrinsic to the cell-cycle, microorganisms can continue to grow and repeat rounds of DNA replication without dividing, indicating cycles of division can be skipped. Here we show that by manipulating a single nutrient, Mg2+, cell division can be uncoupled from growth rate. This finding can be applied to investigate the nature of the cell division signal(s).
DELE1 oligomerization promotes integrated stress response activation
Authors: Yang Jie , Baron Kelsey R. , Pride Daniel E. , Schneemann Anette , Guo Xiaoyan , Chen Wenqian , Song Albert S. , Aviles Giovanni , Kampmann Martin , Wiseman R. Luke , Lander Gabriel C.
Published: October 2022

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that must continually adapt and respond to cellular stress. Recent studies demonstrated that mitochondrial stress can be relayed from mitochondria to the cytosol by the release of a C-terminal proteolytic fragment of DELE1 that binds to the eIF2α kinase HRI to initiate integrate stress response (ISR) signaling. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the active, C-terminal cleavage product of human DELE1 at ∼3.8 A° resolution. Our structure reveals that DELE1 assembles into a high-order oligomer that is observed both in vitro and in mammalian cells. Structurally, the oligomer consists of eight DELE1 monomers that assemble with D4 symmetry via two sets of distinct hydrophobic inter-subunit interactions. We identified the key residues involved in DELE1 oligomerization, and confirmed their role in stabilizing the octamer in vitro and in cells using mutagenesis. Further, we show that assembly impaired DELE1 mutants are compromised in their ability to induce ISR activation in cell culture models. Together, our findings provide molecular insights into the activity of DELE1 and how it signals to promote ISR activity following mitochondrial insult.
Machine learning for discovery: deciphering RNA splicing logic
Authors: Liao Susan E. , Sudarshan Mukund , Regev Oded
Published: October 2022

Machine learning methods, particularly neural networks trained on large datasets, are transforming how scientists approach scientific discovery and experimental design. However, current state-of-the-art neural networks are limited by their uninterpretability: despite their excellent accuracy, they cannot describe how they arrived at their predictions. Here, using an “interpretable-by-design” approach, we present a neural network model that provides insights into RNA splicing, a fundamental process in the transfer of genomic information into functional biochemical products. Although we designed our model to emphasize interpretability, its predictive accuracy is on par with state-of-the-art models. To demonstrate the model’s interpretability, we introduce a visualization that, for any given exon, allows us to trace and quantify the entire decision process from input sequence to output splicing prediction. Importantly, the model revealed novel components of the splicing logic, which we experimentally validated. This study highlights how interpretable machine learning can advance scientific discovery.
Determinants of the microbiome spatial variability in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Szaleniec Joanna , Bezshapkin Valentyn , Krawczyk Agnieszka , Kopera Katarzyna , Zapała Barbara , Gosiewski Tomasz , Kosciolek Tomasz
Published: October 2022

Background

The sinus microbiome in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is considered homogenous across the sinonasal cavity. The middle nasal meatus is the recommended sampling site for 16S rRNA sequencing. However, individuals with unusually high between-site variability between the middle meatus and the sinuses were identified in previous studies. This study aimed to identify which factors determine increased microbial heterogeneity between sampling sites in the sinuses.

Methodology

In this cross-sectional study samples for 16S rRNA sequencing were obtained from the middle meatus, the maxillary and the frontal sinus in 50 patients with CRS. The microbiome diversity between sampling sites was analysed in relation to the size of the sinus ostia and clinical metadata.

Results

In approximately 15% of study participants, the differences between sampling sites within one patient were greater than between the patient and other individuals. Contrary to a popular hypothesis, obstruction of the sinus ostium resulted in decreased dissimilarity between the sinus and the middle meatus. The dissimilarity between the sampling sites was patient-specific: greater between-sinus differences were associated with greater meatus-sinus differences, regardless of the drainage pathway patency. Decreased spatial variability was observed in patients with nasal polyps and extensive mucosal changes in the sinuses.

Conclusions

Sampling from the middle meatus is not universally representative of the sinus microbiome. The differences between sites cannot be predicted from the patency of communication pathways between them.
Plasticity and interactions in the odor responses of maxillary palps neurons in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Saran Singh Swikriti , Garg Sanket , Singh Pranjul , Gupta Smith , Airan Abhinav , Goyal Shefali , Gupta Nitin
Published: October 2022

Maxillary palps, in addition to the antennae, are major olfactory organs in mosquitoes and play an important role in the detection of human hosts. The sensory neurons of the maxillary palps reside in the capitate peg sensilla, each of which contains three neurons. In Aedes aegypti, the neuron with the largest spike amplitude in the sensillum is known to detect carbon dioxide. However, the responses of the other two neurons and the functional consequences of the grouping of these neurons within sensilla are not well understood. Here we identify odorants that activate the other two neurons. We detect a short-term plasticity in the odor-evoked local field potential of the sensillum and show that it originates in the spiking responses of the smallest-amplitude neuron, even though all three neurons contribute to the local field potential. We also detect inhibitory interactions among these neurons within the sensillum. We further show that the plasticity and the lateral interactions are functionally important as they affect the responses of the downstream projection neurons in the antennal lobe.
Preparing Bacterial Genomic DNA
Authors: Figueroa-Bossi Nara , Balbontín Roberto , Bossi Lionello
Published: October 2022

We describe two alternative procedures for purifying bacterial chromosomal DNA. The first procedure incorporates the use of a commercial kit based on silica membrane technology. This approach relies on the selective binding of DNA to a silica-based column in the presence of chaotropic salts (guanidine salts). Polysaccharides and proteins do not bind well to the column and flow through. Their residual traces, along with the guanidine salts, are removed during alcohol-based wash steps. The DNA is then selectively eluted under low-salt conditions. This method is quick and easy and yields genomic DNA suitable for most downstream applications. The second procedure, implemented for many years in our laboratory before the appearance of commercial kits, is based on the ability of the cationic detergent cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) to complex with polysaccharides and proteins, producing an emulsion that can be removed by chloroform–isoamyl alcohol extraction. This procedure is therefore especially suited to working with Gram-negative bacteria, which typically produce large amounts of polysaccharides. Its main advantage, besides cost-effectiveness, is the high yield of the DNA obtained; its main disadvantage is that the workflow is relatively cumbersome.
“Automatic” interpretation of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) results for nonexpert users, using R programming
Authors: Moschidis Stratos , Markos Angelos , Thanopoulos Athanasios C.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create an automatic interpretation of the results of the method of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) for categorical variables, so that the nonexpert user can immediately and safely interpret the results, which concern, as the authors know, the categories of variables that strongly interact and determine the trends of the subject under investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a novel theoretical approach to interpreting the results of the MCA method. The classical interpretation of MCA results is based on three indicators: the projection (F) of the category points of the variables in factorial axes, the point contribution to axis creation (CTR) and the correlation (COR) of a point with an axis. The synthetic use of the aforementioned indicators is arduous, particularly for nonexpert users, and frequently results in misinterpretations. The current study has achieved a synthesis of the aforementioned indicators, so that the interpretation of the results is based on a new indicator, as correspondingly on an index, the well-known method principal component analysis (PCA) for continuous variables is based.

Findings

Two (2) concepts were proposed in the new theoretical approach. The interpretative axis corresponding to the classical factorial axis and the interpretative plane corresponding to the factorial plane that as it will be seen offer clear and safe interpretative results in MCA.

Research limitations/implications

It is obvious that in the development of the proposed automatic interpretation of the MCA results, the authors do not have in the interpretative axes the actual projections of the points as is the case in the original factorial axes, but this is not of interest to the simple user who is only interested in being able to distinguish the categories of variables that determine the interpretation of the most pronounced trends of the phenomenon being examined.

Practical implications

The results of this research can have positive implications for the dissemination of MCA as a method and its use as an integrated exploratory data analysis approach.

Originality/value

Interpreting the MCA results presents difficulties for the nonexpert user and sometimes lead to misinterpretations. The interpretative difficulty persists in the MCA's other interpretative proposals. The proposed method of interpreting the MCA results clearly and accurately allows for the interpretation of its results and thus contributes to the dissemination of the MCA as an integrated method of categorical data analysis and exploration.
In search of the intrinsic value of one country two systems: from selective adaptation to normative consensus
Authors: Wang Chao
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This article examines the effects and implications of the 2019 social movement in Hong Kong and those of the enactment of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong for one country two systems (OCTS). It further explores how these factors potentially promote or threaten the intrinsic value of OCTS a normative consensus. It also discusses the factors underpinning the rationale of OCTS as a normative consensus and whether this consensus is inviolable and sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses the concept of selective adaptation, especially the element of complementarity to explainthe legal behaviour of the Peopleʼs Republic of China (PRC) in relation to Hong Kong and to examine the effects and implications of the 2019 social movement in Hong Kong and those of the enactment of the NSL for Hong Kong for OCTS. It further explores how these factors potentially promote or threaten the intrinsic value of OCTS a normative consensus. It also discusses the factors underpinning the rationale of OCTS as a normative consensus and whether this consensus is inviolable and sustainable.

Findings

It is still possible and feasible for China and the West to work out a normative consensus to sustain and/or restore the core values of Hong Kong – the rule of law, freedom of expression, and political participation – while accommodating the PRC's political concerns about national sovereignty and security. This intrinsic value of OCTS in terms of seeking complementarity and coexistence between the Western liberal norms of governance and Chinese socialist ideology, should be acknowledged and that the OCTS policy should remain in full force to serve as a normative consensus between China and the West, and the feasibility of this proposed normative consensus rests on the PRC's self-interest.

Originality/value

This is one of the very few original research that applies the paradigm of selective adaptation to explain and understand the legal behaviour and phenomenon in relation to PRC's policy towards Hong Kong.
Are the works that cite Beall's List accounting journals comparable to those that cite Scopus journals of similar citation impact?
Authors: Walters William H.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Th study evaluates the apparent quality of the 10 Beall's List accounting journals with the highest citation rates by investigating whether the works that cite those journals are comparable to those that cite 11 Scopus journals of similar citation impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the characteristics of the works that cited the Beall's List and Scopus journals, 2015–2020, comparing the two groups of citing works by publication type (article, book, etc.), extent of self-citation, inclusion in Beall's List and Scopus, Open Access (OA) status, publisher type, citation impact, and country/region of interest.

Findings

The Beall's List accounting journals tend to be cited in less reputable outlets; they are especially likely to be cited in Beall's List journals and especially unlikely to be cited in Scopus journals. However, other evidence suggests that these journals occupy a distinctive niche. The works that cite Beall's List journals are especially likely to be OA, to be published by universities and other nonprofits, and to focus on lower-income countries. They also have relatively low journal and publisher self-citation rates.

Originality/value

Beall's List accounting journals may be especially useful to scholars who rely on OA journals, who see their local universities as natural publishing partners, and who investigate topics of concern to developing countries. An increase in the number of non-predatory journals that cater to these authors' needs might help resolve the apparent problem of unmet demand for journal space.
The borders are re-opening! Has virtual reality been a friend or a foe to the tourism industry so far?
Authors: Tan Kim-Lim , Hii Ivy S.H. , Zhu Wenqian , Leong Choi-Meng , Lin Eliver
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Leveraging the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) theory, this paper aims to investigate how the utilitarian and hedonic factors in virtual reality (VR) technologies affect consumers' intention to travel in the endemic phase of COVID-19. At the same time, the study incorporated emotional engagement and two forms of trust as possible organisms for this model.

Design/methodology/approach

Through snowball sampling, data collected from 263 respondents were analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings revealed that among the different forms of hedonic and utilitarian factors, all but perceived entertainment has a significant positive relationship to emotional engagement. Additionally, emotional engagement positively influences trust in the product and seller. However, the results show that only trust in the seller has a significant relationship with travelling intention. Predictive analysis shows that the model displays a strong predictive power.

Originality/value

This study differentiates from the existing literature by investigating the effect of VR technologies on the two different forms of trust and emotional engagement on travelling intention. This study extends earlier studies by supplementing the explanatory perspective with a predictive focus, which is particularly important in making sound recommendations on managerial decision-making.
Information processing costs and firm-specific information flows: evidence from the launch of high-speed railway in China
Authors: Zhao Gang , Yu Xin , Ni Kailun
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The findings suggest that reducing information processing costs as a result of better transportation is an important ingredient in promoting the pricing of firm-specific information. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a difference-in-difference (DID) research design to examine the impact of information processing costs on stock price synchronicity with a sample of firms listed in the Chinese A-share market during 2007 and 2017.

Findings

This paper shows that the launch of the high-speed railway (hereafter HSR) in China is associated with lower stock price synchronicity, consistent with the theory that the HSR reduces investors’ information processing costs (cost of monitoring, acquiring and analyzing firm disclosures). This effect is more pronounced for companies located in remote areas than for those located in large cities. Further tests show that the negative association between the launch of HSR and stock price synchronicity is stronger for companies with higher information asymmetries, proxied by higher equity concentration, higher complexity and lower internal control quality.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in the following three ways. First, prior literature relates the effects of geographic distance to information transmission and information asymmetry between insiders and outside investors (e.g. Coval and Moskowitz, 2001; Kang and Kim, 2008; Malloy, 2005). The authors supplement the literature by providing new empirical evidence from an exogenous shock (natural experiment), that is, the launch of HSR, that facilitates transportation and reduces information transmission costs. Second, prior studies have shown that new airline routes that facilitate transportation improve investment and productivity (e.g. Bernstein et al., 2016; Giroud, 2013). The authors extend this stream of studies by showing that the development of HSR networks reduces information processing costs, and promotes the incorporation of firm-specific information in the asset pricing. More importantly, in this study, the authors explicitly incorporate disclosure processing costs theory into our framework thus enhancing our understanding of how and why improvements in transport relate to better market outcomes.
International business research on “emerging economies”: a critical review and recommendations
Authors: Ott Dana L. , Michailova Snejina , Earl Anna , Ang Siah Hwee
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Over the past few decades, examinations of emerging economies (EEs) have received increasing attention in international business (IB) research. This article takes a critical stance on some of the re-occurring shortcomings of that research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a critical literature review of 493 articles on EEs that have been published in five top-tier IB academic journals in the period 2010–2020. True to the nature of a critical literature review, the authors judge and question some of the practices that have impeded knowledge accumulation.

Findings

The authors found a recurring lack of definitional clarity and contextualization, as well as overgeneralized inferences from findings. The authors provide recommendations on how to address these weaknesses and a checklist to guide future IB research on EEs.

Originality/value

The authors question and problematize what they see as dominant but undesirable practices when conducting EE research. The actionable directions for addressing uncovered issues and checklist to guide future research in this area that the authors offer are rather bold and unambiguous.
Reforming Australia's approach to hazards and disaster risk: national leadership, systems thinking, and inclusive conversations about vulnerability
Authors: Buchtmann Monica , Wise Russell , O'Connell Deborah , Crosweller Mark , Edwards Jillian
Published: October 2022

Purpose

There are many pragmatic challenges and complex interactions in the reduction of systemic disaster risk. No single agency has the mandate, authority, legitimacy or resources to fully address the deeper socio-economic, cultural, regulatory or political forces that often drive the creation and transfer of risk. National leadership and co-ordination are key enablers. This paper shares Australia's progress in building an enabling environment for systemic disaster risk reduction, and specifically how a change in thinking and resolve to work differently is beginning to shape nation-wide reforms and national programs of work.

Design/methodology/approach

The project and program of work adopted an inclusive, collaborative, co-design and co-production approach, working with diverse groups to create new knowledge, build trust, ongoing learning and collective ownership and action. Values- and systems-based approaches, and ethical leadership were core aspects of the approach.

Findings

Co-creating a more comprehensive and shared understanding of systemic disaster risk, particularly the values at risk and tensions and trade-offs associated with the choices about how people prevent or respond, has contributed to a growing shift in the way disasters are conceptualised. New narratives about disasters as “unnatural” and the need for shared responsibilities are shaping dialogue spaces and policy frameworks. The authors’ experience and ongoing learning acknowledge pragmatic challenges while also providing evidence-based ideas and guidance for more systems and transformative styles and competencies of leadership that are needed for convening in contested and complex environments.

Practical implications

This work built networks, competencies and generated ongoing momentum and learning. The lessons, evidence and reports from the work continue to be accessed and influential in research, emergency management and disaster mitigation practices (e.g. engagement, communications, training) and policy. Most significantly, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework provides the basis, justification and guidance for the nation's policy reform agenda around disaster risk reduction and is catalysing national efforts in developing a national action plan and systemic measurement, evaluation and learning to ensure the realisation of disaster risk reduction priorities.

Originality/value

A practical example is offered of a nation actively learning to navigate the governance challenges and implement strategies to address the reduction of complex, systemic risks.
The role of contextual factors in shaping HRM formality in SMEs
Authors: Burhan Muhammad , Hamdan Omar Abou , Tariq Hussain , Hameed Zahid , Naeem Rana Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study examines the influence of contextual factors (e.g. age and ownership type) on HRM formality (including the underlying functions of recruitment, selection, training and development, performance appraisal and compensation) in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a quantitative survey of 300 owners/managers of services, manufacturing and trade SMEs in Pakistan.

Findings

Firm age, association with a larger parent entity, existence of a strategic business plan and the presence of a human resource information system (HRIS) are positively related with higher HRM formality. Firm size, family ownership and exporting characteristics had no association with formality.

Practical implications

This study suggests a highly influential role for contextual factors in shaping HRM practices in Pakistani SMEs. Since the lack of a strategic approach towards human resource development is directly linked to the inferior performance of SMEs in Pakistan, this study provides an understanding of the contextual institutional setting that shapes the nature of HRM practices. The findings inform both SME owners/managers and policy makers.

Originality/value

Institutional influences on HRM systems have attracted attention but organisational factors are less often studied. Studies mostly relate to Western contexts and lack perspectives from SMEs. The findings of this empirical investigation highlight the importance of context specific research given the different nature of institutional settings.
Modeling labor costs using artificial intelligence tools
Authors: Momade Mohammed Hamza , Durdyev Serdar , Dixit Saurav , Shahid Shamsuddin , Alkali Abubakar Kori
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Construction projects in Malaysia are often delayed and over budget due to heavy reliance on labor. Linear regression (LR) models have been used in most labor cost (LC) studies, which are less accurate than machine learning (ML) tools. Construction management applications have increasingly used ML tools in recent years and have greatly impacted forecasting. The research aims to identify the most influential LC factors using statistical approaches, collect data and forecast LC models for improved forecasts of LC.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough literature review was completed to identify LC factors. Experienced project managers were administered to rank the factors based on importance and relevance. Then, data were collected for the six highest ranked factors, and five ML models were created. Finally, five categorical indices were used to analyze and measure the effectiveness of models in determining the performance category.

Findings

Worker age, construction skills, worker origin, worker training/education, type of work and worker experience were identified as the most influencing factors on LC. SVM provided the best in comparison to other models.

Originality/value

The findings support data-driven regulatory and practice improvements aimed at improving labor issues in Malaysia, with the possibility for replication in other countries facing comparable problems.
Design of a wearable multi-point temperature monitoring system – practical application in waist temperature monitoring
Authors: Ma Liang , Li Jun
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Human skin temperature data can provide reference advice for diagnosing many diseases, but current wearable skin temperature monitoring systems have few points and may miss temperature information in critical areas. This paper aims to develop a wearable system that can be used for local temperature monitoring and restore better the actual state of local human temperature by exploring ways to extend more temperature measurement points. This will provide better assistance in developing medical targeting and intelligent clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature measurement system contains modules for temperature monitoring, digital-to-analog conversion and regulated power supply, enabling fast reading of 12 channels of monitoring data. The microprocessor unit is the STM32F407. The instructions and control modes are written in C. The waist area was chosen as the monitoring area because it is susceptible to temperature, and many diseases are associated with skin temperature. Twelve points, including temperature-related acupuncture points and heat-sensitive points, were selected for testing and the data results agreed well with the infrared imaging results.

Findings

The waist is selected as the monitoring object, and an easy-to-wear waist temperature monitoring belt is designed to verify the application value of the system. The development of the system provides reference suggestions for the exploration of multi-point temperature monitoring systems and the integration capabilities of temperature measurement modules in wearable multifunctional systems.

Practical implications

In addition to waist temperature monitoring, the wearable temperature measurement system developed in this study can also be applied to other body parts. In addition, the system can be efficiently and effectively combined with various garments, making it a useful tool for researching human skin temperature.

Originality/value

The wearable temperature monitoring system designed in this paper extends the number of temperature test points to 12. The number of test points covers as many localized body areas as possible to indeed reproduce the temperature distribution of the human body. In addition, the selection of test points combines medically relevant body points with physiologically relevant heat-sensitive areas, which makes the temperature measurement data more valuable.