bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid response of nitrogen cycling gene transcription to labile carbon amendments in a soil microbial community
Authors: Chuckran Peter F. , Fofanov Viacheslav , Hungate Bruce A. , Morrissey Ember M , Schwartz Egbert , Walkup Jeth , Dijkstra Paul
Published: March 2021

Episodic inputs of labile carbon (C) to soil can rapidly stimulate nitrogen (N) immobilization by soil microorganisms. However, the transcriptional patterns that underlie this process remain unclear. In order to better understand the regulation of N cycling in soil microbial communities, we conducted a 48 h laboratory incubation with an agricultural soil where we stimulated the uptake of inorganic N by amending the soil with glucose. We analyzed the metagenome and metatranscriptome of the microbial communities at four timepoints that corresponded with changes in N availability. The relative abundances of genes remained largely unchanged throughout the incubation. In contrast, glucose addition rapidly increased transcription of genes encoding for ammonium and nitrate transporters, enzymes responsible for N assimilation into biomass, and genes associated with the N regulatory network. This upregulation coincided with an increase in transcripts associated with glucose breakdown and oxoglutarate production, demonstrating a connection between C and N metabolism. When concentrations of ammonium were low, we observed a transient upregulation of genes associated with the nitrogen fixing enzyme nitrogenase. Transcripts for nitrification and denitrification were downregulated throughout the incubation, suggesting that dissimilatory transformations of N may be suppressed in response to labile C inputs in these soils. These results demonstrate that soil microbial communities can respond rapidly to changes in C availability by drastically altering the transcription of N cycling genes.

IMPORTANCE

A large portion of activity in soil microbial communities occurs in short time frames in response to an increase in C availability, affecting the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen. These changes are of particular importance as nitrogen represents both a limiting nutrient for terrestrial plants as well as a potential pollutant. However, we lack a full understanding of the short-term effects of labile carbon inputs on the metabolism of microbes living in soil. Here, we found that soil microbial communities responded to labile carbon addition by rapidly transcribing genes encoding proteins and enzymes responsible for inorganic nitrogen acquisition, including nitrogen fixation. This work demonstrates that soil microbial communities respond within hours to carbon inputs through altered gene expression. These insights are essential for improved understanding of the microbial processes governing soil organic matter production, decomposition, and nutrient cycling in natural and agricultural ecosystems.
An empirical pipeline for personalized diagnosis of Lafora disease mutations
Authors: Brewer M. Kathryn , Machio-Castello Maria , Viana Rosa , Wayne Jeremiah L. , Kuchtová Andrea , Simmons Zoe R. , Sternbach Sarah , Li Sheng , Garcia-Gimeno Maria Adelaida , Serratosa Jose , Sanz Pascual , Vander Kooi Craig W. , Gentry Matthew S.
Published: March 2021

Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal, insidious metabolic disorder characterized by progressive myoclonic epilepsy manifesting in the teenage years, rapid neurological decline, and death typically within ten years of onset. Mutations in eitherEPM2A, encoding the glycogen phosphatase laforin, orEPM2B, encoding the E3 ligase malin, cause LD. Whole exome sequencing has revealed manyEPM2Avariants associated with late-onset or slower disease progression. We established an empirical pipeline for characterizing laforin missense mutationsin vitrousing complimentary biochemical approaches. Analysis of 26 mutations revealed distinct functional classes associated with different outcomes supported by multiple clinical cases. For example, F321C and G279C mutations have attenuated functional defects and are associated with slow progression. This pipeline allows rapid characterization and classification of novelEPM2Amutations, enabling clinicians and researchers to rapidly utilize genetic information to guide treatment of LD patients.
High diversity and heterogeneity define microbial communities across an active municipal landfill
Authors: Sauk Alexandra H. , Hug Laura A.
Published: March 2021

Global waste production is increasing rapidly, with the majority of waste destined for landfills. Microbial communities in landfills transform waste and generate methane in an environment unique from other built and natural environments. Previous work has largely considered landfill microbial diversity only at the phylum level, identifying complex and variable communities. The extent of shared organismal diversity across landfills or over time and at more precise levels of classification remains unknown. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing to examine the taxonomic and functional diversity of the microbial communities inhabiting a Southern Ontario landfill. The diversity of microbial populations in leachate and groundwater samples was correlated with geochemical conditions to determine drivers of microbial heterogeneity. Across the landfill, 25 bacterial and archaeal phyla were present at >1% relative abundance within at least one landfill sample. The Patescibacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria had the highest relative abundances, with most other phyla present at low (<5%) abundance. Below the phylum level, very few populations were identified at multiple sites, with only 121 of 8,030 populations present at five or more sites. This indicates that, although phylum-level signatures are conserved, individual landfill microbial populations vary widely. Significant differences in geochemistry occurred across the leachate and groundwater wells sampled, with calcium, iron, magnesium, boron, meta and para xylenes, ortho xylenes, and ethylbenzene concentrations contributing most strongly to observed site differences. This study illustrates that leachate microbial communities are much more complex and diverse within landfills than previously reported, with implications for waste management best practices.
Norstictic acid is a selective allosteric transcriptional regulator
Authors: Garlick Julie M. , Sturlis Steven M. , Bruno Paul A. , Yates Joel A. , Peiffer Amanda L. , Liu Yejun , Goo Laura , Bao LiWei , De Salle Samantha N. , Tamayo-Castillo Giselle , Brooks Charles L. , Merajver Sofia D. , Mapp Anna K.
Published: March 2021

Inhibitors of transcriptional protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have high value both as tools and for therapeutic applications. The PPI network mediated by the transcriptional coactivator Med25, for example, regulates stress-response and motility pathways and dysregulation of the PPI networks contributes to oncogenesis and metastasis. The canonical transcription factor binding sites within Med25 are large (~900 Å2) and have little topology, and thus do not present an array of attractive small-molecule binding sites for inhibitor discovery. Here we demonstrate that the depsidone natural product norstictic acid functions through an alternative binding site to block Med25-transcriptional activator PPIsin vitroand in cell culture. Norstictic acid targets a binding site comprised of a highly dynamic loop flanking one canonical binding surface and in doing so, it both orthosterically and allosterically alters Med25-driven transcription in a patient-derived model of triple negative breast cancer. These results highlight the potential of Med25 as a therapeutic target as well as the inhibitor discovery opportunities presented by structurally dynamic loops within otherwise challenging proteins.
Standardized workflow for precise mid- and high-throughput proteomics of blood biofluids
Authors: Ardle Angela Mc , Binek Aleksandra , Moradian Annie , Orgel Blandine Chazarin , Rivas Alejandro , Washington Kirstin E. , Phebus Conor , Manalo Danica-Mae , Go James , Venkatraman Vidya , Johnson Casey , Fu Qin , Cheng Susan , Raedschelders Koen , Bober Justyna-Fert , Pennington Stephen R. , Murray Christopher I. , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: March 2021

Background

Accurate discovery assay workflows are critical for identifying authentic circulating protein biomarkers in diverse blood matrices. Maximizing the commonalities in the proteomic workflows between different biofluids simplifies the approach and increases the likelihood for reproducibility. We developed a workflow that allows flexibility for high and mid-throughput analysis for three blood-based proteomes: naive plasma, plasma depleted of the 14 most abundant proteins, and dried blood.

Methods

Optimal conditions for sample preparation and DIA-MS analysis were established in plasma then automated and adapted for depleted plasma and whole blood. The MS workflow was modified to facilitate sensitive high-throughput or deep profile analysis with mid-throughput analysis. Analytical performance was evaluated from 5 complete workflows repeated over 3 days as well as a linearity analysis of a 5–6-point dilution curve.

Result

Using our high-throughput workflow, 74%, 93%, 87% of peptides displayed an inter-day CV<30% in plasma, depleted plasma and whole blood. While the mid-throughput workflow had 67%, 90%, 78% of peptides in plasma, depleted plasma and whole blood meeting the CV<30% standard. Lower limits of detection and quantitation were determined for proteins and peptides observed in each biofluid and workflow. Combining the analysis of both high-throughput plasma fractions exceeded the number of reliably identified proteins for individual biofluids in the mid-throughput workflows.

Conclusion

The workflow established here allowed for reliable detection of proteins covering a broad dynamic range. We envisage that implementation of this standard workflow on a large scale will facilitate the translation of candidate markers into clinical use.
Drift as a driver of language change: An artificial language experiment
Authors: Ventura Rafael , Plotkin Joshua B. , Roberts Gareth
Published: March 2021

Over half a century ago, George Zipf observed that more frequent words tend to be older. Corpus studies since then have confirmed this pattern, with more frequent words being replaced and regularized less often than less frequent words. Two main hypotheses have been proposed to explain this: that frequent words change less because selection against innovation is stronger at higher frequencies, or that they change less because stochastic drift is stronger at lower frequencies. Here, we report the first experimental test of these hypotheses. Participants were tasked with learning a miniature language consisting of two nouns and two plural markers. Nouns occurred at different frequencies and were subjected to treatments that varied drift and selection. Using a model that accounts for participant heterogeneity, we measured the rate of noun regularization, the strength of selection, and the strength of drift in participant responses. Results suggest that drift alone is sufficient to generate the elevated rate of regularization we observed in low-frequency nouns, adding to a growing body of evidence that drift may be a major driver of language change.
Biochemical and Immuno-Histochemical Localization of Type IIA Procollagen in Annulus Fibrosus of Mature Bovine Intervertebral Disc
Authors: McAlinden Audrey , Hudson David M. , Fernandes Aysel A. , Ravindran Soumya , Fernandes Russell J.
Published: March 2021

For next generation tissue-engineered constructs and regenerative medicine to succeed clinically, the basic biology and extracellular matrix composition of tissues that these repair techniques seek to restore have to be fully determined. Using the latest reagents coupled with tried and tested methodologies, we continue to uncover previously undetected structural proteins in mature intervertebral disc. In this study we show that the “embryonic” type IIA procollagen isoform (containing a cysteine-rich amino propeptide) was biochemically detectable in the annulus fibrosus of both calf and mature steer intervertebral discs, but not in the nucleus pulposus where the type IIB isoform was predominantly localized. Specifically, the triple-helical type IIA procollagen isoform immunolocalized in the outer margins of the inner annulus fibrosus. Triple helical processed type II collagen exclusively localized within the interlamellae regions and with type IIA procollagen in the intra-lamellae regions. Mass spectrometry of the α1 (II) collagen chains from the region where type IIA procollagen localized showed high 3-hydroxylation of Proline-944, a post-translational modification that is correlated with thin collagen fibrils as in the nucleus pulposus. The findings implicate small diameter fibrils of type IIA procollagen in select regions of the annulus fibrosus where it likely contributes to the organization of collagen bundles and structural properties within the type I-type II collagen transition zone.
SongExplorer: A deep learning workflow for discovery and segmentation of animal acoustic communication signals
Authors: Arthur Benjamin J. , Ding Yun , Sosale Medhini , Khalif Faduma , Kim Elizabeth , Waddell Peter , Turaga Srinivas C. , Stern David L.
Published: March 2021

Many animals produce distinct sounds or substrate-borne vibrations, but these signals have proved challenging to segment with automated algorithms. We have developedSongExplorer, a web-browser based interface wrapped around a deep-learning algorithm that supports an interactive workflow for (1) discovery of animal sounds, (2) manual annotation, (3) supervised training of a deep convolutional neural network, and (4) automated segmentation of recordings. Raw data can be explored by simultaneously examining song events, both individually and in the context of the entire recording, watching synced video, and listening to song. We provide a simple way to visualize many song events from large datasets within an interactive low-dimensional visualization, which facilitates detection and correction of incorrectly labelled song events. The machine learning model we implemented displays higher accuracy than existing heuristic algorithms and similar accuracy as two expert human annotators. We show thatSongExplorerallows rapid detection of all song types from new species and of novel song types in previously well-studied species.
Gender stereotypes in advertising have negative cross-gender effects
Authors: Åkestam Nina , Rosengren Sara , Dahlén Micael , Liljedal Karina T. , Berg Hanna
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate cross-gender effects of gender stereotypes in advertising. More specifically, it proposes that the negative effects found in studies of women’s reactions to stereotyped female portrayals should hold across gender portrayal and target audience gender.

Design/methodology/approach

In two experimental studies, the effects of stereotyped portrayals (vs non-stereotyped portrayals) across gender are compared.

Findings

The results show that advertising portrayals of women and men have a presumed negative influence on others, leading to higher levels of ad reactance, which has a negative impact on brand-related effects across model and participant gender, and for gender stereotypes in terms of physical characteristics and roles.

Research limitations/implications

Whereas previous studies have focused on reactions of women to female stereotypes, the current paper suggests that women and men alike react negatively to stereotyped portrayals of other genders.

Practical implications

The results indicate that marketers can benefit from adapting a more mindful approach to the portrayals of gender used in advertising.

Originality/value

The addition of a cross-gender perspective to the literature on gender stereotypes in advertising is a key contribution to this literature.
“SME executives’ perceptions and the information security preparedness model”
Authors: Saban Kenneth Albert , Rau Stephen , Wood Charles A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Information security has increasingly been in the headlines as data breaches continue to occur at alarming rates. This paper aims to propose an Information Security Preparedness Model that was developed to examine how SME executives’ perceptions of security importance, implementation challenges and external influences impact their awareness and commitment to security preparedness.

Design/methodology/approach

Funded by the Department of Justice, a national survey of SME executives’ perceptions of information security preparedness was conducted. Using PLS-SEM, the survey responses were used to test the proposed Information Security Preparedness Model.

Findings

The results indicate that as perceptions of security importance and external influences increase, SME executives’ awareness and commitment to information security also increases. In addition, as implementation challenges increase, awareness and commitment to information security decreases. Finally, as security importance and awareness and commitment to information security increases, executives’ perception of security preparedness also increases.

Research limitations/implications

Executive perceptions of information security were measured and not the actual level of security. Further research that examines the agreement between executive perceptions and the true state of information security within the organization is warranted.

Originality/value

Prior information security studies using Roger’s (1975, 1983) Protection Motivation Theory have produced mixed results. This paper develops and tests the Information Security Preparedness Model to more fully explain SME executive’s perceptions of information security.
The human factor: assessing individuals’ perceptions related to cybersecurity
Authors: Ramlo Susan , Nicholas John B.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal and describe the divergent viewpoints about cybersecurity within a purposefully selected group of people with a range of expertise in relation to computer security.

Design/methodology/approach

Q methodology [Q] uses empirical evidence to differentiate subjective views and, therefore, behaviors in relation to any topic. Q uses the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research methods to reveal and describe the multiple, divergent viewpoints that exist within a group where individuals sort statements into a grid to represent their views. Analyses group similar views (sorts). In this study, participants were selected from a range of types related to cybersecurity (experts, authorities and uninformed).

Findings

Four unique viewpoints emerged such that one represents cybersecurity best practices and the remaining three viewpoints represent poor cybersecurity behaviors (Naïve Cybersecurity Practitioners, Worried but not Vigilant and How is Cybersecurity a Big Problem) that indicate a need for educational interventions within both the public and private sectors.

Practical implications

Understanding the divergent views about cybersecurity is important within smaller groups including classrooms, technology-based college majors, a company, a set of IT professionals or other targeted groups where understanding cybersecurity viewpoints can reveal the need for training, changes in behavior and/or the potential for security breaches which reflect the human factors of cybersecurity.

Originality/value

A review of the literature revealed that only large, nation-wide surveys have been used to investigate views of cybersecurity. Yet, surveys are not useful in small groups, whereas Q is designed to investigate behavior through revealing subjectivity within smaller groups.
Online food delivery portals during COVID-19 times: an analysis of changing consumer behavior and expectations
Authors: Dsouza Durant , Sharma Dipasha
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand the consumer behavior in the context of online food delivery services that has become crucial for all the players in the market to meet their bottom line, especially given the fact that COVID-19 has altered the mindset of consumers. The current perception was addressed and analyzed to understand the trends. So, this study examined various parameters such as e-services quality, food quality (FQ), safety measures (SM), customer satisfaction (CS) and customer loyalty (CL) in correlation to each other.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted for users of the online food delivery services to understand the intentions during the month of June 2020. The total number of responses gathered were 201. The responses collected were analyzed based on the constructs formed for the following tests: reliability, convergent and discriminant analysis. Also, principal component analysis was performed to ensure that the variables are correlated to each other. This ensured that the structural equation model built is valid and of best fit. The hypotheses were tested for the discussed variables, and the results were presented accordingly.

Findings

The research has indicated that FQ plays a vital role for CS which indirectly influences CL. Also, the SM adopted by a restaurant and delivery service will help retain their customer base, thus ensuring loyalty.

Practical implications

The study will help managers of restaurants and online food platforms reorient their business model and framework according to the parameters that affect the mindset of the consumer and also help improve the retention of their customer base.

Originality/value

This study is original in nature and takes onto account the COVID-19 situation. The study provides insights for online food platforms to touch mainly the pain points and insights by the consumer which will aid in developing new strategies for business development and customer retention in the future.
Framing the role of higher education in sustainable development: a case study analysis
Authors: Elmassah Suzanna , Biltagy Marwa , Gamal Doaa
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Higher education institutions (HEIs) should play a fundamental role in achieving the international 2030 sustainable development (SD) agenda. Quality education is the fourth of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and one of the targets related to this is to ensure that by 2030 all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote SD. Therefore, the SDGs provide a motive for HEIs to integrate SD concepts into their day-to-day practices. This study aims to introduce a framework for HEIs’ sustainable development assessment. Such a framework guides HEIs and educational leaders to support their countries’ commitments to achieving the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of a case study analysis of the role and successful techniques of HEIs in achieving SD in three countries, namely, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Primary data was collected by semi-structured interviews with three Cairo University officials, while secondary data was collected by reviewing the universities' official websites, reports, publications and related papers. This study introduces a novel framework for HEIs' SD analysis and assessment, which guides HEIs and educational leaders to support SD to fulfill their countries' commitments to achieving the SDGs. This framework is based on the following five categories: strategic direction and institutional working practices, supporting students, supporting university staff competencies, supporting society's stakeholders and networking and sustainable campus. Consideration is given to the potential role of HEIs to support SD in each of these areas.

Findings

Cairo University could learn from the novel and pioneer practices of the Leuphana University of Lüneburg, and the University of Tokyo to fill in the gaps it has in different roles. It can also put more effort into adopting the suggested higher education programs of Egypt's Vision 2030.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a case analysis comparing three countries, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Second, this study has not considered school education, which is equally essential in countries' SD.

Practical implications

HEIs can use the framework and the findings in this paper to evaluate their current roles in supporting SD, identify the gaps and take actions accordingly to address their weaknesses.

Originality/value

The paper compares three universities, one in each of the case study countries. It draws conclusions that identify ways in which the paper's framework and findings can guide SD practice in HEIs internationally, especially those in the developing world.
The role of robots in firefighting
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide details of recently developed firefighting robots and their applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper, firstly, gives details of a selection of recently launched terrestrial firefighting robots. It then discusses the role of drones and describes some recent developments and applications. Finally, conclusions are drawn.

Findings

The last five years have seen the commercialisation of a growing number of terrestrial firefighting robots, which are remotely controlled, all-terrain vehicles that support fire crews operating in hazardous environments. They are equipped with imaging and other sensors, which provide firefighters with enhanced situation awareness and hazard warnings. Drones are being developed to fight fires in high-rise buildings. Some feature on-board fire extinguishing materials, whereas others can elevate a fire hose to the site of the fire. Drones equipped with advanced imaging devices are being used increasingly by firefighters to enhance situation awareness and assist in dealing with wildfires. Technologies are being developed that aim to increase the flight duration and payload capacity of firefighting drones.

Originality/value

Firefighting is a recent robotic application, and this paper provides an insight into this by considering a range of products and developments.
B2B marketing strategies in healthcare management: intellectual structure and research trends
Authors: Ferreira João J. , Veiga Pedro M. , Fernandes Cristina I. , Kraus Sascha
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to map out the ways in which the intellectual structure and research trends of scientific publications come together in business-to-business (B2B) marketing strategies in the health-care sector. More specifically, it aims first to identify the fundamental contributions of research in this area of knowledge and second to determine the lines of research that constitute the most prominent intellectual contribution to the development of a solid future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical and analytical methods include bibliometric, co-citation and cluster analysis techniques. To identify useful patterns of information within the paper, this study sought paid special attention to scholarship that was jointly cited. This study then applied hierarchical cluster analysis to the totality of the co-cited paper and then grouped the interrelated paper into distinct sets.

Findings

This study were able to systematically identify and classify various theoretical perspectives of B2B marketing strategies within the health-care sector into four main approaches, namely, decision-making strategies; relational marketing; co-creation; new challenges.

Originality/value

By systematically identifying, exploring and analyzing the key priorities of B2B marking within the health-care sector, this study contributes positively to the existing literature. The added value is that the work will help to further improve the international standards of excellence within the health-care sector and its marking apparatuses.
Contrasting profiles of product returners and keepers
Authors: Lee Dong Hwan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the consumers who return a product and those who end up keeping a product after experiencing post-purchase dissonance (PPD) possess distinct underlying characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Field survey study consisting of two separate surveys conducted with consumers of New York City and neighboring areas of New York and New Jersey.

Findings

Product returners and keepers exhibited disparate demographic profiles regarding gender and household income, along with ethnicity to some extent. The two groups also exhibited different predispositions with regard to confidence in the purchase decision and expectations about their purchase. Finally, returners and keepers were engaged in divergent thoughts, feelings and activities to cope with PPD.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer marketing practitioners new knowledge and insight into understanding product returners and keepers and will assist them in developing strategies to reduce and manage increasing product returns by consumers more effectively.

Originality/value

This study is the first to present empirical evidence that product returners and keepers have distinct profiles of demographic characteristics and predispositions toward purchase. The study also has found divergent PPD coping strategies used by the two types of consumers, which exposes an obsolete understanding of PPD in the marketing literature.
Financial liberalization, remittances and economic growth in Nigeria (1990–2018)
Authors: Kudaisi Bosede Victoria , Ojeyinka Titus Ayobami , Osinubi Tolulope Temilola
Published: March 2021

Purpose

International remittances are an important segment of external financial flows in Nigeria, currently superseding official development aid (ODA) in terms of volume, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in terms of stability. This study is motivated by the recent increase in remittance flows in Nigeria as the highest recipient in West Africa, and the fact that the growth impact of remittances is weak within the country. The financial liberalization index developed by Chinn and Ito (2006) is employed in this study to examine the role of financial liberalization in the remittances-growth nexus in Nigeria over the period 1990–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the possibility of endogeneity among the variables in the model, the study employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) as a technique of analysis.

Findings

Remittances and financial liberalization are found to have negative significant impacts on economic growth. However, the effect of the interaction term of financial liberalization and remittances on economic growth is positive and significant. This suggests that the two variables act as complements in the enhancement of economic growth in Nigeria. The study thus concludes that financial liberalization is a strong transmission channel through which remittance inflows positively affect economic growth in Nigeria. The study also advocates for a well-developed financial sector in order to attract more growth-enhancing remittances into the country.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of the research findings is that an unrestrained financial sector is necessary to encourage and optimize the benefits of remittance flows on economic growth in Nigeria.

Originality/value

Previous studies have considered the effects of financial development on the remittances-growth nexus in Nigeria. However, this study examines the role of financial liberalization in the nexus between remittances and economic growth in Nigeria by using the Chinn and Ito (2008) index of financial openness.
Effectiveness of the Healthy e-Elderly People Intervention (HEPI) mobile application for the reduction of physical health effects caused by smartphone usage among elderly individuals in Thailand
Authors: Wilaiwan Wachiraporn , Siriwong Wattasit
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Healthy e-Elderly People Intervention (HEPI) mobile application in reducing the physical health effects caused by smartphone usage.

Design/methodology/approach

This randomized controlled trial involved elderly volunteers residing in different regions of Thailand and using smartphones. The samples included 33 participants in each control and intervention group. The intervention group received the HEPI application with reminder messages, while the control group received the HEPI application without reminder messages. Assessments were conducted at baseline, follow-up 1 (four weeks after the last reminder messages) and follow-up 2 (12 weeks after the last reminder messages). Data analyses (i.e descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and repeated-measures analysis of variance) were used to obtain the overall mean change difference between the intervention and control groups at different time points (per-protocol analysis). The priorities of physical health risk were assessed using Health Risk Matrix.

Findings

The HEPI mobile application significantly improved knowledge, attitudes and practice scores in both the HEPI with and without reminder messages. The mean physical health risk score in both control and intervention groups was radically decreased from baseline to follow-up 1; lower physical health scores suggested lower health risk.

Originality/value

Increased duration of smartphone usage by elderly individuals in Thailand may result in a risk of developing several serious health conditions. The HEPI application with reminder messages could be used as a tool to benefit smartphone users and would further benefit from a booster after four weeks of intervention.
Spiritualism versus materialism: can religiosity reduce conspicuous consumption?
Authors: Ramazani Ali , Kermani Mahdi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Due to economic growth and increasing the population of Islamic societies in the world, marketing studies have become more essential in these societies. This paper aims to study the relationship between Islamic religiosity and conspicuous consumption in Mashhad, the second-most populous city in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a case of Islamic societies in the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by a survey of 534 respondents in Mashhad and stratified random sampling was applied.

Findings

Unlike the majority of former investigations, the results showed that there is a positive relationship between Islamic religious commitment and conspicuous consumption. Furthermore, gender, social media and income are important factors in explaining the extent of conspicuous consumption.

Practical implications

Luxury companies can use the results of this research to invest in Islamic countries where there is a great demand for luxury items. Additionally, it is recommended for these companies to use the potential opportunity of social media which is extremely popular in Muslim countries to advertise their products to a large population at a low price.

Originality/value

The results of this study can challenge the conventional understanding of the relationship between Islamic religiosity and conspicuous consumption. According to the results of this paper, in the Middle East Islamic rich countries, it seems that Muslims have a positive attitude toward conspicuous consumption, although Islam disapproves consuming excessively by the notion of Israf.
Casino capitalism in the era of COVID-19: examining Macau’s pandemic response
Authors: Lou Loretta
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to explain Macau’s successful pandemic response through an analysis of its social, political and economic landscapes. In particular, it focusses on the economic relief brought by casino capitalism in this era of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

As mobility is highly restricted during the coronavirus pandemic, digital technologies have become central to ongoing social science research. Thanks to videoconferencing programmes such as Zoom, Facetime and WhatsApp, the author was able to carry out virtual interviews with 13 local people from different sectors of Macau in July 2020. In addition to in-depth interviews, the author also undertook an extensive review of the Macau government’s pandemic policies.

Findings

This paper argues that the Macau government’s swift and effective coronavirus policies are deeply intertwined with the urban fabric and political economy of the city’s casino capitalism, which endowed the government with surplus funds and an infrastructure that enabled the implementation of an array of strict measures that few other countries could afford to subsidise. Factors that have led to Macau’s extraordinarily low rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths include: competent leadership and the public’s high compliance with mandatory health measures; the generous benefits and financial support for citizens and businesses; and the compulsory quarantine required of all incoming travellers, who are lodged in hotel rooms left empty when casino tourists stopped coming. All of these measures have been made possible by a political economy backed by the peculiarities of casino capitalism and its resultant tax revenues.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could compare the case of Macau with other small but affluent economies (ideally economies that do not depend on the gambling industry) to ascertain the role of casino capitalism in building up economic resilience.

Originality/value

Although previous studies tend to emphasise the negative impacts of casino capitalism, this paper shows how tax revenues and infrastructure from the gambling industry can make a contribution to the host society in times of crisis.
The ISO/IEC 27001 information security management standard: literature review and theory-based research agenda
Authors: Culot Giovanna , Nassimbeni Guido , Podrecca Matteo , Sartor Marco
Published: March 2021

Purpose

After 15 years of research, this paper aims to present a review of the academic literature on the ISO/IEC 27001, the most renowned standard for information security and the third most widespread ISO certification. Emerging issues are reframed through the lenses of social systems thinking, deriving a theory-based research agenda to inspire interdisciplinary studies in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is structured as a systematic literature review.

Findings

Research themes and sub-themes are identified on five broad research foci: relation with other standards, motivations, issues in the implementation, possible outcomes and contextual factors.

Originality/value

The study presents a structured overview of the academic body of knowledge on ISO/IEC 27001, providing solid foundations for future research on the topic. A set of research opportunities is outlined, with the aim to inspire future interdisciplinary studies at the crossroad between information security and quality management. Managers interested in the implementation of the standard and policymakers can find an overview of academic knowledge useful to inform their decisions related to implementation and regulatory activities.
Doctors as leaders – how essential is leadership training for them?
Authors: K. Gayathri , Warrier Uma
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In the management world, leadership is a quality associated with business leaders, social entrepreneurs and political figures. Doctors are rarely considered as possessing or requiring leadership skills. With doctors, one thinks of skill and knowledge, but for some strange reason, leadership is hardly associated with doctors. This paper aims to highlight the leadership aspects unique to doctors. This study highlights why leadership training is imperative for doctors, outlines current status of leadership training for doctors in India and sets out proposals for effective leadership building.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology is based on a two-pronged explanatory approach – the first is review of current literature in the context of leadership training of doctors, and the second is review of circumstances unique to the line of work undertaken by doctors that shed light on the need for leadership.

Findings

This paper highlights the imperative need for leadership training for doctors in India. It recommends leadership training on a continuous basis in their career life cycle as with the other professions. It also calls for involvement of all stakeholders in the medical community to foster leadership training – medical educational institutions, hospitals, medical councils and members of the medical fraternity.

Practical implications

Akin to leadership training programs conducted for IT and management professionals, this paper recommends that similar programs be conducted for doctors.

Originality/value

There are very few studies conducted in the Indian context on leadership training needs for doctors. This paper explains the importance of leadership training for doctors and suggests ways it can be implemented throughout the medical education life cycle of a doctor’s career.
The changes in species composition mediate direct effects of climate change on future fire regimes of boreal forests in northeastern China
Authors: Huang Chao , He Hong S. , Liang Yu , Hawbaker Todd J. , Henne Paul D. , Xu Wenru , Gong Peng , Zhu Zhiliang
Published: March 2021

Direct effects of climate change (i.e. temperature rise, changes in seasonal precipitation, wind patterns and atmospheric stability) affect fire regimes of boreal forests by altering fire behaviour, fire seasons and fuel moisture. Climate change also alters species composition and fuel characteristics, which subsequently alter fire regimes. However, indirect effects of climate change are often simplified or neglected in the direct climate–fire relationship models and dynamic global vegetation models. This may result in high uncertainties associated with existing projections of fire regimes for climate change scenarios. Moreover, few studies have examined fire regime predictions beyond the 21st century, and consequently, how the fire regimes of boreal forests would respond to climate change at the long term (>100 years) are not clear.

We develop a coupled modelling framework integrating direct and indirect effects of climate change to predict fire occurrence probability and burned area for boreal forests in northeastern China. We applied repeated measures ANOVA to quantify direct and indirect effects of climate change on fire regimes in the short (0–50 years), medium (60–100 years) and long term (150–200 years).

Results showed that for the 21st century, direct effects of climate change are likely to exert a stronger influence on fire regimes than indirect effects. However, increases in fire occurrence probability and burned area will accelerate the transition of boreal forests to temperate forests in the period 2100–2200, and thereby reduce fire occurrence probability and burned area. This suggests that vegetation change will mediate direct effects of climate change on fire regimes of boreal forests at the long term.

Synthesis and applications. Vegetation change will mediate direct effects of climate change on fire regimes of boreal forests at the long term. This finding suggested that policymakers may consider adaptive management by planting deciduous species to reduce fire occurrence probability and resistant management by reducing competition to promote boreal species under changing climate conditions.
Smart speaker devices can improve speech intelligibility in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Sumner Petroc , Hedge Craig , Powell Georgina
Published: March 2021

Background

Successful communication is vital to quality of life. One group commonly facing speech and communication difficulties is individuals with intellectual disability (ID). A novel route to encourage clear speech is offered by mainstream smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa and Google Home). Smart speakers offer four factors important for learning: reward immediacy, spaced practice, autonomy/intrinsic motivation and reduced social barriers. Yet the potential of smart speakers to improve speech intelligibility has not been explored before.

Aims

To determine whether providing individuals with intellectual disabilities with smart speaker devices improved ratings of speech intelligibility for (1) phrases related to device use and (2) unrelated words via a semi‐randomized controlled trial.

Methods & Procedures

In a semi‐randomized controlled trial, an intervention group of adults with ID (N = 21) received smart speakers, while a control group (N = 22) did not. Before and after about 12 weeks, participants were recorded saying smart speaker‐related phrases and unrelated words. Naïve participants then rated the intelligibility of the speech recordings.

Outcomes & Results

The group that received smart speakers made significantly larger intelligibility gains than the control group. Although the effect size was modest, this difference was found for both smart speaker‐related phrases and unrelated words.

Conclusions & Implications

While the mechanism of action remains to be determined, the presence of smart speakers in the home had a demonstrable impact on ratings of speech intelligibility, and could provide cost‐effective inclusive support for speech and communication improvement, improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations.

What this paper adds

What is already known on the subject

Speech intelligibility is a key obstacle for social relationships and quality of life across several vulnerable populations (children with speech difficulties, older adults with dementia, individuals with ID). Anecdotal reports suggest mainstream smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home), could improve speech intelligibility.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

We used a semi‐randomized controlled trial to show that using a smart speaker for about 12 weeks could improve ratings of speech intelligibility in adults with ID for both smart speaker‐related phrases and unrelated words.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

These initial findings suggest that smart speaker technology could be a novel, and inclusive, route to improving speech intelligibility in vulnerable populations.
Swimming Meets Statistics
Authors: Spearing Harriet
Published: March 2021

Harriet Spearing applies extreme value theory to personal best swim times to rank swimmers and predict future world records
The History of the Data Economy
Authors: Harkness Timandra
Published: March 2021

Part I: The birth of customer insight. By Timandra Harkness
Strength in Numbers Women in Olympic-Style Weightlifting
Authors: Huebner Marianne , Meltzer David E. , Perperoglou Aris
Published: March 2021

Marianne Huebner, David E. Meltzer and Aris Perperoglou explain how statistics can be used to compare weightlifting performances between athletes of different ages and weight categories, and how the increase in female weightlifters has led to more data and more appropriate comparisons
Alley-Oop! Basketball Analytics in R
Authors: Zuccolotto Paola , Manisera Marica , Sandri Marco
Published: March 2021

Paola Zuccolotto, Marica Manisera and Marco Sandri give a play-by-play of basketball data analyses to assist students, coaches, technical experts and fans in scrutinising the sport, its teams and players
“I've Always Been Most Interested in Highly Applied Work and How People Get Stuff Done in the Real World”
Authors: Silge Julia
Published: March 2021

Julia Silge shares her career story, from physics and astronomy to data science and open-source software development
A Risky Business? Comparing the Harms of Alcohol and Other Recreational Drugs
Authors: Nutt David
Published: March 2021

David Nutt, author of Drugs Without the Hot Air, explains how multi-criteria decision analysis has been used to assess harms caused by legal and illegal drugs
Building Back Better Needs Better Use of Statistics
Authors: Allin Paul , Hand David J.
Published: March 2021

Paul Allin and David J. Hand call for official statistics to take centre stage