bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the proportion of different cell types in the human cortex using DNA methylation profiles
Authors: Hannon Eilis , Dempster Emma L , Chioza Barry , Davies Jonathan P , Blake Georgina ET , Burrage Joe , Policicchio Stefania , Franklin Alice , Walker Emma M , Bamford Rosemary A , Schalkwyk Leonard C , Mill Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Background

Due to inter-individual variation in the cellular composition of the human cortex, it is essential that covariates that capture these differences are included in epigenome-wide association studies using bulk tissue. As experimentally derived cell counts are often unavailable, computational solutions have been adopted to estimate the proportion of different cell-types using DNA methylation data. Here, we validate and profile the use of an expanded reference DNA methylation dataset incorporating two neuronal- and three glial-cell subtypes for quantifying the cellular composition of the human cortex.

Results

We tested eight reference panels containing different combinations of neuronal- and glial-cell types and characterized their performance in deconvoluting cell proportions from computationally reconstructed or empirically-derived human cortex DNA methylation data. Our analyses demonstrate that these novel brain deconvolution models produce accurate estimates of cellular proportions from profiles generated on postnatal human cortex samples, they are not appropriate for the use in prenatal cortex or cerebellum tissue samples. Applying our models to an extensive collection of empirical datasets, we show that glial cells are twice as abundant as neuronal cells in the human cortex and identify significant associations between increased Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology and the proportion of specific cell types including a decrease in NeuNNeg/SOX10Neg nuclei and an increase of NeuNNeg/SOX10Pos nuclei.

Conclusions

Our novel deconvolution models produce accurate estimates for cell proportions in the human cortex. These models are available as a resource to the community enabling the control of cellular heterogeneity in epigenetic studies of brain disorders performed on bulk cortex tissue.
PCR data accurately predict infectious virus: a characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates
Authors: Snedden Celine E. , Lloyd-Smith James O.
Published: June 2023

Researchers and clinicians often rely on molecular assays like PCR to identify and monitor viral infections instead of the resource-prohibitive gold standard of viral culture. However, it remains unclear when (if ever) PCR measurements of viral load are reliable indicators of replicating or infectious virus. Here, we compare total RNA, subgenomic RNA, and viral culture results from 24 studies of SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates using bespoke statistical models. On out-of-sample data, our best models predict subgenomic RNA from total RNA with 91% accuracy, and they predict culture positivity with 85% accuracy. Total RNA and subgenomic RNA showed equivalent performance as predictors of culture positivity. Multiple cofactors, including exposure conditions and host traits, influence culture predictions for total RNA quantities spanning twelve orders of magnitude. Our model framework can be adapted to compare any assays, in any host species, and for any virus, to support laboratory analyses, medical decisions, and public health guidelines.
The unique microbial diversity, community composition and networks of Pacific Islander endocervical and vaginal microbiomes in the presence or absence ofChlamydia trachomatisinfection using metagenomic shotgun sequencing
Authors: Bommana Sankhya , Hu Yi-Juan , Kama Mike , Wang Ruohong , Kodimerla Reshma , Jijakli Kenan , Read Timothy D. , Dean Deborah
Published: June 2023

Background

Pacific Islanders are a vulnerable population with a high prevalence ofChlamydia trachomatis(Ct) sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and remain underrepresented in research. Here, 258 vaginal and 92 paired endocervical samples from women of diverse ethnicities in Fiji were evaluated using metagenomics to characterize microbial relative abundance, composition and networks including associations withNeisseria gonorrhoeae, human papilloma virus (HPV),Mycoplasma genitalium,Candidaand bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Results

Pacific Islander ethnicities and age <25 years were significantly associated withCtinfection. Using VALENCIA, a sub-community state type (subCST) classifier, 93 (36.04%) vaginal and 38 (41.30%) endocervical microbiomes did not match reference subCSTs. Four unique subCSTs were developed to better classify Pacific Islander microbiomes: IV-D0, dominated byGardnerella vaginalis; IV-D1, high/moderateG. vaginalisrelative abundance withPrevotellaspp.; IV-D2, high/moderateG. vaginaliswithLactobacillus iners; and IV-E, moderatePrevotellaspp. Ctpositive endocervical and paired vaginal microbiomes were significantly more likely to have differential species relative abundance (81.58%) thanCtnegative pairs (35.84%; AOR: 7.93; 95% CI: 2.93-21.93;P<0.0001). A significantly higher alpha diversity was found for iTaukei ethnicity, all subCST-IV types, BV, andCtfor vaginal microbiomes. For endocervical microbiomes, higher diversity was significant for subCST-IV-A, subCST-IV-D1, and subCST-IV-E, and high-risk HPV types. Overall, there was a significantly higher diversity for the endocervix in paired microbiomes. Vaginal microbiomes showed significant divergence in community composition as above and forCandida.Endocervical composition varied significantly by subCST type andCtstatus. Gut and BV-associated bacterial clusters were present inCtpositive and negative paired endocervical and vaginal microbiome networks but were smaller with fewer bacterial and noLactobacillusspp. interactions inCt-infected endocervical networks whereG. vaginalisgenerated polymicrobial biofilms along withCtlikely influence pathogenicity.

Conclusions

Fijian endocervical and vaginal microbiomes represent divergent microbial abundance and compositions, especially for Pacific Islander ethnicities, with distinct subCSTs compared to other global populations. The higher microbial diversity of the endocervix with prevalentG. vaginalis,L. inersandPrevotellaspp. suggest that these microbiomes/networks may predispose to and/or promote chlamydial and HPV pathogenesis. Prospective studies are needed to further define causal associations to develop successful interventions.
4-Thiaproline accelerates the slow folding phase of proteins containingcisprolines in the native state by two orders of magnitude
Authors: O’ Loughlin Jennie , Zinovjev Kirill , Napolitano Silvia , van der Kamp Marc , Rubini Marina
Published: June 2023

Thecis/transisomerization of peptidyl-prolyl peptide bonds is often the bottleneck of the refolding reaction for proteins containingcisproline residues in the native state. Proline (Pro) analogues, especially C4-substituted fluoroprolines, have been widely used in protein engineering to enhance the thermodynamic stability of peptides and proteins and to investigate folding kinetics. 4-thiaproline (Thp) has been shown to bias the ring pucker of Pro, to increase thecispopulation percentage of model peptides in comparison to Pro, and to diminish the activation energy barrier for thecis/transisomerization reaction. Despite its intriguing properties, Thp has been seldom incorporated into proteins. Moreover, the impact of Thp on the folding kinetics of globular proteins has never been reported. In this study, we show that upon incorporation of Thp atcisPro76 into the thioredoxin variant Trx1P the half-life of the refolding reaction decreased from ∼2 hours to ∼35 seconds. A dramatic acceleration of the refolding rate could be observed also for the protein pseudo wild-type barstar upon replacement ofcisPro48 with Thp. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the replacement of the CγH2group by a sulfur atom in the pyrrolidine ring, lowers the barrier forcis/transrotation due to a weakened peptide bond. The protein variants retained their thermodynamic stability upon incorporation of Thp, while the catalytic and enzymatic activities of the modified Trx1P remained unchanged. Our results show that the Pro isostere Thp might eliminate the bottleneck of the refolding reaction of proteins containingcisproline residues in the native state, independent from the local structural environment.
Type III-B CRISPR-Cas signaling-based cascade of proteolytic cleavages
Authors: Steens Jurre A. , Bravo Jack P.K. , Salazar Carl Raymund P. , Yildiz Caglar , Amieiro Afonso M. , Köstlbacher Stephan , Prinsen Stijn H.P. , Patinios Constantinos , Bardis Andreas , Barendregt Arjan , Scheltema Richard A. , Ettema Thijs J.G. , van der Oost John , Taylor David W. , Staals Raymond H.J.
Published: June 2023

Type III CRISPR-Cas systems provide a sequence-specific adaptive immune response that protects prokaryotic hosts against viruses and other foreign genetic invaders. These crRNA-guided Cas effector complexes bind and cleave complementary RNA targets. Specific target binding stimulates the Cas10 subunit to generate cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) signaling molecules, that in turn allosterically activate proteins carrying cognate sensory domains: CARF or SAVED. Here, we characterize an elaborate set of genes associated with the type III-B CRISPR-Cas system fromHaliangium ochraceum, which includes a signal transduction module of a CBASS defense system with two caspase-like proteases, SAVED-CHAT and PCaspase (Prokaryotic Caspase). We show that binding of a 3-nucleotide cOA (cA3) to the SAVED domain of SAVED-CHAT induces its oligomerization into long filaments that activate the proteolytic activity of the CHAT domain. Surprisingly, we find that activated SAVED-CHAT specifically cleaves and activates the second protease, PCaspase. In turn, activated PCaspase cleaves a multitude of other proteins, including a putative sigma factor and a PCaspase-inhibitor. We expressed the type III-B system and its associated genes inE. coliand observed a strong abortive phenotype when offering a complementary target RNA, but only in the presence of both SAVED-CHAT and PCaspase. Together, our findings show an intriguing cascade of proteolytic activities (conceptually similar to eukaryotic caspases) in this bacterial immune system that reveals yet another strategy to effectively defend against mobile genetic elements.
The contribution of abortive infection to preventing populations ofLactococcus lactisfrom succumbing to infections with bacteriophage
Authors: Rodríguez-Román Eduardo , Manuel Joshua A. , Goldberg David , Levin Bruce R.
Published: June 2023

In the dairy industry bacteriophage (phage) contamination significantly impairs the production and quality of products like yogurt and cheese. To combat this issue, the strains of bacteria used as starter cultures possess mechanisms that make them resistant to phage infection, such as envelope resistance, or processes that render them immune to phage infection, such as restriction-modification and CRISPR-Cas.Lactococcus lactis, used to manufacture cheese and other dairy products, can also block the reproduction of infecting phages by abortive infection (Abi), a process in which phage-infected cells die before the phage replicate. We employ mathematical-computer simulation models and experiments with twoLactococcus lactisstrains and two lytic phages to investigate the conditions under which Abi can limit the proliferation of phages inL. lactispopulations and prevent the extinction of their populations by these viruses. According to our model, if Abi is almost perfect and there are no other populations of bacteria capable of supporting the replication of theL. lactisphages, Abi can protect bacterial populations from succumbing to infections with these viruses. This prediction is supported by the results of our experiment, which indicate that Abi can help protectL. lactispopulations from extinction by lytic phage infections. However, our results also predict abortive infection is only one element ofL. lactisdefenses against phage infection. Mutant phages that can circumvent the Abi systems of these bacteria emerge. The survival ofL. lactispopulations then depends on the evolution of envelope mutants that are resistant to the evolved host-range phage.
3D structures of the Plasmodium vivax subtilisin-like drug target SUB1 reveal conformational changes to accommodate a substrate-derived α-ketoamide inhibitor
Authors: Martinez Mariano , Batista Fernando A. , Maurel Manon , Bouillon Anthony , Ortega Varga Laura , Wehenkel Anne Marie , Le Chevalier-Sontag Lucile , Blondel Arnaud , Haouz Ahmed , Hernandez Jean-François , Alzari Pedro M. , Barale Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2023

The constant selection and propagation of multi-resistant Plasmodium sp. parasites require the identification of new antimalarial candidates involved in as-yet untargeted metabolic pathways. Subtilisin-like protease 1 (SUB1) belongs to a new generation of drug targets because it plays a crucial role during egress of the parasite from infected host cells at different stages of its life cycle. SUB1 is characterized by an unusual pro-region that tightly interacts with its cognate catalytic domain, thus precluding 3D structural analysis of enzyme–inhibitor complexes. In the present study, to overcome this limitation, stringent ionic conditions and controlled proteolysis of recombinant full-length P. vivax SUB1 were used to obtain crystals of an active and stable catalytic domain (PvS1Cat) without a pro-region. High-resolution 3D structures of PvS1Cat, alone and in complex with an α-ketoamide substrate-derived inhibitor (MAM-117), showed that, as expected, the catalytic serine of SUB1 formed a covalent bond with the α-keto group of the inhibitor. A network of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions stabilized the complex, including at the P1′ and P2′ positions of the inhibitor, although P′ residues are usually less important in defining the substrate specificity of subtilisins. Moreover, when associated with a substrate-derived peptidomimetic inhibitor, the catalytic groove of SUB1 underwent significant structural changes, particularly in its S4 pocket. These findings pave the way for future strategies for the design of optimized SUB1-specific inhibitors that may define a novel class of antimalarial candidates.
Gren “fuelled” by fire: lessons for project management
Authors: Sreram Prashanth Kumar , Chilakamarri Savitha
Published: June 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this study are as follows:

1) illustrate the project management failures that contributed to the fire accident at Grenfell using a fishbone diagram;

2) identify and classify the power and influence of various stakeholders involved in a brownfield project using a relevant framework; and

3) elaborate the need for following effective stakeholder management processes and project leadership, especially in the context of a refurbishment/renovation project.

Case overview/synopsis

On 14th June 2017, the Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, West London, UK, caught fire. The fire raged for 60 h and around 72 people lost their lives. Many criticized the response of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and their lack of preparedness to respond to such an emergency. There were calls for Dany Cotton, the Chief of LFB, to resign. However, there had been a major cladding-related refurbishment at Grenfell, and subsequent investigations revealed that the use of combustible materials, a lack of compliance with the fire-safety norms and a blatant disregard for resident safety had contributed to the fire. The tragedy was a cumulative outcome of failure on two counts: effective project management and stakeholder management during the process of refurbishment, especially in the context of a low-cost housing project. Given this situation, this case considers whether Dany Cotton should own up to her responsibility and resign from her position. In the process, the case considers Grenfell refurbishment from the theoretical lens of project management in the construction management scenario to understand the factors that could have led to an “avoidable” tragedy.

Complexity academic level

Postgraduate students of construction management; final year undergraduate engineering students who have a foundational course on project management; and architects.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 2: Built environment.
The impact of disruptive events on built environment degree apprenticeship delivery – a case study of COVID-19
Authors: Oloke David , Gyoh Louis , Daniel Emmanuel Itodo , Oladinrin Olugbenga , Abdallah Nagwan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic disruptive event on delivery of the built environment degree apprentice programme in higher education in the UK and identify the key strategies to minimise the effect.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used to collect and analyse data from a sample set of built environment degree apprenticeship stakeholders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 key stakeholders to collate emerging themes on their perceptions of the impacts of the pandemic and strategies to adopted to minimise it.

Findings

The investigation reveals that the core impacts of Covid-19 on the apprentices training programme are lack of access to the site, furlough, limited access to off the job training, limited interaction with tutors and peers, too much time on the screen, limited pastoral care and lack of contact with a mentor. The census from the research participants is that despite the development and gain with the various virtual platform used during pandemic physical meetings with their mentor remain pivotal to the built environment apprentices learning and training.

Practical implications

The results provide relevant stakeholders and actors supporting degree apprentices training programmes (training providers and employers, among others) with the information needed to improve the delivery of built environment degree apprenticeship training programmes during a disruptive event Covid-19. The study identifies various strategies to minimise the impact of disruptive events on the apprentices training, including technology, regular meeting with mentors online, and personal and pastoral care.

Originality/value

The study is the first to document the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on degree apprenticeship programs in the built environment. This study provides an in-depth understanding of how these programs have been affected and offers potential solutions to reduce or mitigate potential damage. The research will inform future policy decisions related to degree apprenticeship programs in the built environment.
Visitor emotional solidarity, segmentation and revisit intentions amidst COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Panafest and emancipation festivals in Ghana
Authors: Asimah Vincent , Hurriyati Ratih , Gaffar Vanessa , Wibowo Lili Adi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of festival visitors' emotional solidarity and segmentation on revisiting intentions to Ghana for the Panafest/Emancipation festivals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised data from a self-completed survey administered to festival-goers who attended the Panafest and Emancipation festivals in 2019 and 2021. In 2019, 782 questionnaires were sent to participants out of which 446 responded to the questionnaires. However, in 2021, 567 questionnaires were administered to the festival participants out of which 296 responded to the questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was performed using the ordinary least square (OLS) estimation technique.

Findings

The study found that emotional solidarity, gender, age, educational background and place of residence are important factors in predicting whether festival visitors will revisit Ghana for the Panafest and Emancipation festivals or not. Emotional solidarity was a positive predictor of revisit intentions, while gender and age also played a role with male and older visitors being more inclined to revisit Ghana for the festivals. The educational background had a positive and significant effect in 2021 but was insignificant in 2019. Place of residence had a significant but negative effect in 2021 due to the emergence of COVID-19.

Practical implications

The study's findings suggest that stakeholders in Ghana's tourism industry, including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourist Authority, hotels and other hospitality services, should consider emotional solidarity and visitor segmentation when developing marketing strategies. Additionally, strategies to address the impact of COVID-19 on revisit intentions and spending should be considered.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence festival visitors' revisit intentions in Ghana and how the emergence of COVID-19 affects these intentions. The study's focus on emotional solidarity and visitor segmentation provides insights into developing effective marketing strategies in the tourism industry.
Long-term compensation and risk taking: exploring the role of crisis in CEOs' behavior toward mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Moeini Gharagozloo Mohammad Mahdi , Forghani Bajestani Mahdi , Chen Chen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Corporate governance scholars have built on agency theory premises to document chief executive officers' (CEOs’) debt-based compensation, also known as inside debt, as an effective tool to control excessive risk and deter risky corporate strategies. In this study, the authors draw on behavioral agency model to put these well-established assumptions to the test in a different setting and argue for the context-specific effects of CEOs' long-term compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on corporate mergers and acquisitions in a post-crisis period (2011–2017), the authors cast doubt on agency theory predictions on debt-like compensation, point to the more realistic assumptions of behavioral decision models, and call for more contingency approaches in theoretical arguments.

Findings

An analysis of more than 4000 observations reveals that neither CEOs nor shareholders react significantly to inside debt after the economy recovers. Firm risk is also influenced only marginally by long-term compensation in a normal period of time.

Originality/value

While extant literature is rather unanimous on risk-reducing impact of inside debt, the study periods span the financial crisis of 2007. This research is the first conducted in regular times to demonstrate that previous findings are biased and heavily influenced by an exogenous shock.
Implementation of lean manufacturing practices and six-sigma among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs: intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies
Authors: Ibikunle Afeez Kayode , Rajemi Mohamad Farizal , Zahari Fadhilah Mohd
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In this paper, the implementation of lean manufacturing and six sigma practices among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable performance was investigated. Furthermore, intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies among manufacturing SMEs was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected from 120 manufacturing SMEs across Malaysia using organization as the unit of analysis. The data were collected using the six-point Likert scale questionnaire.

Findings

Based on research findings, about 86% Malaysian manufacturing SMEs implement 6s. Nevertheless, lean and 6s has an influence on sustainable performance among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. Only about 32.5% Malaysian manufacturing SMEs have the intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies. This study results imply that IR 4.0 technologies implementation among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs are still at infant stage though lean and 6s concept is known by the manufacturing SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for future researchers to explore application of IR 4.0 technologies among manufacturing SMEs. Therefore, there is need to create awareness about the application of IR 4.0 technologies suitable for manufacturing SMEs in order to remain sustainable for local and foreign competitors. From the perspective of system theory, there is an interconnection network across each department in a whole system. More so, sustainable performance can continuously change and improve the system in any organization.

Practical implications

From the view of SMEs policy makers, this study should be use to encourage SMEs to adopt technologically inclined practices. Accordingly, this research recommends government bodies to help support the implementation of sustainable practices due to their sizes and inadequate resources involved. Therefore, the role of government in providing suitable policies that could be beneficial to manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable practices cannot be overlooked. Through proper government support, Malaysian manufacturing SMEs will be able to survive both locally and internationally and also gain competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper includes integrated effect of lean manufacturing practices and six sigma implementation among manufacturing SMEs and prioritizing implementation of IR 4.0 technologies to be executed by manufacturing SMEs.
A hybrid ISM and fuzzy MICMAC approach to modeling risk analysis of imported fresh food supply chain
Authors: Hong Jiangtao , Quan Yuting , Tong Xinggang , Lau Kwok Hung
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The fresh food supply chain industry faces significant challenges in risk management because of the complexity, immature development and unpredictable external environment of imported fresh food supply chains (IFFSCs). This study aims to identify specific risk factors in IFFSCs, demonstrate how these risks are transmitted within the system and provide an analytical framework for managing these risks.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 risk factors for IFFSCs through extensive literature review and expert consultation are identified and classified into seven levels using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to demonstrate the risk transmission path. Fuzzy Matrice d’Impacts Croises-Multiplication Appliance Classement (MICMAC) analysis is then used to analyze the role of each factor.

Findings

The interactions of the 15 identified risk factors of IFFSCs, classified into seven levels, are visualized using ISM. The fuzzy MICMAC analysis classifies the factors into four groups, namely, dependent, independent, linkage and autonomous factors, and identifies the relatively critical risk factors in the system.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research provide a clear framework for enterprises operating in IFFSCs to understand the specific risks they may face and how these risks interact within the system. The fuzzy MICMAC analysis also classifies and highlights critical risk factors in the system to facilitate the formulation of appropriate mitigation measures.

Originality/value

This study provides enterprises in IFFSCs with a comprehensive understanding of how the risks can be effectively managed and a basis for further exploration. The theoretical model constructed is also a new effort to address the issues of risk in IFFSCs. The ISM and the fuzzy MICMAC analysis offer clear insights for researchers and enterprises to grasp complex concepts.
Conscientiousness and leader emergence: the mediating role of functional behaviors
Authors: Tan Ling , Guan Jian , Wang Yongli , Wang Jingyu , Qian Wenjing , Zheng Chundan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Despite extensive research on personality and leader emergence, very little is known about the process by which employees become or emerge as leaders based on their performance. Integrating functional leadership theory and a behavior perspective, the authors aim to explore the parallel multiple behavioral mediators in the conscientiousness–leader emergence link.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating a field survey study and two experimental studies, the authors use parallel multiple mediation analysis to explore the mechanisms by which conscientiousness leads to high levels of leader emergence.

Findings

Conscientiousness is positively associated with employee leader emergence. Employee functional behaviors are positively associated with leader emergence. The authors consistently found that the effect of conscientiousness on leader emergence is primarily explained by increases in task- and change-oriented behaviors but not relations-oriented behaviors.

Practical implications

Organizations can design relevant training programs to cultivate and enhance employees' functional behavior, as the study findings suggest that an effective way to translate employees' conscientiousness into their leader emergence is to improve their task- and change-oriented behaviors.

Originality/value

This research highlights the consistent and important role of employees' functional behaviors in the form of task- and change-oriented behaviors linking conscientiousness to leader emergence.
Barriers to adopting automated organisational decision-making through the use of artificial intelligence
Authors: Booyse Dawid , Scheepers Caren Brenda
Published: June 2023

Purpose

While artificial intelligence (AI) has shown its promise in assisting human decision, there exist barriers to adopting AI for decision-making. This study aims to identify barriers in the adoption of AI for automated organisational decision-making. AI plays a key role, not only by automating routine tasks but also by moving into the realm of automating decisions traditionally made by knowledge or skilled workers. The study, therefore, selected respondents who experienced the adoption of AI for decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied an interpretive paradigm and conducted exploratory research through qualitative interviews with 13 senior managers in South Africa from organisations involved in AI adoption to identify potential barriers to using AI in automated decision-making processes. A thematic analysis was conducted, and AI coding of transcripts was conducted and compared to the manual thematic coding of transcripts with insights into computer vs human-generated coding. A conceptual framework was created based on the findings.

Findings

Barriers to AI adoption in decision-making include human social dynamics, restrictive regulations, creative work environments, lack of trust and transparency, dynamic business environments, loss of power and control, as well as ethical considerations.

Originality/value

The study uniquely applied the adaptive structuration theory (AST) model to AI decision-making adoption, illustrated the dimensions relevant to AI implementations and made recommendations to overcome barriers to AI adoption. The AST offered a deeper understanding of the dynamic interaction between technological and social dimensions.
Stress management intervention program for teaching staff at private engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu to improve their job performance and well-being
Authors: Dhaneesh R. , Iswarya V.S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Stress at workplace is quite common in all sorts of environment. It can be occurring when the demand in the job does not match with the requirements; thereby, it affects their performance. The study was conducted with the aim to identify the major factors that induce stress for teaching professionals in private engineering colleges and its impact towards job performance. From the observation and discussion, it was found that Workload, Working Hour, Salary, Role Ambiguity and Lack of Social Support are the major factors for stress.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was framed with the help of stress-causing factors and their effect on job performance. In addition to this, a few questions were asked related to stress management intervention program. The survey was conducted with 370 respondents, while further analysis was carried out with the filled 260 respondent’s data using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, ANOVA and SEM.

Findings

The study reveals that workload plays a significant role in stress whereas other factors are consequently lower than that. Also, the primary-level intervention programs are more effective than secondary-level intervention programs to reduce the stress level of stressors.

Originality/value

The paper was originally done by collecting data from the staff.
Antecedents of mobile device purchase intention by mobile gamers
Authors: Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Paixão Júnior Silvestre de Jesus Cunha , Rodrigues Ricardo Gouveia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to verify the antecedents influencing mobile gamers’ intentions to purchase mobile phones. To this end, the constructs price–quality relationship, price sensitivity, perceived quality, identification with the group of gamers and referrals from other gamers were identified in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online questionnaire with 335 consumers. The model was tested using partial least squares.

Findings

It was verified that the price–quality relationship directly influences mobile gamers' intentions to purchase mobile phones. Also, it was observed that price sensitivity of mobile gamers directly influences the price–quality relationship and indirectly influences the intention to purchase mobile phones to play games. It was further verified that this price sensitivity is directly influenced by the perceived quality of mobile gaming devices. Finally, it was observed that referrals from other gamers directly influences the perceived quality and onès identification with the group of gamers.

Research limitations/implications

This study concluded that developing strategies focused on prices of mobile phones gamers use to play games tends to influence mobile gamers' purchase intentions. This paper extends the study of mobile device purchase behavior, uniting constructs studied separately and proposing connections not yet tested, assisting in the theoretical understanding of the factors that contribute to the intention to purchase mobile devices.

Originality/value

This study is theoretically justified for four reasons: it focused on a specific group of consumers, mobile gamers, which is a constantly growing audience; it brought an innovative model, testing the influence of the perceived quality of mobile gaming devices on the price sensitivity of mobile gamers; there are spaces for new research on mobile device purchase intention; and it may assist in the theoretical understanding of the factors contributing to mobile device purchase intention.
Testing trade‐offs in amphibian metamorphic traits: Swimming performance and selection across metamorphic stages in the aquatic frog Xenopus laevis
Authors: Kinsey Chase T. , McNelly Olivia , Bridges William C. , Blob Richard W.
Published: June 2023

As frogs undergo metamorphosis from tadpole to adult, they may be susceptible to decreases in locomotor performance and survival during stages in which the tail and limbs are both present. Because these alternative axial and appendicular propulsive systems might interfere with each other, performance might be better when only one or the other system predominates. This framework, termed the ‘adaptive peak hypothesis’ emerged from studies of generalist anuran taxa with biphasic life histories in which aquatic larvae transition to terrestrial adults. However, it is not clear that such patterns apply to taxa with different patterns of ontogenetic environmental transitions.

We evaluated the relationship between morphology, locomotor performance and survival versus predators across metamorphic stages of a fully aquatic frog, the pipid Xenopus laevis. We measured escape performance from individuals of four developmental stages spanning possession of just a tail, the presence of both tail and legs and resorption of the tail, and then conducted selection trials in which equal numbers of individuals of all stages were exposed to an aquatic predator (cichlid fish). After collecting survivors from these trials, we calculated linear and nonlinear selection gradients for a suite of morphological traits.

Unlike generalist frogs, we found that both locomotor performance and survival increased across metamorphic stages of X. laevis. Linear selection gradients favoured tadpoles with longer hindlimbs, longer and narrower bodies, and shorter tails—patterns that generally parallel trends during metamorphic growth. Nonlinear selection showed that longer hindlimbs were favoured as body length increased and the positive effect of forelimb length was reduced as tail length increased.

The relationship between hindlimb and body length aligns with expected changes in growth postmetamorphosis where postmetamorphic individuals are expected to have greater survival. However, longer forelimbs are generally associated with decreased locomotor performance, suggesting that alternative mechanisms of selection may be acting on the forelimbs of Xenopus through development.

Overall, our results indicate that the generality of the adaptive peak framework, as applied to amphibian metamorphosis, can be impacted by specifics of life history patterns across species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sparse‐node acquisition for data fitting velocity model building
Authors: Vigh Denes , Xu James , Cheng Xin , Glaccum Kate
Published: June 2023

The salt interpretation can be quite time‐intensive and challenging. Full‐waveform inversion, as a data‐driven optimization algorithm with full wavefield modelling, has become one of the essential tools for earth model building. However, full‐waveform inversion application in the complex salt geology, especially with streamer data collection, is limited, whereas the ocean‐bottom node with ultra‐long offsets and low frequencies unleashes the power of full‐waveform inversion. Sparse ocean‐bottom node acquisition has become a standard approach to improve the earth model building by the addition of ultra‐long offsets and possibly low frequencies. The new survey designs with ocean‐bottom node coupled with simultaneous shooting can be deployed on a regional basis covering thousands of square kilometres in a cost‐effective manner. In complex geological settings, including irregular salt geometry, salt interpretation has a direct impact on subsalt imaging. The recent development of robust objective functions allows full‐waveform inversion work with sparse ocean‐bottom node surveys in the deep‐water environment as the Gulf of Mexico to build and refine the salt geometries and correct the background velocity error in subsalt, uncovering the structural configuration of the basin that has not been seen before. Although full‐waveform inversion mostly employs the acoustic wave equation, we know that the high velocity boundaries in the earth model may require elastic wavefield propagation. Increased physics in full‐waveform inversion allows us to interrogate the power of elastic full‐waveform inversion versus acoustic full‐waveform inversion, and here, we demonstrate that elastic full‐waveform inversion has an advantage over acoustic full‐waveform inversion despite the extra cost associated with implementing the more complete physics.
Loss of MID in English: Free Peasantry and Their Linguistic Advantage
Authors: Liu Rongkun
Published: June 2023

The paper deals with the mysterious loss of a common preposition MID in the historical development of English. The issue is examined using a quantitative method combined with a historical sociolinguistic focus on the free peasantry in the East Midlands and Kent. Statistical results show East Midlands to be the leading region of the change, with Kent being the most conservative region. Given the special role of free peasantry in medieval society, it is proposed that they can exert disproportionate influence over linguistic changes in the feudal society, due to their free movement, well‐off socio‐economic status and higher prestige, and so are instrumental in the linguistic competition between MID and WIÐ.
Elizabethan Catholic Intelligencers, Spain and the Armada of 1597
Authors: ROCHE JONATHAN
Published: June 2023

Recent research on late Reformation English/British Catholics’ engagement in contemporary politics, has, for the most part, focused on regicidal schemes or on Catholic polemical writings. Espionage activities by Catholics in England, however, have been often overlooked. The hundreds of documents endorsed ‘avisos de Inglaterra’ (reports from England), located in el archivo general de Simancas, are intelligence dossiers about England. These reports were sent to Spain (between 1590–1608) by Hugh Owen, a Welsh Catholic exile, using information gathered by his informants in England. This article seeks to introduce the ‘avisos’ as a genre of sources by exploring the intelligence they contained and placing them within their broader context of Elizabethan/ Jacobean Catholicism and Anglo‐Spanish relations. In using this largely untapped source of Anglo‐Spanish history, this article reaches broader conclusions about how Catholics in England interacted with the Spanish authorities, and tried to influence the Anglo‐Spanish war to their advantage.
Suppression of carbon emissions by agricultural financial investment: A study based on provincial panel data in China
Authors: Wang Boxiong
Published: June 2023

As China pursues carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, the low‐carbon economy and energy conservation have become essential components of high‐quality economic development. Although agriculture plays a fundamental role in a country, the relationship between agricultural development, investment, and carbon emissions is often overlooked in existing research. This study aims to address this gap by examining the impact of financial investment in agriculture on carbon dioxide emissions and the underlying mechanisms driving this relationship. Employing panel data from mainland China's provinces between 2007 and 2020, the study also investigates the regional heterogeneity in the effect of agricultural investment on carbon dioxide emissions. Our findings reveal that increasing financial investment in agriculture effectively reduces carbon dioxide emissions, primarily through optimizing industrial structure and fostering technological innovation. Heterogeneity tests indicate that the inhibitory effect of agricultural investment on carbon dioxide emissions is more pronounced in eastern regions, provinces with a higher degree of marketization, and provinces with a substantial proportion of primary industry. These results provide a theoretical basis for leveraging agricultural financial investment to restrain carbon dioxide emissions and highlight the unique contributions of our study to the existing body of research.
Clinical significance of serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Tonomura Shun , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Nakayama Takashin , Mitsuno Ryunosuke , Kojima Daiki , Hama Eriko Yoshida , Nagasaka Tomoki , Nishimura Erina Sugita , Kusahana Ei , Takahashi Rina , Yoshimoto Norifumi , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Morimoto Kohkichi , Yoshida Tadashi , Hayashi Kaori , Kanda Takeshi , Washida Naoki , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

We aimed to determine the correlation between the serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio and residual kidney function (RKF) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), as well as its predictive value for PD‐related outcomes.

Methods

This study included a cross‐sectional study to assess the correlation between serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio and RKF in 50 patients on PD and a retrospective cohort study to assess the association between serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio and PD‐related outcomes in 122 patients who initiated PD.

Results

Serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratios had significant positive correlations with renal Kt/V and creatinine clearance values (r = 0.60, p < 0.001 and r = 0.61, p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio was significantly associated with a lower risk of transfer to hemodialysis or PD/hemodialysis hybrid therapy (hazard ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.75–0.95).

Conclusion

The serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio can be an indicator of RKF and a prognostic factor in patients undergoing PD.
Identification and functional validation of an enhancer variant in the 9p21.3 locus associated with glaucoma risk and elevated expression of p16INK4a
Authors: Zhu Yizhou , Tazearslan Cagdas , Rosenfeld Michael G. , Fiser Andras , Suh Yousin
Published: June 2023

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, with advanced age being the single most significant risk factor. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between aging and glaucoma remain unclear. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified genetic variants strongly associated with increased glaucoma risk. Understanding how these variants function in pathogenesis is crucial for translating genetic associations into molecular mechanisms and, ultimately, clinical applications. The chromosome 9p21.3 locus is among the most replicated glaucoma risk loci discovered by GWAS. Nonetheless, the absence of protein‐coding genes in the locus makes interpreting the disease association challenging, leaving the causal variant and molecular mechanism elusive. In this study, we report the identification of a functional glaucoma risk variant, rs6475604. By employing computational and experimental methods, we demonstrated that rs6475604 resides in a repressive regulatory element. Risk allele of rs6475604 disrupts the binding of YY1, a transcription factor known to repress the expression of a neighboring gene in 9p21.3, p16INK4A, which plays a crucial role in cellular senescence and aging. These findings suggest that the glaucoma disease variant contributes to accelerated senescence, providing a molecular link between glaucoma risk and an essential cellular mechanism for human aging.