bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waiting times in a branching process model of colorectal cancer initiation
Authors: Zhang Ruibo , Ukogu Obinna A. , Bozic Ivana
Published: June 2022

We consider a multi-type branching process model for the initiation of colorectal cancer, which progresses through a complex sequence of driver mutations. The model incorporates the relative fitness advantages conferred by driver mutations, which leads us to consider non-dividing sub-populations, and the effects of neutral and advantageous mutations. We analyze large-time limits to approximate the population sizes of sub-clones founded by neutral or advantageous mutations, and use the results to compute the waiting time distributions for the incidence of novel mutations in colorectal cancer initiation. Analytic waiting time distributions, including the distribution of waiting time to malignancy, are in good agreement with results from Monte Carlo simulations of the model. The approach presented here can be extended to other multi-type branching process models where population growth rates of consecutive types are non-decreasing.
Scalable RT-LAMP-based SARS-CoV-2 testing for infection surveillance with applications in pandemic control
Authors: Lou Dan , Meurer Matthias , Ovchinnikova Svetlana , Burk Robin , Denzler Anna , Herbst Konrad , Papaioannou Ioannis A. , Duan Yuanqiang , Jacobs Max L. , Witte Victoria , Ürge Daniel , Kirrmaier Daniel , Krogemann Michelle , Gubicza Krisztina , Boerner Kathleen , Bundschuh Christian , Weidner Niklas M. , Merle Uta , Knorr Britta , Welker Andreas , Denkinger Claudia M. , Schnitzler Paul , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Dao Thi Viet Loan , Deckert Andreas , Anders Simon , Knop Michael
Published: June 2022

Throughout the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, limited diagnostic testing capacity prevented sentinel testing of the population, demonstrating the need for novel testing strategies and infrastructures. Here, we describe the set-up of an alternative testing platform, which allows scalable surveillance testing as an acute pandemic response tool and for pandemic preparedness purposes, exemplified by SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics in an academic environment. The testing strategy involves self-sampling based on gargling saline, pseudonymized sample handling, automated 96-well plate-based RNA extraction, and viral RNA detection using a semi-quantitative multiplexed colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay with an analytical sensitivity comparable to RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We provide standard operating procedures and an integrated software solution for all workflows, including sample logistics, LAMP assay analysis by colorimetry or by sequencing (LAMP-seq), and communication of results to participants and the health authorities. Using large sample sets including longitudinal sample series we evaluated factors affecting the viral load and the stability of gargling samples as well as the diagnostic sensitivity of the RT-LAMP assay. We performed >35,000 tests during the pandemic, with an average turnover time of fewer than 6 hours from sample arrival at the test station to result announcement. Altogether, our work provides a blueprint for fast, sensitive, scalable, cost- and labor-efficient RT-LAMP diagnostics. As RT-LAMP-based testing requires advanced, but non-specialized laboratory equipment, it is independent of potentially limiting clinical diagnostics supply chains.

One-sentence summary

A blueprint for scalable RT-LAMP test capacity for the sensitive detection of viral genomes demonstrated by SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing.
Causal linkage of tobacco smoking with ageing traits: a Mendelian randomization analysis towards telomere attrition and frailty
Authors: Park Sehoon , Kim Seong Geun , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Cho Semin , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki
Published: June 2022

Background

Ageing traits and frailty are important health issues in modern medicine. Evidence supporting the causal effects from tobacco smoking on various ageing traits is warranted.

Methods

This Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis instrumented 377 genetic variants associated with being an ever smoker in a genome-wide significant level to test the causal estimates from tobacco smoking. The outcome data included 337,318 white British ancestry UK Biobank participants. Leukocyte telomere length, appendicular lean mass index, subjective walking pace, handgrip strength, and wristband accelerometry determined physical activity degree were collected as ageing related outcomes. Summary-level MR by inverse variance weighted method and pleiotropy-robust MR methods, including weighted median and MR–Egger, was performed.

Results

Summary-level MR analysis indicated that higher genetic predisposition for tobacco smoking was significantly associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length [2-fold prevalence increase in smoking towards standardized Z-score, -0.041 (-0.054, -0.028)], lower appendicular lean mass index [-0.007 (-0.010, -0.005)], slower walking pace [ordinal category, -0.047 (-0.054, -0.033)], and lower time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [hours per week, -0.39 (-0.56, -0.23). The causal estimates were nonsignificant towards handgrip strength phenotype [kg, 0.074 (-0.055, 0.204)]. Pleiotropy-robust MR results generally supported the main causal estimates.

Conclusion

Genetically predicted tobacco smoking is significantly associated with worse ageing phenotypes. Healthcare providers may continue to reduce tobacco use which may be helpful to reduce the burden related to ageing and frailty.
Impact of temporary storage conditions on the viability of Streptococcus pneumoniae in saliva
Authors: Allicock Orchid M. , York Anna , Waghela Pari , Yolda-Carr Devyn , Weinberger Daniel M. , Wyllie Anne L.
Published: June 2022

Nasopharyngeal swabs are considered the gold standard sample type for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage, but recent studies have demonstrated the utility of saliva in improving carriage detection in adults. Saliva is generally collected in its raw, unsupplemented state, unlike nasopharyngeal swabs, which are collected into stabilizing transport media. Little data exist regarding the stability of pneumococcus in unsupplemented saliva during transport and laboratory storage. We therefore evaluated the effect of storage conditions on the detection of pneumococcus in saliva samples using strains representing eight pneumococcal serotypes. The bacteria were spiked into raw saliva from asymptomatic individuals, and we assessed sample viability after storage for up to 72 hours at 4°C and room temperature as well as following three freeze-thaw cycles. We observed little decrease in pneumococcal detection following culture-enrichment and qPCR detection of genes piaB and lytA when compared to testing fresh samples, indicating prolonged viability of pneumococcus in neat saliva samples. This study provides insight into the effect of storage of saliva samples in the laboratory, and the utilization of saliva for pneumococcal carriage detection which can be particularly useful for studies conducted in remote or low resource settings.
Telemedicine Use Among People with HIV in 2021: The Hybrid-Care Environment
Authors: El-Nahal Walid G. , Chander Geetanjali , Jones Joyce L. , Fojo Anthony T. , Keruly Jeanne C. , Manabe Yukari C. , Moore Richard D. , Gebo Kelly A. , Lesko Catherine R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Telemedicine use for the care of people with HIV (PWH) was widely expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2021, as on-site care was re-introduced, care was delivered through a mixture of in-person and telemedicine. We studied how different patient populations used telemedicine in this hybrid-care environment.

Methods

Using observational data from patients enrolled in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort, we analyzed all in-person and telemedicine HIV primary care visits completed in an HIV clinic from January 1st, 2021 to December 30th, 2021. We used log-binomial regression models to investigate the association between patient characteristics and the probability of completing a telemedicine versus in-person visit. A secondary analysis of telemedicine visits investigated the probably of completing a video versus telephone visit.

Results

A total of 5,518 visits were completed by 1,884 patients; 4,282 (77.6%) visits were in-person, 800 (14.5%) by phone, and 436 (7.9%) by video. The relative risk (RR) of completing telemedicine vs. in-person visits was 0.65 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.47, 0.91) for patients age 65+ vs. age 20-39; 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.98) for males vs. females; 0.81 (95% CI: 0.66, 0.99) for Black vs. white patients; 0.62 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.79) for patients in the highest vs. lowest quartile of Area Deprivation Index; and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.26, 1.84) for patients >15 miles vs. <5 miles from clinic.

Conclusions

In the second year of the pandemic, overall in-person care was utilized more than telemedicine, and significant differences persist across subgroups in telemedicine uptake.
Mer3 helicase protects early crossover intermediates from STR complex disassembly during meiosis
Authors: Altmannova Veronika , Firlej Magdalena , Müller Franziska , Janning Petra , Rauleder Rahel , Rousova Dorota , Schäffler Andreas , Weir John R.
Published: June 2022

During meiosis I it is necessary that homologous chromosomes are linked to one another so that they can be faithfully separated.S. cerevisiaeMer3 (HFM1 in mammals) is a SF2 helicase and member of the ZMM group of proteins, that facilitates the formation of class I crossovers during meiosis. Here we describe the structural organisation of Mer3 and, using AlphaFold modelling and XL-MS, we further characterise the previously described interaction with Mlh1-Mlh2. We find that Mer3 also forms a previously undescribed complex with the recombination regulating factors Top3 and Rmi1 and that this interaction is competitive with Sgs1BLMhelicase in a phospho-dependent manner. Usingin vitroreconstituted D-loop assays we show that Mer3 inhibits the anti-recombination activity of Sgs1/Top3/Rmi1 (STR) complex. Thus we provide a mechanism whereby Mer3 downregulates the anti-crossover activity of the STR complex, hence promoting the formation of crossovers during meiosis I.
Seq-ing the SINEs of Central Nervous System Tumors in Cerebrospinal Fluid DNA
Authors: Douville Christopher , Curtis Samuel , Summers Mahmoud , Azad Tej D. , Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Avigdor Bracha , Dudley Jonathan , Materi Joshua , Raj Divyaansh , Nair Sumil , Bhanja Debarati , Touhy Kyle , Dobbyn Lisa , Popoli Maria , Ptak Janine , Nehme Nadine , Silliman Natalie , Blair Cherie , Judge Kathy , Gallia Gary L. , Groves Mari , Jackson Christopher M. , Jackson Eric M. , Laterra John , Lim Michael , Mukherjee Debraj , Weingart Jon , Naidoo Jarushka , Koschmann Carl , Smith Natalya , Schreck Karisa C. , Pardo Carlos A. , Glantz Michael , Holdhoff Matthias , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Vogelstein Bert , Bettegowda Chetan
Published: June 2022

Lesions within the brain cavity pose critical challenges for diagnostics, particularly distinction between cancerous and non-cancerous lesions. We here introduce an analytic technique called Real-CSF to detect cancers of the central nervous system from evaluation of DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) from throughout the genome are PCR-amplified with a single primer pair and the PCR products are evaluated by next generation sequencing. Real-CSF uses machine learning to assess three features from the sequencing data – gains or losses of 39 chromosome arms, focal amplifications, and somatic nucleotide variants. Real-CSF was applied to 282 CSF samples and correctly classified 71 % of 187 cancers and misclassified only 4.2% of 95 non-neoplastic lesions in the brain.
“Footprinting” missing epidemiological data for cervical cancer: a case study in India
Authors: Man Irene , Georges Damien , Bonjour Maxime , Baussano Iacopo
Published: June 2022

Background

Context-specific cervical cancer epidemiological data are essential to derive local impact projections of cervical cancer preventive measures. However, these are not always available, in particular in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where impact projections are essential to plan cervical cancer control programs.

Methods and Findings

We developed a framework, hereafter named Footprinting, to approximate the sexual behavior, human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence, and/or cervical cancer incidence data needed for impact projections. The framework was applied to a case study in India, the country with the highest expected cervical cancer burden but still limited access to cervical cancer prevention. With our Footprinting framework, we 1) identified clusters of Indian states with similar cervical cancer incidence patterns, 2) classified states without incidence data to the identified clusters based on similarity in sexual behavior data, 3) approximated missing cervical cancer incidence and HPV prevalence data based on available data within each cluster. Two main patterns of cervical cancer incidence, characterized by high and low incidence, were identified for 6 and 8 Indian states, respectively. States in the low-incidence cluster were characterized by less sexual activity with non-regular partners in men and earlier sexual debut in women. Based on these patterns, all 11 Indian states with missing cervical cancer incidence data were classified to the low-incidence cluster. Finally, missing data on cervical cancer incidence and HPV prevalence were approximated based on the mean of the available data within each cluster.

Conclusions

With the Footprinting framework, we enabled approximation of missing cervical cancer epidemiological data and derivation of context-specific impact projection of cervical cancer prevention measures, assisting public health decisions on cervical cancer prevention in India and other LMICs.
Unsupervised cell functional annotation for single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Li Dongshunyi , Ding Jun , Bar-Joseph Ziv
Published: June 2022

One of the first steps in the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data is the assignment of cell types. Although a number of supervised methods have been developed for this, in most cases such assignment is performed by first clustering cells in low-dimensional space and then assigning cell types to different clusters. To overcome noise and to improve cell type assignments, we developed UNIFAN, a neural network method that simultaneously clusters and annotates cells using known gene sets. UNIFAN combines both low-dimensional representation for all genes and cell-specific gene set activity scores to determine the clustering. We applied UNIFAN to human and mouse scRNA-seq data sets from several different organs. We show, by using knowledge about gene sets, that UNIFAN greatly outperforms prior methods developed for clustering scRNA-seq data. The gene sets assigned by UNIFAN to different clusters provide strong evidence for the cell type that is represented by this cluster, making annotations easier.
Enumeration and tabulation of magnetic (3+d)-dimensional superspace groups
Authors: Stokes Harold T. , Campbell Branton J.
Published: June 2022

A magnetic superspace group (MSSG) simultaneously constrains both the magnetic and non-magnetic (e.g. displacive, occupational, rotation and strain) degrees of freedom of an incommensurately modulated magnetic crystal. We present the first enumeration and tabulation of all non-equivalent (3+d)-dimensional magnetic superspace groups for d = 1, 2 and 3 independent incommensurate modulations, along with a number, symbol and reference setting for each group. We explain the process for generating an exhaustive set of inequivalent magnetic superspace groups, describe several examples, and show how the tables can be accessed via the ISO(3+d)D interface within the ISOTROPY Software Suite. We recommend that published incommensurate magnetic structures indicate a magnetic superspace-group number and symbol from these tables, as well as the transformation matrix from the published group setting to the reference setting used in these tables.
Crystal growth, structure elucidation and CHARDI/BVS investigations of β-KCoFe(PO4)2
Authors: Bouraima Adam , Ouaatta Said , Khmiyas Jamal , Anguilè Jean Jacques , Makani Thomas , Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: June 2022

Single crystals of β-KCoFe(PO4)2, potassium cobalt(II) iron(III) bis(orthophosphate), were grown from the melt under atmospheric conditions. This phosphate crystallizes isotypically with KZnFe(PO4)2 in space group C2/c, adopting a zeolite-ABW type of structure. The structure of the present phosphate is distinguished by an occupational disorder of the two transition-metal sites with ratios Fe:Co of 0.5725:0.4275 for the first and 0.4275:0.5725 for the second site. In the crystal structure, PO4 and (Co,Fe)O4 tetrahedra are linked through vertices to form elliptical rings with the sequence DDDDUUUU of up (U) and down (D) pointing vertices. Each eight-membered ring is surrounded by four other rings of the same type, delimiting interstices with rectangular shape. This arrangement leads to the formation of [(Co/Fe)(PO4)]−
∞ sheets parallel to (001). Stacking of the sheets into a three-dimensional framework results in the formation of two types of channels. The first one is occupied by potassium cations, whereas the second one remains vacant. Calculations of bond-valence sums and charge distribution were used to confirm the structure model.
Structural and biophysical studies of new L-asparaginase variants: lessons from random mutagenesis of the prototypic Escherichia coli Ntn-amidohydrolase
Authors: Loch Joanna I. , Klonecka Agnieszka , Kądziołka Kinga , Bonarek Piotr , Barciszewski Jakub , Imiolczyk Barbara , Brzezinski Krzysztof , Gilski Mirosław , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: June 2022

This work reports the results of random mutagenesis of the Escherichia coli class 2 L-asparaginase EcAIII belonging to the Ntn-hydrolase family. New variants of EcAIII were studied using structural, biophysical and bioinformatic methods. Activity tests revealed that the L-asparaginase activity is abolished in all analyzed mutants with the absence of Arg207, but some of them retained the ability to undergo the autoproteolytic maturation process. The results of spectroscopic studies and the determined crystal structures showed that the EcAIII fold is flexible enough to accept different types of mutations; however, these mutations may have a diverse impact on the thermal stability of the protein. The conclusions from the experiments are grouped into six lessons focused on (i) the adaptation of the EcAIII fold to new substitutions, (ii) the role of Arg207 in EcAIII activity, (iii) a network of residues necessary for autoprocessing, (iv) the complexity of the autoprocessing reaction, (v) the conformational changes observed in enzymatically inactive variants and (vi) the cooperativity of the EcAIII dimer subunits. Additionally, the structural requirements (pre-maturation checkpoints) that are necessary for the initiation of the autocleavage of Ntn-hydrolases have been classified. The findings reported in this work provide useful hints that should be considered before planning enzyme-engineering experiments aimed at the design of proteins for therapeutic applications. This is especially important for L-asparaginases that can be utilized in leukemia therapy, as alternative therapeutics are urgently needed to circumvent the severe side effects associated with the currently used enzymes.
Organizational learning capability and its impact on organizational innovation
Authors: Haile Ephrem Assefa , Tüzüner Vala Lale
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of organizational learning capability (OLC) on organizational innovation (OI) and identify the type of innovation that is accorded more emphasis by Ethiopian manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied an explanatory research design, and cross-sectional data were gathered through structured questionnaires from general and HR managers of 197 manufacturing firms in Addis Ababa and Oromia, Ethiopia. The ordinary least square regression method was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The study provides empirical insights into how OLC affects OI. The findings revealed that the sampled firms have scored low mean values in terms of OLC and OI. In addition, OLC had a positive but low effect on OI and its dimensions. Because of their weak institutional support, the sampled firms tended to emphasize administrative innovation rather than product and process innovations.

Research limitations/implications

This study would have yielded better results if it was built on evidence-based data to reveal how radical or incremental OIs are, as well as how OLC and OI vary across different sectors. The theoretical and practical implications drawn from the findings are also presented.

Originality/value

There is little empirical evidence of the nexus among OLC, process and administrative innovations, especially from the perspective of developing economies. This study empirically supports the direct relationship between the constructs. In developing countries such as Ethiopia, where there are weak institutional resources and support, administrative innovation shall be emphasized in the short run.
Striving to improve investment efficiency among Chinese firms: does the role of venture capital matter?
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Ran Maosheng , Li Yi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of venture capital (VC) involvement on investment efficiency (IE) and its potential action mechanisms from the perspective of financial resource allocation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data of Chinese firms between 2008 and 2020, and the propensity score matching–difference in differences method, the authors investigate the relationship between VC and IE.

Findings

The results show that VC involvement significantly promotes IE, and the effect exhibits an inverted U-shape dynamic over time. The authors find two mechanisms through which VC promotes IE: alleviating financing constraints and improving corporate governance. Supplementary tests indicate that VC institutions with high reputations play a significant role in enhancing IE; the promotion effect is more pronounced for firms in non-high-tech industries, firms facing higher industrial competition and firms located in areas with better property rights protection systems.

Originality/value

This study provides several original contributions. First, based on principal–agent and financing constraint theories, this study enhances the literature by revealing how VC drives the IE of newly public firms in China. Second, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to identify the mechanisms between VC and IE; Third, from an empirical perspective, besides discussing the average and dynamic effect of VC on IE, this study also explores the impact of the interaction between VC and market competition and property rights protection on IE.
The Differential Risk Transfer: a new approach for reducing vulnerability to climate-related hazards
Authors: Fernández Lopera Cristian Camilo , Mendes José Manuel , Barata Eduardo Jorge
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Climate-related disasters are the most representative in terms of recurrence and impacts. To reduce them, risk transfer is a key strategy for climate risk management. However, this approach does not consider the socioeconomic vulnerability of each population group, limiting its effectiveness. The objective of this paper is to improve and increase the usefulness of risk transfer through the Differential Risk Transfer (DRT) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive and systematic review of the state of the art on Differential Approach (DA) is presented, and its connection with existing models of vulnerability to disasters is analysed. Through epistemic deliberations, an operational definition of Differential Risk Transfer (DRT), as well as its advantages are discussed. Finally, general guidelines are presented for the implementation of the DRT in a specific context.

Findings

The results confirm that DA presents a clear relation with the models for the study of disaster vulnerability. The small group discussions agree with the usefulness of DRT for improving climate-related risk management.

Practical implications

This paper argues for the inclusion of the DRT approach in the climate risk management strategies aiming to fill the disaggregated data gaps that limit the potentiality and accuracy of risk transfer schemes worldwide.

Originality/value

This innovative approach improves the accuracy of the risk transfer mechanisms through the recognition of the differences of ethnicity, gender and life cycle that increase socioeconomic vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Internet of Things (IoT) and the road to happiness
Authors: Ahmad Norita , Zulkifli Arief M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a systematic review about the Internet of Things (IoT) and its impacts on happiness. It intends to serve as a platform for further research as it is sparse in in-depth analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic review initially observed 2,501 literary articles through the ScienceDirect and WorldCat search engines before narrowing it down to 72 articles based on subject matter relevance in the abstract and keywords. Accounting for duplicates between search engines, the count was reduced to 66 articles. To finally narrow down all the literature used in this systematic review, 66 articles were given a critical readthrough. The count was finally reduced to 53 total articles used in this systematic review.

Findings

This paper necessitates the claim that IoT will likely impact many aspects of our everyday lives. Through the literature observed, it was found that IoT will have some significant and positive impacts on people's welfare and lives. The unprecedented nature of IoTs impacts on society should warrant further research moving forward.

Research limitations/implications

While the literature presented in this systematic review shows that IoT can positively impact the perceived or explicit happiness of people, the amount of literature found to supplement this argument is still on the lower end. They also necessitate the need for both greater depth and variety in this field of research.

Practical implications

Since technology is already a pervasive element of most people’s contemporary lives, it stands to reason that the most important factors to consider will be in how we might benefit from IoT or, more notably, how IoT can enhance our levels of happiness. A significant implication is its ability to reduce the gap in happiness levels between urban and rural areas.

Originality/value

Currently, the literature directly tackling the quantification of IoTs perceived influence on happiness has yet to be truly discussed broadly. This systematic review serves as a starting point for further discussion in the subject matter. In addition, this paper may lead to a better understanding of the IoT technology and how we can best advance and adapt it to the benefits of the society.
Identity work of academic teachers in an entrepreneurship training camp: a sensemaking approach
Authors: Peura Kirsi , Hytti Ulla
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates how academic teachers engage in identity work and make sense of entrepreneurship and academia in an entrepreneurship training programme.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing a sensemaking approach, the paper inductively analyses materials from a business idea development camp organised for academic teachers.

Findings

In collective sensemaking during the camp, non-academic facilitators strongly influenced the reflection-in-experience via normative ideas of entrepreneurship and their othering of entrepreneurship from academic work. In their post-camp individual essays, the academic teachers reflect-on-experience and draw parallels between entrepreneurship and academic work constructing sameness.

Research limitations/implications

Longitudinal research is needed in identity work and sensemaking among academic teachers in relation to entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Universities need to offer arenas for teachers and other faculty to support identity work and sensemaking.

Originality/value

This study generates new understanding of how academic teachers engage in identity work and make sense of entrepreneurship in training when interacting with others. It underscores the importance of time needed for reflection-on-action.
Social Actors constructing community visions in the Global South
Authors: Vargas-Lama Fredy
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the aspects that social actors consider in constructing shared futures in communities. In their application in emerging countries, especially in the Global South, the socio-cultural particularities of communities and actors are often overlooked, generating friction or social conflicts. This paper presents two critical elements contributing to the debate: the importance of understanding Social Actors within a model of generating community futures in emerging countries; and the relevant factors that influence the actors in an exercise of building futures in communities.

Design/methodology/approach

From qualitative research, a case study of community foresight of the future was used: the future of Puerto Gaitán 2037 (Meta, Colombia). A method of information collection was applied from observation of the participants and analysis of documentation. The analysis method was the deductive qualitative analysis (DQA).

Findings

The participation of the social actors presents a model of five relevant elements that influence the actors for the successful construction of futures in communities. The first four factors, revealed from theory, are presented in real life. Likewise, a fifth factor is proven, Long-term thinking, which is evidenced by a model of application of futures studies for the specific context, applicable to the case of communities in countries of the Global South.

Originality/value

Although there are isolated examples of recommendations regarding studies to generate the future of communities, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that presents concrete factors that contribute to guiding the construction of community futures from social actors, especially in countries of the Global South such as Colombia. It is also one of the first studies to use the DQA as a method of analysis in a topic of futures studies.
Gossip at work: a model of narcissism, core self-evaluation and perceived organizational politics
Authors: Khan Aamna , Chaudhary Richa
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Although many probable consequences of workplace gossip have been featured prominently in the organizational behavior literature, existing research lags in identifying the possible causes behind it. In the present research, the authors aim to examine self-focused personality traits such as narcissism and core self-evaluation (CSE) as predictors of negative (NWG) and positive workplace gossip (PWG). In addition, the study tests the moderating influence of perceived organizational politics (POP) on the aforementioned relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a time lagged field study on a sample of 616 employees from various organizations across India. The proposed theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling procedures in AMOS.

Findings

Narcissism was found to relate significantly with NWG as well as PWG. CSE, on the other hand, showed significant association with NWG only. Further, POP was found to moderate the relationship between narcissism and PWG.

Practical implications

Present study makes practitioners aware of the ubiquity of the phenomenon of gossip and encourages them to design and implement policies that cater to the needs of communication of employees. It also advises managers to carefully examine political scenario in the organization, and understand how it can be moulded for the betterment of employees as well as the organization.

Originality/value

First, using social comparison theory, the authors introduce personality traits as predictors of NWG and PWG. Second, by exploring POP as the boundary condition, the authors take into account the most common yet unexplored factor that affects gossip behavior in the organizations.
Transforming students’ behaviour preferences: achievable changes by a sustainability course
Authors: Zsóka Ágnes , Ásványi Katalin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of a sustainability course that was designed to evoke measurable transformational changes in students’ preferences and in their roles as consumers, employees and citizens, via consciously addressing sustainability issues and involving a community partner.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was undertaken using mixed methods. Q-methodology helped create student groups with similar preferences for sustainable attitudes and behaviours before and after the course; the most important features of attitude changes and identify the phases of transformation were explored. In-depth interviews with each participant contributed to understanding and explaining the motivation for changing preferences and generated individual-level reflections about the perceived process of transformation.

Findings

Q-method highlighted how stakeholder roles were transformed from the three pre-factors to the three post-factors and for the whole group. Seven phases of transformational change are identified based on the reflective in-depth interviews from “no transformation” to “change agent behavior”.

Practical implications

Findings provide new perspectives for evaluating and embracing the transformational potential of sustainability courses.

Originality/value

Assessing the impacts of sustainability courses on students’ transformation via measuring their mindsets and behaviour preferences prior to and after a course is still an under-researched area, especially in relation to the Q-method. A further unique feature is how the influence of engaged community partner on students’ preferences is captured. The explored scope of individual responsibility goes beyond environmental awareness and addresses participants in various stakeholder roles simultaneously, by examining their priorities as consumers, employees and citizens.
Absorptive capacities, FDI and economic growth in a developing economy: a study in the Indian context
Authors: Gupta Surbhi , Yadav Surendra S. , Jain P.K.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the moderating impact of absorptive capacity on the foreign direct investment (FDI)–growth link using the data for the period 1995–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and threshold analysis for empirical analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the link between FDI and economic growth is influenced indirectly by absorptive capacities, such as financial development, institutional quality, technological capability, and trade openness. However, while examining the linear FDI–growth nexus, the authors noticed that human capital and infrastructure did not affect the relationship; when the non-linearity in the link is considered, the authors noted that all absorptive capacities (including human capital and infrastructure), when interacted with FDI, have a positive effect on growth. Furthermore, FDI stimulates growth if the absorptive capacities have exceeded a certain threshold level.

Research limitations/implications

From a practical standpoint, it is reasonable to conclude that improving absorptive capacities is critical in order to perceive FDI as a growth driver.

Originality/value

India has been able to position itself as a preferred destination for FDI (when the major economies are facing a sharp decline in FDI inflows) despite the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it still suffers from low growth. Although much of the literature admits that absorptive capacity is crucial for FDI to promote growth, no study in the case of India examines FDI–growth nexus conditioned upon absorptive capacity. Moreover, the authors have used threshold analysis for assessing the non-linearities in FDI–growth nexus contingent on absorptive capacity.
The information behaviours of disadvantaged young first-time mothers
Authors: Buchanan Steven , Jardine Cara
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the information behaviours of socioeconomically disadvantaged young first-time mothers, an understudied and at-risk group (health and well-being).

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 39 young mothers (aged up to 25 years of age) from UK areas of multiple deprivations.

Findings

Our participants' preferred sources of information are interpersonal sources with which they have formed close supportive relationships. Support groups are important sources of interpersonal connection, but young mothers are reluctant to attend groups involving older mothers. With the exception of support group staff and health visitors, institutional and professional information sources are used very little. Societal stigma is a significant issue influencing behaviours, but issues of institutional bureaucracy, information overload, conflicting information and practical access are also reported. A further key factor influencing behaviour is self-identity.

Research limitations/implications

Findings should not be considered representative of young mothers as a whole as not all young mothers are disadvantaged. As our participants identified as ethnically white, findings also cannot speak to the additional barriers experienced by women of colour. Further studies with further population groups are recommended. More broadly, further studies exploring the influence of self-identity on people's information behaviours are also recommended.

Practical implications

Findings provide practical direction for health and welfare services, and public libraries, to better support young mothers.

Originality/value

Findings contribute to conceptual and practical understanding of information poverty in the socio-ecological context. Findings also evidence the role of self-identity in shaping people's information behaviours.
Using relational leadership theory to magnify actors’ dynamic participation: the implementation of corporate social responsibility practices in the hospitality sector
Authors: Palermo Ofelia , Sarwar Huma , Franzoni Simona
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose the application of relational leadership theory (RLT) for magnifying the dynamics involving the individual who participates in the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the hospitality sector. Dominant theories in this field fail to show what drivers affect such dynamics. The key preoccupation of those frameworks is the extent to which CSR can attract, motivate and retain employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Through a quantitative survey involving circa 1,300 hotels, and qualitative semi-structured interviews, this study seeks to unpick what actors identify as sustainable practice driving motives, which, in turn, influence the implementation of CSR initiatives. In this perspective, actors drift away from being mere receivers, or executors of sustainable practices, acquiring a more active role. The qualitative data of this study are collected through semi-structured interviews in hotels in Italy, the UK and Pakistan and run the quantitative survey across the same three countries.

Findings

The quantitative data showed a significant positive correlation between economic incentive and teamwork in CSR practices. This aligned with the qualitative data that showed two main drivers – responsibility and convenience – displaying characteristics of collectivity and collaboration, which tie to the principles of RLT.

Research limitations/implications

This study posits the relevance of relatedness at multiple levels to spot how CSR initiatives can produce varying “hospitality work” outcomes.

Originality/value

By focusing on actors and identifying the driving motives of sustainable initiatives, this paper suggests that leaderful practice stands at the core of CSR implementation.
Second chance hiring: exploring consumer perception of employers who hire individuals with criminal histories
Authors: Young Nicole , Keech Jessica
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Many employers express concern over consumer response to employees with criminal histories. However, consumers' responses may be less negative than employers assume. The authors examine consumers' response to organizations that hire employees with criminal histories.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed participants randomly assigned to one of two conditions: purchasing services from an employer that hires individuals with criminal histories or from an employer whose inclination to hire individuals with criminal histories is unknown. The authors considered four service providers, among which the length of customers' time and involvement with employees varies: a grocery store, restaurant, auto-repair shop, and hotel.

Findings

Participants were no more or less likely to patronize the restaurant, the repair shop, or the grocery store that hired individuals with criminal histories, and no more or less likely to alter their willingness to pay for these services. Consumers were less likely to stay at a hotel that hired employees with criminal histories, but this difference was mitigated when customers were provided with an explanation of the benefits of hiring individuals with criminal histories.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the need for further research on perceptions that limit hiring of individuals with criminal histories and other similarly marginalized populations.

Practical implications

This research addresses a common justification – consumer concern – for not hiring individuals with criminal histories.

Social implications

Increased employment improves individual outcomes, such as access to stable housing and food, as well as larger outcomes, such as public safety.

Originality/value

This paper highlights a population often marginalized in the hiring process. The findings challenge a common justification for not hiring individuals with criminal histories.
Rewetting prolongs root growing season in minerotrophic peatlands and mitigates negative drought effects
Authors: Schwieger Sarah , Kreyling Juergen , Peters Bo , Gillert Alexander , Freiherr von Lukas Uwe , Jurasinski Gerald , Köhn Daniel , Blume‐Werry Gesche
Published: June 2022

Root phenology influences the timing of plant resource acquisition and carbon fluxes into the soil. This is particularly important in fen peatlands, in which peat is primarily formed by roots and rhizomes of vascular plants. However, most fens in Central Europe are drained for agriculture, leading to large carbon losses, and further threatened by increasing frequency and intensity of droughts. Rewetting fens aims to restore the original carbon sink, but how root phenology is affected by drainage and rewetting is largely unknown.

We monitored root phenology with minirhizotrons in drained and rewetted fens (alder forest, percolation fen and coastal fen) as well as its soil temperature and water table depth during the 2018 drought. For each fen type, we studied a drained site and a site that was rewetted ~25 years ago, while all the sites studied had been drained for almost a century.

Overall, the growing season was longer with rewetting, allowing roots to grow over a longer period in the year and have a higher root production than under drainage. With increasing depth, the growing season shifted to later in time but remained a similar length, and the relative importance of soil temperature for root length changes increased with soil depth.

Synthesis and applications. Rewetting extended the growing season of roots, highlighting the importance of phenology in explaining root productivity in peatlands. A longer growing season allows a longer period of carbon sequestration in form of root biomass and promotes the peatlands' carbon sink function, especially through longer growth in deep soil layers. Thus, management practices that focus on rewetting peatland ecosystems are necessary to maintain their function as carbon sinks, particularly under drought conditions, and are a top priority to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change.
The OpenFeeder: A flexible automated RFID feeder to measure interspecies and intraspecies differences in cognitive and behavioural performance in wild birds
Authors: Cauchoix Maxime , Barragan Jason Gladys , Biganzoli Arnauld , Briot Jérôme , Guiraud Vincent , El Ksabi Nory , Lieuré David , Morand‐Ferron Julie , Chaine Alexis S.
Published: June 2022

Understanding the ecology and evolution of personality and cognition requires the development of new tools to measure individual and species differences in behavioural and cognitive performances in wild populations. Furthermore, such tools should facilitate collection of large sample sizes, evaluate the repeatability of measured traits and allow direct comparison of species performances across a variety of behavioural tasks.

Here we present a RFID‐based feeder (OpenFeeder) designed to run visual cognitive tasks in wild animals. We illustrate the flexibility of the tool showing performances of three wild passerine species (Parus major, Cyanistes caeruleus and Poecile palustris) in an associative learning task.

We recorded performances of a large number of individuals (>300) in the wild and showed both interspecific and intraspecific differences in associative learning. We also found moderate to high repeatability in individual differences in associative learning in each species.

We show that the OpenFeeder is a flexible tool to record performance in multiple cognitive and behavioural tasks in free‐ranging animals across a variety of passerine species. The design, firmware and software are open source to facilitate use in a wide variety of species and thus allow continuous improvement of the system and development of new behavioural and cognitive tasks. In doing so, we hope that this tool will be used by a large community of cognitive ecologists and comparative psychologists for both within and across species studies. Furthermore, our system should facilitate replication of results across populations along large‐scale environmental gradients to improve our understanding of the role ecology plays in the evolution of cognitive traits.