bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility and reporting practices in COVID-19 preprint manuscripts
Authors: Sumner Josh , Haynes Leah , Nathan Sarah , Hudson-Vitale Cynthia , McIntosh Leslie D.
Published: March 2020

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has sparked an outflow of scientific research seeking to understand the virus, its spread, and best practices in prevention and treatment. If this international research effort is going to be as swift and effective as possible, it will need to rely on a principle of open science. When researchers share data, code, and software and generally make their work as transparent as possible, it allows other researchers to verify and expand upon their work. Furthermore, it allows public officials to make informed decisions. In this study, we analyzed 535 preprint articles related to COVID-19 for eight transparency criteria and recorded study location and funding information. We found that individual researchers have lined up to help during this crisis, quickly tackling important public health questions, often without funding or support from outside organizations. However, most authors could improve their data sharing and scientific reporting practices. The contrast between researchers’ commitment to doing important research and their reporting practices reveals underlying weaknesses in the research community’s reporting habits, but not necessarily their science.
Age-dependent effects in the transmission and control of COVID-19 epidemics
Authors: Davies Nicholas G. , Klepac Petra , Liu Yang , Prem Kiesha , Jit Mark ,   CMMID COVID-19 working group, Eggo Rosalind M
Published: March 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a markedly low proportion of cases among children. Age disparities in observed cases could be explained by children having lower susceptibility to infection, lower propensity to show clinical symptoms, or both. We evaluate these possibilities by fitting an age-structured mathematical model to epidemic data from six countries. We estimate that clinical symptoms occur in 25% (95% CrI: 19-32%) of infections in 10-19-year-olds, rising to 76% (68-82%) in over-70s, and that susceptibility to infection in under-20s is approximately half that of older adults. Accordingly, we find that interventions aimed at children may have a relatively small impact on total cases, particularly if the transmissibility of subclinical infections is low. The age-specific clinical fraction and susceptibility we have estimated has implications for the expected global burden of COVID-19 because of demographic differences across settings: in younger populations, the expected clinical attack rate would be lower, although it is likely that comorbidities in low-income countries will affect disease severity. Without effective control measures, regions with older populations may see disproportionally more clinical cases, particularly in the later stages of the pandemic.
Agent-based simulation for reconstructing social structure by observing collective movements with special reference to single-file movement
Authors: Koda Hiroki , Arai Zin , Matsuda Ikki
Published: March 2020

Understanding social organization is fundamental for the analysis of animal societies. In this study, animal single-file movement data ‒serialized order movements generated by simple bottom-up rules of collective movements— are informative and effective observations for the reconstruction of animal social structures using agent-based models. For simulation, artificial 2-dimensional spatial distributions were prepared with the simple assumption of clustered structures of a group. Animals in the group are either independent or dependent agents. Independent agents distribute spatially independently each one another, while dependent agents distribute depending on the distribution of independent agents. Artificial agent spatial distributions aim to represent clustered structures of agent locations ‒a coupling of “core” or “keystone” subjects and “subordinate” or “follower” subjects. Collective movements were simulated following two simple rules, 1) initiators of the movement are randomly chosen, and 2) the next moving agent is always the nearest neighbor of the last moving agents, generating “single-file movement” data. Finally, social networks were visualized, and clustered structures reconstructed using a recent major social network analysis (SNA) algorithm, the Louvain algorithm, for rapid unfolding of communities in large networks. Simulations revealed possible reconstruction of clustered social structures using relatively minor observations of single-file movement, suggesting possible application of single-file movement observations for SNA use in field investigations of wild animals.
Latent clinical-anatomical dimensions of schizophrenia
Authors: Kirschner Matthias , Shafiei Golia , Markello Ross D. , Makowski Carolina , Talpalaru Alexandra , Hodzic-Santor Benazir , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Paquola Casey , Bernhardt Boris C. , Lepage Martin , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Dagher Alain , Misic Bratislav
Published: March 2020

Widespread structural brain abnormalities have been consistently reported in schizophrenia, but their relation to the heterogeneous clinical manifestations remains unknown. In particular, it is un-clear whether anatomical abnormalities in discrete regions give rise to discrete symptoms, or whether distributed abnormalities give rise to the broad clinical profile associated with schizophrenia. Here we apply a multivariate data-driven approach to investigate covariance patterns between multiple symptom domains and distributed brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. Structural MRI, and clinical data were derived from one discovery sample (133 patients, 113 controls) and one independent validation sample (108 patients, 69 controls). Disease-related voxel-wise brain abnormalities were estimated using deformation based morphometry. Partial least squares analysis was used to comprehensively map clinical, neuropsychological and demographic data onto distributed deformation in a single multivariate model. The analysis identified three latent clinical-anatomical dimensions that collectively accounted for 55% of the covariance between clinical data and brain deformation. The first latent clinical-anatomical dimension was replicated in an independent sample, encompassing cognitive impairments, negative symptom severity and brain abnormalities within the default mode and visual networks. This cognitive-negative dimension was associated with low socioeconomic status and was represented across multiple races. Altogether, we identified a continuous cognitive-negative dimension of schizophrenia, centered on two intrinsic networks. By simultaneously taking into account both clinical manifestations and neuroanatomical abnormalities, the present results open new avenues for multi-omic stratification and biotyping of individuals with schizophrenia.
Questionnaire assessment helps the self-management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Yu Meiping , Ye Zhenghao , Chen Yu , Qin Tingting , Kou Jiguang , Tian De’an , Xiao Fang
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect the disease status of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to assess the disease status of IBD patients in Hubei province by questionnaire online and guide to the self-management of IBD patients during this epidemic.

Methods

A questionnaire was designed containing the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), the Partial Mayo Score (PMS), the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ) and distributed to Hubei IBD patients online within one month of traffic control after the outbreak of COVID-19. This questionnaire also included some questions about patients’ self-report disease conditions and their epidemiological history of COVID-19.

Results

A total of 102 eligible questionnaires were included in the analysis. No patient reported infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in our study. Our result showed that 69.64% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 80.44% of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) were in remission. There was not a statistically significant difference in the proportion of the active disease stage between the two types of disease (p=0.103). The majority of patients (85.29%) had a good health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (SIBDQ≥50). The reduction in physical exercise is a risk factor for worsening in conditions (OR=17.593, 95%CI 2.035 to 152.097, p=0.009).

Conclusions

The outbreak of COVID-19 might not have a significant impact on most Hubei IBD patients within one month after the traffic control. The patient’s disease condition could be assessed by our questionnaires. Doctors utilized the information and advised for IBD patients about self-management during the period of COVID-19.
Outbreak analysis with a logistic growth model shows COVID-19 suppression dynamics in China
Authors: Zou Yi , Pan Stephen , Zhao Peng , Han Lei , Wang Xiaoxiang , Hemerik Lia , Knops Johannes , van der Werf Wopke
Published: March 2020

China reported a major outbreak of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, from mid-January till mid-March 2020. The number of cases outside China is now growing fast, while in mainland China the virus outbreak is largely under control. We review the epidemic virus growth and decline curves in China using a phenomenological logistic growth model to summarize the outbreak dynamics using three parameters that characterize the epidemic’s timing, rate and peak. During the initial phase, the number of virus cases doubled every 2.7 (range 2.2 - 4.4) days. The rate of increase in the number of reported cases peaked approximately 10 days after suppression measures were started on 23-25 January 2020. The peak in the number of reported sick cases occurred on average 18 days after the start of measures. From the time of starting measures till the peak, the number of cases increased by a factor 39 in the province Hubei, and by a factor 9.5 for all of China (range: 6.2-20.4 in the other provinces). Complete suppression took up to 2 months (range: 23-57d.), during which period severe restrictions, social distancing measures, testing and isolation of cases were in place. The suppression of the disease in China has been successful, demonstrating that suppression is a viable strategy to contain SARS-CoV2.
No Difference in Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Between Adult Patients Receiving Different Types of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Mou Zhixiang , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported as one of the most common complications in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), yet the risk of AKI on different types of ECMO remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to compare risk of AKI among adult patients requiring different types of ECMO. Two authors independently performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, encompassing publications up until Arpril 20, 2020 (inclusive). The number of AKI patients, non-AKI patients, patients required RRT and patients not required RRT receiving different types of ECMO were derived and analyzed by STATA. The results indicated there was no significant difference in risk of AKI (OR, 1.54; 95% CI: 0.75-3.16; P= 0.235) and severe AKI required RRT (OR, 1.0; 95% CI: 0.66-1.5, P= 0.994) in patients receiving different types of ECMO. In Conclusion, no difference in risk of AKI and severe AKI required RRT between patients receiving VA ECMO and VV ECMO. More studies are required to support the findings.
(p)ppGpp/GTP and malonyl-CoA modulateStaphylococcus aureusadaptation to FASII antibiotics and provide a basis for synergistic bi-therapy
Authors: Pathania Amit , Anba-Mondoloni Jamila , Gominet Myriam , Halpern David , Dairou Julien , Dupont Laëtitia , Lamberet Gilles , Trieu-Cuot Patrick , Gloux Karine , Gruss Alexandra
Published: March 2020

Fatty acid biosynthesis (FASII) enzymes are considered valid targets for antimicrobial drug development against the human pathogenStaphylococcus aureus. However, incorporation of host fatty acids confers FASII antibiotic adaptation that compromises prospective treatments.S. aureusadapts to FASII inhibitors by a first non-replicative latency period followed by outgrowth. Here we used transcriptional fusions and direct metabolite measurements to investigate the factors that dictate the duration of latency prior to outgrowth. We show that stringent response induction leads to repression of FASII and phospholipid synthesis genes. (p)ppGpp induction inhibits synthesis of malonyl-CoA, a molecule that derepresses FapR, a key regulator of FASII and phospholipid synthesis. Anti-FASII treatment also triggers transient expression of (p)ppGpp-regulated genes during the anti-FASII latency phase, with concomitant repression of FapR regulon expression. These effects are reversed upon outgrowth. GTP depletion, a known consequence of stringent response, also occurs during FASII latency, and is proposed as the common signal linking these responses. We next show that anti-FASII treatment shifts malonyl-CoA distribution between its interactants FapR and FabD, towards FapR, increasing expression of phospholipid synthesis genesplsXandplsCduring outgrowth. We conclude that components of the stringent response dictate malonyl-CoA availability inS. aureusFASII regulation, and contribute to latency prior to anti-FASII-adapted outgrowth. A combinatory approach, coupling a (p)ppGpp inducer and an anti-FASII, blocksS. aureusoutgrowth, opening perspectives for bi-therapy treatment.

Importance

Staphylococcus aureusis a major human bacterial pathogen for which new inhibitors are urgently needed. Antibiotic development has centered on the fatty acid synthesis (FASII) pathway, which provides the building blocks for bacterial membrane phospholipids. However,S. aureusovercomes FASII inhibition and adapts to anti-FASII by using exogenous fatty acids that are abundant in host environments. This adaptation mechanism comprises a transient latency period, followed by bacterial outgrowth. Here we use metabolite sensors and promoter reporters to show that responses to stringent conditions and to FASII inhibition intersect: both involve GTP and malonyl-CoA. These two signaling molecules contribute to modulating the duration of latency prior toS. aureusadaptation outgrowth. We exploit these novel findings to propose a bi-therapy treatment against staphylococcal infections.
Splicing impact of deep exonic missense variants in CAPN3 explored systematically by minigene functional assay
Authors: Dionnet Eugénie , Defour Aurélia , Da Silva Nathalie , Salvi Alexandra , Lévy Nicolas , Krahn Martin , Bartoli Marc , Puppo Francesca , Gorokhova Svetlana
Published: March 2020

Improving the accuracy of variant interpretation during diagnostic sequencing is a major goal for genomic medicine. In order to explore an often overlooked splicing effect of missense variants, we developed the functional assay (“minigene”) for the majority of exons of CAPN3, the gene responsible for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). By systematically screening 21 missense variants distributed along the gene, we found that eight clinically relevant missense variants located at a certain distance from the exon/intron borders (deep exonic missense variants) disrupted normal splicing of CAPN3 exons. Several recent machine learning based computational tools failed to predict splicing impact for the majority of these deep exonic missense variants, highlighting the importance of including variants of this type in the training sets during the future algorithm development. Overall, 24 variants in CAPN3 gene were explored, leading to the change in the ACMG classification of seven of them when results of the “minigene” functional assay were taken into account. Our findings reveal previously unknown splicing impact of several clinically important variants in CAPN3 and draw attention to the existence of deep exonic variants with a disruptive effect on gene splicing that could be overlooked by the current approaches in clinical genetics.
A new approach for quantifying phosphorus requirement in an Amazonian fish using CT-scanning
Authors: Menezes Ludmila L.C. , Santos Janaina G. A. , Guimarães Igo G. , Padua Delma M. C. , Machado Vânia M. V. , Souto Cristielle N.
Published: March 2020

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for fish growth, as it plays pivotal roles in skeletal development and energy transfer reactions. However, the dietary requirement of this mineral is variable among fish species and the growth stages. Thus, this study aimed to determine the digestible P (dP) requirement for tambaqui in the initial growth stage (± 17 to 150g) using growth data, mineralization of the whole body, vertebrae and scales, as well as blood chemistry as response parameters. A total of 192 tambaqui juveniles of approximately 17 ± 0.85 g were stocked into a water recirculation system. Fish were assigned to 24 70L-tanks using randomized block design (two floors) with six treatments (1.3, 2.4, 4.8, 6.3, 7.8 and 8.8 g kg−1dP) and four replicates. Fish were fed six semipurified diets with increasing levels of dP for 90 days. The dietary requirement of P was estimated using regression models (P < 0.05). Duncan and SNK multiple range tests were used when regression models were not fitted. No mortality or apparent signs of P deficiency were observed. All performance variables were improved with increasing levels of dP in the diet. Based on weight gain, the P requirement was 6.3g kg−1diet while for increased carcass mineral deposition was 6.6g kg−1diet and for adequate mineralization of vertebrae the requirement was 4.75 g dP kg−1diet. The blood chemistry parameters were greatly affected by the dietary P level, except for serum calcium. Thus, the dietary dP requirement for tambaqui juveniles in the early stage was 6.3 g kg−1diet based on growth and bone mineralization.
The genetic architecture of emerging fungicide resistance in populations of a global wheat pathogen
Authors: Pereira Danilo , McDonald Bruce A. , Croll Daniel
Published: March 2020

Containing fungal diseases often depends on the application of fungicidal compounds. Fungicides can rapidly lose effectiveness due to the rise of resistant individuals in populations. However, the lack of knowledge about resistance mutations beyond known target genes challenges investigations into pathways to resistance. We used whole-genome sequencing data and association mapping to reveal the multilocus genetic architecture of fungicide resistance in a global panel of 159 isolates ofParastagonospora nodorum, an important fungal pathogen of wheat. We found significant differences in azole resistance among global field populations. The populations evolved distinctive combinations of resistance alleles which can interact synergistically. We identified 34 significantly associated SNPs located in close proximity to genes associated with fungicide resistance in other fungi, including an MFS transporter. Using fungal colony growth rates and melanin production at different temperatures as fitness proxies, we found no evidence that resistance was constrained by genetic trade-offs. Our study demonstrates how genome-wide association studies of a global collection of pathogen strains can recapitulate the emergence of fungicide resistance. The distinct complement of resistance mutations found among populations illustrates how the evolutionary trajectory of fungicide adaptation can be complex and challenging to predict.
Membrane lipid requirements of the lysine transporter Lyp1 fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van‘t Klooster Joury S , Cheng Tan-Yun , Sikkema Hendrik R , Jeucken Aike , Moody D. Branch , Poolman Bert
Published: March 2020

Membrane lipids act as solvents and functional cofactors for integral membrane proteins. The yeast plasma membrane is unusual in that it may have a high lipid order, which coincides with low passive permeability for small molecules and a slow lateral diffusion of proteins. Yet, membrane proteins whose functions require altered conformation must have flexibility within membranes. We have determined the molecular composition of yeast plasma membrane lipids located within a defined diameter of model proteins, including the APC-superfamily lysine transporter Lyp1. We now use the composition of lipids that naturally surround Lyp1 to guide testing of lipids that support the normal functioning of the transporter, when reconstituted in vesicles of defined lipid composition. We find that phosphatidylserine and ergosterol are essential for Lyp1 function, and the transport activity displays a sigmoidal relationship with the concentration of these lipids. Non-bilayer lipids stimulate transport activity, but different types are interchangeable. Remarkably, Lyp1 requires a relatively high fraction of lipids with one or more unsaturated acyl chains. The transport data and predictions of the periprotein lipidome of Lyp1, support a new model in which a narrow band of lipids immediately surrounding the transmembrane stalk of a model protein allows conformational changes in the protein.
Structure of the ALS Mutation Target Annexin A11 Reveals a Stabilising N-Terminal Segment
Authors: Lillebostad Peder August Gudmundsen , Raasakka Arne , Hjellbrekke Silje Johannessen , Patil Sudarshan , Røstbø Trude , Hollås Hanne , Sakya Siri Aastedatter , Szigetvari Peter D. , Vedeler Anni , Kursula Petri
Published: March 2020

The functions of the annexin family of proteins involve binding to Ca2+, lipid membranes, other proteins, and RNA, and the annexins share a common folded core structure at the C terminus. Annexin A11 (AnxA11) has a long N-terminal region, which is predicted to be disordered, binds RNA, and forms membraneless organelles involved in neuronal transport. Mutations in AnxA11 have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We studied the structure and stability of AnxA11 and identified a short stabilising segment in the N-terminal end of the folded core, which links domains I and IV. Crystal structure of the AnxA11 core highlights main-chain hydrogen bonding interactions formed through this bridging segment, which are likely conserved in most annexins. The structure was also used to study the currently known ALS mutations in AnxA11. Three of these mutations correspond to buried Arg residues highly conserved in the annexin family, indicating central roles in annexin folding. The structural data provide starting points for detailed structure-function studies of both full-length AnxA11 and the disease variants being identified in ALS.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridin-1-ium 6-methyl-2,2,4-trioxo-2H,4H-1,2,3-oxathiazin-3-ide
Authors: Kansiz Sevgi , Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Aydin Tansu Merve , Dege Necmi , Icbudak Hasan , Golenya Irina A.
Published: March 2020

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C5H7N2O+·C4H4NO4S−, contains one cation and one anion. The 6-methyl-2,2,4-trioxo-2H,4H-1,2,3-oxathiazin-3-ide anion adopts an envelope conformation with the S atom as the flap. In the crystal, the anions and cations are held together by N—H...O, N—H...N, O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, thus forming a three-dimensional structure. The Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots reveal that the crystal packing is dominated by O...H/H...O (43.1%) and H...H (24.2%) contacts.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3,4-dihydro-2H-anthra[1,2-b][1,4]dioxepine-8,13-dione
Authors: Zazouli Sofia , Chigr Mohammed , Jouaiti Ahmed , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Ketatni El Mostafa
Published: March 2020

The title compound, C17H12O4, was synthesized from the dye alizarin. The dihedral angle between the mean plane of the anthraquinone ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.039 Å) and the dioxepine ring is 16.29 (8)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to the ab plane. The sheets are connected through π–π and C=O...π interactions to generate a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to investigate intermolecular interactions in the solid-state: the most important contributions are from H...H (43.0%), H...O/O...H (27%), H...C/C...H (13.8%) and C...C (12.4%) contacts.
Audit committee versus other governance mechanisms and the effect of investment opportunities: evidence from Palestine
Authors: Abdeljawad Islam , Oweidat Ghassan A.I. , Saleh Norman Mohd
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the presence of an audit committee is associated with other corporate governance mechanisms, i.e. board structure, ownership structure and quality of external audit. The present study evaluated whether the presence of the audit committee complements or substitutes other governance mechanisms in Palestinian companies. Moreover, the effect of investment opportunities on the relationship between the formation of the audit committee and the quality of the auditor was addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The association between the formation of the audit committee and other governance variables was modelled as a binary logistic model. The sample comprising 44 firms listed on Palestine exchange for the period between 2013 and 2017, amounting to 220 firm-year observations.

Findings

Based on the investigation, the results have indicated that board independence, the distinction between the chairman and chief executive officer function, ownership concentration and audit quality enhance the chance of audit committee formation, implying complementary effect. Contrastingly, board size and board ownership serve as a substitute to audit committee formation. It has also been found that investment opportunities act as an effective moderating factor that strengthens the relationship between audit quality and the formation of the audit committee.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insight into the interaction between multiple corporate governance mechanisms within the economy of Palestine where the external uncertainty is high and investment opportunities are constrained by the decisions of the occupying authority. The findings may help regulators and policymakers in Palestine alongside those of other countries with similar environmental features to revise and update their corporate governance codes to ensure that the best control can be achieved, subsequently attracting more foreign and domestic investments.
Understanding off-site readiness in Indian construction organisations
Authors: Bendi Deepthi , Rana Muhammad Qasim , Arif Mohammed , Goulding Jack Steven , Kaushik Amit Kant
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper presents a bespoke model for understanding off-site construction (OSC) readiness among Indian construction organisations. This model presents 17 variables for discussion, the results from which help support OSC strategic decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Factor analysis was used to investigate the relationship between variables to group them into factors. After identifying 26 different variables, these were reduced to 17 using factor analysis and categorised into four groups. Descriptive statistical analysis and factor analysis using SPSS was used to develop a hierarchy of factors that affect OSC readiness in India. These findings were reinforced by five domain experts to support the results.

Findings

Minimising on-site duration, ensuring cost and time certainty and transportation issues were identified as the three most important factors, whereas lack of guidance and scepticism were among the lowest factors affecting the Indian OSC sector.

Research limitations/implications

This research is specifically focused on OSC within the Indian construction sector. As such, data collection, propagation and analysis should be constrained to the population context regarding inference, generalisability and repeatability.

Practical implications

The proffered OSC readiness model offers OSC practitioners an ability to assess the OSC readiness of construction organisations in India. This includes the evaluation and benchmarking of processes in both strategic and operational phases, including highlighting areas of concern and scope for further development (to achieve optimal advantage of OSC methods).

Originality/value

Originality rests with the use of factor analysis and descriptive statistical analysis to study the influence of different construction-related factors and variables on the OSC sector in India. This impact readiness model is context-specific to the Indian OSC sector – providing a unique insight into the causal factors and dependencies that can affect the adoption and uptake of modern methods of construction in India.
Culture in the design of mHealth UI
Authors: Alsswey Ahmed Housni , Al-Samarraie Hosam , El-Qirem Fuad Ali , Alzahrani Ahmed Ibrahim , Alfarraj Osama
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Designers of mobile applications have long understood the importance of users’ preferences in making the user experience easier, convenient and therefore valuable. The cultural aspects of groups of users are among the key features of users’ design preferences, because each group’s preferences depend on various features that are culturally compatible. The process of integrating culture into the design of a system has always been an important ingredient for effective and interactive human computer interface. This study aims to investigate the design of a mobile health (mHealth) application user interface (UI) based on Arabic culture. It was argued that integrating certain cultural values of specific groups of users into the design of UI would increase their acceptance of the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 135 users responded to an online survey about their acceptance of a culturally designed mHealth.

Findings

The findings showed that culturally based language, colours, layout and images had a significant relationship with users’ behavioural intention to use the culturally based mHealth UI.

Research limitations/implications

First, the sample and the data collected of this study were restricted to Arab users and Arab culture; therefore, the results cannot be generalized to other cultures and users. Second, the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model was used in this study instead of the new version, which may expose new perceptions. Third, the cultural aspects of UI design in this study were limited to the images, colours, language and layout.

Practical implications

It encourages UI designers to implement the relevant cultural aspects while developing mobile applications.

Originality/value

Embedding Arab cultural aspects in designing UI for mobile applications to satisfy Arab users and enhance their acceptance toward using mobile applications, which will reflect positively on their lives.
Tourism demonstration system for large-scale museums based on 3D virtual simulation technology
Authors: Hu Yongcai , Sun Wei , Liu Xigang , Gan Quan , Shi Jie
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to enhance audience experience in museum by using three-dimensional (3D) virtual simulation technology.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a large space museum building tourism demonstration system based on 3D virtual simulation technology was proposed. Starting from the concept of virtual reality (VR), the characteristics of VR and the classification of VR systems were introduced, and the research status of VR technology at home and abroad and the application of 3D virtual simulation were discussed. Then the key technologies of 3D modeling, 3D scene optimization and 3D simulation driving of 3D virtual simulation were expounded, and the characteristics and application scope of different technical methods were analyzed. Finally, an example of the Hongzhou Kiln 3D network museum was listed.

Findings

The research results showed that 3D virtual simulation has a wide range of applications in the field of VR. Different elements need to be considered for different types of applications, and different contents need to be integrated to achieve the corresponding interaction modes.

Originality/value

Virtual image; multimedia; large space museum; tourism demonstration system; 3D virtual simulation technology.
An assessment of education and continuing professional development (CPD) of academic libraries workforce in Botswana
Authors: Oladokun Olugbade , Mooko Neo P. , Fidzani Babakisi T.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the current level of education qualifications of the workforce working in academic libraries in Botswana. The study also aims to determine the current and required level of continuing professional development (CPD) of librarians working in academic libraries in Botswana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted positivist research paradigm and quantitative research design using a structured questionnaire to collect data, where survey questions were developed based on existing, tested and verified NeXus1 and NeXus2 instruments developed in Australia.

Findings

Findings revealed that majority (41 or 35.3%) of the academic workforce in Botswana had first degree professional qualification, while those with diploma qualification were 28 or 24.1%; about a quarter of respondents had obtained master’s degree qualification. Most of the CPD activities undertaken were workshops and other workplace training programmes. While about half of the total respondents had attended conferences, less than half of them had published or presented a paper, and mentoring, that should have been given a pride of place in the libraries, largely suffers near neglect. Some knowledge and skills have been acquired on the job and have beneficial impact in the service rendered.

Originality/value

The study seems to be the first of its type in Botswana as a thorough search of literature did not yield any result in the field. What is more, it combines the librarians in public and private universities, colleges of education and institutes of health sciences. Recommendations generated from the findings are likely to improve the services rendered and interest of the librarians in the profession.
Big data driven multi-tier architecture for electric mobility as a service in smart cities
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo , Abbas Petersen Sobah , Ahlers Dirk , Krogstie John
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Electric mobility as a service (eMaaS) is suggested as a possible solution to ease transportation and lessen environmental issues by providing a collaborative transport sharing infrastructure that is based on electric vehicles (EVs) such as electric cars, electric bicycles and so on. Accordingly, this study aims to propose a multi-tier architecture to support the collection, processing, analytics and usage of mobility data in providing eMaaS within smart cities. The architecture uses application programming interfaces to enable interoperability between different infrastructures required for eMaaS and allow multiple partners to exchange and share data for making decision regarding electric mobility services.

Design/methodology/approach

Design science methodology based on a case study by interview was used to collect data from an infrastructure company in Norway to verify the applicability of the proposed multi-tier architecture.

Findings

Findings suggest that the architecture offers an approach for collecting, aggregating, processing and provisioning of data originating from sources to improve electric mobility in smart cities. More importantly, findings from this study provide guidance for municipalities and policymakers in improving electric mobility services. Moreover, the author’s findings provide a practical data-driven mobility use case that can be used by transport companies in deploying eMaaS in smart cities.

Research limitations/implications

Data was collected from a single company in Norway, hence, it is required to further verify the architecture with data collected from other companies.

Practical implications

eMaaS operates on heterogeneous data, which are generated from EVs and used by citizens and stakeholders such as city administration, municipality transport providers, charging station providers and so on. Therefore, the proposed architecture enables the sharing and usage of generated data as openly available data to be used in creating value-added services to improve citizen’s quality of life and viability of businesses.

Social implications

This study proposes the deployment of electric mobility to address increased usage of vehicles, which contributes to pollution of the environment that has a serious effect on citizen’s quality of life.

Originality/value

This study proposes a multi-tier architecture that stores, processes, analyze and provides data and related services to improve electric mobility within smart cities. The multi-tier architecture aims to support and increase eMaaS operation of EVs toward improving transportation services for city transport operators and citizens for sustainable transport and mobility system.
Is trade dispute a major factor influencing the complementarity of Sino-US solar PV products trade?
Authors: Wang Zihan , Shuai Jing , Leng Zhihui , Shuai Chuanmin , Shi Zhiyao
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Through empirical analysis of Sino-US solar photovoltaic (PV) trade, this paper aims to evaluate the complementarity of Sino-US solar PV trade by adopting trade combination degree (TCD) index, export similarity index (SI) and trade complementarity index (TCI). It also explores the role of trade disputes over Sino-US solar PV trade between China and the USA and important factors affecting the complementarity of the trade.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the comparative advantage theory, this paper selects the TCD, export SI and TCI to evaluate the complementarity of Sino-US solar PV trade comprehensively. Among them, TCD and SI can directly reflect the degree of cooperation and competition of Sino-US solar PV trade. Finally, the authors further analyze the decisive factors affecting the complementarity of Sino-US PV trade by entropy weight method and multiple linear regression analysis on the influencing factors of TCI.

Findings

The solar PV trade between China and the USA still has a close relationship, and there is solar PV trade cooperation and competition between the two countries. The factors affecting the complementarity of Sino-US solar PV trade are mainly exchange rate levels rather than trade disputes between China and the USA. The solar PV trade policies of China and the USA will have a great negative impact on the global supply chain of solar PV products. The major solar PV products in China and the USA have a clear division in the global supply chain and still have a strong trade complementarity.

Originality/value

This paper conducts an empirical analysis of the Sino-US solar PV trade rather than a policy discussion. This research has important practical significance for the healthy and sustainable development of solar PV trade for both countries. It can also provide references to the current trade disputes between China and the USA in a broader sense.
A policy-making strategy to forecast outcomes of drug development in Indonesia
Authors: Siagian Ria Christine , Achadi Anhari , Thabrany Hasbullah , Ayuningtyas Dumilah , Soewondo Prastuti , Hastono Sutanto Priyo , Junadi Purnawan , Bachtiar Novilia Sjafri , Usia Tepy
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia appears hesitant to make the transition from inventor to innovator and instead continues with the process of formulation and packaging. Evidence-based policy has been advocated for Indonesia and, in general, this is more likely to hold. This study aims to establish a model for a policy-making process that is strategically able to predict strategies that would encourage drug development in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach with the survey method was designed to obtain appropriate data from a population of pharmaceutical industries in Indonesia and relevant government institutions to assess the relationship of various factors capable of triggering domestic drug development, including pharma capability, political feasibility and innovation incentives. The construct was validated using a set of techniques pertaining to the calculation of structural equation modeling.

Findings

The model demonstrates how it matters when applied to the policy-making process. It proves that pharma capability, political feasibility, and innovation incentives correlated to pharma capability are major catalysts in the promotion of drug development. These are largely explained by market opportunity, pull factors, government power, and position. Although all of the elements were moderately to strongly related to the promotion of drug development, this study has revealed the predictive impact on drug development in Indonesia to be only 46%.

Originality/value

This study adds values to policy-makers as it attempts to predict strategies that would encourage a successful policy when being implemented. Encompassing both pharma industries and government institutions, this study captures a real situation and provides an empirical contribution to the concept of the integrated research of drug development in developing countries.
Conceptualizing and contextualizing overtourism: the dynamics of accelerating urban tourism
Authors: Nilsson Jan Henrik
Published: March 2020

Purpose

From the background of the dramatic increase of urban tourism, framed by the concept of overtourism, the purpose of this paper is to analyze and discuss current dynamic processes of urban tourism growth, as presented in the scientific literature. With the help of a literature review, this paper aims to discuss current definitions and conceptualizations of overtourism and discuss the driving forces for the growth of urban tourism, thereby situating overtourism in relational to general structural change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds on a non-exhaustive review of the scientific literature about overtourism and related topics, supplemented by a review of a few central policy documents.

Findings

Conceptually, overtourism relates to two different, but related, perspectives. The first one concern (negative) experiences of resident population and visitors, whereas the second relates to thresholds for the carrying capacity of destinations. Most of the reviewed literature focuses on three aspects of overtourism: localized problems in inner cities, the supply of unregulated accommodation through Airbnb and Airbnbs as a driving force of gentrification. Important perspectives are missing from the literature, mainly related to the development of driving forces of urban tourism growth in time and space. This observation is the starting point for a discussion on driving forces in an evolutionary perspective with the ambition of relating the growth of urban tourism to long waves of structural development.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on overtourism in urban contexts, rural tourism is not discussed.

Practical implications

In identifying the importance of driving forces for understanding the dynamics of urban tourism growth, a holistic view on managing mitigation might be possible.

Originality/value

The paper adds an evolutionary perspective to the discussion about overtourism and its causes. Thereby, it answers to a need to take tourism seriously in social science, as a major economic, social and ecologic force. In emphasizing the relationship between driving forces on different geographic scales and levels, power relations are highlighted. The paper discusses the role of driving forces for mitigating overtourism. An understanding of the dynamics of driving forces is essential for the development of urban sustainable tourism.
Polyaniline as an additive towards improving tribological properties and anti-corrosion performance of ionic liquids-based greases
Authors: Cao Zhengfeng , Xia Yanqiu , Chen Chuan , Zheng Kai , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore polyaniline (PANI) as a lubricant additive to improve the anti-corrosion and tribological properties of ionic liquids (ILs) for actual applications.

Design/methodology/approach

ILs were synthesized by dissolving lithium salts in synthetic oil and were used as a base oil to prepare ILs-based greases. PANI was used as an additive. The tribological properties were investigated in detail and the anti-corrosion ability was also assessed via salt spray test. After friction test, the worn surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to analyze the lubrication mechanisms.

Findings

PANI not only reduces the corrosion but also improves the friction reduction and anti-wear abilities of the ILs-based greases. The analysis indicates that the protective films generated on the worn surfaces were responsible for the preferable anti-corrosion and tribological properties.

Originality/value

This paper provides an effective approach to improve the anti-corrosion and tribological properties of ILs for actual applications.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2019-0469/
A measure of the implicit value of privacy under risk
Authors: Frik Alisa , Gaudeul Alexia
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Many online transactions and digital services depend on consumers’ willingness to take privacy risks, such as when shopping online, joining social networks, using online banking or interacting with e-health platforms. Their decisions depend on not only how much they would suffer if their data were revealed but also how uncomfortable they feel about taking such a risk. Such an aversion to risk is a neglected factor when evaluating the value of privacy. The aim of this paper is to propose an empirical method to measure both privacy risk aversion and privacy worth and how those affect privacy decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors let individuals play privacy lotteries and derive a measure of the value of privacy under risk (VPR) and empirically test the validity of this measure in a laboratory experiment with 148 participants. Individuals were asked to make a series of incentivized decisions on whether to incur the risk of revealing private information to other participants.

Findings

The results confirm that the willingness to incur a privacy risk is driven by a complex array of factors, including risk aversion, self-reported value for private information and general attitudes to privacy (derived from surveys). The VPR does not depend on whether there is a preexisting threat to privacy. The authors find qualified support for the existence of an order effect, whereby presenting financial choices prior to privacy ones leads to less concern for privacy.

Practical implications

Attitude to risk in the domain of privacy decisions is largely understudied. In this paper, the authors take a first step toward closing this empirical and methodological gap by offering (and validating) a method for the incentivized elicitation of the implicit VPR and proposing a robust and meaningful monetary measure of the level of aversion to privacy risks. This measure is a crucial step in designing and implementing the practical strategies for evaluating privacy as a competitive advantage and designing markets for privacy risk regulations (e.g. through cyber insurances).

Social implications

The present study advances research on the economics of consumer privacy – one of the most controversial topics in the digital age. In light of the proliferation of privacy regulations, the mentioned method for measuring the VPR provides an important instrument for policymakers’ informed decisions regarding what tradeoffs consumers consider beneficial and fair and where to draw the line for violations of consumers’ expectations, preferences and welfare.

Originality/value

The authors present a novel method to measure the VPR that takes account of both the value of private information to consumers and their tolerance for privacy risks. The authors explain how this method can be used more generally to elicit attitudes to a wide range of privacy risks involving exposure of various types of private information.