bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overt visual attention and value computation in complex risky choice
Authors: Fan Xinhao , Elsey Jacob , Wyngaard Aurelien , Yang Youping , Sampson Aaron , Emeric Erik , Glickman Moshe , Usher Marius , Levy Dino , Stuphorn Veit , Niebur Ernst
Published: December 2020

Traditional models of decision making under uncertainty explain human behavior in simple situations with a minimal set of alternatives and attributes. Some of them, such as prospect theory, have been proven successful and robust in such simple situations. Yet, less is known about the preference formation during decision making in more complex cases. Furthermore, it is generally accepted that attention plays a role in the decision process but most theories make simplifying assumptions about where attention is deployed. In this study, we replace these assumptions by measuring where humans deploy overt attention,i.e.where they fixate. To assess the influence of task complexity, participants perform two tasks. The simpler of the two requires participants to choose between two alternatives with two attributes each (four items to consider). The more complex one requires a choice between four alternatives with four attributes each (16 items to consider). We then compare a large set of model classes, of different levels of complexity, by considering the dynamic interactions between uncertainty, attention and pairwise comparisons between attribute values. The task of all models is to predict what choices humans make, using the sequence of observed eye movements for each participant as input to the model. We find that two models outperform all others. The first is the two-layer leaky accumulator which predicts human choices on the simpler task better than any other model. We call the second model, which is introduced in this study, TNPRO. It is modified from a previous model from management science and designed to deal with highly complex decision problems. Our results show that this model performs well in the simpler of our two tasks (second best, after the accumulator model) and best for the complex task. Our results suggest that, when faced with complex choice problems, people prefer to accumulate preference based on attention-guided pairwise comparisons.
Atypical mediofrontal theta oscillations underlying cognitive control in kindergarteners with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Buzzell George A. , Thomas Hannah R. , Choi Yeo Bi , Kim So Hyun
Published: December 2020

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit deficits in cognitive control. Neuroimaging approaches have implicated disruptions to medio-frontal cortex (MFC) structure and function. However, prior work has not directly tested whether young children with ASD exhibit disruptions to task-related theta oscillations thought to arise from the MFC.

Methods

Forty-three children with ASD and 24 age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) peers performed a child-friendly Go/No-go task while 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded at kindergarten-entry. Time-frequency approaches were employed to assess the magnitude of mediofrontal theta oscillations immediately following error (vs. correct) responses (“early theta”), as well as later emerging theta oscillations (“late theta”). We tested whether error-related mediofrontal theta oscillations differed as a function of diagnosis (ASD/typical) and timing (early/late theta). Additionally, links to social and academic outcomes were tested.

Results

Overall, children showed increased theta power following error vs. correct responses. Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited a selective reduction in error-related mediofrontal theta power during the late theta time window. There were no significant group differences for early theta power. Moreover, reduced error-related theta power during the late, butnotearly, time window significantly predicted poorer academic and social skills.

Conclusions

Kindergarteners with ASD demonstrated a selective reduction in error-related mediofrontal theta power during a relatively late time window, which is consistent with impairments in specific cognitive processes that recruit top-down control. Targeting these particular cognitive control processes via intervention prior to school-entry may promote more successful functional outcomes for children with ASD.
Cardiomyopathy Mutations Impact the Power Stroke of Human Cardiac Myosin
Authors: Tang W. , Ge J. , Unrath W.C. , Desetty R. , Yengo C. M.
Published: December 2020

Cardiac muscle contraction is driven by the molecular motor myosin that uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to generate a power stroke when interacting with actin filaments, while it is unclear how this mechanism is impaired by mutations in myosin that can lead to heart failure. We have applied a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy to investigate structural changes in the lever arm domain of human β-cardiac myosin subfragment 1 (M2β-S1). We exchanged the human ventricular regulatory light chain labeled at a single cysteine (V105C) with Alexa 488 onto M2β-S1, which served as a donor for Cy3ATP bound to the active site. We monitored the FRET signal during the actin-activated product release steps using transient kinetic stopped-flow measurements. We proposed that the fast phase measured with our FRET probes represents the structural change associated with rotation of the lever arm during the power stroke in M2β-S1. Our results demonstrated human cardiac muscle myosin has a slower power stroke compared with fast skeletal muscle myosin and myosin V. Measurements at different temperatures comparing the rate constants of the power stroke and phosphate release revealed that the power stroke occurs before phosphate release, and the two steps are tightly coupled. We speculate that the slower power stroke rate constant in cardiac myosin may correlate with the slower force development and/or unique thin filament activation properties in cardiac muscle. Additionally, we demonstrated that HCM (R723G) and DCM (F764L) associated mutations both reduced actin-activation of the power stroke in M2β-S1. We also demonstrate that both mutations decrease ensemble force development in the loaded in vitro motility assay. Thus, examining the structural kinetics of the power stroke in M2β-S1 has revealed critical mutation-associated defects in the myosin ATPase pathway, suggesting these measurements will be extremely important for establishing structure-based mechanisms of contractile dysfunction.

Significance

Mutations in human beta-cardiac myosin are known to cause various forms of heart disease, while it is unclear how the mutations lead to contractile dysfunction and pathogenic remodeling of the heart. In this study, we investigated two mutations with opposing phenotypes and examined their impact on ATPase cycle kinetics, structural changes associated with the myosin power stroke, and ability to slide actin filaments in the presence of load. We found that both mutations impair the myosin power stroke and other key kinetic steps as well as the ability to produce ensemble force. Thus, our results provide a structural basis for how mutations disrupt molecular level contractile dysfunction.
Structure-based mapping of the TβRI and TβRII receptor binding sites of the parasitic TGF-β mimic, Hp-TGM
Authors: Mukundan Ananya , Byeon Chang-Hyeock , Hinck Cynthia S. , Smyth Danielle J. , Maizels Rick M. , Hinck Andrew P.
Published: December 2020

TGF-β is a secreted signaling protein involved in many physiological processes: organ development, production and maintenance of the extracellular matrix, as well as regulation of the adaptive immune system. As a cytokine, TGF-β stimulates the differentiation of CD4+T-cells into regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that act to promote peripheral immune tolerance. The murine parasiteHeligmosomoides polygyrustakes advantage of this pathway to induce inducing Foxp3+Tregsin a similar manner using a TGF-β mimic (TGM), comprised of five tandem complement control protein (CCP) domains, designated D1-D5. Despite having no structural homology to TGF-β or to TGF-β family proteins, TGM binds directly to the TGF-β type I and type II receptors, TβRI and TβRII. To further investigate, NMR titration, and SPR and ITC binding experiments were performed, showing that TGM-D2, with the aid of D1, binds TβRI and TGM-D3 binds TβRII. Competition ITC experiments showed that TGM-D3 competes with TGF-β for binding to TβRII, consistent with TGM-D3-induced NMR chemical shift perturbations of TβRII which aligned with the solvent inaccessible areas of TβRII upon binding TGF-β. Thus, TGM-D3 binds to the same edged β-strand of TβRII that is used to bind TGF-β. Competition ITC experiments demonstrated that TGM-D1D2 and TGF-β3:TβRII compete for binding to TβRI, while TGM-D2-induced NMR chemical shift perturbation of TβRI showed that TGM-D2 binds to the same pre-helix extension of TβRI as does the TGF-β/TβRII binary complex. The solution structure of TGM-D3 revealed that while it has the overall structure of a CCP domain, TGM-D3 has an insertion in the hypervariable loop uncommon to CCP domains. These findings suggest that parasitic TGM, despite its lack of structural similarity to TGF-β, evolved to take advantage of the binding regions of the mammalian TGF-β type I and type II receptors. The structure of this TGM domain, along with the predicted structure of otherH. polygyrussecreted proteins reported in the literature, suggest that TGM is part of a larger family of evolutionarily-adapted immunomodulatory CCP-containing proteins.
Comprehensive analysis of T cell immunodominance and immunoprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in COVID-19 cases
Authors: Tarke Alison , Sidney John , Kidd Conner K , Dan Jennifer M. , Ramirez Sydney I. , Yu Esther Dawen , Mateus Jose , da Silva Antunes Ricardo , Moore Erin , Rubiro Paul , Methot Nils , Phillips Elizabeth , Mallal Simon , Frazier April , Rawlings Stephen A. , Greenbaum Jason A. , Peters Bjoern , Smith Davey M. , Crotty Shane , Weiskopf Daniela , Grifoni Alba , Sette Alessandro
Published: December 2020

T cells are involved in control of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To establish the patterns of immunodominance of different SARS-CoV-2 antigens, and precisely measure virus-specific CD4+and CD8+T cells, we studied epitope-specific T cell responses of approximately 100 convalescent COVID-19 cases. The SARS-CoV-2 proteome was probed using 1,925 peptides spanning the entire genome, ensuring an unbiased coverage of HLA alleles for class II responses. For HLA class I, we studied an additional 5,600 predicted binding epitopes for 28 prominent HLA class I alleles, accounting for wide global coverage. We identified several hundred HLA-restricted SARS-CoV-2-derived epitopes. Distinct patterns of immunodominance were observed, which differed for CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, and antibodies. The class I and class II epitopes were combined into new epitope megapools to facilitate identification and quantification of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+and CD8+T cells.
Absent expansion of pericentral hepatocytes and altered physiology in Axin2CreERT2 mice
Authors: May Stephanie , Müller Miryam , Livingstone Callum R , Skalka George , Nixon Colin , Hedley Ann , Shaw Robin , Clark William , Drake Thomas M , Kiourtis Christos , Rocha Ana Sofia , Sansom Owen J , Bird Thomas G
Published: December 2020

Abstract/Introduction

Understanding how the liver regenerates is a key biological question. Hepatocytes are the principle regenerative population in the liver. Recently, numerous lineage tracing studies (which apply genetic tagging to a restricted population and track its descendants over time) have reported conflicting results using a variety of hepatocyte based reporting systems in mice1,2. The first significant lineage tracing from a distinct subpopulation of hepatocytes in homeostasis reported hyper-proliferation of self-renewing pericentral hepatocytes with their subsequent expansion across the liver lobule3. This study used a CreERT2 construct knocked into the endogenousAxin2locus; here termed Axin2CreERT2. Subsequent studies, using either a different pericentral marker (Lgr54) or a different AxinCreERT2 transgene5, did not show lineage tracing. Here we aim to reconcile these discrepancies by re-evaluating lineage tracing in the Axin2CreERT2 knock-in model and explore the physiological consequences of this mutant allele. We were unable to find evidence of expansion of an Axin2CreERT2 labelled population and show that this population, whilst zonated, is spread throughout the lobule rather than being zonally restricted. Finally, we report that this allele results in profound perturbation of the Wnt pathway and physiology in the mouse.
Large and interacting effects of temperature and nutrient addition on stratified microbial ecosystems in a small, replicated, and liquid dominated Winogradsky column approach
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Choffat Yves , Daugaard Uriah , Petchey Owen L
Published: December 2020

Aquatic ecosystems are often stratified, with cyanobacteria in oxic layers and phototrophic sulfur bacteria in anoxic ones. Changes in stratification caused by global environmental change are an ongoing concern. Increasing understanding how such aerobic and anaerobic microbial communities, and associated abiotic conditions, respond to multifarious environmental changes is an important endeavor in microbial ecology. Insights can come from observational and experimental studies of naturally occurring stratified aquatic ecosystems, from theoretical models of ecological processes, and from experimental studies of replicated microbial communities in the laboratory. Here we demonstrate a laboratory-based approach with small, replicated, and liquid dominated Winogradsky columns, with distinct oxic/anoxic strata in a highly replicable manner. Our objective is to apply simultaneous global change scenarios (temperature, nutrient addition) on this micro-ecosystem to report how the microbial communities (full-length 16SrRNA-seq.) and the abiotic conditions (O2, H2S, TOC) of the oxic/anoxic layer responded to these environmental changes. Composition of the strongly stratified microbial communities was greatly affected by temperature and by the interaction of temperature and nutrient addition, demonstrating the need of investigating global change treatments simultaneously. Especially phototrophic sulfur bacteria dominated the water column at higher temperatures, and may indicate the presence of alternative stable states. We show that the establishment of such a micro-ecosystem has potential to test global change scenarios in stratified eutrophic limnic systems.
Metabolic potential of uncultured Antarctic soil bacteria revealed through long-read metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Waschulin Valentin , Borsetto Chiara , James Robert , Newsham Kevin K. , Donadio Stefano , Corre Christophe , Wellington Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has led to the exploration of uncultured bacteria as potential sources of new antimicrobials. PCR amplicon analyses and short-read sequencing studies of samples from different environments have reported evidence of high biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) diversity in metagenomes. However, few complete BGCs from uncultivated bacteria have been recovered, making assessment of BGC diversity difficult. Here, long-read sequencing and genome mining were used to recover >1400 mostly complete BGCs that demonstrate the rich diversity of BGCs from uncultivated lineages present in soil from Mars Oasis, Antarctica. The phyla Acidobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota and Gemmatimonadota, but also the actinobacterial classes Acidimicrobiia, Thermoleophilia, and the gammaproteobacterial order UBA7966, were found to encode a large number of highly divergent BGCs. Our findings underline the biosynthetic potential of underexplored phyla as well as unexplored lineages within seemingly well-studied producer phyla. They also showcase long-read metagenomic sequencing as a promising way to access the untapped reservoir of specialised metabolites of the uncultured majority of microbes.
Moment-by-moment tracking of naturalistic learning and its underlying hippocampo-cortical interactions
Authors: Michelmann Sebastian , Price Amy R. , Aubrey Bobbi , Doyle Werner K. , Friedman Daniel , Dugan Patricia C. , Devinsky Orrin , Devore Sasha , Flinker Adeen , Hasson Uri , Norman Kenneth A.
Published: December 2020

Every day our memory system achieves a remarkable feat: We form lasting memories of stimuli that were only encountered once. Here we investigate such learning as it naturally occurs during story listening, with the goal of uncovering when and how memories are stored and retrieved during processing of continuous, naturalistic stimuli. In behavioral experiments we confirm that, after a single exposure to a naturalistic story, participants can learn about its structure and are able to recall upcoming words in the story. In patients undergoing electrocorticographic recordings, we then track mnemonic information in high frequency activity (70 – 200Hz) as patients listen to a story twice. In auditory processing regions we demonstrate the rapid reinstatement of upcoming information after a single exposure; this neural measure of predictive recall correlates with behavioral measures of event segmentation and learning. Connectivity analyses on the neural data reveal information-flow from cortex to hippocampus at the end of events. On the second time of listening information-flow from hippocampus to cortex precedes moments of successful reinstatement.
Paternal hypoxia exposure primes offspring for increased hypoxia resistance
Authors: Ragsdale Alexandria , Ortega-Recalde Oscar , Dutoit Ludovic , Besson Anne A. , Chia Jolyn H.Z. , King Tania , Nakagawa Shinichi , Hickey Anthony , Gemmell Neil J. , Hore Timothy , Johnson Sheri L.
Published: December 2020

In a time of rapid environmental change, understanding how the challenges experienced by one generation can influence the fitness of future generations is critically needed. Using tolerance assays, transcriptomic and methylome approaches, we use zebrafish as a model to investigate transgenerational acclimation to hypoxia. We show that short-term paternal exposure to hypoxia endows offspring with greater tolerance to acute hypoxia. We detected two hemoglobin genes that are significantly upregulated by more than 7-fold in the offspring of hypoxia exposed males. Moreover, the offspring which maintained equilibrium the longest showed greatest upregulation in hemoglobin expression. We did not detect differential methylation at any of the differentially expressed genes, suggesting that another epigenetic mechanism is responsible for alterations in gene expression. Overall, our findings suggest that a ‘memory’ of past hypoxia exposure is maintained and that this environmentally induced information is transferred to subsequent generations, pre-acclimating progeny to cope with hypoxic conditions.
Increased seed carbohydrate reserves associated with domestication influence the optimal seminal root number ofZea mays
Authors: Perkins Alden C. , Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

Domesticated maize (Zea maysssp.mays) generally forms between two and six seminal roots, while its wild ancestor, Mexican annual teosinte (Zea maysssp.parviglumis), typically lacks seminal roots. Maize also produces larger seeds than teosinte, and it generally has higher growth rates as a seedling. Maize was originally domesticated in the tropical soils of southern Mexico, but it was later brought to the Mexican highlands before spreading to other parts of the continent, where it experienced different soil resource constraints. The aims of this study were to understand the impact of increased seminal root number on seedling nitrogen acquisition and to model how differences in maize and teosinte phenotypes might have contributed to increased seminal root number in domesticated maize.

Methods

Seedling root architectural models of a teosinte accession and a maize landrace were constructed by parameterizing the functional-structural plant modelOpenSimRootusing plants grown in mesocosms. Seedling growth was simulated in a low-phosphorus environment, multiple low-nitrogen environments, and at variable planting densities. Models were also constructed to combine individual components of the maize and teosinte phenotypes.

Key Results

Seminal roots contributed about 35% of the nitrogen and phosphorus acquired by maize landrace seedlings in the first 25 days after planting. Increased seminal root number improved plant N acquisition under low-N environments with varying precipitation patterns, fertilization rates, soil textures, and planting densities. Models suggested that the optimal number of seminal roots for nutrient acquisition in teosinte is constrained by its limited seed carbohydrate reserves.

Conclusions

Seminal roots can improve the acquisition of both nitrogen and phosphorus in maize seedlings, and the increase in seed size associated with maize domestication may have facilitated increased seminal root number.
Interplay between the cell envelope and mobile genetic elements shapes gene flow in populations of a nosocomial pathogen
Authors: Haudiquet Matthieu , Buffet Amandine , Rendueles Olaya , Rocha Eduardo P.C.
Published: December 2020

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) drive genetic transfers between bacteria using mechanisms that are affected by the cell envelope composition, notably the capsule. Here, we show that capsules constrain phage-mediated gene flow between closely related serotypes inKlebsiella pneumoniae, a high-priority nosocomial enterobacteria. Serotype-specific phage pressure may also explain the inactivation of capsule genes, which occur frequently and recapitulate the capsule biosynthetic pathway. We show that plasmid conjugation is increased upon capsule inactivation and that capsule re-acquisition leaves long recombination tracts around the capsular locus. This suggests that capsule inactivation by phage pressure facilitates its subsequent re-acquisition by conjugation, a process re-wiring gene flow towards novel lineages whenever it leads to serotype swaps. These results reveal the basis of trade-offs between the evolution of virulence and multidrug resistance. They also caution that some alternatives to antibiotic therapy may select for capsule inactivation, thus decreasing virulence but facilitating antibiotic resistance genes acquisition.
Disruptions in effort-based decision-making following acute optogenetic stimulation of ventral tegmental area dopamine cells
Authors: Fry Benjamin R. , Pence Nathan T. , McLocklin Andrew , Johnson Alexander W
Published: December 2020

The dopamine system has been implicated in decision-making particularly when associated with effortful behavior. We examined acute optogenetic stimulation of dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as mice engaged in an effort-based decision-making task. Tyrosine hydroxylase-Cre mice were injected with Cre-dependent ChR2 or eYFP control in VTA. While eYFP control mice showed effortful discounting, stimulation of dopamine cells in ChR2 mice disrupted effort-based decision-making by reducing choice towards the lever associated with a preferred outcome and greater effort. Surprisingly, disruptions in effortful discounting were observed in subsequent test sessions conducted in the absence of optogenetic stimulation, however during these sessions ChR2 mice displayed enhanced high choice responding across trial blocks. These findings suggest increases in VTA dopamine cell activity can disrupt effort-based decision-making in distinct ways dependent on the timing of optogenetic stimulation.
The tubovesicular network inPlasmodium vivaxliver-stage hypnozoites and schizonts associates with host aquaporin 3
Authors: Sylvester Kayla , Maher Steven P. , Posfai Dora , Tran Michael K. , Crawford McKenna C. , Vantaux Amélie , Witkowski Benoît , Kyle Dennis E. , Derbyshire Emily R.
Published: December 2020

The apicomplexanPlasmodiumparasites replicate in the liver before causing malaria.P. vivaxcan also persist in the liver as dormant hypnozoites and cause relapses upon activation. The host water and solute channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) has been shown to localize to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) ofP. vivaxhypnozoites and liver schizonts, along with otherPlasmodiumspecies and stages. In this study, we use high-resolution microscopy to characterize temporal changes of the tubovesicular network (TVN), a PVM-derived network within the host cytosol, duringP. vivaxliver-stage infection. We demonstrate an unexpected role for the TVN in hypnozoites and reveal AQP3 associates with TVN-derived vesicles and extended membrane features. We further show AQP3 recruitment toToxoplasma gondii. Our results highlight dynamic host-parasite interactions that occur in both dormant and replicating liver-stageP. vivaxforms and implicate AQP3 function during this time. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of AQP3 in apicomplexan infection.
Financial development and economic growth in Tanzania: an ARDL and bound testing approach
Authors: Kapaya Saganga Mussa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically weigh the evidence for financial depth, liquidity and efficiency role to economic growth, and test for the existence of cointegration between financial development variables and economic growth in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the autoregressive distributed lag model with bound testing procedures. The sample covered yearly time-series data from 1980 to 2017, i.e. 38 years.

Findings

The results suggest that financial system depth is positively related to economic growth in the short run and that financial system liquidity and efficiency is strongly negatively associated with economic growth both in the short and long run. Further, it is found that financial development is cointegrated with economic growth. Thus, financial reforms and liberalisation have not fully brought the desired positive effects on economic growth yet.

Originality/value

The study uses principal component analysis to capture specific dimensions within the financial system as an intuitive way to aggregate financial development effects. Unlike studies that included several countries with heterogeneous characteristics, which are sometimes difficulty to homogenise, in recognition of countries’ unique experiences, this study uses data from Tanzania as a specific case. It documents pertinent pieces of evidence for a developing economy necessary for financial policy adjustments post the financial and economic liberalisation and reforms period. It nevertheless sheds light on financial policies for other comparable developing economies during and after both financial and economic liberalisation settings.
Can forensic accounting impact sustainable corporate governance?
Authors: Rehman Ali , Hashim Fathyah
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the measurement of forensic accounting’s (FA) impact on sustainable corporate governance (SCG) within Omani public listed companies. Beyond merely cataloging the latest criminal innovations and SCG problems, this paper offers a path forward to overcome the myriad threats that can harm the organization and society. FA and SCG can achieve, anticipate and prevent tomorrow’s fraud today before organizations reach the point of no return.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, FA is an independent variable and SCG is the dependent variable. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Data are collected by internet-based tool and analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling and Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Findings

Result suggests that FA has a significant direct impact over SCG; moreover, FA can become the part of governance management toward the elimination of fraud and achievement of SCG.

Practical implications

This study can assist regulators, professional bodies and organizations in amending their codes of corporate governance and organizational policies by introducing the SCG clauses and making FA as a compulsory part of governance system.

Originality/value

Up to the best of the knowledge of researchers, there is no study conducted before which verifies the FA impact on SCG; moreover, previous relevant studies verify only one constituent for SCG, whereas this study is identifying three constituents necessary for SCG.
Intermediaries and social entrepreneurship identity: implications for business model innovation
Authors: Guerrero Maribel , Santamaría-Velasco Carlos A. , Mahto Raj
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The authors propose a theoretical basis for understanding the role of ecosystem intermediaries in the configuration of social entrepreneurship identities in social purpose organisations (SPOs) and their business model innovations (BMIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a retrospective multiple-case study, the authors offer insights into the paths/elements that determine the building of 44 social entrepreneurship identities in the context of an emerging economy (Mexico).

Findings

The study sheds light on the role of intermediaries in the configuration of the entrepreneurial identities of Mexican SPOs and BMIs, as well as several externalities generated during the process of capturing the social and economic value, especially when social innovations are focussed on solving societal, economic and ecological social problems.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is related to the analysis of intermediaries within the social entrepreneurship ecosystem, which needs more conceptual and empirical evidence. The second limitation is that the analysis focussed only on intervened SPOs, as the authors did not control for non-intervened SPOs. Thus, this allows for future in-depth analysis of intermediary efficiency in a focus group (intervened SPOs) and a control group (non-intervened SPOs).

Practical implications

The study also provides insights for Mexican SPOs on how a social entrepreneurship identity helps to capture the value creation of social innovations within an innovation ecosystem. Indeed, it is strongly aligned with the United Nations' Social Development Goals.

Originality/value

The study enhances the discussion about how intermediaries could encourage social entrepreneurial identity, as well as how intermediary intervention could facilitate the design and implementation of BMIs in the innovation ecosystem.
Revisiting equity in healthcare spending through capability-approach: assessing the effectiveness of health-insurance schemes in reducing OOPE and CHE in India
Authors: Dwivedi Rinshu , Pradhan Jalandhar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to draw theoretical insight from Sen’s capability-approach and attempts to examine the effectiveness of health-insurance-schemes in reducing out-of-pocket-expenditure (OOPE) and catastrophic-health-expenditure (CHE) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were extracted from the National-Sample-Survey-Organization, 71st round on Health-2014. Generalized-linear-regression-model was used to investigate the impact of social-protection-schemes on OOPE and CHE.

Findings

A notable segment of the Indian population is still not covered under any health-insurance-schemes. The majority of the insured population was covered by publicly-financed-health-insurance-schemes (PFHIs), with a trivial-share of private-insurance. Households from 16–59 age-group, urban, literate, richest, southern-regions, using private-facilities and having ear and skin ailments have reported higher insurance coverage. Reimbursement was higher among elderly, literates, middle-class, central-regions, using private-facilities/insurance and for infections. Access to PFHIs significantly reduces the risk of OOPE and CHE. Unavailability of reimbursement exposes the population to a higher risk of CHE.

Research limitations/implications

Being a study based on secondary data sources, its applicability may vary as per the other social indicators.

Practical implications

Extending insurance-coverage alone cannot answer the widespread inequalities in health care. Rather, an efficiently managed reimbursement-mechanism could condense OOPE and CHE by enhancing the capability of the population to confront the undue financial burden.

Social implications

Extending the health-insurance-coverage to the entire population requires a better understanding of the underlying-dynamics and health-care needs and must make health-care affordable by enhancing the overall capability.

Originality/value

This research brings a theoretical and conceptual analysis for improving the health-insurance coverage among the community as a public health strategy.
Subspace identification of fault modes for a twin-rotor system
Authors: Haider Khawaja Shafiq , Bintul Huda Aamina , Rasool Akhtar , Bukhari Syed Hashim Raza
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the fault modes of a nonlinear twin-rotor system (TRS) using the subspace technique to facilitate fault identification, diagnosis and control applications.

Design/methodology/approach

For identification of fault modes, three types of system malfunctions are introduced. First malfunction resembles actuator, second internal system dynamics and third represents sensor malfunction or offset. For each fault scenario, the resulting TRS model is applied with persistently exciting inputs and corresponding outputs are recorded. The collected input–output data are invoked in NS4SID subspace system identification algorithm to obtain the unknown fault model. The identified actuator fault modes of the TRS can be used for fault diagnostics, fault isolation or fault correction applications.

Findings

The identified models obtained through system identification are validated for correctness by comparing the response of the actual model under the fault condition and identified model. The results certify that the identified fault modes correctly resemble the respective fault conditions in the actual system.

Originality/value

The utilization of proposed work for current research emphasized the area of fault detection, diagnosis and correction applications that makes its value significantly. These modes when used for diagnosis purposes allow users to timely get intimated and rectify the performance degradation of the plant before it gets totally malfunctioned. Moreover, the slight performance degradation is also indicated when fault diagnosis is performed.
Vehicle routing in cold food supply chain logistics: a literature review
Authors: Awad Mahmoud , Ndiaye Malick , Osman Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Cold supply chain (CSC) distribution systems are vital in preserving the integrity and freshness of transported temperature sensitive products. CSC is also known to be energy intensive with a significant emission footprint. As a result, CSC requires strict monitoring and control management system during storage and transportation to improve safety and reduce profit losses. In this research, a systematic review of recent literature related to the distribution of food CSC products is presented and possible areas to extend research in modeling and decision-making are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes the content of 65 recent articles related to CSC and perishable foods. Several relevant keywords were used in the initial search, which generated a list of 214 articles. The articles were screened based on content relevance in terms of food vehicle routing modeling and quality. Selected articles were categorized and analyzed based on cost elements, modeling framework and solution approach. Finally, recommendations for future research are suggested.

Findings

The review identified several research gaps in CSC logistics literature, where more focused research is warranted. First, the review suggests that dynamic vehicle modeling and routing while considering products quality and environmental impacts is still an open area for research. Second, there is no consensus among researchers in terms of quality degradation models used to assess the freshness of transported cold food. As a result, an investigation of critical parameters and quality modeling is warranted. Third, and due to the problem complexity, there is a need for developing heuristics and metaheuristics to solve such models. Finally, there is a need for extending the single product single compartment CSC to multi-compartment multi-temperature routing modeling.

Originality/value

The article identified possible areas to extend research in CSC distribution modeling and decision-making. Modified models that reflect real applications will help practitioners, food authorities and researchers make timely and more accurate decisions that will reduce food waste and improve the freshness of transported food.
The effect of emotional intelligence, organizational commitment on the team performance of hospital officers in South Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Lukman
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between knowledge sharing factors, emotional intelligence and team conflict on the team performance during the inter-institutionalized collaboration work process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in South Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi Province’s hospitals. The study lasted for six months in 2017. The sampling was done by using cluster method and stratified random sampling, which was based on Hospital Type, level of Health Officers. These characteristics were considered to have represented quite heterogeneous information about the characteristics of health workers. Data analysis approach used in this study was partial least square (PLS) using WarpPLS software.

Findings

Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that there is a significant direct influence between emotional intelligence to knowledge management, emotional intelligence to team conflict, and emotional intelligence to team performance.

Originality/value

Some previous research studies that have been done are by Hasanyl et al. (2015), Othman (2010), Sathitsemakul (2005), Nóra. Obermayer-Kovács (2014), Troth (2009), Leung (2010) and Luca and Tarricone (2001). The novelty of this research is on the effort to see the mediation of knowledge sharing, team conflict and structure mechanism to other variables developed in the research model.
Rotor-dynamic performance of porous hydrostatic thrust bearing operating under magnetic field
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Shah Vatsalkumar Ashokkumar , Singh Simran Jeet , Narwat Kuldeep , Sharma Satish C.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The porous bearings are commonly used in slider thrust bearings owing to their self-lubricating properties and cost effectiveness as compared to conventional hydrodynamic bearings. The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate usefulness of porous layer in hydrostatic thrust bearing operating with magnetic fluid. The effect of magnetic field and permeability has been analysed on steady-state (film pressure, film reaction and lubricant flow rate) and rotor-dynamic (stiffness and damping) parameters of bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element approach is used to obtain numerical solution of flow governing equations (Magneto-hydrodynamics Reynolds equation, Darcy law and capillary equation) for computing abovementioned performance indices. Finite element method formulation converts elliptical Reynolds equation into set of algebraic equation that are solved using Gauss–Seidel method.

Findings

It has been reported that porosity has limited but adverse effects on performance parameters of bearing. The adverse effects of porosity can be minimized by using a circular pocket for achieving better steady-state response and an annular/elliptical pocket, for having better rotor-dynamic response. The use of magnetic fluid is found to be substantially enhancing the fluid film reaction (53%) and damping parameters (55%).

Practical implications

The present work recommends use of circular pocket for achieving better steady-state performance indices. However, annular and elliptical pockets should be preferred, when design criteria for the bearing are better rotor-dynamic performance.

Originality/value

This study deals with influence of magnetic fluid, porosity and pocket shape on rotor-dynamic performance of externally pressurized thrust bearing.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0289/
Load carrying capacity of a novel magnetic-liquid double suspension fixed pad thrust bearing
Authors: Wang Shengtong , Wu Ouyang , Li Zhe , Wang Bin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Proposing a new type of water-lubricated thrust bearing meets the load-bearing requirements of high-power shaft-less rim driven thrusters.

Design/methodology/approach

The designs were tested by establishing a bearing thermal-fluid-magnetic comprehensive simulation model and developing bearing fluid film force and magnetic simulation. Lubrication performance tests were carried out on the bearing test rig.

Findings

The Halbach array of magnet blocks is able to reach the maximum magnetic force. The material of sheath can help increase the magnetism. The magnetism is able to reduce wear during low-speed and the start-stop phase, while the eddy current loss at high speeds will lead to a decrease in magnetic force. The experiment found that the bearing was more stable at low speeds and would not demagnetize due to the temperature rise, but it is necessary to pay attention to the running stability at high speeds to prevent rubbing and impact.

Originality/value

An innovative combination of hydrodynamic pressure and permanent magnetic repulsion was observed to form a magnetic-liquid double suspension bearing with large bearing capacity.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2020-0295
Protecting vulnerable adults in Singapore: the creation of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Chen Joanne Liming
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development and content of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018 (hereafter “the Act”) in Singapore. It reports the parliamentary processes and deliberations.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of publicly available research, policy documents, parliamentary debate, media reports and commentary.

Findings

The paper sets the Act’s development and aims in Singapore’s social and legal contexts. It notes the interface with other legislation and the focus of the Act on community and family abuse and neglect.

Research limitations/implications

The paper suggests some areas for research including how the Act is used and its impact and also points to areas where the Act does not apply.

Practical implications

The paper outlines new professional powers and responsibilities and the role of government and community-based organisations.

Originality/value

This paper provides an early account of the genesis and aims of the new legislation, its powers and administration. Also, international comparisons are drawn.
Secure children’s homes – how do we know if they work?
Authors: Pates Richard Martin , Harris Rebecca Hannah , Lewis Millicent , Al-Kouraishi Sumayah , Tiddy David
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the need for outcome research in secure children’s homes, explaining the problems for young people and how we can remedy this.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper raising issues of importance as to who these children are, what is provided and how well they work in providing what is a very expensive service.

Findings

There is a great need to investigate the efficacy of secure children’s homes by assessing outcomes.

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware, this topic has not been previously discussed in academic journals.
Greenness and financial performance of European REITs
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Anconetani Rachele , Benfari Luca
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between greenness and the operating performance in 50 listed European real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 50 listed European REITs, the analysis leverages on Ordinary least squares models to investigate the relationship between greenness and operating performance indicators. In particular, it examines three types of greenness indicators: the overall Green Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) rating, its two components (management and policy [MP] and implementation and measurement) and the seven aspect scores; return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) are the fundamental measures of REITs operating performance.

Findings

The results demonstrate a positive relationship between greenness indicators and operating performance in European REITs, but the impact on ROE and ROA differs depending on the GRESB variable analyzed. If the GRESB rating proved to be significant on ROE and ROA, none of its two components has an impact on ROA, and only the MP score has a positive relationship with ROE. Finally, of the seven aspect scores, only the stakeholder engagement is significant on the two dependent variables.

Originality/value

The commercial real estate sector has a significant role in tackling climate change issues. To incentivize the market to increase the investments in green buildings, it is essential to find a link between their sustainability characteristics and the improvements they deliver in terms of operating performance. Despite there being a substantial body of literature investigating this connection in the US REITs market, there is still limited knowledge on the relationship between green and operating indicators in the European REITs market.
Debt diversification and investments of European listed real estate companies
Authors: Zhukovskiy Alexey , Falkenbach Heidi , Bouchouicha Ranoua
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the use of public debt and investment activity of European listed real estate companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a hand-collected sample of debt structures of 102 European public real estate companies, and using European Central Bank lending standards survey as a proxy for bank credit availability, the authors test a conditional hypothesis on the relationship between investment rates and the use of public debt during period of constrained bank lending environment in Europe.

Findings

The results show that ex ante diversification of debt allows retaining higher investment rates when the main source of debt, bank lending, is shrinking. The effect is statistically and economically significant and increases during times of tight bank lending constraints. The authors find no support to debt capacity explanation of the effect. They neither find support of the higher investment rates to be indicative of overinvestment problem. The results are robust to alternative model specifications and estimators.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical analysis is limited to Europe.

Practical implications

Investments and the growth of real estate companies depend on their ability to seize value-increasing opportunities that arise in the competitive markets. This paper evaluates the role of a diversified debt structure in this context. The results suggest that debt structure can have material importance for the investment activity of European listed real estate companies and issuance of public debt can help companies to counterbalance the negative effects of restricted bank loan supply on the investment levels.

Originality/value

The paper extends the literature on debt structures of listed real estate firms by considering the effect of debt diversification on investments.