bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth media affects susceptibility of air-lifted human nasal epithelial cell cultures to SARS-CoV2, but not Influenza A, virus infection
Authors: Resnick Jessica D. , Wilson Jo L. , Anaya Eddy , Conte Abigail , Li Maggie , Zhong William , Beer Michael A. , Pekosz Andrew
Published: August 2023

Primary differentiated human epithelial cell cultures have been widely used by researchers to study viral fitness and virus-host interactions, especially during the COVID19 pandemic. These cultures recapitulate important characteristics of the respiratory epithelium such as diverse cell type composition, polarization, and innate immune responses. However, standardization and validation of these cultures remains an open issue. In this study, two different expansion medias were evaluated and the impact on the resulting differentiated culture was determined. Use of both Airway and Ex Plus media types resulted in high quality, consistent cultures that were able to be used for these studies. Upon histological evaluation, Airway-grown cultures were more organized and had a higher proportion of basal progenitor cells while Ex Plus-grown cultures had a higher proportion terminally differentiated cell types. In addition to having different cell type proportions and organization, the two different growth medias led to cultures with altered susceptibility to infection with SARS-CoV-2 but not Influenza A virus. RNAseq comparing cultures grown in different growth medias prior to differentiation uncovered a high degree of differentially expressed genes in cultures from the same donor. RNAseq on differentiated cultures showed less variation between growth medias but alterations in pathways that control the expression of human transmembrane proteases includingTMPRSS11andTMPRSS2were documented. Enhanced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 cannot be explained by altered cell type proportions alone, rather serine protease cofactor expression also contributes to the enhanced replication of SARS-CoV-2 as inhibition with camostat affected replication of an early SARS-CoV-2 variant and a Delta, but not Omicron, variant showed difference in replication efficiency between culture types. Therefore, it is important for the research community to standardize cell culture protocols particularly when characterizing novel viruses.
Generative Methods for Pediatric Genetics Education
Authors: Waikel Rebekah L. , Othman Amna A. , Patel Tanviben , Hanchard Suzanna Ledgister , Hu Ping , Tekendo-Ngongang Cedrik , Duong Dat , Solomon Benjamin D.
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used in an increasing number of areas, with recent interest in generative AI, such as using ChatGPT to generate programming code or DALL-E to make illustrations. We describe the use of generative AI in medical education. Specifically, we sought to determine whether generative AI could help train pediatric residents to better recognize genetic conditions. From publicly available images of individuals with genetic conditions, we used generative AI methods to create new images, which were checked for accuracy with an external classifier. We selected two conditions for study, Kabuki (KS) and Noonan (NS) syndromes, which are clinically important conditions that pediatricians may encounter. In this study, pediatric residents completed 208 surveys, where they each classified 20 images following exposure to one of 4 possible educational interventions, including with and without generative AI methods. Overall, we find that generative images perform similarly but appear to be slightly less helpful than real images. Most participants reported that images were useful, although real images were felt to be more helpful. We conclude that generative AI images may serve as an adjunctive educational tool, particularly for less familiar conditions, such as KS.
A versatile framework for drug-target interaction prediction by considering domain specific features
Authors: Liu Shuo , Yu Jialiang , Ni Ningxi , Wang Zidong , Chen Mengyun , Li Yuquan , Xu Chen , Ding Yahao , Zhang Jun , Yao Xiaojun , Liu Huanxiang
Published: August 2023

Predicting drug-target interaction (DTI) is a critical and rate-limiting step in drug discovery. Traditional wet-lab experiments are reliable but expensive and time-consuming. Recently, deep learning has revealed itself as a new and promising tool for accelerating the DTI prediction process because its powerful performance. Due to the vast chemical space, the DTI prediction models are typically expected to discover drugs or targets that are absent from the training set. However, generalizing prediction performance to novel drug-target pairs that belong to different distributions is a challenge for deep learning methods. In this work, we propose an Ensemble of models that capture both Domain-generIc and domain-Specific features (E-DIS) to learn diversity domain features and adapt to out-of-distribution (OOD) data. We employed Mixture-of-Experts (MOE) as a domain-specific feature extractor for the raw data to prevent the loss of any crucial features by the encoder during the learning process. Multiple experts are trained on different domains to capture and align domain-specific information from various distributions without accessing any data from unseen domains. We evaluate our approach using four benchmark datasets under both in-domain and cross-domain settings and compare it with advanced approaches for solving OOD generalization problems. The results demonstrate that E-DIS effectively improves the robustness and generalizability of DTI prediction models by incorporating diversity domain features.
Tremors in Time: Mechanically Induced Motor Tremors Influence Time Perception
Authors: Gladhill Keri Anne , De Kock Rose , Zhou Weiwei , Joiner Wilsaan Mychal , Wiener Martin
Published: August 2023

Contemporary research has begun to show a strong relationship between movements and the perception of time. More specifically, concurrent movements serve to both bias and enhance time estimates. To explain these effects, we recently proposed a mechanism by which movements provide a secondary channel for estimating duration that is combined optimally with sensory estimates, in accordance with Bayesian cue combination. However, a critical test of this framework is that by introducing “noise” into movements, sensory estimates of time should similarly become noisier in a manner predicted by cue combination equations. To accomplish this, we had human participants move a robotic arm while estimating intervals of time in either auditory or visual modalities (n=24, ea.). Crucially, we introduced an artificial “tremor” in the arm while subjects were moving, that varied across three levels of amplitude (1-3 N) or frequency (4-12 Hz). The results of both experiments revealed that increasing the frequency of the tremor led to noisier estimates of duration, but in such a way that higher levels of noise saturated the impact, consistent with optimal integration. Further, the effect of noise varied with the base precision of the interval, such that a naturally less precise timing (i.e. visual) was more influenced by the tremor than a naturally more precise modality (i.e. auditory). To explain these findings, we fit the data with a recently developed drift-diffusion model of perceptual decision making, in which the momentary, within-trial variance was allowed to vary across conditions. Here, we found that the model could recapitulate the observed findings, further supporting the theory that movements influence perception directly. Overall, our findings support the proposed framework, and demonstrate the utility of inducing motor noise via artificial tremors, thus providing clinical utility in their connection to movement disorders characterized by tremors.
Inhibition of Topoisomerase 2 catalytic activity impacts the integrity of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA and leads to interlinks between clustered repeats
Authors: Amoiridis Michalis , Meaburn Karen , Verigos John , Gittens William H , Ye Tao , Neale Matthew J , Soutoglou Evi
Published: August 2023

DNA replication and transcription generate DNA supercoiling, which can cause topological stress and intertwining of daughter chromatin fibers, posing challenges to the completion of DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Type II topoisomerases (Top2s) are enzymes that relieve DNA supercoiling and decatenate braided sister chromatids. How Top2 complexes deal with the topological challenges in different chromatin contexts, and whether all chromosomal contexts are subjected equally to torsional stress and require Top2 activity is unknown. Here we show that catalytic inhibition of the Top2 complex in interphase has a profound effect on the stability of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA elements. Mechanistically, we find that catalytically inactive Top2 is trapped around heterochromatin leading to DNA breaks and unresolved catenates, which necessitate the recruitment of the structure specific endonuclease, Ercc1-XPF, in an Slx4- and SUMO-dependent manner. Our data are consistent with a model in which Top2 complex resolves not only catenates between sister chromatids but also inter-chromosomal catenates between clustered repetitive elements.
Integration of Euclidean and path distances in hippocampal maps
Authors: Ottink L. , de Haas N. , Doeller C.F.
Published: August 2023

The hippocampus is a key region for forming mental maps of our environment. These maps represent spatial information such as distances between landmarks. A cognitive map can allow for flexible inference of spatial relationships that have never been directly experienced before. Previous work has shown that the human hippocampus encodes distances between locations, but it is unclear how Euclidean and path distances are distinguished. In this study, participants performed an object-location task in a virtual environment. We combined functional magnetic resonance imaging with representational similarity analysis to test how Euclidean and path distances are represented in the hippocampus. We observe that hippocampal neural pattern similarity for objects scales with Euclidean as well as path distance between object locations, suggesting that the hippocampus integrates both types of distances. One key characteristic of cognitive maps is their adaptive and flexible nature. We therefore subsequently modified path distances between objects using roadblocks in the environment. We found that hippocampal pattern similarity between objects adapted as a function of these changes in path distance, selectively in egocentric navigators but not in allocentric navigators Taken together, our study supports the idea that the hippocampus creates integrative and flexible cognitive maps.
High-throughput and genome-scale targeted mutagenesis using CRISPR in a non-model multicellular organism,Bombyx mori
Authors: Ma Sanyuan , Zhang Tong , Wang Ruolin , Wang Pan , Liu Yue , Chang Jiasong , Wang Aoming , Lan Xinhui , Sun Le , Sun Hao , Shi Run , Lu Wei , Liu Dan , Zhang Na , Hu Wenbo , Wang Xiaogang , Xing Weiqing , Jia Ling , Xia Qingyou
Published: August 2023

Large-scale genetic mutant libraries are powerful approaches to interrogating genotype-phenotype correlations and identifying genes responsible for certain environmental stimuli, both of which are the central goal of life science study. We produced the first large-scale CRISPR/Cas9-induced library in a non-model multicellular organism,Bombyx mori. We developed apiggyBac-delivered binary genome editing strategy, which can simultaneously meet the requirements of mixed microinjection, efficient multi-purpose genetic operation, and preservation of growth-defect lines. We constructed a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) plasmid library containing 92,917 sgRNAs targeting promoters and exons of 14,645 protein-coding genes, established 1726 transgenic sgRNA lines following microinjection of 66,650 embryos, and generated 300 mutant lines with diverse phenotypic changes. Phenomic characterization of mutant lines identified a large set of genes responsible for visual phenotypic or economically valuable trait changes. Next, we performed pooled context-specific positive screens for tolerance to environmental pollute cadmium exposure, and identified KWMTBOMO12902 as a strong candidate gene for breeding applications in sericulture industry. Collectively, our results provide a novel and versatile approach for functionalB. morigenomics, and a powerful resource for identifying key candidate genes potential for improving various economic traits. This study also demonstrates the effectiveness, practicality, and convenience of large-scale mutant libraries in other non-model organisms.
Molecular profiling of sponge deflation reveals an ancient relaxant-inflammatory response
Authors: Ruperti Fabian , Becher Isabelle , Stokkermans Anniek , Wang Ling , Marschlich Nick , Potel Clement , Maus Emanuel , Stein Frank , Drotleff Bernhard , Schippers Klaske , Nickel Michael , Prevedel Robert , Musser Jacob M , Savitski Mikhail M , Arendt Detlev
Published: August 2023

A hallmark of animals is the coordination of whole-body movement. Neurons and muscles are central to this, yet coordinated movements also exist in sponges that lack these cell types. Sponges are sessile animals with a complex canal system for filter-feeding. They undergo whole-body movements resembling “contractions” that lead to canal closure and water expulsion. Here, we combine 3D optical coherence microscopy, pharmacology, and functional proteomics to elucidate anatomy, molecular physiology, and control of these movements. We find them driven by the relaxation of actomyosin stress fibers in epithelial canal cells, which leads to whole-body deflation via collapse of the incurrent and expansion of the excurrent system, controlled by an Akt/NO/PKG/A pathway. A concomitant increase in reactive oxygen species and secretion of proteinases and cytokines indicate an inflammation-like state reminiscent of vascular endothelial cells experiencing oscillatory shear stress. This suggests an ancient relaxant-inflammatory response of perturbed fluid-carrying systems in animals.

Highlights

Sponge deflation is driven by tension release in actomyosin stress fibers of epithelial pinacocytes

Akt kinase/Nitric oxide/Protein kinase G/A regulate actomyosin relaxation

Agitation-induced deflation coincides with an inflammatory state

The sponge relaxant-inflammatory response is evolutionary related to similar responses in the vertebrate vascular system
Molecular Basis of Cell Membrane Adaptation in Daptomycin-ResistantEnterococcus faecalis
Authors: Nguyen April H. , Tran Truc T. , Panesso Diana , Hood Kara , Polamraju Vinathi , Zhang Rutan , Khan Ayesha , Miller William R. , Mileykovskaya Eugenia , Shamoo Yousif , Xu Libin , Vitrac Heidi , Arias Cesar A.
Published: August 2023

Daptomycin is a last-resort lipopeptide antibiotic that disrupts cell membrane (CM) and peptidoglycan homeostasis. Enterococcus faecalis has developed a sophisticated mechanism to avoid daptomycin killing by re-distributing CM anionic phospholipids away from the septum. The CM changes are orchestrated by a three-component regulatory system, designated LiaFSR, with a possible contribution of cardiolipin synthase (Cls). However, the mechanism by which LiaFSR controls the CM response and the role of Cls are unknown. Here, we show that cardiolipin synthase activity is essential for anionic phospholipid redistribution and daptomycin resistance since deletion of the two genes (cls1andcls2) encoding Cls abolished CM remodeling. We identified LiaY, a transmembrane protein regulated by LiaFSR, as an important mediator of CM remodeling required for re-distribution of anionic phospholipid microdomains via interactions with Cls1. Together, our insights provide a mechanistic framework on the enterococcal response to cell envelope antibiotics that could be exploited therapeutically.
Structural insight into the cooperativity of spin crossover compounds
Authors: Shahed H. , Sharma N. , Angst M. , Voigt J. , Perßon J. , Prakash P. , Törnroos K. W. , Chernyshov D. , Gildenast H. , Ohl M. , Saffarini G. , Grzechnik A. , Friese K.
Published: August 2023

Spin-crossover (SCO) compounds are promising materials for a wide variety of industrial applications. However, the fundamental understanding of their nature of transition and its effect on the physical properties are still being fervently explored; the microscopic knowledge of their transition is essential for tailoring their properties. Here an attempt is made to correlate the changes in macroscopic physical properties with microscopic structural changes in the orthorhombic and monoclinic polymorphs of the SCO compound Fe(PM-Bia)2(NCS)2 (PM = N-2′-pyridylmethylene and Bia = 4-aminobiphenyl) by employing single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetization and DSC measurements. The dependence of macroscopic properties on cooperativity, highlighting the role of hydrogen bonding, π–π and van der Waals interactions is discussed. Values of entropy, enthalpy and cooperativity are calculated numerically based on the Slichter–Drickamer model. The particle size dependence of the magnetic properties is probed along with the thermal exchange and the kinetic behavior of the two polymorphs based on the dependence of magnetization on temperature scan rate and a theoretical model is proposed for the calculation of the non-equilibrium spin-phase fraction. Also a scan-rate-dependent two-step behavior observed for the orthorhombic polymorph, which is absent for the monoclinic polymorph, is reported. Moreover, it is found that the radiation dose from synchrotron radiation affects the spin-crossover process and shifts the transition region to lower temperatures, implying that the spin crossover can be tuned with radiation damage.
Introduction to special issue on ethnographies of accountability
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J. , De Loo Ivo , Letiche Hugo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the motivation for this Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal (AAAJ) Special Issue, providing an overview of the six selected papers. This study seeks to inspire further ethnographic research on accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reflect on why ethnographic investigation is essential to accountability research and the boundaries that constrained and enabled both this Special Issue and which occur in ethnographic research.

Findings

The contents of this issue do not merely describe or analyse one or more “accounts”, but also consider how the accounted for reflects its surroundings and its role in the social world. The authors argue that such research should progress from ethnographic descriptive data to infer meaningful conclusions and move from the everyday natural settings of behaviour to examine inter-relatedness. This requires the researcher to maintain their intra-relatedness. These boundaries, inherent to human existence, are actively created and operate at different aggregation levels to include and exclude.

Research limitations/implications

In this introduction and the papers selected for this AAAJ special issue, with few exceptions, accountability shifts from the researched to the researcher as research accounts are produced. Yet, ethnographies of accountability are epistemologically and ontologically weighted towards accepting the possibility of shared social meaning requiring researchers to manage the interactions, relationalities and presuppositions between these places. The authors urge future researchers to experiment more explicitly than has often been the case with published accounts of these demands.

Originality/value

This AAAJ Special Issue provides a set of original empirical and theoretical contributions to support and advance further ethnographic research into accountability which acknowledges the boundaries that may include and exclude.
An ontological assessment proposal for architectural outputs of generative adversarial network
Authors: Uzun Can , Cangür Raşit Eren
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study presents an ontological approach to assess the architectural outputs of generative adversarial networks. This paper aims to assess the performance of the generative adversarial network in representing building knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed ontological assessment consists of five steps. These are, respectively, creating an architectural data set, developing ontology for the architectural data set, training the You Only Look Once object detection with labels within the proposed ontology, training the StyleGAN algorithm with the images in the data set and finally, detecting the ontological labels and calculating the ontological relations of StyleGAN-generated pixel-based architectural images. The authors propose and calculate ontological identity and ontological inclusion metrics to assess the StyleGAN-generated ontological labels. This study uses 300 bay window images as an architectural data set for the ontological assessment experiments.

Findings

The ontological assessment provides semantic-based queries on StyleGAN-generated architectural images by checking the validity of the building knowledge representation. Moreover, this ontological validity reveals the building element label-specific failure and success rates simultaneously.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the assessment process of the generative adversarial networks through ontological validity checks rather than only conducting pixel-based similarity checks; semantic-based queries can introduce the GAN-generated, pixel-based building elements into the architecture, engineering and construction industry.
Holding it together: an exploratory study on the social structures of digital collection management
Authors: Rosenstein Paul
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The academic library’s physical capacity and its service obligations to local users structured the traditional print collection. Largely freed of these constraints, the digital collection manager enjoys unprecedented freedoms but now contends with a collection susceptible to resource sprawl and scope ambiguity. This exploratory study aims to consider the possibility that intra-field social processes help to structure and routinize digital collection practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Lacking the constraints to which print collections are subject, electronic resource and digital library collections are more likely to reflect idiosyncratic institutional interests and therefore, to demonstrate significant variation. Evidence of homogeneity may suggest the influence of heretofore underexplored social structures. To determine the extent of such homogeneity, the author performed exploratory/descriptive content analyses on ten electronic resource collection development policies and six digital library collection development policies.

Findings

The data reveal among both the electronic resource and digital library collection policies significant uniformity. Content analyses demonstrate consistent themes (e.g. media, audience, selection priorities, etc.) and rhetoric. These findings lend support to the study’s central hypothesis regarding latent social structures. Analyses also reveal a set of unanticipated constraints unique to digital collection management.

Originality/value

Despite the breadth and maturity of literature addressing the Digital Turn in academic librarianship, relatively little attention has been paid to the social dimensions of collection management. This work represents an important corrective and suggests new theoretical approaches to the study of digital collection practice.
Human resource management and corporate social responsibility: a case study of a vocational and education training (VET) programme in Indonesia
Authors: Darmawan Ludi , Jamil Rossilah , Rees Christopher J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how one industry leader in Indonesia addressed its hiring and training problems while simultaneously contributing to society through an human resource management (HRM)-led corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative involving a vocational education training (VET) intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The VET case study, which is central to the paper, followed a four-stage action research design. Data were collected through series of consultations with the company’s top management, benchmarking companies, the vocational school, local community and government bodies.

Findings

The intervention reduced the company’s hiring and training problems and provided jobs for graduates which addressed local youth unemployment. This experience generated lessons on CSR strategic interventions which should be considered when HRM professionals are seeking to address simultaneously organisational and social objectives.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a single case in a local setting in one country.

Practical implications

The study offers insights to HRM practitioners who face similar problems relating to upskilling, local talent supply and employee recruitment. The proposed framework is likely to be relevant to HRM practitioners who play a lead role in their organisations’ CSR initiatives.

Social implications

The case provides a realistic example of how a company, through its HRM function, can play a meaningful role in addressing societal issues and strategic business objectives.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original case study based on primary data, conducted as action research.
Asymmetric causality between Bitcoin and tech stocks in the US market using mixed frequency data
Authors: Valadkhani Abbas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study is the first to investigate the causal relationship between Bitcoin and equity price returns by sectors. Previous studies have focused on aggregated indices such as S&P500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones, but this study uses mixed frequency and disaggregated data at the sectoral level. This allows the authors to examine the nature, direction and strength of causality between Bitcoin and equity prices in different sectors in more detail.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes an Unrestricted Asymmetric Mixed Data Sampling (U-AMIDAS) model to investigate the effect of high-frequency Bitcoin returns on a low-frequency series equity returns. This study also examines causality running from equity to Bitcoin returns by sector. The sample period covers United States (US) data from 3 Jan 2011 to 14 April 2023 across nine sectors: materials, energy, financial, industrial, technology, consumer staples, utilities, health and consumer discretionary.

Findings

The study found that there is no causality running from Bitcoin to equity returns in any sector except for the technology sector. In the tech sector, lagged Bitcoin returns Granger cause changes in future equity prices asymmetrically. This means that falling Bitcoin prices significantly influence the tech sector during market pullbacks, but the opposite cannot be said during market rallies. The findings are consistent with those of other studies that have established that during market pullbacks, individual asset prices have a tendency to decline together, whereas during market rallies, they have a tendency to rise independently. In contrast, this study finds evidence of causality running from all sectors of the equity market to Bitcoin.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for investors and fund managers, emphasizing the need to consider the asymmetric causality between Bitcoin and the tech sector. Investors should avoid excessive exposure to both Bitcoin and tech stocks in their portfolio, as this may lead to significant drawdowns during market corrections. Diversification across different asset classes and sectors may be a more prudent strategy to mitigate such risks.

Originality/value

The study's findings underscore the need for investors to pay close attention to the frequency and disaggregation of data by sector in order to fully understand the true extent of the relationship between Bitcoin and the equity market.
Regulatory non-compliances in microfinance operations: a survey of Indian microfinance institutions
Authors: Sangwan Sunil , Nayak Narayan Chandra , Sangwan Vikas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Regulation is critical for sustainable microfinance sector growth. Under this premise, the study aims to examine the different regulatory noncompliance (RNC) practices prevalent in the operations of microfinance institutions (MFIs) at the ground level.

Design/methodology/approach

Both the quantitative and qualitative (observations, interviews and focus group discussions) techniques are used to extract the findings.

Findings

The study highlights the different RNC practices exercised by the loan officers at the field level in their microfinance loan disbursements.

Originality/value

This study is based on the primary data collected from microfinance clients. The arguments put forth for the RNC practices are extracted from direct personal interviews with the loan officers and the clients. The role of various dilemmas/circumstances of the loan officers and the beneficiaries that implicate the MFIs in RNC is highlighted.
Longitudinal scientific mapping of emerging and converging trends between the Internet of Things and digital transformation
Authors: De la Vega Hernández Iván Manuel , Diáz Amorin Juan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the technological change under development linked to the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital transformation (DT) from the perspective of a scientific mapping in a context marked by the occurrence of an unexpected event that accelerated this process such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its variants.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was developed under the longitudinal scientific mapping approach and considered the period 1990–2021 using as a basis the descriptors DT and IoT. The steps followed were identification and selection of keywords; design and application of an algorithm to identify these selected keywords in titles, abstracts and keywords using terms in Web of Science (WoS) to contrast them; and performing a data processing based on the journals in the Journal Citation Report during 2022. The longitudinal study uses scientific mapping to analyze the evolution of the scientific literature that seeks to understand the acceleration in the integration of technology and its impact on the human factor, processes and organizational culture.

Findings

This study showed that the technologies converging around IoT form the basis of the main DT processes being experienced on a global scale; furthermore, it was shown that the pandemic accelerated the convergence and application of new technologies to support the major changes required for a world with new needs. Finally, China and the USA differ significantly in the production of scientific knowledge with respect to the first eight followers.

Originality/value

The knowledge gap addressed by this study is to identify the production of scientific knowledge related to IoT and its impact on DT processes at the scale of individuals, organizations and the new way of delivering value to society. This knowledge about researchers, institutions, countries and the derivation is multiple indicators allows improving decision-making at multiple scales on these issues.
Organizational readiness for smart working: a model and assessment tool
Authors: Carbonara Nunzia , Scozzi Barbara , Pellegrino Roberta
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an easy-to-use yet powerful tool to assess the organizational readiness to adopt effective Smart Working (SW). In light of this main objective, based on the current state of research, the study develops a maturity model to assess the SW organizational readiness (SWOR). The SWOR maturity model consists of three dimensions, each of them further detailed into two sub-dimensions. A tool was developed to make use of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

The SWOR maturity model was converted into a Web-based questionnaire that includes 54 questions based on 44 items to operationalize the model sub-dimensions. The questionnaire was used in a survey conducted at the Local Health Authority (ASL) of the province of Bari (Italy).

Findings

Several implications derive from the present study. From a managerial perspective, the SWOR maturity model supports companies in the as-is analysis of processes, technologies and human resources, which are the enablers of an effective SW, and in the development of a roadmap to achieve a desired “to-be” situation.

Originality/value

Despite recent studies on SW have identified the key drivers that affect the success of SW implementation, there is a lack of models and tools that help companies become aware of the actions and investments to be taken to move towards an effective SW adoption. Even the analysis of the literature on maturity models reveals a gap in the research related to the assessment of SW organizational readiness. The present paper tries to overcome these limitations.
Mentoring programmes – building capacity for learning and retaining workers in the workplace
Authors: Wikström Ewa , Arman Rebecka , Dellve Lotta , Gillberg Nanna
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to contribute to an understanding of the relational work carried out in mentoring programmes and the implications for learning capabilities in future practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on field research of a mentoring programme bringing together senior and newly graduated workers in a large Swedish health care organisation. In total, 54 qualitative interviews with mentors, mentees, HR, managers and union representatives are included.

Findings

The findings point to the role of trust and a psychological sense of community in the socialisation work that goes on in relationships between the mentor and the mentee. This in turn leads to increased social capital in the form of learning and retaining workers. The conditions for being vulnerable and asking questions, as well as daring to be independent, are an essential and decisive part of constructing bonding within the professional group and bridging out to other professions and parts of the organisation.

Practical implications

The practical contribution from this study is the workplace conditions that are central to organising mentoring programmes, with implications for learning capabilities in future practices.

Originality/value

With its theoretical focus on social capital, the study shows the importance of relationships for learning and retaining both newly graduated and experienced employees in a context of high employee turnover. It is central to achieving strong and mutually beneficial relationships through continual and trustful interaction between actors. By using the concepts of social capital, socialisation agents and psychological sense of community, this study contributes to an understanding of mentoring and workplace learning.
Nexus of workplace incivility, workplace violence and turnover intentions: a mediation study through job burnout
Authors: Aman-Ullah Attia , Ali Anis , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Mehmood Waqas , Saraih Ummi Naiemah
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to test the impact of workplace incivility and violence on doctors' turnover intentions. Besides, the present study also tested the mediating role of employees' burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of the present study was doctors working in 20 public sector hospitals. Where 250 doctors working in emergency departments participated, the sample size was calculated through Krejcie and Morgan's table. The data analysis was conducted through SPSS and Smart-PLS.

Findings

Results of the present study supported all the relationships except the relationship between workplace violence and turnover intentions. More specifically, relationship between workplace incivility and turnover intentions was confirmed, and mediation effect of doctors' burnout was also confirmed.

Originality/value

This present study is novel in a way that this study framed the study model using conservative resource theory and social cognitive theory covering both employees cognitive and external factors. Further, the nexus “workplace incivility → workplace violence → job burnout → turnover intentions” was tested for the first time, hence making a valuable addition to the body of literature. Further this study is a contribution to healthcare literature in context of incivility, violence, burnout, and turnover. Burnout is first time explored as moderator with workplace incivility which is another contribution.
Preserving cultural heritage: digital preservation in small community libraries
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper was to outline the

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the review of relevant literature.

Findings

The study provides a broader overview of the role community libraries (CLs) can play in extending their role to a more vibrant perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind that provides an overview regarding extension of the role of CLs towards digital preservation.
Adoption of cloud computing for standard-based active digital preservation: Preservica
Authors: Jasyal Ankush , Rawat Khushi , Sinhababu Atasi , Chakravarty Rupak
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the adoption of cloud computing for digital preservation, focusing on the case of Preservica, a leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based digital preservation solutions. This study aims to analyse Preservica’s approach to long-term active digital preservation (LTADP) based on internationally accepted standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper conducts an in-depth analysis of Preservica’s SaaS-based cloud computing solution in relation to ISO 14721:2012 (OAIS) and ISO 9001 standards. It examines the steps followed by Preservica for LTADP and highlights the importance of adherence to relevant standards.

Findings

Preservica’s adoption of cloud computing and the SaaS model offers scalable, cost-effective and flexible solutions for digital preservation. By adhering to internationally accepted standards and following a comprehensive set of LTADP steps, including file format identification, compatibility checks, checksum creation, secure storage, preservation status tracking, change monitoring, format migration and periodic testing, Preservica ensures the long-term preservation and accessibility of digital content.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of how cloud computing can be effectively used for digital preservation by examining Preservica’s approach. It emphasizes the significance of adherence to internationally accepted standards and highlights the benefits of integrating acceptance models to optimize the implementation and user acceptance of Preservica.
Effect of FDM printing patterns on mechanical properties of ABS
Authors: de Prada Rodrigo Enzo , Bossio Guillermo Rubén , Bruno Mariano Martín
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the amount of material used and printing parameters affect the mechanical and water sorption properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene printed parts.

Design/methodology/approach

The specimens were printed using different printing parameters such as shell number, infill pattern and printing orientation, while accounting for the amount of material used. The mechanical properties of the printed parts were then evaluated using tensile, compression and flexural tests, along with sorption tests.

Findings

The results revealed that the maximum tensile stress of 31.41 MPa was obtained when using 100% infill and a horizontal printing orientation. Similarly, the maximum flexural strength and compression of 40.5 MPa and 100.7 MPa, respectively, were obtained with 100% infill. The printing orientation was found to have a greater impact on mechanical behavior compared to the number of shells or infill patterns. Specifically, the horizontal printing orientation resulted in specimens with at least 25% greater strength compared to the vertical printing orientation. Furthermore, the relationship between the amount of material used and strength was evident in the tensile and flexural tests, which showed a close correlation between the two.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in its focus on optimizing the amount of material used to achieve the best strength-to-mass ratio and negligible water infiltration. The findings showed that specimens with two shells and a 60% infill density exhibited the best strength-to-mass ratio.
Value destruction at Marvel, and how to manage customer alienation risk
Authors: Calandro Joseph
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to address customer alienation risk in the context of Marvel's recent (as of June 2023) under-performance and its contribution to Disney's stock's 50 percent-plus decline.

Design/methodology/approach

Research followed recent developments at Disney/Marvel, as well as the Bud Light customer alienation, and reconciled those developments to core brand and strategic risk management resources to derive practical suggestions to mitigate customer alienation risk across industries.

Findings

Marvel’s experience offers lessons that have relevance across industries inasmuch as a super hero paradigm is effectively a brand. The stronger the bond between customers and a brand, the more customers will maintain or extend their buying patterns over time. And the more customers personally identify with a brand, the greater the likelihood a customer alienation will occur if a firm disrespects that bond. Four practical suggestions are presented that will help to ensure the integrity of brands.

Originality/value

While the under-performance of Disney/Marvel has been (and is) covered in the press, this is the first paper that we are aware of that links that under-performance to customer alienation risk.
Variability in methane emissions from stems and buttress roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza trees in a subtropical mangrove forest
Authors: Epron Daniel , Mochidome Takumi , Bassar A. T. M. Zinnatul , Suwa Rempei
Published: August 2023

Trees in wetlands emit a significant amount of methane (CH4) into the atmosphere which is produced in the soil where anaerobic conditions prevail. However, only very few studies have considered the role of trees in the CH4 budget of mangrove forests. How tree CH4 emissions () vary between and within individuals, and how these emissions vary with the day/night alternation and the tidal cycle, have not yet been elucidated. We measured from buttress roots and stems on individuals of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza of different sizes. We also measured from trees and sediments over a 24‐h cycle. Higher was measured on the buttress roots than on the stems, with a decreasing trend with height along the stems on a majority of trees. exhibited large variations over a 24‐h cycle which were observed for the first time in this study. from sediment was twice higher at low tide compared to just before or after the flood period. from non‐submerged stem positions at high tide was four times higher during the day than during the night. On buttress roots and on stem portion which were submerged, high were measured at the beginning of the ebb tide even at night. A better understanding of variability from mangrove trees and its controls, at different time scales and along spatial gradients is needed for accurate estimation of CH4 budgets of mangrove forests.
Comparing hospital costs and length of stay for cancer patients in New York State Comprehensive Cancer Centers versus nondesignated academic centers and community hospitals
Authors: Fodero Ryan , Bailey James
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore differences in costs and lengths of stay for cancer patients admitted to National Cancer Institute‐designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, nondesignated academic medical centers, and community hospitals in New York State.

Data Sources

We use patient‐level data from the New York State Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System Hospital Inpatient Discharges dataset for the years 2017–2019.

Study Design

We employ ordinary least squares and Poisson regressions to compare hospital costs and length of stay for cancer patients, controlling for hospital type, patient demographics, and patient health. Our key outcomes are differences in costs and lengths of stay.

Data Collection

We use data on patient demographics, total treatment costs, and lengths of stay for patients discharged from New York hospitals with cancer‐related diagnoses between 2017 and 2019.

Principal Findings

We determine that inpatient costs were 27% higher (95% CI 0.252, 0.285), but length of stay was 12% shorter (95% CI −0.131, −0.100), in Comprehensive Cancer Centers relative to community hospitals.

Conclusions

The results imply that, in New York State, Comprehensive Cancer Centers are a magnet for more complex oncology cases and administer more expensive treatments. That expertise, however, seems to be responsible for more efficient care delivery and thorough discharge planning, allowing for shorter average lengths of stay.
A new Late Miocene Hystrix (Hystricidae, Rodentia) from Turkey
Authors: HALAÇLAR Kazım , EROL Ayla SEVIM , KÖROĞLU Tolga , RUMMY Paul , DENG Tao , MAYDA Serdar
Published: August 2023

The Çorakyerler fossil locality in Anatolia reveals unique faunal elements. This study introduces Hystrix kayae sp. nov., a new Late Miocene porcupine initially classified as Hystrix sp. Yavuz et al., 2018. This finding expands our knowledge of Late Miocene Anatolian porcupines, bringing the total number of known species to three. H. kayae sp. nov. is larger than Hystrix aryanensis and exhibits greater upper cheek tooth crown height. Its cheek tooth morphology differs from Hystrix depereti, and it possesses distinctive U‐shaped choanae unlike Hystrix primigenia. The Çorakyerler locality may predate sites with H. aryanensis and H. primigenia but aligns temporally with Hystrix parvae localities. This study enhances our understanding of Late Miocene porcupine diversity in Anatolia, emphasizing the importance of Çorakyerler in unraveling the evolutionary history of these fascinating mammals.
Wellfield optimization to minimize contaminant migration from a surficial to a semi‐confined aquifer using numerical modeling
Authors: Paul Sondipon , Waldron Brian , Jazaei Farhad , Larsen Daniel
Published: August 2023

The shallow, Memphis, and Fort Pillow aquifers are the three major water‐bearing strata beneath Memphis, Tennessee, where the Memphis aquifer serves as the primary groundwater source. The upper Claiborne confining unit (UCCU) separates shallow and Memphis aquifers across the majority of Shelby County, acting as an upper protective layer for the Memphis aquifer. However, hydrogeologic breaches within the UCCU create a hydraulic connection and provide an avenue for potential contaminant migration from the shallow to the Memphis aquifer. This research aims to minimize contaminant migration, mitigate risks, extend existing wells' life that may face water contamination, and find suitable locations for future well construction. Several strategies are developed addressing well depth, seasonal well operation, and mapping no‐drilling or red zones to provide practical solutions. A numerical groundwater modeling technique is developed for each strategy that includes stochastic simulation–optimization and customized simulation models depending on the strategy. The models result in thousands of numerical simulations for each scenario to identify recurring patterns of contaminant movement to and through the Memphis aquifer. The results indicate that optimum well positions (spatially and vertically) and modification to pumping can increase the life expectancy of wellfields, offer sustainable management of the Memphis aquifer, and reduce contaminant migration through 2050.