bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning function from structure in neuromorphic networks
Authors: Suárez Laura E. , Richards Blake A. , Lajoie Guillaume , Misic Bratislav
Published: November 2020

The connection patterns of neural circuits in the brain form a complex network. Collective signaling within the network manifests as patterned neural activity, and is thought to support human cognition and adaptive behavior. Recent technological advances permit macro-scale reconstructions of biological brain networks. These maps, termed connectomes, display multiple non-random architectural features, including heavy-tailed degree distributions, segregated communities and a densely interconnected core. Yet, how computation and functional specialization emerge from network architecture remains unknown. Here we reconstruct human brain connectomes usingin vivodiffusion-weighted imaging, and use reservoir computing to implement these connectomes as artificial neural networks. We then train these neuromorphic networks to learn a cognitive task. We show that biologically realistic neural architectures perform optimally when they display critical dynamics. We find that performance is driven by network topology, and that the modular organization of large-scale functional systems is computationally relevant. Throughout, we observe a prominent interaction between network structure and dynamics, such that the same underlying architecture can support a wide range of learning capacities across dynamical regimes. This work opens new opportunities to discover how the network organization of the brain optimizes cognitive capacity, conceptually bridging neuroscience and artificial intelligence.
pyFOOMB: Python Framework for Object Oriented Modelling of Bioprocesses
Authors: Hemmerich Johannes , Tenhaef Niklas , Wiechert Wolfgang , Noack Stephan
Published: November 2020

Quantitative characterization of biotechnological production processes requires the determination of different key performance indicators (KPIs) such as titer, rate and yield. Classically, these KPIs can be derived by combining black-box bioprocess modelling with non-linear regression for model parameter estimation. The presented pyFOOMB package enables a guided and flexible implementation of bioprocess models in the form of ordinary differential equation systems (ODEs). By building on Python as powerful and multi-purpose programming language, ODEs can be formulated in an object-oriented manner, which facilitates their modular design, reusability and extensibility. Once the model is implemented, seamless integration and analysis of the experimental data is supported by various Python packages that are already available. In particular, for the iterative workflow of experimental data generation and subsequent model parameter estimation we employed the concept of replicate model instances, which are linked by common sets of parameters with global or local properties. For the description of multi-stage processes, discontinuities in the right-hand sides of the differential equations are supported via event handling using the freely available assimulo package. Optimization problems can be solved by making use of a parallelized version of the generalized island approach provided by the pygmo package. Furthermore, pyFOOMB in combination with Jupyter notebooks also supports education in bioprocess engineering and the applied learning of Python as scientific programming language. Finally, the applicability and strengths of pyFOOMB will be demonstrated by a comprehensive collection of notebook examples.
Characterization and structural basis of a lethal mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sun Shihui , Gu Hongjing , Cao Lei , Chen Qi , Ye Qing , Yang Guan , Li Rui-Ting , Fan Hang , Deng Yong-Qiang , Song Xiaopeng , Qi Yini , Li Min , Lan Jun , Feng Rui , Guo Yan , Zhu Na , Qin Si , Wang Lei , Zhang Yi-Fei , Zhou Chao , Zhao Lingna , Chen Yuehong , Shen Meng , Cui Yujun , Yang Xiao , Wang Xinquan , Tan Wenjie , Wang Hui , Wang Xiangxi , Qin Cheng-Feng
Published: November 2020

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has brought an urgent need for animal models to study the pathogenicity of the virus. Herein, we generated and characterized a novel mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain, named MASCp36, that causes severe acute respiratory symptoms and mortality in standard laboratory mice. Particularly, this model exhibits age and gender related skewed distribution of mortality akin to severe COVID-19, and the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of MASCp36 was 58 PFU in 9-month-old, male BALB/c mice. Deep sequencing identified three amino acid substitutions, N501Y, Q493H, and K417N, subsequently emerged at the receptor binding domain (RBD) of MASCp36, during in vivo passaging. All three mutations in RBD significantly enhanced the binding affinity to its endogenous receptor, mouse ACE2 (mACE2). Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of human ACE2 (hACE2) or mACE2 in complex with the RBD of MASCp36 at 3.1 to 3.7 angstrom resolution elucidates molecular basis for the receptor-binding switch driven by specific amino acid substitutions. Interestingly, N501Y and Q493H enhanced the binding affinity to human ACE2 (hACE2); while triple mutations N501Y/Q493H/K417N decreased affinity to hACE2, thus led to the reduced infectivity of MASCp36 to human cells. Our study not only provides a robust platform for studying the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 and rapid evaluation of coutermeasures against SARS-CoV-2, but also unveils the molecular mechanism for the rapid adaption and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in human and animals.

One sentence summary

A mouse adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain that harbored specific amino acid substitutions in the RBD of S protein showed 100% mortality in aged, male BALB/c mice.
In silicoanalyses on the comparative sensing of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA by intracellular TLRs of human
Authors: Choudhury Abhigyan , Das Nabarun Chandra , Patra Ritwik , Mukherjee Suprabhat
Published: November 2020

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 leads to loss of mankind and global economic stability. The continuous spreading of the disease and its pathogenesis takes millions of lives of peoples and the unavailability of appropriate therapeutic strategy makes it much more severe. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the crucial mediators and regulators of host immunity. The role of several TLRs in immunomodulation of host by SARS-CoV-2 is recently demonstrated. However, the functionality of human intracellular TLRs including TLR3,7,8 and 9 is still being untested for sensing of viral RNA. This study is hoped to rationalize the comparative binding and sensing of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA towards the intracellular TLRs, considering the solvent-based force-fields operational in the cytosolic aqueous microenvironment that predominantly drive these reactions. Ourin-silicostudy on the binding of all mRNAs with the intracellular TLRs shown that the mRNA of NSP10, S2, and E proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are potent enough to bind with TLR3, TLR9, and TLR7 and trigger downstream cascade reactions, and may be used as an option for validation of therapeutic option and immunomodulation against COVID-19.
Crop and Semi-Natural Habitat Configuration affects Diversity and Abundance of Native Bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) in a Large-Scale Cotton Agroecosystem
Authors: Esquivel Isaac. L. , Parys Katherine A. , Wright Karen W. , Eubanks Micky D. , Oswald John D. , Coulson Robert N. , Brewer Michael J.
Published: November 2020

The cotton agroecosystem is one of the most intensely managed, economically, and culturally important fiber crops worldwide including in the United States of America (U.S.), China, India, Pakistan, and Brazil. The composition and configuration of crop species and semi-natural habitat can have significant effects on ecosystem services such as pollination. Here we investigate the effect of crop and semi-natural habitat configuration in a large-scale cotton agroecosystem on the diversity and abundance of native bees. Interfaces sampled include cotton grown next to cotton, sorghum or semi-natural habitat. Collections of native bees across interface types revealed 32 species in 13 genera across 3 families. Average species richness ranged between 20.5 and 30.5 with the highest (30.5) at the interface of cotton and semi-natural habitat. The most abundant species wasMelissodes tepanecaCresson (> 4,000 individuals, ~75% of bees collected) with a higher number of individuals found in all cotton-crop interfaces compared to the cotton interface with semi-natural habitat or natural habitat alone. It was also found that interface type had a significant effect on the native bee communities. Communities of native bees in the cotton-crop interfaces tended to be more consistent in the abundance of species and number of species at each sampling site. While cotton grown next to semi-natural habitat had higher species richness, the number of bees collected varied. These data suggest that native bee communities persist in large-scale cotton agroecosystems and some species may thrive even when cotton-crop interfaces are dominant compared with semi-natural habitat. These data have native bee conservation implications that may improve potential pollination benefits to cotton production.
Multistep mechanism of DNA replication-coupled G-quadruplex resolution
Authors: Sato Koichi , Martin-Pintado Nerea , Post Harm , Altelaar Maarten , Knipscheer Puck
Published: November 2020

G-quadruplex (or G4) structures are non-canonical DNA structures that form in guanine-rich sequences and threaten genome stability when not properly resolved. G4 unwinding occurs during S phase via an unknown mechanism. UsingXenopusegg extracts, we define a three-step G4 unwinding mechanism that is coupled to DNA replication. First, the replicative helicase (CMG) stalls at a leading strand G4 structure. Second, the DHX36 helicase mediates the bypass of the CMG past the intact G4 structure, which allows approach of the leading strand to the G4. Third, G4 structure unwinding by the FANCJ helicase enables the DNA polymerase to synthesize past the G4 motif. A G4 on the lagging strand template does not stall CMG, but still requires DNA replication for unwinding. DHX36 and FANCJ have partially redundant roles, conferring robustness to this pathway. Our data reveal a novel genome maintenance pathway that promotes faithful G4 replication thereby avoiding genome instability.
SANS (USH1G) regulates pre-mRNA splicing by mediating the intra-nuclear transfer of tri-snRNP complexes
Authors: Yildirim Adem , Mozaffari-Jovin Sina , Wallisch Ann-Kathrin , Ries Jessica , Ludwig Sebastian , Urlaub Henning , Lührmann Reinhard , Wolfrum Uwe
Published: November 2020

Splicing is catalyzed by the spliceosome, a compositionally dynamic complex assembled stepwise on pre-mRNA. We reveal links between splicing machinery components with the intrinsically disordered ciliopathy protein SANS. Pathogenic mutations inSANS/USH1Glead to Usher syndrome – the most common cause of deaf-blindness. SANS functions have been associated with cytoplasmic processes so far. Here, we reveal molecular links between SANS and pre-mRNA splicing catalyzed by the spliceosome, a compositionally dynamic complex assembled stepwise on pre-mRNA in the nucleus. Here, we show SANS associates with Cajal bodies and nuclear speckles, where SANS interacts with components of spliceosomal sub-complexes such as SF3B1 and the large splicing cofactor SON but also with PRPFs and snRNAs related to the tri-snRNP complex. SANS is required for the transfer of tri-snRNPs from Cajal bodies to nuclear speckles. SANS depletion alters the kinetics of spliceosome assembly, leading to accumulation of Complex A. SANS deficiency andUSH1Gpathogenic mutations affects splicing of genes related to cell proliferation and USH. Thus, we provide the first evidence that splicing deregulation may participate in the pathophysiology of Usher syndrome.
Lipid rafts interaction of the ARID3A transcription factor with EZRIN and G-Actin regulates B cell receptor signaling
Authors: Schmidt Christian , Christian Laura , Tidwell Josephine , Kim Dongkyoon , Tucker Haley O
Published: November 2020

Previously we demonstrated that the ARID3A transcription factor shuttles between the nucleus and the plasma membrane, where it localizes within lipid rafts. There it interacts with components of the B Cell Receptor (BCR) to reduce its ability to transmit downstream signaling. We demonstrate in this report that a direct component of ARID3A-regulated BCR signal strength is cortical Actin. ARID3A interacts with Actin exclusively within lipid rafts via the Actin binding protein EZRIN, which confines unstimulated BCRs within lipid rafts. BCR ligation discharges the ARID3A-EZRIN complex from lipid rafts allowing the BCR to initiate downstream signaling events. The ARID3A-EZRIN interaction occurs almost exclusively within unpolymerized G-Actin where EZRIN interacts with the multifunctional ARID3A REKLES domain. These observations provide a novel mechanism by which a transcription factor directly regulates BCR signaling.
Synergism and antagonism of bacterial-viral co-infection in the upper respiratory tract
Authors: Manna Sam , McAuley Julie , Jacobson Jonathan , Nguyen Cattram D. , Ullah Md Ashik , Williamson Victoria , Mulholland E. Kim , Wijburg Odilia , Phipps Simon , Satzke Catherine
Published: November 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae(the pneumococcus) is a leading cause of pneumonia in children under five years old. Co-infection by pneumococci and respiratory viruses enhances disease severity. Little is known about pneumococcal co-infections with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Here, we developed a novel infant mouse model of co-infection using Pneumonia Virus of Mice (PVM), a murine analogue of RSV, to examine the dynamics of co-infection in the upper respiratory tract, an anatomical niche that is essential for host-to-host transmission and progression to disease. Coinfection increased damage to the nasal tissue and increased production of the chemokine CCL3. Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal density and shedding in nasal secretions were increased by co-infection. In contrast, co-infection reduced PVM loads in the nasopharynx, an effect that was independent of pneumococcal strain and the order of infection. We showed this ‘antagonistic’ effect was abrogated using a pneumococcal mutant deficient in capsule production and incapable of nasopharyngeal carriage. The pneumococcal-mediated reduction in PVM loads was caused by accelerated viral clearance from the nasopharynx. Although these synergistic and antagonistic effects occurred with both wild-type pneumococcal strains used in this study, the magnitude of the effects was strain dependent. Lastly, we showed that pneumococci can also antagonize influenza virus. Taken together, our study has uncovered multiple novel facets of bacterial-viral co-infection. Our findings have important public health implications, including for bacterial and viral vaccination strategies in young children.
Phage Commander, a software tool for rapid annotation of bacteriophage genomes using multiple programs
Authors: Lazeroff Matt , Harris Sarah L. , Tsourkas Philippos K.
Published: November 2020

The number of sequenced phage genomes is growing at an exponential rate. The majority of newly sequenced phage genomes are annotated by one or more of several freely-available auto-annotation programs. No program has been shown to consistently outperform the others; thus the choice of which program to use is not obvious. We present the software Phage Commander for rapid annotation of phage genomes using multiple auto-annotation programs. Phage Commander runs a phage genome sequence through nine auto-annotation programs and integrates the results within a single output. Phage Commander generates properly formatted output files for direct export to NCBI GenBank. Users can select the threshold for determining which genes should be exported. Phage Commander was benchmarked using eight high-quality phage genomes whose genes have been identified through experiments. Results show that the best results are obtained by exporting genes identified by at least two or three of the nine auto-annotation programs.
A six-amino-acid motif is a major determinant in functional evolution of HOX1 proteins
Authors: Singh Narendra Pratap , De Kumar Bony , Paulson Ariel , Parrish Mark E. , Zhang Ying , Florens Laurence , Conaway Joan W. , Si Kausik , Krumlauf Robb
Published: November 2020

Gene duplication and divergence is a major driver in the emergence of evolutionary novelties. How variations in amino acid sequences lead to loss of ancestral activity and functional diversification of proteins is poorly understood. We used cross-species functional analysis of Drosophila Labial and its mouse HOX1 orthologs (HOXA1, HOXB1, and HOXD1) as a paradigm to address this issue. Mouse HOX1 proteins display low (30%) sequence similarity with Drosophila Labial. However, substituting endogenous Labial with the mouse proteins revealed that HOXA1 has retained essential ancestral functions of Labial, while HOXB1 and HOXD1 have diverged. Genome-wide analysis demonstrated similar DNA-binding patterns of HOXA1 and Labial in mouse cells, while HOXB1 binds to distinct targets. Compared with HOXB1, HOXA1 shows an enrichment in co-occupancy with PBX proteins on target sites and exists in the same complex with PBX on chromatin. Functional analysis of HOXA1–HOXB1 chimeric proteins uncovered a novel six-amino-acid C-terminal motif (CTM) flanking the homeodomain that serves as a major determinant of ancestral activity. In vitro DNA-binding experiments and structural prediction show that CTM provides an important domain for interaction of HOXA1 proteins with PBX. Our findings show that small changes outside of highly conserved DNA-binding regions can lead to profound changes in protein function.
Chromosome-autonomous feedback down-regulates meiotic DNA break competence upon synaptonemal complex formation
Authors: Mu Xiaojing , Murakami Hajime , Mohibullah Neeman , Keeney Scott
Published: November 2020

The number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) initiating meiotic recombination is elevated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants that are globally defective in forming crossovers and synaptonemal complex (SC), a protein scaffold juxtaposing homologous chromosomes. These mutants thus appear to lack a negative feedback loop that inhibits DSB formation when homologs engage one another. This feedback is predicted to be chromosome autonomous, but this has not been tested. Moreover, what chromosomal process is recognized as “homolog engagement” remains unclear. To address these questions, we evaluated effects of homolog engagement defects restricted to small portions of the genome using karyotypically abnormal yeast strains with a homeologous chromosome V pair, monosomic V, or trisomy XV. We found that homolog engagement-defective chromosomes incurred more DSBs, concomitant with prolonged retention of the DSB-promoting protein Rec114, while the rest of the genome remained unaffected. SC-deficient, crossover-proficient mutants ecm11 and gmc2 experienced increased DSB numbers diagnostic of homolog engagement defects. These findings support the hypothesis that SC formation provokes DSB protein dissociation, leading in turn to loss of a DSB competent state. Our findings show that DSB number is regulated in a chromosome-autonomous fashion and provide insight into how homeostatic DSB controls respond to aneuploidy during meiosis.
Emerging themes of public-private partnership application in developing smart city projects: a conceptual framework
Authors: Liu Tingting , Mostafa Sherif , Mohamed Sherif , Nguyen Tuan Son
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Cities are facing challenges with their smart city agenda due to tighter budget constraints, varied interests of different stakeholders and increasing needs of technological innovation. Therefore, cities are partnering with private organisations to advance smart city projects. This research critically analyses the existing research published on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the development of smart city projects and aims to identify the emerging themes and recommend mechanisms and strategies for improved use of smart city PPPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The content/textual analysis was conducted on 52 research publications relating to PPP and smart city from 2001 to 2020. With the assistance of the Leximancer software, the related literature was systematically analysed and synthesised to present the emerging themes of PPP application within the smart city context.

Findings

The analyses reveal that smart city PPPs mainly concentrated on building new or improving existing infrastructure. The research identifies five themes on PPP application for smart city development: (1) Technological innovation integration and increased risk profile, (2) Smart citizen engagement and participatory governance, (3) Data sharing and information security, (4) Transformation of PPP process and approach and (5) PPPs for urban sustainability. This research consolidates these five themes in a proposed sustainable public-private-people partnership (PPPP) framework.

Originality/value

This research provides a new perspective on rethinking the extant PPP models by highlighting the emerging themes in the PPP application for smart city development. This study provides useful recommendations for smart city infrastructure project partnership and engagement among the public and private sectors, and the city residents.
Consumers’ awareness of the EU’s protected designations of origin logo
Authors: Goudis Alexandra , Skuras Dimitris
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) products form the core of the European Union (EU) quality food policy. Low and fragmented logo recognition perils the entire plan. This work aims to provide a “classification” of European consumers as regards logo awareness based on generic demographic and socio-economic characteristics and to test hypotheses relating PDO awareness with the purchasing behaviour of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The work utilises publicly available pan-European databases collected from Eurobarometer in four rolling surveys from 2012 to 2017. The statistical analysis exploits the spatially nested nature of the data.

Findings

The “logo aware” consumer is distinctively different from the average representative European consumer. A range of demographic, human capital and socio-economic characteristics and behavioural and attitudinal traits differentiate the consumers who are aware of the logo. Country and region effects are vital.

Research limitations/implications

Benefits of large and representative samples accrue by utilising available Eurobarometer surveys. This comes at a cost. The individual researcher has no control over the questions included in the questionnaire.

Practical implications

Consumer classification forms the basis of awareness-raising strategies. It reveals the numerous segments of aware and non-aware consumers and opens a discussion about tools and methods to reach out to the European consumer.

Originality/value

This analysis holds an exact pan-European perspective and incorporates consumers' characteristics, behaviour, attitudes and country and region effects.
A comparative benchmark model for SMEs: viable entrepreneur emotional intelligence
Authors: Karia Noorliza
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Besides small- and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) constraints, there is a lack of critical observations of the human capital model naturally inspiring themselves from within. Therefore this paper exposes the factors of emotional intelligence (EI) that make entrepreneurs gain sustainable competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A data of self-administered survey from 397 SMEs in Malaysia was investigated using regression analysis.

Findings

The results reveal factors of EI comprised of self-confidence, self-innovation, self-inspiration and self-vision that have significant positive impacts on entrepreneurial performance. Amazingly, EI contributes almost 30% of the success, where self-vision and self-innovation are the robust EI to strengthen and sustain entrepreneurial performance. In contrast, self-confidence and self-inspiration are generic EI of human capital and easy to be applied by rivals.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a comparative benchmark model for SMEs, managers and entrepreneurs inspiring themselves from within that they can emulate and attain the same success. SMEs can obtain success by investing and culturing EI factors within themselves.

Practical implications

The study provides a comparative benchmark model for SMEs and managers inspiring themselves from within and expands the theory of heterogeneous SMEs and the human capital to sustainable business and competitiveness. SMEs can obtain success through capitalizing human capital attributes within themselves.

Originality/value

The study is the first providing the viable model for SMEs or entrepreneurs leading themselves from within, to their action, behaviour, decision and achievement or the performance mechanism with a benchmark model of entrepreneur EI as a booster.
The acquisition of teamwork skills in university students through extra-curricular activities
Authors: de Prada Creo Elena , Mareque Mercedes , Portela-Pino Iago
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether university students are successfully acquiring or improving skills related to teamwork through a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as sports, music, volunteering, international group work experiences and professional practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive statistics have been calculated to evaluate the normal behaviour of the variables. Accidental sampling was used via a cross-curricular study with a quasi-experimental design. An analysis of means was performed using the Student's t-test.

Findings

The results show the students to have highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, followed by adaptation and decision-making skills. The lowest scores corresponded to coordination and leadership skills. On the other hand, a significant correlation was established between extra-curricular activities and the acquisition of essential teamwork skills.

Originality/value

This study can confirm the important relation between extra-curricular activities and the acquisition of the teamwork skills that play a vital role in the overall development of our students, as well as for their integration into the job market, with particular emphasis on the acquisition of leadership skills which students are most lacking in, but which have shown to improve with any of the proposed activities. The promotion of the extra-curricular activities by the University, could greatly support our students' soft skills acquisition and complement their education.
Beyond human capital: student preparation for graduate life
Authors: Benati Kelly , Fischer Juan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This research moves beyond a focus on employability skills and explores student perceptions of preparedness for graduate life in a more holistic manner.

Design/methodology/approach

Final-year business students were asked to outline their concerns regarding graduate life and the personal and professional challenges anticipated in their careers. The results are presented in the context of graduate capitals, which is a broader view than the more traditional skills-based approach.

Findings

The results indicate students do not feel underprepared for the workplace in terms of human capital, social capital, cultural capital and identity capital. However, many students feel inadequately prepared in terms of psychological capital and their ability to deal with the expected challenges of the workplace such as stress, long hours and the demands of a professional environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends our knowledge of student preparation for the workplace and suggests research opportunities to better understand psychological capital development in graduates.

Practical implications

Greater confidence and a perception of preparedness may be increased for graduates if opportunities for psychological capital development and increased promotion of its importance are enhanced.

Social implications

The results encourage a more holistic approach to employability in graduates and have relevance for all stakeholders concerned with graduate outcomes and workplace transition.

Originality/value

The paper presents work-readiness in the context of graduate capitals, which is broader than the traditional skills-based approach. It also focuses on student perceptions of their level of preparation for the workplace. This has enabled results which highlight psychological capital development as a key area in which students feel underprepared.
Shipment sizing for autonomous trucks of road freight
Authors: Chen Chun-Miin (Jimmy) , Lu Yajun
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Unprecedented endeavors have been made to take autonomous trucks to the open road. This study aims to provide relevant information on autonomous truck technology and to help logistics managers gain insight into assessing optimal shipment sizes for autonomous trucks.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data of estimated autonomous truck costs are collected to help revise classic, conceptual models of assessing optimal shipment sizes. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the optimal shipment size when varying the autonomous truck technology cost and transportation lead time reduction.

Findings

Autonomous truck technology can cost as much as 70% of the price of a truck. Logistics managers using classic models that disregard the additional cost could underestimate the optimal shipment size for autonomous trucks. This study also predicts the possibility of inventory centralization in the supply chain network.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on information collected from trade articles and academic journals in the domain of logistics management. Other technical or engineering discussions on autonomous trucks are not included in the literature review.

Practical implications

Logistics managers must consider the latest cost information when deciding on shipment sizes of road freight for autonomous trucks. When the economies of scale in autonomous technology prevail, the classic economic order quantity solution might again suffice as a good approximation for optimal shipment size.

Originality/value

This study shows that some models in the literature might no longer be applicable after the introduction of autonomous trucks. We also develop a new cost expression that is a function of the lead time reduction by adopting autonomous trucks.
Supply risk identification in manufacturing supply networks
Authors: Wiedenmann Marc , Größler Andreas
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Managing supply risk is gaining in importance in the tightly interconnected global economy. Identifying the relevant risks is the foundation of any risk management process. Therefore, the purpose of this paper first is to provide a short introduction to supply risk management, before focussing on the identification of such risks in more detail. A holistic framework of the identified supply risks, which distinguishes between risk dimensions and risk factors in manufacturing upstream supply networks, is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a mixed methods research approach. Data are collected based on a structured literature review in combination with the analysis of company-specific documents and semi-structured expert interviews. Subsequently, a deductive content analysis is carried out to derive a holistic framework of supply risks, adapted to the manufacturing industry. For the external validation of the conceptual supply risk framework, additional experts from several manufacturing companies were consulted.

Findings

Based on the definition and delimitation of supply risk, a categorization of supply risks is developed. The relevant literature, as well as expert interviews, lead to the distinction of six supply risk dimensions: quality, delivery, collaboration, economic, ambience and compliance. A total of 27 risk factors can be assigned to these dimensions. A holistic foundation for the management of supply risk is thus created.

Originality/value

This study provides a holistic framework of relevant supply risks in the context of the manufacturing industry. This overview of identified risks offers a novel perspective on risk in manufacturing supply networks that can be helpful in researching assessment and mitigation strategies. Despite the high relevance and popularity of this field of research, such an overview with a focus on manufacturing had not yet been made available in the literature. Building thereon, management approaches can now be developed to handle the risk arising from the upstream of the supply network.
Adverse childhood experiences in relation to drug and alcohol use in 30 days prior to incarceration in a county jail
Authors: Eaves Emery R. , Camplain Ricky L. , Lininger Monica R. , Trotter II Robert T.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use among people incarcerated in a county jail.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered to 199 individuals incarcerated in a Southwest county jail as part of a social-epidemiological exploration of converging comorbidities in incarcerated populations. Among 96 participants with complete ACEs data, the authors determined associations between individual ACEs items and a summative score with methamphetamine (meth), heroin, other opiates and cocaine use and binge drinking in the 30 days prior to incarceration using logistic regression.

Findings

People who self-reported use of methamphetamine, heroin, other opiates or cocaine in the 30 days prior to incarceration had higher average ACEs scores. Methamphetamine use was significantly associated with living with anyone who served time in a correctional facility and with someone trying to make them touch sexually. Opiate use was significantly associated with living with anyone who was depressed, mentally ill or suicidal; living with anyone who used illegal street drugs or misused prescription medications; and if an adult touched them sexually. Binge drinking was significantly associated with having lived with someone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic.

Social implications

The findings point to a need for research to understand differences between methamphetamine use and opiate use in relation to particular adverse experiences during childhood and a need for tailored intervention for people incarcerated in jail.

Originality/value

Significant associations between methamphetamine use and opiate use and specific ACEs suggest important entry points for improving jail and community programming.
Malmö – the skateboarding city: a multi-level approach for developing and marketing a city through user-driven partnerships
Authors: Book Karin , Svanborg Edén Gustav
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how skateboarding as a community, sport and cultural phenomenon can become integrated into and drive the development, branding and marketing of a city (Malmö).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is produced through a communicative co-constructed process of one scholar and one practitioner within the skateboarding field. Through the narrative told by the practitioner, and with basis in the established understanding and conceptualization of place marketing through sport, success factors of the skateboarding initiatives in Malmö are identified.

Findings

The skateboarding story of Malmö fits well into the established conceptualization of place branding and marketing, neoliberalism and urban entrepreneurialism. Also, it demonstrates the power of a unique user-driven partnerships between skaters, a non-profit organization and public institutions to create a skateboard-friendly city and as a consequence a strong internationally renowned skate-image. The multi-level, multi-content approach is founded in shared values and mutual benefits. Instead of fitting a phenomenon into an outward-oriented image-strategy, skateboarding as a sport and culture has been allowed to develop organically, creating a credible and unique image for Malmö.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on sport and city marketing/branding by developing a deeper, empirically founded, understanding of how to combine top-down and bottom-up approaches in urban development, marketing and branding. The results have scientific as well as practical value.
Does human capital pay? The influence of leader human capital and employee human capital on leader bonus earnings
Authors: Harris Christopher M. , Brown Lee W.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The human capital of a leader and the human capital of the employees who work for the leader can impact the bonus earned by the leader. Little to no research has examined data that includes the maximum potential bonus that could be earned by a leader and the actual bonus earned. This information provides a closer examination of leader performance and the impacts of leader and employee human capital on the bonus earned by the leader.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a sample of NCAA college football teams and head coaches over two years to test their hypotheses. They measure the human capital of the team and the human capital of the head coach. In addition, the authors assess the percentage earned by the head coach of the maximum potential bonus possible.

Findings

The authors find that a coach's human capital and the human capital of their team positively and significantly predict the percentage of the maximum possible bonus earned by the head coach.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate the importance of leader human capital to a leader's ability to earn more of their maximum potential bonus. Additionally, if a leader is able to surround himself or herself with highly talented employees, it will benefit the leader in terms of the amount of bonus earned.

Originality/value

This study extends previous research to provide a more complete picture of factors that influence a leader's ability to earn more of their maximum possible bonus. The authors’ findings that both the human capital of the leader and the human capital of employees who work for the leader impact the amount of bonus earned by the leader add value to human resource management research. Specifically, when examining factors that impact a leader's bonus earnings, it is important to consider not only characteristics of the leader but also factors apart from the leader, such as the leader's employees.
Buying subject-matter expertise: an innovative approach to business classes
Authors: English Philip , Gordon Rachel
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper introduces a new instructional design for executive programs that combined a flipped classroom methodology and experiential learning to address the challenge of teaching highly technical material in a compressed time frame. In practice, when decision-making executives lack technical expertise and face a highly technical problem, they contract for subject-matter expertise (SME) within the firm or through hiring consultants. The authors show how this can be done in a classroom setting to enhance the learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The classroom approach utilizes students from other programs as analysts for executive MBA (EMBA) teams faced with case analysis that involves technical issues in finance. The analysts act as subject-matter experts for the EMBA students.

Findings

Executive student learning is not eroded by relying on the analysts, and, moreover, the use of analysts enhances EMBA student understanding

Practical implications

Executives are able, in a short time frame, to produce high quality analysis by utilizing the subject-matter experts. Executives also learn how to ask the right questions and evaluate the quality of the analysis created by the subject-matter experts. The subject-matter experts, who are also students, derive added benefits of an employment experience in finance, learning how to interpret instructions about the analysis and how to respond to feedback.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates a new course design where the course's technical analysis aspects mimic work environments enhancing student learning.
Construction of novel electrochemical treatment systems for indigo wastewater and their performance
Authors: Huangfu Zhijie , Zhang Wei , Hao Shang , Zhang Mengdi , Yao Jiming
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of metal electrode and electrolytes on the electroflocculation of indigo wastewater, produced by printing and dyeing factory, and to optimize the treatment system.

Design/methodology/approach

For effective purging, various types of metal electrodes (graphite, pure aluminum and stainless steel) and supporting electrolytes (sodium chloride and sodium sulfate) were selected for electroflocculation experiments. The decolorization rate and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate were characterized.

Findings

The treatment effects of stainless steel and aluminum were similar, but the dissolution loss of aluminum and the production of flocs greatly limit its application. Electrolytes gave obvious effects to these systems. Sodium sulfate was better than sodium chloride, the decolorization rate was increased by 3.31%, the removal rate of COD in the solution was increased by 28.65% and the weight of flocculation precipitation was reduced by 0.214 g.

Research limitations/implications

The electrochemical treatment system was constructed to compare and analyze the influence of experimental parameters and to provide a reference for the actual treatment of indigo wastewater.

Practical implications

Electrochemical flocculation can remove the insoluble indigo solids and it plays a key role in wastewater treatment.

Originality/value

It is novel to optimize the combination of electrode and electrolyte to improve the efficiency of electroflocculation, which can be widely used in the actual wastewater treatment process.
Optimized cerium addition for microstructure and mechanical properties of SAC305
Authors: Muhammad Riaz , Ali Umair
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effect of cerium addition on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Tin-Silver-Copper (SAC) alloy. The mechanical properties and refined microstructure of a solder joint are vital for the reliability and performance of electronics. SAC305 alloys are potential choices to use as lead-free solders because of their good properties as compared to the conventional Tin-Lead solder alloys. However, the presence of bulk intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the microstructure of SAC305 alloys affects their overall performance. Therefore, addition of cerium restrains the growth of IMCs and refines the microstructure, hence improving the mechanical performance.

Design/methodology/approach

SAC305 alloy is doped with various composition of xCerium (x = 0.15, 0.35, 0.55, 0.75, 0.95) % by weight. Pure elements in powdered form were melted in the presence of argon with periodic stirring to ensure a uniform melted alloy. The molten alloy is then poured into a pre-heated die to obtain a tensile specimen. The yield strength and universal tensile strength were determined using a fixed strain rate of 10 mm per minute or 0.1667 mm s^(−1). The IMCs are identified using X-ray diffraction, whereas the elemental phase composition and microstructure evolution are, respectively, examined by using electron dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

Improvement in the microstructure and mechanical properties is observed with 0.15% of cerium additions. The tensile test also showed that SAC305-0.15% cerium exhibits more stress-bearing capacity than other compositions. The 0.75% cerium doped alloy indicated some improvement because of a decrease in fracture dislocation regions, but microstructure refinement and the arrangement of IMCs are not those of 0.15% Ce. Different phases of Cu_6 Sn_5, Ag_3 Sn and CeSn_3 and ß-Sn are identified. Therefore, the addition of cerium in lower concentrations and presence of Ce-Sn IMCs improved the grain boundary structure and resulted refinement in the microstructure of the alloy, as well as an enhancement in the mechanical properties.

Originality/value

Characterization of microstructure and evaluation of mechanical properties are carried out to investigate the different composition of SAC305-xCerium alloys. Finally, an optimized cerium composition is selected for solder joint in electronics.
Thermomechanical fatigue lifetime evaluation of solder joints in power semiconductors using a novel energy based modeling
Authors: Zhang Buen , Jabarullah Noor H. , Alkaim Ayad F. , Danshina Svetlana , Krasnopevtseva Irina V. , Zheng Yuan , Geetha Nisith
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a more accurate model for lifetime estimation.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element model simulation and experimental tests are used to enhance the lifetime prediction model of the solder joint.

Findings

A more precise model was found.

Originality/value

It is confirmed that the paper is original.