bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal pathways associated with fruit color in plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.)
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang XueSong , Cui Long , Zhang YanBo
Published: July 2021

Background

In order to reveal the mechanism of fruit color changes in plum, two common plum cultivars Changli84 (Ch84, red fruit) and Dahuangganhe (D, yellow fruit) in Northeast China were selected as plant materials. Transcriptome sequencing and metabonomic analyzing were performed at three different developmental stages: young fruit stage, colour-change stage, and maturation stage.

Results

“Flavonoid biosynthesis” was significantly enriched in the KEGG analysis. Some DEGs in “Flavonoid biosynthesis” pathway had an opposite trend between the two cultivars, such as CHS, DFR and FLS. Also, transcriptional control of MBW (MYB–bHLH–WD) protein complexes showed a close relationship with plum fruit color, especially the expression of MYBs and bHLHs. In the current study, procyanidin B1 and B2 had the highest level at young fruit stage in Ch84 and the content of procyanidin B2 decreased sharply at the color change stage. Conversely, the content of cyanidin increased with the growth of fruit and reached the peak at the maturation stage.

Conclusion

The content of procyanidin B1 and B2 in plums at young fruit stage might be the leading factors of the matured fruit color. At the maturation stage, the cyanidin produced by procyanidins keeps the color of the fruit red. Correspondingly, genes in “flavonoid biosynthesis” pathway play critical roles in regulating the accumulation of anthocyanin in plum.
Life history of Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) on Moroccan resistant cactus germplasm
Authors: Aalaoui Mohamed El , Sbaghi Mohamed
Published: July 2021

The important damages caused by Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) to cactus crops around the world require an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, based on the combination of several techniques (varietal resistance, biological, chemical methods, etc). In this sense, this study evaluated the resistance of 10 Moroccan cactus genotypes to D. opuntiae in order to characterize the expression of antixenosis and/or antibiosis. Antixenosis was accessed in the greenhouse and in the laboratory (26± 2°C) using choice and non-choice tests with 1st instar nymphs. Aakria and Cherratia showed a strong antixenosis effect towards D. opuntiae (0-0.3 D. opuntiae alive 30 after infestation). For antibiosis assessment, 30 1st instar nymphs were confined on cladodes of the 10 selected genotypes under the same laboratory conditions to allow their development, as well as the life cycle performance and behavior of D. opuntiae on the 10 selected cactus genotypes, were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. No influence of genotypes on insect oviposition was observed, indicating that the mealybug does not prefer any genotypes over the others for oviposition. The mealybug failed to develop on genotypes Aakria and Cherratia and did not grow beyond the young female stage on all other resistant genotypes tested. Similarly, first instar nymphs fed on genotypes Marjana, Melk Zhar, and A200 died without reaching the second instar nymph stage. In addition, all genotypes tested had a negative effect on nymph viability (<24%), indicating resistance (antibiosis and/or antixenosis) to the cactus scale. These cactus genotypes may all be useful in breeding programs focused on cactus resistance to mealybugs.
Effective presence of antibodies against common human coronavirus in IgG immunoglobulin medicinal products
Authors: Díez José María , Romero Carolina , Gajardo Rodrigo
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In this series of studies, immunoglobulin products (IgG) formulated for different routes of administration (IV, IM, SC) and prepared from geographically diverse plasma pools were tested for activity against common human coronaviruses (HCoV). IgG products from plasma obtained from Germany, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, USA and Spain were tested for antibodies to four common HCoV: 229E, OC43, NL63 and HKU1. Since these products are manufactured from pooled plasma from thousands of donors, the antibodies therein are a representation of the HCoV exposure of the population at large.

Methods

IgG products of different concentrations manufactured from geographically diverse plasma pools were tested for antibodies to four common HCoV by ELISA. In addition, neutralization assays were conducted using HCoV-229E expressed in MRC5 cells. Complete concentration-neutralization curves were obtained to calculate potencies.

Results

The ELISA assays showed that when expressed as specific activity (anti-HCoV activity/mg IgG) similar activity against the four common HCoV was seen across the IgG products regardless of concentration or geographic origin. Highest anti-HCoV activity was seen against HCoV-229E, followed by HCoV-OC43 and then HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1. The neutralization assays showed similar potency for two preparations of IgG prepared by different processes.

Conclusions

These studies are the first demonstration of antibodies to common HCoV in IgG products. The level of activity was similar regardless of the geographic origin of the plasma pool. These antibodies demonstrated neutralization activity against HCoV-229E in MRC5 cells. These results may explain the cross-reactivity seen with pre-pandemic IgG products and SARS-CoV-2 and contribute to the variability in disease course in different patients.
Identifying cell-state associated alternative splicing events and their co-regulation
Authors: Buen Abad Najar Carlos F. , Burra Prakruthi , Yosef Nir , Lareau Liana F.
Published: July 2021

Alternative splicing shapes the transcriptome and contributes to each cell’s unique identity, but single-cell RNA sequencing has struggled to capture the impact of alternative splicing. We previously showed that low recovery of mRNAs from single cells led to erroneous conclusions about the cell-to-cell variability of alternative splicing (1). Here, we present a method, Psix, to confidently identify splicing that changes across a landscape of single cells, using a probabilistic model that is robust against the data limitations of scRNA-seq. Its autocorrelation-inspired approach finds patterns of alternative splicing that correspond to patterns of cell identity, such as cell type or developmental stage, without the need for explicit cell clustering, labeling, or trajectory inference. Applying Psix to data that follow the trajectory of mouse brain development, we identify exons whose alternative splicing patterns cluster into modules of co-regulation. We show that the exons in these modules are enriched for binding by distinct neuronal splicing factors, and that their changes in splicing correspond to changes in expression of these splicing factors. Thus, Psix reveals cell-type-dependent splicing patterns and the wiring of the splicing regulatory networks that control them. Our new method will enable scRNA-seq analysis to go beyond transcription to understand the roles of post-transcriptional regulation in determining cell identity.
A typology of horizontal logistics collaboration concepts: an illustrative case study from agri-food supply chains
Authors: Badraoui Ismail , Boulaksil Youssef , Van der Vorst Jack G.A.J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model for horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC), including the collaboration types, enablers, context influence and performance indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study discusses the currently available typologies and their limitations and defines relevant collaboration classification dimensions. Then, a detailed analysis of each dimension is conducted, including the identification of resulting collaboration types. Next, collaboration enablers and the context influence are discussed, as well as their implications on the logistics system, with a specific focus on agri-food supply chains (AFSCs). Additionally, adequate key performance indicators (KPIs) are selected to evaluate collaboration outcomes. Finally, the horizontal logistics collaboration concept (HLCC) is applied to an illustrative case study from AFSCs.

Findings

The results show that HLC is a complex strategy where several elements intervene in the creation of the collaboration scenario. The research also shows that the specific characteristics of AFSCs influence the partners' selection process and increase the importance of partners' similarity and information exchange.

Practical implications

The results provide managers with practical insights into the dynamic nature of HLC both at the operational and relational levels.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical contribution by introducing a new comprehensive model for HLC and a practical typology that allows a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing different HLC scenarios.
Smart supply chain and firm performance: the role of digital technologies
Authors: AlMulhim Abdullah Fahad
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of digital transformation on firm performance with the help of smart technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a valid and well-structured survey to collect data from 460 respondents from 150 Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. In order to analyze this data, SmartPLS software was used.

Findings

The empirical results of this study found that the digital transformation has no significant direct impact on firm performance. Therefore, in this situation, smart technologies play an important role in developing the link between digital transformation and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the digital supply chain from SMEs' perspective by investigating the mediating role of smart technologies between digital transformation and firm performance.
A scientometric review of construction progress monitoring studies
Authors: Patel Tirth , Guo Brian H.W. , Zou Yang
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This article aims to explore valuable insights into the construction progress monitoring (CPM) research domain, which include main research topics, knowledge gaps and future research themes. For a long time, CPM has been significantly researched with increasing enthusiasm. Although a few review studies have been carried out, there is non-existence of a quantitative review study that can deliver a holistic picture of CPM.

Design/methodology/approach

The science mapping-based scientometric analysis was systematically processed with 1,835 CPM-related journal articles retrieved from Scopus. The co-authorship analysis and direct citation analysis were carried out to identify the most influential researchers, countries and publishers of the knowledge domain. The co-occurrence analysis of keyword was assessed to reveal the most dominating research topics and research trend with the visual representation of the considered research domain.

Findings

This study reveals seven clusters of main research topics from the keyword co-occurrence analysis. The evolution of research confirms that CPM-related research studies were mainly focused on fundamental and traditional CPM research topics before 2007. The period between 2007 and 2020 has seen a shift of research efforts towards digitalization and automation. The result suggests Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the most common, growing and influential research topic in the CPM research domain. It has been used in combination with different data acquisition technologies (e.g. photogrammetry, videogrammetry, laser scanning, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors) and data analytics approaches (e.g. machine learning and computer vision).

Practical implications

This study provides the horizon of potential research in the research domain of CPM to researchers, policymakers and practitioners by availing of main research themes, current knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first scientometric study depicting the state-of-the-art of the research by assessing the current knowledge domain of CPM.
The impact of international interorganizational relationships on creativity: the local partner perspective in an emerging country
Authors: Boughzala Yasmine , Szostak Berangere Lauren
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how international interorganizational relationships (IORs) impact the organizational creativity of a local partner in an emerging country, and how the creative capacities of emerging countries firms are developing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory and qualitative, based on five IORs between European multinational corporations (MNCs) and Tunisian firms operating in the consumer goods sector analyzed using the Gioia method.

Findings

The results show that it seems necessary for firms in emerging countries first to be legitimate, then to have dynamic capacities (learning capacities in particular), and that they know how to develop an innovation strategy and implement it concretely. The authors highlight three different organizational mechanisms. The first concerns analyzing the legitimacy of the local partner to engage in an innovation process based on its distinctive capacities and formalization of procedures. The second involves building dynamic capabilities, especially technological and managerial skills, in order to meet the challenges of the growing collaboration between the partners and to expand their mandate. The third deals with implementing an innovation strategy on two fronts: trust between partners and sustainable innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The contributions focus on the international dimension of the IORs' impact on creativity and the role of the local partner's creative capacities. The work highlights to what extent “techno-centric” creativity plays a role in the absorption capacity of local partners, as well as the level of assistance provided by MNCs for developing innovation in emerging countries' firms. Moreover, our results show that increasing awareness of ecological and responsible consumption is reorienting production patterns on both local and global scales and offers many benefits for local and multinational firms. The limitations concern the sample size, the narrow diversity of the sector and the lack of information regarding multinational firms.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to show the construction of the creative process at the level of the local partner, from the execution of a specification to the implementation of a sustainable innovation strategy.
Employer perspectives on workforce integration of self-initiated expatriates in Canada
Authors: Chhinzer Nita , Oh Jinuk
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study explores employer perspectives regarding barriers to and responsibility for the workforce integration of skilled immigrants. Specifically, this study assesses employer perceptions of how influential various barriers are to the integration of self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) in the workplace, uncovers employer perceptions of SIEs competence levels, identifies employer perceptions regarding multiple stakeholders’ levels of responsibility for SIEs integration and explores impactful means to overcome these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Given Canada’s dependence on SIEs for labour force growth, an online survey was conducted with hiring managers of 99 firms in a mid-sized city in Ontario, Canada.

Findings

The results demonstrate that employers shift the onus of responsibility for SIEs integration to other stakeholders (namely, the immigrant or government agencies), require documentation to evaluate human capital attainment of SIEs and may be systemically discriminating against SIEs.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate a need for documented evidence to validate foreign education and skills previously acquired by SIEs. They advance research by providing a comparative assessment of barriers from the employer’s point of view.

Practical implications

The findings support the notion that employers should strategically partner with specialized private or government agencies to help with efforts to attract and evaluate SIEs.

Originality/value

Given that employers are key decision-makers regarding employment outcomes, this study investigates the underexplored role and perspective of employers in integrating SIEs. Additionally, this study provides both a holistic and a relative assessment of the barriers to and responsibility for SIEs integration, exploring the impact of each factor on employer decision-making.
Student work readiness in Australian engineering workplaces through work integrated learning
Authors: Mandal Nirmal Kumar , Edwards Francis Robert
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As part of the Co-Operative Education Program (CEP) under study, a Work-integrated Learning (WIL) student engagement framework is presented. The framework focusses on the effectiveness of the WIL program with real-world assessment tasks to prepare students for graduate employment. In order to evaluate the level at which the engineering graduates are work-ready, an analysis of qualitative and quantitative survey data from CQU students, employers and data from other sources was undertaken. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

WIL is an effective pedagogical strategy employed in engineering curriculum to engage students with workplace partners and engineering practices. However, little is known about the problems exist in the WIL processes including insufficient resources and support for mentoring students. On overcoming the problems, an effective collaboration between students, universities and engineering workplaces provides an enhanced engagement experience and enables students’ work-ready skills. Central Queensland University (CQU)’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Diploma of Professional Practice (Co-op) students participate in two 6-month WIL placements over the course of their university studies.

Findings

To identify the impact of the co-operative education model on graduate outcomes, an analysis of student assessment data from 2016 to 2018 showed that the student employability indicators were consistently above the national average of graduate engineering students. All areas such as knowledge base, engineering ability and professional attributes, students’ performance were rated at or above the average of a graduate engineer by employers.

Originality/value

As part of practice assessment, engineering workplace employers provide an evaluation of students’ performance against the Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers, involving sixteen mandatory elements in the areas of knowledge and skill base, engineering application ability, and professional and personal attributes.
Residents' perception of festival impacts and satisfaction: a focus on Zanzibar international film festival (ZIFF)
Authors: Jani Dev , Mwakyusa John R. Philemon
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to test the perceived economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts on the satisfaction of local residents with the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaires were administered to 299 local Zanzibaris, to obtain the data necessary for hypotheses testing using Structural Equation Modelling through Smart PLS 3.0.

Findings

The findings reveal that locals' perceptions related to economic, cultural, environmental and pride impacts of the festival had greater positive significant effects on the level of satisfaction of local residents compared to image, entertainment and social impacts.

Research limitations/implications

The findings uphold the utility of Social Exchange Theory in explaining local residents' perceptions of the festival. The results contribute to the existing literature on festivals by affirming the multidimensional nature of their social consequences.

Practical implications

Managerially, the results shed light on possible areas to be improved by festival promoters from both the public and private sectors in enhancing the positive perceptions held by local residents as well as improving festivals in the area or similar context.

Originality/value

The study expands the Triple Bottom Line dimensions of sustainability in the festival context by adding pride, entertainment and image perceived value.
Artificial intelligence for supply chain resilience: learning from Covid-19
Authors: Modgil Sachin , Singh Rohit Kumar , Hannibal Claire
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Many supply chains have faced disruption during Covid-19. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one mechanism that can be used to improve supply chain resilience by developing business continuity capabilities. This study examines how firms employ AI and consider the opportunities for AI to enhance supply chain resilience by developing visibility, risk, sourcing and distribution capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have gathered rich data by conducting semistructured interviews with 35 experts from the e-commerce supply chain. The authors have adopted a systematic approach of coding using open, axial and selective methods to map and identify the themes that represent the critical elements of AI-enabled supply chain resilience.

Findings

The results of the study highlight the emergence of five critical areas where AI can contribute to enhanced supply chain resilience; (1) transparency, (2) ensuring last-mile delivery, (3) offering personalized solutions to both upstream and downstream supply chain stakeholders, (4) minimizing the impact of disruption and (5) facilitating an agile procurement strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers interesting implications for bridging the theory–practice gap by drawing on contemporary empirical data to demonstrate how enhancing dynamic capabilities via AI technologies further strengthens supply chain resilience. The study also offers suggestions for utilizing the findings and proposes a framework to strengthen supply chain resilience through AI.

Originality/value

The study presents the dynamic capabilities for supply chain resilience through the employment of AI. AI can contribute to readying supply chains to reduce their risk of disruption through enhanced resilience.
Processes of normative regulation in spaces of “solidarity economy”: a comparative case study analysis
Authors: Esteves Ana Margarida
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This research article addresses the role of processes of normative regulation, driven by distinct approaches to collective action and underlying narratives of social change, in the construction of “solidarity economy” initiatives as parallel spatialities to that of the mainstream economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on a comparative case study analysis, informed by aspects of the Grounded Theory and Extended Case Study methods, of an ecovillage, an alternative commercialization network and an “integral cooperative”. The analysis is illustrated with fieldwork data on food production, commercialization and consumption, given its centrality in the construction of human livelihoods and lifeworld.

Findings

The resulting conceptual framework identifies three methodologies of normative regulation: Prefigurative social technologies and capitalizing upon power and reputation to exert influence over other economic actors; being part of a wider class-based emancipatory political project; mobilizing online peer-to-peer platforms and community currencies to construct an alternative institutionality.

Research limitations/implications

This article constitutes an exploratory analysis. Further research, based on the application of mixed methodologies to larger samples, will further expand the setup and applicability of these concepts.

Practical implications

This analysis will allow scholars and practitioners alike to gain a deeper understanding of how different approaches to collective action, based on distinct structural standpoints and narratives of change, constitute alternative economic spatialities to those of the mainstream economy.

Social implications

The comparative approach used in this article, as well as the resulting concepts, have the potential of contributing to the convergence of “solidarity economy” strategies between initiatives and movements with different approaches to collective action, therefore contributing to improve their capacity to exercise influence upon incumbent institutional regimes, as well as promote socio-economic change.

Originality/value

This article aims to bridge a significant gap in the understanding of how “solidarity economy”-based parallel spatialities emerge and coexist with the mainstream economy: It analyses how processes of normative regulation result from narratives of change with distinct approaches to collective action, based on the standpoint of actors located differently within structural power relations.
Assessing Responsible Care implementation for sustainability in Malaysian chemical industries
Authors: Muhamad Khair Nur Khairlida , Lee Khai Ern , Mokhtar Mazlin , Goh Choo Ta , Singh Harminder , Chan Pek Wan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The Responsible Care programme was first introduced in Canada in 1985 and now is implemented worldwide as one of the chemical industries' commitments to improve the industries' public image as well as their performance in health, safety and environmental aspects. In Malaysia, the Responsible Care programme has been implemented since 1994 with a current total of 148 companies pledged to implement it in their company; however, the effectiveness of the programme remains unknown. Hence, this paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the Responsible Care programme in improving performance in the environment, health and safety in terms of documentation, training, selection processes and stakeholders' engagement for the sustainability of chemical industries.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to the Responsible Care signatory companies in Malaysia. Of these, a total of 132 member companies either produced or provided services related to chemical products.

Findings

The majority of signatory companies agreed that the Responsible Care programme did improve their performance in the environment, health and safety. Besides that, the signatory companies were also keeping up their commitment to ensuring documentation, training, selection process and stakeholders' engagement run smoothly in line with Responsible Care's mission.

Originality/value

After more than two decades of implementation in Malaysia, it is important to assess the Responsible Care programme's effectiveness. As an increasing number of chemical firms, without good management, it will possibly pose a danger to the environment and human health and safety. Through assessment, advances in Responsible Care management practices will considerably increase programme effectiveness in terms of environmental health and safety.
Credit card fraud detection using asexual reproduction optimization
Authors: Farhang Ghahfarokhi Anahita , Mansouri Taha , Sadeghi Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Bahrambeik Nila , Yavari Ramin , Fani Sani Mohammadreza
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The best algorithm that was implemented on this Brazilian dataset was artificial immune system (AIS) algorithm. But the time and cost of this algorithm are high. Using asexual reproduction optimization (ARO) algorithm, the authors achieved better results in less time. So the authors achieved less cost in a shorter time. Their framework addressed the problems such as high costs and training time in credit card fraud detection. This simple and effective approach has achieved better results than the best techniques implemented on our dataset so far. The purpose of this paper is to detect credit card fraud using ARO.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors used ARO algorithm to classify the bank transactions into fraud and legitimate. ARO is taken from asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction refers to a kind of production in which one parent produces offspring identical to herself. In ARO algorithm, an individual is shown by a vector of variables. Each variable is considered as a chromosome. A binary string represents a chromosome consisted of genes. It is supposed that every generated answer exists in the environment, and because of limited resources, only the best solution can remain alive. The algorithm starts with a random individual in the answer scope. This parent reproduces the offspring named bud. Either the parent or the offspring can survive. In this competition, the one which outperforms in fitness function remains alive. If the offspring has suitable performance, it will be the next parent, and the current parent becomes obsolete. Otherwise, the offspring perishes, and the present parent survives. The algorithm recurs until the stop condition occurs.

Findings

Results showed that ARO had increased the AUC (i.e. area under a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve), sensitivity, precision, specificity and accuracy by 13%, 25%, 56%, 3% and 3%, in comparison with AIS, respectively. The authors achieved a high precision value indicating that if ARO detects a record as a fraud, with a high probability, it is a fraud one. Supporting a real-time fraud detection system is another vital issue. ARO outperforms AIS not only in the mentioned criteria, but also decreases the training time by 75% in comparison with the AIS, which is a significant figure.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors implemented the ARO in credit card fraud detection. The authors compared the results with those of the AIS, which was one of the best methods ever implemented on the benchmark dataset. The chief focus of the fraud detection studies is finding the algorithms that can detect legal transactions from the fraudulent ones with high detection accuracy in the shortest time and at a low cost. That ARO meets all these demands.
Revisiting albedo from a fuzzy perspective
Authors: Pakdaman Morteza , Habibi Nokhandan Majid , Falamarzi Yashar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to revisit the albedo for uncertainty. The albedo is considered as a fuzzy value due to some realistic reasons which they will be discussed in details. After defining an appropriate uncertain albedo by using fuzzy set theory, the related energy balance model is also redefined as a fuzzy differential equation by using the concept of fuzzy derivative.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-known Earth energy balance model is redefined as a fuzzy differential equation by using the concept of fuzzy derivative. Thus, instead of an ordinary differential equation, a fuzzy differential equation arises which it's solution procedure will be discussed in details.

Findings

Results indicate that the fuzzy uncertainty for albedo causes more real results after solving the fuzzy energy balance equation. Considering albedo as a fuzzy number is more realistic than considering a single certain number for albedo of a surface. This is due to this fact that the Earth's surface coverage is not crisp and the boundaries of different types of lands are not consistent. The proposed approach of this paper can help us to provide more realistic climate models and construct dynamical models which can model the albedo based on its variability.

Originality/value

In this paper, we defined fuzzy energy balance model as a fuzzy differential equation for the first time. We also, considered albedo as a fuzzy number which is another novel approach.
Accommodating a tree asset register of street trees in a local government authority setting
Authors: Boogaerdt Humphrey , Brown Alistair
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider how a local government authority may present a tree asset register of street trees for the decision-making of the authority's stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the tenets of population density theory, urban form theory and social stratification theory, the approach of the study is to develop a tree asset register in a local government authority's setting that could be modelled using many different attributes to derive important information for decision-making purposes.

Findings

Tree asset registers represent a critical tool in managing street trees across local government authorities.

Research limitations/implications

Although the efficacy of an asset tree register may be curtailed by lack of internal audit or yearly updates, the practical consequence of an asset tree register is that local administrators may use the register to gather summarised, organised and parsimonious measures of a wide range of environmental, historical, cultural, aesthetic and scientific values of street trees.

Practical implications

Tree asset registers affords ratepayers, developers, tree managers and valuers a technology to plan, coordinate and manage street trees to support ecosystem services.

Social implications

Asset tree registers offer planners a means to bring about sustainable change management.

Originality/value

The originality of the study rests in introducing tree registers as a means to meet diverse strategies for street tree management by interested stakeholders.
Islamic finance for entrepreneurship activities and economic growth: a parametric and non-parametric analysis from Malaysia
Authors: Ledhem Mohammed Ayoub , Moussaoui Warda
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the link between Islamic finance for entrepreneurship activities and economic growth in Malaysia within the model of endogenous growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a parametric analysis represented by vector autoregression (VAR) Granger causality and a non-parametric analysis represented in the bootstrapped quantile regression to examine the effect of Islamic finance for entrepreneurship activities on economic growth within the model of endogenous growth. This paper used a sample of all Islamic banks working in Malaysia covering a period from 2014 first quarter until 2019 third quarter (2014Q1–2019Q3).

Findings

The findings demonstrated that Islamic finance for entrepreneurship activities are promoting economic growth in Malaysia which indicates that Islamic finance is a vital contributor to economic growth through financing entrepreneurial domains small and medium-sized enterprises.

Practical implications

The analysis in this paper would fill the literature gap by investigating the link between Islamic finance for entrepreneurship activities and economic growth within the model of endogenous growth in Malaysia as this study serves as a guide for the researchers and decision-makers to the necessity of merging Islamic finance as a major player in the economy to finance the entrepreneurial domain which contributes to economic growth.

Originality/value

This study is the first that investigates the relationship between Islamic finance for entrepreneurship activities and economic growth empirically using the causality and quantile regression within a new theoretical approach over the model of endogenous growth to provide a proven valuable experiment from Malaysia concerning Islamic finance for the entrepreneurial domain which promotes economic growth.
Desorption of crystal violet from alkali-treated agricultural material waste: an experimental study, kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic modeling
Authors: El Messaoudi Noureddine , El Khomri Mohammed , Chegini Zahra Goodarzvand , Dbik Abdellah , Bentahar Safae , Iqbal Munawar , Jada Amane , Lacherai Abdellah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on studying the batch desorption of adsorbed crystal violet (CV) from date stones (Phoenix dactylifera), untreated (UDS) and treated using NaOH (TDS).

Design/methodology/approach

The process variables such as different desorbing agents, volume and concentration of the desorbing agent, contact time, dye concentration before adsorption and temperature affecting CV desorption from CV-loaded untreated date stones (CV@UDS) and treated adsorbent (CV@TDS) were optimized. The UDS and TDS were regenerated using 0.6 m HCl as eluent.

Findings

The HCl solution was an excellent eluent for the CV desorption from CV@UDS (96.45%) and CV@TDS (98.11%). The second-order model and the Langmuir model well exemplified experimental data with maximum desorption capacities were 63.29 mg g−1 for the CV@UDS and 243.90 mg g−1 for the CV@TDS. The calculated thermodynamic showed that the CV desorption was spontaneous, endothermic and physical. Good regeneration and reusability of UDS and TDS for the CV removal for four consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles.

Practical implications

This study provided a good example of reusing UDS and TDS with NaOH for fast removal of a toxic organic pollutant, CV from the wastewaters.

Originality/value

The use of UDS and TDS with NaOH for the first time for desorption study and their reusability to removing CV from their aqueous solutions.
Printability of paper and paperboard surface treatment with gum rosin and derivatives
Authors: Bildik Dal Ahsen Ezel , Biricik Yağmur , Sönmez Sinan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide control of liquids, especially against water-based ink on the paper and paperboard surface with natural substances, in also practical and greenway.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surface was treated with natural rosin and its derivatives to obtain a hydrophobic effect and to improve printing properties. The oleoresin samples collected from Pinus nigra Arnold and Pinus pinaster Aiton trees in the controlled area and turpentine content removed was by hydrodistillation. The gum rosin (GR), fortified 10% with maleic anhydride (MGR) and esterified with 10% pentaerythritol (PMGR) samples solved in a simply alcohol and sprayed the base paper surface directly with a spray gun. Base paper samples were paperboard, bleached paper and test liner paper. Then, flexo printing was applied and printability properties were measured.

Findings

The treatment weights of these paper samples were 1.8 ± 0.5, 1.3 ± 0.5 and 0.7 ± 0.2 g/m2, respectively, compared to the base paper. Greater Cobb60 results were obtained from modified rosin samples than unmodified gum rosin-sized paperboards and the PMGR surface treatment reduces Cobb60 values by 20% and MGR treatment reduces 15% comparing to the base sheet. Then, the printing procedure was applied to the surface of the treated materials using a flexo printing system. As a result of the treatment better print density, chroma and print lightness value consumed a less hydrophobic agent and controlling water-based flexo ink on the base paper surface.

Originality/value

The unique aspect of this work was improving the hydrophobicity of the paper surfaces was achieved by spraying with natural rosin and derivatives.
Do operational risk and corporate governance affect the banking industry of Pakistan?
Authors: Altaf Komal , Ayub Huma , Shabbir Malik Shahzad , Usman Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Due to increase in operational risk, banks are facing huge losses. In order to avoid losses, banks need to manage operational risk. This study aims to analyze the impact of operational risk management (ORM) processes, which include identification, assessment, analysis, monitoring and control in the presence of corporate governance (CG) that can also contribute to effective ORM practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Operational risk management processes are used to manage operational risk along with CG. Primary data are collected through questionnaire from (167) operational risk managers of commercial banks. Multiple linear regressions has been run to analyze the data.

Findings

Results indicate significant impact of CG and operational risk identification (ORI), monitoring and control on ORM practices in commercial banks of Pakistan.

Originality/value

The study suggests policy makers to improve the ORM framework by CG. Beside this, in order to lessen operational risk, proper identification, monitoring and control of operational risk could also contribute.
Reviving the Indian hospitality industry after the Covid-19 pandemic: the role of innovation in training
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Sahu Garima
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the innovative training programmes used by the hotel industry in India to support guests and employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also discusses the role of contemporary training programmes in boosting consumer confidence and enhancing their re-visit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study centres on 28 virtual in-depth interviews (conducted via video conferencing applications) with hotel industry stakeholders in India based on two sets of semi-structured questionnaires. The study included hotel training managers, operations staff and some hotel guests. Interviewees were selected using a non-random purposive sampling method.

Findings

Results suggest that the implementation of new training programmes has significantly and positively influenced the re-visit intentions of guests. The study highlights the fact that the majority of guests prefer hotels that have stringent hygiene and sanitation protocols and where the hotel staff appeared to be more concerned about the safety of the guest during service delivery. Hotels were also found to be implementing various innovative programmes, especially Covid-19 awareness training and environmental management certificate training among other specialist programmes.

Originality/value

Prior research on pandemics (such as Middle-Eastern respiratory syndrome [MERS], severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], Spanish flu, etc.) has been undertaken and the role of training as a response, but there is little prior work on the role of these confidence-building training programmes in the Indian context and their influence on the re-visit intentions of guests after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Just say no to postmortem drug dose calculations
Authors: Maskell Peter D.
Published: July 2021

For years, a number of professional groups have warned forensic and clinical toxicologists against calculating an administered dose of a drug based on postmortem blood drug concentrations. But to date, there has been limited information as to how unreliable these dose calculations may actually be. Using amitriptyline as a model drug, this study used empirically determined pharmacokinetic variables for amitriptyline from clinical studies coupled with clinical overdoses (where the individual survived), and death case studies (ascribed to amitriptyline toxicity) in which the dose of amitriptyline was known. Using these data, standard pharmacokinetic equations, and general error propagation, it was possible to estimate the accuracy of calculated doses of amitriptyline, compared with the doses that were consumed. As was expected in postmortem cases, depending on the pharmacokinetic equation used, the accuracy (mean +128% to +2347%) and precision (SD ± 383% to 3698%) were too large to allow reliable estimations of the dose of amitriptyline consumed prior to death based on postmortem blood drug concentrations. This work again reinforces that dose calculations from postmortem blood drug concentrations are unreliable.
Enhanced bioproduction of anticancer precursor vindoline by yeast cell factories
Authors: Kulagina Natalja , Guirimand Grégory , Melin Céline , Lemos‐Cruz Pamela , Carqueijeiro Ines , De Craene Johan‐Owen , Oudin Audrey , Heredia Vladimir , Koudounas Konstantinos , Unlubayir Marianne , Lanoue Arnaud , Imbault Nadine , St‐Pierre Benoit , Papon Nicolas , Clastre Marc , Giglioli‐Guivarc’h Nathalie , Marc Jillian , Besseau Sébastien , Courdavault Vincent
Published: July 2021

The pharmaceutical industry faces a growing demand and recurrent shortages in many anticancer plant drugs given their extensive use in human chemotherapy. Efficient alternative strategies of supply of these natural products such as bioproduction by microorganisms are needed to ensure stable and massive manufacturing. Here, we developed and optimized yeast cell factories efficiently converting tabersonine to vindoline, a precursor of the major anticancer alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine. First, fine‐tuning of heterologous gene copies restrained side metabolites synthesis towards vindoline production. Tabersonine to vindoline bioconversion was further enhanced through a rational medium optimization (pH, composition) and a sequential feeding strategy. Finally, a vindoline titre of 266 mg l−1 (88% yield) was reached in an optimized fed‐batch bioreactor. This precursor‐directed synthesis of vindoline thus paves the way towards future industrial bioproduction through the valorization of abundant tabersonine resources.
Changes in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio over 4 years, risk of diabetes, and cardiometabolic control: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Qiu Shanhu , Cai Xue , Yuan Yang , Xie Bo , Sun Zilin , Wu Tongzhi
Published: July 2021

Background

Creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio has attracted substantial interest as a measure to reflect health well‐being, but no studies have assessed whether its longitudinal changes are associated with risk of diabetes. We aimed to examine their association, along with the exploration of the relationship of such changes with cardiometabolic control in middle‐aged and older adults.

Methods

We included a total of 3278 participants aged ≥45 years who provided measurements of creatinine and cystatin C at baseline and 4 years later from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Diabetes was diagnosed based on glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), medical history, or use of antidiabetic mediations. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained using logistic regression analyses.

Results

After 4‐year follow‐up, 272 participants developed diabetes. Larger increases in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio were associated with lower risk of diabetes. The multivariable‐adjusted OR for diabetes per 1 SD increase in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio was 0.84 (95% CI 0.72‐0.98). Compared with participants showing decreases in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio but increases in body mass index (BMI), those experiencing increases in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio and decreases in BMI had the largest risk reduction (multivariable‐adjusted OR 0.52). Changes in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio showed inverse correlation with blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, and C‐reactive protein at the 4‐year follow‐up. Moreover, they also correlated inversely with changes in HbA1c and C‐reactive protein (all P ≤ 0.004).

Conclusions

Increases in creatinine‐to‐cystatin C ratio led to reduced risk of diabetes and may benefit cardiometabolic control.
Coexistence of Takayasu arteritis and chronic myeloid leukemia: Coincidental or paraneoplastic phenomenon?
Authors: Yuce Inel Tuba , Gulcu Aytac , Karakas Ali , Erdogan Yucel Elcin , Onen Fatos
Published: July 2021

Vasculitis may rarely be seen in the course of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In vasculitis associated with hematological diseases, mostly small‐ and medium‐vessel involvement is expected, aortitis is very rare. It is not exactly known whether large‐vessel vasculitis associated with MPN is a paraneoplastic phenomenon or coincidental. We aimed to present an uncommon case diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia and Takayasu arteritis concurrently.