bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety Recommendations for Temporal Interference Stimulation in the Brain
Authors: Cassarà Antonino M. , Newton Taylor H. , Zhuang Katie , Regel Sabine J. , Achermann Peter , Kuster Niels , Neufeld Esra
Published: December 2022

Temporal interference stimulation (TIS) is a new form of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) that has been proposed as a method for targeted, non-invasive stimulation of deep brain structures. While TIS holds promise for a variety of clinical and non-clinical applications, little data is yet available regarding its effects in humans. To inform the design and approval of experiments involving TIS, researchers require quantitative guidance regarding exposure limits and other safety concerns. To this end, we sought to delineate a safe range of exposure parameters (voltages and currents applied via external scalp electrodes) for TIS in humans through comparisons with well-established but related brain stimulation modalities. Specifically, we surveyed the literature for adverse events (AEs) associated with transcranial alternating/direct current stimulation (tACS/tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and TIS to establish known boundaries for safe operating conditions. Drawing on the biophysical mechanisms associated with the identified AEs, we determined appropriate exposure metrics for each stimulation modality. Using these metrics, we conducted anin silicocomparison of various exposure scenarios for tACS, DBS, and TIS using multiphysics simulations in an anatomically detailed head model with realistic current strengths. By matching stimulation scenarios in terms of biophysical impact, we inferred the frequency-dependent TIS stimulation parameters that resulted in exposure magnitudes known to be safe for tACS and DBS. Based on the results of our simulations and existing knowledge regarding tES and DBS safety, we propose frequency-dependent thresholds below which TIS voltages and currents are unlikely to pose a risk to humans. Safety-related data from ongoing and future human studies are required to verify and refine the thresholds proposed here.
Tools for connectomic reconstruction and analysis of a femaleDrosophilaventral nerve cord
Authors: Azevedo Anthony , Lesser Ellen , Phelps Jasper S. , Mark Brandon , Elabbady Leila , Kuroda Sumiya , Sustar Anne , Moussa Anthony , Kandelwal Avinash , Dallmann Chris J. , Agrawal Sweta , Lee Su-Yee J. , Pratt Brandon , Cook Andrew , Skutt-Kakaria Kyobi , Gerhard Stephan , Lu Ran , Kemnitz Nico , Lee Kisuk , Halageri Akhilesh , Castro Manuel , Ih Dodam , Gager Jay , Tammam Marwan , Dorkenwald Sven , Collman Forrest , Schneider-Mizell Casey , Brittain Derrick , Jordan Chris S. , Dickinson Michael , Pacureanu Alexandra , Seung H. Sebastian , Macrina Thomas , Lee Wei-Chung Allen , Tuthill John C.
Published: December 2022

Like the vertebrate spinal cord, the insect ventral nerve cord (VNC) mediates limb sensation and motor control. Here, we apply automated tools for electron microscopy volume alignment, neuron segmentation, and synapse prediction toward creating a connectome of an adult femaleDrosophilaVNC. To interpret a connectome, it is crucial to know its relationship with the rest of the body. We therefore mapped the muscle targets of leg and wing motor neurons in the connectome by comparing their morphology to genetic driver lines, dye fills, and X-ray nano-tomography of the fly leg and wing. Knowing the outputs of the connectome allowed us to identify neural circuits that coordinate the wings and legs during escape takeoff. We provide the reconstruction of VNC circuits and motor neuron atlas, along with tools for programmatic and interactive access, as community resources to support experimental and theoretical studies of how the fly nervous system controls behavior.
Diversity and pathobiology of an ilarvirus unexpectedly detected in diverse host plants and in global sequencing data
Authors: Rivarez Mark Paul Selda , Faure Chantal , Svanella-Dumas Laurence , Pecman Anja , Tušek-Žnidaric Magda , Schönegger Deborah , De Jonghe Kris , Blouin Arnaud , Massart Sebastien , Ravnikar Maja , Kutnjak Denis , Marais Armelle , Candresse Thierry
Published: December 2022

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) and sequence mining tools revolutionized virus detection and discovery in recent years and implementing them with classical plant virology techniques results to a powerful approach to characterize viruses. An example of a virus discovered through HTS is Solanum nigrum ilarvirus 1 (SnIV1) (familyBromoviridae), which was recently reported in various solanaceous plants from France, Slovenia, Greece, and South Africa. It was likewise detected in grapevines (Vitaceae) and severalFabaceaeandRosaceaeplant species. Such a very diverse host association is atypical for ilarviruses, thus warranted further investigation. In this study, modern and classical virological tools were combined to accelerate the characterization of SnIV1. Through HTS-based virome surveys, mining of sequence read archive datasets, and literature search, SnIV1 was further identified from diverse plant and non-plant sources globally. SnIV1 isolates showed relatively low variability compared to other phylogenetically related ilarviruses. Phylogenetic analyses showed a distinct basal clade of isolates from Europe, while the rest formed clades of mixed geographic origin. Furthermore, systemic infection of SnIV1 inSolanum villosumand its mechanical and graft transmissibility to solanaceous species were demonstrated. Near identical SnIV1 genomes from the inoculum (S. villosum) and inoculatedNicotiana benthamianawere sequenced, thus partially fulfilling Koch’s postulates. SnIV1 was shown to be seed-transmitted and potentially pollen-borne, has spherical virions, and possibly induces histopathological changes in infectedN. benthamianaleaf tissues. Overall, this study provided information to better understand the diversity, distribution, and pathobiology of SnIV1, but whether it could emerge as a destructive pathogen remains uncertain.

Funding

EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Network (H2020 MSCA-ITN) project no. GA 813542

Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection and Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) funding no. P4-0165, P4-0407, J4-4553

Balik Scientist Program (Republic Act 11035) of the Department of Science and Technology– Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD), Republic of the Philippines

The Belgian FPS Health Food Chain Safety and Environment under Project RT18/3 SEVIPLANT
In vitroandin vivoinfection models reveal connection between periplasmic protease Prc and alternative peptidoglycan synthase PBP3SALinSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium
Authors: Vestö Kim , Frederiksen Rikki F. , Snygg Iina , Fahlgren Anna , Fällman Maria , Rhen Mikael
Published: December 2022

A hallmark in salmonellosis is the ability of the bacteria to proliferate within host cells. Most notably,Salmonellaproliferates within professional phagocytes in a vacuolar compartment. During proliferationSalmonellahas to build new cell wall, but how this is regulated within the intraphagosomal niche is not known. Here we show that genetically inactivating the periplasmic protease Prc, involved in cleaving peptidoglycan-processing enzymes, results in decreased fitness in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells and in BALB/c mice, and in a decreased tolerance to redox stress. All theseprcmutant phenotypes were conditional depending onpbp3sal, a recently defined paralogue forftslcoding for the essential penicillin binding protein 3. These phenotypic connections between Prc and PBP3SALadds to the phenotypes governed by Prc, and possibly adds PBP3SALto the pool of target proteins involved in cell wall homeostasis that are regulated by Prc.
Characterizing endogenous delta oscillations in human MEG
Authors: Gunasekaran Harish , Azizi Leila , van Wassenhove Virginie , Herbst Sophie K.
Published: December 2022

Rhythmic activity in the delta frequency range (0.5 – 3 Hz) is a prominent feature of brain dynamics. Here, we examined whether spontaneous delta oscillations, as found in invasive recordings in awake animals, can be observed in non-invasive recordings pewwrformed in humans with magnetoencephalography (MEG). In humans, delta activity is commonly reported when processing rhythmic sensory inputs, with direct relationships to behaviour. However, rhythmic brain dynamics observed during rhythmic sensory stimulation cannot be interpreted as anendogenousoscillation. To test for endogenous delta oscillations we analysed human MEG data during rest. For comparison, we additionally analysed two conditions in which participants engaged in spontaneous finger tapping and silent counting, arguing that internally rhythmic behaviours could incite an otherwise silent neural oscillator. A novel set of analysis steps allowed us to show narrow spectral peaks in the delta frequency range in rest, and during overt and covert rhythmic activity. Additional analyses in the time domain revealed that only the resting state condition warranted an interpretation of these peaks as endogenously periodic neural dynamics. In sum, this work shows that using advanced signal processing techniques, it is possible to observe endogenous delta oscillations in non-invasive recordings of human brain dynamics.
Progressive loss of conserved spike protein neutralizing antibody sites in Omicron sublineages is balanced by preserved T-cell recognition epitopes
Authors: Muik Alexander , Lui Bonny Gaby , Diao Huitian , Fu Yunguan , Bacher Maren , Toker Aras , Grosser Jessica , Ozhelvaci Orkun , Grikscheit Katharina , Hoehl Sebastian , Kohmer Niko , Lustig Yaniv , Regev-Yochay Gili , Ciesek Sandra , Beguir Karim , Poran Asaf , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur
Published: December 2022

The continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has led to the emergence of numerous sublineages with different patterns of evasion from neutralizing antibodies. We investigated neutralizing activity in immune sera from individuals vaccinated with SARS-CoV-2 wild-type spike (S) glycoprotein-based COVID-19 mRNA vaccines after subsequent breakthrough infection with Omicron BA.1, BA.2, or BA.4/BA.5 to study antibody responses against sublineages of high relevance. We report that exposure of vaccinated individuals to infections with Omicron sublineages, and especially with BA.4/BA.5, results in a boost of Omicron BA.4.6, BF.7, BQ.1.1, and BA.2.75 neutralization, but does not efficiently boost neutralization of sublineages BA.2.75.2 and XBB. Accordingly, we found inin silicoanalyses that with occurrence of the Omicron lineage a large portion of neutralizing B-cell epitopes were lost, and that in Omicron BA.2.75.2 and XBB less than 12% of the wild-type strain epitopes are conserved. In contrast, HLA class I and class II presented T-cell epitopes in the S glycoprotein were highly conserved across the entire evolution of SARS-CoV-2 including Alpha, Beta, and Delta and Omicron sublineages, suggesting that CD8+and CD4+T-cell recognition of Omicron BQ.1.1, BA.2.75.2, and XBB may be largely intact. Our study suggests that while some Omicron sublineages effectively evade B-cell immunity by altering neutralizing antibody epitopes, S protein-specific T-cell immunity, due to the very nature of the polymorphic cell-mediated immune, response is likely to remain unimpacted and may continue to contribute to prevention or limitation of severe COVID-19 manifestation.
A schema for digitized surface swab site metadata in open-source DNA sequence databases
Authors: Feng Barry , Daeschel Devin , Dooley Damion , Griffiths Emma , Allard Marc , Timme Ruth , Chen Yi , Snyder Abigail B.
Published: December 2022

Large, open-source DNA sequence databases have been generated, in part, through the collection of microbial pathogens from swabbing surfaces in built environments. Analyzing these data in aggregate through public health surveillance requires digitization of the complex, domain-specific metadata associated with swab site locations. However, the swab site location information is currently collected in a single, free-text “isolation source” field promoting generation of poorly detailed descriptions with varying word order, granularity, and linguistic errors, making automation difficult and reducing machine-actionability. We assessed 1,498 free-text swab site descriptions generated during routine foodborne pathogen surveillance. The lexicon of free-text metadata was evaluated to determine the informational facets and quantity of unique terms used by data collectors. Open Biological Ontologies (OBO) foundry libraries were used to develop hierarchical vocabularies connected with logical relationships to describe swab site locations. Five informational facets described by 338 unique terms were identified via content analysis. Term hierarchy facets were developed as were statements (called axioms) about how entities within these five domains were related. The schema developed through this study has been integrated into a publicly available pathogen metadata standard, facilitating ongoing surveillance and investigations. The One Health Enteric Package is available at NCBI BioSample beginning in 2022. Collective use of metadata standards increases the interoperability of DNA sequence databases, enabling large-scale approaches to data sharing, artificial intelligence, and big-data solutions to food safety.

IMPORTANCE

Regular analysis of whole genome sequence data in collections such as NCBI’s Pathogen Detection Database is used by many public health organizations to detect outbreaks of infectious disease. However, isolate metadata in these databases are often incomplete and poor quality. These complex raw metadata must often be re-organized and manually formatted for use in aggregate analysis. These processes are inefficient and time-consuming, increasing the interpretative labor needed by public health groups to extract actionable information. Future use of open genomic epidemiology networks will be supported through the development of an internationally applicable vocabulary system to describe swab site locations.
Reconstructing Spatio-Temporal Trajectories of Visual Object Memories in the Human Brain
Authors: Lifanov Julia , Griffiths Benjamin J. , Linde-Domingo Juan , Ferreira Catarina S. , Wilson Martin , Mayhew Stephen D. , Charest Ian , Wimber Maria
Published: December 2022

Our understanding of how information unfolds when we recall events from memory remains limited. In this study, we investigate whether the reconstruction of visual object memories follows a backward trajectory along the ventral visual stream with respect to perception, such that their neural feature representations are gradually reinstated from late areas close to the hippocampus backwards to lower-level sensory areas. We use multivariate analyses of fMRI activation patterns to map the constituent features of the object memories onto the brain during retrieval, and EEG-fMRI fusion to track the temporal evolution of the reactivated patterns. Participants studied new associations between verbs and randomly paired object images in an encoding phase, and subsequently recalled the objects when presented with the corresponding verb cue. Decoding reactivated memory features from fMRI activity revealed that retrieval patterns were dominated by conceptual features, represented in comparatively late visual and parietal areas. Representational-similarity-based fusion then allowed us to map the EEG patterns that emerged at each given time point of a trial onto the spatially resolved fMRI patterns. This fusion suggests that memory reconstruction proceeds backwards along the ventral visual stream from anterior fronto-temporal to posterior occipital and parietal regions, in line with a semantic-to-perceptual gradient. A linear regression on the peak time points of reactivated brain regions statistically confirms that the temporal progression is reversed with respect to encoding. Together, the results shed light onto the spatio-temporal trajectories along which memories are reconstructed during associative retrieval, and which features of an image are reconstructed when in time and where in the brain.
Domain loss enabled evolution of novel functions in a gene superfamily
Authors: Koludarov Ivan , Senoner Tobias , Jackson Timothy N. W. , Dashevsky Daniel , Heinzinger Michael , Aird Steven D. , Rost Burkhard
Published: December 2022

Three-finger toxins (3FTxs) are a functionally diverse family of toxins, apparently unique to venoms of caenophidian snakes. Although the ancestral function of 3FTxs is antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), redundancy conferred by accumulation of duplicate genes has facilitated extensive neofunctionalization, such that derived members of the family interact with a range of targets. 3FTxs are members of the Ly6/uPAR family, but their non-toxin ancestor remains unknown. Combining traditional phylogenetic approaches, manual synteny analysis, and cutting-edge machine learning techniques (includingAlphaFold2andProtT5), we have reconstructed a detailed evolutionary history of 3FTxs. We identify their immediate ancestor as a non-secretory Ly6, unique to squamate reptiles, and propose that changes in molecular ecology resulting from loss of a membrane-anchoring domain (MaD) and changes in gene expression, paved the way for evolution of one of the most important families of snake toxins.
Red Algae-Derived Mineral Intervention to Counter Pro-inflammatory Activity in Human Colon Organoids
Authors: Varani James , McClintock Shannon D , Nadeem Daniyal M , Harber Isabelle , Zeidan Dania , Aslam Muhammad N
Published: December 2022

Human colon organoids were maintained in culture medium alone or exposed to lipopolysaccharide with a combination of three pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ [LPS-cytokines]) to mimic the environment in the inflamed colon. Untreated organoids and those exposed to LPS-cytokines were concomitantly treated with a multimineral product that has previously been shown to improve barrier structure/function. The organoids were subjected to proteomic analysis to obtain a broad view of the protein changes induced by these interventions. In parallel, confocal fluorescence microscopy and trans-epithelial electrical resistance measurements were used to assess barrier structure/function. The LPS-cytokines altered expression of multiple proteins that influence innate immunity and promote inflammation. Most of these were unaffected by the multi-mineral intervention, though a subset of inflammation-related proteins including fibrinogen-β and -γ chains, phospholipase A2 and SPARC was down-regulated in the presence of the multi-mineral intervention; another subset of proteins with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or antimicrobial activity was up-regulated by multi-mineral treatment. When used alone, the multi-mineral intervention strongly up-regulated proteins that contribute to barrier formation and tissue strength. Concomitant treatment with LPS-cytokines did not inhibit barrier formation in response to the multimineral intervention. Altogether, the findings suggest that mineral intervention may provide a novel approach to combating inflammation in the colon by improving barrier structure/function as well as by directly altering expression of pro-inflammatory proteins.
Molecular evolution and structural analyses of spike protein COVID-19 variants in Negeri Sembilan of peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Mat-Sharani Shuhaila , A/L Kumareahsan Danish , Ismail Ismatul Nurul Asyikin , Mohamad Jamali Muhamad Arif , Azmi Liyana
Published: December 2022

The sharing of COVID-19 sequences worldwide has allowed for comprehensive and real-time analyses of COVID-19 genomic diversity at regional levels. Temporal distribution of COVID-19 variants and lineages enables better infection control, surveillance, and facilitates policy making for public health. 417 sequences extracted from all COVID-19 cases in Negeri Sembilan of peninsular Malaysia from July 2021 until May 2022 were used for this study. Phylogenomics revealed a total of 20 circulating lineages, of which seven are still circulating. The majority (60.4%) of viruses in Negeri Sembilan are of GRA lineage with strong representation from the Malaysian lineage BA.1.1 (24.7%). A time series analysis showed a change in the dominating circulating lineage from AY.79 to BA.1.1, which correlated to the relaxing of lockdowns implemented by the Malaysian government. Several Malaysian sub-lineages (BA.2.40.1, BA.2.57 and BA.2.9) have emerged from April 2022 onwards. Evolutionary mutations of the sub-lineages also gave rise to novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the spike proteins. Out of the 70 SNPs isolated from all samples,in silicoprediction revealed five novel SNPs that could cause functional defects to the spike protein, which are S221L, L226S, V826L, C1240F and C1243F. Structural modelling of the V826L showed that the L826 possibly confers an increase in protein flexibility within the S2 region of S protein, which supports ourin-silicopredictions.
Wetting of junctional condensates along the apical interface promotes tight junction belt formation
Authors: Pombo-García Karina , Martin-Lemaitre Cecilie , Honigmann Alf
Published: December 2022

Biomolecular condensates enable cell compartmentalization by acting as membrane-less organelles1. How cells control the interactions of condensates with other cellular structures such as membranes to drive morphological transitions remains poorly understood. Here, we studied formation of tight junctions, which initially assemble as condensates that over time elongate around the membrane cell perimeter to form a closed junctional barrier2. We discovered that the elongation of junctional condensates is driven by a physical wetting process around the apical membrane interface. Using temporal proximity proteomics in combination with live and super-resolution imaging, we found that wetting is mediated by the apical protein PATJ, which promotes adhesion of condensates to the apical membrane resulting in an interface formation and linear spreading into a closed belt. Using PATJ mutations we show that apical adhesion of junctional condensates is necessary and sufficient for stable tight junction belt formation. Our results demonstrate how cells exploit the collective biophysical properties of protein condensates and membrane interfaces to shape mesoscale structures.
The influence of the psychological contract on the safety of performance of construction workers in China
Authors: Li Hongyang , Chen Yanlin , Zheng Junwei , Fang Yuan , Yang Yifan , Skitmore Martin , Rusch Rosemarie , Jiang Tingting
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature is first consulted to obtain a set of PC and safety performance measures that fits the specific situation of construction workers, which is then moderated by five construction experts. A questionnaire survey of 206 workers from 4 different construction sites is followed by a descriptive statistical analysis of the nature of the PC and level of the safety performance of the respondents. Finally, a regression analysis is used to ascertain the level of influence of the PS, and an analysis is made of the influence of PC on safety performance.

Findings

A set of PC and safety performance measures is identified that fits in the construction workers' specific situation. The PC of the respondents is found to be intact and well-performed, and their safety performance is maintained at a high level. Safety performance is highly influenced by the state of the PC, with the three dimensions of safety performance (safety result, safety compliance and safety participation) positively correlated with the three dimensions of the PC (normative, interpersonal and developmental).

Originality/value

Suggestions are made to improve safety production management and safety performance by providing adequate material and economic conditions, helping the workers establish good interpersonal relationships and realize their personal values.
Factors affecting performance of graduate architects in contract implementation management: a case study on housing projects in Malaysia
Authors: Tiew Si Yee
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Graduate architect plays an important role in contract implementation management when handling building construction projects. Graduate architects had been authorized to manage the projects in construction industry due to limited architects in the country. The capability of graduate architect when manage project is critical in reducing performance barriers encountered. The aim of this paper is to identify critical factors that affect graduate architect's performance during project implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative study was undertaken to provide an insight into actual experiences of graduate architects in contract implementation management. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews providing case studies on contract implementation management on housing projects in Malaysia and observation of the actual on-going projects.

Findings

The five most crucial factors affected graduate architects' performance related to lack of training in project documentation, failed to obtain professional and peer support in quality and assessment, isolate in role during project coordination, lack of education support in design process and unaware of legal aspects which delayed response to contractor.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses only on seven housing projects and semi-structured interviews with twenty graduate architects who in charge of those projects. As such, the resulting factors that affect graduate architect's performance are limited and are constrained only to the construction industry in Malaysia.

Practical implications

This research examined the factors affecting graduate architect's performance which is a timely study, as the increasing number of population and developments will provide ample opportunities for them to perform.

Originality/value

The outcome of the study is expected to facilitate graduate architects to devise proactive risk mitigation measures to reduce impact of these factors and improve project delivery.
Do salespeople’s online profile pictures predict the number of online reviews? Effect of a babyface
Authors: Yim Alexis , Price Bradley , Agnihotri Raj , Cui Annie Peng
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of a salesperson’s babyface in his/her profile picture on the number of online reviews the salesperson receives. In addition to testing the direct relationship, this study explores the moderating roles of salesperson gender and consumer involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Responding to the call for field-based consumer research, the authors test their theory using an experimental design and a field study. Study 1 employs an experimental design in high and low involvement service settings to test the effect of a babyface on consumers’ intention to write online reviews. Study 2 uses field data, utilising real estate salespeople’s online profile pictures to test the effect of salespeople’s babyface on the number of online reviews they receive. It does so by using an artificial intelligence facial recognition application interface.

Findings

A salesperson’s babyface results in fewer online reviews in situations in which consumers are highly involved in the purchase process. By contrast, a salesperson’s babyface engenders more online reviews when consumers purchase low involvement services. The adverse effect of a babyface on the number of online reviews, however, attenuates when a salesperson is female.

Research limitations/implications

Limited information about salespeople, a skewed number of online reviews and blurry online profile pictures from a real-world data set constitute the study’s limitations.

Practical implications

When consumers are highly involved in the purchase process, salespeople should appear mature in their online profile photos to engender more online reviews. However, salespeople providing low involvement services should opt for online profile pictures reflecting babyish facial features to generate more online reviews.

Originality/value

Research has shown that salespeople’s physical appearance plays an important role in consumers’ perceptions of salespeople and their performance. Although abundant research and practice have shown the importance of online reviews, less is known about how online profile pictures affect online reviews. Thus, building on well-studied cases of an overgeneralization effect, this work examines the extent to which salespeople’s babyface features in their online profile picture affects the number of online reviews received in a real-world setting.
Construction 4.0 technologies in a developing economy: awareness, adoption readiness and challenges
Authors: Olatunde Nathaniel Ayinde , Gento Angel M. , Okorie Victor N. , Oyewo Olumide W. , Mewomo Modupe Cecilia , Awodele Imoleayo Abraham
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Construction 4.0 technology is a novel innovative technology that has been proved to enhance project performance. However, information on the concept's awareness, adoption readiness and challenges in developing economies is still scanty. The purpose of the study is to appraise awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of Construction 4.0 technologies in Nigeria to bring to the fore the state of art of these innovative technologies in the study area.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a convenient sampling technique to select 129 construction professionals (architects, engineers and quantity surveyors) in Osun State, Nigeria, who provided data for the study through a closed-ended structure questionnaire survey. The quantitative data supplied were analysed using frequency, percentile, Cronbach's alpha, mean score (MS) analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

The overall awareness level of construction professionals in the study area about Construction 4.0 technologies is at a moderate level (MS = 3.03). The analysis of each component of the Construction 4.0 technologies shows that BIM (MS = 3.69) has the highest level of awareness, while augmented reality (MS = 2.51) has the least awareness level. More results show a significant difference in the opinion of the respondents, a significant difference in the respondents on 36% of the components of Construction 4.0 technologies. The adoption readiness of the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) to Construction 4.0 technologies is at an initial level (MS = 2.86). However, the 3D printing (MS = 3.36) and augmented reality (MS = 2.49) have the highest and lowest adoption readiness ratings, respectively. There is no significant difference in how respondents ranked the NCI adoption readiness on 73% of the components of Construction 4.0 technologies. The main challenges of Construction 4.0 technologies in the study area are lack of standardisation (MS = 4.02), lack of investment in research and development and cost of implementation (MS = 3.87) each. The result shows that there is perfect unanimity in the way respondents ranked the challenges of Construction 4.0.

Practical implications

The study provided information on the status quo of Construction 4.0 technologies in the NCI to enhance improvement in practice and the attendant project delivery.

Originality/value

The study attempted to bring to the fore the state of the art on awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of Construction 4.0 technologies in Nigeria. The study's information will be valuable to improve project delivery.
A longitudinal study on knowledge organization publications: using hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling
Authors: Danesh Farshid , Ghavidel Somayeh
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was a longitudinal study on knowledge organization (KO) realm structure and cluster concepts and emerging KO events based on co-occurrence analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This longitudinal study uses the co-occurrence analysis. This research population includes keywords of articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection 1975–1999 and 2000–2018. Hierarchical clustering, multidimensional scaling and co-occurrence analysis were used to conduct the present research. SPSS, UCINET, VOSviewer and NetDraw were used to analyze and visualize data.

Findings

The “Information Technology” in 1975–1999 and the “Information Literacy” in 2000–2018, with the highest frequency, were identified as the most widely used keywords of KO in the world. In the first period, the cluster “Knowledge Management” had the highest centrality, the cluster “Strategic Planning” had the highest density in 2000–2018 and the cluster “Information Retrieval” had the highest centrality and density. The two-dimensional map of KO’s thematic and clustering of KO topics by cluster analysis method indicates that in the periods examined in this study, thematic clusters had much overlap in terms of concept and content.

Originality/value

The present article uses a longitudinal study to examine the KO’s publications in the past half-century. This paper also uses hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling methods. Studying the concepts and thematic trends in KO can impact organizing information as the core of libraries, museums and archives. Also, it can scheme information organizing and promote knowledge management. Because the results obtained from this article can help KO policymakers determine and design the roadmap, research planning, and micro and macro budgeting processes.
Institutional change through departmental quality assurance self-studies
Authors: Kolomitro Klodiana , Inglese Jenna , Stockley Denise , Scott Jill , Wright Madison
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In 2010, the Ontario Universities Quality Assurance Council was established and became responsible for monitoring the quality of university programs, and each university was tasked with establishing institutional quality assurance purposes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the quality assurance process at facilitating change at one Canadian institution.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand the impacts of quality assurance, the authors analyzed 39 self-study documents, which were completed for all academic programs at Queen’s University. Focus groups were also conducted with key stakeholders to gain more insights into the institutional change that resulted from completing these self-studies.

Findings

After the analysis of the self-studies and focus groups, three themes emerged as impacts of completing self-studies: teaching and learning, identity and collaboration and resource allocation and strategic planning. This study demonstrates that self-studies completed by departments have value beyond simply meeting the provincial mandate, as they are effective in catalyzing positive institutional change.

Research limitations/implications

The self-study documents were created for the purpose of institutional quality assurance process, not this research study, therefore limiting the data that could be collected.

Practical implications

Four considerations are provided at the end of this study to spark conversations at other institutions when reviewing and assessing the impact of their quality assurance processes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time self-studies have been analyzed to evaluate the quality assurance process.
Bright and dark side of knowledge management practices in firms using information systems: examining different moderating impacts
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This research aims to find out the impact of knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge hiding (KH) on employee creativity (EC) and eventually on firm innovativeness (FI). The study also investigates the moderating roles of incentive focus, preventive focus and enterprise social networking (ESN) adoption on EC and FI.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an empirical research approach and created a research model using resource-based view theory and literature. The model was validated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique to analyze data from 347 respondents from Indian firms.

Findings

The authors found that there is a considerable moderating impact of all three moderators on EC and firms’ innovativeness. KS has a positive impact and KH has a negative impact on EC.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge can be shared within a firm by using an ESN tool. KS is the brighter side of the knowledge management process, whereas KH is the darker side of it. The study presents insights into and prescriptions for the bright and dark sides of knowledge management. The study results also imply that the firm managers must try to properly integrate the knowledge acquired from various stakeholders such as institutions, customers, competitors and suppliers as well as to focus on the tacit, precious and distinctive knowledge helpful to sustain long-term relationships with the valued external sources. The study empirically validates the model with the respondents from Indian firms, and thus the proposed model cannot be generalized.

Originality/value

Few research studies have examined both the bright and dark sides of the knowledge management process. There is a growing interest among researchers and practitioners to explore these sides of the knowledge management process using information systems and knowledge risk. Moreover, the proposed theoretical model has a high explanative power that makes the model effective and unique.
Mycorrhizal fungi alter root exudation to cultivate a beneficial microbiome for plant growth
Authors: Xu Yunjian , Chen Zhe , Li Xiaoyu , Tan Jing , Liu Fang , Wu Jianping
Published: December 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi traditionally form symbioses with most plant species. Although AM fungi have critical effects on microbial communities, the pathways showing how AM fungi shape rhizosphere bacterial communities and their functions are rarely explored.

Here, through three systematic experiments, AM fungi–bacteria interactions were first investigated in the rhizosphere of Lotus japonicus, then the interactions were confirmed by a second experiment with wild‐type and a mycorrhiza‐defective mutant ljcbx of L. japonicus. The mechanisms were presented by adding core bacteria and AM fungi to the plant rhizosphere in the third experiment.

We found that AM fungi–bacteria interactions enhanced host plant growth and identified a core bacterial group that uniquely enhanced host plant growth. Adding core bacteria and AM fungi promoted host growth and nutrient acquisition compared to adding AM fungi or core bacteria independently.

Allelopathic substances secreted by AM fungal colonizing host roots to recruit the rhizosphere bacteria were detected by the multi‐omics joint analysis, showing that arachidonic acid was the main allelopathic substance that affected AM fungi–bacteria interactions.

Our findings provide direct evidence that mycorrhizal infection simulated root exudation, such as arachidonic acid, recruited a beneficial microbiome to the host rhizosphere, increasing plant growth and soil nutrient turnover.

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A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of teacher continued professional development on student language outcomes
Authors: Sandgren Olof , Andersson Ketty , Lyberg Åhlander Viveka , Rosqvist Ida , Hansson Kristina , Sahlén Birgitta
Published: December 2022

Background

Continued professional development (CPD) is required for updated skills and knowledge. This study evaluates the efficacy of a CPD programme for mainstream school teachers.

Aims

In an 11‐week intervention programme, speech–language therapists (SLTs) presented the participating teachers with whole‐class teaching techniques aimed at creating a language and communication‐supporting classroom environment. The effects of the intervention on the language development of the students in the teachers’ classes were assessed.

Methods & Procedures

A total of 211 first‐ and second‐year students (Mage = 7;6, range = 6;5–8;9) underwent standardized language assessments of receptive and expressive language abilities before and after their teachers’ participation in the CPD. The students were divided into intervention and delayed intervention groups to enable randomized intervention allocation. Linear mixed modelling was used to estimate the individual and interaction effects of group, time and demographic factors.

Outcomes & Results

Significant effects of time, group and school, respectively, but no interaction between time and group indicates that while all students advanced between assessments, the progress was not attributable to the teachers’ participation in the CPD.

Conclusions & Implications

Results are discussed in light of those of recent studies of universal services to support optimal language development.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject

Although inconclusive, previous research indicates that intervention delivered to teachers by SLTs has the potential to improve the language abilities of the students in the teachers’ classrooms.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study explored the language development of first‐ and second‐year mainstream school students whose teachers took part in a CPD programme aimed at establishing language and communication‐supporting teaching techniques. Results indicate that the development of the students’ language abilities could not be attributed to the teachers’ participation in the CPD.

What are the potential or actual implications of the work?

SLTs are often asked to guide teachers and teaching staff rather than themselves conduct individual assessments and interventions. The results of this trial can be used to inform the discussion on how to prioritize between tasks.
Opportunities and challenges in discussing racism during primary care visits
Authors: Borowsky Hannah M. , Willis Aubrey , Bullock Justin L. , Fuentes‐Afflick Elena , Palmer Nynikka R. A.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To understand how patients and primary care practitioners (PCPs) discuss racism and their perspectives on having these conversations during primary care visits.

Data Sources/Study Setting

We conducted semi‐structured interviews from September 2020–March 2021 at a Federally Qualified Health Center in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Study Design

We conducted an inductive qualitative descriptive pilot study using one‐on‐one, semi‐structured interviews with 5 members of a Patient Advisory Council and 10 internal medicine PCPs.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Interviews were conducted via video conferencing, recorded, and transcribed. An iterative analytic process was used to thematically assess participants' experiences and perspectives and identify key themes.

Principal Findings

Patients and PCPs identified benefits from engaging in conversations about racism during primary care visits and noted challenges and concerns. Patients and PCPs highlighted strategies to advance communication about racism in primary care.

Conclusions

Initiating conversations about racism with patients in primary care can be meaningful, but also has risks. More research is needed for deeper exploration of patients' perspectives and development of trainings. Improving how PCPs communicate with patients about racism represents an opportunity to advance antiracism in medicine and improve health outcomes for individuals who have historically been poorly served by our health care system.
Safety assessment of herbal supplement components targeting hepatotoxicity and CYP3A4 induction in cell‐based assay using HepG2 cells
Authors: Kondo Takashi , Suzuki Ippei , Chiba Tsuyoshi , Tousen Yuko
Published: December 2022

Herbal supplements can cause hepatotoxicity and drug interactions via hepatic cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) in some cases. However, there is no simple and stable cell‐based assay to conduct a screening for hepatotoxicity and CYP induction. In the present study, we selected 14 components of the herbal supplement based on our previous reports and investigated the safety of the herbal supplement components focusing on toxicity and CYP3A4 induction in a cell‐based assay using HepG2. The toxicity of the components was examined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell proliferation assays. Then, the CYP3A4 induction of the components were examined by a reporter assay using reporter vectors of CYP3A4. The vector includes the CYP3A4 proximal promoter (CYP3A4PP) and the xenobiotic‐responsive enhancer module (XREM) regions. Luteolin (LU) significantly increased LDH activity and decreased cell proliferation activity that suggests LU may cause toxicity in HepG2 cells. Quercetin (QU) increased the transcriptional activity of CYP3A4 (1.5‐fold of control) in the reporter assay. However, the induction of QU was slightly in comparison to the validation of the transcriptional activity of CYP3A4 treated with CYP3A4 inducers. The CYP3A4 induction of QU may not involve CYP3A4PP but involves the XREM response. Throughout our results, the method in the present study may be useful for a safety assessment of herbal supplements, primarily focusing on hepatotoxicity and CYP3A4 induction.

Practical Application

Even though there are problems with herbal supplements, studies related to toxicity are not actively carried out. The present methods may apply to the safety assessment for herbal supplements and be useful for the prevention and verification of health hazards caused by herbal supplements (the summary is shown in Figure S2).