bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sensitive and rapid wastewater test for SARS-COV-2 and its use for the early detection of a cluster of cases in a remote community
Authors: Daigle Jade , Racher Kathleen , Hazenberg Justin , Yeoman Allan , Hannah Heather , Duong Diep , Mohammed Umar , Spreitzer Dave , Gregorchuk Branden S. J. , Head Breanne M. , Meyers Adrienne F.A. , Sandstrom Paul A. , Nichani Anil , Brooks James I. , Mulvey Michael R. , Mangat Chand S. , Becker Michael G.
Published: August 2021

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater surveillance has been used to monitor trends in SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the community. A major challenge in establishing wastewater surveillance programs, especially in remote areas, is the need for a well-equipped laboratory for sample analysis. Currently, no options exist for rapid, sensitive, mobile, and easy-to-use wastewater tests for SARS-CoV-2. The performance of the GeneXpert System, which offers cartridge-based, rapid molecular clinical testing for SARS-CoV-2 in a portable platform, was evaluated using wastewater as the input. The GeneXpert demonstrated a SARS-CoV-2 limit of detection in wastewater below 32 copies/mL with a sample processing time of less than an hour. Using wastewater samples collected from multiple sites across Canada during February and March 2021, a high overall agreement (97.8%) was observed between the GeneXpert assay and laboratory-developed tests regarding the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, with the use of centrifugal filters the detection threshold of the GeneXpert system was improved to <10 copies/mL in wastewater. Finally, to support on-site wastewater surveillance, GeneXpert testing was implemented in Yellowknife, a remote community in Northern Canada where its use successfully alerted public health authorities to undetected transmission of COVID-19. The identification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater triggered clinical testing of recent travelers and identification of new COVID-19 cases/clusters. Taken together, these results suggest the GeneXpert is a viable option for surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in locations that do not have access to established testing laboratories.
Multiplexed action-outcome representation by striatal striosome-matrix compartments detected with a novel cost-benefit foraging task
Authors: Bloem Bernard , Huda Rafiq , Amemori Ken-ichi , Abate Alexander , Krishna Gaya , Wilson Anna , Carter Cody W. , Sur Mriganka , Graybiel Ann M.
Published: August 2021

Learning about positive and negative outcomes of actions is crucial for survival and underpinned by conserved circuits including the striatum. How associations between actions and outcomes are formed is not fully understood, particularly when the outcomes have mixed positive and negative features. We developed a novel foraging (‘bandit’) task requiring mice to maximize rewards while minimizing punishments. By 2-photon Ca++ imaging, we monitored activity of 5831 identified anterodorsal striatal striosomal and matrix neurons. Surprisingly, we found that action-outcome associations for reward and punishment were combinatorially encoded rather than being integrated as overall outcome value. Single neurons could, for one action, encode outcomes of opposing valence. Striosome compartments consistently exhibited stronger representations of reinforcement outcomes than matrix, especially for high reward or punishment prediction errors. These findings demonstrate a remarkable multiplexing of action-outcome contingencies by single identified striatal neurons and suggest that striosomal neurons are differentially important in action-outcome learning.
Extracellular cues accelerate neurogenesis of induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons
Authors: Sharlow Elizabeth R. , Llaneza Danielle C. , Mendelson Anna J. , Mingledorff Garnett A. , Porterfield Veronica M. , Salvati Kathryn , Beenhakker Mark , Bloom George S. , Lazo John S.
Published: August 2021

Neurogenesis is a complex process encompassing neuronal progenitor cell expansion/proliferation and differentiation, followed by neuron maturation. In vivo models are most commonly used to study neurogenesis; however, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC) neurons are increasingly used to establish cellular models of human neurological processes. Unfortunately, the differentiation and maturation of iPSC-derived neurons varies in methodology, is asynchronous, and has restricted experimental utility because of extended differentiation/maturation times. To accelerate and standardize iPS neuronal maturation, we differentiated and matured feeder layer-free iPSC-derived neuronal cultures under physiological oxygen levels (5%), and modified the underlying extracellular matrix and medium composition. Our results demonstrate that calretinin gene expression occurred earlier under our optimized iPS conditions and the corresponding “neurogenesis burst” associated with proliferative expansion occurred more synchronously, reliably emerging two and three weeks after differentiation. As expected, the expression of mature neuronal markers (i.e., NeuN+/Calbindin+) started at 4-weeks post-differentiation. qPCR microarray, western blot and single cell analyses using high content imaging indicated that 4-week iPS neuronal cultures were non-cycling with decreased expression of cyclin D1 and Ki67. Our data demonstrate that extracellular cues influence the kinetics of neurogenesis models and that feeder layer-free iPSC-derived neurogenesis can be reproducibly miniaturized.
Genetic Optimisation of Bacteria-Induced Calcite Precipitation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hoffmann Timothy Dennis , Paine Kevin , Gebhard Susanne
Published: August 2021

Background

Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is an ancient property of bacteria, which has recently gained considerable attention for biotechnological applications. It occurs as a by-product of bacterial metabolism and involves a combination of chemical changes in the extracellular environment, e.g. pH increase, and presence of nucleation sites on the cell surface or extracellular substances produced by the bacteria. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning MICP and the interplay between the contributing factors remain poorly understood, thus placing barriers to the full biotechnological and synthetic biology exploitation of bacterial biomineralisation.

Results

In this study, we adopted a bottom-up approach of systematically engineering Bacillus subtilis, which has no detectable intrinsic MICP activity, for biomineralisation. We showed that heterologous production of urease can induce MICP by local increases in extracellular pH, and this can be enhanced by co-expression of urease accessory genes for urea and nickel uptake, depending on environmental conditions. MICP can be strongly enhanced by biofilm-promoting conditions, which appeared to be mainly driven by production of exopolysaccharide, while the protein component of the biofilm matrix was dispensable. Attempts to modulate the cell surface charge of B. subtilis had surprisingly minor effects, and our results suggest this organism may intrinsically have a very negative cell surface, potentially predisposing it for MICP activity.

Conclusions

Our findings give insights into the molecular mechanisms driving MICP in an application-relevant chassis organism and the genetic elements that can be used to engineer de novo or enhanced biomineralisation. This study also highlights mutual influences between the genetic drivers and the chemical composition of the surrounding environment in determining the speed, spatial distribution and resulting mineral crystals of MICP. Taken together, these data pave the way for future rational design of synthetic precipitator strains optimised for specific applications.
A Novel Power-Amplified Jumping Behavior in Larval Beetles (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae)
Authors: Bertone Matthew A. , Gibson Joshua C. , Seago Ainsley E. , Yoshida Takahiro , Smith Adrian A.
Published: August 2021

Larval insects use many methods for locomotion. Here we describe a previously unknown jumping behavior in a group of beetle larvae (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae). We analyze and describe this behavior inLaemophloeus biguttatusand provide information on similar observations for another laemophloeid species,Placonotus testaceus.Laemophloeus biguttatuslarvae prelude jumps by arching their body while gripping the substrate with their legs over a period of 0.22 ± 0.17s. This is followed by a rapid ventral curling of the body after the larvae releases its grip that launches them into the air. Larvae reached takeoff velocities of 0.47 ± 0.15 m s-1 and traveled 11.2 ± 2.8 mm (1.98 ± 0.8 body lengths) horizontally and 7.9 ± 4.3 mm (1.5 ± 0.9 body lengths) vertically during their jumps. Conservative estimates of power output revealed that not all jumps can be explained by direct muscle power alone, suggestingLaemophloeus biguttatususes a latch-mediated spring actuation mechanism (LaMSA) in which interaction between the larvae’s legs and the substrate serves as the latch. MicroCT scans and SEM imaging of larvae did not reveal any notable modifications that would aid in jumping. Although more in-depth experiments could not be performed to test hypotheses on the function of these jumps, we posit that this behavior is used for rapid locomotion which is energetically more efficient than crawling the same distance to disperse from their ephemeral habitat. We also summarize and discuss jumping behaviors among insect larvae for additional context of this behavior in laemophloeid beetles.
Probing Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) targeting two gene-fragments of rose rosette virus
Authors: Salazar Andrea , Ochoa-Corona Francisco M. , Olson Jennifer D. , Babu Binoy , Paret Mathews
Published: August 2021

This study explores the development of Loop-mediated isothermal amplification of DNA (LAMP) for detection of rose rosette emaravirus (RRV), a technique with the potential to be translated to rose nurseries. RRV is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA Emaravirus and causal agent of the rose rosette disease (RRD). Transmission of RRV is by Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, an eriophyid mite. Although RRV symptoms are characteristics, early visual diagnosis of RRD can be misleading and confusing since it may appear similar to herbicide damage. Two sets of RRV gene sequences composed of twenty-two accessions of RRV-P3 (RNA 3) and another twenty-four from RRV-P4 (RNA 4) were analyzed and two sets of four LAMP primers were designed for broad-range detection of RRV isolates. The direct antigen-capture method for direct trapping of RRV in plastic was used for RNA extraction followed by cDNA synthesis. LAMP reactions were optimized for Bst 2.0 DNA polymerase using the outer RRV-F3/RRV-B3 primers, and internal RRV-FIP/RRV-BIP primers. LAMP reactions were for 1 hour at 64°C (RRV-P3) and 66.5°C (RRV-P4) using either a thermocycler or a portable dry bath. LAMP was also optimized using DNA polymerase GspSSD LD using the same RRV sets of primers. RRV was detected in symptomatic and non-symptomatic RRD tissue from Oklahoma. The limit of detection (LoD) using Bst 2.0 LAMP was 1pg/μL and 1 fg/μL with GspSSD LD quantitative LAMP. The LoD of pre-reaction hydroxy naphthol blue (HNB, 120 μM) for colorimetric (visual) reactions was 10 pg/μL and 0.1 pg/μL using SYBR green I (1:10 dilution) in colorimetric post-reactions. No cross-reactivity was detected in LAMP reaction testing cDNAs of eight commonly co-infecting rose viruses (INSV, ArMV, MSpV, TSWV, ApMV, PNRSV, ToRSV, and TMV), and one virus taxonomically related to RRV (HPWMoV). RNA from healthy rose tissues and non-template controls (water) were included in all LAMP assays.
Metabolic engineering ofBacillus subtiliswith an Endopolygalacturonase gene Isolated fromPectobacterium. carotovorum; a Plant Pathogenic Bacterial Strain
Authors: Rafique Nagina , Bashir Saiqa , Khan Muhammad Zubair , Hayat Imran , Willium-Orts  , Wong Dominic W. S.
Published: August 2021

Pectinolytic enzymes (pectinases) produced by microbes are highly important for their biotechnological use in processing of vegetables and fruits beverages and use in pulp and paper industry. A pectinase, namely endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PGase), encoding gene isolated fromPectobacterium carotovorum, a plant pathogenic strain of bacteria was successfully cloned into a secretion vector pHT43 having σA-dependent promoter Pgrac. For enhanced expression analysis, competent cells ofBacillus subtilis(WB800N) were prepared at stationary phase using high salt medium. The recombinantB. subtiliscompetent cells, harbouring the engineered pHT43 with the endo-PGase gene were cultured in 2X-yeast extract tryptone medium. The recombinant endo-PGase enzyme was secreted directly into the medium after 72 hours of the first IPTG induction. The recombinant endo-PGase was screened for its activity at various temperatures and pH ranges. Optimal activity was found at pH 5.0 and a temperature of 40°C with a stability ranging from pH 5.0-9.0. For detection of metal ion effect, recombinant enzyme was incubated with 1mM concentration of; Ca++, Mg++, Zn++, EDTA, K++for 45 minutes. Resultantly, Ca++, EDTA and Zn++strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. The chromatographic analysis of enzymatic hydrolysate of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) and pectin substrates using HPLC and TLC revealed that tri and tetra-galacturonates were the end products of hydrolysis. The study led to the conclusion that endo-PGase gene from the plant pathogenic strain was successfully expressed inBacillus subtilisand could be assessed for enzyme production using a very simple medium with IPTG induction. These findings proposed that theBacillusexpression system might be safe for commercial enzyme production as compared to yeast and fungi to escape endotoxins.
Enabling metagenomic surveillance for bacterial tick-borne pathogens using nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling
Authors: Kipp Evan J. , Lindsey Laramie L. , Khoo Benedict S. , Faulk Christopher , Oliver Jonathan D. , Larsen Peter A.
Published: August 2021

Technological and computational advancements in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics are providing exciting new opportunities for pathogen discovery and surveillance. In particular, single-molecule nucleotide sequence data originating from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing platforms can be bioinformatically leveraged, in real-time, for enhanced biosurveillance of a vast array of zoonoses. The recently released nanopore adaptive sampling (NAS) pipeline facilitates immediate mapping of individual nucleotide molecules (i.e., DNA, cDNA, and RNA) to a given reference as each molecule is sequenced. User-defined thresholds then allow for the retention or rejection of specific molecules, informed by the real-time reference mapping results, as they are physically passing through a given sequencing nanopore. Here, we show how NAS can be used to selectively sequence entire genomes of bacterial tick-borne pathogens circulating in wild populations of the blacklegged tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. The NAS method provided a two-fold increase in targeted pathogen sequences, successfully enriching for Borrelia (Borreliella) burgdorferi s.s.; Borrelia (Borrelia) miyamotoi; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis genomic DNA within our I. scapularis samples. Our results indicate that NAS has strong potential for real-time sequence-based pathogen surveillance.
Longitudinal monitoring of individual infection progression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ramirez-Corona Bryan A. , Love Anna C. , Chandrasekaran Srikiran , Prescher Jennifer A. , Wunderlich Zeba
Published: August 2021

The innate immune system is critical for host survival of infection. Infection models in organisms like Drosophila melanogaster are key for understanding evolution and dynamics of innate immunity. However, current toolsets for fly infection studies are limited in their throughput and their ability to generate longitudinal measurements of infection progression in single animals. Here we report a novel bioluminescent imaging strategy enabling non-invasive characterization of pathogen load over time. We demonstrate that photon flux from autobioluminescent reporter bacteria can be used to monitor relative pathogen loads in individual animals. Escherichia coli expressing the ilux operon were imaged in whole, living flies at relevant concentrations for immune study. Because animal sacrifice was not necessary to estimate pathogen load, stochastic responses to infection were characterized in individuals over time for the first time. The high temporal resolution of bioluminescence imaging also enabled visualization of the fine dynamics of microbial clearance on the hours time-scale. Overall, this non-invasive imaging strategy provides a simple and scalable platform to observe changes in pathogen load in vivo over time.
Housing bubbles and land planning corruption: evidence from Spain’s largest municipalities
Authors: Koumpias Antonios Marios , Martínez-Vázquez Jorge , Sanz-Arcega Eduardo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify to what extent the housing bubble in the early-to-mid 2000s in Spain exacerbated land planning corruption among Spain’s largest municipalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors exploit plausibly exogenous variation in housing prices induced by changes in local mortgage market conditions; namely, the rapid expansion of savings banks (Cajas de Ahorros). Accounting for electoral competition in the 2003–2007 and 2007–2009 electoral cycles among Spanish municipalities larger than 25,000 inhabitants, the authors estimate a positive relationship between housing prices and land planning corruption in municipalities with variation in savings bank establishments using instrumental variables techniques.

Findings

A 1% increase in housing prices leads to a 3.9% points increase in the probability of land planning corruption. Moreover, absolute majority governments (not needing other parties’ support) are more susceptible to the incidence of corruption than non-majority ones. Two policy implications to address corruption emerge: enhance electoral competition and increase scrutiny over land planning decisions in sparsely populated.

Originality/value

First empirical evidence of a formal link between the 2000s housing bubble in Spain and land planning corruption.
Multiplicity of solutions for the discrete boundary value problem involving the p-Laplacian
Authors: El Amrouss Abdelrachid , Hammouti Omar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the study of existence and multiplicity of solutions for a nonlinear discrete boundary value problems involving the p-laplacian.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on variational methods and critical point theory.

Findings

Theorem 1.1. Theorem 1.2. Theorem 1.3. Theorem 1.4.

Originality/value

The paper is original and the authors think the results are new.
Linking ownership acquired in Chinese firms to post-acquisition innovation performance: role of institutional distance
Authors: Hanif Nadia , Wu Jianfeng , Babar Ahmad Bilal
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the impact of acquired ownership in Chinese target firm on the innovation performance of developed economies (DE) acquiring firms. Furthermore, the study aims to empirically investigate the moderating influence of institutional distance between two parties’ home countries.

Design/methodology/approach

For the empirical investigation of the hypotheses, the authors identified cross-border technological acquisitions from the Securities Data Company between 1995 and 2015. A hierarchical negative binomial regression technique was used to analyze 177 technological acquisitions completed by DE acquiring firms in China.

Findings

Analysis of technological acquisition deals confirmed that acquired ownership undertaken in the Chinese target firms increases the DE acquiring firms’ post-acquisition innovation performance. The authors found that DE acquiring firms underperform in innovation in institutionally distant host countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the international business literature by explaining the importance of acquired ownership undertaken in the Chinese target firms for the DE acquiring firm’s innovation performance. Second, institutional theory defines how institutional uncertainty in terms of distance modifies the positive impact of acquired ownership on acquiring firm’s innovation performance.
Direct Torque Control for a Bearingless Induction Motor Based on Model prediction
Authors: Wang Ding , Yang Zebin , Sun Xiaodong , Sun Weiming , Mei Haitao
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the large stator flux linkage ripple and electromagnetic torque ripple caused by the hysteresis comparator in traditional direct torque control for a bearingless induction motor (BIM).

Design/methodology/approach

Model predictive direct torque control (MPDTC) strategy is adopted. On the basis of the mathematical model of BIM, the stator current and stator flux observational values are obtained, and the electromagnetic torque and stator flux at the next moment are predicted. Then, based on the relationship between the stator flux and the electromagnetic torque, the predicted stator flux can be transformed into an equivalent flux linkage vector, which eliminates the weighting coefficients problem among multiple variables in traditional objective functions. The objective function and torque PI controller will output the optimal stator flux linkage and the increments of the torque phase angle. Through the phase angle increments, the space voltage vector can be obtained by the reference flux linkage controller instead of the stator flux linkage and the torque hysteresis controller.

Findings

The proposed MPDTC method can effectively improve the stator flux linkage and the torque ripple. It can implement the stable suspension of the rotor and improve the dynamic performance and steady-state accuracy of the BIM system.

Originality/value

A MPDTC strategy is proposed to reduce the ripple of stator flux and electromagnetic torque. The phase angle increment angle of stator flux linkage and electromagnetic torque is optimized by model prediction, and the optimal space voltage vector is obtained by designing the reference flux controller.
Exploring the communication skills of Indian engineering undergraduates: a partial ethnographic study
Authors: Kaushal Urvashi , Talwar Toran
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Engineers graduating from premier institutions of India look for global opportunities that will provide a chance to work with the best and the most innovative minds in the world. Nevertheless, to compete in the global job market, they require added competence in English. However, it is seen that despite exemplary hard skills, lack of good communication skills has obstructed the growth of engineers. This study aims to find a viable tool to enhance engineering students' communication skills despite many limitations. The purpose of this study is to explore how presentations can be used to address problems of low levels of English ability in highly skilled, high-functioning engineering professions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses a study conducted in India's premier institution where around 240 first-semester engineering students were the sample. It uses partial ethnographic research to verify its hypothesis that presentations compel students to plan, prepare, practise and perfect their communication skills. It presents an ethnographic experiment conducted by the researchers and data collected using the qualitative research method of interviews.

Findings

The results of the paper indicate that making engineers plan, prepare and make presentations can explore their ability to communicate in English. It also concludes that presentation helps students explore all four language skills, that is, reading the information collected, listening to peers, writing or preparing their presentation and finally speaking in front of the audience.

Practical implications

This paper argues that presentation can be made a practice even in a large class of multi-level second language (L2) learners as it will generate interest in students and will develop many qualities such as team spirit, confidence and public speaking.

Social implications

This study will help to address problems of low levels of English ability in highly skilled, high-functioning engineering professions.

Originality/value

Since engineering classes in Indian institutes often comprise 80–120 students, the English teachers face immense challenge of simultaneously improving communication skills of a large number of students who are multi-lingual, multi-level L2 learners. Therefore, this paper presents an effective and interesting way of involving all the students and using presentation to improve their communication skills.
Investor protection: effects of takeover convergence
Authors: Dixit Jyoti , Singh Poonam , Haldar Arunima
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Takeovers play a critical role as an external corporate governance mechanism to ensure investor protection. There is a long-standing debate on whether the convergence of corporate governance to global standards can enable emerging economies to ensure investor protection. This paper aims to analyse the evolution of the takeover code, namely, Securities Exchange Board of India’s Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers (2011) in India from the lens of investor protection. It then compares the takeover provisions in India, the USA, the UK, Singapore and Australia to examine the extent of convergence and its implications for investor protection.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-national comparative analysis of takeover mechanisms in common law countries, the study analyses the extent and relevance of convergence in form. The focus of the comparison is on regulations governing offer size, offer price, creeping acquisition and initial trigger limit for the mandatory open offer.

Findings

The findings suggest that certain provisions such as the initial trigger threshold for the mandatory offer and the offer prices of the Indian takeover code are converging with the standards in common law countries. However, the offer price determination based on market prices may not reflect true market value in an inefficient market like India. Other provisions such as creeping acquisition and offer size are not only diverging from the international standards but are also inconsistent with the key objective of investor protections of the Indian regulator.

Research limitations/implications

Indian takeover regulation needs to converge to higher global standards to ensure adherence to improved investor protection. This needs to be done for the initial trigger limit for mandatory bid and offer prices, after accounting for the differences in institutional structure. The Indian regulators need to revisit provisions on the initial trigger, creeping acquisition to converge to the broader principle of investor protection.

Originality/value

This technical paper provides a comprehensive depiction of takeover mechanisms in an emerging economy context as a means of investor protection. Further using a comparative lens, it analyses the relevance of convergence of takeover laws. Thus, advances the theoretical knowledge of limited extant work on external corporate governance mechanism in an emerging economy context.
A hybrid approach to sustainable development competencies: the role of formal, informal and non-formal learning experiences
Authors: Caldana Adriana Cristina Ferreira , Eustachio João Henrique Paulino Pires , Lespinasse Sampaio Bárbara , Gianotto Maria Luiza , Talarico Aurora Contiero , Batalhão André Cavalcante da Silva
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore whether formal, non-formal, and informal learning experiences contribute to developing sustainable development competencies (SDCs) among students in a Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatory business school.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey based on the students’ learning experiences and a questionnaire on sustainability competencies already validated in the literature were given to a sample of 274 bachelor students at a PRME signatory business school. Nominal variables representing students’ categories were created to test a set of hypotheses developed according to the literature. Because the data was not normally distributed, non-parametric independent-samples Mann–Whitney U test was conducted, and descriptive statistics was used to help the analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that a hybrid format with a combination of formal, non-formal and informal learning experiences is essential to maximising the development of SDCs and raising students’ sustainability literacy.

Research limitations/implications

This study is one of the first attempts to understand the importance of a hybrid approach in developing sustainable competencies (SDCs). Future studies could adopt longitudinal analysis to check the development of these competencies over time, assess students from different PRME signatory schools or comparing students to those in non-signatory business schools.

Practical implications

This study provides insight into how business schools could address challenges in developing sustainable competencies through redirecting their educational systems by balancing formal, informal and non-formal learning approaches to educate future responsible leaders.

Originality/value

This research provides evidence on how a hybrid learning approach could maximise the development of sustainable development competencies and, therefore, generating insights for educational policies.
A study on time models in graph databases for security log analysis
Authors: Hofer Daniel , Jäger Markus , Mohamed Aya Khaled Youssef Sayed , Küng Josef
Published: August 2021

Purpose

For aiding computer security experts in their study, log files are a crucial piece of information. Especially the time domain is very important for us because in most cases, timestamps are the only linking points between events caused by attackers, faulty systems or simple errors and their corresponding entries in log files. With the idea of storing and analyzing this log information in graph databases, we need a suitable model to store and connect timestamps and their events. This paper aims to find and evaluate different approaches how to store timestamps in graph databases and their individual benefits and drawbacks.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyse three different approaches, how timestamp information can be represented and stored in graph databases. For checking the models, we set up four typical questions that are important for log file analysis and tested them for each of the models. During the evaluation, we used the performance and other properties as metrics, how suitable each of the models is for representing the log files’ timestamp information. In the last part, we try to improve one promising looking model.

Findings

We come to the conclusion, that the simplest model with the least graph database-specific concepts in use is also the one yielding the simplest and fastest queries.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations to this research are that only one graph database was studied and also improvements to the query engine might change future results.

Originality/value

In the study, we addressed the issue of storing timestamps in graph databases in a meaningful, practical and efficient way. The results can be used as a pattern for similar scenarios and applications.
Graph rewriting rules for RDF database evolution: optimizing side-effect processing
Authors: Chabin Jacques , Eichler Cédric , Halfeld Ferrari Mirian , Hiot Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Graph rewriting concerns the technique of transforming a graph; it is thus natural to conceive its application in the evolution of graph databases. This paper aims to propose a two-step framework where rewriting rules formalize instance or schema changes, ensuring graph’s consistency with respect to constraints, and updates are managed by ensuring rule applicability through the generation of side effects: new updates which guarantee that rule application conditions hold.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes Schema Evolution Through UPdates, optimized version (SetUpOPT), a theoretical and applied framework for the management of resource description framework (RDF)/S database evolution on the basis of graph rewriting rules. The framework is an improvement of SetUp which avoids the computation of superfluous side effects and proposes, via

SetUpoptND, a flexible and extensible package of solutions to deal with non-determinism.

Findings

This paper shows graph rewriting into a practical and useful application which ensures consistent evolution of RDF databases. It introduces an optimised approach for dealing with side effects and a flexible and customizable way of dealing with non-determinism. Experimental evaluation of

SetUpoptND demonstrates the importance of the proposed optimisations as they significantly reduce side-effect generation and limit data degradation.

Originality/value

SetUp originality lies in the use of graph rewriting techniques under the closed world assumption to set an updating system which preserves database consistency. Efficiency is ensured by avoiding the generation of superfluous side effects. Flexibility is guaranteed by offering different solutions for non-determinism and allowing the integration of customized choice functions.
Co-working, co-learning and culture – co-creation of future tech lab in Namibia
Authors: Lahti Marko , Nenonen Suvi Päivikki , Sutinen Erkki
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Future places for learning and working are digitally and physically integrated hybrid environments. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the co-creation process of the remote presence-based digital and physical co-working and co-learning place. The context is cross-cultural when Finnish space approach is applied and further developed in Namibia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study is conducted of the Future Tech Lab (FT Lab) in the University of Namibia’s main campus. The case study of the FT Lab is about 200m2 space with three different zones in the University of Namibia’s main campus. The physical solution encourages collaboration and technical solutions interlink the place overseas by using the remote presence. The data are gathered by using document analysis, observations, participatory workshops and interviews including structured questionnaire.

Findings

The action design research approach is a functional framework to co-create hybrid environments in two ways. It helps to design digital and physical solutions as integrated entity. Additionally, it provides a tool to analyse decision-making processes as well as design initiatives, also from the cultural perspective. Both Finnish and Namibian cultures are normative and feminine, which helped the realisation of the project based on mutual trust. However, the differences in power distance were affecting the process fluency and decision-making processes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicate that the co-design of the hybrid-learning environment sets requirements for the physical solution such as surface materials for premises and retrofitting of technology, which need to be considered by co-creation from the shared vision to realisation of the space. The co-creation involves many stakeholders, and cultural differences have a different impact on various stages of the co-creation process.

Originality/value

The cultural context in the case study provides an interesting comparison between the Finnish and Namibian approach. The remote presence and its requirements provide new knowledge and guidelines for co-creation of hybrid environments.
Risk-taking and risk aversion in the period of before and after the 2008 crisis: evaluation with bibliometric analysis
Authors: Aren Selim , Nayman Hamamci Hatice
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to quantitatively classify the articles with risk-taking and risk aversion keywords and to investigate whether there is a similar emphasis in articles as parallel to the change in risk appetite in the market in the period before the crisis (bubble period) and after the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a bibliometric analysis of the articles in which the keywords risk-taking and risk aversion are mentioned together with the word finance in the journals scanned in the Web of Science between 2004 and 2012 was performed. In this context, 936 articles were specified. Analyses were made using the CiteSpace Java program.

Findings

The three journals with the most articles with these characteristics are Journal of Banking and Finance, Journal of Financial Economics and Strategic Management Journal. Along with these two main keywords, the other two most used keywords were “model” and “performance”. In addition, the keywords “attitude”, “corporate governance”, “choice” and “determinant” were used more in the post-crisis period. On the other hand, concepts such as investor sentiment or emotions were not amongst the 10 most frequently used keywords during the nine years. This can be considered as an indicator that risk is being modelled, but emotions are relatively neglected. As a result, the findings of this study show that academic papers do not develop in connection with the mood and excitement in the market.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies to examine the reflection of risk appetite in the market on academic papers on financial risk-taking and aversion and to investigate whether the situation in the market and the development in publications are related.
Factors affecting the delivery of optimum health and safety on construction projects during the covid-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chigara Benviolent , Moyo Tirivavi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of construction professionals relative to factors that affect the delivery of optimum health and safety (H&S) on construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative design which entailed the distribution of a web-based questionnaire among construction professionals, namely, architects, construction/project managers, engineers, H&S managers and quantity surveyors working for contractors and construction consultants in Zimbabwe. The data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was used to reveal interrelated significant sets of factors affecting the delivery of optimum H&S.

Findings

Factor analysis revealed nine components/factors: change and innovation-related, monitoring and enforcement-related, production-related, access to information and health service-related, on-site facilities and welfare-related, risk assessment and mitigation-related, job security and funding-related, cost-related and COVID-19 risk perception-related factors as the significant factors affecting the delivery of optimum H&S during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe.

Research limitations/implications

The results highlighted the need for social dialogue among construction stakeholders to support initiatives that will enhance the delivery of H&S on construction projects. Construction stakeholders may find the results useful in highlighting the areas that need improvement to protect workers’ H&S during the pandemic. However, the small sample limits the generalisability of the results to construction sectors in other regions.

Originality/value

The study investigated factors affecting the delivery of optimum H&S during the COVID-19 to inform interventions to enhance H&S.
IT services offshoring from Japan: a multi-dimensional comparative analysis between India and China
Authors: Tokas Kalpana
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to carry out a qualitative analysis to compare India and China as a choice of service-provider from the perspective of Japanese MNEs for information technology (IT)-IT enabled services (ITeS) offshoring destination, using the four dimensions of the cultural-administrative-geographic-economic (CAGE) distance framework by Ghemawat (2001).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study used a mix of primary and secondary evidence to carry out a comparative evaluation of the challenges and synergies existent between India and Japan relative to China and Japan, in the context of IT-ITeS offshoring industry. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with multiple stakeholders and the findings were classified using the CAGE framework.

Findings

The paper discusses that for IT-ITeS industry, owing to its characteristics and the changing global order in the post-pandemic world, the “distances” that matter the most for business engagement between countries are – cultural, administrative and economic. Based on the comparative analysis, it was seen that China fares better than India, from a Japanese perspective, for the case of cultural and geographic distances while India had an advantage in the case of administrative and economic distances. Thus, India and Japan seem to have higher synergies and potential mutual gains by expanding engagement in the IT-ITeS industry in future.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this paper was the lack of comparable secondary data source concerning the size, growth rates, exports, employment figures for China that could have helped establish the contrast in the structure of IT-ITeS industry of India and China.

Originality/value

This study provides a framework for a comparative analysis of multiple facets of “distance” between competing service providing nations at bilateral, as well as unilateral level, in a holistic manner for the IT-ITeS offshoring industry. The results thus provide the gaps that shall be bridged by the policymakers for realizing mutual benefits.
Memorable cultural consumption: differences between local and non-local visitors to domestic sites
Authors: Gannon Martin Joseph , Taheri Babak , Croall Ross
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Heritage management is underpinned by preservation, sustainability and generativity; concerns of obvious interest to domestic audiences. However, domestic tourists are not homogenous and can be differentiated by various characteristics, including proximity to the sites they visit. Drawing upon the consumer-based model of authenticity, this study investigates whether the influence of authenticity, self-connection and serious leisure hold over experience memorability differs for distinct domestic visitor groups.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate perceptual differences between “local” and “non-local” domestic visitors, the authors developed and tested a conceptual model using a sample of 320 heritage site visitors within Tabriz, Iran, investigating the effects of self-connection, serious leisure and perceived authenticity on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) for both groups.

Findings

Significant inter-group differences regarding the influence of serious leisure and self-connection on visitors' perceptions of authenticity emerged. Similarly, the extent to which serious leisure, self-connection and authenticity influenced MTEs also differed. The effect sizes for all proposed relationships were larger for local visitors.

Originality/value

Hospitality and tourism literature often focuses on the boon that inbound international and non-local domestic tourism can bring to local sites and attractions. However, the findings encourage heritage tourism managers to focus greater attention on attracting custom from “closer to home”. With local visitors demonstrating strong pre-, during and post-visit outcomes, the findings suggest local domestic visitors are a market ripe for greater investigation given ongoing international travel restrictions and Iran's historically-limited international appeal.
The use of appropriate adults for persons with mental disabilities in investigation interviews in Singapore
Authors: Vong Michelle , Tan Jocelyn
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This research study aims to explore the trends in the use of appropriate adults (AAs) for persons with mental disabilities (PMDs) during law enforcement investigation interviews in Singapore and examine the profile of PMDs who were supported by AAs through the investigation process. AAs play a vital role in facilitating communication and providing emotional support to PMDs during investigation interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive analysis was conducted on data collected from 2016 to 2019.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate a growing demand for AA services to support PMDs with some variations across different geographical regions. Approximately three-quarters of all completed interviews supported PMDs who were suspects/accused. Interviewees who received AA support were largely Chinese, male, in their adolescent or early adulthood years and had an intellectual disability. More than half of the interviews supported by AAs involved offences that were sexual in nature or property related.

Originality/value

These results reflect a growing awareness of the role and importance of AAs for PMDs and have practical implications on service delivery and development. This paper’s findings on the profile of PMDs supported by AAs also set the groundwork for further research to investigate how PMDs interface with the criminal justice system.
The diffusion of management fads: a popularization perspective
Authors: Pollach Irene
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the transience of management fads in the academic and the practitioner-oriented communities to shed light on their roles in the diffusion of fads.

Design/methodology/approach

This study traces the lifecycles of the following fads in practitioner-oriented and academic journals over more than 50 years: balanced scorecard, business process reengineering, design thinking, knowledge management, learning organization, management by objectives (MBO), matrix organization and total quality management (TQM).

Findings

Contrary to the academic–practitioner gap lamented in the literature, this study indicates no such gap regarding these fads in general, but finds differences in the intensity with which the fads are dealt with. The two communities stimulate, sustain and abandon fads collectively, as the lifecycles of most of the fads were found to mirror each other in both communities. This provides evidence of a contemporary form of popularization with a dynamic exchange of knowledge between academic and practitioner-oriented journals, rather than the traditional one-way transfer of knowledge from academia to practice.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to study multiple fads simultaneously in academic and practitioner-oriented journals in a historical comparison to investigate their roles in the diffusion of fads.