bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic evaluation of deep learning methods for the prediction of drug synergy in cancer
Authors: Baptista Delora , Ferreira Pedro G. , Rocha Miguel
Published: May 2022

One of the main obstacles to the successful treatment of cancer is the phenomenon of drug resistance. A common strategy to overcome resistance is the use of combination therapies. However, the space of possibilities is huge and efficient search strategies are required. Machine Learning (ML) can be a useful tool for the discovery of novel, clinically relevant anti-cancer drug combinations. In particular, deep learning (DL) has become a popular choice for modeling drug combination effects. Here, we set out to examine the impact of different methodological choices on the performance of multimodal DL-based drug synergy prediction methods, including the use of different input data types, preprocessing steps and model architectures. Focusing on the NCI ALMANAC dataset, we found that feature selection based on prior biological knowledge has a positive impact on performance. Drug features appeared to be more predictive of drug response. Molecular fingerprint-based drug representations performed slightly better than learned representations, and gene expression data of cancer or drug response-specific genes also improved performance. In general, fully connected feature-encoding subnetworks outperformed other architectures, with DL outperforming other ML methods. Using a state-of-the-art interpretability method, we showed that DL models can learn to associate drug and cell line features with drug response in a biologically meaningful way. The strategies explored in this study will help to improve the development of computational methods for the rational design of effective drug combinations for cancer therapy.

Author summary

Cancer therapies often fail because tumor cells become resistant to treatment. One way to overcome resistance is by treating patients with a combination of two or more drugs. Some combinations may be more effective than when considering individual drug effects, a phenomenon called drug synergy. Computational drug synergy prediction methods can help to identify new, clinically relevant drug combinations. In this study, we developed several deep learning models for drug synergy prediction. We examined the effect of using different types of deep learning architectures, and different ways of representing drugs and cancer cell lines. We explored the use of biological prior knowledge to select relevant cell line features, and also tested data-driven feature reduction methods. We tested both precomputed drug features and deep learning methods that can directly learn features from raw representations of molecules. We also evaluated whether including genomic features, in addition to gene expression data, improves the predictive performance of the models. Through these experiments, we were able to identify strategies that will help guide the development of new deep learning models for drug synergy prediction in the future.
Design and construction of 3D-printed devices to investigate active and passive bacterial dispersal on hydrated surfaces
Authors: Kuhn Thierry , Buffi Matteo , Bindschedler Saskia , Chain Patrick S. , Gonzalez Diego , Stanley Claire , Wick Lukas Y. , Junier Pilar , Richter Xiang-Yi Li
Published: May 2022

To disperse in water-unsaturated environments, such as the soil, bacteria rely on the availability and structure of water films forming on biotic and abiotic surfaces, and, especially, along fungal mycelia. Dispersal along such “fungal highways” is driven both by mycelial physical properties and by interactions between bacteria and fungi. To understand the role of abiotic elements, we designed and 3D-printed two devices establishing stable liquid films that support bacteria dispersal in the absence of biotic interactions. The thickness of the liquid film determined the presence of hydraulic flow capable of carrying non-motile cells. In the absence of flow, only motile cells can disperse in the presence of an energy source. Non-motile cells could not disperse autonomously without flow, but dispersed when co-inoculated with motile cells. By teasing apart the abiotic and biotic dimensions, these 3D-printed devices will stimulate further research on microbial dispersal in soil and other water-unsaturated environments.
Two independent loss-of-function mutations in anthocyanidin synthase homeologous genes make sweet basil all green
Authors: Gonda Itay , Abu-Abied Mohamad , Adler Chen , Milavsky Renana , Tal Ofir , Davidovich-Rikanati Rachel , Faigenboim Adi , Kahane-Achinoam Tali , Shachter Alona , Chaimovitsh David , Dudai Nativ
Published: May 2022

Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum L., is an important culinary herb grown worldwide. Although basil is green, many landraces, breeding lines and exotic cultivars have purple stems and flowers. This anthocyanins pigmentation is unacceptable in the traditional Italian basil. We used the recently published sweet basil genome to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for flower and stem color in a bi-parental F2 population. It was found that the pigmentation is governed by a single QTL, harboring an anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene. Further analysis revealed that the basil genome harbors two homeologous ANS genes, each carrying a loss-of-function mutation. ObANS1 carries a 1-bp insertion, and ObANS2 carries a missense mutation within the active site. In the purple-flower parent, ANS1 is functional and ANS2 carries a nonsense mutation. The functionality of the active allele was validated by complementation in an Arabidopsis ANS mutant. Moreover, we have restored the functionality of the missense-mutated ANS2 using site-directed activation. We found that the non-functional alleles were expressed to similar levels as the functional allele, suggesting polyploids invest futile effort in expressing non-functional genes, harming their superior redundancy. We show here we can harness basil’s genomics and genetics to understand the basic mechanism of metabolic traits.
Mammary Tissue-Derived Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels Reveal the Role of Irradiation in Driving a Pro-Tumor and Immunosuppressive Microenvironment
Authors: Zhu Tian , Alves Steven M. , Adamo Arianna , Wen Xiaona , Corn Kevin C. , Shostak Anastasia , Johnson Shereena , Shaub Nicholas D. , Martello Shannon E. , Hacker Benjamin C. , D’Amore Antonio , Bardhan Rizia , Rafat Marjan
Published: May 2022

Radiation therapy (RT) is essential for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. However, patients with TNBC continue to experience recurrence after RT. The role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of irradiated breast tissue in tumor recurrence is still unknown. In this study, we evaluated the structure, molecular composition, and mechanical properties of irradiated murine mammary fat pads (MFPs) and developed ECM hydrogels from decellularized tissues (dECM) to assess the effects of RT-induced ECM changes on breast cancer cell behavior. Irradiated MFPs were characterized by increased ECM deposition and fiber density compared to unirradiated controls, which may provide a platform for cell invasion and proliferation. ECM component changes in collagens I, IV, and VI, and fibronectin were observed following irradiation in both MFPs and dECM hydrogels. Encapsulated TNBC cell proliferation and invasive capacity was enhanced in irradiated dECM hydrogels. In addition, TNBC cells co-cultured with macrophages in irradiated dECM hydrogels induced M2 macrophage polarization and exhibited further increases in proliferation. Our study establishes that the ECM in radiation-damaged sites promotes TNBC invasion and proliferation as well as an immunosuppressive microenvironment. This work represents an important step toward elucidating how changes in the ECM after RT contribute to breast cancer recurrence.
Evolution of a Plastic Surgery Summer Research Program
Authors: Alfonso Allyson R. , Berman Zoe P. , Diep Gustave K. , Lee Jasmine , Ramly Elie P. , Diaz-Siso J. Rodrigo , Rodriguez Eduardo D. , Rabbani Piul S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Early surgical exposure and research fellowships have been independently shown to influence medical students’ specialty choice, increase academic productivity, and impact residency match. However, to our knowledge there is no published guidance on the implementation of formal plastic surgery summer research programs for first year medical students. We present our institutional experience developing a plastic surgery summer research program over seven years (2013-2020) in an effort to inform program development at other institutions. We hypothesized that this early, formal exposure could spark interest in pursuing research activities throughout medical school and residency.

Methods

From 2013 to 2016, a sole basic science research arm existed. In 2017, a clinical research arm was introduced, with several supplemental activities including structured surgical skills sessions. A formalized selection process was instituted in 2014. Participant feedback was analyzed on a yearly basis. Long-term outcomes included continued research commitment, productivity, and residency match.

Results

The applicant pool has reached 96 applicants in 2019, with 85% from outside institutions. Acceptance rate reached 7% in 2020. With adherence to a scoring rubric for applicant evaluation, good to excellent interrater reliability was achieved (ICC = 0.75). Long-term outcomes showed that on average per year, 28% of participants continued departmental research activities and 29% returned for dedicated research. Upon finishing medical school, participants had a mean of 6.9±4.0 peer-reviewed publications. 62% of participants matched into a surgical residency program, with 54% in integrated plastic surgery.

Conclusions

A research program designed for first year medical students interested in plastic surgery can achieve academic goals. Students are provided with mentorship, networking opportunities, and tools for self-guided learning and career development.
Ptr1 and ZAR1 immune receptors confer overlapping and distinct bacterial pathogen effector specificities
Authors: Ahn Ye Jin , Kim Haseong , Choi Sera , Mazo-Molina Carolina , Prokchorchik Maxim , Zhang Ning , Kim Boyoung , Mang Hyunggon , Yoon Hayeon , Segonzac Cécile , Martin Gregory B. , Schultink Alex , Sohn Kee Hoon
Published: May 2022

Nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) detect pathogen effectors inside the plant cell. To identify Nicotiana benthamiana NLRs (NbNLRs) with novel effector recognition specificity, we designed an NbNLR VIGS library and conducted a rapid reverse genetic screen. During the NbNLR VIGS library screening, we identified that N. benthamiana homolog of Ptr1 (PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE PV. TOMATO RACE 1 RESISTANCE) recognizes the Pseudomonas effectors AvrRpt2, AvrRpm1, and AvrB.

We demonstrated that recognition of the Xanthomonas effector AvrBsT and the Pseudomonas effector HopZ5 in N. benthamiana is conferred independently by N. benthamiana homolog of Ptr1 and ZAR1 (HOPZ-ACTIVATED RESISTANCE 1). In addition, we showed that the RLCK XII family protein JIM2 (XOPJ4 IMMUNITY 2) physically interacts with AvrBsT and HopZ5 and is required for the NbZAR1-dependent recognition of AvrBsT and HopZ5. The recognition of multiple bacterial effectors by Ptr1 and ZAR1 in N. benthamiana demonstrates a convergent evolution of effector recognition across plant species. Identification of key components involved in Ptr1 and ZAR1 mediated immunity would reveal unique mechanisms of expanded effector recognition and be useful for engineering resistance in solanaceous crops.
Simulation of the effect of the randomness of climbing fiber input on the relationship between motor learning and Focal Task-Specific Dystonia
Authors: Muramatsu Kaito , Yuki Shoko , Kori Hiroshi , Yanagihara Dai
Published: May 2022

Focal Task-Specific Dystonia (FTSD) is an intractable neurological disorder with no clear prevention or treatment that affects more than 1% of classical musicians and threatens the active lives of experts due to its task-specific tremor symptoms. In the present study, we focused on the motor learning function of the cerebellum, which has not been the focus of much attention in the past. We numerically simulated the firing of cerebellar Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei during eyeblink conditioning as a typical example of cerebellar-related timing motor learning, with the aim to find the principle of the pathogenesis of FTSD at the level of individual neurons. The results showed the sustained firing of cerebellar nuclei after the learning condition in which the climbing fiber input to Purkinje cells was continued randomly. Therefore, the present study claims a suggestive factor regarding the neural mechanism of the cerebellum in the motor learning-induced task-specific tremor, which is a symptom of FTSD. We also proposed a motor learning paradigm, “undesirable motor learning,” in which the motor goal is too advanced to be achieved by repetitions alone and converges to a different result than the desired.
Alteration of Soil Bacteriome by Prolonged Exposure to Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Egboluche Nzube Prisca , Yu Hongtao , Wachira James
Published: May 2022

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have found applications in many industrial and consumer products and are inevitably released into the environment, including soil. Soils host diverse microorganisms that are integral to ecosystem function including regulating plant growth. In this study, the influence of Cu2O, Fe3O4and Ag2O NPs on soil microbial communities was assessed. Microbial community diversity and compositional structure was characterized using quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. MONPs altered soil bacteria community composition by causing significant reduction in bacterial diversity and change in bacterial abundance. Soils with Cu2O and Ag2O NPs treatments significantly reduce bacterial diversity accompanied by shifts at the Class and Phylum taxonomic levels toward bacteria groups responsible for chitin degradation (Bacteriodetes) and nitrogen fixation (alpha-Proteobacteria). Response of bacterial communities to MONPs exposure is dependent on the exposure time and type of MONPs used. While the mechanisms underlying these observations remain to be elucidated, it is proposed that the known antimicrobial properties of Cu2O and Ag2O NPscause reduced growth and viability of some bacteria taxa.

Importance

Nanoparticles are finding many applications in society and as such there is the need to gain a better understanding of their potential effects on microorganisms in soil and other environmental niches. Soil contains a large diversity of microorganisms that play many essential roles in organic matter recycling and plant growth. Metagenomics has become an essential tool for understanding the functional diversity of microbiomes and in this study, it was used to assess the diversity of soil bacteria communities in the presence of selected metal oxide nanoparticles. The reported changes in bacterial community structure suggest that nanoparticles have the potential to alter soil microbiomes. However, the effects depend on the composition of the nanoparticles suggesting that environmental impacts of different nanoparticle formulations are necessary.
CHIP ubiquitin ligase is involved in the nucleolar stress management
Authors: Piechota Malgorzata , Biriczova Lilla , Kowalski Konrad , Szulc Natalia A. , Pokrzywa Wojciech
Published: May 2022

The nucleolus is a dynamic nuclear biomolecular condensate involved in cellular stress response. Under proteotoxic stress, the nucleolus can store damaged proteins for refolding or degradation. HSP70 chaperone is a well-documented player in the recovery process of proteins accumulated in the nucleolus after heat shock. However, little is known about the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the turnover of its nucleolar clients. Here we show that HSP70, independently of its ATPase activity, promotes migration of the CHIP (carboxyl terminus of HSC70-interacting protein) ubiquitin ligase into the granular component of the nucleolus, specifically after heat stress. We show that while in the nucleolus, CHIP retains mobility that depends on its ubiquitination activity. Furthermore, after prolonged exposure to heat stress, CHIP self-organizes into large, intra-nucleolar droplet-like structures whose size is determined by CHIP ubiquitination capacity. Using a heat-sensitive nucleolar protein luciferase, we show that excess CHIP impairs its regeneration, probably through deregulation of HSP70. Our results demonstrate a novel role for CHIP in managing nucleolar proteostasis in response to stress.
Re-direction of phagosomes to the recycling expulsion pathway by a fungal pathogen
Authors: Jia Lei-Jie , Rafiq Muhammad , Radosa Lukáš , Hortschansky Peter , Cunha Cristina , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Krüger Thomas , Schmidt Franziska , Heinekamp Thorsten , Straßburger Maria , Löffler Bettina , Doenst Torsten , Lacerda João F. , Campos António , Figge Marc Thilo , Carvalho Agostinho , Kniemeyer Olaf , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: May 2022

The analysis of host-pathogen interactions bears the potential to discover novel pathogenicity mechanisms and to obtain novel insights into basic mechanisms of cell biology. Here, we obtained unprecedented insight into both. We discovered that the HscA protein on the conidial surface of the clinically important human-pathogenic fungusAspergillus fumigatusacts as an effector protein. It inhibits phagosome maturation and reprograms phagosomes for expulsion of conidia. HscA anchors the human p11 protein to phagosomes. p11 is a decisive factor for targeting phagosomes either to the degradative or secretory pathway. The relevance of our findings is indicated by the identification of an SNP in the non-coding region of the human p11 gene that affects its translation and is associated with heightened susceptibility to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
The fuzzy PD control for combined energy and attitude control system
Authors: Aslam Sohaib , Chak Yew-Chung , Jaffery Mujtaba Hussain , Varatharajoo Renuganth
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The satellite pointing accuracy plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful satellite mission itself. Therefore, this paper aims to enhance the attitude pointing accuracy of the combined energy and attitude control system (CEACS) in a satellite in the presence of external disturbance torques through a robust controller, which can produce high pointing accuracies with smaller control torques.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve the CEACS attitude pointing accuracy, a maiden fuzzy proportional derivative (PD)-based CEACS architecture is proposed. The mathematical models along with its numerical treatments of the fuzzy PD-based CEACS attitude control architecture are presented. In addition, a comparison between the PD and fuzzy PD controllers in terms of the CEACS pointing accuracies and control torques is provided.

Findings

Numerical results show that the fuzzy PD controller produces a considerable CEACS pointing accuracy improvement for a lower control torque compartment.

Practical implications

CEACS has gained a renew interest because of significant increase in the projected onboard power requirements for future space missions. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to improve the CEACS pointing accuracy itself with a minimum control torque compartment. In fact, this proposed fuzzy PD controller is shown to be a potential CEACS attitude controller.

Originality/value

The fuzzy PD-based CEACS architecture not only provides a better attitude pointing accuracy but also ensures a lower control torque compartment, which corresponds to a lower onboard power consumption.
Human capacity building strategies for improving PPP implementation in Tanzanian construction projects
Authors: Chileshe Nicholas , Kavishe Neema
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Implementation of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in African projects is inundated with a number of capacity building challenges which affects growth and project performance. Further, there is paucity of empirical studies on the strategies for overcoming these challenges. Therefore, this research addresses that knowledge gap by examining the human capacity building (HCB) strategies for improving PPP implementation in construction projects in developing countries, with a focus on Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

HCB strategies identified from the scoping review were administered to 81 handpicked Tanzanian practitioners attending PPP training course. To examine the differences in the perception of the identified HCB strategies, and the relationships between different pairs of the HCB strategies, the data were subjected descriptive statistics, parametric tests, Kendall’s concordance and Pearson correlational analysis, including group wise correlation analysis.

Findings

Based on the overall sample, “Engagement of stakeholders on capacity development”, “Organization of PPP seminars and training” and “Introduction of in-house training to Public institutions expected to undertake PPP projects” are the top ranked HCB strategies. “Development of study tours to stakeholders involved in PPP projects” is the least ranked. Significant differences between the sub-groups of “no PPP experience” and “some PPP experience” were evident for “Invitation of International experts to share experiences” and “Sharing of responsibilities” HCB strategies. The “no PPP experience” group rated both strategies higher than those with “some PPP experience”.

Practical implications

The identified HCB strategies can be used as a “road map” for the development of appropriate engagement strategies with various stakeholders for the successful implementation of PPP thereby, enhancing the performance of the construction firms.

Originality/value

Eight strategies have been identified from the literature and tested for the Tanzanian context. The uniqueness of Tanzanian PPP implementation context arising from varying cultural, organizational, political and economic conditions differentiates the priority of HCB strategies when compared to other contexts where these strategies were investigated. This is germane to the PPP research.
Modelling barriers of battery integration in smart grid
Authors: Gupta Laxmi , Shankar Ravi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Battery integration with renewable energy and conventional power grid is common practice in smart grid systems and provides higher operational flexibility. Abundant issues and challenges to the Indian smart grid while integrating renewable energy and storage technology will give timely emphasis to grasp uninterrupted power supply in forthcoming trend. Hence, this paper aims to acknowledge different barriers of battery integration and evaluate them to develop approaches for restricting their influence.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-model approach is used to illustrate how these challenges are interrelated by systematically handling expert views and helps to chronologically assemble various issues from the greatest severe to the slightest severe ones. Further, these barriers are grouped using the cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to the classification analysis (MICMAC) study grounded on their driving and dependence power. Also, hypothesis testing was done to validate the obtained model.

Findings

It provides a complete thoughtful on directional interrelationships between the barriers and delivers the best possible solution for the active operation of the smart grid and its performance.

Research limitations/implications

There is a significant requirement for high-tech inventions outside the transmission grid to function for the integration of renewables and storage systems.

Practical implications

The model will support policymakers in building knowledgeable decisions while chronologically rejecting the challenges of battery integration in smart grid systems to improve power grid performance.

Originality/value

Based on author’s best knowledge, there is hardly any research that explicitly explains the framework for the barriers of battery integration in grid for developing countries like India. It is one of the first attempts to understand the fundamental barriers for battery integration. This study adds significantly to the literature on the energy sector by capturing the perspective of various stakeholders.
Mobile dependency and uncertainty reduction: influence on showrooming behaviours and user-generated content creation
Authors: Chimborazo-Azogue Luis Edwin , Mollá-Descals Alejandro , Miquel-Romero Maria-Jose , Frasquet Marta
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The expanded use of mobile devices for shopping has made mobile showrooming a frequent practice among omnichannel shoppers. This paper aims to shed light on the role of mobile dependency and uncertainty reduction strategies together with the motivation of getting the best value for money in showrooming behaviours and user-generated content (UGC) creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by means of a questionnaire answered by 659 shoppers in two product categories: clothing and consumer electronics. The research model was tested through partial least squares.

Findings

The results suggest that mobile showrooming attitude is positively affected by mobile dependency, value consciousness and need for touch, and negatively by perceived risk of mobile shopping. The results also reveal how UGC is created by showroomers and suggest this behaviour is linked to mobile dependency in the clothing category.

Research limitations/implications

All the individuals in the sample had some experience in showrooming, which could affect the results regarding showrooming attitude and intentions. Future research should consider the role of experience and also validate the results across a larger number of product categories.

Practical implications

Mobile showrooming is a challenge for multichannel retailers. This paper reveals certain ways in which multichannel retailers could deal with showroomers as potential customers.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyse the role of mobile dependency in showrooming and the chain of effects towards mobile showrooming attitude, behaviour and UGC creation in two different product categories.
Volatility spillover effect between Pakistan and Shanghai Stock Exchanges using copula and dynamic conditional correlation model
Authors: Afzal Fahim , Choudhury Tonmoy Toufic , Kamran Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Because of the growing financial market integration, China’s stock market’s volatility spillover effect has gradually increased. Traditional strategies do not capture stock volatility in dependence and dynamic conditions. Therefore, this study aims to find an effective stochastic model to predict the volatility spillover effect in the dynamic stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the time-varying dynamics and volatility spillover, this study has used an integrated approach of dynamic conditional correlation model, copula and extreme-value theory. A daily log-returns of three leading indices of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) from the period of 2009 to 2019 is used in the modeling of value-at-risk (VaR) for volatility estimation. The Student’s t copula has been selected based on maximum likelihood estimation and Akaike’s information criteria values of all the copulas using the goodness-of-fit test.

Findings

The model results show stronger dependency between all major portfolios of PSX and SSE, with the parametric value of 0.98. Subsequently, the results of dependence structure positively estimate the spillover effect of SSE over PSX. Furthermore, the back-testing results show that the VaR model performs well at 99% and 95% levels of confidence and gives more accurate estimates upon the maximum level of confidence.

Practical implications

This study is helpful for the investment managers to manage the risk associated to portfolios under dependence conditions. Moreover, this study is also helpful for the researchers in the field of financial risk management who are trying to improve the returns by addressing the issues of volatility estimations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a practical model to manage the volatility spillover effect in dependence conditions between as well as across the financial markets.
Impact of COVID-19 awareness and technological anxiety on “mandatory telework”: a Danish case study
Authors: Singh Vibhav , Verma Surabhi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 has forced employees to use telework technologies and platforms to perform different tasks, that is, “mandatory telework”. COVID-19 is a unique situation that has shocked economies and societies and led to a reshaping of the perception of employees and firms about work practices. However, due to the recent nature of the phenomenon, it is not usually understood how employees would cope with this forced change. Thus, the study aims to explore COVID-19 awareness and employees’ behavior toward mandatory telework.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 201 Danish employees was selected to examine the research questions using partial least square (PLS) structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings show that COVID-19 awareness reduces technological anxiety and increases positive attitudes and job satisfaction. The authors have also found the full and partially mediating role of attitude and technological anxiety on the relationship between COVID-19 awareness and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The study employed the theoretical lens of job demands-resources theory to understand COVID-19 awareness and technological anxiety dynamics on employees’ attitudes toward mandatory telework and job satisfaction during the pandemic.
ICT and the provision of social services in low-income countries: the moderating role of institutional quality
Authors: Evans Olaniyi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of information and communications technology (ICT) on the provision of social services, as well as the moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between ICT and the provision of social services for 31 low-income countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on panel data from World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators spanning 1996 to 2020 for 31 low-income countries. To analyze the data, the study uses cross-sectional dependence tests, slope heterogeneity tests, panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests and cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) analysis.

Findings

The results overwhelmingly show that ICT has a significant positive effect on the provision of social services in both the short- and long-run. Also, the study reveals that institutional quality has a significant positive impact on the provision of social services in the short- and long-run. The results further provide empirical evidence of the positive and significant moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between ICT and the provision of social services.

Practical implications

This study points out the significant potential of identifying appropriate scales of ICT infrastructure and institutional quality needed to support the various governments in low-income countries to improve social services delivery mechanisms and outreach efficacy and impact. The study can be invaluable for ICT innovators and policymakers in promoting the provision of social services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to determine the effect of ICT on the provision of social services, as well as the moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between ICT and the provision of social services, especially for low-income countries using CS-ARDL.
Barriers to the green retrofitting of existing residential buildings
Authors: Amoah Christopher , Smith Jeanne
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the challenges for green retrofitting implementation in existing residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing conveniently selected 16 construction professionals, made up of architects, quantity surveyors and engineers. Data received were analysed using the content analysis method.

Findings

The findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating green retrofitting in the existing residential buildings as the nature of the existing structures, limited knowledge, not being a priority and high costs involved in the process. Moreover, other factors influencing property developers’ decision to apply energy-efficient principles in a residential home include cost (initial capital and maintenance), level of knowledge, nature of the climate in the area, local legislation, more independence and increasing the property’s market value and environmental aspect.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to South Africa; thus, the literature available was limited.

Practical implications

People’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt green retrofitting principles, thereby denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the construction industry stakeholders and government to increase educational opportunities for property owners on the importance of green retrofitting.

Originality/value

This study provides the occupants with the possible barriers and problem areas with implementing these principles. They will thus make an informed decision when implementing sustainable design methods.
Board human capital diversity and firm performance: evidence from top listed Indian firms
Authors: Saha Rupjyoti , Maji Santi Gopal
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of board human capital diversity, measured by educational qualification diversity and gender diversity on the financial performance of Indian firms after controlling corporate governance (CG) and firm-specific variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a panel data set of top 100 listed Indian firms for a period of five years. The authors use Blau index and Shannon index to compute qualification diversity. The authors use three-stage least square (3SLS) model to deal with the potential endogeneity issue in the association of human capital diversity variables and other CG variables with firm performance. Further, the authors adopt generalized estimating equation (GEE) model for robustness check.

Findings

The authors find a significant positive impact of board’s educational diversity as well as gender diversity on the financial performance of firms. Additionally, they extricate highly significant positive interaction impact of board’s educational diversity and gender diversity on the financial performance of firms. Further, the results indicate a significant positive impact of board size, board independence, ownership concentration, family ownership and audit committee independence on firm performance, while CEO duality exhibits a significant negative impact on firm performance.

Originality/value

This study fills the existing gap in literature by extending the performance implications of board’s human capital diversity for top listed Indian firms.
Influence of different etching methods on the structural properties of porous silicon
Authors: Zulkifli Fatimah , Radzali Rosfariza , Abd Rahim Alhan Farhanah , Mahmood Ainorkhilah , Mohd Razali Nurul Syuhadah , Abu Bakar Aslina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Porous silicon (Si) was fabricated by using three different wet etching methods, namely, direct current photo-assisted electrochemical (DCPEC), alternating CPEC (ACPEC) and two-step ACPEC etching. This study aims to investigate the structural properties of porous structures formed by using these etching methods and to identify which etching method works best.

Design/methodology/approach

Si n(100) was used to fabricate porous Si using three different etching methods (DCPEC, ACPEC and two-step ACPEC). All the samples were etched with the same current density and etching duration. The samples were etched by using hydrofluoric acid-based electrolytes under the illumination of an incandescent lamp.

Findings

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that porous Si etched using the two-step ACPEC method has a higher porosity and density than porous Si etched using DCPEC and ACPEC. The atomic force microscopy results supported the FESEM results showing that porous Si etched using the two-step ACPEC method has the highest surface roughness relative to the samples produced using the other two methods. High resolution X-ray diffraction revealed that porous Si produced through two-step ACPEC has the highest peak intensity out of the three porous Si samples suggesting an improvement in pore uniformity with a better crystalline quality.

Originality/value

Two-step ACPEC method is a fairly new etching method and many of its fundamental properties are yet to be established. This work presents a comparison of the effect of these three different etching methods on the structural properties of Si. The results obtained indicated that the two-step ACPEC method produced an etched sample with a higher porosity, pore density, surface roughness, improvement in uniformity of pores and better crystalline quality than the other etching methods.
The Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) past, present and future: critical reflections and a research agenda on sustainability reporting (standard-setting)
Authors: de Villiers Charl , La Torre Matteo , Molinari Matteo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on the future of sustainability reporting standards by examining the current practical initiatives and the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) position in the arena of non-financial and sustainability reporting and identifies avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical reflection and analysis of research on the GRI’s achievements and the influence of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation’s initiative to develop global sustainability reporting standards.

Findings

The GRI has a dominant position in sustainability reporting standard-setting related to the provision of information about the influence of reporting organisations on society and the natural environment. The IFRS Foundation’s initiative to enter the sustainability reporting standard-setting arena, although from the perspective of providing information to investors regarding the influence of society and the environment on the reporting organisation, is an attempt to solidify its own position as the reporting standard setter of choice, not only for financial reporting but for all reporting standards. However, despite its aim to differentiate its role from the GRI by leveraging the financial-oriented ideological side of double materiality, we argue that the IFRS is unlikely to harm the GRI’s global position in producing multi-stakeholder standards for sustainability reporting and accountability. This differentiated position is facilitated by the different sources of legitimacy the GRI and IFRS rely on.

Research limitations/implications

The paper identifies future research opportunities.

Originality/value

Due to the recent initiatives for creating new sustainability reporting standard-setters, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper offers one of the first critical reflections on the past and the likely future of the GRI and its sustainability reporting standards. The paper also identifies several new avenues for future research.
Perceived CSR motives, perceived CSR authenticity, and pro-environmental behavior intention: an internal stakeholder perspective
Authors: Wut Tai Ming , Ng Peggy Mei-lan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to apply attribution theory to examine how internal stakeholders’ attributions affect the perceived company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on employees’ pro-environmental behavioral intention through a mediated perceived CSR authenticity.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey was used because of the standardized questions and ease of acquisition of the target data with the assistance of a Web-based tool.

Findings

The perceived company’s other-centered CSR motives are positively associated with the perceived authenticity of the CSR engagement. The small company had a significantly stronger relationship than the large company. The perceived company’s self-centered CSR motives are not associated with the perceived authenticity of the CSR engagement. The perceived authenticity of CSR engagement is positively related to its own pro-environmental behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

A larger sample size across different industries can improve the result. When the authors examine the effect of company size, multi-group sizes can be used instead of two groups. The above scenario usually works in normal businesses. How about the “dirty” business situation? Examples of dirty businesses are tobacco, gambling, alcohol and mining companies. During their business operations, they destroy our environment or create harmful effects on our health. Thus, dirty businesses engaging in CSR practices at the same time seems contradicting.

Practical implications

The management should ensure that employees perceive the company’s CSR initiatives as other-centered rather than self-centered. Company size matters in terms of delivering other-centered CSR messages. Specifically, employees who work in a small company (i.e. less than 100 employees) are more favorable to other-centered CSR messages.

Originality/value

This study extends the CSR literature by examining how internal stakeholders’ attributions (i.e. employees’ attribution) of the perceived company’s CSR initiatives influence employees’ pro-environmental behavior through a mediated perceived CSR authenticity.
Stem density induces differential effects of litter on native and invasive plants
Authors: Huang Jingxin , Zhang Fuqiong , Qi Lanlan , Zhang Xiaole , Qiu Shiyun , Xu Xiao , Zhou Chenhao , Nie Ming , Lu Meng , Li Bo
Published: May 2022

Litter plays an important role in plant invasion. Our previous studies have found that litter had two opposite effects as Spartina alterniflora invading native plant Phragmites australis community. Litter stimulated the growth of S. alterniflora on the edge of the community, while it inhibited the growth in the old community. Accordingly, we hypothesized that litter may play different roles in different stages of plant invasions. We selected three types of communities: P. australis monoculture (PAM), S. alterniflora monoculture (SAM), S. alterniflora–P. australis mixture (SPM) and conducted a comparative study by keeping and removing litter at Chongming Dongtan in the Yangtze River estuary, China. Our results revealed that litter removal significantly increased light intensity in SAM, and enhanced it in SPM, but had no significant influence on it in PAM. The effect of litter on light intensity resulted in a higher chlorophyll content and higher plant height of S. alterniflora monoculture after litter removal, which eventually led to a higher single weight and aboveground biomass for PAM and SAM after litter removal, and to a higher aboveground biomass for S. alterniflora in SPM. Litter removal significantly enhanced the dominance of S. alterniflora relative to P. australis in SPM. We concluded that the effects of invasive plants' litter on the invasion processes depend on the stem density of invasive plants relative to native plants. If an invasive species had a higher plant density, its litter may not have a shelter effect on native species, but could restrict its own growth.
Water deficit affects inter‐kingdom microbial connections in plant rhizosphere
Authors: Bazany Kathryn E. , Wang Jun‐Tao , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Singh Brajesh K. , Trivedi Pankaj
Published: May 2022

The frequency and severity of drought are increasing due to anthropogenic climate change and are already limiting cropping system productivity in many regions around the world. Few microbial groups within plant microbiomes can potentially contribute towards the fitness and productivity of their hosts under abiotic stress events including water deficits. However, microbial communities are complex and integrative work considering the multiple co‐existing groups of organisms is needed to better understand how the entire microbiome responds to environmental stresses. We hypothesize that water deficit stress will differentially shape bacterial, fungal, and protistan microbiome composition and influence inter‐kingdom microbial interactions in the rhizospheres of corn and sugar beet. We used amplicon sequencing to profile bacterial, fungal, and protistan communities in corn and sugar beet rhizospheres grown under irrigated and water deficit conditions. The water deficit treatment had a stronger influence than host species on bacterial composition, whereas the opposite was true for protists. These results indicate that different microbial kingdoms have variable responses to environmental stress and host factors. Water deficit also influenced intra‐ and inter‐kingdom microbial associations, wherein the protist taxa formed a separate cluster under water deficit conditions. Our findings help elucidate the influence of environmental and host drivers of bacterial, fungal, and protistan community assembly and co‐occurrence in agricultural rhizosphere environments.
Adult offspring's experiences of living with a parent with an alcohol misuse problem
Authors: Bugeja Annaliza , Galea Michael
Published: May 2022

Studies on the effects of parental alcoholism on adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) have been mostly quantitative. To acquire a richer and better understanding of this realm in Malta, while outlining concrete recommendations to further contain this problem, a qualitative study was thus employed. Six participants were selected after meeting all inclusion criteria. Data were analysed following interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) guidelines. Semi‐structured interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three superordinate themes, namely a) psychosocial impact, b) coping strategies, and c) a sense of identity, were elevated. A number of findings resulting from this study may point at the resilient nature and skills exhibited by ACOAs, who move on to lead successful lives, despite their past hard life. Recommendations for future applications are discussed. Overall, recognition of children of parents who misuse alcohol should be prioritised in service planning to ensure that their needs are not overlooked.
Who cares where the doctors are? The expectation of mobility and its effect on health outcomes
Authors: Brewster Liz , Lambert Michael , Shelton Cliff
Published: May 2022

Doctors are typically portrayed as active agents in their work lives. However, this paper argues that this construction of agency ignores the effects of the healthcare structures that constrain choice, which in turn affects population health outcomes. Medical training pathways, regional boundaries, and rationalisation all have a long‐lasting impact on the provision of healthcare. Using a mobilities lens to examine the movement of doctors, this paper examines how the expectation of movement built into training programmes perpetuates unequal access to healthcare. Long waiting times, poor care quality and lack of preventative care all perpetuate health inequalities; as one of the socio‐economic determinants, access to healthcare affects health outcomes.