bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ribosomal A-site interactions with near-cognate tRNAs drive stop codon readthrough
Authors: Pavlíková Zuzana Čapková , Miletínová Petra , Roithová Adriana , Pospíšilová Klára , Záhonová Kristína , Kachale Ambar , Becker Thomas , Durante Ignacio M. , Lukeš Julius , Paris Zdeněk , Beznosková Petra , Valášek Leoš Shivaya
Published: June 2023

tRNAs serve as a dictionary for the ribosome translating the genetic message from mRNA into a polypeptide chain. Besides this canonical role, tRNAs are involved in other processes like programmed stop codon readthrough (SC-RT). There, tRNAs with near-cognate anticodons to stop codons must outcompete release factors and incorporate into the ribosomal decoding center to prevent termination and allow translation to continue. However, not all near-cognate tRNAs promote efficient SC-RT. Here, we demonstrate that those that do, establish critical contacts between their anticodon stem (AS) and ribosomal proteins Rps30/eS30 and Rps25/eS25 forming the decoding site. Unexpectedly, the length and well-defined nature of the AS determines the strength of these contacts, which is reflected in organisms with reassigned stop codons. These findings open a new direction in tRNA biology that should facilitate the design of artificial tRNAs with specifically altered decoding abilities.
intI1 primer selection for class 1 integron integrase gene and transcript quantification – validation and application for monitoringintl1 gene abundance within septic tanks in Thailand
Authors: Okonkwo Valentine , Cholet Fabien , Ijaz Umer Z. , Koottatep Thammarat , Pussayanavin Tatchai , Polpraset Chongrak , Sloan William T. , Connelly Stephanie , Smith Cindy J.
Published: June 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses serious global public health threat and wastewater treatment (WWT), including septic tanks, are a significant source of AMR genes to the environment. Environmental monitoring of broad-range AMR genes remains a challenge. The class-1 integron-integrase (intI1) gene has been proposed as a proxy for overall AMR abundance, but there is no consensus on the qPCR primer set to use. A systematic review of the literature found 65 primer sets. The coverage and specificity of each, including newly designed MGB-TaqMan primer-probe, was evaluated against a database of clinical and environmentalintl1, intl1-like and non-intl1 sequences. Three primer sets were selected, laboratory validated for DNA and mRNA quantification and used to quantityintl1 gene abundance from household and healthcare conventional septic tanks (CST) and novel household Solar Septic Tanks (SST) in Thailand. Specificity of theintl1septic tank amplicons showed that no primer set could distinguish betweenintl1andintl-1like sequences. Each primer set showed the same trends across septic tanks, with highest gene abundance in influent>sludge>effluent. There was no statistical difference between the same sample quantified by the three primer sets. However, when comparing gene abundances from the same primer set across septic tanks, statistical differences between different sample types were observed for one primer set but not the others. This may lead to different interpretation of risk associated with each reactor in spreadingintl1 to the environment. Comparing reactor types, intI1 abundance in the effluent was lowest in the SST-household<CST-household<CST-healthcare. Depending on primer set used, 31 to 42% ofintI1 was removed from effluent of the CST-household tank with accessible influent. Our study provided insight into the importance ofintl1primer choice. We propose the use of the validated set (F3-R3) for optimalintI1 quantification and towards the goal of achieving standardisation across environmental studies.
Novel carbon nanoparticles derived fromBougainvilleamodulate vegetative growth inArabidopsis
Authors: Barot Raviraj B , Gawande Nilesh D , Omprabha Satya , Kaushal Charli , Saha Jhuma , Bhatia Dhiraj , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian
Published: June 2023

We present a green synthesis method of producing blue fluorescence emitting carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) through a simple and cost-effective single-step hydrothermal reaction. The synthesis utilized bract extracts and pollen grains from threeBougainvilleaspecies:B. spectabilis, B. alba, andB. buttiana. The CNPs exhibited photoluminescence, with the highest emission observed in the ultraviolet region. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed that the size of synthesized CNPs ranged from 23 nm to 83 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of the CNP’s surface functional groups, with carbon being the predominant group. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of the synthesized CNPs. Zeta potential measurements indicated that the particles carried a negative charge, suggesting their colloidal stability. In experiments conducted withArabidopsis thalianaseedlings, CNPs derived fromB. albapollen grains were found to promote leaf area expansion while simultaneously inhibiting primary root growth. Conversely, other CNPs demonstrated detrimental effects on vegetative growth. These findings underscore the potential application of these novel CNPs in agriculture.
Oligosaccharide production and signaling correlate with delayed flowering in anArabidopsisgenotype grown and selected in high [CO2]
Authors: Kinmonth-Schultz Hannah , Walker Stephen Michael , Bingol Kerem , Hoyt David W. , Kim Young-Mo , Markillie Lye Meng , Mitchell Hugh D. , Nicora Carrie D. , Taylor Ronald , Ward Joy K.
Published: June 2023

Since industrialization began, atmospheric CO2([CO2]) has increased from 270 to 415 ppm and is projected to reach 800-1000 ppm this century. SomeArabidopsisecotypes delayed flowering in elevated [CO2] relative to current [CO2], while others showed no change or accelerations. To predict genotype-specific flowering behaviors, we must understand the mechanisms driving flowering response to rising [CO2]. [CO2] changes alter photosynthesis and carbohydrates in C3plants. Plants sense carbohydrate levels and exogenous carbohydrate application influences flowering time and flowering transcript levels. We asked how organismal changes in carbohydrates and transcription correlate with changes in flowering time under elevated [CO2]. We used a genotype (SG) ofArabidopsisthat was selected for high fitness at elevated [CO2] (700 ppm). SG delays flowering under elevated [CO2] (700 ppm) relative to current [CO2] (400 ppm). We compared SG to a closely related control genotype (CG) that shows no [CO2]- induced flowering change. We compared metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles in these genotypes at current and elevated [CO2] to assess correlations with flowering in these conditions. While both genotypes altered carbohydrates in response to elevated [CO2], SG had higher levels of sucrose than CG and showed a stronger increase in glucose and fructose in elevated [CO2]. Both genotypes demonstrated transcriptional changes, with CG increasing genes related to fructose 1,6-bisphosphate breakdown, amino acid synthesis, and secondary metabolites; and SG decreasing genes related to starch and sugar metabolism, but increasing genes involved in oligosaccharide production and sugar modifications. Genes associated with flowering regulation within the photoperiod, vernalization, and meristem identity pathways were altered in these genotypes. Elevated [CO2] may act through carbohydrate changes to influence transcription in both genotypes and delayed flowering in SG. Changes in the oligosaccharide pool may contribute to delayed flowering in SG. This work extends the literature exploring genotypic-specific flowering responses to elevated [CO2].
catena-Poly[[bis(diaqualithium)]-μ4-3,3′,5,5′-tetranitro-4,4′-bipyrazole-1,1′-diido]: a new moisture-insensitive alkali-metal energetic salt with a well-defined network structure
Authors: Domasevitch Kostiantyn V. , Senchyk Ganna A. , Krautscheid Harald
Published: June 2023

In the structure of the title salt, [Li2(C6N8O8)(H2O)4]
n
, the 3,3′,5,5′-tetranitro-4,4′-bipyrazole-1,1′-diide dianion [{TNBPz}2−] is situated across the twofold axis. The distorted coordination octahedra around Li+ involve four short bonds with two pyrazolate N atoms and two aqua ligands [Li—N(O) = 1.999 (3)–2.090 (2) Å] and two longer contacts with nitro-O atoms [2.550 (2), 2.636 (2) Å]. When combined with μ4-{TNBPz}2−, this generates a mono-periodic polymeric structure incorporating discrete centrosymmeric [(H2O)2Li–(dinitropyrazolato)2–Li(H2O)2] units. The three-dimensional stack of mutually orthogonal coordination chains is reminiscent of a Lincoln log pattern. It is influenced by conventional hydrogen bonding [O...O = 2.8555 (17)–3.0010 (15) Å] and multiple lone pair–π hole interactions of the nitro groups [N...O = 3.0349 (15) and 3.0887 (15) Å]. The Hirshfeld surface and two-dimensional fingerprint plots also support the significance of non-covalent bonding. Coordinative saturation and a favorable geometry at the Li+ ions, dense packing of the polymeric subconnectivities and particularly extensive interanion interactions may be involved in the stabilization of the structure. The title salt is a rare example of an energetic Li nitroazolate, which nicely crystallizes from aqueous solution and is neither hygroscopic nor efflorescent. The TG/DTA data reveal total dehydration in the range of 330–430 K and stability of the anhydrous material up to 633–653 K.
Research on the influence of online fitness user engagement on value co-creation behavior
Authors: Liu Gaofu , Yang Haonan , Nie Jing
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Value co-creation is a new initiative for enterprises to form a competitive advantage, and user engagement is the basis for achieving value co-creation; nevertheless, few studies have discussed the influence mechanisms of user engagement on value co-creation behavior. In this study, the authors aim to reveal the influence mechanisms of online fitness user engagement on value co-creation behavior by considering emotional resonance and immersive experience as mediating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed and empirically tested a research model based on a survey involving 461 Chinese respondents through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results of this study confirm that consumer engagement, contributing engagement and social engagement are important drives of value co-creation behavior among online fitness users. Furthermore, emotional resonance and immersive experience have been revealed as important mediating mechanisms to explain why user engagement drives value co-creation behavior.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that practitioners need to focus on the social engagement and consumer engagement of users in online fitness communities and to provide the appropriate environment and conditions for online fitness user to achieve mutual value co-creation.

Originality/value

This study makes two main contributions. It examines user engagement in an online fitness community context and helps to understand its applicability in other contexts. It explains the influence mechanisms of online fitness user engagement on value co-creation behavior and enriches the studies related to the drivers of value co-creation behavior.
Assessing smallholders’ heterogeneity towards sustainable agrifood value chain in developing countries
Authors: Hidayati Dwi Ratna , Garnevska Elena , Ramilan Thiagarajah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Agrifood value chains in developing countries are transforming into higher value markets which require sustainable practices, with smallholders playing a critical role. However, smallholders are a heterogeneous group which may have discrepancies in outcomes to meet sustainability standards. This paper aims to empirically investigate smallholders' heterogeneity towards sustainable value chain practice in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight key enabling factors of sustainable value chain transformation were used to explore smallholders' typology, then profiled, based on their socio-economic status and current practices. A quantitative method was applied in Indonesia's cashew sector with 159 respondents from the primary producer area on Madura Island. A combination of descriptive analysis, cluster analysis, cross-tab analysis and one-way ANOVA analysis was used in this study.

Findings

Four types of groups were identified, each with distinct characteristics and arranged in priority order as follows: accelerator, progressor, inattentive and conservative groups. Interventions can be implemented on per clusters basis or based on potential similarities among clusters, depending on priority. It is noted that the pursuit of sustainable value chain practices by smallholders is not necessarily associated with high socio-economic status, as those with low socio-economic status may have a stronger inclination towards them.

Practical implications

The paper enhances awareness of practitioners and policymakers regarding smallholders' heterogeneity in sustainable value chain practice. It enables more effective and focused interventions to support smallholders who require assistance in sustainable production and value-adding activities. Different smallholders' characteristics call for different assistance/intervention. Practitioners can recognise smallholders' characteristics that are more compatible with higher value markets and sustainability requirements to better integrate their practices. Policymakers must carefully develop short-term and long-term interventions based on the activities prioritised by particular traits to “hit the right button” for smallholders' practice development.

Originality/value

This study investigates the typology of smallholders towards sustainable value chain practices by using eight enabling factors and profiling them based on their socio-economic condition and current practices. Additionally, this study shifts the focus of typology exploration away from the traditional lens of farm sustainability to a larger perspective which encompasses sustainable value chain activities.
Theory of green consumption behavior (TGCB): a case of agro-tourism for sustainable communities and cities of future Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Abdulla Al-Towfiq
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the antecedents and their impacts on behaviors toward agro-tourism by proposing a theory of green consumption behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the literatures and collection of 471 usable responses, the study is conducted through partial least squares structural equation modeling method using SmartPLS 3.3.3.

Findings

Findings of the study have revealed that carbon mitigation attitude, energy saving norms, perceived hygiene value and agro-tourist spot visit intentions significantly influence agro-tourist spot visit behavior. Furthermore, the study has suggested that agro-tourist spot visit intentions partially mediate the strength of the relationship between carbon mitigation attitude, energy saving norms, perceived hygiene value and agro-tourist spot visit behavior.

Practical implications

The study findings may be useful to encouraging agro-tourism managers of understanding antecedents of customer’s behavior and formulating business strategies influencing behaviors toward agro-tourism, coping with competitive business environment and environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

The study has presented a unique case discovering what antecedents are influencing customers’ green consumption behavior (agro-tourist spot visit behaviors) and how that behavior contributes to sustainable communities and cities development. Furthermore, the study has provided important insights for industry professionals by integrating carbon mitigation attitude, energy saving norms, perceived hygiene value and agro-tourist spot visit intentions in examining agro-tourist spot visit behavior.
Between accessibility and adaptability of digital platform: investigating learners' perspectives on digital learning infrastructure
Authors: Huda Miftachul
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The massive expansion of digital platform has been responsible for the widespread progressive engagement created amongst learners and educators. The practice of requiring student feedback on online learning services ensures that teacher education continues to advance its strategic approach to online learning. This paper aims to examine the level of accessibility and adaptability of digital technology with particular focus on Malaysia, by elaborating the value of superior learning service and practical adaptability of online learning during the pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using qualitative approach of data collection, namely via structured interview. The listed respondents included 30 higher learners who participated in the study by providing feedback on the issues encountered during the research process.

Findings

The findings revealed that the strategic enhancement of digital accessibility continued with digital adaptability to sources of learning services would contribute to advancing achievement of digital learning pathway.

Practical implications

Increasing accessibility to digital platforms in digital learning system can help to shape the digital environment. Digital expansion can create unlimited boundaries for online knowledge acquisition.

Social implications

The social implication refers to acquiring the abilities developed through online engagement with peers by actualising and exploring information together with continuous inter-connectedness of sharing pathway in online platform. The instructor would need to give a proportional gateway to make learners experience the digital environment for future education.

Originality/value

This study aims to assess the value of developing accessibility of digital technology for students' online learning services during the pandemic and beyond. A well-structured plan would enable digital learning capabilities and mutual accessibility amongst learners. This can allow digital abilities to be transformed into collaborative teamwork amongst learners.
Geopolitical risk and corporate tax behavior: international evidence
Authors: Ramesh Vishnu K. , Athira A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines the association between geopolitical risk (GPR) and corporate tax, which is a major source of revenue for the government and a significant explicit cost for firms. The authors use a comprehensive measure of GPR to study its effects on corporate taxes by using an international sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the geopolitical measure constructed by Caldara and Iacoviello (2022) as a proxy for GPR and cash-effective tax rate benchmarked with statutory tax rate to measure corporate tax avoidance. The authors employ panel regression with fixed effects (FEs) to investigate the impact of GPR on corporate tax avoidance. The authors also conduct a battery of robustness tests to ensure the strength of the study’s results.

Findings

This study’s empirical results indicate that sample firms increase their tax avoidance amid increasing GPR. Further analyses show that financial constraints incentivize firms to avoid taxes during rising geopolitical tensions. The authors also provide evidence on the role of firm-level and country-level governance in weakening the association between GPR and tax avoidance.

Practical implications

Policymakers and governments may strengthen the enforcement rule to limit aggressive tax practices of corporates during GPR to balance fiscal deficit. In addition, this study sheds light on the debate among administrators and politicians over the efficacy of current tax laws and governance structures in the presence of heightened GPR.

Originality/value

The authors extend the literature on GPR by analyzing its effect on corporate tax avoidance. Unlike existing single-country studies, the authors use a cross-country setup to investigate the impact of GPR on tax avoidance, making this study’s results more generalizable as the authors control for a host of country, industry, and time factors. Apart from political uncertainty, terrorism, and climatic issues, the authors document GPR as a strong macroeconomic driver of corporate tax avoidance. The authors make a new contribution to the literature on the moderating role of governance and institutional factors on the association between tax avoidance and GPR in an international context. The authors also contribute to the literature on macroeconomic determinants of tax avoidance.
The mediating effect of knowledge management in the relationship between the HPO framework and performance
Authors: Bagorogoza Janet Kyogabiirwe , Herik Jaap van den , Waal Andrea de , Walle Bartel van de
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The study examines the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) in the relationship between the high-performance organisation (HPO) framework and high performance in financial institutions (FIs) in Uganda. The paper aims to develop a framework that promotes high performance in the FIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was tested on a sample of 28 financial instituitions using structural equation model.

Findings

The findings revealed that the high-performance framework is significantly related to high performance and KM is related high performance. KM mediates the relationship between the high-performance framework and high performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings revealed that the high-performance framework is significantly related to high performance and KM is related high performance. KM mediates the relationship between the high-performance framework and high performance.

Practical implications

The findings revealed that the high-performance framework is significantly related to high performance and KM is related high performance. KM mediates the relationship between the high-performance framework and high performance.

Originality/value

This study makes several empirical and theoretical contributions, addressing the gap in the literature about the role of the HPO framework in strategic management. This study tests the relationship between the HPO and the firm's performance by taking the mediating effects of KM. The designed model highlights a significant organisational performance approach that can influence the finance sector positively.
How should B2B firms create image content for high social media engagement? A multimodal analysis
Authors: Singh Shikha , Gandhi Mohina , Kar Arpan Kumar , Tikkiwal Vinay Anand
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study evaluates the effect of the media image content of business to business (B2B) organizations to accelerate social media engagement. It highlights the importance of strategically designing image content for business marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study designed a computation extensive research model based upon the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory using 39,139 Facebook posts of 125 organizations selected from Fortune 500 firms. Attributes from images and text were estimated using deep learning models. Subsequently, inferential analysis was established with ordinary least squares regression. Further machine learning algorithms, like support vector regression, k-nearest neighbour, decision tree and random forest, are used to analyze the significance and robustness of the proposed model for predicting engagement metrics.

Findings

The results indicate that the social media (SM) image content of B2B firms significantly impacts their social media engagement. The visual and linguistic attributes are extracted from the image using deep learning. The distinctive effect of each feature on social media engagement (SME) is empirically verified in this study.

Originality/value

This research presents practical insights formulated by embedding marketing, advertising, image processing and statistical knowledge of SM analytics. The findings of this study provide evidence for the stimulating effect of image content concerning SME. Based on the theoretical implications of this study, marketing and media content practitioners can enhance the efficacy of SM posts in engaging users.
The political budget cycles in emerging and developing countries
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Cong , Tran Thi Linh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the political budget cycles in emerging and developing countries using a sample of 91 countries from 1992 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) model with clustered standard errors at the country level. To address endogeneity issues, the authors also employ a two-step system generalized methods of moments model.

Findings

The authors find clear evidence of political budget cycles in emerging and developing countries. The authors consistently find that incumbents increase total government spending, particularly in economic affairs, public services and social welfare, in the year before an election and the election year. In contrast, they contract spending in the year after an election.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers should be aware of the political budget cycles during election years. Promoting control of corruption and democracy helps to alleviate the effects of the political budget cycles in emerging and developing countries.

Originality/value

The authors are among the first to explore the political budget cycles in emerging and developing countries by focusing on the total government spending and its main compositions, including expenditures on economic affairs, public services and social welfare. Besides, the authors also explore the conditioning effects of control of corruption, political ideology and democracy.
Understanding algorithm bias in artificial intelligence-enabled ERP software customization
Authors: Parthasarathy Sudhaman , Padmapriya S.T.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Algorithm bias refers to repetitive computer program errors that give some users more weight than others. The aim of this article is to provide a deeper insight of algorithm bias in AI-enabled ERP software customization. Although algorithmic bias in machine learning models has uneven, unfair and unjust impacts, research on it is mostly anecdotal and scattered.

Design/methodology/approach

As guided by the previous research (Akter et al., 2022), this study presents the possible design bias (model, data and method) one may experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software customization algorithm. This study then presents the artificial intelligence (AI) version of ERP customization algorithm using k-nearest neighbours algorithm.

Findings

This study illustrates the possible bias when the prioritized requirements customization estimation (PRCE) algorithm available in the ERP literature is executed without any AI. Then, the authors present their newly developed AI version of the PRCE algorithm that uses ML techniques. The authors then discuss its adjoining algorithmic bias with an illustration. Further, the authors also draw a roadmap for managing algorithmic bias during ERP customization in practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior research has attempted to understand the algorithmic bias that occurs during the execution of the ERP customization algorithm (with or without AI).
Design features of digital transformation maturity models: a systematic literature analysis and future research directions
Authors: Kirmizi Mehmet , Kocaoglu Batuhan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze and synthesize the design features of existing digital transformation maturity models with a developed classification scheme and propose a generic maturity model development wireframe based on design science research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is conducted on digital transformation maturity models in peer-reviewed journals, including the Emerald Insight, Science Direct, Scopus, Taylor & Francis and Web of Science databases, which resulted in 21 studies. A concept-centric tabular approach is used to analyze the studies, and intersectional demonstrations are used to synthesize the findings regarding the design features.

Findings

The classification scheme derived from the tabular concept-centric approach and iteratively evolved results in three main and 25 subcategories related to the design features. Analysis and synthesis of the studies reveal the granularity of the existing digital transformation maturity models concerning the design features. Furthermore, considering the design features in the classification scheme, a generic maturity model development wireframe is proposed to guide the researchers.

Research limitations/implications

The generic maturity model development wireframe and the classification scheme that represents the design features of existing maturity models guide the researchers for the maturity model development roadmap.

Originality/value

The existing literature review studies do not focus on the design feature of digital transformation maturity models within a systematic literature review perspective. A unique classification scheme derived from the tabular concept-centric approach aims to analyze the granularity level of the existing models. Furthermore, the generic maturity model development wireframe includes the guidelines and recommendations of design science studies and presents a roadmap for maturity model researchers.
Teacher-student relationship and teaching styles in primary education: A model of analysis
Authors: Cardenal María Eugenia , Díaz-Santana Octavio , González-Betancor Sara M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The teacher role in the classroom can explain important aspects of the student's school experience. The teacher-student relationship, a central dimension of social capital, influences students' engagement, and the teaching style plays an important role in student outcomes. But there is scarce literature that links teaching styles to teacher-student relationship. This article aims to (1) analyze whether there is a relationship between teaching styles and the type of relationship perceived by students; (2) test whether this relationship is equally strong for any teaching style; and (3) determine the extent to which students' perceptions vary according to their profile.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model with four latent variables is estimated: two for the teacher-student relationship (emotional vs educational) and two for the teaching styles (directive vs participative), with information for 21,126 sixth-grade primary-students in 2019 in Spain.

Findings

Teacher-student relationships and teaching styles are interconnected. The participative style implies a better relationship. The perceptions of the teacher are heterogeneous, depending on gender (girls perceive clearer than boys) and with the educational background (children from lower educational background perceive both types of teaching styles more clearly).

Originality/value

The analysis is based on the point of view of the addressee of the teacher's work, i.e. the student. It provides a model that can be replicated in any other education system. The latent variables, based on a periodically administered questionnaire, could be estimated with data from diagnostic assessments in other countries, which in turn would allow the formulation of context-specific educational policy proposals that take into account student feedback.
Analysing the decision approach of the SME entrepreneurs relating to internationalisation of firms: the study of Kenyan SME entrepreneurs
Authors: Nabi Md. Noor Un , Nyaoro Benjamin , Zohora Fatema Tuj
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the internationalisation decision-making process using causation and effectuation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses are tested with a survey data set of 148 Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to assess the pre-internationalisation decision-making of the firm. Multinomial logistic regression has been used to predict the categories from total effectuation to total causation.

Findings

The results of this study show that firm resources and capability provide a solid basis for firms' internationalisation. The entrepreneur becomes more effectual commence as they assess the firm's resource and capability. Entrepreneurs with a high entrepreneurial self-efficacy use both causation and effectuation with a bias towards effectuation. Increasing environmental predictability led the firms to use less effectuation, and increasing psychic distance entails high effectuation relative to high causation in the Kenyan context.

Research limitations/implications

The sample choice of the category is Kenyan SMEs which may raise some questions. This study assumed that SMEs sampled had the same level of internationalisation experience regardless of the number of years in business.

Originality/value

This study theoretically advances the field of international business by combining the Uppsala internationalisation model with effectuation; this study defines four antecedents of decision-making to form its conceptual framework to study internationalisation decision-making approach for SMEs using the effectuation logic and adds to the stream of literature that has reviewed the factors that influence the internationalisation decision-making process for SMEs in developing countries.
A multi-stage approach for design concept evaluation based on complex network and bounded confidence to achieve consensus
Authors: Hu Yukun , Yu Suihuai , Chen Dengkai , Chu Jianjie , Yang Yanpu , Ao Qing
Published: June 2023

Purpose

A successful process of design concept evaluation has positive influence on subsequent processes. This study aims to consider the evaluation information at multiple stages and the interaction among evaluators and improve the credibility of evaluation results.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a multi-stage approach for design concept evaluation based on complex network and bounded confidence. First, a network is constructed according to the evaluation data. Depending on the consensus degree of evaluation opinions, the number of evaluation rounds is determined. Then, bounded confidence rules are applied for the modification of preference information. Last, a planning function is constructed to calculate the weight of each stage and aggregate information at multiple evaluation stages.

Findings

The results indicate that the opinions of the evaluators tend to be consistent after multiple stages of interactive adjustment, and the ordering of design concept alternatives tends to be stable with the progress of the evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

Updating preferences according to the bounded confidence rules, only the opinions within the trust threshold are considered. The attribute information of the node itself is inadequately considered.

Originality/value

This method addresses the need for considering the evaluation information at each stage and minimizes the impact of disagreements within the evaluation group on the evaluation results.
BIM-IoT-FM integration: strategy for implementation of sustainable water management in buildings
Authors: Batista Luciana Teixeira , Franco José Ricardo Queiroz , Fakury Ricardo Hall , Porto Marcelo Franco , Alves Lucas Vinicius Ribeiro , Kohlmann Gabriel Santos
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The objective of this research is to develop an solution to water management at the scale of buildings, through the technological resources. Automating analysis using 3D models helps increase efficiency in buildings during the operational phase, consequently promotes sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a methodology based on Design Science Research to automate water management at building scale integrating BIM-IoT-FM. Data from smart meters (IoT) and the BIM model were integrated to be applied in facilities management (FM) to improve performance of the building. The methodology was implemented in a prototype for the web, called AquaBIM, which captures, manages and analyzes the information.

Findings

The application of AquaBIM allowed the theoretical evaluation and practical validation of water management methodology. By BIM–IoT integration, the consumption parameters and ranges for 17 categories of activities were determined to contribute to fulfill the research gap for the commercial buildings. This criterion and other requirements are requirements met in order to obtain the AQUA-HQE environmental sustainability certification.

Practical implications

Traditionally, water management in buildings is based on scarce data. The practical application of digital technologies improves decision-making. Moreover, the creation of consumption indicators for commercial buildings contributes to the discussion in the field of knowledge.

Originality/value

This article emphasizes the investigation of the efficiency of use in commercial buildings using operational data and the use of sustainable consumption indicators to manage water consumption.
Responses to predation pressure involve similar sets of genes in two divergent species of Daphnia
Authors: Zhang Xiuping , Wolinska Justyna , Blair David , Hu Wei , Yin Mingbo
Published: June 2023

Species that are not closely related can express similar inducible traits, but molecular mechanisms underlying the observed responses are often unknown, nor is it known if these mechanisms are shared between such species.

Here, we compared transcriptional profiles of two Daphnia species (D. mitsukuri and D. sinensis) from different subgenera, at both juvenile and adult developmental stages. Both species were exposed to the same predation threat (fish kairomones), and both showed similar induced morphological changes (reduced body length).

At the early developmental stage, response to predation risk resulted in similar changes in expression levels of 23 orthologues in both species. These orthologues, involved in 107 GO categories, changed in the same direction in both species (over‐ or underexpressed), in comparison to non‐exposed controls. Several of these orthologues were associated with DNA replication, structural constituents of cuticle or innate immune response. In both species, the differentially expressed (DE) genes on average had higher ω (dN/dS) values than non‐DE genes, suggesting that these genes had experienced greater positive selection or lower purifying selection than non‐DE genes.

Overall, our results suggest that similar suites of genes, responding in similar ways to predation pressure, have been retained in Daphnia for many millions of years.
Accounting for bias in prevalence estimation: The case of a globally emerging pathogen
Authors: Sentenac Hugo , Valenzuela‐Sánchez Andrés , Haddow‐Brown Natashja , Delgado Soledad , Azat Claudio , Cunningham Andrew A.
Published: June 2023

Accurate quantification of infection parameters is necessary to ensure effective surveillance, investigation and mitigation of infectious diseases. However, hosts and pathogens are often imperfectly observed and key epidemiological parameters, such as infection prevalence, can be biased if this observational uncertainty is not properly accounted for.

Here, we evaluated the combined effects of imperfect pathogen detection and host pseudoreplication on the estimation of infection prevalence of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in the southern Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma darwinii). This pathogen causes amphibian chytridiomycosis, a panzootic disease responsible for the greatest documented loss of biodiversity due to an infectious disease. From November 2018 to March 2019, we made 1085 captures of 641 R. darwinii individuals in two areas of Southern Chile. Captured frogs were individually identified to eliminate host pseudoreplication, skin‐swabbed twice in sequence, and each swab was analysed in duplicate using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect Bd. To provide a robust estimate of period prevalence, we used a Bayesian multiscale occupancy model that considers pathogen imperfect detection arising from both sampling and diagnostic testing processes. Finally, using a deterministic matrix population model, we illustrated how the method chosen to estimate prevalence influenced our conclusions regarding the impact of Bd infection on host population trajectories.

Our results showed that Bd prevalence could be underestimated by 55% if false negatives and host pseudoreplication were not accounted for. Host pseudoreplication had a greater impact on prevalence underestimation than pathogen imperfect detection in our study. This underestimation in prevalence changed our interpretation of the impacts of Bd infections on our model species, from a nearly stable population using the naïve period prevalence to a declining one using our robust estimate.

Synthesis and applications. These results highlight the importance of using robust inferences to inform disease risk assessments and to efficiently allocate limited resources during mitigation strategies of infectious diseases. The methods used here can be applied to a wide range of host–pathogen systems, and will be of interest to both researchers and practitioners aiming to investigate and mitigate the impacts of infectious diseases on free‐ranging populations.
The trait‐mediated trade‐off between growth and survival depends on tree sizes and environmental conditions
Authors: Iida Yoshiko , Niiyama Kaoru , Aiba Shin‐ichiro , Kurokawa Hiroko , Kondo Shuntaro , Mukai Mana , Mori Akira S. , Saito Satoshi , Sun Yi , Umeki Kiyoshi
Published: June 2023

Interspecific relationships between growth and survival are critical determinants of tree species diversity maintenance in forests. The trade‐offs between growth and survival in co‐occurring tree species are believed to arise along a continuum of life‐history strategies. For example, co‐occurring species range from those that grow slowly and survive well in resource‐poor environments to those that grow quickly but have low survival rates in resource‐rich environments. However, uncertainties remain regarding how growth–survival trade‐offs are related to species traits, tree sizes or environmental conditions.

We examined how the relationships between species traits and growth–survival relationships shift in response to changes in stem sizes and across census periods with different climate conditions (frequency of strong winds, drought intensity) across 45 co‐occurring tree species based on 23 years of growth and survival records in a warm temperate rainforest on Yakushima Island, Japan. We developed hierarchical Bayesian models of relative growth and survival rates, including leaf traits, wood density and 95‐percentile maximum stem diameter as explanatory variables. We tested the relationships between estimated trait‐mediated growth–survival relationships and the indices of climate events during five census periods.

Each trait's effects on growth–survival relationships differed across the five census periods in response to climate conditions. Interspecific growth–survival relationships affected by a single trait axis for leaves or wood tended to be negative. In contrast, those affected by the maximum stem diameter tended to be positive. Such trends increased with more frequent strong winds or more intense droughts. The single‐trait effects on growth–survival relationships were stronger for smaller sizes than for larger sizes. For all traits combined, we found a significant growth–survival trade‐off only for small‐sized stems in three of five census periods.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that the effect of species traits on the growth–survival relationships depended on tree sizes, the census periods or both in response to the frequency or intensity of climate events. We argue the importance of incorporating spatial and temporal variations in environmental conditions into long‐term data from tree census to predict forest dynamics.
Phylogenetically conservative trait correlation: Quantification and interpretation
Authors: Westoby Mark , Yates Luke , Holland Barbara , Halliwell Ben
Published: June 2023

Correlation across species between two quantitative traits, or between a trait and a habitat property, can suggest that a trait value is effective in sustaining populations in some contexts but not others. It is widely held that such correlations should be controlled for phylogeny, via phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs) or phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS).

A weakness of this idea is that a clade's traits tend to confer success in particular habitats or ways of life, and those niches in turn tend to select for the same traits to continue in the clade. This feedback mechanism can bind phylogeny and niche together as a unified cause for present‐day trait configurations. Accordingly, the phylogenetically conservative share of a trait correlation ought not to be excluded from consideration as potentially ecologically functional.

Another weakness is that PGLS does not yield a complete or accurate breakdown of covariation between traits A and B because it corresponds to a generating model where B predicts variation in A but not the reverse, and phylogenetic signal in B is not modelled.

Multi‐response mixed models using phylogenetic covariance matrices can quantify conservative trait correlation (CTC), a share of A‐B covariation that is phylogenetically conservative. Because the evidence is from correlative data, it is not possible to split CTC into causation by phylogenetic history versus causation by continuing reciprocal selection between A and B. Moreover, it is quite likely biologically that the two influences have acted in concert, through phylogenetic niche conservatism.

Synthesis: The CTC concept treats phylogenetic conservatism as a conjoint interpretation alongside ongoing influence of other traits. CTC can be quantified via multi‐response phylogenetic mixed models.
Reconciling healthism and techno‐solutionism: An observational study of a digital mental health trial
Authors: Berners‐Lee Ben
Published: June 2023

In a growing trend in digital psychiatry, algorithmic systems are used to determine correlations between data that is collected using wearable devices and self‐reports of mood. They then offer recommendations for behaviour modification for improved mood. The present study consists of observations of the development of one of these systems. Descriptions of the trial emphasise the powerful role of the intrinsically motivated, responsible participant on one hand and the empowering machine learning (ML)‐based technology on the other. This conceptualisation is shown to extend the neoliberal paradox of a freedom that, to be maintained, must be continually adjusted through discipline. Because of the paradoxical nature of this formulation, laboratory members disagree about the balance of agency between the objective machine learning system and the empowered participant. The guides who help participants interpret ML outputs and implement system recommendations are ascribed a replaceable role in formal accounts. Observations of this guidance practice make clear not only the important role played by guides but also how their work is relegated to the technological side of the broader formulation of the trial and further how this conceptualisation affects the way they conduct their work.
BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND HOPE: Affective Mediations of Urban Restructuring in Leipzig, East Germany
Authors: Reichle Leon Rosa
Published: June 2023

In this article, which is based on an empirical analysis of neoliberal restructuring in Leipzig, East Germany, I describe how the study of affective atmospheres adds to our understanding of urban restructuring, showing how collective moods affect (de)mobilization, contestation and the regulation of urban political economy to shed light on the relation between institutional, political and social processes. I demonstrate the relevance of affect for power relations, political interactions beyond rationality, and the rhythms and temporalities of urban restructuring, as exemplified by two prominent atmospheres that characterize Leipzig—post shrinkage depression (PSD) and anticipatory hope (AH).