bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The latitudinal diversity gradient in brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae): conserved ancestral tropical niche but different continental histories
Authors: Chazot Nicolas , Condamine Fabien L. , Dudas Gytis , Peña Carlos , Matos-Maraví Pavel , Freitas Andre V. L. , Willmott Keith R. , Elias Marianne , Warren Andrew , Aduse-Poku Kwaku , Lohman David J. , Penz Carla M. , DeVries Phil , Kodandaramaiah Ullasa , Fric Zdenek F. , Nylin Soren , Müller Chris , Wheat Christopher , Kawahara Akito Y. , Silva-Brandão Karina L. , Lamas Gerardo , Zubek Anna , Ortiz-Acevedo Elena , Vila Roger , Vane-Wright Richard I , Mullen Sean P. , Jiggins Chris D. , Slamova Irena , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: April 2020

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is arguably one of the most striking patterns in nature. The global increase in species richness toward the tropics across continents and taxonomic groups stimulated the formulation of many hypotheses to explain the underlying mechanisms of this pattern. We evaluated several of these hypotheses to explain spatial diversity patterns in the butterfly family, Nymphalidae, by assessing the contributions of speciation, extinction, and dispersal to the LDG, and also the extent to which these processes differ among regions at the same latitude. We generated a new, time-calibrated phylogeny of Nymphalidae based on 10 gene fragments and containingca. 2,800 species (∼45% of extant diversity). Neither speciation nor extinction rate variations consistently explain the LDG among regions because temporal diversification dynamics differ greatly across longitude. For example, we found that Neotropical nymphalid diversity results from low extinction rates, not high speciation rates, and that biotic interchanges with other regions were rare. Southeast Asia was also characterized by a low speciation rate but, unlike the Neotropics, was the main source of dispersal events through time. Our results suggest that global climate change throughout the Cenozoic, particularly during the Eocene-Oligocene transition, combined with the conserved ancestral tropical niches, played a major role in generating the modern LDG of butterflies.
Development and Multicenter Performance Evaluation of The First Fully Automated SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG Immunoassays
Authors: Qian Chungen , Zhou Mi , Cheng Fangming , Lin Xiaotao , Gong Yijun , Xie Xiaobing , Li Ping , Li Zhiyong , Zhang Pingan , Liu Zejin , Hu Fang , Wang Yun , Li Quan , Zhu Yan , Duan Guikai , Xing Yinting , Song Huanyu , Xu Wenfang , Liu Bi-Feng , Xia Fuzhen
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread globally. The laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection has relied on nucleic acid tests. However, there are many limitations of nucleic acid tests, including low throughput and high rates of false negatives. More sensitive and accurate tests to effectively identify infected patients are needed.

METHODS

This study has developed fully automated chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) to determine IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum. The assay performance has been evaluated at 10 hospitals. Clinical specificity was evaluated by measuring 972 hospitalized patients with diseases other than COVID-19, and 586 donors of a normal population. Clinical sensitivity was assessed on 503 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and 52 suspected cases.

RESULTS

The assays demonstrated satisfied assay precision with coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 4.45%. Inactivation of specimen does not affect assay measurement. SARS-CoV-2 IgM shows clinical specificity of 97.33% and 99.49% for hospitalized patients and normal population respectively. SARS-CoV-2 IgG shows clinical specificity of 97.43% and 99.15% for the hospitalized patients and the normal population respectively. SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG show clinical sensitivity of 85.88% and 96.62% respectively for confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection with RT-PCR, of 73.08% and 86.54% respectively for suspected cases.

CONCLUSIONS

we have developed fully automated immunoassays for detecting SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in human serum. The assays demonstrated high clinical specificity and sensitivity, and add great value to nucleic acid testing in fighting against the global pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Survival-Convolution Models for Predicting COVID-19 Cases and Assessing Effects of Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Wang Qinxia , Xie Shanghong , Wang Yuanjia , Zeng Donglin
Published: April 2020

Countries around the globe have implemented unprecedented measures to mitigate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aim to predict COVID-19 disease course and compare effectiveness of mitigation measures across countries to inform policy decision making. We propose a robust and parsimonious survival-convolution model for predicting key statistics of COVID-19 epidemics (daily new cases). We account for transmission during a pre-symptomatic incubation period and use a time-varying effective reproduction number (Rt) to reflect the temporal trend of transmission and change in response to a public health intervention. We estimate the intervention effect on reducing the infection rate and quantify uncertainty by permutation. In China and South Korea, we predicted the entire disease epidemic using only data in the early phase (two to three weeks after the outbreak). A fast rate of decline in Rt was observed and adopting mitigation strategies early in the epidemic was effective in reducing the infection rate in these two countries. The lockdown in Italy did not further accelerate the speed at which the infection rate decreases. The effective reproduction number has staggered around Rt = 1.0 for more than 2 weeks before decreasing to below 1.0, and the epidemic in Italy is currently under control. In the US, Rt significantly decreased during a 2-week period after the declaration of national emergency, but afterwards the rate of decrease is substantially slower. If the trend continues after May 1, the first wave of COVID-19 may be controlled by July 26 (CI: July 9 to August 27). However, a loss of temporal effect on infection rate (e.g., due to relaxing mitigation measures after May 1) could lead to a long delay in controlling the epidemic (November 19 with less than 100 daily cases) and a total of more than 2 million cases.
Platelets exploit fibrillar adhesions to assemble fibronectin matrix revealing new force-regulated thrombus remodeling mechanisms
Authors: Lickert Sebastian , Selcuk Kateryna , Kenny Martin , Mehl Johanna L. , Früh Susanna M. , Burkhardt Melanie A. , Studt Jan-Dirk , Schoen Ingmar , Vogel Viola
Published: April 2020

Upon vascular injury, platelets are crucial for thrombus formation and contraction, but do they directly initiate early tissue repair processes? Using 3D super-resolution microscopy, micropost traction force microscopy, and specific integrin or myosin IIa inhibitors, we discovered here that platelets form fibrillar adhesions. They assemble fibronectin nanofibrils using αIIbβ3 (CD41/CD61, GPIIb-IIIa) rather than α5β1 integrins, in contrast to fibroblasts. Highly contractile platelets in contact with thrombus proteins (fibronectin, fibrin) pull fibronectin fibrils along their apical membrane, whereas platelets on basement membrane proteins (collagen IV, laminin) are less contractile generating less stretched planar meshworks beneath themselves. As probed by vinculin-decorated talin unfolding, platelets on fibronectin generate similar traction forces in apical fibrillar adhesions as fibroblasts do. These are novel mechanobiology mechanisms by which platelets spearhead the fibrillogenesis of the first de novo ECM, including its 2D versus 3D network architectures depending on their ECM environment, and thereby pave the way for cell infiltration.
Pseudomonas aeruginosabiofilms display carbohydrate ligands for CD206 and CD209 that interfere with their receptor function
Authors: Singh Sonali , Almuhanna Yasir , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Lowman Douglas , Rice Peter J. , Gell Chris , Ma Zuchao , Graves Bridget , Jackson Darryl , Lee Kelly , Kelkar Rucha , Koranteng Janice , Mitchell Dan , Silva Ana da , Hussain Farah , Yilmaz Gokhan , Mastrotto Francesca , Irie Yasuhiko , Williams Paul , Williams David , Camara Miguel , Martinez-Pomares Luisa
Published: April 2020

Bacterial biofilms represent a challenge to the healthcare system because of their resilience against antimicrobials and immune attack. Biofilms consist of bacterial aggregates embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composed of carbohydrate polymers, nucleic acids and proteins. Carbohydrates withinP. aeruginosabiofilms include neutral and mannose-rich Psl, and cationic Pel composed ofN-acetyl-galactosamine andN-acetyl-glucosamine. Here we show thatP. aeruginosabiofilms display ligands for the C-type lectin receptors mannose receptor (MR, CD206) and Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin (DC-SIGN, CD209). Binding of MR and DC-SIGN toP. aeruginosabiofilms is carbohydrate-and calcium-dependent and extends to biofilms formed by clinical isolates. Confocal analysis ofP. aeruginosabiofilms shows abundant DC-SIGN ligands among bacteria aggregates while MR ligands concentrate into discrete clusters. DC-SIGN ligands are also detected in planktonicP. aeruginosacultures and depend on the presence of the common polysaccharide antigen. Carbohydrates purified fromP. aeruginosabiofilms are recognised by DC-SIGN and MR; both receptors preferentially bind the high molecular weight fraction (HMW; >132,000Da) with KDs in the nM range. HMW preparations contain 74.9-80.9% mannose, display α-mannan segments and alter the morphology of human dendritic cells without causing obvious changes in cytokine responses. Finally, HMW interferes with the endocytic activity of cell-associated MR and DC-SIGN. This work identifies MR and DC-SIGN as receptors for bacterial biofilms and highlights the potential for biofilm-associated carbohydrates as immunomodulators through engagement of C-type lectin receptors.

Author Summary

Selective engagement of pattern recognition receptors during infection guides the decision-making process during induction of immune responses. This work identifies mannose-rich carbohydrates within bacterial biofilms as novel molecular patterns associated with bacterial infections.P. aeruginosabiofilms and biofilm-derived carbohydrates bind two important lectin receptors, MR (CD206) and DC-SIGN (CD209), involved in recognition of self and immune evasion. Abundance of MR and DC-SIGN ligands in the context ofP. aeruginosabiofilms could impact immune responses and promote chronic infection.
A fungal member of theArabidopsis thalianaphyllosphere antagonizesAlbugo laibachiivia a secreted lysozyme
Authors: Eitzen Katharina , Sengupta Priyamedha , Kroll Samuel , Kemen Eric , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: April 2020

Plants are not only challenged by pathogenic organisms, but also colonized by commensal microbes. The network of interactions these microbes establish with their host and amongst each other is suggested to contribute to the immune responses of plants against pathogens. In wildArabidopsis thalianapopulations, the oomycete pathogenAlbugo laibachiihas been shown to play an influential role in structuring the leaf phyllosphere. We show that the epiphytic yeastMoesziomyces bullatusexAlbugoonArabidopsis,a close relative of pathogenic smut fungi, is an antagonistic member of theA. thalianaphyllosphere, which reduces infection ofA. thalianabyA. laibachii. Combination of transcriptome analysis, reverse genetics and protein characterization identified a GH25 hydrolase with lysozyme activity as the major effector of this microbial antagonism. Our findings broaden the understanding of microbial interactions within the phyllosphere, provide insights into the evolution of epiphytic basidiomycete yeasts and pave the way for the development of novel biocontrol strategies.
The cationic amino acid exporter Slc7a7 is vital for and induced in tissue macrophages with sustained efferocytic activity
Authors: Demy Doris Lou , Carrère Mireille , Noche Ramil , Tauzin Muriel , Le Bris Marion , Baek Chooyoung , Yousfi Malika , Leshchiner Ignaty , Goessling Wolfram , Herbomel Philippe
Published: April 2020

Most tissues harbor a substantial population of resident macrophages. It is not quite known yet how their quite diverse phenotypes are shaped by the functions that they assume in each tissue. In this study, we elucidate a functional link between the Slc7a7 cationic amino acid transporter and tissue macrophages. We had identified a mutant zebrafish devoid of microglia due to a mutation in theslc7a7gene. We found that in Slc7a7 deficient larvae, macrophages do enter the retina and brain to become microglia, but then die during the developmental wave of neuronal apoptosis, which triggers intense efferocytic work from them. A similar macrophage demise occurs at other tissues and stages whereby macrophages have to engulf many cell corpses, be it due to developmental or experimentally triggered cell death. We found thatslc7a7is by far the main cationic amino acid transporter gene expressed in macrophages of wild type zebrafish larvae, and that its expression is induced in tissue macrophages within 1-2 hrs upon efferocytosis. Our data altogether indicate that a high level of Slc7a7 is vital not only for microglia but also for any steadily efferocytic tissue macrophages, and thatslc7a7gene induction is one of the adaptive responses that allow them to cope with the catabolism of numerous dead cells without compromising their own viability.
Adherens junction serves to generate cryptic lamellipodia required for collective migration of epithelial cells
Authors: Ozawa Masayuki , Hiver Sylvain , Yamamoto Takaki , Shibata Tatsuo , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Mimori-Kiyosue Yuko , Takeichi Masatoshi
Published: April 2020

Collective migration of epithelial cells plays crucial roles in various biological processes such as cancer invasion. In migrating epithelial sheets, leader cells form lamellipodia to advance, and follower cells also form similar motile apparatus at cell-cell boundaries, which are called cryptic lamellipodia (c-lamellipodia). Using adenocarcinoma-derived epithelial cells, we investigated how c-lamellipodia are generated, and found that they sporadically grew from Ecadherin-based adherens junctions (AJs). WAVE and Arp2/3 complexes were localized along the AJs, and silencing them not only interfered with c-lamellipodia formation but also prevented follower cells from trailing the leaders. Disruption of AJs by removing αE-catenin resulted in uncontrolled c-lamellipodia growth, and this was brought about by myosin II activation and the resultant contraction of AJ-associated actomyosin cables. Additional observations indicated that c-lamellipodia tended to grow at mechanically weak sites of the junction. We conclude that AJs not only tie cells together but also generate c-lamellipodia by recruiting actin regulators, enabling epithelial cells to undergo ordered collective migration.
Crystal structure of bis(1-mesityl-1H-imidazole-κN
3)diphenylboron trifluoromethanesulfonate
Authors: Kouton Aniffa , Gao Yafei , Carta Veronica
Published: April 2020

The solid-state structure of bis(1-mesityl-1H-imidazole-κN
3)diphenylboron trifluoromethanesulfonate, C36H38BN4
+·CF3SO3
− or (Ph2B(MesIm)2OTf), is reported. Bis(1-mesityl-1H-imidazole-κN
3)diphenylboron (Ph2B(MesIm)2
+
) is a bulky ligand that crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn. The asymmetric unit contains one Ph2B(MesIm)2
+
cationic ligand and one trifluoromethanesulfonate anion that balances the positive charge of the ligand. The tetrahedral geometry around the boron center is distorted as a result of the steric bulk of the phenyl groups. Weak interactions, such as π–π stacking are present in the crystal structure.
Functionalized 3-(5-aryloxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1-(4-substituted-phenyl)prop-2-en-1-ones: synthetic pathway, and the structures of six examples
Authors: Kiran Kumar Haruvegowda , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Asma  , Manju Nagaraja , Kalluraya Balakrishna , Rathore Ravindranath S. , Glidewell Christopher
Published: April 2020

Five examples each of 3-(5-aryloxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1-[4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-ones and the corresponding 1-(4-azidophenyl)-3-(5-aryloxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones have been synthesized in a highly efficient manner, starting from a common source precursor, and structures have been determined for three examples of each type. In each of 3-[5-(2-chlorophenoxy)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1-[4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, C28H21ClN2O3, (Ib), the isomeric 3-[5-(2-chlorophenoxy)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1-[4-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, (Ic), and 3-[3-methyl-5-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1-[4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, C32H24N2O3, (Ie), the molecules are linked into chains of rings, formed by two independent C—H...O hydrogen bonds in (Ib) and by a combination of C—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds in each of (Ic) and (Ie). There are no direction-specific intermolecular interactions in the structure of 1-(4-azidophenyl)-3-[3-methyl-5-(2-methylphenoxy)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]prop-2-en-1-one, C26H21N5O2, (IIa). In 1-(4-azidophenyl)-3-[5-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]prop-2-en-1-one, C25H17Cl2N5O2, (IId), the dichlorophenyl group is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies 0.55 (4) and 0.45 (4), and the molecules are linked by a single C—H...O hydrogen bond to form cyclic, centrosymmetric R
2
2(20) dimers. Similar dimers are formed in 1-(4-azidophenyl)-3-[3-methyl-5-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]prop-2-en-1-one, C29H21N5O2, (IIe), but here the dimers are linked into a chain of rings by two independent C—H..π(arene) hydrogen bonds. Comparisons are made between the molecular conformations within both series of compounds.
The crystal structures of Fe-bearing MgCO3sp2- andsp3-carbonates at 98 GPa from single-crystal X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Chariton Stella , Bykov Maxim , Bykova Elena , Koemets Egor , Fedotenko Timofey , Winkler Björn , Hanfland Michael , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Greenberg Eran , McCammon Catherine , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: April 2020

The crystal structure of MgCO3-II has long been discussed in the literature where DFT-based model calculations predict a pressure-induced transition of the carbon atom from thesp2to thesp3type of bonding. We have now determined the crystal structure of iron-bearing MgCO3-II based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements using synchrotron radiation. We laser-heated a synthetic (Mg0.85Fe0.15)CO3single crystal at 2500 K and 98 GPa and observed the formation of a monoclinic phase with composition (Mg2.53Fe0.47)C3O9in the space groupC2/mthat contains tetrahedrally coordinated carbon, where CO44−tetrahedra are linked by corner-sharing oxygen atoms to form three-membered C3O96−ring anions. The crystal structure of (Mg0.85Fe0.15)CO3(magnesium iron carbonate) at 98 GPa and 300 K is reported here as well. In comparison with previous structure-prediction calculations and powder X-ray diffraction data, our structural data provide reliable information from experiments regarding atomic positions, bond lengths, and bond angles.
A bibliometric study of grey literature (2007-2019)
Authors: Mahala Avijit , Dwivedi Gayatri , Tripathi Manorama
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to spotlight the research output in the field of grey literature (GL) during the 13-year period between 2007 and 2019 as reflected in the Scopus database.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used Scopus, an abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature, to collect data for the specified 13-year period. The sources, which had “grey literature” in their titles, were considered for the study and the period was from 2007 to 2019. The downloaded results were analysed using specific parameters. The SPSS and Excel have been used for analysing the retrieved data. The VOSviewer has been used for visualizing the network.

Findings

Scopus indexes different kinds of documents such as articles, books, chapters, conference papers, editorial, erratum, letters, notes, reviews and short surveys. There were 345 publications, which received 309 citations. GL-Conference Series: Conference Proceedings published the most number of articles. The majority 51.9 per cent of the articles were published in collaboration with authors from European countries. The term “grey literature” occurred most commonly as author keyword and index term.

Originality/value

The present study highlights how the area of GL has evolved during the 13-year period. The findings of the study pave the way for more detailed exploration of GL, which has relevance for the researchers.
Retrieval performance of Google, Yahoo and Bing for navigational queries in the field of “life science and biomedicine”
Authors: Gul Sumeer , Ali Sabha , Hussain Aabid
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the retrieval performance of three search engines, i.e. Google, Yahoo and Bing for navigational queries using two important retrieval measures, i.e. precision and relative recall in the field of life science and biomedicine.

Design/methodology/approach

Top three search engines namely Google, Yahoo and Bing were selected on the basis of their ranking as per Alexa, an analytical tool that provides ranking of global websites. Furthermore, the scope of study was confined to those search engines having interface in English. Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science was used for the extraction of navigational queries in the field of life science and biomedicine. Navigational queries (classified as one-word, two-word and three-word queries) were extracted from the keywords of the papers representing the top 100 contributing authors in the select field. Keywords were also checked for the duplication. Two important evaluation parameters, i.e. precision and relative recall were used to calculate the performance of search engines on the navigational queries.

Findings

The mean precision for Google scores high (2.30) followed by Yahoo (2.29) and Bing (1.68), while mean relative recall also scores high for Google (0.36) followed by Yahoo (0.33) and Bing (0.31) respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study is of great help to the researchers and academia in determining the retrieval efficiency of Google, Yahoo and Bing in terms of navigational query execution in the field of life science and biomedicine. The study can help users to focus on various search processes and the query structuring and its execution across the select search engines for achieving desired result list in a professional search environment. The study can also act as a ready reference source for exploring navigational queries and how these queries can be managed in the context of information retrieval process. It will also help to showcase the retrieval efficiency of various search engines on the basis of subject diversity (life science and biomedicine) highlighting the same in terms of query intention.

Originality/value

Though many studies have been conducted highlighting the retrieval efficiency of search engines the current work is the first of its kind to study the retrieval effectiveness of Google, Yahoo and Bing on navigational queries in the field of life science and biomedicine. The study will help in understanding various methods and approaches to be adopted by the users for the navigational query execution across a professional search environment, i.e. “life science and biomedicine”
From likes to love: trust catalysing the digital romantic journey
Authors: Nayar Burna , Koul Surabhi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The behavioural changes embraced by the current generation has prompted researchers to revisit the paradigm of human relationships, especially romantic liaisons. The present study revisits the construct of romantic relationships steered by social media platforms, through the dimensions of self-disclosure, social intimacy and trust. The role of trust as a mediator to determine the success of online dating is also explored in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the data collected from 225 respondents (86 females and 139 males) in the age group of 18 to 30 years. The respondents were asked to fill a questionnaire (provided they fulfilled the necessary conditions and expressed their consent to be a participant in this study).

Findings

The study validates that the extent of self-disclosure propels the degree of social intimacy. The results also confirm a significant partial mediation effect of trust on the relationship between social intimacy and the success of online dating. Thus, practitioners need to keep in mind that the probability of online dating success is higher when individuals disclose more and engage in an intimate relationship driven by trust.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample is restricted to young adults ranging from 18 to 30 years, based on the author’s convenience. The study was restricted to three most popular social media platforms in India where disclosure is limited to private timelines or messages. Another limitation of this study is that a multi-variate model of analysis could not be used due to the lack of parallel variables. Further studies can also compare online versus offline dating behaviour and determinants that influence the romantic relationship between two partners.

Practical implications

The new perspective could be to ascertain specific built-in mechanisms providers should develop to ensure that the new generation benefits from new technology rather than falling victim to its toxins.

Social implications

The study re-establishes the importance of the role of trust in any romantic relationship – may it be online or the more traditional, offline or face-to-face mode.

Originality/value

The study delves into the domain of existing romantic relationships established through the modernistic viewpoint of online social media platforms. The findings bring a fresh perspective on the dynamics of online romantic relationships through the mélange of self-disclosure, social intimacy and trust. Previous literature suggests that trust is dependent on self-disclosure, which is in contrast with the results of the current study. The present study corroborates that trust leads to the success of online dating.
Analysis of digital transformation of services in a research library
Authors: Indrák Michal , Pokorná Lenka
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The Moravian Library has noted a long-term decline in the total number of visitors and the number of books either lent or used for reference, a phenomenon, which is generally explained by the increased availability of digitised books and a wider selection of electronic services in general. This paper aims to examine whether this is indeed the case, comparing the usage of the physical and digital libraries. The study also examines whether all the elements of library usage change accordingly with the digital transformation of the library’s services, what are the actual implications of this trend for research libraries in general, determining an ideal model for such a library; it proposes possible solutions to the challenges digital transformation brings about. At the same time, the study attempts to answer the question whether the overall number of library users is actually decreasing or increasing and what impact digital transformation has on the reach of library services.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative analysis of data with offline usage statistics on one hand and data obtained via backend logging and Google analytics on the other, and an evaluation of a questionnaire survey among digital library users.

Findings

The data analysis demonstrates that it is not only possible but also even desirable, to gradually replace traditional library services with a digital infrastructure without major complications.

Originality/value

The case study provides statistically substantiated examples of a successful partial digital transformation in a research library in the Czech Republic.
The duty of candour and the NHS agenda
Authors: Powell Martin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore how the duty of candour got onto the agenda of the British National Health Service.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual approach is based on multiple streams approach, with the methodology being interpretive content analysis, which uses a deductive approach that focuses on both manifest and latent content.

Findings

The duty of candour got onto the NHS agenda as a result of the Mid Staffordshire inquiry report and the long-term “interest group” campaign associated with Robbie's Law. It is argued that the “focusing event” of the Mid Staffordshire Inquiry Report opened the “policy window”. It also highlights the importance of “policy entrepreneur” Sir Robert Francis whose “claim to a hearing”, “political connections” and “persistence” was vital.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis was confined to published documents.

Originality/value

It highlights some of the factors that suggested why the duty of candour got onto the NHS agenda when it did.
Impact of implementing lean practices on firm performance: a study of Northern India SMEs
Authors: Saini Sachin , Singh Doordarshi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impingement of lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Northern India and their relationship with firm performance. This paper makes an attempt to identify the lean practices, which are more beneficial and their impact on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a qualitative survey of 183 Northern India SMEs is collected and analysed using correlation, regression, canonical analysis and ANOVA test are conducted for developing relationships between them.

Findings

The outcome of this study indicates that the embracement of lean is necessary for their survival in this competitive spirit. Lean practices helped the SMEs to cope up with the persistent stress given by the spirited market. From the data investigation, it is revealed that total productive maintenance, supplier management, just-in-time and five S practices enhance the firm performance. Other practices such as plant management practices, operational and people practices found in a lesser extent than previous ones. From the correlation, it is revealed that lean practices have a strong relationship with firm performance. In one-way ANOVA test results indicating that the number of firms, which are less in the initial stage of lean implementation and much more impressive in a transition stage.

Research limitations/implications

The chosen approach for this research study was the cross-sectional one limited to the northern region of India and the investigated variables.

Practical implications

This study will help the stakeholders and manufacturers to enhance the performance of firms using LMPs, especially in a developing country. From these findings, practitioners and academicians would focus on vital issues related to firm enhancement apart from operational measures.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts in which relation is developed between LMPs and firm performance and further data are investigated using canonical cross loadings and ANOVA analysis.
Hiring discrimination against transgender job applicants – considerations when designing a study
Authors: McFadden Ciarán
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper discusses the factors to consider when designing studies to measure hiring discrimination against transgender job applicants.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on academic literature related to hiring discrimination and transgender employment to build a detailed discussion of the numerous factors and issues inherent in hiring discrimination against transgender job applicants. By isolating and describing a number of relevant considerations, the paper aims to act as a guide for future studies to build upon.

Findings

Three types of hiring discrimination studies are discussed: correspondence tests, in-person experiments and student cohort experiments. Three main categories of factors relevant to an experiment’s design are then discussed: the legal context, industry/role factors and transgender population-specific factors. A flow-chart detailing the research design decision-making process is provided.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion within this paper will act as a reference and a guide for researchers seeking to address the dearth of empirical studies in the literature. The list is not exhaustive; while a number of factors relevant to transgender-specific studies are identified, there may be more that could affect an experiment's design.

Originality/value

Hiring discrimination against transgender people has been recorded in many surveys, but there is little empirical measurement of this discrimination. To the author's knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the experimental design decisions related to transgender hiring discrimination. In doing so, it provides contributions for two primary audiences: those researching transgender employment issues but who have never conducted a study measuring hiring discrimination; and those who have previously conducted studies on hiring discrimination, but have not done so with reference to transgender job applicants.
Effects of Green HRM and CEO ethical leadership on organizations' environmental performance
Authors: Ren Shuang , Tang Guiyao , Jackson Susan E.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study proposes and tests a model grounded in resource-based theory to describe how the formal rules embedded in an organization's green human resource management (GHRM) combine with informal cues communicated by members of the firm's upper echelon, including the CEO and members of the top management team (TMT), to affect a firm's environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-source data were collected from 240 human resource managers, chief financial officers and CEOs in 80 firms.

Findings

The results show that CEO ethical leadership moderates the positive relationship between GHRM and TMT green commitment, which in turn mediates the relationship between GHRM and firms' environmental performance.

Originality/value

The tested importance of CEO ethical leadership as an organizational condition that amplifies the effectiveness of strategically aligned HRM systems offers new theoretical insights to advance HRM scholarship.
Revisiting entrepreneurial capabilities and export market orientation: a multi-scale investigation in an emerging economy
Authors: Faroque Anisur R. , Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Bashar Mohammad Fuad Bin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The study aims to bridge entrepreneurial capability, export market orientation and the international performance of international new ventures (INVs). Thus, multi-scale entrepreneurial capabilities have been adopted to provide more profound insights into the literature on early internationalisation. Since little is known about the antecedents of export market orientation, the performance outcome of this is ambiguous. This study aims to enhance knowledge in this pressing research area.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study consists of data (354 firms) from INVs operating in the apparel industry of an emerging economy, namely, Bangladesh. Structural equation modelling has been used to investigate the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

For the Deshpandé and Farley (1999) scale, the effect of general entrepreneurial capability on intelligence dissemination and responsiveness is positively significant. Similarly, the effects of international entrepreneurial capability on customer orientation, intelligence generation, dissemination and responsiveness are positively significant. However, general entrepreneurial capability has non-significant effects on customer orientation and intelligence generation. The results also showed that export market orientation positively mediates the relationship between international entrepreneurial capability and firm performance. For the Morris and Paul (1987) scale, the hypothesised relationships between capabilities and market orientation are positively significant and, therefore, support the mediating relationships for both general entrepreneurial capability and international entrepreneurial capability.

Originality/value

Merely having capabilities without acknowledging the firm's strategic orientations is not sufficient to secure superior performance. The authors urge entrepreneurs to capitalise on their entrepreneurial capabilities to leverage organisation-wide export-market-oriented behaviour to achieve superior international performance in emerging economies.
Expectations from a private multi-speciality hospital: a moderated-mediation analysis
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Sharma Arpita
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A highly competitive market incentivizes private healthcare providers to deliver high quality services. The purpose of this paper is to identify the perceived expectations of a new private multi-speciality hospital in a non-metro city. To this end, the paper develops a model using identified relevant factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was administered to 900 people. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were then applied to the data, and partial least square-structural equation modelling was used to test the moderated mediation model.

Findings

Word-of-mouth and safety (WM) and access to the hospital and the cost of medical services are found to be important factors for the perceived expectations of the hospitals by medical facility and treatment at a hospital. High quality medical facilities can lead to improved perceived expectations of hospitals, mediated by positive WM. Levels of access to the hospital and the cost of services can significantly moderate the perceived expectations of a hospital, despite good medical facilities.

Practical implications

The study has implications for policymakers and hospital authorities in the context of private sector multi-speciality hospitals in non-metro cities. It will help healthcare managers and service providers to better understand customer perceived expectations, and thereby develop effective strategies for customer service. Decision-makers are encouraged to focus on positive word-of-mouth and enhancement of customer safety to bring about favourable expectations of hospitals. Beyond merely having excellent medical facilities, hospitals that ensure ease of access to the hospital and keep costs low can achieve positive consumer expectations and satisfaction levels.

Originality/value

The paper makes three novel contributions as follows: the mere presence of high quality medical facilities and practices does not equate to positive expectations about the hospital among the patients; access to the hospital and the cost of its services are important in bringing about positive expectations among healthcare consumers; and WM can significantly moderate positive expectations of the hospital. The authors are not aware of any of these findings being previously reported.
The impact of board independence and foreign ownership on financial and social performance of firms: evidence from the UAE
Authors: Al-Gamrh Bakr , Al-Dhamari Redhwan , Jalan Akanksha , Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examines the impact of two different types of foreign ownership—by Arab and non-Arab investors on firms' financial and social performance. It then goes on to investigate how the degree of board independence affects the aforementioned relationship between these two types of foreign investors on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for the study is a panel of all listed firms in the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and the Abu Dhabi Securities exchange (ADX) from 2008 to 2012.

Findings

Results indicate that while Arab foreign ownership affects firms' financial and social performance negatively, non-Arab foreign ownership does so, positively. Further tests indicate that board independence weakens the negative relationship between firm financial and social performance with foreign Arab ownership and deteriorate the relationship between firm financial and social performance and non-Arab foreign ownership.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies may extend the coverage of the study by including other countries in the region and other identities of the foreign investors.

Practical implications

This study may help policy makers in the UAE to improve the implementation and enforcement of existing regulations concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR) and board independence. It also highlights the need to look into the monitoring role of independent board members.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the role of board independence on the relationship between foreign ownership and firm's financial and social performance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that attempts to enrich the understanding of foreign ownership by classifying it into Arab versus non-Arab.
Do empowerment and materialism influence slow fashion consumption? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Sobreira Érica Maria Calíope , Silva Clayton Robson Moreira da , Romero Cláudia Buhamra Abreu
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Given that slow fashion is a movement that develops a comprehensive understanding of sustainable fashion and it is little explored in the Brazilian academic field, this study aims to analyze the influence of empowerment and materialism on slow fashion consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey, and quantitative methods were applied to analyze the sample of 306 clothing consumers from Fortaleza, the 5th largest Brazilian city and capital of the State of Ceará, which ranks fifth in the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Chain Billing Ranking.

Findings

In general, empowerment had a positive influence on slow fashion consumption. On the other hand, materialism positively influenced only one orientation toward slow fashion (exclusivity).

Research limitations/implications

As a limitation of the study, the lack of a specific scale to measure consumer empowerment stands out. In addition, the sample was restricted to consumers from Fortaleza, thus results might differ for different locations.

Practical implications

The study provides managerial implications related to how strategies of empowerment can be incorporated by slow fashion companies into their marketing programs, such as more active consumer involvement in product co-creation processes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the construction of theoretical and empirical knowledge on slow fashion, from its association with constructs such as empowerment and materialism. Furthermore, a conceptual model involving all relations found between the factors of the three constructs has been proposed.
A research model for identifying factors that drive effective decision-making and the future of work
Authors: Kudyba Stephan , Fjermestad Jerry , Davenport Thomas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The evolving digital transformations of organizational processes involve vast complexities. Factors such as labor resources at the individual and team levels that integrate and utilize information resources and evolving technologies to achieve collective intelligence are essential to this process. In order to better understand evolving demands of labor resources, existing research regarding worker/technology interactions for firm performance must be implemented and adapted to the changing market. This paper provides a conceptual research model enabling organizations to better understand the integration of worker/team attributes with collaboration modes, information resources and augmented technologies that yield effective collective intelligence for decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This manuscript includes a literature review on worker/team attributes interfacing with various technology platforms and the creation of collective intelligence. It then reviews complementary research including leadership elements for organizational outcomes and introduces more current work involving a digital transformation. The literature review provides the underpinnings for a conceptual model that incorporates essential elements for the creation of collective intelligence for decision-making and adds factors that are relevant for digital transformations. These elements include augmented technologies including cognitive technologies, collaborative platforms and worker attributes (skills, social sensitivity, leadership) all of which illustrate components of intellectual capital.

Findings

The paper summarizes key findings of existing research in worker/team interactions with technology platforms on organizational performance and provides an applied, conceptual research model incorporating these findings, along with new elements in the digital era for better identifying new worker requirements.

Originality/value

The value of this work is the introduction of an applied conceptual model based on established literature findings that includes new technologies (e.g. cognitive technologies), collaboration modes and worker/team attributes to address the requirements of the evolving knowledge worker in the digital era. It provides a framework to better understand more optimal resource allocations for the creation of collective intelligence and integrates the model components within an intellectual capital framework.
Social return on investment in the public sector
Authors: Vluggen Rob , Kuijpers Relus , Semeijn Janjaap , Gelderman Cees J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Social return on investment (SROI) is a systematic way of incorporating social values of different stakeholders into public sector decision-making on sustainability. This study aims to identify salient factors that influence SROI implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The interactions of four Dutch municipalities and their social enterprises were examined, by analyzing relevant documents and interviewing key actors.

Findings

External forces appear to have little influence on SROI implementation. Management systems, legal restrictions in relation to privacy and the administrative burden appear to hinder SROI implementation. Findings suggest that trust among the parties involved and their representatives is a major driver for SROI development. SROI is not measured well enough, which complicates analyzing and reporting its development.

Research limitations/implications

Achieving collaboration through trust is a characteristic of stewardship theory, and therefore useful for studying social sustainability. Combining agency and stewardship theory provides useful insights concerning the application of control mechanisms versus empowerment.

Practical implications

Barriers can be overcome by informing and engaging suppliers in SROI initiatives. Furthermore, findings of this study suggest that it is easier for municipalities to incorporate SROI when social firm activities are insourced. An independent procurement function stimulates SROI development. Engaged professionals can make the difference in SROI policy implementation, more so than written policies.

Social implications

SROI enables social sustainability. SROI can be used by public agencies to provide meaningful activities for the long-term unemployed and underprivileged adolescents.

Originality/value

The study is the first empirical work that relates public procurement to SROI implementation and its effect on suppliers. The findings provide valuable insights into government influence on social enterprises.