bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sarbecoviruses of British Horseshoe Bats; Sequence Variation and Epidemiology
Authors: Apaa Ternenge , Withers Amy J. , Staley Ceri , Blanchard Adam , Bennett Malcolm , Bremner-Harrison Samantha , Chadwick Elizabeth A. , Hailer Frank , Harrison Stephen W.R. , Loose Mathew , Mathews Fiona , Tarlinton Rachael
Published: February 2023

Horseshoe bats are the natural hosts of theSarbecovirussubgenus that includes SARS-CoV-1 and 2. Despite the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still little known about the underlying epidemiology and virology of sarbecoviruses in their natural hosts, leaving large gaps in our pandemic preparedness. Here we describe the results of PCR testing for sarbecoviruses in the two horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophus hipposiderosandR. ferrumequinum) present in Great Britain, collected in 2021-22 during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and ninety sevenR. hipposiderossamples from 33 roost sites and 277R. ferremequinumsamples from 20 roost sites were tested. No coronaviruses were detected in any samples fromR. ferrumequinumwhereas 44% and 56% of individual and pooled (respectively) faecal samples fromR. hipposiderosacross multiple roost sites tested positive in a sarbecovirus-specific qPCR. Full genome sequences were generated from three of the positive samples (and partial genomes from two more) using Illumina RNAseq on unenriched samples. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the obtained sequences belong to the same monophyletic clade, with >95% similarity, as previously reported European isolates fromR. hipposideros. The sequences differed in the presence or absence of accessory genes ORF 7b, 9b and 10. All lacked the furin cleavage site of SARS-CoV-2 spike gene and are therefore unlikely to be infective for humans. These results demonstrate a lack, or at least low incidence, of SARS-CoV-2 spill over from humans to susceptible GB bats, and confirm that sarbecovirus infection is widespread inR. hipposideros. Despite frequently sharing roost sites withR. ferrumequinum, no evidence of cross-species transmission was found.
IL-33 drives polyfunctionality and antitumor activity of a unique ST2+ NK cell population
Authors: Eberhardt Anaïs , Blanc Elena , Picant Valentin , Alcazer Vincent , Rocca Yamila , Ardin Maude , Voissière Aurélien , Onodi Fanny , Rodriguez Céline , Tonon Laurie , Estavoyer Benjamin , Moudombi Lyvia , Charrier Emily , Wang Xi , Stojanovic Ana , Rau Tilman , Tredan Olivier , Treilleux Isabelle , Michallet Marie-Cécile , Valladeau-Guilemond Jenny , Marçais Antoine , Walzer Thierry , Krebs Philippe , Cerwenka Adelheid , Hubert Margaux , Caux Christophe , Bendriss-Vermare Nathalie
Published: February 2023

Natural Killer (NK) cell subsets differ to ensure complementary and crucial roles in tumor immunosurveillance. Their biology is critically regulated by cytokines. Here, we show that IL-33 synergizes with IL-12 to strongly activate a subset of CD56dimNK cells acquiring ST2 expression. Transcriptomic and biological analysis of human ST2+CD56dimNK cells revealed a distinct intermediate differentiation state between canonical CD56brightand CD56dimNK cells, combining high proliferative properties, cytokines/chemokines production, and cytotoxicity. NK cells expressing ST2 protein or exhibiting a ST2-linked transcriptional signature were identified in human and mouse tumors. Accordingly, IL-12 unleashes human breast tumor ST2+NK cell potential to produce IFN-γ in response to IL-33 and IL-33/IL-12 co-injection resulted in a NK-dependent IFN-γ secretion and anti-tumor effects in murine mammary tumors. AnIL33hi-NKhiscore in solid tumors correlated with increased progression-free patient survival. Our findings thus identify polyfunctional ST2+NK cells which effector functions can be harnessed by IL-33 to boost anti-tumor immunity.

One sentence summary

The IL-33/IL-33R(ST2)/NK cell axis is a key determinant of cancer immunity and immunotherapy.
Structural insight into guanylyl cyclase receptor hijacking of the kinase–Hsp90 regulatory mechanism
Authors: Caveney Nathanael A , Tsutsumi Naotaka , Garcia K Christopher
Published: February 2023

Membrane receptor guanylyl cyclases play a role in many important facets of human physiology, from regulating blood pressure to intestinal fluid secretion. The structural mechanisms which influence these important physiological processes have yet to be explored. We present the 3.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of the human membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase GC-C in complex with Hsp90 and its co-chaperone Cdc37, providing insight into the mechanism of Cdc37 mediated binding of GC-C to the Hsp90 regulatory complex. As a membrane protein and non-kinase client of Hsp90–Cdc37, this work shows the remarkable plasticity of Cdc37 to interact with a broad array of clients with significant sequence variation. Further, this work shows how membrane receptor guanylyl cyclases hijack the regulatory mechanisms used for active kinases to facilitate their regulation. Given the known druggability of Hsp90, these insights can guide the further development of membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase-targeted therapeutics and lead to new avenues to treat hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, and other membrane receptor guanylyl cyclase-related conditions.
Transcription regulation of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 by Sp1: a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Han Hui , Luo Rong-Hua , Long Xin-Yan , Wang Li-Qiong , Zhu Qian , Tang Xin-Yue , Zhu Rui , Ma Yi-Cheng , Zheng Yong-Tang , Zou Cheng-Gang
Published: February 2023

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a major cell entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Induction of ACE2 expression may represent an effective tactic employed by SARS-CoV-2 to facilitate its own propagation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of ACE2 expression after viral infection remain largely unknown. By employing an array of 45 different luciferase reporters, we identify that the transcription factor Sp1 positively and HNF4α negatively regulate the expression of ACE2 at the transcriptional levels in HPAEpiC cells, a human lung epithelial cell line. SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes and inhibits the transcription activity of Sp1 and HNF4α, respectively. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is activated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a crucial node for induction of ACE2 expression by increasing Sp1 phosphorylation, an indicator of its activity, and reducing HNF4α nuclear location. Furthermore, we show that colchicine could inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby suppressing ACE2 expression. Inhibition of Sp1 by either its inhibitor mithramycin A or colchicine reduces viral replication and tissue injury in Syrian hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. In summary, our study uncovers a novel function of Sp1 in regulating ACE2 expression and suggests that Sp1 is a potential target to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection.
2-Photon imaging of fluorescent proteins in living swine
Authors: Costine-Bartell Beth A. , Martinez-Ramirez Luis , Normoyle Kieran , Stinson Tawny , Staley Kevin J. , Lillis Kyle P.
Published: February 2023

A common point of failure in translation of preclinical neurological research to successful clinical trials comes in the giant leap from rodent models to humans. Non-human primates are phylogenetically close to humans, but cost and ethical considerations prohibit their widespread usage in preclinical trials. Swine have large, gyrencencephalic brains, which are biofidelic to human brains. Their classification as livestock makes them a readily accessible model organism. However, their size has precluded experiments involving intravital imaging with cellular resolution. Here, we present a suite of techniques and tools forin vivoimaging of porcine brains with subcellular resolution. Specifically, we describe surgical techniques for implanting a synthetic, flexible, transparent dural window for chronic optical access to the neocortex. We detail optimized parameters and methods for injecting adeno-associated virus vectors through the cranial imaging window to express fluorescent proteins. We introduce a large-animal 2-photon microscope that was constructed with off-the shelf components, has a gantry design capable of accommodating animals > 80 kg, and is equipped with a high-speed digitizer for digital fluorescence lifetime imaging. Finally, we delineate strategies developed to mitigate the substantial motion artifact that complicates high resolution imaging in large animals, including heartbeat-triggered high-speed image stack acquisition. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated in sample images acquired from pigs transduced with the chloride-sensitive fluorescent protein SuperClomeleon.
Future climate change impacts on anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) in the Northern Peru Current Ecosystem
Authors: Oliveros-Ramos Ricardo , Shin Yunne-Jai
Published: February 2023

The Northern Peru Current Ecosystem (NPCE) is the most productive ecosystem in terms of fish biomass and sustains the world’s largest small pelagic fishery, the Peruvian anchovy fishery. A cooling of this system has been observed during recent decades but the potential regional impacts of rising atmospheric CO2concentrations on upwelling dynamics and productivity are still unknown. We used the ecosystem model OSMOSE to forecast the impacts of several scenarios of climate change on Peruvian anchovy in the NPCE. The OSMOSE model was forced by plankton production and climate drivers from the Earth System Models IPSL CM5A-LR and GFDL-ESM2M for the period 2009-2100. For each earth system model, representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 were run. Our results showed that an optimistic trajectory for anchovy is a reduction of biomass at a rate of 14% per decade until mid-21st century, followed by a collapse and late recovery by the end of the 21st century, while no changes in the spatial distribution of the population were observed. The pessimistic trajectory for anchovy is a reduction of biomass of 22% per decade, with a collapse after 2020 and near extinction by 2060, with a spatial displacement of the population to the south and to more coastal areas. Further research is needed to include additional key environmental variables such as oxygen as well as more realistic fisheries management intervention scenarios to evaluate future options for the sustainability of anchovy resource and fisheries.
Chemically-induced targeted protein degradation in mycobacteria uncovers antibacterial effects and potentiates antibiotic efficacy
Authors: Won Harim I. , Zhu Junhao , Kandror Olga , Akopian Tatos , Wolf Ian D. , Chao Michael C. , Waldor Maya , Rubin Eric J.
Published: February 2023

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a new therapeutic modality involving selectively directing disease-causing proteins for degradation through proteolytic systems. Our ability to exploit this targeted protein degradation (TPD) approach for antibiotic development remains nascent due to our limited understanding of which bacterial proteins will be labile TPD targets. Here, we use a genetic system to model chemically-induced proximity and degradation to screen essential proteins inMycobacterium smegmatis(Msm), a model for the major human pathogenM. tuberculosis(Mtb). We find that drug-induced proximity to the bacterial ClpC1P1P2 proteolytic complex is sufficient to degrade many, but not all, endogenousMsmproteins, profoundly inhibiting bacterial growth for some targets. We also show that TPD can potentiate the effects of existing antibiotics targeting the same pathways and complexes. Together, our results identify specific endogenous mycobacterial proteins as attractive targets for futureMtbPROTAC development, as both standalone antibiotics and potentiators of existing antibiotic efficacy.
Naupliar exposure to acute warming does not affect ontogenetic patterns in respiration, size, or development time in the cosmopolitan copepodAcartia tonsa
Authors: Holmes-Hackerd Mathew , Sasaki Matthew , Dam Hans G.
Published: February 2023

Short-term, acute warming events are increasing in frequency across the world’s oceans. For short-lived species like most copepods, these extreme events can occur over both within- and between-generational time scales. Yet, it is unclear whether exposure to acute warming during early life stages of copepods can cause lingering effects on metabolism through development, even after the event has ended. These lingering effects would reduce the amount of energy devoted to growth and affect copepod population dynamics. We exposed nauplii of an ecologically important coastal species, Acartia tonsa, to a 24-hour warming event (control: 18°C; treatment: 28°C), and then tracked individual respiration rate, body length, and stage duration through development. As expected, we observed a decrease in massspecific respiration rates as individuals developed. However, exposure to acute warming had no effect on the ontogenetic patterns in per-capita or mass-specific respiration rates, body length, or development time. The lack of these carryover effects through ontogeny suggests within-generational resilience to acute warming in this copepod species.
Atlas-scale single-cell chromatin accessibility using nanowell-based combinatorial indexing
Authors: O'Connell Brendan L. , Nichols Ruth V. , Pokholok Dmitry , Thomas Jerushah , Acharya Sonia N. , Nishida Andrew , Thornton Casey A. , Co Marissa , Fields Andrew J. , Steemers Frank J. , Adey Andrew C.
Published: February 2023

Here we present advancements in single-cell combinatorial indexed Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin (sciATAC) to measure chromatin accessibility that leverage nanowell chips to achieve atlas-scale cell throughput (>105cells) at low cost. The platform leverages the core of the sciATAC workflow where multiple indexed tagmentation reactions are performed, followed by pooling and distribution to a second set of reaction wells for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based indexing. In this work, we instead leverage a chip containing 5184 nanowells at the PCR stage of indexing, enabling a 52-fold improvement in scale and reduction in per-cell preparation costs. We detail three variants that balance cell throughput and depth of coverage, and apply these methods to banked mouse brain tissue, producing maps of cell types as well as neuronal subtypes that include integration with existing single-cell Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin (scATAC) and scRNA-seq data sets. Our optimized workflow achieves a high fraction of reads that fall within called peaks (>80%) and low cell doublet rates. The high cell coverage technique produces high unique reads per cell, while retaining high enrichment for open chromatin regions, enabling the assessment of >70,000 unique accessible loci on average for each cell profiled. When compared to current methods in the field, our technique provides similar or superior per-cell information with very low levels of cell-to-cell cross talk, and achieves this at a cost point much lower than existing assays.
Synthesizing pseudo-Kossel lines from neutron transmission data. I. An analytical approach for recovering single-crystal orientation
Authors: Dessieux L. L. , Stoica A. D. , Frost M. J. , dos Santos A. M.
Published: February 2023

The energy-dispersive neutron spectra transmitted through single crystals are characterized by sharp Bragg dips at specific wavelengths, where Bragg's law is being fulfilled for certain crystallographic planes. This phenomenon allows for developing methods for crystal-orientation determination techniques similar to electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction microscopy. This work presents a new procedure to recover the orientation matrix for single crystals using transmission spectra recorded during rotation of a crystal about an axis perpendicular to a polychromatic neutron beam. The proposed method consists of an initial transformation of the as-collected wavelength–rotation maps to a wavevector K space, resulting in linear pseudo-Kossel lines that are suitable for analysis and indexing using image-processing procedures. Simulated neutron transmission spectra through a copper crystal with known orientations were used to set and prove the numerical approach. This technique may be expanded for cases where the neutron beam intersects multiple single-crystal grains with different orientations.
Data mining analytics investigate WeChat users’ behaviours: online social media and social commerce development
Authors: Liao Shu-Hsien , Widowati Retno , Lin Wei-Can
Published: February 2023

Purpose

As of December 2021, WeChat had more than 1.2 billion active users worldwide, making it the most active online social media in mainland China. The term social commerce is used to describe new online sales through a mix of social networks and/or peer-to-peer communication or marketing strategies in terms of allowing consumers to satisfy their shopping behaviour through online social media. Thus, given the numerous active users, the development of online social media and social commerce on WeChat is a critical issue of internet research.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study takes WeChat as the online social media research object. Questionnaires for WeChat users in China were designed and distributed. All items are designed as nominal and ordinal scales (not Likert scale). The obtained data was put into a relational database (N = 2,342), and different meaningful patterns and rules were examined through data mining analytics, including clustering analysis and association rules, to explore the role of WeChat in the development of online social media and social commerce.

Findings

Practical implications are presented according to the research findings of meaningful patterns and rules. In addition, alternatives to WeChat in terms of further development are also proposed according to the investigation findings of WeChat users’ behaviour and preferences in China.

Originality/value

This study concludes that online social media, such as WeChat, will be able to transcend the current development pattern of most online social media and make good use of investigating users’ behaviour and preferences, not only to stimulate the interaction of users in the social network, but also to create social commerce value in social sciences.
Effectiveness of banking card security in the Ethiopian financial sector: PCI-DSS security standard as a lens
Authors: Lessa Lemma , Gebrehawariat Daniel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study is aimed at assessing the information security management practice with a focus on banking card security in selected financial institutions in Ethiopia, using an international information security standard as a benchmark. It is to identify the gaps and recommend best security practices to help financial institutions meet the required security compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two financial sectors were purposively selected. A total of twenty-five respondents (IT executives and IT staff) were included in the study. Quantitative data was collected using the PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) security standard questionnaire. In addition, observation and document analysis were made.

Findings

The result shows that most of the essential security management activities in the financial sectors do not comply with the international security standard. Similarly, the level of most of the indispensable security requirements that should be in place is found to be below the acceptable level. The study also revealed major security factors that prohibit the financial sectors from PCI-DSS security standard compliance.

Originality/value

This study assessed the information security management practice with a focus on banking card security and tried to figure out the limitations of security practices of the organizations surveyed based on the standard adopted. The topic has not been well explored especially in the Ethiopia context. Hence, the result can positively influence security policies, particularly in the banking sector.
Research on active disturbance rejection control technique for underwater welding robot based on model compensation
Authors: Li Shengqian , Zhang Xiaofan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

An active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) based on model compensation is proposed in this paper. The method should first be taken a nominal model of the robot to compensate. Subsequently, the uncertain external disturbance is estimated and compensated is used an expansion state observer (ESO) in real time, which can reduce the estimating range of observation for ESO. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a novel method to improve the system tracking performance, as well as the dynamic and static performance index.

Design/methodology/approach

A welding robot is a complicated system with uncertainty, time-varying, strong coupling and a nonlinear system; it is more complex as if it is used in an underwater environment, and it is difficult to establish an accurate dynamic model for an underwater welding robot. Aiming at the tracking control of an underwater welding robot, it is difficult to achieve the control performance requirements by the conventional proportional integral derivative method to realize automatic tracking of the seam.

Findings

The simulation experiment is carried out by MATLAB/Simulink, and the application experiment is recorded. The experimental results show that the control method is correct and effective, and the system’s tracking performance is stable, and the robustness and tracking accuracy of the system are also improved.

Originality/value

The seam gets plumper and smoother, with better continuity and no undercut phenomenon.
A nation brand development framework: the stakeholders’ perspective
Authors: Abdalmajid Jilan , Papasolomou Ioanna , Vrontis Demetris , Melanthiou Yioula , Thrassou Alkis , Uzunboylu Naziyet
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Literature on nation branding is heterogeneous and varies significantly, not only in terminological terms but also in theoretical approaches and practical application. This paper aims to conduct an extensive exploratory study that empirically develops a comprehensive nation brand framework for Palestine, with international applications as well.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, a conceptual framework for developing a nation brand is theoretically designed. Subsequently, through a methodologically deductive–inductive approach and qualitative means, it tests, adapts and refines the framework based on empirical data collected from key stakeholders, such as government officials, politicians, business people and academics.

Findings

The theoretical part of the research uncovers the extant key models and core concepts, and it identifies several gaps, with the more prominent one being the lack of an integrated and widely adopted framework for developing a nation brand. The research, thus, conclusively builds a holistic strategic framework towards a distinct nation brand for Palestine, with generic/international application and value, also presenting the practical implications of the findings and identifying avenues for further research.

Originality/value

There are varying extant perspectives on the topic, with these different views often reflecting scholars’ and stakeholders’ methodological approaches, perspectives and even deeper ontological beliefs and convictions. This paper is original consequent to its multi-perspective approach, the strength of its theoretical foundation, the extent and methodological approach of its empirical research, the uniqueness of its focus and the comprehensiveness of the framework developed that can also be used as the conceptual cornerstone for testing in other nations branding studies as well.
Do professional management accountants in business understand their professional code of ethics? Evidence from the Indian context
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Bhuyan Nisigandha
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the understanding of the professional code of ethics of Indian Professional Management Accountants in Business (PMAIBs). It further delves into their individual, job and organizational characteristics as determinants of their understanding of the code.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on data from 247 responses to a survey-based questionnaire. Overall scores and sub-scores of the level of understanding of the code were calculated based on questions grounded in IESBA Code and ethical dilemmas. The drivers of these scores were then examined using one-way ANOVA, OLS, Probit and ordered probit regressions.

Findings

This study found considerable heterogeneity in Indian PMAIBs' understanding of their professional code of ethics and substantial scope for improvements. PMAIBs were stronger in Application, Resolution and Threats but weaker in Theory and Principles. Further, PMAIBs who had ranked themselves higher on code-familiarity, had higher moral maturity, hailed from western India and worked for foreign-listed, foreign-owned firms were found to have a higher level of understanding of the code. Highly educated elderly professionals and professionals with more responsibility areas exhibited a lower level of understanding of the code.

Research limitations/implications

Insights from the study can help professional bodies, employers and academics identify and segment PMAIBs based on their ethics-training needs and customize interventions, which can benefit businesses and society through reduced corporate ethical failures. Considering the risk implications of Indian PMAIBs' inadequacies in understanding their code of ethics, the Indian professional accounting organization (ICAI-CMA) should mandate ethics in continuing professional development and expedite its long pending convergence with the IESBA code, a global benchmark for professional accountants.

Originality/value

This paper assesses the understanding of the professional code of ethics of PMAIBs, which is crucial yet amiss in the accounting ethics literature. While ethical decision-making is extensively researched, how well the professionals understand their code is yet unexplored. Research on PMAIBs, despite their unique ethical vulnerabilities and increasingly vital role in organizations, is still dormant. This study aims to fill these gaps by examining PMAIBs from India, an emerging economy under-represented in accounting ethics literature. India offers an important and rich setting for the study due to its large size, fast growth, deep integration with the global economy, high perceived corruption levels and poor ethical behavior of its firms.
What drives senior tourists to travel to islands? The case of the Azores
Authors: Robina-Ramirez Rafael , da Silva Mendes José Carlos , Silva Osvaldo Dias Lopes , de Medeiros Maria Teresa Pires
Published: February 2023

Purpose

According to the theory of push and pull factors, the current work aims to present two objectives: (1) to detect what attributes drive senior tourists to travel to the Azores islands, the role played by lecturing activities (LA) as push factors and their influence on the island's offer (pull factors) are analysed; and (2) to understand the personal and contextual barriers of tourists to provide information to the agents who form part of the tourism supply process on the island.

Design/methodology/approach

The data has been processed using the statistical package SmartPLS version 26. Using an exploratory methodology based on structural equation modeling (SEM) structural equations applied to small sample sizes, a tentative model has been generated to define the drivers of tourism for elderly people who visit the islands.

Findings

The research study reveals that LA are the key factor in completing the offering of tourist destinations in the Azores. Educational packages should be made available to senior tourists. Likewise, several tourism barriers, such as flight times, cost of the trip, concern about the safety of destinations, type of accommodation, language difficulties and medical and health care should also be revised by tourism authorities and flight stakeholders with regard to the Azores Islands.

Research limitations/implications

The reduced sample has made the results impossible to show greater predictive power.

Practical implications

The role played by push factors, such as lecturing or educational activities, and pull factors, such as the tourism offering by the island, allows us to envisage educational packages based on the preferences of senior tourists, such as attending lectures on the history of the Azores, gastronomy (traditional food), active ageing flora, and interesting facts and legends of the islands.

Social implications

As a push factor, social interaction has become the main motivation among senior tourists. Such tourists have conveyed not only their desire to meet other tourists but also their interest in socialising in tourist activities, relaxing and visiting other new places.

Originality/value

Even though LA are relatively common among university students and those with bachelor's degrees, educational packages for senior tourism are now gaining in popularity. Better socio-economic conditions worldwide and easier access to education for mature people have allowed them to expand their knowledge by travelling to exotic destinations such as the Azores. This paper links that interest with barriers to travel as well as to the Azores' rich touristic offering.
Multidimensional scale development and validation: university service quality (UNIQUAL)
Authors: Sann Raksmey , Lai Pei-Chun , Liaw Shu-Yi , Chen Chi-Ting
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop an assessment scale for university service quality (university SQ) and examine University Service Quality assessment model (UNIQUAL) of higher education during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies applied a mixed-method design to develop and validate the UNIQUAL scale. In-depth interviews and literature reviews were conducted to refine the initial dimensions and items of UNIQUAL in Study 1. Item analysis, EFA and CFA were then conducted to purify item refinement, scale refinement, purification and validation in Study 2. Finally, a confirmed UNIQUAL model was analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart-PLS 4.0.

Findings

The research confirms the four-factor structure of UNIQUAL, with a total of 16 items, to be a valid and reliable scale for the assessment of the service quality (SQ) of universities. Having adopted the bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap approach to study 5,000 subsamples from 27 countries, the authors found “responsiveness” and “empathy” to be significantly associated and have positive relationships with students' satisfaction with university SQ. Furthermore, university SQ and satisfaction were mediated by “health and safety” concerns.

Practical implications

The newly developed UNIQUAL scale would be of value to educators and authorities of higher education to assess the SQ of their universities to enhance the effectiveness of student learning. The improvement in satisfaction with higher education's SQ ultimately helps in retaining both international and local students amidst concerns about traveling and studying during the pandemic.

Social implications

COVID-19 has affected the private and public sectors worldwide. Millions of students have been affected by schools being shut down and substituted with distance-learning programs. Thus, the assessment of the quality of university services has become an important support mechanism for retaining the sustainability of higher education.

Originality/value

The UNIQUAL scale provides a conceptual model and validates an assessment tool. The research hypotheses confirm the relationship between university SQ and satisfaction from the perspective of international students.
Integrative generation of Korea's “Dosan Seowon” architectural space
Authors: Oh Sangeun , Park Soram , Jung Hyejin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Traditional Korean buildings do not differ significantly in form or structural style according to era or building type. The authors interpret this from a generative rather than a typological perspective. The generation perspective considers factors forming the buildings and is connected to the prevailing thoughts of the era.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the generation method of seowon facilities in the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), focusing on the Dosan Seowon. Based on Koreans' long-term thinking, the authors applied the extracted architectural space generation layers for analysis, and present an integrated method of generation layers when the Dosan Seowon was built.

Findings

The immanent, physical and body perceptual layers presented for seowon formation analysis are represented by thought, form and territory. Specific aspects of these layers in the Dosan Seowon are analyzed, including the architectural arrangement that connects the land conditions with neo-Confucian courtesy and order, the collective architectural form considering the energy of yin and yang, and the elements of objects that affect the human body perception. This form of architecture was closely linked with and strongly influenced by monistic philosophy.

Social implications

After the Korean War, architects judged traditional buildings only by shapes, and quickly accepted Western architecture's forms. Presenting a generative perspective of traditional Korean architecture expands the theoretical research direction of modern succession.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to examine the generation method based on the Dosan Seowon's generation layers.
Best time to post and review on Facebook and Instagram: analytical evidence
Authors: Singh Nripendra , Jaiswal Anand , Singh Tanuj
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the time for social media posts and reviews in order to determine the best timing to ensure maximum outreach and interactions from users. The study intends to analytically investigate a company's Facebook and Instagram pages to get meaningful insights for effective post management.

Design/methodology/approach

“Great Deal Tires” company’s Facebook and Instagram business pages were taken as the case study and patterns and analytical insights for different posts using Facebook and Instagram analytics were identified. The study categorically selected posts from Facebook pages and Instagram pages that were posted at different times and assessed on their impact.

Findings

According to the study, Tuesday and Wednesday have higher engagement on the Great Deal Tires Facebook page, while Friday has higher engagement on Instagram. The study also provided valuable insights into post content and timing in order to increase the marketing impact of the posts.

Originality/value

The study provides an analytical framework for analyzing post and review timing on various company business pages, allowing marketers to initiate more user visits and interactions.
Contextualizing resilience to critical infrastructure maintenance supply networks
Authors: Scholten Kirstin , van Donk Dirk Pieter , Power Damien , Braeuer Stephanie
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To be able to continuously provide affordable services to consumers, managers of critical infrastructure (CI) maintenance supply networks have to balance investments in resilience with costs. At the same time, CI providers need to consider factors that influence resilience such as the geographical spread or the location of the network. This study aims to contextualize supply chain resilience knowledge by exploring how maintenance resource configurations impact resilience and costs in CI supply networks.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth longitudinal single case study of a representative CI provider that has centralized its maintenance supply network is used. Data were collected before and after the change to evaluate the effect of the changes on the maintenance supply network.

Findings

This study shows that in this specific CI maintenance context, structural resource choices such as the quantity or location of spare parts and tools, the creation and exploitation of tacit knowledge and staff motivation impact both resilience and costs due to geographical spread, network location and other network properties.

Originality/value

This study extends general supply chain resilience knowledge to a new setting (i.e. CI) and shows how existing insights apply in this context. More specifically, it is shown that even in engineered supply networks there is a need to consider the effect of human agency on resilience as the creation and exploitation of tacit knowledge are of immense importance in managing the network. In addition, the relationship between normal accidents theory and high reliability theory (HRT) is revisited as findings indicate that HRT is also important after a disruption has taken place.
“Fake or not, I’m sharing it”: teen perception about disinformation in social networks
Authors: Zozaya-Durazo Luisa Dolores , Sádaba-Chalezquer Charo , Feijoo‐Fernández Beatriz
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Disinformation has become a latent risk for online audiences, specifically for minors who are commonly exposed to a wide variety of online content at a time they are developing cognitively and emotionally. This paper aims to offer insight on minors’ perception and the tools used by this age group to verify the content to which they are exposed while online.

Design/methodology/approach

Twelve focus groups were held in Spain between April and June 2021 with a total of 62 participants aged 11–17. Besides age, sex and socioeconomic group were variables taken into consideration to select the participants. A script covering the intended questions was used to structure the discussion.

Findings

Result analysis reveals that minors are excessively confident in their ability to identify false news and feel the need to share content with their online community as a means of participation in discussions or trending topics. Although WhatsApp family groups are seen as a source of misleading news, the study reveals that the family and traditional media (mainly television) act as sources of verification of fake news for minors. In general, minors opt for actions that require less initiative to contrast the content they consume on the internet.

Originality/value

This study produces new findings by further deepening the results of the first quantitative study on the relationship between minors and disinformation in Spain using qualitative method from conducting virtual focus groups.
The spectral stacking method and its application in seismic data resolution increase
Authors: Claudino Carlos , Lupinacci Wagner Moreira
Published: February 2023

Preconditioning is a practice adopted in the treatment of seismic data and, when properly applied, favours a resolution increase. However, retrieving all the frequency contents is still a challenge to overcome. Techniques to improve the seismic resolution should preserve the existing relations in the distribution of seismic events. Otherwise, it may cause undesirable situations, from the degradation of the signal‐to‐noise ratio to the creation of false events, leading to errors of interpretation. We developed a method called spectral stacking, which makes use of circular convolution in the frequency domain to extend frequency content, preserving the distribution of seismic events without adding artefacts. As an application of the spectral stacking method, we create a sharpening filter that resolves layers under Ricker's criterion. In addition, the sharpening filter preserves the amplitude using a variable‐window correction based on the local minima of the absolute values of amplitude. We validated our proposed method in synthetic and real tests. The results showed that the sharpening filter obtained a resolution increase, providing a sharper image of the seismic section.
Objective classification of high‐resolution geophysical data: Empowering the next generation of mineral exploration in Sierra Leone
Authors: Gorbunov Artem , Fraser Stephen , Cuffey Prince , Lansana Emmanuel , Deen Henry , Archer Tim
Published: February 2023

In 2019, a nationwide airborne geophysical survey of Sierra Leone was flown at 150 m nominal line spacing and 50 m nominal terrain clearance. Contractual deliverables included magnetic, radiometric and supporting data streams. The primary aim of the geophysical survey was to provide a national geoscientific benchmark for resource management by the National Minerals Agency and to encourage foreign investment in the rich mining potential of Sierra Leone. Geophysical interpretation is often highly subjective. This can be helpful when an interpreter is skilled in the project area and exploration targets being sought but can be constraining and even dangerous when exploring new areas, and for new commodities. Objective classification tools can challenge interpretive bias and enhance geological understanding, both locally and regionally. We present self‐organizing maps and neural network products generated from the Sierra Leone geophysical dataset which both confirm and challenge the validity of conventional, subjective interpretation workflows. We demonstrate the usefulness of self‐organizing maps as a tool for inferring complementary geological information and show some initial results of convolution neural network classification of a reduced‐to‐equator grid to locate magnetic lineaments in plan and in depth. Moreover, we show initial results of self‐organizing map clustering as a tool for joint analysis of multiphysics datasets and construction of a pseudolithological cluster map.
Integrated geophysical approach for ore exploration: Case study of Sidi Bou Aouane–Khadhkhadha Pb–Zn province – Northern Tunisia
Authors: Mnasri Mohamed , Amiri Adnen , Nasr Imen Hamdi , Belkhiria Wajdi , Inoubli Mohamed Hedi
Published: February 2023

We carried out an integrated interpretation of available geophysical data (gravity and electrical data) in Sidi Bou Aouane–Khadhkhadha Pb–Zn province, located in a Neogene basin south of the Alpine thrust‐belt front in northern Tunisia. The interpretive approach of gravity data was done based on the Fourier transformation and spectral analysis to extract the residual component. Furthermore, edge enhancement techniques (tilt angle, total horizontal derivative) were applied to image the underlying lineaments in the study area. The computed gravity maps reveal multiple NE–SW hidden faults considered potential mineralization targets, referring to geological information. Detrital formations, known as containers of disseminated Pb–Zn mineralization, are expressed by low gravity responses. Resistivity and chargeability 3D inversion was conducted concurrently through on an iterative approach based on the conventional least‐squares algorithm and “incomplete Gauss‐Newton” as an optimization method. The initial model was defined based on drill‐hole data and geological knowledge. Inverted resistivity confirms the basin architecture expressed by gravity data. The combined interpretation of inverted resistivity and chargeability correlated to borehole and outcrops allows the definition of different electrical ranges associated to different lithologies and mineralization type and contents. A new potential target, expressing the same electrical signature of mineralization, is evidenced northward Khadhkhadha old mine. In addition, a potential copper concentration area was proven based on its electrical responses south Sidi Bou Aouane mine. 2.5D gravity modelling supports the evidenced interpreted target. The revealed results provided evidence for future interpretations of further geological structures, along with evaluations of mineral resources.
Experimental transport of Trichomanes speciosum spores on Azorean woodpigeon feathers as a possible explanation for interisland dispersal
Authors: Dias Eduardo , Branco Soraia
Published: February 2023

Trichomanes speciosum is a protected fern whose sporophyte generation is abundant on the island of Terceira (Azores archipelago, Portugal) but whose dispersal mechanism has never been directly documented. Based on its distribution, bird‐mediated epizoochory is a likely mechanism for spore dispersal, but there is no evidence to support this hypothesis. Laboratory experiments were performed to test the transportability of T. speciosum spores by the woodpigeon (Columba palumbus azorica), by observing the persistence of artificially added spores to feather samples that had been exposed to treatments of different wind speeds (2, 4, 6, and 8.25 m s−1) to simulate flight. The spores attached readily to the woodpigeon feathers, and 47% of the spores, on average, were lost after applying the maximum wind speed of the experiment. Spore loss was significantly related to wind speed but not to time of exposure. These findings suggest that if a fern spore adheres to the feathers of a woodpigeon, it has a probability of around 53% to remain there during flight and to eventually be dropped away from its origin. This study not only sheds new light on the possibility of T. speciosum spores being dispersed by woodpigeons, but also provides mechanistic evidence for spore retention on bird surfaces more generally.
Failure and moral distinction in a Ukrainian marketplace of ideas
Authors: Fedirko Taras
Published: February 2023

This essay examines the generative effects of claiming moral failure within a Ukrainian liberal movement for media reform in post‐Maidan, pre‐invasion Ukraine. The reformers wished to reorganize news reporting around the ideals of autonomy, balanced objectivity, impartiality, and corrigibility, which they believed underpinned Western media. They decried most Ukrainian media as failing such standards, highlighting the individual moral failure of journalists bankrolled by oligarchs in return for favourable media representation. In turn, those from whom the reformers tried to distinguish themselves morally mocked them as ‘grant‐eaters’ for their dependence on Western democracy promotion grants. This tussle pitted material success against yearnings for moral and professional probity. Developing Selka's idea of moral distinction, I argue that while the reformers’ pursuit of virtuous difference was sincere, their structural vulnerability vis‐à‐vis the mainstream media also made morality more salient as the basis for agonistic differentiation.
Socioeconomic burden of trypanosomiasis: Evidence from crop and livestock production in Ethiopia
Authors: Abro Zewdu , Fetene Gebeyehu Manie , Kassie Menale , Melesse Tigist Mekonnen
Published: February 2023

This paper estimates the impact of trypanosomiasis on crop‐livestock production, economic loss and poverty in Ethiopia. We use unique panel data to estimate how the disease affects livestock deaths, production costs and crop production. We then use these estimates to evaluate the disease's total economic loss and its implications on poverty in the study districts and the country. Estimates of the fixed effect regression models indicate that trypanosomiasis increases the value of livestock deaths by 33% and production costs by 63%. Crop production decreases by 14% when trypanosomiasis and oxen death coexist. We estimate that the direct economic loss is about US$58,300 per annum in the study districts. The estimated countrywide economic loss is about US$94 million per annum. Had the government prevented this economic loss and invested it in social protection programmes, it could have lifted about 9000 people in the study districts and about 200,000 people in the country above the national poverty line per annum. These findings indicate that trypanosomiasis remains a major production constraint. Controlling the disease appears to be pro‐poor, calling for more policy attention.