bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Automated Pipeline for the Identification of Liver Tissue in Ultrasound Video
Authors: Ockenden Eloise , Mpooya Simon , Noble J. Alison , Chami Goylette F.
Published: August 2024

Liver diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 2 million deaths each year. Causes of liver disease are difficult to ascertain, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where there is a high prevalence of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and schistosomiasis, along with alcohol use. Point-of-care ultrasound often is used in low-resource settings for diagnosis of liver disease due to its portability and low cost. For classification models that can automatically stage liver disease from ultrasound video, the region of interest is liver tissue. A fully-automated pipeline for liver tissue identification in ultrasound video is presented. Ultrasound video data was collected using a low-cost, portable ultrasound machine in rural areas of Uganda. The pipeline first detects the diaphragm in each ultrasound video frame, then segments the diaphragm to ultimately use this segmentation to infer the position of liver tissue in each frame. This pipeline outperforms directly segmenting liver tissue with an intersection over union of 0.83 compared to 0.62. This pipeline also shows improved results with respect to the ease of clinical interpretation and anticipated clinical utility.
A novel two-hit insomnia and inflammation rodent model of depressive-like behaviors
Authors: Mei Junhua , Song Xinhua , Wang Ying , Lyu Honggang , Wang Guang , Chen Chao , Zhang Honghan , Wang Chao , Xie Xin-hui , Chen Guohua , Liu Zhongchun
Published: August 2024

Background

Systemic inflammation and insomnia often co-occur in patients with depression. However, there is no suitable animal model to investigate the relationship between inflammation, sleep deprivation (SD), and depression.

Methods

To model interactions between insomnia, inflammation, and depression, we developed a novel “two-hit” rodent model of depressive-like behaviors using continuous SD followed by daily lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Control groups received SD, LPS, or sterile phosphate-buffered salinealone. The model’s validity was assessed at the cellular and molecular levels, with fluoxetine rescue applied to confirm model validity.

Results

The model group demonstrated significant depressive-like behaviors that were rescued by fluoxetine treatment. Transcriptomic analysis revealed alterations in neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity pathways within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of model rats. Western blotting validated alterations in key protein markers related to both processes, and immunofluorescence confirmed microglia and astrocyte activation, indicative of neuroinflammation. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy and Golgi-Cox staining revealed reduced synapse and dendritic spine density in the model group. Fluoxetine treatment reversed these structural changes. Sixteen genes associated with neuroinflammation and synaptic function were validated in human genetic studies by transcriptome-wide association analysis.

Conclusion

This reliable two-hit model will be useful for investigating the roles of insomnia and inflammation in depression.
Model-informed optimal allocation of limited resources to mitigate infectious disease outbreaks in societies at war
Authors: Srivastava Vaibhava , Sarkar Drik , Kadelka Claus
Published: August 2024

Infectious diseases thrive in war-torn societies. The recent sharp increase in human conflict and war thus requires the development of disease mitigation tools that account for the specifics of war, such as scarcity of important public health resources. Differential equation-based compartmental models constitute the standard tool for forecasting disease dynamics and evaluating intervention strategies. We developed a compartmental disease model that considers key social, war, and disease mechanisms, such as gender homophily and the replacement of soldiers. This model enables the identification of optimal allocation strategies that, given limited resources required for treating infected individuals, minimize disease burden, assessed by total mortality and final epidemic size. A comprehensive model analysis reveals that the level of resource scarcity fundamentally affects the optimal allocation. Desynchronization of the epidemic peaks among several population subgroups emerges as a desirable principle since it reduces disease spread between different sub-groups. Further, the level of preferential mixing among people of the same gender, gender homophily, proves to strongly affect disease dynamics and optimal treatment allocation strategies, highlighting the importance of accurately accounting for heterogeneous mixing patterns. Altogether, the findings help answer a timely question: how can infectious diseases be best controlled in societies at war? The developed model can be easily extended to specific diseases, countries, and interventions.

Significance statement

Societies at war are particularly affected by infectious disease outbreaks, necessitating the development of mathematical models tailored to the intricacies of war and disease dynamics as valuable tools for policy-makers. The frequently limited availability of public health resources, such as drugs or medical personnel, yields a fundamental optimal allocation problem. This study frames this problem in a generic, modifiable context and proposes model-informed solutions by identifying allocation strategies that minimize disease burden, measured by total deaths or infections. The desynchronization of epidemic peaks among a heterogeneous population emerges as a general disease mitigation strategy. Moreover, the level of contact heterogeneity proves to substantially affect disease spread and optimal control.
Multiple Protein Structure Alignment at Scale with FoldMason
Authors: Gilchrist Cameron L.M. , Mirdita Milot , Steinegger Martin
Published: August 2024

Protein structure is conserved beyond sequence, making multiple structural alignment (MSTA) essential for analyzing distantly related proteins. Computational prediction methods have vastly extended our repository of available proteins structures, requiring fast and accurate MSTA methods. Here, we introduce FoldMason, a progressive MSTA method that leverages the structural alphabet from Foldseek, a pairwise structural aligner, for multiple alignment of hundreds of thousands of protein structures, exceeding alignment quality of state-of-the-art methods, while two orders of magnitudes faster than other MSTA methods. FoldMason computes confidence scores, offers interactive visualizations, and provides essential speed and accuracy for large-scale protein structure analysis in the era of accurate structure prediction. Using Flaviviridae glycoproteins, we demonstrate how FoldMason’s MSTAs support phylogenetic analysis below the twilight zone. FoldMason is free open-source software:foldmason.foldseek.comand webserver:search.foldseek.com/foldmason.
Structure-based mechanism of RyR channel operation by calcium and magnesium ions
Authors: Zahradníková Alexandra , Pavelková Jana , Sabo Miroslav , Baday Sefer , Zahradník Ivan
Published: August 2024

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) serve for excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells in a noticeably different way, not fully understood at the molecular level. We addressed the structure of skeletal (RyR1) and cardiac (RyR2) isoforms relevant to gating by Ca2+and Mg2+ions (M2+). Bioinformatics analysis of RyR structures ascertained the EF-hand loops as the M2+binding inhibition site and revealed its allosteric coupling to the channel gate. The intra-monomeric inactivation pathway interacts with the Ca2+-activation pathway in both RyR isoforms, and the inter-monomeric pathway, stronger in RyR1, couples to the gate through the S23*-loop of the neighbor monomer. These structural findings were implemented in the model of RyR operation based on statistical mechanics and the Monod-Wyman-Changeux theorem. The model, which defines closed, open, and inactivated macrostates allosterically coupled to M2+-binding activation and inhibition sites, approximated the open probability data for both RyR1 and RyR2 channels at a broad range of M2+concentrations. The proposed mechanism of RyR operation provides a new interpretation of the structural and functional data of mammalian RyR channels on common grounds. This may provide a new platform for designing pharmacological interventions in the relevant diseases of skeletal and cardiac muscles. The synthetic approach developed in this work may find general use in deciphering mechanisms of ion channel functions.
The RND efflux pump EefABC is highly conserved within lineages ofE. colicommonly associated with infection
Authors: Pugh Hannah L. , Darby Elizabeth M. , Burgess Leah , Colclough Abigail L. , Meosa John Asti-Rochelle , Dunn Steven , Connor Christopher , Perry Eoughin A. , McNally Alan , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Blair Jessica M. A.
Published: August 2024

Tripartite resistance-nodulation-division (RND) efflux pumps confer multidrug resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative bacteria and are critical for many physiological functions including virulence and biofilm formation. The common laboratory strain ofE. coli,K-12 MG1655 has six recognised RND transporters participating in tripartite pump formation (AcrB, AcrD, AcrF, CusA, MdtBC, and MdtF). However, by studying >20,000E. coligenomes we show thatE. colibelonging to phylogroups B2, D, E, F and G, which are commonly associated with infection, possess an additional, seventh RND transporter, EefB. It is found in a five gene operon,eefRABCD,which also encodes a TetR family transcription factor, a periplasmic adapter protein, an outer membrane factor and major facilitator superfamily pump. In contrast,E. colifrom phylogroups A, B1 and C, generally containing environmental and commensal strains, do not encode the operon and instead encode an uncharacterised ORF,ycjD. In phylogroups where theeefRABCDoperon is present it was very highly conserved. In fact, conservation levels were comparable to that of the majorE. coliRND efflux system AcrAB-TolC, suggesting a critical biological function. Protein modelling shows that this pump is highly divergent from endogenousE. coliRND systems with unique structural features, while showing similarities to efflux systems found inPseudomonas aeruginosa. However, unlike other major RND efflux systems, EefABC does not appear to transport antimicrobials and instead may be important for infection or survival in the host environment.

Importance

Efflux pumps are molecular machines that export molecules out of bacterial cells. The efflux pumps belonging to the RND family are particularly important as they export antibiotics out of Gram-negative bacterial cells, contributing to antibiotic resistance. The important human pathogen,E. coli, has been previously reported to have six RND pumps. However, we show that phylogroups ofE. colicommonly associated with infection encode a seventh RND pump, EefABC which is highly conserved, suggesting an important biological function. While the function of EefABC inE. coliremains to be resolved, it does not seem to transport antimicrobial compounds. These findings are important because they reveal a new RND pump, potentially involved in virulence and survival in the host, that could represent a new therapeutic target. Additionally, it again shows that laboratory type strains of common bacterial pathogens are not representative of those that are infection causing.
Plasmids encode and can mobilize onion pathogenicity inPantoea agglomerans
Authors: Shin Gi Yoon , Asselin Jo Ann , Smith Amy , Aegerter Brenna , Coutinho Teresa , Zhao Mei , Dutta Bhabesh , Mazzone Jennie , Neupane Ram , Gugino Beth , Hoepting Christy , Khanal Manzeal , Malla Subas , Nischwitz Claudia , Sidhu Jaspreet , Burke Antoinette Machado , Davey Jane , Uchanski Mark , Derie Michael L. , Toit Lindsey J. du , Stresow Stephen , Bonasera Jean M. , Stodghill Paul , Kvitko Brian
Published: August 2024

Pantoea agglomeransis one of fourPantoeaspecies for which strains have been reported in the United States to cause bacterial rot of onion bulbs. However, not allP. agglomeransstrains are pathogenic to onion. We characterized onion-associated strains ofP. agglomeransto elucidate the genetic and genomic signatures of onion-pathogenicP. agglomerans. We collected >300P. agglomeransstrains associated with symptomatic onion plants and bulbs from public culture collections, research laboratories, and a multi-year survey in 11 states in the USA. Genome assemblies were generated for 87P. agglomeransstrains that showed a range in onion virulence phenotypes. Combining the 87 genome assemblies with 100 high-quality, publicP. agglomeransgenome assemblies identified two well-represented and well-supportedP. agglomeransphylogroups. Strains causing severe symptoms on onion leaves and bulbs were only identified in Phylogroup II and encoded the HiVir biosynthetic cluster for the phytotoxin pantaphos, supporting the role of HiVir as a crucial pathogenicity factor. Using a MASH-based plasmid classification system, theP. agglomeransHiVir cluster was determined to be encoded in two distinct plasmid contexts: 1) as an accessory gene cluster on a conservedP. agglomeransplasmid (pAggl), or 2) on a mosaic cluster of plasmids common among onion strains (pOnion). Analysis of closed genomes ofP. agglomeransrevealed that the pOnion plasmids harboredaltgenes responsible for encoding tolerance to the thiosulfinate defensive chemistry inAlliumspp. Additionally, many of these pOnion plasmids harboredcopgene clusters, which confer resistance to copper. However, the pOnion plasmids encoded the HiVir cluster less frequently. We demonstrated that the pOnion plasmid pCB1C, encoding HiVir andaltclusters as well as an intact conjugative type IV secretion system (T4SS), can act as a natively mobilizable pathogenicity plasmid that transformsP. agglomeransPhylogroup I strains, including environmental strains, into virulent pathogens of onion. This work indicates a central role for plasmids and plasmid ecology in mediatingP. agglomeransinteractions with onion plants, with potential implications for onion bacterial disease management.
Cellular N-myristoyl transferases Are Required for Mammarenavirus Multiplication
Authors: Witwit Haydar , Betancourt Carlos , Cubitt Beatrice , Khafaji Roaa , Kowalski Heinrich , Jackson Nathaniel , Ye Chengjin , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , de la Torre Juan C.
Published: August 2024

The mammarenavirus matrix Z protein plays critical roles in virus assembly and cell egress, whereas heterotrimer complexes of a stable signal peptide (SSP) together with glycoprotein subunits GP1 and GP2, generated via co-and post-translational processing of the surface glycoprotein precursor GPC, form the spikes that decorate the virion surface and mediate virus cell entry via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The Z protein and SSP undergo N-terminal myristoylation by host cell N-myristoyltransferases (NMT1 and NMT2), and G2A mutations that prevent myristoylation of Z or SSP have been shown to affect Z mediated virus budding and GP2 mediated fusion activity required to complete the virus cell entry process. In the present work, we present evidence that the validated on-target specific pan NMT inhibitor DDD85464 exerts a potent antiviral activity against the prototypic mammarenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) that correlated with reduced Z budding activity and GP2 mediated fusion activity, as well as proteasome mediated degradation of the Z protein. The potent anti-mammarenaviral activity of DDD85646 was also observed with the hemorrhagic fever causing mammarenaviruses Junin (JUNV) and Lassa (LASV) viruses. Our results support exploration of NMT inhibition as a broad-spectrum antiviral against human pathogenic mammarenaviruses.
Prediction of Threonine-Tyrosine Kinase Receptor-Ligand Unbinding Kinetics with Multiscale Milestoning and Metadynamics
Authors: Votapka Lane W. , Ojha Anupam Anand , Asada Naoya , Amaro Rommie E.
Published: August 2024

Accurately describing protein-ligand binding and unbinding kinetics remains challenging. Computational calculations are difficult and costly, while experimental measurements often lack molecular detail and can be unobtainable. Here we extend our multiscale milestoning method, Simulation-Enabled Estimation of Kinetics Rates (SEEKR), with metadynamics molecular dynamics simulations to yield accurate small molecule drug residence times. Using the pharmaceutically relevant threonine-tyrosine kinase (TTK) and eight long-residence-time (tens of seconds to hours) inhibitors, we demonstrate accurate prediction of absolute and rank-ordered ligand residence times and free energies of binding.

TOC Graphic
FourierMIL: Fourier filtering-based multiple instance learning for whole slide image analysis
Authors: Zheng Yi , Sharma Harsh , Betke Margrit , Beane Jennifer E. , Kolachalama Vijaya B.
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in computer vision, driven by convolutional neural network, multilayer perceptron and transformer architectures, have significantly improved the analysis on natural images. Despite their potential, the application of these architectures in digital pathology, specifically for analyzing gigapixel-resolution whole-slide images (WSIs), remains challenging due to the extensive and variable sizes of these images. Here we present a multiple instance learning framework that leverages the discrete Fourier transform and learns from WSIs. Dubbed as FourierMIL, our framework is designed to capture both global and local dependencies within WSIs. To validate the efficacy of our model, we conducted extensive experiments on a prevalent computational pathology challenge: tumor classification. Our results demonstrate that FourierMIL outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods, marking a significant advancement in the field of digital pathology and highlighting the potential of attention-free architectures in managing the complexities related to WSI analysis. The code will be released for public access upon the manuscript’s acceptance.
The triad interaction of ULK1, ATG13, and FIP200 is required for ULK complex formation and autophagy
Authors: Hama Yutaro , Fujioka Yuko , Yamamoto Hayashi , Mizushima Noboru , Noda Nobuo N.
Published: August 2024

In mammals, autophagosome formation, a central event in autophagy, is initiated by the ULK complex comprising ULK1/2, FIP200, ATG13, and ATG101. However, the structural basis and mechanism of the ULK complex formation remain poorly understood. Here, we predicted the core interactions organizing the ULK complex using AlphaFold, which proposed that the intrinsically disordered region of ATG13 binds to the base of the two UBL domains in the FIP200 dimer using two phenylalanines and to the tandem MIT domain of ULK1, allowing for the 1:1:2 stoichiometry of the ULK1–ATG13–FIP200 complex. We confirmed the predicted interactions by point mutations and revealed the existence of direct triad interactions among ULK1, ATG13, and FIP200 in vitro and in cells, in which each interaction was additively important for autophagic flux. These results indicate that the ULK1–ATG13–FIP200 triadic interaction is crucial for autophagosome formation and provide a structural basis and insights into the regulation mechanism of autophagy initiation in mammals.
Mechanical Nociception Assay inDrosophilaLarvae
Authors: Mauthner Stephanie E. , Tracey W. Daniel
Published: August 2024

The nervous system of animals can sense and respond to noxious stimuli, which include noxious thermal, chemical, or mechanical stimuli, through a process called nociception. Here, we describe a simple behavioral assay to measure mechanically induced nociceptive responses inDrosophilalarvae. This assay tests larval mechanosensitivity to noxious force with calibrated von Frey filaments. First, we explain how to construct and calibrate the customizable von Frey filaments that can be used to deliver reproducible stimuli of a defined force or pressure. Next, we describe how to perform the mechanical nociception assay on third-instar larvae. Through comparison of the responses of genotypes of interest, this assay can be useful for investigation of molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of mechanical nociception. At the molecular level, prior studies have identified the importance of sensory ion channels such as Pickpocket/Balboa, Piezo, dTRPA1, and Painless. At the cellular level, the class IV multidendritic arborizing (md-da) neurons are the main mechanical nociceptor neurons of the peripheral system, but class III and class II md-da have been found to also play a role. At the circuit level, studies have shown that mechanical nociception relies on interneurons of the abdominal ganglia that integrate inputs from these various md-da neuron classes.
Experimental observation of parabolic wakes in thin plates
Authors: Rus Janez , Bossart Aleksi , Apffel Benjamin , Malléjac Matthieu , Fleury Romain
Published: August 2024

Wakes are medium perturbations created by a moving object, such as wave patterns behind boats, or wingtip vortices following an aircraft. Here, we report about an experimental study of an uncharted form of parabolic wakes occurring in media with the group velocity twice larger than the phase velocity, as opposed to the conventional case of Kelvin wakes. They are formed by moving a laser spot on a thin plate, which excites a unique wake pattern made of confocal parabolas, due to the quadratic dispersion of the zero-order flexural Lamb mode. If the spatial dimensions are rescaled by the perturbation velocity and material constant, we obtain a single universal wake with constant parabolic focal lengths. We demonstrate an evanescent regime above the critical frequency where the wave components oscillate exclusively in the direction parallel to the perturbation path, with an opening angle of 90∘. We define a dimensionless number, analogous to Froude and Mach numbers, which determines whether or not the complete parabolic wake pattern will be excited by the moving source. Finally, we generalize the physics of wake shapes to arbitrary dispersion relations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
[(1,2,5,6-η)-Cycloocta-1,5-diene](1-ethyl-4-isobutyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)(triphenylphosphane)rhodium(I) tetrafluoridoborate
Authors: Lerch Timothy G. , Gau Michael , Albert Daniel R. , Rajaseelan Edward
Published: August 2024

A new, cationic N-heterocyclic carbene RhI complex with a tetrafluoridoborate counter-anion, [Rh(C8H12)(C8H15N3)(C18H15P)]BF4, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. There are two independent ion pairs in the asymmetric unit. Each complex cation exhibits a distorted square-planar conformation around the RhI atom. Bond lengths and bond angles are as expected for an Rh–NHC complex. There are several close, non-standard C—H...F hydrogen-bonding interactions between the ions. One of the tetrafluoridoborate anions shows statistical disorder of the F atoms.
Response surface methodology-based new model to optimize heat transfer and shear stress for ferrites/motor oil hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Sweta  , Chetteti RamReddy , Janapatla Pranitha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to optimize heat transfer efficiency and minimize friction factor and entropy generation in hybrid nanofluid flows through porous media. By incorporating factors such as melting effect, buoyancy, viscous dissipation and no-slip velocity on a stretchable surface, the aim is to enhance overall performance. Additionally, sensitivity analysis using response surface methodology is used to evaluate the influence of key parameters on response functions.

Design/methodology/approach

After deriving suitable Lie-group transformations, the modeled equations are solved numerically using the “spectral local linearization method.” This approach is validated through rigorous numerical comparisons and error estimations, demonstrating strong alignment with prior studies.

Findings

The findings reveal that higher Darcy numbers and melting parameters are associated with decreased entropy (35.86% and 35.93%, respectively) and shear stress, increased heat transmission (16.4% and 30.41%, respectively) in hybrid nanofluids. Moreover, response surface methodology uses key factors, concerning the Nusselt number and shear stress as response variables in a quadratic model. Notably, the model exhibits exceptional accuracy with $R^2$ values of 99.99% for the Nusselt number and 100.00% for skin friction. Additionally, optimization results demonstrate a notable sensitivity to the key parameters.

Research limitations/implications

Lubrication is a vital method to minimize friction and wear in the automobile sector, contributing significantly to energy efficiency, environmental conservation and carbon reduction. The incorporation of nickel and manganese zinc ferrites into SAE 20 W-40 motor oil lubricants, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, significantly improves their performance, particularly in terms of tribological attributes.

Originality/value

This work stands out for its focus on applications such as hybrid electromagnetic fuel cells and nano-magnetic material processing. While these applications are gaining interest, there is still a research gap regarding the effects of melting on heat transfer in a NiZnFe_2O_4-MnZnFe_2O_4/20W40 motor oil hybrid nanofluid over a stretchable surface, necessitating a thorough investigation that includes both numerical simulations and statistical analysis.
Effects of green human resource management, internal environmental management and developmental culture between lean six sigma and operational performance
Authors: Fayyaz Arsalan , Liu ChenGuang , Xu Yan , Ramzan Sidra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a widely used paradigm that promotes competitive advantage of different organisations in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way, affects operational performance in different organisational contexts. Although LSS is widely used to improve operational performance, the impact of LSS on operational performance appears to be different in different organisational contexts, prompting the attention of researchers and managers to shift from lean philosophy to the impact of contextual variables on the effectiveness of LSS implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research design and conducts an empirical study in Pakistan. The sample consists of 339 management employees with an effective response rate of 67.8% in various sectors. In this study, partial least square structural equation modelling is used to examine the relationships among the variables using the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capability theory (DCT) to support the model of this study.

Findings

This study reveals that the relationship between LSS and operational performance is partially mediated by green human resource management (GHRM) and internal environmental management (IEM). The moderating effect of the organisational developmental culture between LSS and operational performance is not identified, implying that the effect of developmental culture could vary under different cultures.

Originality/value

There is a lack of empirical studies investigating the role of GHRM, IEM and developmental culture in developing countries. This study extends the literature on the RBV and DCT in operational performance. The study’s outcome provides theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the effect of LSS implementation on operational performance in focal small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through human and environmental management factors.
Authentic assessment designs and students' self-perception of leadership in business education in Vietnam
Authors: Chu Tuan_Thanh , Pham Thi Thu Tra , Nguyen Thai Vu Hong , Nguyen Chau Trinh , Vu Thi Hong Nhung , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Nguyen Thi My Hanh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores how authentic assessment has helped improve self-perception of leadership skills among business students in a developing society where authentic assessment is not popular.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on self-perception of leadership was collected using the Leadership Skills Inventory. Collected data was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis, two-way ANOVA, and Multiple Regressions.

Findings

Authentic assessment designed toward enriching teamwork positively affects leadership development. Students' involvement in extra-curricular activities fosters the impact of authentic assessment on self-perception of leadership. Female students demonstrate higher self-confidence in leadership, which is surprising to the conventional view of cultural expectations. Work-integrated learning assessment or cross-country real-trade data assessment projects do not trigger gender biases in self-perception of leadership.

Practical implications

Our study emphasizes the importance of group work authentic assessments and a work-integrated approach to authentic assessment design in business education.

Originality/value

The results provide meaningful implications regarding authentic assessment development in business education in a developing country where authentic assessment is not common at high school and university levels.
Redesigning the capital budgeting process to support large firm growth: a case for the entrepreneurial mindset
Authors: Phillips Michael D. , Nyonna Dong Y. , Volker John X. , Weddington Ashton B. , Williams Tim L.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that important elements in the capital budgeting process are either undervalued or not considered and are a significant reason for both low and slow growth in large firms. Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset in conjunction with a portfolio approach based on different types of innovation to allow for growth projects to enter the process and be evaluated for possible selection are outlined as an alternative to strengthen the capital budgeting process.

Design/methodology/approach

Concepts and processes drawn from the finance, economics and entrepreneurship literature are used to form a proposed new approach to the capital budgeting process.

Findings

Only a handful of large firms even achieve returns more than their cost of capital. This manuscript argues that the reason for the lack of growth is a function of a capital budgeting process that does not allow the full spectrum of risk projects because of behavioral factors. This manuscript further proposes a portfolio approach that would allow for all projects to be fairly considered and aligned with stakeholder interests.

Originality/value

The current literature tends to focus on the financial evaluative aspect of the capital budgeting process. The void in the literature is with other aspects of the capital budgeting process both in terms of currency and in pursuing alternative explanations for the reasons the full risk spectrum of projects is not considered.
Drivers for the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) for post-construction management in the Nigerian AECO industry
Authors: Bello Abdulkabir Opeyemi , Ayegba Calistus
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers influencing the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) for post-construction management in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry, specifically focusing on International Facility Management Association (IFMA) registered professionals in Abuja, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was employed, using a purposive sampling technique. In total, 132 valid responses were analysed using statistical tools such as Cronbach’s alpha, mean, one sample t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, factor and correction analysis.

Findings

Result shows that flexibility among industry stakeholders towards adopting new technology and safety/emergency management are the most critical drivers. All the identified drivers were significant (p < 0.05). Kruskal–Wallis’s analysis shows that professionals have similar opinions on the BIM drivers. Factor analysis categorises the drivers into seven components: availability and usage of software, increased efficiency, improved performance, safety and resources, change in method of operation, improved profitability and government intervention. Positive correlations connect BIM software availability with efficiency, performance, safety, resource management, operational changes, profitability and government support.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is the focus on a specific group of professionals in Abuja, which may limit the generalisability of findings to the broader Nigerian AECO industry. Future research should consider a more diverse sample. In addition, qualitative research methods could provide deeper insights into the qualitative aspects of BIM adoption.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence of the drivers influencing BIM adoption in the post-construction phase, particularly in Nigeria.
Dying to understand how historical trends and influential intermediaries impact the future of sustainable deathcare
Authors: Villers Stephanie , Dhalla Rumina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Consumers often prefer sustainable goods and services but fail to follow through with purchases that reflect these espoused values. The green intention–outcome gap is studied in many contexts but has yet to inform deathcare decisions. Industry reports suggest that most Americans prefer sustainable deathcare options, yet unsustainable corpse dispositions dominate the market. The purpose of this paper is to understand how history informs this phenonea.

Design/methodology/approach

This study looks to the past – using historical narrative analysis of deathcare trends and influential intermediaries – to understand the future of sustainable deathcare and the prospective role that marketers can play in bridging the gap between decedents’ preferences and survivors’ purchase outcomes.

Findings

Historical ritualization, medicalization and commercialization have resulted in the monopolization of traditional deathcare services. Mortuary professionals remain unresponsive to consumer preferences for sustainable alternatives.

Social implications

Socioeconomic shocks can allow humanity to reflect and transition from consumerism to sustainability. COVID-19 has led to greater awareness of self-mortality, and death has become less taboo. The slow market penetration of sustainable deathcare services suggests a lack of communication between a decedent and their survivors. Marketing scholars need to help marketing practitioners bridge the preference-outcome gap.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is amongst the first to examine how history informs the sustainable action–outcome gap for deathcare preferences in a post-COVID environment and the role that marketers can play in perpetuating change.
Platform incentives, user engagement and knowledge collaboration performance in online knowledge community: a cross-cultural perspective
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Chen Jianbin , Cheng Baodong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect and mechanism of platform incentives on users’ knowledge collaboration performance (KCP) and the configuration leading to high KCP in online knowledge communities (OKCs) in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era from a cross-culture perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method and a standard questionnaire were applied. The data was analyzed using multiple regression and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that, for both kinds of users, self-enhancement and communication positively affect the KCP. User engagement significantly mediates the relationship between communication and KCP and knowledge absorptive capacity moderates the relationship between user engagement and KCP. In contrast, material incentive positively affects the KCP of Chinese users, while hurting the cross-cultural sample. And the promotion of KCP for cross-cultural samples does not require a higher engagement and knowledge absorptive capacity, while paying more attention to short-term interests, such as communication and self-enhancement.

Research limitations/implications

The study only divides users into Chinese and cross-cultural foreign users, without a distinction between foreign users in different countries. In addition, the research is based on cross-sectional data and failed to try to explore the long-term effects of these incentives from the time dimension.

Originality/value

This study explores the incentive mechanism and configuration of OKC platforms to achieve high KCP for different users from a cross-cultural perspective. It provides new ideas and solutions for precise incentives for users of OKC platforms.
Gratitude expression in the sharing economy: a perspective of interactive marketing communication between peer service providers and consumers
Authors: Jia Yu , Gao Shuang , Gao Lihua , Gao Jie , Wang Tao
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The motivation of value co-creation among the multi-actor in sharing economy was an important topic in interactive marketing communication research. This study investigated how customer gratitude expression leads to value co-creation of PSPs in the sharing economy, and also investigates the moderating effect of platform benevolent climate.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-wave field survey (Study 1) and two experiments (Studies 2 and 3) were given to respondents with sharing economy practitioners.

Findings

First, customer gratitude expression positively influenced PSP's perceived meaningful work, which in turn enhanced their value co-creation intention. Second, PSP's perceived platform benevolent climate moderated the relationship between customer gratitude expression and PSP's perceived meaningful work.

Originality/value

Prior research discussed PSPs' value co-creation intention mainly from the perspective of platforms and PSPs, but few considered customer-PSP interaction perspective. This study revealed how customer gratitude expression influences PSP's value co-creation intention in highly interactive digital business context, examined the boundary condition of gratitude expression, and extended the application scenarios of social information processing theory.
Bioaccounting measurement of environmental assets: beyond environmental accounting
Authors: Farfan-Lievano Angelica , Ceballos Olga Ines , Mejia Soto Eutimio
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a framework for the bioaccounting measurement of environmental assets based on natural wealth sustainability. Specifically, this paper proposes a theoretical structure for qualitative and quantitative organization-level assessments of the existence and circulation of water, air, wildlife, flora, soil and subsoil resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used an inductive method with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The authors postulate a systemic and comprehensive bioaccounting measurement of environmental assets, including heterogeneous and homogeneous methods and quantitative and qualitative valuations of the resources that comprise environmental assets.

Findings

The authors describe a theoretical structure for the bioaccounting measurement of environmental assets based on the sustainability of natural wealth through heterogeneous and homogeneous measurement methods and show how to integrate these assets through an homogeneous method.

Research limitations/implications

The development of this general theoretical structure will require the integration of theoretical, conceptual and technical developments from multiple disciplines. The authors hope that the scientific community will evaluate and study this proposal for faster progress towards its practical implementation in organizations.

Originality/value

The authors structured the bioaccounting measurements, which are presented individually for each class of environmental assets. Each of these assets requires subcategories (accounts, subaccounts and resources) and recognition/measurement units. Environmental value units (EVUs) are used to standardize the plurality of measurement units.
Exploring factors influencing long-term ESG readiness: insights from UAE-listed companies
Authors: Grassa Rihab , Naouar Anissa , Aqeel Mohammed , Khalil Abdallah , Hamdan Bakhit , Nader Tayeb
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that determine the long-term readiness of UAE-listed companies to handle environmental, social and governance (ESG) related opportunities and disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we use S&P Global Ratings' ESG evaluation to assess the long-term preparedness of UAE-listed companies in addressing ESG risks and opportunities. The score for long-term preparedness provides a forward-looking, cross-sector analysis of a company’s capacity to operate successfully in the future, based on how ESG factors may affect stakeholders and lead to material direct or indirect financial impacts. Specifically, the paper investigates the corporate governance and ownership structure factors that significantly impact the ability of UAE-listed companies to effectively prepare for and respond to long-term ESG risks and opportunities. Our final sample consists of 48 listed companies observed over the period from 2019 to 2021. We employ an ordered logit model for our estimations.

Findings

Our paper findings provide evidence that (1) firm size has a positive significant effect on ESG rating and governance rating implying that larger firms have a robust governance system and strong ability to implement ESG strategies within the organization. (2) Firm performance measured by ROE looks to be an important determinant of ESG rating, environmental rating and social rating. (3) Firm leverage has a positive and significant effect on ESG rating and environmental rating. (4) Board size has a positive effect on social rating and governance rating. (5) Government ownership has a positive and significant effect on ESG rating, environmental rating and governance rating. (6) Institutional ownership has a positive and significant effect on governance rating.

Practical implications

This paper has several practical implications. First, by adopting a forward-looking upstream approach that identifies the determinants of long-term ESG preparedness, it supports the efforts of UAE regulators to enforce ESG strategies among listed firms. Second, the paper provides an overview of the long-term preparedness for ESG risks and opportunities for firms listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM), which can aid various stakeholders in making informed decisions. Third, the findings underscore the need to strengthen corporate governance mechanisms to promote sustainable development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the determinants of long-term preparedness for ESG risks and opportunities among UAE-listed companies, utilizing a unique dataset to assess ESG performance. The research contributes to understanding the factors influencing firms' long-term readiness to handle ESG challenges and supports regulators' efforts to implement ESG strategies in the UAE market.
Sociopreneurial behaviour formation: antecedents and conversion. Case of dairy farming industry in Indonesia
Authors: Arrasyid Muhammad Iqbal , Sidek Shafie Bin , Ismail Noor Azlin , Amaliyah Amaliyah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the psychological factors predicting sociopreneurial intention (SEI) and gain insight into the conversion of SEI to sociopreneurial behaviour (SEB) in the presence of facilitating events (FE) as a moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are statistically tested using a partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on purposive survey data (n = 110) from the leaders of dairy cooperatives in Indonesia. The measurement items are specifically developed for this research after thoroughly analysing the questionnaire items provided by prior studies.

Findings

The findings support the hypotheses that empathy (EM), perceived social responsibility (PSR) and self-efficacy (SEFF) are strong predictors of SEI. Moreover, although SEI can be directly converted to SEB, FE significantly moderated that conversion.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should also involve the impact of SEB on the community and the sociopreneurs.

Originality/value

This research empirically examines the influence of external factors in converting SEI into SEB, which prior studies overlooked. Moreover, it involves the leaders of dairy cooperatives in Indonesia who perform SEB to help smallholder farmers’ communities facing dairy farming issues such as capital, milk productivity, land size and others as research participants.
Carcass decay inhibits denitrification indirectly by regulating the microbiota and physicochemical properties in a model water system
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Yu Qiaoling , Su Wanghong , Wang Sijie , Wang Xiaochen , Han Qian , Li Huan
Published: August 2024

Animal carcass decomposition is involved in nitrogen (N) cycle in the aquatic ecosystems, for example denitrification, volatilization and leaching. The denitrification process is a crucial part of the nitrogen cycle, helping to alleviate biological toxicity resulting from nitrate accumulation. However, it is still unknown whether and how cadaver decay affects the denitrifiers and their activity in river water.

In this study, six denitrifiers (encoding napA, narG, nirK, nirS, norB and nosZ, respectively) and denitrifying activity were investigated in a model water system with nitrogen pollution from corpse decomposition using high‐throughput sequencing, real‐time quantitative PCR and denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) assay.

Cadaver decay increased the quantity and altered the composition of denitrifying microbiota. Multiple regression on distance matrices revealed that corpse decay had a significantly greater impact on the denitrification communities than temperature. To our surprise, the DEA decreased in the contaminated water by cadavers. The multiple regression models revealed that the abundance of denitrifying taxa and the gene copies may jointly predict changes in DEA, with highest contribution coming from the norB‐type Hydrogenophaga. Further, the partial least squares path model (PLS‐PM) showed that corpse decay indirectly inhibited DEA via the denitrification community and water physicochemical properties.

Synthesis and applications. This study provides important insights into how cadaver decomposition can reduce denitrification activity in water systems. These findings can assist us in scientifically managing and remediating polluted water bodies.