bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimal population code for global motion estimation in local direction-selective cells
Authors: Henning Miriam , Ramos-Traslosheros Giordano , Gür Burak , Silies Marion
Published: March 2021

Nervous systems allocate computational resources to match stimulus statistics. However, the physical information that needs to be processed depends on the animal’s own behavior. For example, visual motion patterns induced by self-motion provide essential information for navigation. How behavioral constraints affect neural processing is not known. Here we show that, at the population level, local direction-selective T4/T5 neurons inDrosophilarepresent optic flow fields generated by self-motion, reminiscent to a population code in retinal ganglion cells in vertebrates. Whereas in vertebrates four different cell types encode different optic flow fields, the four uniformly tuned T4/T5 subtypes described previously represent a local snapshot. As a population, six T4/T5 subtypes encode different axes of self-motion. This representation might serve to efficiently encode more complex flow fields generated during flight. Thus, a population code for optic flow appears to be a general coding principle of visual systems, but matching the animal’s individual ethological constraints.
Investigating temperature effects on coastal microbial populations and trophic interactions with 16S and 18S rRNA metabarcoding
Authors: Anderson Sean R. , Chisholm Margot , Harvey Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2021

Temperature is a universal driver of microbial life, with rising sea surface temperatures expected to differentially influence the physiology, biodiversity, and distribution of bacteria and plankton. The impact of ocean warming on microbial interactions remains unclear, despite the importance of these relationships for ecosystem functioning. We employed weekly to monthly 18S and 16S rRNA gene amplicon metabarcoding over a full year (33 d) in a subtropical estuary, investigating microbial population dynamics and network interactions with respect to a temperature gradient (9–31°C). Certain microbes (e.g., Acidimicrobiia, Nitrososphaeria, and Syndiniales) increased in relative abundance with rising temperatures (Spearman ρ > 0.69), whereas other groups (e.g., Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacillariophyta, and Dinophyceae) slightly decreased, became saturated, or remained stable. With network analysis, we observed an increase in 18S– 18S interactions in warm (23–31°C) vs. cold (<23°C) temperatures, largely involving Syndiniales, Bacillariophyta, and Dinophyceae ASVs. Bacteria ASVs were more connected to other microbes (higher degree and centrality) and became more prominent in the cold network, highlighted by well-established cross-domain relationships (e.g., diatom–bacteria) and positive interactions among bacteria (e.g., SAR11 and Rhodobacterales). These efforts highlight the types of interactions that may be more common under changing temperatures, with implications for modeling biogeochemistry and assessing ecosystem health.
Lichen fungi do not depend on the alga for ATP production
Authors: Tagirdzhanova Gulnara , McCutcheon John P. , Spribille Toby
Published: March 2021

Lichen fungi live in a symbiotic association with unicellular phototrophs and have no known aposymbiotic stage. A recent study postulated that some of them have lost mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and rely on their algal partners for ATP. This claim originated from an apparent lack ofATP9, a gene encoding one subunit of ATP synthase, from a few mitochondrial genomes. Here we show that while these fungi indeed have lost the mitochondrialATP9, each retain a nuclear copy of this gene. Our analysis reaffirms that lichen fungi produce their own ATP.
Identification and drug-induced reversion of molecular signatures of Alzheimer’s disease onset and progression inAppNL-G-F,AppNL-Fand 3xTg-AD mouse models
Authors: Pauls Eduardo , Bayod Sergi , Mateo Lídia , Alcalde Víctor , Juan-Blanco Teresa , Saido Takaomi C , Saito Takashi , Berrenguer-Llergo Antoni , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Gay Marina , de Oliveira Eliandre , Duran-Frigola Miquel , Aloy Patrick
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Over fifty years of intense research have revealed many key elements of the biology of this neurodegenerative disorder. However, our understanding of the molecular bases of the disease is still incomplete, and the medical treatments available for AD are mainly symptomatic and hardly effective. Indeed, the robustness of biological systems has revealed that the modulation of a single target is unlikely to yield the desired outcome and we should therefore move from gene-centric to systemic therapeutic strategies. Here we present the complete characterization of three murine models of AD at different stages of the disease (i.e. onset, progression and advanced). To identify genotype-to-phenotype relationships, we combine the cognitive assessment of these mice with histological analyses and full transcriptional and protein quantification profiling of the hippocampus. Comparison of the gene and protein expression trends observed in AD progression and physiological aging revealed certain commonalities, such as the upregulation of microglial and inflammation markers. However, although AD models show accelerated aging, other factors specifically associated with Aβ pathology are involved. Despite the clear correlation between mRNA and protein levels of the dysregulated genes, we discovered a few proteins whose abundance increases with AD progression, while the corresponding transcript levels remain stable. Indeed, we show that at least two of these proteins, namely lfit3 and Syt11, co-localize with Aβ plaques in the brain. Finally, we derived specific Aβ-related molecular AD signatures and looked for drugs able to globally revert them. We found two NSAIDs (dexketoprofen and etodolac) and two anti-hypertensives (penbutolol and bendroflumethiazide) that overturn the cognitive impairment in AD mice while reducing Aβ plaques in the hippocampus and partially restoring the physiological levels of AD signature genes to wild-type levels.

Teaser

The comprehensive characterization of three AD mouse models reveals disease signatures that we used to identify approved drugs able to modify the etiology of the pathology and overturn cognitive impairment.
The mayfly subimago explained. The regulation of metamorphosis in Ephemeroptera
Authors: Kamsoi Orathai , Ventos-Alfonso Alba , Almudi Isabel , Casares Fernando , Belles Xavier
Published: March 2021

In the Paleozoic era, more than 400 million years ago, insects continued molting after forming functional wings. Today, however, all flying insects stop molting after metamorphosis when they become fully winged. The only exception is the mayflies (Ephemeroptera), which molt in the subimago, a flying intermediate stage between the nymph and the adult. However, the identity and homology of the subimago remains underexplored. Debate remains regarding whether this stage represents a modified nymph, an adult, or a pupa like that of butterflies. Another relevant question is why do mayflies maintain the subimago stage despite the risk of molting fragile membranous wings. These questions have intrigued numerous authors but nonetheless, clear answers have not yet been found. However, by combining morphological studies, hormonal treatments, and molecular analysis in the mayfly speciesCloeon dipterum, we found new answers to these old questions. We observed that treatment with a juvenile hormone analog in the last nymphal instar stimulated the expression ofKr-h1gene and reduced that ofE93, which suppress and trigger metamorphosis, respectively. Consequently, the subimago is not formed in these treated mayflies. This indicates that metamorphosis is determined prior to the formation of the subimago, which must therefore be considered an instar of the adult stage. We also observed that the forelegs dramatically grow between the last nymphal instar, the subimago, and the adult. This necessary growth is spread over the last two stages, which could explain, at least in part, the adaptive sense of the subimago.
Anxiety-related frontocortical activity is associated with dampened stressor reactivity in the real world
Authors: Hur Juyoen , Kuhn Manuel , Grogans Shannon E. , Anderson Allegra S. , Islam Samiha , Kim Hyung Cho , Tillman Rachael M. , Fox Andrew S. , Smith Jason F. , DeYoung Kathryn A. , Shackman Alexander J.
Published: March 2021

Negative affect is a fundamental dimension of human emotion. When extreme, it contributes to a variety of adverse outcomes—from physical and mental illness to divorce and premature death. Mechanistic work in animals and neuroimaging research in humans and monkeys has begun to reveal the broad contours of the neural circuits governing negative affect, but the relevance of these discoveries to everyday distress remains incompletely understood. Here we used a combination of approaches— including neuroimaging assays of threat anticipation and emotional face perception and >10,000 momentary assessments of emotional experience—to demonstrate that individuals showing greater activation in a cingulo-opercular circuit during an anxiety-eliciting laboratory paradigm experience lower levels of stressor-dependent distress in their daily lives (n=202-208). Extended amygdala activation was not significantly related to momentary negative affect. These observations provide a framework for understanding the neurobiology of negative affect in the laboratory and in the real world.

STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE

Anxiety, sadness, and other negative emotions are hallmarks of the human condition. When extreme, they contribute to a variety of adverse outcomes—from physical and mental illness to divorce and premature death—pointing to the need to develop a better understanding of the underlying brain circuitry. Recent work has begun to reveal the neural systems governing negative affect, but the relevance of these tantalizing laboratory discoveries to the real world has remained unclear. Here we used a combination of brain imaging and smartphone-based survey techniques to show that individuals marked by greater activation in a cingulo-opercular circuit during an anxiety-promoting laboratory paradigm tend to experience diminished distress in response to everyday stressors. These observations provide new insights into the brain systems most relevant to moment-by-moment fluctuations in negative mood, underscoring the importance of more recently evolved cortical association areas.
Ultrafast functional profiling of RNA-seq data for nonmodel organisms
Authors: Liu Peng , Ewald Jessica , Galvez Jose Hector , Head Jessica , Crump Doug , Bourque Guillaume , Basu Niladri , Xia Jianguo
Published: March 2021

Computational time and cost remain a major bottleneck for RNA-seq data analysis of nonmodel organisms without reference genomes. To address this challenge, we have developed Seq2Fun, a novel, all-in-one, ultrafast tool to directly perform functional quantification of RNA-seq reads without transcriptome de novo assembly. The pipeline starts with raw read quality control: sequencing error correction, removing poly(A) tails, and joining overlapped paired-end reads. It then conducts a DNA-to-protein search by translating each read into all possible amino acid fragments and subsequently identifies possible homologous sequences in a well-curated protein database. Finally, the pipeline generates several informative outputs including gene abundance tables, pathway and species hit tables, an HTML report to visualize the results, and an output of clean reads annotated with mapped genes ready for downstream analysis. Seq2Fun does not have any intermediate steps of file writing and loading, making I/O very efficient. Seq2Fun is written in C++ and can run on a personal computer with a limited number of CPUs and memory. It can process >2,000,000 reads/min and is >120 times faster than conventional workflows based on de novo assembly, while maintaining high accuracy in our various test data sets.
Synthesis, crystal growth, characterization and DFT investigation of a nonlinear optically active cuminaldehyde derivative hydrazone
Authors: Meenatchi Venkatasamy , Subramanian Siva  , Meenakshisundaram SP , Cheng Liang
Published: March 2021

Single crystals of (E)-N′-(4-isopropylbenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazide monohydrate (IBIHM) were grown from ethanol by the slow evaporation from solution growth technique at room temperature. The structure was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and crystallized in the orthorhombic system with noncentrosymmetric space group P212121. Optical studies reveal that the absorption was minimum in the visible region and the band-gap energy was estimated using the Kubelka–Munk algorithm. The functional groups were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. A scanning electron microscopy study revealed the surface morphology of the grown crystal. Investigation of the intermolecular interactions, crystal packing using Hirshfeld surface analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirm that the close contacts were associated with molecular interactions. Fingerprint plots of Hirshfeld surfaces are used to locate and analyze the percentage of hydrogen-bonding interactions. The second-harmonic generation efficiency of the grown specimen was superior to that of the reference material, potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The grown crystals were further characterized by mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Theoretical studies using density functional theory (DFT) greatly substantiated the experimental observations. Large first-order molecular hyperpolarizability (β) of about ∼70× was observed for IBIHM. The efficiency of IBIHM in terms of nonlinear optical response was verified and the molecule displayed greater chemical stability and reactivity.
Weight minimization of fiber laminated composite beam for aircraft wing construction using exhaustive enumeration algorithm and numerical modeling
Authors: Ghadge Rohit R. , S. Prakash
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on calculating the number of layers of composite laminates required to take the applied load made up of graphite/epoxy (AS4/3501-6) which can be used in many industrial applications. Optimization for minimization of weight by variation in the mechanical properties is possible by using different combinations of fiber angle, number of plies and their stacking sequence.

Design/methodology/approach

Lots of research studies have been put forth by aerospace industry experts to improve the performance of aircraft wings with weight constraints. The orthotropic nature of the laminated composites and their ability to characterize as per various performance requirements of aerospace industry make them the most suitable material. This leads to necessity of implementing most appropriate optimization technique for selecting appropriate parameter sets and material configurations.

Findings

In this work, exhaustive enumeration algorithm has been applied for weight minimization of fiber laminated composite beam subjected to two different loading conditions by computing overall possible stacking sequences and material properties using classical laminate theory. This combinatorial type optimization technique enumerates all possible solutions with an assurance of getting global optimum solution. Stacking sequences are filtered through Tsai-Wu failure criteria.

Originality/value

Finally, through the outcome of this optimization framework, eight different combinations of stacking sequences and 24-ply symmetric layup have been obtained. Furthermore, this 24-ply layup weighing 0.468 kg has been validated using finite element solver for given boundary conditions. Interlaminar stresses at top and bottom of the optimized ply layup were validated with Autodesk’s Helius composites solver.
Interference of germination on the nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of black sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Basso Ana Carolina Dias , Machado Pollyana Mara Ribeiro , Chaves Jaísa Oliveira , Parreiras Paola Machado , Menezes Camila Carvalho
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of black sesame germination on its nutritional composition and antioxidant activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Germination occurred at constant temperature and humidity (35 °C and 95 ± 5%) for 72 h. The levels of moisture, protein, lipids, ash, total dietary fibre and fractions, carbohydrates, calories, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were determined.

Findings

With germination, there was a significant increase in moisture and protein content, as well as a reduction in the other parameters assessed in terms of nutritional composition. When analysing bioactive compounds, no significant change was found in the content of phenolic compounds; however, there was a reduction in antioxidant capacity according to the three methods tested, which may be related to the characteristics of the grain itself, the conditions used for germination, or even the process of extracting phenolic compounds for analysis. Other conditions for the germination of black sesame using different times and temperatures should be evaluated in future studies.

Originality/value

This is an original research article, which has an industrial and health impact by transmitting highly relevant responses on nutrition and food. The novelty of this research is the fact of studying the germination of black sesame on the nutritional composition (moisture, protein, lipids, ash, total dietary fibre and fractions, carbohydrates and calories), levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. These results can help improve the procedures adopted by the food industries and also in nutritional conduct, as the germination process leads to a change in the nutritional composition, especially with regard to protein synthesis, which is relevant, once it is an interesting protein option. However, it also brings us responses to reductions in important nutritional compounds.
The influences of quality attributes and socio-demographics on Chinese consumers' general and online consumptions of Canadian, US and Australian lobsters
Authors: Wang Ou , Somogyi Simon , Ablett Richard
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study explores the influence of quality attributes and socio-demographics on Chinese consumers' general and online consumption of three origin-specific lobsters: Canadian, United States and Australian.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based survey was administrated to 981 consumers from two cities in China: Shanghai and Qingdao. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were used in the data analysis.

Findings

Chinese consumers were more willing to pay for the lobster quality attributes vitality, meat content, texture, size and safety. Their general and online consumption of three origin-specific lobsters is significantly linked to the following quality attributes and socio-demographics: meat content, size, shell hardness, texture, safety, nutrition, age, income, education, occupation, residential place and marital status.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore the influence of quality attributes and socio-demographics on consumers' online consumption of luxury seafood.
Signifying the relationship between counterproductive work behavior and firm's performance: the mediating role of organizational culture
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim , Huang Dechun , Sarfraz Muddassar , Naseer Junaid , Sadiq Muhammad Waqas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Organizations are facing several challenges in the current challenging business environment. The current study explores how counterproductive work behavior (CWB) affects bio-medical companies' firm performance in Pakistan. The study considers the mediating role of organizational culture and its impact on CWB and a firm's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. For data collection, 300 questionnaires were distributed among employees working in biomedical companies. Statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics, Pearson moment correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques was used to analyze the study variable's relationship and its effect on the firm's performance.

Findings

The study results revealed that CWB and organizational culture significantly influence firm performance directly and indirectly. Moreover, organizational culture partially mediates the relationship between CWB and companies' performance.

Originality/value

The current study plays a significant role in the firm's policy directions. There are limited research and information accessible to biomedical firms in Pakistan. Counterproductive job habits wind up becoming something that significantly affects the firm performance. This research adds to human resource management, corporate management and the business strategy literature.
Developing a framework for evaluating construction project safety levels and optimal cost allocation to safety influential factors
Authors: Ketabi Amir Bahador , Heravi Gholamreza
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to explain how a framework could be developed for (1) the preliminary estimation of project safety level (PSL) in current projects, (2) the estimation of the maximum possible PSL using limited financial resources and (3) the estimation of the minimum financial resources required for reaching a specific PSL.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 95 steel structural building projects were collected via a questionnaire to evaluate the proposed framework for the Iranian construction industry. Based on unofficial local construction statistics and literature reviews, six safety influential factors (SIFs) were selected to which a cost could be assigned. The costs associated with various levels were also determined for each SIF through literature reviews and expert interviews. A multiple linear regression (MLR) model was developed as a predictive model to determine PSL for future projects based on the data of previous projects. Moreover, linear programming (LP) was applied to take modeling constraints and project conditions into account.

Findings

The results demonstrated the impacts of all the factors on PSL and the model's potential for the preliminary estimation of PSL using SIFs. The results also indicated that a higher PSL could be achieved by optimizing the allocation of financial resources to each SIF.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by developing a step-by-step framework to identify an optimal safety cost allocation (OSCA) to achieve the maximum possible PSL using a limited safety budget and considering the data of similar projects. The main objective was to promote project safety, decrease construction site injuries and fatalities and help local construction industries exploit potential financial advantages.
Thermal performance assessment of cool roofs on supermarkets through case analysis in 13 cities
Authors: Ríos-Fernández Juan Carlos
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the use of cool roof technology to avoid unnecessary energy consumption in supermarkets. This will allow to reduce and even cancel the heat absorbed by the roofs, transferring it to the buildings and thus, creating more sustainable cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirteen real supermarkets with cool roofs were analysed in Australia, Canada, the USA and Spain. An analysis of so many supermarkets located in different parts of the world with different climatic zones has allowed an inductive analysis, obtaining real data of energy consumption associated with the air conditioning installations for a year with and without implementing the cool roof technology.

Findings

The paper provides insights on how the use of cool roof managed to reduce the need for energy for heating, ventilating and air conditioning by between 3.5 and 38%. Additionally, this technology reduces the annual generation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per square meter of supermarket up to 2.7 kgCO2/m2. It could be an economical technology to apply in new and old buildings with a period of average economic recovery of four years.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may be generalisable. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test proposals in construction with other uses.

Practical implications

The paper includes economic and environmental implications for the development of cool roof technology and smooths the way for its implementation to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Originality/value

This paper is an innovative contribution to the application of cool roof technology as a source of energy savings in commercial construction through the analysis of supermarkets located in different countries with different climate zones. This will help other researchers to advance in this field and facilitate the implementation of the technology.
May problem-based learning get higher evaluation from student?
Authors: Yin Qiuju , Guo Chenxi , Dong Chao , Wang Tianmei
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the effect of problem-based learning (PBL) embedding degree and education level on individual perception, as well as the moderating effect of nationality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first conceptualizes PBL embedding degree which means the extent of applying PBL. It takes an empirical study on an international MBA class in one of the first-class universities in China. An investigation is taken with the designed “PBL-based Cognitive Perception Scale” and an Ordered Probit Model is constructed.

Findings

The findings of this study are as follows: PBL embedding degree has a significant effect on the cognitive perception of student, which varies in different dimensions; the educational level of international student positively affects the cognitive perception toward PBL; and nationality may moderate the relationship between the PBL embedding degree and individual perception.

Originality/value

The paper replenishes the investigation and application of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning. By conceptualizing PBL embedding degree, the paper extends the research perspectives of PBL and proposes a subjective method on the evaluation of PBL. The paper also may provide a guidance for PBL curriculum design with sustainable development of education.
Organizational performance evaluation and performance paradox in CCI organizations
Authors: Sassi Marge , Pihlak Ülle , Birnkraut Gesa
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The study aims to understand how practicing organizational performance evaluation (OPE) is related to the performance paradox (tensions between creative freedom and survival challenges) in “evaluation-hesitant” cultural and creative industries (CCI) organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods research, consisting of moderation analyses and unstructured expert interviews.

Findings

A conceptual model is developed to explain how creative freedom and survival challenges affect OPE in “evaluation-hesitant” CCI organizations.

Originality/value

The authors bring a new understanding to the factors that contribute to evaluation-hesitance in CCI. The paper contributes to discussing both the theory of paradox and flow theory in explaining the relations between OPE, creative freedom and survival challenges.
Unlocking causal relations of barriers to big data analytics in manufacturing firms
Authors: Raut Rakesh , Narwane Vaibhav , Kumar Mangla Sachin , Yadav Vinay Surendra , Narkhede Balkrishna Eknath , Luthra Sunil
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study initially aims to identify the barriers to the big data analytics (BDA) initiative and further evaluates the barriers for knowing their interrelations and priority in improving the performance of manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 barriers to BDA adoption were identified through literature review and expert opinions. Data were collected from three types of industries: automotive, machine tools and electronics manufacturers in India. The grey-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was employed to explore the cause–effect relationship amongst barriers. Further, the barrier's influences were outranked and cross-validated through analytic network process (ANP).

Findings

The results showed that “lack of data storage facility”, “lack of IT infrastructure”, “lack of organisational strategy” and “uncertain about benefits and long terms usage” were most common barriers to adopt BDA practices in all three industries.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can assist service providers, industrial managers and government organisations in understanding the barriers and subsequently evaluating interrelationships and ranks of barriers in the successful adoption of BDA in a manufacturing organisation context.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the initial efforts in evaluating the barriers to BDA in improving the performance of manufacturing firms in India.
Cyber-physical spatial temporal analytics for digital twin-enabled smart contact tracing
Authors: Zhao Zhiheng , Zhong Ray Y. , Kuo Yong-Hong , Fu Yelin , Huang G.Q.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Physical gatherings at social events have been found as one of the main causes of COVID-19 transmission all over the world. Smartphone has been used for contact tracing by exchanging messages through Bluetooth signals. However, recent confirmed cases found in venues indicated that indirect transmission of the causative virus occurred, resulting from virus contamination of common objects, virus aerosolization in a confined space or spread from inadequate ventilation environment with no indication of human direct or close contact observed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a novel cyber-physical architecture for spatial temporal analytics (iGather for short). Locations with time windows are modeled as digital chromosomes in cyberspace to represent human activity instances in the physical world.

Findings

Results show that the high spatial temporal correlated but indirect tracing can be realized through the deployment of physical hardware and spatial temporal analytics including mobility and traceability analytics. iGather is tested and verified in different spatial temporal correlated cases. From a management perspective of mobilizing social capacity, the venue plays not only a promotion role in boosting the utilization rates but also a supervision-assisted role for keeping the venue in a safe and healthy situation.

Social implications

This research is of particular significance when physical distancing measures are being relaxed with situations gradually become contained. iGather is able to help the general public to ease open questions: Is a venue safe enough? Is there anyone at a gathering at risk? What should one do when someone gets infected without raising privacy issues?

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by cyber-physical spatial temporal analytics to trace COVID-19 indirect contacts through digital chromosome, a representation of digital twin technology. Also, the authors have proposed a venue-oriented management perspective to resolve privacy-preserving and unitization rate concerns.
Healthcare workers' communicative constitution of health information technology (HIT) resilience
Authors: Barrett Ashley K.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Although resilience is heavily studied in both the healthcare and organizational change literatures, it has received less attention in healthcare information technology (HIT) implementation research. Healthcare organizations are consistently in the process of implementing and updating several complex technologies. Implementations and updates are challenged because healthcare workers often struggle to perceive the benefits of HITs and experience deficiencies in system design, yet bear the brunt of the blame for implementation failures. This combination implores healthcare workers to exercise HIT resilience; however, how they talk about this construct has been left unexplored. Subsequently, this study explores healthcare workers' communicative constitution of HIT resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-three physicians (N = 23), specializing in oncology, pediatrics or anesthesiology, were recruited from one healthcare organization to participate in comprehensive interviews during and after the implementation of an updated HIT system DIPS.

Findings

Thematic analysis findings reveal physicians communicatively constituted HIT resilience as their (1) convictions in the continued, positive developments of newer HIT iterations, which marked their current adaptive HIT behaviors as temporary, and (2) contributions to inter-organizational HIT brainstorming projects in which HIT designers, IT staff and clinicians jointly problem-solved current HIT inadequacies and created new HIT features.

Originality/value

Offering both practical for healthcare leaders and managers and theoretical implications for HIT and resilience scholars, this study's results suggest that (1) healthcare leaders must work diligently to create a culture of collaborative HIT design in their organization to help facilitate the success of new HIT use, and (2) information technology scholars reevaluate the theoretical meaningfulness a technology's spirit and reconsider the causal nature of a technology's embedded structures.
Project management: openings for disruption from AI and advanced analytics
Authors: Niederman Fred
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this essay is to illustrate how project management “pull” and AI or analytics technology “push” are likely to result in incremental and disruptive evolution of project management capabilities and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is written as a critical essay reflecting the experience and reflections of the author with many ideas drawn from and extending selected items from project management, artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics literatures.

Findings

Neither AI nor sophisticated analytics is likely to elicit hands on attention from project managers, other than those producing AI or analytics-based artifacts or using these tools to create their products and services. However, through the conduit of packaged software support for project management, new tools and approaches can be expected to more effectively support current activities, to streamline or eliminate activities that can be automated, to extend current capabilities with the availability of increased data, computing capacity and mathematically based algorithms and to suggest ways to reconceive how projects are done and whether they are needed.

Research limitations/implications

This essay includes projections of possible, some likely and some unlikely, events and states that have not yet occurred. Although the hope and purpose are to alert readers to the possibilities of what may occur as logical extensions of current states, it is improbable that all such projections will come to pass at all or in the way described. Nonetheless, consideration of the future ranging from current trends, the interplay among intersecting trends and scenarios of future states can sharpen awareness of the effects of current choices regarding actions, decisions and plans improving the probability that the authors can move toward desired rather than undesired future states.

Practical implications

Project managers not involved personally with creating AI or analytics products can avoid mastering detailed skill sets in AI and analytics, but should scan for new software features and affordances that they can use enable new levels of productivity, net benefit creation and ability to sleep well at night.

Originality/value

This essay brings together AI, analytics and project management to imagine and anticipate possible directions for the evolution of the project management domain.
Does green intellectual capital matter for green innovation adoption? Evidence from the manufacturing SMEs of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Waheed , Wen Jun , Hussain Hadi , Khan Nadeem Akhtar , Younas Muhammad Waleed , Jamil Ihsan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In the era of knowledge economy, the significance of intellectual capital has been increasing globally. Similarly, recent studies have focused on the importance of green intellectual capital in mitigating environmental degradation. However, only a few studies have analysed green intellectual capital and its impacts in the specific case of Pakistan. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of green intellectual capital on green innovation adoption in Pakistan’s manufacturing small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

We used a data sample of 235 SMEs, gathered from the four manufacturing sectors of Pakistan including: textile, chemical, pharmaceutical and steel and analysed using a multiple regression analysis approach.

Findings

The empirical results of this research indicate that green human capital and green structural capital significantly increase green innovation adoption. However, it must be noted that green relational capital has a positive but insignificant impact on green innovation adoption in manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan.

Originality/value

The findings and recommended policy measures of this study are important for the managers of manufacturing SMEs and policymakers to mitigate environmental destruction and achieve sustainable development through green intellectual capital.
Is the real estate profession under threat? Assessing the effect of the involvement of non-professionals in Nigeria real estate agency service provision
Authors: Agboola Alirat Olayinka , Jasper Oluwasola Rebecca , Zakari Amamata Larai
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the effects of non-professionals' involvements in real estate service provision on real estate agency practice in Ibadan Nigeria, in order to provide information that could enhance real estate agency practice in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through questionnaire administration on a total sample of 232 respondents comprising 82 estate surveyors and valuers, 100 non-professional estate agents and 25 real estate agency service consumers each from the respective clients of the two groups. A respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique was adopted for data collection and was particularly useful in accessing non-professionals with characteristically less identifiable organizational structure. Data were analysed using mean scores on a Likert type scale while Spearman rank correlation was used to compare and establish if significant differences exist between the perceptions of clients of professionals and non-professionals on the services provided.

Findings

This study revealed that while the involvement of non-professionals in real estate agency practice deprives professionals of opportunities for legitimate earnings and is attributed to incidences of fraudulent transactions in the market, non-professionals often also serve as facilitators of transactions for the professionals. Hence, there seems to be a symbiotic relationship between the two groups and also a tacit validation of the involvement of the former by the latter.

Originality/value

This work contributes to and extends the body of knowledge on non-professionals' involvement in real estate professional practice by providing insights into the effects of activities of individuals who are not members of the real estate profession on real estate agency professional practice, particularly in the context of an emergent and less transparent market.
Leaders' trait signaling effect on followers' psychological contract dynamics
Authors: Ishaq Erum , Raja Usman , Bouckenooghe Dave , Bashir Sajid
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Using signaling theory and the literature on psychological contracts, the authors investigate how leaders' personalities shape their followers' perceptions of the type of psychological contract formed. They also suggest that leaders' personalities impact their followers' perceived contract breach. Furthermore, the authors propose that power distance orientation in organizations acts as an important boundary condition that enhances or exacerbates the relationships between personality and contract type and personality and perceived breach.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through multiple sources in Pakistan from 456 employees employed in 102 bank branches. Multilevel moderated path analyses provided reasonably good support for our hypotheses.

Findings

The leaders' personalities impacted the relational contracts of their followers in the cases of extraversion and agreeableness, whereas neuroticism had a significant relationship with the followers' formation of transactional contracts. Similarly, agreeableness, neuroticism and conscientiousness had significant relationships with perceived breach. Finally, the power distance of the followers aggregated at a group level moderated the personality-contract type and personality-perceived breach relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This research advances understanding of psychological contracts in organizations. More specifically, it shows that the personality of leader would have profound impact on the type of contract their employees form and the likelihood that would perceive the breach of contract.

Originality/value

This research extends existing personality-psychological contract literature by examining the role of leaders' personalities in signaling to employees the type of contract that is formed and the perception of its breach. The role of power distance organizational culture as a signaling environment is also considered.
Horizontal transfer of large plasmid with type IV secretion system and mosquitocidal genomic island with excision and integration capabilities in Lysinibacillus sphaericus
Authors: Geng Peiling , Cheng Jiao , Yuan Zhiming , Xiong Hairong , Wang Haiying , Hu Xiaomin
Published: March 2021

We identified a ~30‐kb genomic island (named GI8) carrying the binary toxin gene operon binA/binB on both the chromosome and large pBsph plasmid in the mosquitocidal Lysinibacillus sphaericus C3‐41 strain. We found that GI8 is related to the occurrence of binA/binB within L. sphaericus and displays excision and integration capability by recognizing the attB region, which consists of a 2‐nt target site (AT) flanked by an 11‐nt imperfect inverted repeat. pBsph and two pBsph‐like plasmids (p2362 and p1593) were found to carry a type IV secretion system (T4SS) and displayed transmissibility within a narrow host range specific to L. sphaericus. GI8 can be co‐transferred with pBsph as a composite element by integration into its attB site, then excised from pBsph and re‐integrated into the chromosomal attB site in the new host. The potential hosts of GI8, regardless of whether they are toxic or non‐toxic to mosquito larvae, share good collinearity at the chromosomal level. Data indicated that the appearance of the mosquitocidal L. sphaericus lineage was driven by horizontal transfer of the T4SS‐type conjugative plasmid and GI8 with excision and specific integration capability.
Suicidal iron overdose: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Yu Dongfang , Giffen Mark A.
Published: March 2021

Acute iron toxicity in adults is rare, usually occurring due to intentional ingestion in suicide attempts. Few cases of the clinical and autopsy findings in acute iron toxicity have previously been reported in the literature. Ingestion of large amounts of iron salts can lead to hemorrhagic shock, multi‐system organ failure, coagulopathy, and death. We present the case of a 25‐year‐old man who reportedly ingested a large quantity of iron tablets along with ethanol in a suicide attempt and subsequently died approximately 65.5 h later. His clinical course and laboratory findings demonstrated hepatic and renal compromise with markedly elevated serum iron levels. At autopsy, iron encrustations were present over the gastric rugae. Superficial deposits of stainable iron were present overlying areas of mucosal necrosis with underlying submucosal fibrin thrombi. No significant stainable iron was present in the liver. Literature review revealed that the clinical course and laboratory testing of severe acute iron overdose is fairly non‐specific. The length and type of treatment may alter the clinical course and laboratory results. Peak serum iron levels may be helpful in differentiating acute toxicity from chronic iron overload states. Gross findings of gastric iron encrustation are specific for acute ingestion when present.
The intriguing giant deer from the Bate cave (Crete): could paleohistological evidence question its taxonomy and nomenclature?
Authors: PALOMBO Maria Rita , ZEDDA Marco
Published: March 2021

The research describes for the first time a possible case of pituitary gigantism in fossil mammals, precisely in deer. The pathology was detected in 2 long bones (tibia and metatarsus) belonging to an individual of an unusual large size found at the Bate cave (Rethymnon, Northern Crete). It formed the basis of Candiacervus major, the largest among the endemic deer species recorded in the Pleistocene‐Early Holocene of Crete. Radiological and histomorphological examinations highlighted a reduction in cortical bone thickness and the presence of wide lacunae inside of the bone tissue. The pathological conditions suggest a pituitary gigantism diagnosis also supported by some morphological evidence, such as the extremely elongated distal part of the metatarsal diaphysis, the proportionally small proximal epiphysis, and some bone gracility. The diagnosis of a case of pituitary gigantism as presumed responsible for the extraordinary elongation of the tibia and the metatarsal bone is intriguing as they are, respectively, the paratype and the holotype of the C. major. The species represents a case of a deviation from the “island rule” in Pleistocene large mammals. The new evidence recommends a taxonomic and nomenclatural revision of this species. The main outcomes of this research are as follows: (i) a case of pituitary gigantism is described for the first time in an extinct mammal; (ii) it is underlined that paleohistology may provide interesting clues for disentangling taxonomic and nomenclatural issues; (iii) one of the very few cases of gigantism in insular mammals is being questioned.
Anthropogenic pressures increase extinction risk of an isolated Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population in southwestern China, as revealed by a combination of molecular‐ and landscape‐scale approaches
Authors: CHEN Ying , SUN Yakuan , ATZENI Luciano , GIBSON Luke , HUA Mei , LI Keyu , SHI Kun , DUDGEON David
Published: March 2021

Identification of the effect of anthropogenic threats on ecosystem is crucial. We used molecular tools and remote sensing to evaluate the population status of an isolated Asian elephant population in southwestern China in response to changes in habitat suitability between 1989 and 2019. A total of 22 unique genotypes were identified from 117 dung samples collected between March and June 2018 using microsatellite DNA analysis, including 13 males and 9 females. Based on the size of fecal boli, 1 animal was a juvenile, 9 were subadults, and 12 were adults, indicating that recruitment was limited. The effective population size was small (15.3) but there was no signature of a recent population bottleneck. We observed a low genetic diversity (He= 0.46 ± 0.05) and a high level of inbreeding (Fisof 0.43 ± 0.11), suggesting low population viability and high risk of extinction. In total, these elephants lost nearly two thirds (62%) of their habitat in 3 decades. The expansion of agriculture and rubber plantations followed by an increase in human settlements after 1989 increased the isolation of this population. We recommend that resettlement of 800 inhabitants of 2 villages and the abandonment of associated farmland and rubber plantations would make an additional 20 km2of suitable habitat available. This could allow a population increase of 14 elephants, possibly by translocating individuals from elsewhere in China. Our findings can be applied to the management and conservation of other fragmented populations in China or in other range countries of Asian elephants.