bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free spermidine evokes superoxide radicals that manifest toxicity
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Mishra Rajesh Kumar , Ghose Debarghya , Kalita Arunima , Prakash Anand , Mitra Gopa , Arora Amit , Dutta Dipak
Published: September 2021

Spermidine and other polyamines alleviate oxidative stress, yet excess spermidine seems toxic to Escherichia coli unless it is neutralized by SpeG, an enzyme for the spermidine N-acetyl transferase function. Besides, a specific mechanism of SpeG function conferring pathogenic fitness to Staphylococcus aureus USA300 strain is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that although spermidine mitigates oxidative stress by lowering hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide levels, excess of it simultaneously triggers the production of superoxide radicals, thereby causing toxicity in the E. coli ΔspeG strain as well as naturally SpeG-deficient S. aureus RN4220 strain. However, wild-type E. coli and S. aureus USA300 with a horizontally-acquired speG gene tolerate applied exogenous spermidine stress. Furthermore, we demonstrate that while RNA-bound spermidine inhibits iron oxidation, free spermidine interacts and oxidizes the iron to evoke superoxide radicals directly. Superoxide radicals thus generated, further affects redox balance and iron homeostasis. Since iron acquisition and metabolism in the host tissues is a challenging task for S. aureus, the current findings helped us explain that the evolutionary gain of SpeG function by S. aureus USA300 strain allows it to neutralize exogenous spermidine- and spermine-mediated toxicity towards iron metabolism inside the host tissues.
Information processing dynamics in neural networks of macaque cerebral cortex reflect cognitive state and behavior
Authors: Varley Thomas F. , Sporns Olaf , Schaffelhofer Stefan , Scherberger Hansjörg , Dann Benjamin
Published: September 2021

One of the essential functions biological neural networks is the processing of information. This comprises processing sensory information to perceive the environment, up to processing motor information to interact with the environment. Due to methodological concerns, it has been historically unclear how information processing changes during different cognitive or behavioral states, and to what extent information is processed within or between the network of neurons in different brain areas. In this study, we leverage recent advances in the calculation of information dynamics to explore neural-level processing within and between the fronto-parietal areas AIP, F5 and M1 during a delayed grasping task performed by three macaque monkeys. While information processing was high within all areas during all cognitive and behavioral states of the task, inter-areal processing varied widely: during visuo-motor transformation, AIP and F5 formed a reciprocally connected processing unit, while no processing was present between areas during the memory period. Movement execution was processed globally across all areas with a predominance of processing in the feedback direction. Additionally, the fine-scale network structure re-configured at the neuron-level in response to different grasping conditions, despite of no differences in the overall amount of information present. These results suggest that areas dynamically form higher-order processing units according to the cognitive or behavioral demand, and that the information processing network is hierarchically organized at the neuron-level, with the coarse network structure determining the behavioral state and finer changes reflecting different conditions.

Significance Statement

What does it mean to say that the brain “processes information?” Scientists often discuss the brain in terms of information processing – animals take in information from their environment through their senses, and use it to make decisions about how to act in the world. In this work, we use a mathematical framework called information theory to explore how signals from the environment influence brain activity, and how brain activity in turn informs on behaviors. We found that different brain regions processed information in dynamic and flexible ways, with signals flowing up and down the hierarchy of sensory-motor depending on the demands of the moment. This shows how “computation” in the brain can reflect complex behaviors and cognitive states.
Post-pandemic residential environment in Amman
Authors: Abed Amal
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The fundamental lifestyle changes, economic concerns, property price increase and construction cost can explain the transformation of traditional housing layouts to massive indoor planes by prioritizing indoor over outdoor spaces. That is, overlooking the effect of outdoor spaces, on life quality, to compensate for indoor spaces expansion. As a result, this study highlighted outdoor spaces and their impact on psychological wellbeing, especially through the enforcement of quarantine conditions and social distance.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve that, a spatial analysis for (70) apartments, in Amman, was undertaken to understand outdoor space in terms of spatial configuration, size, adjacent spaces and usage. An assessment for outdoor space based on both users' and professionals' perspectives to discuss the current situation condition in terms of physical layout, activities, area, spaces' treatment and associated incentives. (125) responses were collected from the head of household living in an apartment through using a structured questionnaire. In addition, feedback in terms of dynamics home components, home buyers' market trends and local regulations were collected from (22) professionals.

Findings

Study results have shown that apartments' buildings in Amman are deficient, quantitatively and qualitatively, in both apartments with outdoor spaces in general and units on typical floors without outdoor space in specific. While, quantitative deficiency is associated with the poor layout in terms of area, functionality and variety. Qualitative is related to the absence of nature inspiration that incorporates five senses. As a result, this underlines the need for formulation design guidelines and strategies considering psychological wellbeing to improve outdoor spaces as a hub for activities.

Originality/value

Highlight the value of introducing post-pandemic multi-family housing that could lead to changes in building codes and design strategies to enhance psychological wellbeing of residents.
Design-led events in collaborative planning: improving post-event planning and delivery
Authors: AlWaer Husam , Rintoul Susan , Cooper Ian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Design-led events are known under a range of different titles such charrettes, participatory placemaking, co-design and enquiry by design. Rather than being standalone, such events form one single step in a multi-stage collaborative planning process. What comes after them has to be acknowledged as important to their effective contribution to collaborative planning. To date, no coherent body of empirical evidence on the aftermath of events has been published demonstrating critical factors that contribute to their success.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper’s significance resides in identifying an extended framework for the stages in the collaborative planning process and in highlighting critical issues for ensuring that the aspirations and concerns expressed by stakeholders throughout the process are acted on and delivered, namely, subsequent decision-making and delivery; follow-on support, resourcing and funding; the legal status of events and related governance issues; and appropriate monitoring and evaluation practices.

Findings

The paper provides guidance for professional and local stakeholders who are expected to carry the burden of acting on the outputs arising from such events. To be successful, collaborative planning has to be based on longitudinal stakeholder engagement – both long before but also after such events. It is here that the significance of the results reported here lie.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its attempt to broaden understanding of what happens in collaborative planning following design-led events, drawing on interviews with professional and lay participants in events held across Scotland over the past decade.
Consolidation of off-balance sheet entities and investment efficiency
Authors: Zhao Fang , Barua Abhijit , Kim Jung Hoon
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of consolidating off-balance sheet entities on firm-level investment efficiency. Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, consolidation of variable interest entities – an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46) is used as a quasi-exogenous shock to financial reporting in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically test the change of investment efficiency for a sample of firms affected by FIN 46 in the post-FIN 46 periods. In the regression, a group of matched pairs selected from unaffected firms is used as the control sample and firm characteristics are used as control variables.

Findings

The authors find that firms affected by FIN 46 experience improvement in investment efficiency after adopting the standard compared to unaffected firms. The authors also document that FIN 46 firms’ level of investment decreases after FIN 46 compared to unaffected firms. These empirical results suggest that the improvement in investment efficiency is likely to be achieved by the reduction in over-investment. Further analyses show that amongst the affected firms, firms consolidating off-balance sheet special purpose entities (SPEs) improve investment efficiency mainly by reducing over-investment, whereas firms avoiding the consolidation of SPEs do not display such tendency.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the relation between financial reporting and investment efficiency, as well as the literature on the impact of FIN 46. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relation between the consolidation of off-balance sheet entities and investment efficiency.
Cooking fuel choices of households in urban areas in Uganda: a multinomial probit regression analysis
Authors: Elasu Joseph , Kimuli Bright Richard , Adaramola Muyiwa S.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study explores the economic and sociodemographic factors that influence households' decisions on the type of fuel used for cooking in urban areas in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, two cross-section data surveyed by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in 2012/13 and 2016/17 were used to analyze consumption of energy for cooking purposes in urban areas of Uganda. This paper employed a multinomial probit regression model and the corresponding marginal effects to analyze cooking fuel choices, which are biomass, electricity and gas and kerosene combined.

Findings

The results showed that household expenditure was statistically significant for the choice of cooking fuel chosen. Furthermore, kitchen type, dwelling type and apartment tenure type are found to be significantly influence the choice of household cooking fuel decisions.

Originality/value

This study takes into consideration the combined influence of the kitchen type, dwelling and tenure type as explanatory variables for the choice of cooking fuel for households in urban areas in Uganda. These factors have not been considered in previous studies done in Uganda, especially within the context of urban households when making choices for cooking fuel.
The impact of training on productivity and wages in Tunisia
Authors: Ben Jemaa Cherif Naouel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of training on labor productivity and wages in order to examine how the benefits from training are shared between employers and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes an industry panel covering all sectors of the Tunisian economy for the period 2000–2014. The panel structure of the data allows controlling for the endogeneity of training by using different panel data techniques.

Findings

Results show that both employers and workers benefit from training since it has a positive and significant effect on productivity and wages. However, the effect of training on productivity is substantially higher than on wages, suggesting that employers obtain the largest part of the returns to training. This result is consistent with theories that explain firm-sponsored training by a compressed wage structure in imperfect labor markets.

Originality/value

This study, particularly showcasing the labor market in Tunisia, is one of the first to provide estimates for a developing country to assess the effects of training for both employer and employee. It is also among the few empirical works that analyzed the impact of training on labor productivity and wages simultaneously.
Political and administrative decentralization and responses to COVID-19: comparison of the United States and South Korea
Authors: Park Sanghee , Fowler Luke
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study explains the variation of government responses to the pandemic by focusing on how centralization/decentralization in politics and administration creates conflicts and coordination problems. Specifically, the authors make comparisons between the U.S. and South Korea to reveal differences in macro-level structures and associated responses. One of the key points of comparison is the centralized, hierarchical governance system, which may thwart or facilitate a coordinated response.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an in-depth comparative case study of the two countries that showed different trajectories during the initial response to COVID-19. The comparison allows us to highlight the long-standing debate about centralization/decentralization and offers implications for government responses to crises shaped by political systems and administrative structures.

Findings

While there are inherent pros and cons to decentralization, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the institutional limitations in American federalism and the advantages that centralized administrative coordination creates during times of crisis. American federalism has unveiled systematic problems in coordination, along with the leadership crisis in polarized politics. The response from South Korea also reveals several issues in the administratively centralized and politically polarized environment.

Research limitations/implications

While the authors risk comparing apples and oranges, the variation unveils systematic contradictions in polarized politics and offers important implications for government responses in times of crisis. However, this article did not fully account for individual leadership as an independent factor that interacts with existing political/administrative institutions.

Practical implications

There is certainly no one best way or one-size-fits-all solution to mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic in countries under different circumstances. This article demonstrates that one of the essential determining factors in national responses to the pandemic is how the political and administrative dimensions of centralization/decentralization are balanced against each other.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies explaining the country-level responses to COVID-19, this study focuses on the variance of political and administrative decentralization within each country from the political-administrative perspective and reveals the systematic contradictions in coordination and the leadership crisis in polarized politics.
Hybrid cognition in medical discharges
Authors: Simonsen Line Maria , Steffensen Sune Vork
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the interaction-sensitive skills medical practitioners enact as they manage multiple organizational factors in the context of discharging patients.

Design/methodology/approach

For that purpose, we carried out a cognitive ethnographic study in a Danish hospital, where we video-recorded three pre-ward round meetings, five discharge conversations and conducted seven semi-structured interviews. Fieldnotes and interview transcripts were analyzed using the method Cognitive Task Analysis, and video-recordings were analyzed via the interactivity-based approach Cognitive Event Analysis.

Findings

Our findings show that practitioners coordinate multi-scalar resources (e.g. verbal patterns and cognitive artifacts) in order to discharge patients in a safe and integrated way, which we propose amounts to the social and intercorporeal ability to align simultaneously emerging factors, like organizational procedures in the hospital, artifacts in use, sociocultural resources and the individual medical expertise of the practitioner in the emerging social interaction with the patient. In pursing this claim, we investigate the linguistic and cognitive processes emerging in a single case study of a nurse who discharges a patient. We propose that the interaction-sensitive skill which enables the nurse to solve the task of discharging the patient can be characterized via hybrid cognition.

Originality/value

Thus, the value of the article is dual: On the one hand, it empirically contributes with knowledge of the complex organizational structures that constrains micro-level medical interactions in discharges, and on the other, the article contributes theoretically with a hybrid cognitive framework that allows organizational researchers to understand and assess complex cognitive and linguistic processes that goes into the social micro-coordination in complex organizational-medical task.
Accelerating the implementation of SDG 4: stakeholder perceptions towards initiation of sustainable community engagement projects by higher education institutions
Authors: Shabalala Lombuso Precious , Ngcwangu Sisa
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of an investigation on how a reciprocal relationship between the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in South Africa and the surrounding communities can be used to accelerate the implementation of sustainable development goal 4 (SDG 4). The aim of this paper is to establish stakeholder perceptions on the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the development and implementation of sustainable community engagement (CE) projects geared towards the acceleration of SDG 4.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was adopted. This consisted of a presentation at UMP, an educational tour of the campus and discussion sessions with 3 education officials and 19 high schools representatives from Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Content and narrative analysis were used to analyse the data obtained during the discussions.

Findings

The key findings indicate that a reciprocal relationship between HEIs and their surrounding communities can be used to accelerate the implementation of SDG 4 by positioning HEIs to take the lead with initiatives and implementation of CE projects.

Research limitations/implications

For HEIs to be in a better position to take a leading role in CE, they must guide without imposing, else it may lead to stakeholders losing interest.

Practical implications

The importance of a mutual working relationship between HEIs and communities becomes paramount, as it may lead to the realisation and acceleration of SDG 4 through CE. It is suggested that HEIs prioritise CE and also involve communities from the conceptualisation of any project.

Originality/value

The paper raises awareness and demonstrates the importance and possibilities of using CE towards the acceleration of the implementation of SDG 4 by HEIs.
The effect of service quality on behavioural intention: the mediating role of student satisfaction and switching barriers in private universities
Authors: Tan Peter Sin Howe , Choong Yuen Onn , Chen I-Chi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between perception of service quality, student satisfaction, switching barriers on behavioural intentions among private higher education institutions (HEIs) with self-accreditation status in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 388 valid questionnaires were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from the undergraduate students of private HEIs with self-accreditation status in Malaysia. PLS-SEM has been employed for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The results show that student perceived service quality is positively influence student satisfaction and student behavioural intentions, particularly the positive word-of-mouth (WOM). The relationship of student perceived service quality and student behavioural intentions is fully mediated by student satisfaction. However, there is no mediating effect found for the switching barriers on the relationship between student satisfaction and behavioural intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study's findings are only generalizable to the private HEI with self-accreditation status in Malaysia. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge in the areas of service quality, satisfaction, switching barriers and behavioural intentions. These findings provide valuable insight to the private universities management and policymakers to improve existing policies and practices in order to formulate effective strategies to attract potential new students and retain the existing students through the delivery of high-quality services.

Originality/value

This study's findings have reconfirmed that the causal relationship of perceived service quality-satisfaction-behavioural intentions model. Switching barriers has treated as the mediator which received less attention in the context of private higher education sector. Thus, this study broadens the exiting body of knowledge and advances the understanding of how switching barriers play a crucial role by influencing students' behavioural intention, particular WOM.
Sustainability and accounting education: perspectives of undergraduate accounting students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ebaid Ibrahim El-Sayed
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore undergraduate accounting students' perceptions and understanding of the concept of sustainable development. Moreover, this study aims to explore students' perceptions of the integration of sustainable development issues in accounting education in Saudi Arabia as an emerging country.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of accounting students from four Saudi universities. The questionnaire contained five groups of questions aimed at exploring the extent of students' awareness and understanding of the concept of sustainable development, their perceptions of the importance of sustainable development for society, their perceptions of the important role of accounting in sustainable development, their satisfaction with the level of integrating sustainable development issues in accounting education at the present time and their opinions about the appropriate approach to integrate sustainable development issues in accounting education.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that although most of the students have heard about the concept of sustainable development from the media and perceive the importance of sustainable development for society, they have a low level of understanding of this concept due to the apparent weakness in integrating sustainable development issues in accounting education in Saudi universities. Students were unsatisfied with the sustainable development learning offered by Saudi universities. They also showed a positive attitude toward integrating sustainable development issues in their accounting education. They suggested that the appropriate approach to integrate sustainable development issues in accounting education is to treat these issues in the relevant courses included in their current accounting curricula.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide indications to the administrators of Saudi universities to start developing accounting curriculum to integrate sustainable development issues into accounting education. This will result in an increase in the effectiveness of the role of these universities in achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature concerning how students perceive sustainable development education by focusing on the accounting students in Saudi Arabia as context that has not previously examined.
Individual costs and societal benefits: the privacy calculus of contact-tracing apps
Authors: Carlsson Hauff Jeanette , Nilsson Jonas
Published: September 2021

Purpose

During 2020, governments around the world introduced contact-tracing apps to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In order for contact-tracing apps to be efficient tools in combatting pandemics, a significant proportion of the population has to install it. However, in many countries, the success of apps introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic has been limited due to lack of public support. This paper aims to better understand why consumers seem unwilling to install and use a contact-tracing app.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors test a number of determinants hypothesized to influence acceptance of contact-tracing apps based on the theory of privacy calculus (Dinev and Hart, 2006). Both perceived privacy concerns, as well as perceived hedonic, utilitarian and pro-social benefits are included. The hypotheses are tested through SEM analysis on a representative sample of 1,007 Swedish citizens.

Findings

The results indicate significant privacy concerns with using contact-tracing apps. However, this is to some extent offset by perceived hedonic and pro-social positive consequences of using the app. This study further shows that a general positive attitude towards innovation increases acceptance of the app.

Originality/value

The study contributes to research on consumer privacy, both in general in its application of the calculus model but also specifically in the context of contact-tracing apps. Moreover, as the results highlight which aspects that are important for consumers to accept and install an app of this kind, they also represent an important contribution to policymakers in countries around the world.
I'm no expert, but … ? Consumer use of supportive digital tools in health services
Authors: Bocking Helen , Russell-Bennett Rebekah , Letheren Kate
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The use of supportive digital technology – the provision of supportive services and self-management health tools using digital platforms – by marketers is increasing alongside research interest in the topic. However, little is known about the motivations to use these tools and which tool features provide different forms of social support (informational, emotional, instrumental, network or esteem). The purpose of this paper is thus to explore consumer perceptions of supportive healthcare self-management and preferences for different levels of interactive features as social support in a health services context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach involving 30 semi-structured interviews with consumers interested in two common preventative health services that use supportive digital tools (SDTs) (skin-cancer checks and sexually transmitted infection checks) was undertaken. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the verbatim transcripts.

Findings

This research identified there is a lack of motivation to initiate the search for SDTs; consumers are motivated by a desire to control and monitor health concerns and avoid overuse of the health system. The findings showed a preference for social support to go beyond informational support, with a need for interactivity that personalised support in a proactive manner.

Research limitations/implications

SDTs are positively perceived by consumers as part of health services. The motivation to use these tools is complex, and the social support needed is multifaceted and preferably interactive.

Practical implications

This research assists service marketers to better design informational and instrumental support for preventative self-managed healthcare services.

Originality/value

This paper extends knowledge about the motivation and social support required from SDTs in a preventative health service context.
A systematic approach for predicting loyalty behavior of tourist destinations
Authors: Talaee Malmiri Ahmad Reza , Norouzi Isfahani Roxana , BahooToroody Ahmad , Abaei Mohammad Mahdi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Destinations to be able to compete with each other need to equip themselves with as many competitive advantages as possible. Tourists' loyalty to a destination is considered as a prominent competitive tool for destinations. Tourists' loyalty manifests itself in recommendation of the destination to others, repeat visit of the destination and willingness to revisit the destination. Although a plethora of studies have tried to define models to show the relation between loyalty and the antecedent factors leading up to it, few of them have tried to integrate these models with mathematical approaches for better understanding of loyalty behavior. The purpose of this paper is to integrate a tourist destination model with Bayesian Network in order to predict the behaviour of destination loyalty and its antecedent factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has developed a probability model by the integration of a destination loyalty model with a Bayesian network (BN) which enables to predict and analyze the behavior of loyalty and its influential factors. To demonstrate the application of this framework, Tehran, the capital of Iran, was chosen as a destination case study.

Findings

The outcome of this research will assist in identifying the weak key points in the tourist destination area for giving insights to the marketers, businesses and policy makers for making better decisions related to destination loyalty. In the analysis process, the most influential factors were recognized as the travel environment image, natural/historical attractions and, with a lower degree, infrastructure image which help the decision maker to detect and reinforce the weak factors and put more effort in focusing on improving the necessary parts rather than the irrelevant parts.

Originality/value

The research identified all critical factors that have the most influence on destination loyalty while driving the associate uncertainty which is significant for the tourism industry. This resulted in better decision-making which is used to identify the impact of tourism destination loyalty.
What make investors herd while investing in the Indian stock market? A hybrid approach
Authors: Sachdeva Muskan , Lehal Ritu , Gupta Sanjay , Garg Aashish
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In recent years, significant research has focused on the question of whether severe market periods are accompanied by herding behavior. As herding behavior is a considerable cause of the speculative bubble and leads to stock market deviations from their basic values it is necessary to examine the motivators which led to herding behavior among investors. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors performed a two-phase analysis to address the research questions of the study. In the first phase, for text analysis NVivo software was used to identify the factors driving herding behavior among Indian stock investors. The analysis of a text was performed using word frequency analysis. While in the second phase, the Fuzzy-AHP analysis techniques were employed to examine the relative importance of all the factors determined and assign priorities to the factors extracted.

Findings

Results of the study depicted Investor Cognitive Psychology (ICP), Market Information (MI), Stock Characteristics (SC) as the top-ranked factors driving herding behavior, while Socio-Economic Factors (SEF) emerged as the least important factor driving herding behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was undertaken among stock investors from North India only. Moreover, numerous factors are not part of the study but might significantly influence the investors' herding behaviors.

Practical implications

Comprehending the influences of the different factors discussed in the study would enable stock investors to be more aware of their investment choices and not resort to herd behavior. This research enables decision-makers to understand the reasons for herd activity and helps them act accordingly to improve the stock market's performance.

Originality/value

The current study will provide an inclusive overview of herding behavior motivators among Indian stock investors. This study's results can be extremely useful for both academics and policymakers to gain some insight into the functioning of the Indian stock market.
Control of forming process of truss structure based on cold metal transition technology
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Zhou Xu , Zhang Hongyu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) method and path planning algorithm of truss structure parts, to realize the collision-free rapid prototyping of truss structures with complex characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a point-by-point stacking strategy is proposed based on the spot-welding mode of cold metal transfer welding technology. A force analysis model of the droplet is established, which can be used to adjust the posture of the welding torch and solve the collapse problem in the WAAM process of the truss structure. The collision detection model is developed to calculate the interference size between the truss structure and the welding torch, which is used to control the offset of the welding torch. Finally, the ant colony algorithm has been used to optimize the moving path of welding torch between truss with considering the algorithm efficiency and collision avoiding and the efficiency of the algorithm is improved by discretizing the three-dimensional workspace.

Findings

A series of experiments were conducted to prove the validity of the proposed methods. The results show that the wire feeding speed, welding speed are the important parameters for controlling the WAAM process of truss parts. The inclination angle of the welding torch has an important influence on the forming quality of the truss.

Originality/value

The force analysis model of truss structure in the WAAM process is established to ensure the forming quality and a collision-free path planning algorithm is proposed to improve forming efficiency.
Activities, destination image, satisfaction and loyalty in a small island destination
Authors: Padrón-Ávila Hugo , Croes Robertico , Rivera Manuel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examining how tourists’ activities condition the relationship between destination image, satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a constructive replication design (CRD) to investigate the alleged critical role of tourism activities in impacting the tourism experience dimensions of image, satisfaction and loyalty. The CRD approach does not include new concepts or original relationships. However, what is new in the established relationship between image, satisfaction and loyalty is discerning the role of tourism activities as a moderator conditioning the relationship between the three dimensions. The purpose is to establish the external validity of previous studies’ findings through a more stringent test of the findings’ replicability. The analysis used partial least square modeling to examine the relationship between activities, dimensions and multigroup analysis to estimate potential significant differences in group-specific parameters, which are not often used in destination analysis, ensuring rigor in the data analysis and model. The number and type of activities practiced moderate the relationships between these constructs.

Findings

The results indicate that tourists’ type and several destination activities moderate the relationship between tourists’ satisfaction, perceived image and loyalty. The results also suggest that the more destination activities tourists practice, the greater is their satisfaction. These two theoretical propositions put activities at the center of destination management and marketing and identify potential experiential consumption spheres. The analysis of activities’ central role is a productive research field.

Practical implications

This study made several recommendations to destination managers to increase activities participation such as strategic marketing opportunities, expansion of the activities portfolio with sports, wellness, nature based and life observation wildlife, voluntary and educational activities, revamping of the UNESCO heritage site and festivals. This study also recommended a strategic use of technology for information dissemination, the design of a daily activity agenda based on the identified segments’ activity patterns and a destination one-stop online travel shopping.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to apply the tourism activity-based approach to examine actual tourist behavior regarding their engaged activities instead of their experience or perceptions with those activities in a small island destination. Another contribution lies in examining if tourists’ type and activity engagement moderate the relationship between tourists’ satisfaction, perceived image and loyalty. This paper requires researchers to consider tourism activities’ impact on tourists’ image, satisfaction and loyalty.
Translating knowledge in new entrepreneurial ventures: the role of business plan development
Authors: Dal Mas Francesca , Massaro Maurizio , Paoloni Paola , Kianto Aino
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the role of business plan development as a knowledge translation tool, especially for the creation of start-ups. In a complex knowledge ecosystem populated by multiple diverse and autonomous actors (such as potential entrepreneurs, local companies, local public entities and business consultants) bonded together by a joint search for valuable knowledge, business plan development can work as a powerful enabler for the translation of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative multi-case study approach by examining the results of a public programme devoted to the creation of new entrepreneurial ventures. The authors analysed 418 complete business plans and followed up with all the participants with an interview. In total, 40 cases were investigated more in detail.

Findings

Results show how business plan development can function as a bridge between academic, theoretical and general knowledge on start-up creation on the one hand and practical contextualised activities of potential entrepreneurs on the other.

Practical implications

The process of knowledge translation is crucial to ensure that relevant knowledge coming from both the inside (the entrepreneur) and outside (the stakeholders) of the organisation is effectively applied. To facilitate the translation process, key knowledge users should be supported in contextualising and making sense of the research knowledge. Initiatives carried out by local entities and other actors, gathering several stakeholders to develop business plans, can become valuable opportunities to facilitate the translation process for start-up development.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to knowledge management and knowledge translation literature by demonstrating the role of business plan development as an effective knowledge translation enabler. It also adds to the understanding of innovation management and entrepreneurial education by proving the relevance of the translation of knowledge for the creation of new business ventures.
Efficacy and safety of topical Janus kinase and phosphodiesterase inhibitor‐4 inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Lu , Du Dan , Wang Lian , Guo Linghong , Jiang Xian
Published: September 2021

Topical Janus kinase (JAK) and phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) inhibitors are novel treatment approaches for atopic dermatitis (AD). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of JAK and PDE4 inhibitors for AD treatment. The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until June 2021 for eligible studies of AD patients treated with topical JAK and PDE4 inhibitors. Baseline and follow‐up data were extracted. Efficacy of JAK inhibitors was evaluated using Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) achieving “clear” or “almost clear”, with 2 points or more improvement from baseline at the end of treatment, referred to as “IGA response”). A Bayesian multiple treatment network meta‐analysis with fixed effects was performed. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% credibility interval (CrI) were used for comparing the efficacy of JAK and PDE4 inhibitors with placebo for AD. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials of topical JAK and PDE4 inhibitors with 4689 patients were included for analysis. A total of three topical JAK inhibitors and two topical PDE4 inhibitors were included. Compared with placebo, all JAK and PDE4 inhibitors had higher IGA response at 4 weeks of treatment. Notably, with similar safety profile, tofacitinib 2% b.i.d., ruxolitinib 1.5% b.i.d., and delgocitinib 3% b.i.d. showed favorable IGA response compared with topical tacrolimus and corticosteroids. Ranking analysis suggested that among all included JAK and PDE4 inhibitors, tofacitinib 2% b.i.d. had the highest probability of achieving IGA response (SUCRA = 0.880). Besides, JAK and PDE4 inhibitors showed non‐inferior safety profile with placebo. This study confirmed that topical JAK and PDE4 inhibitors had promising treatment efficacy and safety for AD patients. Tofacitinib 2% b.i.d., ruxolitinib 1.5% b.i.d. and delgocitinib 3% b.i.d. showed superior efficacy over other JAK and PDE4 inhibitors.
Metabolic history and metabolic fitness as drivers of anabolic heterogeneity in isogenic microbial populations
Authors: Calabrese Federica , Stryhanyuk Hryhoriy , Moraru Cristina , Schlömann Michael , Wick Lukas Y. , Richnow Hans H. , Musat Florin , Musat Niculina
Published: September 2021

Microbial populations often display different degrees of heterogeneity in their substrate assimilation, that is, anabolic heterogeneity. It has been shown that nutrient limitations are a relevant trigger for this behaviour. Here we explore the dynamics of anabolic heterogeneity under nutrient replete conditions. We applied time‐resolved stable isotope probing and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry to quantify substrate assimilation by individual cells of Pseudomonas putida, P. stutzeri and Thauera aromatica. Acetate and benzoate at different concentrations were used as substrates. Anabolic heterogeneity was quantified by the cumulative differentiation tendency index. We observed two major, opposing trends of anabolic heterogeneity over time. Most often, microbial populations started as highly heterogeneous, with heterogeneity decreasing by various degrees over time. The second, less frequently observed trend, saw microbial populations starting at low or very low heterogeneity, and remaining largely stable over time. We explain these trends as an interplay of metabolic history (e.g. former growth substrate or other nutrient limitations) and metabolic fitness (i.e. the fine‐tuning of metabolic pathways to process a defined growth substrate). Our results offer a new viewpoint on the intra‐population functional diversification often encountered in the environment, and suggests that some microbial populations may be intrinsically heterogeneous.
Binding of Orysata lectin induces an immune response in insect cells
Authors: Chen Pengyu , De Schutter Kristof , Pauwels Jarne , Gevaert Kris , Van Damme Els J. M. , Smagghe Guy
Published: September 2021

In mammals, plant lectinshave been shown to possess immunomodulatory properties, acting in both the innate and adaptive immune system to modulate the production of mediators of the immune response, ultimately improving host defences. At present, knowledge of immunomodulatory effects of plant lectins in insects is scarce. Treatment of insect cells with theOrysa sativalectin, Orysata, was previously reported to induce cell aggregation, mimicking the immune process of encapsulation. In this project we investigated the potential immunomodulatory effects of this mannose‐binding lectin usingDrosophila melanogasterS2 cells. Identification of the Orysata binding partners on the surface of S2 cells through a pull‐down assay and proteomic analysis revealed 221 putative interactors, several of which were immunity‐related proteins. Subsequent qPCR analysis revealed the upregulation of Toll‐ and immune deficiency (IMD)‐regulated antimicrobial peptides (Drs, Mtk, AttA, and Dpt) and signal transducers (Rel and Hid) belonging to the IMD pathway. In addition, the iron‐binding protein Transferrin 3 was identified as a putative interactor for Orysata, and treatment of S2 cells with Orysata was shown to reduce the intracellular iron concentration. All together, we believe these results offer a new perspective on the effects by which plant lectins influence insect cells and contribute to the study of their immunomodulatory properties.
Dealing with software complexity in individual‐based models
Authors: Vedder Daniel , Ankenbrand Markus , Sarmento Cabral Juliano
Published: September 2021

Individual‐based models are doubly complex: as well as representing complex ecological systems, the software that implements them is complex in itself. Both forms of complexity must be managed to create reliable models. However, the ecological modelling literature to date has focussed almost exclusively on the biological complexity. Here, we discuss methods for containing software complexity.

Strategies for containing complexity include avoiding, subdividing, documenting and reviewing it. Computer science has long‐established techniques for all of these strategies. We present some of these techniques and set them in the context of IBM development, giving examples from published models.

Techniques for avoiding software complexity are following best practices for coding style, choosing suitable programming languages and file formats and setting up an automated workflow. Complex software systems can be made more tractable by encapsulating individual subsystems. Good documentation needs to take into account the perspectives of scientists, users and developers. Code reviews are an effective way to check for errors, and can be used together with manual or automated unit and integration tests.

Ecological modellers can learn from computer scientists how to deal with complex software systems. Many techniques are readily available, but must be disseminated among modellers. There is a need for further work to adapt software development techniques to the requirements of academic research groups and individual‐based modelling.