bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disrupting the CmP signaling network unveils novel biomarkers for triple negative breast cancer in Caucasian American women
Authors: Abou-Fadel Johnathan , Bhalli Muaz , Grajeda Brian , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes ∼15 percent of all diagnosed invasive breast cancer cases with limited options for treatment since immunotherapies that target the ER, PR and HER2 receptors are ineffective. Progesterone (PRG) is capable of inducing its effects through either classic, non-classic, or combined responses by binding to classic nuclear PRG receptors (nPRs) or non-classic membrane PRG receptors (mPRs). Under PRG-induced actions, we previously demonstrated that the CSC (CCM signaling complex) can couple both nPRs and mPRs into a CmPn signaling network which plays an important role in nPR(+) breast cancer tumorigeneses. We recently defined the novel CmP signaling network in TNBC cells, which overlapped with our previously defined CmPn network in nPR(+) breast cancer cells. In this study, we were able to demonstrate alterations to key tumorigenesis pathways in Caucasian American Women (CAW)-TNBC cells, under mPRs-specific steroid actions. These results suggest that even though TNBC diagnoses in AAW are associated with more aggressive forms of the disease, and experience a higher mortality rate, TNBC in CAW share similar altered signaling pathways, under mPRs-specific steroid actions, demonstrating the overall aggressive nature of TNBCs, regardless of racial differences. Furthermore, in this report, we have identified 21 new CAW-TNBC specific candidate biomarkers that reinforce the definitive role of the CmP signaling network in TNBC tumorigenesis, initially identified in our previous studies with AAW-TNBCs. This new set of potential prognostic biomarkers may revolutionize molecular mechanisms and currently known concepts of tumorigenesis in CAW-TNBCs, leading to hopeful new therapeutic strategies.
Genetic and functional odorant receptor variation in the Homo lineage
Authors: de March Claire A. , Matsunami Hiroaki , Abe Masashi , Cobb Matthew , Hoover Kara C.
Published: September 2021

Using ancient DNA sequences, we explored the function of olfactory receptor genes in the genus Homo. Humans, Neandertals, and Denisovans independently adapted to a wide range of geographic environments and the odours produced by their food. Variations in their odorant receptor protein sequence and structure resulted in variation in detection and perception. Studying thirty olfactory receptor genes, we found our relatives showed highly conserved receptor structures, but Homo sapiens did not. Variants led to changes in sensitivity to some odors, but no change in specificity, indicating a common olfactory repertoire in our genus. Diversity of geographic adaptations in H. sapiens may have produced greater functional variation in our lineage, increasing our olfactory repertoire and expanding our adaptive capacity.

One-Sentence Summary

Using ancient DNA we studied the sense of smell in our extinct ancestors and in our relatives, Denisovans and Neanderthals
Decoding natural astrocyte rhythms: dynamic actin waves result from environmental sensing by primary rodent astrocytes
Authors: O’Neill Kate M. , Saracino Emanuela , Barile Barbara , Mennona Nicholas J. , Mola Maria Grazia , Pathak Spandan , Posati Tamara , Zamboni Roberto , Nicchia Grazia P. , Benfenati Valentina , Losert Wolfgang
Published: September 2021

Astrocytes are key regulators of brain homeostasis, an important physiological process that includes but is not limited to buffering of extracellular K+, equilibrating osmotic gradients, regulating pH, uptake of neurotransmitters, and releasing growth factors – all of which are essential for proper cognitive function. While previous studies have revealed how specific molecular components of the astrocytic cytoskeleton affect the efficacy of these homeostatic processes, none have studied how homeostasis is linked to the excitable systems character of the cytoskeleton. As recently discovered, excitability of the actin cytoskeleton manifests in second-scale dynamic fluctuations and acts as a sensor of chemo-physical environmental cues. Here we find that homeostatic regulation may be more active than previously thought, involving the excitable dynamics of actin in certain subcellular regions, especially near the cell boundary. Our results further indicate that actin dynamics concentrates into “hotspot” regions that selectively respond to certain chemo-physical stimuli, specifically the homeostatic challenges of ion or water concentration increases. Substrate topography makes the actin dynamics of astrocytes weaker. Superresolution images demonstrate that surface topography is also associated with predominant perpendicular alignment of actin filaments near the cell boundary whereas flat substrates result in an actin cortex mainly parallel to the cell boundary. Additionally, co-culture with neurons increases both the probability of actin dynamics and the strength of hotspots. The excitable systems character of actin thus makes astrocytes direct participants in neural cell network dynamics.
Inference of disease-associated microbial gene modules based on metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data
Authors: Liu Zhaoqian , Wang Qi , Ma Anjun , Chung Dongjun , Zhao Jing , Ma Qin , Liu Bingqiang
Published: September 2021

The identification of disease-associated microbial characteristics is crucial for disease diagnosis and therapy. However, the heterogeneity, high dimensionality, and large amounts of microbial data present tremendous challenges for the discovery of key microbial features. In this paper, we present IDAM, a novel computational method for disease-associated gene module inference from metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data. This method integrates gene context conservation (uber-operon) and regulatory mechanisms (gene co-expression patterns) to explore gene modules associated with specific phenotypes using a mathematical graph model, without relying on prior meta-data. We applied IDAM to publicly available datasets from inflammatory bowel disease, melanoma, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and irritable bowel syndrome and demonstrated the superior performance of IDAM in disease-associated characteristics inference compared to popular tools. We also showed high reproducibility of the inferred gene modules of IDAM using independent cohorts with inflammatory bowel disease. We believe that IDAM can be a highly advantageous method for exploring disease-associated microbial characteristics. The source code of IDAM is freely available athttps://github.com/OSU-BMBL/IDAM.
Protective Efficacy of Gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 Delivery Against Intranasal and Intratracheal SARS-CoV-2 Challenge in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Yu Jingyou , Collins Natalie D. , Mercado Noe B. , McMahan Katherine , Chandrashekar Abishek , Liu Jinyan , Anioke Tochi , Chang Aiquan , Giffin Victoria M. , Hope David L. , Sellers Daniel , Nampanya Felix , Gardner Sarah , Barrett Julia , Wan Huahua , Velasco Jason , Teow Elyse , Cook Anthony , Van Ry Alex , Pessaint Laurent , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark G. , Hofer Christian , Burke Donald S. , Barkei Erica K. , King Hannah A.D. , Subra Caroline , Bolton Diane , Modjarrad Kayvon , Michael Nelson L. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: September 2021

Live oral vaccines have been explored for their protective efficacy against respiratory viruses, particularly for adenovirus serotypes 4 and 7. The potential of a live oral vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), however, remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the immunogenicity of live SARS-CoV-2 delivered to the gastrointestinal tract in rhesus macaques and its protective efficacy against intranasal and intratracheal SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Post-pyloric administration of SARS-CoV-2 by esophagogastroduodenoscopy resulted in limited virus replication in the gastrointestinal tract and minimal to no induction of mucosal antibody titers in rectal swabs, nasal swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage. Low levels of serum neutralizing antibodies were induced and correlated with modestly diminished viral loads in nasal swabs and bronchoalveolar lavage following intranasal and intratracheal SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Overall, our data show that post-pyloric inoculation of live SARS-CoV-2 is weakly immunogenic and confers partial protection against respiratory SARS-CoV-2 challenge in rhesus macaques.

Importance

SARS-CoV-2 remains a global threat, despite the rapid deployment but limited coverage of multiple vaccines. Alternative vaccine strategies that have favorable manufacturing timelines, greater ease of distribution and improved coverage may offer significant public health benefits, especially in resource-limited settings. Live oral vaccines have the potential to address some of these limitations; however no studies have yet been conducted to assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a live oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Here we report that oral administration of live SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates may offer prophylactic benefits, but that formulation and route of administration will require further optimization.
Molecular basis of differential adventitious rooting competence in poplar genotypes
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Perrone Irene , Alallaq Sanaria , Singh Rajesh , Rigal Adeline , Brunoni Federica , Chitarra Walter , Guinet Frederic , Kohler Annegret , Martin Francis , Street Nathaniel , Bhalerao Rishikesh , Legué Valérie , Bellini Catherine
Published: September 2021

Recalcitrant adventitious root (AR) development is a major hurdle in propagating commercially important woody plants. Although significant progress has been made to identify genes involved in subsequent steps of AR development, the molecular basis of differences in apparent recalcitrance to form AR between easy-to-root and difficult-to-root genotypes remains unknown.

To address this, we generated cambium tissue-specific transcriptomic data from stem cuttings of hybrid aspen, T89 (difficult-to-root) and hybrid poplar OP42 (easy-to-root) and used transgenic approaches to verify the role of several transcription factors (TF) in the control of adventitious rooting.

Increased peroxidase activity is positively correlated with better rooting. We found differentially expressed genes encoding Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging proteins to be enriched in OP42 compared to T89. A higher number of differentially expressed TF in OP42 compared to T89 cambium cells was revealed by a more intense transcriptional reprograming in the former. PtMYC2, a potential negative regulator, was less expressed in OP42 compared to T89. Using transgenic approaches, we have demonstrated that PttARF17.1 and PttMYC2.1 negatively regulate adventitious rooting.

Our results provide insights into the molecular basis of genotypic differences in AR and implicate differential expression of the master regulator MYC2 as a critical player in this process.
Mitoxantrone dihydrochloride, an FDA approved drug, binds with SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 C-terminal
Authors: Kumar Prateek , Bhardwaj Taniya , Giri Rajanish
Published: September 2021

One of the major virulence factors of SARS-CoV-2, NSP1, is a vital drug target due to its role in host immune evasion through multiple pathways. NSP1 protein is associated with inhibiting host mRNA translation by binding to the small subunit of ribosome through its C-terminal region. Previously, we have shown the structural dynamics of NSP1 C-terminal region (NSP1-CTR) in different physiological environments. So, it would be very interesting to investigate the druggable compounds that could bind with NSP1-CTR. Here, in this article, we have performed the different spectroscopic technique-based binding assays of an anticancer drug Mitoxantrone dihydrochloride (MTX) against the NSP1-CTR. We have also performed molecular docking followed by computational simulations with two different forcefields up to one microsecond. Overall, our results have suggested good binding between NSP1-CTR and MTX and may have implications in developing therapeutic strategies targeting NSP1 protein of SARS-CoV-2.
A histone variant condenses flowering plant sperm via chromatin phase separation
Authors: Buttress Toby , He Shengbo , Wang Liang , Zhou Shaoli , Sun Lei , Saalbach Gerhard , Vickers Martin , Li Pilong , Feng Xiaoqi
Published: September 2021

Sperm chromatin is typically transformed by protamines into a compact and transcriptionally inactive state. Flowering plant sperm cells lack protamines, yet have small, transcriptionally active nuclei with chromatin condensed by an unknown mechanism. Here we show that a histone variant, H2B.8, mediates sperm chromatin and nuclear condensation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Loss of H2B.8 causes enlarged sperm nuclei with dispersed chromatin, whereas ectopic expression in somatic cells produces smaller nuclei with aggregated chromatin, demonstrating that H2B.8 is sufficient for chromatin condensation. H2B.8 aggregates transcriptionally inactive AT-rich chromatin into phase-separated condensates, thus achieving nuclear compaction without reducing transcription. H2B.8 also intermixes inactive AT-rich chromatin and GC-rich pericentromeric heterochromatin, altering higher-order chromatin architecture. Altogether, our results reveal a novel mechanism of nuclear compaction via global aggregation of unexpressed chromatin. We propose that H2B.8 is a flowering plant evolutionary innovation that achieves nuclear condensation compatible with active transcription.

Abstract Figure
Hexa-μ-acetato-chlorido(μ-N,2-dioxodobenzene-1-carboximidato)-μ3-oxido-tetrairon(III)–water (1/1) and hexa-μ-acetato-(μ-N,2-dioxodobenzene-1-carboximidato)fluorido-μ3-oxido-tripyridinetetrairon(III)–pyridine–water (1/1/0.24)
Authors: Ward Cassandra L. , Allen Matthew J. , Lutter Jacob C.
Published: September 2021

The title compounds, [Fe4(C2H3O2)6(C7H4O3)FO(C5H5N)3]·C5H5N·0.24H2O (1-F) and [Fe4(C2H3O2)6(C7H4O3)ClO(C5H5N)3]·H2O (1-Cl) were synthesized using a self-assembly reaction in methanol and pyridine with stoichiometric addition of salicylhydroxamic acid (H3shi), acetic acid (HOAc), and the appropriate ferric halide salt. The compounds crystallize as solvates, where 1-F has one pyridine molecule that is disordered about a twofold axis and one water molecule with an occupancy of 0.24 (2); and 1-Cl has one water molecule that is disordered over two sites with occupancies of 0.71 (1) and 0.29 (1). The space groups for each analog differ as 1-F crystallizes in Fdd2 while 1-Cl crystallizes in P21. The difference in packing is due to changes in the intermolecular interactions involving the different halides. The two molecules are mostly isostructural, differing only by the torsion of the pyrine ligands and slight orientation changes in the acetate ligands. All of the iron(III) ions are in six-coordinate octahedral ligand field geometries but each one exhibits a unique coordination environment with various numbers of O (four to six) and N (nought to two) atom donors. Bond-valence sums confirm each iron is trivalent. The hydroximate ligand is bound to three iron(III) ions using a fused chelate motif similar to those in metallacrown compounds.
Factors affecting consumer purchasing behavior of functional food: a comparative analysis for consumer management
Authors: Salvatore Fiorella Pia , Adamashvili Nino , Contò Francesco
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The main aims are underlining the role of functional foods (FFs) for population wellbeing, investigating the reasons in the self-consciousness of the different countries' populations and exploring what influences in purchasing decisions to address the management of food-producing businesses. This information will make consumer management easier.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step methodology was adopted: (1) literature review and (2) online interview. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to facilitate and reduce the data complexity. Software Stata/SE was used for data analysis in both Italy and Georgia.

Findings

Customers' attitudes, awareness level and decision-making process are clarified through the comparative analysis between Italian and Georgian populations. They have a number of reasons that incentivize their behavior. These reasons may be used by food-producing businesses to evaluate their performance and develop ad hoc strategies for consumer management.

Originality/value

The key elements that determine the FF and motivate the consumer to buy can constitute a foundation for actions related to the development and management of food-producing businesses. Knowing the factors that consumers consider in the process of choosing FFs will help define the strategies that businesses should use for product improvement, better managing the consumer. This study can support the development of education, prevention and promotion of managerial improvements. The innovative mixed methodology applied to the topic is one of the original factors of the study.
Assessing the efficiency of the Covid-19 control measures and public health policy in OECD countries from cultural perspectives
Authors: Min Hokey , Lee C. Christopher , Joo Seong-Jong
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To identify sources of the success and failure of COVID-19 control measures and develop best-practice public health policy in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, this paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of various combinations of government COVID-19 control measures among OECD countries. This paper also identifies which factors critically influence the efficiency of COVID-19 control measures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employed two-stage network SBM (slacks-based measure of efficiency) models with variable returns-to-scale and constant returns-to-scale, respectively, among various forms of data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. As a post hoc analysis, the authors used Tobit regression for examining the causal relationship between a nation's cultural dimensions and its COVID-19 control measure's efficiency scores.

Findings

The authors found that the pervasive less individualistic and higher uncertainty avoiding culture positively influenced the efficient control of COVID-19 outbreaks since such a culture helped the government impose its mandatory COVID-19 control measures without people's strong resistance to those measures.

Originality/value

Many public health policymakers are wondering why COVID-19 control measures are not effective in coping with the COVID-19 outbreaks. This paper helps the government find the most efficient combination of COVID-19 controls measures for curbing the spread of the stubborn coronavirus. This paper is one of the first attempts to identify pandemic risk mitigation factors from a cultural perspective.
Can we talk? Why employees fail to report negative events to their managers
Authors: Scrimpshire Alex J. , Lensges Marcia L. , Webster Brian D. , Crosby Durand H.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to understand why and under what conditions employees are likely to partake in a particular type of silence, known as the Hierarchical MUM Effect (HME). This phenomenon occurs when subordinates are reluctant to share bad news with their supervisors, which can lead to deleterious outcomes in organizations due to a lack of communication. The authors also seek to find which conditions minimize HME.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed employees in a large healthcare organization across three weeks. The authors analyzed their results using the SPSS PROCESS macro.

Findings

The authors’ findings suggest one way to minimize a lack of upward communication is to empower employees, via a high-quality LMX relationship, and move away from a bottom-line mentality focus. Employees who are empowered show lower instances of withholding information via HME. A low bottom-line mentality enhanced this relationship.

Originality/value

The authors expand understanding of antecedents to a particular type of silence, the HME, defined as purposefully withholding information from a supervisor or sharing information in a way that silences the dirty details of a situation (i.e. equivocating). Although a wealth of research examines the deleterious consequences of a high BLM, the authors highlight the positive work outcomes associated with a low BLM.
Novel step-down topologies of star-connected autotransformer
Authors: Wang JiaRong , He Bo , Chen XiaoQiang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to obtain a symmetrical step-down topology with lower equivalent capacity and wider step-down range under the condition of the same output. Two new symmetrical step-down topologies of star-connected autotransformers are proposed in this paper. Taking the equivalent capacity as the main parameter, the obtained topologies are modeled and analyzed in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the research methods of design, modeling, analysis and simulation verification. First, the star-connected autotransformer is redesigned according to the design objective of symmetrical step-down topology. In addition, the mathematical model of two topologies is established and a detailed theoretical analysis is carried out. Finally, the theoretical results are verified by simulation.

Findings

Two symmetrical star-connected autotransformer step-down topologies are designed, the winding configurations of the corresponding topology are presented, the step-down ranges of these three topologies are calculated and the influence of step-down ratio on the equivalent capacity of autotransformer are analyzed. Through analysis, the target step-down topologies are obtained when the step-down ratio is [1.1, 5.4] and [1.1, 1.9] respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Because the selected research object is only a star-connected autotransformer, the research results may lack generality. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further study the topologies of other autotransformers.

Practical implications

This paper includes the implications of the step-down ratio on the equivalent capacity of autotransformers and the configuration of transformer windings.

Originality/value

The topologies designed in this paper enable star-connected autotransformer in the 12-pulse rectifier to be applied in step-down circumstances rather than situations of harmonic reduction only. At the same time, this paper provides a way that can be used to redesign the autotransformer in other multi-pulse rectifier systems, so that those transformers can be used in voltage regulation.
Business students' future time perspective and quality of university life: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Thu Nguyen N.Q. , Trang Nguyen T.M. , Tho Nguyen Dinh
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study, based on self-determination theory (SDT), investigates the effect of business students' future time perspective (FTP), directly and indirectly (mediated by deep learning approaches), on quality of university life.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 547 business students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was surveyed via a two-wave process to collect data to validate the measures and to test the hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results produced by SEM demonstrated that FTP had no direct effect on quality of university life and that deep learning approaches fully mediated the impact of FTP on quality of university life.

Practical implications

The study findings provide business educators with a better understanding of the role that FTP can play for business students. Increased awareness of this issue may help nurture the FTP of business students, which in turn directs them to pursue deep learning approaches to achieve a higher level of quality of university life.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to empirically investigate the overarching role that FTP plays in both deep learning approaches and quality of university life.
The tides of agencification: literature development and future directions
Authors: Waluyo Budi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This review frames the state of agencification studies to explore the development and results achieved to date (Q1: what has been done?) and identify future directions (Q2: what could be done?) of the studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach is carried out to summarize how agencification is adopted, variability of implementation, and its effects, from literature published in the past 48 years (1973–2020). Eligibility criteria include a combination of literature quality (number of citation) and source reputation (journal impact factor). From this, 84 articles and 9 books were included in the review.

Findings

The review finds various country-specific adoptions of agencification and some similarities and differences of agencification practice across various administrative settings. Studies on the effects of agencification is limited and offer mixed results. Meanwhile, little attempt was made to reveal how micro-processes are happening in the everyday practice of agencification. The paper outlines a set of research agenda and possible alternative approaches for future studies.

Research limitations/implications

This review provides an avenue for scholars and practitioners to pay more attention to the “street level” of agencification. Future studies may challenge New Public Management's view of agencification by proposing new perspectives based on a direct observation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing amount of agencification studies by synthesizing theoretical and empirical works across countries covering developed and developing economies in local, regional, and national levels of government.
Experiences of the Hungarian criminal jurisdiction concerning the illicit trafficking of cultural properties
Authors: Kármán Gabriella
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The special purpose of this research was to identify the current features of illicit trade of cultural properties in Hungary and the procedures dealing with it. These offences pose a significant risk of damage to cultural property and have a strong link with organised crime. This relationship underlines the need for a criminal law approach worldwide in the field of the protection of cultural goods.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the current situation in Hungary, an empirical research was conducted in 2018 with questionnaires designed to obtain data from the criminal records. To examine the phenomenon of “illicit trafficking”, the following types of crimes against cultural goods were selected: theft, dealing in stolen goods, robbery, budget fraud and criminal offences with protected cultural goods.

Findings

As a summary, it has to be stated that even though the number of the criminal procedure of these crimes in Hungary is low, it cannot be concluded that illicit trafficking of cultural goods in Hungary occurs only rarely. A specific characteristic of the phenomenon is high latency. To examine this phenomenon, the author has drawn up a list of indicators.

Practical implications

The aim of this project is to provide background information and materials for training programs. It is necessary to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. The role of the experts is outstanding in these cases; the clear definition of their tasks and competence is very important. Information to all “actors of this scene” (from the collector to the art dealers) can contribute to the prevention too.

Originality/value

This study presents the characteristics of the criminal procedures and the difficulties of both the detection and the evidentiary process to provide educational material for training. The author would like to raise awareness about the problem and draw attention to the need for unified legal practice.
Understanding the costs of interpersonal helping and governing mechanisms: an application of transaction cost economics theory
Authors: Chou Shih Yung , Ramser Charles
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Utilizing transaction cost economics (TCE) theory as the theoretical underpinning, this article aims to describe the costs of interpersonal helping and governing mechanisms that individuals may use to alleviate helping costs.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical analysis was performed by drawing upon TCE and related research.

Findings

Through the lens of TCE, the authors propose the following: First, as the costs of helping increase, interpersonal helping shifts from being triggered by an autonomous motivation to being regulated by contextual contingencies. Second, the helper is likely to utilize reciprocity to mitigate helping costs by acquiring specific assets possessed by the recipient when asset specificity is high. Third, the helper is likely to utilize organizationally sanctioned procedures and rules to mitigate helping costs by eliminating unwanted resource consumptions when outcome uncertainty is high. Finally, the helper is likely to utilize group norms to mitigate helping costs by involving others in helping or discouraging requests for recurrent help when the frequency of helping is high.

Originality/value

From a theoretical standpoint, this article complements previous research that focuses on the dark side of interpersonal helping. Practically, the authors offer several implications that help managers minimize the costs of helping in the organization.
How does entrepreneurial orientation and SDG orientation of CEOs evolve before and during a pandemic
Authors: Yadav Hitesha , Kar Arpan Kumar , Kashiramka Smita
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Aligning business innovation with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) creates immense opportunities to solve societal challenges along with business growth and productivity. This study aims to understand the evolution of Fortune firms' strategic addressing of SDG on social media as a step towards post-pandemic recovery. Using attribution theory as a theoretical lens, the authors try to investigate how entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and SDG orientation evolve with the crisis and affect the appreciation and advocacy of the SDG-related posts.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology of machine learning and Social media analytics such as content analysis, sentiment analysis and space–time analysis have been used, followed by multivariate analysis to validate the findings.

Findings

An evolution in CEOs’ strategic focus surrounding SDG dimensions was found, from economic in pre-pandemic phase to social and environment during the pandemic. The SDG disclosure on social media by the Fortune CEOs seems to have an influence on their social media reputation, whereas EO has no impact on social media reputation.

Research limitations/implications

Wise practice of EO in information diffusion by CEOs on social media may lead to a healthy relationship with the stakeholders and better firm performance. The SDG adoption at organisation level contributes towards a sustainable society and helps tackling the challenges faced during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study analyses the contribution of the Fortune firms to achieve a sustainable society in a pandemic environment by strategic adoption of SDGs and effective use of digital platforms.
A methodological framework for crafting situated services
Authors: Mazzarella Francesco , May Andrew , Mitchell Val
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper discusses how service design can be used to activate a transition of textile artisan communities towards a sustainable future.

Design/methodology/approach

Two participatory case studies were undertaken with textile artisans in the UK and South Africa. These led to the development of an original methodological framework for “crafting situated services” – services designed to be meaningful to the local communities within which they are embedded. An evaluation study assessed the originality of the framework, its relevance for tackling real-world problems, its extensibility and the rigour of the research process.

Findings

The framework brings together a variety of roles, methods and tools that designers can adopt in order to enter communities, make sense of sustainable futures, facilitate the co-design of situated services and activate legacies within communities. Building on emerging anthropological approaches, the framework makes a bridge between service management and service design for social innovation, advancing the field towards design for social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Arguing against the idea of the designer “parachuting” into communities to create services regardless of the local context, the concept of “situated services” is proposed in this paper, alongside a process for “crafting” meaningful social innovations. This requires the service designer to adopt a more situated and embedded approach to designing with communities in order to align with their needs and aspirations, interweave places, time, people and practices within the process, and co-design contextually better services.
How interaction experience enhances customer engagement in smart speaker devices? The moderation of gendered voice and product smartness
Authors: Chen Yu Hsin , Keng Ching-Jui , Chen Ye-Li
Published: September 2021

Purpose

With the advancements of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, smart objects (SOs) have been widely applied in the lives of consumers to fulfill a variety of functions. This research aims to explore the new interaction experience between consumers and a smart speaker that can create the effect of customer engagement by enhancing the gendered voice and product smartness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subject experiment to validate the research model and the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that a high level of interaction experience between the users and smart speaker devices increases customer engagement. Smart speaker devices that present female voices have a high product smartness, whereas high levels of interaction experience are more effective in customer engagement. Furthermore, the results also show a moderate effect of gendered voice and product smartness between the interaction experience levels and customer engagement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the assemblage theory and the interaction experience levels between users and smart speaker devices in IoT. Based on the results, suggestions on enhancing the smartness ability and application services of new smart speaker devices are proposed. The findings of this study can promote a more continuous interaction between users and smart speakers.
Experimental characterization of a novel ventilation system for multi-story buildings with continuous curtain walls
Authors: Fascetti Alessandro , Palladino Alessandro
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an experimental campaign conducted on a recently developed fire protection system (FPS), specifically designed for installation on continuous glass curtain walls systems typical of multi-story buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors will first present the theoretical derivation of the relevant parameters to characterize and predict the fire evolution and probability of flashover, according to existing codes and standards. Then, the results of two full-scale tests will be presented in terms of temperature fields, thermal gradients and position of the neutral plane.

Findings

The experimental evidence shows how the proposed system is able to dramatically reduce internal temperatures in the rooms interested by the fire, also allowing for safer evacuation procedures by increasing the height of the neutral plane.

Originality/value

The novel window frame element comprises an automatic doubly convergent aperture system that induces ventilation in the compartment by increasing internal convection in the rooms subject to the fire. This allows for an efficient dispersion of hot gases and fumes and a drastic improvement in safety for both the occupants and firefighting operators. The theoretical results are then compared to the experimental evidence to evaluate the performance of the proposed ventilation system in the context of existing standards and design procedures.
The characteristics of knowledge diffusion of library and information science – from the perspective of citation
Authors: Ding Jingda , Liu Chao , Yuan Yiqing
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the characteristics of knowledge diffusion of library and information science to reveal its development trend and influence on other disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the ESI discipline classification, this paper measures the knowledge diffusion from the library and information science to other disciplines over the last 24 years using indicators in four dimensions: breadth, intensity, speed and theme of knowledge diffusion.

Findings

The results show that the knowledge diffusion breadth of library and information science is wide, spreading to 21 ESI disciplines; the knowledge spread mainly concentrates in four soft or applied disciplines, and yet partially inter-disciplinary, and the knowledge diffusion intensity to each ESI discipline is parabolic whose highest point is mostly in 2004–2005; the speed of spreading to the 21 ESI disciplines is faster and faster, and the articles at the highest speed of knowledge diffusion are basically published after 2005; the knowledge diffusion themes are becoming increasingly diverse, deepening and specialization over time.

Originality/value

This paper modifies the relevant indicators of knowledge diffusion and constructs a measurement framework of knowledge diffusion from four aspects: breadth, intensity, speed and theme. The research method can also be used to explore the characteristics of knowledge absorption of a discipline from other ones.
Status of electronic records management (e-RM) in African university libraries: experience from Nigerian universities
Authors: Asogwa Brendan E. , Ezeani Chinwe Nwogo , Asogwa Martha Nkiruka
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examined the state of digital records management in Nigerian university libraries. It investigated the extent university libraries have captured/created, utilized, planned, organized and developed the skills of librarians, etc. for effective management of electronic records.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive survey design was adopted. The area of the study was Nigeria. The population of the study was 231 academic librarians and senior technical and administrative staff drawn from 12 federal university libraries. Data were collected and analyzed using questionnaire, checklist and version 20 of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Information obtained through oral interviews was analyzed qualitatively and incorporated in the discussions. The analytical framework was the Readiness Assessment Guide developed by the International Records Management Trust/World Bank in 2004. The criterion of judgment was that any item or statement of the research instruments that obtains a mean value of 2.50+ was rated high, and low if less than 2.50.

Findings

The results revealed that ICT facilities were available in Nigerian federal university libraries but the manner and extent of utilization, planning, organizing, re-skilling the staff, budgetary provisions and adoption of international best practices, etc. for e-records was low. Adequate funding, steady power supply, full internet services and adoption of global best practices for e-records management were some of the recommendations.

Practical implications

This study has established that the status of ICT facilities and current digital records management in Nigerian university libraries have not been properly managed and therefore are likely to become vulnerable or inaccessible for future transactions.

Originality/value

The gap in the literature about the dart of empirical studies on the status of e-RM in Nigerian university libraries has been bridged.
Bioactive compounds, nutritional benefits and food applications of black rice: a review
Authors: Poonia Amrita , Pandey Surabhi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the nutritional composition, phytochemicals and bioactive compounds of black rice such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds and their health benefits. Black rice has also been used in medicine and for curing diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Green technologies such as microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction and pulse electric field assisted extraction are very useful for the extraction of bioactive compounds as these reduce the use of energy and are environmental friendly. Black rice in different forms can be incorporated in various food products such as bakery, dairy and meat products.

Design/methodology/approach

Information and data were collected from different sources such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, online journals available at Banaras Hindu University library, Web of Science and Scopus. A database of more than 80 scientific sources from different sources was made as per the headings and subheadings of the paper.

Findings

Black rice is a type of rice species (Oryza sativa L.) and very good source of various nutrients and one of the nutritious varieties of rice. It is a good reservoir of essential amino acids such as lysine, tryptophan, minerals including iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium; vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and folic acid. Various recent methods of extraction of bioactive compounds from black rice are suggested.

Originality/value

Researchers and scientists have considered black rice as a “Super Food” because of its nutritional profile. Black rice has antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anticancer activity, antihyperlipidemia and antihyperglycemia and anti-allergic activity. There is a need to create awareness among the consumers about its nutritional profile and therapeutic properties.
Meta-analysis of the DeLone and McLean models in e-learning success: the moderating role of user type
Authors: Jami Pour Mona , Mesrabadi Javad , Asarian Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Reviewing the existing literature in the field of e-learning success reveals a considerable number of studies that primarily investigate the causal relationships proposed by the DeLone and McLean (D&M) information system (IS) success model. However, the various relationships in the D&M model have found different levels of support or even contradictory results within the empirical literature. To synthesize the existing knowledge in the field of e-learning success, the authors have conducted a meta-analysis of e-learning success studies using D&M to combine the quantitative results and validate the model in this field. Furthermore, a moderator analysis involving user types was performed to examine the situation under which they may have different effects.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, through a systematic review of the studies, 44 independent studies were selected from 29 qualified related journals. In order to analyze the quantitative results of the studies, the meta-analysis of the effect sizes of the casual relationships in the D&M model has been used.

Findings

The findings indicated that all relationships of the model were supported. It was also revealed that the extent of effect sizes of the examined relationships depends on the type of user. Except for one relationship (user satisfaction and net benefit), all effect sizes of employees were more than those of students and teachers.

Research limitations/implications

This meta-analysis reviewed the relationships found in the literature on D&M constructs in e-learning contexts. This study better explains the e-learning success factors by consolidating contradictory findings in the past researches and contributes to the existing e-learning success literature. The findings can assist educational institutions and organizations in decision-making because the findings resulting from the meta-analysis are more consistent than previous primary researches.

Originality/value

Despite the widespread use of the D&M model in the field of e-learning success, no study has yet consolidated the quantitative findings of these studies and the current field abounds in some controversies and inconsistent findings. This paper integrates the results of empirical studies that examined the relationships within the D&M model. The main contribution of this paper, which is the first of its kind, is to apply meta-analysis to reconcile the conflicting findings, investigate the strengths of the relationships in the D&M model and provide a consolidated view.
Effects of young adults' smartphone use for social media on communication network heterogeneity, social capital and civic engagement
Authors: Kim Yonghwan , Kim Bumsoo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines the direct and indirect effect mechanisms of how using smartphones for social media is associated with college students' civic engagement via levels of communication network heterogeneity and social capital. In addition, this study tests whether such indirect effects mechanisms are moderated by the need to belong.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes data from an online survey (N = 580) conducted at a public university. The PROCESS macro is used to examine the mediation association between mobile social media use, communication network heterogeneity, social capital, and civic engagement and the moderated mediation conditional upon need to belong.

Findings

College students who often use smartphones for social media were more likely to communicate with people who have different socio-demographic characteristics and different opinions. There was also a positive mediation mechanism between smartphone use for social media, network heterogeneity, social capital and civic engagement, which means that college students who often use mobile social media are more likely to communicate with heterogeneous others and develop a sense of social capital, which in turn led to greater levels of civic engagement. Importantly, these indirect effects of smartphone use for social media on civic engagement were stronger for those with greater levels of need to belong.

Originality/value

The findings of the current study are significant given that little is known about how young adults' mobile social media use is associated with communication network heterogeneity and civic engagement in their everyday life. The research expands the research agenda by investigating the most popular interactive communication media platforms.