bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of muscarinic M5 receptor function manifests disparate impairments in exploratory behavior in male and female mice despite common dopamine regulation
Authors: Razidlo John A. , Fausner Skylar M.L. , Wang Liuchang C. , Mirza Salahudeen A. , Alvarez Veronica A. , Lemos Julia C.
Published: July 2021

There are five cloned muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1-M5). Of these, the muscarinic type 5 receptor (M5) is the only one localized to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra. Unlike M1-M4, the M5 receptor has relatively restricted expression in the brain, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here we performed an in-depth characterization of M5-dependent potentiation of dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens and accompanying exploratory behaviors in male and female mice. We show that M5 receptors potentiate dopamine transmission by acting directly on the terminals within the nucleus accumbens. Using the agonist oxotremorine, we revealed a unique concentration response curve and a sensitivity to repeated stressor exposure. We found that constitutive deletion of M5 receptors reduced exploration of the center of an open field while at the same time impairing normal habituation only in male mice. In addition, M5 deletion reduced exploration of salient stimuli, especially under conditions of high novelty, yet had no effect on hedonia. We conclude that M5 receptors are critical for both engaging with the environment and updating behavioral output in responses to the environment cues, specifically in male mice. A cardinal feature of mood and anxiety disorders is a withdrawal from the environment. These data indicate that boosting M5 receptor activity may be a useful therapeutic target for ameliorating these symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Significance Statement

The basic physiological and behavioral functions of the muscarinic M5 receptor remain understudied. Furthermore, its presence on dopamine neurons, relatively restricted expression in the brain, and recent crystallization make it an attractive target for therapeutic development. Yet, most preclinical studies of M5 receptor function have primarily focused on substance use disorders in male rodents. Here we characterized the role of M5 receptors in potentiating dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens, finding impaired functioning after stress exposure. Furthermore, we show that M5 receptors can modulate exploratory behavior in a sex-specific manner, without impacting hedonic behavior. These findings further illustrate the therapeutic potential of the M5 receptor, warranting further research in the context of treating mood disorders.
Sex Identification in Cattle, based on Amelogenin Gene
Authors: Ahmad Aftab , Israr Muhammad , Rahat Murad Ali , Wahab Adnan , Uddin Subhan , Rasool Akhtar , Akbar Fazal , Shah Muzafar
Published: July 2021

Sex identification is considered an important step in the field of forensic sciences, wildlife and livestock breeding management. In the current experiment we used Amelogenin gene as a biological marker for polymerase chain reaction test to identify the sex of cattle from blood remnants, collected at slaughter house. Due to the conserved region of the gene on both sex chromosomes (X and Y) a single primers pair was employed to amplify the gene in a single polymerase chain reaction. In case of band patterns, a 178 base pair fragment for AMELY and a 241 base pair fragment for AMELX genes were produced. The primer’s competence and exactness was initially checked on known gender cattle samples and then applied to unknown cattle samples for the validation of the experiment. PCR amplicons of unknown gender showed only one band (241-bp) for female DNA and two bands (241-bp, 178-bp) for male DNA, on the platform of agarose gel upon electrophoresis. Our findings showed that the PCR protocol based on AMELX/Y gene is a reliable technique for the identification of cattle sex.
Are marine biodiversity hotspots still blackspots for barcoding?
Authors: Mugnai Francesco , Meglécz Emese ,   CoMBoMed group, Costantini Federica , Abbiati Marco , Bavestrello Giorgio , Bertasi Fabio , Bo Marzia , Capa María , Chenuil Anne , Colangelo Marina Antonia , De Clerck Olivier , Gutiérrez José Miguel , Lattanzi Loretta , Leduc Michèle , Martin Daniel , Matterson Kenan Oguz , Mikac Barbara , Plaisance Laetitia , Ponti Massimo , Riesgo Ana , Rossi Vincent , Turicchia Eva , Waeschenbach Andrea , Wangensteen Owen S
Published: July 2021

Marine biodiversity underpins ecosystem health and societal well-being. Preservation of biodiversity hotspots is a global challenge. Molecular tools, like DNA barcoding and metabarcoding, hold great potential for biodiversity monitoring, possibly outperforming more traditional taxonomic methods. However, metabarcoding-based biodiversity assessments are limited by the availability of sequences in barcoding reference databases; a lack thereof results in high percentages of unassigned sequences. In this study we (i) present the current status of known vs. barcoded marine species at a global scale based on online taxonomic and genetic databases; and (ii) compare the current status with data from ten years ago. Then we analyzed occurrence data of marine animal species from five Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) classified as biodiversity hotspots, to identify any consistent disparities in COI barcoding coverage between geographic regions and at phylum level. Barcoding coverage varied among LMEs (from 36.8% to 62.4% COI-barcoded species) and phyla (from 4.8% to 74.7% COI-barcoded species), with Porifera, Bryozoa and Platyhelminthes being highly underrepresented, compared to Chordata, Arthropoda and Mollusca. We demonstrate that although barcoded marine species increased from 9.5% to 14.2% since the last assessment in 2011, about 15,000 (corresponding to 7.8% increase) new species were described from 2011 to 2021. The next ten years will thus be crucial to enroll concrete collaborative measures and long term initiatives (e.g., Horizon 2030, Ocean Decade) to populate barcoding libraries for the marine realm.
Experimental evolution of Vibrio cholerae: Identification of genes involved in motility in presence of polymyxin B
Authors: Giacomucci Sean , Vincent Antony T. , Duperthuy Marylise
Published: July 2021

Vibrio cholerae is the bacteria responsible for the cholera disease and a natural inhabitant of aquatic environments. Biofilm formation is important for human colonization and environmental survival. Motility is essential for adhesion and biofilm formation by V. cholerae. In a previous study, we showed that motility and biofilm formation are altered in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of polymyxin B in V. cholerae. In this study, we performed an experimental evolution to identify genes rescuing the motility in the presence of polymyxin B. Mutations in 5 genes have been identified: ihfA, vacJ (mlaA), mlaF, dacB and ccmH. The details of these mutations, their potential impact on the function of the proteins they encode and on the motility in presence of polymyxin B are discussed.
Novel strains ofKlebsiella africanaandKlebsiella pneumoniaein Australian Fruit Bats (Pteropus poliocephalus)
Authors: McDougall Fiona K. , Wyres Kelly L. , Judd Louise M. , Boardman Wayne S.J. , Holt Kathryn E. , Power Michelle L.
Published: July 2021

Over the past decade human associated multidrug resistant (MDR) and hypervirulentKlebsiella pneumoniaelineages have been increasingly detected in wildlife. This study investigated the occurrence ofK. pneumoniaespecies complex (KpSC) in grey-headed flying foxes (GHFF), an Australian fruit bat. Thirty-nine KpSC isolates were cultured from 275 GHFF faecal samples (14.2%), comprisingK. pneumoniae(sensu stricto) (n=30),Klebsiella africana(n=8) andKlebsiella variicolasubsp.variicola(n=1). The majority (79.5%) of isolates belonged to novel sequence types (ST), including two novelK. africanaSTs. This is the first report ofK. africanaoutside of Africa and in a non-human host. A minority (15.4%) of GHFF KpSC isolates shared STs with human clinicalK. pneumoniaestrains, of which, none belonged to MDR clonal lineages that cause frequent nosocomial outbreaks, and no isolates were characterised as hypervirulent. The occurrence of KpSC isolates carrying acquired antimicrobial resistance genes in GHFF was low (1.1%), with threeK. pneumoniaeisolates harbouring both fluoroquinolone and trimethoprim resistance genes. This study indicates that GHFF are not reservoirs for MDR and hypervirulent KpSC strains, but they do carry novelK. africanalineages. The health risks associated with KpSC carriage by GHFF are deemed low for the public and GHFF.
Chemoproteomic profiling reveals cellular targets of nitro-fatty acids
Authors: Fang Mingyu , Huang Kuan Hsun , Tu Wei-Ju , Chen Yi-Ting , Pan Pei-Yun , Hsiao Wan-Chi , Ke Yi-Yu , Tsou Lun K. , Zhang Mingzi M.
Published: July 2021

Nitro-fatty acids are a class of endogenous electrophilic lipid mediators with anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in a wide range of inflammatory and fibrotic disease models. While these beneficial biological effects of nitro-fatty acids are mainly attributed to their ability to form covalent adducts with proteins, only a small number of proteins are known to be nitro-alkylated and the scope of protein nitro-alkylation remains undetermined. Here we describe the synthesis and application of a clickable nitro-fatty acid probe for the detection and first global identification of mammalian proteins that are susceptible to nitro-alkylation. 184 high confidence nitro-alkylated proteins were identified in human macrophages, majority of which are novel targets of nitro-fatty acids, including Extended synaptotagmin 2 (ESYT2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), Retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα) and Glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1). In particular, we showed that 9-nitro-oleate covalently modified and inhibited dexamethasone binding to NR3C1. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that nitro-alkylated proteins are highly enriched in endoplasmic reticulum and transmembrane proteins, and are overrepresented in lipid metabolism and transport pathways. This study significantly expands the scope of protein substrates targeted by nitro-fatty acids in living cells and provides a useful resource towards understanding the pleiotropic biological roles of nitro-fatty acids as signaling molecules or as multi-target therapeutic agents.
The transcription factor Xrp1 orchestrates both reduced translation and cell competition upon defective ribosome assembly or function
Authors: Kiparaki Marianthi , Khan Chaitali , Marco Virginia Folgado , Chuen Jacky , Baker Nicholas E.
Published: July 2021

Ribosomal Protein (Rp) gene haploinsufficiency affects overall translation rate, leads to cell elimination by competition with wild type cells in mosaic tissues, and sometimes leads to accumulation of protein aggregates. The changes in ribosomal subunit levels observed are not sufficient for these effects, which all depend on the AT-hook, bZip domain protein Xrp1. In Rp+/− cells, Xrp1 reduced global translation through PERK-dependent phosphorylation of eIF2α. eIF2α phosphorylation was sufficient to reduce translation in, and also enable cell competition of, otherwise wild type cells. Unexpectedly, however, many other defects reducing ribosome biogenesis or function (depletion of TAF1B, eIF2, eIF4G, eIF6, eEF2, eEF1α1, or eIF5A), also increased eIF2α phosphorylation and enabled cell competition. In all cases this was through the Xrp1 expression that was induced, placing Xrp1 as the downstream instigator of cell competition that also contributed to overall translation deficits. In the absence of Xrp1, translation differences between cells were not themselves sufficient to trigger cell competition. Thus, Xrp1, which is shown here to be a sequence-specific transcription factor, is the master regulator that triggers cell competition and other consequences of multiple ribosomal stresses.
Cellular remodeling and JAK inhibition promote zygotic gene expression in theCionagermline
Authors: Ohta Naoyuki , Christiaen Lionel
Published: July 2021

During development, remodeling of the cellular transcriptome and proteome underlies cell fate decisions and, in somatic lineages, transcription control is a major determinant of fateful biomolecular transitions. By contrast, early germline fate specification in numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species relies extensively on RNA-level regulation, exerted on asymmetrically inherited maternal supplies, with little-to-no zygotic transcription. However delayed, a maternal-to-zygotic transition is nevertheless poised to complete the deployment of pre-gametic programs in the germline. Here, we focused on early germline specification in the tunicateCionato study zygotic genome activation. We first demonstrate that a peculiar cellular remodeling event excludes localized postplasmic mRNAs, includingPem-1, which encodes the general inhibitor of transcription. Subsequently, zygotic transcription begins inPem-1-negative primordial germ cells (PGCs), as revealed by histochemical detection of elongating RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII), and nascent transcripts from theMef2locus. Using PGC-specificMef2transcription as a read-out, we uncovered a provisional antagonism between JAK and MEK/BMPRI/GSK3 signaling, which controls the onset of zygotic gene expression, following cellular remodeling of PGCs. We propose a 2-step model for the onset of zygotic transcription in theCionagermline, which relies on successive cellular remodeling and JAK inhibition, and discuss the significance of germ plasm dislocation and remodeling in the context of developmental fate specification.
Proteome-wide quantitative RNA interactome capture (qRIC) identifies phosphorylation sites with regulatory potential in RBM20
Authors: Vieira-Vieira Carlos Henrique , Dauksaite Vita , Gotthardt Michael , Selbach Matthias
Published: July 2021

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are major regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. While many posttranslational modification sites in RBPs have been identified, little is known about how these modifications regulate RBP function. Here, we developed quantitative RNA-interactome capture (qRIC) to quantify the fraction of cellular RBPs pulled down with polyadenylated mRNAs. Applying qRIC to HEK293T cells quantified pull-down efficiencies of over 300 RBPs. Combining qRIC with phosphoproteomics allowed us to systematically compare pull-down efficiencies of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of RBPs. Over hundred phosphorylation events increased or decreased pull-down efficiency compared to the unmodified RBPs and thus have regulatory potential. Our data captures known regulatory phosphorylation sites in ELAVL1, SF3B1 and UPF1 and identifies new potentially regulatory sites. Follow-up experiments on the cardiac splicing regulator RBM20 revealed that multiple phosphorylation sites in the C-terminal disordered region affect nucleo-cytoplasmic localization, association with cytosolic RNA granules and alternative splicing. Together, we show that qRIC is a scalable method to identify functional posttranslational modification sites in RBPs.

Highlights

qRIC globally quantifies the fraction of RNA-binding proteins pulled down with mRNA

Combining qRIC with phosphoproteomics identifies sites that affect RNA binding

Phosphorylation sites in RBM20 regulate its function in splicing
How fragile we are. Influence of STimulator of INterferon Genes, STING, variants on pathogen recognition and immune response efficiency
Authors: Morere Jeremy , Hognon Cécilia , Miclot Tom , Jiang Tao , Dumont Elise , Barone Giampaolo , Bignon Emmanuelle , Monari Antonio
Published: July 2021

The STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) protein is a cornerstone of the human immune response. Its activation by cGAMP upon the presence of cytosolic DNA stimulates the production of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines which are crucial for protecting cells from infections. STING signaling pathway can also influence both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting mechanisms, rendering it an appealing target for drug design. In the human population, several STING variants exist and exhibit dramatic differences in their activity, impacting the efficiency of the host defense against infections. Understanding the differential molecular mechanisms exhibited by these variants is of utmost importance notably towards personalized medicine treatments against diseases such as viral infections (COVID-19, Dengue…), cancers, or auto-inflammatory diseases. Owing to micro-seconds scale molecular modeling simulations and post-processing by contacts analysis and Machine Learning techniques, we reveal the dynamical behavior of four STING variants (wild type, G230A, R293Q, and G230A-R293Q) and we rationalize the variability of efficiency observed experimentally. Our results show that the decrease of STING activity is linked to a stiffening of key-structural features of the binding cavity, together with changes of the interaction patterns within the protein.
Single-nucleus sequencing reveals enriched expression of genetic risk factors in Extratelencephalic Neurons sensitive to degeneration in ALS
Authors: Limone Francesco , Mordes Daniel A. , Couto Alexander , Joseph Brian J. , Mitchell Jana M. , Therrien Martine , Ghosh Sulagna Dia , Meyer Daniel , Zhang Yingying , Goldman Melissa , Bortolin Laura , Cobos Inma , Kadiu Irena , McCarroll Steven A. , Stevens Beth , Pietiläinen Olli , Burberry Aaron , Eggan Kevin
Published: July 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterised by a progressive loss of motor function. The eponymous spinal sclerosis observed at autopsy is the result of the degeneration of extratelencephalic neurons, Betz cells (ETNs, Cortico-Spinal Motor Neuron). It remains unclear why this neuronal subtype is selectively affected. To understand the unique molecular properties that sensitise these cells to ALS, we performed RNA sequencing of 79,169 single nuclei from cortices of patients and controls. In unaffected individuals, we found that expression of ALS risk genes was significantly enriched inTHY1+-ETNs and not in other cell types. In patients, these genetic risk factors, as well as genes involved in protein homeostasis and stress responses, were significantly induced in a wide collection of ETNs, but not in neurons with more superficial identities. Examination of oligodendroglial and microglial nuclei revealed patient-specific changes that were at least in part a response to alterations in neurons: downregulation of myelinating genes in oligodendrocytes and upregulation of a reactive state connected to endo-lysosomal pathways in microglia. Our findings suggest that the selective vulnerability of extratelencephalic neurons is partly connected to their intrinsic molecular properties sensitising them to genetics and mechanisms of degeneration.

Graphical abstract and working model

Our study highlights cell type specific changes in premotor/motor cortex of sporadic ALS patients. Specifically, we identify upregulation of synaptic molecules in excitatory neurons of upper cortical layers, interestingly correlating to hyperexcitability phenotypes seen in patients. Moreover, excitatory neurons of the deeper layers of the cortex, that project to the spinal cord and are most affected by the disease, show higher levels of cellular stresses than other neuronal types. Correspondently, oligodendrocytes transition from a highly myelinating state to a more neuronally engaged state, probably to counteract stressed phenotypes seen in excitatory neurons. At the same time, microglia show a reactive state with specific upregulation of endo-lysosomal pathways.
Zic1 advances epaxial myotome morphogenesis to cover the neural tube via Wnt11r
Authors: Heilig Ann Kathrin , Nakamura Ryohei , Shimada Atsuko , Hashimoto Yuka , Nakamura Yuta , Wittbrodt Joachim , Takeda Hiroyuki , Kawanishi Toru
Published: July 2021

The dorsal axial muscles, or epaxial muscles, are a fundamental structure covering the spinal cord and vertebrae, as well as mobilizing the vertebrate trunk. To date, mechanisms underlying the morphogenetic process shaping the epaxial myotome are largely unknown. To address this, we used the medaka zic1/zic4-enhancer mutant Double anal fin (Da), which exhibits ventralized dorsal trunk structures resulting in impaired epaxial myotome morphology and incomplete coverage over the neural tube. In wild type, dorsal dermomyotome (DM) cells, progenitors of myotomal cells, reduce their proliferative activity after somitogenesis and subsequently form unique large protrusions extending dorsally, potentially guiding the epaxial myotome dorsally. In Da, by contrast, DM cells maintain the high proliferative activity and form mainly small protrusions. By combining RNA- and ChIP-sequencing analyses, we revealed direct targets of Zic1 which are specifically expressed in dorsal somites and involved in various aspects of development, such as cell migration, extracellular matrix organization and cell-cell communication. Among these, we identified wnt11r as a crucial factor regulating both cell proliferation and protrusive activity of DM cells. We propose that the dorsal movement of the epaxial myotome is guided by DM cells and that Zic1 empowers this activity via Wnt11r to achieve the neural tube coverage.
A comparison of wild and captive Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelmis comalensis) microbiomes
Authors: Mays Zachary , Hunter Amelia , Campbell Lindsay Glass , Carlos-Shanley Camila
Published: July 2021

The gut microbiome is affected by host intrinsic factors, diet, environment, and strongly linked to host’s health. Although fluctuations of microbiome composition are normal, some are due to changes in host environmental conditions. When species are moved into captive environments for conservation, education, or rehabilitation, these new conditions can influence a change in gut microbiome composition. Here, we compared the microbiomes of wild and captive Comal Springs riffle beetles (Heterelmis comalensis) by using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We found that the microbiome of captive beetles was more diverse than wild beetle microbiomes. We identified 24 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) with relative abundances significantly different between the wild and captive beetles. Many of the ASVs overrepresented in captive beetle microbiomes belong to taxa linked to nitrogen-rich environments. This is one of the first studies comparing the effects of captivity on the microbiome of an endangered insect species. Our findings provide valuable information for future applications in the management of captive populations of H. comalensis.
Bis(ethanol-κO)bis(1-ferrocenyl-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dionato-κ2
O,O′)nickel(II)
Authors: Su Wenqing , Fu Tianyue , Xu Zhongwei
Published: July 2021

In the title compound, [NiFe2(C5H5)(C9H5F3O2)2(C2H6O)2], the central NiII ion is observed in an octahedral coordination environment. The chelating β-diketonate ligands are substituted by ferrocene, a lipophilic organometallic moiety. The ferrocene groups have the normal geometry, with eclipsed cyclopentadiene rings. Coordinated ethanol molecules are engaged in intermolecular hydrogen bonds, and the crystal is further stabilized by weak C—H...F and C—H...π contacts.
The autonomous side of EO and firm performance: the role of professional experience and entrepreneurial engagement
Authors: Tufa Tesfaye Leta , Belete Aselefech Hailgiorgis , Patel Ashwinkumar A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct and indirect role of autonomy on firm performance. It also determines the role of professional experience in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed data collected from 124 small firms in Addis Ababa city using the ordinary least square (OLS) regression and hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The result of the OLS regression revealed that autonomy directly and indirectly (through entrepreneurial engagement) influences the firm's performance. Besides, professional experience moderates the relationship between autonomy and performance, as well as the relationship between autonomy and entrepreneurial engagement.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs should tend to engage in the works that they have professional experience than involving in jobs that they have no experience.

Originality/value

This study examines the relationship between autonomy and firm performance in established firms. It is among the first studies that tested the moderation influence in the relationship. That is, determining the role of professional experience is a novel contribution of this study, which is forgotten previously.
Some fixed-point theorems for a general class of mappings in modular G-metric spaces
Authors: Okeke Godwin Amechi , Francis Daniel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to prove some fixed-point theorems for a general class of mappings in modular G-metric spaces. The results of this paper generalize and extend several known results to modular G-metric spaces, including the results of Mutluet al.[1]. Furthermore, the authors produce an example to demonstrate the applicability of the results.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of this paper are theoretical and analytical in nature.

Findings

The authors established some fixed-point theorems for a general class of mappings in modular G-metric spaces. The results generalize and extend several known results to modular G-metric spaces, including the results of Mutluet al. [1]. An example was constructed to demonstrate the applicability of the results.

Research limitations/implications

Analytical and theoretical results.

Practical implications

The results of this paper can be applied in science and engineering.

Social implications

The results of this paper is applicable in certain social sciences.

Originality/value

The results of this paper are new and will open up new areas of research in mathematical sciences.
Surface wave scattering analysis in an initially stressed stratified media
Authors: Mandi Anand , Kundu Santimoy , Pal Prakash Chandra
Published: July 2021

Design/methodology/approach

The present discussed problem deals with the torsional surface wave scattering in an initially stressed inhomogeneous medium. The assumed model consists of tri-mediums resting over a viscoelastic semi-infinite medium and the considered tri-mediums are transversely isotropic, porous, and heterogeneous respectively under the impression of initial stress.

Design/methodology/approach

Heterogeneities are associated with density and rigidity in the intermediate layer and considered heterogeneities are of the trigonometric form. Displacement components are derived for mediums by applying separable variables.

Findings

Frequency equation is deduced by using suitable boundary conditions, defined at the free surface of the uppermost medium, and on the interfaces between mediums. The derived equation is of the complex form, real and imaginary parts direct the phase/damped velocities respectively. Additional results are considered in particular cases. Numerical examples are adopted for computing frequency equation and drawn consequences are demonstrated graphically to analyze the significant impact of various parameters on the phase velocity as well as on damped velocity of the surface wave sketched against the wavenumber.

Originality/Value

This presented research work provides a different view over the analysis of torsional surface waves than the earlier investigations. Previously studied problems on the wave generation were conducted in different models under the various affecting parameters. Study on torsional wave generation in the present model is not carried out till now. This study may find its virtue in the theoretical aspect as well as in the possible practical implications. The outcomes are relevant to geology and allied areas; moreover, the concern applications may be implicated in geological exploration, civil engineering, and prediction of Earthquake etc.
A nudge toward healthier food choices: the influence of health star ratings on consumers’ choices of packaged foods
Authors: Thomas Dominic , Seenivasan Satheesh , Wang Di
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the presence of products with negatively correlated nutrients in the marketplace and their implications for consumer choices. It also investigates the role of an overall simplified nutrition scoring system (SNSS) – health star rating (HSR), in improving the healthiness of consumer choices.

Design/methodology/approach

Three (lab, online and eye-tracking) experiments investigate the effects of negatively correlated nutrients and the mitigating role of an overall SNSS for consumers’ food choices. A final panel-data study analyzes the changes in actual food purchases after the introduction of HSRs (an SNSS) in Australia.

Findings

Experimental results show that consumers use a decision strategy based on a dominant nutrient to choose food products, which creates health halos and leads to less healthy choices when products have negatively correlated nutrients. The presence of an overall SNSS leads to more accurate healthiness perception and healthier choices. Panel data analysis shows that the healthiness of consumer food purchases increased after the introduction of HSRs.

Research limitations/implications

The study investigated the effect of an overall SNSS on specific categories, but not on the overall shopping basket.

Practical implications

For policymakers, this paper shows that overall SNSS helps consumers choose healthier options. Food manufacturers and retailers could be motivated to formulate healthier products when consumers choose healthier options.

Originality/value

This is the first study to document the presence of products with negatively correlated nutrients and their implications for consumer choices. It highlights the unique role of an overall SNSS, in helping consumers identify healthier options when products have negatively correlated nutrients.
Numerical simulation of Chun-Hui He’s iteration method with applications in engineering
Authors: Khan Waseem Asghar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a modern higher efficiency predictor–corrector iterative algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Furthermore, the efficiency of new algorithm is analyzed on the based on Chun-Hui He’s iteration method.

Findings

In comparison with the current robust algorithms, the newly establish algorithm behaves better and efficient, whereas the current existing algorithm fails or slows in the considered test examples.

Practical implications

The modified Chun-Hui He’s algorithm has great practical implication in numerous real-life challenges in different area of engineering, such as Industrial engineering, Civil engineering, Electrical engineering and Mechanical engineering.

Originality/value

The paper presents a modified Chun-Hui He’s algorithm for solving the nonlinear algebraic models exist in various area.
Regeneration and documentation of historic geometric Islamic patterns via HBIM: a case study of Choli minaret, Kurdistan Region
Authors: Wafaei Baneh Koosha , Wafaei Baneh Bira , Osman Ashraf , Mostafapour Omid , Bradosty Zidan Rasheed
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Due to the weaknesses of the traditional methods and advances in science, using currently new technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) for the restoration and revival of historical monuments is considered a novel solution. This study addresses how computer science in BIM can contribute significantly to the restoration and improvement of the cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study addresses how computer science in BIM can contribute significantly to the restoration and improvement of the cultural heritage.

Findings

Also, it assesses through this application, the capabilities of current software's in developing with the use of photogrammetry an accurate geometrical models for the minaret with its elements are linked to databases carrying information related to the minaret texture, historical identity and decoration. Finally, it shows the importance of this model to support experts in case of future restoration and conservation to the minaret.

Originality/value

The research describes the process of regenerating and documenting the motifs of the historical Choli minaret in Erbil. It explains the steps followed for full application of the historical buildings information modeling (HBIM) to this minaret.
Effects of joint adoption for multiple green production technologies on welfare-a survey of 650 kiwi growers in Shaanxi and Sichuan
Authors: Chen Zhe , Sarkar Apurbo , Li Xiaojing , Xia Xianli
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Based on the survey data of 650 kiwi growers from Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces, this paper used multiple endogenous transformation regression models to explore the effect of the joint adoption of green production technology on farmer’s welfare. The purpose of the study is to analyze the influence of green production technology on the yield, household income and socioeconomic characteristics of Kiwi fruit growers.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of the study, multiple endogenous transformation model (MESR) are adopted, but self-actualization tactics were adopted to deal with the instrumental variables. The empirical data has been collected via a combined hierarchical sampling and random sampling, whereas a well-structured Likert scale questionnaire was adopted as well. The empirical data has been processed with the help of STATA 15.1 version.

Findings

The study found a positive impact of adopting green production technology. Moreover, the joint adoption of green production technology by kiwi growers has significantly increased the yield, economic values of Kiwi and household income of kiwi farmers. The households with higher asset value, better land quality, weaker credit constraints, more technical training and stronger government promotion and support from local governments are the most likely to adopt pest control technology and soil management technology jointly.

Originality/value

The prime innovation of the paper is to measure the impact of technology combination adoption on farmer’s welfare is evaluated, rather than the impact of single sub technology on farmer’s’ welfare.
Valuation for compensation of communal properties in Zimbabwe: the case of Chiyadzwa and Tokwe-Mukosi projects
Authors: Yacim Joseph Awoamim , Paradza Partson , Zulch (Kotze) Benita
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the statutory provisions as it concerns the practice of valuation for compensation of expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. The primary motivation was to have informed policies that would regulate the practice of landed property assessments for compensation purposes and further contributes to existing compensation debates.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study approach was adopted, in which property valuation projects for Chiyadzwa and Tokwe-Mukosi, provinces were selected. These two projects were chosen because they are the most recent property valuation for compensation on expropriated communal properties. Content analysis was used to analyse the statutory provisions guiding property valuation and compensation rates adopted and used during the Chiyadzwa and Tokwe Mukosi valuation projects.

Findings

The study found an absence of statutory guidelines on the choice of valuation methodologies, leading to inconsistencies in compensation estimates for the communal properties.

Research limitations/implications

The study dwells on data from the previous assessment of communal properties that triggered discontentment amongst the people to build a framework for future valuations of communal properties.

Practical implications

This study reviewed the existing expropriation and compensation laws and built a comprehensive guiding framework for property valuers to choose appropriate valuation methodologies and procedures for the assessment of expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe.

Social implications

The main motivation for this study is to find a lasting solution to frequent court cases and clashes between the government of Zimbabwe and the displaced people.

Originality/value

No study unravels the detailed property valuation processes used in determining the amount of payment for the expropriated communal properties in Zimbabwe. This study built a framework that will serve as a guide to the property valuers in the assessment of compensation for communal properties.
Dangling a carrot: Will level of compensation influence the behaviour of CEO with accounting background towards earnings management?
Authors: Ason Yvonne Joseph , Bujang Imbarine , Jidwin Agnes Paulus , Said Jamaliah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Prior studies had documented that CEOs with accounting backgrounds are more conservative as compared to their non-accounting backgrounds counterparts. However, prior studies also suggested that CEOs with accounting backgrounds tend to engage in earnings management activities because they have the knowledge to do so. Motivated by these findings, this study aims to examine empirically the possibility of executive compensation to play a moderating role in influencing the behaviour of CEO with accounting backgrounds towards earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the data from 2013 to 2017 from Malaysian FTSE Top 30 companies. The data on the education backgrounds of the CEOs were collected manually from the companies’ annual reports. CEOs with accounting qualification was coded 1, and 0, otherwise. The earnings management were the discretionary accruals estimated using the modified Jones (1991) model. Meanwhile, the data on executive compensation was also collected manually from the companies’ annual reports. All other governance data were also collected manually from the annual reports, and financial data was collected using the Thompson Reuters DataStream application.

Findings

This study found that compensation suffered multicollinearity with the CEO accounting background, thus ineligible to act as a moderating variable between the latter and earnings management. The result further documented a negative but insignificant relationship between compensation with earnings management.

Originality/value

This study discusses the possibility of executive compensation as a moderating variable in the relationship between CEOs with accounting backgrounds and earnings management, whereby, to the authors’ best knowledge, such a discussion is limited in the existing literature.
The dark side of supply chain digitalisation: supplier-perceived digital capability asymmetry, buyer opportunism and governance
Authors: Son Byung-Gak , Kim Hyojin , Hur Daesik , Subramanian Nachiappan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the authors seek to contribute to the supply chain digitalisation literature by investigating a potential dark side of supply chain digitalisation from the viewpoint of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) suppliers, namely digital capability asymmetry and the partner opportunism of more digitally capable large buyers against SME suppliers. The authors seek to contribute further to the governance literature by investigating the effectiveness of the governance mechanism (legal contracts and relational contracts) in suppressing partner opportunism of this nature.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data collected from 125 Korean SMEs, the authors employed a hierarchical regression method to test a set of hypotheses focussing on the dark side of supply chain digitalisation and the effectiveness of the governance mechanism.

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that supplier-perceived digital capability asymmetry, wherein a buyer has a superior digital capability than its SME supplier, increases the SME supplier's dependence on the more digitally capable buyer, with the result that it is more exposed to buyer opportunism. Moreover, the results suggest that only relational governance is effective in protecting SME suppliers from buyer opportunism of this nature.

Originality/value

So far, the overwhelming majority of supply chain digitalisation research has debated its “bright side”. On the contrary, from the resource dependence theory perspective, this paper explains its dark side by providing empirical evidence on (1) the links between supplier-perceived digital capability asymmetry and a buyer's opportunism through an increased supplier's dependence and (2) the effectiveness of different types of governance in opportunism suppression.
Network efficient topology for low power and lossy networks in smart corridor design using RPL
Authors: Garg Sakshi , Mehrotra Deepti , Pandey Sujata , Pandey Hari Mohan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the network efficient topology for low power and lossy networks (LLNs) using routing protocol for LLN (RPL) with respect to the increase in network size and propose a novel approach to overcome the shortcomings of the existing models.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used Contiki OS/Cooja simulator to conduct experiments on primarily four topologies (star, bus/linear, ring/eclipse and random). They have implemented RPL protocol using Sky motes for each topology from 10, 20, 30 and up to 70 nodes. Consequently, after 24 h of experimentation, the readings have been noted and, alongside, a comprehensive comparative analysis has been performed based on the network density and metric parameters: packet delivery ratio (PDR), expected transmission (ETX) and power consumption. Further, a hybrid model is proposed where the additional factors of mobility, multiple sink and a combination of static and mobile nodes are introduced. The proposed model is then compared with the star model (all static nodes and star topology) and the dynamic model (all mobile nodes) to analyze the efficiency and network performance for different network sizes (28, 36, 38 and 44 nodes). The mobility is introduced using BonnMotion tool in Contiki OS.

Findings

Simulation results have shown that the star topology is most network efficient when compared with bus/linear, ring/eclipse and random topologies for low density and high scalable network. But when the same setup is compared with the proposed hybrid model, the proposed model shows a significant improvement and gives the best and efficient network performance with highest PDR (average improvement approximately 44.5%) and lowest ETX (average improvement approximately 49.5%) comparatively.

Practical implications

Also, these findings will benefit the deployment of smart devices used in advanced metering infrastructure, road side units and in various industrial applications such as traffic monitoring system, electronic toll collection and traffic analysis in the smart grid infrastructure.

Originality/value

The impact of topology is significant and detailed analysis is required to understand the impact of different topologies of the nodes in the network for the present and the future scenarios. As very few research studies have discussed this gap, this research paper is quintessential and shall open novel future potential direction. Also, the proposed approach of hybrid model with mobility has not been considered in the literature yet.
Trade openness channels and labour market performance: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Asaleye Abiola John , Ogunjobi Joseph Olufemi , Ezenwoke Omotola Adedoyin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The implications of trade on developing economies have generated substantial debates with most studies focussed on “openness in the policy”. Hence, the purpose of this study is to focus on “openness in practice”.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses two models and employed the vector error correction model and structural vector autoregression, first, to examine the sectoral effects; second, to investigate the efficacy of neoclassical and new trade theories; and third, to analyse the effect of trade openness shock on Nigerian labour market performance.

Findings

The results of the first model showed that trade openness has an adverse effect on employment and wages in both the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Likewise, the study concludes that the new trade theory explains trade's behaviour on employment and wages in Nigeria. The second model showed that the effect of error shock from trade openness affected wages more than employment.

Research limitations/implications

The study ignores the distributional effects due to unavailability of data.

Practical implications

The study suggested, amongst others, the need for policies mix on the labour market via a coherent set of initiatives in other to increase the competitiveness of Nigeria in the international market.

Originality/value

Most studies focussed on openness in policy through the channels identified in the literature. However, this study investigates these channels in “openness in practice” and investigates trade theories' efficacy on manufacturing and agricultural sectors in Nigeria, which has been neglected in the literature.
Why telehealth does not always save money for the health system
Authors: Snoswell Centaine L. , Taylor Monica L. , Caffery Liam J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine elements of telehealth that have the potential to increase costs for the health system in the short to medium term.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases was performed in May 2018 using broad terms for telehealth and economics. Articles were included if they identified and explained reasons for an increase in cost for telehealth services. Studies were categorised by economic analysis type for data extraction and descriptive synthesis.

Findings

Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies identified that increased health system costs were due to implementation costs (e.g. for equipment, software or staff training), increased use of other healthcare services (e.g. pharmaceutical services) and ongoing service costs (including staff salaries) resulting from telehealth being additive to traditional service (e.g. increased frequency of contact).

Originality/value

Telehealth is often assumed to be a cost-effective method of delivering healthcare, even to the point where direct cost savings are expected by decision makers as a result of implementation. However, this investigation suggests it does not routinely reduce costs for the health system and can actually increase costs at both implementation and ongoing service delivery stages. Health services considering implementing telehealth should be motivated by benefits other than cost reduction such as improved accessibility, greater patient centricity and societal cost–benefit.