bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DefectiveSlc7a7transport reduces erythropoietin compromising erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis
Authors: Giroud-Gerbetant Judith , Sotillo Fernando , Hernández Gonzalo , Lynch Cian J , Ruano Irene , Siri Barbara , Sebastian David , Zorzano Antonio , Artuch Rafael , Ormazabal Aida , Sánchez Mayka , Weiss Günter , Prats Neus , Dionisi-Vici Carlo , Serrano Manuel , Palacín Manuel , Bodoy Susanna
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Lysinuric Protein Intolerance (LPI) is an inborn error of metabolism resulting fromSLC7A7deficiency that causes diminished plasma concentration of cationic amino acids. The clinical picture is highly heterogeneous among patients, who commonly present intolerance to protein intake and more severe complications such as hematological abnormalities and kidney failure. Although current treatments aim to address the metabolic defects of LPI, they have been unsatisfactory when treating the most severe symptoms. Here we show that the absence ofSlc7a7in mice causes iron overload as a result of erythropoiesis failure. Regarding iron metabolism, we demonstrate that reduced plasma erythropoietin triggers a strong iron overload, as erythropoietin administration restores normal iron levels and mitigate hematological alterations. Interestingly, we found that human LPI is associated with hyperferritinemia but not iron overload, a trait that might be influenced by the citrulline treatment. Furthermore, we show that erythropoietin is a key factor in the hematological abnormalities in LPI. Our study reveals a mechanism leading to LPI-induced hematological complications and identifies erythropoietin supplementation as a promising therapeutic strategy for human LPI.

Significance Statement

The systemic metabolic environment derived fromSlc7a7-ablation in epithelial cells from kidney and intestine causes erythropoiesis failure prompting therefore iron overload. Here, we identify erythropoietin as the main driver of erythropoiesis failure as exogenous erythropoietin administration restores normal erythroblast population. In addition, we have also analyzed human data and found that patients with LPI have abnormal ferritin levels. Finally, as human LPI, citrulline treatment in mice restores normal iron homeostasis, highlighting the relevance of the systemic environment in LPI. Erythropoietin supplementation emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for human LPI without the inflammatory effect associated with citrulline supplementation.
Local overfishing patterns have regional effects on health of coral, and economic transitions can promote its recovery
Authors: Milne Russell , Bauch Chris , Anand Madhur
Published: August 2021

Overfishing has the potential to severely disrupt coral reef ecosystems worldwide, while harvesting at more sustainable levels instead can boost fish yield without damaging reefs. The dispersal abilities of reef species mean that coral reefs form highly connected environments, and the viability of reef fish populations depends on spatially explicit processes such as the spillover effect and unauthorized harvesting inside marine protected areas. However, much of the literature on coral conservation and management has only examined overfishing on a local scale, without considering how different spatial patterns of fishing levels can affect reef health both locally and regionally. Here, we simulate a coupled human-environment model to determine how coral and herbivorous reef fish respond to overfishing across multiple spatial scales. We find that coral and reef fish react in opposite ways to habitat fragmentation driven by overfishing, and that a potential spillover effect from marine protected areas into overfished patches helps coral populations far less than it does reef fish. We also show that ongoing economic transitions from fishing to tourism have the potential to revive fish and coral populations over a relatively short timescale, and that large-scale reef recovery is possible even if these transitions only occur locally. Our results show the importance of considering spatial dynamics in marine conservation efforts, and demonstrate the ability of economic factors to cause regime shifts in human-environment systems.
Polymer microparticles prolong delivery of the 15-PGDH inhibitor SW033291
Authors: Dogan Alan B. , Rohner Nathan A. , Smith Julianne N.P. , Kilgore Jessica A. , Williams Noelle S. , Markowitz Sanford D. , von Recum Horst A. , Desai Amar B.
Published: August 2021

As the prevalence of age-related fibrotic diseases continues to increase, novel antifibrotic therapies are emerging to address clinical needs. However, many novel therapeutics for managing chronic fibrosis are small-molecule drugs that require frequent dosing to attain effective concentrations. While bolus parenteral administrations have become standard clinical practice, an extended delivery platform would achieve steady state concentrations over a longer time period with fewer administrations. This study lays the foundation for the development of a sustained release platform for the delivery of (+)SW033291, a potent, small-molecule inhibitor of the 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) enzyme, which has previously demonstrated efficacy in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, we leverage fine-tuned cyclodextrin microparticles – specifically β-CD microparticles (β-CD MPs) – to extend the delivery of 15-PGDH inhibitor, (+)SW033291, to over one week.

Graphical Abstract
Prediction of coronavirus 3C-like protease cleavage sites using machine-learning algorithms
Authors: Chen Huiting , Zhu Zhaozhong , Qiu Ye , Ge Xingyi , Zheng Heping , Peng Yousong
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus 3C-like (3CL) protease is a Cysteine protease. It plays an important role in viral infection and immune escape by not only cleaving the viral polyprotein ORF1ab at 11 sites, but also cleaving the host proteins. However, there is still a lack of effective tools for determining the cleavage sites of the 3CL protease. This study systematically investigated the diversity of the cleavage sites of the coronavirus 3CL protease on the viral polyprotein, and found that the cleavage motif were highly conserved for viruses in the genera of Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus and Gammacoronavirus. Strong residue preferences were observed at the neighboring positions of the cleavage sites. A random forest (RF) model was built to predict the cleavage sites of the coronavirus 3CL protease based on the representation of residues at cleavage site and neighboring positions by amino acid indexes, and the model achieved an AUC of 0.96 in cross-validations. The RF model was further tested on an independent test dataset composed of cleavage sites on host proteins, and achieved an AUC of 0.88 and a prediction precision of 0.80 when considering the accessibility of the cleavage site. Then, 1,079 human proteins were predicted to be cleaved by the 3CL protease by the RF model. These proteins were enriched in pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases and pathogen infection. Finally, a user-friendly online server named 3CLP was built to predict the cleavage sites of the coronavirus 3CL protease based on the RF model. Overall, the study not only provides an effective tool for identifying the cleavage sites of the 3CL protease, but also provides insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of coronaviruses.
Variation in the strength of selection but no trait divergence between elevational extremes in a tropical rainforestDrosophila
Authors: O’Brien Eleanor K. , Higgie Megan , Saxon Andrew D. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Bridle Jon
Published: August 2021

Evolutionary responses to environmental change require heritable variation in traits under selection. Both heritability and selection vary with the environment, and may also covary, so environmental variation can affect evolutionary rates. However, simultaneous estimates of heritability and selection across environmental gradients in the field are rare. We estimated environmental variation in selection on three traits (cold tolerance, heat tolerance, and wing size) of the rainforest fruitflyDrosophila birchii. We transplanted flies in cages along two elevational gradients in north-east Queensland, Australia, and calculated the genetic covariance of trait values with fitness (productivity in cages) at each site. For wing size, we estimated heritability at each site from the correlation between field-reared offspring and their laboratory-reared relatives. We used estimates of selection and heritability to predict selection responses along the elevation gradients, and compared these with trait variation observed in flies sourced from populations at elevational extremes. We found evidence for divergent selection on cold tolerance across elevation at one gradient. Heritability of wing size was highest at gradient ends, and the size of the predicted response to selection on this trait increased with elevation. However, the direction of selection varied, even among adjacent sites, making such selection unlikely to cause divergence of this trait with elevation. None of the traits differed between populations from elevational extremes at either gradient. Variation in the strength and direction of selection over small spatial scales, as well as in time, may explain why predicted responses to selection are often not seen in natural populations.
Magnetic Nanoprobes for Spatio-Mechanical Manipulation in Single Cells
Authors: Novoselova Iuliia P. , Neusch Andreas , Brand Julia-Sarita , Otten Marius , Safari Mohammad Reza , Bartels Nina , Karg Matthias , Farle Michael , Wiedwald Ulf , Monzel Cornelia
Published: August 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely known as valuable agents for biomedical applications. Yet, for their successful application within cells they need to fulfill a variety of demands such as monodispersity, biocompatibility or sufficient magnetic response. Given these prerequisites, MNPs may be used for remote, non-invasive manipulation, where their spatial redistribution or force response in a magnetic field provides a fine-tunable stimulus to a cell. Here, we investigate the properties of two different MNPs and their suitability for spatio-mechanical manipulations: semisynthetic magnetoferritin nanoparticles and fully synthetic ‘nanoflower’-shaped iron-oxide nanoparticles. Next to characterizing their structure, surface potential and magnetic response, we monitor the MNP performance in a living cell environment using fluorescence microscopy and confirm their biocompatibility. We then demonstrate their capability to spatially redistribute and to respond to magnetic force gradients inside a cell. Our remote manipulation assays present these tailored magnetic materials as suitable agents for applications in magnetogenetics, biomedicine or nanomaterial research.
SMC protein RecN drives RecA filament translocation and remodelling for in vivo homology search
Authors: Chimthanawala Afroze , Parmar Jyotsana J , Kumar Sujan , Iyer Krishnan S. , Rao Madan , Badrinarayanan Anjana
Published: August 2021

While the molecular repertoire of the homologous recombination pathway is well-studied, the search mechanism that enables recombination between distant homologous regions is poorly understood. Earlier work suggests that the recombinase RecA, an essential component for homology search, forms an elongated filament, nucleating at the break site. How this RecA structure carries out long distance search remains unclear. Here, we follow the dynamics of RecA after induction of a single double-strand break on the Caulobacter chromosome. We find that the RecA-nucleoprotein filament, once formed, rapidly translocates in a directional manner in the cell, undergoing several pole-to-pole traversals, until homology search is complete. Concomitant with translocation, we observe dynamic remodelling of the filament. Importantly in vivo, the RecA filament alone is incapable of such long distance movement; both translocation and dynamic remodelling are contingent on action of SMC-like protein RecN, via its ATPase cycle. We provide a stochastic description of RecN-regulated changes in filament length during translocation via modulation of RecA assembly-disassembly. In summary, we have uncovered the three key elements of homology search driven by RecN: mobility of a finite segment of RecA, filament remodelling and ability to conduct multiple pole-to-pole traversals, which together point to a novel optimal search strategy.
Real-Time Search Assisted Acquisition on a Tribrid Mass Spectrometer Improves Coverage in Multiplexed Single-Cell Proteomics
Authors: Furtwängler Benjamin , Üresin Nil , Motamedchaboki Khatereh , Huguet Romain , Lopez-Ferrer Daniel , Zabrouskov Vlad , Porse Bo T. , Schoof Erwin M.
Published: August 2021

In the young field of single-cell proteomics (scMS), there is a great need for improved global proteome characterization, both in terms of proteins quantified per cell and quantitative performance thereof. The recently introduced real-time search (RTS) on the Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometer in combination with SPS-MS3 acquisition has been shown to be beneficial for the measurement of samples that are multiplexed using isobaric tags. Multiplexed single-cell proteomics requires high ion injection times and high-resolution spectra to quantify the single-cell signal, however the carrier channel facilitates peptide identification and thus offers the opportunity for fast on-the-fly precursor filtering before committing to the time intensive quantification scan. Here, we compared classical MS2 acquisition against RTS-SPS-MS3, both using the Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid MS with the FAIMS Pro ion mobility interface and present a new acquisition strategy termed RETICLE (RTS Enhanced Quant of Single Cell Spectra) that makes use of fast real-time searched linear ion trap scans to preselect MS1 peptide precursors for quantitative MS2 Orbitrap acquisition. We show that classical MS2 acquisition is outperformed by both RTS-SPS-MS3 through increased quantitative accuracy at similar proteome coverage, and RETICLE through higher proteome coverage, with the latter enabling the quantification of over 1000 proteins per cell at a MS2 injection time of 750ms using a 2h gradient.
Drought exerts a greater influence than growth temperature on the temperature response of leaf day respiration in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Fang Liang , Yin Xinyou , van der Putten Peter E. L. , Martre Pierre , Struik Paul C.
Published: August 2021

We assessed how the temperature response of leaf day respiration (Rd) in wheat responded to contrasting water regimes and growth temperatures. In Experiment 1, well-watered and drought-stressed conditions were imposed on two genotypes; in Experiment 2, the two water regimes combined with high (HT), medium (MT) and low (LT) growth temperatures were imposed on one of the genotypes. Rd was estimated from simultaneous gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements at six leaf temperatures (Tleaf) for each treatment, using the Yin method for non-photorespiratory conditions and the non-rectangular hyperbolic fitting method for photorespiratory conditions. The two genotypes responded similarly to growth and measurement conditions. Estimates of Rd for non-photorespiratory conditions were generally higher than those for photorespiratory conditions but their responses to Tleaf were similar. Under well-watered conditions, Rd and its sensitivity to Tleaf slightly acclimated to LT but did not acclimate to HT. Temperature sensitivities of Rd were considerably suppressed by drought, and the suppression varied among growth temperatures. Thus, it is necessary to quantify interactions between drought and growth temperature for reliably modelling Rd under climate change. Our study also demonstrated that the Kok method, a currently popular method for estimating Rd, underestimated Rd significantly and should be abandoned.

Highlight

Leaf day respiration (Rd) acclimated little to growth temperature, but significantly to drought by reducing its thermal sensitivity. The Kok method underestimates Rd and should no longer be used.
Microglia and Fn14 regulate transcription and chromatin accessibility in developing neurons
Authors: Ferro Austin , Vrudhula Uma , Auguste Yohan S.S. , Cheadle Lucas
Published: August 2021

Cytokine signaling pathways that promote inflammation in peripheral tissues are repurposed to coordinate the refinement of synaptic connections in the developing brain. However, the downstream mechanisms through which these pathways mediate neural circuit maturation remain to be fully defined. Here, we demonstrate that Fn14, a cytokine receptor that promotes inflammation outside of the central nervous system, shapes the transcriptional profiles and chromatin landscapes of neurons in the developing brain. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing revealed hundreds of misregulated genes in the thalamocortical neurons of the visual thalami of mice lacking either Fn14 or its microglial derived cytokine ligand TWEAK, including genes encoding proteins with critical roles in synaptic function, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. Whole-genome analysis uncovered significant alterations in chromatin accessibility in the brains of mice lacking Fn14 or in wild-type mice following microglial depletion, and chromatin changes due to both manipulations were enriched near genes encoding regulators of synaptic function. Loss of microglia also led to the retention of excess synapses, suggesting that microglia may link modifications in neuronal chromatin to the functional refinement of neural circuits. Consistent with Fn14 shaping brain function beyond the visual system, Fn14 knockout mice displayed impairments in memory task proficiency as well as heightened sensitivity to pharmacologically induced seizures. Taken together, these results define a previously undescribed interaction between microglia, cytokine signaling, and the neuronal epigenome that is likely to contribute to neural circuit refinement and function in the brain.
Age-related susceptibility of ferrets to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Martins Mathias , Fernandes Maureen H.V. , Joshi Lok R. , Diel Diego G.
Published: August 2021

Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the outcome of COVID-19 have been linked to underlying health conditions and the age of affected individuals. Here we assessed the effect of age on SARS-CoV-2 infection using a ferret model. For this, young (6-month-old) and aged (18-to-39-month-old) ferrets were inoculated intranasally with various doses of SARS-CoV-2. By using infectious virus shedding in respiratory secretions and seroconversion, we estimated that the infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2 in aged animals is ∼32 plaque forming units (PFU) per animal while in young animals it was estimated to be ∼100 PFU. We showed that viral replication in the upper respiratory tract and shedding in respiratory secretions is enhanced in aged ferrets when compared to young animals. Similar to observations in humans, this was associated with higher expressions levels of two key viral entry factors - ACE2 and TMPRSS2 - in the upper respiratory tract of aged ferrets.
Excitatory postsynaptic calcium transients at Aplysia sensory–motor neuron synapses allow for quantal examination of synaptic strength over multiple days in culture
Authors: Dunn Tyler W. , Sossin Wayne S.
Published: August 2021

A more thorough description of the changes in synaptic strength underlying synaptic plasticity may be achieved with quantal resolution measurements at individual synaptic sites. Here, we demonstrate that by using a membrane targeted genetic calcium sensor, we can measure quantal synaptic events at the individual synaptic sites of Aplysia sensory neuron to motor neuron synaptic connections. These results show that synaptic strength is not evenly distributed between all contacts in these cultures, but dominated by multiquantal sites of synaptic contact, likely clusters of individual synaptic sites. Surprisingly, most synaptic contacts were not found opposite presynaptic varicosities, but instead at areas of pre- and postsynaptic contact with no visible thickening of membranes. The release probability, quantal size, and quantal content can be measured over days at individual synaptic contacts using this technique. Homosynaptic depression was accompanied by a reduction in release site probability, with no evidence of individual synaptic site silencing over the course of depression. This technique shows promise in being able to address outstanding questions in this system, including determining the synaptic changes that maintain long-term alterations in synaptic strength that underlie memory.
Influence of tab corner geometry on supersonic jets
Authors: Quadros Jaimon Dennis , Khan S.A. , R. Hanumantharaya
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of tabs having different corner geometries on the flow characteristics of a supersonic convergent–divergent (C-D) nozzle.

Design/methodology/approach

A circular C-D nozzle of Mach 2.0 was used, and the tabs were positioned at the exit of the nozzle in diametrically opposite directions. Three tabs having different corner geometry implemented in the experiments were rectangular tab with triangular top edge, triangular tab with a bell-shaped edge and tapered tab. The pressure profiles across the tabs and the centerline pressure decay along the jets were measured. The shadowgraph technique illustrated the waves present in the center of an oncoming jet. The nozzle pressure ratios (NPR) were varied from 4 to 8, in the steps of one, covering various overexpansion and under expansion levels at the exit of the nozzle.

Findings

The results showed tapered tabs act as a better mixing promoter than the other tabs used in the study. A reduction of 91.25% in core length for NPR 8 was observed for the tapered tabs. Subsequently, core length reductions generated by triangular tabs with a bell-shaped top edge were 87.5%, and those caused by rectangular tabs with a triangular top edge were 7.5%.

Practical implications

The research results could be used for designing combustion chambers and chemical reactors that require jets to enhance mixing levels.

Originality/value

The tabs having three different corners geometries, i.e. sharp or pointed, bell-shaped and straight edge has never been investigated before. The idea of only modifying corners is the innovative step of this research.
Numerical computation for entropy generation in Darcy-Forchheimer transport of hybrid nanofluids with Cattaneo-Christov double-diffusion
Authors: Nayak Manoj Kumar , Shaw Sachin , Waqas H. , Muhammad Taseer
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion, multiple slips and Darcy-Forchheimer’s effects on entropy optimized and thermally radiative flow, thermal and mass transport of hybrid nanoliquids past stretched cylinder subject to viscous dissipation and Arrhenius activation energy.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented flow problem consists of the flow, heat and mass transportation of hybrid nanofluids. This model is featured with Casson fluid model and Darcy-Forchheimer model. Heat and mass transportations are represented with Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion and viscous dissipation models. Multiple slip (velocity, thermal and solutal) mechanisms are adopted. Arrhenius activation energy is considered. For graphical and numerical data, the bvp4c scheme in MATLAB computational tool along with the shooting method is used.

Findings

Amplifying curvature parameter upgrades the fluid velocity while that of porosity parameter and velocity slip parameter whittles down it. Growing mixed convection parameter, curvature parameter, Forchheimer number, thermally stratified parameter intensifies fluid temperature. The rise in curvature parameter and porosity parameter enhances the solutal field distribution. Surface viscous drag gets controlled with the rising of the Casson parameter which justifies the consideration of the Casson model. Entropy generation number and Bejan number upgrades due to growth in diffusion parameter while that enfeeble with a hike in temperature difference parameter.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research study is yet to be available in the existing literature.
Invoking embeddedness and cybernetic theories for evaluating the national open government data portal of India
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of the national Open Government Data (OGD) portal of India (www.data.gov.in) and underline the significance of maintaining the quality of the data sets published online.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach bases itself on the adapted version of embeddedness theory and cybernetic model apart from the data sets–usability framework proposed in recent literature (Machova et al., 2018).

Findings

Findings from this study indicate that OGD initiative needs to be embedded in the social fabric of the country to ensure that the data sets are being reused by a myriad set of stakeholders for deriving social and economic value. Likewise, the linkages between the stakeholders (for instance, government, citizens, non-governmental bodies, private sector, etc.) should be fortified to enable the reuse of the data sets in an appropriate manner.

Originality/value

Maintenance of quality of the data sets holds paramount importance. Implicitly, efforts should be made on the part of all the stakeholders concerned that the data sets be qualitatively and quantitatively adequate. This paper concludes with limitations and further research pointers.
The effects of cruise attributes on impulse buying behavior: the mediating role of impulsive buying tendency
Authors: Kwon Jookyung , Ahn Jiseon
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of cruise attributes on impulse buying of service customers through impulsive buying tendency. Specifically, this study investigates whether service attributes (variety of selection and price) influence the impulsive buying behavior of customers by stimulating their impulsive buying tendency.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis using a sample of 143 cruise customers. Mediating analysis was conducted to examine whether customer personal traits (impulsivity) mediated the relationship between service attributes and impulsive buying behavior.

Findings

The findings showed that price attributions had a significant positive direct impact on impulsive buying tendency and behavior, while a variety of selections had a significant direct effect on impulse buying behavior. The results revealed a significant mediating role of impulsive buying tendency in the relationship between price attributions and impulse buying.

Originality/value

Although studies on the decision-making style of service customers have been widely discussed, a limited number of studies has examined customers’ impulsive buying behavior in the service sector. Considering the importance of impulsive purchasing as a valuable marketing tool, the results of this study can help service providers and researchers enhance their knowledge of the mechanism of impulse buying behavior.
Happier and greener? The relationship between subjective well-being and environmental performance
Authors: Toigo Camila Horst , de Mattos Ely José
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, at a national scale, how self-reported happiness varies with the different levels of environmental conditions resulting from national policies, while also considering different levels of freedom.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimated the effects of environmental performance on happiness using the log-log regression model presented.

Findings

Environmental performance is shown to have a direct impact on happiness. Nonetheless, the explanatory influence of freedom is only significantly positive for free countries, where the institutional and political arrangements are better established and thereby the effective democracy is more solid.

Originality/value

This article offers insights into happiness levels within the context of the current clamour for environmental protection and more sustainable development goals.
The role of flow consciousness in consumer regret
Authors: Barta Sergio , Gurrea Raquel , Flavián Carlos
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This research aims to identify whether subsequent consciousness of having been in a flow state – that is, flow consciousness – regarding an earlier impulse purchase affects consumers' post–purchase behaviours, specifically their feelings of consumer regret.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a mixed methodology. First, the authors conducted two qualitative studies (focus groups) to establish the relationships between flow, flow consciousness and regret. Second, the authors conducted a quantitative study using data collected through an online questionnaire. Participants were asked to recall a recent shopping experience. To conduct confirmatory factor analysis, the authors gathered data from 304 consumers who had searched for, and purchased, a product on Amazon (www.amazon.com). Structural equation modelling, based on covariance, was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Flow consciousness is found to reduce consumer regret after an impulse purchase.

Practical implications

Online retailers should make consumers aware of the flow state they have experienced. Flow states lead to increased impulse buying, and if consumers are made aware that they were in a flow state, it may reduce any regret they feel after the purchase.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the effects of flow consciousness on consumer behaviour after an impulse purchase. In particular, research has not analysed the effects that flow consciousness has on negative feelings experienced after the impulse purchase of a product.
A comparison of global suicide terrorism by region before and after 9/11 terrorist attacks
Authors: Guler Ahmet , Demir Mustafa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on suicide terrorism in different regions of the world and changes in the trends in suicide terrorism according to regions before and after 9/11.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data obtained from the Global Terrorism Database from 1981 to 2019, the descriptive statistics were computed first and then, independent samples t-tests were run to compare the monthly mean percentage of suicide-terrorism incidents that occurred in each region between the pre-9/11 and the post-9/11 periods. Finally, to statistically assess the effect of the 9/11 attacks and changes in the trends for the dependent variables over time, monthly interrupted time-series analyzes were conducted.

Findings

The results of monthly interrupted time series analyzes showed that after the 9/11 attacks, the trends for suicide-terrorism rates decreased significantly in three regions including South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa and Europe, while the trend for suicide-terrorism rates increased significantly in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, no statistically significant changes in the trends in suicide-terrorism rates occurred in three regions including North America, East Asia and Central Asia and Southeast Asia before 9/11, during November 2001 or after 9/11.

Originality/value

This study indicates the critical importance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in suicide terrorism and its impact on these events in different regions of the world. The research also provides some recommendations concerning the effectiveness of defensive and offensive counterterrorism policies against suicide terrorism.
Preservation for diverse users: digital preservation and the “Designated Community” at the Ontario Jewish Archives
Authors: Moles Nathan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Conventional approaches to digital preservation posit that archives should define a Designated Community, or future user group, for whom they preserve digital information. Archivists can then use their knowledge of these users as a reference to help them deliver digital information that is intelligible and usable. However, this approach is challenging for archives with mandates to serve wide and diverse audiences; these archives risk undermining their efforts by focusing on the interests of a narrow user group.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique approach to this challenge was developed in the context of a project to build a digital preservation program at the Ontario Jewish Archives (OJA). It draws from previous research on this topic and is based on a combination of practical and theoretical considerations.

Findings

The approach described here replaces the reference of a Designated Community with three core components: a re-articulation of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) mandatory responsibilities; the identification of three distinct tiers of access for digital records; and the implementation of an access portal that allows digital records to be accessed and rendered online. Together with supplemental shifts in reference points, they provide an alternative to the concept of a Designated Community in the determination of preservation requirements, the identification of significant properties, the creation of Representation Information and in the evaluation of success.

Originality/value

This article contributes a novel approach to the ongoing conversation about the Designated Community in digital preservation, its application and its limitations in an archival context.
New developments in financial economics
Authors: Willett Thomas D.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to critically review recent contributions to the methodology of financial economics and discuss how they relate to one another and directions for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of recent literature on new methodologies for financial economics.

Findings

Recent books have made important contributions to the study of financial economics. They suggest new approaches that include an emphasis on radical uncertainty, adaptive markets, agent-based modeling and narrative economics, as well as extensions of behavioral finance to include concepts such as diagnostic expectations. Many of these contributions can be seen more as complements than substitutes and provide fruitful directions for further research. Efficient markets can be seen as holding under particular circumstances. A major them of most of these contributions is that the study of financial crises and other aspects of financial economics requires the use of multiple theories and approaches. No one approach will be sufficient.

Research limitations/implications

There are great opportunities for further research in financial economics making use of these new approaches.

Practical implications

These recent contributions can be quite useful for improved analysis by researchers, private participants in the financial sector and macroeconomic and regulatory officials.

Originality/value

Provides an introduction to these new approaches and highlights fruitful areas for their extensions and applications.
Sharīʿah non-compliant income disclosures and the moral legitimacy strategies of Islamic banks
Authors: Che Azmi Anna , Rosman Romzie , Omar Normah
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the reasons behind the different patterns of Sharīʿah non-compliant income (SNCI) disclosures amongst Islamic banks and, in particular, the extent to which Islamic banks make SNCI disclosures. The process involved in gaining and maintaining moral legitimacy forms the framework for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with managers of Islamic banks involved in the reporting of SNCI in company annual reports.

Findings

The interview findings show that Islamic banks prefer to use procedures to gain and enhance moral legitimacy amongst their customers, business partners and staff. The constraints and challenges that Islamic banks face in SNCI reporting make this a popular means of securing moral legitimacy. However, these practices may not lead to enhanced and more communicative SNCI disclosures by Islamic banks.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explains the motivations behind SNCI reporting by Islamic banks and frames these motivations under the moral legitimacy framework.
The adoption of biometric point-of-sale terminal for payments
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Nurdiyana Atikah , Almunawar Mohammad Nabil
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence customers’ adoption of biometric-based point-of-sale in Brunei.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper extends technology acceptance model constructs with trust and some other variables as the framework to investigate their influence on the attitude toward the usage of a biometric point-of-sale terminal for payments in Brunei. Nine variables may influence user’s perception toward usage. The nine variables are needed, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, experience, innovativeness, privacy, security, trust and attitude toward usage. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test hypotheses related to these nine variables.

Findings

It is found that the innovativeness of an individual and similar experience corresponds toward trust, which is positively related to attitude toward usage. Perceived usefulness and trust have significantly influenced the intention of individuals to use biometrics as an authentication method for payment.

Research limitations/implications

The nature of this research is to gather the public’s opinion and perception as much as it is deemed possible to get a bigger and clearer picture of the study. As the target respondence is citizens and residents of Brunei without any specification or exclusion, a large response would be needed to have a more reliable and accurate result. However, only 205 respondents can be gathered in this study. Had there been a longer time frame, it would be best to gather a lot more responses.

Originality/value

This paper explores the adoption of biometric authentication in large-scale point-of-terminals. It identifies factors that influence adoption. The results of this study could assist future researchers in which direction to take to further explore biometric as an authentication method for payment. In addition to this, it could also provide banks and financial technology in Brunei a clearer picture of the Brunei market and Bruneians perspective on the biometric system.
Can technological innovation spur economic development? The case of Indonesia
Authors: Junarsin Eddy , Hanafi Mamduh Mahmadah , Iman Nofie , Arief Usman , Naufa Ahmad Maulin , Mahastanti Linda , Kristanto Jordan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Innovation in digital technologies has been the main force in promoting growth and inclusion. However, the impact of such innovations remains ambiguous. Within this context, this study aims to analyze the distribution of digitally empowered peer-to-peer (P2P) lending in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach to estimate the impact of technological innovation in promoting economic development. In particular, this study employs empirical panel data from 135 financial technology (FinTech) companies from 2015 to 2019 and use the dynamic panel threshold regression approach. This study collects secondary data to build the estimated model.

Findings

Contrary to conventional wisdom, this study’s evidence suggests that there is a delayed effect between the contribution of P2P lending by FinTech firms on economic growth in the country. While the immense growth of FinTech seems promising, the findings indicate that FinTech is far from its optimal point. This study calculates the optimal combination between productive and consumptive lending and between Java and non-Java. In view of this finding, this study proposes strategies to effectively distribute lending and bring about the expected benefit to the economy.

Practical implications

Since the contribution of P2P lending on economic development has not reached its optimum, the findings expose the limitation of current technological innovation in the financial sectors. In this sense, P2P penetration on the financing market needs encouragement. The calculations for optimal allocation between productive and consumptive and between Java and non-Java provide guidance to policymakers. This study helps practitioners to shape strategy and to begin experimenting with different approaches to distribute loans effectively.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no empirical studies that examine the impact of emerging FinTech companies in promoting economic growth and financial development. The findings close this research gap, especially in regard to innovation management literature, and provide insights for practitioners, policymakers and regulators.
Mapping the determinants of carbon-related CEO compensation: a multilevel approach
Authors: Winschel Julija
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In view of the current climate change emergency and the growing importance of the climate-related accountability of companies, this paper aims to advance a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of carbon-related chief executive officer (CEO) compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the agency-theoretical perspective on executive compensation and existing work in the fields of management, corporate governance, cultural studies, and behavioral science, this paper derives a multilevel framework of the determinants of carbon-related CEO compensation.

Findings

This paper maps the determinants of carbon-related CEO compensation at the societal, organizational, group, and individual levels of analysis. It also provides research propositions on the determinants that can support and challenge the implementation of this instrument of environmental corporate governance.

Originality/value

In the past literature, the determinants of carbon-related CEO compensation have remained largely unexplored. This paper contributes to the academic discussion on environmental corporate governance by showcasing the role of interlinkages among the determinants of carbon-related CEO compensation and the possible countervailing impacts. In view of the complex interdisciplinary nature of climate change impact, this paper encourages businesses practitioners and regulators to intensify their climate change mitigation efforts and delineates the levers at their disposal.
Experimental study on blast damage of RC T-beam bridge
Authors: Peng Sheng , Cai Lu-jun , Jiang Tian-hua , Kai Xu
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the explosive performance and explosion damage mechanism of T-beam bridge structure.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the existing specification, two T-beam bridge models were designed and fabricated. Test specimens of different explosive dosage and different blast height were carried out. The mechanical process, failure mode, blast damage model, damage identification mechanism and blast evolution law and quantitative evaluation were taken into account.

Findings

The results revealed that the web plate fracture failure is the key to the unstable failure of the whole T-beam bridge. The explosion failure phenomenon and blast damage evaluation criterion of RC T-beam bridge was divided into five stages: the original cracks stage of concrete material (D = 0 ∼ 0.1), the fractures initiation stage of concrete material (D = 0.1 ∼ 0.3), the stable expansion stage of cracks in concrete material (D = 0.3 ∼ 0.55), the unstable expansion stage of cracks in concrete material (D = 0.55 ∼ 0.8), the explosion fracture of steel bars and the overall instability and damage of the bridge (D = 0.8 ∼ 1.0), which can also be described as basically intact, slight damage, moderate damage, severe damage and collapsed.

Social implications

The research result will provide basis for the antiknock evaluation and damage repair technical specifications of the RC T-beam bridge.

Originality/value

The research results of damage evaluation serve as a basis for damage repair and reinforcement of bridge structures after explosion.
Reframing language, disrupting aging: a corpus-assisted multimodal critical discourse study
Authors: Maglie Rosita Belinda , Centonze Laura
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore two channels of communication (i.e. texts and images) from a non-governmental organization website called #DisruptAging with the aim of finding how multimodal knowledge dissemination contributes to dismantling misconceptions about the aging process.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is based on an integrated approach that combines corpus-assisted discourse analysis (cf. Semino and Short, 2004; Bakeret al., 2008, Baker, 2010) and multimodal critical discourse analysis (Machin and Mayr, 2012) via the American Medical Association format (2007) and the suite of FrameWorks tools (2015, 2017), which are applied to the collection of texts and images taken from #DisruptAging.

Findings

A total of 69 stories corresponding with 218 images of older adults have shown to be powerful textual and semiotic resources, designed both for educational and awareness-raising purposes, to promote the so-called “aging well discourse” (cf. Looset al., 2017).

Social implications

This discursive approach to the textual and visual material found in #DisruptAging hopes to influence the governing institutions that we construct, and the people who are given power to run them, with the goal of fostering fair treatment of older people within society.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies investigating counter-discourse forms available online, which use textual and visual language to change the way society conceives the idea of aging.
The rice foot rot pathogen Dickeya zeae alters the in‐field plant microbiome
Authors: Bez Cristina , Esposito Alfonso , Thuy Hang Dinh , Nguyen Hong Minh , Valè Giampiero , Licastro Danilo , Bertani Iris , Piazza Silvano , Venturi Vittorio
Published: August 2021

Studies on bacterial plant diseases have thus far been focused on the single bacterial species causing the disease, with very little attention given to the many other microorganisms present in the microbiome. This study intends to use pathobiome analysis of the rice foot rot disease, caused by Dickeya zeae, as a case study to investigate the effects of this bacterial pathogen to the total resident microbiome and to highlight possible interactions between the pathogen and the members of the community involved in the disease process. The microbiome of asymptomatic and the pathobiome of foot‐rot symptomatic field‐grown rice plants over two growing periods and belonging to two rice cultivars were determined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results showed that the presence of D. zeae is associated with an alteration of the resident bacterial community in terms of species composition, abundance and richness, leading to the formation of microbial consortia linked to the disease state. Several bacterial species were significantly co‐presented with the pathogen in the two growing periods suggesting that they could be involved in the disease process. Besides, culture‐dependent isolation and in planta inoculation studies of a bacterial member of the pathobiome, identified as positive correlated with the pathogen in our in silico analysis, indicated that it benefits from the presence of D. zeae. A similar microbiome/pathobiome experiment was also performed in a symptomatically different rice disease evidencing that not all plant diseases have the same consequence/relationship with the plant microbiome. This study moves away from a pathogen‐focused stance and goes towards a more ecological perception considering the effect of the entire microbial community which could be involved in the pathogenesis, persistence, transmission and evolution of plant pathogens.