bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stochastic microbiome assembly depends on context
Authors: Jones Eric W. , Carlson Jean M. , Sivak David A. , Ludington William B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObservational studies reveal substantial variability in microbiome composition across individuals. While some of this variability can be explained by external factors like environmental, dietary, and genetic differences between individuals, in this paper we show that for the model organism Drosophila melanogaster the process of microbiome assembly is inherently stochastic and contributes a baseline level of microbiome variability even among organisms that are identically reared, housed, and fed. In germ-free flies fed known combinations of bacterial species, we find that some species colonize more frequently than others even when fed at the same high concentration. We develop a new ecological technique that infers the presence of interactions between bacterial species based on their colonization odds in different contexts, requiring only presence/absence data from two-species experiments. We use a progressive sequence of probabilistic models, in which the colonization of each bacterial species is treated as an independent stochastic process, to reproduce the empirical distributions of colonization outcomes across experiments. We find that incorporating context-dependent interactions substantially improves the performance of the models. Stochastic, context-dependent microbiome assembly underlies clinical therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotic administration, and should inform the design of synthetic fecal transplants and dosing regimes.Significance StatementIndividuals are constantly exposed to microbial organisms that may or may not colonize their gut microbiome, and newborn individuals assemble their microbiomes through a number of these acquisition events. Since microbiome composition has been shown to influence host physiology, a mechanistic understanding of community assembly has potentially therapeutic applications. In this paper we study microbiome acquisition in a highly-controlled setting using germ-free fruit flies inoculated with specific bacterial species at known abundances. Our approach revealed that acquisition events are stochastic, and the colonization odds of different species in different contexts encode ecological information about interactions. These findings have consequences for microbiome-based therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation that attempt to modify a person’s gut microbiome by deliberately introducing foreign microbes.
Regulation of eIF2α Phosphorylation by MAPKs Influences Polysome Stability and Protein Translation
Authors: Parveen Sana , Parthasarathy Haripriya , Vedagiri Dhiviya , Gupta Divya , Nair Hitha Gopalan , Harshan Krishnan Harinivas 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTRegulation of protein translation occurs primarily at the level of initiation and is mediated by multiple signaling pathways, majorly mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2. While mTORC1 and eIF2α influence the polysome stability, MAPKs influence the phosphorylation of the cap-binding protein eIF4E and are known to influence translation of only a small set of mRNAs. Here, we demonstrate that p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 regulate translation through integrated stress response (ISR) pathways. Dual inhibition (dual-Mi) of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 caused substantial phosphorylation of eIF2α in a synergistic manner, resulting in near-absolute collapse of polysomes. This regulation was independent of Mnk1/2, a well-studied mediator of translation regulation by the MAPKs. Dual-Mi-induced polysome dissociation was far more striking than that caused by sodium arsenite, a strong inducer of ISR. Interestingly, induction of ISR caused increased p38 phosphorylation, and its inhibition resulted in stronger polysome dissociation, indicating the importance of p38 in the translation activities. Thus, our studies demonstrate a major, unidentified role for ERK1/2 and more particularly p38 MAPK in the maintenance of homeostasis of polysome association and translation activities.
Hydrozoan sperm-specific H2B histone variants stabilize chromatin and block transcription without enhancing chromatin condensation
Authors: Török Anna , Browne Martin JG , Vilar Jordina C , Patwal Indu , DuBuc Timothy Q , Febrimarsa  , Atcheson Erwan , Flaus Andrew , Frank Uri , Gornik Sebastian G 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMany animals achieve sperm chromatin compaction and stabilisation during spermatogenesis by replacing canonical histones with sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) such as protamines. A number of animals including hydrozoan cnidarians and echinoid sea urchins lack protamines and have instead evolved a distinctive family of sperm-specific histone H2Bs (spH2Bs) with extended N-termini rich in SPKK-related motifs. Sperm packaging in echinoids such as sea urchins is regulated by spH2Bs and their sperm is negatively buoyant for fertilization on the sea floor. Hydroid cnidarians also package sperm with spH2Bs but undertake broadcast spawning and their sperm properties are poorly characterised. We show that sperm chromatin from the hydroid Hydractinia possesses higher stability than its somatic equivalent, with reduced accessibility of sperm chromatin to transposase Tn5 integration in vivo and to endonucleases in vitro. However, nuclear dimensions are only moderately reduced in mature Hydractinia sperm compared to other cell types. Ectopic expression of spH2B in the background of H2B knockdown resulted in downregulation of global transcription and cell cycle arrest in embryos without altering their nuclear density. Taken together, spH2B variants containing SPKK-related motifs act to stabilise chromatin and silence transcription in Hydractinia sperm without significant chromatin compaction. This is consistent with a contribution of spH2B to sperm buoyancy as a reproductive adaptation.
Behavioral intention to use cryptocurrency in Malaysia: an empirical study
Authors: Ter Ji-Xi Joye , Salamzadeh Yashar , Teoh Ai Ping 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to empirically examine the factors influencing consumer behavioral intention (BI) to use cryptocurrency as a medium of transaction. Constructs from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model and an added variable, perceived risk (PR), are examined to predictBI. Age and gender as moderators are retained in this model.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used to gather the respondents’ responses on a five-point Likert scale. G * Power was used to calculate the required minimum sample size. A non-probability sampling technique was used to gather data from the 290 respondents based in Malaysia. The final data set was analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences and SmartPLS software using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that three of the five proposed factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating condition) are significant predictors ofBIto adopt cryptocurrency as a medium of transaction. Interestingly,PRis not a significant predictor even though prior research studies showed otherwise. Likewise, the relationship betweenBIand social influence became significant only when age is added as a moderator.Practical implicationsMalaysians are still wary of cryptocurrency, even though global tech firms such as Amazon and Microsoft are already accepting Bitcoin as a payment method. This study aims to provide relevant authorities and businesses (i.e. central bank, retail merchants and cryptocurrency exchangers) insights toward understanding the factors consumers focus on if they were to use cryptocurrency as a medium of transaction.Originality/valueMost cryptocurrency research are done in developed countries (i.e. USA, UK and EU) perspective. This research addresses the lack of quantitative literature on significant factors influencingBIto use cryptocurrency in developing country context while taking aPR, age and gender into consideration.
International business competence and innovation performance: the role of ambidextrous organizational culture andenvironmental dynamism
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Ali Zahid , Bodolica Virginia , Kayastha Prajwal 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study aims to examine the influence of international business competence (IBC) on innovation performance of organizations activating in global markets. The study also explores whether ambidextrous organizational culture (AOC) acts as an antecedent of IBC and whether the environmental dynamism affects the IBC–innovation performance relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe authors assessed the hypothesized relationships using data collected from a sample of companies operating in the Norwegian seafood industry. The direct, mediating and moderating effects were tested using partial least squares (PLS) with SmartPLS software application.FindingsThe empirical analysis revealed that AOC is positively associated with IBC, while IBC is a significant predictor of innovation performance. The findings also corroborated the proposed mediation effect of IBC, but refuted the moderating role of environmental dynamism.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the international business literature by suggesting that companies equipped with IBC can excel in innovative undertakings and that organizational culture can be effectively leveraged to develop such competences.
Experimental study on the influence of friction pair material hardness on the tribological behaviors of water lubricated thrust bearings
Authors: Liang Xingxin , Yang Zhiyong 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to confirm that increasing the hardness of thrust collars can improve the load carrying capacity (LCC) and wear resistance of water lubricated thrust bearings (WTBs) made of polymers paired with non-polymeric thrust collars, and to design a WTB with high LCC and durability for a shaftless pump-jet propulsor of an autonomous underwater vehicle. Six kinds of WTBs were manufactured by matching aluminum bronze, stainless steel and silicon nitride with two different polymer bearing materials. Their tribological behaviors were tested and compared.

Design/methodology/approach
The tribological behaviors of the WTBs made with different materials were investigated experimentally on a specially designed test rig.

Findings
Aluminum bronze is not suitable for crafting thrust collars of heavy load WTBs due to severe abrasive wear. Two body abrasive wear first occurred between the thrust collar and the polymer bearing. Next, aluminum bronze wear particles were produced. The particles acted between the two materials and formed three body abrasive wear. Stainless steel/polymer bearings showed better wear resistance while Si3N4/polymer bearings were the best. Improving the hardness of thrust collars is significant to the LCC and service life of WTBs.

Originality/value
The wear mechanism of WTBs under heavy load conditions was revealed. Improving the hardness of the thrust collar was confirmed to be a preferable method to improve the wear resistance and LCC of WTBs. The results of this study may provide an important reference for the selection of water lubricated materials and the design of heavy load WTBs.
The relevance of geographic origin in sustainability challenge: the facets of country ecological image
Authors: Dekhili Sihem , Crouch Roberta , El Moussawel Omar 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Whilst country-of-origin (COO) effects have been studied extensively since the 1960s, little research has explored these effects with respect to ecological considerations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the COO ecological image (CEI) construct by defining its facets across consumers and professionals from two different countries, namely, France and Australia.

Design/methodology/approach
Because of the exploratory nature of the research, the authors used two qualitative techniques, namely, semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Findings
Findings indicate the CEI construct is composed of eight dimensions, namely, policy, technological, economic, people characteristics, natural, climatic, historical and eco-product features.

Research limitations/implications
The research provides insights into the CEI construct and justifies future studies to develop a scale measure for it. However, the generalisability of the results must be considered limited due to the qualitative exploratory nature of the study.

Practical implications
The research offers implications for companies and policymakers by allowing them to understand how consumers form a CEI. It suggests new applications respective to how to leverage positive aspects of a CEI and how to mitigate negative ones.

Originality/value
The study extends the literature on COO by identifying the possible dimensions of the CEI construct, thus providing better insights into the little-explored link between COO and sustainable products.
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative framework for supporting assistive technology decision-making in Singapore schools: perspectives of in-service educators
Authors: Wong Meng Ee , Lee YingMin 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThis study explored in-service educators' experience of using the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) for assistive technology (AT) decision-making within Singapore schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative design. Eight educators across both mainstream and special education schools were introduced to the WATI framework which they subsequently employed as a trial experience for a student under their care. Written feedback gathered from participants was analysed to identify common issues and themes regarding the use of the WATI framework for AT decision-making.FindingsThe comprehensive consideration of a broad scope of different factors, provision of a structured process for AT decision-making, as well as a common language for use by different stakeholders emerged as key benefits of implementing the WATI. Challenges encountered include administrative struggles in gathering different stakeholders together, time and resource constraints and difficulties in loaning AT devices for trial use.Practical implicationsBased on educators' feedback, recommendations to facilitate the adoption of the WATI for AT decision-making within Singapore schools are discussed and considered. This study also highlights the need for greater AT instruction within both preservice and in-service teacher preparation programmes in Singapore.Originality/valueSchools in Singapore currently rarely adopt any frameworks in place to guide educators through a systematic process of AT consideration. It is anticipated that this study will spearhead and drive the adoption of systematic frameworks such as the WATI for better AT decision-making within Singapore schools.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0015
Managing financial risks to improve financial success of public—private partnership projects: a theoretical framework
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert 
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Successful execution of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is the most desirable outcome to all stakeholders. Previous studies show that one of the topmost obstacles to fulfil this desire on the project is financial risks. Nonetheless, inadequate holistic studies exist on linking the management of this challenge to the financial returns of the project. This study aims to develop a theoretical framework interrelating financial risks, financial controls and financial performance of PPP projects.

Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical framework is informed and supported by existing theories and previous empirical studies from construction management, finance and economics. The underlying theories captured in the framework were chosen for their relevance and applicability to PPP projects. The propositions developed from the analysis of the theories and the empirical literature are summarised in three main hypotheses and 26 operationalised sub-hypotheses.

Findings
The major elements of the framework include the financial risks and 12 sub-themes which are commonly experienced on PPP projects. Financial policies and procedures on controlling financial losses of the projects are also included in the framework. Lastly, this study creates financial criteria on the projects which are intrinsically embedded in the framework to serve as benchmark to support the measurement of financial success.

Research limitations/implications
This study is a theoretical review of classical theories and empirical studies, and therefore, not all researches and managerial controls have not been included in this framework due to restricted time and limited studies on the topic.

Practical implications
This paper would serve as a multidimensional guide to project managers to mitigate financial risks and hopefully enhance the financial success of PPPs. Theoretically, this paper outlines the dimensions of managing financial risks of PPPs that require valid and reliable measurement to test the interrelationships of the constructs by further studies in the construction research community.

Originality/value
This theoretical framework makes ambitious efforts to embrace multifaceted theories from different disciplines to shed light on holistic mechanisms to mitigate financial risks to improve financial returns of PPP projects.
The dilemma of domestic suppliers on the periphery of the automotive industry global value chain
Authors: Lampón Jesús F. , Rodríguez De la Fuente Marta , Fraiz-Brea José Antonio 
Published: August 2021

PurposeUnder the global value chain (GVC) approach, this paper aims to analyze how domestic suppliers on the periphery of the automotive industry are affected by their relationship with foreign multinationals.Design/methodology/approachA case study with primary data collected from foreign multinationals operating in the Mexican automotive industry was used to analyze their relationship with domestic suppliers.FindingsThe evolution of the suppliers has been characterized by improved quality and added value in their products and more asset-intensive, efficient processes. This evolution has been driven by improvement in production capabilities and investment in new equipment by domestic suppliers and facilitated by knowledge transfer from foreign multinationals. However, it has not involved the acquisition of innovation capabilities or the internationalization of production activities. This has limited their position on the first levels of the value chain and their global presence, which are essential aspects when climbing the industry value chain to lead some activities at a global level. At the same time, most of these suppliers have become strategic and have a greater dependence on foreign multinationals. This poses a dilemma for domestic firms, as the relationship with these multinationals becomes more intense and dependent and at the same time reduces the possibility of leading activities in the value chain.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes the impact on domestic suppliers of their relationships with foreign multinationals, integrating traditional product, process and functional upgrading and new elements, in particular, participation in the GVC and dependence on multinationals.
A new method for human resource allocation in cloud-based e-commerce using a meta-heuristic algorithm
Authors: Al-Shourbaji Ibrahim , Zogaan Waleed 
Published: August 2021

PurposeThe human resource (HR) allocation problem is one of the critical dimensions of the project management process. Due to this nature of the problem, researchers are continually optimizing one or more critical scheduling and allocation challenges in different ways. This study aims to optimize two goals, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing costs using the imperialist competitive algorithm.Design/methodology/approachCloud-based e-commerce applications are preferred to conventional systems because they can save money in many areas, including resource use, running expenses, capital costs, maintenance and operation costs. In web applications, its core functionality of performance enhancement and automated device recovery is important. HR knowledge, expertise and competencies are becoming increasingly valuable carriers for organizational competitive advantage. As a result, HR management is becoming more relevant, as it seeks to channel all of the workers’ energy into meeting the organizational strategic objectives. The allocation of resources to maximize benefit or minimize cost is known as the resource allocation problem. Since discovering solutions in polynomial time is complicated, HR allocation in cloud-based e-commerce is an Nondeterministic Polynomial time (NP)-hard problem. In this paper, to promote the respective strengths and minimize the weaknesses, the imperialist competitive algorithm is suggested to solve these issues. The imperialist competitive algorithm is tested by comparing it to the literature’s novel algorithms using a simulation.FindingsEmpirical outcomes have illustrated that the suggested hybrid method achieves higher performance in discovering the appropriate HR allocation than some modern techniques.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a useful method for improving HR allocation methods. The MATLAB-based simulation results have indicated that costs and waiting time have been improved compared to other algorithms, which cause the high application of this method in practical projects.Originality/valueThe main novelty of this paper is using an imperialist competitive algorithm for finding the best solution to the HR allocation problem in cloud-based e-commerce.
The effects of advertising ethnic cues on brand love, brand attachment and attitude toward the brand
Authors: Madadi Rozbeh , Torres Ivonne M. , Fazli-Salehi Reza , Zúñiga Miguel Ángel 
Published: August 2021

PurposeIn this paper, two studies examine the effects of Hispanic-targeted ads on three consumer-brand relationships (i.e. brand love, brand attachment and attitude toward the brand) and their behavioral outcomes. Additionally, this paper aims to examine how product involvement moderates these effects.Design/methodology/approachStudy 1 demonstrates the linkages between three consumer–brand relationships (i.e. brand love, brand attachment and attitude toward the brand) and their antecedents. In Study 2, by testing the nomological network of the antecedents and consequences of brand love, the authors extend the results of the previous study.FindingsStudy 1 provides evidence that ethnic advertising has the strongest effect on brand love in comparison with other alternative consumer-brand relationship constructs. In Study 2, results show that only for low-involvement products, the perceived similarity of customers with Hispanic models in ads could lead to a higher positive attitude toward the ad. However, in the high-involvement condition, perceived similarity did not mediate the relationship between those constructs, which is in line with Elaboration Likelihood Model.Practical implicationsFrom the practical and managerial perspective, this paper proposes that managers should concentrate on ads with ethnic cues, especially for low involvement products. Hence, it would be worthwhile for companies to consider ads with ethnic cues to effectively develop deep consumer–brand relationships.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the effects of targeted ads on deeper relationships (e.g. brand love) and its behavioral consequences. Therefore, the authors show how Hispanic targeted ads could lead to deep consumer–brand relationships which encompass both the mind and heart of customers.