bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporating environmental heterogeneity and observation effort to predict host distribution and viral spillover from a bat reservoir
Authors: Ribeiro Rita , Matthiopoulos Jason , Lindgren Finn , Tello Carlos , Zariquiey Carlos M. , Valderrama William , Rocke Tonie E. , Streicker Daniel G. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPredicting the spatial occurrence of wildlife is a major challenge for ecology and management. In Latin America, knowledge of the true number and locations of vampire bat colonies precludes informed allocation of measures intended to limit lethal rabies spillover to humans and livestock. We inferred the complete spatial distribution of vampire bat roosts while accounting for observation effort and environmental covariates by fitting a Log Gaussian Cox Process model to the locations of 563 roosts in three regions of Peru. Our model explained 47% of the variance in the observed roost distribution and identified landscape correlates of roost establishment. Our model estimated that 1,795 roosts (76%) remain undiscovered and identified hotspots of undetected roosts in currently rabies-free areas, implying high risk for viral incursion. Incorporating the locations of undetected roosts improved spatial predictions of rabies spillover to livestock, revealed areas with disproportionate underreporting to surveillance systems, and indicated a higher rabies burden than previously estimated. We provide a robust approach to infer the distribution of a mostly unobserved bat reservoir that can inform strategies to prevent the re-emergence of an important zoonosis.
Activity and diversity of prophages harbored by wheat phyllosphere bacteria
Authors: Dougherty Peter Erdmann , Nielsen Tue Kjærgaard , Riber Leise , Lading Helen Helgå , Forero-Junco Laura Milena , Kot Witold , Raaijmakers Jos , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg 
Published: April 2023

1.AbstractThe plant microbiome harbors an enormous diversity of fungi, bacteria, and viruses, but little is known on the diversity and function of prophages harbored within plant-associated bacteria. Using “VIP-Seq”, a novel method based on supernatant sequencing, we identified and quantified the activity of 120 spontaneously induced prophages in a collection of 63ErwiniaandPseudomonasstrains isolated from wheat flag leaves collected from the same field. These bacterial strains exhibited high levels of spontaneous prophage induction, with some producing > 108virions/mL in overnight culture. Significant inductionin plantaalso occurred from a lysogenicErwiniastrain inoculated on wheat seedlings. The potential of these active prophages in bacterial warfare was exhibited by their widespread killing of rival bacterial strains. Evidence of transduction was observed, and the prophages were shown to contribute a majority of the non-core genome ofE. aphidicolaisolates. Many additional prophages were predicted by bioinformatic tools, and we found that the predicted prophages that were not spontaneously induced had a significantly higher number of IS elements. Our results suggest that spontaneous induction of prophages may represent an unknown but wide-spread competition mechanism involved in phyllosphere microbiome assembly and function. This may also have implications for the design and resilience of synthetic bacterial communities used as biocontrol for certain plant diseases.
Isolation ofActinomyces cricetomyissp. nov from orocervicofacial abscesses of African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei)
Authors: Franklin-Guild Rebecca J. , Labitt Rachael N. , McQueary Holly , Llanos-Soto Sebastian , Mitchell Patrick K. , Tallmadge Rebecca L. , Anderson Renee , Flint Joseph F. , Ophir Alexander G. , Thachil Anil , Singh Bhupinder , Goodman Laura B. 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTAfrican giant pouched rats are of interest for their unique sense of smell and can be trained for a variety of applications including detection of explosives and infectious diseases. A colony housed at a university animal care facility developed abscesses associated with the jaw and eye in multiple animals. The predominant bacterial species in each case was a catalase-positiveActinomyces-like Gram-positive bacillus. The isolates from different sites and animals matched each other genetically but had sequences and biochemical profiles inconsistent with previously described species of this group. Based on whole genome sequence, biochemical characterization, and fatty acid profile, a novel species of the genusActinomycesis proposed, namelyActinomyces cricetomyis(type strain 186855T). The type strain is deposited at ATCC (TSD-310) and BCCM/LMG (LMG 32803).
Optimal harvesting strategies for ecological population dynamics
Authors: Rezaee Sayeh , Nieto Cesar , Singh Abhyudai 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWhat is the optimal way to harvest an ecological population sustainably is a fundamental problem in natural resource management. Here we use the framework of the stochastic logistic model which captures random birth-death of individuals to determine the optimal harvesting strategy that maximizes the integrated yield over time. Harvesting is assumed to occur at either a constant or state-dependent rate, and individuals are harvested with a certain probability whenever a harvesting event occurs. A special case of state-dependent harvesting is a threshold-based strategy, where harvesting is done when the population crosses a threshold. We use moment closure schemes to develop analytical formulas quantifying the mean and optimal yield. Moreover, as populations are susceptible to extinction at high harvesting rates, the Finite State Projection (FSP) method is used to estimate the probabilities of extinction across strategies and parameter regimes. Our results show that the threshold-based strategy is most effective in maximizing the yield as it suppresses population fluctuations and minimizes extinction events.
Public accountability failure in solving a public nuisance: stakeholder disengagement in a clash of Western and Islamic worldviews
Authors: Islam Md Tarikul , Rahim Mia Mahmudur , Kuruppu Sanjaya Chinthana 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis paper examines the link between the failure of public accountability and stakeholder disengagement brought about by a New Public Management (NPM) style “smart solution” introduced to reduce public urination in Dhaka city. It shows how New Public Governance (NPG), Islamic and dialogic approaches can improve decision-making and solutions.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the concepts of public accountability, NPM, NPG and dialogic accountability, this study highlights how narrow conceptions of accountability and poor stakeholder engagement impacted the effectiveness of the “smart solution” based on data collected through observation and unstructured in-depth interviews.FindingsEvidence suggests that narrow conceptions of accountability driven by monologic NPM perspectives led to poor stakeholder engagement, which impacted the effectiveness of the “smart solution”. The solution that consists of changing anti-urination signage from Bengali to Arabic script has not solved Dhaka's public urination problem. In many instances, the solution has disenchanted certain stakeholders who view it as an offence against Islam and a confusing de-privileging of the Bengali language which has significant national and cultural value in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThe findings of the study contribute to policymaking discussions on how to effectively engage with stakeholders and extend the literature on accountability within the context of conflicting public versus private demands related to a public nuisance. The study outlines important issues related to stakeholder engagement and introduces a framework that conceptualises how to increase the effectiveness of public policy decisions using NPG, Islamic and dialogic accountability approaches, especially on matters that require significant public/external stakeholder support. It also provides a conceptual integration of these various approaches, including nuanced insights into accountability challenges within “non-Western” contexts.
The effect of the COVID-19 announcement on stock returns: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Elgharib Wael Ahmed 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis study aims at testing efficiency of the Egyptian stock market at semi-strong level through exploring the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Egyptian stock returns.Design/methodology/approachThe author applied the “Event Study” method that addresses the impact of a particular event or group of events on stock returns, from 12 September 2019 to 5 April 2020, choosing Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX) 100 companies which constitute constitutes the highest-level 100 companies in terms of liquidity and activity.FindingsThe study found inefficiency of the Egyptian stock market at the semistrong level, as the declaration of the COVID-19 has a negative insignificant effect on stock returns, whether on the day of the declaration, before or after it, The underlying reasons for these results can be referred to the idea that can be explained that investors are noise trading when making their investment decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThere are two limitations to the interface of this paper. The first one is the short-term impact of COVID-19, using 141 days, and then it is not clear in the research the long-term impact of events related to the epidemic. Secondly, because the author deals with a short period term, the author does not test the characteristics of the company or any other major events that may affect the stock returns of the companies under study.Originality/valueThis adds to the finance literature on the impact of the COVID-19 announcement on stock returns in the context of African countries. The explanation of the interconnection of the COVID-19 announcement on stock returns in Egypt.
Adoption of smart contracts in the construction industry: an institutional analysis of drivers and barriers
Authors: Shang Gao , Pheng Low Sui , Zhong Xia Roderick Low 
Published: April 2023

Purpose
The construction industry has arrived at a crossroads of rapid technological progress. While it is foreseen that the advent of new construction technologies will disrupt the construction industry’s future, such disruptions often create the ideal environment for innovation. As poor payment practices continue to plague the construction industry, the advent of smart contracts has created an opportunity to rectify the inherent flaws in the mitigation of payment problems in traditional construction contracts. Given the intrinsic resistance of construction firms to such revolutionary changes, this study aims to understand the various factors influencing the adoption of smart contracts in the Singapore construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method was adopted involving quantifying respondents’ perceptions of the factors influencing smart contract adoption, and validation from a group of interviewees on the matter. Out of 461 registered quantity surveyor members contacted via the Singapore institute of surveyors and valuers website, 55 respondents took part in the survey. This is followed by semi-structured interviews to validate the survey results.

Findings
The findings indicate that construction firms have neither a significant knowledge of nor willingness to adopt smart contracts. A total of 29 institutional factors were also identified that significantly influence the adoption of smart contracts. The quantitative findings were further reinforced by qualitative interviews with five industry experts.

Originality/value
With recognition of and the successful formulation of the significant institutional drivers and barriers, the key findings of this study will be integral in driving the commercial adoption of smart contracts within the construction industry.
Experiential branding in higher education: an Indian case
Authors: Kuriakose Francis 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe objective of the research is to evaluate the experiential branding practices of a higher education institution (HEI) in India against student perceptions.Design/methodology/approachUsing a mixed-method approach for data collection, a range of relevant attributes of the experiential brand identity of the HEI was constructed. A quantitative technique called conjoint analysis was then used to understand the student-evaluated brand experience from the average relative importance of attributes and average part-worth utilities.FindingsThe study concluded that among the brand attributes of the HEI, course delivery had the highest relative importance among students, whereas price had the maximum elasticity.Practical implicationsThis study demonstrates how a differentiated brand identity of an HEI can be built using student perceptions. HEIs can use this model to strategize brand expansion by forming meaningful external partnerships to fulfill this objective.Originality/valueThe study is novel and innovative in the Indian context where relatively little attention has been paid to the assessment of experiential brand identity in higher education. The research takes the first step in deconstructing the experiential brand architecture into relevant attributes and assessing their impact on student preferences.
Development of a housing quality (HQ) scale in the context of Pakistan
Authors: Farooque Ummer , Awan Muhammad Usman , Shafiq Muhammad 
Published: April 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a scale for measuring housing quality in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
The inductive and deductive approaches for item generation have been combined, and items have been purified using multistage expert review. Data was collected from a sizeable purposive sample of 445 respondents, and exploratory and confirmatory factor approaches used for assessing psychometric properties of the scale.

Findings
The result is a 21-item scale covering five dimensions, namely, Design and Construction Quality, Neighborhood Quality, Adequacy of Space, Quality of Institutional Services and Proximity of Basic Amenities.

Originality/value
This study contributes to housing quality literature by deepening our understanding of the concept of housing quality in the context of Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country. The findings of the study have important implications for both theory and practice.
Sustainability supply chain practices: proposal for a framework
Authors: Correia Elisabete , Garrido Susana , Carvalho Helena 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis paper proposes a framework for the implementation of sustainability practices by individual companies and corresponding supply chains (SCs), considering the various SC tiers, the three dimensions of sustainability and the following critical areas: Governance, Product and Process, Customers and Suppliers Management, and Stakeholder focus.Design/methodology/approachUsing several case studies of small- and medium-size companies, a qualitative methodology is used to develop the proposed framework.FindingsThe analysis of these case studies makes it possible to identify the sustainability practices that are the most important for practitioners, thereby reducing the number of sustainability practices specified in the literature and giving some insights regarding which should be used in addressing critical areas. A set of guidelines and actions is also suggested for managers to continue the path of sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies in other cultural and national realities and industrial contexts are desirable to assess the proposed framework's suitability and the results obtained.Practical implicationsThe results of this study show that the practices implemented are highly dependent on the resources that the company can mobilize and, on the choices, and commitment to sustainability on the part of top management.Originality/valueThe authors propose a framework to help individual companies and corresponding SCs to implement sustainability practices considering the various dimensions of sustainability, critical areas and SC's various partners.
Teachers' perceptions about the delivery and methodology of a blended learning mentor training course: a case from Chile
Authors: Cabezas Verónica , Pereira Sebastián , Figueroa Catalina , Straub Camila 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to describe the perceptions of participants regarding a blended learning training course in Chile (and its e-learning adaptation due to the COVID-19 pandemic) for mentor teachers (MTs). The MT learns theoretical elements of mentoring and in parallel accompanies a newly qualified teacher while receiving support from an online tutor. Opinions are presented from MTs and accompanied teachers (ATs) about the contribution, format and methodology of the course.Design/methodology/approachA program evaluation with mixed methodology was used. Online questionnaires were sent to MTs and ATs at the end of the course. Returned questionnaires totaled 98 MTs and 20 ATs for the blended learning version and 75 MTs and 54 ATs for the e-learning format. In addition, 11 post-course interviews were conducted in three schools with MTs, ATs and their school leaders.FindingsThe course contributed to the development of mentoring skills. Participants highlighted the importance of the face-to-face component of both versions. The theoretical–practical methodology used was positively evaluated. Support and feedback provided to MTs by the online tutor was important for developing skills.Research limitations/implicationsResults are part of a case (n = 247), so general statements cannot be made about the population.Practical implicationsWhile this program evaluation focuses on a specific context, the results can contribute to the design of effective MT online training courses in other contexts and countries, given the limited body of research on this type of experience.Originality/valueThe course provided is described in detail, which may be useful when designing similar mentor education courses in other contexts.
The effect of financial soundness variables on bank performance: a macro-level analysis in MSCI Emerging Market Index countries
Authors: Arzova Sabri Burak , Sahin Bertac Sakir 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe present study investigates the impact of financial soundness variables on bank performance in emerging countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses macro-level panel data from 17 countries from 2011 to 2020. The analysis adopts six models. While four models include bank profitability, the dependent variable of the other models is Bank Z Scores. Regulatory Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets, Liquid Assets to Total Assets, Non-Performing Loans to Total Gross Loans and Non-Interest Expenses to Gross Income are proxies of financial soundness variables.FindingsThe authors estimate fixed and random effects models with the Arellano, Froot and Rogers methods. Empirical results show that Non-Performing Loans to Total Gross Loans harm ROA and ROE. Regulatory Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets negatively affects ROE. Non-Interest Expenses to Gross Income on Bank Z Scores have a significant and negative effect. Moreover, Inflation, Foreign Direct Investment and GDP are macroeconomic variables that increase bank profitability.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature in different aspects. The first is the model of the study. The authors contribute to the literature regarding the variables used to measure financial soundness. Secondly, emerging countries are samples in the study. A significant part of the studies on financial soundness has focused on developed countries. Finally, the authors analyze the macro-level data. Bank soundness studies mainly investigate country-level variables. Macro-level analysis may provide an advantage in combating global financial crises.
The impact of interactions before, during and after meetings on meeting effectiveness: a coordination theory perspective
Authors: Král Pavel , Králová Věra , Šimáček Petr 
Published: April 2023

Purpose
Most studies on workplace meetings have examined them as physical gatherings but have not linked them to interactions before and after meetings. Drawing upon coordination theory, this study aims to examine the impact of interactions before, during and after meetings on meeting effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey design was used, and regular workplace meeting attendees were recruited. A mediation model was developed to test the effect of interactions on perceived meeting effectiveness.

Findings
Interactions before meetings positively influenced attendee involvement during the meeting, and attendee involvement mediated the positive relationship between attendee interactions during the meeting and perceived meeting effectiveness. A novel finding of this study is that incorporating meeting outcomes in subsequent work positively influenced perceived meeting effectiveness because it fostered common understanding of the meeting agenda.

Originality/value
The present results link prior empirical findings on interactions before and during meetings to new predictions regarding the effect of interactions after meetings. Coordination theory expands current conceptualizations of workplace meetings by broadening the notion of meetings to cover a more extended period of interdependent interactions.