bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turnover shapes evolution of birth and death rates
Authors: Kuosmanen Teemu , Särkkä Simo , Mustonen Ville
Published: July 2022

Population turnover, a key trait shaped by the organism’s life history strategy, plays an important role in eco-evolutionary dynamics by fixing the timescale for individual birth and death events as well as in determining the level of demographic stochasticity related to growth. Yet, the standard theory of population genetics, and the models heavily used in the related data analysis, have largely ignored the role of turnover. Here we propose a reformulation of population genetics starting from the first principles of birth and death and show that the role of turnover is evolutionarily important. We derive a general stochastic differential equation for the frequency dynamics of competing birth-death processes and determine the appropriate turnover corrections for the essential results regarding fixation, establishment, and substitution of mutants. Our results reveal how both the absolute and relative turnover rates influence evolution. We further describe a deterministic turnover selection, the turnover flux, which operates in small populations. Finally, we analyse the evolution of mean turnover and show how it explains the key eco-evolutionary mechanisms underlying demographic transitions. In conclusion, our results explicitly show how competing life-history strategies, demographic stochasticity, ecological feedback, and evolution are inseparably intertwined, thus calling for a unified theory development starting from the underlying mechanisms of birth and death.
Genetic mapping of some key plant architecture traits in Brassica juncea using a cross between two distinct lines – vegetable type Tumida and oleiferous Varuna
Authors: Mathur Shikha , Singh Priyansha , Yadava Satish Kumar , Gupta Vibha , Pradhan Akshay K. , Pental Deepak
Published: July 2022

Brassica juncea (AABB, 2n=36), commonly called mustard is an allopolyploid crop of recent origin but has considerable morphological and underlying genetic variation. An F1-derived doubled haploid (F1DH) population developed from a cross between a Indian oleiferous line, Varuna, and a Chinese stem type vegetable mustard, Tumida showed significant variability for some key plant architectural traits, including four stem strength-related traits, stem diameter, plant height, branch initiation height, number of primary branches (Pbr), and days to flowering (Df). Multi-environment QTL analysis identified twenty environmentally stable QTL for the nine plant architectural traits. Both Tumida and Varuna contain some positive QTL that can be used to breed superior ideotypes in mustard. A QTL cluster on LG A10 contained environmentally stable QTL for seven architectural traits. This region also contained overlapping environmentally stable major QTL (phenotypic variance ≥ 10%) for Df and Pbr, with Tumida contributing the trait enhancing alleles for both the traits. Since early flowering is critical for the cultivation of mustard in the Indian subcontinent, this QTL cannot be used for the improvement of Pbr in the Indian gene pool lines. Conditional QTL analysis for Pbr identified the QTL for improvement of Pbr without negative effects on Df. The environmentally stable QTL were projected on the genome assemblies of Tumida and Varuna for the identification of candidate genes. These findings provide insights into the genetics of plant architectural traits in two diverse gene pools of B. juncea and provide opportunities for improvement of the plant architecture through marker-assisted introgressions.

Key Message

Genetic mapping of some key plant architectural traits in a vegetable type and an oleiferous B. juncea cross revealed environmentally stable QTL and candidate genes for breeding more productive ideotypes.
Use of vivo-morpholinos for gene knockdown in the postnatal shark retina
Authors: Rodríguez-Arrizabalaga Mariña , Hernández-Núñez Ismael , Candal Eva , Barreiro-Iglesias Antón
Published: July 2022

Work in the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula has shown that the evolutionary origin of postnatal neurogenesis in vertebrates is earlier than previously thought. Thus, the catshark can serve as a model of interest to understand postnatal neurogenic processes and their evolution in vertebrates. One of the best characterized neurogenic niches of the catshark CNS is found in the peripheral region of the retina. Unfortunately, the lack of genetic tools in sharks limits the possibilities to deepen in the study of genes involved in the neurogenic process. Here, we report a method for gene knockdown in the juvenile catshark retina based on the use of Vivo-Morpholinos. To establish the method, we designed Vivo-Morpholinos against the proliferation marker PCNA. We first evaluated the possible toxicity of 3 different intraocular administration regimes. After this optimization step, we show that a single intraocular injection of the PCNA Vivo-Morpholino decreases the expression of PCNA in the peripheral retina, which leads to reduced mitotic activity in this region. This method will help in deciphering the role of other genes potentially involved in postnatal neurogenesis in this model.

Summary statement

In this study, we report the development of a method for the use of Vivo-Morpholinos in the postnatal shark retina, which will allow to decipher the role of different genes in retinal neurogenesis in sharks.
PRC2 disruption in cerebellar progenitors produces cerebellar hypoplasia and aberrant myoid differentiation without blocking medulloblastoma growth
Authors: Cleveland Abigail H. , Malawsky Daniel , Churiwal Mehal , Rodriguez Claudia , Reed Frances , Schniederjan Matthew , Velazquez Vega Jose E. , Davis Ian , Gershon Timothy R.
Published: July 2022

We show that the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) maintains neural identity in Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-driven cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs) and SHH-driven medulloblastoma, a cancer of CGNPs. Proliferating CGNPs and medulloblastoma cells pass the neural fate commitment to their progeny through epigenetic mechanisms. The PRC2 mediates epigenetic regulation through histone methylation, and PRC2 inhibitors have been proposed for medulloblastoma therapy. We investigated PRC2 function in CGNPs and medulloblastoma by conditionally deleting PRC2 componentsEedorEzh2in CGNPs and analyzing cerebellar growth, cellular gene expression (scRNA-seq), and tumorigenesis in medulloblastoma-proneSmo-mutant mice.Eed-deleted CGNPs showed reduced growth, with decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis and inappropriate myoid differentiation.Ezh2-deleted CGNPs also showed myoid differentiation without reduced growth.Eed-deleted andEzh2-deleted medulloblastomas similarly demonstrated myoid differentiation, but progressed more rapidly than PRC2-intact controls. The PRC2 thus maintained neural fate in CGNPs and medulloblastoma, but PRC2 disruption did not block SHH medulloblastoma progression.
DNA methylation and proteomics integration uncover dose-dependent group and individual responses to exercise in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Jacques Macsue , Landen Shanie , Romero Javier Alvarez , Hiam Danielle , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Hanchapola Iresha , Shah Anup D. , Eynon Nir
Published: July 2022

Objective

Exercise is a major regulator of muscle metabolism, and health benefits acquired by exercise are a result of molecular shifts occurring across multiple OMIC levels (i.e. epigenome, transcriptome, proteome). Identifying robust targets associated with exercise response, at both group and individual levels, is therefore important to develop health guidelines and targeted health interventions.

Methods

Twenty, apparently healthy, moderately trained (VO2 max= 51.0±10.6 mL·min−1·kg−1) males (age range= 18-45yrs) from the Gene SMART (Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Responses to Training) study completed a 12-week High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) intervention. Muscle biopsies were collected at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of HIIT. High throughput DNA methylation (∼850 CpG sites), and proteomic (∼3000 proteins) analyses were conducted at all-time points. Mixed-models were applied to estimate group and individual changes, and methylome and proteome integration was conducted using a holistic multilevel approach with the mixOmics package.

Results

Significant shifts in the methylome (residual analysis) and proteome profiles were observed after 12 weeks of HIIT. 461 proteins significantly changed over time (at 4, 8, and 12 weeks), whilst only one differentially methylated position (DMP) was changed (adj.p-value <0.05). K-means analysis revealed clear protein clustering exhibiting similar changes over time. Individual responses to training were observed in 101 proteins. Seven proteins had a large effect-sizes >0.5, among them are two novel exercise-related proteins, LYRM7 and EPN1. Integration analysis uncovered bidirectional relationships between the methylome and proteome.

Conclusions

We showed a significant influence of HIIT on the epigenome and proteome in human muscle, and uncovered groups of proteins clustering according to similar patterns across the exercise intervention. Individual responses to exercise were observed in the proteome with novel mitochondrial and metabolic proteins consistently changed across individuals. Future work is required to elucidate the role of such proteins in response to exercise as well as to investigate the mechanisms associating genes and proteins in response to exercise.
Inhaled Fluticasone for Outpatient Treatment of Covid-19: A Decentralized, Placebo-controlled, Randomized, Platform Clinical Trial
Authors:   Accelerating Covid-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV)-6 Study Group, Naggie Susanna
Published: July 2022

Background

The effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids to shorten time to symptom resolution or prevent hospitalization or death among outpatients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) is unclear.

Methods

ACTIV-6 is an ongoing, decentralized, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled platform trial testing repurposed medications in outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Non-hospitalized adults aged ≥30 years, experiencing ≥2 symptoms of acute infection for ≤7 days were randomized to inhaled fluticasone furoate 200 μg once daily for 14 days or placebo. The primary outcome was time to sustained recovery, defined as the third of 3 consecutive days without symptoms. Secondary outcomes included composites of hospitalization or death with or without urgent care or emergency department visit by day 28.

Results

Of those eligible for the fluticasone arm, 656 were randomized to and received inhaled fluticasone; 621 received concurrent placebo. There was no evidence of improvement in time to recovery with fluticasone compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.91–1.12; posterior probability for benefit [HR>1]=0.56). Twenty-four participants (3.7%) in the fluticasone arm had urgent care or emergency department visits or were hospitalized compared with 13 (2.1%) in the pooled, concurrent placebo arm (HR 1.9, 95% CrI 0.8–3.5; posterior probability for benefit [HR<1]=0.03). Three participants in each arm were hospitalized, and no deaths occurred. Adverse events were uncommon in both arms.

Conclusions

Treatment with inhaled fluticasone furoate for 14 days did not result in improved time to recovery among outpatients with Covid-19 in the United States during the delta and omicron variant surges.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04885530).
Whole-brain mapping of effective connectivity by fMRI with cortex-wide patterned optogenetics
Authors: Kim Seonghoon , Moon Hyun Seok , Vo Thanh Tan , Kim Chang-Ho , Im Geun Ho , Choi Myunghwan , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: July 2022

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with optogenetic neural manipulation is a powerful tool that enables brain-wide mapping of effective functional networks. To achieve flexible manipulation of neural excitation throughout the mouse cortex, we incorporated spatiotemporal programmable optogenetic stimuli generated by a digital micromirror device into an MR scanner via an optical fiber bundle for the first time. This approach offered versatility in space and time in planning the photostimulation pattern, combined with in situ optical imaging and cell-type or circuit-specific genetic targeting in individual mice. Brain-wide effective connectivity obtained by fMRI with optogenetic stimulation of atlas-based cortical regions is generally congruent with anatomically defined axonal tracing data but is affected by the types of anesthetics that act selectively on specific connections. fMRI combined with flexible optogenetics opens a new path to investigate dynamic changes in functional brain states in the same animal through high-throughput brain-wide effective connectivity mapping.
Identification and Characterization of Probiotics Isolates from Indigenous Chicken (Gallus domesticus) of Nepal
Authors: Gupta Mohan , Raut Roji , Manandhar Sulochana , Chaudhary Ashok , Shrestha Ujwal , Dangol Saubhagya , Sudarshan GC , Budha Keshab Raj , Karki Gaurab , Díaz-Sánchez Sandra , Gortazar Christian , de la Fuente José , Rajbhandari Pragun , Manandhar Prajwol , Napit Rajindra , Karmacharya Dibesh
Published: July 2022

Background

Excessive and irrational use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry has been one of key factors contributing to increased emergence of antibiotics resistant bacteria. Drug resistant infections are becoming major concerns in poultry production impacting both human and poultry health. Several alternatives for antibiotic growth promoters are being sought, and the search for effective probiotics to be used as feed additives is amongst the promising ones. Our study aimed to isolate and test potential probiotics bacteria from cloacal swabs of various indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) breeds from rural outskirts of the Kathmandu valley (Nepal).

Methods

Selective isolation of probiotics was conducted by micro-aerophilic enrichment of sample in MRS Broth at 37°C, followed by culturing on MRS agar supplemented with 5 g/L of CaCO3. Isolated bacterial colonies producing transparent halo were selected as potential lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and tested for their antibacterial activity, phenotypic and biochemical characteristics, acidic yield, and tolerance to acid and bile.

Results

A total of 90 potential LAB were isolated from cloacal samples collected from 41 free-ranging chickens of indigenous breeds. Of these, 52 LAB isolates (57%) showed variable antibacterial activity to at least one bacterial pathogen. Of 52 LAB, 46 isolates fulfilled phenotypic and biochemical criteria ofLactobacillusspp. Of these, 37 isolates produced varying percentage yields of lactic acid, 27 isolates showed survival at pH 3.0, and 17 isolates showed survival tolerances in the presence of 0.3% and 0.5% bile salts for 24 hours. Phylogenetic analysis of 16SrDNA sequencing of LAB isolates fulfillingin vitroprobiotics properties showed that 3 isolates had genetic identity of 99.38% withLactobacillus plantarum, while one isolate was genetically similar (99.85%) with the clade ofL. reuteri, L. antriandL. panis.

Conclusions

Our study identified fourLactobacillusspp. strains having potential probiotics properties. Further investigations are needed to evaluate these isolates to be used as poultry probiotics feed supplement.
Trans-interaction of risk loci 6p24.1 and 10q11.21 is associated with endothelial damage in coronary artery disease
Authors: Tay Kai Yi , Wu Kan Xing , Chioh Florence Wen Jing , Autio Matias Ilmari , Pek Nicole Min Qian , Narmada Balakrishnan Chakrapani , Tan Sock-Hwee , Low Adrian Fatt-Hoe , Lian Michelle Mulan , Chew Elaine Guo Yan , Lau Hwee Hui , Kao Shih Ling , Teo Adrian Kee Keong , Foo Jia Nee , Foo Roger Sik Yin , Heng Chew Kiat , Chan Mark Yan Yee , Cheung Christine
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs6903956 has been identified as one of the genetic risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, rs6903956 lies in a non-coding locus on chromosome 6p24.1. We aim to interrogate the molecular basis of 6p24.1 containing rs6903956 risk alleles in endothelial disease biology.

Methods and Results

We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from CAD patients (AA risk genotype at rs6903956) and normal controls (GG non-risk genotype at rs6903956). CRIPSR-Cas9-based deletions (Δ63-89bp) on 6p24.1, including both rs6903956 and a short tandem repeat variant rs140361069 in linkage disequilibrium, were performed to generate isogenic iPSC-derived endothelial cells. Edited CAD endothelial cells, with removal of ‘A’ risk alleles, exhibited a global transcriptional downregulation of pathways relating to abnormal vascular physiology and activated endothelial processes. A CXC chemokine ligand on chromosome 10q11.21,CXCL12, was uncovered as a potential effector gene in CAD endothelial cells. Underlying this effect was the preferential inter-chromosomal interaction of 6p24.1 risk locus to a weak promoter ofCXCL12, confirmed by chromatin conformation capture assays on our iPSC-derived endothelial cells. Functionally, risk genotypes AA/ AG at rs6903956 were associated significantly with elevated levels of circulating damaged endothelial cells in CAD patients. Circulating endothelial cells isolated from patients with risk genotypes AA/ AG were also found to have 10 folds higher CXCL12 transcript copies/ cell than those with non-risk genotype GG.

Conclusion

Our study reveals the trans-acting impact of 6p24.1 with another CAD locus on 10q11.21 and is associated with intensified endothelial injury.
Informing plasmid compatibility with bacterial hosts using protein-protein interaction data
Authors: Downing Tim , Lee Min Jie , Archbold Conor , McDonnell Adam , Rahm Alexander
Published: July 2022

The compatibility of plasmids with new host cells is significant given their role in spreading antimicrobial resistance (AMR)1and virulence factor genes. Evaluating this usingin vitroscreening is laborious and can be informed by computational analyses of plasmid-host compatibility through rates of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between plasmid and host cell proteins. We identified large excesses of such PPIs in eight important plasmids, including pOXA-48, using most known bacteria (n=4,363). 23 species had high rates of interactions with fourblaOXA-48-positive plasmids. We also identified 48 species with high interaction rates with plasmids common inEscherichia coli. We found a strong association between one plasmid and the fimbrial adhesin operonpil, which could enhance host cell adhesion in aqueous environments. An excess rate of PPIs could be a sign of host-plasmid compatibility, which is important for AMR control given that plasmids like pOXA-48 move between species with ease.

Highlights

We tested for protein interactions between key plasmids and 4,363 bacterial hosts

23 host species had high rates of protein interactions with fourblaOXA-48 plasmids

Pseudomonasspecies showed high rates of interactions with these plasmids

Host-plasmid protein-protein interaction rates may be associated with compatibility
Effects of Long-Term Alcohol Consumption on Behavior in the P301S (Line PS19) Tauopathy Mouse Model
Authors: Catavero Christina M. , Marsh Annelise E. , Downs Anthony M. , Teklezghi Adonay T. , Cohen Todd J. , McElligott Zoe A.
Published: July 2022

Alcohol consumption and misuse remain prevalent public health issues with recent reports of increased heavy consumption in older populations in the United States. Several studies have identified alcohol consumption as a risk factor for developing multiple forms of dementia. The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as changes in affective behavior (e.g. anxiety), precede and coincide with cognitive decline. While many studies have characterized the intersection of alcohol use and affective behaviors, little is known regarding alcohol consumption and BPSD. This study characterizes the impact of long-term alcohol consumption on various behaviors in the P301S (line PS19) tauopathy mouse model. Male and female P301S and littermate control mice underwent two-bottle choice intermittent access to alcohol for sixteen weeks starting at 12 weeks of age. There were no significant differences in total ethanol consumption between wildtype and P301S mice of the same sex; however, drinking behavior differed among genotypes, and female mice of each genotype drank significantly more ethanol than males of each genotype. Following drinking studies, mice were run through a battery of behavioral tests during a period of forced abstinence, including approach/avoidance assays, social behavior tests, and memory and cognition tests. Across these tests we observed differences between groups due to genotype, alcohol history, and interactions between alcohol exposure and genotype. These differences were not always consistent between the sexes. In total, this study reveals significant alcohol-tauopathy interactions in subsequent behavior, which may have implications for understanding how alcohol may impact BPSD in conditions associated with tauopathy like Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Template-free prediction of a new monotopic membrane protein fold and oligomeric assembly by Alphafold2
Authors: Gulsevin Alican , Han Bing , Porta Jason C. , Mchaourab Hassane S. , Meiler Jens , Kenworthy Anne K.
Published: July 2022

AlphaFold2 (AF2) has revolutionized the field of protein structural prediction. Here, we test its ability to predict the tertiary and quaternary structure of a previously undescribed scaffold with new folds and unusual architecture, the monotopic membrane protein caveolin-1 (CAV1). CAV1 assembles into a disc-shaped oligomer composed of 11 symmetrically arranged protomers, each assuming an identical new fold, and contains the largest parallel β-barrel known to exist in nature. Remarkably, AF2 predicts both the fold of the protomers and interfaces between them. It also assembles between 7 and 15 copies of CAV1 into disc-shaped complexes. However, the predicted multimers are energetically strained, especially the parallel β-barrel. These findings highlight the ability of AF2 to correctly predict new protein folds and oligomeric assemblies at a granular level while missing some elements of higher order complexes, thus positing a new direction for the continued development of deep learning protein structure prediction approaches.
Genetically Corrected RAG2-SCID Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Restore V(D)J-Recombinase and Rescue Lymphoid Deficiency
Authors: Pavel-Dinu Mara , Gardner Cameron L. , Nakauchi Yusuke , Kawai Tomoki , Delmonte Ottavia M. , Palterer Boaz , Bosticardo Marita , Pala Francesca , Viel Sebastien , Malech Harry L. , Ghanim Hana Y. , Bode Nicole M. , Kurgan Gavin L. , Vakulskas Christopher A. , Sheikali Adam , Menezes Sherah T. , Chrobok Jade , Hernández González Elaine M. , Majeti Ravindra , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Porteus Matthew H.
Published: July 2022

Recombination-activating genes (RAG1 and RAG2) are critical in lymphoid cell development and function for initiating the V(D)J-recombination process to generate polyclonal lymphocytes with broad antigen-specificity. Clinical manifestations of defective RAG1/2 genes range from immune dysregulation to severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCID), causing life-threatening infections and death early in life in the absence of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Haploidentical HCT without myeloablative conditioning carries a high risk of graft failure and incomplete immune reconstitution. The RAG complex is only expressed during the G0-G1 phases of the cell cycle at the early stages of T and B cell development, underscoring that a direct gene correction would capture the precise temporal expression of the endogenous gene, is a promising therapeutic approach for RAG1/2-deficiencies. Here, we report a feasibility study using the CRISPR/Cas9-based “universal gene-correction” approach for the RAG2 locus in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in healthy donors and one RAG2-SCID patient. V(D)J recombinase activity was restored following gene correction of RAG2-SCID-derived HSPCs, resulting in the development of TCR αβ and γδ CD3+ cells and single-positive CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. TCR repertoire analysis indicated a normal distribution of the CDR3 length and preserved usage of distal TRAV genes. We confirmed in vivo rescue of B-cell development, with normal IgM surface expression and a significant decrease in CD56bright NK cells. Together, we provide specificity, toxicity, and efficacy data supporting the development of a gene-correction therapy to benefit all RAG2-deficient patients.

KEY POINTS

Human hematopoietic stem cells can be corrected to restore endogenous RAG2 gene expression while preserving durable engraftment potential.

Gene-corrected RAG2 locus restores V(D)J recombination in RAG2-SCID patient stem cells, promoting T and B-cells’ receptor formation.
Structural basis for the enhanced infectivity and immune evasion of Omicron subvariants
Authors: Li Yaning , Shen Yaping , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yan Renhong
Published: July 2022

The Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have recently become the globally dominant variants of concern in the COVID-19 pandemic. At least five major Omicron sub-lineages have been characterized: BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4 and BA.5. They all possess over 30 mutations on the Spike (S) protein. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of the trimeric S proteins from the five subvariants, of which BA.4 and BA.5 share the same mutations of S protein, each in complex with the surface receptor ACE2. All three receptor binding domains of S protein from BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 are “up”, while the BA.1 S protein has two “up” and one “down”. The BA.3 S protein displays increased heterogeneity, with the majority in the all “up” RBD state. The differentially preferred conformations of the S protein are consistent with their varied transmissibilities. Analysis of the well defined S309 and S2K146 epitopes reveals the underlie immune evasion mechanism of Omicron subvariants.
Multiple Pristionchus pacificus genomes reveal distinct evolutionary dynamics between de novo candidates and duplicated genes
Authors: Prabh Neel , Rödelsperger Christian
Published: July 2022

The birth of new genes is a major molecular innovation driving phenotypic diversity across all domains of life. Although repurposing of existing protein-coding material by duplication is considered the main process of new gene formation, recent studies have discovered thousands of transcriptionally active sequences as a rich source of new genes. However, differential loss rates have to be assumed to reconcile the high birth rates of these incipient de novo genes with the dominance of ancient gene families in individual genomes. Here, we test this rapid turnover hypothesis in the context of the nematode model organism Pristionchus pacificus. We extended the existing species-level phylogenomic framework by sequencing the genomes of six divergent P. pacificus strains. We used these data to study the evolutionary dynamics of different age classes and categories of origin at a population level. Contrasting de novo candidates with new families that arose by duplication and divergence from known genes, we find that de novo candidates are typically shorter, show less expression, and are overrepresented on the sex chromosome. Although the contribution of de novo candidates increases toward young age classes, multiple comparisons within the same age class showed significantly higher attrition in de novo candidates than in known genes. Similarly, young genes remain under weak evolutionary constraints with de novo candidates representing the fastest evolving subcategory. Altogether, this study provides empirical evidence for the rapid turnover hypothesis and highlights the importance of the evolutionary timescale when quantifying the contribution of different mechanisms toward new gene formation.
Gender and mobility: enhancing the Egyptian working women’s travel pattern
Authors: Tawfik Radwa , Attia Sahar , Elbarmelgy Ingy Mohamed , Abdelaziz Tamer Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Women's travel pattern is different from those of men. Women who have both paid employment and unpaid care work have more complex travel patterns. However, land-use policies and urban mobility strategies in the Egyptian context do not consider these differences. This paper analyzes and discusses the travel patterns of the Egyptian working women with children. It examines the difference between men's and women's travel behavior in different income levels. The paper aims at determining the main factors that affect working women's travel patterns within the care economy framework and suggesting recommendations for enhancing women's travel patterns in Greater Cairo Region (GCR).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology relies on conducting a quantitative and qualitative analysis using questionnaires and interviews with working women and men from different social/economic levels in two different workplaces in GCR.

Findings

The results demonstrate that income level, workplace locations, schools locations, and schools typologies greatly affect working women's travel patterns in GCR.

Originality/value

The study findings will help urban planners and decision-makers to improve working women's mobility to make their daily trips shorter and more accessible to achieve equitable cities through understanding the conducted affecting factors and considering the suggested recommendations.
Obese customers’ fitness goal disclosure on social media: exploring weight-loss image sharing on emotions and healthy lifestyle aspirations
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Sharma Shavneet
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Obesity is today’s most neglected, yet blatantly visible, public health problem. This study aims to examine the role of social media and goal-directed behavior in motivating healthy lifestyle intentions for customers experiencing obesity. It investigates the distinct roles of self-conscious emotions (shame and pride) and weight-transformational posts shared by others on social media as moderators of these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model uses the goal-directed behavior theory and social comparison theory, tested using data collected from 804 obese customers in Fiji through an experimental design.

Findings

Weight-loss transformation posts by others on social media, elicit distinct emotions for obese customers. Obese customers who felt guilt and shame due to shared weight-loss transformation posts showed a stronger association between goal disclosure and healthy lifestyle intention. In addition, the association between goal disclosure and healthy lifestyle intention is conditionally mediated by goal commitment, specifically for those obese customers that elicited guilt over shame due to shared weight-loss transformation posts by others on social media.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the adoption of an experimental design using a fictional stimulus being a commonly used method in marketing studies, external validity issues are likely. Also, this study examines obese customer behavior relating to Facebook. In addition, data collection for this study has been done from a single country perspective. Therefore, caution needs to be exercised when generalizing the findings of this study.

Practical implications

The findings assist businesses and marketers in the health and fitness industry to better leverage social media and goal-directed behavior and understand the emotions of obese customers to undertake data-driven precision marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The findings provide novel insights into goal disclosure and commitment, electronic word-of-mouth on social media platforms, self-conscious emotions and healthy lifestyle intentions for customers experiencing obesity.
Dynamic sentiment sensing of cities with social media data
Authors: Ye Guanghui , Peng Ze , Wei Jinyu , Hong Lingzi , Li SongYe , Wu Chuan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

A lot of people share their living or travelling experiences about cities by writing posts on social media. Such posts carry multi-dimensional information about the characteristics of cities from the public’s perspective. This paper aims at applying text mining technology to automatically extract city images, which are known as how observers perceive the status of the city, from these social media texts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a data processing pipeline for automatic city image extraction and applies sentiment analysis, timing analysis and contrastive analysis in a case study on Wuhan, a central China megacity. Specifically, the city image constructed with social media text and the expected policy outcomes by the government are compared.

Findings

Results reveal gaps between the public’s impression and the strategic goals of the government in traffic and environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes a novel approach to assess government performance by complementary data from social media. This case study implies the value of social media-based city image in the identification of gaps for the optimization of government performance.
Situating futures literacies in the Colombian educational system: a decolonizing theoretical model
Authors: Anderson Carl Edlund , David Rosa Dene
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a theoretical model for restructuring Colombia’s educational initiatives in response to current socioeconomic needs. More equitable and decolonized education could help learners decouple their capacities to imagine the future from colonialized paradigms, thereby opening spaces for more active engagement in their own futures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take a critical, postmodern approach focused on empowering people to transcend constraints from a colonial past and recognizing that the purpose of knowledge, although reflecting power and social relationships, is to help people improve society. Notions of situated and futures literacies nourish an approach toward a decolonized and glocalized educational model.

Findings

The current Colombian educational system tends to favor a single focus – local, national or international – at the expense of the others. The authors argue that educational policy and planning should account for three realms of knowledge: locally situated literacies, nationally situated literacies and globally situated literacies.

Originality/value

Deconstructing obsolete and colonized methodologies could not only help prepare Colombian learners for active engagement both within and beyond their modern-day borders but could also help transform other educational systems originally designed to support societies and economies that no longer exist, including those of the Global North.
Determinants of Iberian companies’ performance: corporate boards and the nonlinearity of gender diversity
Authors: Proença Catarina , Neves Maria Elisabete
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the performance determinants of listed companies in the Iberian Peninsula, focusing on the analysis of the effect of gender diversity and the structure of the board of directors.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, the authors analyzed 97 listed companies, of which 23 are Portuguese and 74 are Spanish, between 2015 and 2019. The authors use Arellano and Bond’s (1991) generalized method of moments system model to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show an important impact of corporate governance variables on corporate performance. Specifically, board size, average director age and board academic qualifications are crucial to explaining profitability and market value. Moreover, the authors identified a nonlinear relationship between gender diversity and profitability and market value levels due to critical mass theory and quotas that enhance more social justice. The authors concluded that the corporate performance determinants differ depending on the performance measures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyze the nonlinear effect of gender diversity and board structure (size, educational qualifications and average director age) on the performance of Iberian listed companies as a single market.
Why customer mistreatment undermines hospitality employees’ performance: the moderating role of job crafting
Authors: Lu Wenzhu , Wu Haibo , Liu Shanshi , Guo Zisheng , He Xiongtao
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Based on the person-environment (P-E) fit theory, this study aims to explore the effect of customer mistreatment on the reduced service performance of hospitality employees mediated by person-job (P-J) fit perceptions and moderated by job crafting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested this study’s hypotheses with a nine-day diary study involving 83 service employees located in Lanzhou, China; a total of 548 daily surveys were completed. The authors used multilevel structural equation modeling to analyze the data.

Findings

Employees who experienced daily customer mistreatment suffered diminished P-J fit perceptions, leading to lower levels of service performance the next day. In addition, job crafting significantly buffered the impact of customer mistreatment on P-J fit perceptions and the indirect impact of customer mistreatment on service performance through P-J fit perceptions.

Practical implications

Given the damaging effect that customer mistreatment has on service performance, where employees’ P-J fit perceptions are impaired, hotel managers should implement service competence improvement training programs and managerial preventions to reduce the possibility of customer mistreatment behavior. The moderating role of job crafting behavior suggests that managers should offer supportive practices (i.e. job autonomy) to encourage job crafting behaviors among employees.

Originality/value

This study reveals that individuals’ P-J fit perceptions can explain the damaging impacts of customer mistreatment on service performance, a finding that contributes valuable information to the literature on customer mistreatment and P-E fit. Second, this study also tests the impact of individuals’ job crafting behaviors in terms of mitigating the negative effect of customer mistreatment. Finally, this study’s findings broaden the scope of predictors of P-J fit perceptions by revealing that customer mistreatment can pose a threat to hospitality employees’ P-J fit perceptions.
Net-zero economy research in the field of supply chain management: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Singh Rajesh , Govindan Kannan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the state-of-art literature on the net-zero economy in the field of supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 79 articles published from 2009 to 2021 has been conducted to minimise the researchers' bias and maximise the reliability and replicability of the study.

Findings

The thematic analysis reveals that studies in the field of net-zero economy have mostly been done on decarbonisation in the supply chain, emission control and life cycle analysis and environmental and energy management. The findings highlight the strong positive association between digitalisation, circular economy and resources optimization practices with net-zero economy goals. The study also addresses the challenges linked with the net-zero economy at the firm and country levels.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners in companies and academics might find this review valuable as this study reviews, classifies and analyses the studies, outlines the evolution of literature and offers directions for future studies using the theory, methodology and context (TMC) framework.

Originality/value

This is the first study that uses a structured approach to analyse studies done in the net-zero field by assessing publications from 2009 to 2021.
Clarifying the conceptual map of VUCA: a systematic review
Authors: Taskan Burcu , Junça-Silva Ana , Caetano António
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Over the past few decades, the environment for organisations has been frequently described using the acronym VUCA: a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment. In spite of the popularity of this acronym, it is not unusual to find some overlap concerning the meaning of those terms, as well as poor definitions of each in the literature. Consequently, the main purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic literature review to obtain a conceptual map of the components of VUCA and their relationships and to highlight some avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic review of various databases between 1999 and 2021. A total of 833 papers were identified and 26 of them met the inclusion criteria for the current study.

Findings

The subsequent analysis revealed several overlaps and relationships between the four terms. Based on this analysis, the authors propose a conceptual map that could serve as a basis for future research and practice.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the exploratory nature of the study and the scarce number of empirical studies, the impact that the use of the VUCA framework has had on businesses could not be addressed.

Originality/value

By clarifying the different components of VUCA and specifying the relationships between them with a comprehensive conceptual map, this paper may contribute to more rigorous empirical research, as well as help managers and executives more effectively deal with turbulent environments.
Testing an instrument to assess the perception of climate change policies in universities: the case of Salamanca University
Authors: Ferrari Enzo , Reyes-Carrasco Paula Mariel , Barrón Ruíz Angela , Ruíz Camilo
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a new instrument to assess the perception of the university community after the Climate Emergency Declaration (CED) and its application at the Universidad de Salamanca (USAL) in Spain. This CED includes a comprehensive program to reduce the carbon footprint and the introduction of the education for sustainable development in the curriculum. This study aims to understand the gap between perception and reality in the program's implementation and verify whether the student organization's initial push translates into higher approval ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional analytical study. In this research, the authors used a sample of 731 people from the USAL community (67% students, 20% academics and the rest administrative and service staff).

Findings

The findings revealed that PhD students are the group with the highest perception of the policies implemented by the university to fight climate change, even higher than academics. In addition, the perception of the food, energy and sustainable mobility aspects of the program are good predictors: of the knowledge of the indicators and of the policy dimensions within the CED.

Originality/value

The university community perception survey for a CED process provides a gateway into the gaps between perception, expectations and reality. Moreover, it is helpful to engage its members in action plans to fight climate change and its impacts.
Categorizing and relating implementation challenges for realizing blockchain applications in government
Authors: Luthra Sunil , Janssen Marijn , Rana Nripendra P. , Yadav Gunjan , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Blockchain technology (BCT) can be used for a wide variety of applications across domains and can bring many benefits. BCT-based applications can be beneficial for the government as well as businesses. Despite the many promises, BCT implementation lags behind. The purpose of this research is to identify a roadmap of critical implementation challenges that influence BCT implementation by governments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops an ISM-based model spread across seven levels to analyze the inter-relationship among the selected BCT challenges. The MICMAC analysis further helps in evaluating the variables based on their driving power and dependencies.

Findings

The findings show that all challenges have a strong impact on implementing BCT. The foundation for implementation BCT is to define standards and develop appropriate regulations. Next, the findings show the need for a shared infrastructure meeting the basic technical and societal requirements and developing viable business models to advance BCT implementation. Many challenges hinder the development of blockchain applications meeting the technical and ethical requirements.

Originality/value

Existing research has analyzed the relationship among challenges. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first paper to collate these implementation challenges and incorporate them to develop a hierarchical model using interpretive structural modeling technique. The results can be used to prioritize the tackling of the challenges.
The impact of environmental management accounting on environmental and financial performance: empirical evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Deb Bishawjit Chandra , Rahman Md. Mominur , Rahman Muhammad Shajib
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of environmental management accounting (EMA) on manufacturing companies’ environmental and financial performance in Bangladesh. Thus, this research recognizes essential factors such as EMA, environmental performance (EP), financial performance (FP), environmental information systems (EIS), knowledge management (KM), green innovation and energy efficiency (EE).

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a quantitative approach and uses 323 responses from the manufacturing firms. This research tests the study model through the “Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling” (PLS-SEM) technique using Smart PLS v3.3 software. This research uses AMOS v24 and 40% sample consideration to check the robustness. The study passes various model fit measures, i.e. reliability, validity, factor analysis and goodness of fit.

Findings

The research finds that EMA is positively and significantly associated with EP and FP. The study also finds a substantial relationship between recognized factors with EMA and EP. This research connects the stakeholder theory and institutional theory to the EMA model and shows the pressures from stakeholders and institutions reassuring the manufacturing firms to implement EMA. This research evidences that EMA enhances EP and FP.

Originality/value

The policymakers, regulators and government can consider these findings to formulate policy regarding companies’ EP and FP. Particularly, company executives can focus on KM, EIS, green innovation and EE factors for EP and FP.