bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MotSASi: Functional Short Linear Motifs (SLiMs) prediction based on genomic single nucleotide variants and structural data
Authors: Martín Mariano , Modenutti Carlos P. , Nicola Juan P. , Marti Marcelo A.
Published: August 2021

Short linear motifs (SLiMs) are key to cell physiology mediating reversible protein-protein interactions. Precise identification of SLiMs remains a challenge, being the main drawback of most bioinformatic prediction tools their low specificity (high number of false positives). An important, usually overlooked, aspect is the relation between SLiMs mutations and disease. The presence of variants in each residue position can be used to assess the relevance of the corresponding residue(s) for protein function, and its (in)tolerance to change.

In the present work, we combined sequence variant information and structural analysis of the energetic impact of single amino acid substitution (SAS) in SLiM-Receptor complex structure, and showed that it significantly improves prediction of true functional SLiMs. Our strategy is based on building a SAS tolerance matrix that shows, for each position, whether one of the possible 19 SAS is tolerated or not. Herein we present the MotSASi strategy and analyze in detail 4 SLiMs involved in intracellular protein trafficking. Our results show that inclusion of variant and sequence information significantly improves both prediction of true SLiMs and rejection of false positives, while also allowing better classification of variants inside SLiMs, a results with a direct impact in clinical genomics.
Inhibitory effect of an anti-prokineticin-1 antibody on liver metastases in mice injected with human colorectal cancer cell lines
Authors: Kono Hiroko , Goi Takanori , Kurebayashi Hidetaka , Sawai Katsuji , Morikawa Mitsuhiro , Koneri Kenji
Published: August 2021

Controlling hematogenous metastases is an effective treatment strategy for colorectal cancer. Multidisciplinary treatment for colorectal cancer has made great strides, and molecularly-targeted drugs have greatly improved the prognosis of patients. However, currently accepted molecularly- targeted therapeutic agents require concomitant use with anticancer agents. Thus, new molecularly-targeted drugs need to be developed. The prokineticin family of angiogenic factors has the potential of becoming target molecules. Among them, prokineticin-1 (PROK1) is involved in the promotion of angiogenesis, tumor growth, and liver metastases in colorectal cancer. We manufactured our own anti-PROK1 antibody and verified its effect in inhibiting liver metastases and prolonging survival. The method involved creating liver metastasis model mice using human colorectal cancer cell lines. These mice were divided into anti-PROK1 antibody administration and control groups. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with antibodies or phosphate-buffered saline (control) every 3 days. The number of liver metastatic lesions and survival time of each group were compared. The number of metastatic lesions decreased, and survival time was significantly prolonged in the antibody-treated group. Furthermore, using microarray and immunostaining in both groups, we confirmed the effect of administering the anti-PROK1 antibody on the oxidation, reduction, and apoptotic processes, and cell division of tumors, and that alterations were suppressed in 72.1% of the genes examined. The expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a tumor suppressor gene, was increased. The increased expression of TGF-β via PROK1 antibody administration may suppress the cancer cell proliferation ability, leading to liver metastasis suppression and prolonging the survival time of mice.
Pollen meta-barcoding reveals foraging preferences of honeybees (Apis melliferaL.) along space-time gradient in Japan
Authors: Noël Grégoire , Mestrez Arnaud , Lejeune Philippe , Francis Frédéric , Miwa Masayuki , Uehara Koichi , Nagase Ayako
Published: August 2021

The availability of pollen in urban-rural landscapes is an essential factor that influences the population dynamics of insect pollinators. The amount and diversity of pollen play a pivotal role in the foraging ecology of pollinators for their growth and health, but investigations on the spatio-temporal patterns of foraged plants remain rare, especially in cities as neo-ecosystems. Here, we explored the temporal foraging habits of a highly polylectic pollinator (Apis melliferaL.) in a study area, including different landscape classes from rural to urban areas. Mixed-pollen in each month and each location (N = 17) were analysed using DNA meta-barcoding to identify plants visited by honeybees. The results showed that the landscape class (rural, suburban and urban areas) explains spatial variations in the plant composition foraged by honeybees, but not in taxa richness. Furthermore, pollen diversity and plant composition showed a strong seasonal dependence. Furthermore, a higher plant richness and foraged woody taxa was found to occur in spring, which was mainly dominated by the generaPrunusandAcer. In summer and autumn, the generaTrifoliumandPlantagoof the herbaceous stratum were the most visited plants. The Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Brassicaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Onagraceae plant families were the most frequently observed in all combined samples. The present study contributes to a broader understanding of the ecology and floral preferences of honeybees, on which urban planning can rely to promote biodiversity in cities.
Microarray Analysis of Potential Biomarkers for brachial plexus avulsion caused neuropathic pain
Authors: Wang Le , Lao Jie
Published: August 2021

Nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain remains a challenging clinical problem due to a lack of satisfactory treatment. Pain after BPA (Brachial Plexus Avulsion) is resistant to most traditional pain relief treatments due to the lack of understanding of the cellular or molecular mechanism of pain development. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of mRNA in the brachial plexus avulsion neuropathic pain model and analyze biological functions. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with complete brachial plexus avulsion. An animal behavior test was carried out to distinguish the pain group from the control group. In this study, a microarray mRNA assay and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted. The whole blood was collected from two groups for Microarray mRNA analysis. The predicted mRNA targets were studied by gene ontology analysis and pathway analysis. The PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN genes were verified by RT-PCR. In total, differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were identified between individuals with or without neuropathic pain (case and control), and A biological processes were enriched. We identified 3 targeted mRNAs, including PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN, which may be potential biomarkers for BPA-caused NP. The results showed that PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN gene expression was increased in the control group but decreased in the neuropathic pain group. The PIK3CB gene was part of the Neurotrophin signaling pathway. The function of the HRAS gene was synergetic in the aspect of axon guidance and the Neurotrophin signaling pathway. The JUN gene participates in axon regeneration. These results suggest that PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN genes might become potential biomarkers for the prediction of and new targets for the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain after BPA. These findings indicate that mRNA expression changes in the blood may play an important role in the development of NP after BPA, which is of theoretical and clinical importance for future research and clinical-treatment strategies.
Heterochromatin diversity modulates genome compartmentalization and loop extrusion barriers
Authors: Spracklin George , Abdennur Nezar , Imakaev Maxim , Chowdhury Neil , Pradhan Sriharsa , Mirny Leonid , Dekker Job
Published: August 2021

Two dominant processes organizing chromosomes are loop extrusion and the compartmental segregation of active and inactive chromatin. The molecular players involved in loop extrusion during interphase, cohesin and CTCF, have been extensively studied and experimentally validated. However, neither the molecular determinants nor the functional roles of compartmentalization are well understood. Here, we distinguish three inactive chromatin states using contact frequency profiling, comprising two types of heterochromatin and a previously uncharacterized inactive state exhibiting a neutral interaction preference. We find that heterochromatin marked by long continuous stretches of H3K9me3, HP1α and HP1β correlates with a conserved signature of strong compartmentalization and is abundant in HCT116 colon cancer cells. We demonstrate that disruption of DNA methyltransferase activity dramatically remodels genome compartmentalization as a consequence of the loss of H3K9me3 and HP1 binding. Interestingly, H3K9me3-HP1α/β is replaced by the neutral inactive state and retains late replication timing. Furthermore, we show that H3K9me3-HP1α/β heterochromatin is permissive to loop extrusion by cohesin but refractory to CTCF, explaining a paucity of visible loop extrusion-associated patterns in Hi-C. Accordingly, CTCF loop extrusion barriers are reactivated upon loss of H3K9me3-HP1α/β, not as a result of canonical demethylation of the CTCF binding motif but due to an intrinsic resistance of H3K9me3-HP1α/β heterochromatin to CTCF binding. Together, our work reveals a dynamic structural and organizational diversity of the inactive portion of the genome and establishes new connections between the regulation of chromatin state and chromosome organization, including an interplay between DNA methylation, compartmentalization and loop extrusion.

Highlights

Three inactive chromatin states are distinguishable by long-range contact frequencies in HCT116, respectively associated with H3K9me3, H3K27me3 and a H3K9me2 state with neutral contact preferences.

H3K9me3-HP1α/β heterochromatin has a high degree of homotypic affinity and is permissive to loop extrusion but depleted in extrusion barriers.

Disrupting DNA methylation causes widespread loss of H3K9me3-HP1α/β and dramatic remodeling of genome compartmentalization.

H3K9me3-HP1α/β is replaced by the neutral inactive state, which gains CTCF loop extrusion barriers and associated contact frequency patterns.

DNA methylation suppresses CTCF binding via two distinct mechanisms.
Heavy isotope labeling and mass spectrometry reveal unexpected remodeling of bacterial cell wall expansion in response to drugs
Authors: Atze Heiner , Rusconi Filippo , Arthur Michel
Published: August 2021

Antibiotics of the β-lactam (penicillin) family inactivate target enzymes called D,D-transpeptidases or penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that catalyze the last cross-linking step of peptidoglycan synthesis. The resulting net-like macromolecule is the essential component of bacterial cell walls that sustains the osmotic pressure of the cytoplasm. In Escherichia coli, bypass of PBPs by the YcbB L,D-transpeptidase leads to resistance to these drugs. We developed a new method based on heavy isotope labeling and mass spectrometry to elucidate PBP- and YcbB-mediated peptidoglycan polymerization. PBPs and YcbB similarly participated in single-strand insertion of glycan chains into the expanding bacterial side wall. This absence of any transpeptidase-specific signature suggests that the peptidoglycan expansion mode is determined by other components of polymerization complexes. YcbB did mediate β-lactam resistance by insertion of multiple strands that were exclusively cross-linked to existing tripeptide-containing acceptors. We propose that this unprecedented mode of polymerization depends upon accumulation of linear glycan chains due to PBP inactivation, formation of tripeptides due to cleavage of existing cross-links by a β-lactam-insensitive endopeptidase, and concerted cross-linking by YcbB.
The Inherent Flexibility of Receptor Binding Domains in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Authors: Dokainish Hisham M. , Re Suyong , Mori Takaharu , Kobayashi Chigusa , Jung Jaewoon , Sugita Yuji
Published: August 2021

Spike (S) protein is the primary antigenic target for neutralization and vaccine development for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It decorates the virus surface and undergoes large conformational changes of its receptor binding domain (RBD) to enter the host cell, as the abundant structural studies suggest. Here, we observe Down, one-Up, one-Open, and two-Up-like structures in enhanced molecular dynamics simulations without pre-defined reaction coordinates. The RBDA transition from Down to one-Up is supported by transient salt-bridges between RBDA and RBDC and by the glycan at N343B. Reduced interactions between RBDA and RBDB induce the RBDB motions toward two-Up. Glycan shielding for neutralizing antibodies is the weakest in one-Open. Cryptic pockets are revealed at the RBD interfaces in intermediate structures between Down and one-Up. The inherent flexibility in S-protein is, thus, essential for the structure transition and shall be considered for antiviral drug rational design or vaccine development.
Synthesis and spectroscopic and structural characterization of spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]s formed by 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions between isatins, pipecolic acid and an electron-deficient alkene
Authors: Romo Pablo E. , Quiroga Jairo , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: August 2021

Five new spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]s have been synthesized with high regio- and stereospecificity in one-pot three-component reactions between a substituted indole-2,3-dione, (S)-pipecolic acid and trans-3-benzoylacrylic acid, and subsequently characterized using a combination of elemental analysis, IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and crystal structure analysis. (1′SR,2′SR,3RS,8a′RS)-2′-Benzoyl-5-fluoro-2-oxo-1′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-hexahydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]-1′-carboxylic acid, C23H21FN2O4, (I), and (1′SR,2′SR,3RS,8a′RS)-2′-benzoyl-5-methyl-2-oxo-1′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-hexahydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]-1′-carboxylic acid, C24H24N2O4, (II), are isomorphous, as are (1′SR,2′SR,3RS,8a′RS)-2′-benzoyl-1-methyl-2-oxo-1′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-hexahydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]-1′-carboxylic acid, C24H24N2O4, (III), and (1′SR,2′SR,3RS,8a′RS)-2′-benzoyl-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxo-1′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-hexahydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]-1′-carboxylic acid, C24H23ClN2O4, (IV). Within each isomorphous pair, the spiro ring systems show some conformational differences. In each of (I) and (II), the molecules are linked into complex sheets by a combination of four types of hydrogen bond, and in each of (III) and (IV), a combination of O—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds links the molecules to form a chain of centrosymmetric rings. In (1′SR,2′SR,3RS,8a′RS)-2′-benzoyl-1-hexyl-2-oxo-1′,5′,6′,7′,8′,8a′-hexahydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-indolizine]-1′-carboxylic acid, C29H34N2O4, (V), a combination of five hydrogen bonds links the molecules into sheets of alternating R
2
2(16) and R
6
6(46) rings. A mechanism is proposed for the formation of compounds (I)–(V) and some comparisons with related structures are made.
Anthelmintic flavonoids and other compounds from Combretum glutinosum Perr. ex DC (Combretaceae) leaves
Authors: Toklo Placide M. , Yayi Ladekan Eléonore , Linden Anthony , Hounzangbe-Adote Sylvie , Kouam Siméon F. , Gbenou Joachim D.
Published: August 2021

A chemical study of the hydro-ethanol extract of the leaves of Combretum glutinosum resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, including 5-demethylsinensetin (1), umuhengerin (2), (20S,24R)-ocotillone (3), lupeol (4), β-sitosterol (5), oleanolic acid (6), betulinic acid (7), corymbosin (8) and β-sitosterol glucoside (9). Four compounds have been isolated for the first time from the genus Combretum [viz. (1), (2), (3) and (8)]. The crystal structures of flavonoid (2), C20H20O8, Z′ = 2, and triterpene (3), C30H50O3, Z′ = 1, have been determined for the first time; the latter confirmed the absolute configuration of native (20S,24R)-ocotillone previously derived from the crystal structures of related derivatives. The molecules of (3) are linked into supramolecular chains by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds. The crude extracts obtained by aqueous decoction and hydro-ethanolic maceration, as well as the nine isolated compounds, were tested for their anthelmintic activity on the larvae and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus, a hematophage that causes parasitic disorders in small ruminants. The evaluated anthelmintic activity showed that the extracts at different doses, as well as all the compounds tested at 150 µg ml−1, inhibited the migration of the larvae and the motility of the adult worms of the parasite compared with the phosphate buffer solution negative reference control. The best activity was obtained with flavonoids (1), (2) and (8) on both stages of the parasite. The flavones that showed good activity can be used for the further development of other derivatives, which could increase the anthelmintic efficacy.
Dynamical effects in the integrated X-ray scattering intensity from imperfect crystals in Bragg diffraction geometry. II. Dynamical theory
Authors: Molodkin V. B. , Olikhovskii S. I. , Dmitriev S. V. , Lizunov V. V.
Published: August 2021

The analytical expressions for coherent and diffuse components of the integrated reflection coefficient are considered in the case of Bragg diffraction geometry for single crystals containing randomly distributed microdefects. These expressions are analyzed numerically for the cases when the instrumental integration of the diffracted X-ray intensity is performed on one, two or three dimensions in the reciprocal-lattice space. The influence of dynamical effects, i.e. primary extinction and anomalously weak and strong absorption, on the integrated intensities of X-ray scattering is investigated in relation to the crystal structure imperfections.
Bis(2,4-dioxopentan-3-ido-κ2
O,O′)dioxidomolybdenum(VI): a redetermination
Authors: Johnston Dean H. , King Calvin , Seitz Aileen , Sethi Mia
Published: August 2021

The title compound, [Mo(C5H7O2)2O2] or cis-[MoO2(acac)2] (acac is acetylacetonate), contains a molybdenum(VI) atom coordinated by two acetylacetonate ligands and two doubly bonded oxido ligands in a distorted octahedral shape. The molecule is chiral and the asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules (one Δ, one Λ). Extensive C—H...O contacts are present throughout the structure. Data were collected at 100 K, providing higher precision of unit-cell parameters and atomic positions than previous determinations [Kamenar et al. (1973). Cryst. Struct. Commun.
2, 41–44.; Krasochka et al. (1975). Zh. Strukt. Khim.
16, 696–698].
A study of Chinese college students' COVID-19-related information needs and seeking behavior
Authors: Huang Kun , Hao Xijia , Guo Miao , Deng Jingyuan , Li Lei
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To better meet people's information needs under the public health crisis, this study explored the information needs and seeking behavior of college students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilized a survey and the convenience snowball sampling method. A sample of 400 college students was obtained.

Findings

The results revealed that college students have paid great attention to COVID-19-related information. They sought the information mainly for personal protection, obtaining the latest information and seeking information for family and friends. Their COVID-19-related information needs were diverse; at different stages, the concerns were different. Social media and mass media were both found to be the most useful tools for seeking COVID-19 information. Too much repetitive information, unclear authoritative and reliable informational sources, and difficulties in judging the authenticity of the information were the most common obstacles for them in information seeking. Nevertheless, the majority of the students agreed that they were very satisfied and somewhat satisfied with the current information services. This did not affect the students' understanding of the importance of health services provided by libraries.

Originality/value

Insights into the people's information needs and information-seeking behavior of this study could help the information providers to offer appropriate information in better ways to improve the public's virus protection capabilities and maintain the stability of social order.
An assessment of government measures in combatting COVID-19 using ISM and DEMATEL modelling
Authors: Priya Samant Shant , Priya Meenu Shant , Jain Vineet , Dixit Sushil Kumar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the interplay of various measures used by different governments around the world in combatting COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses the interpretative structural modelling (ISM) for assessing the powerful measures amongst the recognized ones, whereas to establish the cause-and-effect relations amongst the variables, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used. Both approaches utilized in the study aid in the comprehension of the relationship amongst the assessed measures.

Findings

According to the ISM model, international support measures have the most important role in reducing the risk of COVID-19. There has also been a suggestion of a relationship between economic and risk measures. Surprisingly, no linkage factor (unstable one) was reported in the research. The study indicates social welfare measures, R&D measures, centralized power and decentralized governance measures and universal healthcare measures as independent factors. The DEMATEL analysis reveals that the net causes are social welfare measures, centralized power and decentralized government, universal health coverage measure and R&D measures, while the net effects are economic measures, green recovery measures, risk measures and international support measures.

Originality/value

The study includes a list of numerous government measures deployed throughout the world to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, as well as the structural links amongst the identified government measures. The Matrice d'Impacts croises-multiplication applique and classment analysis can help the policymakers in understanding measures used in combatting COVID-19 based on their driving and dependence power. These insights may assist them in employing these measures for mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19 or any other similar pandemic situation in the future.
Influence of intellectual capital and integration on operational performance: big data analytical capability perspectives
Authors: Chen Chun-Hsi Vivian , Chen Yu-Cheng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In the digital economy, as artificial intelligence applications increase, big data analytical capability (BDAC) plays a crucial role, and intellectual capital is growing in importance. This study aims to examine the possible benefits and effects of intellectual capital, BDAC and integrations on operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from firms in Asia, and a total of 257 senior managers completed a questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) is used for statistical analysis.

Findings

Intellectual capital positively correlates with BDAC, and BDAC positively relates to internal integration but not to external integration. Furthermore, both internal integration and external integration positively correlate with operational performance. This study supports that internal integration is a significant mediator in the influence of BDAC on operational performance.

Practical implications

First, the authors provide empirical evidence that intelligent capital in intangible resources helps firms to build BDAC. Second, this study stresses the importance of BDAC in business, which enhances the integration of the whole supply chain and results in superior operational performance.

Originality/value

This is a first attempt from the perspective of intelligent capital and uses SEM to emphasize the relationships among BDAC, supply chain integration and performance based on unique and irreplaceable intangible resources, thus providing a new perspective on the contributing factors of BDAC.
Where is the visible commitment to gender in the advertised content of UK management degree programmes?
Authors: Perriton Linda , Elliott Carole , Humbert Anne Laure
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the extent to which prospective students can see a visible commitment to study gender in the UK business/management school curriculum prior to enrolment.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of the descriptions of modules offered as part of business and management degrees offered by 112 UK universities was conducted. The analysis was restricted to the publicly available information on the websites visible to prospective students. Descriptive statistics regarding the distribution of gender topics across programmes and higher education institutions are presented in addition to university group affiliation (e.g. Russell Group) and accreditation in respect of variables.

Findings

The analysis reveals significant gaps in the undergraduate and taught postgraduate offerings of UK business schools that the authors suggest are reflective of subject silos, and institutional risk reduction strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude by arguing that accreditation bodies can use their influence to leverage change and to ensure gender content becomes core to curriculum design and its visibility as part of the practice of management to prospective students.

Originality/value

This study provides a benchmark for the visibility of gender as an issue and perspective within UK business/management school offerings.
The role of literary festival attendance in generating attendees' health and well-being
Authors: Rossetti Giulia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the under-investigated well-being outcomes of literary festival attendance. It is an exploratory study into how a festival contributes to attendees' overall well-being. Drawing from the literature on well-being and festival studies, this paper seeks to understand the well-being dimensions generated by festival attendance and the factors that promote attendees' health and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study adopts an inductive and interpretivist approach. Observations, 45 on-site interviews and 17 follow-up interviews were undertaken at one literary festival in Ireland. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and identify key themes.

Findings

The findings reveal that attendees perceived a sense of well-being that included five interconnected dimensions: social, mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. Results also show that five factors generated attendees' overall well-being: festival programme, social environment, place, weather conditions and attendees' background.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new comprehensive model that shows that festival attendance has the potential to generate five interconnected dimensions of attendees' well-being. The model also captures the five main factors that can promote attendees' health and well-being. The model is proposed to guide further research on attendees' overall well-being is associated with festival attendance.
Analysis of challenges in sustainable human resource management due to disruptions by Industry 4.0: an emerging economy perspective
Authors: Agarwal Vernika , Mathiyazhagan Kaliyan , Malhotra Snigdha , Saikouk Tarik
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Sustainable human resource management highlights the importance of the eighth sustainable development goal, “decent work and economic growth”. Thus, the purpose of this study is to align human resource practices and policies with Industry 4.0 is imperative.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors aimed to identify key challenges of sustainable human resource implementation in view of Industry 4.0 and to analyse these identified challenges by prioritising them for effective Industry 4.0 implementation in an emerging economy such as India. A mixed-methods approach was utilised to prioritise identified challenges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts, academicians and industry mangers. Transcribed interviews were run in NVivo to emerge into broad themes/challenges, which were prioritised using fuzzy best–worst methodology.

Findings

The performance appraisal challenge holds maximum importance, followed by learning and development. This finding signifies the need for instilling job security and continuous learning opportunities for employees amidst all disruption caused by Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

This work enhances the link between sustainability, disruptive technologies and Industry 4.0 to transform economic outlooks, leading to improvement under economic aspects through the adoption of sustainable human resource practices into workplaces and society.

Originality/value

Sustainable human resource management has mostly focused on employee welfare. However, the major challenges of disruption caused by Industry 4.0 have not been addressed in the literature. The upskilling and reskilling requirements due to disruptions by Industry 4.0 range from recruitment to performance appraisal and every facet that relates to an employee's cycle in a company. Hence, there is a need to identify critical challenges for optimum adaptation to upcoming industry demands.
Line managers' middle-levelness and driving proactive behaviors in organizational interventions
Authors: Helland Eyvind , Christensen Marit , Innstrand Siw Tone , Nielsen Karina
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper explores line managers' proactive work behaviors in organizational interventions and ascertains how their management of their middle-levelness by aligning with the intervention, or not, influences their proactive work behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ findings are based on thematic analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews of university heads of departments responsible for managing organizational interventions.

Findings

The authors found that line managers engaged in a range of proactive work behaviors to implement the organizational intervention (i.e. “driving proactive behaviors”). Furthermore, line managers tended to engage in driving proactive behaviors when they aligned with the organizational intervention, but not to when unconvinced of the intervention's validity.

Practical implications

These findings highlight the importance of senior management and HR investing sufficient time and quality in the preparation phase to ensure all actors have a shared understanding of the organizational interventions' validity.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore line managers' proactive work behaviors to implement an organizational intervention, and how the line managers' management of their middle-levelness influence these proactive work behaviors.
Knowledge sharing in online smoking cessation communities: a social capital perspective
Authors: Li Chenglong , Li Hongxiu , Suomi Reima , Liu Yong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Although knowledge sharing in online communities has been studied for many years, little is known about the determinants for individuals' knowledge sharing in online health communities (OHCs) surrounding smoking cessation. Examining the determinants of knowledge sharing in such OHCs from the social capital perspective may prove particularly enlightening.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based online user survey of two smoking cessation OHCs, one based in Finland and one based in China, was performed. Performing data analysis with partial least squares (SmartPLS 3.0), the authors developed a model conceptualizing the structural, cognitive and relational dimensions of social capital as drivers for knowledge sharing in smoking cessation OHCs, with users' stage in giving up smoking as a moderator.

Findings

The results show that structural capital (social ties) and relational capital (reciprocity) are important motivators behind knowledge sharing in smoking cessation OHCs, and the authors found a moderating effect of the stage in quitting on the antecedents' relationship with knowledge sharing in these OHCs.

Originality/value

The study enriches understanding of knowledge sharing in smoking cessation OHCs, contributing to theory and identifying practical implications for such groups' administration.
Can we mend fences? A model of recovery processes of SME business-to-business relationships
Authors: Fleming Deirdre Mary , Tähtinen Jaana , Kelliher Felicity
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a process model of business-to-business (B2B) relationship recovery after a transgression has placed the future of the relationship in doubt. The research questions ask, How are relationships recovered? and How does the relationship strength pre-transgression influence the recovery process?

Design/methodology/approach

The process model is empirically grounded with first-hand narratives of owner managers (OMs) and key personnel of Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using the critical incident technique, 25 owner and manager interviews in 23 SMEs resulted in 48 recovery narratives.

Findings

The findings identify four types of outcomes flowing from two potential recovery process paths. The strength of the relationship pre-transgression and the desire to maintain the relationship influence the parties’ actions during the recovery process and the status of the relationship subsequently.

Research limitations/implications

The authors acknowledge that each narrative in the data are the informants’ construction of the phenomenon. The B2B relationship recovery process model offers OMs and SMEs a blueprint of what to expect, and how they might reach for recovery instead of the relationship ending.

Originality/value

Prior studies either treat recovery as a minor part of an ending process or focus on a single sub-process, leaving the overall process under-researched. This study contributes to the B2B relationship dynamics discussion with a processual view of the overall recovery process, including recovery sub-processes, paths and temporal outcomes in different types of relationships and takes into account the pre-transgression relationship.
An integrated perspective of value creation and capture: a systematic literature review
Authors: Minerbo Claudio , Brito Luiz Artur Ledur
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The existing literature is fragmented across disciplines and does not provide a holistic, comprehensive view on how value is created, deployed and captured. This paper aims to provide a structured view of the current literature and facilitates a theoretical understanding of value creation and capture in buyer–supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted on 195 articles published in 21 leading journals in marketing, operations management and strategy disciplines.

Findings

An integrated, generalizable and expandable framework is proposed based on the causal or interactive relationship among four components, namely, dimensions of value creation; processes and interactions by which buyers and suppliers enable value creation; relationship characteristics that affect these components; and value capture. Two new areas for future studies are also suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on papers published in peer-reviewed academic literature. Future studies could include more heterogeneous publications in languages other than English and/or professional journals to compare scholars' and managers' perspectives.

Practical implications

This study offers simple, practical guidelines that managers can apply in their real-world situations to increase the value they gain from their relationships.

Originality/value

The framework does not pretend to be exhaustive because such an attempt would be impractical. Rather, this study provides practical examples for each component, and shows how additional concepts and constructs can be incorporated to make it inclusive and generalizable. Two new manners of value capture other than price negotiations are presented (volume and collaborative benefits).
Testing the convergence and the divergence in five Asian countries: from a GMM model to a new Machine Learning algorithm
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo , Mele Marco , Schneider Nicolas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the economic convergence that operate between five selected Asian countries (namely Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia). In particular, it seeks to investigate how increased economic integration has impacted the inter-country income levels among the five founding members of ASEAN.

Design/methodology/approach

A new Machine Learning (ML) approach is applied along with a panel data analysis (GMM), and the application of KOF Globalization Index.

Findings

The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) results highlight that the endogenous growth theory seems to be supported for the selected Asian countries, indicating evidence of diverging forces resulting from unequal growth and polarization dynamics. Overcoming the technical issues raised by the econometric approach, the new ML algorithm brings contrasted but interesting results. Using the KOF Globalization Index, the authors confirm how the last phase of globalization set the conditions for an economic convergence among sample members.

Originality/value

Using the KOF Globalization Index, the authors confirm how the last phase of globalization set the conditions for an economic convergence among sample members. As a matter of fact, the new LSTM algorithm has provided consistent evidence supporting the existence of converging forces. In fact, the results highlighted the effectiveness of the experiments and the algorithm we chose. The high predictability of the authors’ model and the absence of self-alignment in the values showed a convergence be-tween the economies.
Web-based financial reporting, social media and information asymmetry: the case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khlifi Foued
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of Web-based financial reporting and social media platforms on the proxies of information asymmetry in the Saudi Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this paper consists of 133 Saudi listed non-financial companies for the year 2019. Web-based disclosure level was measured using 25 items, and the social media platforms examined in this study are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The information asymmetry proxies are measured using the relative spread and the time-weighted average bid-ask spread.

Findings

The empirical results have shown that there is a negative and significant relation between Web-based financial reporting and the adoption of social media platforms and the proxies of information asymmetry. Indeed, the relative spread and the time-weighted average bid-ask spread decreased with increased Web-based reporting levels. Among three platforms (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn), the results show that only the use of Twitter as a channel for information disclosure has a negative and significant effect on information asymmetry proxies. Consequently, in the Saudi context, the authors demonstrate that the assumptions of the agency, stewardship and signaling theories are supported. Also, results reveal that the effect of information disclosure through websites and social media on reducing information asymmetry is stronger for large companies than small companies.

Practical implications

The paper provides new insights into the role played by websites and social media platforms in the reduction of the information asymmetry in the stock market. Consequently, investors and regulatory authorities in the Saudi financial market must give great importance to online information disclosure and its implications for lowering information asymmetry. This empirical study informs regulators in Saudi Arabia to conduct the better practice of Web-based and social media financial reporting and to regulate the current practice of information disclosure. Besides, the obtained results have the potential to convince firms’ managers to improve online information disclosure to benefit from the reduction in information asymmetry.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this study investigates, simultaneously, the effect of Web-based and social media information disclosure on the proxies of information asymmetry in a developing economy. In addition, the hypotheses of this study are developed based on a set of theories (the agency, signaling and stewardship theories), to verify the applicability of these three theories in the Saudi context.
Geocaching in Texas state parks: a technology readiness analysis
Authors: KC Birendra , Leung Xi Y.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to apply the triangle model of technology and the technology readiness index (TRI) in a qualitative study design to explore the geocaching phenomenon in state parks.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework was developed to examine the triangular relationships between the park, geocaching and visitors. A total of 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Texas state park officials. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Findings

Three types of interactions (i.e. park-visitor, visitor-technology and park-technology) were identified. Although geocaching leads to positive recreational experiences for park visitors, the study also revealed the decreasing popularity of geocaching along with park officials’ apprehension regarding the placement of caches. The findings suggest that Texas state parks fall within the “Avoiders” stage in terms of technology readiness because of a low level of optimism and innovation and a high level of discomfort and insecurity toward geocaching technology.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the extant literature by adding new knowledge regarding geocaching in the context of state parks. This study is one of the first to apply the triangle model of technology to examine the trilateral relationships between parks, geocaching and visitors. The study also innovatively adopts the TRI in a qualitative study to identify the technology readiness stage of state parks.
Can country risks predict Islamic stock index? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Masrizal  , Sukmana Raditya , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah , Herianingrum Sri
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the Indonesian Islamic capital market, the country's risk and macroeconomic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Johansen cointegration test and the vector error correction model (VECM) on monthly data from January 2003 to March 2016 to examine the variables that influenced the Islamic capital market proxied by the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII).

Findings

The findings indicate the existence of short-term and long-term cointegrations between country risk (political, economic and financial risks), macroeconomic variables (industrial production index, inflation and oil price) and JII. In the long run, financial risk positively affects the JII, whereas economic risks and inflation are negatively related. In the short run, only inflation affect negatively the JII.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the critical role of financial risk in affecting the Islamic capital market. Investors negatively respond to higher financial risk and react positively to more increased economic threats. The variable of financial risk has the highest coefficient, indicating that the investors favour a conducive financial environment in deriving JII.

Originality/value

This study extends the previous literature with an attempt to empirically examine the influence of Indonesia's country risk on the Islamic stock market through VECM.
City brand love: modelling and resident heterogeneity analysis
Authors: Sadeque Saalem , Swapan Mohammad Shahidul Hasan , Roy Sanjit K. , Ashikuzzaman MD
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how city dependence and city social bonding determine city brand love. In addition, the study examines whether there are different resident segments that exhibit distinct behaviour in relation to city brand formation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on primary responses collected from 595 residents from Khulna city in Bangladesh. The research model is tested using partial least square (PLS) structural equation modelling. The resident segments were identified using PLS prediction-oriented segmentation method.

Findings

Results show that city dependence (i.e. dependence on urban facilities and services provided by the city) and city social bonding (i.e. social interactions amongst residents in the city) lead to city brand love through city satisfaction and city identification. In addition, the study finds that city social bonding and city satisfaction are important for the relationship-reliant residents, whereas city dependence and city identification are important for the resource-reliant residents.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can investigate the relationship between the length of residence and native vs non-native residents’ influence on city brand love formation.

Practical implications

The city brand managers and planners should adopt a resident-inclusive approach that considers the different needs of the residents to engender city brand love.

Originality/value

The study contributes to city branding literature by empirically investigating the under-researched topic of city brand love by identifying the key constructs and their role in determining city brand love. Further, it shows that the route to city brand love formation is different based on residents’ needs.
Are public employees more satisfied than private ones? The mediating role of job demands and job resources
Authors: Gastearena-Balda Lourdes , Ollo-López Andrea , Larraza-Kintana Martín
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to compare job satisfaction in public and private sectors and the mediating role of several job demands and resources on the relationship between the employment sector and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the job demands-resources model, this study argued that differences in job satisfaction were explained largely by the job characteristics provided in each sector. Data comes from the quality of working life survey, a representative sample of 6,024 Spanish public and private employees.

Findings

This study revealed that public employees were more satisfied than private ones. This relationship was partially mediated by job demands and job resources, meaning that the public and private employment sectors provided different working conditions. Public employees, in general, had fewer demands and more job resources than private ones, which resulted in different levels of job satisfaction. Additionally, partial mediation indicated that public employees are more satisfied than private ones, despite accounting for several job demands and job resources.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings of this study highlighted the relative importance of job demands and job resources in affecting job satisfaction of public and private employees, the generalizability of the results to other countries should be limited as the study only used data from a single country.

Practical implications

A significant portion of the positive effect on job satisfaction of public employees is channeled through the lower levels of routine work and lower number of required working hours and through better job resources such as higher salary, more telework, greater prospects at work and more training utility. To improve job satisfaction, it is apparent that managers should pay special attention to things such as routine work, working hours, training and telework.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the comprehension of how several job demands and resources simultaneously play a mediating role in explaining the relationship between the employment sector and job satisfaction.