bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate genotype-based demultiplexing of single cell RNA sequencing samples from non-human animals
Authors: Cardiello Joseph F. , Araus Alberto Joven , Giatrellis Sarantis , Simon András , Leigh Nicholas D.
Published: September 2022

Single cell sequencing technologies (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, etc.) have revolutionized the study of complex tissues and unique organisms, providing researchers with a much needed species agnostic tool to study biological processes at the cellular level. To date, scRNA-seq technologies are expensive, require sufficient cell quantities, and need biological replicates to avoid batch effects or artifactual results. Pooling cells from multiple individuals into a single scRNA-seq library can address these problems. However, sample labeling protocols for facilitating the computational separation of pooled scRNA-seq samples, termed demultiplexing, have undesirable limitations, particularly in resource-limited organisms. One promising solution developed for use in humans exploits the genetic diversity between individuals (i.e., single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)) to demultiplex pooled scRNA-seq samples. The use of SNP-based demultiplexing methods has not been validated for use in non-human species, but the widespread use of SNP-based demuxers would greatly facilitate research in commonly used, emerging, and more obscure species. In this study we applied SNP-based demultiplexing algorithms to pooled scRNA-seq datasets from numerous species and applied diverse ground truth confirmation assays to validate genetic demultiplexing results. SNP-based demultiplexers were found to accurately demultiplex pooled scRNA-seq data from species including zebrafish, African green monkey, Xenopus laevis, axolotl, Pleurodeles waltl, and Notophthalmus viridescens. Our results demonstrate that SNP-based demultiplexing of unlabeled, pooled scRNA-seq samples can be used with confidence in all of the species studied in this work. Further, we show that the only genomic resource required for this approach is the single-cell sequencing data and a de novo transcriptome. The incorporation of pooling and SNP-demultiplexing into scRNA-seq study designs will greatly increase the reproducibility and experimental options for studying species previously limited by technical uncertainties, computational hurdles, or limited cell quantities.
Designing a Minimal Artificial Glycolytic Pathway
Authors: Yang Yiqun , Liu Yuwan , Zhang Jie , Yang Qiaoyu , Cheng Jian , Chu Huanyu , Zhao Haodong , Luo Mengting , Lu Xiaoyun , Liu Dingyu , Sheng Xiang , Zhang Yi-Heng P. J. , Jiang Huifeng , Ma Yanhe
Published: September 2022

The canonical glycolysis generates two molecules of acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) from one glucose through eleven cascade biochemical reactions. Here, we designed and constructed a Minimal Artificial Glycolytic (MAG) pathway consisting of only three types of biochemical reactions, with phosphoketolase as the core, combined with phosphatase and isomerase as auxiliary enzymes. It could theoretically achieve a 100% carbon yield to acetyl-CoA from any monosaccharide by integrating one-carbon condensation reaction. We tested the MAG pathway in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the catabolism of typical C1-C6 carbohydrates to acetyl-CoA with yields from 82% to 95%. This novel glycolytic pathway provides a promising route for biomanufacturing with stoichiometric productivity from multiple carbon sources in the future.
A formula for calculating 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) scores from the 15-item version (GDS-15)
Authors: Zhang Yuge , Hoozemans Marco , Pijnappels Mirjam , Bruijn Sjoerd M.
Published: September 2022

The Geriatric Depression Scale with 30 items (GDS-30) and with 15 items (GDS-15) are both valid tools for assessing depression in older adults, but their absolute values are not directly comparable. Here, we used a dataset (n=431) with GDS-30 scores from a project concerning fall-risk assessment in older adults (FARAO) to develop and validate a formula which can be used to convert GDS-15 scores into GDS-30 scores. We found that the GDS-15 score cannot simply be multiplied by 2 to obtain the GDS-30 scores and that estimations of GDS-30 from GDS-15 are not affected by age, sex and MMSE. Therefore, the optimal formula to estimate the GDS-30 score from the GDS-15 score was: GDS-30_estimated = 1.57 + 1.95 × GDS-15. This formula yielded an estimate of GDS-30 with an explained variance of 79%, compared to 63% when GDS-15 was simply multiplied by 2. Researchers that have used the GDS-15 and want to compare their outcomes to other studies that reported only the GDS-30 are advised to use this formula.
DivBrowse – interactive visualization and exploratory data analysis of variant call matrices
Authors: König Patrick , Beier Sebastian , Mascher Martin , Stein Nils , Lange Matthias , Scholz Uwe
Published: September 2022

Background

The sequencing of whole genomes is becoming increasingly affordable. In this context large-scale sequencing projects are generating ever larger datasets of species-specific genomic diversity. As a consequence, more and more genomic data needs to be made easily accessible and analyzable to the scientific community.

Findings

We present DivBrowse, a web application for interactive visualization and exploratory analysis of genomic diversity data stored in Variant Call Format (VCF) files of any size. By seamlessly combining BLAST as an entry point together with interactive data analysis features such as principal component analysis in one graphical user interface, DivBrowse provides a novel and unique set of exploratory data analysis capabilities for genomic biodiversity datasets. The capability to integrate DivBrowse into existing web applications supports interoperability between different web applications. Built-in interactive computation of principal component analysis allows users to perform ad-hoc analysis of the population structure based on specific genetic elements such as genes and exons. Data interoperability is supported by the ability to export genomic diversity data in VCF and General Feature Format (GFF3) files.

Conclusion

DivBrowse offers a novel approach for interactive visualization and analysis of genomic diversity data and optionally also gene annotation data by including features like interactive calculation of variant frequencies and principal component analysis. The use of established standard file formats for data input supports interoperability and seamless deployment of application instances based on the data output of established bioinformatics pipelines.
Histone lactylation: A new epigenetic axis for host-parasite signalling in malaria?
Authors: Merrick Catherine J.
Published: September 2022

Epigenetic marks such as histone acetylation and methylation play important roles in the biology and virulence of malaria parasites. Here I report that histone lactylation is also found in these parasites, and speculate on its potential functions. Lactylation is a new epigenetic modification, discovered only in 2019 in human cells. This nascent field has since focussed largely on human biology, but lactyl epigenetic marks could be particularly important in malaria parasites, which are exposed to high and fluctuating lactate levels in their host environment. This is because parasites in the bloodstream respire by glycolysis, producing lactate, and hyperlactataemia is characteristic of severe malarial disease. Therefore, blood lactate could be a signal for the status of the infected host, which could be directly translated to virulence responses via histone lactylation and modulation of parasite gene expression. Responses could include the rate of conversion into sexual transmission stages, the expression of cytoadherence genes – which enhance immune evasion by the parasite but can exacerbate pathology in the host – and the modulation of parasite stress-resistance. Lactylation may soon join acetylation and methylation as a key tool in the epigenetic arsenal of Plasmodium.
Synthesis of natural history collections data reveals patterns of US freshwater mussel diversity and decline
Authors: Pfeiffer John , Dubose Traci P. , Keogh Sean M.
Published: September 2022

Natural history collections are uniquely positioned to chronicle biodiversity changes across time and space and are a fundamental data source in taxon-based research and conservation. With over 90 species listed under the Endangered Species Act, freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled animal assemblages in the United States and are the focus of considerable conservation efforts (e.g., species status assessments, listing decisions, and recovery plans). Unfortunately, natural history collections data is often underleveraged in such efforts, in part, because much of the data are decentralized and nonstandard, and thus, difficult to access and analyze. Our objective herein is to synthesize, standardize, and enrich digitized US freshwater mussel collections data to better suit the needs of conservation stakeholders. We aggregated specimen records from 45 US natural history collections and enriched these records by programmatically standardizing taxonomic information, flagging potentially problematic records, and joining records with freshwater-specific spatial frameworks (e.g., hydrological units and stream segments) and their associated metadata (e.g., area, stream order, discharge, velocity). The assembled dataset includes 410,665 records, 302 species, and 1,494 hydrological units (8 digit-level). Using these enriched records, we estimated ecological attributes for over 280 freshwater mussel species including aspects of range size (i.e., area of occupancy and change in area of occupancy) and habitat preferences (i.e., stream order size, discharge, slope, and velocity). Listed species had significantly fewer occurrences (p<0.001) and smaller area of occupancy (p<0.001) in comparison to non-listed listed species. Listed species also tended to have a higher stream order preference (p<0.001) and discharge preference than non-listed species (p<0.001). These important ecological attributes have not been incorporated into freshwater mussel conservation efforts in a quantitative way and our novel estimates can be used to make more data-driven ecological and conservation inferences.
Commercial influenza vaccines vary in both the structural arrangements of HA complexes and in induction of antibodies to cross-reactive HA epitopes
Authors: Myers Mallory L. , Gallagher John R. , Kim Alexander J. , Payne Walker H. , Bock Kevin W. , Torian Udana , Moore Ian N. , Harris Audray K.
Published: September 2022

Influenza virus infects millions of people annually and can cause global pandemics. Hemagglutinin (HA) is the primary component of commercial influenza vaccines (CIV), and antibody to HA is a primary correlate of protection. Persistent antigenic variation of HA requires that CIV be reformulated for new strains yearly. Differences in structural organization of HA has not been correlated with induction of broadly reactive antibodies, and CIV formulations can vary in how HA is organized. Using electron microscopy to study four current CIV, we found that these different formulations contained a variety of structures including: individual HAs, starfish-like structures with up to 12 HA molecules, and novel “spiked nanodisc” structures that displayed over 50 HA molecules along the complex’s perimeter. These spiked nanodiscs uniquely exposed conserved stem epitopes and elicited the highest levels of heterosubtypic cross-reactive antibodies. Overall, we found that HA structural organization can be an important CIV parameter and can be associated with the induction of cross-reactive antibodies to conserved HA epitopes.
Systematic analysis of transcriptional and epigenetic effects of genetic variation in Kupffer cells enables discrimination of cell intrinsic and environment-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Bennett Hunter , Troutman Ty D. , Zhou Enchen , Spann Nathanael J. , Link Verena M. , Seidman Jason S. , Nickl Christian K. , Abe Yohei , Sakai Mashito , Pasillas Martina P. , Marlman Justin M. , Guzman Carlos , Hosseini Mojgan , Schnabl Bernd , Glass Christopher K.
Published: September 2022

Noncoding genetic variation is a major driver of phenotypic diversity but determining the underlying mechanisms and the cell types in which it acts remain challenging problems. Here, we investigate the impact of natural genetic variation provided by phenotypically diverse inbred strains of mice on gene expression and epigenetic landscapes of Kupffer cells. Analysis of gene expression in Kupffer cells and other liver cell types derived from C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ and A/J mice provided evidence for strain-specific differences in environmental factors influencing Kupffer cell phenotypes, including preferential Leptin signaling in BALB/cJ Kupffer cells. Systematic analysis of transcriptomic and epigenetic data from F1 hybrids of these mice, and transcriptomic data from strain-specific Kupffer cells engrafted into a common host enabled quantitative assessment of cis versus trans effects of genetic variation on gene expression and an estimate of cell autonomous versus non cell autonomous effects. Under homeostatic conditions, trans effects of genetic variation were dominant, with the majority of trans regulation being non cell autonomous. In contrast, strain specific responses to acutely administered LPS were primarily associated with genetic variation acting in cis to modify response elements for lineage determining and signal dependent transcription factors. Collectively, these findings reveal cell intrinsic and environmental effects of natural genetic variation on gene expression, demonstrate the use of enhancers as detectors of trans effects of genetic variation, and provide a new resource for understanding the impact of genetic variation on gene expression in Kupffer cells.
Motif2Site: a Bioconductor package to detect accurate transcription factor binding sites from ChIP-seq
Authors: Zarrineh Peyman , Darieva Zoulfia , Bobola Nicoletta
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Transcription factors (TFs) binding are in the core of the Regulatory networks studies. ChIP-seq experiments are available for many TFs in various species. As TFs co-bind in cis-regulatory elements regions to control gene expression, studying the existing relation among co-binding TFs such as distance of binding sites or co-occupancy are highly important to understand the regulatory mechanisms. Currently, to detect binding sites of each TF in cis-regulatory elements, first binding regions of each TF are detected by standard peak calling methods, and at the second step the best candidate binding sites are prioritized by motif detection methods in binding regions. However, it is well-known that the best prioritized candidate motifs are not necessarily the actual binding sites of TFs. Furthermore, motif prioritizing methods that consider more genomic features complexities of TFs bindings are usually computationally expensive methods. Here, we tend to improve the TF binding sites accuracy detection by using the original ChIP-seq signal. The motifs which are located closer to the summits of binding region peaks are more likely to be the actual binding sites. Therefore, We developed a novel post-processing Bioconductor package called Motif2Site to detect TFs binding sites from user provided motif sets and recenter them across experiments. We applied Motif2Site method to detect TF binding sites for major mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) as well as mouse fetal and birth time (P0) heart TFs. Motif2Site could detect binding regions with comparable accuracy to the existing state-of-the-art while it substantially increased the accuracy of the detected binding sites. Motif2Site could future improve the accuracy of binding sites prediction by recentering binding sites across developmental conditions (fetal/P0 heart) and across homologous TFs (ex. GATA4/GATA6 and MEF2A/MEF2C). Purifying high-confidence binding sites in mouse fetal heart, enabled us to study the co-binding properties of TFs in cis-regulatory elements. We could also traced TFs footprints in selected heart-specific VISTA enhancers chromatin accessible regions.
Imbalanced Unfolded Protein Response Signaling Contributes to 1-Deoxysphingolipid Retinal Toxicity
Authors: Rosarda Jessica D. , Giles Sarah , Harkins-Perry Sarah , Mills Elizabeth A , Friedlander Martin , Wiseman R. Luke , Eade Kevin T.
Published: September 2022

1-Deoxysphingolipids (1-dSLs) are atypical cytotoxic sphingolipids formed through the substitution of alanine for serine in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. Accumulation of 1-dSLs has been linked to diseases of the eye such as diabetic retinopathy and Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel). However, the molecular mechanisms by which 1-dSLs induce toxicity in retinal cells remains poorly understood. Here, we integrate bulk and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to define the biological pathways that contribute to toxicity caused by the 1-dSL species, 1-deoxysphinganine (1-dSA), in human retinal organoids. Our results demonstrate that 1-dSA preferentially and differentially activates signaling arms of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in photoreceptor cells and Müller glia within retinal organoids. Using a combination of pharmacologic inhibitors and activators, we define the roles for individual arms of the UPR in 1-dSL-mediated toxicity. We show that sustained PERK signaling through the integrated stress response (ISR) promotes 1-dSL-induced apoptosis in photoreceptors. In contrast, deficiencies in signaling through the ATF6 arm of the UPR contribute to photoreceptor toxicity. These results indicate that imbalanced signaling between the pro-apoptotic PERK/ISR and protective ATF6 arms of the UPR contributes to 1-dSL-induced photoreceptor toxicity. Further, our results identify new opportunities to intervene in 1-dSL linked diseases through targeting different signaling arms of the UPR.
Transcriptionally defined morphological subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Krieger Teresa G , Sudy Alexander , Schicktanz Felix , Tosti Luca , Liebig Johannes , Konukiewitz Björn , Rouault Morgane , Niesnerová Anežka , Qian Xiaoyan , Weichert Wilko , Eils Roland , Steiger Katja , Conrad Christian
Published: September 2022

Tumour heterogeneity remains a major obstacle to effective and precise therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common pancreatic cancer. Several transcriptional subtypes of PDAC with differential prognosis have been described, but they co-occur within tumours and are difficult to distinguish in routine clinical workflows. To investigate the relationship between transcriptional PDAC subtypes, local tissue morphology and the tumour microenvironment, we employed in situ sequencing to profile single cells in their spatial tissue context. We identify five transcriptional subtypes of PDAC cells occurring in three distinct morphological patterns, including secretory tumour cell monolayers, invasive tumour cells with high expression of cell adhesion molecules CEACAM5 and CEACAM6, and spatially distributed tumour cells associated with inflammatory-type fibroblasts. Analysis of bulk RNA-sequencing datasets of the TCGA-PAAD and PACA-AU cohorts according to these spatio-transcriptional subtypes confirmed their prognostic significance. Our results thus indicate an automatable substratification based on spatially-resolved transcriptomics of PDAC and identify distinct subtypes of ‘classical’ PDAC, representing most cases of this devastating malignancy.
Requirement for STAT3 and its target, TFCP2L1, in self-renewal of naïve pluripotent stem cellsin vivoandin vitro
Authors: Kraunsoe Sophie , Azami Takuya , Pei Yihan , Martello Graziano , Jones Kenneth , Boroviak Thorsten , Nichols Jennifer
Published: September 2022

We previously demonstrated gradual loss of epiblast during diapause in embryos lacking components of the LIF/IL6 receptor. Here we explore requirement for the downstream signalling transducer and activator of transcription, STAT3 and its target, TFCP2L1, in maintenance of naïve pluripotency. Unlike conventional markers, such as NANOG, which remains high in epiblast until implantation, both STAT3 and TFCP2L1 proteins decline during blastocyst expansion, but intensify in the embryonic region after induction of diapause, as observed visually and confirmed using our novel image analysis tool, consistent with our previous transcriptional expression data. Embryos lacking STAT3 or TFCP2L1, underwent catastrophic loss of most of the inner cell mass during the first few days of diapause, implicating involvement of signals in addition to LIF/IL6 for sustaining naïve pluripotencyin vivo. By blocking MEK/ERK signalling from the morula stage we could derive embryonic stem cells with high efficiency from STAT3 null embryos, but not those lacking TFCP2L1, suggesting a hitherto unknown additional role for this essential STAT3 target in transition from embryo to embryonic stem cellsin vitro.

Summary Statement

Inducing diapause in mouse embryos demonstrates that STAT3 and TFCP2L1 are essential for self-renewal of the epiblast, but only TFCP2L1 is required for derivation of embryonic stem cells.
The transcriptome of acute dehydration in Myeloid Leukemia cells
Authors: Mark Welch David B. , Gould Travis J. , Olins Ada L. , Olins Donald E.
Published: September 2022

Live human myeloid leukemia (HL-60/S4) cells exposed to acute hyperosmotic stress with sucrose undergo dehydration and cell shrinkage. Interphase chromatin and mitotic chromosomes congeal, and exhibit altered phase separation (demixing) of chromatin-associated proteins. To investigate concurrent changes in the transcriptome, we exposed exponentially growing HL-60/S4 cells to acute hyperosmotic stress (∼600 milliOsmolar) for 30 and 60 minutes by addition of sucrose to the culture medium. We employed RNA-Seq of polyA mRNA to identify genes with significantly increased or decreased transcript levels relative to untreated control cells (i.e., differential gene expression). These identified genes were examined for over-representation of Gene Ontology (GO) terms. In hyperosmotically-stressed cells, multiple GO terms associated with transcription, translation, mitochondrial function and proteosome activity, as well as the gene set “replication-dependent histones”, were over-represented among genes with increased transcript levels; whereas, genes with decreased transcript levels were over-represented in various GO terms for transcription repressors. The overall transcriptome profiles of these stressed cells suggest a rapid acquisition of cellular rebuilding, a futile homeostatic response, as these cells are ultimately doomed to a dehydrated death.

“Do not go gentle into that good night

Rage, rage against the dying of the light”

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)
Structure and cytotoxic properties of 1-hydroxy-5-methyl-7-phenylpyrido[3,4-d]pyridazin-4(3H)-one and its mono- and disubstituted ethyl acetates
Authors: Wójcicka Anna , Becan Lilianna , Rembiałkowska Nina , Pyra Anna , Bryndal Iwona
Published: September 2022

Derivatives of pyrido[3,4-d]pyridazine, namely, 1-hydroxy-5-methyl-7-phenylpyrido[3,4-d]pyridazin-4(3H)-one dimethylformamide monosolvate, C14H11N3O2·C3H7NO (2), ethyl [1-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethoxy)-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-phenyl-3,4-dihydropyrido[3,4-d]pyridazin-3-yl]acetate, C18H17N3O4 (3), and ethyl [(5-methyl-4-oxo-7-phenyl-3,4-dihydropyrido[3,4-d]pyridazin-1-yl)oxy]acetate, C22H23N3O6 (4), were synthesized with the aim of discovering new potential biologically active agents. The properties of all three derivatives were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT–IR spectroscopic analysis. All the crystals were obtained by a solvent diffusion method from dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The collected X-ray data revealed that the crystals of 2 and 4 belong to the triclinic space group P\overline{1}, whereas the crystal of 3 belongs to the monoclinic space group P21/c. The presented derivatives crystallized with one molecule in the asymmetric unit, but only compound 2 crystallized as a solvate with DMF. Structure analysis showed that the molecule of 2 exists as its amide–imidic acid tautomer and that O-alkylation occurred before N-alkylation during the synthesis of the mono- and disubstituted derivatives, i.e.
3 and 4, respectively. The molecular geometries of the 5-methyl-7-phenylpyrido[3,4-d]pyridazine core within the studied derivatives differ in the mutual orientation of the rings. The interplanar angles between the heterocyclic ring and the bound aromatic ring are 1.71 (7), 18.16 (3) and 3.1 (1)° for 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The potential cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated against one normal (HaCat) and four human cancer cell lines (A549, DU145, MDA-MB-231 and SKOV-3).
A structural and computational comparison of close contacts and related intermolecular energies of interaction in the structures of 1,3-diiodo-5-nitrobenzene, 1,3-dibromo-5-nitrobenzene, and 1,3-dichloro-5-nitrobenzene
Authors: Bosch Eric , Bowling Nathan P. , Speetzen Erin D.
Published: September 2022

1,3-Diiodo-5-nitrobenzene, C6H3I2NO2, and 1,3-dibromo-5-nitrobenzene, C6H3Br2NO2, crystallize in the centrosymmetric space group P21/m, and are isostructural with 1,3-dichloro-5-nitrobenzene, C6H3Cl2NO2, that has been redetermined at 100 K for consistency. While the three-dimensional packing in all three structures is similar, the size of the halogen atom affects the nonbonded close contacts observed between molecules. Thus, the structure of 1,3-diiodo-5-nitrobenzene features a close Type 1 I...I contact, the structure of 1,3-dibromo-5-nitrobenzene features a self-complementary nitro-O...Br close contact, while the structure of 1,3-dichloro-5-nitrobenzene also has a self-complementary nitro-O...Cl interaction, as well as a bifurcated C—H...O(nitro) close contact. Notably, the major energetically attractive intermolecular interaction between adjacent molecules in each of the three structures corresponds to a π-stacked interaction. The self-complementary halogen...O(nitro) and C—H...O(nitro) interactions correspond to significant cohesive attraction between molecules in each structure, while the Type 1 halogen–halogen contact is weakly cohesive.
Policy, regulation, and institutional approaches to digital innovation in the wine sector: a cross-country comparison
Authors: Waye Vicki Catherine , Rocca Laura , Veneziani Monica , Helliar Christine , Suryawathy I. Gusti Ary
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study explores the impact of institutions, policies, and regulations at the global, national, and sectoral levels on digitalisation within the Italian and Australian wine industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on qualitative research data collected from interviews with key personnel in the wine industry, this study shows that both jurisdictions are at a similar stage of emergent digital development despite very different settings.

Findings

Accordingly, the authors find that digitalisation is constrained by common policy and regulatory issues emanating at the global and national levels, such as a lack of data infrastructure and data governance, and the need for institutions at the local and regional levels to spur innovation, especially with SMEs.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyse the role of policy, regulation, and institutional arrangements in digital diffusion using a cross-country comparison of the wine sector.
Let's talk about straw: the effect of information provision on consumers' attitudes towards pig husbandry systems
Authors: Weingarten Nina , Hartmann Monika
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The type of flooring in stalls is an important factor that shapes consumers' overall perception of animal husbandry. Although slatted and straw floors have benefits and drawbacks, consumers strongly prefer slatted over straw floors in pig husbandry. The present study investigates whether information provision can depolarise consumers' implicit and explicit attitudes towards both floor types to enable a more realistic evaluation of pig husbandry systems. Furthermore, this study examines the effectiveness of information depending on different frames and consumers' personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental laboratory study with 185 German consumers was conducted to investigate the effect of information on implicit and explicit attitudes towards different flooring types. Participants received information on straw and slatted floors in a cognitive or affective frame or about a control topic. Furthermore, it was analysed whether certain consumer groups respond differently to the cognitive or affective frame.

Findings

The results demonstrated that information provision is a successful tool for depolarising consumers' implicit and explicit attitudes regarding straw and slatted floors. Although consumers continued to prefer straw floors after receiving information, the magnitude of this preference considerably decreased. Mediation analysis illustrated that implicit and explicit attitudes are highly interconnected. The study found no evidence that the personality traits of consumers moderated the effectiveness of the cognitive or affective frame.

Originality/value

The study proposes that information provision can be a potential avenue for increasing the societal acceptance of conventional methods in pig husbandry and provides recommendations for communicating conditions related to animal husbandry. Furthermore, through the inclusion of an implicit measure, this study overcomes biases of other studies in an agricultural context which usually rely only on explicit measures.
Aiming for bullseye: a novel gameplan for circular economy in the construction industry
Authors: Zandee Diane , Zutshi Ambika , Creed Andrew , Nijhof André
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to provide managerial recommendations for implementing circular economy (CE) principles in both organizational and interorganizational contexts, including when using digital tools, such as building information modeling (BIM) and blockchain. Drawn from the construction sector in the Netherlands, the findings can be generalized to similar sectors where a company may receive multiple inputs as part of its supply chain augmented by digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Design addresses the research question: what are the strategic and tactical approaches of organizations on the CE pathway? Sub-questions target initiatives pursued by participants, and look toward information, roles and functions for supporting the CE process. Applying a multiple-case study approach (21 semi-structured interviews with 29 participants) the paper explores strategic initiatives of construction companies implementing CE pathways. The strength of the research design comes from facilitation of rich and deep qualitative insights from Netherlands-based managers embedded within global supply chains contributing to conceptual mapping. A limitation is data from one country (though representing both national and multinational companies).

Findings

Interviewed managers share guidance for production-related construction companies anchored in materials and product design. Recommendations include to (1) develop both internally and externally the awareness of CE amongst leaders, (2) communicate with internal and external stakeholders for shared vision across the supply chain, (3) start with pilot projects, and (4) ensure product data-integration for CE business models through computer modeling and blockchain for decision-making processes, choices of materials, business model coordination and product (re)design. Continuous learning about CE roles and responsibilities amidst organizational process restructuring is required throughout linear to CE transitions. Extending the time for the CE principles evaluation process would allow for reconsideration of decisions made for CE implemented projects.

Originality/value

A novel CE gameplan with a hurdles and recommendations checklist provides an operational interface with decision making points between internal factors for the host organization and external supply chain partners.
The virtuous cycle of trust. Unveiling clues to successful innovation in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry
Authors: Derqui Belén , Fayos Teresa , Occhiocupo Nicoletta
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on features of successful innovation and on the role played by downstream open innovation (OI) dynamics in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. It also explores the reasons for the decline in the number of disruptive innovations in this industry in the European Union (EU).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interpret the data in a Kantar consumer panel dataset on disruptive innovations in Spain through an exploratory research including in-depth interviews with 19 managers in the industry.

Findings

Results show that downstream open innovation in this industry is mostly limited to the executional stage in the process and highlight the crucial role played by the point of purchase in the success of innovations. The authors build up a virtuous circle of innovation based on features such as the use of OI processes, company focus and marketing support, transparency and collaboration with retailers, as well as the product's uniqueness and its potential to become viral.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on Spain and, thus, results cannot be generalised. Further research in other countries would be interesting.

Practical implications

The study describes the features of disruptive innovators and develops an extensive list of success factors.

Social implications

The development of disruptive innovation is a source of competitive advantages and one of the most relevant activities of managers today. Nevertheless, the number of disruptive innovations is in decline, and only a few succeed, negatively affecting consumer welfare.

Originality/value

Through this study, the authors provide insights on the features of successful innovators in FMCGs and describe the factors affecting the decreasing trend in the number of breakthrough innovations. Further, this paper fulfils an identified need to study OI in low-tech industries.
An emergent process for activating system change: insights from Golden Key Bristol
Authors: Fouracre Beth , Fisher Joseph , Bolden Richard , Coombs Beth , Isaac Beth , Pawson Chris
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present insights into the way in which system change can be activated around the provision of services and support for people experiencing multiple disadvantages in an urban setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is informed by a thematic analysis of reflections, reports, learning logs, interviews and experiences of those “activating” system change in the Golden Key partnership in Bristol between 2014 and 2021.

Findings

Four themes are identified, including “creating the conditions for change”, “framing your involvement”, “investing in relationships” and “reflective practice and learning”. For each of these, an illustrative vignette is provided.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations and reflective questions are provided with suggestions of further considerations for applying this approach in different contexts.

Originality/value

This paper describes an original approach of activating and supporting people to do system change to improve the lives of people facing multiple disadvantages.
Differential effect of age in academia: a three-way interaction effect of age, technological aids and knowledge sharing on research output
Authors: Aparna S.M. , Sahney Sangeeta
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Amidst the concerns surrounding knowledge sharing, especially in academia, the study attempts to understand its impact on Research output. To deepen our understanding, the study considered the differing impact of age on knowledge sharing and research output through the lens of Continuity Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 385 faculties working in higher education institutions in India. The study uses Hierarchical regression analysis in SPSS 22.0 to test the hypotheses proposed.

Findings

A three-way interaction analysis of 385 faculties confirmed our presumption that the effect of knowledge sharing on research output was different for the two-age groups. Surprisingly, the positive effect of knowledge sharing on research output was stronger in older faculties than younger ones. However, technology usage and its effect on research output, declined with age.

Research limitations/implications

Findings gave interesting insights which contradict our earlier notions of increasing age and suggest that instead of blaming increasing age alone for the reduced output, attention must be paid towards other hidden influencing factors.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind that investigates the effectiveness of knowledge sharing in academia and the impact of age on the underlying phenomenon. This study makes a novel attempt to deepen our understanding of the impact of age on research output.
Rapid intervention vehicles' impact on fire departments' response time
Authors: Guldvik Maria Køber , Helseth Anders , Grimsby Gjermund
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to estimate the effect of rapid intervention vehicles (RIVs)’ impact on fire department (FDs)' response time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed multivariate regression analysis of changes in response times before and after introducing RIVs into the FD task force, controlling for expected travel time. Response time analysis based on the database of all emergency fire responses in Norway from 2016 to 2021 was carried out.

Findings

Introducing RIVs into the FDs' task force reduced response times by 53 s on average for every call where an RIV is being deployed, given an average driving length of an emergency call of 6.4 kilometers. The response time is reduced to approximately 37 s independently of driving length, and this effect increases with 2.5 s per km.

Originality/value

Precise estimation of the expected reduced response time was calculated by introducing the first RIV into the FD's task force based on advanced statistical analysis on complete emergency register data. The analysis shows that RIVs have a positive impact on response time in both urban and rural areas, while particularly strong for urban areas.
Governance and management of digital transformation projects: an exploratory approach in the financial sector
Authors: Lacombe Isabelle , Jarboui Anis
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of the digital transformation on the role and governance of Information Technology departements. The study focuses on banks and insurance companies because they have been allocating significant resources to managing their digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Inductive qualitative research of an exploratory type based on the Gioia method involved face-to-face interviews at the IT departments of seven financial sector companies in France. Axial encoding of the answers, recommended by Gioia, was used to classify the raw data and structure the analysis using a graphical presentation.

Findings

Four IT governance maturity situations were determined within the financial steering and performance analysis modes of digital transformation projects. This research aimed to enable companies to position their practices within the analysis framework defined through modelled maturity situations and to help them steer their digital transformation.

Originality/value

A panel was composed with most of the banks in France and some insurance companies. The link was done between Digital Maturity, and Digital and IT Governance, and with the use of the graphical qualitative research using the Gioia method.
Psychology and white collar crime - compliance recommendations based on the social and psychological reality dictating perception
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Wittmann Chiara
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To construct effective compliance programmes, the phenomenon of non-compliance and variations in its abidance must be elucidated. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the social reality of ethical decision making, which examines the internalisation of moral norms and realities of social behaviour and, therefore, the general non-compliance with everyday laws (Tyler, 2006).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper makes use of several social theories, including social proof theory, traditional social theory and social control theory. Humans are social beings, and decision-making in ethics is strongly influenced by herding behaviour (Roy, 2021). The behaviour of others and normative ethical standards inform the compliance of behaviour to an undiminishable degree.

Findings

Although there is a host of factors to consider, the success of compliance can largely be attributed to people’s perception and reception of authority. The perception of authority and legitimacy plays a vital role in appreciating the complexity of rule following. Legitimacy, and its embodiment by persons in public roles, is a cornerstone of the subsequent discussion.

Originality/value

This paper uncovers the underlying motivations of non-compliance as well as the social psychology involved in the ethics of compliance. Cross-disciplinary connections are made between the private and public sector and practical compliance recommendations. The significant impact of integrity culture and value-based compliance emerges from the dissection of the social reality.
Do transformational leadership and work engagement matter for job performance in luxury hotels? Exploring the role of leaders' managerial skills
Authors: Aftab Junaid , Sarwar Huma , Kiran Alina , Abid Nabila , Ahmad Suraya Binti
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The paper aimed to explore the underlying work engagement role in transformational leadership and employees' job performance relationships. Moreover, this study also looked at the moderation of leaders' managerial skills in the transformational leadership and work engagement nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

The time-lagged data of 360 followers — leader dyads nested in 71 teams were collected from star-rated hotels in Italy and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was executed.

Findings

Based on social learning theory and idiosyncrasy credit theory, the SEM results demonstrate that transformational leadership is significantly and positively linked with job performance and work engagement mediated this relationship. The results also confirmed that leaders' managerial skills strengthen the transformational leadership and work engagement nexus.

Practical implications

Hotel managers should consider hiring individuals with transformational leadership skills and provide training to Polish their managerial skills in order to enhance employee engagement at work, which may result in job performance.

Originality/value

With this study, the researchers emphasize the significance of transformational leadership and work engagement for better job performance in the Italian hospitality industry. Our analysis also provides new evidence that leaders' managerial skills strengthen the transformative leadership and work engagement nexus. The study is one of the first to investigate the boundary conditions of leaders' managerial skills in the transformational leadership and work engagement relationship. Based on the findings, the practical and theoretical contributions are also discussed.
A comparative assessment of external debt management and infrastructural developments: perspectives on Nigeria's economy, 1979–2020
Authors: Osadume Richard C. , Imide Israel O.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether external debt procurements during the military and civilian regimes had a correlation with infrastructural developments using available data from Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample period covering 41 years, was divided into two periods representing the military and civilian regimes with respective secondary data secured from the World Bank Group online database. The study employed robust least square regression, autoregressive distributed lag and the error correction term to test the variables at the 0.05 significance level.

Findings

The results affirmed that external debts shows positive and significant relationship with infrastructural developments proxy for capital investments during the short-run for both military and civilian regimes in Nigeria, while the outcome was only significant and negatively signed for the civilian regime in the long-run with 52.28% speed of convergence to long-run. This study concludes that external debt showed significant correlation with infrastructural development during the civilian regime better than the military regime in Nigeria and this conclusion applies globally.

Research limitations/implications

Research period covered only 41 years, between 1979 and 2020 and focused on sub-Saharan African country – Nigeria.

Practical implications

The research encourages civilian administration in governments and urged them to carefully appraise and contract external debts to finance self-liquidating priority projects.

Social implications

The national economy and the masses suffer during military regime but are better off during civilian regime.

Originality/value

Apart from adding to current literature, the work focused on a coverage period that comprehensively compares two different regimes of government – military and civilian administrations.
Exploring the reviews of Google Maps to assess the user opinions about public libraries
Authors: Khan Aasif Mohammad , Loan Fayaz Ahmad
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In present networked society, almost all the entities are present on Google Maps. Google Maps has become the first preference for the users for searching and retrieving information about any place. Google Maps provides an opportunity for a user to post ratings and reviews for an entity, including public libraries about their facilities and services, etc. This study explores how users of public libraries in Delhi (India) use Google Maps to share their opinions on library facilities and services and to assess whether Google Maps have the potential to act as an interactive feedback system between users and the authorities.

Design/methodology/approach

The Google Maps platform was used as a data source. To classify reviews into distinct categories, a content analysis was performed. Further Sentiment analysis of reviews was executed to highlight the positive, negative and neutral aspects of selected libraries. Moreover, reviews, endorsements and ratings of library products and services were also checked.

Findings

The research reveals that the culture of posting online reviews is increasing day by day and most of the reviews are posted in the English language, with Non Local Guides as the most prolific reviewers. In the reviews, the total number of topics discussed were 685, of which (70.51%) contained positive sentiments, (15.32%) were negative and (14.1%) were neutral reviews. The majority of the negative topics were discussed among the staff category, followed by facilities. Environment and children's areas received positive feedback with five-star ratings and most of them were marked helpful by other users. Users also loved technology, location and collection. The study concluded that Google Maps can be used as a new interactive feedback tool that library authorities can use to connect with users, replacing traditional suggestion boxes and online forms.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a single platform (Google Maps) and the capital city of India (Delhi) and cannot be generalized across platforms and regions. Moreover, such libraries were taken under the scanner of this study which possessed more than 50 reviews.

Originality/value

The study will help to identify the shortcomings of the Delhi public libraries through Google Maps platform and help them to devise effective strategies to improve their management in view of suggestions and complaints.