bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering selectivity of Cutibacterium acnes phages by epigenetic imprinting
Authors: Knödlseder Nastassia , Nevot Guillermo , Fábrega Maria-José , Mir-Pedrol Julia , Sanvicente-García Marta , Campamà-Sanz Nil , Lood Rolf , Güell Marc
Published: December 2021

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a gram-positive bacterium and a member of the human skin microbiome. Despite being the most abundant skin commensal, certain members have been associated with common inflammatory disorders such as acne vulgaris. The availability of the complete genome sequences from various C. acnes clades have enabled the identification of putative methyltransferases, some of them potentially belonging to restriction-modification (R-M) systems which protect the host of invading DNA. However, little is known on whether these systems are functional in the different C. acnes strains. To investigate the activity of these putative R-M and their relevance in host protective mechanisms, we analyzed the methylome of seven representative C. acnes strains by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. We detected the presence of a 6-methyladenine modification at a defined DNA consensus sequence in strain KPA171202 and recombinant expression of this R-M system confirmed its methylation activity. Additionally, a R-M knockout mutant verified the loss of methylation properties of the strain. We studied the potential of one C. acnes bacteriophage (PAD20) in killing various C. acnes strains and linked an increase in its specificity to phage DNA methylation acquired upon infection of a methylation competent strain. We demonstrate a therapeutic application of this mechanism where phages propagated in R-M deficient strains selectively kill R-M deficient acne-prone clades while probiotic ones remain resistant to phage infection.

Graphical abstract
SARS-CoV-2 spike conformation determines plasma neutralizing activity
Authors: Bowen John E. , Walls Alexandra C. , Joshi Anshu , Sprouse Kaitlin R. , Stewart Cameron , Tortorici M. Alejandra , Franko Nicholas M. , Logue Jennifer K. , Mazzitelli Ignacio G. , Tiles Sasha W , Ahmed Kumail , Shariq Asefa , Snell Gyorgy , Iqbal Najeeha Talat , Geffner Jorge , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea , Grifantini Renata , Chu Helen Y. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Corti Davide , Veesler David
Published: December 2021

Numerous safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have been developed that utilize various delivery technologies and engineering strategies. The influence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein conformation on antibody responses induced by vaccination or infection in humans remains unknown. To address this question, we compared plasma antibodies elicited by six globally-distributed vaccines or infection and observed markedly higher binding titers for vaccines encoding a prefusion-stabilized S relative to other groups. Prefusion S binding titers positively correlated with plasma neutralizing activity, indicating that physical stabilization of the prefusion conformation enhances protection against SARS-CoV-2. We show that almost all plasma neutralizing activity is directed to prefusion S, in particular the S1 subunit, and that variant cross-neutralization is mediated solely by RBD-specific antibodies. Our data provide a quantitative framework for guiding future S engineering efforts to develop vaccines with higher resilience to the emergence of variants and longer durability than current technologies.
Integrative genomic analyses in adipocytes implicate DNA methylation in human obesity and diabetes
Authors: McAllan L. , Baranasic D. , Villicaña S. , Zhang W. , Lehne B. , Adamo M. , Jenkinson A. , Elkalaawy M. , Mohammadi B. , Hashemi M. , Yang Y. , Zudina L. , Lagou V. , Tan S. , Castillo-Fernandez J. , Soong R. , Elliott P. , Scott J. , Loh M. , Prokopenko I. , Lenhard B. , Batterham R. L. , Bell J. , Chambers J. , Kooner J. , Scott W.
Published: December 2021

DNA methylation variations are prevalent in human obesity, but evidence of a causative role in disease pathogenesis is limited. In this study, we combine epigenome-wide association and integrative genomics to investigate the impact of subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte DNA methylation variations in extreme human obesity. We identify extensive DNA methylation changes that are robustly associated with extreme obesity in combined discovery and replication analyses (N=190 samples, 691 loci in subcutaneous and 173 loci in visceral adipocytes, P<1×10-7). Using functional interaction maps and methylation-expression association testing in human adipocytes, we connect extreme obesity-associated methylation variations to transcriptomic changes at >500 target genes. We find that disease-associated methylation variations localise to active genomic regions and transcription factor binding sites, at which DNA methylation influences transcription factor-target gene co-expression relationships. In Mendelian Randomisation analyses, we infer causal effects of DNA methylation on human obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disturbances, under genetic control, at 28 independent loci. Silencing of two target genes of causal DNA methylation variations, thePRRC2AandLIMD2genes, further reveals novel metabolic effects in adipocytes. Our results indicate DNA methylation is an important determinant of human obesity and its metabolic complications, and reveal genomic and molecular mechanisms through which altered DNA methylation may impact adipocyte cellular functions.
South African Population Immunity and Severe Covid-19 with Omicron Variant
Authors: Madhi Shabir A. , Kwatra Gaurav , Myers Jonathan E. , Jassat Waasila , Dhar Nisha , Mukendi Christian K. , Nana Amit J. , Blumberg Lucille , Welch Richard , Ngorima-Mabhena Nicoletta , Mutevedzi Portia C.
Published: December 2021

Background

We conducted a seroepidemiological survey from October 22 to December 9, 2021, in Gauteng Province, South Africa, to determine SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroprevalence primarily before the fourth wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in which the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant was dominant. We evaluated epidemiological trends in case rates and rates of severe disease through to January 12, 2022, in Gauteng.

Methods

We contacted households from a previous seroepidemiological survey conducted from November 2020 to January 2021, plus an additional 10% of households using the same sampling framework. Dry blood spot samples were tested for anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid protein IgG using quantitative assays on the Luminex platform. Daily case, hospital admission, and reported death data, and weekly excess deaths, were plotted over time.

Results

Samples were obtained from 7010 individuals, of whom 1319 (18.8%) had received a Covid-19 vaccine. Overall seroprevalence ranged from 56.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.6 to 59.7) in children aged <12 years to 79.7% (95% CI, 77.6 to 81.5) in individuals aged >50 years. Seropositivity was more likely in vaccinated (93.1%) vs unvaccinated (68.4%) individuals. Epidemiological data showed SARS-CoV-2 infection rates increased and subsequently declined more rapidly than in previous waves. Infection rates were decoupled from Covid-19 hospitalizations, recorded deaths, and excess deaths relative to the previous three waves.

Conclusions

Widespread underlying SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was observed in Gauteng Province before the Omicron-dominant wave. Epidemiological data showed a decoupling of hospitalization and death rates from infection rate during Omicron circulation.
The expansion and severity of chronic MS lesions follows a periventricular gradient
Authors: Klistorner Samuel , Barnett Michael H , Graham Stuart L , Wang Chenyu , Klistorner Alexander
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

Expansion of chronic lesions in MS patients and recently described CSF-related gradient of tissue damage are linked to microglial activation. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether lesion expansion is associated with proximity to ventricular CSF spaces.

Methods

Pre- and post-gadolinium 3D-T1, 3D FLAIR and diffusion tensor images were acquired from 36 RRMS patients. Lesional activity was analysed between baseline and 48 months at different distances from the CSF using successive 1-mm thick concentric rings radiating from the ventricles.

Results

Voxel-based analysis of the rate of lesion expansion demonstrated a clear periventricular gradient decreasing away from the ventricles. This was particularly apparent when lesions of equal diameter were analysed. Periventricular lesional tissue showed higher degree of tissue distraction at baseline that significantly increased during follow-up in rings close to CSF. This longitudinal change was proportional to degree of lesion expansion. Lesion-wise analysis revealed a gradual, centrifugal decrease in the proportion of expanding lesions from the immediate periventricular zone.

Discussion

Our data suggest that chronic white matter lesions in close proximity to the ventricles are more destructive, show a higher degree of expansion at the lesion border and accelerated tissue loss in the lesion core.
Defective proinsulin handling modulates the MHC I bound peptidome and activates the inflammasome in β-cells
Authors: Khilji Muhammad Saad , Pinheiro-Machado Erika , Dahlby Tina , Aranha Ritchlynn , Buus Søren , Nielsen Morten , Klusek Justyna , Faridi Pouya , Purcell Anthony Wayne , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas , Marzec Michal Tomasz
Published: December 2021

Background

How immune-tolerance is lost to pancreatic β-cell peptides triggering autoimmune type 1 diabetes is enigmatic. We have shown that loss of the proinsulin ER chaperone glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 94 leads to mishandling of proinsulin, ER stress and activation of the inducible proteasome. We hypothesize that inadequate ER proinsulin folding capacity relative to biosynthetic need may lead to an altered β-cell MHC-I bound peptidome and inflammasome activation, sensitizing β-cells to immune attack.

Methods

We used INS-1E cells with or without GRP94 knockout (KO), or in the presence or absence of GRP94 inhibitor PU-WS13 (GRP94i, 20µM), or exposed to proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β or IFNγ (15 pg/ml and 10 ng/ml, respectively) for 24 hours. RT1.A (rat MHC I) expression was evaluated using flow cytometry. The total RT1.A-bound peptidome analysis was performed on cell lysates fractionated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) followed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). NALP1, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor alpha (IκBα), and (pro) IL-1β expression and secretion were investigated by Western blotting.

Results

GRP94 KO increased RT1.A expression in β-cells as did cytokine exposure compared to relevant controls. Immunopeptidome analysis showed increased RT1.A-bound peptide repertoire in GRP94 KO/i cells as well as in the cells exposed to cytokines. The GRP94 KO/cytokine exposure groups showed partial overlap in their peptide repertoire. Notably, proinsulin-derived peptides diversity increased among the total RT1.A peptidome in GRP94 KO/i along with cytokines exposure. NALP1 expression was upregulated in GRP94 deficient cells along with decreased IκBα content while proIL-1β cellular levels declined, coupled with an increased secretion of mature IL-1β. Our results suggest that limiting β-cell proinsulin chaperoning enhances RT1.A expression, alters the MHC-I peptidome including proinsulin peptides and activates inflammatory pathways, suggesting that stress impeding proinsulin handling may sensitize β-cells to immune-attack.
IDENTIFYING PLANT GENES SHAPING MICROBIOTA COMPOSITION IN THE BARLEY RHIZOSPHERE
Authors: Escudero-Martinez Carmen , Coulter Max , Terrazas Rodrigo Alegria , Foito Alexandre , Kapadia Rumana , Pietrangelo Laura , Maver Mauro , Sharma Rajiv , Aprile Alessio , Morris Jenny , Hedley Pete E. , Maurer Andreas , Pillen Klaus , Naclerio Gino , Mimmo Tanja , Barton Geoffrey J. , Waugh Robbie , Abbott James , Bulgarelli Davide
Published: December 2021

A prerequisite to exploiting soil microbes for sustainable crop production is the identification of the plant genes shaping microbiota composition in the rhizosphere, the interface between roots and soil. Here we use metagenomics information as an external quantitative phenotype to map the host genetic determinants of the rhizosphere microbiota in wild and domesticated genotypes of barley, the fourth most cultivated cereal globally. We identify a small number of loci with a major effect on the composition of rhizosphere communities. One of those, designated the QRMC-3HS, emerges as a major determinant of microbiota composition. We subject soil-grown sibling lines harbouring contrasting alleles at QRMC-3HS and hosting contrasting microbiotas to comparative root RNA-seq profiling. This allows us to identify three primary candidate genes, including a Nucleotide-Binding-Leucine-Rich-Repeat (NLR) gene in a region of structural variation of the barley genome. Our results provide insights into the footprint of crop improvement on the plant’s capacity of shaping rhizosphere microbes.
Enrichment of non-B-form DNA at D. melanogaster centromeres
Authors: Patchigolla Venkata S. P. , Mellone Barbara G.
Published: December 2021

Centromeres are essential chromosomal regions that mediate the accurate inheritance of genetic information during eukaryotic cell division. Despite their conserved function, centromeres do not contain conserved DNA sequences and are instead epigenetically marked by the presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A (centromeric protein A). The functional contribution of centromeric DNA sequences to centromere identity remains elusive. Previous work found that dyad symmetries with a propensity to adopt non-canonical secondary DNA structures are enriched at the centromeres of several species. These findings lead to the proposal that such non-canonical DNA secondary structures may contribute to centromere specification. Here, we analyze the predicted secondary structures of the recently identified centromere DNA sequences from Drosophila melanogaster. Although dyad symmetries are only enriched on the Y centromere, we find that other types of non-canonical DNA structures, including DNA melting and G-quadruplexes, are common features of all D. melanogaster centromeres. Our work is consistent with previous models suggesting that non-canonical DNA secondary structures may be conserved features of centromeres with possible implications for centromere specification.
Single-molecule imaging reveals distinct effects of ligands on CCR5 dynamics depending on its dimerization status
Authors: Momboisse Fanny , Nardi Giacomo , Colin Philippe , Hery Melany , Cordeiro Nelia , Schwartz Olivier , Sauvonnet Nathalie , Arenzana-Seisdedos Fernando , Lagache Thibault , Lagane Bernard , Olivo-Marin Jean-Christophe , Brelot Anne
Published: December 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are present at the cell surface in different conformational and oligomeric states. However, how these states impact GPCRs biological function and therapeutic targeting remains incompletely known. Here, we investigated this issue in living cells for the CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), a major receptor in inflammation and the principal entry co-receptor for Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV-1). We used TIRF microscopy and an original statistical method to track and classify the motion of different receptors subpopulations. We showed a diversity of ligand-free forms of CCR5 at the cell surface constituted of various oligomeric states and exhibiting transient Brownian and restricted motions. These forms were stabilized differently by distinct ligands. In particular, agonist stimulation restricted the mobility of CCR5 and led to its clustering, a feature depending on β-arrestin, while inverse agonist stimulation exhibited the opposite effect. These results suggest a link between receptor activation and immobilization. Applied to HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins gp120, our quantitative analysis revealed agonist-like properties of gp120s. Distinct gp120s influenced CCR5 dynamics differently, suggesting that they stabilize different CCR5 conformations. Then, using a dimerization-compromized mutant, we showed that dimerization (i) impacts CCR5 precoupling to G proteins, (ii) is a pre-requisite for the immobilization and clustering of receptors upon activation, and (iii) regulates receptor endocytosis, thereby impacting the fate of activated receptors. This study demonstrates that tracking the dynamic behavior of a GPCR is an efficient way to link GPCR conformations to their functions, therefore improving the development of drugs targeting specific receptor conformations.
Multi-omics analysis demonstrates a critical role for GLP methyltransferase in transcriptional repression during oogenesis
Authors: Demond Hannah , Hanna Courtney W. , Castillo-Fernandez Juan , Santos Fátima , Papachristou Evangelia K. , Segonds-Pichon Anne , Kishore Kamal , D’Santos Clive S. , Kelsey Gavin
Published: December 2021

GLP (EHMT1) is a multifunctional protein, best known for its role as an H3K9me1 and H3K9me2 methyltransferase through its reportedly obligatory dimerization with G9A (EHMT2). Here, we investigate the role of GLP in the oocyte in comparison to G9A using oocyte-specific conditional knockout mouse models (G9a cKO, Glp cKO, G9a-Glp cDKO). Loss of GLP in Glp cKO and G9a-Glp cDKO oocytes re-capitulated meiotic defects observed in the G9a cKO; however, there was a significant impairment in oocyte maturation and developmental competence in Glp cKO and G9a-Glp cDKO oocytes beyond that observed in the G9a cKO. Consequently, loss of GLP in oogenesis results upon fertilisation in mid-gestation embryonic lethality. To assess the molecular functions of GLP and G9A, we applied a multi-omics approach, supported by immunofluorescence, to identify changes in epigenomic, transcriptomic and proteomic signatures in cKO oocytes. H3K9me2 was equally depleted in all cKO oocytes, whereas H3K9me1 was decreased only upon loss of GLP. The transcriptome, DNA methylome and proteome were markedly more affected in G9a-Glp cDKO than G9a cKO oocytes, with transcriptional de-repression associated with increased protein abundance and gains in genic DNA methylation in G9a-Glp cDKO oocytes. Together, our findings suggest that GLP contributes to transcriptional repression in the oocyte, independent of G9A, and is critical for oogenesis and oocyte developmental competence.
Inhibition of autophagy as a novel therapy for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 tumors
Authors: Stevens M. , Wang Y. , Bouley S.J. , Mandigo T.R. , Sharma A. , Sengupta S. , Housden A. , Oltean S. , Perrimon N. , Walker J.A. , Housden B.E.
Published: December 2021

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with various symptoms including the formation of benign tumors along nerves. Drug treatments are currently limited. The MEK inhibitor selumetinib is used for a subset of cases but is not always effective and can cause side effects. Therefore, there is a clear need to discover new drugs to targetNF1-deficient tumor cells. Using aDrosophilacell model of NF1, we performed synthetic lethal screens to identify novel drug targets. We identified 54 candidates, which were validated with variable dose analysis as a secondary screen. Five candidates could be targeted using existing drugs, with autophagy inhibitors (chloroquine (CQ) and bafilomycin A1) showing the greatest potential for selectively killingNF1-deficientDrosophilacells. When further investigating autophagy-related genes, we found that 14 out of 30 genes tested had a synthetic lethal interaction withNF1. These 14 genes are involved in the regulation of all aspects of the autophagy pathway and can be targeted with additional autophagy drugs, although none were as effective as CQ. The lethal effect of autophagy inhibitors was conserved in a panel of humanNF1-deficient Schwann cell lines, highlighting their translational potential. The effect of CQ was also conserved in aDrosophila NF1 in vivomodel and in a xenograftedNF1-deficient tumor cell line in mice, with CQ treatment resulting in a more significant reduction in tumor growth than selumetinib treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment with CQ and selumetinib resulted in a further reduction inNF1-deficient cell viability. In conclusion,NF1-deficient cells are vulnerable to disruption of the autophagy pathway. This pathway represents a promising therapeutic target forNF1-associated tumors, and CQ was identified as a promising candidate drug for the treatment ofNF1tumors.
Global SLAM-Seq for accurate mRNA decay determination and identification of NMD targets
Authors: Alalam Hanna , Zepeda Jorge , Sunnerhagen Per
Published: December 2021

Gene expression analysis requires accurate measurements of global RNA degradation rates, earlier problematic with methods disruptive to cell physiology. Recently, metabolic RNA labeling emerged as an efficient and minimally invasive technique applied in mammalian cells. Here, we have adapted SH-Linked Alkylation for the Metabolic Sequencing of RNA (SLAM-Seq) for a global mRNA stability study in yeast using 4-thiouracil pulse-chase labeling. We assign high-confidence half-life estimates for 67.5 % of expressed ORFs, and measure a median half-life of 9.4 min. For mRNAs where half-life estimates exist in the literature, their ranking order was in good agreement with previous data, indicating that SLAM-Seq efficiently classifies stable and unstable transcripts.

We then leveraged our yeast protocol to identify targets of the Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway. There are currently no global reports of half-lives in both wild type and NMD defective yeast cells; instead steady-state RNA level changes are used as a proxy. With SLAM-Seq, we assign 580 transcripts as putative NMD targets, based on their measured half-lives in wild-type and upf3Δ mutants. We find 230 novel targets, and observe a strong agreement with previous reports of NMD targets, 60 % of our candidates being identified in previous studies.

This indicates that SLAM-Seq is a simpler and more economic method for global quantification of mRNA half-lives. Our adaptation for yeast yielded global quantitative measures of the NMD effect on transcript half-lives, high correlation with RNA half-lives measured previously with more technically challenging protocols, and identification of novel NMD regulated transcripts that escaped prior detection.
Polarized α-synuclein trafficking and transcytosis across Brain Endothelial Cells via Rab7-decorated carriers
Authors: Alam Parvez , Holst Mikkel R. , Lauritsen Line , Nielsen Janni , Nielsen Simone S. E. , Jensen Poul Henning , Brewer Jonathan R. , Otzen Daniel E. , Nielsen Morten S.
Published: December 2021

Parkinson’s disease is mainly caused by aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain. Exchange of α-syn between the brain and peripheral tissues could have important pathophysiological and therapeutic implications, but the trafficking mechanism of α-syn across the blood brain barrier (BBB) remains unclear. In this study, we therefore investigated uptake and transport mechanisms of α-syn monomers and oligomers across an in vitro BBB model system. Both α-syn monomers and oligomers were internalized by primary brain endothelial cells, with increased restriction of oligomeric over monomeric transport. To enlighten the trafficking route of monomeric α-syn in brain endothelial cells, we investigated co-localization of α-syn and intracellular markers of vesicular transport. Here, we observed the highest colocalization with clathrin, Rab7 and VPS35, suggesting a clathrin-dependent internalization, preferentially followed by a late endosome retromer-connected trafficking pathway. Furthermore, STED microscopy revealed monomeric α-syn trafficking via Rab7-decorated carriers. Knockdown of Caveolin1, VPS35, and Rab7 using siRNA did not affect monomeric α-syn uptake into endothelial cells. However, it significantly reduced transcytosis of monomeric α-syn in the luminal-abluminal direction, suggesting a polarized regulation of monomeric α-syn vesicular transport. Our findings suggest a direct role for Rab7 in polarized trafficking of monomeric α-syn across BBB endothelium, and the potential of Rab7 directed trafficking to constitute a target pathway for new therapeutic strategies against Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies.

Significance Statement

In the submitted manuscript, we describe the use of a state-of-the-art porcine blood-brain barrier model based on primary cells to get information about this important issue. We identify several hitherto undescribed cellular pathways to mediate polarized transport of alpha-synuclein. One of these paths we find regulated by Rab7 and can be inhibited by targeting several intracellular proteins such as VPS35, Caveolin1 and Rab7. New knowledge describing brain endothelial intracellular transport systems are highly warranted for identifying new target to alleviate Parkinson’s disease. We believe that our findings could be the seed to establish new therapeutic strategies against Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies.
Accessible Region Conformation Capture (ARC-C) gives high-resolution insights into genome architecture and regulation
Authors: Huang Ni , Seow Wei Qiang , Appert Alex , Dong Yan , Stempor Przemyslaw , Ahringer Julie
Published: December 2021

Nuclear organization and chromatin interactions are important for genome function, yet determining chromatin connections at high resolution remains a major challenge. To address this, we developed Accessible Region Conformation Capture (ARC-C), which profiles interactions between regulatory elements genome-wide without a capture step. Applied to Caenorhabditis elegans, ARC-C identifies approximately 15,000 significant interactions between regulatory elements at 500-bp resolution. Of 105 TFs or chromatin regulators tested, we find that the binding sites of 60 are enriched for interacting with each other, making them candidates for mediating interactions. These include cohesin and condensin II. Applying ARC-C to a mutant of transcription factor BLMP-1 detected changes in interactions between its targets. ARC-C simultaneously profiles domain-level architecture, and we observe that C. elegans chromatin domains defined by either active or repressive modifications form topologically associating domains (TADs) that interact with A/B (active/inactive) compartment-like structure. Furthermore, we discover that inactive compartment interactions are dependent on H3K9 methylation. ARC-C is a powerful new tool to interrogate genome architecture and regulatory interactions at high resolution.
HERMES – a GUI-based software tool for pre-processing of X-ray absorption spectroscopy data from laboratory Rowland circle spectrometers
Authors: Seddon-Ferretti Marco E. , Mottram Lucy M. , Stennett Martin C. , Corkhill Claire L. , Hyatt Neil C.
Published: December 2021

HERMES, a graphical user interface software tool, is presented, for pre-processing X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data from laboratory Rowland circle spectrometers, to meet the data handling needs of a growing community of practice. HERMES enables laboratory XAS data to be displayed for quality assessment, merging of data sets, polynomial fitting of smoothly varying data, and correction of data to the true energy scale and for dead-time and leakage effects. The software is written in Java 15 programming language, and runs on major computer operating systems, with graphics implementation using the JFreeChart toolkit. HERMES is freely available and distributed under an open source licence.
A framework for facilities management supply chain performance evaluation: case study of hotel buildings
Authors: Abdeen Fathima Nishara , Sandanayake Yasangika Gayani , Ramachandra Thanuja
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The performance of the facilities management supply chain (FMSC) in the hotel sector is challenged by the diverse nature of parties involved, their relationships and the flows of services and products. Although performance measurement systems have been endorsed by researchers worldwide as a mechanism to evaluate and improve performance, there seems lack of mechanisms to evaluate the FMSC performance in hotels. Hence, this paper aims to develop a framework that would enable to evaluate FMSC performance in hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study strategy was used, where 3 five-star hotels in Sri Lanka were studied for the purpose. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 21 professionals involved in FMSC and through document reviews. A content analysis was performed and the framework was developed. This was validated with 3 subject matter experts in the field.

Findings

The study findings revealed that the FMSC process is different from manufacturing and service supply chain (SC) processes as it comprises both product and service elements and incorporates internal, as well as external customers. The developed FMSC process comprises seven sub-processes as follows: delivery of products, delivery of services, sourcing, make/fulfil, delivery of FM services and products, receipt of FM services and receipt of products by customers. Based on the derived FMSC process and the key activities, 38 key performance indicators were developed and used in the framework to evaluate the performance of FMSC.

Originality/value

The developed performance evaluation framework is expected to facilitate performance measurement of the SC and enhance its performance. Further, it would enhance cooperation among FMSC partners and assist in achieving FMSC excellence.
Stakeholder management strategies employed on building projects procured by private corporate organisations in south-western Nigeria
Authors: Olatunde Nathaniel Ayinde
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Advocates of structured stakeholder management (SM) processes have emphasized the use of the appropriate strategies as the most important process in SM. Yet, research effort in this regard in developing countries has been inadequate. The purpose of the study was to examine the SM strategies used on building projects procured by private corporate organisations in south-western Nigeria to enhance project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a census survey to select 30 projects managers who indicated (from 106 who responded to a first stage questionnaire) that they have participated in structured SM in the study area between 2008 and 2017. A second-stage questionnaire was designed to elicit information from the respondents. Data analysis was done with the use of frequency, percentile and mean score (MS) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

Stakeholders with high power and high interest were managed with the use of “collaborate/partner” strategy (MS = 3.86), stakeholders with high power and low interest were “kept satisfied” (MS = 4.09), stakeholders with low power and high interest were managed by using “keep them informed regularly” strategy (MS = 4.10) and stakeholders with low power and low interest were managed using “monitor and respond when necessary” strategy (M = 3.94). Further results show that static stakeholders with high power were managed by using the “monitor constantly” strategy (MS = 4.11), stakeholders with high power, high legitimacy and high urgency were managed by adopting the “keep satisfied” strategy (MS = 4.26), to manage non-supportive stakeholders, project managers adopted the “keep satisfied” strategy (MS = 4.18) and supportive stakeholders were managed by using “involved” strategy (MS = 4.02). More results showed that there is no significant difference in the opinion of project managers on SM strategies employed irrespective of procurement method.

Practical implications

The study provided a guide to project managers on the appropriate SM strategies to use for future projects.

Originality/value

The study was an attempt to appraise the SM strategies in relation to the procurement methods and their relationship with project performance.
Home, work or both? The role of paradox mindset in a remote work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nadiv Ronit
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Why did some individuals have relatively little trouble balancing work and home demands during the COVID-19 lockdown, while others felt overwhelmed? Although ample studies have recently been generated regarding COVID-19 employment challenges, this question has not yet received sufficient scholarly attention. This research integrates work–home conflict theories with the paradox-mindset framework, in order to suggest a new theoretical approach for understanding individual differences in addressing work–home conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

During the first two weeks of the COVID-19 epidemic in Israel, the author gathered 117 completed questionnaires from their colleagues in the Israeli higher-education system, who were working remotely and teaching online during the lockdown imposed to control the epidemic. Based on a path-model analysis, the author examined whether their experiences of strain and tension in the work domain might be indirectly and positively associated with workplace outcomes via positive associations between these experiences and paradox mindset, as well as negative associations between paradox mindset and work-to-home conflict (WTH) and home-to-work (HTW) conflict.

Findings

The study findings highlight the beneficial effect of paradox mindset on the experience of work–home conflict and its outcomes. Although working remotely has great potential to increase the strain and tension experienced by employees, applying a paradox mindset reduces the experience of work–home conflict and is positively associated with certain work outcomes.

Originality/value

This research integrates work–home conflict theories with the paradox-mindset framework. The beneficial effects of a paradox mindset on the experience of work–home conflict and its outcomes are highlighted.
How does model type influence consumer and online fashion retailing?
Authors: Liang Xiaobei , Hu Xiaojuan , Meng Hu , Jiang Jiang , Wang Guanhua
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Model's physical attractiveness plays an important role in online shopping. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships among model type, consumer's perceived amount of information and consumer's approach behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Construal level theory and anchoring effect are used to develop hypotheses. The authors conducted an online experiment in China, and 229 females participated in this experiment.

Findings

Compared with the professional model, the nonprofessional model triggers consumers' more perceived amount of information and approach behaviour. The latter effect is significantly enhanced in the website retailing context. Moreover, perceived amount of information positively affects approach behaviour.

Practical implications

The findings can help fashion brands understand the roles of model type and the online retailing context in consumer behaviour. It offers guidance on how to improve its marketing strategy scientifically. It can also provide consumers with suggestions for making objective purchasing decisions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the effects of two model types (professional model or nonprofessional model) on consumers' perceived amount of information and approach behaviour within two online retailing contexts (website stores or webcast studio).
Fracture properties of GGBS-dolomite geopolymer concrete
Authors: P. Saranya , Nagarajan Praveen , Shashikala A.P.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to predict the fracture properties of geopolymer concrete, which is necessary for studying failure behaviour of concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

Geopolymers are new alternative binders for cement in which polymerization gives strength to concrete rather than through hydration. Geopolymer concrete was developed from industrial byproducts such as GGBS and dolomite. Present study estimates the fracture energy of GGBS geopolymer concrete using three point bending test (RILEM TC50-FMC) with different percentages of dolomite and compare with cement concrete having same strength.

Findings

The fracture properties such as peak load, critical stress intensity factor, fracture energy and characteristic length are found to be higher for GGBS-dolomite geopolymer concrete, when their proportion becomes 70:30.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original experimental work.
Achieving green product and process innovation through green leadership and creative engagement in manufacturing
Authors: Begum Saira , Xia Enjun , Ali Fayaz , Awan Usama , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aims of this study were three-fold: to determine the impact of green transformational leadership on creative process engagement, green product innovation and green process innovation; to examine the association of creative process engagement with green product and process innovation and to identify the mediating influence of creative process engagement in the association between green transformational leadership and green process and product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a survey questionnaire from 291 middle- and lower-level managers and employees through simple random sampling in four high-tech manufacturing industries situated in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen in China. We examined the data through structural equation modeling using partial least squares to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The findings unveiled that green transformational leadership and creative process engagement positively influence green product innovation and green process innovation. Similarly, green transformational leadership is positively linked with creative process engagement. The findings further revealed that creative process engagement mediates the impact of green transformational leadership on green process and product innovation. Hence, our findings provide strong support for the role of green transformational leadership and creative process engagement in improving green process and product innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Our sample is limited to China and collected from high-tech manufacturing industries.

Practical implications

Drawing on the componential theory of creativity, the authors suggest that organizational leaders, specifically those who practice green transformational leadership, should increase creative process engagement among subordinates, as it is a crucial intangible resource for green process and product innovation.

Social implications

We suggest that a combination of green transformational leadership and creative process engagement improves green process and product innovation as well as the environmental performance of a business by eliminating all forms of hazardous material and waste.

Originality/value

This work is one of the earliest empirical studies to evaluate the influence of green transformational leadership on fostering green product and process innovation and the mediating impact of creative process engagement on the linkage among green transformational leadership, green product and process innovation within the manufacturing context.
Analysing stimuli and barriers, failure and resilience in companies’ internationalization: a systematic and bibliometric review
Authors: Martins Rui , Farinha Luis , Ferreira Joao J.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to systematize and analyze the internationalization of companies in an attempt to identify the main themes explored in the literature – What does the current state of the art tell us about the stimuli and barriers, failures and resilience in the internationalization of companies is what the authors set out to answer with this research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers a systematic review based on the bibliometric mapping techniques of 218 articles collected from the Web of Science database between 1996 and 2021.

Findings

Furthermore, contributing to literature by the logic of stimuli, barriers failure in internationalization companies. The main conclusion is that, from the analysis, the authors can see that the scientific production in this field of knowledge has intensified in recent years, but the centrality and the search density undergo major changes.

Originality/value

The main research contributions enable a better understanding of the involvement of failure and resilience in companies re-internationalization and suggestions for future studies in this field.
Elasticity investigation of thin cellular structure films for piezoelectric sensors
Authors: Klimiec Ewa , Zachariasz Piotr , Kaczmarek Halina , Królikowski Bogusław , Mackiewicz Sławomir
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present the details of isotactic polypropylene (it-PP) films with a cellular structure (air-cavities) dedicated to pressure sensors. The polymer composites (thin films enriched with 5 and 10 wt% of mineral fillers as Sillikolloid P 87 and glass beads) should exhibit suitable structural elasticity within specific stress ranges. After the deformation force is removed, the sensor material must completely restore its original shape and size.

Design/methodology/approach

Estimating the stiffness tensor element (C33) for polymer films (nonpolar space-charge electrets) by broadband resonance ultrasound spectroscopy is a relatively simple method of determining the safe stress range generated in thin pressure sensors. Therefore, ultrasonic and piezoelectric studies were carried out on four composite it-PP films. First, the longitudinal velocity (vL) of ultrasonic waves passing through the it-PP film in the z-direction (thickness) was evaluated from theω-position of mechanical resonance of the so-called insertion loss function. In turn, thed33coefficient was calculated from accumulated piezoelectric charge density response to mechanical stress.

Findings

Research is at an early stage; however, it can be seen that the mechanical orientation of the it-PP film improves its piezoelectric properties. Moreover, the three-year electric charge stability of the it-PP film seems promising.

Originality/value

Ultrasonic spectroscopy can be successfully handled as a validation method in the small-lot production of polymer films with the air-cavities structure intended for pressure sensors. The structural repeatability of polymer films is strongly related to a homogeneous distribution of the electric charge on the electret surface.
Combined fluid factor and brittleness index inversion for coal‐measure gas reservoirs
Authors: Wu Haibo , Wu Rongxin , Zhang Pingsong , Huang Yanhui , Huang Yaping , Dong Shouhua
Published: December 2021

Gas content and brittleness characteristics, which are mostly quantified using the fluid factor and brittleness index, are the key factors in the evaluation of coal‐measure gas reservoirs, which are similar to traditional unconventional gas reservoirs. However, most previous seismic inversion research and evaluations only focused on one of the parameters. Therefore, in this study, we performed a combined inversion of the fluid factor and brittleness index based on pre‐stack seismic records collected from a typical coal‐measure gas block in the Sichuan Basin. First, a new P–P wave reflection coefficient approximation based on both parameters was derived, and the precision and sensitivity of the inversion parameters were analysed. We then constructed a new inversion equation based on Bayes’ theorem. The logging curves obtained for a typical coal‐measure gas well and through pre‐stack seismic profile were used to evaluate the inversion method. The results of the model test and profile inversion at the well location were in good agreement with the original logging values. Finally, we analysed and discussed the results of the inversion of both parameters for the evaluation of the gas content and brittleness characteristics of the target reservoirs.
How do executives communicate about crises? A framework for comparative analysis
Authors: EISELE OLGA , TOLOCHKO PETRO , BOOMGAARDEN HAJO G.
Published: December 2021

A plethora of accumulating crises, and the public frustration with how they were tackled, have provided fertile ground for growing public scepticism towards the European Union (EU). The way in which political leaders manage these crises may well decide the future of the EU. Research has addressed these developments comprehensively. However, it has not, to date, provided an adequate analytical lens to confront the crisis theme explicitly and therefore needs analytical advancement. We contribute to the debate by developing a framework for comparative analysis and evaluation of public political crisis communication, identifying four aspects along which public political crisis communication can be analysed: (1) how accessible it is, (2) how well it can contribute to allaying fears, (3) to what extent it accommodates public concerns, and (4) how politically aligned crisis managers are in their communication. We analyse a dataset of 10 years of speeches and press releases of the governments of Austria, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom in addition to the EU's executive institutions (EU Commission and Councils). Drawing on different approaches to automated text analysis, we score texts on the four identified dimensions and draw dimensions together in a holistic similarity index. Results demonstrate the cohesion of crisis‐relevant communication in contrast to non‐relevant communication. They also show that accommodation, is consistently emphasised more in crisis than in non‐crisis communication; however, political crisis managers have practiced a politics of fear rather than allaying concerns, potentially fuelling political frustration and disenchantment. In addition, the EU's crisis communication is not found to be different from communication about non‐crisis topics, opening up avenues for future research concerned with legitimation processes at different political levels. Overall, the results do partly resonate with the insights provided by the existing literature but also shine a new, holistic light on how political executives have managed crises in the past decade.
A note on performance indicators for agricultural economic journals
Authors: Finger Robert , Droste Nils , Bartkowski Bartosz , Ang Frederic
Published: December 2021

We investigate various performance indicators of ten leading journals in the field of Agricultural Economics and Policy over the period from 2000 to 2020. More specifically, we combine various data sources to derive a coherent record of indicators including acceptance rates, times between submission and first response and impact factors. We show that, for the discipline at large, the turn‐around times have decreased, and impact factors have increased substantially over time. However, this has been accompanied by a sharp decrease in the proportion of accepted articles. Our analysis also reveals large differences across journals in all dimensions. Results show there is no free lunch, that is, authors face trade‐offs. For example, submitting to a higher impact factor journal means on average longer turn‐around time and lower acceptance rates. The dataset compiled and presented here gives the first coherent overview of relevant information to guide authors’ submission decisions, and inform our fellow professionals.