bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using fecal immunochemical tubes for the analysis of the gut microbiome has the potential to improve colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Krigul Kertu Liis , Aasmets Oliver , Lüll Kreete , Org Tõnis , Org Elin
Published: March 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important and challenging public health problem which successful treatment depends on the early detection of the disease. Recently, colorectal cancer specific microbiome signatures have been proposed as an additional marker for CRC detection. A desirable aim would be the possibility to analyze microbiome from the fecal samples collected during CRC screening programs into FIT tubes for fecal occult blood testing.

Methods

We investigated the impact of the Fecal Immunohistochemical Test (FIT) and stabilization buffer on the microbial community structure in stool samples from 30 volunteers and compared their communities to fresh-frozen samples highlighting also the previously published cancer-specific communities. Altogether 214 samples were analyzed including positive and negative controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The variation between individuals is greater than the differences introduced by collection strategy. The vast majority of the genera are stable for up to 7 days. None of the changes observed between fresh frozen samples and FIT tubes are related to previously shown colorectal-cancer specific bacteria.

Conclusions

Overall, our results show that FIT tubes can be used for profiling the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer screening programs as the community is similar to fresh frozen samples and stable at least for 7 days.

Impact

Sample material from FIT tubes could be used in addition to fecal immunochemical tests for future investigations into the role of gut microbiota in colorectal cancer screening programs circumventing the need to collect additional samples and possibly improving the sensitivity of FIT.
A two-hit epistasis model prevents core genome disharmony in recombining bacteria
Authors: Taylor Aidan J. , Yahara Koji , Pascoe Ben , Mageiros Leonardos , Mourkas Evangelos , Calland Jessica K , Puranen Santeri , Hitchings Matthew D. , Jolley Keith A. , Kobras Carolin M. , Bayliss Sion , Williams Nicola J. , van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , Parkhill Julian , Maiden Martin C. J. , Corander Jukka , Hurst Laurence D , Falush Daniel , Keim Paul , Didelot Xavier , Kelly David J. , Sheppard Samuel K.
Published: March 2021

Significance Statement

Genetic exchange among bacteria shapes the microbial world. From the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes to fundamental questions about the nature of bacterial species, this powerful evolutionary force has preoccupied scientists for decades. However, the mixing of genes between species rests on a paradox. On one hand, promoting adaptation by conferring novel functionality, on the other potentially introducing disharmonious gene combinations (negative epistasis) that will be selected against. Taking an interdisciplinary approach to analyse natural populations of the enteric bacteriaCampylobacter, an ideal example of long-range admixture, we demonstrate that genes can independently transfer across species boundaries and rejoin in epistasis in a recipient genome. This challenges conventional ideas and highlights the possibility of single step evolution by saltation.

Recombination of short DNA fragments via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can both introduce beneficial alleles and create genomic disharmony through negative epistasis. For non-core (accessory) genes, the negative epistatic cost is likely to be minimal because the incoming genes have not co-evolved with the recipient genome. By contrast, for the core genome, interspecific recombination is expected to be rare because disruptive allelic replacement is likely to introduce negative epistasis. Why then is homologous recombination common in the core of bacterial genomes? To understand this enigma we take advantage of an exceptional model system, the common enteric pathogensCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coli, that are known for very high magnitude interspecies gene flow in the core genome. As expected, HGT does indeed disrupt co-adapted allele pairings (negative epistasis). However, multiple HGT events enable recovery of the genome’s co-adaption between introgressing alleles, even in core metabolism genes (e.g., formate dehydrogenase). These findings demonstrate that, even for complex traits, genetic coalitions can be decoupled, transferred and independently reinstated in a new genetic background – facilitating transition between fitness peaks. In this example, the two-step recombinational process is associated withC. colithat are adapted to the agricultural niche.
First isolation of virulentTenacibaculum maritimumstrains from diseased orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis) farmed in Tahiti Island
Authors: Lopez Pierre , Saulnier Denis , Swarup-Gaucher Shital , David Rarahu , Lau Christophe , Taputuarai Revahere , Belliard Corinne , Basset Caline , Labrune Victor , Marie Arnaud , Bernardet Jean François , Duchaud Eric
Published: March 2021

The orbicular batfish (Platax orbicularis), also called ‘Paraha peue’ in Tahitian, is the most important marine fish species reared in French Polynesia. Sudden and widespread outbreaks of severe ‘white-patch disease’ have occurred since 2011 in batfish farms one to three weeks after the transfer of juveniles from bio-secured hatcheries to lagoon cages. With cumulative mortality ranging from 20 to 90%, the sustainability of aquaculture of this species is severely threatened.

In this study, we describe for the first time the isolation from diseased batfish of several strains belonging to the speciesTenacibaculum maritimum, a major pathogen of many marine fish species. Histopathological analysis, an experimental bath challenge and a field monitoring study showed thatT. maritimumis associated with white-patch disease. Moreover, molecular and serological analyses performed on representative strains revealed some degree of genetic diversity among the isolates, a finding of primary importance for epidemiological studies and for the development of management and control strategies such as vaccination.
Infective prey leads to a partial role reversal in a predator-prey interaction
Authors: Kaitala Veijo , Koivu-Jolma Mikko , Laakso Jouni
Published: March 2021

An infective prey has the potential to infect, kill and consume its predator. Such a prey-predator relationship fundamentally differs from the classical Lotka-Volterra predator-prey premise because the prey can directly profit from the predator as a growth resource. Here we present a population dynamics model of partial role reversal in the predator-prey interaction. We parametrize the model to represent the predator-prey interaction of sea cucumberApostichopus japonicusand bacteriumVibrio splendidus. We observe that two major factors stabilize the predator-prey interaction. First, the partial role reversal in the predator-prey community stabilizes the predator-prey interaction. Second, if the predator is a generalist and follows the type I functional response in attacking the prey, the predator-prey interaction is stable. We also analysed the conditions for species extinction. The extinction of the prey,V. splendidus, may occur when its growth rate is low, or in the absence of infectivity. The extinction of the predator,A. japonicus, may follow if either the infectivity of the prey is high or a moderately infective prey is abundant. We conclude that partial role reversal is an underestimated subject in predator-prey studies.
Amplitude and phase coupling optimize information transfer between brain networks that function at criticality
Authors: Avramiea Arthur-Ervin , Masood Anas , Mansvelder Huibert D. , Linkenkaer-Hansen Klaus
Published: March 2021

Brain function depends on segregation and integration of information processing in brain networks often separated by long-range anatomical connections. Neuronal oscillations orchestrate such distributed processing through transient amplitude and phase coupling, yet surprisingly little is known about local network properties facilitating these functional connections. Here, we test whether criticality—a dynamical state characterized by scale-free oscillations—optimizes the capacity of neuronal networks to couple through amplitude or phase, and transfer information. We coupledin siliconetworks with varying excitatory and inhibitory connectivity, and found that phase coupling emerges at criticality, and that amplitude coupling, as well as information transfer, are maximal when networks are critical. Importantly, regulating criticality through neuromodulation of synaptic strength showed that critical dynamics—as opposed to a static ratio of excitatory and inhibitory connections—optimize network coupling and information transfer. Our data support the idea that criticality is important for local and global information processing and may help explain why brain disorders characterized by local alterations in criticality also exhibit impaired long-range synchrony, even prior to degeneration of axonal connections.
A Bioinformatic and Empiric Exploration of Prokaryotic Argonautes as Novel Programmable Endonuclease Systems
Authors: Salic Sejla , Sieber Anna , Barbaria Samir , Vasilyev Anatoly , Papadimou Elisavet , Milosavljevic Nevena , Klapholz Benjamin , Sivapalan Rohan , Collingwood Trevor , Henley Tom , Choudhry Modassir , Bürckstümmer Tilmann
Published: March 2021

Argonautes are nucleases that can be programmed by short oligonucleotides to cleave complementary sequences. Here, we performed an unbiased bioinformatic search to mine bacterial genomes for prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgos) harboring a PIWI domain. Our search identified 3,033 pAgos in total, of which 1,464 portend to the subgroup of long pAgos with more than 600 amino acids. We purified a subset of 49 pAgos which were found in proximity to helicases and tested their nuclease activityin vitro. Ten of these were active towards single-stranded DNA substrates and this activity could be programmed by exogenous guide DNAs or RNAs. Cleavage of double-stranded plasmid DNA was much less readily observed and was fostered by elevated temperatures or exogenous addition of a DNA single-strand binding protein (ET-SSB). The efficiency of pAgo-mediated plasmid cleavage was dependent on the DNA target sequence as well as the surrounding sequence, suggesting that unwinding of the DNA double helix was a limiting factor. Intriguingly, we identified a cluster of pAgos from the Clostridial clade which was active at 37°C and activity was enhanced by exogenous ET-SSB. This suggests that Clostridial pAgos may be particularly suited to catalyze DNA double-strand cleavage and implies that such pAgos may be repurposed as gene editing tools in future.
Toward quantifying the adaptive role of bacterial pangenomes during environmental perturbations
Authors: Conrad Roth E. , Viver Tomeu , Gago Juan F. , Hatt Janet K. , Venter Fanus , Rosselló-Móra Ramon , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: March 2021

Metagenomic surveys have revealed that natural microbial communities are predominantly composed of sequence-discrete, species-like populations but the genetic and/or ecological mechanisms that maintain such populations remain speculative, limiting our understanding of population speciation and adaptation to environmental perturbations. To address this knowledge gap, we sequenced 112Salinibacter ruberisolates and 12 companion metagenomes recovered from four adjacent saltern ponds in Mallorca, Spain that were experimentally manipulated to dramatically alter salinity and light intensity, the two major drivers of these ecosystems. Our analyses showed that the pangenome of the localSal. ruberpopulation is open and similar in size (∼15,000 genes) to that of randomly sampledEscherichia coligenomes. While most of the accessory (non-core) genes showed lowin situcoverage based on the metagenomes compared to the core genes, indicating that they were functionally unimportant and/or ephemeral, 3.49% of them became abundant when salinity (but not light intensity) conditions changed and encoded for functions related to osmoregulation. Nonetheless, the ecological advantage of these genes, while significant, was apparently not strong enough to purge diversity within the population. Collectively, our results revealed a possible mechanism for how this immense gene diversity is maintained, which has implications for the prokaryotic species concept.

Significance Statement

The pangenomes of bacterial species, i.e., the number of non-redundant genes carried by members of the species, can be enormous based on the genome sequencing of isolates from various sites around the globe and different years. However, to what extent this pattern of gene diversity applies to natural bacterial populations, i.e., strains co-occurring in the same site, and the value of this diversity for population adaptation during environmental transition remains unclear. This study showed that while the pangenome of a natural population can be similarly large, only a small fraction of the pangenome appears to be functionally important when conditions change. Taken together, these results provided quantitative insights into the extent and functional significance of the accessory pangenome of a natural, species-like population.
A single amino acid polymorphism in a conserved effector of the multihost blast fungus pathogen expands host-target binding spectrum
Authors: Bentham Adam R. , Petit-Houdenot Yohann , Win Joe , Chuma Izumi , Terauchi Ryohei , Banfield Mark J. , Kamoun Sophien , Langner Thorsten
Published: March 2021

Accelerated gene evolution is a hallmark of pathogen adaptation and specialization following host-jumps. However, the molecular processes associated with adaptive evolution between host-specific lineages of a multihost plant pathogen remain poorly understood. In the blast fungusMagnaporthe oryzae(Syn.Pyricularia oryzae),host specialization on different grass hosts is generally associated with dynamic patterns of gain and loss of virulence effector genes that tend to define the distinct genetic lineages of this pathogen. Here, we unravelled the biochemical and structural basis of adaptive evolution of APikL2, an exceptionally conserved paralog of the well-studied rice-lineage specific effector AVR-Pik. Whereas AVR-Pik and other members of the six-gene AVR-Pik family show specific patterns of presence/absence polymorphisms between grassspecific lineages ofM. oryzae,APikL2 stands out by being ubiquitously present in all blast fungus lineages from 13 different host species. Using biochemical, biophysical and structural biology methods, we show that a single aspartate to asparagine polymorphism expands the binding spectrum of APikL2 to host proteins of the heavy-metal associated (HMA) domain family. This mutation maps to one of the APikL2-HMA binding interfaces and contributes to an altered hydrogen-bonding network. By combining phylogenetic ancestral reconstruction with an analysis of the structural consequences of allelic diversification, we revealed a common mechanism of effector specialization in the AVR-Pik/APikL2 family that involves two major HMA-binding interfaces. Together, our findings provide a detailed molecular evolution and structural biology framework for diversification and adaptation of a fungal pathogen effector family following host-jumps.
Analysis of the PcrA-RNA polymerase complex reveals a helicase interaction motif and a role for PcrA/UvrD helicase in the suppression of R-loops
Authors: Urrutia-Irazabal I. , Ault  , Sobott F. , Savery N.J. , Dillingham M.S.
Published: March 2021

The PcrA/UvrD helicase binds directly to RNA polymerase (RNAP) but the structural basis for this interaction and its functional significance have remained unclear. In this work we used biochemical assays and hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry to study the PcrA-RNAP complex. We find that PcrA binds tightly to a transcription elongation complex in a manner dependent on protein:protein interaction with the conserved PcrA C-terminal Tudor domain. The helicase binds predominantly to two positions on the surface of RNAP. The PcrA C-terminal domain engages a conserved region in a lineage-specific insert within the β subunit which we identify as a helicase interaction motif present in many other PcrA partner proteins, including the nucleotide excision repair factor UvrB. The catalytic core of the helicase binds near the RNA and DNA exit channels and blocking PcrA activityin vivoleads to the accumulation of R-loops. We propose a role for PcrA as an R-loop suppression factor that helps to minimise conflicts between transcription and other processes on DNA including replication.
DNA methylation clocks show slower progression of aging in naked mole-rat queens
Authors: Horvath Steve , Haghani Amin , Macoretta Nicholas , Ablaeva Julia , Zoller Joseph A. , Li Caesar Z. , Zhang Joshua , Takasugi Masaki , Zhao Yang , Rydkina Elena , Zhang Zhihui , Emmrich Stephan , Raj Ken , Seluanov Andrei , Faulkes Chris G. , Gorbunova Vera
Published: March 2021

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) live an exceptionally long life, appear not to exhibit age-related decline in physiological capacity, and are seemingly resistant to age-related diseases. However, it has been unknown whether NMRs also evade aging according to a primary hallmark of aging: epigenetic changes. To address this question, we generated DNA methylation profiles from 329 tissues from animals of known age, at loci that are highly conserved between mammalian species, using a custom Infinium array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40). We observed strong aging effects on NMR DNA methylation, from which we developed seven highly accurate age estimators (epigenetic clocks) for several tissues (pan-tissue, blood, kidney clock, liver clock, skin clock) and two dual species (human-NMR) clocks. By identifying age-related cytosine methylation that are shared between NMR and humans, but not with the mouse, we identified genes and cellular pathways that impinge on developmental and metabolic processes that are potentially involved in NMR and human longevity. The NMR epigenetic clocks revealed that breeding NMR queens age more slowly than non-breeders, a feature that is also observed in some eusocial insects. CpGs associated with queen status were located near developmental genes and those that are regulated by theLHX3transcription factor that controls pituitary development. In summary, our study demonstrates that despite a phenotype of reduced senescence, the NMR ages epigenetically through developmental and metabolic processes, and that NMR queens age more slowly than non-breeders.
A ROR2 coding variant is associated with craniofacial variation in domestic pigeons
Authors: Boer Elena F. , Van Hollebeke Hannah F. , Holt Carson , Yandell Mark , Shapiro Michael D.
Published: March 2021

Vertebrate craniofacial morphogenesis is a highly orchestrated process that is directed by evolutionarily conserved developmental pathways 1,2. Within species, canalized developmental programs typically produce only modest morphological variation. However, as a result of millennia of artificial selection, the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) displays radical variation in craniofacial morphology within a single species. One of the most striking cases of pigeon craniofacial variation is the short beak phenotype, which has been selected in numerous breeds. Classical genetic experiments suggest that pigeon beak length is regulated by a small number of genetic factors, one of which is sex-linked (Ku2 locus) 3–5. However, the molecular genetic underpinnings of pigeon craniofacial variation remain unknown. To determine the genetic basis of the short beak phenotype, we used geometric morphometrics and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping on an F2 intercross between a short-beaked Old German Owl (OGO) and a medium-beaked Racing Homer (RH). We identified a single locus on the Z-chromosome that explains a majority of the variation in beak morphology in the RH x OGO F2 population. In complementary comparative genomic analyses, we found that the same locus is also strongly differentiated between breeds with short and medium beaks. Within the differentiated Ku2 locus, we identified an amino acid substitution in the non-canonical Wnt receptor ROR2 as a putative regulator of pigeon beak length. The non-canonical Wnt (planar cell polarity) pathway serves critical roles in vertebrate neural crest cell migration and craniofacial morphogenesis 6,7. In humans, homozygous ROR2 mutations cause autosomal recessive Robinow syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities, including a widened and shortened facial skeleton 8,9. Our results illustrate how the extraordinary craniofacial variation among pigeons can reveal genetic regulators of vertebrate craniofacial diversity.
Implications of cholesterol and sphingomyelin in STING phosphorylation by TBK1
Authors: Takahashi Kanoko , Niki Takahiro , Ogawa Emari , Fumika Kiku , Nishioka Yu , Sawa Masaaki , Arai Hiroyuki , Mukai Kojiro , Taguchi Tomohiko
Published: March 2021

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is essential for the type I interferon response induced by microbial DNA from virus or self-DNA from mitochondria/nuclei. In response to emergence of such DNAs in the cytosol, STING translocates from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi, and activates TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Activated TBK1 then phosphorylates STING at Ser365, generating an interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-docking site on STING. How this reaction proceeds specifically at the TGN remains poorly understood. Here we report a cell-free reaction in which endogenous STING is phosphorylated by TBK1. The reaction utilizes microsomal membrane fraction prepared from TBK1-knockout (KO) cells and recombinant TBK1. We observed agonist-, TBK1-, “ER-to-Golgi” traffic-, and palmitoylation-dependent phosphorylation of STING at Ser365, mirroring the nature of STING phosphorylationin vivo.Treating the microsomal membrane fraction with sphingomyelinase or methyl-β-cyclodextrin, an agent to extract cholesterol from membranes, suppressed the phosphorylation of STING by TBK1. Given the enrichment of sphingomyelin and cholesterol in the TGN, these results may provide the molecular basis underlying the specific phosphorylation reaction of STING at the TGN.
The impact of a humanitarian disaster on the working approach of accountants: a study of contingent effects
Authors: Carungu Jonida , Di Pietra Roberto , Molinari Matteo
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a humanitarian disaster as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shapes the working approach of accountants. This research is motivated by the call for more in-depth analyses of how COVID-19 affects the work, role and human condition of accountants. The study aims to discover the contingent effects, based on the contingency theory, on accountants' work due to a disaster like COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study with an action research approach. The research relies on semi-structured interviews and the active participation of a co-author in a professional organisation under investigation. Data collected are analysed using thematic analysis through an inductive interpretative approach.

Findings

The contingent shock embodies both a reactive and adaptive approach in the accountants' professional work. From a theoretical perspective, this study identifies nine contingent phases related to shock. The accountants' experience helps to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic contingently shapes the working approach of accountants with both short- and long-term organisational implications.

Originality/value

Based on the literature survey, this is the first study to adopt an action research approach to engage with the complex dynamics involved in the social context of COVID-19 by discovering the effective actions, reactions, changes and solutions to problems experienced by professional accountants. This approach helps to build knowledge that enhances professional, and community practises by answering the call for multidisciplinary contributions in accounting to address the global COVID-19 crisis, its impacts and opportunities for future research.
Dwellers' perception on challenges and motivators of greening existing buildings in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Julayhe Nurnazerah , Rahman Md Motiar
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Greening existing buildings (GEB) considerably improves energy efficiency of old buildings, along with other benefits, but it is not widely practiced. As a part of a wider study, this paper aims to evaluate the perception of building dwellers/owners on the challenges and motivators to GEB in Brunei Darussalam.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey collected 109 responses from building owners/dwellers. Cronbach's alpha tested the reliability of the data collected. One-sample t-test examined if sample means are consistent with population means. ANOVA examined if different respondent groups significantly agreed on the importance levels of individual factors. Moreover, factor analysis narrowed down the long list of factors in to a smaller number of components.

Findings

A set of 30 challenges and 19 motivators of GEB was identified. “Lack of a GEB infrastructure” was identified as the collective key challenge, leading dwellers to recognize lack of support and knowledge and develop wrong perception on GEB. However, “framework of supports,” as a summative motivator, improves knowledge and awareness on GEB, which allows recognizing other benefits and developing a momentum of practicing GEB. Factor analysis suggested a consolidated approach for challenges through six interrelated components, but for motivators to focus on somewhat four independent areas.

Originality/value

House/building dweller/owners' decision is the key to undertake GEB. This study, apparently for the first time, contributes to identifying the challenges and motivators that influence their decision-making.
Deconstructing corporate value creation: evidence from Indian Information Technology enabled Service (ITeS) companies
Authors: Srinivasan Suresh , Gupta Mahima , Jayaraman Vaidyanathan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To explore building blocks of corporate value creation that can be effectively assembled by practicing managers to deconstruct corporate value creation into distinctive models (customer value creation and shareholder value creation) and stages (resource assembly and capability leverage) in the Indian Information Technology enabled Service (ITeS) industry for exploring efficiency differentials between large Indian ITeS companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique has been used to uncover efficiency differentials in large Indian ITeS companies that represent 90% of all the ITeS companies listed in the Indian stock market and 13.9% of all companies listed in the Indian stock market, across industries.

Findings

This paper documents a nuanced understanding of interrelationships among activities that influence corporate value creation and comprehensively highlight those dominant activities that contribute to corporate value creation in an ITeS industry setting. The study demonstrates as to how companies can become more efficient in such crucial value creating components that result in superior corporate value. The explicating methodology proposed in this study can be handy for managers and can be extrapolated to other industry and national settings as well.

Practical implications

Deconstructing corporate value creation into granular models, customer value creation and shareholder value creation and further into two stages, being assembling resources to create capabilities and leveraging such capabilities to deliver value, this study provides hands-on value for managers in ITeS companies to create value.

Originality/value

Fusing the value creation and appropriation (VCA) framework, the resource-based view (RBV) and its extensions, this paper builds a robust theoretical model specification that is empirically tested.
Factors influencing transaction costs of prefabricated housing projects in China: developers' perspective
Authors: Wu Hongjuan , Qian Queena K. , Straub Ad , Visscher Henk J.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The recent promotion of prefabricated housing (PH) in China has resulted in a prosperous period for its implementation. However, transaction costs (TCs) cause low economic efficiency to stakeholders and hinder the further promotion of PH. No relevant study has yet been made to investigate the TCs and their causes in the PH field. This paper identifies critical TCs and explores the influencing factors from the developers' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were used to collect data about TCs and influencing factors. The most influential factors are identified with their impacts on particular TCs, yielded from correlation analysis and logistic regression.

Findings

From the developers' perspective in China's PH market, this study identified that the most concerning sources of TCs are: hidden costs arising from disputes, extra workloads from design changes, learning costs, intensive communication and coordination in assembly and unexpected information costs in decision-making. The use of an ordered logistic regression approach indicates that the four most influential factors are: qualification of the general contractor, mandatory local policies, owner type and competitiveness of the developer.

Practical implications

To reduce the TCs, experiencing learning and ensuring the design scheme's complicity are recommended to save information searching and exchanging costs. The implications for the PH developers are for them to: (1) professionalize their own organization and (2) procure high-qualified general contractors. For the policymakers, this means they should improve the clarity of the mandatory local policies for PH step-by-step.

Originality/value

By applying the TCs economic theory, this study explores factors that influence TCs in the PH industry. It sheds light on the influencing mechanism behind the TCs in the context of prefabricated housing.
Understanding the effects of social media use on construction project performance: a project manager's perspective
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Jiang Shan , Wang Ding
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Although social media has been increasingly applied and valued in the construction industry, there has been little evidence revealing the influence mechanism of social media use in the construction context. In this way, this paper aims to explore how different purposes of social media use affect project performance from a project manager's perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the mechanism–outcome–performance framework, this paper developed a research model to figure out the mechanism through which work-oriented and socialization-oriented social media use influences construction project performance. The empirical data were collected from a survey of 249 construction project managers, and the structural equation modeling technique was applied to test the proposed model.

Findings

Results indicate that both work-oriented and socialization-oriented social media use promote knowledge acquisition and project social capital, which both further positively impact the project performance. Additionally, the negative moderating role of information overload is identified on the relationship between social media use and knowledge acquisition.

Originality/value

This study fulfills the need for an in-depth investigation of social media use on construction project performance, contributing to the project management and social media literature. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations for project managers to advance social media applications in the construction domain.
Factors affecting housing prices in Izmir, Turkey: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Özsoy Onur , Şahin Hasan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the main factors that affect the house prices in Izmir, Turkey using the quantile regression and ordinary least square approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data about the housing market for Izmir collected from the web pages of various real estate agencies during June 2018. Following this, the quantile regression method is used to estimate all possible effects of variables on each interested quantile to determine the factors that affect house prices to guide the potential consumers, house developers, city planners and the policymakers in Izmir, Turkey.

Findings

Results show that the age of the house, central heating and parking have no significant effect on prices. The size of the house, the existence of an elevator, fire and security have a positive and significant effect on prices. The number of rooms has lower values for high-priced houses, while the floor, the number of balconies, air conditioning, proximity to schools have a higher value for high-priced houses. The number of toilets, the number of bathrooms and the distance to the hospital have a lower value on the high-priced housing. The value of the distance from the city center and the shopping center is almost uniform in all quantiles and lowers the value of the higher-priced houses. With the exception of the value of the houses in the 10th percentile in Balcova district, the value of the houses in Konak, Balcova and Narlidere is lower prices in Karsiyaka.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive research to determine the major factors that affect house prices in Izmir. The second contribution of this paper is that it includes all possible variables and accordingly derives adequate policy implications, which could be used both by the public housing authority and private housing constructing companies in designing and implementing effective housing policies.
The tripartite partnership between female entrepreneurs, banks and governments in female entrepreneurship-development: a case study of Zambia
Authors: Kamuhuza Womba , Wu Junjie , Lodorfos George , McClelland Zoe , Rodgers Helen
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights on the void between the needs and demands of bank finance from female entrepreneurs and the supply, as well as the approaches of banks for that finance. In addition, it creates a conceptual framework recognising a tripartite and dynamic partnership amongst female entrepreneurs, banks and governments as essential to female entrepreneurship-development, based on Zambia as the context.

Design/methodology/approach

Concepts and theories are explained to construct a conceptual framework using the lens of multi-polar network theory and stakeholder engagement theory. In-depth discussions are facilitated through a bilateral partnership between each party and tripartite partnerships amongst female entrepreneurs, banks and governments.

Findings

The framework presents how female entrepreneurs, banks and governments are interconnected in the network as mutually benefiting stakeholders and shows their collective contribution to female entrepreneurship-development within certain contexts. The findings suggest that the sustainable development of female entrepreneurship depends on a dynamic tripartite partnership amongst female entrepreneurs, banks and governments.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual framework has important implications when setting up a nation’s enterprise development strategies and policies promoting inclusivity and diversity amongst a nation’s entrepreneurs. The contributions and the dynamic relationship of the three stakeholder groups should be acknowledged and considered to achieve sustainable development in female entrepreneur enterprises. The framework can be generalised to other emerging economies with similar social, economic and cultural profiles to Zambia, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries with patriarchal norms.

Originality/value

This paper extends multi-polar (network) theory and stakeholder management engagement theory, previously explained in homogeneous firms, to more complex and dynamic partnerships amongst heterogeneous organisations, i.e. female entrepreneurs, banks and governments.
Enhancing consumers' pro-environmental purchase intentions: the moderating role of environmental concern
Authors: De Canio Francesca , Martinelli Elisa , Endrighi Emiro
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Environmental concern is getting increasing importance in consumer shopping decisions. Nevertheless, to date, sustainable packaged foods are not always the first option when consumers go shopping. This paper analyses how environmental concern moderates the role played by external factors – preference towards sustainable retailers and trust in sustainable producers – in determining consumer purchase intentions for sustainable packaged foods. Consumer involvement in eco-friendly labels, increasingly present in food packages, is investigated as indirectly impacting pro-environmental purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey administered to a sample of Italian food shoppers is used for the empirical analysis. A total of 278 structured questionnaires were modelled using a structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

Findings show that producers and retailers' policies in favour of sustainability are key in determining consumers' sustainable purchase intentions. Further, coherent uses of labels and logos in light of sustainability can support consumer purchase decisions. Relevant is the influence played by the environmental concern in both supporting pro-environmental purchase intentions and in amplifying the trust in sustainable producers-purchase intentions path.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on sustainability showing how producers and retailers may together influence consumers' pro-environmental purchase intentions. Findings extend the retail literature on the impact of producers and retailers' policies on consumers' sustainable purchases. Further, environmental concern is investigated in its moderating role on the impact of external factors on consumers' pro-environmental purchase intentions.
Social media platforms and sleep problems: a systematic literature review, synthesis and framework for future research
Authors: Kaur Puneet , Dhir Amandeep , Alkhalifa Amal Khalifa , Tandon Anushree
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study is a systematic literature review (SLR) on prior research examining the impact of the nocturnal use of social media platforms on a user's sleep, its dimensions and its perceptually allied problems. This SLR aims to curate, assimilate and critically examine the empirical research in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-five relevant studies identified from the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were analyzed to develop a comprehensive research profile, identify gaps in the current knowledge and delineate emergent research topics.

Findings

Prior research has narrowly focused on investigating the associations between specific aspects of social media use behavior and sleep dimensions. The findings suggest that previous studies are limited by research design and sampling issues. We highlight the imperative need to expand current research boundaries through a comprehensive framework that elucidates potential issues to be addressed in future research.

Originality/value

The findings have significant implications for clinicians, family members and educators concerning promoting appropriate social media use, especially during sleep latency.
The engagement–addiction dilemma: an empirical evaluation of mobile user interface and mobile game affordance
Authors: Yang Qianwen , Gong Xiang
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The engagement–addiction dilemma has been commonly observed in the information technology (IT) industry. However, this issue has received limited research attention in the information system (IS) discipline. Drawing on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework, this study explores the engagement–addiction dilemma in the use of mobile games and highlights the impacts of game design features, namely, mobile user interface and mobile game affordance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was empirically validated using a longitudinal survey data from 410 mobile game users in China.

Findings

The empirical results offer several key findings. First, mobile user interface and mobile game affordance positively affect telepresence and social presence, which lead to meaningful engagement and mobile game addiction. Second, a high-quality of mobile user interface positively moderates the effects of mobile game affordance on telepresence and social presence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by theorizing and empirically testing the impacts of game design features on the engagement-addiction dilemma.
An examination of calendar anomalies: evidence from the Thai stock market
Authors: Wuthisatian Rattaphon
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The study examines the existence of calendar anomalies, including the day-of-the-week (DOW) effect and the January effect, in the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using daily stock returns from March 2014 to March 2019, the study performs regression analysis to examine predictable patterns in stock returns, the DOW effect and the January effect, respectively.

Findings

There is strong evidence of a persistent monthly pattern and weekday seasonality in the Thai stock market. Specifically, Monday returns are negative and significantly lower than the returns on other trading days of the week, and January returns are positive and significantly higher than the returns on other months of the year.

Practical implications

The findings offer managerial implications for investors seeking trading strategies to maximize the possibility of reaching investment goals and inform policymakers regarding the current state of the Thai stock market.

Originality/value

First, the study investigates calendar anomalies in the Thai stock market, specifically the DOW effect and the January effect, which have received relatively little attention in the literature. Second, this is the first study to examine calendar anomalies in the Thai stock market across different groups of companies and stock trading characteristics using a range of composite indexes. Furthermore, the study uses data during the period 2014–2019, which should provide up-to-date information on the patterns of stock returns in Thailand.
Substance use and related risk behaviors among junior high school students in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand
Authors: Ninkron Paranee , Yau Shamsudeen , Khuntiterakul Praphan , Nakamadee Benchamaphorn
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The spread of drug use has been consistently increasing in Asia, posing a serious public health problem, especially among new addicts. In Thailand, the problem has persisted for decades leading to a consistent decline in the age of drug use initiation, making drug use an important social problem, especially among youngsters. This study aimed to examine the factors related to substance abuse risk behaviors among lower secondary school students.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data from a sample of 624 students aged 12 through 18 years. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to identify factors related to substance use risk behaviors.

Findings

Factors associated with drug use risk behavior were access to drugs (0.882; <0.001), which had the highest predictive power, family relationships (−0.555; <0.001), self-esteem (−0.516; <0.001) and awareness about drugs (−0.412; <0.005).

Originality/value

Prevention interventions that incorporate reducing access to drugs, strengthening family ties, boosting adolescents' self-esteem and increasing their awareness about drugs should be tailored to target homes, schools and communities. As the problem appears to be multidimensional, the full participation of all relevant stakeholders such as teachers, parents, religious and community leaders in the intervention programs is as essential as the interventions themselves.
Hotel customer segmentation according to eco-service quality perception: the case of Russian tourists
Authors: Aksu Akin , Albayrak Tahir , Caber Meltem
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the components of eco-service quality at hotels and to cluster hotel customers based on their eco-service quality perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adapted, and a survey study was performed on Russian tourists staying at the hotels located in Antalya, Turkey. Factor analysis results showed that the eco-service quality variable contains the dimensions of equipment, practice and staff and food. These factors were used to cluster hotel customers, and two groups were obtained as sensitive customers to eco-services and apathetic customers to eco-services. Cluster-based differences were identified by a series of cross-tabulations and regression analyses.

Findings

Some socio-demographic and travel choice-related differences were obtained between the customer groups. The results of regression analyses showed that the most important determinant of sensitive customers' overall satisfaction was equipment, which was followed by staff and food and practice. The only significant determinant of apathetic customers' overall satisfaction was equipment.

Practical implications

Hotel customers, who have different socio-demographic characteristics, are identified to have also distinct perceptions on the quality of eco-friendly equipment or services. Hence, hotel managers are suggested to develop proactive and value-generating environmentally friendly practices that appeal to different market segments. However, hotel managers should decide on prior areas and prefer low-cost options when “going green”, as some customer-groups do not notice such efforts.

Originality/value

From the theoretical point of view, this study is original in showing the dimensional structure of the eco-service quality construct and the impact of each dimension on hotel customers' overall satisfaction. Both theoretically and practically, the findings offer valuable implications about the behavioural tendencies of Russian tourists towards eco-hotel practices.
Development of pemphigus foliaceus in a mucous membrane pemphigoid patient: An insight into possible mechanism eliciting a distinct autoimmune bullous disease in a rare anti‐basement membrane autoimmunity
Authors: Shimoda‐Komatsu Yurie , Fukui Kanae , Yamazaki Yoshimi , Ohyama Manabu
Published: March 2021

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) rarely coexists with another autoimmune bullous disease (AIBD). Herein, we report an extremely rare MMP case who sequentially developed pemphigus foliaceus (PF). A 72‐year‐old man had been treated by azathioprine monotherapy for anti‐BP180 MMP for 1.5 years. Clinical findings suggestive of PF, represented by scaly erythema and erosions, started to appear approximately 1 month after the episode of diarrhea. Serological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the diagnosis of PF. The mucocutaneous lesions were controlled by oral azathioprine and topical corticosteroids. To our knowledge, this is a previously unreported case of PF coexistent with MMP. A literature review of MMP cases associated with AIBD elucidated that 16 out of 18 cases simultaneously developed MMP and AIBD, while only two cases were diagnosed sequentially by the changes in clinical symptoms similar to our case. The titer of anti‐desmoglein 1 antibodies lineally correlated with the changes in the severity of scaly erythema. Mild but noticeable exacerbation of mucosal erosion prior to the gradual increase in anti‐BP180‐NC16a antibodies was also noted. Unlike in other cases where MMP/AIBD coexisted, sequential development of autoantibodies in our case cannot be explained by the epitope‐spreading theory as autoantigens are micro‐anatomically isolated from one other. The preceding viral infection and/or continuous moderate inflammation due to azathioprine monotherapy for MMP might have contributed to the development of PF in our case.