bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Motor Landing and Processivity by the CAP-Gly Domain in the KIF13B Tail
Authors: Fan Xiangyu , McKenney Richard J.
Published: August 2022

Microtubules are a major component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton that play crucial roles in diverse cellular process. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of tubulin dimers regulate the dynamics and organization of microtubules, as well as the interactions between microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). One unique PTM that occurs on microtubules is the cyclical removal and re-addition of the C-terminal tyrosine of α-tubulin. CAP-Gly (cytoskeleton-associated protein glycine-rich) domain containing proteins specifically recognize tyrosinated microtubules, a property exploited to regulate and spatially localize diverse microtubule effectors. KIF13B is a member of the long-distance transport kinesin-3 family, and the only kinesin motor that contains a conserved C-terminal CAP-Gly domain. What role the CAP-Gly domain plays in KIF13B’s motility along microtubules is unknown. Here, we investigated the interaction between KIF13B’s CAP-Gly domain, and the tyrosinated C-terminal tail domain of α-tubulin. We found that KIF13B’s CAP-Gly domain strongly influences the initial motor-microtubule interaction, as well as the processive motility of KIF13B along microtubules. The effect of the CAP-Gly domain on kinesin-microtubule binding is specific to the nucleotide state of the motor domain, suggesting an interplay between the N-terminal motor domain and C-terminal CAP-Gly domain underlies the KIF13B-microtubule interaction. These results reveal that specialized kinesin tail domains play active roles in the initiation and continuation of motor movement.
The phosphatase Glc7 controls eisosomal response to starvation via posttranslational modification of Pil1
Authors: Paine Katherine M. , Laidlaw Kamilla M. E. , Evans Gareth J. O. , MacDonald Chris
Published: August 2022

The yeast plasma membrane (PM) is organised into specific subdomains that regulate surface membrane proteins. Surface transporters actively uptake nutrients in particular regions of the PM where they are also susceptible to substrate induced endocytosis. However, transporters also diffuse into distinct subdomains termed eisosomes, where they are protected from endocytosis. Although most nutrient transporter populations are downregulated in the vacuole following glucose starvation, a small pool is retained in eisosomes to provide efficient recovery from starvation. We find the core eisosome subunit Pil1, a Bin, Amphiphysin and Rvs (BAR) domain protein required for eisosome biogenesis, is phosphorylated primarily by the kinase Pkh2. In response to acute glucose starvation, Pil1 is rapidly dephosphorylated. Enzyme localisation and activity screens implicate the phosphatase Glc7 is the primary enzyme responsible for Pil1 dephosphorylation. Both depletion ofGLC7and phospho-ablative or phospho-mimetic mutations of Pil1 correlate with Pil1 phosphorylation status, failure to properly retain transporters in eisosomes, and results in defective starvation recovery. We propose precise posttranslational control of Pil1 modulates nutrient transporter retention within eisosomes depending on extracellular nutrient levels, to maximise recovery following starvation.
Ligands tune the local and global motions of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1): a DFT-guided solution NMR analysis
Authors: Bumbak Fabian , Pons Miquel , Inoue Asuka , Paniagua Juan Carlos , Yan Fei , Wu Hongwei , Robson Scott A. , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Scott Daniel J. , Gooley Paul R. , Ziarek Joshua J.
Published: August 2022

Unlike many signaling proteins that function as binary switches between ‘on and off’ states, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) exhibit basal activity that can be increased or decreased by numerous ligands. A given receptor can recognize multiple ligands, allosteric modulators, and transducers to create a complex free energy landscape. Many of the lowest energy states have been captured by static structural techniques while detailing the wells’ widths, metastable states, and the transition between them, is still in its infancy. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can monitor the structure and dynamics of GPCR ensembles across fifteen orders-of-magnitude, but technical challenges have limited its application to super-microsecond timescales. Focusing on a prototypical peptide-binding GPCR, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1), we employed NMR and density functional theory (DFT) to probe global sub-nanosecond motions. The near random coil chemical shifts of the apo receptor produced a poor correlation with theoretical predictions that may indicate a high degree of conformational averaging in solution, a crystallization artifact, or both. Whereas orthosteric agonists and antagonists both rigidified the receptor, but to varying degrees, which suggests conformational entropy differentially contributes to their respective pharmacology. The strong correlations of observed and theoretical chemical shifts lend confidence to interpreting spectra in terms of local structure, methyl dihedral angle geometry, and pico-second timescale transitions. Together, our results suggest a role for sub-nanosecond dynamics and conformational entropy in GPCR ligand discrimination.
Immunogenicity of an additional mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in people living with HIV with hyporesponse after primary vaccination
Authors: Jongkees Marlou J. , Geers Daryl , Hensley Kathryn S. , Huisman Wesley , GeurtsvanKessel Corine H. , Bogers Susanne , Gommers Lennert , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Jochems Simon P. , den Hollander Jan G. , Schippers Emile F. , Ammerlaan Heidi S.M. , Bierman Wouter F.W. , van der Valk Marc , Berrevoets Marvin A.H. , Soetekouw Robert , Langebeek Nienke , Bruns Anke H.W. , Leyten Eliane M.S. , Sigaloff Kim C.E. , van Vonderen Marit G.A. , Delsing Corine E. , Branger Judith , Katsikis Peter D. , Mueller Yvonne M. , de Vries Rory D. , Rijnders Bart J.A. , Brinkman Kees , Rokx Casper , Roukens Anna H.E.
Published: August 2022

Background

The COVIH study is a prospective SARS-CoV-2 vaccination study in people living with HIV (PLWH). Of the 1154 PLWH enrolled, 14% showed a reduced or absent antibody response after a primary vaccination regimen. As the response to an additional vaccination in PLWH with hyporesponse is unknown, we evaluated whether an additional vaccination boosts immune responses in these hyporesponders.

Methods

Consenting hyporesponders received an additional 100 µg of mRNA-1273. Hyporesponse was defined as ≤300 spike(S)-specific binding antibody units [BAU]/mL. The primary endpoint was the increase in antibodies 28 days after the additional vaccination. Secondary endpoints were the correlation between patient characteristics and antibody response, levels of neutralizing antibodies, S-specific T-cell and B-cell responses, and reactogenicity.

Results

Of the 75 PLWH enrolled, five were excluded as their antibody level had increased to >300 BAU/mL at baseline, two for a SARS-CoV-2 infection before the primary endpoint evaluation and two were lost to follow-up. Of the 66 remaining participants, 40 previously received ChAdOx1-S, 22 BNT162b2, and four Ad26.COV2.S. The median age was 63 [IQR:60-66], 86% were male, pre-vaccination and nadir CD4+ T-cell counts were 650/μL [IQR:423-941] and 230/μL [IQR:145-345] and 96% had HIV-RNA <50 copies/ml. The mean antibody level before the additional vaccination was 35 BAU/mL (SEM 5.4) and 45/66 (68%) were antibody negative. After the additional mRNA-1273 vaccination, antibodies were >300 BAU/mL in 64/66 (97%) with a mean increase of 4282 BAU/mL (95%CI:3241-5323). No patient characteristics correlated with the magnitude of the antibody response nor did the primary vaccination regimen. The additional vaccination significantly increased the proportion of participants with detectable ancestral S-specific B-cells (p=0.016) and CD4+ T-cells (p=0.037).

Conclusion

An additional mRNA-1273 vaccination induced a robust serological response in 97% of the PLWH with a hyporesponse after a primary vaccination regimen. This response was observed regardless of the primary vaccination regimen or patient characteristics.
Genome-wide association study of treatment resistant depression highlights shared biology with metabolic traits
Authors: Kang JooEun , Castro Victor M. , Ripperger Michael , Venkatesh Sanan , Burstein David , Linnér Richard Karlsson , Rocha Daniel B. , Hu Yirui , Wilimitis Drew , Morley Theodore , Han Lide , Kim Rachel Youngjung , Feng Yen-Chen Anne , Ge Tian , Heckers Stephan , Voloudakis Georgios , Chabris Christopher , Roussos Panos , McCoy Thomas H , Walsh Colin G. , Perlis Roy H. , Ruderfer Douglas M.
Published: August 2022

Treatment resistant depression (TRD), often defined by absence of symptomatic remission following at least two adequate treatment trials, occurs in roughly a third of all individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Prior work has suggested a significant common variant genetic component of liability to TRD, with heritability estimates of 8% when comparing to non-treatment resistant MDD. Despite this evidence of heritability, no replicated genetic loci have been identified and the genetic architecture of TRD remains unclear. A key barrier to this work has been the paucity of adequately powered cohorts for investigation, largely because of the challenge in prospectively investigating this phenotype. Using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a surrogate for TRD, we applied standard machine learning methods to electronic health record (EHR) data to derive predicted probabilities of receiving ECT. We applied these probabilities as a quantitative trait in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) over 154,433 genotyped patients across four large biobanks. With this approach, we demonstrate heritability ranging from 2% to 4.2% and significant genetic overlap with cognition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol and smoking traits and body mass index. We identify two genome-wide significant loci, both previously implicated in metabolic traits, suggesting shared biology and potential pharmacological implications. This work provides support for the utility of estimation of disease probability for genomic investigation and provides insights into the genetic architecture and biology of TRD.
Multiple-region Gray Matter Atrophy contribute to freezing of gait in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Song , Huang Jie , Liu Dongzhen , Yin Yating , He Hua , Hu Kejia
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of our study was to detect the localization of gray matter atrophy in FOG PD patients compared with nFOG PD patients.

Methods

A total of 155 PD patients (110 men and 45 women) were included in the current study. Forty-five patients were classified as FOG and one hundred and ten patients were classified as nFOG. A voxel-based morphometry approach was used to investigate the atrophy area of voxel clusters in the gray matter which is associated with FOG.

Results

FOG and nFOG PD patients were not significantly different in gender, average age, educational years, disease duration or UPDRS-part I. Compared with nFOG PD patients, FOG patients showed gray matter atrophy in right Inferior frontal gyrus (opercular part), left Superior frontal gyrus, left Superior temporal gyrus, left Amygdala, left Insula, left Medial superior frontal gyrus and left Medial frontal gyrus (orbital gyrus).

Conclusion

Our study identified new gray matter atrophy areas in FOG PD patients compared with nFOG patients.
Open Science and COVID-19 Randomized Controlled Trials: Examining Open Access, Preprinting, and Data Sharing-Related Practices During the Pandemic
Authors: Borghi John A. , Payne Cheyenne , Ren Lily , Woodward Amanda L. , Wong Connie , Stave Christopher
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought substantial attention to the systems used to communicate biomedical research. In particular, the need to rapidly and credibly communicate research findings has led many stakeholders to encourage researchers to adopt open science practices such as posting preprints and sharing data. To examine the degree to which this has led to the adoption of such practices, we examined the “openness” of a sample of 539 published papers describing the results of randomized controlled trials testing interventions to prevent or treat COVID-19. The majority (56%) of the papers in this sample were free to read at the time of our investigation and 23.56% were preceded by preprints. However, there is no guarantee that the papers without an open license will be available without a subscription in the future, and only 49.61% of the preprints we identified were linked to the subsequent peer-reviewed version. Of the 331 papers in our sample with statements identifying if (and how) related datasets were available, only a paucity indicated that data was available in a repository that facilitates rapid verification and reuse. Our results demonstrate that, while progress has been made, there is still a significant mismatch between aspiration and the practice of open science in an important area of the COVID-19 literature.

Open Materials

We are committed to making the details of our research process as open as possible. The data and code that underlie our analyses are archived and published through the Dryad Data Repository (https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.mkkwh7137). Documentation and instructions for manuscript screening and data extraction are available on Protocols.io (https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.x54v9jx7zg3e/v1). Author contributions are outlined in Supplementary Table 1.
Tup1 is Critical for Transcriptional Repression in Quiescence inS. cerevisiae
Authors: Bailey Thomas B. , Whitty Phaedra A. , Selker Eric U. , McKnight Jeffrey. N. , McKnight Laura E.
Published: August 2022

Upon glucose starvation,S. cerevisiaeshows a dramatic alteration in transcription, resulting in wide-scale repression of most genes and activation of some others. This coincides with an arrest of cellular proliferation. A subset of such cells enters quiescence, a reversible non-dividing state. Here, we demonstrate that the conserved transcriptional corepressor Tup1 is critical for transcriptional repression after glucose depletion. We show that Tup1-Ssn6 binds new targets upon glucose depletion, where it remains as the cells enter the G0 phase of the cell cycle. In addition, we show that Tup1 represses a variety of glucose metabolism and transport genes. We explored how Tup1 mediated repression is accomplished and demonstrated that Tup1 coordinates with the Rpd3L complex to deacetylate H3K23. We found that Tup1 coordinates with Isw2 to affect nucleosome positions at glucose transporter HXT family genes during G0. Finally, microscopy revealed that a quarter of cells with a Tup1 deletion contain multiple DAPI puncta. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the role of Tup1 in transcriptional reprogramming in response to environmental cues leading to the quiescent state.
Genetic dissection of crossover mutants defines discrete intermediates in mouse meiosis
Authors: Premkumar Tolkappiyan , Paniker Lakshmi , Kang Rhea , Biot Mathilde , Humphrey Ericka , Destain Honorine , Ferranti Isabella , Okulate Iyinyeoluwa , Nguyen Holly , Kilaru Vindhya , Frasca Melissa , Chakraborty Parijat , Cole Francesca
Published: August 2022

Crossovers, the exchange of homolog arms, are required for accurate segregation during meiosis. Studies in yeast have established that the single end invasion intermediate is highly regulated to ensure crossover distribution. Single end invasions are thought to differentiate into double Holliday junctions that are resolved by MutLgamma (MLH1/3) into crossovers. Currently, we lack knowledge of early steps of mammalian crossover recombination or how intermediates are differentiated in any organism. Using comprehensive analysis of recombination and cytology, we infer that polymerized single-end invasion intermediates and nicked double Holliday junctions are crossover precursors in mouse spermatocytes. In marked contrast to yeast, MLH3 plays a structural role to differentiate single end invasions into double Holliday junctions with differentially polymerized 3’ ends. Therefore, we show independent genetic requirements for precursor formation and asymmetry with regard to 3’ end processing, providing mechanistic insight into crossover formation and patterning.
A single-administration therapeutic interfering particle reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding and pathogenesis in hamsters
Authors: Chaturvedi Sonali , Beutler Nathan , Pablo Michael , Vasen Gustavo , Chen Xinyue , Calia Giuliana , Buie Lauren , Rodick Robert , Smith Davey , Rogers Thomas , Weinberger Leor S.
Published: August 2022

The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is a primary driver of the COVID-19 pandemic. While existing interventions prevent severe disease, they exhibit mixed efficacy in preventing transmission, presumably due to their limited antiviral effects in the respiratory mucosa, whereas interventions targeting the sites of viral replication might more effectively limit respiratory virus transmission. Recently, intranasally administered RNA-based therapeutic interfering particles (TIPs) were reported to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication, exhibit a high barrier to resistance, and prevent serious disease in hamsters. Since TIPs intrinsically target the tissues with the highest viral replication burden (i.e., respiratory tissues for SARS-CoV-2), we tested the potential of TIP intervention to reduce SARS-CoV-2 shedding. Here, we report that a single, post-exposure TIP dose lowers SARS-CoV-2 nasal shedding and at 5 days post-infection infectious virus shed is below detection limits in 4 out of 5 infected animals. Furthermore, TIPs reduce shedding of Delta variant or WA-1 from infected to uninfected hamsters. Co-housed ‘contact’ animals exposed to infected, TIP-treated, animals exhibited significantly lower viral loads, reduced inflammatory cytokines, no severe lung pathology, and shortened shedding duration compared to animals co-housed with untreated infected animals. TIPs may represent an effective countermeasure to limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Significance

COVID-19 vaccines are exceptionally effective in preventing severe disease and death, but they have mixed efficacy in preventing virus transmission, consistent with established literature that parenteral vaccines for other viruses fail to prevent mucosal virus shedding or transmission. Likewise, small-molecule antivirals, while effective in reducing viral-disease pathogenesis, also appear to have inconsistent efficacy in preventing respiratory virus transmission including for SARS-CoV-2. Recently, we reported the discovery of a single-administration antiviral Therapeutic Interfering Particle (TIP) against SARS-CoV-2 that prevents severe disease in hamsters and exhibits a high genetic barrier to the evolution of resistance. Here, we report that TIP intervention also reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission between hamsters.
Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels among pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yeh Ping Teresa , Kennedy Caitlin Elizabeth , Rhee Dong Keun , Zera Chloe , Tunçalp Özge , Lucido Briana , de Leon Rodolfo Gomez Ponce , Narasimhan Manjulaa
Published: August 2022

1

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends treatment and management of gestational diabetes (GD) through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) to inform timely treatment decisions. To expand the evidence base of WHO’s guideline on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review of SMBG among pregnant individuals with GD.

Setting

We searched for publications through November 2020 comparing SMBG with clinic-based monitoring during antenatal care (ANC) globally.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We extracted data using standardized forms and summarized maternal and newborn findings using random effects meta-analysis in GRADE evidence tables. We also reviewed studies on values, preferences, and costs of SMBG.

Results

We identified 6 studies examining SMBG compared to routine ANC care, 5 studies on values and preferences, and 1 study on costs. Nearly all were conducted in Europe and North America. Moderate-certainty evidence from 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that SMBG as part of a package of interventions for GD treatment was associated with lower rates of preeclampsia, lower mean birthweight, fewer infants born large for gestational age, fewer infants with macrosomia, and lower rates of shoulder dystocia. There was no difference between groups in self-efficacy, preterm birth, C-section, mental health, stillbirth, or respiratory distress. No studies measured placenta previa, long-term complications, device-related issues, or social harms. Most end-users supported SMBG, motivated by health benefits, convenience, ease of use, and increased confidence. Health workers acknowledged SMBG’s convenience but were wary of technical problems. One study found SMBG by pregnant individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes was associated with decreased costs for hospital admission and length of stay.

Conclusion

SMBG during pregnancy is feasible and acceptable, and when combined in a package of GD interventions, is generally associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, research from resource-limited settings is needed.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO CRD42021233862
Estimation of monkeypox spread in a non-endemic country considering contact tracing and self-reporting: a stochastic modeling study
Authors: Ko Youngsuk , Mendoza Renier , Mendoza Victoria May , Seo Yubin , Lee Jacob , Jung Eunok
Published: August 2022

Background

In May 2022, monkeypox started to spread in non-endemic countries. After the number of confirmed cases reached more than 16,000 in July, the World Health Organization declared the highest alert over the outbreak.

Methods

To investigate the effects of contact tracing and self-reporting of primary cases in the local community, a stochastic model is developed. A delay simulation algorithm based on Gillespie’s stochastic chemical kinetics is used to quantify the number of infections, contacts made by the infectors, and duration from the arrival of the primary case until the detection of the index case (and until there are no more local infections), under various scenarios.

Results

We found that if the primary case does not self-report, taking into account a population of 10,000, the average number of infections could range from 30 to 67, while the number of contacts made by infectors could range from 221 to 498. On the other hand, if the primary case self-reports, the average number of infections and contacts could range from 5 to 7 and 40 to 52, respectively. The average duration from the primary case arrival until the first index case detection (or until there are no more local infections) ranged from 8 to 10 days (18 to 21 days) if the primary case does not self-report, and approximately 3 days (8 days) if the primary case self-reports. Moreover, if the number of close contacts per day is doubled in our simulation settings, then the number of infections could increase by 53%.

Conclusion

The number and duration of the infections are strongly affected by the self-reporting behavior of the primary case and the delay in the detection of the index case. Our study emphasizes the importance of border control, which aims to immediately detect the primary case before secondary infections occur.
A common mechanism of Sec61 translocon inhibition by small molecules
Authors: Itskanov Samuel , Wang Laurie , Junne Tina , Sherriff Rumi , Xiao Li , Blanchard Nicolas , Shi Wei Q. , Forsyth Craig , Hoepfner Dominic , Spiess Martin , Park Eunyong
Published: August 2022

The Sec61 complex forms a protein-conducting channel in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane that is required for secretion of soluble proteins and production of many membrane proteins. Several natural and synthetic small molecules specifically inhibit the Sec61 channel, generating cellular effects that are potentially useful for therapeutic purposes, but their inhibitory mechanisms remain unclear. Here we present near-atomic-resolution structures of the human Sec61 channel inhibited by a comprehensive panel of structurally distinct small molecules— cotransin, decatransin, apratoxin F, ipomoeassin F, mycolactone, cyclotriazadisulfonamide (CADA) and eeyarestatin I (ESI). Remarkably, all inhibitors bind to a common lipid-exposed pocket formed by the partially open lateral gate and plug domain of the channel. Mutations conferring resistance to the inhibitors are clustered at this binding pocket. The structures indicate that Sec61 inhibitors stabilize the plug domain of Sec61 in a closed state, thereby preventing the protein-translocation pore from opening. Our study reveals molecular interactions between Sec61 and its inhibitors in atomic detail and offers the structural framework for further pharmacological studies and drug design.
Spatio-temporal regulation of endocytic protein assembly by SH3 domains in yeast
Authors: Hummel Daniel R. , Kaksonen Marko
Published: August 2022

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a conserved eukaryotic membrane trafficking pathway that is driven by a sequentially assembled molecular machinery that contains over 60 different proteins. SH3 domains are the most abundant protein-protein interaction domain in this process, but the function of most SH3 domains in protein dynamics remains elusive. Using mutagenesis and live-cell fluorescence microscopy in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we dissected SH3-mediated regulation of the endocytic pathway. Our data suggest that multiple SH3 domains regulate the actin nucleation promoting Las17/Vrp1 complex, and that the network of SH3 interactions coordinate both Las17/Vrp1 assembly and dissociation. Furthermore, most endocytic SH3 domain proteins use the SH3 domain for their own recruitment, while a minority uses the SH3 domain to recruit other proteins, and not themselves. Our results provide a dynamic map of SH3 functions in yeast endocytosis and a framework for SH3 interaction network studies across biology.
High-resolution XEOL spectroscopy setup at the X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline P65 of PETRA III
Authors: Levcenko S. , Biller R. , Pfeiffelmann T. , Ritter K. , Falk H. H. , Wang T. , Siebentritt S. , Welter E. , Schnohr C. S.
Published: August 2022

A newly designed setup to perform steady-state X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) spectroscopy and simultaneous XEOL and X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization at beamline P65 of PETRA III is described. The XEOL setup is equipped with a He-flow cryostat and state-of-the-art optical detection system, which covers a wide wavelength range of 300–1700 nm with a high spectral resolution of 0.4 nm. To demonstrate the setup functioning, low-temperature XEOL studies on polycrystalline CuInSe2 thin film, single-crystalline GaN thin film and single-crystalline ZnO bulk semiconductor samples are performed.
What influences user participation in an online health community? The stimulus-organism-response model perspective
Authors: Zhou Peiyu , Zhao Shuping , Ma Yiming , Liang Changyong , Zhu Junhong
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of platform characteristics (i.e. media richness and interactivity) on individual perception (i.e. outcome expectations) and consequent behavioral response (i.e. user participation in online health communities (OHCs)) based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a research model to test the proposed hypotheses, and the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for which data were collected from 321 users with OHC experience using an online survey.

Findings

The empirical results show the following: (1) the three dimensions of media richness significantly affect the three outcome expectations, except that richness of expression has no significant effect on the outcome expectation of health self-management competence. (2) Human-to-human interaction significantly affects the three outcome expectations. Moreover, compared with human-to-human interaction, human-to-system interaction has a stronger impact on the outcome expectation of health self-management competence. (3) The three outcome expectations have a significant influence on user participation in OHCs.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding about how platform characteristics (i.e. media richness and interactivity) motivate user participation in the context of OHCs. Drawing on the S-O-R model, this study reveals the underlying mechanisms by which media richness and interactivity are associated with outcome expectations and by which outcome expectations is associated with user participation in OHCs. This study enriches the literature on media richness, interactivity, outcome expectations and user participation in OHCs, providing insights for developers and administrators of OHCs.
Ownership concentration and accounting information consistency—evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Fan Shaojun , Chen Juan , Han Hong
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The authors expand the connotation of the research on the accounting information quality characteristics, provide empirical evidence for the factors of consistency and also help to deepen further their understanding of the economic consequences of ownership concentration and other ownership structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Using financial data of Chinese listed companies as samples, coupled with a method to calculate the consistency of the sample enterprises on the corporate level in the 2007–2019 period, the authors studied its impact of ownership concentration on consistency.

Findings

The study finds that after controlling other factors, ownership concentration could significantly reduce accounting information consistency. Further research finds that when the executives' shareholding is higher, the reduction effect of ownership concentration on consistency is weaker. After the robustness test, the conclusion remains basically unchanged.

Research limitations/implications

First, maybe there is a limitation of De Franco et al. (2011) method the authors use in China. As some scholars pointed out, the systematic component of returns variation is large in emerging markets (Morck et al., 2000), so it is hard to determine to what extent market stock returns will capture the net effect of earnings. As is mentioned above, there are multiple methods for measuring comparability and consistency, but it is not easy to judge which way is the best. Maybe the authors will have a perfect process in the future. Second, in addition to the factors mentioned in this study's hypotheses, there should be other factors (these include internal factors and external factors) that play moderating role in the impact of ownership concentration on accounting information consistency. The authors have not thoroughly studied the effect of those factors. These limitations all need to be further explored in the future.

Originality/value

The study finds that after controlling other factors, ownership concentration could significantly reduce accounting information consistency, but the reduction will be affected by some other factors related to corporate governance. The new insights from these advances are that the conclusions provide a technical path for management of companies to improve corporate governance efficiency and the quality of accounting information, and also provide more reference and empirical evidence for information users to identify the company's accounting information quality, which contributes to creating a prerequisite for the usefulness of accounting information.
Impact of XBRL adoption on financial reporting quality: a global evidence
Authors: Tawiah Vincent , Borgi Hela
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) adoption on financial reporting quality at the country-level (developing and developed countries).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from 98 developed and developing countries between 2005 and 2018. This study collected data from various sources such as the World Economic Forum, World Development Indicators, World Governance Indicators and XBRL website.

Findings

The results show that XBRL is associated with an increased financial reporting quality. However, the relationship is stronger in developing countries than in developed countries. This study also finds that the results remain the same after accounting for years of XBRL experience and the effect of accounting globalisation. The results are consistent with the assumption that XBRL-formatted financial statements improve information efficiency through increased searching efficiency, quality of display and comparability. The results are robust to alternative econometric modifications such as controlling for country, year effects and endogeneity.

Practical implications

The results can potentially assist the XBRL promoters and regulators in expeditiously assessing the benefits of XBRL and advocating its adoption by many countries. The findings offer more motivations for regulators around the world to mandate this new filing standard format.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the consequences of XBRL at the country level. This study provides evidence on an important question of whether the XBRL, new information technology in the accounting field, can play a useful role in improving financial reporting.
Scientific production on corporate communication: a systematic study in Scopus with COVID-19 as a determining factor
Authors: Hidalgo-Marí Tatiana , Segarra-Saavedra Jesús , Herrero-Gutiérrez Javier
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Searching, identifying and analysing the scientific literature on “corporate communication” published in scientific journals during the twenty-first century (2000–2021) and indexed in the Scopus database, as well as its possible relationship with COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic bibliographic search was carried out in Scopus and a subsequent analysis of the literature, based on variables such as year of publication, authorship, original language of the text, most used terms and concepts, journal titles, keywords and possible allusions to COVID-19 or the pandemic.

Findings

2023 results were initially identified, but after applying the filters that limited the results in time (2000–2021) and discriminated—according to the type of document—the results only to scientific articles, the sample finally analysed was 1,280 articles relating to “corporate communication”. It was found that these were mainly published in journals such as Corporate Communications and Journal of Communication Management, in English, and with an accentuated thematic dispersion, but mostly related to public relations, advertising and communication in general.

Originality/value

There is an article published in 2012, before the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Italian journal Igiene e sanità publica, which already established the relevance of researching the challenges and solutions to communication risks in health crisis situations.
To prefabricate or not? A method for evaluating the impact of prefabrication in building construction
Authors: Chauhan Krishna , Peltokorpi Antti , Lavikka Rita , Seppänen Olli
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Prefabricated products are continually entering the building construction market; yet, the decision to use prefabricated products in a construction project is based mostly on personal preferences and the evaluation of direct costs. Researchers and practitioners have debated appropriate measurement systems for evaluating the impacts of prefabricated products and for comparing them with conventional on-site construction practices. The more advanced, cost–benefit approach to evaluating prefabricated products often inspires controversy because it may generate inaccurate results when converting non-monetary effects into costs. As prefabrication may affect multiple organisations and product subsystems, the method used to decide on production methods should consider multiple direct and indirect impacts, including nonmonetary ones. Thus, this study aims to develop a multi-criteria method to evaluate both the monetary and non-monetary impacts of prefabrication solutions to facilitate decision-making on whether to use prefabricated products.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a literature review, this research suggests a multi-criteria method that combines the choosing-by-advantage approach with a cost–benefit analysis. The method was presented for validation in focus group discussions and tested in a case involving a prefabricated bathroom.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the method helps a project’s stakeholders communicate about the relative merits of prefabrication and conventional construction while facilitating the final decision of whether to use prefabrication.

Originality/value

This research contributes a method of evaluating the monetary and non-monetary impacts of prefabricated products. The research underlines the need to evaluate the diverse benefits and sacrifices that stakeholder face when considering production methods in construction.
A systematic review of e-learning systems adoption before and during the COVID-19
Authors: Abdelfattah Fadi , Al Mashaikhya Najla Yahya , Dahleez Khalid Abed , El Saleh Ayman
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This systematic review aims to assess the studies collected by identifying factors influencing the acceptance of e-learning systems before and during the current propagation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study undertook a literature review on the in-depth revision of studies published before 2021. The reviewed research papers meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 97 out of 214 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently used in this review.

Findings

The findings revealed that the survey questionnaire is the most common data collection instrument used regardless of the research objectives. 2019 was a remarkable year because of the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

This systematic review relied on specific databases (ScienceDirect, Emerald, IEEE and Google Scholar) to search for the articles included in this paper. However, these databases may not comprehensively represent all papers published on e-learning using the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Practical implications

This paper suggests a guide for managers and scholars in educational institutions and acts as a roadmap for practitioners and academics in the educational field and policymakers. This research spotlights the significant factors influencing the acceptance and adoption of e-learning.

Originality/value

This research assessed articles that examined the TAM in e-learning and classified them according to their methodology, country of dissemination, context and distribution within the year of publication. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in a way that will benefit stakeholders in an educational setting.
Evaluation of built environment programmes accreditation in the 21st century education system in Nigeria: stakeholders' perspective
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The built environment is a complex sector that demands coordination and cooperation of stakeholders. Construction projects from the complex sector require skills, services, and integration of major disciplines in the built environment. Sustainability of the major disciplines' standards regarding the appropriateness of the built environment tertiary education cannot be over-emphasised in Nigeria. Studies concerning Nigeria's built environment programmes accreditation (BEPA) in the 21st-century education system are scarce. Thus, the study investigated the relevance and perceived factors hindering Nigeria's BEPA in the 21st-century education system. Also, the study proffered measures to improve Nigerian built environment tertiary education accreditation ranking.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from elite virtual interviews across Nigeria. The interviewees were knowledgeable about Nigeria's built environment programmes accreditation, and many of them have been directly or indirectly involved. The investigators utilised a thematic analysis for the collated data and enhanced it with secondary sources.

Findings

The study revealed that several Nigerian academia in the built environment lack fame in research, publication, and citations due to barriers in their workplace. It has hindered their global institution's accreditation and ranking standards. Findings identified inadequate basic infrastructure, obsolete curricula, lack of research novelty, lack of higher education institutions funding, inadequate staffing and lax upskilling and reskilling, and unethical practices “systematic corruption” as major factors hindering BEPA. Also, findings proffered measures to improve Nigeria's BEPA global ranking.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the perceived barriers and measures to improve BEPA in the 21st-century in Nigeria via semi-structured virtual interviews. Future study is needed to validate the findings as highlighted in the thematic network.

Practical implications

The paper confirms that the BEPA requires innovative and multidisciplinary measures to improve the global ranking of these programmes and, by extension, the higher education institutions ranking globally. The paper would stir major stakeholders and advance the built environment programmes quality accreditation regarding international best practices and maintain the minimum standards.

Originality/value

The paper comprehensively analyses the perceived factors and proffered measures to improve Nigeria's BEPA in the 21st-century via a thematic network. The outcome intends to improve the global ranking and stir stakeholders to reposition and showcase Nigeria's built environment programmes to the world.
Managerial ability and goodwill impairment: evidence from China
Authors: Huang Qiubin , Xiong Mengyuan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of managerial ability (MA) on the likelihood and the timeliness of goodwill impairment and explore whether the desirable effect of MA vary with the degree of agency problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a unified framework to simultaneously examine the effects of MA on the likelihood and the timeliness of goodwill impairment by incorporating a market-based impairment indicator (denoted as BTM), MA and the interaction of BTM with MA to this study’s regression model to account for the likelihood of goodwill impairment. BTM addresses the timeliness of goodwill impairment.

Findings

This study finds that firms with higher MA have lower likelihood of goodwill impairment, and such firms are more likely to recognize goodwill impairment in a timely manner when the underlying value of goodwill is economically impaired. This desirable effect of MA is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprise (SOEs) and firms without chief executive officer (CEO) duality.

Practical implications

Firms can reduce the losses arising from goodwill impairment by enhancing the ability of their management teams combined with improved corporate governance structure.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel insights on understanding the role of MA in not only reducing the likelihood but also enhancing the timeliness of goodwill impairment. The findings help advance the upper echelons theory by uncovering the heterogenous effects of executives with different levels of ability.
The ethical value disclosure index from the lens of SDG 16 and institutional theory
Authors: Joseph Corina , Rahmat Mariam , Syed Yusuf Sharifah Norzehan , Janang Jennifer Tunga , Madi Nero
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of the ethical values disclosure index (EVDi) for Malaysian companies using the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and isomorphism perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports an inclusive examination of international and national guidelines in relation to the code of ethics and ethical values in making the disclosure.

Findings

The final 10 categories and 40 items under review have been developed in an instrument, the proposed EVDi, for measuring the commitment undertaken by companies in communicating ethical values information to stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The EVDi may fulfil the function of good governance to inculcate ethical work culture throughout companies.

Social implications

Effective ethical values in communication may reduce the likelihood of illegal activities and cost of acting unethically in organisations.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is its approach of using the isomorphism concept from the institutional theory to address the SDG 16 by developing the EVDi. The new index incorporates core elements of moral values adapted mainly from the professional bodies that regulate the accounting profession and other related organisations. The index is an initiative used to measure companies' commitment to promoting ethical values through disclosure. The efforts to measure the level of commitment supporting the SDG 16 promote effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
Comparison of dynamic models, cavitation procedures and numerical methods for the analysis of lubricated engine journal bearings
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriel W. , Oliveira Fabiano L. , Santos llmar F. , Bittencourt Marco L.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to compare different dynamical models, cavitation procedures and numerical methods to simulate hydrodynamic lubricated bearings of internal combustion engines.

Design/methodology/approach

Two dynamical models are considered for the main bearing of combustion engines. The first is a fluid-structure interaction multi-body dynamics coupled with lubricated bearings, where the equilibrium and Reynolds equations are solved together. The second model finds the equilibrium position of the bearing subjected to previously calculated dynamical loads. The Traditional p-? procedure and Giacopini’s model described in Giacopini et al. (2010) are adopted for cavitation purposes. The influence of the finite difference and finite element numerical methods is investigated.

Findings

Simulations were carried out considering small-, mid- and large-sized engines and the dynamical models differed mainly in predicting the journal orbits. Finite element method with Giacopini’s cavitation model had improved numeric stability for the three engines.

Research limitations/implications

The dynamic models do not consider the flexibility of the components of the main mechanism of combustion engines which may overestimate the oil pressure and journal orbits.

Practical implications

It can help researchers and engineers to decide which combination of methods is best suited for their needs and the implications associated with each one.

Social implications

The used methods may help engineers to design better and more efficient combustion engines.

Originality/value

This paper helps practitioners to understand the effects of different methods on the results. Additionally, depending on the engine, one approach can be more effective than the other.