bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA looping mediates cooperative transcription activation
Authors: Han Shu-Jing , Jiang Yong-Liang , You Lin-Lin , Shen Li-Qiang , Yang Feng , Cui Ning , Kong Wen-Wen , Sun Hui , Zhou Ke , Meng Hui-Chao , Chen Zhi-Peng , Chen Yuxing , Zhang Yu , Zhou Cong-Zhao
Published: October 2022

Transcription factors respond to multi-level stimuli and co-occupy promoter regions of target genes to activate RNA polymerase (RNAP) in a cooperative manner. To decipher the molecular mechanism, here we report two cryo-electron microscopy structures ofAnabaenatranscription activation complexes (TACs): NtcA-TAC composed of RNAP holoenzyme, promoter and a global activator NtcA, and NtcA-NtcB-TAC comprising an extra context-specific regulator NtcB. Structural analysis showed that NtcA binding makes the promoter DNA bend by ∼50º, which facilitates RNAP to contact NtcB at the distal upstream NtcB box. The sequential binding of NtcA and NtcB induces looping back of promoter DNA towards RNAP, enabling the assembly of a fully activated TAC bound with two activators. Together with biochemical assays, we propose a ‘DNA looping’ mechanism of cooperative transcription activation in bacteria.
Differential innate immune response of endometrial cells to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 1 versus type 2
Authors: Lothong Muttarin , Rukarcheep Dran , Wattanaphansak Suphot , Thammacharoen Sumpun , Deachapunya Chatsri , Poonyachoti Sutthasinee
Published: October 2022

Modification of cellular and immunological events due to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection is associated with pathogenesis in lungs. PRRSV also causes female reproductive dysfunction and persistent infection which can spread to fetus, stillbirth, and offspring. In this study, alterations in cellular and innate immune responses to PRRSV type 1 or type 2 infection, including expression of PRRSV mediators, mRNA expression of toll-like receptor (TLRs) and cytokine, and cytokine secretion, were examined in primary porcine glandular endometrial cells (PGE). Cell infectivity as observed by cytopathic effect (CPE), PRRSV nucleocapsid proteins, and viral nucleic acids was early detected at two days post-infection (2 dpi) and persisted to 6 dpi. Higher percentage of CPE and PRRSV positive cells were detected in type 2 infection. PRRSV mediator proteins, CD151, CD163, sialoadhesin (Sn), integrin and vimentin, were upregulated following type 1 and type 2 infection.CD151,CD163andSnwere upregulated by type 2. Both PRRSV types upregulatedTLR1andTLR6.Only type 2 infection upregulatedTLR3,but downregulatedTLR4andTLR8. By contrast, both types upregulated TLR4 and downregulated TLR6 protein expression.Interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6andtumor necrotic factor(TNF)-αwere upregulated by type 2, butIL-8was upregulated by type 1. Both PRRSV type 1 and 2 stimulated IL-6 but suppressed TNF-α secretion. In addition, IL-1β secretion was suppressed by type 2. These findings reveal one of the important mechanisms underlying the strategy of PRRSV on innate immune evasion in endometrium which is associated with the viral persistence.

Author Summary

Widely prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains the leading cause of huge economic losses to the global swine industry. Due to an infection of macrophages, PRRSV can persist in animals for extended periods of time associated with long-lasting reproductive disorders. Modification of cellular and immunological responses to PRRSV infection which may be related with the pathogenesis of reproductive disorders remains unclear. Herein, direct PRRSV infection of primary porcine glandular endometrial epithelial cell culture (PGE) demonstrated that PRRSV type 1 and 2 upregulated the protein expression of PRRSV mediators correlated with cell persistence of PRRSV. However, TLR and cytokines gene expression, and cytokine secretion were differentially modulated in response to PRRSV type 1 vs. type 2. Our study provides new insights into the cellular mechanism associating with PRRSV persistence in the endometrial cells and the underlying interaction of virus with the host.
Simultaneous widefield voltage and interferometric dye-free optical mapping quantifies electromechanical waves in human iPSC-cardiomyocytes
Authors: Liu Wei , Han Julie Leann , Tomek Jakub , Bub Gil , Entcheva Emilia
Published: October 2022

Coupled electro-mechanical waves define heart’s function in health and disease. Genetic abnormalities, drug-triggered or acquired pathologies can disrupt and uncouple these waves with potentially lethal consequences. Optical mapping of electrical waves using fluorescent dyes or genetically-encoded sensors in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) offers mechanistic insights into cardiac conduction abnormalities. Interferometric dye-free/label-free wave mapping (without specific sensors) presents an alternative, likely capturing the mechanical aspects of cardiac conduction. Because of its non-invasive nature and spectral flexibility (not restricted to a specific excitation wavelength), it is an attractive chronic imaging tool in iPSC-CMs, as part of all-optical high-throughput platforms. In this study, we developed simultaneous widefield voltage and interferometric dye-free optical imaging methodology that was used: 1) to validate dye-free optical mapping for quantification of cardiac wave properties in human iPSC-CMs; 2) to demonstrate low-cost optical mapping of electromechanical waves in hiPSC-CMs using recent near-infrared (NIR) voltage sensors and orders of magnitude cheaper miniature CMOS cameras; 3) to uncover previously underexplored frequency- and space-varying parameters of cardiac electromechanical waves in hiPSC-CMs. We find similarity in the frequency-dependent responses of electrical (NIR fluorescence imaged) and mechanical (dye-free imaged) waves, with the latter being more sensitive to faster rates and showing steeper restitution and earlier appearance of wave-front tortuosity. During regular pacing, the dye-free imaged conduction velocity and the electrical wave velocity are correlated; both modalities being sensitive to pharmacological uncoupling and both dependent on gap-junctional protein (connexins) determinants of wave propagation. We uncover strong frequency-dependence of the electromechanical delay (EMD) locally and globally in hiPSC-CMs on a rigid substrate. The presented framework and results offer new means to track the functional responses of hiPSC-CM inexpensively and non-invasively for counteracting heart disease and aiding cardiotoxicity testing and drug development.
A key GPCR phosphorylation motif discovered in arrestin2•CCR5 phosphopeptide complexes
Authors: Isaikina Polina , Petrovic Ivana , Jakob Roman P. , Sarma Parishmita , Ranjan Ashutosh , Baruah Minakshi , Panwalkar Vineet , Maier Timm , Shukla Arun K. , Grzesiek Stephan
Published: October 2022

The two non-visual arrestin isoforms, arrestin2 and arrestin3 recognize and bind hundreds of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with different phosphorylation patterns leading to distinct functional outcomes. The impact of phosphorylation on arrestin interactions has been well studied only for very few GPCRs. Here we have characterized the interactions between the phosphorylated CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and arrestin2. We detected several new CCR5 phosphorylation sites, which are necessary for stable complex formation with arrestin2. Crystal structures of arrestin2 in apo form and in complexes with CCR5 C-terminal phosphopeptides together with NMR spectroscopy, biochemical and functional assays revealed three phosphoresidues in a pXpp motif that are essential for the arrestin2 interactions and activation. The same phosphoresidue cluster is present in other receptors, which form stable complexes with arrestin2. We propose that the identified pXpp motif is responsible for robust arrestin2 recruitment in many GPCRs. An analysis of available sequences, structural and functional information on other GPCR•arrestin interactions suggests that a particular arrangement of phosphoresidues within the GPCR intracellular loop 3 and C-terminal tail determines arrestin2 and 3 isoform specificity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate how multi-site phosphorylation controls GPCR•arrestin interactions and provide a framework to probe the intricate details of arrestin activation and signaling.

One-sentence summary

A structural and functional analysis of arrestin2 in apo form and complexes with several CCR5 phosphopeptides reveals key phosphorylation sites responsible for stable GPCR•arrestin interactions and their contributions to CCR5-arrestin2 function.
Structure of the Human ATAD2 AAA+ Histone Chaperone Reveals Mechanism of Regulation and Inter-subunit Communication
Authors: Cho Carol , Song Ji-Joon
Published: October 2022

ATAD2 is a non-canonical ATP-dependent histone chaperone and a major cancer. Despite widespread efforts to design drugs targeting the ATAD2 bromodomain, little is known about the overall structural organization and AAA+ domains of ATAD2. Here, we present the 3.1 Å cryo-EM structure of human ATAD2 in the ATP state, showing a shallow hexameric spiral that binds a peptide substrate at the central pore. The spiral conformation is locked by an N-terminal linker domain (LD) that wedges between the seam subunits, thus limiting ATP-dependent symmetry breaking of the AAA+ ring. In contrast, a structure of the ATAD2-histone H3H4 complex shows the LD undocked from the seam, suggesting that H3H4 binding unlocks the AAA+ spiral by allosterically releasing the LD. These findings, together with the discovery of an inter-subunit signaling mechanism, reveal a unique regulatory mechanism for ATAD2 and lay the foundation for developing new ATAD2 inhibitors.
Perceptions and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care providers across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Madzorera Isabel , Abokyi Livesy Naafoe , Apraku Edward , Azemraw Temesgen , Boudo Valentin , James Christabel , Wang Dongqing , Mapendo Frank , Millogo Ourohiré , Assefa Nega , Chukwu Angela , Workneh Firehiwot , Lankoande Bruno , Hemler Elena C. , Ismail Abbas , Abubakari Sulemana , Asante Kwaku Poku , Berhane Yemane , Killewo Japhet , Oduola Ayoade , Sie Ali , Soura Abdramane , Mwanyika-Sando Mary , Vuai Said , Smith Emily , Baernighausen Till , Tajudeen Raji , Fawzi Wafaie W
Published: October 2022

The African continent has some of the world’s lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates. While the limited availability of vaccines is a contributing factor, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among health care providers (HCP) is another factor that could adversely affect efforts to control infections on the continent. We sought to understand the extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCP, and its contributing factors in Africa. We evaluated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 1,499 HCP enrolled in a repeated cross-sectional telephone survey in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Ghana. We defined COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCP as self-reported responses of definitely not, maybe, unsure, or undecided on whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to definitely getting the vaccine. We used Poisson regression models to evaluate factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among HCP. Approximately 65.6% were nurses and the mean age (±SD) of participants was 35.8 (±9.7) years. At least 67% of the HCP reported being vaccinated. Reasons for low COVID-19 vaccine uptake included concern about vaccine effectiveness, side effects and fear of receiving unsafe and experimental vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy affected 45.7% of the HCP in Burkina Faso, 25.7% in Tanzania, 9.8% in Ethiopia, 9% in Ghana and 8.1% in Nigeria. Respondents reporting that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective (RR:0.21, 95% CI:0.08, 0.55), and older HCP (45 or older vs.20-29 years, RR:0.65, 95% CI: 0.44,0.95) were less likely to be vaccine-hesitant. Nurses were more likely to be vaccine-hesitant (RR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.00,1.89) compared to doctors. We found higher vaccine hesitancy among HCP in Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Information asymmetry among HCP, beliefs about vaccine effectiveness and the endorsement of vaccines by the public health institutions may be important. Efforts to address hesitancy should address information and knowledge gaps among different cadres of HCP and should be coupled with efforts to increase vaccine supply.
Bacillus velezensisSQR9 sways the rhizosphere community and its sociality toward cooperation and plant growth promotion
Authors: Liu Yan , Xu Zhihui , Xun Weibing , Stefanic Polonca , Yang Tianjie , Miao Youzhi , Zhang Nan , Zhang Ruifu , Shen Qirong , Mandic-Mulec Ines
Published: October 2022

According to the Lotka-Volterra competition model, intraspecific competition in plant-associated microbial communities should be stronger than interspecific competition. However, there is limited information on whether microbial communities follow this pattern and how disturbance by a newcomer affects them. Given the increasing popularity of probiotics, filling this knowledge gap could help guide future coexistence research. Here, we show that inoculation with a known probiotic,B. velezensisSQR9 shifts species co-occurrence patterns by decreasing the diversity of more distant species and promoting the growth of more closely related species, especially within theBacilluscommunity. By testing the sociality ofBacillusrhizosphere isolates, we then demonstrated that SQR9 increases the frequency of cooperative interactions in theBacilluscommunity, which may contribute to the promotion of plant growth. Finally, we provide an ecosystem framework comprising the strain’s genetic relatedness, metabolic niche space and social compatibility for the efficient and reliable assembly ofBacillusconsortia. These findings shed new light on the ecological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotics on host fitness.
Strain and serovar variants ofSalmonella entericaexhibit diverse tolerance to food chain-related stress
Authors: Pye Hannah V. , Thilliez Gaëtan , Acton Luke , Kolenda Rafał , Al-Khanaq Haider , Grove Stephen , Kingsley Robert A.
Published: October 2022

Non-TyphoidalSalmonella(NTS) continues to be a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Food manufacturers implement hurdle technology by combining more than one approach to control food safety and quality, including preservatives such as organic acids, refrigeration, and heating. We assessed the variation in survival in stresses of genotypically diverse isolates ofSalmonella entericato identify genotypes with potential elevated risk to sub-optimal processing or cooking. Sub-lethal heat treatment, survival in desiccated conditions and growth in the presence of NaCl or organic acids were investigated.S. Gallinarum strain 287/91 was most sensitive to all stress conditions. While none of the strains replicated in a food matrix at 4°C,S. Infantis strain S1326/28 retained the greatest viability, and six strains exhibited a significantly reduced viability. AS. Kedougou strain exhibited the greatest resistance to incubation at 60°C in a food matrix that was significantly greater thanS. Typhimurium U288, S Heidelberg,S. Kentucky,S. Schwarzengrund andS. Gallinarum strains. Two isolates of monophasicS. Typhimurium, S04698-09 and B54 Col9 exhibited the greatest tolerance to desiccation that was significantly more than for theS. Kentucky andS. Typhimurium U288 strains. In general, the presence of 12mM acetic acid or 14mM citric acid resulted in a similar pattern of decreased growth in broth, but this was not observed forS. Enteritidis, andS. Typhimurium strains ST4/74 and U288 S01960-05. Acetic acid had a moderately greater effect on growth despite the lower concentration tested. A similar pattern of decreased growth was observed in the presence of 6% NaCl, with the notable exception thatS. Typhimurium strain U288 S01960-05 exhibited enhanced growth in elevated NaCl concentrations. An understanding of the molecular basis of phenotypic variation in response to stress has the potential to improve process validation during food challenge tests, improve processing, and result in more reliable risk assessments in the food industry.
Depletion Assisted Hemin Affinity (DAsHA) Proteomics Reveals an Expanded Landscape of Heme Binding Proteins
Authors: Kim Hyojung , Moore Courtney M. , Mestre-Fos Santi , Hanna David A. , Williams Loren Dean , Reddi Amit R. , Torres Matthew P.
Published: October 2022

Hemeb(iron protoporphyrin IX) plays important roles in biology as a metallocofactor and signaling molecule. However, the targets of heme signaling and the network of proteins that mediate the exchange of heme from sites of synthesis or uptake to heme dependent or regulated proteins are poorly understood. Herein, we describe a quantitative mass spectrometry-based chemoproteomics strategy to identify exchange labile hemoproteins in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells that may be relevant to heme signaling and trafficking. The strategy involves depleting endogenous heme with the heme biosynthetic inhibitor succinylacetone (SA), leaving putative heme binding proteins in theirapo-state, followed by the capture of those proteins using hemin-agarose resin and finally elution and identification by mass spectrometry. By identifying only those proteins that interact with high specificity to hemin-agarose relative to control beaded agarose in a SA-dependent manner, we have expanded the number of proteins and ontologies that may be involved in binding and buffering labile heme or are targets of heme signaling. Notably, these include proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, DNA damage response, RNA splicing, cytoskeletal organization and vesicular trafficking, many of which have been associated with heme through complimentary studies published recently. Taken together, these results provide support for the emerging role for heme in an expanded set of cellular processes from genome integrity to protein trafficking and beyond.
Therapeutic trial of anle138b in mouse models of genetic prion disease
Authors: Vallabh Sonia M , Zou Dan , Pitstick Rose , O’Moore Jill , Peters Janet , Silvius Derek , Kriz Jasna , Jackson Walker S , Carlson George A , Minikel Eric Vallabh , Cabin Deborah E
Published: October 2022

Phenotypic screening has yielded small molecule inhibitors of prion replication that are effective in vivo against certain prion strains but not others. Here we sought to test the small molecule anle138b in multiple mouse models of prion disease. In mice inoculated with the RML strain of prions, anle138b doubled survival and durably suppressed astrogliosis measured by live animal bioluminescence imaging. In knock-in mouse models of the D178N and E200K mutations that cause genetic prion disease, however, we were unable to identify a clear, quantifiable disease endpoint against which to measure therapeutic efficacy. Among untreated animals, the mutations did not impact overall survival, and bioluminescence remained low out to >20 months of age. Vacuolization and PrP deposition were observed in some brain regions in a subset of mutant animals, but appeared unable to carry the weight of a primary endpoint in a therapeutic study. We conclude that not all animal models of prion disease are suited to well-powered therapeutic efficacy studies, and care should be taken in choosing the models that will support drug development programs.
Differential roles of beta-cell IP3R and RyR ER Ca2+channels in ER stress-induced alterations of beta-cell Ca2+homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Irina X. , Hermann Andrea , Leon Juan , Arunagiri Anoop , Arvan Peter , Satin Leslie S.
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic beta cells maintain glucose homeostasis by secreting pulses of insulin in response to a rise in glucose. Pulsatile secretion occurs due to glucose-induced oscillations in beta-cell cytosolic Ca2+. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) helps regulate beta-cell cytosolic Ca2+, and ER stress can lead to ER Ca2+depletion, beta-cell dysfunction and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. To determine the effects of tunicamycin-induced ER stress on ER inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and their involvement in subsequent Ca2+dysregulation, INS-1 832/13 cells and primary mouse islets were treated with tunicamycin. This increased RyR1 mRNA and potentiated RyR-mediated Ca2+signaling without affecting RyR2 mRNA. TM treatment also enhanced IP3R function, while it decreased IP3R1 and IP3R3 mRNA. Stress reduced ER Ca2+, triggered oscillations in cytosolic Ca2+under subthreshold glucose conditions, and increased apoptosis; these changes were prevented by cotreatment with the RyR1 inhibitor dantrolene. In contrast, inhibiting IP3Rs with xestospongin-C failed to suppress the cytosolic Ca2+oscillations due to tunicamycin treatment and did not protect beta cells from tunicamycin-induced apoptosis, although xestospongin-C inclusion prevented ER Ca2+depletion. Taken together, changes in RyR1 function were shown to play a critical role in ER stress induced Ca2+dysfunction and beta-cell apoptosis.
Brand love and brand addiction and their effects on consumers' negative behaviors
Authors: Junaid Muhammad , Fetscherin Marc , Hussain Khalid , Hou Fujun
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between brand love and brand addiction and their effects on consumers' negative behaviors with respect to excessive spending, trash-talking and the feeling of anxiety.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 352 young fashion brand consumers responded to a structured questionnaire. The resulting data were analyzed with structural equation modeling in MPlus.

Findings

While brand love and brand addiction are related concepts, their effects on negative consumer behaviors differ. In the presence of brand addiction as a mediator of brand love, brand addiction has a significant effect on the three negative behaviors, and the authors observe a suppression effect of brand love on the outcome variables, with total effects (direct and indirect) being insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study was its single-country cross-sectional convenience sample.

Practical implications

While brand addiction could aid brands by leading consumers to spend excessively on them and trash-talk rival brands, it may also lead to increased consumer anxiety.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically assess the relationship between brand love and brand addiction and their effects on three distinctive negative consumer behaviors. This shows that brand love is an important antecedent of brand addiction.
Thermal irreversibility demystified
Authors: Ransing R.S.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand the difference between irreversibility in heat and work transfer processes. It also aims to explain that Helmholtz or Gibbs energy does not represent “free” energy but is a measure of loss of Carnot (reversible) work opportunity.

Design/methodology/approach

The entropy of mass is described as the net temperature-standardised heat transfer to mass under ideal conditions measured from a datum value. An expression for the “irreversibility” is derived in terms of work loss (Wloss) in a work transfer process, unaccounted heat dissipation (Qloss) in a heat transfer process and loss of net Carnot work (CWnet) opportunity resulting from spontaneous heat transfer across a finite temperature difference during the process. The thermal irreversibility is attributed to not exploiting the capability for extracting work by interposing a combination of Carnot engine(s) and/or Carnot heat pump(s) that exchanges heat with the surrounding and operates across the finite temperature difference.

Findings

It is shown, with an example, how the contribution of thermal irreversibility, in estimating reversible input work, amounts to a loss of an opportunity to generate the net work output. The opportunity is created by exchanging heat with surroundings whilst transferring the same amount of heat across finite temperature difference. An entropy change is determined with a numerical simulation, including calculation of local entropy generation values, and results are compared with estimates based on an analytical expression.

Originality/value

A new interpretation of entropy combined with an enhanced mental image of a combination of Carnot engine(s) and/or Carnot heat pump(s) is used to quantify thermal irreversibility.
Surviving in financial advice deserts: limited access to financial advice and retirement planning behavior
Authors: Chatterjee Swarn , Fan Lu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study introduces the concept of financial advice deserts (FADs), including financial advice received from personal financial advisors (PFAs) and Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP professionals) and investigates the association between living in these FAD states and the retirement planning activities of individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses merged data gathered from multiple sources including (1) available state-level information on CFP professionals from the CFP board website, (2) state-level information on PFAs from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and (3) individual levels of retirement planning behavior and other personal characteristics from the 2018 FINRA National Financial Capability Study. Using web data extraction tools and logistic regression analyses, this study examines the association between a series of individual retirement planning activities and living in the FAD states.

Findings

The study found that living in the FAD states was negatively associated with both having retirement accounts and contributing regularly to retirement accounts. Overall, the findings of this study underscore the need for providing greater access to financial advice and improving financial literacy among financially marginalized populations who are residing in FAD states in the United States of America.

Originality/value

This study makes unique contributions to the literature by raising the issue of geographic inequality in terms of access to financial advice and introducing the innovative notion of FADs. The findings provide fresh insights into the understanding of retirement planning and preparedness from the perspective of state-level inequality of financial advice through PFAs and CFP professionals, thereby expanding the previous knowledge that emphasizes only individual- and household-level differences. Significant implications for public policies and practitioners are also discussed.
Risk or benefit? Economic and sociocultural impact of P2P accommodation on community resilience, consumer perception and behavioral intention
Authors: Shin Hhye Won , Yoon Sungsik , Jung Shinyong , Fan Alei
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Drawing on the social exchange theory, stakeholder theory and extended theory of reasoned action, this study aims to investigate how consumers view the economic and sociocultural impacts (benefits/costs) of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodations on the local community’s resilience and how consumers form behavioral intentions toward P2P accommodation as a part of sustainable tourism behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

With data from a survey of 300 consumers who have previously used P2P accommodation, the authors performed partial least squares-structural equation modeling to test the proposed model and hypotheses.

Findings

The current study reveals the significant impact of the sociocultural benefits of P2P accommodations on consumers’ perceived community resilience, while economic benefits have a non-significant impact on perceived community resilience. Moreover, neither the sociocultural nor economic costs of P2P accommodation significantly reduce consumers’ perceived community resilience. Furthermore, the authors found significant positive relationships among perceived community resilience, attitude, subjective norm, personal norm and behavioral intentions.

Practical implications

P2P accommodation platforms can leverage these research findings and contribute to the community resilience and help community residents by establishing strategic collaboration with various stakeholders (e.g. governments, destination marketing organizations and non-profit organizations) for the community’s sustainable development.

Originality/value

This study systematically investigates the role of P2P accommodation in achieving community resilience by categorizing the impacts of P2P accommodation into economic and sociocultural benefits/costs.
Influence of supply chain resilience, information technology capabilities and agility on cost and delivery performance in construction supply chains: an Indian perspective
Authors: Cherian Tisha Meriam , Mathivathanan Deepak , Arun SJ C. Joe , Ramasubramaniam M. , Alathur Sreejith
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been severely felt by India's construction industry, which contributes heavily to economic growth and employment. An analysis of the impact of supply chain agility, supply chain resilience and information technology capability on the construction supply chain cost and delivery performance is presented in this study in an Indian scenario post-COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of moment structures-confirmatory factor analysis-based structural equation modeling is applied to a structured questionnaire received from 220 construction companies located in Southern India.

Findings

According to the results, supply chain agility, supply chain resilience and information technology capability are essential capabilities for post-COVID-19 supply chain performance. Furthermore, these factors are observed to have a positive impact on improving cost and delivery performance in construction supply chains focused on building sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study can be used by other industries to ensure robustness and sustainability of business operations during post-COVID periods. Improving supply chain agility and information technology capabilities along with building resilience results in improving cost and delivery performance against disruptive scenarios.

Originality/value

Despite previous studies addressing the effects of COVID-19 on supply chain performance, information technology capability, agility and resilience are not addressed in construction industry research. The current study examines the simultaneous effects of resilience, agility, and information technology capability on the cost and delivery performance of Indian construction projects.
The requisite role of emotional intelligence in customer service in the retail banking sector
Authors: Al Khoury Grace , Thrassou Alkis , Papasolomou Ioanna , Vrontis Demetris
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to descriptively identify and refine the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the retail banking employee–customer contact context, and prescriptively use this knowledge to develop a framework for improving true customer service without excess organizational cost, in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts the classical interpretive/constructivist ontology and the interpretivism/constructivism epistemology, and it rests on a tripod of methodological foundations. The first leg is the theoretical work that sets the extant scientific ground for the empirical work to develop. The second incorporates the main (qualitative) empirical tools, i.e. 40 interviews with customers and HR managers (NVivo-analyzed), plus a critical incident technique study. The third includes the supportive tools of secondary data and an expert panel composed of industry and scholarly specialists.

Findings

EI was empirically shown to modulate the levels of customer satisfaction and to hold a critical role in the company–customer interface, albeit one that is currently and unjustly both undervalued and ineffectively controlled. The findings identify the key factors and exhibited behavioral attributes of EI within the customer service process, and they integrate all into a comprehensive framework of both scholarly and executive worth.

Originality/value

This study provides distinct theoretical elucidations and conceptualization that have identified and interrelated the relevant works on the subject; empirically refines the variables involved in the EI context of retail banking customer service; and culminates in the form of the proposed framework that incorporates and interrelates the findings into an empirical-data-based composition of both scholarly and executive orientation and worth.
The evaluation of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Turkish manufacturing sector using AHP-TOPSIS methods
Authors: Özgüner Zeynep , Özgüner Mert , Durmaz Yakup
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the Turkish manufacturing sector by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods on a sectoral basis. In this way, the sectors that had the highest negative effects of COVID-19 will be determined. Thanks to the findings to be obtained as a result of this study, it will be possible for decision-makers to develop strategies that may differ on a sectoral basis at the point of combating the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The negative effects of COVID-19 were revealed by a large literature search. The importance levels of the factors determined within the scope of finance, supply, production and workforce were determined by the AHP method. Then, the TOPSIS method was used to determine which sectors were more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on these factors.

Findings

The findings of this study obtained reveal that the most important negative effect of COVID-19 was on businesses in terms of reduced sales caused by domestic sales and export. Again, the findings show that the sector most affected by COVID-19 is automotive, which shows that the least affected sector is the pharmaceutical and medical equipment sector.

Practical implications

Primary data was used to determine the criteria weight. Therefore, there is a possibility that the answers are not objectively evaluated. The findings are limited to the criteria that was used, the views of the professionals and AHP-TOPSIS methods. Studies that use more criteria and different decision-making methods can have different results.

Originality/value

The manufacturing sector is at the forefront of the sectors affected by the global bottleneck caused by COVID-19. In this study, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Turkish manufacturing sector are discussed on a sectoral basis. Studies in the literature have revealed that the effects of pandemics such as COVID-19 vary between sectors. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 from a sectoral perspective. Thanks to this study, it is thought that it will be possible to take measures that may differ between sectors to combat the negative effects of COVID-19.
Effects of the organizational culture and knowledge exploration and exploitation on results in the EFQM model framework
Authors: Giménez Espín Juan Antonio , Jiménez Jiménez Daniel , Martínez Costa Micaela
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to adopt Cameron and Quinn’s analysis of organizational culture and March’s learning framework to analyze the type of organizational culture (OC) that promotes learning competences and whether exploration and exploitation competences (ambidexterity) improve the European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) results (excellent results). In addition, this research tests if these competences exercise a mediating effect in the relationship between OC and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is proposed whose relationships have been tested using structural equations. The sample was obtained from the SABI database. Two hundred valid questionnaires were returned via a webpage, in which four managers from each of the 200 organizations responded.

Findings

The results support the proposed relationships. Adhocracy, hierarchy and market culture have a positive relationship with excellent results. A hierarchical culture develops exploitation competences, and a market culture develops learning ambidexterity. Moreover, exploration and exploitation increase results. Finally, these two cultures indirectly influence results through exploration and exploitation competences.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model can help managers who implement the EFQM model to better understand how the culture of their organization promotes learning and how these two variables improve their performance.

Practical implications

Because the EFQM model requires organizations to use a knowledge management system to enhance the effect of the enabliers criteria on excellent results, the managers of these companies must know that only market and hierarchy cultures are suitable for it. Besides, this study highlights the importance of two cultural values for the implementation of the EFQM Model and, therefore, to promote excellent results: market orientation and process control.

Originality/value

This study fills an existing gap in the literature by combining exploitation, exploration, OC and EFQM results in a single model and highlights the importance of market orientation and process control for excellent results and knowledge exploration and exploitation.
WhatsApp application for teaching and learning in higher education institutions
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite Tega , Kehinde Fasae Joseph
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate WhatsApp application for teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEIs). The consideration for the use of the WhatsApp is based on its usefulness, ease of use, low cost of data and maintenance practices for the functionality of the mobile device used for the WhatsApp.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applied systematic literature review in conceptualizing how WhatsApp application could be used for enhanced teaching and learning in HEIs. Most of the articles used in carrying out this study were harvested from Google Scholar. This study was carried out within three weeks internal

Findings

This study established that WhatsApp has also served as a learning and teaching tool which has made majorities of university students, irrespective of their geographical locations, become tech-savvy, self-expressive and open to new ways of doing things, including the use of social network applications. The exposition of the authors based on the findings from this study indicates that through the use of WhatsApp, activity theory of mobile learning postulated by Vygotsky and theory of connectives by George Siemens gave them the understanding surrounding how humans interact with technology through continuous use of tools.

Research limitations/implications

This research carried out has a lot of implications to global HEI due to innovation and practices of teaching learning and research.

Social implications

WhatsApp application has become the avenue through which people learn and retain and share information and knowledge among themselves for a better quality live scenarios. It has brought a shift from traditional to virtual platform of user experience (UX) in the use of digital technologies.

Originality/value

WhatsApp application for teaching and learning in HEIs established that the impact of WhatsApp on teaching, learning and retention of collocation of knowledge among school students or learners cannot be undermined. The result revealed from this study indicates that there is a shift from traditional to virtual platform which has brought diverse opportunities of transformation the educational systems, enhance productivity and quality service delivery and challenges, where lecturers would have to learn and unlearn through UX of the use of digital technologies.
Marine tourism omnichannel coordination
Authors: Tang Chaonan , Chen Zhisong , Peng Jianhui
Published: October 2022

Purpose

With the growing economic impact of e-commerce and the increasing trend of omnichannel mode, more considerate services can be provided to customers. This paper aims to explore the optimal practice of business strategies and enrich the research content of marine tourism omnichannel.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the optimal practice of bundling pricing and service effort strategies between two tourism suppliers (TSs) and a travel agent (TA) who distributes complementary products in marine tourism omnichannel considering joint efforts of both sides. This study develops five models by Stackelberg and Nash game and introduces the revenue-sharing contract. All outcomes/results are analyzed and the corresponding numerical and sensitivity analyses are conducted to derive more managerial implications and business insights.

Findings

The main findings show that bundling price is directly proportional to inter-channel integration coefficient and service effort level coefficient, and inversely proportional to the price elasticity coefficient. TA tends to provide a higher level of service effort than TSs when TA plays a dominant role. Improving the service effort level unduly leads to a decline in profits. Moreover, TSs and TA can reach a win-win situation under the coordination mechanism and the marine tourism omnichannel can achieve the best performance.

Originality/value

A novel and useful approach towards joint equilibrium decisions of bundle pricing and service efforts in marine tourism omnichannel with complementary tourism products under different operational strategies is proposed.
Lived experience perspectives of factors that influence mental health recovery in Singapore: a thematic analysis
Authors: Kuek Jonathan Han Loong , Raeburn Toby , Chow Melissa Yan Zhi , Wand Timothy
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Contemporary interpretations of mental health recovery emphasize the need to understand better the lived experience of people with mental health conditions and how they define the idea of recovery. While traction for such ideas has been building in many western countries, the recovery movement is still in its early stages within most Asian countries. Hence, this study aims to add to this growing effort by understanding various factors that influence the recovery of people with mental health conditions in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used on the qualitative data provided by 21 participants.

Findings

Four themes were revealed: double-edged nature of social support, challenges accessing mental health support, personalized coping strategies and societal influences. As a result, the authors could better understand various factors that influenced the recovery process of people with mental health conditions in Singapore, such as the high costs and low levels of literacy regarding pathways to mental health services. In addition, the importance of societal influences on mental health recovery was highlighted, and their impact could be seen through the participants’ sharing.

Research limitations/implications

These findings form a foundation from which future research and recovery-oriented interventions can work from to provide more tailored approaches to supporting people with mental health conditions.

Originality/value

This study identified cultural nuances to notions of recovery that are commonly found in personal recovery constructs that need to be considered when working within culturally diverse populations.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of traditional chitosan, nano chitosan and chitosan nanocomposites for consolidating aged papyrus paper
Authors: Salim Eman , Mohamed Wael S. , Sadek Rasha
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of traditional chitosan, nano chitosan, and chitosan nanocomposites for consolidating aged papyrus samples. Cellulose-based materials, such as papyrus sheets and paper, which are the most common types of writing supports for works of art in many museums and archive. They are subjected to different types of deterioration factors that may lead to many conservation problems. Consolidation treatment is one of the most common conservation treatments, which should have perform after much testing to select the appropriate consolidants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper aims to evaluate the resistance of traditional chitosan, nanochitosan and chitosan/zinc oxide nanocomposite as an eco-friendly papyrus strengthening. Untreated and treated papyrus was thermally aged and characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antimicrobial activity of the papyrus specimens was also determined against four tested pathogenic bacteria by disc diffusion method: MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa.

Findings

The results revealed that chitosan nanocomposite showed a remarkable enhancement of papyrus tensile properties and presence of ZnO prevents the effects of biodeterioration.

Originality/value

Zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the optical properties and increase the chemical reactions between the consolidating material and the treated papyrus.
Effects of warming temperatures on germination responses and trade‐offs between seed traits in an alpine plant
Authors: Notarnicola Rocco F. , Nicotra Adrienne B. , Kruuk Loeske E. B. , Arnold Pieter A.
Published: October 2022

Climate warming may affect multiple aspects of plant life history, including important factors such as germination responses and the key trade‐off between offspring size and number. As a case study to address these concepts, we used an alpine plant (waxy bluebell, Wahlenbergia ceracea; Campanulaceae) that shows plasticity to warming in seed traits and in which seed dormancy status regulates germination. We chose an alpine species because alpine environments are ecosystems particularly under threat by climate change.

We conducted germination assays under cool and warm temperatures using seeds produced by individuals that were grown under historical (cooler) and future (warmer) temperature scenarios. We assessed the presence of a seed size versus number trade‐off, and then examined the effects of seed number and size on germination percentage, the fractions of dormant and viable seeds, and germination velocity. Further, we examined whether warming during parental growth and during germination affected these relationships.

We found evidence for a seed size versus number trade‐off only under historical parental temperatures. Indeed, under future growth temperatures parental plants produced fewer and smaller seeds and there was no evidence of a trade‐off. However, the reductions in both seed traits under warming did not affect germination, despite correlations of seed size and number with germination traits. Warming increased germination, particularly of larger seeds, but overall, it resulted in more than fourfold reductions in parental fitness.

Synthesis. Our study shows the importance of growth conditions when evaluating the seed size versus number trade‐off. Stressful conditions, such as warmer temperatures, can restrain the ability of plants to reach optimal investment in reproduction, masking the trade‐off. By analysing responses across the whole life cycle, we show here an overall detrimental effect of warming, highlighting the potential risk of climate change for Wahlenbergia ceracea, and, potentially, for alpine plant communities more widely.