bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the functional effect of compound heterozygous genotypes from large scale variant effect maps
Authors: Xie Michael J. , Cromie Gareth A. , Owens Katherine , Timour Martin S. , Tang Michelle , Kutz J. Nathan , El-Hattab Ayman W. , McLaughlin Richard N. , Dudley Aimée M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Pathogenic variants inPHGDH, PSAT1, andPSPHcause a set of rare, autosomal recessive diseases known as serine biosynthesis defects. Serine biosynthesis defects present in a broad phenotypic spectrum that includes, at the severe end, Neu–Laxova syndrome, a lethal multiple congenital anomaly disease, intermediately in the form of infantile serine biosynthesis defects with severe neurological manifestations and growth deficiency, and at the mild end, as childhood disease with intellectual disability. However, because L-serine supplementation, especially if started early, can ameliorate and in some cases even prevent symptoms, knowledge of pathogenic variants is highly actionable.

Methods

Recently, our laboratory established a yeast-based assay for humanPSAT1function. We have now applied it at scale to assay the functional impact of 1,914 SNV-accessible amino acid substitutions. In addition to assaying the functional impact of individual variants in yeast haploid cells, we can assay pairwise combinations ofPSAT1alleles that recapitulate human genotypes, including compound heterozygotes, in yeast diploids.

Results

Results of our assays of individual variants (in haploid yeast cells) agree well with clinical interpretations and protein structure-function relationships, supporting the use of our data as functional evidence under the ACMG interpretation guidelines. Results from our diploid assay successfully distinguish patient genotypes from those of healthy carriers and agree well with disease severity. Finally, we present a linear model that uses individual allele measurements (in haploid yeast cells) to accurately predict the biallelic function (in diploid yeast cells) of~1.8 million allele combinations corresponding to potential human genotypes.

Conclusions

Taken together, our work provides an example of how large-scale functional assays in model systems can be powerfully applied to the study of a rare disease.
A microRNA expression signature in infant t(4;11) MLL-AF4+ BCP-ALL uncovers novel therapeutic targets
Authors: Malouf Camille , Duguid Alasdair , Camiolo Giuseppina , Nitsche Leslie , Jakobczyk Hélène , Kotecha Rishi S. , Anderson Richard A. , Barrett Neil A. , Smith Owen P. , Ottersbach Katrin
Published: January 2023

Infants and children with MLL-AF4+ leukemia have an urgent need for more efficient and less aggressive therapy. In this study, we studied three microRNAs that are downregulated in MLL-AF4+ B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL): miR-194, miR-99b and miR-125a-5p. When overexpressed, all three microRNAs impaired the survival of MLL-AF4+ leukemic blasts and the maintenance of MLL-AF4+ BCP-ALL. We identified microRNA target genes responsible for this phenotype that are upregulated in MLL-AF4+ BCP-ALL: CA5B, PPP3CA and PPP2R5C. Using CRISPR-Cas9 and specific inhibitors, we confirmed that CA5B, PPP3CA and PPP2R5C downregulation/inhibition severely compromised the proliferation and survival of MLL-AF4+ leukemic blasts. Importantly, CA5B, PPP3CA and PP2A inhibition by acetazolamide, tacrolimus and LB-100, respectively, showed high toxicity towards MLL-AF4+ leukemic blasts and reduced leukemia burdenin vivo. This study highlights how the unique microRNA expression signature of patients with MLL-AF4+ BCP-ALL can be used to uncover novel therapeutic avenues and accelerate drug repurposing.

Statement of significance

There is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic avenues for patients with MLL-AF4+ BCP-ALL that are more effective and less aggressive. This study identified three clinically available drugs (acetazolamide, tacrolimus and LB-100) with high and selective toxicity towards MLL-AF4+ leukemic cells.
Drivers of asymmetrical insect invasions between three world regions
Authors: Isitt Rylee , Liebhold Andrew M. , Turner Rebecca M. , Battisti Andrea , Bertelsmeier Cleo , Blake Rachael , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Heard Stephen B. , Krokene Paal , Økland Bjørn , Nahrung Helen , Rassati Davide , Roques Alain , Yamanaka Takehiko , Pureswaran Deepa S.
Published: January 2023

The geographical exchange of non-native insects can be highly asymmetrical, with some world regions ‘exporting’ or ‘importing’ more species than others. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain such asymmetries, including differences in propagule pressure, environmental features in recipient regions, or biological traits of invaders. We tested aspects of these hypotheses in the context of the exchange of non-native insects between North America, Europe, and Australasia. Europe was the dominant exporter of non-native insect species between the three regions, with most of this asymmetry arising prior to 1950. The European dominance could not be explained by differences in import value, source species pool sizes, or native plant richness in the recipient regions. We identified that the introduction of non-native plants, driven in part by European colonization, best explains the asymmetrical exchange of non-native insects between our focal regions.
Fathers’ preconception smoking and offspring DNA methylation: A two generation study
Authors: Kitaba Negusse T , Knudsen Gerd Toril Mørkve , Johannessen Ane , Rezwan Faisal I. , Malinovschi Andrei , Oudin Anna , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Martino David , Callejas González Francisco Javier , Gómez Leopoldo Palacios , Holm Mathias , Jõgi Nils Oskar , Dharmage Shyamali C , Skulstad Svein Magne , Watkins Sarah H , Suderman Matthew , Gómez-Real Francisco , Schlünssen Vivi , Svanes Cecilie , Holloway John W.
Published: January 2023

Rationale

Experimental studies suggest that exposures may impact respiratory health across generations via epigenetic changes transmitted specifically through male germ cells. Studies in humans are however limited. We aim to identify epigenetic marks in offspring associated with father’s preconception smoking.

Methods

We conducted epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in the RHINESSA cohort on father’s any preconception smoking (N=875 offspring) and father’s pubertal onset smoking <15 years (N=304), using Infinium MethylationEPIC Beadchip arrays, adjusting for offspring age, maternal smoking and personal smoking. EWAS of maternal and offspring personal smoking were performed for replication.

Results

Father’s smoking commencing preconception was associated with methylation of blood DNA in offspring at two Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine sites (CpGs) (False Discovery Rate (FDR) <0.05) inPRR5andCENPP. Father’s pubertal onset smoking was associated with 19 CpGs (FDR <0.05) mapped to 14 genes (TLR9, DNTT, FAM53B, NCAPG2, PSTPIP2, MBIP, C2orf39, NTRK2, DNAJC14, CDO1, PRAP1, TPCN1, IRS1andCSF1R). These differentially methylated sites were hypermethylated and associated with promoter regions capable of gene silencing. Some of these sites were associated with offspring outcomes in this cohort including ever-asthma (NTRK2), ever-wheezing (DNAJC14, TPCN1), weight (FAM53B, NTRK2) and BMI (FAM53B, NTRK2) (P< 0.05). Pathway analysis showed enrichment for gene ontology pathways including regulation of gene expression, inflammation and innate immune responses.

Conclusion

Father’s preconception smoking, particularly in puberty, is associated with offspring DNA methylation, providing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms may underly epidemiological observations that pubertal paternal smoking increases risk of offspring asthma, low lung function and obesity.
Drivers of plant diversity, community composition, functional traits and soil processes along an alpine gradient in the central Chilean Andes
Authors: Schroeder Lucy , Robles Valeria , Jara-Arancio Paola , Lapadat Cathleen , Hobbie Sarah E. , Arroyo-Kalin Mary , Cavender-Bares Jeannine
Published: January 2023

High alpine regions are threatened but understudied ecosystems that harbor diverse endemic species, making them an important biome in which to test the role of environmental factors in driving functional trait-mediated community assembly processes. In a high mountain system in the central Chilean Andes, we tested hypotheses about the drivers of plant community diversity, functional composition and soil processes along an elevation gradient. We surveyed vegetation and spectroscopic reflectance (400-2400 nm) to quantify taxonomic, phylogenetic, functional, and spectral diversity at five sites from 2400 m to 3500 m elevation. We characterized soil attributes and processes by measuring water content, carbon and nitrogen, and net nitrogen mineralization rates. At high elevation, colder temperatures led to a reduction in available soil nitrogen, while at warmer, lower elevations, soil moisture was lower. Metrics of taxonomic, functional, and spectral alpha diversity peaked at mid-elevations, while phylogenetic species richness was highest at low elevation. Leaf nitrogen followed global patterns of increasing leaf nitrogen with colder temperatures, a pattern consistent at the community level as well as within individual species. The increase in leaf nitrogen, coupled with shifts in taxonomic and functional diversity associated with turnover in lineages, indicate that the ability to acquire and retain nitrogen in colder temperatures may be important in plant community assembly in this range. Such environmental filters have important implications for forecasting shifts in alpine plant communities under a warming climate.
Modeling Flow in anIn VitroAnatomical Cerebrovascular Model with Experimental Validation
Authors: Bhardwaj Saurabh , Craven Brent A. , Sever Jacob E. , Costanzo Francesco , Simon Scott D. , Manning Keefe B.
Published: January 2023

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of mortality that occurs when an embolus becomes lodged in the cerebral vasculature and obstructs blood flow in the brain. The severity of AIS is determined by the location and how extensively emboli become lodged, which are dictated in large part by the cerebral flow and the dynamics of embolus migration which are difficult to measurein vivoin AIS patients. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be used to predict the patient-specific hemodynamics and embolus migration and lodging in the cerebral vasculature to better understand the underlying mechanics of AIS. To be relied upon, however, the computational simulations must be verified and validated. In this study, a realisticin vitroexperimental model and a corresponding computational model of the cerebral vasculature are established that can be used to investigate flow and embolus migration and lodging in the brain. First, thein vitroanatomical model is described, including how the flow distribution in the model is tuned to match physiological measurements from the literature. Measurements of pressure and flow rate for both normal and stroke conditions were acquired and corresponding CFD simulations were performed and compared with the experiments to validate the flow predictions. Overall, the CFD simulations were in relatively close agreement with the experiments, to within ±7% of the mean experimental data with many of the CFD predictions within the uncertainty of the experimental measurement. This work provides anin vitrobenchmark data set for flow in a realistic cerebrovascular model and is a first step towards validating a computational model of AIS.
Death by a Thousand Cuts – Combining Kinase Inhibitors for Selective Target Inhibition and Rational Polypharmacology
Authors: Outhwaite Ian R. , Singh Sukrit , Berger Benedict-Tilman , Knapp Stefan , Chodera John D. , Seeliger Markus A.
Published: January 2023

Kinase inhibitors are successful therapeutics in the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases and are useful tools in biomedical research. The high sequence and structural conservation of the catalytic kinase domain complicates the development of specific kinase inhibitors. As a consequence, most kinase inhibitors also inhibit off-target kinases which complicates the interpretation of phenotypic responses. Additionally, inhibition of off-targets may cause toxicity in patients. Therefore, highly selective kinase inhibition is a major goal in both biomedical research and clinical practice. Currently, efforts to improve selective kinase inhibition are dominated by the development of new kinase inhibitors. Here, we present an alternative solution to this problem by combining inhibitors with divergent off-target activities. We have developed a multicompound-multitarget scoring (MMS) method framework that combines inhibitors to maximize target inhibition and to minimize off-target inhibition. Additionally, this framework enables rational polypharmacology by allowing optimization of inhibitor combinations against multiple selected on-targets and off-targets. Using MMS with previously published chemogenomic kinase inhibitor datasets we determine inhibitor combinations that achieve potent activity against a target kinase and that are more selective than the most selective single inhibitor against that target. We validate the calculated effect and selectivity of a combination of inhibitors using thein celluloNanoBRET assay. The MMS framework is generalizable to other pharmacological targets where compound specificity is a challenge and diverse compound libraries are available.
Population Dynamics of EMT Elucidates the Timing and Distribution of Phenotypic Intra-tumoral Heterogeneity
Authors: Najafi Annice , Jolly Mohit K. , George Jason T.
Published: January 2023

The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a hallmark of cancer metastasis and morbidity. EMT is a non-binary process, and cells can be stably arrested en route to EMT in an intermediate hybrid state associated with enhanced tumor aggressiveness and worse patient outcomes. Understanding EMT progression in detail will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms underlying metastasis. Despite increasingly available single-cell RNA sequencing data that enable in-depth analyses of EMT at the single-cell resolution, current inferential approaches are limited to bulk microarray data. There is thus a great need for computational frameworks to systematically infer and predict the timing and distribution of EMT-related states at single-cell resolution. Here, we develop a computational framework for reliable inference and prediction of EMT-related trajectories from single-cell RNA sequencing data. Our model can be utilized across a variety of applications to predict the timing and distribution of EMT from single-cell sequencing data.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

A fully stochastic model elucidates the population dynamics of EMT

A data-driven pipeline is introduced to track EMT trajectories from single-cell RNA sequencing

Cell cycle scoring reveals cell line-dependent patterns of EMT Induction
Proofreading Is Too Noisy For Effective Ligand Discrimination
Authors: Kirby Duncan , Zilman Anton
Published: January 2023

Kinetic proofreading (KPR) has been used as a paradigmatic explanation for the high specificity of important biological processes including ligand discrimination by cellular receptors. Kinetic proofreading enhances the difference in the mean receptor occupancy between different ligands, thus potentially enabling better discrimination. On the other hand, proofreading also attenuates the signal, increasing the relative magnitude of noise in the downstream signal. This can interfere with reliable ligand discrimination. To understand the effect of noise on ligand discrimination beyond the comparison of the mean signals, we formulate the task of ligand discrimination as a problem of statistical estimation of the molecular affinity of ligands. Our analysis reveals that proofreading typically worsens ligand resolution which decreases with the number of proofreading steps under most commonly considered conditions. This contrasts with the usual notion that kinetic proofreading universally improves ligand discrimination with additional proofreading steps. Our results are consistent across a variety of different proofreading schemes, suggesting that they are inherent to the KPR mechanism itself rather than any particular model of molecular noise. Based on our results, we suggest alternative roles for kinetic proofreading schemes such as multiplexing and combinatorial encoding in multi-ligand/multi-output pathways.
SunTag-PE: a modular prime editing system enables versatile and efficient genome editing
Authors: Tian Rui , Liu Jiashuo , Chen Ye , Huang Zheying , Li Lifang , Wang Yuyan , Zhong Chaoyue , Zhao Tingting , Hu Zheng
Published: January 2023

Prime editing (PE) holds tremendous potential in the treatment of genetic diseases because it can install any desired base substitution or local insertion/deletion. However, the full-length PE effector size (6.3-kb) was beyond the packaging capacity of adeno-associated virus (AAV), hindering its clinical transformation. Various splitting strategies have been used to improve its delivery, but always accompanied by compromised PE efficiency. Here, we developed a modular and efficient SunTag-PE system that splits PE effectors into GCN4-nCas9 and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) tethered reverse transcriptase (RT). We observed that SunTag-PEs with 1×GCN4 in the N terminus of nCas9 was the most efficient configuration rather than multiple copies of GCN4. This SunTag-PE strategy achieved editing levels comparable to canonical fused-PE and higher than other split-PE strategies (including sPE and MS2-PE) in both PE2 and PE3 forms with no increase in insertion–deletion (indel) byproducts. Moreover, we successfully validated the modularity of SunTag-PE system in the Cas9 orthologs of SauCas9 and FrCas9. Finally, we employed dual AAVs to deliver SunTag-ePE3 and efficiently corrected the pathogenic mutation in HBB mutant cell line. Collectively, our SunTag-PE system provides an efficient modular splitting strategy for prime editing and further facilitate its transformation in clinics.
Photocurrent production from cherries in a bio-electrochemical cell
Authors: Shlosberg Yaniv
Published: January 2023

In recent years, big efforts are done to develop new clean energy technologies that will supply the increasing energy demand without contaminating the environment. One of the approaches is the utilization of live organisms as electron donors in bio-electrochemical cells. Photosynthetic organisms may apply for photocurrent generation, releasing NADPH molecules that are formed in the photosynthetic pathway. In this work, we show for the first time that photocurrent can be harvested directly from a cherry fruit associated with a bio-electrochemical cell. Furthermore, we apply electrochemical and spectroscopic methods to show that NADH in the fruit plays a major role in electric current production.
Control of enhancer activation in the type I interferon response by the histone demethylase Kdm4d / JMJD2d
Authors: Chandwani Rohit , Fang Terry C. , Dewell Scott , Tarakhovsky Alexander
Published: January 2023

Transcriptional activation depends on the interplay of chromatin modifiers to establish a permissive epigenetic landscape. While histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation has long been associated with gene repression, there is limited evidence to support a role for H3K9 demethylases in gene activation. Here we describe the H3K9 demethylase Kdm4d/JMJD2d as a positive regulator of type I interferon responses. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), depletion of JMJD2d attenuates the transcriptional response, conferring increased viral susceptibility, while overexpression of the demethylase results in more robust IFN activation. We find that the underlying mechanism of JMJD2d in type I interferon responses consists of an effect both on the transcription of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) and on dynamic H3K9me2at associated promoters. In support of these findings, we establish that JMJD2d is associated with enhancer regions throughout the genome prior to stimulation but is redistributed to inducible promoters in conjunction with transcriptional activation. Taken together, our data reveal JMJD2d as a chromatin modifier that connects enhancer transcription with promoter demethylation to modulate transcriptional responses.
Structure-function analysis of a calcium-independent metacaspase reveals a novel proteolytic pathway for lateral root emergence
Authors: Stael Simon , Sabljić Igor , Audenaert Dominique , Andersson Thilde , Tsiatsiani Liana , Kumpf Robert P. , Vidal-Albalat Andreu , Lindgren Cecilia , Vercammen Dominique , Jacques Silke , Nguyen Long , Njo Maria , Fernández-Fernández Álvaro D. , Beunens Tine , Timmerman Evy , Gevaert Kris , Ståhlberg Jerry , Bozhkov Peter V. , Linusson Anna , Beeckman Tom , Van Breusegem Frank
Published: January 2023

Metacaspases are part of an evolutionarily broad family of multifunctional cysteine proteases, involved in disease and normal development. Despite the extensive study of metacaspases in the two decades since their discovery, the structure-function relationship of metacaspases remains poorly understood. Furthermore, previous studies on their function have been thwarted by the redundancy in gene copy number and potential phenotypic suppression of genetic mutations, especially in plants. Here, we have solved the X-ray crystal structure of anArabidopsis thalianatype II metacaspase (AtMCA-IIf) that belongs to a particular sub-group that does not require calcium ions for activation. Compared to crystal structures of other metacaspases and caspases, the AtMCA-IIf active site is structurally similar and poses a conundrum for the catalytic mechanism of the cysteine-histidine dyad. To study metacaspase activity in plants, we developed anin vitrochemical screen to identify small molecule metacaspase inhibitors. Several hits with a minimal thioxodihydropyrimidine-dione (TDP) structure were identified, some being specific inhibitors of AtMCA-IIf. We provide a mechanistic basis for inhibition by the TDP-containing compounds through molecular docking onto the AtMCA-IIf crystal structure. Finally, a TDP-containing compound (TDP6) was effective at inhibiting lateral root emergencein vivo, likely through the inhibition of metacaspases that are specifically expressed in the endodermal cells overlaying developing lateral root primordia. In the future, the small compound inhibitors and crystal structure of AtMCA-IIf can be used to study metacaspases in various other species, such as important human pathogens including those causing neglected diseases.
Accuracy of direct genomic values and methylation profile through genotype-by-LowPass sequencing using Nanopore technology
Authors: González-Recio Oscar , López-Catalina Adrián , Peiró-Pastor Ramón , Nieto-Valle Alicia , Castro Monica , Fernández Almudena
Published: January 2023

Genotype-by-sequencing has been proposed as an alternative to SNP genotyping arrays in genomic selection to obtain a high density of markers along the genome. It requires a low sequencing depth to be cost effective, which may increase the error at the genotype assigment. Third generation Nanopore sequencing technology offers low cost sequencing and the possibility to detect genome methylation, which provides added value to genotype-by-sequencing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of genotype-by-LowPass Nanopore sequencing for estimating the direct genomic value in dairy cattle, and the possibility to obtain methylation marks simultaneously. Latest Nanopore chemistry (LSK14 and Q20) achieved a modal base calling accuracy of 99.55 %, whereas previous kit (LSK109) achieved slightly lower accuracy (99.1 %). The direct genomic value accuracy from genotype-by-Low Pass sequencing ranged between 0.79 and 0.99, depending on the trait, with a sequencing depth as low as 2x and using the latest chemistry (LSK114). Lower sequencing depth led to biased estimates, yet with high rank correlations. The LSK109 and Q20 achieved lower accuracies (0.57-0.93). More than one million high reliable methylated sites were obtained, even at low sequencing depth, located mainly in distal intergenic (87 %) and promoter (5 %) regions. This study showed that the latest Nanopore technology can be use in a LowPass sequencing framework to estimate direct genomic values with high reliability. It may provided advantages in populations with no available SNP chip, or when a large density of markers with a wide range of allele frequencies is needed. In addition, Low Pass sequencing provided with nucleotide methylation status of >1 million nucleotides at ≥ 10x, which is an added value for epigenetic studies.
Addiction recovery stories: Bethany Holmes in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie
Authors: Holmes Bethany , Ogilvie Lisa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine recovery through lived experience. It is part of a series that explores candid accounts of addiction and recovery to identify important components in the recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

The G-CHIME model comprises six elements important to addiction recovery (growth, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment). It provides a standard to against which to consider addiction recovery, having been used in this series, as well as in the design of interventions that improve well-being and strengthen recovery. In this paper, a first-hand account is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account. Narrative analysis is used to explore the account and interview through the G-CHIME model.

Findings

This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectively explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each component in the model is apparent from the account and e-interview presented.

Originality/value

Each account of recovery in this series is unique, and as yet, untold.
Appearance and media popularity affecting experiential gift-giving
Authors: Chen Tser Yieth , Wu Hsueh-Ling , Tai Zhi-Cheng
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of popularity appeals (appearance popularity and media popularity) on online experiential gift purchase intention based on different types of givers (close or distant givers) and different gift attributes (conspicuous or inconspicuous gifts), a novel research consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with two experiments and examined four hypotheses. These hypotheses were examined using a 2 × 2 between-subjects design, and a two-factorial variance analysis was conducted.

Findings

This study found that for close givers, appearance popularity appeals created a greater purchase intention than media popularity appeals. That is, gift-givers faced appearance popularity rather than media popularity, driving them to face a strong feeling of excitement for their idol worship. This finding implies that the human brand theory works.

Practical implications

The empirical results can shed light on brand or product managers in raising the ratio of appearance popularity appeals to marketing in online experiential gift-giving. Gift marketers should accurately understand the current trends and social preferences using a database and big data analysis tools.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate whether the two types of popularity appeals affect gift purchase intention in online experiential gifts.
Aesthetic labour and diversity on the shopfloor: the experiences of women workers in fashion retail
Authors: Oluyadi Lydia Olakumbi , Dai Wenjin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the workplace experiences of aesthetic labour among racially diverse frontline women workers in a fashion retail store.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study is based on an ethnographic study, drawing on findings from participant observation and interviews with frontline workers at a fashion retail store in the UK.

Findings

This paper explores how the embodiments of aesthetic labour are perpetually produced and commodified through the discipline of management in a fashion retail store. It challenges the notion of phenotypical Whiteness as the beauty standard within fashion retail and demonstrates how embodiments differ according to race. While White women are continuously scrutinised by their appearance, the aesthetic demands for women of colour tend to focus on speech and racialised bodies to provide “authentically” exotic experiences for customers. Additionally, this study highlights how the mobilisation of aesthetic labour can create work humiliation and work alienation.

Research limitations/implications

Despite this study being based on an ethnographic study at one British fashion retailer, this paper seeks to give voices to an underrepresented group by exploring the lived experiences of racially diverse women workers.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the intersection between aesthetic labour and race from an embodiment perspective, exploring the workplace experiences of racially diverse women workers in fashion retail and how their various forms of embodiment are racialised and commodified.
How publication timelines effect the impact metrics: studying the influence of submission to first decision and submission to acceptance on impact factor and 5-year impact factor of journals
Authors: Lone Yasir Rashid , Shah Ubaid Ullah , Bhat Suhail Ahmad , Mushtaq Rabiya , Gul Sumeer
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of the Publication Timeline, i.e. Submission to First Decision and Submission to Acceptance on Journal Metrics, i.e. Impact Factor (IF) and 5-year IF.

Design/methodology/approach

Data related to the IF and 5-year IF were retrieved from Clarivate Analytics’ Journal Citation Report 2020. The Publication Timeline of each journal was ascertained through their respective websites. To attain the model fit summary, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed. Regression analysis was also performed on the models using SPSS 21 software to ascertain the nature and degree of impact the Publication Timeline (Submission to First Decision and Submission to Acceptance) has on Journal Metrics (IF and 5-year IF).

Findings

Submission to First Decision has a significant inverse relationship with both the IF and 5-year IF, whereas Submission to Acceptance has a significant direct relation with 5-year IF and an inverse but insignificant relationship with IF.

Research limitations/implications

Journals published by Springer Nature and of multidisciplinary nature have been considered for the study. Only those journals were selected that provided the information regarding the Publication Timeline, whereas those which did not provide the same, were excluded. However, new insights can be revealed if the journals published by different publishers and belonging to one particular discipline are studied.

Practical implications

The study helps to ascertain the impact of the Publication Timeline on the Impact Metrics of the journals. It can help the authors select the journals as their publishing venues considering the Publication Timeline. Publishers can also be benefitted from the findings of this study since improvisations and modifications in their Publication Timelines can positively influence the impact metrics of their respective journals.

Originality/value

The study attempts to measure the impact of the Publication Timeline on Journal Metrics using cross-sectional secondary data, by performing regression analysis. Though various studies have examined the influence of the Publication Timeline on the IF using correlation analysis, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to use regression analysis to check the relation, as well as the degree of impact the Publication Timeline, has on Journal Metrics.
The relation between body surface angle and apparel ease distribution under the motion state
Authors: Ying Xing
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper investigates dynamic ease distributions of clothes at bust and waist lines with different body surface angle by using a Qualisys three-dimensional motion capture system (3DMCS).

Design/methodology/approach

The current method first obtain the specific markers of participants and their clothes along the bust and waist lines through 3DMCS, then using the least square method and four piecewise polynomial fitting participants and their clothes' bust and waist curves. The coordinates of the markers were tracked by the 3DMCS, while the participants under different body surface angle walked on a treadmill calculated the distances of markers coordinates to the participants' bust and waist curves. Finally, the data of samples were analyzed. It was found that the dynamic ease distributions showed different patterns at different body surface angle.

Findings

The results revealed the bust convex angle is 26.53 degrees (Specification:X3) and back slope angle is 13.96 degrees (Specification: Y1), the fluctuation of participant ease distributions on bust section was most obvious, and the maximum fluctuation value was ±20 mm and ±25 mm. The ease distributions of participant waist section fluctuated most obviously when the bust convex angle is 28.10 degrees (Specification: X5) and the back slope angle is 13.96 degrees (Specification: Y1), and the maximum fluctuation was ±30 mm and ±20 mm. The bust convex angle has the greatest influence on 1# garment, and the back slope angle has the greatest influence on 2# garment.

Originality/value

Currently, there is little information in the literature about dynamic ease distributions of garment on a different body types. This paper takes different body surface angles as the research objects to analyze the ease distributions of different clothes, the conclusion can provide reference data for 3D garment modeling and improve the authenticity of virtual garment fitting.
Coopetition and the marketing/entrepreneurship interface in an international arena
Authors: Crick James M. , Crick Dave , Ferrigno Giulio
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Guided by resource-based theory, this study unpacks the relationship between an export entrepreneurial marketing orientation (EMO) and export performance. This is undertaken by investigating quadratic effects and the moderating role of export coopetition (cooperation amongst competitors in an international arena).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses were collected from a sample of 282 smaller-sized wine producers in Italy. This empirical context was ideal, as it hosted varying degrees of the constructs within the conceptual model. Put another way, it was suitable to test the underlying issues for theorising purposes. The hypotheses and control paths were tested through a three-step hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

An export EMO had a non-linear (inverted U-shaped) association with export performance. Furthermore, this link was positively moderated by export coopetition. With too little of an export EMO, small enterprises might struggle to create value for their overseas customers. With too much of an export EMO, owner-managers could experience harmful performance outcomes. By cooperating with appropriate industry rivals, small companies can acquire new resources, capabilities and opportunities to help them to boost their export performance. That is, export coopetition can stabilise some of the potential dangers of employing an export EMO.

Originality/value

The empirical findings signified that an export EMO has potential dark-sides if these firm-wide behaviours are not implemented effectively. Nevertheless, cooperating with competitors in export markets can alleviate some of these concerns. Collectively, unique insights have emerged, whereby entrepreneurs are advantaged by being strategically flexible and collaborating with appropriate key stakeholders to enhance their export performance.
Flame smoke detection algorithm based on YOLOv5 in petrochemical plant
Authors: Yang Yueting , Hu Shaolin , Ke Ye , Zhou Runguan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Fire smoke detection in petrochemical plant can prevent fire and ensure production safety and life safety. The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem of missed detection and false detection in flame smoke detection under complex factory background.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a flame smoke detection algorithm based on YOLOv5. The target regression loss function (CIoU) is used to improve the missed detection and false detection in target detection and improve the model detection performance. The improved activation function avoids gradient disappearance to maintain high real-time performance of the algorithm. Data enhancement technology is used to enhance the ability of the network to extract features and improve the accuracy of the model for small target detection.

Findings

Based on the actual situation of flame smoke, the loss function and activation function of YOLOv5 model are improved. Based on the improved YOLOv5 model, a flame smoke detection algorithm with generalization performance is established. The improved model is compared with SSD and YOLOv4-tiny. The accuracy of the improved YOLOv5 model can reach 99.5%, which achieves a more accurate detection effect on flame smoke. The improved network model is superior to the existing methods in running time and accuracy.

Originality/value

Aiming at the actual particularity of flame smoke detection, an improved flame smoke detection network model based on YOLOv5 is established. The purpose of optimizing the model is achieved by improving the loss function, and the activation function with stronger nonlinear ability is combined to avoid over-fitting of the network. This method is helpful to improve the problems of missed detection and false detection in flame smoke detection and can be further extended to pedestrian target detection and vehicle running recognition.
Understanding performance measurement and management as a social system: towards a theoretical framework
Authors: Mackenzie Helen , Bititci Umit S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The conceptual foundations of performance measurement and management (PMM) are predominantly rooted in control systems research. However, the appropriateness of this paradigm for volatile and uncertain environments has been questioned. This paper explores whether grounding PMM in social systems theory and viewing uncertainty from an organisational behaviour perspective provides new insights into the PMM theory–practice gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework, rooted in social systems theory and practice theory, is created that describes how organisational behaviour shapes the social processes associated with organisational change. Semi-structured interviews of 35 people from 16 organisations coupled with thematic analysis are employed to identify the organisational behavioural characteristics that influence how PMM is executed in practice. PMM is then reconceptualised from the perspective of this social systems-based framework.

Findings

This investigation proposes (1) performance management is concerned with elements of PMM-related practices open to flexible interpretation by human agents that change the effectiveness of organisational practices, whereas performance measurement is concerned with elements of PMM-related practices not open to interpretation but deliberately reproduced to provide a consistent comparison with the past; (2) the purpose of PMM should be to achieve organisational effectiveness (OE) and (3) the mechanisms underlying performance management and performance measurement are social intervention and embeddedness, respectively.

Originality/value

This first social systems perspective of PMM advances the development of PMM's theoretical foundations by providing a behaviour-based interpretation of, and framework for, PMM-mediated organisational change. This competing approach has strong links to practice.
Sentiment, we-talk and engagement on social media: insights from Twitter data mining on the US presidential elections 2020
Authors: Hagemann Linus , Abramova Olga
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Given inconsistent results in prior studies, this paper applies the dual process theory to investigate what social media messages yield audience engagement during a political event. It tests how affective cues (emotional valence, intensity and collective self-representation) and cognitive cues (insight, causation, certainty and discrepancy) contribute to public engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors created a dataset of more than three million tweets during the 2020 United States (US) presidential elections. Affective and cognitive cues were assessed via sentiment analysis. The hypotheses were tested in negative binomial regressions. The authors also scrutinized a subsample of far-famed Twitter users. The final dataset, scraping code, preprocessing and analysis are available in an open repository.

Findings

The authors found the prominence of both affective and cognitive cues. For the overall sample, negativity bias was registered, and the tweet’s emotionality was negatively related to engagement. In contrast, in the sub-sample of tweets from famous users, emotionally charged content produced higher engagement. The role of sentiment decreases when the number of followers grows and ultimately becomes insignificant for Twitter participants with many followers. Collective self-representation (“we-talk”) is consistently associated with more likes, comments and retweets in the overall sample and subsamples.

Originality/value

The authors expand the dominating one-sided perspective to social media message processing focused on the peripheral route and hence affective cues. Leaning on the dual process theory, the authors shed light on the effectiveness of both affective (peripheral route) and cognitive (central route) cues on information appeal and dissemination on Twitter during a political event. The popularity of the tweet’s author moderates these relationships.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do: can international marketing adaptation improve the association between servitization and profitability?
Authors: Guedes Maria João , Fernandes Crespo Nuno , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Building on contingency theory, this paper aims to investigate the extent to which the “4Ps international adaptation strategy” and internationalization intensity shape the servitization–profitability relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use primary (survey) and secondary (archival) data to perform multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate a positive relationship between servitization and profitability, and international intensity strengthens this association. The effects, however, are not consistent across the 4Ps – the price international adaptation strategy strengthens the positive relationship between servitization and profitability, while product and place international adaptation strategies weaken that relationship.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for the role of international intensity and the 4Ps in the marketing servitization context.

Originality/value

The study provides guidance for small firms in realizing higher performance by leveraging the 4Ps in the servitization context. Counter to expectations, placement and product lead to lower performance with increasing servitization, whereas price strengthens this relationship. The study adds to the international industrial management and marketing literature, providing evidence that contingency factors such as international marketing mix adaptation/standardization strategies moderate the servitization–profitability relationship.
Enterprise social media and organizational learning capability: mediated moderation effect of social capital and informal learning
Authors: Sharma Anshu , Bhatnagar Jyotsna , Jaiswal Mahadeo , Thite Mohan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

With the increasing prevalence of social media in everyday life, scholars have argued the need of exploring enterprise social media (ESM) for workplace outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between ESM use and organizational learning capability (OLC) by focusing on the mediating role of informal learning (INFL) and the moderating role of social capital (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper developed and tested a mediated moderated model explaining the impact of ESM on OLC. The study used temporally separated data of 281 respondents collected in two waves from firms in India that use organizationally facilitated ESM platforms for internal workplace communication.

Findings

An analysis of temporally separated two-wave data indicates that INFL mediates the relationship between ESM use and OLC. Also, SC is found to moderate the effect of ESM use on INFL, and INFL mediated the moderation effect of SC on relationship between ESM use and OLC such that the relationship will be stronger when employees have a higher rather than lower level of SC.

Research limitations/implications

The study theoretically contributes and extends the literature on ESM and learning in organizations. The study provides important practical implications to support and institutionalize learning at work. The results of the study provide evidence that ESM are not just networking tools but a platform for learning. Findings of the study suggest that ESM can be one such tool to promote and capture employee INFL. The results also show that SC plays a critical role in predicting the extent to which employees learn informally using ESM, thereby building OLC. This result suggests that organizations should make conscious and concerted efforts to build employee SC. The above findings also have interesting implications for learning and development (L&D) and information technology (IT) managers who wish to implement technology for collaborative purposes.

Originality/value

Addressing the underlying processes that explain how ESM positively influence OLC was highlighted as a critical research gap that needs attention. The paper is novel in its approach as it provides empirical evidence for the relationship between ESM and its impact on employee outcomes, an area pertinent in today's digital economy, however, received sparse attention by management scholars so far. It also provides empirical grounds toward a meaningful shift in the social media discourse – transition from being traditionally viewed primarily as “a networking platform” to “a learning platform.”
Directional predictability and volatility spillover effect from stock market indexes to Bitcoin: evidence from developed and emerging markets
Authors: Omri Imen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to quantify the volatility spillover impact and the directional predictability from stock market indexes to Bitcoin.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily data of 15 developed and 15 emerging stock markets are used for the period March 2017–December 2021.; The author uses vector autoregressive (VAR) model, Granger causality test and impulse response function (IRF) to estimate the results of the study.

Findings

Empirical results show a significant unidirectional volatility spillover impact from emerging markets to Bitcoin and only six stock markets are powerful predictors of Bitcoin return in the short term. Additionally, there is no a difference between developed and developing markets regarding the directional predictability however there is difference in the reaction of Bitcoin return to shocks in the emerging markets compared to developed ones.

Originality/value

The paper proposes different econometric techniques from prior research and presents a comparative analysis between developed and emerging markets.