bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of active physiotherapy on physical activity level in community-dwelling stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Goncalves Stéphanie , Le Bourvellec Morgane Poitiers , Mandigout Stéphane , Duclos Noémie
Published: April 2023

Background

Stroke survivors are primarily physically inactive. Physiotherapy practice might represent professional support to improve this alarming lifestyle. However, evidence is scarce regarding the effectiveness of active physiotherapy on physical activity level in stroke survivors.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Participants: Stroke survivors living in the community. Intervention: Any active physiotherapy, i.e., involving exercises that require voluntary effort by the patient. Outcome measure: Physical activity level.

Results

Out of 5590 identified references, 25 RCTs were eligible, and 21 had available data. Pooling resulted in a small significant effect size in favor of active physiotherapy (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.40, heterogeneityI2=65%), and medium significant effect when physical activity level was measured using an objective tool (SMD 0.48, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.92,I2=73%). In addition, meta-regression showed that 35% of the variance in trial outcome was explained by the measurement tool (objective or subjective) and 23% by age. Finally, none of the variances were associated with specific dosage in frequency, time, or exercise duration, nor with the severity of the disability.

Conclusion

Active physiotherapy seems effective in increasing objective physical activity among stroke survivors living in the community. However, the evidence supporting the efficacy of active physiotherapy was found to be of low certainty. Thus, further evidence is required.

Registration PROPERO

CRD42022315639.
APOE-ε4 andBIN1increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease pathology but not specifically of Lewy body pathology
Authors: Talyansky Seth , Guen Yann Le , Kasireddy Nandita , Belloy Michael E. , Greicius Michael D.
Published: April 2023

Lewy body (LB) pathology commonly occurs in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. However, it remains unclear which genetic risk factors underlie AD pathology, LB pathology, or AD-LB co-pathology. Notably, whetherAPOE-ε4 affects risk of LB pathology independently from AD pathology is controversial. We adapted criteria from the literature to classify 4,985 subjects from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) and the Rush University Medical Center as AD-LB co-pathology (AD+LB+), sole AD pathology (AD+LB−), sole LB pathology (AD−LB+), or no pathology (AD−LB−). We performed a meta-analysis of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) per subpopulation (NACC/Rush) for each disease phenotype compared to the control group (AD−LB−), and compared the AD+LB+to AD+LB−groups.APOE-ε4 was significantly associated with risk of AD+LB−and AD+LB+compared to AD−LB−. However,APOE-ε4 was not associated with risk of AD−LB+compared to AD−LB−or risk of AD+LB+compared to AD+LB−. Associations at theBIN1locus exhibited qualitatively similar results. These results suggest thatAPOE-ε4 is a risk factor for AD pathology, but not for LB pathology when decoupled from AD pathology. The same holds forBIN1risk variants. These findings, in the largest AD-LB neuropathology GWAS to date, distinguish the genetic risk factors for sole and dual AD-LB pathology phenotypes. Our GWAS meta-analysis summary statistics, derived from phenotypes based on postmortem pathologic evaluation, may provide more accurate disease-specific polygenic risk scores compared to GWAS based on clinical diagnoses, which are likely confounded by undetected dual pathology and clinical misdiagnoses of dementia type.
Tbx5maintains atrial identity by regulating an atrial enhancer network
Authors: Sweat Mason E. , Cao Yangpo , Zhang Xiaoran , Burnicka-Turek Ozanna , Perez-Cervantes Carlos , Akerberg Brynn N. , Ma Qing , Wakimoto Hiroko , Gorham Joshua M. , Song Mi Kyoung , Trembley Michael A. , Wang Peizhe , Lu Fujian , Gianeselli Matteo , Prondzynski Maksymilian , Bortolin Raul H. , Seidman Jonathan G. , Seidman Christine E. , Moskowitz Ivan P. , Pu William T.
Published: April 2023

Understanding how the atrial and ventricular chambers of the heart maintain their distinct identity is a prerequisite for treating chamber-specific diseases. Here, we selectively inactivated the transcription factorTbx5in the atrial working myocardium of the neonatal mouse heart to show that it is required to maintain atrial identity. AtrialTbx5inactivation downregulated highly chamber specific genes such asMyl7andNppa, and conversely, increased the expression of ventricular identity genes includingMyl2. Using combined single nucleus transcriptome and open chromatin profiling, we assessed genomic accessibility changes underlying the altered atrial identity expression program, identifying 1846 genomic loci with greater accessibility in control atrial cardiomyocytes compared to KO aCMs. 69% of the control-enriched ATAC regions were bound by TBX5, demonstrating a role for TBX5 in maintaining atrial genomic accessibility. These regions were associated with genes that had higher expression in control aCMs compared to KO aCMs, suggesting they act as TBX5-dependent enhancers. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing enhancer chromatin looping using HiChIP and found 510 chromatin loops that were sensitive to TBX5 dosage. Of the loops enriched in control aCMs, 73.7% contained anchors in control-enriched ATAC regions. Together, these data demonstrate a genomic role for TBX5 in maintaining the atrial gene expression program by binding to atrial enhancers and preserving tissue-specific chromatin architecture of atrial enhancers.
A metabolically controlled contact site between lipid droplets and vacuoles
Authors: Diep Duy Trong Vien , Collado Javier Fernández , Hugenroth Marie , Wälte Mike , Schmidt Oliver , Fernández-Busnadiego Ruben , Bohnert Maria
Published: April 2023

The lipiddroplet (LD)organization proteins Ldo16 and Ldo45 affect multiple aspects of LD biology in yeast. They are linked to the LD biogenesis machinery seipin, and their loss causes defects in LD positioning, protein targeting, and breakdown. However, their molecular roles remained enigmatic. Here we report that Ldo16/45 form a tether-complex with Vac8 for creation ofvacuolelipid droplet (vCLIP) contact sites, which can form in the absence of seipin. The phosphatidylinositol transfer protein Pdr16 is a further vCLIP-resident recruited by Ldo45. While only an LD-subpopulation is engaged in vCLIPs at glucose-replete conditions, nutrient stress results in vCLIP expansion, and vCLIP defects impair lipophagy upon prolonged starvation. In summary, Ldo16/45 are multifunctional proteins that orchestrate formation of a metabolically-regulated contact site. Our studies suggest an unexpected link between LD biogenesis and breakdown, and open the door to a deeper understanding of how lipid homeostasis is maintained during metabolic challenges.
Active Transcription and Epigenetic Reactions Synergistically Regulate Meso-Scale Genomic Organization
Authors: Kant Aayush , Guo Zixian , Vinayak  , Neguembor Maria Victoria , Li Wing Shun , Agrawal Vasundhara , Pujadas Emily , Almassalha Luay , Backman Vadim , Lakadamyali Melike , Cosma Maria Pia , Shenoy Vivek B.
Published: April 2023

In interphase nuclei, chromatin is organized into interspersed dense domains with characteristic sizes, both in the nuclear interior and periphery. However, the quantitative impact of transcription and histone modifications on the size and distribution of these domains remains unclear. Here, we introduce a mesoscale theoretical model that investigates the relationship between heterochromatic domain sizes and loop extrusion rates from these domains. The model considers chromatin-chromatin and chromatin-lamina interactions, methylation and acetylation kinetics, and diffusion of epigenetic marks and nucleoplasm. Our model generates testable predictions that help reveal the biophysics underlying chromatin organization in the presence of transcription-driven loop extrusion. This process is kinetically captured through the conversion of heterochromatin to euchromatin in response to RNAPII activity. We discovered that a balance between diffusive and reactive fluxes governs the steady-state sizes of heterochromatin domains. Using theory and simulations, we predicted that a loss of transcription results in increased chromatin compaction and larger heterochromatin domain sizes. To validate our predictions, we employed complementary super-resolution and nano-imaging techniques on five different cell lines with impaired transcription. We quantitatively assessed how domain sizes scale with loop extrusion rates at the hetero-euchromatin interfaces. Our analysis of previously obtained super-resolution images of nuclei revealed that excessive loop extrusion leads to smaller heterochromatin domains. The model successfully recapitulated these observations, explaining how transcription loss can counteract the effects of cohesin overloading. As the general biophysical mechanisms regulating heterochromatin domain sizes are independent of cell type, our findings have significant implications for understanding the role of transcription in global genome organization.
Myocardial IGF2R is a critical mediator of inflammation and fibrosis after ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Huang Wei , He Xingyu , Dutta Suchandrima , Paul Christian , Fan Guo-Chang , Kanisicak Onur , Xu Meifeng , Liang Jialiang , Wang Yigang
Published: April 2023

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common occurrence in various surgical procedures used to treat heart diseases. However, the role of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) during the process of myocardial I/R remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the expression, distribution, and functionality of IGF2R in various I/R-associated models (such as reoxygenation, revascularization, and heart transplant). Loss-of-function studies (including myocardial conditional knockout and CRISPR interference) were performed to clarify the role of IGF2R in I/R injuries. Following hypoxia, IGF2R expression increased, but this effect was reversed upon restoration of oxygen levels. Loss of myocardial IGF2R was found to enhance the cardiac contractile functions, and reduced cell infiltration or cardiac fibrosis of I/R mouse models compared to the genotype control. CRISPR-inhibition of IGF2R decreased cell apoptotic death under hypoxia. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that myocardial IGF2R played a critical role in regulating the inflammatory response, innate immune response, and apoptotic process following I/R. Integrated analysis of the mRNA profiling, pulldown assays, and mass spectrometry identified granulocyte-specific factors as potential targets of myocardial IGF2R in the injured heart. In conclusion, myocardial IGF2R emerges as a promising therapeutic target to ameliorate inflammation or fibrosis following I/R injuries.
A mosquito parasite is locally adapted to its host but not temperature
Authors: Lyberger Kelsey , Farner Johannah , Couper Lisa , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: April 2023

Climate change will alter interactions between parasites and their hosts. Warming may affect patterns of local adaptation, shifting the environment to favor the parasite or host and thus changing the prevalence of disease. We assessed local adaptation in the facultative ciliate parasiteLambornella clarki, which infects the western tree hole mosquitoAedes sierrensis. We conducted laboratory infection experiments with mosquito larvae and parasites collected from across a climate gradient, pairing sympatric or allopatric populations across three temperatures that were either matched or mismatched to the source environment.L. clarkiparasites were locally adapted to their hosts, with 2.6x higher infection rates on sympatric compared to allopatric populations, but were not locally adapted to temperature. Infection peaked at the intermediate temperature of 13°C. Our results highlight the importance of host selective pressure on parasites, despite the impact of temperature on infection success.
Long-term Hematopoietic Transfer of the Anti-Cancer and Lifespan-Extending Capabilities of A Genetically Engineered Blood System by Transplantation of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Wang Jing-Ping , Hung Chun-Hao , Liou Yao-Huei , Liu Ching-Chen , Yeh Kun-Hai , Wang Keh-Yang , Lai Zheng-Sheng , Chatterjee Biswanath , Hsu Tzu-Chi , Lee Tung-Liang , Shyu Yu-Chiau , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Chen Liuh-Yow , Chuang Trees-Juen , Albert Yu Chen-Hsin , Liao Nah-Shih , Shen Che-Kun James
Published: April 2023

A causal relationship exists among the aging process, organ decay and dis-function, and the occurrence of various diseases including cancer. A genetically engineered mouse model, termedKlf1K74R/K74RorKlf1(K74R), carrying mutation on the well-conserved sumoylation site of the hematopoietic transcription factor KLF1/ EKLF has been generated that possesses extended lifespan and healthy characteristics including cancer resistance. We show that the healthy longevity characteristics of theKlf1(K74R) mice, as exemplified by their higher anti- cancer capability, are likely gender-, age- and genetic background-independent. Significantly, the anti-cancer capability, in particular that against melanoma as well as hepatocellular carcinoma, and lifespan-extending property ofKlf1(K74R) mice could be transferred to wild-type mice via transplantation of their bone marrow mononuclear cells at young age of the latter. Furthermore, NK(K74R) cells carry higherin vitrocancer cell-killing ability than wild type NK cells. Targeted/global gene expression profiling analysis has identified changes of the expression of specific proteins, including the immune checkpoint factors PDCD and CD274, and cellular pathways in the leukocytes of theKlf1(K74R) that are in the directions of anti-cancer and/or anti-aging. This study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a transferable hematopoietic/ blood system for long-term anti-cancer and, potentially, for anti-aging.
Pharyngeal Mechanosensory Neurons Control Food Swallow inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Qin Jierui , Yang Tingting , Li Kexin , Liu Ting , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2023

As the first step of food ingestion, the swallow is under rigorous sensorimotor control. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying swallow control at a molecular and circuitry level remain largely unknown. Here, we find that mutation of the mechanotransduction channel genesnompC, Tmc, orpiezoimpairs the regular pumping rhythm of the cibarium during feeding of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster. A group of multi-dendritic mechanosensory neurons, which co-express the three channels, wrap the cibarium and are crucial for coordinating the filling and emptying of the cibarium. Inhibition of them causes difficulty in food emptying in the cibarium, while their activation leads to difficulty in cibarium filling. Synaptic and functional connections are detected between the pharyngeal mechanosensory neurons and the motor circuit that controls swallow. This study elucidates the role of mechanosensation in swallow, and provides insights for a better understanding of the neural basis of food swallow.

Highlights

nompC+,piezo+andTmc+neurons in the pharynx sense mechanical force during swallowing

Pharyngeal mechanoreceptor neurons regulate swallow rhythm

Dysfunction of pharyngeal mechanosensory neurons causes dysphagia

Pharyngeal mechanosensory neurons connect with brain motor neurons to coordinate swallow pattern
MaizeCOI1quadruple-knockout mutants exhibit elevated DELLA protein accumulation, stunted growth, and reduced photosynthetic efficiency
Authors: Feiz Leila , Shyu Christine , Wu Shan , Ahern Kevin R. , Gull Iram , Rong Ying , Artymowicz Caroline J. , Piñeros Miguel A. , Fei Zhangjun , Brutnell Thomas P. , Jander Georg
Published: April 2023

The F-box protein Coronatine Insensitive (COI) is a receptor for the jasmonic acid signaling pathway in plants. To investigate the functions of the six maize COI proteins (COI1a, COI1b, COI1c, COI1d, COI2a, and COI2b), we made single, double, and quadruple loss-of-function mutants. Double-mutantcoi2a coi2bpollen was inviable, and no homozygous mutant plants were obtained. Thecoi1quadruple mutant (coi1-4x) exhibited shortened internode lengths, decreased photosynthesis, leaf discoloration, microelement deficiencies, and accumulation of DWARF9, a DELLA-family protein that represses the gibberellic acid signaling pathway. Co-expression of maizeCOIandDWARF9genes inNicotiana benthamianashowed that the COI proteins lead to proteasome-dependent DELLA degradation. Many genes expressed at lower levels in thecoi1-4xmutant are normally induced by gibberellic acid. The majority of these genes are predicted to be bundle sheath or mesophyll-enriched including those encoding C4-specific photosynthetic enzymes. Ectopic expression of maizeCOIgenes inN. benthamianashowed that COI2a is fully localized in the nucleus and interacts with maize JAZ proteins, the canonical COI repressor partners. However, maize COI1a and COI1c proteins showed only partial nuclear localization and failed to bind to most of the JAZ proteins tested. These results show divergent functions of the six COI proteins in the regulation of maize growth and defense pathways.
Competing endogenous RNA networks reveal long non-coding RNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salehi-Mazandarani Sadra , Donyavi Mohammad Hossein , Vedaei Amirhossein , Najimi Alireza , Farajzadegan Ziba , Nikpour Parvaneh
Published: April 2023

Aims

Gastric cancer (GC) represents a global health-care challenge. In recent years, a large number of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network studies have elucidated critical long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as potential prognostic biomarkers in GC. Nevertheless, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis regarding them. Here, we propose a systematic review and meta-analysis for lncRNAs as prognostic biomarkers based on the ceRNA network studies in GC.

Main methods

The Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases were searched to collect eligible ceRNA network studies in which lncRNAs were reported as prognostic biomarkers until 27thJune 2022. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) were assessed to evaluate the prognostic effect of the lncRNAs. Prognostic values of highly reported lncRNAs were also examined. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were evaluated.

Key findings

Totally, 35 studies were included in the systematic review among which 13 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled examination of HRs based on the univariate and multivariate reports revealed that the expression changes of the lncRNAs correlate with overall survival (OS) of GC patients. Two lncRNAs includingCCDC144NL-AS1andLINC01094were highly reported as potential prognostic biomarkers based on the ceRNA network studies. Prognostic value of these two lncRNAs was furthermore confirmed by meta-analysis.

Significance

Our meta-analysis demonstrated potential application of lncRNAs introduced based on the ceRNA network studies as promising prognostic biomarkers in GC. Further functional studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these lncRNAs’ functions in GC.
Gene expression and alternative splicing contribute to adaptive divergence of ecotypes
Authors: Innes Peter A. , Goebl April M. , Smith Chris C.R. , Rosenberger Kaylee , Kane Nolan C.
Published: April 2023

Regulation of gene expression is a critical link between genotype and phenotype explaining substantial heritable variation within species. However, we are only beginning to understand the ways that specific gene regulatory mechanisms contribute to adaptive divergence of populations. In plants, the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in both development and abiotic stress response, making it a compelling potential target of natural selection. AS allows organisms to generate multiple different transcripts/proteins from a single gene and thus may provide a source of evolutionary novelty. Here we examine whether variation in alternative splicing and gene expression levels might contribute to adaptation and incipient speciation of dune-adapted prairie sunflowers in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA. We conducted a common garden experiment to assess transcriptomic variation among ecotypes and analyzed differential expression, differential splicing, and gene coexpression. We show that individual genes are strongly differentiated for both transcript level and alternative isoform proportions, even when grown in a common environment, and that gene coexpression networks are disrupted between ecotypes. Furthermore, we examined how genome-wide patterns of sequence divergence correspond to divergence in transcript levels and isoform proportions and find evidence for bothcisandtrans-regulation. Together our results emphasize that alternative splicing has been an underappreciated mechanism providing source material for natural selection at micro-evolutionary time scales.
Mouse Homolog of Human IRF8G388SMutation Provides Novel Insight into Osteoclastogenesis and Tooth Root Resorption
Authors: Das Amitabh , Yesupatham Sathish Kumar , Allison Devon , Tanwar Himanshi , Gnanasekaran JebaMercy , Kear Bernice , Wang Xiaobei , Wang Sheng , Zachariadou Christina , Abbasi Yasaman , Chung Man-Kyo , Ozato Keiko , Liu Chengyu , Foster Brian L. , Thumbigere-Math Vivek
Published: April 2023

Previously, we reported a novel mutation in the Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8) gene associated with multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption (MICRR), an aggressive form of tooth root resorption mediated by increased osteoclast activity. The IRF8 G388S variant in the highly conserved C-terminal motif is predicted to alter the protein structure, likely impairing IRF8 function. To investigate the molecular basis of MICRR and IRF8 function, we generatedIrf8knock-in (KI) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 modeling the humanIRF8G388Smutation. The heterozygous (Het) and homozygous (Homo)Irf8 KImice showed no gross morphological defects, and the development of hematopoietic cells was unaffected and similar to that in wild-type (WT) mice. TheIrf8 KIHet and Homo mice showed no difference in macrophage gene signatures important for antimicrobial defenses and inflammatory cytokine production. Consistent with the phenotype observed in MICRR patients,Irf8 KIHet and Homo mice demonstrated significantly increased osteoclast formation and resorption activityin vivoandin vitrowhen compared to WT mice. The oral ligature insertedIrf8 KIHet and Homo mice displayed increased osteoclast-mediated alveolar bone loss and tooth root resorption compared to WT mice. The increased osteoclastogenesis noted in KI mice is due to the inability of mutantIrf8G388S isoform to negatively inhibit NFATc1-dependent transcriptional activation and downstream osteoclast specific transcripts. This translational study delineates the IRF8 domain important for osteoclast function and provides novel insights into theIRF8mutation associated with MICRR.Irf8G388Smutation mainly affects osteoclastogenesis while sparing immune cell development and function. TheIrf8 KImice serve as a novel translational model for studying the etiopathology of MICRR and developing targeted therapies for MICRR and other skeletal disorders mediated by increased osteoclast activity.
A deep convolutional neural network for predicting electricity consumption at Grey Nuns building in Canada
Authors: Elshaboury Nehal , Mohammed Abdelkader Eslam , Al-Sakkaf Abobakr , Bagchi Ashutosh
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The energy efficiency of buildings has been emphasized along with the continual development in the building and construction sector that consumes a significant amount of energy. To this end, the purpose of this research paper is to forecast energy consumption to improve energy resource planning and management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes the application of the convolutional neural network (CNN) for estimating the electricity consumption in the Grey Nuns building in Canada. The performance of the proposed model is compared against that of long short-term memory (LSTM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks. The models are trained and tested using monthly electricity consumption records (i.e. from May 2009 to December 2021) available from Concordia’s facility department. Statistical measures (e.g. determination coefficient [R2], root mean squared error [RMSE], mean absolute error [MAE] and mean absolute percentage error [MAPE]) are used to evaluate the outcomes of models.

Findings

The results reveal that the CNN model outperforms the other model predictions for 6 and 12 months ahead. It enhances the performance metrics reported by the LSTM and MLP models concerning the R2, RMSE, MAE and MAPE by more than 4%, 6%, 42% and 46%, respectively. Therefore, the proposed model uses the available data to predict the electricity consumption for 6 and 12 months ahead. In June and December 2022, the overall electricity consumption is estimated to be 195,312 kWh and 254,737 kWh, respectively.

Originality/value

This study discusses the development of an effective time-series model that can forecast future electricity consumption in a Canadian heritage building. Deep learning techniques are being used for the first time to anticipate the electricity consumption of the Grey Nuns building in Canada. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of deep learning and machine learning methods for predicting electricity consumption using established performance indicators. Recognizing electricity consumption in buildings is beneficial for utility providers, facility managers and end users by improving energy and environmental efficiency.
Evaluating industrial competitiveness strategy in achieving environmental sustainability
Authors: Iqbal Mubasher , Kalim Rukhsana , Arshed Noman
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study has incorporated competitiveness by considering it a significant factor behind determining as well as moderating industrial value added in the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework. This study aims to explore the moderating role of competitiveness policy in EKC with an aim to promote business led sustainability at national level.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the environmental deterioration aspect of industrialization, this study tests the existence of EKC for SAARC countries using the data from 1996 to 2021 using second-generation static panel data model.

Findings

Estimated results have validated that moderating effect is responsible for improving environmental sustainability in SAARC countries. Furthermore, population density is responsible for increasing while trade openness is responsible for decreasing carbon emissions.

Originality/value

Higher industrial activities are a symbol of upward-moving economic growth. But its other impact is in the form of environmental deterioration. However, the relationship between industrialization and environmental quality can be identified through EKC.
How blockchain technology generates a trust-based competitive advantage in the wine industry: a resource based view perspective
Authors: Silvestri Raffaele , Adamashvili Nino , Fiore Mariantonietta , Galati Antonino
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether the blockchain technology (BCT), as a unique and distinctive resource, affects the development of unique capabilities and the integration and reconfiguration of internal physical and human resources necessary to gain a trusted competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach has been used to identify the internal resources and capabilities that affect the decision to implement BCT and to determine whether this new technology can become a strategic internal resource in the wine industry.

Findings

Results show the role of two strategic resources: human resources, such as IT specialists and software developers for BCT applications, and skills of companies’ management to grant sensitive and confidential data to IT specialists and the ability to read the analytics from the BCT application, becoming a distinctive enabling assets.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is related to the analysis of a single case, which, on the one hand, does not allow generalisation of the empirical findings but, on the other hand, is themost appropriatemethod for the explorative nature of this research.

Practical implications

Our findings have useful practical implications for wineries and agri-food companies in overall because they can support managers and entrepreneurs in effectively implementing these innovative digital technologies in their valuecreation process.

Originality/value

The study of this underexplored topic gives interesting insights into the resources needed for the successful adoption of this emerging technology, which can support wineries in improving the value-creating process. In particular, compared to the previous studies, this research analyses the adoption process under the resource-based theory lens.
What happens to abusive actors? A study of managers’ emotional responses and impression management tactics subsequent to enacted abusive supervision
Authors: Shi Xiaolin (Crystal) , Wang Xingyu , McGinley Sean
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate how managers react to their own abusive supervision. Accordingly, this research identified a mechanism that managers may use to make amends for their abusive supervisory behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were designed. Study 1 was an online experimental study involving 99 full-time managers in the hotel industry that examined how managers’ internal factors moderated the relationship between enacted abusive supervision and embarrassment. By applying a critical incident technique to survey 235 full-time managers in the hospitality industry in Study 2, the moderating role of power distance belief as a context-related factor was tested. Furthermore, the mediating role of embarrassment between managers’ abusive supervision and their impression management was examined.

Findings

Managers who enact abusive supervision may experience embarrassment and thus be more likely to use impression management tactics, such as apology. Moreover, this study revealed the boundary conditions that influence managers’ reaction toward their own abusive supervision.

Practical implications

Hospitality industry practitioners can use the findings of this study as a basis for the development of policies and training programs to promote positive organizational culture and minimize unethical workplace behaviors.

Originality/value

Previous studies in this area have focused on subordinate-centric perspectives; this study is one of the few that has examined abusive supervision from an actor-centric perspective.
Student satisfaction and intention to use e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Nedeljković Ivana , Rejman Petrović Dragana
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the differences in students' attitudes related to online and traditional teaching, then to determine the level of student satisfaction with online teaching, factors affecting it as well as to examine the problems students most often face during online teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method is used to collect primary data. In the empirical research participate 312 students on the territory of the Republic of Serbia who used e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistical analysis, paired samples t-test, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling are applied in the paper.

Findings

Research has shown that students are generally more satisfied with traditional than online teaching. Then, the analysis shows that professors' activities and the quality of e-learning have ? Significant positive effects on student satisfaction with online teaching, as well as on student motivation, then perceived usefulness has a positive impact on motivation and intention to use e-learning and student motivation has statistically significant effects on satisfaction with online teaching. The biggest shortcomings of online teaching are: monotonous teaching, lack of interaction with professors, lack of interaction with other students as well as lack of socialization.

Originality/value

Although a large number of studies have studied e-learning and student satisfaction, this paper has studied e-learning in the specific conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Of particular value to this paper is the comparison of student satisfaction with online teaching during the pandemic and student satisfaction with traditional teaching.
A case for “killer robots”: why in the long run martial AI may be good for peace
Authors: Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The remarkable increase of sophistication of artificial intelligence in recent years has already led to its widespread use in martial applications, the potential of so-called “killer robots” ceasing to be a subject of fiction. The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the consequences of the availability of lethal autonomous robots (LARs) on global peace.

Design/methodology/approach

Virtually without exception, the aforementioned potential of LARs has generated fear, as evidenced by a mounting number of academic articles calling for the ban on their development and deployment. An analysis of the existing ethical objections to LARs is used as a vehicle for their critique and the advancement of an alternative.

Findings

The presented analysis shows the contemporary thought to be deficient in philosophical rigour, these deficiencies leading to a different view, one favourable to the development of LARs.

Originality/value

The emergent thesis is that LARs can in fact be a force for peace, leading to fewer and less deadly wars.
Intergenerational analysis of cash waqf behavior: lessons learned from Indonesia
Authors: Jatmiko Wahyu , Haidlir Banu Muhammad , Azizon A. , Laksmono Bambang Shergi , Kasri Rahmatina
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The proponents of cash waqf speak highly about its huge potential for mobilizing the third sector of the economy to fund the socio-economic development agenda. However, the under-collection issue has been characterizing the cash waqf movement globally. This study aims to examine how understanding the distinct cash waqf donating behavior across different generations has the potential to address the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extends the theory of planned behavior by adding religiosity and knowledge variables into the standard model, using the partial least square structural equation modeling. A survey is conducted on 684 respondents representing the main provinces in Indonesia and four major generations (Baby Boomers [BB], Generations X, Y and Z).

Findings

Religiosity, Knowledge, Attitude, Subjective Norms and Perceived Behavioral Control directly or indirectly affect cash waqf intention. The effect is contingent on the characteristics of generations.

Research limitations/implications

This study covers only the Indonesian case with limited coverage of the more heterogeneous provinces in the country. The sample distribution for BB can also be enlarged.

Practical implications

Cash waqf institutions (government and private) should apply the dynamic segmenting strategy, where the diversification of the promotion, marketing, awareness and approaches are contingent on the different characteristics of each generation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the intergenerational determinants of Intention toward cash waqf, particularly in Indonesia.
Cyberbullying in higher education: a review of the literature based on bibliometric analysis
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review cyberbullying incidents among students in higher education institutions (HEIs). Cyberbullying has become a threat to students' wellbeing as it penetrates one life due to the pervasive availability of digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a bibliometric analysis, this study analyzes 361 journal publications from the Web of Science (WoS) based on bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis.

Findings

Significant themes were found related to cyberbullying in HEIs, particularly related to the impact and determinants of cyberbullying on students. Bibliographic coupling produces three clusters on the current research fronts, while co-word analysis produces four clusters on the prediction of future trends. Implications of this phenomenon warrant comprehensive intervention by the HEIs management to dampen its impact on students' wellbeing. Findings would enhance the fundamental understanding through science mapping on the prevalent and potential incidence of cyberbullying.

Practical implications

Crucial insights will benefit the government, HEIs’ management, educators, scholars, policymakers and parents to overcome this dreadful phenomenon of cyberbullying. Several managerial interventions and mitigation strategies are proposed to reduce and control the occurrence of cyberbullying.

Originality/value

This study presents a bibliometric review to uncover the knowledge structure of cyberbullying studies in HEIs.
Performance management in Africa: an agenda for research
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior , Otchere-Ankrah Benjamin , Watson Chrystie
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Performance management (PM) remains one of the fundamental human resource practices in organisations today and is a dominant strategy adopted in managing employees. This paper aims to analyse extant research on PM conducted globally to inform research and practices in an African context.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of 43 articles published in 22 journals ranked by the Australian Business Deans Council and Chartered Association of Business Schools was undertaken. The papers selected were limited to the past two decades (2001–2021) to focus primarily on contemporary practices.

Findings

The findings of this review indicate that PM continues to gain attention from African scholars and practitioners, though not as prominently as indicated within the broader global context. The review also exposed significant gaps in current research, including PM issues, theoretical or conceptual development and methodological approaches, which, if addressed, could inform future practices and research foci.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitations of this study are a focus on the most recent two decades of research into PM and the intention to direct learnings from this review of scholarly insight towards a focus solely on an African context. Thus, as interpretations of insights are based upon the perspective of how these can inform PM practices in Africa, a direct extrapolation of the findings to other contexts may not be appropriate.

Practical implications

This review of research conducted into PM globally in the past two decades has identified limited contributions from within the African context. This lack of contextual understanding may well be affecting the adoption and creation of globally recognised PM practices in Africa. As such, there is an opportunity to understand better the complexities associated with PM by embracing theories and formulating, testing and refining existing models to consider performance issues at more profound levels of analysis within an African context.

Originality/value

This study presents insights into global trends in PM research and practices not previously explored, highlighting a need for more contextualised research to progress Africa beyond current theoretical, conceptual and methodological limitations.
Exploring the University of Jordan campus: is it accessible to persons with visual disabilities?
Authors: Stetieh Hibatullah
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine accessibility in the built environment and tries to determine the physical and attitudinal barriers affecting Persons with Visual Disabilities' (PWVDs) experience on the University of Jordan (UJ) campus.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive mixed-methods study, based on the following: data collection regarding PWVDs' services at UJ; semi-structured interviews with PWVDs and with some employees at UJ; observations, photographs and direct measurements during campus tours; accompanying one student with poor eyesight when navigating through UJ campus; then, analyzing data in light of the national code's accessibility checklist.

Findings

UJ campus suffers from many shortcomings regarding accessibility; these include an insufficient pedestrian environment, limited tactile paths, low illuminance levels in lecture halls and other inadequate services. Besides, there are many infringements on PWVDs' paths, due to either new expansions or unconscious behavior. Moreover, interpersonal barriers prevent PWVDs from using assistive equipment and accommodation. The study concludes that preserving pedestrians' rights, monitoring new expansions, renovating the UJ campus in accordance with national codes and international standards, improving PWVDs services and awareness-raising programs are needed to ensure accessibility for PWVDs.

Originality/value

New legislation has been recently passed regarding accessibility in Jordan, and – on the UJ campus – the first phase of tactile paving has been installed. This paper is believed to be the first of its kind to evaluate PWVDs' services following the new changes. The study's methodology might also be deemed useful to stakeholders when enabling the built environment.
Organizational transformation in crisis: learning from emergent patterns of knowing and organizing
Authors: Andres Virginia , Heo Dongcheol
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Complex crises affect tightly coupled systems making them highly unpredictable. This paper aims to determine how organizations learn from their crisis experience shaping their knowledge and transformation trajectory toward and beyond survival. A theoretical framework integrating organizational learning (OL) and knowledge management in organizational transformation (OT) in complex crises is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper presents a systematic literature review on OT in crisis from 2000 to 2021. To achieve integration, the authors searched for studies on OT, knowledge management and OL, each paired with a crisis.

Findings

Crises highlight the emergent and decentered nature of knowing and organizing. This study suggests that OT is achieved through various changes in organizational knowledge. Different learning modes enable the transformation of knowledge in a crisis: contextual or situated learning, strategic and collective integration.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' pandemic experience may have influenced the analysis. This paper does not account for new types of learning emerging due to the influence of digital technologies.

Practical implications

Organizations may hasten renewal through distributed crisis management facilitated by contextual and strategic learning and collective integration.

Originality/value

This study categorizes learning, based on its function in crisis management, into three types: contextual learning for creative problem-solving, strategic learning for leadership and direction and collective integration to evaluate their crisis journey. Through this classification, this study sheds light on the types of knowledge needed to manage crises effectively, showing that organizations can leverage their crises by transforming and innovating themselves in this turbulent period.
The critical success factors of the highly competitive organizations; a systematic literature review
Authors: Ubaid Alaa M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The current research aims to analyze the literature to determine its strengths and weaknesses and extract the required information, which will be used to identify the characteristics of the highly competitive organization (HCO), define it and identify the HCO's critical success factors (CSFs). Finally, the future research agenda will be proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple stages research methodology was used to fulfill the research objectives. The research started with the systematic literature review (SLR). Then, focus group discussions and Pareto analysis were used to fulfill research objectives.

Findings

Eleven points were identified in the research to represent the characteristics of the HCO. Then, the HCO was defined based on the elements of these points. Moreover, the vital few CSFs to successfully implement many research scopes were identified. Then, the CSFs of the HCO was generated based on these vital few CSFs.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the current research is the literature sample size. A larger sample selection could enrich the generated lists with many other CSFs.

Practical implications

Many implications points were highlighted in this research which showed the importance of the current research for academic and practical audiences.

Originality/value

The SLR process showed that the reviewed literature lacked a consolidated list of the HCO characteristics and a clear definition of the HCO. Moreover, the reviewed literature lacked a unified list of the HCO CSFs. Therefore, the current research approach is novel and original.
In vitro susceptibility testing of tetracycline‐class antibiotics against slowly growing non‐tuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Li Anqi , Tan Zhili , He Siyuan , Chu Haiqing
Published: April 2023

Non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infections are gradually increasing worldwide, with slow‐growing mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium kansasii accounting for the majority of cases. The use of tetracyclines has received renewed attention in recent years, and this study was designed to investigate the antibacterial activity of omadacycline, eravacycline, tigecycline, sarecycline, minocycline and doxycycline against M. avium, M. intracellulare and M. kansasii. Susceptibility testing of six tetracyclines was conducted against M. avium, M. intracellulare and M. kansasii isolates, and all the clinical isolates were collected from January 2012 to December 2018. All six agents exhibited poor antibacterial activity against slowly growing mycobacteria (SGM) isolates of three subspecies with MIC50 and MIC90 ≥8 μg/mL. M. intracellulare and M. kansasii had lower resistance rates to omadacycline than the other five drugs. The severe resistance of SGM to tetracycline suggests that developing tetracycline‐class antibiotics needs to overcome existing resistance mechanisms.
Paradoxes of social mobility in London
Authors: Breen Richard , In Jung
Published: April 2023

We analyse social mobility in London and seek to address two paradoxes. Among people living in London, relative mobility, or social fluidity, appears to be remarkably low when compared with other regions of Great Britain. But social fluidity among people who were brought up in London is similar to that of people brought up elsewhere in Britain. This is our first paradox. Furthermore, it is widely held that social fluidity is higher among people with higher levels of education, yet, the proportion of people with a University degree is much higher among people living in London than in any other region: how is this compatible with its relatively low social fluidity? This is our second paradox. We address these puzzles and find that they are largely explained by patterns of migration into and out of London by two groups that have received little attention hitherto in studies of mobility in the capital: International migrants and people who were brought up in London but who no longer live there.