bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Coupling of TRPM2 and NMDARs exacerbates excitotoxicity in ischemic brain injury
Authors: Zong Pengyu , Feng Jianlin , Yue Zhichao , Wu Gongxiong , Sun Baonan , He Yanlin , Miller Barbara , Yu Albert S. , Su Zhongping , Mori Yasuo , Xie Jia , Yue Lixia
Published: July 2021

Excitotoxicity caused by NMDA receptors (NMDARs) is a major cause of neuronal death in ischemic stroke. However, past efforts of directly targeting NMDARs have unfortunately failed in clinical ischemic stroke trials. Here we reveal an unexpected mechanism underlying NMDARs-mediated neurotoxicity, which leads to identification of a novel target and development of an effective therapeutic peptide for ischemic stroke. We show that NMDAR’s excitotoxicity upon ischemic insults is mediated by physical and functional coupling to TRPM2. The physical interaction of TRPM2 with NMDARs results in markedly increase in the surface expression of NMDARs, leading to enhanced NMDAR function and increased neuronal death. We identified a specific NMDAR-interacting domain on TRPM2, and developed a cell-permeable peptide to uncouple TRPM2-NMDARs. The disrupting-peptide protects neurons against ischemic injury in vitro and protects mice against ischemic stroke in vivo. These findings provide an unconventional strategy to eliminate excitotoxic neuronal death without directly targeting NMDARs.

HIGHLIGHTS

TRPM2 physically and functionally interacts with NMDARs

Interaction of TRPM2 with NMDARs exacerbates NMDAR’s extrasynaptic excitotoxicity by increasing NMDAR’s surface expression during ischemic injury

TRPM2 recruits PKCγ to the interacting complexes to increase NMDAR’s surface expression

Uncoupling the interaction between TRPM2 and NMDARs with a disrupting peptide (TAT-EE3) protects neurons against ischemic stroke in vitro and in vivo

GRAPHIC ABSTRACT

TRPM2 excerbates NMDAR’s excitotoxicity by physically and functionally interacting with NMDARs. The disrupting pipette TAT-EE3 protects neurons against ischemic injury in vitro and in vivo.
A phylotranscriptome study using silica gel-dried leaf tissues produces an updated robust phylogeny of Ranunculaceae
Authors: He Jian , Lyu Rudan , Luo Yike , Xiao Jiamin , Xie Lei , Wen Jun , Li Wenhe , Pei Linying , Cheng Jin
Published: July 2021

The utility of transcriptome data in plant phylogenetics has gained popularity in recent years. However, because RNA degrades much more easily than DNA, the logistics of obtaining fresh tissues has become a major limiting factor for widely applying this method. Here, we used Ranunculaceae to test whether silica-dried plant tissues could be used for RNA extraction and subsequent phylogenomic studies. We sequenced 27 transcriptomes, 21 from silica gel-dried (SD-samples) and six from liquid nitrogen-preserved (LN-samples) leaf tissues, and downloaded 27 additional transcriptomes from GenBank. Our results showed that although the LN-samples produced slightly better reads than the SD-samples, there were no significant differences in RNA quality and quantity, assembled contig lengths and numbers, and BUSCO comparisons between two treatments. Using this data, we conducted phylogenomic analyses, including concatenated- and coalescent-based phylogenetic reconstruction, molecular dating, coalescent simulation, phylogenetic network estimation, and whole genome duplication (WGD) inference. The resulting phylogeny was consistent with previous studies with higher resolution and statistical support. The 11 core Ranunculaceae tribes grouped into two chromosome type clades (T- and R-types), with high support. Discordance among gene trees is likely due to hybridization and introgression, ancient genetic polymorphism and incomplete lineage sorting. Our results strongly support one ancient hybridization event within the R-type clade and three WGD events in Ranunculales. Evolution of the three Ranunculaceae chromosome types is likely not directly related to WGD events. By clearly resolving the Ranunculaceae phylogeny, we demonstrated that SD-samples can be used for RNA-seq and phylotranscriptomic studies of angiosperms.
Systemic antibody-oligonucleotide delivery to the central nervous system ameliorates mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Hammond Suzan M , Abendroth Frank , Goli Larissa , Burrell Matthew , Thom George , Gurrell Ian , Stoodley Jessica , Ahlskog Nina , Gait Michael J , Wood Matthew J A , Webster Carl
Published: July 2021

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as one of the most innovative new genetic drug modalities, however, the high molecular weight limits their bioavailability for otherwise treatable neurological disorders. We investigated conjugation of ASOs to an antibody against the murine transferrin receptor (TfR), 8D3130, and evaluated it via systemic administration in mouse models of the neurodegenerative disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA like several other neurological and neuromuscular diseases, is treatable with single-stranded ASOs, inducing splice modulation of the survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene. Administration of 8D3130-ASO conjugate resulted in bioavailability of 2.7% of the injected dose in brain. Additionally, 8D3130-ASO yielded therapeutically high levels ofSMN2splicing in the central nervous system of mildly affected adult SMA mice and resulted in extended survival of severe SMA mice. Systemic delivery of nucleic acid therapies with brain targeting antibodies offers powerful translational potential for future treatments of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases.
WAPO-A1 is the causal gene of the 7AL QTL for spikelet number per spike in wheat
Authors: Kuzay Saarah , Lin Huiqiong , Li Chengxia , Chen Shisheng , Woods Daniel , Zhang Junli , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: July 2021

Improving our understanding of the genes regulating grain yield can contribute to the development of more productive wheat varieties. Previously, a highly significant QTL affecting spikelet number per spike (SNS), grain number per spike (GNS) and grain yield was detected on chromosome arm 7AL in multiple genome-wide association studies. Using a high-resolution genetic map, we established that the A-genome homeolog of WHEAT ORTHOLOG OF APO1 (WAPO-A1) was a leading candidate gene for this QTL. Using mutants and transgenic plants, we demonstrate in this study that WAPO-A1 is the causal gene underpinning this QTL. Loss-of-function mutants wapo-A1 and wapo-B1 showed reduced SNS in tetraploid wheat, and the effect was exacerbated in wapo1 combining both mutations. By contrast, spikes of transgenic wheat plants carrying extra copies of WAPO-A1 driven by its native promoter had higher SNS, a more compact spike apical region and a smaller terminal spikelet than the wild type. Taken together, these results indicate that WAPO1 affects SNS by regulating the timing of terminal spikelet formation. Both transgenic and wapo1 mutant plants showed a wide range of floral abnormalities, indicating additional roles of WAPO1 on wheat floral development. Previously, we found three widespread haplotypes in the QTL region (H1, H2 and H3), each associated with particular WAPO-A1 alleles. Integrating results from this study and previous findings, we show that the WAPO-A1 allele in the H1 haplotype (115-bp deletion in the promoter) is expressed at significantly lower levels in the developing spikes than the alleles in the H2 and H3 haplotypes, resulting in reduced SNS. Field experiments also showed that the H2 haplotype is associated with the strongest effects in increasing SNS and GNS (H2>H3>H1). The H2 haplotype is already present in most modern common wheats, so it might be particularly useful in durum wheat where H2 is rare.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

A region on wheat chromosome 7A has been previously shown to affect the number of spikelets and grains per spike as well as total grain yield in multiple breeding programs. In this study, we show that loss-of-function mutations in the WAPO1 gene located within this region reduce the number of spikelets per spike and that additional transgenic copies of this gene increase this number. These results demonstrate that WAPO1 is the gene responsible for the differences in grain number and yield associated with the 7A chromosome region. Among the three main variants identified for this gene, we demonstrate in field experiments that the H2 variant is associated with the largest increases in number of spikelets and grains per spike. The H2 WAPO1 variant is frequent in bread wheat breeding programs but is almost absent in modern pasta wheat varieties. Therefore, the introgression of the H2 represents a promising opportunity to improve grain yield in pasta wheat breeding programs.
A Non-Canonical Raf Function Is Required for Dorsal-Ventral Patterning During Drosophila Embryogenesis
Authors: Lusk Jay B. , Zhen Chua Ellora Hui , Kaur Prameet , Han Sung Isabelle Chiao , Lim Wen Kin , Man Lam Vanessa Yuk , Harmston Nathan , Tolwinski Nicholas S.
Published: July 2021

Proper embryonic development requires directional axes to pattern cells into embryonic structures. In Drosophila, spatially discrete expression of transcription factors determines the anterior to posterior organization of the early embryo, while the Toll and TGFβ signalling pathways determine the early dorsal to ventral pattern. Embryonic MAPK/ERK signaling contributes to both anterior to posterior patterning in the terminal regions and to dorsal to ventral patterning during oogenesis and embryonic stages. Here we describe a novel loss of function mutation in the Raf kinase gene, which leads to loss of ventral cell fates as seen through the loss of the ventral furrow, the absence of Dorsal/NFκB nuclear localization, the absence of mesoderm determinants Twist and Snail, and the expansion of TGFβ. Gene expression analysis showed cells adopting ectodermal fates much like loss of Toll signaling. Our results combine novel mutants, live imaging, optogenetics and transcriptomics to establish a novel role for Raf, that appears to be independent of the MAPK cascade, in embryonic patterning.
Automatic calibration of a functional-structural wheat model using an adaptive design and a metamodelling approach
Authors: Blanc Emmanuelle , Enjalbert Jérôme , Barbillon Pierre
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Functional-structural plant models are increasingly being used by plant scientists to address a wide variety of questions. However, the calibration of these complex models is often challenging, mainly because of their high computational cost. In this paper, we applied an automatic method to the calibration of WALTer: a functional-structural wheat model that simulates the plasticity of tillering in response to competition for light.

Methods

We used a Bayesian calibration method to estimate the values of 5 parameters of the WALTer model by fitting the model outputs to tillering dynamics data. The method presented in this paper is based on the Efficient Global Optimisation algorithm. It involves the use of Gaussian process metamodels to generate fast approximations of the model outputs. To account for the uncertainty associated with the metamodels approximations, an adaptive design was used. The efficacy of the method was first assessed using simulated data. The calibration was then applied to experimental data.

Key Results

The method presented here performed well on both simulated and experimental data. In particular, the use of an adaptive design proved to be a very efficient method to improve the quality of the metamodels predictions, especially by reducing the uncertainty in areas of the parameter space that were of interest for the fitting. Moreover, we showed the necessity to have a diversity of field data in order to be able to calibrate the parameters.

Conclusions

The method presented in this paper, based on an adaptive design and Gaussian process metamodels, is an efficient approach for the calibration of WALTer and could be of interest for the calibration of other functional-structural plant models.
Vergence accuracy in an autostereoscopic display
Authors: Lo Verde Luca , Norcia Anthony M.
Published: July 2021

When fixating an object, observers typically under or over-converge by a small amount, a phenomenon known as “fixation disparity”. Fixation disparity is typically measured with physical fixation targets and dichotically presented nonius lines. Here we made fixation disparity measurements with an autostereoscopic display, varying the retinal eccentricity and disparity of the fixation targets. Measurements were made in a group of four practiced observers and in a group of thirteen experimentally naïve observers. Fixation disparities with a zero-disparity target were in the direction of fixation behind the plane of the screen and the magnitude of the fixation disparity grew with the eccentricity of the fixation targets (1-5 deg in the practiced observers and 1 – 10 deg in the naïve observers). Fixation disparity also increased with increasing disparity of the targets, especially when they were presented at crossed disparities. Fixation disparities were larger overall for naïve observers who additionally did not converge in front of the screen when vergence demand was created by crossed disparity fusion locks presented at 5 and 10 deg eccentricities.
Cholesterol plays a decisive role in tetraspanin assemblies during bilayer deformations
Authors: Caparotta Marcelo , Masone Diego
Published: July 2021

The tetraspanin family plays key roles in many physiological processes, such as, tumour invasion, cell motility, virus infection, cell attachment and entry. Tetraspanins function as molecular scaffolds organised in microdomains with interesting downstream cellular consequences. However, despite their relevance in human physiology, the precise mechanisms of their various functions remain elusive. In particular, the full-length CD81 tetraspanin has interesting cholesterol-related properties that modulate its activity in cells. In this work, we study the opening transition of CD81 under different conditions. We propose that such conformational change is a collaborative process enhanced by simultaneous interactions between multiple identical CD81 tetraspanins. With molecular dynamics simulations we describe the crucial role of a ternary lipid bilayer with cholesterol in CD81 conformational dynamics, observing two emergent properties: first, clusters of CD81 collectively segregate one tetraspanin while favouring one opening transition, second, cumulative cholesterol sequestering by CD81 tetraspanins inhibits large membrane deformations due to local density variations.
Large-scale dendritic spine extraction and analysis through petascale computing
Authors: Wildenberg Gregg , Li Hanyu , Badalamente Griffin , Uram Thomas D. , Ferrier Nicola J. , Kasthuri Narayanan
Published: July 2021

The synapse is a central player in the nervous system serving as the key structure that permits the relay of electrical and chemical signals from one neuron to another. The anatomy of the synapse contains important information about the signals and the strength of signal it transmits. Because of their small size, however, electron microscopy (EM) is the only method capable of directly visualizing synapse morphology and remains the gold standard for studying synapse morphology. Historically, EM has been limited to small fields of view and often only in 2D, but recent advances in automated serial EM (“connectomics”) have enabled collecting large EM volumes that capture significant fractions of neurons and the different classes of synapses they receive (i.e. shaft, spine, soma, axon). However, even with recent advances in automatic segmentation methods, extracting neuronal and synaptic profiles from these connectomics datasets are difficult to scale over large EM volumes. Without methods that speed up automatic segmentation over large volumes, the full potential of utilizing these new EM methods to advance studies related to synapse morphologies will never be fully realized. To solve this problem, we describe our work to leverage Argonne leadership-scale supercomputers for segmentation of a 0.6 terabyte dataset using state of the art machine learning-based segmentation methods on a significant fraction of the 11.69 petaFLOPs supercomputer Theta at Argonne National Laboratory. We describe an iterative pipeline that couples human and machine feedback to produce accurate segmentation results in time frames that will make connectomics a more routine method for exploring how synapse biology changes across a number of biological conditions. Finally, we demonstrate how dendritic spines can be algorithmically extracted from the segmentation dataset for analysis of spine morphologies. Advancing this effort at large compute scale is expected to yield benefits in turnaround time for segmentation of individual datasets, accelerating the path to biology results and providing population-level insight into how thousands of synapses originate from different neurons; we expect to also reap benefits in terms of greater accuracy from the more compute-intensive algorithms these systems enable.
A cationic motif in Engrailed-2 homeoprotein controls its internalization via selective cell-surface glycosaminoglycans interactions
Authors: Cardon Sébastien , Bolbach Gérard , Hervis Yadira P. , Lopin-Bon Chrystel , Jacquinet Jean-Claude , Illien Françoise , Walrant Astrid , Ravault Delphine , He Bingwei , Molina Laura , Burlina Fabienne , Lequin Olivier , Joliot Alain , Carlier Ludovic , Sagan Sandrine
Published: July 2021

Engrailed-2 (En2) is a transcription factor that possesses as most homeoproteins the unique and intriguing property to transfer from cell to cell through unconventional pathways. The internalization mechanism of this cationic protein is far from being fully understood and is proposed to require an initial interaction with cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). To decipher the role of GAGs in the recognition of En2 at the cell surface, we have quantified the internalization of the homeodomain region in cell lines that differ in their content in cell-surface GAGs. The binding specificity to GAGs and the influence of this interaction on the structure and dynamics of En2 was also investigated at the amino acid level. Our results show that a high-affinity GAG-binding hexadecapeptide (RKPKKKNPNKEDKRPR) located upstream of the homeodomain controls internalization efficiency of En2 through selective interactions with highly-sulfated GAGs of heparan sulfate type. Our data underline the functional importance of the intrinsically disordered basic region that precedes the prominent internalization domain in En2, and demonstrate the critical role of GAGs as an entry gate for En2, finely tuning its capacity to internalize into cells.
Proteomic identification and structural basis for the interaction between sorting nexin SNX17 and PDLIM family proteins
Authors: Healy Michael D. , Sacharz Joanna , McNally Kerrie E. , McConville Calum , Tillu Vikas A. , Hall Ryan J. , Chilton Molly , Cullen Peter J. , Mobli Mehdi , Ghai Rajesh , Stroud David A. , Collins Brett M.
Published: July 2021

The sorting nexin SNX17 controls endosome-to-cell surface recycling of diverse transmembrane cargo proteins including integrins, the amyloid precursor protein and lipoprotein receptors. This requires association with the multi-subunit Commander trafficking complex, which depends on the C-terminus of SNX17 through unknown mechanisms. Using affinity enrichment proteomics, we find that a C-terminal peptide of SNX17 is not only sufficient for Commander interaction but also associates with members of the actin-associated PDZ and LIM domain (PDLIM) family. We show that SNX17 contains a type III PSD95/Dlg/Zo1 (PDZ) binding motif (PDZbm) that binds specifically to the PDZ domains of PDLIM family proteins but not to other PDZ domains tested. The structure of the PDLIM7 PDZ domain bound to the SNX17 C-terminus was determined by NMR spectroscopy and reveals an unconventional perpendicular peptide interaction. Mutagenesis confirms the interaction is mediated by specific electrostatic contacts and a uniquely conserved proline-containing loop sequence in the PDLIM protein family. Our results define the mechanism of SNX17-PDLIM interaction and suggest that the PDLIM proteins may play a role in regulating the activity of SNX17 in conjunction with Commander and actin-rich endosomal trafficking domains.
Parental methylome reprogramming in human uniparental blastocysts reveals germline memory transition
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Shu Yimin , Yao Guidong , Zhang Yu , Niu Wenbin , Zhang Yile , Ma Xueshan , Jin Haixia , Zhang Fuli , Shi Senlin , Wang Yang , Song Wenyan , Dai Shanjun , Cheng Luyao , Zhang Xiangyang , Xie Wei , Hsueh Aaron J. , Sun Yingpu
Published: July 2021

Uniparental embryos derived from only the mother (gynogenetic [GG]) or the father (androgenetic [AG]) are unique models for studying genomic imprinting and parental contributions to embryonic development. Human parthenogenetic embryos can be obtained following artificial activation of unfertilized oocytes, but the production of AG embryos by injection of two sperm into one denucleated oocyte leads to an extra centriole, resulting in multipolar spindles, abnormal cell division, and developmental defects. Here, we improved androgenote production by transferring the male pronucleus from one zygote into another haploid androgenote to prevent extra centrioles and successfully generated human diploid AG embryos capable of developing into blastocysts with an identifiable inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE). The GG embryos were also generated. The zygotic genome was successfully activated in both the AG and GG embryos. DNA methylome analysis showed that the GG blastocysts partially retain the oocyte transcription-dependent methylation pattern, whereas the AG blastocyst methylome showed more extensive demethylation. The methylation states of most known imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were recapitulated in the AG and GG blastocysts. Novel candidate imprinted DMRs were also identified. The production of uniparental human embryos followed by transcriptome and methylome analysis is valuable for identifying parental contributions and epigenome memory transitions during early human development.
Novel study on the electron density distribution projection maps calculated via the discrete cosine transform
Authors: Hiraguchi Hideo
Published: July 2021

It is already known that a curve estimated via the discrete cosine transform (DCT) always passes through all the measured points without using imaginary numbers in the DCT coefficients, unlike the discrete Fourier transform. Moreover, owing to its character, the DCT can be used instead of the nonlinear least-squares method to express various theoretical curves. Because the DCT is a kind of Fourier transform, there is a possibility that the DCT could be employed to draw electron density distribution maps of crystals. If so, the probability that the DCT could be used to investigate the internal structure of materials by analysing the theoretical curves would increase. This article reports an attempt to draw the electron density distribution maps of the Mg3BN3 low-pressure phase [Mg3BN3(L)] by using the DCT in order to confirm the utility of the DCT for analysing the internal structure of materials. It is found that the DCT can provide mirror-symmetric electron density distribution projection maps and a modified DCT can be used to calculate whole standard electron density distribution projection maps for the surface plane of the unit cell. Moreover, a real crystal structure that has a centre of symmetry can be determined by the DCT by transforming a 1/4 part of the mirror-symmetric electron density distribution projection map.
A cross-sectional study on food safety knowledge amongst domestic workers in the UAE
Authors: Osaili Tareq , Shaker Obaid Reyad , Taha Sadi , Kayyaal Sofia , Ali Rima , Osama Manal , Alajmi Refaa , Al-Nabulsi Anas A. , Olaimat Amin , Hasan Fayeza , Ayyash Mutamed
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aims of this study were to assess the food safety knowledge amongst domestic workers in the UAE and test the association between their socio-demographic characteristics and food safety knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A non-probabilistic sample of 231 domestic workers who help families in food preparation and/or cooking participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic characteristics and four different aspects of food safety knowledge (personal hygiene, food poisoning, cross-contamination and temperature control).

Findings

It was observed that the domestic workers had inadequate knowledge about food safety with an overall food safety knowledge score of 32.9%. Total knowledge of “personal hygiene” and “cross-contamination” was relatively higher (46.2 and 43.9%, respectively) than that of “food poisoning” (18.1%) and “temperature control” (23.3%). A significant (P-value < 0.05) association was observed between overall food safety knowledge and marital status, age and education level, but not nationality of domestic workers (Asian or African).

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to encourage policy makers mandate food safety trainings for this segment of the population besides helping them in creating awareness and training programs regarding food safety.
Uber Pricing Strategies and Marketing Communications
Authors: Weiler Virginia , Farris Paul , Yemen Gerry , Ailawadi Kusum
Published: July 2021

By late March 2014, the ridesharing company Uber was on a roll, rapidly expanding service to untapped markets and gaining new, enthusiastic customers, as well as a few vocal and visible detractors. Uber’s innovative organization of the supply-demand matching process produced eager customers who recruited others. Buzz marketing and aggressive recruitment of drivers augmented growth.

This case presents Uber as an example of a middleman adding real value for consumers and upstream suppliers (limo drivers). Unlike Tesla, which battled to sell cars directly to the public, Uber created value by adding a layer between limos and prospective riders, organizing the market for convenience and transparency for both sides. Where Uber stirred up the competitive equivalent of a hornet’s nest was with expansion from the livery car market into the taxi service market with UberX. The material allows for a lively discussion around disruptive digital technology and the firm’s business model.
PLBsearch: Growing with LinkedIn
Authors: Murray Meghan , Moore Marian Chapman
Published: July 2021

This case is used in Darden’s “Digital Marketing” course elective. It explores the experience of a niche search firm whose founder attributed her ability to open her recruiting firm to LinkedIn and the new model of recruiting it created. LinkedIn Corporation had been one of the most successful companies in the digital media space, with more than 4,000 employees and a market capitalization of over $25.5 billion in August 2013. But few people knew how LinkedIn had grown and how it had become profitable. LinkedIn had multiple unique aspects to explore: its focus on professional--not simply personal--social interaction, the company’s B2B components, and also its marketing positioning from user experience to targeting and growth strategy.
Impacts of staff demographics on complaint management behaviour in five-star hotels in Dubai
Authors: Parikh Parin , Dutt Christopher S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A continuous issue which plagues all service businesses is the process of handling complaints. Whilst the topic has been relatively well explored, extant literature has failed to fully explore how staff demographics influence the methods in which they manage complaints.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted with semi-structured interviews. A purposeful sample was selected, inviting managers from hotels in Dubai to share their views on factors affecting the complaint management process, including the impact of staff demographics.

Findings

Staff demographics were found to have an impact on staff's approach to handle complaints. However, participants generally felt that, with sufficient experience, the impact of many of these influences would be negated.

Originality/value

Literature on complaint management has considered numerous mitigating factors affecting the complaint management process. The impact of staff demographics on how they receive and respond to complaints has not been thoroughly explored.
Do innovations improve firm performance in the Indian manufacturing sector? A mediation and synergy effect analysis
Authors: Fatema Farha , Islam Mohammad Monirul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effects of both technological and non-technological innovations on the overall performance of Indian manufacturing firms, and identifies the mediation and synergy effects in the relationship between innovation and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique using Smart PLS3 on a combined data set from the World Bank Enterprise Survey and the follow-up Innovation Survey for India in 2014. Different newly developed statistical tests [PLS predict, importance performance map analysis (IPMA), multi-group analysis (MGA) and confirmatory tetrad analysis PLS (CTA-PLS)] have been used to check the robustness of the empirical results.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that technological innovations (product and process innovation) significantly affect a firm's overall performance, and that innovation strategy significantly mediates the effects, whereas the effects of non-technological innovations (marketing and organisational innovation) on a firm's performance are fully mediated by innovative performance. IPMA results suggest that technological innovations and their respective strategies are very important in improving a firm's performance, whereas non-technological innovations have great importance for increasing the innovative performance of the firms. The MGA results suggest that there are several distinctions in the path relationship and mediation effect among a firm's segment based on technology intensity and firm size. The study results do not find that innovation types have significant synergy effects on a firm's performance.

Originality/value

The study results suggest that managers should focus on technological innovations, along with their respective strategies to improve the overall performance of a firm, whereas non-technological innovations should be given priority for increasing the firm's innovative performance. Moreover, while making policy regarding innovation the people concerned should bear in mind which segment of the firms they are dealing with, as the effects differ across a firm's technology-intensity and size.
A framework for near real-time ROM stockpile modelling to improve blending efficiency
Authors: Zhao Shi , Lu Tien-Fu , Statsenko Larissa , Koch Benjamin , Garcia Chris
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In the mining industry, a run-of-mine (ROM) stockpile is a temporary storage unit, but it is also widely accepted as an effective method to reduce the short-term variations of ore grade. However, tracing ore grade at ROM stockpiles accurately using most current fleet management systems is challenging, due to insufficient information available in real time. This study aims to build a three-dimensional (3D) model for ROM stockpiles continuously based on fine-grained grade information through integrating data from a number of ore grade tracking sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, a framework for a new stockpile management system is proposed. In this system, near real-time high-resolution 3D ROM stockpile models are created based on dump/load locations measured from global positioning system sensors. Each stockpile model contains a group of layers which are separated by different qualities.

Findings

Acquiring the geometric shapes of all the layers in a stockpile and cuts made by front wheel loaders provides a better understanding about the quality and quality distribution within a stockpile when it is stacked/reclaimed. Such a ROM stockpile model can provide information on predicating ore blend quality with high accuracy and high efficiency. Furthermore, a 3D stockyard model created based on such ROM stockpile models can help organisations optimise material flow and reduce the cost.

Research limitations/implications

The modelling algorithm is evaluated using a laboratory scaled stockpile at this stage. The authors expect to scan a real stockpile and create a reference model from it. Meanwhile, the geometric model cannot represent slump or collapse during reclaiming faithfully. Therefore, the model is expected to be reconcile monthly using laser scanning data.

Practical implications

The proposed model is currently translated to the operations at OZ Minerals. The use of such model will reduce the handling costs and improve the efficiency of existing grade management systems in the mining industry.

Originality/value

This study provides a solution to build a near real-time high-resolution multi-layered 3D stockpile model through using currently available information and resources. Such novel and low-cost stockpile model will improve the production rates with good output product quality control.
Nexus between oil price uncertainty and corporate social responsibility: evidence from US firms
Authors: Hassen Guenichi , Hamdi Khalfaoui
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper examines the effect of oil price uncertainty on corporate social responsibility (CSR) for 507 US firms over the period 1985–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the nexus between oil price uncertainty and CSR, we have proceeded with a fixed-effects panel regression model over the period 1985–2019.

Findings

Using a dataset of 507 US firms, different specifications of CSR and two alternatives measures of oil price uncertainty, we show that oil price uncertainty negatively influences the CSR in the global US panel and firm's characterized panel. This negative effect is dependent on firms' size, firm's age and value of book share of firms.

Research limitations/implications

US firms are exposed to more risk when carrying high levels of debt, resulting in reduced spending to improve social and environmental conditions. While the negative effect of oil price uncertainty on CSR is exacerbated in economic crisis periods.

Practical implications

US firms are influenced by energy price volatility especially by oil price fluctuations which are the main factor of American economic growth. The rise of oil price uncertainty reduces sustainable corporate development and investment in the green economy.

Social implications

Rethinking renewable energies as an alternative solution in order to guarantee the performance and sustainability of social, environmental and cultural activities.

Originality/value

Young and small firms, lower-share outstanding firms and high book value per share firms are the most negatively affected by oil price uncertainty and therefore their social responsibilities are reduced. However, by introducing interaction variables in the main model, we find that the most indebted firms on one hand and big firms and high-number shares outstanding firms, on the other hand, are the most influenced by oil price uncertainty which consequently limits their social and environmental responsibility.
Measuring the effect of investor sentiment on financial distress
Authors: Dunham Lee M. , Garcia John
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effect of firm-level investor sentiment on a firm's level of financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Bloomberg's firm-level, daily investor sentiment scores derived from firm-level news and Twitter content in a beta-regression model to explain the variability in a firm's financial distress.

Findings

The results indicate that improvements (deterioration) in investor sentiment derived from both news articles and Twitter content lead to a decrease (increase) in the average firm's financial distress level. We also find that the effect of sentiment derived from Twitter on a firm's financial distress is significantly stronger than the sentiment derived from news articles.

Research limitations/implications

Our proxy for financial distress is Bloomberg's financial distress measures, which may be an imperfect measure of financial distress. Our results have important implications for market participants in assessing the determinants of financial distress.

Practical implications

Our sample period covers four years (2015–2019), which is determined by Bloomberg sentiment data availability.

Social implications

Market participants are increasingly using social media to express views on firms and seek information that might be used to determine a firm's level of financial distress. Our study links investor sentiment derived from social media (Twitter) and traditional news articles to financial distress.

Originality/value

By examining the relationship between a firm's sentiment and its financial distress, this paper advances our understanding of the factors that drive a firm's financial distress. To our knowledge, this is the first study to link US firms' investor sentiment derived from firm-level news and Twitter content to a firm's financial distress.
Strategic marketing approaches impact on social enterprises
Authors: Nascimento Leandro da Silva , Steinbruch Fernanda Kalil , Oliveira Daniel Max de Sousa , Costa Júnior Júlio César da , Luce Fernando Bins
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Due to social enterprises' (SEs) relevance to social value creation, marketing increases its attention to these hybrid organizations. However, there is no consensus on how strategic marketing can improve SE performance. Thus, this paper aims to discuss how commercial, social and societal strategic marketing approaches relate to compensatory and transformative social entrepreneurship scopes to improve SE performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual. We hold discussions and raise reflections to advance knowledge on both marketing and social entrepreneurship fields, more precisely by intertwining them.

Findings

We develop a conceptual model for adapting three strategic marketing approaches to compensatory and transformative SEs. We argue that SEs have three types of performances: commercial, social and societal. Social and commercial strategic marketing are essential for SEs acting in compensating local failures of capitalism. Societal and commercial strategic marketing are essential for SEs focused on transformative actions to changing global system. Such relations can leverage social impact, which we conceptualize as compensatory or transformative.

Practical implications

The model contributes to improvements on strategic marketing decisions by marketers and entrepreneurs in social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

We propose a decomposition of strategic marketing into three approaches: commercial, social and societal, which constitutes a novelty to the field. This can facilitate management of SEs with different actions and performances, whether at local or international levels.
The advent of artificial intelligence-based coaching
Authors: Khandelwal Komal , Upadhyay Ashwani Kumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for coaching. This paper discusses the different applications, benefits, challenges and implementation issues in AI usage in coaching. It highlights how AI is facilitating the up-skill and re-skill of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint reviews the articles, research papers and case studies.

Findings

AI-based coaching apps are aiding managers and supervisors in coaching and tracking trainees and mentees’ progress. AI is being used to customize the coaching program as per the mentee’s individual needs. AI-powered coaching systems can analyze recorded sales conversations and offer real-time coaching and feedback.

Research limitations/implications

AI-powered coaching systems help transform coaching from standard in-person one-to-one mode to personalized and customized AI system assisted coaching system. Research is needed to understand the factors that can facilitate AI-powered coaching transform into a game changer in the coaching industry.

Originality/value

This paper reviews and discusses several AI-powered coaching applications. This paper is useful for researchers and professionals in the field of coaching and mentoring, as it offers a review of the current AI-powered coaching applications.

Practical implications

AI systems offer private unbiased feedback and help self-assessment of individual mentee and mentor performance. AI provides a capability for organizations to track individuals’ learning and calculate return on investment.
Commentary on “Making the world a better place: achieving impact through innovation and an entrepreneurial ethos”
Authors: McGill Peter
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Making the world a better place: achieving impact through innovation and an entrepreneurial ethos” written by John Pepin.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary considers the broader role of philanthropy especially with respect to learning disability and autism.

Findings

The work of the Shirley Foundation is a good example of the contribution that can be made by philanthropy. Although philanthropy has many critics, it remains one way in which significant change can by supported.

Originality/value

Partnerships between philanthropic and government funding may help both to address some of the concerns raised about philanthropy and maximise the potential for beneficial impacts.
Beam propagation of the 15‐degree equation and prestack depth migration in tilted transversely isotropic media using a ray‐centred coordinate system
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Wang Huazhong , Wang Xiaowen
Published: July 2021

Seismic wave imaging in complex media requires an accurate wavefield simulation method that can accurately describethe wave propagation in realistic media. Reverse time‐depth migration is the preferred method for seismic wave imaging in complex media. Although it is relatively expensive, its imaging accuracy is usually better than migrations based on the ray method. Migration of primary reflection data requires a wave propagation simulation method that can accurately describe primary reflected/scattered wave energy and incorporate anisotropy. Accordingly, we propose the simulation of wave propagation in tilted transversely isotropic media using a 15° one‐way wave equation in a ray‐centred coordinate system, combining the flexibility of ray theory and the accuracy of wave theory. We use this equation to describe the propagation of body waves in a single ray tube, a ‘beam’. The wavefield along the beam, guided by its central raypath, has an angle limit defined only by the ray angle; therefore, wave propagation in complex and steeply dipping media can be simulated with a 15° one‐way wave equation. Numerical experiments show that the simulation results for beam propagation using the 15° equation in the ray‐centred coordinate system have good accuracy. For prestack depth migration in tilted transversely isotropic media, we built a beam imaging method using this propagator, and this migration method yielded accurate images with greater efficiency than reverse time‐depth migration.
How is Earnings News Transmitted to Stock Prices?
Authors: Grégoire Vincent , Martineau Charles
Published: July 2021

We examine the speed and mechanism of the price discovery process following earnings announcements in the after‐hours market, a very illiquid trading environment. Prices reflect earnings surprises mostly through changes in quotes rather than through trades. Following positive announcement surprises, ask prices adjust quickly while bid prices are slower to adjust, and vice versa for negative surprises. Returns computed from trade prices underestimate the speed and magnitude of price reactions following announcements relative to returns computed from quotes. These findings emphasize the importance of using quotes and not trade prices when examining intraday price discovery. Because firm announcements such as earnings generally occur in the after‐hours market, using quotes is crucial as trading is sparse. We further illustrate the importance of quotes when examining the price discovery process around analyst recommendation revisions.
A novel method for linking between a 3D printer and printed objects using toolmark comparison techniques
Authors: Aronson Ayal , Elyashiv Ariel , Cohen Yaron , Wiesner Sarena
Published: July 2021

Rapid advances and decreased production costs in 3D printing (3DP) have resulted in its accelerated implementation in criminal activities. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM (3DP and Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament were chosen for the current research because they are widely used in commodity 3DP, particularly in documented criminal activities. This study shows how specific features of 3DP along with classical toolmark comparison techniques using Stereo‐Microscopy and Comparison Microscopy can be used to link between two 3DP objects as well as between a printed object and a suspected 3D printer. Links are determined based on random fine marks found on the 3DP's heated stage (bed) that are replicated to the base face of the printed object. Melted filament that extrudes from the nozzle of the FDM 3DP constructs the base face of the printed object. This melted filament functions as a “casting material” after it cools down and solidifies, enabling replication of the fine marks. The observed resolution of these marks is as high as the resolution of casting material dedicated for toolmark replications. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel forensic method based on toolmark comparison for linking between a 3D printer and its printed objects.
“God is real”: Narratives of religiously motivated desistance*
Authors: DiPietro Stephanie M. , Dickinson Timothy
Published: July 2021

This study examines the role of Islam in shaping processes of criminal desistance among four men, each with extensive histories of crime and violence. The men's life histories are unique, first, in that they came of age in contexts of extreme violence and religious persecution—all men are Muslim and were children during the ethnic cleansing campaigns in Bosnia in the early 1990s—and second, in that they all identify their newfound or newly cemented dedication to Islam as the primary catalyst for their desistance. Thematic analyses rooted in the principles of grounded theory reveal some consistencies with extant research on religiously motivated desistance, including the role of faith as a means for self‐transformation and behavioral guidance. They also shed light on traditionally understudied mechanisms in the faith‐desistance relationship, including the power of religion to reconfigure masculine identities, to reconcile with traumatic pasts, and to cultivate a new moral universe. In examining these men's life histories, we make the case for considering the transformative benefits of Islam in studies of crime and desistance, and for disentangling the role of distinctive faith factors (e.g., faith and religious participation) in processes of change.