bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic exercise reverses aging-induced depth-dependent decline in cerebral microcirculation
Authors: Shin Paul , Pian Qi , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Hamanaka Gen , Mandeville Emiri T , Shuzhen Guo , Buyin Fu , Alfadhel Mohammed , Allu Srinivasa Rao , Şencan-Eğilmez Ikbal , Li Baoqiang , Ran Chongzhao , Vinogradov Sergei A , Ayata Cenk , Lo Eng H , Arai Ken , Devor Anna , Sakadžić Sava
Published: February 2023

Aging is a major risk factor for cognitive impairment. Aerobic exercise benefits brain function and may promote cognitive health in older adults. However, underlying biological mechanisms across cerebral gray and white matter are poorly understood. Selective vulnerability of the white matter to small vessel disease and a link between white matter health and cognitive function suggests a potential role for responses in deep cerebral microcirculation. Here, we tested whether aerobic exercise modulates cerebral microcirculatory changes induced by aging. To this end, we carried out a comprehensive quantitative examination of changes in cerebral microvascular physiology in cortical gray and subcortical white matter in mice (3-6 vs. 19-21 months old), and asked whether and how exercise may rescue age-induced deficits. In the sedentary group, aging caused a more severe decline in cerebral microvascular perfusion and oxygenation in deep (infragranular) cortical layers and subcortical white matter compared with superficial (supragranular) cortical layers. Five months of voluntary aerobic exercise partly renormalized microvascular perfusion and oxygenation in aged mice in a depth-dependent manner, and brought these spatial distributions closer to those of young adult sedentary mice. These microcirculatory effects were accompanied by an improvement in cognitive function. Our work demonstrates the selective vulnerability of the deep cortex and subcortical white matter to aging-induced decline in microcirculation, as well as the responsiveness of these regions to aerobic exercise.
Ubiquitination is a novel post-translational modification of VMP1 in autophagy of human tumor cells
Authors: Renna Felipe J. , Enriqué Steinberg Juliana H. , Gonzalez Claudio D. , Manifava Maria , Tadic Mariana S. , Orquera Tamara , Vecino Carolina V. , Ropolo Alejandro , Guardavaccaro Daniele , Rossi Mario , Ktistakis Nicholas T. , Vaccaro Maria I.
Published: February 2023

Autophagy is a tightly regulated catabolic process involved in the degradation and re-cycling of proteins and organelles. Ubiquitination plays an important role in the regulation of autophagy. Vacuole Membrane Protein 1 (VMP1) is an essential autophagy protein. The expression of VMP1 in pancreatic cancer stem cells carrying the activated Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) triggers autophagy and enables therapy resistance. Using biochemical and cellular approaches, we identified ubiquitination as a post-translational modification of VMP1 from the initial steps in autophagosome biogenesis. VMP1 remains ubiquitinated as part of the autophagosome membrane throughout autophagic flux until autolysosome formation. However, VMP1 is not degraded by autophagy, nor by the ubiquitin–proteasomal system. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation showed that the cell division cycle protein cdt2 (Cdt2), the substrate recognition subunit of the E3 ligase complex associated with cancer, cullin–RING ubiquitin ligase complex 4 (CRL4), is a novel interactor of VMP1 and is involved in VMP1 ubiquitination. VMP1 ubiquitination decreases under the CRL inhibitor MLN4924 and increases with Cdt2 overexpression. Moreover, VMP1 recruitment and autophagosome formation is significantly affected by CRL inhibition. Our results indicate that ubiquitination is a novel post-translational modification of VMP1 during autophagy in human tumor cells. VMP1 ubiquitination may be of clinical relevance in tumor cell therapy resistance.
Optimizing Xenium In Situ data utility by quality assessment and best practice analysis workflows
Authors: Salas Sergio Marco , Czarnewski Paulo , Kuemmerle Louis B. , Helgadottir Saga , Matsson-Langseth Christoffer , Tismeyer Sebastian , Avenel Christophe , Rehman Habib , Tiklova Katarina , Andersson Axel , Chatzinikolaou Maria , Theis Fabian J. , Luecken Malte D. , Wählby Carolina , Ishaque Naveed , Nilsson Mats
Published: February 2023

The Xenium In Situ platform is a new spatial transcriptomics product commercialized by 10X Genomics capable of mapping hundreds of transcriptsin situat a subcellular resolution. Given the multitude of commercially available spatial transcriptomics technologies, recommendations in choice of platform and analysis guidelines are increasingly important. Herein, we explore eight preview Xenium datasets of the mouse brain and two of human breast cancer by comparing scalability, resolution, data quality, capacities and limitations with eight other spatially resolved transcriptomics technologies. In addition, we benchmarked the performance of multiple open source computational tools when applied to Xenium datasets in tasks including cell segmentation, segmentation-free analysis, selection of spatially variable genes and domain identification, among others. This study serves as the first independent analysis of the performance of Xenium, and provides best-practices and recommendations for analysis of such datasets.
MiR-302-Induced anti-aging neural stem cells enhance cognitive function and extend lifespan
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Sun Jing , Zheng Yuanyuan , Xu Tingting , Zhang Yanan , Wang Yuesi
Published: February 2023

Neural stem cells play a vital role in maintaining tissue stability and extending lifespan. Transplanting these cells to treat neurodegenerative diseases faces challenges like cellular aging, low viability, and immune rejection. We have effectively reprogrammed human fibroblasts into induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) via a single-factor miR-302a strategy, which converted skin fibroblasts into human-induced neural stem cells (hiNSCs) within 2-3 days. These cells showed delayed aging and increased resistance to oxidative stress compared to wild-type cells. Implanting them into the hippocampus of senescence-accelerated mice improved cognitive performance in severe Alzheimer’s, prolonged lifespan by 34%, increased fatigue resistance, and improved hair regeneration and reproductive capacity. Our findings suggest that miR-302a-hiNSCs can improve functional recovery in Alzheimer’s and promote healthy aging.
Probing the ligand binding specificity of FNBP4 WW domains and interaction with FH1 domain of FMN1
Authors: Das Shubham , Maiti Sankar
Published: February 2023

Formins are a group of actin-binding proteins that mediate nascent actin filament polymerization, filament elongation, and barbed end capping function, thereby regulating different cellular and developmental processes. Developmental processes like vertebrate gastrulation, neural growth cone dynamics, and limb development require formins to function in a regulated manner. Formin binding proteins like Rho GTPase regulates activation of auto-inhibited conformation of diaphanous formins. Unlike other diaphanous formins, Formin1 (FMN1), a non-diaphanous formin, is not regulated by Rho GTPase. FMN1 acts as an antagonist of the BMP signaling pathway during limb development. Several previous reports demonstrated that WW domain-containing proteins can interact with poly-proline-rich amino acid stretches of formins and play a crucial role in developmental processes. WW domain-containing FNBP4 protein plays an essential role in limb development. It has been hypothesized that the interaction between FNBP4 and FMN1 can further attribute to the role in limb development through the BMP signaling pathway. In this study, we have elucidated the binding kinetics of FNBP4 and FMN1 using surface plasmon resonance and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Our findings confirm that the FNBP4 exhibits interaction with the poly-proline-rich formin homology 1 (FH1) domain of FMN1. Furthermore, only the first WW1 domains is involved in the interaction between the two domains. Thus, this study sheds light on the binding potentialities of WW domains of FNBP4 and their possible contribution to the regulation of FMN1 function.
Deep evolution of MADS-box genes in Archaeplastida
Authors: Gramzow Lydia , Tessari Chiara , Rümpler Florian , Theißen Günter
Published: February 2023

MADS-box genes represent a paneukaryotic gene family encoding transcription factors. Given its importance for essential functions in plants, animals and fungi, such as development of organ identity and mating type determination, the phylogeny of MADS-box genes is of great biological interest. It has been well established that a gene duplication in the stem group of extant eukaryotes generated two clades of MADS-box genes, termed Type I and Type II genes. Almost all Type II genes of land plants contain a keratin-like (K) domain in addition to the family-defining, DNA-binding MADS (M) domain and are also termed MIKC-type genes. Due to a lack of sampling of MADS-box genes in Archaeplastida (rhodophytes, glaucophytes, chlorophytes, and streptophytes) except land plants, the deep evolution of MADS-box genes in plants remains poorly understood, however. Here we use the genomic and transcriptomic ressources that have become available in recent years to answer longstanding questions of MADS-box gene evolution in Archaeplastida. Our results reveal that archaeplastid algae likely do not harbour Type I MADS-box genes. However, rhodophytes, glaucophytes, prasinodermophytes and chlorophytes possess Type II MADS-box genes without a K domain. Type II MADS-box genes with a K domain are found only in streptophytes. This corroborates previous views that some Type II gene acquired a K domain in the stem group of extant streptophytes, generating MIKC-type genes. Interestingly, we found both variants of Type II genes - with (MIKC) and without a K domain - in streptophyte algae, but not in land plants (embryophytes), suggesting that Type II genes without a K domain (ancestral Type II genes) were lost in the stem group of land plants. Our data reveal that the deep evolution of MADS-box genes in “plants” (Archaeplastida) was more complex than has previously been thought.
The intraosseous expansion of primary chondrosarcoma is achieved by osteoclasts expressing GnTase V (MGAT5) activity to drive neoangiogenesis
Authors: McClure John , McClure Sheena F
Published: February 2023

We have studied the impact of primary central conventional chondrosarcoma on the bone tissues (trabecular, endosteal and cortical) of the proximal femur. A combination of macroscopy, contact radiography, histology, lectin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques were employed. The tumours expanded by driving the resorption of bone tissue progressively removing trabecular, endosteal and cortical bone ultimately causing pathological fracture of the latter. Resorption of all tissue types was by osteoclasts invariably accompanied by companion mesenchymal tissue containing capillaries, mononuclear cells and mast cells. There were no new pathological mechanisms in play, rather the usurpation of normal physiological mechanisms of bone tissue remodelling and modelling. Lectin histochemistry showed that osteoclasts, endothelial cells and mast cells expressed GnTase V (MGAT5) which has been implicated in neoangiogenesis. The linkage of osteoclasts and new blood vessels we believe is key to successful bone resorption.
Social play behavior shapes the development of prefrontal inhibition in a region-specific manner
Authors: Bijlsma Ate , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J. , Wierenga Corette J.
Published: February 2023

Experience-dependent organization of neuronal connectivity is critical for brain development. We recently demonstrated the importance of social play behavior for the developmental fine-tuning of inhibitory synapses in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in rats. When these effects of play experience exactly occur and if this happens uniformly throughout the prefrontal cortex is currently unclear. Here we report important temporal and regional heterogeneity in the impact of social play on the development of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the mPFC and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). We recorded in layer 5 pyramidal neurons from juvenile (postnatal day (P)21), adolescent (P42) and adult (P85) rats after social play deprivation (SPD; between P21-P42). The development of these PFC subregions followed different trajectories. On P21, inhibitory and excitatory synaptic input was multiple times higher in the OFC than in the mPFC. SPD did not affect excitatory currents, but reduced inhibitory transmission in both mPFC and OFC. Intriguingly, the reduction occurred in the mPFC during SPD, while the reduction in the OFC only became manifested after SPD. These data reveal a complex interaction between social play experience and the specific developmental trajectories of prefrontal subregions.
Energetics and proton release in Photosystem II fromThermosynechococcus elongatuswith a D1 protein encoded by either thepsbA2orpsbA3gene
Authors: Boussac Alain , Sellés Julien , Sugiura Miwa
Published: February 2023

In the cyanobacteriumThermosynechococcus elongatus, there are threepsbAgenes coding for the Photosystem II (PSII) D1 subunit that interacts with most of the main cofactors involved in the electron transfers. Recently, the 3D crystal structures of both PsbA2-PSII and PsbA3-PSII have been solved [Nakajima et al., J. Biol. Chem. 298 (2022) 102668.]. It was proposed that the loss of one hydrogen bond of PheD1due to the D1-Y147F exchange in PsbA2-PSII resulted in a more negativeEmof PheD1in PsbA2-PSII when compared to PsbA3-PSII. In addition, the loss of two water molecules in the Cl-1 channel was attributed to the D1-P173M substitution in PsbA2-PSII. This exchange, by narrowing the Cl-1 proton channel, could be at the origin of a slowing down of the proton release. Here, we have continued the characterization of PsbA2- PSII by measuring the thermoluminescence from the S2QA-/DCMU charge recombination and by measuring proton release kinetics using time-resolved absorption changes of the dye bromocresol purple. It was found thati) theEmof PheD1−•/PheD1was decreased by ∼ 30 mV in PsbA2-PSII when compared to PsbA3-PSII andii) the kinetics of the proton release into the bulk was significantly slowed down in PsbA2-PSII in the S2TyrZ•to S3TyrZand S3TyrZ•→ (S3TyrZ•)’ transitions. This slowing down was partially reversed by the PsbA2/M173P mutation and induced by the PsbA3/P173M mutation thus confirming a role of the D1-173 residue in the egress of protons trough the Cl-1 channel.
CRISPR interference screens reveal tradeoffs between growth rate and robustness inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 across trophic conditions
Authors: Miao Rui , Jahn Michael , Shabestary Kiyan , Hudson Elton Paul
Published: February 2023

Barcoded mutant libraries are a powerful tool for elucidating gene function in microbes, particularly when screened in multiple growth conditions. Here, we screened a pooled CRISPR interference library of the model cyanobacteriumSynechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in 11 bioreactor-controlled conditions, spanning multiple light regimes and carbon sources. This gene repression library contained 21,705 individual mutants with high redundancy over all open reading frames and non-coding RNAs. Comparison of the derived gene fitness scores revealed multiple instances of gene repression being beneficial in one condition while generally detrimental in others, particularly for genes within light harvesting and conversion, such as antennae components at high light and PSII subunits during photoheterotrophy. Suboptimal regulation of such genes likely represents a tradeoff of reduced growth speed for enhanced robustness to perturbation. The extensive dataset assigns condition-specific importance to many previously unannotated genes, and suggests new functions for central metabolic enzymes. Prk, GAPDH, and CP12 were critical for mixotrophy and photoheterotrophy, which implicates the ternary complex as important for redirecting metabolic flux in these conditions in addition to inactivation of the Calvin cycle in the dark. To predict the potency of sgRNA sequences, we applied machine learning on sgRNA sequences and gene repression data, which showed the importance of C enrichment and T depletion in the first 12 bp proximal to the PAM site. Fitness data for all genes in all conditions is compiled in an interactive web application.
A comparative study of low-pH tolerance and chitinase activity between toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains ofVibrio cholerae
Authors: Jayaraman Vijay , Khan Shafqat Ali , Perinbam Kumar , Rakheja Isha , Vadakkepat Abhinav Koyamangalath , Chaudhary Santosh Kumar , Pandey Asheesh Kumar , Mitra Joydeep
Published: February 2023

Cholera toxin, encoded by thectxgene, is a key virulence factor in toxigenicVibrio cholerae(ctx+) strains. However, some non-toxigenicV. cholerae(ctx-) strains are also pathogenic to humans and the mechanism involved in low-pH tolerance and pathogenicity in these strains remains unclear. To address this, we profiled the growth and chitinase activity in different pH of two clinical isolates ofV. cholerae: VC20, actx+strain, and WO5, actx-strain. We also compared the expression level of key genes involved in pathogenesis between the strains. WO5, the non-toxigenic strain had robust growth and greater chitinase activity across a wide pH range, in comparison to VC20. Additionally, WO5 expressed higher levels of transcripts from genes implicated in host cell adhesion and virulence, namelyompKandtoxT, respectively. Notably, we propose that lowerhapRlevels in WO5 contrary to VC20 is key to its low-pH tolerance. To systematically identify genes involved in low pH tolerance, we used a sequence-based homology search and found a widespread presence of low-pH adaptation modules, lysine-cadaverine, and ornithine-putrescine in multiple representative species of theVibriophylum. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that the loss of a gene encoding nitrite reductase that confers low pH tolerance is specific toV. choleraeandV. mimicus. Together, these findings reveal that the low-pH tolerance enhances the chitinase activity of the non-toxigenic strain that could helpV. choleraeto survive the acidic environment of the stomach and readily colonize the intestine.
Maternal infection causes dysfunctional BCR signaling in male offspring due to aberrant Xist expression
Authors: Gibbs Lisa C. , Oviedo Juan M. , Ondigo Bartholomew N. , Fairfax Keke C.
Published: February 2023

Infections during pregnancy with pathogens such as helminths correlate with altered immune responses to common childhood immunizations. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this remain unknown. Using our murine model of maternal schistosomiasis, when immunized, males from infected mothers had a lower frequency of antigen-specific germinal center B cells and downregulation of transcripts downstream of BCR signaling compared to males from uninfected mothers. This is driven by a reduction in developing B cell populations within the bone marrow of pups from infected mothers. Males from infected mothers were impacted to a greater extent than their female littermate counterparts. We found this defect to be caused by aberrant expression of the long non-coding RNAXistin males leading to dysregulated Igα expression on developing B cells. This, for the first time, links dysfunctional BCR signaling withXistexpression, while also proposing a detrimental function forXistexpression in males.

One sentence summary

Xistexpression in males decreases BCR reactivity.
Higher-order co-mutation interactions in mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Verma Rahul K , Shinde Pramod , Mishra Ankit , Jalan Sarika
Published: February 2023

Pair-wise co-mutation networks of the mitochondrial genome have already provided ample evidences about the roles of genetic interactions in the manifestation of phenotype under altered environmental conditions. Here, we present a method to construct and analyze higher-order interactions, namely, 3-uniform hypergraphs of the mitochondrial genome for different altitude populations to decipher the role of co-mutating variable sites beyond pair-wise interactions. While the weights distribution of such gene hyperedges manifested power-law for all the altitudes, we identified altitude-specific genes based on gene hyperedge weight. This framework of hypergraphs serves a promising avenue for future investigation of nuclear genomes in context of phenotypic association and genetic disorders.
Frontal mechanisms underlying primate calls recognition by humans
Authors: Ceravolo Leonardo , Debracque Coralie , Pool Eva , Gruber Thibaud , Grandjean Didier
Published: February 2023

The ability to process verbal language seems unique to humans and relies not only on semantics but on other forms of communication such as affective vocalisations, that we share with other primate species—particularly great apes (Hominidae). To better understand these processes at the behavioural and brain level, we asked human participants to categorize vocalizations of four primate species including human, great apes (chimpanzee and bonobo), and monkey (rhesus macaque) during MRI acquisition. Classification was above chance level for all species but bonobo vocalizations. Imaging analyses were computed using a participant-specific, trial-by-trial fitted probability categorization value in a model-based style of data analysis. Model-based analyses revealed the implication of the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyruspars triangularis(IFGtri) respectively correlating and anti-correlating with the fitted probability of accurate species classification. Further conjunction analyses revealed enhanced activity in a sub-area of the left IFGtrispecifically for the accurate classification of chimpanzee calls compared to human voices. Our data therefore reveal distinct frontal mechanisms that shed light on how the human brain evolved to process non-verbal language.

Author contributions

CD and LC were involved in every steps of the study including experimental design, programming, data acquisition, data analysis and redaction of the first draft of the manuscript and subsequent editing. EP helped design the model-based MRI analyses and interpret the results. TG and DG were involved in the experimental design and study planification. All authors wrote and edited the manuscript.
Evaluation ofN6-methyldeoxyadenosine antibody-based genomic profiling in eukaryotes
Authors: Debo Brian M. , Mallory Benjamin J. , Stergachis Andrew B.
Published: February 2023

Low-level DNAN6-methyldeoxyadenosine (DNA-m6A) has recently been reported across various eukaryotes. Although anti-m6A antibody–based approaches are commonly used to measure DNA-m6A levels, this approach is known to be confounded by DNA secondary structures, RNA contamination, and bacterial contamination. To evaluate for these confounding features, we introduce an approach for systematically validating the selectivity of antibody-based DNA-m6A methods and use a highly selective anti-DNA-m6A antibody to reexamine patterns of DNA-m6A inC. reinhardtii,A. thaliana, andD. melanogaster. Our findings raise caution about the use of antibody-based methods for endogenous m6A quantification and mapping in eukaryotes.
The effects of mandatory non-financial reporting on financial performance. A multidimensional investigation on global agri-food companies
Authors: Vitale Gianluca , Cupertino Sebastiano , Riccaboni Angelo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Focusing on the Agri-Food and Beverage sector, the paper investigates the direct effect of worldwide mandatory non-financial disclosure on several financial dimensions as well as its moderating effects on the relationship between sustainability and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed fixed-effect regressions on a sample of 180 global listed companies, considering a period of eight years. The authors also tested the moderating effects of non-financial disclosure regulation on the relationship between sustainability and financial performance.

Findings

The authors found a positive direct impact of mandatory non-financial disclosure on Operating Return on Asset, Return on Equity and Return on Sales. The analysis also highlighted the negative moderating effects of non-financial reporting regulation on the relationship between sustainability issues and financial performance. As for the Cost of Debt, the authors found mixed results.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers a short-term perspective focusing on a limited sample composed of companies playing a key role in the global agri-food system.

Practical implications

The paper identifies which financial performance dimensions are positively or negatively affected by mandatory non-financial disclosure. Accordingly, managers can rearrange corporate activities to deal with further reporting normative requirements concurrently preserving financial performances and fostering corporate sustainability.

Social implications

This study recommends fostering mandatory non-financial disclosure to increase corporate transparency fostering the sustainability transition of the Agri-Food and Beverage industry.

Originality/value

The paper highlights global mandatory non-financial disclosure effects on financial performance considering a sector that is cross-cutting impactful on plural sustainability issues.
Norwegian stakeholder's attitudes towards EU taxonomy
Authors: Norang Hilde , Støre-Valen Marit , Kvale Nina , Temeljotov-Salaj Alenka
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The European Union (EU) aims to become climate-neutral by 2050. Achieving this requires targeted measures and strategies. One of the instruments of the EU is the EU taxonomy, a classification system with the purpose of creating a common definition of what economic activities are deemed sustainable. The paper aims to examine how the EU taxonomy can affect the Norwegian construction industry, property owners and facilities management (FM) providers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a document analysis and interviews with main stakeholders within the financial sector, construction and real estate (RE) sector, authorities, environmental organisations and businesses related to FM and RE.

Findings

The findings show that different stakeholders share largely similar attitudes towards the taxonomy, although some differ in their opinions. This paper finds that there are high levels of uncertainty and confusion associated with the taxonomy, which can be said to be a major obstacle for successful implementation. Several stakeholders show concerns related to the fact that Norway lacks definitions and regulations on which the taxonomy is based. The requirements for new buildings and existing buildings are considered stricter than the current practice in the Norwegian construction and RE industry, while the requirements for renovation are considered more achievable. The uptake of the EU taxonomy will impact the FM and the urban FM practices and standards for the procurement of services, and the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies must be developed.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented in this paper was conducted at a time when the EU taxonomy was a relatively unknown concept in the Norwegian construction and RE industry. FM providers were not interviewed in this study.

Practical implications

This research is one of the first studies to be conducted on this topic in Norway and represents the first meeting between the EU taxonomy and the industry. The discussion underpins the relevance of adjusting and updating FM standards to today’s knowledge about ESG principles.

Originality/value

The paper shows the viewpoint of the Norwegian stakeholders involved in the construction and RE industry. This gives valuable information about the challenges that the industry needs to overcome.
Workplace loneliness and job performance: moderating role of person-environment fit
Authors: Jha Sumi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the effect of workplace loneliness on job performance. This paper also examined the mediating role of employee well-being and psychological safety and the moderating role of person–environment fit (PE fit).

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-rated research design was used to collect data. Data were collected from 382 employees and their 97 supervisors of various Indian organizations. The data of job performance was collected from the supervisor of every team. The questionnaire for data collection was distributed at two different time intervals to reduce common method bias.

Findings

The findings of this paper supported the role of PE fit in minimizing the negative effect of workplace loneliness–well-being relationship and workplace loneliness and psychological safety relationship. The model also tested the association between workplace loneliness and job performance when the relationship is moderated by PE fit and mediated by well-being and psychological safety.

Originality/value

This paper examines the workplace loneliness from the lens of PE fit theory.
Dynamic common correlated effects of financial inclusion on economic growth: empirical evidence from Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries
Authors: Chaudhry Imran Sharif , Yusop Zulkornain , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Financial inclusion is a critical component of financial development, which disseminates accessible financial services to benefit all parts of society and consequently promotes economic growth. The study explores the dynamic common correlated effects of financial inclusion on economic growth in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The conventional econometric techniques overlook heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence and provide false results. Hence, a unique methodology, ‘Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCCE)’, is used, which can efficiently tackle the above-mentioned issues.

Findings

The DCCE estimation indicates a positive and significant impact of financial inclusion on economic growth in overall and higher-income OIC economies. Moreover, in the lower-income OIC group, financial inclusion is inversely correlated with economic growth, which converts into a positive linkage by including an interaction term of financial inclusion and institutional quality.

Practical implications

Based on the research outcomes, it is recommended that policymakers and governments of OIC economies seek to increase financial inclusion to achieve sustainable, optimal and inclusive economic growth.

Originality/value

The DCCE technique in this study considers heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence among countries and thus provides robust findings.
Unravelling the potential of social media data analysis to improve the warranty service operation
Authors: Sarmast Zahra , Shokouhyar Sajjad , Ghanadpour Seyed Hamed , Shokoohyar Sina
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Warranty service plays a critical role in sustainability and service continuity and influences customer satisfaction. Considering the role of social networks in customer feedback channels, one of the essential sources to examine the reflection of a product/service is social media mining. This paper aims to identify the frequent product failures through social network mining. Focusing on social media data as a comprehensive and online source to detect warranty issues reveals opportunities for improvement, such as user problems and necessities. This model will detect the causes of defects and prioritize improving components in a product-service system based on FMEA results.

Design/methodology/approach

Ontology-based methods, text mining and sentiment analysis with machine learning methods are performed on social media data to investigate product defects, symptoms and the relationship between warranty plans and customer behaviour. Also, the authors have incorporated multi-source data collection to cover all the possibilities. Then the authors promote a decision support system to help the decision-makers using the FMEA process have a more comprehensive insight through customer feedback. Finally, to validate the accuracy and reliability of the results, the authors used the operational data of a LENOVO laptop from a warranty service centre and classifier performance metrics to compare the authors’ results.

Findings

This study confirms the validity of social media data in detecting customer sentiments and discovering the most defective components and failures of the products/services. In other words, the informative threads are derived through a data preparation process and then are based on analyzing the different features of a failure (issues, symptoms, causes, components, solutions). Using social media data helps gain more accurate online information due to the limitation of warranty periods. In other words, using social media data broadens the scope of data gathering and lets in all feedback from different sources to recognize improvement opportunities.

Originality/value

This work contributes a DSS model using multi-channel social media mining through supervised machine learning for warranty-service improvement based on defect-related discovery to unravel the potential aspects of social networks analysis to predict the most vulnerable components of a product and the main causes of failures that lead to the inputs for the FMEA process and then, a cost optimization. The authors have used social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, LENOVO Forums, GitHub, Quora and XDA-Developers to gather data about the LENOVO laptop failures as a case study.
Examining the motivations of sharing political deepfake videos: the role of political brand hate and moral consciousness
Authors: Sharma Isha , Jain Kokil , Behl Abhishek , Baabdullah Abdullah , Giannakis Mihalis , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Deepfakes are fabricated content created by replacing an original image or video with someone else. Deepfakes have recently become commonplace in politics, posing serious challenges to democratic integrity. The advancement of AI-enabled technology and machine learning has made creating synthetic videos relatively easy. This study explores the role of political brand hate and individual moral consciousness in influencing electorates' intention to share political deepfake content.

Design/methodology/approach

The study creates and uses a fictional deepfake video to test the proposed model. Data are collected from N = 310 respondents in India and tested using partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS v3.

Findings

The findings support that ideological incompatibility with the political party leads to political brand hate, positively affecting the electorates' intention to share political deepfake videos. This effect is partially mediated by users' reduced intention to verify political deepfake videos. In addition, it is observed that individual moral consciousness positively moderates the effect of political brand hate on the intention to share political deepfake videos. Intention to share political deepfake videos thus becomes a motive to seek revenge on the hated party, an expression of an individual's ideological hate and a means to preserve one's moral self-concept and strengthen their ideologies and moral beliefs.

Originality/value

The study expands the growing discussion about disseminating political deepfake videos using the theoretical lens of the negative consumer-brand relationship. It validates the effect of political brand hate on irrational behavior that is intended to cause harm to the hated party. Further, it provides a novel perspective that individual moral consciousness may fuel the haters' desire to engage in anti-branding behavior. Political ideological incompatibility reflects ethical reasons for brand hate. Therefore, hate among individuals with high moral consciousness serves to preserve their moral self.
Difference-in-difference estimation in combined feedback on writing skill: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Huachizaca Viviana , Yambay-Armijos Karen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of audio-visual and written feedback (AVF + WF) on undergraduate students versus only receiving WF in the context of an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) online classroom during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the estimator Difference in Difference (DID) to compare a treated and control group in a pre-and post-test under the application of six treatment sessions, plus a student's perception survey at the end of the treatment. The treated group that received the multimodal feedback showed higher improvement rates in the paragraph content between the first and final drafts than students in the control group.

Findings

Results indicated that receiving a combination of AVF + WF had a statistically significant effect on mechanics (p < 0.001) and the use of transition words (p = 0.003).

Practical implications

These findings will benefit educational agents, professors and stakeholders for social and economic development.

Originality/value

While previous studies have only used student perceptions of the feedback, this study contributes with empirical data through quasi-experimental analysis and measures the effectiveness of feedback in online learning environments.
The materiality of organizational identity: a case of Codorníu wineries
Authors: Sunyer Albert , Hinojosa Recasens Josep Domingo , Gibb Jenny
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to deepen understanding of the materiality in organizational identity (OI) by describing how physical objects support, instantiate and communicate OI over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design uses an in-depth case study of Codorníu wineries taking a symbolic interactionism methodological lens. The study examines a set of physical objects preserved from the company's foundation in 1551 to the present day and their associated identity meanings.

Findings

This study uncovered how the company used multiple objects to symbolically represent its identity. Some of these objects were primal artifacts used to legitimize organizational identity since the firm's foundation; others were interpreted as identity markers that worked to instantiate identity and to provide it with greater persistence, while others were created ad hoc to communicate organizational identity to external audiences. Some physical objects were used to differentiate the organization and its products from competitors, while others were used to maintain a temporary and spatial link with the organization's founding origins.

Practical implications

This study describes practical implications on the use of identity materiality to build legitimacy, employee identification, differentiation from competitors and reputation.

Originality/value

The analysis of the meanings associated with material objects shows that identity tangibility has not hindered organizational adaptation and change. Some identity objects gained relevance, while others were reinterpreted or abandoned according to their symbolic value in order to embody organizational identity at a given time. Four trajectories were identified that describe the evolution of physical objects in representing an organization's identity over time.
Do consumer values and perceived readiness impact secondhand luxury consumption? A goal-framing theory approach
Authors: Jain Sheetal , Rathi Rubal
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Drawing on goal framing theory, this study aims to investigate consumer values and perceived readiness to engage in secondhand luxury consumption, a form of pro-environmental behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative conceptual model is proposed based on goal- framing theory to gauge the role of various goals driving Gen Z’s secondhand luxury purchase. Cross-sectional data were collected from 246 Indian secondhand luxury shoppers and analyzed using structural equation modeling and PROCESS Macro.

Findings

Results demonstrated that both egoistic and altruistic value frames drive secondhand luxury purchase intention through attitude and subjective norms (SNs), respectively. Interestingly, attitude significantly leads to consumer perceived readiness, but readiness does not directly affect purchase intention. Further, risk perceptions moderate the effect of readiness and SNs.

Originality/value

Academic literature lacks empirical evidence on secondhand luxury as a form of pro-environmental behavior and Gen Z argued to be the most influential generation driving this market has not been investigated so far. Through an emerging economy context, this study contributes important implications for luxury brands entering the secondhand market, secondhand retailers and scholars about what motivates young consumers and drives purchase decisions while engaging with an otherwise stigmatized market.
Influence of extended surface area of heatsink on heat transfer: design and analysis
Authors: Subramani Shanmugan , Devarajan Mutharasu
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Light emitting diode (LED) has been the best resource for commercial and industrial lighting applications. However, thermal management in high power LEDs is a major challenge in which the thermal resistance (Rth) and rise in junction temperature (TJ) are critical parameters. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the Rth and Tj of the LED attached with the modified heat transfer area of the heatsink to improve thermal management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with the design of metal substrate for heatsink applications where the surface area of the heatsink is modified. Numerical simulation on heat distribution proved the influence of the design aspects and surface area of heatsink.

Findings

TJ was low for outward step design when compared to flat heatsink design (ΔT ∼ 38°C) because of increase in surface area from 1,550 mm2 (flat) to 3,076 mm2 (outward step). On comparison with inward step geometry, the TJ value was low for outward step configuration (ΔTJ ∼ 6.6°C), which is because of efficient heat transfer mechanism with outward step design. The observed results showed that outward step design performs well for LED testing by reducing both Rth and TJ for different driving currents.

Originality/value

This work is authors’ own design and also has the originality for the targeted application. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the proposed design has not been tried before in the electronic or LED applications.
Mathematical modeling and multiresponse optimization to reduce surface roughness and adhesion in Al 5083 H116 alloys used in ammunition propulsion actuators
Authors: Gökçe Hüseyin , Biberci Mehmet Ali
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to obtain the lowest surface roughness (Ra) and drill bit adhesion values (AV) depending on the change in control factors (cutting speed-Vc, feed rate-f and drill bit-D) during drilling of the Al 5083 H116 alloy. Low roughness values increase the fatigue strength of the final part and affect tribological properties such as lubrication and friction. In the machining of ductile materials, the AV increases the Ra value and negatively affects the tool life.

Design/methodology/approach

Drilling tests were conducted using Taguchi L16 orthogonal array. The experimental measurement findings for Ra and AV were adjusted utilizing the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), the Response Surface Method (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to generate prediction values. SEM detected drill-tip adhesions and chip morphology and they were analyzed by EDX.

Findings

Ra and AV increased as the f increased. Vc affects AV; 86.04% f on Ra and 54.71% Vc on AV were the most effective control parameters. After optimizing Ra and AV using GRA, the f is the most effective control factor. Vc: 120 m/min, f: 0.025 mm/rev and D2 were optimal. ANN predicted with Ra 99.6% and AV 99.8% accurately. Mathematical models are obtained with RSM. The increase in f increased AV, which had a negative effect on Ra, whereas the increase in Vc decreased the adhesion tendency. With the D1 drill bit with the highest flute length, a relatively lower Ra was measured, as it facilitates chip evacuation. In addition, the high correlations of the mathematical models obtained indicate that the models can be used safely.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to determine the optimum drilling parameters with GRA and ANN for drilling the necessary holes for the assembly of ammunition wing propulsion systems, especially those produced with Al 5083 H116 alloy, with rivets and bolts.
Immunoregulation by resveratrol; implications for normal tissue protection and tumour suppression
Authors: Lalani Armineh Rezagholi , Fakhari Fatemeh , Radgoudarzi Shakila , Rastegar‐Pouyani Nima , Moloudi Kave , Khodamoradi Ehsan , Taeb Shahram , Najafi Masoud
Published: February 2023

Immune reactions are involved in both tumour and normal tissue in response to therapy. Elevated secretion of certain chemokines, exosomes and cytokines triggers inflammation, pain, fibrosis and ulceration among other normal tissue side effects. On the other hand, secretion of tumour‐promoting molecules suppresses activity of anticancer immune cells and facilitates the proliferation of malignant cells. Novel anticancer drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) boost anticancer immunity via inducing the proliferation of anticancer cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy may induce anticancer immunity in the tumour, however, both have severe side effects for normal tissues through stimulation of several immune responses. Thus, administration of natural products with low side effects may be a promising approach to modulate the immune system in both tumour and normal organs. Resveratrol is a well‐known phenol with diverse effects on normal tissues and tumours. To date, a large number of experiments have confirmed the potential of resveratrol as an anticancer adjuvant. This review focuses on ensuing stimulation or suppression of immune responses in both tumour and normal tissue after radiotherapy or anticancer drugs. Later on, the immunoregulatory effects of resveratrol in both tumour and normal tissue following exposure to anticancer agents will be discussed.
Catastrophe theory and economic modelling at the back of an envelope
Authors: Pol Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Catastrophe theory (CT) emerged out of problems in pure mathematics. The insights and language of differential topology, from which CT sprang, are foreign to most economists. The purpose of this paper is to explain how to use Abstract CT in economic modelling. To this end, we spell out a step‐by‐step procedure that can be understood without a knowledge of differential topology. The corollary advantage of our systematic procedure is that it brings into sharp focus the limited relevance of CT for economic modelling. The paper is developed in four stages. The first stage provides a gentle introduction to the key mathematical concepts for readers new to CT. The second stage consists of a brief description of the structure of economic modelling. In the third stage, a procedure about how to use CT in economic modelling is spelled out. The last stage summarises the main ideas of CT and points out the snags that a modeller will inevitably encounter when applying CT to economics.