bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Inferring Nanopore Sequencing Ionic Currents from Nucleotide Chemical Structures
Authors: Ding Hongxu , Anastopoulos Ioannis , Bailey Andrew D. , Stuart Joshua , Paten Benedict
Published: December 2020

The characteristic ionic currents of nucleotide kmers are commonly used in analyzing nanopore sequencing readouts. We present a graph convolutional network-based deep learning framework for predicting kmer characteristic ionic currents from corresponding chemical structures. We show such a framework can generalize the chemical information of the 5-methyl group from thymine to cytosine by correctly predicting 5-methylcytosine-containing DNA 6mers, thus shedding light on thede novodetection of nucleotide modifications.
Recruited macrophages that colonise the post-inflammatory peritoneal niche convert into functionally divergent resident cells
Authors: Louwe P. A. , Gomez L. Badiola , Webster H. , Perona-Wright G. , Bain C. C. , Forbes S. J. , Jenkins S. J.
Published: December 2020

Inflammation generally leads to substantial recruitment of monocyte-derived macrophages. What regulates the fate of these cells and to what extent they can assume the identity and function of resident macrophages remains unclear. We compared the normal fate of inflammation-elicited macrophages in the peritoneal cavity with their potential under non-inflamed conditions and in the absence of established resident macrophages. Following mild inflammation, elicited macrophages persisted for at least 5 months but failed to fully assume a GATA6hiresident identity due to the presence of enduring resident cells. In contrast, severe inflammation resulted in ablation of resident macrophages and a protracted phase wherein the cavity was incapable of sustaining a resident phenotype, yet ultimately elicited cells acquired a mature GATA6hiidentity. Elicited macrophages also exhibited divergent features resulting from inflammation-driven alterations to the peritoneal cavity micro-environment and environment-independent features related to origin and time-of-residency. Critically, one environment-dependent feature of inflammation-elicited macrophages irrespective of severity of inflammation was a failure to produce the chemokine CXCL13, which correlated with a progressive loss in accumulation of peritoneal B1 cells post-inflammation. Hence, rather than being predetermined, the fate of inflammation-elicited peritoneal macrophages appears largely regulated by environment, changes in which result in long-term alteration in function of the peritoneal macrophage compartment post-inflammation.
Donor-Specific Plasma Factors Contribute to Aberrant Staining Artifacts with a Commercial Lyophilized Mass Cytometry Antibody Panel
Authors: Geanon Daniel , Lee Brian , Rahman Adeeb H.
Published: December 2020

High-dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF) phenotyping allows for the routine measurement of over 40 parameters and is increasingly being utilized across a wide range of studies. However, CyTOF-specific panel design and optimization represent challenges to wider adoption and standardization of immune profiling with CyTOF. To address this, Fluidigm recently commercialized its MaxPar Direct Immune Profiling Assay (MDIPA), which comprises a lyophilized 30-marker antibody panel that is able to identify all major circulating immune cell subsets and offers a streamlined solution for standardized human immune monitoring. However, in the course of applying the MDIPA to characterize large numbers of whole blood samples, we observed several instances of unusual aberrant staining patterns, most notably CD19 expression on non-B cells, which can potentially confound data analysis and lead to erroneous interpretation of results when using this assay. Here, we report that this complex phenomenon is mediated by donor-specific plasma factors that mediate non-specific interactions between specific antibodies in the MDIPA panel. Our findings additionally suggest specific strategies that can be used to mitigate the issue, including the use of PBMCs or lysed/washed whole blood to remove endogenous plasma prior to staining, or blocking specific antibodies in the MDIPA panel.
Synergy between a shallow root system with aDRO1homologue and localized P application improves rice P uptake
Authors: Oo Aung Zaw , Tsujimoto Yasuhiro , Mukai Mana , Nishigaki Tomohiro , Takai Toshiyuki , Uga Yusaku
Published: December 2020

The development of genotypes and fertilizer management practices that facilitate high phosphorus (P) use efficiency is needed given the depleting phosphorus ore deposits and increasing ecological concerns about its excessive use. Root system architecture (RSA) is important in efficiently capturing immobile P in soils, while agronomically, localized P application near the roots is a potential approach to address this issue. However, the interaction between genetic traits of RSA and localized P application has not been examined. Near-isogenic lines (NILs) and their parent of rice (qsor1-NIL,Dro1-NIL, and IR64, with shallow, deep, and intermediate root growth angles (RGA), respectively) were grown in flooded pots in a uniform and P-sufficient condition (Pinco), and with localized P application by dipping seedling roots into P-enriched slurry at transplanting (P-dipping). The P-dipping created an available P hotspot at the soil surface and substantially improved applied P-use efficiency (equivalent biomass at one fifth of application rate of the Pinco). Further, theqsor1-NIL had significantly greater biomass and P uptake than the other genotypes in the P-dipping. Theqsor1-NIL consistently had a greater root biomass and surface area in the 0–3 cm soil layer, despite that there were no genotype differences in total values and that the other genotypes also reduced their RGAs responding to the P hotspot in the P-dipping. The shallow root system ofqsor1-NIL facilitated P uptake from the P hotspot. P-use efficiency in crop production can be further increased by combining genetic traits of RSA and localized P application.
Role of Long-range Allosteric Communication in Determining the Stability and Disassembly of SARS-COV-2 in Complex with ACE2
Authors: Mugnai Mauro L. , Templeton Clark , Elber Ron , Thirumalai D.
Published: December 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are caused by two closely related beta-coronaviruses, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The envelopes surrounding these viruses are decorated with spike proteins, whose receptor binding domains (RBDs) initiate invasion by binding to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Subtle changes at the interface with ACE2 seem to be responsible for the enhanced affinity for the receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD compared to SARS-CoV RBD. Here, we use Elastic Network Models (ENMs) to study the response of the viral RBDs and ACE2 upon dissassembly of the complexes. We identify a dominant detachment mode, in which the RBD rotates away from the surface of ACE2, while the receptor undergoes a conformational transition which stretches the active-site cleft. Using the Structural Perturbation Method, we determine the network of residues, referred to as the Allostery Wiring Diagram (AWD), which drives the large-scale motion activated by the detachment of the complex. The AWD for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are remarkably similar, showing a network that spans the interface of the complex and reaches the active site of ACE2, thus establishing an allosteric connection between RBD binding and receptor catalytic function. Informed in part by the AWD, we used Molecular Dynamics simulations to probe the effect of interfacial mutations in which SARS-CoV-2 residues are replaced by their SARS-CoV counterparts. We focused on a conserved glycine (G502 in SARS-CoV-2, G488 in SARS-CoV) because it belongs to a region that initiates the dissociation of the complex along the dominant detachment mode, and is prominent in the AWD. Molecular Dynamics simulations of SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and G502P mutant show that the affinity for the human receptor of the mutant is drastically diminished. Our results suggest that in addition to residues that are in direct contact with the interface those involved in long range allosteric communication are also a determinant of the stability of the RBD-ACE2 complex.
PKR and the Integrated Stress Response drive immunopathology caused by ADAR1 mutation
Authors: Maurano Megan , Snyder Jessica M. , Connelly Caitlin , Henao-Mejia Jorge , Sidrauski Carmela , Stetson Daniel B.
Published: December 2020

Mutations inADAR, the gene that encodes the ADAR1 RNA deaminase, cause numerous human diseases, including Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS). ADAR1 is an essential negative regulator of the RNA sensor MDA5, and loss of ADAR1 function triggers inappropriate activation of MDA5 by self-RNAs. However, the mechanisms of MDA5-dependent disease pathogenesisin vivoremain unknown. Here, we introduce a knockin mouse that models the most commonADARAGS mutation in humans. TheseAdar-mutant mice develop lethal disease that requires MDA5, the RIG-I-like receptor LGP2, type I interferons, and the eIF2α kinase PKR. We show that a small molecule inhibitor of the integrated stress response (ISR) that acts downstream of eIF2α phosphorylation prevents immunopathology and rescues the mice from mortality. These findings place PKR and the ISR as central components of immunopathologyin vivoand identify new therapeutic targets for treatment of human diseases associated with the ADAR1-MDA5 axis.
Efficacy and Cost of High-Frequency IGRT in Elderly Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Heilbroner Samuel P , Xanthopoulos Eric P , Buono Donna , Carrier Daniel , Durkee Ben Y , Corradetti Michael , Wang Tony JC , Neugut Alfred I , Hershman Dawn L , Cheng Simon K
Published: December 2020

Background

High-frequency image-guided radiotherapy (hfIGRT) is ubiquitous but its benefits are unproven. We examined the cost effectiveness of hfIGRT in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We selected stage III NSCLC patients ≥66 years old who received definitive radiation therapy from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results-Medicare database. Patients were stratified by use of hfIGRT using Medicare claims. Predictors for hfIGRT were calculated using a logistic model. The impact of hfIGRT on lung toxicity free survival (LTFS), esophageal toxicity free survival (ETFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and cost of treatment was calculated using Cox regressions, propensity score matching, and bootstrap methods.

Results

Of the 4,430 patients in our cohort, 963 (22%) received hfIGRT and 3,468 (78%) did not. By 2011, 49% of patients were receiving hfIGRT. Predictors of hfIGRT use included treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (OR = 7.5, p < 0.01), recent diagnosis (OR = 51 in 2011 versus 2006, p < 0.01), and residence in regions where the Medicare intermediary allowed IMRT (OR = 1.50, p < 0.01). hfIGRT had no impact on LTFS (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.86 – 1.09), ETFS (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.93–1.18), CSS (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.84 – 1.04), or OS (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.87 – 1.04). Mean radiotherapy and total medical costs six months after diagnosis were $17,330 versus $15,024 (p < 0.01) and $71,569 versus $69,693 (p = 0.49), respectively.

Conclusion

hfIGRT did not affect clinical outcomes in elderly patients with stage III NSCLC but did increase radiation cost.
Differential effects of antiseptic mouth rinses on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro
Authors: Xu Chuan , Wang Annie , Hoskin Eileen R. , Cugini Carla , Markowitz Kenneth , Chang Theresa L. , Fine Daniel H.
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in saliva from asymptomatic individuals, suggesting a potential benefit from the use of mouth rinses to suppress viral load and reduce virus spread. Published studies on reduction of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytotoxic effects by antiseptics do not exclude antiseptic-associated cytotoxicity. Here, we determined the effect of commercially available mouth rinses and antiseptic povidone-iodine on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 virus and of a non-pathogenic, recombinant, SARS-CoV-2 infection vector (pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 virus). We first determined the effect of mouth rinses on cell viability to ensure that antiviral activity was not a consequence of mouth rinse-induced cytotoxicity. Colgate Peroxyl (hydrogen peroxide) exhibited the most cytotoxicity, followed by povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and Listerine (essential oils and alcohol). Potent anti-viral activities of povidone iodine and Colgate peroxyl mouth rinses was the consequence of rinse-mediated cellular damage. The potency of CHG was greater when the product was not washed off after virus attachment, suggesting that the prolonged effect of mouth rinses on cells impacts anti-viral activity. To minimalize mouth rinse-associated cytotoxicity, mouth rinse was largely removed from treated-viruses by centrifugation prior to infection of cells. A 5% (v/v) dilution of Colgate Peroxyl or povidone-iodine completely blocked viral infectivity. A similar 5% (v/v) dilution of Listerine or CHG had a moderate suppressive effect on the virus, but a 50% (v/v) dilution of Listerine or CHG blocked viral infectivity completely. Prolonged incubation of virus with mouth rinses was not required for viral inactivation. Our results indicate that mouth rinses can significantly reduce virus infectivity, suggesting a potential benefit for reducing SARS-CoV-2 spread.

Importance

SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in saliva from asymptomatic individuals, suggesting the potential necessity for the use of mouth rinses to suppress viral load to reduce virus spread. Published studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of antiseptics determined by virus-induced cytotoxic effects cannot exclude antiseptic-associated cytotoxicity. We found that all mouth rinses tested inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Listerine and CHG were less cytotoxic than Colgate Peroxyl or povidone-iodine and were active against the virus. When mouth rinses were present in the cell culture during the infection, the potent anti-viral effect of mouth rinses were in part due to the mouth rinse-associated cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that assessing anti-viral candidates including mouth rinses with minimal potential disruption of cells may help identify active agents that can reduce SARS-CoV-2 spread.
In silicovalidation and fabrication of matrix diffusion based polymeric transdermal films for repurposing gabapentin hydrochloride in oncogenic neuropathic pain
Authors: Singh Manisha , Agarwal Shriya , Pancham Pranav , Kaur Harleen , Agarwal Vinayak , Kaur Ramneek , Mani Shalini
Published: December 2020

Background

Gabapentin (GBP) is an FDA approved drug for the treatment of partial and secondary generalized seizures, apart from also being used for diabetic neuropathy. GBP displays highly intricate mechanism of action and its inhibitory response in elevated antagonism of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) receptor and has potential in controlling neuropathic pain of cancer origin.

Objective

Therefore, in the present study, we have selected BCATc (Pyridoxal 5’-phosphate dependent branched-chain aminotransferase cytosolic) enzyme that is highly expressed in neuropathic stress conditions and have analysed the GBP as its competitive inhibitor by modeling, docking and checking its pharmacokinetic suitability through ADMET. Though in this study the results exhibited higher efficacy of GBP in controlling neuropathic pain, the drug shows certain potential therapeutic limitations like shorter half-life, repetitive dosing, high inter subjective variability.

Methods

Therefore, a suitable and equally efficacious drug delivery method was also designed and developed by loading GBP transdermal patches (GBP-TDP) by solvent evaporation method using PVP and HPMC in ratio of 2:1 as a polymer base for reservoir type of TDP. Also, PEG 400 was used as a plasticizer and PVA (4%) was taken for backing membrane preparation and then the optimized GBP-TDP was subjected for physical characterization, optimization andex vivorelease kinetics.

Results and conclusion

The results showed desired specifications with uneven and flaky surface appearance giving avenue for controlled release of the drugs with 75.58% of drug release in 12 hrs., further suggesting that GBP-TDP can be used as an effective tool against diabetic neuropathy pain.
Cell-penetrating peptide conjugates of indole-3-acetic acid-based DNA primase/Gyrase inhibitors as potent antitubercular agents against planktonic and biofilm culture ofMycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Dewangan Rikeshwer Prasad , Singh Meenakshi , Ilic Stefan , Tam Benjamin , Akabayov Barak
Published: December 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is a pathogenic bacterium that caused 1.5 million fatalities globally in 2018. New strains ofMtbresistant to all known classes of antibiotics pose a global healthcare problem. In this work we have conjugated novel indole-3-acetic acid-based DNA primase/gyrase inhibitor with cell-penetrating peptide via cleavable and non-cleavable bonds. For non-cleavable linkage, inhibitor was conjugated with peptide via an amide bond to the N-terminus, whereas a cleavable linkage was obtained by conjugating the inhibitor through a disulfide bond. We performed the conjugation of the inhibitor either directly on a solid surface, or by using solution-phase chemistry.M. smegmatis(non-pathogenic model ofMtb) was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the synthetic conjugates. Conjugates were found more active as compared to free inhibitor molecules. Strikingly, the conjugate also impair the development of biofilm, showing a therapeutic potential against infections caused by both planktonic and sessile forms of mycobacterium species.
Reconstructing Squamate Biogeography in Afro-Arabia Reveals the Influence of a Complex and Dynamic Geologic Past
Authors: Tejero-Cicuéndez Héctor , Patton Austin H. , Caetano Daniel S. , Šmíd Jiří , Harmon Luke J. , Carranza Salvador
Published: December 2020

The geographic distribution of biodiversity is central to understanding evolutionary biology. Paleogeographic and paleoclimatic histories often help to explain how biogeographic patterns unfold through time. However, such patterns are also influenced by a variety of other factors, such as lineage diversification, that may affect the probability of certain types of biogeographic events. The complex and well-known geologic and climatic history of Afro-Arabia, together with the extensive research on reptile systematics in the region, makes Afro-Arabian squamate communities an ideal system to investigate biogeographic patterns and their drivers. Here we reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships and the ancestral geographic distributions of several Afro-Arabian reptile clades (totaling 430 species) to estimate the number of dispersal, vicariance and range contraction events. We then compare the observed biogeographic history to a distribution of simulated biogeographic events based on the empirical phylogeny and the best-fit model. This allows us to identify periods in the past where the observed biogeographic history was likely shaped by forces beyond the ones included in the model. We find an increase in vicariance following the Oligocene, most likely caused by the fragmentation of the Afro-Arabian plate. In contrast, we did not find differences between observed and expected dispersal and range contraction levels. This is consistent with diversification enhanced by environmental processes and with the establishment of a dispersal corridor connecting Africa, Arabia and Eurasia since the middle Miocene. Finally, here we show that our novel approach is useful to pinpoint events in the evolutionary history of lineages that might reflect external forces not predicted by the underlying biogeographic model.
Redistribution of centrosomal proteins by centromeres and Polo kinase controls partial nuclear envelope breakdown in fission yeast
Authors: Bestul Andrew J. , Yu Zulin , Unruh Jay R. , Jaspersen Sue L.
Published: December 2020

Proper mitotic progression inSchizosaccharomyces pomberequires partial nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD) and insertion of the spindle pole body (SPB – yeast centrosome) to build the mitotic spindle. Linkage of the centromere to the SPB is vital to this process, but why that linkage is important is not well understood. Utilizing high- resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM), we show that the conserved SUN- domain protein Sad1 and other SPB proteins redistribute during mitosis to form a ring complex around SPBs, which is a precursor for localized NEBD and spindle formation. Although the Polo kinase Plo1 is not necessary for Sad1 redistribution, it localizes to the SPB region connected to the centromere, and its activity is vital for redistribution of other SPB ring proteins and for complete NEBD at the SPB to allow for SPB insertion. Our results lead to a model in which centromere linkage to the SPB drives redistribution of Sad1 and Plo1 activation that in turn facilitate partial NEBD and spindle formation through building of a SPB ring structure.
Intramolecular synergism and bacterial lysis regulation can explain the complex multi-domain architecture of the bacteriophage endolysin PlySK1249
Authors: Oechslin Frank , Menzi Carmen , Moreillon Philippe , Resch Gregory
Published: December 2020

Endolysins are peptidoglycan hydrolases produced at the end of the bacteriophage (phage) replication cycle to lyse the host cell. Gram-positive phages endolysins come in a variety of multi-modular forms that combine different catalytic domains and may have evolved to adapt to their bacterial hosts. However, the reason why phage can adopt endolysin with such complex multidomain architecture is for the moment not well understood.

We used theStreptococcus dysgalactiaephage endolysin PlySK1249 as a model to study the implication of multi-domain architecture in phage-induced bacterial lysis and lysis regulation. The activity of the enzyme relied on a bacteriolytic amidase (Ami), a non-bacteriolytic L-Ala-D-Ala endopeptidase (CHAP) acting as a de-chaining enzyme and central LysM cell wall binding domain (CBD).

Ami and CHAP synergized for peptidoglycan digestion and bacteriolysis in the native enzyme or when expressed individually and reunifiedin vitro. This cooperation could be modulated by bacterial cell wall-associated proteases, which specifically cleaved the two linkers connecting the different domains. While both catalytic domains were observed to act coordinately to optimize bacterial lysis, the CBD is expected to delay diffusion of the enzyme until proteolytic inactivation is achieved.

As for certain autolysins, PlySK1249 cleavage by bacterial cell wall associated proteases might be an example of dual phage-bacterial regulation and mutual coevolution. In addition, understanding more thoroughly the multidomain interplay of PlySK1249 opens new perspectives on the ideal architecture of therapeutic antibacterial endolysins.
A comparative analysis of quantitative metrics of root architectural phenotypes
Authors: Rangarajan Harini , Lynch Jonathan P.
Published: December 2020

High throughput phenotyping is important to bridge the gap between genotype and phenotype. The methods used to describe the phenotype therefore should be robust to measurement errors, relatively stable over time, and most importantly, provide a reliable estimate of elementary phenotypic components. In this study, we use functional-structural modeling to evaluate quantitative phenotypic metrics used to describe root architecture to determine how they fit these criteria. Our results show that phenes such as root number, root diameter, lateral root branching density are stable, reliable measures and are not affected by imaging method or plane. Metrics aggregating multiple phenes such astotal length, total volume, convexhull volume, bushiness indexetc. estimate different subsets of the constituent phenes, they however do not provide any information regarding the underlying phene states. Estimates of phene aggregates are not unique representations of underlying constituent phenes: multiple phenotypes having phenes in different states could have similar aggregate metrics. Root growth angle is an important phene which is susceptible to measurement errors when 2D projection methods are used. Metrics that aggregate phenes which are complex functions of root growth angle and other phenes are also subject to measurement errors when 2D projection methods are used. These results support the hypothesis that estimates of phenes are more useful than metrics aggregating multiple phenes for phenotyping root architecture. We propose that these concepts are broadly applicable in phenotyping and phenomics.
Fast digital lossy compression for X-ray ptychographic data
Authors: Huang Panpan , Du Ming , Hammer Mike , Miceli Antonino , Jacobsen Chris
Published: December 2020

Increases in X-ray brightness from synchrotron light sources lead to a requirement for higher frame rates from hybrid pixel array detectors (HPADs), while also favoring charge integration over photon counting. However, transfer of the full uncompressed data will begin to constrain detector design, as well as limit the achievable continuous frame rate. Here a data compression scheme that is easy to implement in a HPAD's application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is described, and how different degrees of compression affect image quality in ptychography, a commonly employed coherent imaging method, is examined. Using adaptive encoding quantization, it is shown in simulations that one can digitize signals up to 16383 photons per pixel (corresponding to 14 bits of information) using only 8 or 9 bits for data transfer, with negligible effect on the reconstructed image.
Examining the factors influencing user satisfaction and loyalty on paid knowledge platforms
Authors: Jin Xiaopu , Xu Fang
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to draw on the updated information system success model, perceived value and new product novelty to identify the factors that may influence user satisfaction and loyalty with paid knowledge platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the survey method to collect 540 valid sample data. The structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was employed to test the proposed research model and hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggested that system, information and service quality significantly affected the perceived utilitarian value, while service quality and new product novelty had significant impact on perceived hedonic value. Besides, both the perceived utilitarian value and the perceived hedonic value had a significant effect on user satisfaction and further significantly impacted user loyalty. The authors also found user differences, including gender, education level and use frequency, which had a significant influence on perceived utilitarian value, perceived hedonic value and user loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The results can help researchers and practitioners better understanding the factors that influence user satisfaction and loyalty with paid knowledge platforms.

Originality/value

The authors applied the theories of perceived value, new product novelty and user loyalty to the domain of paid knowledge platforms and explored the factors influencing the user satisfaction and loyalty to paid knowledge platforms.
Predicting consumer purchase intention toward hybrid vehicles: testing the moderating role of price sensitivity
Authors: Bhutto Maqsood Hussain , Tariq Beenish , Azhar Sarwar , Ahmed Khalid , Khuwaja Faiz Muhammad , Han Heesup
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Today, global warming is one of the most acute challenges in the world, prominently caused by greenhouse gases. The introduction of hybrid-vehicles (HVs) is thus, one of the industrial initiatives to tackle this challenge by allowing at least some proportionate reduction in global-gas-emissions. Such initiatives like HVs have also affected the consumers’ green-purchase-intention (GPI). Hence, underpinned into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study aims to analyze consumers’ response in terms of GPI for HVs, in addition to exploring the moderating-effect of price-sensitivity between independent-variables (attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) and consumers’ GPI for HVs.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 266 automobile-consumers with the help of questionnaires. A two-step approach was used to analyse the given hypothesis with the help of partial least squares structural equation modelling (Smart-PLS 3.2.7).

Findings

First, significant empirical-evidence was secured regarding the impact of given independent-variables (i.e. attitude, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control) on consumer’s GPI for HVs. Second, the empirical-evidence for the moderating effect of price-sensitivity onto the association between given independent-variables (except for the perceived-behavioural-control) and the consumers’ GPI for HVs, also turned out to be quite substantial in this study.

Originality/value

In-line-with the TPB, this study extends the existing body of literature regarding consumers’ GPI as it was significantly contingent to the given independent variables of the study, whereby, the price-sensitivity has been recognized as a key moderator particularly in the context of developing countries such as Pakistan. The present study thus provides in depth-insights to guide automobile manufacturers and marketers to redefine their pricing strategies to further strengthen the consumer’s GPI for HVs within certain socio-contextual setup. Automobile establishments should thus, invest in HVs’ adoption that serves both the eco-system (particularly human-well-being) and sustainable-organizational-growth.
Negotiating liminality following life transitions: reflexive bricolage and liminal hotspots
Authors: Kerrane Katy , Lindridge Andrew , Dibb Sally
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how consumption linked with life transitions can differ in its potential to bring about ongoing liminality. By examining how consumers can draw on overlapping systems of resources, different ways in which consumers negotiate ongoing liminality following the transition to motherhood are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an interpretive, exploratory study using in-depth phenomenological interviews with 23 South Asian mothers living in the UK. The sample consisted of mothers at different stages of motherhood.

Findings

Following life transitions, consumers may encounter liminal hotspots at the intersection of overlapping systems of resources. The findings examine two liminal hotspots with differing potential to produce ongoing liminality. The study shows how consumers navigate these liminal hotspots in different ways, by accepting, rejecting and amalgamating the resources at hand.

Research limitations/implications

The research sample could have been more diverse; future research could examine liminal hotspots relating to different minority groups and life transitions.

Practical implications

Marketers need to examine the different ways in which consumers draw on different systems of resources following life transitions. The paper includes implications for how marketers segment, target and market to ethnic minority consumers.

Originality/value

Due to increasingly fluid social conditions, there are likely to be growing numbers of consumers who experience ongoing liminality following life transitions. A preliminary framework is presented outlining different ways that consumers negotiate ongoing liminality by drawing on overlapping systems of resources, broadening the understanding of the role that marketplace resources play beyond life transitions.
The role of perceived firm social media interactivity in facilitating customer engagement behaviors
Authors: Bozkurt Siddik , Gligor David Marius , Babin Barry J.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how customers’ perceptions of brands’ social media interactivity impact customer engagement behaviors (CEBs) (e.g. customer purchases, referrals, influence and knowledge) while accounting for the moderating role of brand type and social media platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Two separate online surveys (Study 1 (N1) = 341, Study 2 (N2) = 183) were conducted to measure the constructs of interest. Regression analyzes tests research hypotheses; PROCESS Model 1 was used to test the moderating roles of brand type and platform. Further, the pick-a-point approach (i.e. spotlight analysis) was used to probe the interaction terms.

Findings

The results indicate that when customers perceive a brand to be highly interactive on social media (vs inactive), they are more willing to buy brand offerings, refer the brand in exchange for monetary incentives, inform their family and friends about the brand on social media and provide feedback and suggestions for improving the brand. Furthermore, the positive impact of perceived social media interactivity on customer purchases, referrals, influence and knowledge varies across brand and social media platform types.

Research limitations/implications

Online surveys using convenience samples were conducted to assess the constructs of interest. Archival data may provide an avenue for further insight. Future research may be able to track actual online customer behavior using such data. Further, researchers are encouraged to corroborate the results found here over time as the winds of social media shift to new platforms.

Practical implications

The results suggest that interacting on social media encourages customers to contribute to brand value directly (through purchasing) and/or indirectly (through referring, influencing and suggesting). While all brands may leverage social media activity for success, the positive impact of perceived social media interactivity on CEBs is particularly impactful for non-global 500 brands. The results also indicate that customers are more willing to add value to the brand through purchases and suggestions when they perceive the brand to be highly interactive on both social media networking sites and the brand’s website. However, they are more willing to promote this brand and influence their social networks about it only when they perceive the brand to be highly (vs less) interactive on its own website.

Originality/value

This study examines the novel issue of the impact of perceived social media interactivity on different CEBs while accounting for the moderating role of the brand and platform used by customers. The results provide value in better understanding the levers through which social media affects performance.
The collapse of sensemaking at Yarnell Hill: the effects of endogenous ecological chaos on enactment
Authors: Parrish C.S.C. Dan , Clark Timothy S. , Holloway Samuel S.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Since Weick’s (1993) seminal Mann Gulch paper articulated a collapse of sensemaking, scholars have repeatedly investigated sensemaking downstream of enactment. Motivated by another wildland firefighting tragedy, the tragic loss of 19 firefighters in Arizona in 2013, this study aims to look at enactment itself and reveals that the endogenous creation and re-creation of the wildland fire caused a fatal feedback loop of “trigger traps” leading to perpetual enactment that short-circuited sensemaking. Wildland fires can have unpredictable consequences, which triggers in individual sensemakers a fatal and continuous return to the beginning of the sensemaking process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper’s approach is a case study based on a textual analysis of sources investigating the 2013 Yarnell Hill fire. The authors also carefully compared the Yarnell Hill and Mann Gulch disasters in search of breakdowns in sensemaking that could help us understand why we continue to lose firefighters in the line of duty.

Findings

The simultaneously volatile and complex environment at Yarnell illustrates sensemaking antecedents to the study of enactment. The findings suggest ways that organizations – those fighting wildfire or those fighting a global pandemic – can avoid getting trapped in the early stages of enactment and can retain resilience in their sensemaking.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the concept of “trigger traps” to help explain the fatal feedback loop of repeated environmental triggers in the early stages of sensemaking in volatile environments.
Management-led interventions for workplace stress and mental health of academic staff in higher education: a systematic review
Authors: Ohadomere Ogechi , Ogamba Ikedinachi K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on management-led intervention strategies aimed at achieving stable mental well-being among academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) by reviewing and synthesising existing literature on varying intervention strategies to managing workplace stress and improving mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-two peer-reviewed articles were identified through databases (PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Business source complete, Academic search complete) and the application of the PRISMA guideline. A quality check was carried out on the selected articles, and a data extraction table was developed to aid the discussion.

Findings

Although the awareness of mental health is a global issue, there was minimal research evidence in managing stress and mental health among academic staff in HEIs through increased university management involvement. Most HEIs were more focused on corporatisation and student satisfaction while unconsciously neglecting its impact on the well-being of academic staff even though universities’ management portray staff welfare as priority.

Research limitations/implications

There is limited information measuring the outcome of various management-led mental well-being strategies in HEIs. Further research applying more robust study design rather beyond self-reported questionnaires and similar study designs is needed in this area.

Practical implications

Establishing routine mental health assessment, effective communication, continuous promotion of existing and available support is imminent to improve the mental well-being of academic staff by HEIs management.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review that describes and synthesises the various mental health triggers, including workplace stressors, that affect academic staff in higher education institutions (HEIs) and summarises various possible management intervention strategies.
Potential integration of blockchain technology into smart sustainable city (SSC) developments: a systematic review
Authors: Wong Phui Fung , Chia Fah Choy , Kiu Mee San , Lou Eric C.W.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Prior literature lacks concrete and systematic review of the current blockchain application in smart sustainable city that covered to the full extent of various components. Thus, this study explores the integration of blockchain technology in making the city smarter, safer and sustainable.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a systematic literature review of 49 publications published globally. Data were analysed by coding of the publications whereby the codes were generated based on frequency of appearance (n).

Findings

The results showed that smart sustainable city could leverage blockchain technology in several areas such as governance, mobility, asset, utility, healthcare and logistics. Blockchain technology could also aid smart sustainable city in achieving social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Originality/value

This study proposes a smart sustainable city with blockchain technology framework: guiding city planners and policymakers by deploying blockchain that supports technology within smart sustainable city framework. This facilitates the digital transformation of a city towards smart and sustainable through the use of blockchain.
Egg size‐mediated sex allocation and mating‐regulated reproductive investment in a haplodiploid thrips species
Authors: Katlav Alihan , Cook James M. , Riegler Markus
Published: December 2020

The partitioning of resources between male and female offspring is a fundamental aspect of the reproductive biology of animals. Sex allocation can be adjusted by controlling offspring sex ratio or by sex‐specific resource allocation towards individual eggs. The latter is well‐known in birds and reptiles, but less studied in other organisms, especially haplodiploids with females that can adjust offspring sex via fertilization control.

Here, we investigated whether egg size can affect sex allocation in a haplodiploid thrips,Pezothrips kellyanus. First, we established that larger eggs are more likely to be fertilized and become females than smaller eggs, which remain unfertilized and become males. This size‐dependent fertilization may be regulated by anatomical constraints that allow sperm access only to larger eggs. Furthermore, across both sexes, larger eggs developed into offspring with higher fitness, suggesting that egg size is a reliable proxy for resource allocation in this species.

During the early phase of reproduction, mating increased investment by females towards egg size thereby facilitating fertilization success and increased female offspring survival. However, this came with a reduced lifetime fecundity, reflecting that mating manipulates reproductive strategies in favour of increased daughter production. This may be in conflict with the optimal offspring sex ratio of females which is theoretically less female‐biased than for males.

We detected both egg size‐mediated sex allocation and a mating effect on resource allocation under both laboratory and field conditions, suggesting that they are maintained by natural selection.

We provide evidence for a finely tuned egg size‐dependent fertilization mechanism that mediates sex allocation strategies and is moderated by mating. Furthermore, our findings establish a new perspective about potential effects of sexual conflicts on egg size and sex allocation.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Vegetation richness, species identity and soil nutrients drive the shifts in soil bacterial communities during restoration process
Authors: Liu Meiling , Li Xinrong , Zhu Ruiqing , Chen Ning , Ding Ling , Chen Cuiyun
Published: December 2020

Soil bacteria play an essential role in functioning of ecosystems and maintaining of biogeochemical cycles. However, little is known about changes in the compositions and functional groups of soil bacterial communities during different restoration stages. The influences of aboveground vegetation and belowground soil properties on soil bacterial communities were also unclear during this process. Here we sequenced the soil bacterial communities in different stages of sand fixation. Sand fixation increased the diversity of the bacterial communities, among which the populations of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes changed significantly. The function prediction showed sand fixation increased Gram‐positive and aerobic bacteria. Bacterial structure is significantly correlated with plant richness, coverage and biomass. In particular, we found species identity was an important determinant in structuring bacterial composition. Soil properties were all significantly correlated with soil bacterial community richness and diversity. Fusobacteria was strongly positively correlated with sand, Chloroflexi with total N and Gemmatimonadetes with SOM and total C. It suggested that soil nutrients (TC, TN and SOM) have large consequences for soil bacterial community dissimilarities. These results indicated that vegetation richness, especially species identity, together with improvement in soil nutrients, play key roles in driving the shifts in soil microbial community structure and function during restoration process.
Emergency Physicians and Personal Narratives Improve the Perceived Effectiveness of COVID‐19 Public Health Recommendations on Social Media: A Randomized Experiment
Authors: Solnick Rachel E. , Chao Grace , Ross Ryan D. , Kraft‐Todd Gordon T. , Kocher Keith E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Containment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic requires the public to change behavior under social distancing mandates. Social media are important information dissemination platforms that can augment traditional channels communicating public health recommendations. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of COVID‐19 public health messaging on Twitter when delivered by emergency physicians and containing personal narratives.

Methods

On April 30, 2020, we randomly assigned 2,007 U.S. adults to an online survey using a 2 × 2 factorial design. Participants rated one of four simulated Twitter posts varied by messenger type (emergency physician vs. federal official) and content (personal narrative vs. impersonal guidance). The main outcomes were perceived message effectiveness (35‐point scale), perceived attitude effectiveness (PAE; 15‐point scale), likelihood of sharing Tweets (7‐point scale), and writing a letter to their governor to continue COVID‐19 restrictions (write letter or none).

Results

The physician/personal (PP) message had the strongest effect and significantly improved all main messaging outcomes except for letter writing. Unadjusted mean differences between PP and federal/impersonal (FI) were as follows: perceived messaging effectiveness (3.2 [95% CI = 2.4 to 4.0]), PAE (1.3 [95% CI = 0.8 to 1.7]), and likelihood of sharing (0.4 [95% CI = 0.15 to 0.7]). For letter writing, PP made no significant impact compared to FI (odds ratio = 1.14 [95% CI = 0.89 to 1.46]).

Conclusions

Emergency physicians sharing personal narratives on Twitter are perceived to be more effective at communicating COVID‐19 health recommendations compared to federal officials sharing impersonal guidance.
“Don't gamble for money with friends”
Authors: ZUCKERMAN CHARLES H. P.
Published: December 2020

Some anthropologists have developed “processual” approaches to classification, arguing that we should turn our attention from reified categories to processes of categorization. A focus on how gamblers in Luang Prabang, Laos, use the categories “gambling for beer” and “gambling for money” makes clear that an adequate processual approach must disentangle two kinds of typification: one generic, one specific. People in Luang Prabang are drawn to categories of gambling as tools for both painting the world abstractly (generics) and putting action under a description (specifics). Distinguishing these two kinds of typification resolves the apparent tension between “ideal types” and messy “practice,” and it redirects the study of human classification toward understanding how people mobilize categories for diverse moral ends. [moral economy, gifts, commodities, ideal types, typification, reflexivity, processualization, Luang Prabang,Laos]