bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evolution of phosphomannomutase-deficient yeast reveals compensatory mutations in a phosphoglucomutase
Authors: Vignogna Ryan C. , Allocca Mariateresa , Monticelli Maria , Norris Joy W. , Steet Richard , Andreotti Giuseppina , Perlstein Ethan O. , Lang Gregory I.
Published: April 2022

The most common cause of human congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are mutations in the phosphomannomutase gene PMM2, which affect protein N-linked glycosylation. The yeast gene SEC53 encodes a nearly-identical homolog of human PMM2. We evolved 384 populations of yeast harboring one of two human-disease-associated alleles, sec53-V238M and sec53-F126L, or wild-type SEC53. We find that after 1,000 generations, most populations compensate for the slow-growth phenotype associated with the sec53 human-disease-associated alleles. Through whole-genome sequencing we identify compensatory mutations, including known SEC53 genetic interactors. We observe an enrichment of compensatory mutations in other genes whose human homologs are associated with Type 1 CDG, including PGM1, which encodes the minor isoform of phosphoglucomutase in yeast. By genetic reconstruction, we show that evolved pgm1 mutations are dominant and allele-specific genetic interactors that restore both protein glycosylation and growth of yeast harboring the sec53-V238M allele. Finally, we characterize the enzymatic activity of purified Pgm1 mutant proteins. We find that reduction, but not elimination, of Pgm1 activity best compensates for the deleterious phenotypes associated with the sec53-V238M allele. Broadly, our results demonstrate the power of experimental evolution as a tool for identifying genes and pathways that compensate for human-disease associated alleles.
Trim33 conditions the lifespan of primitive macrophages and onset of definitive macrophage production
Authors: Demy Doris Lou , Touret Anne-Lou , Lancino Mylène , Tauzin Muriel , Capuana Lavinia , Pierre Constance , Herbomel Philippe
Published: April 2022

TRIM33 (Tif1-γ) is a transcriptional regulator notably involved in several aspects of hematopoiesis. It is essential for the production of erythrocytes in zebrafish, and for the proper functionning and aging of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in mice. Here we have found that in zebrafish development, Trim33 is essential cell-autonomously for the lifespan of the yolk sac derived primitive macrophages, as well as for the initial production of definitive (HSPC-derived) macrophages in the first niche of definitive hematopoiesis, the caudal hematopoietic tissue. Moreover, Trim33 deficiency leads to an excess production of definitive neutrophils and thrombocytes. Our data indicate that Trim33 radically conditions the differentiation ouput of aorta-derived HSPCs in all four erythro-myeloid cell types, in a niche-specific manner.
Human Milk Oligosaccharide Utilization in Intestinal Bifidobacteria is Governed by a Global Transcriptional Regulator NagR
Authors: Arzamasov Aleksandr A. , Nakajima Aruto , Sakanaka Mikiyasu , Ojima Miriam N. , Katayama Takane , Rodionov Dmitry A. , Osterman Andrei L.
Published: April 2022

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) is a prevalent beneficial bacterium that colonizes the human neonatal gut and is uniquely adapted to efficiently use human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) as a carbon and energy source. Multiple studies have focused on characterizing the elements of HMO utilization machinery in B. infantis; however, the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression of these catabolic pathways remain poorly understood. A bioinformatic regulon reconstruction approach used in this study implicated NagR, a transcription factor from the ROK family, as a negative global regulator of genomic loci encoding lacto-N-biose/galacto-N-biose (LNB/GNB), lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) utilization pathways in B. infantis. This conjecture was corroborated by transcriptome profiling upon nagR genetic inactivation and experimental assessment of binding of recombinant NagR to predicted DNA operators. The latter approach also implicated N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), a universal intermediate of LNT and LNnT catabolism, and its phosphorylated derivatives as plausible NagR transcriptional effectors. Reconstruction of NagR regulons in various Bifidobacterium lineages revealed multiple regulon expansion events, suggesting evolution from a local regulator of GlcNAc catabolism in ancestral bifidobacteria to a global regulator controlling foraging of mixtures of GlcNAc-containing host-derived glycans in mammalian gut-colonizing B. infantis and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

Importance

The predominance of bifidobacteria in the gut of breastfed infants is attributed to the ability of these bacteria to utilize human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Thus, individual HMOs such as lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) are considered promising prebiotics that would stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria and confer multiple health benefits to preterm and malnourished children suffering from impaired (stunted) gut microbiota development. However, the rational selection of HMO-based prebiotics is hampered by the incomplete knowledge of regulatory mechanisms governing HMO utilization in target bifidobacteria. This study describes NagR-mediated transcriptional regulation of LNT and LNnT utilization in Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis. The elucidated regulatory network appears optimally adapted to simultaneous utilization of multiple HMOs, providing a rationale to add HMO mixtures (rather than individual components) into infant formulas. The study also provides insights into the evolutionary trajectories of complex regulatory networks controlling carbohydrate metabolism in bifidobacteria.
Biochemical characterization of AniA from Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Barreiro Daniela S. , Oliveira Ricardo N. S. , Pauleta Sofia R.
Published: April 2022

AniA, the nitrite reductase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has been shown to play a crucial role in the infection mechanism of this microorganism by producing NO and abolishing epithelial exfoliation. This enzyme is a trimer with one type-1 copper center per subunit and one type 2 copper center in the subunits interface, with the latter being the catalytic site. The two centers were characterized by visible, EPR and CD spectroscopy for the first time, indicating that AniA’s type 1 copper center has a high rhombicity, which is attributed to its tetrahedral geometry, and shorter Met-Cu bond, while type 2 copper center has the usual properties, though with a shorter hyperfine coupling constant (A//= 9.1 mT). The thermostability of AniA was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry showing a single endothermic transition in the thermogram, with a maximum at 95 °C, while the CD spectra in the visible region indicates the presence of copper centers at 85-90 °C. The reoxidation rates of AniA in the presence of nitrite were analyzed by visible spectroscopy showing a pH dependence and being higher at pH 6.0. The high thermostability of this enzyme might be important for maintaining a high activity in the extracellular space and be less prone to denaturation and proteolysis, contributing to the proliferation of N. gonorrhoeae.
Structural and biochemical basis of FANCI-FANCD2 interdependent ubiquitination
Authors: Lemonidis Kimon , Rennie Martin L. , Arkinson Connor , Chaugule Viduth K. , Clarke Mairi , Streetley James , Walden Helen
Published: April 2022

The Fanconi Anaemia pathway operates for the repair of interstrand crosslinks and the maintenance of genomic stability upon replication stalling. Di-monoubiquitination of the FANCI-FANCD2 (ID2) complex is a central and crucial step in this pathway. Evidence suggests that FANCD2 ubiquitination precedes FANCI ubiquitination, and that both the FANCD2-ubiquitinated (ID2Ub) and the di- monoubiquitinated (IUbD2Ub) complex clamp on DNA. However, FANCD2 is deubiquitinated at a faster rate than FANCI, which can result in a FANCI-ubiquitinated ID2 complex (IUbD2). Here, we present a 4.1 Å cryo-EM structure of IUbD2 complex bound to double-stranded DNA. We show that this complex, like ID2Uband IUbD2Ub, is also in the closed ID2 conformation and clamps on DNA. While the target lysine of FANCD2 (K561) is partially buried in the non-ubiquitinated ID2-DNA complex, it becomes fully exposed in the IUbD2-DNA structure, and thus can be ubiquitinated at a faster rate. The IUbD2-DNA complex cannot easily revert to the non-ubiquitinated ID2 state, due to USP1-UAF1-resistance, conferred by the presence of DNA and FANCD2. ID2Ub-DNA, on the other hand, can be efficiently deubiquitinated by USP1-UAF1, unless further ubiquitination on FANCI occurs. FANCI ubiquitination also progresses at a faster rate in ID2Ub-DNA over ID2-DNA complex, and results in partial DNA-dependent protection from FANCD2 deubiquitination. Taken together, our results suggest that, while FANCD2 ubiquitination promotes FANCI ubiquitination, FANCI ubiquitination in turn maintains FANCD2 ubiquitination by two mechanisms: it prevents excessive FANCD2 deubiquitination within an IUbD2Ub-DNA complex, and it enables re-ubiquitination of FANCD2 within a transient, closed-on-DNA, IUbD2 complex.
COP I and II dependent trafficking controls ER-associated degradation in mammalian cells
Authors: Ogen-Shtern Navit , Chang Chieh , Saad Haddas , Mazkereth Niv , Patel Chaitanya , Shenkman Marina , Lederkremer Gerardo Z.
Published: April 2022

Misfolded proteins and components of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control and ER associated degradation (ERAD) machineries concentrate in mammalian cells in the pericentriolar ER-derived quality control compartment (ERQC), suggesting it as a staging ground for ERAD. By tracking the chaperone calreticulin and an established ERAD substrate, asialoglycoprotein receptor H2a, we have now determined that the trafficking to the ERQC is reversible and recycling back to the ER is slower than the movement in the ER periphery. The dynamics suggest vesicular trafficking rather than diffusion. Indeed, using dominant negative mutants of ARF1 and Sar1 or the drugs Brefeldin A and H89, we observed that COPI inhibition causes accumulation in the ERQC and increased retrotranslocation and ERAD, whereas COPII inhibition has the opposite effect. Our results suggest that targeting of misfolded proteins to ERAD involves COPII-dependent transport to the ERQC and that they can be retrieved to the peripheral ER in a COPI-dependent manner.
Primary cilia loss promotes reactivation of morphogenesis and cyst-fission through a deregulated TGFβ-ECM-Integrin axis in polycystic liver disease
Authors: Waddell Scott H , Yao Yuelin , Olaizola Paula , Jarman Edward J , Gournopanos Kostas , Christodoulou Ersi , Gautier Philippe , Drenth Joost PH , Kendall Timothy J , Banales Jesus M , Khamseh Ava , Mill Pleasantine , Boulter Luke
Published: April 2022

Pathological liver cysts are an important comorbidity in multiple diseases and syndromes(1, 2) driven by dysfunction of the primary cilium (PC), a complex sensory organelle that protrudes from the apical surface of biliary epithelial cells (BECs)(3, 4). The essential nature of PC in liver development(5, 6) makes understanding the molecular role of this organelle in the structural maintenance of the adult bile duct challenging. Here, we show that PC loss deletion of Wdr35 in adult mouse BECs is sufficient to cause bile duct expansion, driving cyst formation through the de novo production of a fibronectin-rich pro-cystic microenvironment. This newly formed niche promotes both cell-autonomous changes in cell shape and duct-level mechanical rearrangements that converge to drive cyst-fission, a novel process whereby single, large cysts undergo morphological splitting. This process gives rise to many, smaller polycystic progeny and can be halted by pharmacological inhibition of a specific pro-cystic integrin receptor.
Over the rainbow: structural characterization of the chromoproteins gfasPurple, amilCP, spisPink and eforRed
Authors: Ahmed F. Hafna , Caputo Alessandro T. , French Nigel G. , Peat Thomas S. , Whitfield Jason , Warden Andrew C. , Newman Janet , Scott Colin
Published: April 2022

Anthozoan chromoproteins are highly pigmented, diversely coloured and readily produced in recombinant expression systems. While they are a versatile and powerful building block in synthetic biology for applications such as biosensor development, they are not widely used in comparison to the related fluorescent proteins, partly due to a lack of structural characterization to aid protein engineering. Here, high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of four open-source chromoproteins, gfasPurple, amilCP, spisPink and eforRed, are presented. These proteins are dimers in solution, and mutation at the conserved dimer interface leads to loss of visible colour development in gfasPurple. The chromophores are trans and noncoplanar in gfasPurple, amilCP and spisPink, while that in eforRed is cis and noncoplanar, and also emits fluorescence. Like other characterized chromoproteins, gfasPurple, amilCP and eforRed contain an sp
2-hybridized N-acylimine in the peptide bond preceding the chromophore, while spisPink is unusual and demonstrates a true sp
3-hybridized trans-peptide bond at this position. It was found that point mutations at the chromophore-binding site in gfasPurple that substitute similar amino acids to those in amilCP and spisPink generate similar colours. These features and observations have implications for the utility of these chromoproteins in protein engineering and synthetic biology applications.
A CAE-oriented mesh hole-filling algorithm focusing on geometry and quality
Authors: Hai Yongqing , Guo Yufei , Dong Mo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Integrality of surface mesh is requisite for computational engineering. Nonwatertight meshes with holes can bring inconvenience to applications. Unlike simple modeling or visualization, the downstream industrial application scenarios put forward higher requirements for hole-filling, although many related algorithms have been developed. This study aims at the hole-filling issue in industrial application scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

This algorithm overcomes some inherent weakness of general methods and generates a high-level resulting mesh. Initially, the primitive hole boundary is filled with a more appropriate triangulation which introduces fewer geometric errors. And in order for better performances on shape approximation of the background mesh, the algorithm also refines the initial triangulation with topology optimization. When obtaining the background mesh defining the geometry and size field, spheres on it are packed to determine the vertex configuration and then the resulting high-level mesh is generated.

Findings

Through emphasizing geometry recovery and mesh quality, the proposed algorithm works well in hole-filling in industrial application scenarios. Many experimental results demonstrate the reliability and the performance of the algorithm. And the processed meshes are capable of being used for industrial simulation computations directly.

Originality/value

This paper makes input meshes more adaptable for solving programs through local modifications on meshes and perfects the preprocessing technology of finite element analysis (FEA).
Hate speech in social media: personal experiences and perceptions of university students in Bangladesh
Authors: Atikuzzaman Md. , Akter Shohana
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Social media (SM) is a new communication tool that substantially contribute to facilitating online hate speech (OHS). In emphasis of the question “what role can SM play in an individual’s life?”, this study aims to understand Bangladeshi university students’ personal experiences and opinions of OHSs related to SM.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an online survey method to collect data and retrieved responses from 410 students. Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that hate speech is a familiar term among students. Students’ political views or opinions, religion and gender have become the most targeted instruments for OHSs. Comparing students’ use of SM, the authors found that Facebook was the most used SM site to spread hate speech in Bangladesh. In terms of personal experiences, the findings indicated that 45.6% of students became victims of OHSs at least once or more times, and the majority of students tended to simply avoid OHSs. Another significant finding was that OHS has real-life effects on the students, resulting in various personal and psychological distress.

Originality/value

Although some research has been conducted on hate speech at the local level, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has focused on the student community. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt in Bangladesh to focus on OHSs from a student’s personal viewpoint.
An appraisal of the early impact of COVID-19 on affordable housing finance in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
Authors: Alharbi Raed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Affordable housing provision is one of the visions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as highlighted in Vision 2030. For about 21 months now, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ravaged the world and has increased the level of economic crisis and financial uncertainty to achieve planned projects. Studies investigating the reality of how the COVID-19 pandemic may streamline the chances of achieving affordable housing for all in 2030 are scarce. Thus, this study examined the relevance of affordable housing, the perceived impact of COVID-19 on affordable housing and proffered measures to promote affordable housing finance in Vision 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

Medina, Riyadh and Al Qassim were the participants' cities engaged via panel interviews and supported by existing relevant Vision 2030 documents. The Delphi method was adopted to explore the government officials, financial operators (bankers), academicians and employees' opinions, and the analysed data presented in themes.

Findings

Findings show that SA Vision 2030 blueprint expresses an exemplary country in all ramifications, including affordable housing finance for the citizens. Findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic threatens SA affordable housing finance Vision 2030. The increased housing shortage, high construction housing cost, increased foreclosures, increased eviction, possible homelessness, financial instability and vulnerability emerged as the perceived impact of COVID-19 on affordable housing finance in Vision 2030. Refinancing housing loans to boost Vision 2030, forbearance to promote Vision 2030, improve payment relief, among others, emerged as measures to promote affordable housing in the post-COVID-19 era.

Research limitations/implications

The research only identified the possible negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on affordable housing finance in Vision 2030 and proffered policy solutions from the engaged participants' perspective. Also, the study covered three cities (Medina, Riyadh and Al Qassim). The suggestions that will emerge from this research may be adopted to address other sectors captured in Vision 2030 that are critical and hit by the ravaging pandemic.

Practical implications

Measures such as refinancing mortgages and strengthening government housing agencies will promote affordable housing for Vision 2030 if the relevant policymakers and mortgage institutions are well implemented.

Originality/value

This research identified the perceived early threats from the COVID-19 pandemic that could affect affordable housing transformation in Vision 2030 from the participants' perspective. Studies regarding COVID-19 and affordable housing in Vision 2030 are very few.
Social network governance and social sustainability-related knowledge acquisition: the contingent role of network structure
Authors: Wadood Syeda Ayesha , Chatha Kamran Ali , Jajja Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq , Pagell Mark
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand how firms in developing economies acquire knowledge about social sustainability by leveraging the social capital embedded in firms' social network, through optimally governing relationships with network members. The study proposes that relational and contractual governance mechanisms interact with various structural facets of the network, resulting in varying degrees of social sustainability related knowledge acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data collected with a multiple respondent survey design from 204 manufacturing firms located in major industrial cities in Pakistan were used. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) followed by hierarchical regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study finds that both relational and contractual governance mechanisms are positively related to a firm’s social sustainability-related knowledge acquisition, but their effectiveness is impacted by the structural facets of the network. Network size positively moderates the relationship between relational governance and social sustainability related knowledge acquisition, whereas both network range and strength of ties negatively moderate the relationship between contractual governance and social sustainability related knowledge acquisition.

Practical implications

Practitioners with resource-constrained firms should interact with their social network to leverage the knowledge and resources embedded within. The findings prescribe optimal governance strategies for different combinations of network structure variables to gain maximum knowledge about social sustainability.

Originality/value

The literature lacks information on the effect of network structure on the relationships between social network governance and social sustainability-related knowledge acquisition for resource-constrained firms in the developing economy context, making this study’s contributions unique.
Disentangling the multifaceted effects of supply base complexity on supply chain agility and resilience
Authors: Delbufalo Emanuela
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study investigates how supply base structural complexity influences both supply chain agility and resilience. It employs Normal Accident Theory and Portfolio Theory to disentangle the effects of three structural facets of complexity – numerousness; technical and functional diversity; geographical distribution of suppliers – on the two capabilities simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is grounded in the Italian footwear industry. 31 manufacturing firms with their global supply base have provided a cross-sectional time series database over a 10-year period (310 observations).

Findings

The results show that supply base numerousness has nonlinear effects on both supply chain agility and resilience. The directions of these effects are opposites. They also show that supply base diversity has an inverted U-shaped effect on supply chain agility while it is insignificant for resilience. Finally, the results show that suppliers' geographical dispersion is detrimental to both capabilities.

Originality/value

This is the first study that considers the multifaceted effects of supply base complexity on both supply chain agility and resilience. In doing so, it also sheds light on some of the most common trade-offs that firms address when they seek a balance between different strategies, such as increasing agility without damaging supply base resilience and vice versa. Considering the resource constraints firms normally face, by disentangling the dual effects of each complexity facet, this study helps decision-makers to develop scalability and leverage the supply base characteristics in order to survive and prosper in uncertain markets.
Destination personality: a dimensions analysis and a new scale development in Thailand
Authors: Auemsuvarn Piyaporn , Ngamcharoenmongkol Piya
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to empirically develop a new destination personality scale (DPS) for Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

To fill the previous gaps in the existing literature, this research study used a more concise destination personality definition consisting of human personality traits only, a variety of more than 100 destination stimuli covering 12 categories of tourist destinations including many urban cities across the country, a mix of sample groups (domestic and international tourists) that proportionally represent tourist population visiting the country and mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) approaches.

Findings

The results revealed that the new scale consists of seven personality dimensions representing eastern cultures: traditionalism, kindness, excitement, easygoingness, liveliness, trendiness and charm. The results also showed that the scale is valid and reliable.

Research limitations/implications

First, data was collected using a cross-sectional survey method, so the results are limited to a specific period of time. Thus, longitudinal studies are recommended to enhance the validity and reliability of the scale. Second, destination stimuli used in this scale covered both urban cities and rural areas across the country. Thus, further studies should compare between destination personality dimensions resulting from urban cities as stimuli and those from rural areas.

Practical implications

City tourism marketers can use this scale as a valid tool for measuring destination personalities in urban cities of the country and checking whether such personalities are consistent with what is intended.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first attempt to develop the Thailand Destination Personality Scale (TDPS).
IFRS and FPI nexus: does the quality of the institutional framework matter for African countries?
Authors: Simbi Chipo , Arendse Jacqueline A. , Khumalo Sibanisezwe Alwyn
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The institutional framework of an African country may influence the effectiveness of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on foreign investment inflows. The purpose of this paper is to argue that the quality of a country's institutional framework impacts the effectiveness of IFRS to an adopting country and ultimately influences the levels of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI).

Design/methodology/approach

Employing country-level data. A sample of 15 countries from Africa is used. Data is collected over a period of 22 years (1994–2014). The authors employ the General Method of Moments (GMM) panel regression technique to examine whether the quality of a country's institutional framework has an impact on the relationship between IFRS and FPI and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique to assess the level of impact.

Findings

The findings reveal that the quality of a country's institutional framework moderates the strength of the association between IFRS and FPI. Overall, the authors find that the quality of the institutional frameworks in African countries has a negative effect on the IFRS and FPI nexus.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses exclusively on African countries; using an exclusively African sample limits the generalisation of results to other continents like Latin America with similar environments to Africa.

Practical implications

This study provide evidence that IFRS alone cannot ensure the intended capital market benefits but encourages the development of strong institutions in African countries to realise the most from IFRS adoption. The emphasis on institutional development is an essential contribution that this study makes.

Originality/value

This study is unique since it emphasises the importance of institutional framework quality when considering the impact of IFRS on foreign investment inflows in an African setting.
Domain analytical information and knowledge organization: investigating the externalist and internalist conception of information
Authors: Thellefsen Martin Muderspach
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and clarify a possible realist foundation of domain analysis and knowledge organization, and in this vein, investigate into how the concept of information is to be understood at a lower but necessary conceptual level in domain analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates into the foundation of domain analysis as formulated by Birger Hjørland, and develops a realist framework for domain analytical information and knowledge organization based on critical realism.

Findings

Information can meaningfully be considered as the prerequisite for domain analysis, and critical realism may provide for a realist ontological framework for domain analysis and knowledge organization.

Originality/value

The paper includes new insights into the foundation of information and domain analysis.
Digitised historic newspapers as a primary source for marketing historians
Authors: Hawkins Richard A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the potential of digitised historic newspapers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review of digitised historic newspapers as a primary source for marketing historians. It provides a survey of what is available internationally free of charge to the user. It also includes examples of the use of digitised historic newspapers drawn from the author’s own research.

Findings

The paper reveals the huge potential for marketing historians of what is now available in a growing number of countries across the world. Much of this material is available free of charge to researchers with a connection to the internet.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to explore digitised historic newspapers as a primary source for marketing historians.
Peer-to-peer lending platform risk analysis: an early warning model based on multi-dimensional information
Authors: Xia Huosong , Wang Ping , Wan Tian , Zhang Zuopeng Justin , Weng Juan , Jasimuddin Sajjad M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper focuses on the variables that help analyze peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms. It explores the characteristic factors of identifying problematic platforms, and designs a P2P platform risk early warning model.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of web crawler software, this paper crawls the information of 1427 P2P platforms from the two largest third-party lending information platforms (i.e. P2Peye and WDZJ) in China. SPSS 22.0 was mainly used for basic descriptive statistical analysis, reliability and validity analysis, and regression analysis of the data. MPLUS 7.0 was used for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models analysis.

Findings

Based on the multi-dimensional information, this paper performs text mining to develop an investor sentiment index. This study shows that the characteristics of the platform (i.e. basic features, capital security, operations management, and social network) have a significant impact on identifying problematic platforms.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations to this research. In the process of model construction, some external factors may be ignored, such as government policies. Future research will need to consider the impact of policy and other factors more comprehensively on P2P lending platform risk identification.

Practical implications

This study proposes an effective method for investors and regulators to identify the risk factors of P2P lending platforms. The research findings provide valuable insights for promoting government participation in platform management as well as a healthy development of the P2P lending industry.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the factors that influence platform risks to help analyze P2P lending platforms. Prior research has not explored how to identify problematic P2P lending platforms in-depth and is limited by only focusing on either soft information or hard information. It identifies the characteristic factors of identifying problematic platforms and designs a P2P platform risk early warning model.
Explaining the mechanism of brand hate: a mixed-method investigation using moderated mediation in emerging markets
Authors: Husnain Mudassir , Syed Fauzia , Hussain Khalid , Zhang Qingyu , Usman Muhammad , Javed Muzhar
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Brand hate as a distinct phenomenon of consumer negativity has attracted considerable research attention in recent years. However, scant attention has been paid to explain the underlying mechanism of brand hate. Therefore, the present study aims to unveil how brand hate stirs in embarrassing situations and what repercussions it ignites that deteriorate the consumer–brand relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study follows a mixed-method research design by conducting in-depth interviews with 16 consumers and then collecting three waves of time-lagged data from 217 respondents of two different countries. The reliability and validity have been established through confirmatory factor analysis, and hypotheses were analyzed using structural equation modeling and moderated-mediated models.

Findings

The results of both qualitative and quantitative investigations reveal that brand embarrassment instigates brand hate, and brand hate leads to brand detachment. Brand hate also mediates the relationship between brand embarrassment and brand detachment. Consumer vanity enhances the strength of brand embarrassment's effects on brand hate. This relationship further depicts the moderated mediation pattern as consumers with high vanity traits express extreme emotions of hate and detachment from the embarrassing brands. In addition, the findings demonstrate that the moderating role of consumer vanity is more pronounced among young consumers.

Originality/value

The study marks an initial attempt to explain the whole process of brand hate by incorporating brand embarrassment, brand detachment, consumer vanity and age in an integrated moderated mediation model. The study enhances brand managers' understanding of the severity of the consequences of embarrassing situations and devising preventive strategies.
Why are there so many extreme opinions online?: An empirical, comparative analysis of Japan, Korea and the USA
Authors: Yamaguchi Shinichi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to verify the following hypothesis: People with extreme opinions post on social media more than those with moderate opinions.

Design/methodology/approach

A social media posting model was constructed to estimate the influence of extreme opinions on the number of social media posts in Japan, Korea and the USA. For a quantitative verification, data from 5,095 questionnaire surveys were regressed using a Tobit model.

Findings

Extreme opinions were found to increase the number of social media posts in all three countries and for both surveyed topics (constitutional amendment in Japan and increasing number of foreigners in Japan, Korea and the USA). Furthermore, the higher the interest in the topic, the greater the effect. The hypothesis was thus supported.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was conducted online, and the sample size in Korea and the USA was smaller than in Japan. The topics were limited to two, and only three countries were included.

Social implications

People should use social media knowing that there are numerous extreme views online. Companies that provide social media platforms should consider measures to ensure that users are not exclusively exposed to extreme opinions.

Originality/value

This research conducts a quantitative analysis on the effects of opinion extremity on social media posting behavior and the resulting bias in online opinion distribution, a topic on which there is scant prior research.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-07-2020-0310.
Positioning the researcher for studying Indian immigrant children's asthma in New Zealand: a reflective account
Authors: Sudarsan Indu , Hoare Karen , Sheridan Nicolette , Roberts Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This article aims to explore the meanings of positionality and demonstrate how reflective memos can illustrate positionality in a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) study.

Design/methodology/approach

Acknowledging the positionality of the researcher through a reflective approach is an essential element of CGT studies. The first author (IS) used reflective memoing in her CGT study on Indian immigrant children's asthma to practice reflexivity and make her positionality explicit. Through memos, IS acknowledges her knowledge, beliefs, practices, experience and pre-existing assumptions about the research topic. This article is a compilation of the reflective memos that IS wrote during the initial phase of her research and draws on her motivations as they relate to the topic under study in the context of current literature.

Findings

The reflective accounts of a researcher's background and experience can act as a lens for understanding the research question and the choice of methodology.

Practical implications

This article may be useful to novice qualitative researchers who are struggling to define and establish their own positionality. John Dewey's and David Schon's works on reflective thinking serve as valuable tools to practice reflexivity. Philosophically underpinned reflections in the form of memos, employed from the outset and throughout the study, can enhance the study rigour by making research decisions transparent.

Originality/value

This article provides practical guidance on how to outline positionality at the outset of a CGT study.
Factors influencing supply chain agility to enhance export performance: case of export-oriented textile sector
Authors: Khan Naveed Ahmed , Ahmed Waqar , Waseem Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of supply chain agility (SCA) on the export performance of the Pakistani textile industry. Despite being one of the leading manufacturing and exporting sectors, only a handful of the extant literature is found on the textile industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was prepared using the extant literature. Data was gathered from 146 respondents associated with the textile industry of Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling after ensuring the reliability and validity of the data collected for this study.

Findings

This study provides several crucial insights for export-oriented firms. International entrepreneurial orientation and domestic competition are the crucial drivers for a firm’s agility. This study confirms that SCA has a significant impact on escalating export performance of the Pakistani textile industry in the international market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the theoretical framework developed for this study is original and drawn from the extant literature. The findings of resulted from empirical testing of the theoretical model in the context of developing countries provide new information in the knowledge body.
Relative Performance Evaluation and Competitive Aggressiveness
Authors: FEICHTER CHRISTOPH , MOERS FRANK , TIMMERMANS OSCAR
Published: April 2022

We examine the relation between incentive plans based on relative performance and competitive aggressiveness. Using data on executive incentive‐compensation contracts in large U.S. firms, we find a positive association between competitive aggressiveness and peer group overlap—that is, the extent to which two firms select each other as peers in these incentive plans. Our findings indicate that managers of such firms take more frequent as well as more complex competitive actions, relative to managers evaluated on relative performance without peer group overlap. Moreover, we show that these competitive tactics are more pronounced when managers compete against: (1) peers with similar grant sizes, (2) peers on similar performance metrics, and (3) peers in the same industry. Collectively, our findings provide evidence on how widely used incentive‐compensation practices relate to strategic firm decisions.
Melbourne colorectal collaboration: a multicentre review of the impact of COVID‐19 on colorectal cancer in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Chen Michelle Zhiyun , Tay Yeng Kwang , Teoh Wiliam MK , Kong Joseph CH , Carne Peter , D'Souza Basil , Chandra Raaj , Bui Andrew ,   Melbourne Colorectal Collaboration
Published: April 2022

Background

As coronavirus (COVID‐19) cases continue to rise, healthcare workers have been working overtime to ensure that all patients receive care in a timely manner. Our study aims to identify the impact and outcomes of COVID‐19 on colorectal cancers presentations across the five major colorectal units in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

This is a retrospective study from a prospectively collected database from the binational colorectal cancer audit (BCCA) registry, as well as inpatient records. All patients with colorectal cancer between Pre‐COVID‐19 period (1 July 2018–2030 June 2019) and COVID‐19 period (1 July 2020–2030 June 2021) were compared. Benign pathology and other cancer types were excluded.

Results

A total of 1609 patients were included in the study (700 Pre‐COVID‐19 period, 906 COVID‐19 period). During COVID‐19 period, there was a higher proportion of emergency surgery (28.1% vs. 19.8%; P < 0.001), a higher nodal (P = 0.024) and metastatic stage (P = 0.018) at presentation, but no increase in the rate of return to operating theatres (P = 0.240), inpatient death (P = 0.019) or 30‐day readmission (P = 0.000). There was also no difference in the post‐operative surgical complications (P = 0.118). Utility of neoadjuvant therapy did not increase during the pandemic (P = 0.613).

Conclusion

The heightened measures in the healthcare system ensured CRC patients still received their surgery in a timely fashion. With the current rise in the new strain of COVID‐19 (Omicron), we have to continue to come up with new strategies to provide timely access to CRC care.
How does the EU non‐financial directive affect the assurance market?
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Sierra‐García Laura , García‐Benau María‐Antonia
Published: April 2022

The objective of this paper was to determine the impact produced by Directive 2014/95/EU on companies’ decisions regarding the assurance of non‐financial information statements and the quality parameters under which this service is contracted. Following an analysis based on institutional theory, the results obtained for the reports issued by an international sample of 600 multinational companies in the period 2011–2018 show that the institutional pressures associated with this Directive contributed to an expansion of the assurance market, although they had only a moderate impact on the contractual conditions of the service. Complementary analyses suggest that the adoption of a limited scope in these assurance services may reflect the conservative outlook of auditors, as providers whose service is favoured in the new scenario. Additionally, we find that the influence of this legal framework is different in the United Kingdom from that in the other European countries. The research contributes to the literature by offering a novel understanding of the behaviour of assurance providers and of the quality of the service obtained.
Multifunctionality of belowground food webs: resource, size and spatial energy channels
Authors: Potapov Anton M.
Published: April 2022

The belowground compartment of terrestrial ecosystems drives nutrient cycling, the decomposition and stabilisation of organic matter, and supports aboveground life. Belowground consumers create complex food webs that regulate functioning, ensure stability and support biodiversity both below and above ground. However, existing soil food‐web reconstructions do not match recently accumulated empirical evidence and there is no comprehensive reproducible approach that accounts for the complex resource, size and spatial structure of food webs in soil. Here I build on generic food‐web organisation principles and use multifunctional classification of soil protists, invertebrates and vertebrates, to reconstruct a ‘multichannel’ food web across size classes of soil‐associated consumers. I infer weighted trophic interactions among trophic guilds using feeding preferences and prey protection traits (evolutionarily inherited traits), size and spatial distributions (niche overlaps), and biomass‐dependent feeding. I then use food‐web reconstruction, together with assimilation efficiencies, to calculate energy fluxes assuming a steady‐state energetic system. Based on energy fluxes, I propose a number of indicators, related to stability, biodiversity and multiple ecosystem‐level functions such as herbivory, top‐down control, translocation and transformation of organic matter. I illustrate this approach with an empirical example, comparing it with traditional resource‐focused soil food‐web reconstruction. The multichannel reconstruction can be used to assess ‘trophic multifunctionality’ (analogous to ecosystem multifunctionality), i.e. simultaneous support of multiple trophic functions by the food web, and compare it across communities and ecosystems spanning beyond the soil. With further empirical validation of the proposed functional indicators, this multichannel reconstruction approach could provide an effective tool for understanding animal diversity–ecosystem functioning relationships in soil. This tool hopefully will inspire more researchers to describe soil communities and belowground–aboveground interactions comprehensively. Such studies will provide informative indicators for including consumers as active agents in biogeochemical models, not only locally but also on regional and global scales.