bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNVxplorer: a web tool to assist clinical interpretation of CNVs in rare disease patients
Authors: Requena Francisco , Abdallah Hamza Hadj , García Alejandro , Nitschké Patrick , Romana Sergi , Malan Valérie , Rausell Antonio
Published: March 2021

Copy Number Variants (CNVs) are an important cause of rare diseases. Array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization tests yield a ∼12% diagnostic rate, with ∼8% of patients presenting CNVs of unknown significance. CNVs interpretation is particularly challenging on genomic regions outside of those overlapping with previously reported structural variants or disease-associated genes. Recent studies showed that a more comprehensive evaluation of CNV features, leveraging both coding and non-coding impacts can significantly improve diagnostic rates. However, currently available CNV interpretation tools are mostly gene-centric or provide only non-interactive annotations difficult to assess in the clinical practice. Here we present CNVxplorer, a web server suited for the functional assessment of CNVs in a clinical diagnostic setting. CNVxplorer mines a comprehensive set of clinical, genomic, and epigenomic features associated with CNVs. It provides sequence constraint metrics, impact on regulatory elements and topologically associating domains, as well as expression patterns. Analyses offered cover (a) agreement with patient phenotypes; (b) visualizations of associations among genes, regulatory elements and transcription factors; (c) enrichment on functional and pathway annotations; and (d) co-occurrence of terms across PubMed publications related to the query CNVs. A flexible evaluation workflow allows dynamic re-interrogation in clinical sessions. CNVxplorer is publicly available athttp://cnvxplorer.com
Total parasite biomass but not peripheral parasitaemia is associated with endothelial and haematological perturbations inPlasmodium vivaxpatients
Authors: Silva-Filho João L , Dos-Santos João CK , Judice Carla , Beraldi Dario , Venugopal Kannan , Lima Diogenes , Nakaya Helder , Paula Erich EV , Lopes Stefanie CP , Lacerda Marcus VG , Marti Matthias , Costa Fabio TM
Published: March 2021

Plasmodium vivaxis the major cause of human malaria in the Americas. HowP. vivaxinfection can lead to poor clinical outcomes, despite low peripheral parasitaemia remains a matter of intense debate. Estimation of totalP. vivaxbiomass based on circulating markers indicates existence of a predominant parasite population outside of circulation. In this study we investigate associations between both peripheral and total parasite biomass and host response in vivax malaria. We analysed parasite and host signatures in a cohort of uncomplicated vivax malaria patients from Manaus, Brazil, combining clinical and parasite parameters, multiplexed analysis of host responses andex vivoassays. Patterns of clinical features, parasite burden and host signatures measured in plasma across the patient cohort were highly heterogenous. Further data deconvolution revealed two patient clusters, here termed Vivaxlowand Vivaxhigh. These patient subgroups were defined based on differences in total parasite biomass but not peripheral parasitaemia. Overall Vivaxlowpatients clustered with healthy donors and Vivaxhighpatients showed more profound alterations in haematological parameters, endothelial cell (EC) activation and glycocalyx breakdown and levels of cytokines regulating different haematopoiesis pathways compared to Vivaxlow. Vivaxhighpatients presented more severe thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia, along with enrichment of neutrophils in the peripheral blood and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLCR). When patients’ signatures were combined, high association of total parasite biomass with a subset of markers of EC activation, thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia severity was observed. Finally, machine learning models defined a combination of host parameters measured in the circulation that could predict the extent of parasite infection outside of circulation. Altogether, our data show that total parasite biomass is a better predictor of perturbations in host homeostasis inP. vivaxpatients than peripheral parasitaemia. This supports the emerging paradigm of aP. vivaxtissue reservoir, in particular in the hematopoietic niche of bone marrow and spleen.
Positioning zoonotic disease research in forced migration: a systematic literature review of theoretical frameworks and approaches
Authors: Tasker Alex , Braam Dorien
Published: March 2021

Background

The emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases are driven by complex interactions between health, environmental, and socio-political systems. Human movement is considered a significant and increasing factor in these processes, yet forced migration remains an understudied area of zoonotic research – due in part to the complexity of conducting interdisciplinary research in these settings.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review to identify and analyze theoretical frameworks and approaches used to study linkages between forced migration and zoonotic diseases.

Methods

We searched within eight electronic databases: ProQuest, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PubMed, PLoSOne, Science Direct, JSTOR, and Google Scholar, to identify a) research articles focusing on zoonoses considering forced migrants in their study populations, and b) forced migration literature which engaged with zoonotic disease. Both authors conducted a full-text review, evaluating the quality of literature reviews and primary data using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) model, while theoretical papers were evaluated for quality using a theory synthesis adapted from Bonell and Fletcher (2013). Qualitative data were synthesized thematically according to the method suggested by Noblit and Hare (1988).

Results

Analyses of the 23 included articles showed the increasing use of interdisciplinary frameworks and approaches over time, the majority of which stemmed from political ecology. Approaches such as EcoHealth and One Health were increasingly popular, but were more often linked to program implementation and development than broader contextual research. The majority of research failed to acknowledge the heterogeneity of migrant populations, lacked contextual depth, and insufficient acknowledgement of migrant agency in responding to zoonotic threats.

Conclusions

Addressing the emergence and spread of zoonoses in forced migration contexts requires more careful consideration and use of interdisciplinary research to integrate the contributions of social and natural science approaches. Robust interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks are an important step for better understanding the complex health, environment, and socio-political drivers of zoonotic diseases in forced migration. Lessons can be learned from the application of these approaches in other hard-to-reach or seldom-heard populations.
Sarcopenic obesity and the risk of hospitalisation or death from COVID-19: findings from UK Biobank
Authors: Wilkinson Thomas J. , Yates Thomas , Baker Luke A. , Zaccardi Francesco , Smith Alice C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease□2019 (COVID□19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS□CoV□2 virus). The role of skeletal muscle mass in modulating immune response is well documented. Whilst obesity is well-established as a key factor in COVID-19 infection and outcome, no study has examined the influence of both sarcopenia (low muscle mass) and obesity, termed ‘sarcopenic obesity’ on COVID-19 risk.

Methods

This study uses data from UK Biobank. Probable sarcopenia was defined as low handgrip strength. Sarcopenic obesity was mutually exclusively defined as the presence of obesity and low muscle mass (based on two established criteria: appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for either: 1) height and 2) body mass index (BMI)). ‘Severe COVID-19’ was defined by a positive test result in a hospital setting or death with a primary cause reported as COVID-19. Fully adjusted logistic regression models were used to analyse the associations between sarcopenic status and severe COVID-19. This work was conducted under UK Biobank application number 52553.

Results

We analysed data from 490,301 UK Biobank participants. 2203 (0.4%) had severe COVID-19 infection. Individuals with probable sarcopenia were 64% more likely to have had severe COVID-19 infection (odds ratio (OR) 1.638; P<.001). Obesity increased the likelihood of severe COVID-19 infection by 76% (P<.001). Using either ALM index and ALM/BMI index to define low muscle mass, those with sarcopenic obesity were 2.6 times more likely to have severe COVID-19 (OR: 2.619; P<.001). Sarcopenia alone did not increase the risk of COVID-19.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic obesity may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection, over that of obesity alone. The mechanisms for this are complex but could be a result of a reduction in respiratory functioning, immune response, and ability to respond to metabolic stress.
The ongoing evolution of variants of concern and interest of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil revealed by convergent indels in the amino (N)-terminal domain of the Spike protein
Authors: Resende Paola Cristina , Naveca Felipe G , Lins Roberto D. , Dezordi Filipe Zimmer , Ferraz Matheus V. F. , Moreira Emerson G. , Coêlho Danilo F. , Motta Fernando Couto , Paixão Anna Carolina Dias , Appolinario Luciana , Lopes Renata Serrano , Mendonça Ana Carolina da Fonseca , da Rocha Alice Sampaio Barreto , Nascimento Valdinete , Souza Victor , Silva George , Nascimento Fernanda , Neto Lidio Gonçalves Lima , da Silva Fabiano Vieira , Riediger Irina , Debur Maria do Carmo , Leite Anderson Brandao , Mattos Tirza , da Costa Cristiano Fernandes , Pereira Felicidade Mota , dos Santos Cliomar Alves , Rovaris Darcita Buerger , Fernandes Sandra Bianchini , Abbud Adriano , Sacchi Claudio , Khouri Ricardo , Bernardes André Felipe Leal , Delatorre Edson , Gräf Tiago , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Bello Gonzalo , Wallau Gabriel L
Published: March 2021

Mutations at both the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the amino (N)-terminal domain (NTD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) glycoprotein can alter its antigenicity and promote immune escape. We identified that SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Brazil with mutations of concern in the RBD independently acquired convergent deletions and insertions in the NTD of the S protein, which altered the NTD antigenic-supersite and other predicted epitopes at this region. Importantly, we detected communitary transmission of four lineages bearing NTD indels: a P.1 Δ69-70 lineage (which can impact several SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic protocols), a P.1 Δ144 lineage, a P.1-like lineage carrying ins214ANRN, and the VOI N.10 derived from the B.1.1.33 lineage carrying three deletions (Δ141-144, Δ211 and Δ256-258). These findings support that the ongoing widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil is generating new viral lineages that might be more resistant to antibody neutralization than parental variants of concern.
The effects of physical distancing and lockdown to restrain SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the Italian Municipality of Cogne
Authors: Truc F. , Gervino G.
Published: March 2021

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 started in Wuhan, China, and is now a pandemic. An understanding of the prevalence and contagiousness of the disease, and of whether the strategies used to contain it to date have been successful, is important for understanding future containment strategies. One strategy for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is to adopt strong social distancing policies. The Municipality of Cogne (I), adopted strict lockdown rules from March 4, 2020 up to May 18, 2020. This first wave of the pandemic impressed by the extremely low impact of the SARS-CoV-2 on the locals, compared to the number accused on all the Italian territory. Starting from October 2020 up to the end of December, when the second wave hit Italy and Cogne territory, heavier effects were observed. In order to cast light on the effectiveness of the adopted strategy 74,5% of the local population underwent to a blood screening to detect IgM and IgG antibodies and after six months all the people tested positive were again investigated to establish the longitudinal changes in antibodies level. Moreover, within the context of this survey a rare and interesting case of secondary infection has been identified and here presented.
Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) efficiently blocks the interaction between ACE2 cell surface receptor and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein D614, mutants D614G, N501Y, K417N and E484Kin vitro
Authors: Tran Hoai Thi Thu , Le Nguyen Phan Khoi , Gigl Michael , Dawid Corinna , Lamy Evelyn
Published: March 2021

On 11th March 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, there are rapidly spreading new “variants of concern” of SARS-CoV-2, the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), the South African (B.1.351) or Brasilian (P.1) variant. All of them contain multiple mutations in the ACE2 receptor recognition site of the spike protein, compared to the original Wuhan sequence, which is of great concern, because of their potential for immune escape. Here we report on the efficacy of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to block protein-protein interaction of spike S1 to the human ACE2 cell surface receptor. This could be shown for the original spike D614, but also for its mutant forms (D614G, N501Y, and mix of K417N, E484K, N501Y) in human HEK293-hACE2 kidney and A549-hACE2-TMPRSS2 lung cells. High molecular weight compounds in the water-based extract account for this effect. Infection of the lung cells using SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped lentivirus particles was efficiently prevented by the extract and so was virus-triggered pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 secretion. Modern herbal monographs consider the usage of this medicinal plant as safe. Thus, thein vitroresults reported here should encourage further research on the clinical relevance and applicability of the extract as prevention strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Significance statement

SARS-CoV-2 is steadily mutating during continuous transmission among humans. This might eventually lead the virus into evading existing therapeutic and prophylactic approaches aimed at the viral spike. We found effective inhibition of protein-protein interaction between the human virus cell entry receptor ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike, including five relevant mutations, by water-based common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) extracts. This was shownin vitrousing human kidney (HEK293) and lung (A549) cells, overexpressing the ACE2 and ACE2/TMPRSS2 protein, respectively. Infection of the lung cells using SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus was efficiently prevented by the extract. The results deserve more in-depth analysis of dandelions’ effectiveness in SARS-CoV-2 prevention and now require confirmatory clinical evidence.
Two subsets of human marginal zone B cells resolved by global analysis of lymphoid tissues and blood
Authors: Siu Jacqueline H.Y. , Pitcher Michael J. , Tull Thomas J. , Guesdon William , Montorsi Lucia , Armitage Charles W. , Mahbubani Krishnaa T. , Ellis Richard , Dhami Pawan , Todd Katrina , Kadolsky Ulrich D. , Kleeman Michelle , D’Cruz David P. , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Bemark Mats , Pettigrew Gavin J. , Spencer Jo
Published: March 2021

B cells generate antibodies that are essential for immune protection. Major events driving B cell responses occur in lymphoid tissues, which guide antigen acquisition and support cellular interactions, yet complexities of B cell subsets in human lymphoid tissues are poorly understood. Here we perform undirected, global profiling of B cells in matched human lymphoid tissues from deceased transplant organ donors and tracked dissemination of B cell clones. In addition to identifying unanticipated features of tissue-based B cell differentiation, we resolve two clonally independent subsets of marginal zone B cells that differ in cell surface and transcriptomic profiles, tendency to disseminate, distribution bias within splenic marginal zone microenvironment and immunoglobulin repertoire diversity and hypermutation frequency. Each subset is represented in spleen, gut-associated lymphoid tissue, mesenteric lymph node, and also blood. Thus, we provide clarity and diffuse controversy surrounding human MZB - the ‘elephant in the room’ of human B cell biology.
DHA but not EPA induces the trans-differentiation of C2C12 cells into white-like adipocytes phenotype
Authors: Ghnaimawi Saeed , Rebello Lisa , Baum Jamie , Huang Yan
Published: March 2021

Muscle derived stem cells (MDSCs) and myoblast play an important role in myotube regeneration when muscle tissue is injured. However, these cells can be induced to differentiate into adipocytes once exposed to PPARγ activator like EPA and DHA that are highly suggested during pregnancy. The objective of this study aims at determining the identity of trans-differentiated cells by exploring the effect of EPA and DHA on C2C12 undergoing differentiation into brown and white adipocytes. DHA but not EPA committed C2C12 cells reprograming into white like adipocyte phenotype. Also, DHA promoted the expression of lipolysis regulating genes but had no effect on genes regulating β-oxidation referring to its implication in lipid re-esterification. Furthermore, DHA impaired C2C12 cells differentiation into brown adipocytes through reducing the thermogenic capacity and mitochondrial biogenesis of derived cells independent of UCP1. Accordingly, DHA treated groups showed an increased accumulation of lipid droplets and suppressed mitochondrial maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity. EPA, on the other hand, reduced myogenesis regulating genes, but no significant differences were observed in the expression of adipogenesis key genes. Likewise, EPA suppressed the expression of WAT signature genes indicating that EPA and DHA have an independent role on white adipogeneis. Unlike DHA treatment, EPA supplementation had no effect on the differential of C2C12 cells into brown adipocytes. In conclusion, DHA is a potent adipogenic and lipogenic factor that can change the metabolic profile of muscle cells by increasing myocellular fat.
Systematicin vivoquantification of microRNA affinities
Authors: Brosig Sebastian , Sladitschek Hanna L. , Neveu Pierre A.
Published: March 2021

The majority of mammalian genes are under regulation by microRNAs, yet predicting the extent of miRNA-mediated repression has remained elusive. Here we systematically quantified the biological impact of miRNAs conserved in vertebrates using stable mouse embryonic stem cell lines expressing sensitive fluorescent reporters. Differentiation of these 163 lines to the three germ layers revealed that the majority of conserved miRNAs have detectable changes in activity. We determinedin vivotarget affinity KDof 115 miRNAs by integrating activity measurements, CRISPR/Cas miRNA knockouts and miRNA sequencing. Target affinities of individual miRNAs spanned several orders of magnitude, with highly expressed miRNAs having overall higher KD. Scaling miRNA expression levels by their respective KDrecapitulated the relative number of Argonaute-bound targets for individual miRNA families. Our results provide a rationale to determine the set of miRNAs with a biological activity in a given cell type, KDvalues setting expression thresholds for target repression.
Identifying disease-critical cell types and cellular processes across the human body by integration of single-cell profiles and human genetics
Authors: Jagadeesh Karthik A. , Dey Kushal K. , Montoro Daniel T. , Mohan Rahul , Gazal Steven , Engreitz Jesse M. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Price Alkes L. , Regev Aviv
Published: March 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful means to identify loci and genes contributing to disease, but in many cases the related cell types/states through which genes confer disease risk remain unknown. Deciphering such relationships is important for identifying pathogenic processes and developing therapeutics. Here, we introduce sc-linker, a framework for integrating single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), epigenomic maps and GWAS summary statistics to infer the underlying cell types and processes by which genetic variants influence disease. We analyzed 1.6 million scRNA-seq profiles from 209 individuals spanning 11 tissue types and 6 disease conditions, and constructed gene programs capturing cell types, disease progression, and cellular processes both within and across cell types. We evaluated these gene programs for disease enrichment by transforming them to SNP annotations with tissue-specific epigenomic maps and computing enrichment scores across 60 diseases and complex traits (average N=297K). Cell type, disease progression, and cellular process programs captured distinct heritability signals even within the same cell type, as we show in multiple complex diseases that affect the brain (Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis), colon (ulcerative colitis) and lung (asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, severe COVID-19). The inferred disease enrichments recapitulated known biology and highlighted novel cell-disease relationships, including GABAergic neurons in major depressive disorder (MDD), a disease progression M cell program in ulcerative colitis, and a disease-specific complement cascade process in multiple sclerosis. In autoimmune disease, both healthy and disease progression immune cell type programs were associated, whereas for epithelial cells, disease progression programs were most prominent, perhaps suggesting a role in disease progression over initiation. Our framework provides a powerful approach for identifying the cell types and cellular processes by which genetic variants influence disease.
Bacterial hopanoids: a newly identified potent inducer of monocyte to macrophage differentiation
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindita , Ghosh Arnab , Mallik Suman , Mandal Subhasis , Sen Prosenjit
Published: March 2021

Monocyte to macrophage differentiation is an extremely essential cellular and immunological process aimed to combat the assault of foreign pathogens as well as this process has immense importance in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Differentiated macrophage, serving as specialized phagocytes is an indispensable component of innate immunity. Besides this, being a well-documented antigen-presenting cell (APC) macrophages also function as a key regulator of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity: the two integral components of adaptive immunity. Bacterial hopanoids are a primitive analogous of eukaryotic sterols that are established as a prominent immunomodulator. In this study, we have demonstrated the isolation protocol of neutral lipid fractions from different Gram-negative bacteria, and adopting several analytical approaches we proposed that the extracted lipid fractions may contain hopanoid as an active component. We have delved deeper into the biological effect of these probable hopanoids like compounds. Here, by considering the several structural and functional attributes like altered phenotype, expression of macrophage-specific markers, increased intracellular organelles, acquirement of enhanced phagocytic and inflammatory property, induction of autophagy, etc we have established hopanoids as a potential inducer of monocyte to macrophage differentiation. Thus, our study has unraveled a new immunomodulator present in Gram-negative bacteria and would undoubtedly help to understand the intricacies of host-pathogen interaction in a better and conclusive manner.
A versatile CRISPR toolbox to study neurological CaV3.2 channelopathies by promoter-mediated transcription control
Authors: Tsortouktzidis Despina , Tröscher Anna R. , Schulz Herbert , Schoch Susanne , Becker Albert J. , van Loo Karen M.J.
Published: March 2021

Precise genome editing in combination with viral delivery systems provides a valuable tool for neuroscience research. Traditionally, the role of genes in neuronal circuits has been addressed by overexpression or knock-out/knock-down systems. However, those techniques do not manipulate the endogenous loci and therefore have limitations. Those constraints include that many genes exhibit extensive alternative splicing, which can be regulated by neuronal activity. This complexity cannot be easily reproduced by overexpression of one protein variant. The CRISPR activation and interference/inhibition systems (CRISPRa/i) directed to promoter sequences can modulate the expression of selected target genes in a highly specific manner. This strategy could be particularly useful for the overexpression of large proteins and for alternatively spliced genes, e.g. for studying large ion channels known to be affected in ion channelopathies in a variety of neurological diseases. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of a newly developed CRISPRa/i toolbox to manipulate the promoter activity of theCacna1hgene. Impaired, function of the low-voltage-activated T-Type calcium channel CaV3.2 is involved in genetic/mutational as well as acquired/transcriptional channelopathies that emerge with epileptic seizures. We show CRISPR-induced activation and inhibition of theCacna1hlocus in NS20Y cells and primary cortical neurons, as well as activation in mouse organotypic slice cultures. In future applications, the system offers the intriguing perspective to study functional effects of gain-of-function or loss-of-function variations in theCacna1hgene in more detail. A better understanding of CaV3.2 channelopathies might result in a major advancement in the pharmacotherapy of CaV3.2 channelopathy diseases.
Interdependent relation between earned media and TV ratings
Authors: Bae Giwoong , Kim Hye-Jin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Social media (e.g., e-WOM) and traditional media (e.g., media coverage) serve different roles in a firm's marketing activities and also interact with each other, which in turn affect the market outcome. In addition, how market outcome affects the two types of media in turn has not been examined, which brings the need for a holistic framework. The rare study that examines this relation mostly relies on the volume of media rather than the valence. This study examines the interdependent relation between the volume and valence of social media, the volume of traditional media and TV ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-one South Korean TV drama shows from October 2014 to March 2016 were analyzed using the 3SLS estimation to examine the interdependent relation between the variables.

Findings

First, the volume of traditional media has a negative effect on the volume of social media. Second, ratings negatively affect the valence of social media. Third, the volume of traditional media is found to have a negative effect on ratings. This is explained by the displacement effect.

Originality/value

This study is one of the very few studies that examine the interdependent relation between various earned media and market outcomes in one framework. In addition, it has originality in that it considers the valence of social media, which is an important dimension in analyzing earned media. Our results show negative effects of news media on TV ratings and e-WOM, which diverge from common intuition.
Psychological pricing in online food retail
Authors: Hillen Judith
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the use of psychological pricing in online food retailing. In stationary grocery shops, psychological prices with nine-endings have been a well-documented phenomenon for many decades. However, little is known about the relevance of this pricing practice in the growing grocery e-commerce sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate the frequency of nine-ending prices at Amazon Fresh for more than 10,000 products from May 2019 until March 2020 for the customer location Berlin, Germany. Applying a within–between logit model, the authors identify the determinants for the use of nine-ending prices.

Findings

The authors find that more than 70% of all prices end in the digit 9. This indicates that Amazon Fresh applies psychological pricing to a similar degree as traditional offline grocers. Nine-ending prices are more likely for so-called “want” products such as snacks and sweets than for “should” products such as fruits and vegetables. Also, psychological price endings are used less for products with a higher price level and for products with temporary sales promotions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyse psychological pricing practices for the world's largest online food retailer Amazon Fresh. The study results contrast with most previous empirical and theoretical studies, which suggest that the use of psychological prices would decline in an online context.
A scalable eigenspace-based fuzzy c-means for topic detection
Authors: Murfi Hendri
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aim of this research is to develop an eigenspace-based fuzzy c-means method for scalable topic detection.

Design/methodology/approach

The eigenspace-based fuzzy c-means (EFCM) combines representation learning and clustering. The textual data are transformed into a lower-dimensional eigenspace using truncated singular value decomposition. Fuzzy c-means is performed on the eigenspace to identify the centroids of each cluster. The topics are provided by transforming back the centroids into the nonnegative subspace of the original space. In this paper, we extend the EFCM method for scalability by using the two approaches, i.e. single-pass and online. We call the developed topic detection methods as oEFCM and spEFCM.

Findings

Our simulation shows that both oEFCM and spEFCM methods provide faster running times than EFCM for data sets that do not fit in memory. However, there is a decrease in the average coherence score. For both data sets that fit and do not fit into memory, the oEFCM method provides a tradeoff between running time and coherence score, which is better than spEFCM.

Originality/value

This research produces a scalable topic detection method. Besides this scalability capability, the developed method also provides a faster running time for the data set that fits in memory.
A new correlation-based approach for ensemble selection in random forests
Authors: El Habib Daho Mostafa , Settouti Nesma , Bechar Mohammed El Amine , Boublenza Amina , Chikh Mohammed Amine
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Ensemble methods have been widely used in the field of pattern recognition due to the difficulty of finding a single classifier that performs well on a wide variety of problems. Despite the effectiveness of these techniques, studies have shown that ensemble methods generate a large number of hypotheses and that contain redundant classifiers in most cases. Several works proposed in the state of the art attempt to reduce all hypotheses without affecting performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the authors are proposing a pruning method that takes into consideration the correlation between classifiers/classes and each classifier with the rest of the set. The authors have used the random forest algorithm as trees-based ensemble classifiers and the pruning was made by a technique inspired by the CFS (correlation feature selection) algorithm.

Findings

The proposed method CES (correlation-based Ensemble Selection) was evaluated on ten datasets from the UCI machine learning repository, and the performances were compared to six ensemble pruning techniques. The results showed that our proposed pruning method selects a small ensemble in a smaller amount of time while improving classification rates compared to the state-of-the-art methods.

Originality/value

CES is a new ordering-based method that uses the CFS algorithm. CES selects, in a short time, a small sub-ensemble that outperforms results obtained from the whole forest and the other state-of-the-art techniques used in this study.
A critical assessment of co-creating self-collection services in last-mile logistics
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Wong Yiik Diew , Li Kevin X. , Yuen Kum Fai
Published: March 2021

Purpose

E-commerce last-mile logistics is undergoing dramatic changes. By inviting consumers to participate in self-collection, they collectively form a mass crowd of resources that can be integrated into last-mile logistics. However, consumers' participation may lead to a spectrum of value outcomes from value co-creation to co-destruction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to critically examine the value formation process focussing on micro-level practices and resource outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on practice theory and resource conservation theory, content analysis is adopted to analyse 546 practice-based experiences extracted from a leading social media platform.

Findings

The analysis reveals five sequential practices of self-collection: purchasing, delivering, notifying, receiving and confirming. Furthermore, the co-created practices are characterised by gains in material, esteem, social and energy resources of the interacting actors. Meanwhile, the co-destructed practices cause a chain of resource losses, where the interacting actors suffer primary losses which subsequently triggers consumers' coping behaviours and further destroys resources for all.

Research limitations/implications

Focussing on constituent service practices, this study zooms into the value formation process. The authors contribute to logistics literature with a service-dominant logic by stressing end-consumers' involvement in the creation and consumption of last-mile logistics.

Originality/value

This study conceptualises the sources and consequences of the nuanced service practices (value formation or destruction) of self-collection. A unified framework is thus proposed, which guides logistics service providers to channel consumers towards more constructive participation in last-mile logistics.
The rise of emerging Indian multinationals: strategic learning for EMNC foreign market entry and internationalization
Authors: Singh Nitya P.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The academic literature on emerging market multinational corporations (EMNCs) has classified several strategic options that EMNCs can adopt as part of their internationalization process. Although this research stream does include examples of Indian companies, it has not adequately identified specific strategic practices followed by them as part of their internationalization process. Therefore, this article aims to identify specific firm competencies, home country advantages and strategic practices that Indian EMNCs adopt to achieve foreign market entry and internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts a multiple case study methodology supported by unstructured interviews to answer the research question. Using a combination of in-depth interviews and secondary data related to the case study in question, strategic practices of three Indian companies operating in different industry segments are identified and evaluated.

Findings

The results highlight that as part of their internationalization process, EMNCs from India adopt a combination of strategic practices that include strategic alliances, acquisitions, entry into targeted geographic markets, localized and innovative product offerings and niche market focus. This mix of strategic practices, in combination with high levels of corporate parenting, plays an important role in the ability of Indian EMNCs to internationalize successfully.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the international business field by developing a better understanding of the internationalization process followed by emerging market multinational firms. In addition, as the article adopts a case study approach, specific business strategies adopted by Indian firms as part of their internationalization process are identified. The study, therefore, provides a strategic roadmap for firms from emerging countries on how to internationalize successfully.
Corporate social responsibility and firm performance: does institutional quality matter?
Authors: Karmani Majdi , Boussaada Rim
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether institutional quality influences the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance (FP) relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a large sample of 814 European firms from roughly 2008 to 2017. In order to resolve the problem of endogeneity and heterogeneity the system generalized method of moment is performed.

Findings

First, the effect of CSR on FP is simultaneously positive and significant for the economic, social and overall score based on an equal-weighted performance of four CSR pillars. Second, we found that the institutional quality matters, as corruption significantly decreases the FP, while government stability law and order exert a positive impact. Third, results suggest, similarly, that FP benefits from the interactional relationship between CSR and institutional quality. Finally, as for firm specifics, we found that the lagged performance and growth rate of sales significantly increase the European FP. However, FP is negatively sensitive to the leverage ratio.

Research limitations/implications

This study aims to fill the gap in the CSR-FP interrelation and institutional context. Since we have a large number of firms (814) compared to a relatively small temporal dimension (10 years), the dynamic panel data analysis, and more precisely, the SGMM approach, is the most appropriate to resolve the problem of endogeneity and heterogeneity.

Practical implications

The institutional environment affects the firm's CSR response and results. The strong institutional quality may result in increased regulatory pressures placed on the firm related to social responsibility compliance and can thereby enhance the CSR–FP relationship.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explored the relationship between CSR–FP and institutional quality in the European context. Indeed, this paper shows that institutional quality mediates the relationship between CSR practices and FP.
The sponsorship performance cycle: longitudinal evidence of sponsors’ contribution to Formula One team achievement
Authors: Cobbs Joe B. , Jensen Jonathan A. , Tyler B. David
Published: March 2021

Purpose

A sponsorship performance cycle of business-to-business (B2B) exchange is conceptualized, where distinct types of resources are invested by sponsoring firms into sponsored properties and the competitive success of those properties enhances returns to sponsors. While the latter return channel in this cycle is well-documented, the former investment channel has remained opaque. Recognizing this empirical missing link, this paper aims to illuminate the investment channel through a longitudinal analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 50 years of Formula One (F1) team and sponsor alliances, this study models the effects of three different sponsorship categories on team performance in the annual F1 constructors’ championship.

Findings

The results demonstrate that each incremental sponsor offering performance-based resources is associated with four additional team points in the championship, controlling for factors such as past success and team experience. Conversely, sponsors offering access to financial or operational resources have no competitive impact. This performance-based sponsor effect is illustrated in models of the current and following seasons.

Research limitations/implications

In combination with related literature, this study substantiates a complete sponsorship performance cycle in the motorsports context.

Practical implications

The findings contribute an empirically-based strategy for sustainable sponsorship support that emphasizes acquisition of performance resources in the business-to-business exchange over operational or strictly financial alternatives.

Originality/value

While scholars have discerned that sponsors invest heterogeneous resources into sponsored properties, and the competitive success of those properties can enhance returns to sponsors, this study demonstrates that particular resources invested by sponsors are related to the property’s competitive success.
Brand cocreation and immersion: the link between sense of brand community and attitude toward a brand
Authors: Acikgoz Fulya , Tasci Asli D.A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The current study aims to develop a comprehensive model of cocreation and immersion/engagement for café brands as well as their antecedent and consequences in a café brand context. Inherently involving highly socially involving consumption settings, cafés are particularly conducive to brand cocreation.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study tested a model of these relationships by analyzing data from customers of a local café and those of a global café, Starbucks, situated in the same town, Karakoy, in Istanbul, Turkey. Data from 241 respondents were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the model of the study.

Findings

Results show that sense of brand community is a powerful predictor of cocreation and brand immersion, which are also important antecedents of attitude toward a brand including, cognitive, affective and conative dimensions. Results also revealed slight differences between the local and global brands in terms of brand cocreation's influence on brand trust and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted with a limited number of customers of two cafés in a city in Turkey. Future research with the customers from other locations of these cafés, especially the multinational customers of the international café brand is needed to retest the model for its validity.

Practical implications

The significant differences between ratings of local and global café brands are positive news for local and traditional cafés that are losing considerable market share to their global competitors. Strategic cocreation implementations can be used to instill special and robust relationships with consumers.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence that in highly socially dynamic brand contexts, such as café brands, brand community is a critical predictor of cocreation and brand immersion, which then affect attitude toward a brand with cognitive, affective and conative dimensions, reflected in brand trust, brand love, satisfaction with the brand, brand commitment and brand loyalty.
Assessment of perceived labor market conditions in employees’ turnover intention model – mediation and moderation analyzes
Authors: Bhat Mohd Abass , Tariq Khan Shagufta , Rainayee Riyaz Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine employee perceptions of the labor market in the employee turnover intention model and explores how different situations outside work (labor market conditions) play a role in employee-organizational membership. In addition, it also examines the mediating role of commitment in the relationship between stress and the turnover model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 628 private school teachers working in the economically depressed state of J&K (India), which were randomly selected. Confirmatory factor analysis was used for validation of a scale. Structural equation modeling and PROCESS by Hayes was used to test the hypothesized relationships between the study variables.

Findings

The antecedents of occupational stressors contribute negatively toward employees’ psychological state resulting in undesirable employee-organizational relationships such as high turnover intentions and low organizational commitment. Nevertheless, lack of external job opportunities compels employees to maintain organizational membership, even though against the stressful working environment.

Research limitations/implications

This study while acknowledging the inherent limitations, questionnaires are susceptible to and single sectional nature of the study poses limitations.

Practical implications

The practical implication explains that the employee and organization relationship is governed more by external economic conditions than by the psychological feelings of the employees toward the organization (organizational commitment). As also, the moral system of employees, as well as their feelings toward the noble profession makes them feel morally exalted and this binds them to the membership of the organization.

Originality/value

This study mainly focuses on, to understand if and how the conditions of the labor market relate to the employees’ attitudes. This would enable us to gain more insights to the systematic relations of employees’ attitudinal variables such as occupational stress, organizational commitment and employee turnover intentions.
Real estate investors’ behaviour
Authors: Abdallah Mohamad Hussein Ismail , Al-Tamimi Hussein A. Hassan , Duqi Andi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate perceptions of United Arab Emirates (UAE) real estate investors’ behaviour and the factors that most influence their investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a modified questionnaire that was divided into two parts. The first part covered demographic and socioeconomic variables. The second part identified 36 factors that affect the perceptions of real estate investors in the UAE regarding their investment decisions. These factors were placed in eight different categories that correspond to non-personal factors such as, profit, market conditions, risk, transparency, credit facilities (loans), infrastructure and services.

Findings

The findings confirm that there is a significant and positive relationship between three factors; namely, profitability, risk and service quality regarding investments in the real estate sector. The findings also confirm a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between transparency, market conditions, credit facilities, infrastructure and investment in the UAE’s real estate sector.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size represents one of the limitations of this study. In addition, the gender of the sample is another limitation as, in general, men are more involved in investment than women are. Furthermore, there are no previous studies regarding the behaviour of UAE real estate investors; thus, the findings of this study cannot be directly compared with other empirical studies.

Practical implications

It might be helpful to create separate units under the name “Real Estate Information Unit” in every municipality of each of the seven emirates. In addition, it is recommended that decision makers should consider ensuring that modern high-quality real estate infrastructure is available to attract more investors. Finally, minimizing any restrictions on access financing facilities may encourage investors to invest more in the UAE real estate sector.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in the context of the behaviour of UAE real estate investors.