bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection analysis identifies unusual clustered mutational changes in Omicron lineage BA.1 that likely impact Spike function
Authors: Martin Darren P , Lytras Spyros , Lucaci Alexander G , Maier Wolfgang , Grüning Björn , Shank Stephen D , Weaver Steven , MacLean Oscar A , Orton Richard J , Lemey Philippe , Boni Maciej F , Tegally Houriiyah , Harkins Gordon , Scheepers Cathrine , Bhiman Jinal N , Everatt Josie , Amoako Daniel G , San James Emmanuel , Giandhari Jennifer , Sigal Alex ,   NGS-SA, Williamson Carolyn , Hsiao Nei-yuan , von Gottberg Anne , De Klerk Arne , Shafer Robert W , Robertson David L , Wilkinson Robert J , Sewell B Trevor , Lessells Richard , Nekrutenko Anton , Greaney Allison J. , Starr Tyler N. , Bloom Jesse D. , Murrell Ben , Wilkinson Eduan , Gupta Ravindra K , de Oliveira Tulio , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L
Published: January 2022

Among the 30 non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions in the Omicron S-gene are 13 that have only rarely been seen in other SARS-CoV-2 sequences. These mutations cluster within three functionally important regions of the S-gene at sites that will likely impact (i) interactions between subunits of the Spike trimer and the predisposition of subunits to shift from down to up configurations, (ii) interactions of Spike with ACE2 receptors, and (iii) the priming of Spike for membrane fusion. We show here that, based on both the rarity of these 13 mutations in intrapatient sequencing reads and patterns of selection at the codon sites where the mutations occur in SARS-CoV-2 and related sarbecoviruses, prior to the emergence of Omicron the mutations would have been predicted to decrease the fitness of any genomes within which they occurred. We further propose that the mutations in each of the three clusters therefore cooperatively interact to both mitigate their individual fitness costs, and adaptively alter the function of Spike. Given the evident epidemic growth advantages of Omicron over all previously known SARS-CoV-2 lineages, it is crucial to determine both how such complex and highly adaptive mutation constellations were assembled within the Omicron S-gene, and why, despite unprecedented global genomic surveillance efforts, the early stages of this assembly process went completely undetected.
Activation of the dorsal septum increases alcohol consumption in male C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Haun Harold L. , D’Ambrosio Shannon L. , Kash Thomas L.
Published: January 2022

Binge drinking is a common pattern of excessive alcohol consumption associated with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and unraveling the neurocircuitry that promotes this type of drinking is critical to the development of novel therapeutic interventions. The septal region was once a focal point of alcohol research yet has seen limited study over the last decade in relation to binge drinking. Numerous studies point to involvement of the dorsal septum (dSep) in excessive drinking and withdrawal, but few studies have manipulated this region in the context of binge drinking behavior. The present experiments were primarily designed to determine the effect of chemogenetic manipulation of the dSep on binge-like alcohol drinking in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Mice received bilateral infusion of AAVs harboring hM4Di, hM3Dq, or mCherry into the dSep and subjects were challenged with systemic administration of clozapine-N-oxide (CNO; 3 mg/kg) and vehicle (saline; 0.9%) in the context of binge-like alcohol consumption, locomotor activity, and sucrose drinking. CNO-mediated activation (hM3Dq) of the dSep resulted in a significant increase in binge-like alcohol consumption, locomotor activity, and sucrose intake in male mice. DSep activation promoted sucrose drinking in female mice, but alcohol intake and locomotor activity were unaffected. Conversely, silencing (hM4Di) of the dSep modestly decreased locomotor activity in males and did not influence alcohol or sucrose intake in either sex. Lastly, CNO was without effect in mCherry-expressing control groups. These data support a role for the dSep in promoting excessive, binge-like drinking behavior in a sex-dependent fashion and suggests a broad role for the region in the modulation of locomotor activity as well as general appetitive behavior such as sucrose drinking.
RASCL: Rapid Assessment Of SARS-CoV-2 Clades Through Molecular Sequence Analysis
Authors: Lucaci Alexander G , Zehr Jordan D , Shank Stephen D , Bouvier Dave , Mei Han , Nekrutenko Anton , Martin Darren P , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L
Published: January 2022

An important component of efforts to manage the ongoing COVID19 pandemic is the Rapid Assessment of how natural selection contributes to the emergence and proliferation of potentially dangerous SARS-CoV-2 lineages and CLades (RASCL). The RASCL pipeline enables continuous comparative phylogenetics-based selection analyses of rapidly growing clade-focused genome surveillance datasets, such as those produced following the initial detection of potentially dangerous variants. From such datasets RASCL automatically generates down-sampled codon alignments of individual genes/ORFs containing contextualizing background reference sequences, analyzes these with a battery of selection tests, and outputs results as both machine readable JSON files, and interactive notebook-based visualizations.

Availability

RASCL is available from a dedicated repository at https://github.com/veg/RASCL and as a Galaxy workflow https://usegalaxy.eu/u/hyphy/w/rascl. Existing clade/variant analysis results are available here: https://observablehq.com/@aglucaci/rascl.

Contact

Dr. Sergei L Kosakovsky Pond (spond@temple.edu).

Supplementary information

N/A
Comparative Phenotyping of Two Commonly Used Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Background Strains: CC-1690 (21gr) and CC-5325 (the CLiP Mutant Library Background)
Authors: Zhang Ningning , Pazouki Leila , Nguyen Huong , Jacobshagen Sigrid , Xia Ming , Klebanovych Anastasiya , Czymmek Kirk J. , Zhang Ru
Published: January 2022

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an excellent model organism to investigate many essential cellular processes in photosynthetic eukaryotes. Two commonly used background strains of Chlamydomonas are CC-1690 and CC-5325. CC-1690, also called 21gr, has been used for the Chlamydomonas genome project and several transcriptome analyses. CC-5325 is the background strain for the Chlamydomonas Library Project (CLiP). Photosynthetic performance in CC-5325 has not been evaluated in comparison with CC-1690. Additionally, CC-5325 is often considered to be cell-wall deficient, although detailed analysis is missing. The circadian rhythms in CC-5325 are also unclear. To fill these knowledge gaps and facilitate the use of the CLiP mutant library for various screens, we performed phenotypic comparisons between CC-1690 and CC-5325. Our results showed that CC-5325 grew faster heterotrophically in dark and equally well in mixotrophic liquid medium as compared to CC-1690. CC-5325 had lower photosynthetic efficiency and was more sensitive to heat than CC-1690. Furthermore, CC-5325 had an intact cell wall with comparable integrity to that in CC-1690, though appears to have reduced thickness. Finally, CC-5325 could perform phototaxis, but could not maintain a sustained circadian rhythm of phototaxis as CC160 did. Our results will be useful for researchers in the Chlamydomonas community to choose suitable background strains for mutant analysis and employ the CLiP mutant library for genome-wide mutant screens under appropriate conditions, especially in the areas of photosynthesis, thermotolerance, cell wall, and circadian rhythms.
Multiplexed imaging mass cytometry reveals distinct tumor-immune microenvironments linked to immunotherapy responses in melanoma
Authors: Xiao Xu , Guo Qian , Cui Chuanliang , Lin Yating , Zhang Lei , Ding Xin , Li Qiyuan , Wang Minshu , Yang Wenxian , Kong Yan , Yu Rongshan
Published: January 2022

Single-cell technologies have enabled extensive analysis of complex immune composition, phenotype and interactions within tumor, which is crucial in understanding the mechanisms behind cancer progression and treatment resistance. Unfortunately, the knowledge on cell phenotypes and their spatial interactions at present has only limited utilization in guiding pathological stratification on patients based on their immune microenvironments for better clinical decisions. Here we used imaging mass cytometry (IMC) to simultaneously quantify 35 proteins in a spatially resolved manner on tumor tissues from melanoma patients receiving anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy. Unbiased single-cell analysis revealed highly dynamic tumor-immune microenvironments that are characterized with variable tumor and immune cell phenotypes and their organizations across and within melanomas, and identified distinct archetypes of melanoma microenvironments that are associated with benefit from anti-PD-1 therapy based on high-dimensional multicellular features. Our results demonstrate the utility of multiplex proteomic imaging technologies in studying complex molecular events in a spatially resolved manner for the development of new strategies for patient stratification and treatment outcome prediction.
Population-specific association ofClockgene polymorphism with annual cycle timing in stonechats
Authors: Justen Hannah , Hasselmann Timo , Illera Juan Carlos , Delmore Kira , Serrano David , Flinks Heiner , Senzaki Masayuki , Kawamura Kazuhiro , Helm Barbara , Liedvogel Miriam
Published: January 2022

Timing is essential for survival and reproduction of organisms across the tree of life. The core circadian clock geneClkhas been implicated in annual timing and shows highly conserved sequence homology across vertebrates except for one variable region of poly Glutamine repeats.Clkgenotype varies in some species with latitude, seasonal timing and migration. However, findings are inconsistent, difficult to disentangle from environmental responses, and biased towards high latitudes. Here we combine field data with a common-garden set up to study associations ofClkwith latitude, migration and annual-cycle timing within the stonechat species complex with trans-equatorial distribution range. Including 950 individuals from nine populations with diverse migratory strategies. Gene diversity was lowest in resident African and Canary Island populations and increased with latitude, independently of migration distance. Repeat length and annual-cycle timing was linked in a population-specific way. Specifically, equatorial African stonechats showed delayed timing with longer repeat length for all annual-cycle stages. Our data suggest that at low latitudes with constant photoperiod,Clkgenotype might orchestrate a range of consistent, individual chronotypes. In contrast, the influence ofClkon annual-cycle timing at higher latitudes might be mediated by its interactions with genes involved in (circadian) photoperiodic pathways.
On the Edge: Identifying priority areas for conservation of Fishing Cat, a threatened wetland felid, amidst rapidly altering freshwater landscapes
Authors: Adhya Tiasa , Bagaria Priyamvada , Dey Partha , Muñoz Vanessa Herranz , Weerawardana Ratnayaka Anya Avanthi , Thudugala Ashan , Aravind N.A. , Sanderson James G.
Published: January 2022

Freshwater ecosystems have been most severely impacted in the Anthropocene with 27% of its species threatened with extinction. Fishing Cat is a globally threatened South and South-east Asian wetland felid that is also a highly rated Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, i.e., it is a global priority for conservation and research. Being an understudied species, knowledge gaps exist on its basic ecology, such as distribution and niche.

To address this, ensemble species distribution modeling (ESDM) was used to clarify doubts on its potential distribution and niche. To provide a relatable current context, loss of suitable habitat to urbanization (2010-2020) was estimated by analyzing range-wide survey data with environmental and anthropogenic variables (night-time lights and land surface temperature as proxies for urbanization).

Wetlands (18.36%) and elevation (17.15%) are the most important variables determining the ecological niche of Fishing Cat. It was predicted to be mainly restricted to low-elevation (<111 m) wetlands in river basins of South and South-east Asia. An estimated 23.74% suitable habitat was lost to urbanization.

Incrementally building on the ESDM outputs, high priority movement corridors and landscape conservation units were identified.

South Asia holds the core of the global Fishing Cat population with two very important regions - Ganges Brahmaputra Basin and Indus Basin - sharing transboundary areas with highly suitable habitat and many priority conservation units. The former is strategic to maintaining connectivity between South and South-east Asian Fishing Cat populations while isolation effects in the latter need investigation. Coastal wetlands of South-east Asia, though severely impacted, are crucial for the felid’s persistence.

More than 90% of Fishing Cat’s potential range lies outside the protected area network. Here, the felid can be adopted as a flagship species to conserve rapidly degrading low- elevation wetlands within a socio-ecological framework by involving multiple stakeholders.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of the false clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris
Authors: Ryu Taewoo , Herrera Marcela , Moore Billy , Izumiyama Michael , Kawai Erina , Laudet Vincent , Ravasi Timothy
Published: January 2022

Background

The false clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris is a popular fish species and an emerging model organism for studying the ecology, evolution, adaptation, and developmental biology of reef fishes. Despite this, high-quality genomic resources for this species are scarce, hindering advanced genomic analyses. Leveraging the power of PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C chromosome conformation capture techniques, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly for the clownfish A. ocellaris.

Results

The initial genome assembly comprised of 1,551 contigs of 861.42 Mb, with an N50 of 863.85 kb. Hi-C scaffolding of the genome resulted in 24 chromosomes containing 856.61 Mb. The genome was annotated with 26,797 protein-coding genes and had 96.62 % completeness of conserved actinopterygian genes, making this genome the most complete and high quality among published anemonefish genomes. Transcriptomic analysis identified tissue-specific gene expression patterns, with the brain and optic lobe having the largest number of expressed genes. Further, comparative genomic analysis revealed 91 genome elements conserved only in A. ocellaris and its sister species Amphiprion percula, and not in other anemonefish species. These elements are close to genes that are involved in various nervous system functions and exhibited distinct expression patterns in brain tissue, potentially highlighting the genetic toolkits involved in lineage-specific divergence and behaviors of the clownfish branch.

Conclusions

Overall, our study provides the highest quality A. ocellaris genome assembly and annotation to date, whilst also providing a valuable resource for understanding the ecology and evolution of reef fishes.
Exocyst stimulates each step of exocytic SNARE complex assembly and vesicle fusion
Authors: Lee Chanwoo , Lepore Dante , Munson Mary , Yoon Tae-Young
Published: January 2022

The exocyst is a large multisubunit tethering complex essential for targeting and fusion of secretory vesicles in eukaryotic cells. Although the assembled exocyst complex is proposed to tether vesicles to the plasma membrane and activate the SNARE proteins for membrane fusion, only little is known about the key biochemical steps that exocyst stimulates in the course of SNARE complex assembly, a critical question defining the essential molecular role of the exocyst complex. Here, we use a combination of single molecule and bulk fluorescence assays with purified octameric yeast exocyst complexes to examine the role of exocyst in a reconstituted SNARE assembly and fusion system. We show that the exocyst complex simulates multiple steps spanning from SNARE protein activation to ternary complex assembly, rather than affecting only a specific subset of steps. We also observed that the exocyst has important downstream roles in driving membrane fusion, up to full content mixing of vesicle lumens. Our results suggest that the exocyst complex provides extensive chaperoning functions for the entire process of SNARE complex assembly, presumably using its multi-faceted structure provided by the eight subunits.
Genome sequence data reveal at least two distinct incursions of the tropical race 4 (TR4) variant ofFusariumwilt into South America
Authors: Reyes-Herrera Paula H. , Torres-Bedoya Eliana , Lopez-Alvarez Diana , Burbano-David Diana , Carmona Sandra L. , Bebber Daniel P. , Studholme David J. , Betancourt Monica , Soto-Suarez Mauricio
Published: January 2022

The global banana industry is threatened by one of the most devastating diseases: Fusarium wilt (FWB). FWB is caused by the soil-borne fungusFusarium oxysporumf. sp.cubense(Foc), which almost annihilated the banana production in the late 1950s. A new strain ofFoc, known as tropical race 4 (TR4), attacks a wide range of banana varieties including Cavendish clones which are the source of 99% of banana exports. In 2019,FocTR4 was reported in Colombia, and more recently (2021) in Peru. In this study, we sequenced three fungal isolates identified asFocTR4 from La Guajira (Colombia) and compared them against 19 whole-genome sequences ofFocTR4 publicly available, including four genome sequences recently released from Peru. To understand the genetic relatedness of the ColombianFocTR4 isolates and those from Peru, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on a genome-wide set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Additionally, we compared the genomes of the 22 availableFocTR4 isolates looking for the presence-absence of gene polymorphisms and genomic regions. Our results reveal that (i) the Colombian and Peruvian isolates are genetically distant, which could be better explained by independent incursions of the pathogen to the continent, and (ii) there is a high correspondence between the genetic relatedness and geographic origin ofFocTR4. The profile of present/absent genes and the distribution of missing genomic regions showed a high correspondence to the clades recovered in the phylogenetic analysis, supporting the results obtained by SNP-based phylogeny.
Fully automated measurement system for temperature-dependent X-ray total scattering at beamline BL04B2 at SPring-8
Authors: Yamada Hiroki , Nakada Kengo , Takemoto Michitaka , Ohara Koji
Published: January 2022

Data-driven approaches in materials science demand the collection of large amounts of data on the target materials at synchrotron beamlines. To accurately gather suitable experimental data, it is essential to establish fully automated measurement systems to reduce the workload of the beamline staff. Moreover, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the necessity of automated and/or remote measurements at synchrotron beamlines. Here, the installation of a new sample changer combined with a high-temperature furnace and a fully automated alignment system on beamline BL04B2 at SPring-8 is reported. The system allows X-ray total scattering measurements of up to 21 samples at different temperatures (from room temperature to 1200°C) to be conducted without any human assistance.
Polytypism in mcalpineite: a study of natural and synthetic Cu3TeO6
Authors: Missen Owen P. , Mills Stuart J. , Canossa Stefano , Hadermann Joke , Nénert Gwilherm , Weil Matthias , Libowitzky Eugen , Housley Robert M. , Artner Werner , Kampf Anthony R. , Rumsey Michael S. , Spratt John , Momma Koichi , Dunstan Maja A.
Published: January 2022

Synthetic and naturally occurring forms of tricopper orthotellurate, CuII
3TeVIO6 (the mineral mcalpineite) have been investigated by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements. As a result of the diffraction analyses, CuII
3TeVIO6 is shown to occur in two polytypes. The higher-symmetric CuII
3TeVIO6-1C polytype is cubic, space group Ia
3, with a = 9.537 (1) Å and V = 867.4 (3) Å3 as reported in previous studies. The 1C polytype is a well characterized structure consisting of alternating layers of CuIIO6 octahedra and both CuIIO6 and TeVIO6 octahedra in a patchwork arrangement. The structure of the lower-symmetric orthorhombic CuII
3TeVIO6-2O polytype was determined for the first time in this study by 3D ED and verified by Rietveld refinement. The 2O polytype crystallizes in space group Pcca, with a = 9.745 (3) Å, b = 9.749 (2) Å, c = 9.771 (2) Å and V = 928.3 (4) Å3. High-precision XRPD data were also collected on CuII
3TeVIO6-2O to verify the lower-symmetric structure by performing a Rietveld refinement. The resultant structure is identical to that determined by 3D ED, with unit-cell parameters a = 9.56157 (19) Å, b = 9.55853 (11) Å, c = 9.62891 (15) Å and V = 880.03 (2) Å3. The lower symmetry of the 2O polytype is a consequence of a different cation ordering arrangement, which involves the movement of every second CuIIO6 and TeVIO6 octahedral layer by (1/4, 1/4, 0), leading to an offset of TeVIO6 and CuIIO6 octahedra in every second layer giving an ABAB* stacking arrangement. Syntheses of CuII
3TeVIO6 showed that low-temperature (473 K) hydrothermal conditions generally produce the 2O polytype. XRPD measurements in combination with Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that most natural mcalpineite is the orthorhombic 2O polytype. Both XRPD and Raman spectroscopy measurements may be used to differentiate between the two polytypes of CuII
3TeVIO6. In Raman spectroscopy, CuII
3TeVIO6-1C has a single strong band around 730 cm−1, whereas CuII
3TeVIO6-2O shows a broad double maximum with bands centred around 692 and 742 cm−1.
Trioxazolo[23]metacyclophane: synthesis, structural analysis, and optical properties
Authors: Yu Hao , Gray Danielle L. , Woods Toby J. , Moore Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2022

The synthesis and characterization of the conjugated macrocycle trioxazolo[23]metacyclophane, C27H15N3O3 (M), is reported. The macrocycle was synthesized in three steps by the multicomponent van Leusen reaction and consists of meta-linked phenylenes connected through positions 4 and 5 of an oxazole heterocyclic ring. The molecular structure was investigated by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that M possesses a twisted saddle-like shape and interacts with nearby molecules by various π–π interactions. Absorption and emission spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were further used to study the electronic properties of M.
Unconscious or conscious? The impacts of habit and social support receipt on older adults' continued participation in online health communities
Authors: Ma Dan , Zuo Meiyun
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Online health communities (OHCs) can be complementary to healthcare systems to improve the health behaviors of older adults with chronic diseases. This study aims to examine the impacts of habit and social support receipt on older adults' continued participation in OHCs. Particularly, the authors discussed the influences of social support received in two ways: social support received by initiating threads (direct social support receipt) and social support received by being exposed to the threads initiated by others (indirect social support receipt).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the dual-process model (i.e. conscious process and unconscious process), the authors developed the research model. Data from one of the biggest online diabetes communities in Europe were collected. Besides, we used the support vector machine algorithm for social support classification and used the Cox proportion hazards model for model validation.

Findings

Older adults' continued participation is influenced by habit and indirect informational support. Habit moderates the relationship between direct informational support receipt and older adults' continued participation. Furthermore, direct and indirect emotional support receipt are both not associated with older adults' continued participation, regardless of their habit strength.

Originality/value

This is the first study investigating older adults' continued participation in OHCs based on the dual-process model. The findings of this study reveal that older adults' continued participation is determined by both the habit and specific conscious evaluation of benefits based on the social support receipt.
Maximizing minimums: space-utilization in the small homes in the Mumbai metropolitan region
Authors: Chakraborty Shreyonti , Staub Alexandra , Bollo Christina
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Many people living in and around Mumbai face space scarcity within homes, an issue exacerbated for families with members having differing and conflicting spatial requirements. By investigating how families live in existing residential environments, planners and designers can enable families to cope better with space scarcity.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is used to examine four small home settings in and around Mumbai, followed by a thematic analysis of the data collected.

Findings

This study contributes a framework for studying small homes in and around Mumbai wherein they are characterized by five categories of information: internal zoning pattern, expansion pattern, spatial specialization and stratification pattern, outdoor space appropriation pattern and household adjustment pattern. Analysis through this framework gives insight into how small home settings are used by residents.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study offering in-depth comparative analysis of small home typologies in India.
Effect of tasting and flavour on chocolate-evoked emotions by consumers
Authors: De Pelsmaeker Sara , Gellynck Xavier , Dewettinck Koen , Schouteten Joachim J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

There is a growing interest in measuring emotions evoked by food products to gain additional insights in how consumers perceive and choose food products. The aim of this study was to investigate if consumers' emotions are influenced by flavour, gender, consumption habits, actual tasting or consumer attitude towards a product. Chocolate was chosen as the product under study as its consumption is associated with evoking several emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

During a between-subjects experiment at a local food fair, consumers (n = 910) evaluated either the name “chocolate”, plain dark chocolate or raspberry flavoured dark chocolate. Participants rated the intensity of 24 emotions and answered the 24 statements of the Attitude to Chocolate Questionnaire.

Findings

The results showed that sensory characteristics have a significant influence on the emotional profiles whereas no difference was found between tasting and not tasting. Gender and prior liking had little to no influence. Finally, the results suggested that consumption frequency and attitudes towards chocolate did have an influence on the emotional profiles.

Practical implications

The results show that producers should try to evoke positive emotions which could be emphasised through marketing. Gender differences for emotional profiling advocate that future research should not only analyse global results but also separately analyse by gender. Moreover, usage frequency and attitudes towards chocolate had an impact on the emotions meaning that future research should consider those when setting up research.

Originality/value

This study further contributes to the growing literature on emotions. It examines the added value of actual tasting chocolate while prior research focuses either just names or just sensory evaluation. Also, this paper further explores to which extent flavour, gender, consumption habits and attitude impact the emotional associations of chocolate.
Urban vibrancy, human capital and firm valuation in China
Authors: Jiang Danling , Shuying Liu , Li Feiyu , Zhu Hongquan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper intends to study how geographic heterogeneity in urban vibrancy, especially in human capital creation, helps explain persist firm valuation dispersion across cities in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies geographic differences in firm valuations of 1,023 listed companies headquartered in 35 major cities in China from 2001 to 2018. The authors estimate panel regressions of local firm Tobin's q on city fixed effects or city endowed attributes in human capital creation after controlling industry-year fixed effects as well as a set of firm and city time variant attributes.

Findings

The results show persistent, significant city-to-city differences in Tobin's q, especially among large, mature or high labor-intensive firms. To explain such geographic differences in firm valuations, the authors identify several factors of the endowed city competitive advantages in creating human capital that play important roles in explaining the persistent geographic firm valuation premia.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first systematic analysis of urban vibrancy in human capital supply in explaining persistent geographic firm valuation dispersion in China. The evidence suggests that city endowed comparative advantages in supplying human capital have created long-lasting, and growing, shareholder wealth by attracting and retaining talents and human resources in local firms.
What leads to the high capital cost of prefabricated construction in China: perspectives of stakeholders
Authors: Liu Yu , Chang Rui-Dong , Zuo Jian , Xiong Feng , Dong Na
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Prefabricated construction (PC) will play a vital role in the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry in the future. However, high capital cost is currently one of the biggest obstacles to the application and promotion of PC in China. Clarifying the factors that affect the PC cost from the perspectives of stakeholders and exploring key cost control paths help to achieve effective cost management, but few studies have paid enough attention to this. Therefore, this research aims to explore the critical cost influencing factors (CIFs) and critical stakeholders of PC based on stakeholder theories and propose corresponding strategies for different stakeholders to reduce the cost of PC.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the stakeholder theory and social network theory, literature review and two rounds of expert interviews were used to obtain the stakeholder-associated CIFs and their mutual effects, then the consistency of the data was tested. After that, social network analysis was applied to identify the critical CIFs, critical interaction and key stakeholders in PC cost control and mine the influence conduction paths between CIFs.

Findings

The results reveal that the cognition and attitude of developer and relevant standards and codes are the most critical CIFs while the government, developer and contractor are crucial to the cost control of PC. The findings further suggest that measures should be taken to reduce the transaction costs of the developer, and the contractor ought to efficiently apply information technology. Moreover, the collaborative work between designer and manufacturer can avoid unnecessary cost consumption.

Originality/value

This research combines stakeholder management and cost management in PC for the first time and explores the effective cost control paths. The research results can contribute to clarifying the key points of cost management for different stakeholders and improving the cost performance of PC projects.
Legislative provisions forwaṣiyyah wājibahin Malaysia and Indonesia: to what extent do they differ in practice?
Authors: Alma'amun Suhaili , Kamarudin Mohd Khairy , Wan Mohd Nasir Wan Nadiah , Nor Muhamad Nasrul Hisyam , Ahmad Riayati
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This research aims to examine and compare differences inwaṣiyyah wājibah(obligatory bequest) (WW) practices in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory qualitative research, employing a thematic analysis approach. Six Muslim Wills (State) Enactments [Enakmen Wasiat Orang Islam (Negeri)] in Malaysia, Islamic Law Compilation (Kompilasi Hukum Islam) in Indonesia, two fatwas (ruling in religious matters) and one court case from each country are analysed. Data is collected from official government websites and other reliable search engines.

Findings

First, the findings show that the WW practice in both countries is similar regarding the quantum of the beneficiaries' entitlement. However, the practice varies between both countries in terms of the types of beneficiaries and how the bequest is distributed. Second, this study shows the potential of WW as an estate planning instrument to complement the existing instruments in each country, especially when addressing family members who are not entitled to succeed byfarāʾiḍ(Islamic inheritance law).

Practical implications

The provision of relevant laws and regulations regarding WW needs to be formulated to guarantee the well-being of dependants. The differences in practice between the two countries can be a guideline to expand the WW scope and context to other Muslim countries.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to compare WW between two Muslim-majority countries focusing on relevant laws, court cases and regulations.
Fragmentation and performance dialogues in public management
Authors: Rajala Tomi , Laihonen Harri
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Lack of knowledge and performance information sharing between actors is one manifestation of fragmentation in public performance management. This study aims to understand what managerial means are used for connecting performance dialogues and how these means affect fragmentation in performance management.

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional research design, the authors reviewed documents, interviewed public managers, observed workshops and held thematic discussions with public managers in one Finnish municipality. To analyze the empirical data, the authors used thematic analysis and both inductive and deductive research approaches.

Findings

The analysis revealed nine managerial means that public managers use for connecting performance dialogues to decrease fragmentation. These were (1) defining the division of labor between different dialogues, (2) assigning resources for performance dialogues, (3) generating convincing narratives for promoting collaboration, (4) providing the same performance information to collaborators, (5) building joint information systems, (6) establishing integrative performance dialogue hubs, (7) naming the gatekeepers, (8) offering training for dialogues and (9) synchronizing performance dialogues. Based on our findings, most of these means can preserve, increase or decrease fragmentation depending on their design.

Originality/value

The results of the study are valuable because the performance management literature has not investigated what managerial means are used to connect performance dialogues and how these means can preserve, increase or decrease fragmentation.
Supply chain sustainability risk assessment model using integration of the preference selection index (PSI) and the Shannon entropy
Authors: Sutrisno Agung , Kumar Vikas
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study proposes a new model for assessing supply chain sustainability risk integrating subjectivity and objectivity of decision-maker. Research has shown the vacancy of study in dealing with the above issue. To fill this research gap, a new decision support model considering the subjectivity and objectivity of decision-makers in assigning the weight of the supply chain risk reprioritization criteria is presented and demonstrated using a case example.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a new decision support model for assessing supply chain sustainability risk based on additional failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) parameters and its integration with preference selection index (PSI) methodology and the Shannon entropy. A case example of the supply chain small and medium enterprise (SME) producing handy crafts has been used in this study.

Findings

The result of the study reveals critical sustainability risk dimensions and their risk elements demanding management attention to support realization to a more sustainable business operation.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a single case study is often associated as a limitation in the research studies, and this study is based on findings from SMEs in the handy craft sector in a developing country. Nonetheless, future studies may focus on replicating this study using more samples. This preliminary study provides academics and practitioners with an exemplar of supply chain sustainability risk assessment from the SME in a developing country.

Practical implications

The result of this study is beneficial for practitioners, particularly owner-managers of SMEs who can use this study as guidance on how to identify and select the critical sustainability risks and plan mitigating strategies accordingly.

Originality/value

Scientific effort on appraising criticality of supply chain sustainability risks considering subjectivity and objectivity of decision-maker simultaneously is missing in earlier studies. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper applying the PSI and Shannon entropy method and using it for evaluating the impact of supply chain risk based on five sustainability pillars. The findings and suggestions for future research initiatives will provide new insights for scholars and practitioners in managing SME supply chain sustainability risks.
An analysis of the effect of fall armyworm on the food security status of maize-producing households in Ghana
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Aguah Daniel Anthony , Kyire Samuel Kwabena Chaa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to examine fall armyworm's (FAW) effect on Ghana's farming households' income and food security status.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 225 farmers, including FAW-infested households and non-FAW-infested households, were interviewed. Gross margin (GM) analysis was used to estimate farmers' farm revenues, and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scores (HFIAS) was employed to measure the food security status of the households. The seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) was adopted to investigate the effect of FAW infestation on gross income and food security.

Findings

From the study, FAW attack is predominant during the vegetative stage of the maize plant. The empirical results revealed that FAW-infested farms incur loss, whereas non-FAW-infested farmers gained profit. Also, FAW-infested households were mildly food insecure, while non-FAW-infested households were food secured. The results of SUR analysis reveal that FAW infestation decreased farmers' income from maize production and rendered them food insecure.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that it largely depended on a survey; however, future studies can combine both survey and experimental data from the farmers' fields during minor and major growing seasons of maize.

Originality/value

Given the negative consequences of FAW, studies have been conducted across Africa and globally. However, most of these studies concentrated on using geographic information system (GIS) and descriptive statistics without necessarily quantifying the effect of FAW on food security and the profit margins of farming households. Therefore, this study adds to the little literature on the effect of FAW on food security and GM from maize production, which has received less attention in Ghana to the authors' best knowledge.
The impact of gamification on teaching and learning Physical Internet: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wang Chao , He Jianbo , Jin Zhaodong , Pan Shenle , Lafkihi Mariam , Kong Xiangtianrui
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Today's logistics industry is facing severe challenges since global transportation demand increases substantially. Carriers are urged to reduce empty loads and CO2 emissions through collaboration. Therefore, the concept of Physical Internet (PI) came into being. However, PI is still in its infancy. It is difficult to understand its sophisticated coordination mechanism, which makes learning of the concept more complicated.

Design/methodology/approach

Gamification is an effective approach to help students improve their learning curve. At the same time, the psychological and behavioral changes in learning will also pose an impact on learning efficiency. This paper introduces a PI transportation game and designs a set of gamification teaching experiments. In the experiment, a control group and three experimental groups are set up, and the experiment was designed to respond to a plethora of research questions using the methods of T-test, correlation analysis and regression analysis. Experimental results were analyzed through the method of multivariate statistics.

Findings

This paper looks for superior pedagogical methods and procedures for students to learn PI while providing suggestions for PI's learning among undergraduates. The authors found (1) gamification teaching will make participants feel more satisfied and master more knowledge points; (2) the scores of logistics testing have been significantly improved after gamification teaching and (3) flow experience has a significant impact on game revenue.

Originality/value

This is the first study about the impact of gamification on teaching and learning PI. The authors apply the methods of T-test, correlation analysis and regression analysis to analyze the collected data. The paper proves that gamification can help students learn PI and that flow experience can improve the efficiency of students learning PI.
My LMX standing with my leader as compared to my coworkers: conditional indirect effect of LMX social comparison
Authors: Afshan Gul , Serrano-Archimi Carolina , Akram Zubair
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper examines the effect of relative leader-member exchange (LMX) on follower's in-role performance, citizenship behaviour and cynicism via relational identification. Moreover, LMXSC (LMXSC) moderates the direct and mediating relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on multi-level (individual and group level) model, dyadic data were collected from 298 employees working under 47 group managers in the banking sector in Pakistan.

Findings

The multi-level moderated mediation model tested in Mplus and HLM software showed the full support for direct, mediating and moderating hypothesized relationships; however, the moderated mediation hypothesis was partially supported. It reveals that relative LMX standing of followers predicted in-role performance, organizational citizenship behaviour at an individual level (OCB-individual) and cynicism. Relational identification with the leader mediated the relationship. Moreover, at high LMXSC, the relationship between relative LMX and relational identification and consequently the outcomes were stronger.

Originality/value

LMX has widely been studied at dyadic level, despite the suggested high and low LMX quality relationships that exist in a workgroup. This study not only investigates the role of relative LMX on employee performance through relational identification but also reports that subjective evaluation of LMXSC plays a major role in promoting employee performance.
Stakeholder engagement in inclusive employability management for employees whose health at work is impaired: empirical evidence from a French public organisation
Authors: Guillaume Myriam , Loufrani-Fedida Sabrina
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper identifies the stakeholders engaged in inclusive employability management for employees whose health at work is impaired and examines how different mechanisms can be used to engage these stakeholders. The paper aims to explore the link between stakeholder engagement and inclusive employability management.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study uses a qualitative approach to mobilise a case study in a French public organisation. Data collection combines four sources: 50 individual interviews, informal dialogues, 39 days of observations and 43 documents.

Findings

The findings provide insights into the management of inclusive employability for vulnerable employees and reveal the multiplicity of stakeholders involved. Institutional, organisational and individual mechanisms are used to engage stakeholders in employability management for vulnerable employees. Furthermore, the implementation of inclusive structural and operational mechanisms promotes a policy that favours employability management. However, stakeholders are also faced with institutional, organisational and individual difficulties that limit their engagement.

Practical implications

The findings have the potential to inform organisational stakeholders – human resources management (HRM) and managerial stakeholders in particular – of the support needed for employability management. The findings emphasise the value of ensuring that employability management policies and practices promote the full integration of vulnerable employees.

Originality/value

The research fills an important gap in the HRM literature on managing employability for vulnerable employees. In doing so, the study makes a specific contribution to the literature on organisational inclusion with employability management. Our research contributes to extant knowledge of stakeholder engagement by including a bottom-up dimension to facilitate stakeholder engagement.
‘Doing’ dating: A cross‐sectional survey of young adults (18–35 years) in Australia and Hong Kong
Authors: Ip Isaac Man Hei , Honey Anne , McGrath Margaret
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Dating is an occupation through which people form intimate relationships with others. Despite the importance of intimate relationships for wellbeing, there is limited information available in occupational therapy literature about the activities involved in dating and little guidance for practitioners who wish to support clients from diverse backgrounds who experience difficulties with dating. To address this gap, this study sought to explore dating among young adults (18–35 years) and compare dating activities between two contexts: Australia and Hong Kong.

Methods

Data were collected using an e‐survey designed for this study and refined using cognitive interviewing (n = 12). It included questions about dating initiation and activities. Study design and reporting was guided by the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and between group comparisons. Reponses to open ended questions were subjected to interpretative content analysis and quantified.

Results

In total, 2208 young adults aged 18–35 who had at least one dating experience and resided in either Australia or Hong Kong completed the survey. Participants met their dates most commonly through school, friends, dating apps, and work. The most frequent ways to ask a person on a date were by suggesting ‘hanging out’ or going out for food, drink or to the movies. Most participants reported that organising a date required extended negotiation between the parties. Differences were found between participants from Hong Kong and Australia.

Conclusions

This is the first study of contemporary dating from an occupational perspective and provides an understanding of dating activities in two different cultural contexts.