bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISOTOPE: ISOform-guided prediction of epiTOPEs in cancer
Authors: Trincado Juan L. , Reixachs-Sole Marina , Pérez-Granado Judith , Fugmann Tim , Sanz Ferran , Yokota Jun , Eyras Eduardo
Published: June 2020

Immunotherapies provide effective treatments for previously untreatable tumors and identifying tumor-specific epitopes can help elucidate the molecular determinants of therapy response. Here, we describe a pipeline, ISOTOPE (ISOform-guided prediction of epiTOPEs In Cancer), for the comprehensive identification of tumor-specific splicing-derived epitopes. Using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry for MHC-I associated proteins, ISOTOPE identified neoepitopes from tumor-specific splicing events that are potentially presented by MHC-I complexes. Analysis of multiple samples indicates that splicing alterations may affect the production of self-epitopes and generate more candidate neoepitopes than somatic mutations. Although there was no difference in the number of splicing-derived neoepitopes between responders and non-responders to immune therapy, higher MHC-I binding affinity was associated with a positive response. Our analyses highlight the diversity of the immunogenic impacts of tumor-specific splicing alterations and the importance of studying splicing alterations to fully characterize tumors in the context of immunotherapies. ISOTOPE is available at https://github.com/comprna/ISOTOPE

Author summary

Immune cells have the ability to attack tumor cells upon the identification of tumor-specific peptides, i.e., epitopes, that are presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). New cancer immunotherapies that help trigger this process provide a promising therapeutic strategy. One crucial aspect for their success is the ability to determine the molecular properties of a tumor that are informative about the effectiveness of the therapy. Alterations in the way genes are processed to express RNA molecules could lead to the production of new peptides, with some of them potentially being presented as tumor epitopes and facilitate the attack of immune cells. It is therefore essential to facilitate the identification of these splicing-derived epitopes. In this work, we describe a computational pipeline that performs a comprehensive identification of splicing alterations in a tumor and the potential epitopes that they would produce. Analysis of tumor samples with our pipeline show that responders and non-responders to immune therapy do not show differences in the number of splicing-derived epitopes, but splicing neoepitopes have higher affinity to the MHC complex in responders. Our new pipeline facilitates the genome-scale analysis of the role of splicing alterations in shaping the molecular properties that influence response to immunotherapy.
A multi-enhancerRETregulatory code is disrupted in Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Chatterjee Sumantra , Karasaki Kameko M , Fries Lauren E , Kapoor Ashish , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: June 2020

The major genetic risk factors for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) are three common polymorphisms withincisregulatory elements (CREs) of theRETreceptor tyrosine kinase gene that reduce its gene expression during enteric nervous system (ENS) development. These variants have synergistic effects onRETgene expression and additionally dysregulate other ENS and HSCR genes in theRET-EDNRBgene regulatory network (GRN). Here, we use siRNA, ChIP and CRISPR/Cas9 deletion analyses in the SK-N-SH cell line to ask, how many HSCR-associated risk variants reside in CREs and affectRETgene expression? We demonstrate that 31 HSCR-associated variants reside in candidateRETCREs, ten with differential allele-specificin vitroenhancer activity and seven affectingRETgene expression; of these, five bind the transcription factors PAX3, RARB, GATA2 and SOX10. These and our prior results demonstrate that common sequence variants in at least 10RETenhancers affect HSCR risk, extending the knownRET-EDNRBGRN to reveal an extensive regulatory code modulating disease risk even at a single gene.
A sweep of earth’s virome reveals host-guided viral protein structural mimicry; with implications for human disease
Authors: Lasso Gorka , Honig Barry , Shapira Sagi D.
Published: June 2020

Viruses deploy an array of genetically encoded strategies to coopt host machinery and support viral replicative cycles. Molecular mimicry, manifested by structural similarity between viral and endogenous host proteins, allow viruses to harness or disrupt cellular functions including nucleic acid metabolism and modulation of immune responses. Here, we use protein structure similarity to scan for virally encoded structure mimics across thousands of catalogued viruses and hosts spanning broad ecological niches and taxonomic range, including bacteria, plants and fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates. Our survey identified over 6,000,000 instances of structural mimicry, the vast majority of which (>70%) cannot be discerned through protein sequence. The results point to molecular mimicry as a pervasive strategy employed by viruses and indicate that the protein structure space used by a given virus is dictated by the host proteome. Interrogation of proteins mimicked by human-infecting viruses points to broad diversification of cellular pathways targeted via structural mimicry, identifies biological processes that may underly autoimmune disorders, and reveals virally encoded mimics that may be leveraged to engineer synthetic metabolic circuits or may serve as targets for therapeutics. Moreover, the manner and degree to which viruses exploit molecular mimicry varies by genome size and nucleic acid type, with ssRNA viruses circumventing limitations of their small genomes by mimicking human proteins to a greater extent than their large dsDNA counterparts. Finally, we identified over 140 cellular proteins that are mimicked by CoV, providing clues about cellular processes driving the pathogenesis of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Identification and Mechanistic Characterization of a Peptide Inhibitor of Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK3β) Derived from the Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) Protein
Authors: Saundh Stephanie , Patnaik Debasis , Gagné Steve , Bishop Josh , Lipsit Sean , Amat Samat , Pujari Narsimha , Nambisan Anand Krishnan , Bigsby Robert , Murphy Mary , Tsai Li-Huei , Haggarty Stephen , Leung Adelaine Kwun-Wai
Published: June 2020

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3-beta (GSK3β) is a critical regulator of several cellular pathways involved in neuroplasticity and is a potential target for neurotherapeutic development in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The majority of efforts to develop inhibitors of GSK3β have been focused on developing small molecule inhibitors that compete with ATP through direct interaction with the ATP binding site. This strategy has presented selectivity challenges due to the evolutionary conservation of this domain within the kinome. The Disrupted in Schizophrenia (DISC1) protein, has previously been shown to bind and inhibit GSK3β activity. Here, we report the characterization of a 44-mer peptide derived from human DISC1 (hDISCtide) that is sufficient to both bind and inhibit GSK3β in a non-competitive mode that is distinct from classical ATP competitive inhibitors. Based on multiple independent biochemical and biophysical assays, we propose that hDISCtide interacts at two distinct regions of GSK3β: an inhibitory region that partially overlaps with the binding site of FRATide, a well-known GSK3β binding peptide, and a specific binding region that is unique to hDISCtide. Taken together, our findings present a novel avenue for developing a peptide-based selective inhibitor of GSK3β.
Monogamy in a moment: how do brief social interactions change over time in pair-bonded zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)?
Authors: Prior Nora H. , Smith Edward , Dooling Robert J. , Ball Gregory F.
Published: June 2020

Research on monogamy has largely focused on marked behaviors that are unique to pair bonded partners. However, these marked behaviors represent only a subset of the pair-directed behaviors that partners engage in; the influence of pair bonding on mundane or subtle social interactions among partners remains largely unknown. In the current study, we describe the changes that occur during brief social reunions (or greets) over the course of pair bonding in zebra finches. We quantified pair-directed behavior during five-minute reunions from three stages of pair bonding: initial pairing (between 4-72 hrs), early pairing (1-2 weeks) and late pairing (>1 month). These social interactions were operationalized in multiples ways. First, we quantified the overall activity levels (call and movement rates) for both the male and female. Overall, females were more active than males, but for both males and females calling activity was highest during the initial timepoint (between 4-72 hrs post-pairing). We quantified behavioral coordination between partners in two ways, 1) similarity in call and movement rates between partners, and 2) temporal synchrony between calls and movements (via sliding correlation coefficients of time-stamped calls and movements). Overall there were no effects of pairing on behavioral coordination. Finally, we used principal component analyses to disentangle behavioral coordination from the activity levels of the male and female. These results contribute to a growing line of evidence that male and female zebra finches differentially contribute to social dynamics and highlight the influence of pair bonding on the development of social dynamics. Behavioral coordination is clearly important for marked interactions (e.g. duetting, courtship displays and biparental care). Our results raise the question of what the roles of such mundane social interactions are in monogamous partnerships.
Host cell factors important for BHV-1 cell entry revealed by genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen
Authors: Tan Wenfang Spring , Rong Enguang , Dry Inga , Lillico Simon , Law Andy , Whitelaw Bruce , Dalziel Robert G.
Published: June 2020

In order to identify host factors that impact Bovine Herpes Virus Type 1 (BHV-1) infection we previously applied a genome wide CRISPR knockout screen with a library covering all bovine protein coding genes. We compiled a list of both pro-viral and anti-viral proteins involved in BHV-1 replication; here we provide further analysis of those that are potentially involved in viral entry into the host cell. These entry related factors include the cell surface proteins PVR and PVRL2, a group of enzymes directly or indirectly associated with the biosynthesis of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPG), and proteins that reside in the Golgi apparatus engaging in intra-Golgi trafficking. For the first time, we provide evidence that PVRL2 serves a receptor for BHV-1, mediating more efficient entry than the previously identified PVR. By knocking out two enzymes that catalyze HSPG chain elongation, HST2ST1 and GLCE, we demonstrated the significance of HSPG in BHV-1 entry. Another intriguing cluster of genes, COG1, COG2 and COG4-7 encodes for six subunits of the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex. MDBK cells lacking COG6 were less infectable by BHV-1 but release newly produced virions more efficiently as evidenced by fewer but bigger plaques compared to control cells, suggesting impaired HSPG biosynthesis. To facilitate candidate validation, we devised a one-step multiplex CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system named CRISPR3i that enables quick and simultaneous deployment of three CRISPRs for efficient gene inactivation. Using CRISPR3i, we verified an additional 23 candidates, with many implicated in cellular entry.
Analyzing changes in respiratory rate to predict the risk of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Miller Dean J. , Capodilupo John V. , Lastella Michele , Sargent Charli , Roach Gregory D. , Lee Victoria H. , Capodilupo Emily R.
Published: June 2020

COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can cause shortness of breath, lung damage, and impaired respiratory function. Containing the virus has proven difficult, in large part due to its high transmissibility during the pre-symptomatic incubation. The study’s aim was to determine if changes in respiratory rate could serve as a leading indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infections. A total of 271 individuals (age = 37.3 ± 9.5, 190 male, 81 female) who experienced symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were included – 81 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 190 tested negative; these 271 individuals collectively contributed 2672 samples (days) of data (1856 healthy days, 231 while infected with COVID-19 and 585 while infected with something other than COVID-19). To train a novel algorithm, individuals were segmented as follows; (1) a training dataset of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 (n=57 people, 537 samples); (2) a validation dataset of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 (n=24 people, 320 samples) ; (3) a validation dataset of individuals who tested negative for COVID-19 (n=190 people, 1815 samples). All data was extracted from the WHOOP system, which uses data from a wrist-worn strap to produce validated estimates of respiratory rate and other physiological measures. Using the training dataset, a model was developed to estimate the probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on changes in respiratory rate during night-time sleep. The model’s ability to identify COVID-positive individuals not used in training and robustness against COVID-negative individuals with similar symptoms were examined for a critical six-day period spanning the onset of symptoms. The model identified 20% of COVID-19 positive individuals in the validation dataset in the two days prior to symptom onset, and 80% of COVID-19 positive cases by the third day of symptoms.
Performance characterization of PCR-free whole genome sequencing for clinical diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Ningzhi , Zhou Meizhen , Zeng Fanwei , Wang Xiaodan , Liu Fengxia , Qiao Zhihong , Fan Chunna , Wang Yaoshen , Fang Zhonghai , Dai Wentao , Xiang Jiale , Sun Jun , Peng Zhiyu , Song Lijie , Sun Yan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of PCR-free whole genome sequencing (WGS) for clinical diagnosis, and thereby revealing how experimental parameters affect variant detection.

Methods

All the 5 NA12878 samples were sequenced using MGISEQ-2000. NA12878 samples underwent WGS with differing DNA input and library preparation protocol (PCR-based versus PCR-free protocols for library preparation). The DP (depth of coverage) and GQ (genotype quality) of each sample were compared. We developed a systematic WGS pipeline for the analysis of down-sampling samples of the 5 NA12878 samples. The performance of each sample was measured for sensitivity, coverage of depth and breadth of coverage of disease-related genes and CNVs.

Results

In general, NA12878-2 (PCR-free WGS) showed better DP and GQ distribution than NA12878-1 (PCR-based WGS). With a mean depth of ~40X, the sensitivity of homozyous and heterozygous SNPs of NA12878-2 showed higher sensitivity (>99.77% and > 99.82%) than NA12878-1, and positive predictive value (PPV) exceeded 99.98% and 99.07%. The sensitivity and PPV of homozygous and heterozygous indels for NA12878-2 (PCR-free WGS) showed great improvement than NA128878-1. The breadths of coverage for disease-related genes and CNVs are slightly better for samples with PCR-free library preparation protocol than the sample with PCR-based library preparation protocol. DNA input also influences the performance of variant detection in samples with PCR-free WGS.

Conclusion

Different experimental parameters may affect variant detection for clinical WGS. Clinical scientists should know the range of sensitivity of variants for different methods of WGS, which would be useful when interpreting and delivering clinical reports.
The Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Natural Compounds that Bind with the Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Rowaiye Adekunle Babajide , Oni Solomon , Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke , Akpa Alex , Esimone Charles Okechukwu
Published: June 2020

Aim

This study is aimed at prospecting for natural compounds that have strong binding affinity for the Activating Receptors of Natural Killer (NK) cells.

Background

NK cells are responsible for the immunosurveillance of tumor and virally- infected cells. The cytotoxic potentials of this unique population of immune cells are triggered by the activating receptors. Through ligand-binding, these receptors induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of adapter proteins through their Immunoreceptor Tyrosine–based Activation Motif ITAM sequences and this triggers direct cytotoxicity and the production of cytokines through different signal pathways.

Objective

To computationally predict the selectivity, specificity, and efficacy of natural compounds to be used as immunostimulatory agents for cancer treatment.

Method

In this study, 1,697 natural compounds were obtained from 82 edible tropical plants through data mining. The molecular docking simulations of these compounds were executed against 18 activating NK cells receptor targets using the Python Prescription 0.8. An arbitrary docking score ≥ −7.0 kcal/mol was chosen as cut off value. Further screening for oral bioavailability, promiscuity, molecular complexity and pharmacokinetic properties using the Swissadme and pkCSM webservers. The ligand similarity analysis and phylogenetic analysis of the receptors was carried out with the ChemMine and Clustal Omega webservers respectively. Binding site analyses and bioactivity prediction were also done with the Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler and Molinspiration webservers respectively. Normal mode analyses were carried out with the CABS-flex 2.0 server.

Result

Seventeen bioactive and non-promiscuous lead compounds with good physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were identified.

Conclusion

Further tests are required to evaluate the efficacy of the lead compounds.
Proteotyping SARS-CoV-2 virus from nasopharyngeal swabs: a proof-of-concept focused on a 3 min mass spectrometry window
Authors: Gouveia Duarte , Miotello Guylaine , Gallais Fabrice , Gaillard Jean-Charles , Debroas Stéphanie , Bellanger Laurent , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , Sotto Albert , Grenga Lucia , Pible Olivier , Armengaud Jean
Published: June 2020

Rapid but yet sensitive, specific and high-throughput detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in clinical samples is key to diagnose infected people and to better control the spread of the virus. Alternative methodologies to PCR and immunodiagnostic that would not require specific reagents are worth to investigate not only for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to detect other emergent pathogenic threats. Here, we propose the use of tandem mass spectrometry to detect SARS-CoV-2 marker peptides in nasopharyngeal swabs. We documented that the signal from the microbiota present in such samples is low and can be overlooked when interpreting shotgun proteomic data acquired on a restricted window of the peptidome landscape. Simili nasopharyngeal swabs spiked with different quantities of purified SARS-CoV-2 viral material were used to develop a nanoLC-MS/MS acquisition method, which was then successfully applied on COVID-19 clinical samples. We argue that peptides ADETQALPQR and GFYAQGSR from the nucleocapsid protein are of utmost interest as their signal is intense and their elution can be obtained within a 3 min window in the tested conditions. These results pave the way for the development of time-efficient viral diagnostic tests based on mass spectrometry.
Single cell reconstruction of human basal cell diversity in normal and IPF lung
Authors: Carraro Gianni , Mulay Apoorva , Yao Changfu , Mizuno Takako , Konda Bindu , Petrov Martin , Lafkas Daniel , Arron Joe R. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Chen Peter , Jiang Dianhua , Noble Paul W. , Randell Scott H. , McQualter Jonathan L. , Stripp Barry R.
Published: June 2020

Rationale

Declining lung function in patients with interstitial lung disease is accompanied by epithelial remodeling and progressive scarring of the gas-exchange region. There is a need to better understand the contribution of basal cell hyperplasia and associated mucosecretory dysfunction to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Objectives

We sought to decipher the transcriptome of freshly isolated epithelial cells from normal and IPF lung to discern disease-dependent changes within basal stem cells.

Methods

Single cell RNA sequencing was used to map epithelial cell types of the normal and IPF human airway. Organoid and ALI cultures were used to investigate functional properties of basal cell subtypes.

Measurements and Main Results

We found that basal cells included multipotent and secretory primed subsets in control adult lung tissue. Secretory primed basal cells include an overlapping molecular signature with basal cells obtained from distal lung tissue of IPF lungs. We confirmed that NOTCH2 maintains undifferentiated basal cells and restrict basal-to-ciliated differentiation, and present evidence that NOTCH3 functions to restrain secretory differentiation.

Conclusions

Basal cells are dynamically regulated in disease and are specifically biased towards expansion of the secretory primed basal cell subset in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Modulation of basal cell plasticity may represent a relevant target for therapeutic intervention in IPF.
Syntheses and crystal structures of the quaternary thiogermanates Cu4FeGe2S7and Cu4CoGe2S7
Authors: Craig Andrew J. , Stoyko Stanislav S. , Bonnoni Allyson , Aitken Jennifer A.
Published: June 2020

The quaternary thiogermanates Cu4FeGe2S7(tetracopper iron digermanium heptasulfide) and Cu4CoGe2S7(tetracopper cobalt digermanium heptasulfide) were prepared in evacuated fused-silica ampoulesviahigh-temperature, solid-state synthesis using stoichiometric amounts of the elements at 1273 K. These isostructural compounds crystallize in the Cu4NiSi2S7structure type, which can be considered as a superstructure of cubic diamond or sphalerite. The monovalent (Cu+), divalent (Fe2+or Co2+) and tetravalent (Ge4+) cations adopt tetrahedral geometries, each being surrounded by four S2−anions. The divalent cation and one of the sulfide ions lie on crystallographic twofold axes. These tetrahedra share corners to create a three-dimensional framework structure. All of the tetrahedra align along the same crystallographic direction, rendering the structure non-centrosymmetric and polar (space groupC2). Analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data revealed that the structures are the major phase of the reaction products. Thermal analysis indicated relatively high melting temperatures, near 1273 K.
The changing nature of consumer animosity and cosmopolitanism among young, individualistic consumers in emerging Asia: evidence from China
Authors: Han C. Min , Wang Xiao , Nam Hyojin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study is designed to address how rising individualism in emerging Asia changes consumer values and subsequent consumer behavior toward foreign brands. For this, we investigate consumer animosity (CA) and consumer cosmopolitanism (COS) in China and their impacts on consumer dispositions toward Japanese brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study hypothesizes that CA and COS mediate the effects of consumer individualism and age on brand attitudes and purchase intentions. Online surveys were conducted with 421 consumers in China.

Findings

The results indicate that consumers with individualistic values show favorable dispositions toward Japanese brands because of weak CA and strong COS values. In addition, the study found that younger consumers also harbor weak CA and do not avoid Japanese brands because of it. However, younger consumers were not found to be more cosmopolitan than their older counterparts.

Originality/value

Our findings suggest that the modernization and individualization of a society can have impacts on consumer values in emerging Asia and that changes in consumer values among young and individualistic consumers can lead to increased preferences for foreign brands, especially brands from a country with historical animosity.
Consumer finance/household finance: the definition and scope
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Tao Chunsheng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this literature review paper is to define consumer finance, describe the scope of consumer finance and discuss its future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, consumer finance is used as a synonym of household finance. Consumers refer to individuals and families. After defining the term “consumer finance,” we conducted a critical review of consumer finance as an interdisciplinary research field in terms of money managing, insuring, borrowing and saving/investing. Future research directions are also discussed.

Findings

This paper discusses similarities and differences among several terms such as consumer finance, household finance, personal finance, family finance and behavioral finance. The paper also reviewed key studies on consumer financial behavior around four key financial functions, namely, money management, insurance, loan and saving/investment and several nontraditional topics such as fintech and financial capability/literacy. The paper also introduced several datasets of consumer finance commonly used in the United States and China.

Originality/value

This paper clarified several similar terms related to consumer finance and sorted out the diverse literature of consumer finance in multiple disciplines such as economics, finance and consumer science, which provide a foundation for generating more fruitful research in consumer finance in the future.
Effects of open innovation strategies on innovation performance of SMEs: evidence from China
Authors: Lu Chang , Yu Bo , Zhang Jing , Xu Dan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between two types of open innovation (OI) strategies (OI breadth and depth) and innovation performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. The study examines how firms’ absorptive capacity and government institutional support affect these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 236 manufacturing SMEs in China were used to test the proposed model using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

The results show that both OI breadth and depth are positively related to innovation performance of SMEs. Moreover, this study finds that realized absorptive capacity serves as a mediator in the relationships between OI breadth and depth and innovation performance. The potential absorptive capacity and government institutional support moderate the relationship between OI breadth and innovation performance.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of OI strategies is significantly different among SMEs. One possible explanation is that SMEs adopt different types of OI strategies. Another is that a firm’s absorptive capacity and government institutional support may influence the effectiveness of OI. This study integrates these two possible reasons by investigating the effect of the interplay between different OI strategies, absorptive capacity and government institutional support on SMEs’ innovation performance. This study enriches the research on the relationships between OI strategies and innovation performance of SMEs in the Chinese context.
Personality, occupational sorting and routine work
Authors: Viinikainen Jutta , Böckerman Petri , Elovainio Marko , Hakulinen Christian , Hintsanen Mirka , Kähönen Mika , Pehkonen Jaakko , Pulkki-Råback Laura , Raitakari Olli , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

A prominent labour market feature in recent decades has been the increase in abstract and service jobs, while the demand for routine work has declined. This article examines whether the components of Type A behaviour predict workers' selection into non-routine abstract, non-routine service and routine jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the work by Barrick et al. (2013), this article first presents how the theory of purposeful work behaviour can be used to explain how individuals with different levels of Type A components sort into abstract, service and routine jobs. Then, using longitudinal data, it examines whether the components of Type A behaviour predict occupational sorting. Estimations were performed based on the linear regression method.

Findings

The results show that the Type A dimension “leadership” was associated with a higher level of abstract and service job tasks in occupation. High eagerness-energy and responsibility were also positively linked with occupation's level of abstract tasks. These results suggest that workers sort into jobs that allow them to pursue higher-order implicit goals.

Originality/value

Job market polarisation towards low-routine jobs has had a pervasive influence on the labour market during the past few decades. Based on high-quality data that combine prime working-age register information on occupational attainment with information about personality characteristics, the findings contribute to our knowledge of how personality characteristics contribute to occupational sorting in terms of this important job aspect.
Evaluating the satisfaction rate for affordable housing in non-gated residential area (NGR): the case of Al-Sharq housing project in Zarqa-Jordan
Authors: Al Shawabkeh Rami Khaled , Alzouby Ahmad M. , Rjoub Abdelmajeed , Alsmadi Mays , AlKhamaiseh Maram , Shboul Deema , Smadi Ahmad , Al-Bzour Ahmad , Al-Omari Rawan , Alobaidat Esraa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Non-gated residential communities (NGR) are now becoming significant in Jordan resulting in an increase in low and medium-income areas. This study aims to investigate the sense of community at residential level within NGR by testing the characteristics presented in the first and largest non-gated community in Jordan (Al-Sharq project).

Design/methodology/approach

Such characteristics were identified via literary reviews and visual data collected through site visits, observation and photographs of the project's physical settings. This formed the basis of a questionnaire/survey that was distributed to the residents. This research depends on the mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) to achieve the research objectives. The quantitative method involved the use of a questionnaire/survey, while the qualitative method undertook a comparative process using some statistical methods for the main characteristics. The results were analysed by using descriptive statistics, comprising frequency and factor analyses.

Findings

The study concludes with a framework consisting of suggestions and recommendations to remove the main constraints on improving the quality of life for the non-gated residential community.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study will influence the decisions made by the parties involved in urban development in Jordan when designing residential neighborhoods.

Originality/value

The significance of this paper is that while the majority of studies have been on the evaluation of gated communities in developing countries, there have only been a limited of studies specifically examining the experience of residents in those environments. Therefore, this paper contributes and adds to the existing knowledge in the development of non-gated communities in a developing country.
There is a time and a place for work: comparative evaluation of flexible work arrangements in Canada
Authors: Dilmaghani Maryam
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Using the Canadian General Social Survey of 2016, a large nationally representative dataset, the present paper compares different types of flexible work arrangements in their associations with employee wellbeing and organizational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset contains 7,446 observations. Informed by the past scholarship, eight outcomes of job satisfaction, work-life balance satisfaction, organizational belonging, job motivation, perceived advancement prospects, perceived job security, workplace social capital, and turnover intentions are investigated.

Findings

First, employees with both flextime and flexplace, and only flextime, have a significantly higher job and work-life balance satisfaction. Second, the possibility of working from home without any discretion over timing does not elicit positive wellbeing outcomes. Third, the results show that the combination of flexplace and flextime is synergistic. Fourth, rather unexpectedly, the positive associations of the FWAs with work-life balance satisfaction are stronger among men and women without dependent children. Finally, there are significant positive associations for the combination of flexplace and flextime, and flextime alone, with other outcomes, such as organizational belonging and job motivation, especially among men.

Practical implications

Given the nonrandom assignment of the workers into the FWAs, the results only reflect ceteris paribus correlations.

Originality/value

This is the first Canadian study of flexible work arrangements, using a large nationally representative dataset.
The trouble with secrets: pay secrecy, satisfaction and climate
Authors: Neale Nathan Robert
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Research addressing the impact of tacit and explicit pay secrecy policies on organizational climates is fairly limited. While researchers desire to explain the impact of such policies on individuals' pay satisfaction, a direct effect has not been supported. This study seeks to better explain how these policies are related to ethical climates and pay satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on ethical climate theory to show the influence of ethical climate types on job satisfaction and a moderating effect of explicit and tacit pay secrecy policies on this relationship. This is accomplished through designing this study by using existing scales from the literature in a survey methodology. A pilot study of 246 undergraduate students was used to validate the measures. Then, a sample of 217 adults was obtained to test the proposed relationships. Linear regression is employed to analyze the data and to test the existence of direct and moderating effects.

Findings

The five empirically tested ethical climates each have a direct effect on pay satisfaction. Explicit pay secrecy policies has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between rules, law and code ethical climates, and pay satisfaction. Tacit pay secrecy policies moderate the relationship between caring, rules, law and code, and independence ethical climates and pay satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The findings strengthen the literature by demonstrating a stronger relationship between ethical climates and pay satisfaction. While some of the moderating effects were significant, others were not. This was surprising, but present avenues to further test ethical climate theory and the impact of pay secrecy policies.

Practical implications

This study presents practical implications for managers. Understanding how these policies may be viewed differently, depending on the type of climate that is experienced within an organization may help managers evaluate using them. Trying to protect employees or the organization itself by enacting these polices may backfire and create additional problems. Managers may want to evaluate the manner that they communicate these polices through formal or informal means, depending on the type of climate experienced within the workplace.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the influence of explicit and tacit pay secrecy policies on the relationship between ethical climates and employees' satisfaction with pay. It leads to a number of directions for further research that may continue to build upon this study in order to further advance scholarly understanding of the importance of ethical climates and pay secrecy policies.
A corporate sustainability maturity model for readiness assessment: a three-step development strategy
Authors: Sari Yenny , Hidayatno Akhmad , Suzianti Amalia , Hartono Markus , Susanto Harman
Published: June 2020

Purpose

One of the main challenges of organisations today is how to navigate their development into ideal sustainable organisations. However, each readiness level requires a different rubric of indicators. Therefore, this study develops a corporate sustainability maturity model (CSMM), which can be used by organisations to conduct self-assessments, identify their current sustainability maturity levels and transition into mature sustainable organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This CSMM comprises various maturity domains, sub-domains and levels as well as a rubric of indicators for assessing the maturity of corporate sustainability. In its development, a systematic literature review examined existing maturity models, after which a pilot study, based on the literature review, content analysis and expert interviews, was used to create a prototype of the CSSM. Finally, the model was refined and expanded by considering practitioners' feedback and the tendencies of other sustainability maturity models.

Findings

On the basis of the findings, some Indonesian organisations conducted sustainability activities, without having a strategic plan. Moreover, the factors driving organisations to conduct sustainability efforts included external and internal pressure. However, typical factors, such as awareness of sustainability and organisational reputation gained from conducting sustainability activities, were insignificant in the sample.

Originality/value

This CSMM is the first sustainability maturity model developed for readiness assessment in an Indonesian context. Through this CSMM, organisations can determine their current readiness level of sustainability maturity and choose the correct indicators to help improve each sustainability domain in the matrix.
Factors affecting eWOM credibility, information adoption and purchase intention on Generation Y: a case from Thailand
Authors: Daowd Ahmad , Hasan Ruaa , Eldabi Tillal , Rafi-ul-Shan Piyya Muhammad , Cao Dongmei , Kasemsarn Naphat
Published: June 2020

Purpose

With the ever-expanding online shopping, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) has become a significant factor affecting the consumer decision-making behaviour. This is specially the case when considering Generation Y (Millennials), who are old enough to be independent buyers and young to be almost immersed in online living. This article aims to assess the impact of eWOM on purchase intention by developing a conceptual model of hypotheses encompassing a multitude of factors that may be associated with this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher investigates what factors impact eWOM credibility and make the consumer may adopt it when making a purchase. To examine our research model, a quantitative approach is employed for this purpose using a sample through online survey from Thailand – where there is a large number portion Generation Y consumer base.

Findings

It was found that source style as a visual attribute information is the most significant factor that may impact eWOM credibility in addition to source credibility, argument quality and source homophily, respectively.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, it helps firms to understand what needs to be taken into consideration when building their marketing strategy.

Originality/value

This is believed to add significant insights into the eWOM literature by identifying its route of impact toward the purchase intention on Generation Y.
Corporate real estate holdings and the stock market performance
Authors: Seger Julian , Li Ao , Pfnuer Andreas
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of corporate real estate (CRE) holdings on firm performance. Unlike previous studies, the paper does not only consider the firms’ primary business segment but also their activities in different business fields. This is of particular interest because additional segments often have different requirements for the provision of space and thus for the ownership strategy, which could have led to a possible bias in previous studies. Furthermore, additional business areas are becoming more relevant through integrated solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a balance sheet data set of companies in the six largest European economies for the period from 2000 to 2016. Germany serves as a suitable laboratory for deeper analyses. Holdings of 490 firms are regressed to the stock market performance using a two-stage approach. This procedure is repeated by considering additional business segments.

Findings

The analyses reveal that ownership reduces stock market performance. Additional business activities also appear to influence the relevance of ownership for firm performance.

Practical implications

The research shows that ownership is priced depending on its primary and additional business activities. First, this insight helps capital market players to choose the right investment strategy. Second, it provides CRE decision-makers with information on the optimal provision of real estate.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to examine the contribution of real estate ownership on firm performance in light of the fact that companies operate in more than one sector.
No hard feelings? Non-succeeding siblings and their perceptions of justice in family firms
Authors: Matser Ilse , Bouma Jelle , Veldhuizen Erik
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Family farms, in which business and family life are intricately interwoven, offer an interesting context for better understanding the interdependence between the family and business system. Many family farms struggle to survive, and the succession process is a key period in which the low returns on investment become evident but also the emotional attachment of the family to the farm and the willingness to transfer the business to the next generation. We take the perspective of non-succeeding siblings since they are crucial for a successful succession but their role and position in this process is far from clear. This study will help to increase our knowledge of how fairness is perceived by non-successors and of the impact of perceived (in)justice on the family business system.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the effect on sibling relationships of an unequal outcome of the succession process, we choose the family farm context. We used interview data from multiple family members from several family farms in the Netherlands in different stages of succession. We utilized a framework based on justice theory to analyze perceptions of fairness among non-succeeding siblings. The central research question for this study is as follows: How do non-succeeding siblings perceive justice with regard to family firm succession?

Findings

The acceptance of the outcomes of the succession process by non-succeeding siblings is influenced by their perception of the fairness of the process itself and decisions made by the incumbent and successor with regard to these outcomes. It seems that stakeholders who occupy multiple roles with conflicting justice perspectives handle these contradictions with the help of an overarching goal—in this study, preserving the continuity of the family farm—and by prioritizing and adjusting the justice perspectives accordingly. The findings further show that both distributive justice and procedural justice are important and interact with each other.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the literature by applying the theoretical framework of distributive and procedural justice to the context of family farm succession. This helps us to understand the position of non-succeeding siblings and their role and position in the succession process, which is important because sibling relationships have a significant impact on family harmony, with potential consequences for the business as well.
Towards closing the treatment gap: a team-led model of brief psycho-educational intervention
Authors: Yariv Eliezer
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Many pupils who experience distress and emotional difficulties are left untreated because of the shortage of mental health professionals at schools. This study aims to explore a brief psycho-educational intervention based on school psychologist–teacher cooperation aimed at closing this treatment gap.

Design/methodology/approach

With a randomized controlled methodology, 79 preschools to 12th grade teachers were asked to lead a brief psycho-educational intervention with one of their pupils. A second pupil was assigned to a waiting list (control group). Each teacher and one of her/his colleagues filled a Pupil Adjustment questionnaire, being developed for this study, before and after the intervention.

Findings

The findings show that the intervention significantly improved the adjustment of the participating pupils, compared to the control group. That improvement related to all the dimensions of adjustment (i.e. social, protection and learning).

Originality/value

Teacher–school psychologist cooperation, as described here, is hardly practiced. It emerges as an effective model to assist many pupils who are currently left with no treatment. The discussion traces the next stages for outreaching that would apply to pupils in many countries and cultures.
Interrelation and spillover effects between stocks and bonds: cross-market and cross-asset evidence
Authors: McMillan David G.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the behaviour, both contemporaneous and causal, of stock and bond markets across four major international countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors generate volatility and correlations using the realised volatility approach and implement a general vector autoregression approach to examine causality and spillovers.

Findings

While results confirm that same asset-cross country return correlations and spillovers increase over time, the same in not true with variance and covariance behaviour. Volatility spillovers across countries exhibit a substantial amount of time variation; however, there is no evidence of trending in any direction. Equally, cross asset – same country correlations exhibit both negative and positive values. Further, the authors report an inverse relation between same asset – cross country return correlations and cross asset – same country return correlations, i.e. the stock return correlation across countries increases at the same time the stock and bond return correlation within each country declines. Moreover, the results show that the stock and bond return correlations exhibit commonality across countries. The results also demonstrate that stock returns lead movement in bond returns, while US stock and bond returns have predictive power other country stock and bond returns. In terms of the markets analysed, Japan exhibits a distinct nature compared with those of Germany, the UK and USA.

Originality/value

The results presented here provide a detailed characterisation of how assets interact both with each other and cross-countries and should be of interest to portfolio managers, policy-makers and those interested in modelling cross-market behaviour. Notably, the authors reveal key differences between the behaviour of stocks and bonds and across different countries.