bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic allostery in substrate binding by human thymidylate synthase
Authors: Bonin Jeffrey P. , Sapienza Paul J. , Lee Andrew L.
Published: May 2022

Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) is essential for DNA replication and therefore a therapeutic target for cancer. Effective targeting requires knowledge of the mechanism(s) of regulation of this 72 kDa homodimeric enzyme. Here, we investigate the mechanism of binding cooperativity of the nucleotide substrate. We have employed exquisitely sensitive methyl-based CPMG and CEST NMR experiments enabling us to identify residues undergoing bifurcated linear 3-state exchange, including concerted switching between active and inactive conformations in the apo enzyme. The inactive state is populated to only ∼1.3%, indicating that conformational selection contributes negligibly to the cooperativity. Instead, methyl rotation axis order parameters, determined by 2H transverse relaxation rates, suggest that rigidification of the enzyme upon substrate binding is responsible for the entropically-driven cooperativity. Lack of the rigidification in product binding and substrate binding to an N-terminally truncated enzyme, both non-cooperative, support this idea. In addition, the lack of this rigidification in the N-terminal truncation indicates that interactions between the flexible N-terminus and the rest of the protein, which are perturbed by substrate binding, play a significant role in the cooperativity—a novel mechanism of dynamic allostery. Together, these findings yield a rare depth of insight into the substrate binding cooperativity of an essential enzyme.
Identification of differentially expressed novel tau associated proteins in transgenic AD model of Drosophila - a proteomic and in silico Approach
Authors: Chauhan Brijesh Singh , Garai Somenath , Singh Jyotsna , Srikrishna Saripella
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a memory related neurodegenerative disorder mainly associated with older adults. In this study, transgenic Drosophila AD model has been employed to investigate the tau associated proteome. Tau expression was specifically induced in the eye tissues and diseased fly heads were considered for proteomic studies with appropriate controls. We have identified 6 novel proteins from tau induced AD group by 2D and PD Quest analyses and further characterized them by in-vivo and in-silico approaches. The novel Tau interactors, [Obp44a Isoform A, Pglym Isoform A, IP15846p (Adh variant), RE45450p (mRpL2), Retinin, and Glob1 Isoform B], identified by MALDI-TOF/MS were validated through q-RT-PCR. The altered metabolic, behavioral and mitochondrial dynamics associated with Tau over expressing AD flies could be due to the altered expression of Odorant binding protein 44a (Obp44a) and mitochondrial ribosomal protein L2 (mRpL2), respectively. Further, we have showed for the first time the newly identified protein interaction with tau and other regulatory proteins through protein-protein docking, biocomputational classification and evolutionary relationship using in silico studies. Moreover, the study highlights the plausible role of these novel proteins in pathophysiology of phospho-tau induced AD flies and further help unraveling molecular pathways implicated in tauopathies.
Gray Matter Volumetric Correlates of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Traits in Emerging Adolescents
Authors: Li Clara S. , Chen Yu , Ide Jaime S.
Published: May 2022

Previous research has demonstrated reduction in cortical and subcortical, including basal ganglia (BG), gray matter volumes (GMV) in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition that is more prevalent in males than in females. However, the volumetric deficits vary across studies. Whether volumetric reductions are more significant in males than females; to what extent these neural markers are heritable and relate to cognitive dysfunction in ADHD remain unclear. To address these questions, we followed published routines and performed voxel-based morphometry analysis of a data set (n = 11,502; 5,464 girls, 9-10 years) curated from the Adolescent Brain Cognition Development project, a population-based study of typically developing children. Of the sample, 634 and 2,826 were identified as monozygotic twins (MZ) and dizygotic twins/siblings (DZ), respectively. In linear regressions, a cluster in the hypothalamus showed larger GMV, and bilateral caudate and putamen, lateral orbitofrontal and occipital cortex showed smaller GMVs, in correlation with higher ADHD scores in girls and boys combined. When examined separately, boys relative to girls showed more widespread (including BG) and stronger associations between GMV deficits and ADHD scores. ADHD traits and the volumetric correlates demonstrated heritability estimates (a2) between 0.59 and 0.79, replicating prior findings of the genetic basis of ADHD. Further, ADHD traits and the volumetric correlates (except for the hypothalamus) were each negatively and positively correlated with N-back performance. Together, these findings confirm volumetric deficits in children with more prominent ADHD traits. Highly heritable in both girls and boys and potentially more significant in boys than in girls, the structural deficits underlie diminished capacity in working memory and potentially other cognitive deficits in ADHD.
Imaging unlabeled axons in the mouse retina by second harmonic generation
Authors: Meah Arafat , Boodram Vinessia , Lim Hyungsik
Published: May 2022

We describe a novel microscopy for studying the network of axons in the unlabeled fresh wholemount retina. The intrinsic radiation of second harmonic generation (SHG) was utilized to visualize single axons of all major retinal neurons, i.e., photoreceptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and the retinal ganglion cells. The cell types of SHG+ axons were determined using transgenic GFP/YFP mice. New findings were obtained with retinal SHG imaging: Müller cells do not maintain uniformly polarized microtubules in the processes; SHG+ axons of bipolar cells terminate in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) in a subtype-specific manner; a subset of amacrine cells, presumably the axon-bearing types, emits SHG; and the axon-like neurites of amacrine cells provide a cytoskeletal scaffolding for the IPL stratification. To demonstrate the utility, retinal SHG imaging was applied for testing whether the inner retina is preserved in glaucoma, using DBA/2 mice as a model of glaucoma and DBA/2-Gpnmb+ as the non-glaucomatous control. It was found that the morphology of the inner retina was largely intact in glaucoma and the pre-synaptic compartments to the retinal ganglion cells were uncompromised. It proves retinal SHG imaging as a promising technology for studying the physiological and diseased retina in 3D.
Modification-Dependent Restriction Endonuclease-based sequencing method (EcoWI-seq) maps the genome-wide landscape of phosphorothioate modification at base resolution
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Fomenkov Alexey , Heiter Dan , Xu Shuang-yong , Ettwiller Laurence
Published: May 2022

Phosphorothioation (PT), in which a non-bridging oxygen is replaced by a sulfur, is one of the rare modifications discovered in bacteria and archaea that occurs on the sugar-phosphate backbone as opposed to the nucleobase moiety of DNA. While PT modification is widespread in the prokaryotic kingdom, how PT modifications are distributed in the genomes and their exact roles in the cell remain to be defined. In this study, we developed a simple and convenient technique called EcoWI-seq based on a modification-dependent restriction endonuclease to identify genomic positions of PT modifications. EcoWI-seq shows similar performance than other PT modification detection techniques and additionally, is easily scalable while requiring little starting material. As a proof of principle, we applied EcoWI-seq to map at base resolution the PT modifications in the genomes of both the Salmonella enterica cerro 87 and E. coli expressing the dnd+ gene cluster. Specifically, we address whether the partial establishment of modified PT positions is a stochastic or deterministic process. EcoWI-seq reveals a systematic usage of the same subset of target sites in clones for which the PT modification has been independently established.
Peripheral sensory neuron CB2 cannabinoid receptors are necessary for both CB2-mediated antinociceptive efficacy and sparing of morphine tolerance in a mouse model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Carey Lawrence M. , Xu Zhili , Rajic Gabriela , Makriyannis Alexandros , Romero Julian , Hillard Cecilia , Mackie Ken , Hohmann Andrea G.
Published: May 2022

Painful peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication associated with human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection. Currently available treatments fail to provide adequate symptom relief, indicating the need for novel treatment strategies. To address this gap in knowledge, we characterized the impact of cannabinoid CB2 agonists, which lack psychoactivity associated with central CB1 activation, on antiretroviral-induced neuropathic nociception and identified cell types expressing CB2 that mediate the antinociceptive efficacy of CB2 agonists. Two structurally distinct CB2 agonists (AM1710 and LY2828360) alleviated antiretroviral-induced neuropathic pain, benefits which were absent in CB2 knockout mice. Conditional deletion of CB2 from peripheral sensory neurons eliminated the antinociceptive efficacy of CB2 agonists. We also asked whether LY2828360 treatment could reverse established morphine tolerance in the ddC-induced neuropathy model and whether CB2 expression on peripheral sensory neurons is necessary for sparing of morphine tolerance by LY2828360. The present studies suggest that CB2 activation may alleviate HIV-associated antiretroviral neuropathy and identify a previously unreported mechanism through which CB2 activation produces antinociceptive efficacy. Our results also provide the first evidence that a CB2 agonist can reverse established morphine tolerance and demonstrate that CB2 localized to peripheral sensory neurons mediates the opioid tolerance sparing efficacy of CB2 agonists.
A live attenuated vaccine confers superior mucosal and systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Nouailles Geraldine , Adler Julia M. , Pennitz Peter , Peidli Stefan , Alves Gustavo Teixeira , Baumgart Morris , Bushe Judith , Voss Anne , Langenhagen Alina , Pott Fabian , Kazmierski Julia , Goekeri Cengiz , Simmons Szandor , Xing Na , Langner Christine , Vidal Ricardo Martin , Abdelgawad Azza , Herwig Susanne , Cichon Günter , Niemeyer Daniela , Drosten Christian , Goffinet Christine , Landthaler Markus , Blüthgen Nils , Wu Haibo , Witzenrath Martin , Gruber Achim D. , Praktiknjo Samantha D. , Osterrieder Nikolaus , Wyler Emanuel , Kunec Dusan , Trimpert Jakob
Published: May 2022

Vaccines are a cornerstone in COVID-19 pandemic management. Here, we compare immune responses to and preclinical efficacy of the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, an adenovirus-vectored spike vaccine, and the live-attenuated-virus vaccine candidate sCPD9 after single and double vaccination in Syrian hamsters. All regimens containing sCPD9 showed superior efficacy. The robust immunity elicited by sCPD9 was evident in a wide range of immune parameters after challenge with heterologous SARS-CoV-2 including rapid viral clearance, reduced tissue damage, fast differentiation of pre-plasmablasts, strong systemic and mucosal humoral responses, and rapid recall of memory T cells from lung tissue. Our results demonstrate that use of live-attenuated vaccines may offer advantages over available COVID-19 vaccines, specifically when applied as booster, and may provide a solution for containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Channel-independent function of UNC-9/INX in spatial arrangement of GABAergic synapses in C. elegans
Authors: Hendi Ardalan , Niu Longgang , Snow Andrew , Ikegami Richard , Wang Zhao-Wen , Mizumoto Kota
Published: May 2022

Precise synaptic connection of neurons with their targets is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A plethora of signaling pathways act in concert to mediate the precise spatial arrangement of synaptic connections. Here we show a novel role for a gap junction protein in controlling tiled synaptic arrangement in the GABAergic motor neurons in C. elegans, in which their axons and synapses overlap minimally with their neighboring neurons within the same class. We found that while EGL-20/Wnt controls axonal tiling, their presynaptic tiling is mediated by a gap junction protein UNC-9/Innexin, that is localized at the presynaptic tiling border between neighboring DD neurons. Strikingly, the gap junction channel activity of UNC-9 is dispensable for its function in controlling tiled presynaptic patterning. While gap junctions are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system as channels, our finding uncovered the novel channel-independent role of UNC-9 in synapse patterning.
Interactive Neurorobotics: Behavioral and Neural Dynamics of Agent Interactions
Authors: Leonardis Eric , Breston Leo , Lucero-Moore Rhiannon , Sena Leigh , Kohli Raunit , Schuster Luisa , Barton-Gluzman Lacha , Quinn Laleh K. , Wiles Janet , Chiba Andrea
Published: May 2022

Interactive neurorobotics is a subfield which characterizes brain responses evoked during interaction with a robot, and their relationship with the behavioral responses. Gathering rich neural and behavioral data from humans or animals responding to agents can act as a scaffold for the design process of future social robots. The goals of this research can be broadly broken down into two categories. The first, seeks to directly study how organisms respond to artificial agents in contrast to biological or inanimate ones. The second, uses the novel affordances of the robotic platforms to investigate complex phenomena, such as responses to multisensory stimuli during minimally structured interactions, that would be difficult to capture with classical experimental setups. Here we argue that to realize the full potential of the approach, both goals must be integrated through methodological design that is informed by a deep understanding of the model system, as well as engineering and analytical considerations. We then propose a general framework for such experiments that emphasizes naturalistic interactions combined with multimodal observations and complementary analysis pipelines that are necessary to render a holistic picture of the data for the purpose of informing robotic design principles. Finally, we demonstrate this approach with an exemplar rat-robot social interaction task which included simultaneous multi-agent tracking and neural recordings.
Metabolic plasticity of serine metabolism is crucial for cGAS/STING-signalling and innate immune response to viral infections in the gut
Authors: Becker Björn , Wottawa Felix , Bakr Mohamed , Koncina Eric , Mayr Lisa , Kugler Julia , Yang Guang , Windross Samuel J , Neises Laura , Mishra Neha , Harris Danielle , Tran Florian , Welz Lina , Schwärzler Julian , Bánki Zoltán , Stengel Stephanie T , Ito Go , Krötz Christina , Coleman Olivia I , Jaeger Christian , Haller Dirk , Paludan Søren R , Blumberg Richard , Kaser Arthur , Cicin-Sain Luka , Schreiber Stefan , Adolph Timon E. , Letellier Elisabeth , Rosenstiel Philip , Meiser Johannes , Aden Konrad
Published: May 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. While the molecular causality between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and intestinal inflammation is widely accepted, the metabolic consequences of chronic ER-stress on the pathophysiology of IBD remain unclear. By usingin vitro,ex vivo,in vivomouse models and patient datasets, we identified a distinct polarisation of the mitochondrial one-carbon (1C) metabolism and a fine-tuning of the amino acid uptake in intestinal epithelial cells tailored to support GSH and NADPH metabolism upon chronic ER-stress. This metabolic phenotype strongly correlates with IBD severity and therapy-response. Mechanistically, we uncover that both chronic ER-stress and serine limitation disrupt cGAS/STING-signalling, impairing the epithelial response against viral and bacterial infection, fuelling experimental enteritis. Consequently, antioxidant treatment restores STING function and virus control. Collectively, our data highlight the importance of the plasticity of serine metabolism to allow proper cGAS/STING-signalling and innate immune responses upon chronic inflammation in the gut.
Anthrax intoxication reveals that ER-Golgi membrane contact sites control the formation of plasma membrane lipid nanodomains
Authors: Anwar Muhammad U. , Sergeeva Oksana A. , Abrami Laurence , Mesquita Francisco , Lukonin Ilya , Amen Triana , Chuat Audrey , Capolupo Laura , Liberali Prisca , D’Angelo Giovanni , van der Goot F. Gisou
Published: May 2022

To promote infections, pathogens exploit host cell machineries including structural elements of the plasma membrane. Studying these interactions and identifying involved molecular players is an ideal way to gain insights into the fundamental biology of the host cell. Here, using the anthrax toxin, we screened a 1500-gene library of regulatory, cell surface, and membrane trafficking genes for their involvement in the intoxication process. We found that the ER–Golgi-localized proteins TMED2 and TMED10 are required for toxin oligomerization at the cell surface, an essential step for anthrax intoxication that depends on localization to cholesterol-rich lipid nanodomains. Further biochemical, morphological and mechanistic analyses showed that TMED2 and TMED10 are essential components of a multiprotein supercomplex that operates exchange of both cholesterol and ceramides at ER-Golgi membrane contact sites. Overall, this study of anthrax intoxication led to the discovery that lipid compositional remodelling at ER-Golgi interfaces fully controls the formation of functional membrane nanodomains at the cell surface.
An automated approach to the alignment of compound refractive lenses
Authors: Breckling Sean , Kozioziemski Bernard , Dresselhaus-Marais Leora , Gonzalez Arnulfo , Williams Ajanaé , Simons Hugh , Chow Paul , Howard Marylesa
Published: May 2022

Compound refractive lenses (CRLs) are established X-ray focusing optics, and are used to focus the beam or image the sample in many beamlines at X-ray facilities. While CRLs are quite established, the stack of single lens elements affords a very small numerical aperture because of the thick lens profile, making them far more difficult to align than classical optical lenses that obey the thin-lens approximation. This means that the alignment must be very precise and is highly sensitive to changes to the incident beam, often requiring regular readjustments. Some groups circumvent the full realignment procedure by using engineering controls (e.g. mounting optics) that sacrifice some of the beam's focusing precision, i.e. spot size, or resolution. While these choices minimize setup time, there are clear disadvantages. This work presents a new automated approach to align CRLs using a simple alignment apparatus that is easy to adapt and install at different types of X-ray experiments or facilities. This approach builds on recent CRL modeling efforts, using an approach based on the Stochastic Nelder–Mead (SNM) simplex method. This method is outlined and its efficacy is demonstrated with numerical simulation that is tested in real experiments conducted at the Advanced Photon Source to confirm its performance with a synchrotron beam. This work provides an opportunity to automate key instrumentation at X-ray facilities.
Robust optimal design of low frequency metamaterials considering the fabrication imperfections and parameter fluctuations
Authors: Li Yiying , Sun Dun , Yang Shiyou
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a robust optimization methodology for metamaterial (MM) unit designs to minimize the effect of manufacturing and operational uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

A new robustness quantification function, applicable to both convex and nonconvex relationships between the mean and the standard deviation, is introduced. A distance-based local radial basis function network surrogate model is proposed to substitute the global radial basis function network to reduce the heavy computational cost without any scarification on the solution accuracy.

Findings

The optimized results of a prototype MM unit demonstrate the feasibility and merit of the proposed methodology. The proposed methodology outperforms the existing ones in both performance and robust parameters in the design of a prototype MM unit.

Originality/value

It provides a robust optimization methodology for MM units when considering the imperfections in fabrications and fluctuations in operation and environment conditions in engineering applications.
Unpacking the context of value for money assessment in global markets: a procurement option framework for public-private partnerships
Authors: Zhao Jianfeng , Thurairajah Niraj , Greenwood David , Liu Henry , Yuan Jingfeng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has further constrained the budgets of governments worldwide for delivering their much-needed infrastructure. Consequently, public-private partnerships (PPPs), with the private sector's investment and ingenuity, would appear to be an increasingly popular alternative. Value for money (VfM) has become the major criterion for evaluating PPPs against the traditional public sector procurement and, however, is plagued with controversy. Hence, it is important that governments compare and contrast their practice with similar and disparate bodies to engender best practice. This paper, therefore, aims to understand governments' assessment context and provide a cross-continental comparison of their VfM assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Faced with different domestic contexts (e.g. aging infrastructure, population growth, and competing demands on finance), governments tend to place different emphases when undertaking the VfM assessment. In line with the theory of boundary spanning, a cross-continental comparison is conducted between three of the most noticeable PPP markets (i.e. the United Kingdom, Australia and China) about their VfM assessment. The institutional level is interpreted by a social, economic and political framework, and the methodological level is elucidated through a qualitative and quantitative VfM assessment.

Findings

There are individual institutional characteristics that have shaped the way each country assesses VfM. For the methodological level, we identify that: (1) these global markets use a public sector comparator as the benchmark in VfM assessment; (2) ambiguous qualitative assessment is conducted only against PPPs to strengthen their policy development; (3) Australia's priority is in service provision whereas that of the UK and China is project finance and production; and (4) all markets are seeking an amelioration of existing controversial VfM assessments so that purported VfM relates to project lifecycles. As such, an option framework is proposed to make headway towards a sensible selection of infrastructure procurement approaches in the post COVID-19 era.

Originality/value

This study addresses a current void of enhancing the decision-making process for using PPPs within today's changing environment and then opens up an avenue for future empirical research to examine the option framework and ensuing VfM decisions. Practically, it presents a holistic VfM landscape for public sector procurers that aim to engage with PPPs for their infrastructure interventions.
Do domestic market characteristics influence firms' export intensity?
Authors: Forte Rosa Portela , Carvalho Sérgio
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of the firms' external environment on their export intensity. More specifically, it assesses whether domestic market characteristics such as domestic demand and general export environment related to tradability across borders affect firms' export intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a sample of 29,266 firms from nine European countries, for the period of 2010–2016, and test several estimation methods (random effects models, Tobit models, and Heckman's selection models).

Findings

Results show that external factors such as domestic demand and ease of trade across borders are important determinants of firms' export intensity. Moreover, results reveal that firm's internal characteristics such as age, size and productivity also play an import role.

Originality/value

Studies about the influence of the firms' external environment on firms' export intensity are scarce because most of them are confined to a single country context. In this way, the present study contributes to the body of knowledge on the influence that external factors can have on firms' export performance by analyzing firms from nine European countries, which has important policy implications.
Effects of cognitive absorption on continuous use intention of AI-driven recommender systems in e-commerce
Authors: Acharya Nirmal , Sassenberg Anne-Marie , Soar Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The applications of artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing and machine learning in e-commerce are growing. Recommender systems (RSs) are interaction-based technologies based on AI that can offer recommendations for products for use or of interest to a potential consumer. Curiosity, focused immersion and temporal dissociation are often treated as the dimensions of cognitive absorption, so exploring them separately can provide valuable insights into their dynamics. The paper aims to determine the effect of the cognitive absorption dimensions namely focused immersion, temporal dissociation and curiosity independently on RSs continuous use intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was used to explore the effect of dimensions of cognitive absorption on AI-driven RSs continuous use intention in e-commerce. Data were gathered from 452 active users of Amazon through an online cross-sectional survey and were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings indicated that curiosity and focused immersion directly affect RSs continuous use intention, but temporal dissociation does not affect RSs continuous use intention.

Originality/value

The current research focused on Amazon’s RSs that use AI and machine learning techniques. The research aimed to empirically explore the effects of the dimensions of cognitive absorption separately on AI-driven RSs continuous use intention in e-commerce. This research may be of interest to executives working in both public and private industries to better harness the potential of recommendations driven by AI to maximize RSs’ reuse and to enhance customer loyalty.
User-generated reviews and the financial performance of restaurants
Authors: Abdullah Saddam , Van Cauwenberge Philippe , Vander Bauwhede Heidi , O'Connor Peter
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of selected characteristics (rating, volume and variability) of online user-generated reviews on the bottom-line profitability of restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

Restaurant-level review data are extracted from TripAdvisor and matched with firm-level data from the financial reports gathered from the Belfirst database of Bureau van Dijk. The resulting sample contains data on 2,297 Belgian firms over the period 2007–2018, for which 134,831 reviews are investigated. The author’s regression model of firm-level profitability is estimated against online review characteristics and various financial control variables, including past profitability. This research model and estimation technique address the endogeneity concerns that typically weaken this kind of study.

Findings

While comparable studies on hotels document a positive association between review characteristics and profitability, the authors find no relationship between review rating, volume and variability in the profitability of restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the format of the financial reports of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), data on turnover and cost of materials/services was not available for most restaurants in the sample, limiting our potential for analysis. In addition, our assessment of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) was limited to measures derived from user-generated reviews on TripAdvisor.

Practical implications

In the literature on eWOM, the importance of online reputation is hardly disputed, especially in the context of the hospitality sector. However, most research to date has focused on the hotel sector and top-line measures of success. This study uses restaurant-level financial data, focuses on bottom-line profitability, considers potential endogeneity issues and pays careful attention to the estimation technique. The results fail to establish a direct relationship between eWOM metrics and financial performance and are surprising, meriting further investigation to establish the underlying causes.

Originality/value

In contrast to prior studies on the impact of eWOM on restaurant performance at a group level, this study examines the impact on unit-level profitability, taking into account several potential sources of estimation bias. In addition, the authors challenge this finding with a battery of sensitivity tests, revalidating the absence of a relationship in each case.
Perceived price and trustworthiness of online reviews: different levels of promotion and customer type
Authors: Pan Huifeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Ha Hong-Youl
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Prior hospitality studies have reviewed review trustworthiness and perceived price as predictors of restaurant selection. However, the impacts of these two factors may vary by sales promotion and customer types. This study aims to determine whether sales promotions and customer type are the key elements that facilitate behavioral intentions by moderating the linkage between perceived price and behavioral intentions as well as the linkage between online review trustworthiness and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of the responses of 533 individuals familiar with the Michelin Guide for restaurants in Seoul provided evidence supporting a sales promotion theory wherein promotions signal benefits in consumers’ minds.

Findings

The findings show that when perceived price is positive and the trustworthiness of online reviews is high, repeat customers prefer mixed coupons to price discounts. Notably, the results indicate that when the trustworthiness of online reviews is high, first-time customers also prefer mixed coupons to price discounts. Furthermore, the findings suggest that negative evaluations of perceived price increase the impact of mixed coupons by signaling to first-time customers that given restaurants’ offerings provide monetary benefits regardless of their intentions to revisit said restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings provide insights that should help managers better understand various levels of promotion. Managers can design their pricing strategies to strengthen customers’ motivations to visit their restaurants – the very thing customers often seek in sales promotions.

Originality/value

This study provides indisputable evidence for a sales promotion theory, wherein promotions signal benefits in consumers’ minds; however, it also shows that first-time and repeat customers do not respond equally to sales promotions.
Do Islamic microfinance institutions affect the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries? The evidence from Turkey
Authors: Ülev Salih , Savaşan Fatih , Özdemir Mücahit
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of Islamic microfinance on poor households through the case of the IKSAR Qard al-Hasan Program in Turkey. To achieve this aim, it examined the changes in the socio-economic status of beneficiaries before and after the program.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the convergent parallel mixed method design. It conducted two surveys to micro-entrepreneurs: the first is when they received the loan and the second is when they finished their installments. In addition to the longitudinal data obtained from these two surveys, qualitative data were collected by participant observation and interview technique with visiting these people periodically throughout the interest-free loan (qard al-hasan).

Findings

According to the results obtained from the analysis of the pre- and post-surveys, a statistically significant increase of 35% was experienced in the monthly household income after receiving the qard al-hasan loan compared to before. Similarly, a statistically significant increase was found in the monthly expenditures of 23 out of 30 households after receiving the qard al-hasan.

Originality/value

There are two originalities of this study. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first research that examines the only Islamic microfinance program in Turkey. Second, it uses longitudinal data while examining the impact of Islamic microfinance on the welfare of the poor. In the relevant literature, no study has been identified that uses longitudinal data in Islamic microfinance. Similarly, a limited number of longitudinal studies examine the impact of conventional microfinance institutions on the poor.
What if the local community is already well-off enough? Stakeholders’ conflicts over sustainable tourism development in remote communities
Authors: Elgammal Islam
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore community involvement in sustainable tourism development (STD) at Siwa Oasis, Egypt, and examines the perspectives of local communities, visitors and governmental decision makers concerning the area’s STD plans. It provides a brief discussion on the stakeholders’ conflict of interest alongside exploring the costs and benefits of STDs for the community. This study examines the area’s problems and challenges and expands the discussion on STD by providing a deep understanding of the oasis context, which involves a broad range of issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this exploratory study, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with three groups of stakeholders (local community, governmental decision makers and visitors) to investigate the current practices of STD and the future vision for the area. Data were coded and interpreted using thematic analysis.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights into how STDs can be practised in an oasis context. It suggests there is a conflict between the governmental vision for the area and the community’s needs that could lead to a failure to implement STDs. Themes related to environmental, social and economic STD dimensions are discussed. The findings provide managerial and practical implications for decision makers on the promotion of STDs in remote communities.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the results may lack generalizability. Therefore, future studies are encouraged to test the study’s propositions further by using a mixed-methods approach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for STD within an oasis context, particularly concerning balancing the economic, environmental, political and social aspects of STD.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how STD can be practised when most of the local community is already comparatively well-off economically.
Refining virtual cross-national research collaboration: drivers, affordances and constraints
Authors: Lokhtina Irina A. , Colombo Laura , Amelia Citra , Löfström Erika , Tammeleht Anu , Sala-Bubare Anna , Jazvac-Martek Marian , Castelló Montserrat , McAlpine Lynn
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The study aims to explore and explain the affordances and constraints of two-mode virtual collaboration as experienced by a newly forming international research team.

Design/methodology/approach

This is self-reflective and action-oriented research on the affordances and constraints of two-mode virtual collaboration. In the spirit of professional development, the authors (nine researchers at different career stages and from various counties) engaged in a joint endeavour to evaluate the affordances and constraints of virtual collaborations in light of the recent literature while also researching the authors' own virtual collaboration during this evaluative task (mid-January–April 2021). The authors used two modes: synchronous (Zoom) and asynchronous (emails) to communicate on the literature exploration and recorded reactions and emotional responses towards existing affordances and constraints through a collective journal.

Findings

The results suggest both affordances in terms of communication being negotiable and evolving and constraints, particularly in forming new relations given tools that may not be equally accessible to all. Journaling during collaborations could be a valuable tool, especially for virtual collective work, because it can be used to structure the team supported negotiation and discussion processes, especially often hidden processes. It is evident that the role of a leader can contribute to an alignment in the assumptions and experiences of trust and consequently foster greater mutual understanding of the circumstances for productive team collaborations.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can inform academics and practitioners on how to create and facilitate better opportunities for collaboration in virtual teams as a rapidly emerging form of technology-supported working.
Sustainability, non-financial, integrated, and value reporting (extended external reporting): a conceptual framework and an agenda for future research
Authors: de Villiers Charl , Hsiao Pei-Chi Kelly , Zambon Stefano , Magnaghi Elisabetta
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for extended external reporting (EER) influences (EERI), including sustainability, non-financial, integrated and value reporting. Using the Environmental Legitimacy, Accountability, and Proactivity (ELAP) framework as the base, we modify its proposed concepts and linkages using relevant conceptual models, prior reviews and findings of recent studies on EER. This paper presents contributions of the special issue on “non-financial and integrated reporting, governance and value creation” and avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on relevant conceptual models, prior reviews and recent EER studies, we reframed the ELAP framework into a framework that theorises the factors that affects, or are affected by, EER.

Findings

The EERI framework poses relationships between and within proactivity, external verification, accountability and legitimacy. It also consolidates possible determinants and consequences of EER. The papers published in this special issue contribute further insights on factors that influence reporting practices, processes and suggestions for capturing and communicating value creation information, and the value of integrated reports and assurance to capital providers.

Originality/value

Along with the insights provided by papers in this special issue, the conceptual framework can be used to theorise influences of EER and guide future research.
Mood Lifters: evaluation of a novel peer-led mental wellness program
Authors: Votta Cecilia M. , Deldin Patricia J.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a mental wellness intervention, Mood Lifters (ML), that addresses significant barriers to mental health care. ML includes adults over 18 struggling with mental wellness or any life difficulties, except those with active suicidality, mania and psychosis, and addresses barriers to care using peer leaders in a manualized group format with a gamified point system.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were recruited using online postings. Those eligible (76% female, 80% white) were randomly assigned to professional-led groups (N = 30), peer-led groups (N = 33) or a waitlist (N = 22; i.e. attended assigned condition if available). Participants completed pre- and postgroup measures (including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Perceived Stress Scale), attended 15 weekly meetings and tracked “points” or at-home skills practice. Multiple imputation was used to account for attrition. Linear regressions were analyzed to determine the program’s impact on anxiety and depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Further analyses included comparisons between peer- and professional-led groups.

Findings

Participants in ML experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms. Completing more homework across the program led to significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress. Finally, there were no significant differences in attendance, homework completed or outcomes between peer- and professional-led groups.

Practical implications

Overall, participation in the ML program led to reduced anxiety symptoms, and for those who completed more homework, reduced perceived stress. More accessible programs can make a significant impact on symptoms and are critical to address the overburdened care system. Additionally, there were no differences between leader types indicating that peers may be an effective way to address accessibility concerns.

Originality/value

ML is unique for three reasons: it takes a biopsychosocial/Research Domain Criteria approach to mental wellness (i.e. incorporates many areas relevant to mental health, does not focus on a specific diagnosis), overcomes major barriers to mental health care and uses a peer-delivery model. These attributes, taken together with the results of this study, present a care alternative for those with less access.
Investigating the effect of habitat amount and landscape heterogeneity on the gamma functional diversity of grassland and hedgerow plants
Authors: Lecoq Lucie , Mony Cendrine , Saiz Hugo , Marsot Myriam , Ernoult Aude
Published: May 2022

Landscape structure is one of the main drivers of biodiversity, especially in agricultural landscapes. However, only a few studies explored its effect on the gamma functional diversity of plants. Yet, research questions at this scale are important to better understand and effectively preserve biodiversity.

Using a large‐scale sampling design with 30 landscape windows, we investigated the effects of habitat amount (i.e. grassland and hedgerow amounts), compositional heterogeneity (i.e. land use diversity) and configurational heterogeneity (i.e. land use spatial complexity) on the gamma functional diversity of plants in two habitat types: hedgerows and grasslands. We also investigated the same effects on the contribution of each functional trait related to different stages of the plant regeneration cycle to the overall functional diversity of plants.

Habitat amount had contrasted effects on the functional diversity of both habitat types: a negative effect on grassland plant assemblages and a positive effect on hedgerow plant assemblages. Landscape heterogeneity only affected the functional diversity of hedgerow plants: configurational heterogeneity favoured functional dispersion but reduced functional evenness, and compositional heterogeneity affected trait contribution especially by shifting phenological and establishment strategies. Because they are linear habitats, hedgerows are indeed more likely to be influenced by edge effects than grasslands and thus displayed a strong response to landscape heterogeneity. Landscape variables influenced all stage of regeneration, and especially had a strong effect on traits related to establishment and dispersal.

Synthesis. We demonstrated that landscape structure can both affect functional diversity and select particular trait syndromes related to plant dispersal, phenology and competitiveness. These results are important because they highlight that functional diversity must be studied at the gamma scale, to better understand the effects of land management and to preserve more effectively the associated ecosystem functioning.
Rootstock–scion combination contributes to shape diversity and composition of microbial communities associated with grapevine root system
Authors: Marasco Ramona , Alturkey Hend , Fusi Marco , Brandi Michele , Ghiglieno Isabella , Valenti Leonardo , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: May 2022

To alleviate biotic and abiotic stresses and enhance fruit yield, many crops are cultivated in the form of grafted plants, in which the shoot (scion) and root (rootstock) systems of different species are joined together. Because (i) the plant species determines the microbial recruitment from the soil to the root and (ii) both scion and rootstock impact the physiology, morphology and biochemistry of the grafted plant, it can be expected that their different combinations should affect the recruitment and assembly of plant microbiome. To test our hypothesis, we investigated at a field scale the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the root system of seven grapevine rootstock–scion combinations cultivated across 10 different vineyards. Following the soil type, which resulted in the main determinant of the grapevine root microbial community diversity, the rootstock–scion combination resulted more important than the two components taken alone. Notably, the microbiome differences among the rootstock–scion combinations were mainly dictated by the changes in the relative abundance of microbiome members rather than by their presence/absence. These results reveal that the microbiome of grafted grapevine root systems is largely influenced by the combination of rootstock and scion, which affects the microbial diversity uptaken from soil.
Queens Consort, Gender and Diplomacy: Catherine of Aragon, Claude of France and the Field of Cloth of Gold
Authors: Fisher Sally
Published: May 2022

In 1520, two queens consort, Catherine of Aragon and Claude of France, attended the event now known as the Field of Cloth of Gold. This article analyses representations of their involvement across three sources; contemporary diplomatic correspondence and two later sources, Edward Hall's Chronicle (1548 and 1550) and the Hampton Court Palace painting of the Field (c. 1545). It examines how the producers of these sources shaped the function of the consort according to their own motivations, genre and the context of their own time. It argues that each source acknowledges the consorts as important to the event's success, but that while contemporary letters represent Catherine and Claude as individuals, the later sources exhibit shifting narratives to focus on the trope of ideal queenship. A similar shift was not apparent for kingship. This comparison of contemporary and later depictions of the consorts reveals a gendered reshaping of their role at the Field across time according to the needs of the creators which, in turn, sheds light on understandings of queenship and diplomatic engagement in early modern England.