bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference-Free Germline Immunoglobulin Allele Discovery from B Cell Receptor Sequencing Data
Authors: Cvijović Ivana , Jerison Elizabeth R. , Quake Stephen R.
Published: November 2023

Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are a diverse set of molecules that play a critical role in adaptive immunity. They are generated in a process which begins with the recombination of germline V, D, and J gene segment alleles, and refined by hypermutation of these germline sequences upon antigen exposure. Antibody repertoire analysis often requires the knowledge of the germline V, D, and J alleles to detect hypermutations and understand the phylogenetic relationships of related B cells. However, germline immunoglobulin alleles are remarkably diverse and incompletely annotated, making it necessary to construct personalized databases for every individual. Though several approaches for the detection of germline immunoglobulin variants exist, they often rely on refining existing databases using simplifying assumptions about the relationships of germline alleles in a given organism, or about the form of evolutionary process that shapes antibody repertoires. Here, we presentgrmlin, an alternative computational approach to detecting germline alleles. Our approach exploits two empirical properties of B cell repertoires: the abundance of germline sequences in antibody repertoires and the enormous diversity of antibody sequence space, to detect germline alleles from B cell receptor sequencing data without reliance on a reference database. As such, it is in principle applicable to non-model organisms. We validate this approach by detecting the germline alleles of 11 pairs of twins and show that it achieves equivalent sensitivity and better specificity than previous methods.
Mechanism of high energy efficiency of carbon fixation by sulfur-oxidizing symbionts revealed by single-cell analyses and metabolic modeling
Authors: Kleiner M. , Polerecky L. , Lott C. , Bergin C. , Häusler S. , Liebeke M. , Wentrup C. , Musat N. , Kuypers M. M. M. , Dubilier N.
Published: November 2023

In chemosynthetic symbioses between marine invertebrates and autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria the symbionts feed their host by producing organic compounds from CO2using reduced sulfur compounds as an energy source. One such symbiosis, the gutless marineworm Olavius algarvensisharbors at least five bacterial symbionts of which four have the genetic potential for an autotrophic metabolism.

In this study we combined single-cell analyses of CO2fixation, CO2release and bulk uptake, with measurements of O2respiration, sulfur content, and polyhydroxyalkanoate content, as well as mathematical modelling to investigate how energy derived from sulfur oxidation drives carbon fluxes within the symbiosis and between the holobiont and its habitat. We found that under aerobic conditions without external energy sources only the primary symbiont,Ca. Thiosymbion algarvensis, fixed carbon. This symbiont relied on internal sulfur storage for energy production. Our model showed that the apparent efficiency of carbon fixation driven by sulfur oxidation in the symbiosis was higher than thermodynamically feasible if only stored sulfur was considered as source of energy and reducing equivalents. The model and additional calculations showed that reducing equivalents must be derived from a different source than energy. We identified the large amounts of polyhdroxyalkanoate stored by the symbiont as the likely source of reducing equivalents for carbon fixation in the symbiont which boosts the yield of sulfur-driven carbon fixation. The model also showed that heterotrophic carbon fixation by host tissue is not negligible and has to be considered when assessing transfer of carbon from the symbionts to the host.
Sexual History Was One Of The Least Frequently Documented Social History In Cerner PowerChart Histories: A Multi-Hospital Medical Center Experience For The Year 2022
Authors: Gupta Deepak
Published: November 2023

Background

As sexual history encompasses sensitive information about private lives, patients as well as providers may find it difficult to discuss during patient-provider encounters.

Objectives

To ascertain the incidence of absent documentation about sexual history among patients at seven adult hospitals of a multi-hospital medical center during the year 2022.

Materials and Methods

The multi-hospital medical center information technology team ran a search query in electronic medical records to extract census of unique patient identifications quantifying absent documentation rates about social history categories of Tobacco, Alcohol, Substance Abuse, Home/Environment, Sexual, Nutrition/Health, Exercise, Employment/School, Other.

Results

Among the patients managed in the year 2022 (n=25005), Other and Sexual social history categories were least frequently documented (1-2%). Contrarily, Home/Environment and Tobacco social history categories were most frequently documented (81-82%).

Conclusion

Among the patients managed at the multi-hospital medical center, sexual history was one of the least frequently documented social history during the year 2022.
Characterization of tomatocanal-1mutant using a multi-omics approach
Authors: Ahchige Micha Wijesingha , Fisher Josef , Sokolowska Ewelina , Lyall Rafe , Illing Nicola , Skirycz Aleksandra , Zamir Dani , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: November 2023

The recently describedcanal-1tomato mutant, which has a variegated leaf phenotype, has been shown to affect canalization of yield. The corresponding protein is orthologous to AtSCO2 - SNOWY COTYLEDON2, which has suggested roles in thylakoid biogenesis. Here we characterize thecanal-1mutant through a multi-omics approach, by comparing mutant to wild-type tissues. While whitecanal-1leaves are devoid of chlorophyll, green leaves of the mutant appear wild-type-like, despite an impaired protein function. Transcriptomic data suggest that green mutant leaves compensate for this impaired protein function by upregulation of transcription of photosystem assembly and photosystem component genes, thereby allowing adequate photosystem establishment, which is reflected in their wild-type-like proteome. Whitecanal-1leaves, however, likely fail to reach a certain threshold enabling this overcompensation, and plastids get trapped in an undeveloped state, while additionally suffering from high light stress, indicated by the overexpression of ELIP homolog genes. The metabolic profile of white and to a lesser degree also green tissues revealed upregulation of amino acid levels, that was at least partially mediated by transcriptional and proteomic upregulation. These combined changes are indicative of a stress response and suggest that white tissues behave as carbon sinks. In summary, our work demonstrates the relevance of the SCO2 protein in both photosystem assembly and as a consequence in the canalization of yield.

Significance statement

The variegatedcanalized-1tomato mutant was recently described and the underlying geneSCO2suggested to be a yield canalization gene. Through a multi-omics approach we show that mutants require a transcriptional upregulation of photosystem components and assembly components, likely as overcompensation for partially impaired SCO2 function, to produce a wild type-like proteome and functional photosynthetic tissue Our data, furthermore, suggest that variation of green to white leaf area from plant to plant leads to the yield variation.
Comparative phenotyping of mice reveals canonical and noncanonical physiological functions of TRα and TRβ
Authors: Hönes GS , Geist D , Wenzek C , Pfluger PT , Müller TD , Aguilar-Pimentel A , Amarie OV , Becker L , Dragano N , Garrett L , Hölter SM , Rathkolb B , Rozman J , Spielmann N , Treise I , Wolf E , Wurst W , Fuchs H , Gailus-Durner V , de Angelis MH , Führer D , Moeller LC
Published: November 2023

Thyroid hormone (TH) effects are mediated through TH receptors (TRs) TRα1, TRβ1, and TRβ2. The TRs bind to thyroid hormone responsive elements on the DNA and regulate expression of TH target genes as ligand dependent transcription factors (canonical signaling). In addition, the TRs α and β mediate activation of signaling pathways, e.g. the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways (noncanonical signaling). Whether such DNA-binding independent TR action contributes to the spectrum of physiological TH effects is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to attribute physiological effects to the two TR isoforms α and β and their canonical and noncanonical signaling. We conducted multi-parameter phenotyping in male and female TR knockout mice (TRαKO, TRβKO), mice with disrupted canonical signaling due to a mutation in the TR DNA-binding domain (TRαGS, TRβGS) and their respective wild-type littermates. Perturbations in senses, especially hearing (mainly TRβ with a lesser impact of TRα), visual acuity and retinal thickness (TRα and TRβ), in muscle metabolism (TRα) and in heart rate (TRα) highlighted the role of canonical TR action. Strikingly, selective abrogation of canonical TR action often had little to no phenotypic consequence, suggesting that noncanonical TR action sufficed to maintain the wild-type phenotype for specific effects. For instance, macrocytic anemia, reduced retinal vascularization or increased anxiety related behavior were only observed in TRαKO, but not TRαGSmice. Noncanonical TRα action increased the efficiency of energy utilization and prevented hyperphagia observed in TRαKOmice. In summary, by examining the phenotypes of TRα and TRβ knockout models alongside their DNA-binding-deficient GS mutants and wildtype counterparts, we could establish that the independent noncanonical actions of TRα and TRβ play a crucial role in modulating sensory, behavioral, and metabolic functions. This comparison underscores the significance of the TRs in orchestrating a spectrum of physiological processes beyond their traditional genomic pathways.
Mapping the gene space at single-cell resolution with gene signal pattern analysis
Authors: Venkat Aarthi , Leone Sam , Youlten Scott E. , Fagerberg Eric , Attanasio John , Joshi Nikhil S. , Perlmutter Michael , Krishnaswamy Smita
Published: November 2023

In single-cell sequencing analysis, several computational methods have been developed to map the cellular state space, but little has been done to map or create embeddings of the gene space. Here, we formulate the gene embedding problem, design tasks with simulated single-cell data to evaluate representations, and establish ten relevant baselines. We then present a graph signal processing approach we callgene signal pattern analysis(GSPA) that learns rich gene representations from single-cell data using a dictionary of diffusion wavelets on the cell-cell graph. GSPA enables characterization of genes based on their patterning on the cellular manifold. It also captures how localized or diffuse the expression of a gene is, for which we present a score called thegene localization score. We motivate and demonstrate the efficacy of GSPA as a framework for a range of biological tasks, such as capturing gene coexpression modules, condition-specific enrichment, and perturbation-specific gene-gene interactions. Then, we showcase the broad utility of gene rep-resentations derived from GSPA, including for cell-cell communication (GSPA-LR), spatial transcriptomics (GSPA-multimodal), and patient response (GSPA-Pt) analysis.
An interdependent Metabolic and Genetic Network shows emergent propertiesin vitro
Authors: Giaveri Simone , Bohra Nitin , Diehl Christoph , Ballinger Martine , Paczia Nicole , Glatter Timo , Erb Tobias J.
Published: November 2023

A hallmark of all living organisms is their ability for self-regeneration which requires a tight integration of metabolic and genetic networks. Here we constructed a metabolic and genetic linked in vitro network (MGLN) that shows life-like behavior outside of a cellular context and generates its own building blocks from non-living matter. To this end, we integrated the metabolism of the crotonyl-CoA/ethyl-malonyl-CoA/hydroxybutyryl-CoA (CETCH) cycle with cell-free protein synthesis using recombinant elements (PURE). We demonstrate that the MGLN produces the essential amino acid glycine from inorganic carbon (CO2), and incorporates it into target proteins following DNA-encoded instructions. By programming genetically encoded response into metabolic networks our work opens new avenues for the development of advanced biomimetic systems with emergent properties, including decision-making, self-regeneration and evolution.
Learning sequence, structure, and function representations of proteins with language models
Authors: Hamamsy Tymor , Barot Meet , Morton James T. , Steinegger Martin , Bonneau Richard , Cho Kyunghyun
Published: November 2023

The sequence-structure-function relationships that ultimately generate the diversity of extant observed proteins is complex, as proteins bridge the gap between multiple informational and physical scales involved in nearly all cellular processes. One limitation of existing protein annotation databases such as UniProt is that less than 1% of proteins have experimentally verified functions, and computational methods are needed to fill in the missing information. Here, we demonstrate that a multi-aspect framework based on protein language models can learn sequence-structure-function representations of amino acid sequences, and can provide the foundation for sensitive sequence-structure-function aware protein sequence search and annotation. Based on this model, we introduce a multi-aspect information retrieval system for proteins, Protein-Vec, covering sequence, structure, and function aspects, that enables computational protein annotation and function prediction at tree-of-life scales.
Optimal investments in private land conservation depend more on landholder preferences than climate change
Authors: Williams Brooke A. , Archibald Carla L. , Brazill-Boast James , Drielsma Michael J. , Thapa Rajesh , Love Jamie , Cho Frankie H. T. , Lunney Daniel , Fitzsimons James A. , Iftekhar Sayed , Villarreal-Rosas Jaramar , Bekessy Sarah , Hetherington Scott Benitez , McAlpine Clive A. , Beaumont Linda , Thonell Jillian , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: November 2023

Effective private land conservation strategies that consider both landholder preferences and future climatic conditions are critical for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, the interaction and relative importance of these factors for conservation planning performance is unknown. Here, we assess the importance of considering landholder preferences and climate change for prioritising locations for conservation tenders to recruit landholders for conservation covenants. To achieve this we develop a planning framework that accounts for the tender process to optimise investment across regions and apply it to koala-focused tenders in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, exploring four planning approaches that consider or are ignorant to landholder preferences and the tender process and/or climate change. We find that optimal investments depend more on landholder preferences than climate change, and when landholder preferences are ignored, there is little benefit in accounting for climate change. Our analysis reveals new insights into this important interaction.
Moving as a group imposes constraints on the energetic efficiency of movement
Authors: Klarevas-Irby James A. , Nyaguthii Brendah , Farine Damien R.
Published: November 2023

Movement is a key part of life for both solitary and group-living animals. In solitary animals, the energetic costs of making large displacements can be mitigated by energetically efficient strategies—specifically faster, straighter movements. However, little is known about whether moving as part of a collective enhances or limits the ability for individual group members to express such strategies. Drawing on 6 years of population-level high-resolution (1Hz) GPS tracking of group-living vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum), we detected 886 events from 94 tagged individuals where their groups made large displacements, shifting their home ranges in response to changing environmental conditions. We contrasted these movements with data with 94 large displacement events by 19 lone, dispersing individuals. Our results suggest that individuals moving as part of group can significantly reduce their energetic cost of transport when making large displacements (15.5% reduction relative to their normal daily ranging behaviours) by increasing the speed and straightness of their movements. However, even during their most-efficient movements, individuals in groups could not achieve or maintain the same increases in speed that others could when moving alone, resulting in significantly limited efficiency gains (solitary individuals were 34.9% more efficient than individuals in groups). Overall, this study provides evidence for a substantial, and previously hidden, energetic cost arising from collective movement.
Multiomic single-cell sequencing defines tissue-specific responses in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Authors: Gibson Andrew , Ram Ramesh , Gangula Rama , Li Yueran , Mukherjee Eric , Palubinsky Amy M , Campbell Chelsea N , Thorne Michael , Konvinse Katherine C , Choshi Phuti , Deshpande Pooja , Pedretti Sarah , O'Neil Richard T , Wanjalla Celestine N , Kalams Spyros A , Gaudieri Silvana , Lehloenya Rannakoe J , Bailin Samuel S , Chopra Abha , Trubiano Jason A , Peter Jonny G , Mallal Simon A , Phillips Elizabeth J
Published: November 2023

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a rare but life-threatening cutaneous drug reaction mediated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-restricted CD8+ T-cells. To obtain an unbiased assessment of SJS/TEN cellular immunopathogenesis, we performed single-cell (sc) transcriptome, surface proteome, and TCR sequencing on unaffected skin, affected skin, and blister fluid from 17 SJS/TEN patients. From 119,784 total cells, we identified 16 scRNA-defined subsets, confirmed by subset-defining surface protein expression. Keratinocytes upregulated HLA and IFN-response genes in the affected skin. Cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell subpopulations of expanded and unexpanded TCRαβ clonotypes were shared in affected skin and blister fluid but absent or unexpanded in SJS/TEN unaffected skin. SJS/TEN blister fluid is a rich reservoir of oligoclonal CD8+ T-cells with an effector phenotype driving SJS/TEN pathogenesis. This multiomic database will act as the basis to define antigen reactivity, HLA restriction, and signatures of drug antigen-reactive T-cell clonotypes at a tissue level.
Epigenetic Small-Molecule Screen for Inhibition and Reversal of Acinar Ductal Metaplasia in Mouse Pancreatic Organoids
Authors: Atanasova Kalina R. , Perkins Corey M. , Ratnayake Ranjala , Jiang Jinmai , Chen Qi-Yin , Schmittgen Thomas D. , Luesch Hendrik
Published: November 2023

Background

Acinar ductal metaplasia (ADM) is among the earliest initiating events in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development.

Methods

We developed a novel morphology-based screen using organoids from wildtype and p48Cre/+(Cre) mice to discover epigenetic modulators that inhibit or reverse pancreatic ADM more effectively than the broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA).

Results

Of the 144 compounds screened, nine hits and two additional natural product HDAC inhibitors were validated by dose-response analysis. The class I HDAC inhibitors apicidin and FK228, and the histone methyltransferase inhibitor chaetocin demonstrated pronounced ADM inhibition and reversal without inducing significant cytotoxicity at 1 µM. Thioester prodrug class I HDAC inhibitor largazole attenuated ADM while its disulfide homodimer was effective in both ADM inhibition and reversal. Prioritized compounds were validated for ADM reversal in p48Cre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+(KC) mouse organoids using both morphological and molecular endpoints. Molecular index analysis of ADM reversal in KC mouse organoids demonstrated improved activity compared to TSA. Improved prodrug stability translated into a stronger phenotypic and molecular response. RNA-sequencing indicated that angiotensinogen was the top inhibited pathway during ADM reversal.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate a unique epigenetic mechanism and suggest that the phenotypic screen developed here may be applied to discover potential treatments for PDAC.
Ribosomal RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase I is regulated by premature termination of transcription
Authors: Azouzi Chaïma , Schwank Katrin , Queille Sophie , Kwapisz Marta , Aguirrebengoa Marion , Henras Anthony , Lebaron Simon , Tschochner Herbert , Lesne Annick , Beckouët Frédéric , Gadal Olivier , Dez Christophe
Published: November 2023

The RNA polymerase I (Pol I) enzyme that synthesizes large rRNA precursors, exhibits high rate of pauses during elongation, indicative of a discontinuous process. We show here that Premature Termination of Transcription (PTT) by Pol I is a critical regulatory step limiting rRNA productionin vivo. The Pol I mutant, SuperPol (RPA135-F301S), produces 1.5-fold more rRNA than the wild type (WT). Combined CRAC and rRNA analysis link increased rRNA production in SuperPol to reduced PTT, resulting in shifting polymerase distribution toward the 3’ end of rDNA genes.In vitro, SuperPol shows reduced nascent transcript cleavage, associated with more efficient transcript elongation after pauses. Notably, SuperPol is resistant to BMH-21, a drug impairing Pol I elongation and inducing proteasome- mediated degradation of Pol I subunits. Compared to WT, SuperPol maintains subunit stability and sustains high transcription levels upon BMH-21 treatment. These comparative results show that PTT is alleviated in SuperPol while it is stimulated by BMH-21 in WT Pol I.
Estradiol Mediates Greater Germinal Center Responses to Influenza Vaccination in Female than Male Mice
Authors: Dhakal Santosh , Park Han-Sol , Seddu Kumba , Lee John , Creisher Patrick S. , Davis Kimberly M. , Hernandez Isabella R. , Maul Robert W. , Klein Sabra L.
Published: November 2023

Adult females of reproductive ages develop greater antibody responses to inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) than males. How sex, age, and sex steroid changes impact B cells and durability of IIV-induced immunity and protection over 4-months post-vaccination (mpv) was analyzed. Vaccinated adult females had greater germinal center (GC) B cell and plasmablast frequencies in lymphoid tissues, higher neutralizing antibody responses 1-4 mpv, and better protection against live H1N1 challenge than adult males. Aged mice, regardless of sex, had reduced B cell frequencies, less durable antibody responses, and inferior protection after challenge than adult mice, which correlated with diminished estradiol among aged females. To confirm that greater IIV-induced immunity was caused by sex hormones, four core genotype (FCG) mice were used, in which the testes determining gene,Sry, was deleted from ChrY and transferred to Chr3, to separate gonadal sex (i.e., ovaries or testes) from sex chromosome complement (i.e., XX or XY complement). Vaccinated, gonadal female FCG mice (XXF and XYF) had greater numbers of B cells, higher antiviral antibody titers, and reduced pulmonary virus titers following live H1N1 challenge than gonadal FCG males (XYM and XXM). To establish that lower estradiol concentrations cause diminished immunity, adult and aged females received either a placebo or estradiol replacement therapy prior to IIV. Estradiol replacement significantly increased IIV-induced antibody responses and reduced morbidity after the H1N1 challenge among aged females. These data highlight that estradiol is a targetable mechanism mediating greater humoral immunity following vaccination among adult females.

Importance

Females of reproductive ages develop greater antibody responses to influenza vaccines than males. We hypothesized that female-biased immunity and protection against influenza was mediated by estradiol signaling in B cells. Using diverse mouse models ranging from advanced age mice to transgenic mice that separate sex steroids from sex chromosome complement, those mice with greater concentrations of estradiol consistently had greater numbers of antibody producing B cells in lymphoid tissue, higher antiviral antibody titers, and greater protection against live influenza virus challenge. Treatment of aged female mice with estradiol enhanced vaccine-induced immunity and protection against disease, suggesting that estradiol signaling in B cells is critical for improved vaccine outcomes in females.
Wounded, but not defeated: from incapacitated to reintegrated. Exploring reintegration of wounded/injured/sick military armed forces employees
Authors: Valk Reimara , Versluijs Benito
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the reintegration process of Wounded, Injured or Sick Employees (WISE) of the Dutch Military Armed Forces.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is an exploratory, qualitative case study. A purposive sampling was drawn, including 10 WISE, and 6 reintegration stakeholders. A total of 16 interviews were conducted to explore the individual, organisational and socio-environmental factors that influence reintegration of WISE.

Findings

Findings show the importance of involvement and participation of members of the social environment in the reintegration process. Findings show that the complexity of the plethora of WISEs' injuries and disabilities requires a more person-centric reintegration approach with personalized-customized provisions, rather than a policy-driven approach to the reintegration, in order to enhance the reintegration experience and to arrive at beneficial individual and organisational reintegration outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This cross-sectional study on a limited sample of WISE and reintegration stakeholders does not allow for making inferences about the long-term effects of the reintegration process on reintegration outcomes of the wider population of WISE. Future longitudinal research, encompassing a larger sample, could examine the long-term career, organisational and societal implications of reintegration of WISE within and outside the Military Armed Forces.

Practical implications

This paper presents a “Wounded Warrior Workplace Reintegration Program”, aimed at deriving beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders involved in the reintegration trajectory.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by presenting a Model of Occupational Reintegration of WISE that considers the factors at an individual, social-environmental, and institutional level as determinants of successful reintegration.
Exploring the benefits of applying indigenous knowledge (IK) into foresight process
Authors: Phichonsatcha Thirawut , Gerdsri Nathasit , Pentrakoon Duanghathai , Kanjana-Opas Akkharawit
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Indigenous knowledge is an essential element for unveiling the evolutionary journey of socio-culture phenomena. One of the key challenges in foresight exercises is to incorporate social-culture issues such as culture, lifestyle and behavior (referred as indigenous knowledge) into the study. However, the statistical trends of those factors tend to be either not available or limited unlike the population or economic related factors. The purpose of this study is to present the use of valuable data from indigenous knowledge to enhance the foresight exercise through the better understanding of social dynamics and changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The fragmented form of indigenous knowledge is analyzed and converted into a structured data format and then interpreted to unveil the evolutionary journey of socio-cultural phenomena. This study applies a scenario development method to visualize the results of foresight by comparing before and after the integration of indigenous knowledge. Finally, an assessment was conducted to reflect the value enhancement resulting from the integration of indigenous knowledge into the foresight process.

Findings

With the proposed approach, the foresight study on the future development of Thai food was demonstrated. The findings of this study show that the use of indigenous knowledge on eating behavior, cooking style and food flavor helps improve the alternative scenarios for the future development of Thai foods.

Practical implications

Indigenous knowledge can be applied to develop plausible scenarios and future images in foresight exercises. However, by nature, indigenous knowledge is not well-structured and, therefore, needs to be analyzed and turned into structured data so that it can be interpreted before integrating into the foresight process.

Originality/value

This study is one of few studies addressing the opportunities for integrating indigenous knowledge into foresight process. Indigenous knowledge can unveil the evolution of socio-cultural changes to improve the results of foresight study, especially the cases where statistical data and trends may not be sufficient to foresee future development.
Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH): a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Pandey Neha , Desul Sudarsan , Patra Raj Kishore , Sethy Mrutyunjay
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Menstruation poses psycho-physiological challenges globally due to a lack of awareness, unhygienic practices and social stigma. This paper aims to assess the existing body of research on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on seminal works published in the Scopus Database from 1946 to 2023 for extensive bibliometric analysis, involving 756 bibliographic records analyzed through Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. The authors use thematic analysis to identify core research themes and sub-themes, coupled with a critical review of the most highly cited articles within each thematic category.

Findings

The research into MHH has consistently grown since 2010, with a notable surge in the past five years. Among all countries, the USA emerges as the most active contributor, boasting the highest number of publications and citations. In terms of organizations, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine takes the lead with 54 articles. Further, PLOS ONE and Waterlines were the most productive and influential journals, respectively. The thematic analysis identifies key research foci, including tampons, menstrual health, sanitation, hygiene and bleeding.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could be initiated in areas of menstrual education and awareness, menstrual product safety and effectiveness and menstrual disorders and treatments to address the concerns especially encountered by women from developing countries.

Originality/value

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of 77 years of MHH research, offering valuable insights into key areas of concern and guiding future research directions, ultimately addressing critical global health challenges.
A multilevel investigation of the impact of error management culture on restaurant employee voice
Authors: Huang Yidan , Yu Heyao , Sharma Amit , Zhang Ziang
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relation between error management culture and restaurant employee promotive and prohibitive voices. Drawing on socially desirable responding theory, the authors also propose a dual-mediation mechanism underlying the impact of error management culture on employee voice: psychological empowerment, as the agentic motive, and psychological safety, as the communal motive.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors recruited 223 participants working in 37 restaurants in China for the two-wave surveys with a one-week interval. The authors use a multilevel modeling paradigm to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

This research examines a multilevel model suggesting that error management culture can boost employee promotive voice and prohibitive voice via the mechanisms of psychological safety and empowerment. In addition, the results suggest that psychological empowerment (vs psychological safety) has a strong mediation effect between error management culture and promotive voice, but the authors find no difference in mediating effects between error management culture and prohibitive voice.

Practical implications

Restaurants can encourage employee voice by developing and maintaining an error management culture. Organizations can also consider motivating employees from both agentic and communal perspectives. Moreover, managers should focus more on empowering employees in areas characterized by Confucianism or collectivism.

Originality/value

The current research adds to the voice literature by identifying an organizational cultural antecedent of employee voice–error management culture. Agentic and communal motives are two motivational paths of employee voice. It also extends the social desirability theory by highlighting the role of the agentic motive in the Chinese restaurant context.
Analyzing physical environment of Child Friendly Spaces in emergencies: in the context of Rohingya crisis at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Barai Nandita , Faruk Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Child friendly space (CFS) has been introduced worldwide as an effective Child Protection response to the affected children in emergency to restore their life through psychosocial support programs. An effective physical environment is crucial to accommodate the psychosocial activities of a CFS. Several guidelines have stated minimum standards regarding design and implementation of a CFS. However, different case studies show that the physical set-up of CFS varies in different contexts. Therefore, there is a scope to analyze the physical environment of CFSs in the context of Rohingya camps based on those standards.

Design/methodology/approach

Very few guidelines have solely discussed the criteria of physical design and implementation of a CFS. First, the study develops an assessment tool by sorting out those standards from available sources. Secondly, the study follows multiple case study research approach to assess physical environment of four CFSs in Rohingya camps, Cox’s Bazar based on those standards using direct observation, photographic analysis and key informant interview as survey tools.

Findings

Major findings reveal that local factors such as topography, availability of land and density have great impact on physical environment on CFSs in Cox’s Bazar beyond the minimum standards, which indicates the importance of considering local factors while designing a CFS for a given context.

Originality/value

Solely demonstrates the need of considering the benchmarks as well as local factors, which will contribute to the knowledge of policymakers and implementers during designing and implementing a CFS for a specific context.
Resilience and performance: capturing their synergy for ongoing success
Authors: Bughin Jacques
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Most companies struggle to meet the dual goals of sustaining competitive advantage and ensuring high resilience during crises. Those that do, research tells, adapt their operational practices along the crisis cycle, combining an effective cost approach at the start of a crisis, while quickly relaunching their investment to grow ahead of competition, just when they learn that the crisis is peaking, and not too late, when the crisis is over. This cycle alignment is possibly the crucial, but not the only, factor for success. We update early research to show that companies succeeding in this dual objective also take a proactive strategy approach of capturing the complementarities between both performance and resilience during a period of high turbulence. This complementarity relies on exploiting dynamic capabilities common to both resilience and performance, and on leveraging the resilience process as a foundation for strategic renewal going forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The research relies on case studies, complemented by an original survey sample, collected just after the peak of the covid-19 pandemic, of 4,000 multinational firms spread across 18 industries termed NACE2, a statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community. This study included 10 countries outside the European Community. The sample collects information on five core enterprise capabilities (agility, innovativeness, active ecosystem play and digital/sustainability maturity, flexible work practices) and uses a variety of quantitative techniques to assess that existence and size of synergies captured by firms.

Findings

Companies meeting the dual goal of resilience and performance are more than doubling their rate of profit growth relatively to peers, after the peak of the crisis, by leveraging of synergies between performance and resilience.

Originality/value

The topic is essential for management, given the elevated turbulence. This research confirms that resilience and performance are synergistic and helps make companies using each crisis boost performance forward.
Geopolitical risk, economic policy uncertainty, financial stress and stock returns nexus: evidence from African stock markets
Authors: Korsah David , Mensah Lord
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Despite the growing recognition of the complex interplay between macroeconomic shock indexes and stock market dynamics, there is a significant research gap concerning their interconnectedness and return spillovers in the context of the African stock market. This leaves much to be desired, given that the financial market in Africa is arguably one of the most preferred destinations for hedge and portfolio diversification (Alagidede, 2008; Anyikwa and Le Roux, 2020). Further, like other financial markets across the globe, the increased capital flow, coupled with declining information asymmetry in Africa, has deepened intra and inter-sectoral integration within and across national borders. This has, thus, increased the susceptibility of financial markets in Africa to spillover of shocks from other sectors and jurisdictions. Additionally, while previous studies have investigated these factors individually (Asafo-Adjei et al., 2020), with much emphasis on developed markets, an all-encompassing examination of spillovers and the connectedness between the aforementioned macroeconomic shock indexes and stock market returns remains largely unexplored. This study happens to be the first to consider the impact of each of the indexes on stock returns in Africa, with evidence spanning from May 2007 to April 2023, covering notable global crisis episodes such as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the novel quantile vector autoregression (QVAR) model, making it the first of its kind in literature. By applying the QVAR, the study captures the potential nonlinear and asymmetric relationship between stock returns and the factors of interest across different quantiles, i.e. bearish, normal and bullish market conditions. Thus, the approach allows for a more accurate and nuanced examination of the tail dependence and extreme events, providing insights into the behaviour of the variables under extreme events.

Findings

The study revealed that connectedness and spillovers intensified under bearish and bullish market conditions. It was also observed that, among the macroeconomic shock indicators, FSI exerted the highest influence on stock returns in Africa in both bullish and normal market conditions. Across the various market regimes, the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) and the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) were net receiver of shocks.

Originality/value

This study happens to be the first to consider the impact of each of the indexes on stock returns in Africa, with evidence spanning from May 2007 to April 2023, covering notable global crisis episodes such as the GFC, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. On the methodology front, this study employs the novel QVAR model, making it one of the few studies in recent literature to apply the said method.
Development of a financial performance measurement model for real estate business: an exploratory study in India
Authors: Singla Harish Kumar , Chammanam Sitara Sunil
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a financial performance measurement model for real estate business.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses balanced scorecard (BSC) proposed by Kaplan and Norton (1996) as a theoretical support. The study, being exploratory in nature, uses survey method to collect data on several dimensions of BSC as well as on other performance measures used by real estate businesses in India. The survey data collected is analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore the model constructs. This is followed by building an integrated conceptual model for measuring the financial performance of a real estate business. The model is tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The study finds that the financial performance of the real estate business revolves around customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and external networks. The right alignment of these components lead to superior financial performance. It also provides a competitive advantage to the real estate business. These three components (customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and external networks) have direct and indirect influences on the financial performance of real estate business.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size (78 respondents), as well as the respondent’s geographical concentration in India, are the limitations of the study. Hence, generalization of findings may be difficult until the findings are validated across the globe.

Practical implications

The conceptual performance measurement model suggested in this research provides an effective tool to plan and strategize to achieve superior financial performance, particularly for stakeholders in the real estate business.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge and belief, this is the first attempt to develop a comprehensive financial performance measurement model for real estate business and test it using EFA and PLS-SEM.
Tips and trips: a structural model of guests’ intentions to stay and tip for AI-based services in hotels
Authors: Morosan Cristian , Dursun-Cengizci Aslihan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Given the rapid development in artificial intelligence (AI), the hotel industry is deploying AI-based systems. In line with this important development, this study aims to examine the impact of trust in the hotel and AI-related performance ambiguity on consumers’ engagement with AI-based systems. This study ultimately examined the impact of engagement on consumers’ intentions to stay in hotels offering such systems, and intentions to tip.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a conceptual model based on the social cognition theory. The study used an online survey methodology and collected data from a nationwide sample of 400 hotel consumers from the USA. The data analysis was conducted with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Consumers’ engagement is strongly influenced by their trust in the hotel but not by performance ambiguity associated with AI. In turn, engagement strongly influenced consumers’ intentions to stay in hotels that have such systems and their intentions to tip.

Originality/value

As AI systems capable of making decisions for consumers are becoming increasingly present in hotels, little is known about the way consumers engage with such systems and whether their engagement leads to economic impact. This is the first study that validated a model that explains intentions to stay and tip for services facilitated by autonomous AI-based systems that can make decisions for consumers.
The role of ownership structure, board, and audit committee in corporate social responsibility disclosure: Jordanian evidence
Authors: Bataineh Hanady , Alkurdi Amneh , Abuhommous Ala’a Adden , Abdel Latif Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the extent of corporate social responsibility disclosure (hereafter CSRD) in Jordan and also examine whether ownership structure, board of directors and audit committee characteristics influence CSRD.

Design/methodology/approach

The extent of CSRD is measured by constructing a CSRD index for industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2021. Panel regression analysis is used to examine the potential effect of ownership structure, board of directors and audit committee on the level of CSRD.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence that diverse groups of shareholders have different effects on CSR engagement, and board characteristics (board size, board independence and gender diversity) play a vital role in increasing voluntary disclosure, including CSR information. There is no evidence to support that CSRD is influenced by audit committee characteristics.

Practical implications

This study recommends that corporate regulators and policymakers can improve CSRD practices by expanding the scope of existing disclosure requirements related to CSR and developing a structured CSRD index to measure the degree of CSRD practices for comparative purposes. Encourage firms to actively participate in social responsibility programs by granting tax incentives and government facilities to firms with the best CSR reports. Policymakers should introduce initiatives that support female’s representation on board. Finally, firms should restructure their boards by increasing board size and the percentage of independent directors to enhance their effectiveness to support CSRD.

Originality/value

This paper contributes further insights into the literature on CSRD practices and disclosure by analyzing data from developing market contexts.
Digital transformation in AECO industry: impending dilemma in the Indian context
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjay , Pant Gautam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to significantly improve capabilities and performances for architectural, engineering, construction and operation and maintenance (AECO) companies in India. The top management of such companies seems unsure and reluctant to implementation of the 4IR applications. The objective of this research is to identify the 4IR technology applications, which would have a significant impact on the operation of the AECO companies in India. Moreover, the paper further attempts to give a conceptual roadmap for the implementation of these 4IR technologies in the AECO value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The nascent level of research in 4IR in construction necessitated the adoption of mixed methodologies in research. Hypothesis testing has been carried out on the quantitative data to ascertain the potential of 4IR technologies, which could significantly impact the AECO companies. Subsequently, qualitative research has been used to explore the reasons impacting the technology adoption and generate a possible road map for the implementation of the significant 4IR technology applications.

Findings

The AECO value chain is challenged due to its complexity, uncertainty, fragmented supply chains, myopic thinking and a culture reluctant to change. The study provides insights into the dilemmas of practitioners in the Indian context while exploring possible approaches to carry out the transformation in AECO.

Research limitations/implications

The study validation relied on the opinions, perspectives and recollections of respondents. The opinion of practicing professionals was limited to the Indian context.

Originality/value

The article may help leaders of AECO firms, industry associations, policymakers and academia to take steps in relevant directions to enable digital transformation.