bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Aging-Susceptible Circadian Rhythm Controls Cutaneous Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Kirchner Stephen , Lei Vivian , Kim Paul , Patel Meera , Shannon Jessica , Corcoran David , Hughes Dalton , Waters Diana , Dzirasa Kafui , Erdmann Detlev , Coers Jörn , MacLeod Amanda , Zhang Jennifer Y.
Published: April 2023

Aged skin is prone to viral infections, but the mechanisms responsible for this immunosenescent immune risk are unclear. We observed that aged murine and human skin expressed reduced antiviral proteins (AVPs) and circadian regulators including Bmal1 and Clock. Bmal1 and Clock were found to control rhythmic AVP expression in skin and such circadian-control of AVPs was diminished by disruption of immune cell interleukin 27 signaling and deletion of Bmal1/Clock genes in mouse skins, as well as siRNA-mediated knockdown of CLOCK in human primary keratinocytes. We found that treatment of circadian enhancing agents, nobiletin and SR8278, reduced infection of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) in epidermal explants and human keratinocytes in a Bmal1/Clock-dependent manner. Circadian enhancing treatment also reversed susceptibility of aging murine skin and human primary keratinocytes to viral infection. These findings reveal an evolutionarily conserved and age-sensitive circadian regulation of cutaneous antiviral immunity, underscoring circadian restoration as an antiviral strategy in aging populations.
Scale-free models of chromosome structure, dynamics, and mechanics
Authors: Grosse-Holz Simon , Mirny Leonid , Coulon Antoine
Published: April 2023

The nucleus of a cell contains its genetic information in the form of chromatin: polymers of DNA and associated proteins. The physical nature of this polymer system is yet to be understood. Orthogonal experimental approaches probing chromosome structure, dynamics, and mechanics typically suggest the existence of scaling relationships, leading to the widespread use of scale-free, or fractal, models to represent interphase chromosomes. However, currently, there is no single physical model consistent with all reported scaling exponents. Here, we consider the space of possible scale-free models of chromosome structure, dynamics, and mechanics, and examine the fundamental connections between these physical properties. We demonstrate the existence of two algebraic relationships between the scaling exponents—–connecting structure with dynamics, and dynamics with mechanics, respectively–—outlining the necessary physical conditions for a model to match specific exponent values. Applied to values reported in metazoans, our theory identifies the family of models consistent with all observed scalings, which notably excludes the classical Rouse, Zimm, and fractal globule polymer models. Our theory highlights dynamic correlations between distal genomic loci as necessary to reconnect seemingly contra-dictory measurements. Consequently, we propose new experiments to narrow down the space of possible models. We expect this framework to serve as a guide for understanding past and future measurements, and for building new physical models of interphase chromosomes.
Iterative assay for transposase-accessible chromatin by sequencing to isolate functionally relevant neuronal subtypes
Authors: Merrill Collin B. , Titos Iris , Pabon Miguel A. , Montgomery Austin B. , Rodan Aylin R. , Rothenfluh Adrian
Published: April 2023

TheDrosophilabrain contains tens of thousands of distinct cell types. Thousands of different transgenic lines reproducibly target specific neuron subsets, yet most still express in several cell types. Furthermore, most lines were developed withouta prioriknowledge of where the transgenes would be expressed. To aid in the development of cell type-specific tools for neuronal identification and manipulation, we developed an iterative assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (ATAC) approach. Open chromatin regions (OCRs) enriched in neurons, compared to whole bodies, drove transgene expression preferentially in subsets of neurons. A second round of ATAC-seq from these specific neuron subsets revealed additional enriched OCR2s that further restricted transgene expression within the chosen neuron subset. This approach allows for continued refinement of transgene expression, and we used it to identify neurons relevant for sleep behavior. Furthermore, this approach is widely applicable to other cell types and to other organisms.
RNA covariation at helix-level resolution for the identification of evolutionarily conserved RNA structure
Authors: Rivas Elena
Published: April 2023

Many biologically important RNAs fold into specific 3D structures conserved through evolution. Knowing when an RNA sequence includes a conserved RNA structure that could lead to new biology is not trivial and depends on clues left behind by conservation in the form of covariation and variation. For that purpose, the R-scape statistical test was created to identify from alignments of RNA sequences, the base pairs that significantly covary above phylogenetic expectation. R-scape treats base pairs as independent units. However, RNA base pairs do not occur in isolation. The Watson-Crick (WC) base pairs stack together forming helices that constitute the scaffold that facilitates the formation of the non-WC base pairs, and ultimately the complete 3D structure. The helix-forming WC base pairs carry most of the covariation signal in an RNA structure. Here, I introduce a new measure of statistically significant covariation at helix-level by aggregation of the covariation significance and covariation power calculated at base-pair-level resolution. Performance benchmarks show that helix-level aggregated covariation increases sensitivity in the detection of evolutionarily conserved RNA structure without sacrificing specificity. This additional helix-level sensitivity reveals an artifact that results from using covariation to build an alignment for a hypothetical structure and then testing the alignment for whether its covariation significantly supports the structure. Helix-level reanalysis of the evolutionary evidence for a selection of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) reinforces the evidence against these lncRNAs having a conserved secondary structure.

Availability

Helix aggregated E-values are integrated in the R-scape software package (version 2.0.0.p and higher). The R-scape web servereddylab.org/R-scapeincludes a link to download the source code.

Contact

elenarivas@fas.harvard.edu

Supplementary information

Supplementary data and code are provided with this manuscript atrivaslab.org.
DNA metabarcoding workflow utilizing nanopore long-read sequencing and consensus generation for rapid identification of fungal taxa with high phylogenetic resolution
Authors: Ohta Atsufumi , Nishi Kenichiro , Hirota Kiichi , Matsuo Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2023

The study of microbiota has been revolutionized by the development of DNA metabarcoding. This sequence-based approach enables the direct detection of microorganisms without the need for culture and isolation, which significantly reduces analysis time and offers more comprehensive taxonomic profiles across broad phylogenetic lineages. While there has been an accumulating number of researches on bacteria, molecular phylogenetic analysis of fungi still remains challenging due to the lack of standardized tools and the incompleteness of reference databases limiting the accurate and precise identification of fungal taxa. Here, we present a DNA metabarcoding workflow for characterizing fungal microbiota with high taxonomic resolution. This method involves amplifying longer stretches of ribosomal RNA operons and sequencing them using nanopore long-read sequencing technology. The resulting reads were error-polished to generate consensus sequences with 99.5–100% accuracy, which were then aligned against reference genome assemblies. The efficacy of this method was explored using a polymicrobial mock community and patient-derived specimens, demonstrating the marked potential of long-read sequencing combined with consensus calling for accurate taxonomic classification. Our approach offers a powerful tool for the rapid identification of pathogenic fungi and has the promise to significantly improve our understanding of the role of fungi in health and disease.
Netrin-1 directs vascular patterning and maturity in the developing kidney
Authors: Honeycutt Samuel Emery , N’Guetta Pierre-Emmanuel Yoann , Hardesty Deanna Marie , Xiong Yubin , Cooper Shamus Luke , O’Brien Lori Lynn
Published: April 2023

Blood filtering by the kidney requires the establishment of an intricate vascular system that works to support body fluid and organ homeostasis. Despite these critical roles, little is known about how vascular architecture is established during kidney development. More specifically, how signals from the kidney influence vessel maturity and patterning remains poorly understood. Netrin-1 (Ntn1) is a secreted ligand critical for vessel and neuronal guidance. Here, we demonstrate thatNtn1is expressed by stromal progenitors in the developing kidney, and conditional deletion ofNtn1from Foxd1+ stromal progenitors (Foxd1GC/+;Ntn1fl/fl) results in hypoplastic kidneys that display extended nephrogenesis. Despite expression of the netrin-1 receptorUnc5cin the adjacent nephron progenitor niche,Unc5cknockout kidneys develop normally. The netrin-1 receptorUnc5bis expressed by embryonic kidney endothelium and therefore we interrogated the vascular networks ofFoxd1GC/+;Ntn1fl/flkidneys. Wholemount, 3D analyses revealed the loss of a predictable vascular pattern in mutant kidneys. As vascular patterning has been linked to vessel maturity, we investigated arterialization in these mutants. Quantification of the CD31+ endothelium at E15.5 revealed no differences in metrics such as the number of branches or branch points, whereas the arterial vascular smooth muscle metrics were significantly reduced at both E15.5 and P0. In support of these results, whole kidney RNA-seq showed upregulation of angiogenic programs and downregulation of muscle-related programs which included smooth muscle-associated genes. Together, our findings highlight the significance of netrin-1 to proper vascularization and kidney development.
Inference on autoregulation in gene expression with variance-to-mean ratio
Authors: Wang Yue , He Siqi
Published: April 2023

Some genes can promote or repress their own expressions, which is called autoregulation. Although gene regulation is a central topic in biology, autoregulation is much less studied. In general, it is extremely difficult to determine the existence of autoregulation with direct biochemical approaches. Nevertheless, some papers have observed that certain types of autoregulations are linked to noise levels in gene expression. We generalize these results by two propositions on discrete-state continuous-time Markov chains. These two propositions form a simple but robust method to infer the existence of autoregulation from gene expression data. This method only needs to compare the mean and variance of the gene expression level. Compared to other methods for inferring autoregulation, our method only requires non-interventional one-time data, and does not need to estimate parameters. Besides, our method has few restrictions on the model. We apply this method to four groups of experimental data and find some genes that might have autoregulation. Some inferred autoregulations have been verified by experiments or other theoretical works.
Modeling EEG Resting-State Brain Dynamics: A proof of concept for clinical studies
Authors: Kotz Sonja A. , Astudillo Aland , Araya David , Bella Simone Dalla , Trujillo-Barreto Nelson , El-Deredy Wael
Published: April 2023

Functional brain imaging has shown that the awake brain, independent of a task, spontaneously switches between a small set of functional networks. How useful this dynamical view of brain activity is for clinical studies, e.g., as early markers of subsequent structural and/or functional change or for assessing successful training or intervention effects, remains unclear. Core to addressing this question is to assess the robustness and reproducibility of the analysis methods that model, characterize, or infer the features of brain dynamics, and the accuracy by which these features represent and classify specific cognitive or altered cognitive states. This is particularly key given inter- and intra-individual variability and measurement noise. Here we used resting-state EEG from persons with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and healthy matched controls to systematically assess the reliability, robustness, and sensitivity of Hidden semi-Markov models (HsMM). These models are an example of model-based probabilistic methods for Brain-State allocations that are estimated from observed data. The method estimates model parameters, if the M/EEG recording or observations, over the scale of minutes, are emissions from hidden states that persist over short durations, before switching or transitioning to other states. We introduce an analysis pipeline that leads to sets of reproducible features of neurophysiological dynamics at the individual level. These features can be used as discriminatory variables to classify individuals and to evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological training schemes like in the current example a music-gait exercise program for Parkinson’s Disease. Given the method stochasticity and the data variability, we emphasize the importance of repeating the analysis to reliably identify brain states and their dynamical trajectories that subsequently can be related to individualized variables.
Comparative genomics-based insights into diversification and bio-protection function ofXanthomonas indica, a non-pathogenic species of rice
Authors: Rana Rekha , Madhavan Vishnu Narayanan , Sonti Ramesh V. , Patel Hitendra K. , Patil Prabhu B.
Published: April 2023

Xanthomonasspecies have been extensively studied as major and model pathogens of plants. However, there is an increasing recognition of the complex and large world of non-pathogenic species ofXanthomonasin the recent decades. One pathogenicXanthomonasspecies has been known in rice for the last hundred years, yet in recent years, three non-pathogenicXanthomonas(NPX) species have been reported. Thus, there is a need to understand the species-level diversity of NPXs like their pathogenic counterparts. In the present study, we report isolation and investigation into the genomic diversity ofXanthomonas indica, a newly discovered NPX species from rice. The study allowed us to establish the relationship ofX. indicastrains within clade I of Xanthomonads. All the strains formed a distinct but diverse clade compared to clades corresponding to other NPX species from rice and other hosts.X. indicalacks major virulence factors found in their pathogenic counterparts. Identification of highly diverse strains and open-pan genome indicates ongoing selection to acquire new functions for adaptation.X. indicaalso harbours large-scale interstrain variations in the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen biosynthetic gene cluster, which hints at the selection at this locus. Interestingly, all the diverse strains ofX. indicawere able to protect rice from bacterial leaf blight pathogen of rice upon leaf clip inoculation. Comparative genomics revealed the association of a RiPP, a metalloprotease and a bacterial-killing type IV secretion system conserved across its related member species, includingX. sontii, in the clade I within-vivoanti-pathogenic properties. Overall the study has provided novel evolutionary insights into an important NPX member species. The findings and genomic resources will allow further systematic molecular studies to understand its interaction with the host plant.
Conformational variability of cyanobacterial ChlI, the AAA+ motor of magnesium chelatase involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis
Authors: Shvarev Dmitry , Scholz Alischa Ira , Moeller Arne
Published: April 2023

Magnesium chelatase is a conserved enzyme complex responsible for the first committed step of chlorophyll biosynthesis in photosynthetic organisms, which is the addition of magnesium to the chlorophyll precursor, protoporphyrin IX. The complex is composed of the catalytic subunit ChlH, the bridging subunit ChlD, and the subunit ChlI, which serves as the motor that drives the entire complex. Although the enzyme is well-characterized functionally, high-resolution structures are available only for individual subunits. Hence, the full assembly and the molecular mechanism of the enzyme complex remains unknown. Here, we used cryo-EM, supported by biochemical analysis and mass photometry, to determine structures of the ChlI motor subunit of magnesium chelatase under turnover conditions in the presence of ATP. Our data reveal the molecular details of ChlI oligomerization and conformational dynamics upon ATP binding and hydrolysis. These findings provide new insights into the mechanistic function of ChlI and its implications for the entire magnesium chelatase complex machinery.
Methods and considerations for estimating parameters in biophysically detailed neural models with simulation based inference
Authors: Tolley Nicholas , Rodrigues Pedro L. C. , Gramfort Alexandre , Jones Stephanie
Published: April 2023

Biophysically detailed neural models are a powerful technique to study neural dynamics in health and disease with a growing number of established and openly available models. A major challenge in the use of such models is that parameter inference is an inherently difficult and unsolved problem. Identifying unique parameter distributions that can account for observed neural dynamics, and differences across experimental conditions, is essential to their meaningful use. Recently, simulation based inference (SBI) has been proposed as an approach to perform Bayesian inference to estimate parameters in detailed neural models. SBI overcomes the challenge of not having access to a likelihood function, which has severely limited inference methods in such models, by leveraging advances in deep learning to perform density estimation. While the substantial methodological advancements offered by SBI are promising, their use in large scale biophysically detailed models is challenging and methods for doing so have not been established, particularly when inferring parameters that can account for time series waveforms. We provide guidelines and considerations on how SBI can be applied to estimate time series waveforms in biophysically detailed neural models starting with a simplified example and extending to specific applications to common MEG/EEG waveforms using the the large scale neural modeling framework of the Human Neocortical Neurosolver. Specifically, we describe how to estimate and compare results from example oscillatory and event related potential simulations. We also describe how diagnostics can be used to assess the quality and uniqueness of the posterior estimates. The methods described provide a principled foundation to guide future applications of SBI in a wide variety of applications that use detailed models to study neural dynamics.

Author summary

A central problem in computational neural modeling is estimating model parameters that can account for observed activity patterns. While several techniques exist to perform parameter inference in special classes of abstract neural models, there are comparatively few approaches for large scale biophysically detailed neural models. In this work, we describe challenges and solutions in applying a deep learning based statistical framework to estimate parameters in a biophysically detailed large scale neural model, and emphasize the particular difficulties in estimating parameters for time series data. Our example uses a multi-scale model designed to connect human MEG/EEG recordings to the underlying cell and circuit level generators. Our approach allows for crucial insight into how cell-level properties interact to produce measured neural activity, and provides guidelines for diagnosing the quality of the estimate and uniqueness of predictions for different MEG/EEG biomarkers.
Immune clustering reveals molecularly distinct subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lender Yan , Givton Ofer , Bornshten Ruth , Azar Meitar , Moscona Roy , Yarden Yosef , Rubin Eitan
Published: April 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of non-small cell lung cancer, consists of two driver mutations in KRAS or EGFR. In general, these mutations are mutually exclusive, and biologically and clinically different. In this study, we attempted to find if we could separate lung adenocarcinoma tumors by their immune profile using an unsupervised machine learning method. By projecting RNA-seq data into inferred immune profiles and using unsupervised learning, we were able to divide the lung adenocarcinoma population into three subgroups, one of which appeared to contain mostly EGFR patients. We argue that EGFR mutations in each subgroup are different immunologically which implies a distinct tumor microenvironment and might relate to the relatively high resistance of EGFR-positive tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, we could not make the same claim about KRAS mutations.

Simple Summary

Lung adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of non-small cell lung cancer, is most commonly driven by mutations in KRAS or EGFR. In this study, we attempted to find if we could separate lung adenocarcinoma tumors by their immune profile using an unsupervised machine learning method. We used established tools to infer the immune profile of each tumor from its RNA-seq and using unsupervised learning, we were able to divide the lung adenocarcinoma population into three subgroups, one of which appeared to contain mostly patients with EGFR mutations. We argue that tumors with EGFR mutations in each subgroup are different immunologically which implies a distinct tumor microenvironment and might relate to the relatively high resistance of EGFR-positive tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, we could not make the same claim about KRAS mutations.
Accounting, finance and conflict in football arenas
Authors: Adams Andrew , Morrow Stephen , Thomson Ian
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To provide insights into the role of formal and informal accounts in preventing the liquidation of a professional football club and in post-crisis rebuilding.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study, framed as a conflict arena, covers an eight-year period of a high-profile struggle over the future of a professional football club. It uses a mixed methods design, including direct engagement with key actors involved in administration proceedings and transformation to a hybrid supporter-owned organisation.

Findings

Our findings suggest that within the arena:• formal accounting and governance were of limited use in managing the complex network of relationships and preventing the abuse of power or existential crises. • informal accounting helped mobilise critical resources and maintain supporters’ emotional investment during periods of conflict. • informal accounts enabled both resistance and coalition-building in response to perceived abuse of power. • informal accounts were used by the Club as part of its legitimation activities.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical and empirical insights into an unfolding crisis with evidence gathered directly from actors involved in the process. The conceptual framework developed in this paper creates new visibilities and possibilities for developing more effective accounting practices in settings that enable continuing emotional investment from supporters.
Development, use and evaluation of a web based mental capacity assessment tool for staff working with people with learning disabilities
Authors: Dodd Karen , Cheung Sai-Bo , Chapman Ashley
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development, use and evaluation of a web-based mental capacity assessment tool (MCA WAT) within the Learning Disabilities division of a Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Trust in England.

Design/methodology/approach

The MCA WAT was developed to ensure there was contemporaneous recording of each capacity assessment; help staff improve their knowledge, confidence and satisfaction in completing assessments of capacity; and analyse the number and type of capacity assessments completed. Three questionnaires were developed: a 12-item multiple-choice knowledge questionnaire, a nine-item confidence questionnaire and a 10-item satisfaction questionnaire, which reflect the five core principles of the MCA (2005). Eight-five health and social care staff who were trained to use the MCA WAT and had used it at least once had their scores from pre- and post-use of the questionnaires analysed using Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests. Data on the use of the MCA WAT was analysed.

Findings

Results showed a significant increase in knowledge, confidence and satisfaction from pre- to post-questionnaires. Concerns remain regarding staff understanding of who is the decision maker and the use of communication aids to enhance capacity. These issues are being addressed through training and updating the information boxes in the MCA WAT. The MCA WAT has been used to complete 3,645 capacity assessments over a five-year time scale, covering a wide range of decisions.

Originality/value

This project demonstrates the effectiveness of a contemporaneous method of conducting and recording MCA assessments.
Social determinants of health and health outcomes: a bibliographic review of the scientific literature from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Bhat Aasif Ali , Rashid Irfana , Hassan Samir Ul , Kansra Pooja
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this bibliometric study is to report research output and publications on the social determinants of health and health outcomes. This study condenses numerous studies into a single paper, which not only provides insights into the worldwide growth and advancement of the study field but also establishes a research agenda for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Scopus database, a thorough bibliometric study of the worldwide scientific output on social determinants of health from 2000 to 2021 was conducted. With the assistance of VOS viewer and R-based scientometric software, the worldwide development of research on social determinants of health was analysed through performance analysis and network map visualisation.

Findings

This study identified the most influential authors, studies, journals and affiliations in the field of social determinants of health, as well as the most co-cited authors and journals, based on a bibliometric analysis of 1,203 research papers retrieved from the Scopus database during the past two decades (2000–2021). Beginning in 2000 with one publication and ending in 2021, 274 articles were viewed online, relevant to the social determinants of health. From 2014 to 2021, publications continue to grow at an accelerating pace.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to review the social determinants of health and its outcomes. The findings of the chosen studies represent a novel and important addition to the study of social determinants of health. It offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications, in addition to the identification of vital research trends.
Empirical analysis of open government data usage in Tanzania
Authors: Shao Deo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Despite the potential benefits of open government data (OGD) and its recent adoption by many governments, little is known about monitoring its use by the public. This paper aims to address the knowledge gap by empirically examining OGD usage in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey design was used to gather quantitative data from 288 people in seven regions of Tanzania to facilitate an analysis of the determinants of users’ behavioural intention and use behaviour of OGD. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model, the study analysed the tendencies of these determinants on the use of the OGD portal.

Findings

The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions affect users’ acceptance and use of the OGD portal. The results suggest that OGD initiatives should focus more on their potential applications than publication. It is important to monitor and evaluate OGD use and the conditions that allow it to continue. By linking OGD with other government initiatives, governments can build strategies, capacity and social awareness. During the development of OGD platforms for extensive reuse, new data technologies like the semantic web should be considered.

Originality/value

Hitherto, research has underlined the significance of OGD initiatives at large and that studies in developing countries are scarce, especially that probe the uptake of the current efforts. The present study seeks to plug this research gap by examining the use of OGD in Tanzania’s context.
When a dominant certified management standard is replaced: theoretical insights from the American hospital field
Authors: Melnyk Steven Alexander , Ritchie William J. , Stark Eric , Heavey Angela
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Dominant quality standards are present in all industries. Implicit in their use is the assumption that once adopted, there is little or no reason to replace them. However, there is evidence that, under certain circumstances, such standards do get replaced. The reasons for this action are not well-understood, either as they pertain to the displacement decision or to the selection and adoption of the alternative standard. The purpose of this study is to identify and explore these two issues (displacement and replacement) by drawing on data from the American healthcare system. This study is viewed through the theoretical lens of legitimacy theory. In addition, the process is viewed from a temporal perspective. The resulting findings are used to better understand how this displacement process takes place and to identify directions for interesting and meaningful future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an explanatory study that draws on data gathered from quality managers in 89 hospitals that had adopted a new healthcare quality standard (of these, some fifty percent had displaced the dominant quality standard – the Joint Commission – with a different standard – DNV Healthcare.

Findings

The combined literature review and case study data provide insights into the displacement process. This is a process that evolves over time. Initially, the process is driven by the need to meet customer demands. However, over time, as the organizations try to integrate the guidelines contained within the standards into the organization, gaps in the quality standard emerge. It is these gaps that motivate the need to displace standards. The legitimacy perspective is highly effective at explaining this displacement process. In addition, the study uncovers some critical issues, namely the important role played by the individual auditors in the certification process and the importance of fit between the standard and the context in which it is deployed.

Research limitations/implications

The data for the propositions in this case study were derived from interviews and survey data from 89 healthcare organizations. It would be interesting to examine similar relationships with other quality standards and industries.

Practical implications

Our findings provide new insights related to motivations to decouple from a dominant quality standard. Results provide a cautionary tale for standards that hold a dominant market share such that perceived legitimacy of such standards is not as stable as originally thought.

Originality/value

This study illuminates the fragile nature of the stability of dominant standards and emphasizes the linkages between legitimacy concerns and divestiture of such standards.
How citizen coproducers cope with public value creation conflicts: a survey experiment
Authors: Jaspers Sylke , Migchelbrink Koen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In coproduction, citizens may be confronted with a conflict between creating user value and a more collective understanding of public value creation. In order to deal with conflicts experienced as trade-off situations, coproducers follow various coping strategies leading to different results. This study aims to gain insight into what drives the choices for coping strategies, which are valuable for understanding the role of citizen coproducers in public value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This article studies the effects of citizens' external efficacy and trust in public servants on citizen coproducers' preferences for coping strategies. The study presents a vignette experiment among n = 257 citizens involved in the temporary use of vacant spaces in Flanders, Belgium.

Findings

No statistically significant effects of external efficacy and trust in public servants on respondents' preferences for coping strategies are found. The results show that irrespective of the level of external efficacy or trust in public servants, citizen coproducers prefer to ask for help from the public servant involved in the project.

Originality/value

This result draws attention to the need for facilitation and guidance from public servants and the servants' organizations to help citizen coproducers balance out these otherwise paralyzing value conflicts. Moreover, the lack of statistically significant effects of trust and external efficacy is a valuable finding for literature. The result shows that, in the drivers of coproduction behavior, there is no consistent relationship between citizen trust in government or external efficacy and coproduction behavior.
Fractal model of thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces based on elliptical asperity
Authors: Sun Xianguang , Xing Wuce
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a fractal model of thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces based on elliptical asperity.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of contact load, fractal dimensional, fractal roughness and eccentricity on thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces were investigated by using numerical simulation.

Findings

The results indicate that the thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces increases with the increase of the contact load, increases with the increase of the fractal dimension and decreases with the increase of the fractal roughness. The thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces increases with the increase of eccentricity. The shape of the asperity of rough surfaces has an important influence on the thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces.

Originality/value

A fractal model of thermal contact conductance of rough surfaces based on elliptical asperity was established in this study. The achievements of this study provide some theoretical basis for the investigation of thermal contact conductance of bolted joint surfaces.
How do Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy tendencies influence consumer avoidance and revenge-seeking following a service failure?
Authors: Hancock Tyler , Waites Stacie F. , Johnson Catherine M. , Stevens Jennifer L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the impact that Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy tendencies have on avoidance and revenge-seeking after a service failure. The research examines the role that negative affect and desire for revenge play in aggressive behaviors by consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey research methodology. The measurement model is validated using CFA, and hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling. The mediated and serially mediated relationships are calculated using the bootstrap method by creating estimands to test the effects.

Findings

Machiavellianism is less likely to drive avoidance and negative affect, reducing desire for revenge, negative word of mouth and vindictive complaining. Those with narcissism tendencies are likely to develop a negative affect and a corresponding desire for revenge after the failure only if negative affect is developed. Consumers who exhibit psychopathy tendencies are likely to seek out revenge directly.

Practical implications

Each Dark Triad tendency influences consumer avoidance and revenge-seeking in different ways when a consumer’s goals are impeded. Companies can focus on service recoveries differently based on the types of tendencies of consumers engaging in avoidance and revenge-seeking.

Originality/value

The individual paths from Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy tendencies to avoidance and revenge-seeking are developed and analyzed. Further distinctions between each Dark Triad tendency aids service providers in addressing and preparing for these consumer behaviors.
Examining the impacts of emotional intelligence on tour guide citizenship performance
Authors: Al-Okaily Nour Salah , Alzboun Nidal , Abuhjeeleh Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Emotional intelligence (EI) has a profound effect on the performance of tour guides, though past studies on the subject have neglected to examine the effects of EI on neither the overall nor specific pattern of tour guides' performance. This study examines the overall link between four dimensions of EI (self-emotion appraisal [SEA], others' emotion appraisal [OEA], use of emotions [UOEs] and regulation of emotions [ROEs]) and five dimensions of citizenship performance (helping, self-development, initiative, compliance and adaptability), ultimately identifying the relationship between EI factors and each dimension of tour guides' citizenship performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from 244 Jordanian tour guides were gathered through a quantitative survey. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze the data.

Findings

The results reveal that emotionally intelligent tour guides are more likely to have higher levels of citizenship performance. The most significant factors in determining extra-role behaviors by tour guides are “UOEs” and “others’ emotion appraisal (OEA)”.

Practical implications

This study equips different professional entities in the tour guide industry with useful, contextualized links between EI and citizenship performance. This assists in developing new accreditation policies and business practices to augment tour guides' citizenship professionalism, thereby maximizing their valuable contributions to tourism growth.

Originality/value

This study advances the tourism studies by establishing a new theoretical link between tour guides' EI and citizenship performance. The study also uncovers unique factors of EI that significantly determine tour guides' citizenship behaviors.
Value network and firm performance: the role of knowledge distance and environmental uncertainty
Authors: Lissillour Raphael , Cui Yuting , Guesmi Khaled , Chen Weijian , Chen Qianran
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the relationships among perceived environmental uncertainty (EV), the level of knowledge distance (KD) and the impact of value network on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative analysis is based on data from 243 Chinese companies with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) business in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The two dimensions of value network [network centrality (NC) and network openness (NO)] have a different impact on firm performance [financial performance (FP) and market performance (MP)]. NC has a positive impact on FP, but not on MP. NO has a positive effect on MP, but not on FP. A reduced KD mediates the relationship between value network and firm performance. Moreover, it fully mediates the relationship between NC and MP, NO and FP. Finally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, only EV has a moderating effect on KD and MP.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in terms of data set because it relies on a limited amount of cross-sectional data from one specific country. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The present findings suggest that EPC professionals should pay more attention to the EV, which may be impacted by policy, technology and the economy. This research has actionable implications for the reform of EPC in the construction industry, and practical recommendations for EPC firms to improve their corporate performance.

Originality/value

The results measure the complementary effects of both dimensions of value network (NC and NO) on two distinct aspects of firm performance (MP and FP) and assess the moderating effect of EV and KD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemics.
Are acquirers different? Identifying firm precursors to acquisitions
Authors: King David , Shijaku Elio , Urtasun Ainhoa
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The authors propose and test a theoretical framework that develops and analyzes precursors to firm acquisitions to determine if acquirers differ from other firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use longitudinal, archival data from a sample of the largest firms in the global pharmaceutical industry from 1991 to 2012 with 1,327 firm-year observations.

Findings

The authors integrate prior research to show that the firm characteristics involving (1) R&D investment, (2) prior experience and (3) network centrality influence the likelihood that a firm will complete an acquisition.

Originality/value

In contrast to research focusing on the performance of acquiring firms, the authors show that firm characteristics predict acquisition activity by highlighting that acquiring firms differ from other firms. The authors also develop how network synergies can be realized by acquirers that have information advantages from more central network positions.
Future proofing the academic library: improving the way we work
Authors: Nicholas Pauline , Palmer Alicia , Lindsay Yulande , Lawrence Kareen , Reid Lawson Vergie Lee
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Driven by globalization and subsequent advancements in technology, higher education has experienced exponential growth in student enrolment and increased diversity in the student population. Among the major changes are new models of learning that have supported both onsite and remote learners for quality education. In response to these major changes in education, the processes, resources and services in library and information science have been redefined to meet the information needs of all users, anytime and anywhere. Historically, libraries shifted from being curators of knowledge to creators and disseminators of knowledge. This paper aims to address the path forward for academic libraries using as example, the Main Library at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (UWI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the evolution of reference services, circulations, digitization, people engagement and how new technologies have fundamentally changed the way librarians at The UWI work. Of equal importance in this discussion of the future of academic libraries is students' ability to navigate the diverse ways in which they access resources and services. Finally, the interests, needs and the practical implications of artificial intelligence in academic libraries will be examined. This digital disruption poses both opportunities and challenges for academic libraries and students within the Caribbean in the 21st Century and beyond. A review of literature as well as a look at trends in academic libraries forms the basis of this discussion.

Findings

Library processes and services advanced from automation in the 1980s, internet and online facilities in the 1990s to web-based and consortia offerings in the 2000s rendering old models obsolete. Information products and the process of information sharing have reduced the focus on print collections and face to face interactions to fully online or hybrid offerings. What is evident is that Caribbean Libraries must continue to evolve or risk being left behind in this burgeoning technology age.

Originality/value

Often the Caribbean is overlooked when examining the impact and application of technology and the availability of resources to students and the wider society. This paper presents an opportunity to look at the unique status of Caribbean academic libraries, specifically The University of the West Indies Library System.
The role of product scarcity on display incompleteness
Authors: Ladeira Wagner Junior , de Oliveira Santini Fernando , Perin Marcelo Gattermann
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The current research empirically aims to explore how displaying incompleteness influences the processing of product information and the number of products placed in the basket. This paper proposes a model of the effects of display incompleteness to analyze the influence of the processing of product information and product scarcity.

Design/methodology/approach

Four studies were conducted to test a model of the effects generated by the display incompleteness.

Findings

The results suggest that incomplete display increases the processing of product information and the number of products chosen. In addition, it supports that processing product information interacts with incomplete display to predict the number of display products placed in the basket. In this context, perceived scarcity cannot increase the effects of incomplete display on processing product information at low levels of perception. On the other hand, consumers will tend to process more information from incomplete displays when perceived scarcity gradually increases.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings have some limitations. First, the authors’ experiments do not define whether scarcity was caused due to excessive demand or restricted supply. Second, the studies do not analyze the perceived exclusivity of the product in short supply. Finally, the studies did not indicate the differences between display incompleteness that showed variety and category scarcity.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate that one of the ways to get customers' attention would be to have an efficient strategy for displaying incompleteness. Many managers believe the lack of products on display is an inventory management problem. However, the studies show that this can help increase product sales.

Originality/value

This research contributes to developing better metrics to understand the processing of product information in display incompleteness. Overall, the studies have demonstrated the value of measuring visual attention as an expression of processing product information to understand better how people visually process display incompleteness and its effects on consumption responses.
The formalization of the Egyptian informal sector: a behavioral and experimental approach
Authors: Moaaz Rania , Mansour Sarah
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims at assessing the impact of a number of behavioral interventions on the willingness of informal businesses, in the Egyptian informal sector, to join the formal sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an experimental methodology to examine the impact of behavioral interventions on the formalization of the Egyptian informal sector. Specifically, it conducts a survey experiment on a total of 240 informal businesses, operating in the Egyptian informal sector. The primary data collected from the survey experiment is then analyzed using a binary logistic regression to assess the impact of the behavioral primes on the probability of joining the formal market.

Findings

The empirical findings of the survey experiment indicate that the biggest obstacle facing informal businesses is finding a formal source of finance that could help them in penetrating the market. Providing informal businesses with information on funding opportunities offered by the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) significantly increased the probability of joining the formal sector to benefit from this opportunity.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply behavioral primes, in the form of informational cues, to the Egyptian case of informal business owners. Previous research on the use of behavioral nudges and primes has focused mainly on the western economies.