bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and determinants of recombination landscapes in flowering plants
Authors: Brazier Thomas , Glémin Sylvain
Published: March 2022

During meiosis, crossover rates are not randomly distributed along the chromosome and therefore they locally influence the creation of novel genotypes and the efficacy of selection. To date, the broad diversity of recombination landscapes among plants has rarely been investigated, undermining the overall understanding of the constraints driving the evolution of crossover frequency and distribution. The determinants that shape the local crossover rate and the diversity of the resulting landscapes among species and chromosomes still need to be assessed in a formal comparative genomic approach. We gathered genetic maps and genomes for 57 flowering plant species, corresponding to 665 chromosomes, for which we estimated large-scale recombination landscapes. Chromosome length drives the basal recombination rate for each species, but within species we were intrigued to notice that the chromosome-wide recombination rate is proportional to the relative size of the chromosome. Moreover, for larger chromosomes, crossovers tend to accumulate at the ends of the chromosome leaving the central regions as recombination-free regions. Based on identified crossover patterns and testable predictions, we proposed a conceptual model explaining the broad-scale distribution of crossovers where both telomeres and centromeres are important. Finally, we qualitatively identified two recurrent crossover patterns among species and highlighted that these patterns globally correspond to the underlying gene distribution. In addition to the positive correlation between recombination and gene density, we argue that crossover patterns are essential for the efficiency of chromosomal genetic shuffling, even though the ultimate evolutionary potential forged by the diversity of recombination landscapes remains an open question.
External validation of risk scores to predict in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized due to coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Hassan Shermarke , Ramspek Chava L. , Ferrari Barbara , van Diepen Merel , Rossio Raffaella , Knevel Rachel , Mura Vincenzo la , Artoni Andrea , Martinelli Ida , Bandera Alessandra , Nobili Alessandro , Gori Andrea , Blasi Francesco , Canetta Ciro , Montano Nicola , Rosendaal Frits R. , Peyvandi Flora ,   LUMC-COVID-19 Research Group,   COVID-19 Network working group
Published: March 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents an urgent threat to global health. Prediction models that accurately estimate mortality risk in hospitalized patients could assist medical staff in treatment and allocating limited resources.

Aims

To externally validate two promising previously published risk scores that predict in-hospital mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Two cohorts were available; a cohort of 1028 patients admitted to one of nine hospitals in Lombardy, Italy (the Lombardy cohort) and a cohort of 432 patients admitted to a hospital in Leiden, the Netherlands (the Leiden cohort). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. All patients were adult and tested COVID-19 PCR-positive. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed.

Results

The C-statistic of the 4C mortality score was good in the Lombardy cohort (0.85, 95CI: 0.82-0.89) and in the Leiden cohort (0.87, 95CI: 0.80-0.94). Model calibration was acceptable in the Lombardy cohort but poor in the Leiden cohort due to the model systematically overpredicting the mortality risk for all patients. The C-statistic of the CURB-65 score was good in the Lombardy cohort (0.80, 95CI: 0.75-0.85) and in the Leiden cohort (0.82, 95CI: 0.76-0.88). The mortality rate in the CURB-65 development cohort was much lower than the mortality rate in the Lombardy cohort. A similar but less pronounced trend was found for patients in the Leiden cohort.

Conclusion

Although performances did not differ greatly, the 4C mortality score showed the best performance. However, because of quickly changing circumstances, model recalibration may be necessary before using the 4C mortality score.
Development and Implementation of a Simple and Rapid Extraction-Free Saliva SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP Workflow for Workplace Surveillance
Authors: Li Zhiru , Bruce Jacqueline L. , Cohen Barry , Cunningham Caileigh V. , Jack William E. , Kunin Katell , Langhorst Bradley W. , Miller Jacob , Moncion Reynes A. , Poole Catherine B. , Premsrirut Prem K. , Ren Guoping , Roberts Richard J. , Tanner Nathan A. , Zhang Yinhua , Carlow Clotilde K. S.
Published: March 2022

Effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic requires widespread and frequent testing of the population for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Saliva has emerged as an attractive alternative to nasopharyngeal samples for surveillance testing as it does not require specialized personnel or materials for its collection and can be easily provided by the patient. We have developed a simple, fast, and sensitive saliva-based testing workflow that requires minimal sample treatment and equipment. After sample inactivation, RNA is quickly released and stabilized in an optimized buffer, followed by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) and detection of positive samples using a colorimetric and/or fluorescent readout. The workflow was optimized using 1,670 negative samples collected from 172 different individuals over the course of 6 months. Each sample was spiked with 50 copies/μL of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus to monitor the efficiency of viral detection. Using pre-defined clinical samples, the test was determined to be 100% specific and 97% sensitive, with a limit of detection comparable to commercially available RT-qPCR-based diagnostics. The method was successfully implemented in a CLIA laboratory setting for workplace surveillance and reporting. From April 2021-February 2022, more than 30,000 self-collected samples from 755 individuals were tested and 85 employees tested positive mainly during December and January, consistent with high infections rates in Massachusetts and nationwide. The rapid identification and isolation of infected individuals with trace viral loads before symptom onset minimized viral spread in the workplace.
Human endogenous retrovirus activation contributes to biliary atresia pathogenesis through re-education of resident macrophages
Authors: Sheng Jianpeng , Zhang Junlei , Zhao Yaxing , Song Jinyuan , Tang Jianghui , Wang Xun , Ji Yongtao , Wu Jiangchao , Li Taohong , Zhang Hui , Tano Vincent , Langley Sarah Raye , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: March 2022

Biliary atresia (BA) is a life-threatening neonatal fibro-inflammatory disease characterized by hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver failure. BA is also the most frequent indication of pediatric liver transplantation globally. Despite the devastating condition of BA, the pathogenesis mechanism is unknown. Viral infection has been suggested to be associated with BA, but definitive evidence to support this hypothesis is not available. To elucidate the virus-associated pathogenesis mechanism of BA and to understand the immune ecosystem, we performed single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of BA livers. We detected human endogenous virus (HERV) in infants with BA and their parents. HERV was mainly found in FOLR2+resident macrophages, T cells, and NK cells. In addition, HERV activation re-educated the fetal-derived FOLR2+resident macrophages, and reactive oxygen species scavenging neutrophil recruitment was impaired in patients with BA and HERV+, due to FOLR2+resident macrophage re-education. Furthermore, we showed depletion of FOLR2+resident macrophage and N-acetylcysteine treatment could rescue the liver damage in BA. Overall, our study revealed the HERV-associated immunopathology mechanism of BA. These results contribute to potential diagnosis and immunotherapy strategies for BA.
Members of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Complex entry into host cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a pH-dependent manner
Authors: Ghietto Lucia Maria , Gil Pedro Ignacio , Quinteros Paloma Olmos , Gomez Emiliano , Piris Franco Martin , Kunda Patricia , Contigiani Marta , Paglini Maria Gabriela
Published: March 2022

Pixuna virus (PIXV) and Río Negro virus (RNV) are mosquito-borne alphaviruses belonging to the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) complex, which includes pathogenic epizootic and enzootic subtypes responsible for life-threatening diseases in equines. Considering that the first steps in viral infection are crucial for the efficient production of new progeny, the aim of this study was to elucidate the early events of the replication cycle of these two viruses. To this end, we used chemical inhibitors and the expression of dominant-negative constructs to study the dependence of clathrin and endosomal pH on PIXV and RNV internalization mechanisms. We demonstrated that both viruses are internalized primarily via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, where the low pH in endosomes is crucial for viral replication. Contributing knowledge regarding the entry route of VEE complex members is important to understand the pathogenesis of these viruses and also to develop new antiviral strategies.
Comparing flickering and pulsed chromatic pupil light responses
Authors: Tripolone Constanza , Issolio Luis , Agüero Carlos , Lavaque Alejandro , Cao Dingcai , Barrionuevo Pablo
Published: March 2022

Protocols for chromatic pupil light reflex (PLR) testing considered mostly pulsed stimulation (pPLR). A more sophisticated and promising technique is based on the PLR to flickering stimulation (fPLR). Our aim was to compare fPLR and pPLR parameters in order to validate fPLR paradigm. Two different experiments were carried out in young participants to compare parameters of chromatic pupillary measurements under flickering and pulsed conditions. We found that the fPLR amplitude parameter was significantly associated with pPLR transient constriction parameter. Also, for some conditions, typical pulse parameters can be identified directly in the fPLR recordings.
Antecedent effect models as an exploratory tool to link climate drivers to herbaceous perennial population dynamics data
Authors: Compagnoni Aldo , Childs Dylan , Knight Tiffany M. , Gómez Roberto Salguero-
Published: March 2022

Understanding mechanisms and predicting natural population responses to climate is a key goal of Ecology. However, studies explicitly linking climate to population dynamics remain limited. Antecedent effect models are a set of statistical tools that capitalize on the evidence provided by climate and population data to select time windows correlated with a response (e.g., survival, reproduction). Thus, these models can serve as both a predictive and exploratory tool. We compare the predictive performance of antecedent effect models against simpler models, and showcase their exploratory analysis potential by selecting a case study with high predictive power. We fit three antecedent effect models: (1) weighted mean models (WMM), which weigh the importance of monthly anomalies based on a Gaussian curve, (2) stochastic antecedent models (SAM), which weigh the importance of monthly anomalies using a Dirichlet process, and (3) regularized regressions using the Finnish Horseshoe prior (FHM), which estimate a separate effect size for each monthly anomaly. We compare these approaches to a linear model using a yearly climatic predictor and a null model with no predictors. We use demographic data from 77 natural populations of 34 plant species ranging between seven and 36 years of length. We then fit models to the asymptotic population growth rate (λ) and its underlying vital rates: survival, development, and reproduction. We find that models including climate do not consistently outperform null models. We hypothesize that the effect of yearly climate is too complex, weak, and confounded by other factors to be easily predicted using monthly precipitation and temperature data. On the other hand, in our case study, antecedent effect models show biologically sensible correlations between two precipitation anomalies and multiple vital rates. We conclude that, in temporal datasets with limited sample sizes, antecedent effect models are better suited as exploratory tools for hypothesis generation.

Open Research statement

Data and code to reproduce the analyses are available on zenodo athttps://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7839199.
The cancer chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil is a potent inhibitor of Fusobacterium nucleatum and its activity is modified by the intratumoral microbiota
Authors: LaCourse Kaitlyn D. , Baryiames Alexander , Kempchinsky Andrew G. , Johnston Christopher D. , Bullman Susan
Published: March 2022

Fusobacterium nucleatum is among the most prevalent and dominant bacterial species in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor tissue, and growing evidence supports its role in cancer progression and poorer patient prognosis. Here we perform a small molecule inhibitor screen of 1,846 bioactive compounds against a CRC isolate of F. nucleatum and find that 15% of inhibitors are antineoplastic agents including fluoropyrimidines. Validation of these findings reveal that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the first-line chemotherapeutic used to treat CRC worldwide, is a potent inhibitor of F. nucleatum CRC isolates at concentrations found in serum of CRC patients treated with 5-FU. We also identify members of the intratumoral microbiota that are resistant to 5-FU, including Escherichia coli. Further, CRC E. coli isolates can modify 5-FU and relieve 5-FU toxicity towards otherwise-sensitive F. nucleatum and human CRC epithelial cells. Lastly, we demonstrate that ex-vivo CRC tumor microbiota from patients undergo different levels of community disruption after 5-FU exposure and have the potential to deplete 5-FU levels, thereby reducing local drug efficacy. Together, these observations argue for further investigation into the role that the CRC intratumoral microbiota plays in patient response to chemotherapy.
Systematic dissection of phosphorylation-dependent YAP1 complex formation elucidates a key role for PTPN14 in Hippo signal integration
Authors: Uliana Federico , Ciuffa Rodolfo , Mishra Ranjan , Fossati Andrea , Frommelt Fabian , Mehnert Martin , Birkeland Eivind Salmorin , Peter Matthias , Tapon Nicolas , Aebersold Ruedi , Gstaiger Matthias
Published: March 2022

Cellular signaling relies on the temporal and spatial control of the formation of transient protein complexes by post-translational modifications, most notably by phosphorylation. While several computational methods have been developed to predict the functional relevance of phosphorylation sites, assessing experimentally the interdependency between protein phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) remains a major challenge. Here, we describe an experimental strategy to establish interdependencies between specific phosphorylation events and complex formation. This strategy is based on three main steps: (i) systematically charting the phosphorylation landscape of a target protein; (ii) assigning distinct proteoforms of the target protein to different protein complexes by electrophoretic separation of native complexes (BNPAGE) and protein/phopho correlation profiling; and (iii) genetically deleting known regulators of the target protein to identify which ones are required for given proteoforms and complexes. We applied this strategy to study phosphorylation- dependent modulation of complexes containing the transcriptional co-regulator YAP1. YAP1 is highly phosphorylated and among the most extensively connected proteins in the human interactome. It functions as the main signal integrator and effector protein of the Hippo pathway which controls organ size and tissue homeostasis. Using our workflow, we could identify several distinct YAP1 proteoforms specifically associated with physically distinct complexes and infer how their formation is affected by known Hippo pathway members. Importantly, our findings suggest that the tyrosine phosphatase PTPN14 controls the co-transcriptional activity of YAP1 by regulating its interaction with the LATS1/2 kinases. In summary, we present a powerful strategy to establish interdependencies between specific phosphorylation events and complex formation, thus contributing to the “functionalization” of phosphorylation events and by this means provide new insights into Hippo signaling.
Tension anisotropy drives phenotypic transitions of cells via two-way cell-ECM feedback
Authors: Alisafaei Farid , Shakiba Delaram , Iannucci Leanne E. , Davidson Matthew D. , Pryse Kenneth M. , Chao Pen-hsiu Grace , Burdick Jason A. , Lake Spencer P. , Elson Elliot L. , Shenoy Vivek B. , Genin Guy M.
Published: March 2022

Mechanical factors such as stress in the extracellular environment are known to affect phenotypic commitment of cells. However, the stress fields experienced by cells in tissues are multiaxial, and the ways that cells integrate this multiaxial information are largely unknown. Here, we report that the anisotropy of these stress fields is a critical factor triggering phenotypic transition in fibroblast cells, outweighing the previously reported role of stress amplitude. Using a combined experimental and computational approach, we discovered a self-reinforcing mechanism in which cellular protrusions interact with collagen fibers to develop tension anisotropy, which in turn stabilizes protrusions and amplifies their contractile forces. Disruption of this self-reinforcing process, either by reducing tension anisotropy or by inhibiting contractile protrusions, prevented phenotypic conversion of fibroblasts to contractile myofibroblasts.
A surface pocket in the cytoplasmic domain of the herpes simplex virus fusogen gB controls membrane fusion
Authors: Pataki Zemplen , Sanders Erin K. , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: March 2022

Membrane fusion during the entry of herpesviruses is carried out by the viral fusogen gB that is activated by its partner protein gH. Unusually, the fusogenic activity of gB is controlled by its cytoplasmic (or intraviral) domain (gBCTD) and, according to the current model, the gBCTDis a trimeric, inhibitory clamp that restrains gB in the prefusion conformation. But how the gBCTDclamp is released by gH is unclear. Here, we identified two new regulatory elements within gB and gH from the prototypical herpes simplex virus 1: a surface pocket within the gBCTDand residue V831 within the gH cytoplasmic tail. Mutagenesis and structural modeling suggest that gH V831 interacts with the gB pocket. The gB pocket is located above the “fault line” between adjacent protomers, and we hypothesize that insertion of the gH V831 wedge into the pocket serves to push the protomers apart. This releases the inhibitory clamp on the gB prefusion conformation and activates gB fusogenic activity. Both gB and gH are conserved across all herpesviruses, and this activation mechanism could be used by other gB homologs. Our proposed mechanism emphasizes a central role for the cytoplasmic regions in regulating the activity of a viral fusogen.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong infections in over a half of people and causes diseases ranging from oral or genital sores to blindness and brain inflammation. No vaccines or curative treatments are currently available. To infect cells, HSV-1 must first penetrate them by merging its lipid envelope with the membrane of the target cell. This process requires the collective actions of several viral and cellular proteins, notably, viral glycoproteins B and H (gB and gH). gH is thought to activate the fusogenic function of gB, but how the two proteins interact is unclear. Here, using mutational analysis, we have identified two new functional elements within the cytoplasmic regions of gB and gH: a surface pocket in gB and a single residue in gH, both of which are important for membrane fusion. Based on structural modeling, we propose that the gB pocket is the binding site for the gH residue, and that their interaction activates gB to cause membrane fusion. These findings extend our knowledge of the HSV-1 membrane fusion mechanism. Mechanistic understanding of HSV-1 entry is essential for understanding its pathogenesis and developing new strategies to prevent infections.
In situ determination of the extreme damage resistance behavior in stomatopod dactyl club
Authors: Dong Zheng , Chen Sen , Gupta Himadri S. , Zhao Xiaoyi , Yang Yiming , Chang Guangcai , Xue Jian , Zhang Yiyang , Luo Shengnian , Dong Yuhui , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2022

The structure and mechanical properties of the stomatopod dactyl club have been studied extensively for its extreme impact tolerance, but a systematic in situ investigation on the multiscale mechanical responses under high-speed impact has not been reported. Here the full dynamic deformation and crack evolution process within projectile-impacted dactyl using combined fast 2D X-ray imaging and high-resolution ex situ tomography are revealed. The results show that hydration states can lead to significantly different toughening mechanisms inside dactyl under dynamic loading. A previously unreported 3D interlocking structural design in the impact surface and impact region is reported using nano X-ray tomography. Experimental results and dynamic finite-element modeling suggest this unique structure plays an important role in resisting catastrophic structural damage and hindering crack propagation. This work is a contribution to understanding the key toughening strategies of biological materials and provides valuable information for biomimetic manufacturing of impact-resistant materials in general.
ID23-2: an automated and high-performance microfocus beamline for macromolecular crystallography at the ESRF. Corrigendum
Authors: Nanao Max , Basu Shibom , Zander Ulrich , Giraud Thierry , Surr John , Guijarro Matias , Lentini Mario , Felisaz Franck , Sinoir Jeremy , Morawe Christian , Vivo Amparo , Beteva Antonia , Oscarsson Marcus , Caserotto Hugo , Dobias Fabien , Flot David , Nurizzo Didier , Gigmes Jonathan , Foos Nicolas , Siebrecht Ralf , Roth Thomas , Theveneau Pascal , Svensson Olof , Papp Gergely , Lavault Bernard , Cipriani Florent , Barrett Ray , Clavel Carole , Leonard Gordon
Published: March 2022

A revised version of Table 2 of Nanao et al. [J. Synchrotron Rad. (2022). 29, 581–590] is provided.
Learning from sales and operations planning process implementation at ASTRO Inc.
Authors: Tchokogué Andre , Ngniatedema Thomas , Pache Gilles
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to develop a complete understanding of the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process implementation effort at ASTRO Inc. and to determine the influential factors that led to its success, the interrelationship between them, as well as the level of influence of each factor compared to their counterparts. As we trace the evolution of S&OP in the organizational context, the view that its implementation leads to a positive impact in changing the way companies do business is not in itself novel. To date, there is limited academic investigation on how and why the S&OP process implementation leads to a successful organizational transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this case study were collected through semi-structured interviews with selected employees and through documentary analyses based on the archives at ASTRO Inc., a large North American company, for the period from 2016 to 2018. The paper adopts a methodology based on a retrospective study and interviews.

Findings

The analysis shows that the S&OP process design and its implementation required efforts on many distinct but complementary fronts to be successful. However, the level of influence varies across the organizational enablers that contribute to this success. Its successful implementation is fundamentally dependent on the managers' ability to create mindset changes in the organizational culture, and to plan and coordinate the S&OP process deployment. The key enablers need to be skillfully combined, taking into account the contextual variables, namely, the company's internal context, the company's external context and the specific characteristics of the industry in which the company belongs.

Originality/value

The current study provides a better understanding of the implementation of the S&OP process and highlights the key enablers that led to its successful implementation. It provides practical managerial guidelines for designing, deploying and using an S&OP process in response to and in anticipation of customer demands, and competitive pressures.
Load frequency control based on an improved Chimp optimization algorithm using adaptive weight strategy
Authors: K. Ranjitha , P. Sivakumar , M. Monica
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to implement an improved version of the Chimp algorithm (IChimp) for load frequency control (LFC) of power system.

Design/methodology/approach

This work was adopted by IChimp to optimize proportional integral derivative (PID) controller parameters used for the LFC of a two area interconnected thermal system.

Findings

The supremacy of proposed IChimp tuned PID controller over Chimp optimization, direct synthesis-based PID controller, internal model controller tuned PID controller and recent algorithm based PID controller was demonstrated.

Originality/value

IChimp has good convergence and better search ability. The IChimp optimized PID controller is the proposed controlling method, which ensured better performance in terms of converging behaviour, optimizing controller gains and steady-state response.
Decision-making in the recruitment of women on corporate boards: does gender matter?
Authors: Bhardwaj Sneh
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The author provides an insider view of women directors' selections on corporate boards from the empirical setting of India and find if the recruitment practices in this space discriminate against women.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from a diverse cohort of 27 directors through semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed by applying an interpretative inductive approach and using the software NVivo's 12-plus version.

Findings

The author’s findings show that board recruiters present different selection criteria and processes to women candidates depending upon heterogeneity among candidates' professional standing. Recruiters view women directors as a diverse cohort and value resourceful and experienced women when making recruitment decisions; these women directors are also found influencing directors' selection processes.

Originality/value

The results question the underlying assumptions of prejudice against women as posited by the feminist and social identity theorists without accounting for the heterogeneity among women and situations. By proposing the female-gender stereotyping deactivation theory in top leadership matters, such as board selections, the author argues that stereotyping becomes irrelevant in the strategic decisions of board selections. This new theorisation about women's access to leadership roles will help the cause of women empowerment both at a cognitive and practical level. Future researchers can test the gender deactivation theory among women leaders in diverse cultural contexts by looking at the intra-cohort differences among women leaders.
A retail investor’s predicament: the JPA story
Authors: Mohanty Rohan , Mohanty Biraj Kumar
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

The case intends to achieve the following objectives with the audience: Apply the knowledge of fundamental analysis to select good companies for investment; analyse companies for investment through the contrarian strategy; and appreciate the need of own research before investing.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study provides an insight into the general process around investment for a retail investor. The protagonist of the case, Rajdeep Sharma, is a middle-class, salaried IT consultant from India. He has taken inspiration from Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, a renowned investor in India, and started his journey on the road to generate wealth. He decides to adopt the contrarian strategy and identifies Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JPA) to invest his savings. JPA is a large conglomerate with decades of experience, which has diversified business across multiple sectors. However, JPA’s pursuit of growth and expansion has created financial issues because of a large amount of debt it has amassed over the past few years. The company has been unable to repay its interest and principal obligations to the debt holders, making it consider a restructuring plan to meet these responsibilities. Meanwhile, Rajdeep has been optimistic about his investments but must experience excessive turmoil due to the high volatility in the company’s share prices. The case highlights the value of sound analysis, along with the impact of information on retail investors’ decision-making process. It will help prospective investors appreciate the importance of economic, sectoral and financial statement analysis before making any investments.

Complexity/academic level

Fundamental analysis for MBA students majoring in Finance.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Integrative model of the leader competences
Authors: Figueiredo Paula Cristina Nunes , Sousa Maria José , Tomé Eduardo
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to propose an integrative model of the leader competences through the analysis of the several models of competence found in the literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was qualitative, based partially on an integrative literature review (Torraco 2016). This paper aims to review, update and criticize the literature related to the competences approach in the organizational context and, on the other hand, to review, criticize and synthesize the literature, namely, the models and competences.

Findings

Difficulties in choosing and implementing a leader competency model led to the integration of competencies in a single model, seeking to simplify the choice and implementation process in organizations. The integrative model of leader competences arises from the literature review, more specifically from the analysis of the different approaches found. This model is grouped into four dimensions – intellectual competences, management competences, social competences and emotional competences. This research is a contribution to reduce the fragmentation of leadership and management theories and facilitates the choice and implementation of a leader competence model suited to the organization’s needs, contributing to the leadership effectiveness.

Originality/value

The integrative model of the leader competences allows the choice and implementation of a competence model with a wide range of competences considered as essential in the organizational context by several researchers. This model simplifies the process of identifying the competences that need to be developed, feeding the human resources development process within the organization.
A proposed model to design MOOCs through the lens of addressing graduate skill gap
Authors: Hossain Md. Nahin , Hossain Md. Yahin , Bao Yukun , Kumar Nilesh , Hoque Md. Rakibul
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the mediating role of psychological need and immersive experience on graduates' skill gaps on massive open online courses (MOOCs) adoption intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research model is developed by combining two popular theoretical models, namely, the self-determination theory, network externalities theory along technology adoption theory. Data are collected from 318 respondents to test the model. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The study reveals that the sense of psychological needs and immersive experience mediates the influence of skill gap and social interaction on MOOC adaption willingness. However, immersive experience alone cannot influence adoption intention. Similarly, psychological needs cannot have a significant impact on adoption intention without the graduate skill gap.

Originality/value

This study specifically focuses on investigating the mechanism of how psychological needs satisfaction mediates the relationship between graduates' skill gap and MOOC adoption intention. The findings suggest us to develop a course that will increase learners employability skill. This study also contributes by incorporating the idea of immersive experience to facilitate improved virtual social interaction.
Improving periodic maintenance performance: a grouping and heuristic approach
Authors: Ge Jingrui , Sigsgaard Kristoffer Vandrup , Agergaard Julie Krogh , Mortensen Niels Henrik , Khalid Waqas , Hansen Kasper Barslund
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper proposes a heuristic, data-driven approach to the rapid performance evaluation of periodic maintenance on complex production plants. Through grouping, maintenance interval (MI)-based evaluation and performance assessment, potential nonvalue-adding maintenance elements can be identified in the current maintenance structure. The framework reduces management complexity and supports the decision-making process for further maintenance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation framework follows a prescriptive research approach. The framework is structured in three steps, which are further illustrated in the case study. The case study utilizes real-life data to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Findings

Through a case study conducted on 9,538 pieces of equipment from eight offshore oil and gas production platforms, the results show considerable potential for maintenance performance improvement, including up to a 23% reduction in periodic maintenance hours.

Research limitations/implications

The problem of performance evaluation under limited data availability has barely been addressed in the literature on the plant level. The proposed framework aims to provide a quantitative approach to reducing the structural complexity of the periodic maintenance evaluation process and can help maintenance professionals prioritize the focus on maintenance improvement among current strategies.

Originality/value

The proposed framework is especially suitable for initial performance assessment in systems with a complex structure, limited maintenance records and imperfect data, as it reduces management complexity and supports the decision-making process for further maintenance improvement. A similar application has not been identified in the literature.
Impact of WeChat public platforms on blood donation behavior: a big data-based study
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Chen Xu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of WeChat public platforms (abbreviated as WPP) on blood donation behavior using data from the platforms’ backend and information system.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper established a time-varying difference-in-difference (DID) model to evaluate the change before and after following the WPP under normal scenarios. The difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD) method was further used to analyze the heterogeneous effects of gender, age, occupation and education. Second, a logit model was used to examine the impact of WPP on blood donation behavior under emergency scenarios (i.e. COVID-19).

Findings

The research shows that following WPP has a positive impact on donation volume. For each donor, the average blood donation volume after following WPP increased by 12.94% compared to before following. The WPP has a greater impact on groups with males, medical staff, middle-aged individuals and those with primary school education. Following WPP also enhanced blood donation behavior in emergency scenarios. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the probability of fans donating blood was 2.6% higher than non-fans, and the average blood donation volume of fans was 7.04% higher than non-fans, which was 5.9% lower than in normal scenarios.

Originality/value

For theory, this paper quantified the impact of WPP on blood donation behavior in normal and emergency scenarios and addressed the research gap surrounding the impact exerted by social media on blood donation behavior. For methodology, the time-varying DID model, DDD model and logit model were applied to the field of blood donation, which expanded the application scenarios. For practice, the findings are of great significance for recruiting blood donors and providing evidence for promotion on WPP.
Volatility spillover effects between oil and GCC stock markets: a wavelet-based asymmetric dynamic conditional correlation approach
Authors: Tien Ho Thuy , Hung Ngo Thai
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the spillover effects of the mean and volatility between oil prices and stock indices of six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain).

Design/methodology/approach

Over the period 2008–2019, a bivariate VARMA-GARCH-ADCC model was combined with the maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform technique filter to shed light on a wide range of possible spillover effects in the mean and variances of level prices at various time horizons.

Findings

The authors find that the spillover effects between oil prices and the GCC stock markets are time-varying and spread across various time horizons. Besides, oil prices and stock market indices are directly impacted by their own shocks and variations and indirectly influenced by other price volatilities and wavelet scales. The linkages in volatility spillovers between oil prices and the GCC stock markets occur in the short-term, midterm and long-term horizons. More specifically, the results also show that the asymmetric estimates are statistically significant for the associations between oil prices and each stock market in the GCC countries. This implies that negative shocks play a more vital role than positive shocks in driving the dynamic condition correlations between oil and stock markets under study.

Practical implications

The significant interrelatedness between oil prices and each stock market in the GCC countries has important implications for investors, portfolio managers, and other market participants. They can use the findings of this research to create the best oil-GCC stock portfolios and predict more precisely the volatility spillover patterns in constructing their hedging strategies.

Originality/value

In several ways, this study differs from previous research. First, while previous empirical studies of the dynamic link between oil prices and stock markets have focused primarily on developed or emerging markets, the focus of this is on six GCC countries. Second, the linkage between oil prices and stock markets is typically studied at the original data level in the time domain in relevant literature, while frequency information is overlooked. Therefore, the current study examines this relationship from a multiscale perspective. Third, in this paper, to capture a wide range of possible spillover effects in the mean and variance of level prices at multiple wavelet scales, the authors use a VARMA-GARCH-ADCC model in conjunction with wavelet multiresolution analysis. Additionally, this article also applies wavelet hedge ratio and wavelet hedge portfolio analysis at various time horizons.
The young tourist's co-creation nexus: market mavens and existential authenticity as driving forces of intentions to revisit and recommend
Authors: Javed Maria , Awan Tahir Mumtaz
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study explored the role of market mavens for young tourists and existential authenticity for young tourist co-creation experience. It determines intentions to revisit and intentions to recommend tourism service providers. The theoretical foundation of this study is based upon the macro-micro theory approach of service-dominant (S-D) logic and customer engagement, which explains the idea of tourist co-creation interactivity and value creation between the service provider and tourist.

Design/methodology/approach

The positivist deductive approach, survey-based methodology was followed for this study. Data was collected from 349 young tourists who have traveled and contributed to travel services through collaboration and interaction with the service provider. The data were analyzed in SmartPLS, and structured equation modeling technique was used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

It was found that market mavens have a positive impact on young tourist's co-creation process, hence depicting intention to revisit and recommend the tourism service provider. Existential authenticity was also found having positive impact on tourist co-creation and intention to revisit and recommend the service provider. The results show that young tourists plan domestic trips in Pakistan and co-create with service providers.

Research limitations/implications

This study theoretically and practically contributed in the literature and enhanced the literature concerning mainly the young tourists co-creation. It has also enhanced the knowledge about intentions to revisit and recommend with special focus on market mavens. Also, existential authenticity of the tourist spots was keenly considered in the underlying research.

Originality/value

This study highlights value-creation phenomenon in tourism for younger tourists. Their input is important in the form of creativity and innovation and by incorporating these young tourists in decision-making process. They ensure their ability to participate and design, resulting in loyalty towards service provider.
A comparative study of library services and job performance of librarians and paraprofessional librarians in public libraries in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Urhefe-Okotie Enite A. , Okafor Victoria N. , Ijiekhuamhen Osaze Patrick
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study is aimed at comparing library services and job performances of personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive survey design using 107 personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling technique was used for this study. All 107 personnel in public libraries in South-South Nigeria were considered appropriate for this study. The instrument used to elicit data from the respondents was a self-designed questionnaire and oral interview, 103 respondents answered to the questionnaire.

Findings

Library services such as recreational services, community information services, career information services, information alert services, services to prisoners, mobile library services and adult literacy education programs are not carried out. The result also revealed that factors such as poor funding by government, insufficient staff strength, lack of interpersonal skills and untrained staff hinder adequate job performance of personnel. In the final analysis, the result from the study amongst others shows that there is no significant difference between the six states on the types of job performed in the different state public libraries in South-South Nigeria. Meanwhile, there is a significant difference between the extent of job performance of librarians and paraprofessional librarians in public libraries in South-South Nigeria.

Originality/value

To the best of the researchers' knowledge, this research is the first to ascertain library services and job performance of personnel in all public libraries in South-South Nigeria.
Individual agency and structure perceptions in intentions to withdrawal from work early/late in the mid-and late-career
Authors: Alcover Carlos-María , Bargsted Mariana , Yeves Jesús
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In the context of an aging workforce and uncertain labor markets, it is a priority to identify and analyze what factors influence intentions regarding motivation to continue working, how and when to retire. From the life course perspective, this paper aims to capture the individual agency and structure perceptions to withdrawal from work early/late intentions in the mid- and late-career, identifying voluntary/involuntary factors underlying these intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analyses based on a cross-sectional design, with a representative sample of 414 Chilean workers over the age of 45.

Findings

The results depict several patterns of contextual factors operating at different levels underlying mid- and late-career-related intentions. Specifically, they identify how perceptions of individual agency and structure are significantly associated with voluntary and involuntary factors that guide intentions to stay working or retire early, as well as to prolong working life and to lean toward bridge employment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to identifying perceptions of individual agency and structure in career intentions and can help individuals and organizations clarify the voluntary and involuntary factors behind work–life intentions in their middle and final career stages. In addition, the results can contribute to international research in this field by providing information on the underrepresented Ibero-American context.
Collecting nostalgic pieces of plastic: the journey of toy collectors and the effects of nostalgia
Authors: Sotelo-Duarte Manuel
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to elucidate the role of nostalgia in collecting behavior and evaluate its effects during the collecting process in the context of an online collecting community.

Design/methodology/approach

A netnographic study was conducted to enhance the understanding of the online collecting community for vintage toys on YouTube. The study analyzed more than 40,000 comments from 9,028 users. Data were then analyzed, codified and grouped to determine the coexistence of collecting and nostalgia within the community.

Findings

Nostalgia influences collecting mainly in three stages: beginning of a collection, progression of a collection and the end of the collecting process (as a barrier). Additionally, new information about collecting behavior is presented: Collectors are mainly influenced by the people around them during the collecting process, and they are highly oriented toward obtaining information about pieces in their collection.

Originality/value

This study builds on the premise of nostalgia as a motivator for collecting and describes its effect in depth during the collecting process. Specifically, netnography was used to analyze this phenomenon within the context of the online collecting community.
Effects of structured writing strategies in the high school history classroom
Authors: Bennett Erin , Vu Phu , Vu Lan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This action research explored the use of structured writing formats including writing frames and writing guides to improve high school student historical writing.

Design/methodology/approach

Collected data involved the result of a pre-test and post-test comparing writing scores of students before and after the intervention, students' survey and co-teacher's interview.

Findings

The findings indicated that the intervention of writing frames and writing guides had a positive effect on student writing performances. Discussions and implications for further studies were also included.

Originality/value

The findings informed the teacher that general writing skills could be applied across the curriculum.