bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salmonella-induced SIRT1 and SIRT3 are crucial for maintaining the metabolic switch in bacteria and host for successful pathogenesis
Authors: Hajra Dipasree , Rajmani Raju S. , Chaudhary Ayushi Devendrasingh , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: November 2022

Sirtuins are the major players in host immuno-metabolic regulation. However, the role of sirtuins in the modulation of the immune metabolism pertaining to Salmonellosis is largely unknown. Here, our investigation focussed on the role of two important sirtuins, SIRT1 and SIRT3, shedding light on their impact on intracellularSalmonella’s metabolic switch and pathogenesis establishment. Our study indicated the ability of the liveSalmonellaTyphimurium to differentially regulate the levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 for maintaining the high glycolytic metabolism and low fatty acid metabolism inSalmonella. Perturbing SIRT1 or SIRT3 through knockdown or inhibition, resulted in a remarkable shift in the host metabolism to low fatty acid oxidation and high glycolysis. This switch led to decreased proliferation ofSalmonellain the macrophages. Further,Salmonella-induced higher levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 led to a skewed polarization state of the macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 state toward an immunosuppressive M2 making it more conducive for the intracellular life ofSalmonella. Alongside, governing immunological functions by modulating p65 NF-κB acetylation, SIRT1, and SIRT3 also skewSalmonella-induced host metabolic switch by regulating the acetylation status of HIF-1α and PDHA1. Interestingly, though knock-down of SIRT1/3 attenuatedSalmonellaproliferation in macrophages, inin vivomice-model of infection, inhibition or knockdown of SIRT1/3 led to more dissemination and higher organ burden which can be attributed to enhanced ROS and IL-6 production. Our study hence reports for the first time thatSalmonellamodulates SIRT1/3 levels to maintain its own metabolism for successful pathogenesis.
Atomistic structure of the interlocking claw-like amyloid fibril of full-length glucagon
Authors: Jeong Hyeongseop , Lin Yuxi , Kim Jin Hae , Yu Wookyung , Heo Yunseok , Won Hyung-Sik , Okumura Masaki , Lee Young-Ho
Published: November 2022

Glucagon is a peptide hormone which posits a significant potential as a therapeutic molecule for various human diseases. One of the major challenges hampering medicinal application of glucagon, however, is its insoluble and aggregation-prone property. Although glucagon is dissolvable, it aggregates easily and forms amyloid fibrils. To date, despite many studies to understand how glucagon aggregates and fibrillizes, its detailed amyloidogenesis mechanism is still elusive, particularly due to insufficient structural information of glucagon amyloid fibrils. Here we report the novel structure of a glucagon amyloid fibril, which was determined with cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to a 3.8-Å resolution. Our model features with tight and extensive inter-monomer interactions, which efficiently stabilize the entire chain of full-length glucagon into the V-shape conformation, clamping the other monomer to construct a dimeric architecture orthogonal to the fibril axis. Notably, the current structure significantly differs from the previous solid-state NMR model, which gives direct evidence for multiple and dynamic amyloidogenesis mechanisms of glucagon. In addition, our results are expected to provide important insights to appreciate the molecular details of glucagon in its initial amyloidogenesis and fibril elongation processes.
Impact of single mutations on binding kinetics of triplex forming oligos revealed by fluorescence proximity sensing in heliX®biosensor
Authors: Molkenthin Vera , Baumstark David , Schubert Thomas , Längst Gernot , Plach Maximilian G.
Published: November 2022

The sequence specific association of RNA with DNA via formation of RNA/DNA triple helices is relevant for regulation of gene expression, repair mechanisms, and chromatin organization. Formation of such RNA/DNA triplexes requires poly-purine sequences, which allow for Hoogsteen base-paring in addition to Watson-Crick pairing in the major groove of DNA. Binding of triplex forming oligos (TFOs) is sequence-specific and understanding sequence dependencies is key for the development of targeted tools for gene therapy. Here, we highlight a direct approach for determining binding kinetics and binding constants for TFOs using the state-of-the-art heliX®biosensor tool. With this, we provide key insights into the binding kinetics of RNA and DNA TFOs to a triplex targeting site (TTS)-containing DNA double helix measured in real-time. Dependent on the introduced base, point mutations in one position of a triplex forming oligo (TFO) can change the dissociation constant (KD) by several orders of magnitude or just by one log, affecting primarily the dissociation rate. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the heliX®biosensor assay is also well-suited for detection of rather weak triplex formation. The weakest binding we could identify was 140 μM, for a TFO, which other studies considered as non-binding.
Collagen constitutes about twelve percent in females and seventeen percent in males of the total protein in mice
Authors: Tarnutzer Katharina , Sankar Devanarayanan Siva , Dengjel Joern , Ewald Collin Y.
Published: November 2022

Collagen has been postulated to be the most abundant protein in our body, making up one-third of the total protein content in mammals. However, to the best of our knowledge, a direct assessment of the total collagen levels of an entire mammal to confirm this estimate is missing. Here we measured hydroxyproline levels as a proxy for collagen content together with total protein levels of entire mice or of individual tissues. Collagen content normalized to the total protein is approximately 0.1% in the brain and liver, 1% in the heart and kidney, 4% in the muscle and lung, 6% in the colon, 20-40% in the skin, 25-35% in bones, and 40-50% in tendons of wild-type (CD1 and CB57BL/6) mice, consistent with previous reports. Mice consist of 37 mg of collagen and 265 mg of protein per g of body weight. To our surprise, we find that collagen is approximately 12% in females and 17% in males of the total protein content of entire wild-type (CD1 and CB57BL/6) mice. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography approaches confirmed a 10-12% collagen over total protein estimates for female mice. Collagen staining methods and extracellular matrix-enriched proteomics estimated 5-6% of collagens over the total protein extracted. Although collagen type I is the most abundant collagen, the most abundant proteins are albumin, hemoglobulin, histones, actin, serpina, and then collagen type I. Analyzing amino acid compositions of mice revealed glycine as the most abundant amino acid. Thus, we provide reference points for collagen, matrisome, protein, and amino acid composition of healthy wild-type mice that are important for tissue and biomaterial engineering and for the comparison of these factors in various disease models.
Allosteric communication between ligand binding domains modulates substrate inhibition in adenylate kinase
Authors: Scheerer David , Adkar Bharat V. , Bhattacharyya Sanchari , Levy Dorit , Iljina Marija , Riven Inbal , Dym Orly , Haran Gilad , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: November 2022

Enzymes play a vital role in life processes; they control chemical reactions and allow functional cycles to be synchronized. Many enzymes harness large-scale motions of their domains to achieve tremendous catalytic prowess and high selectivity for specific substrates. One outstanding example is provided by the three-domain enzyme adenylate kinase (AK), which catalyzes phosphotransfer between ATP to AMP. Here we study the phenomenon of substrate inhibition by AMP and its correlation with domain motions. Using single-molecule FRET spectroscopy, we show that AMP does not block access to the ATP binding site, neither by competitive binding to the ATP cognate site nor by directly closing the LID domain. Instead, inhibitory concentrations of AMP lead to a faster and more cooperative domain closure by ATP, leading in turn to an increased population of the closed state. The effect of AMP binding can be modulated through mutations throughout the structure of the enzyme, as shown by the screening of an extensive AK mutant library. Mutation of multiple conserved residues leads to increased substrate inhibition, suggesting a positive selection during evolution. Combining these insights, we developed a model that explains the complex activity of AK, particularly substrate inhibition, based on the experimentally observed opening and closing rates. Notably, the model indicates that the catalytic power is affected by the microsecond balance between the open and closed states of the enzyme. Our findings highlight the crucial role of protein motions in enzymatic activity.

Significance Statement

How conformational dynamics affect the catalytic activity of enzymes remains a topic of active debate. We focus here on the domain closure dynamics of adenylate kinase (AK) and how they are affected by substrate inhibition. By screening an extensive mutant library, we show that this feature of the enzyme is well conserved in evolution. Importantly, domain closure is required in order to bring AK’s substrates close together for their chemical reaction; single-molecule FRET studies directly measure the populations of the open and closed states. We find that overpopulation of the closed state can be detrimental to activity. The results allow us to develop a kinetic model that properly accounts for AK kinetics by combining conformational dynamics and biochemical steps.
Forward planning under uncertainty in a population-based alcohol use disorder sample
Authors: Fischbach Pascale C. , Gönner Lorenz , Steffen Johannes , Kiebel Stefan J. , Smolka Michael N.
Published: November 2022

Altered decision-making is a defining component of addiction, but there is little evidence whether these alterations affect multi-step planning in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). We used a recently developed planning task in a cross-sectional approach to test the planning performance of 30 individuals diagnosed with AUD relative to 32 healthy control subjects, both sampled from the general population. To gain insight into the factors underlying behavioral performance, we inferred the parameters of a reinforcement learning agent performing rational planning, using a Bayesian inference scheme. This approach allowed us to differentiate between separate factors determining planning performance, e.g., planning depth, decision noise, and bias for certain action choices. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not observe reduced planning depth in AUD subjects. Instead, our results show a small effect in the opposite direction: Healthy controls were slightly less efficient in the planning task. Importantly, subjects in the control group allocated less time for planning than AUD subjects, potentially indicative of motivational differences between groups. The group difference in planning depth persisted when controlling for both reaction times and general cognitive performance, albeit at a lesser magnitude. Altogether, our results do not favor the view that mild-to-moderate alcohol use disorder in general-population individuals generally involves impairments in cognitive tasks requiring forward planning across multiple steps.
Spherocytosis-related L1340P mutation in ankyrin affects its interactions with spectrin
Authors: Machnicka Beata , Czogalla Aleksander , M. Bogusławska Dżamila , Stasiak Piotr , Sikorski Aleksander F.
Published: November 2022

Previously, we reported a new missense mutation in theANK1gene correlated with the HS phenotype. This mutation, resulting in L1340P substitution (HGMD CM149731), likely leads to the changes in the conformation of the ankyrin ZZUD domain important for ankyrin binding to spectrin. In this report, we have shown the molecular and physiological effects of this mutation. First, we assessed the binding activity of human β-spectrin to the mutated ZZUDL1340P domain of ankyrin using two different experimental approaches – the study of association and dissociation responses of spectrin ankyrin binding domain and sedimentation assay. In addition, we demonstrated changes in morphology caused by the overexpressed ankyrin ZZUD domain in human cell models. Our results prove the key role of L1340 aa residue in the UPA domain for the correct alignment of the ZZUD domain of ankyrin, which results in binding the latter with spectrin within the erythrocyte membrane. Replacing the L1340 with a proline residue disrupts the spectrin binding activity of ankyrin.
Divisome core complex in bacterial cell division revealed by cryo-EM
Authors: Käshammer Lisa , van den Ent Fusinita , Jeffery Magnus , Jean Nicolas L. , Hale Victoria L. , Löwe Jan
Published: November 2022

Cell division, or cytokinesis is a fundamental process of life and, in most bacteria, is driven by peptidoglycan synthesis at the septum1. It is catalysed by the divisome, a multi-protein complex with more than 20 components that spans the cell envelope in bacteria harbouring a cell wall2. Central to the divisome is the peptidoglycan-synthesising protein complex FtsWI, with the transglycosylase (TG) FtsW polymerising glycan strands from its substrate Lipid II3,4, and the transpeptidase (TP) FtsI crosslinking peptide stems, thus forming a covalent mesh between glycan strands5,6(Fig. 1a). Septal peptidoglycan synthesis occurs after activation of the divisome glycosyltransferase-transpeptidase pair FtsWI3, in particular through an interaction with the heterotrimer FtsQBL7.

Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of the catalytic divisome core complex FtsWIQBL fromPseudomonas aeruginosaat 3.7 Å resolution. The structure reveals the intricate details of the periplasmic interfaces within FtsWIQBL, including the positioning of FtsI by the coiled coil of FtsBL, as well as a transmembrane domain containing FtsWIBL but not FtsQ. With our structure we are able to provide molecular mechanisms of a multitude of known mutations that interfere with divisome activation and regulation. Finally, we reveal a large conformational switch between presumably inactive and active states of the FtsWI core enzymes.

Our work is foundational for further structural, biochemical and genetic studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms of bacterial cell division. Since the divisome peptidoglycan synthase is essential for cell division in most bacteria, and is absent in eukaryotic cells entirely, it is a key target of important antibiotics and antibiotic development8, and we suggest that our structure will help to accelerate these efforts.
De novo identification of CD4+ T cell epitopes
Authors: Zdinak Paul , Grebinoski Stephanie , Torrey Jessica , Zarate-Martinez Eduardo , Hicks Louise , Ranjan Rashi , Trivedi Nishtha , Arshad Sanya , Anderson Mark , Vignali Dario AA , Joglekar Alok V.
Published: November 2022

CD4+ T cells recognize peptide antigens presented on class II Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC-II) molecules to carry out their function. The remarkable diversity of T cell receptor (TCR) sequences and lack of antigen discovery approaches for MHC-II make profiling the specificities of CD4+ T cells challenging. We have expanded our platform of Signaling and Antigen-presenting Bifunctional Receptors to encode MHC-II molecules presenting covalently linked peptides (SABR-IIs) for CD4+ cell antigen discovery. SABR-IIs can present epitopes to CD4+ T cells and induce signaling upon their recognition, allowing a readable output. Here, we demonstrate that SABR-IIs libraries presenting endogenous and post-translationally modified epitopes can be used for antigen discovery. Using SABR-II libraries in conjunction with single cell RNA sequencing, we de-convoluted multiple highly expanded TCRs from pancreatic islets of Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) mice. We compounded antigen discovery by incorporating computational TCR similarity prediction metrics followed by experimental validation. Finally, we showed SABR-IIs presenting epitopes in class II HLA alleles can be used for antigen discovery for human CD4+ T cells. Taken together, we have developed a rapid, flexible, scalable, and versatile approach for the de novo identification of CD4+ T cell ligands from single cell RNA sequencing data using experimental and computational approaches.
Host response of Syrian hamster to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including differences with humans and between sexes
Authors: Castellan Martina , Zamperin Gianpiero , Franzoni Giulia , Foiani Greta , Zorzan Maira , Drzewnioková Petra , Mancin Marzia , Brian Irene , Bortolami Alessio , Pagliari Matteo , Oggiano Annalisa , Vascellari Marta , Panzarin Valentina , Crovella Sergio , Monne Isabella , Terregino Calogero , De Benedictis Paola , Leopardi Stefania
Published: November 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the importance of having proper tools and models to study the pathophysiology of emerging infectious diseases to test therapeutic protocols, assess changes in viral phenotype and evaluate the effect of viral evolution. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) as an animal model for SARS-CoV-2 infection, using different approaches (description of clinical signs, viral load, receptor profiling and host immune response) and targeting four different organs (lungs, intestine, brain and PBMCs). Our data showed that both male and female hamsters are susceptible to the infection and develop a disease similar to the one observed in patients with COVID-19, including moderate to severe pulmonary lesions, inflammation and recruitment of the immune system in lungs and at systemic level. However, all animals recovered within 14 days without developing the severe pathology seen in humans, and none of them died. We found faint evidence for intestinal and neurological tropism associated with the absence of lesions and a minimal host response in intestines and brains, highlighting another crucial difference with the multi-organ impairment of severe COVID-19. When comparing male and female hamsters, it was observed that males sustained higher viral RNA shedding and replication in the lungs, suffered from more severe symptoms and histopathological lesions and triggered higher pulmonary inflammation. Overall, these data confirm the Syrian hamster as a suitable model for mildmoderate COVID-19 and reflect sex-related differences in the response against the virus observed in humans.
Ion permeation pathway within the internal pore of P2X receptor channels
Authors: Tam Stephanie W. , Huffer Kate , Li Mufeng , Swartz Kenton J.
Published: November 2022

P2X receptor channels are trimeric ATP-activated ion channels expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal cells that are attractive therapeutic targets for human disorders. Seven subtypes of P2X receptor channels have been identified in mammals that can form both homomeric and heteromeric channels. P2X1-4 and P2X7 receptor channels are cation selective, whereas P2X5 has been reported to have both cation and anion permeability. P2X receptor channel structures reveal that each subunit is comprised of two transmembrane helices, with both N-and C-termini on the intracellular side of the membrane, and a large extracellular domain that contains the ATP binding sites at subunit interfaces. Recent structures of ATP-bound P2X receptors with the activation gate open reveal the unanticipated presence of a cytoplasmic cap over the central ion permeation pathway, leaving lateral fenestrations that may be largely buried within the membrane as potential pathways for ions to permeate the intracellular end of the pore. In the present study we identify a critical residue within the intracellular lateral fenestrations that is readily accessible to thiol reactive compounds from both sides of the membrane and where substitutions influence the relative permeability of the channel to cations and anions. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ions can enter or exit the internal pore through lateral fenestrations that play a critical role in determining the ion selectivity of P2X receptor channels. (223)
The Lamin A/C Ig-fold undergoes cell density-dependent changes that alter epitope binding
Authors: Wallace Melanie , Fedorchak Gregory R. , Agrawal Richa , Gilbert Rachel M. , Patel Jineet , Park Sangwoo , Paszek Matthew , Lammerding Jan
Published: November 2022

Lamins A/C are nuclear intermediate filament proteins that are involved in diverse cellular mechanical and biochemical functions. Here, we report that recognition of Lamins A/C by a commonly used antibody (JOL-2) that binds the Lamin A/C Ig-fold and other antibodies targeting similar epitopes is highly dependent on cell density, even though Lamin A/C protein levels do not change with cell density. The density-dependent Lamin A/C labeling was distinct from previously reported differential apico-basal labeling, which was independent of cell density. Comparison of the density-dependent labeling effects of antibodies recognizing different Lamin A/C epitopes suggests that the effect is caused by partial unfolding or masking of the C’E and/or EF loops of the Ig-fold in response to cell spreading. Seeding cells on micropatterned surfaces with different areas confirmed that increased cell spreading resulted in reduced Lamin A/C labeling with the JOL-2 antibody. Surprisingly, JOL-2 antibody labeling was insensitive to depolymerization of cytoskeletal filaments or disruption of the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Although the density-dependent changes of the Ig-fold did not alter nuclear stiffness or nucleo-cytoskeletal force transmission, they may nonetheless modulate interaction with lamin binding partners and thereby affect cellular functions. Taken together, our results point to a previously unrecognized change in the Lamin A/C Ig-fold that affects recognition by the JOL-2 antibody. These findings are not only important for the interpretation of immunofluorescence data for Lamin A/C, but also raise the intriguing prospect that the conformational changes may play a role in Lamin A/C mediated cellular function.
The binding sites of E2F transcription factor inDrosophilametabolic genes are functionally distinct
Authors: Zappia Maria Paula , Kwon Yong-Jae , Westacott Anton , Liseth Isabel , Lee Hyun Min , Islam Abul B.M.M.K. , Kim Jiyeon , Frolov Maxim V.
Published: November 2022

The canonical role of the transcription factor E2F is to control the expression of cell cycle genes by binding to the E2F sites in their promoters. However, the list of putative E2F target genes is extensive and includes many metabolic genes, yet the significance of E2F in controlling expression of these genes remains largely unknown. Here, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to introduce point mutations in the E2F sites upstream of five endogenous metabolic genes inDrosophila. We found that the impact of these mutations on both the recruitment of E2F and the expression of the target genes varied, with the glycolytic gene,Phosphoglycerate kinase(Pgk), being mostly affected. The loss of E2F regulation onPgkgene led to a decrease in glycolytic flux, TCA cycle intermediates levels, ATP content and an abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Remarkably, chromatin accessibility was significantly reduced at multiple genomic regions inPgkΔE2Fmutants. These regions contained hundreds of genes, including metabolic genes that were downregulated inPgkΔE2Fmutants. Moreover,PgkΔE2Fanimals had shortened life span and exhibited defects in high-energy consuming organs, such as ovaries and muscles. Collectively, our results illustrate how the pleiotropic effects on metabolism, gene expression and development in thePgkΔE2Fanimals underscore the importance of E2F regulation on a single E2F target,Pgk.
Analysis of factors affecting the purchase of private label products by different age consumers
Authors: Musso Fabio , Colamatteo Annarita , Bravi Laura , Pagnanelli Maria Anna , Murmura Federica , Sansone Marcello
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine how the different age of consumers impacts on some factors that drive consumers to the purchasing of private label products, considering differences and similarities of behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted through the administration of a questionnaire to evaluate consumers' perceptions about private label food products. To collect data, the convenience sampling method has been used. The valid answers collected and analyzed are 358.

Findings

The results of this study highlight that the response of different age groups to the Private Label Brands (PLBs) must be considered in the light of the positioning adopted by the individual retailers. Value for money and satisfaction on previous consumption are relevant for purchasing decisions regardless of the retailer's strategy and the age of consumers. A third factor, price, is important for the whole sample. Focusing on the specific age clusters, the younger respondents seem to be attentive to factors such as healthy and in-store promotion, while the more experienced consumer are attentive to the origin and traceability of products.

Originality/value

An analysis of the main literature on Private Labels showed that the results of research about the role of consumer age in PLB choices are contrasting. This study aims at integrating the literature, measuring how the factors influencing the purchase of PLB products vary for different age groups of consumers.
Incentivisation of digital technology takers in the construction industry
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Studies showed that digital technology applications in the construction industry are low, especially in many developing nations. Construction incentivisation (CI) is one of the long-standing principles adopted to enhance project performance. There is a paucity of studies concerning CI to improve digital technology applications. Thus, this research investigated the relevance and perceived hindrances that may hinder the implementation of CI from promoting digital technologies and proffer ways to improve digital technology applications in the construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In Nigeria’s context, this research is exploratory. Twenty-four semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, with knowledgeable participants that indicated interest and were interviewed. The engaged interviewees were drawn from government agencies, academicians in construction consultancy, Internet and communication technology experts, construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms. The collected data were coded and analysed through a thematic method.

Findings

Digitalisation of the industry via CI may face some hindrances. The perceived issues that may hinder CI implementation were classified into most severe, severe and fairly severe in Nigeria’s construction industry context. Findings proffer feasible policy solutions that can mitigate these issues and improve digital technology applications in the industry via the CI.

Research limitations/implications

This study covered the relevance and perceived issues that may hinder the implementation of the CI to improve digital technology applications in the industry. Also, the study proffers policy solutions to enhance digital technology applications in the industry via the CI concept.

Practical implications

Findings from this research will support and offer a valuable understanding of the relevance of the “incentivisation concept” to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian-built environment. Other developing countries with low applications of digital technology in construction may consider the suggested policy solutions from this research. Also, this study will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to support policies tailored towards improving digital technology applications in construction.

Originality/value

This research contributes by exploring the effectiveness of the CI concept and informing construction practitioners and policymakers on how to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian construction industry.
Future of healthcare start-ups in the era of digitalization: bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sreenivasan Aswathy , Suresh M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

It is the responsibility of the national governments to deliver healthcare services that are both effective and affordable to everyone. There are still gaps in this supply, which is extremely demanding. In this sense, companies are attempting to reach neglected markets and disrupt the marketplace with novel solutions. Although there are still anecdotal examples, a thorough literature evaluation is lacking. This study aims to provide a synthesis of the future of healthcare start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

Papers that included the term “healthcare start-ups,” “health-tech start-ups,” “start-up,” “Artificial intelligence in healthcare,” and “Health tech start-ups in India” were considered for the analysis. The Biblioshiny package under the R programming tool was considered for a detailed analysis of the papers.

Findings

A total of 854 documents were related to healthcare start-ups, from which only 14 papers are related to health-tech start-ups and four papers are related to artificial intelligence in healthcare start-ups. It has been found from the past works of literature that the effectiveness of technology for information and communication in healthcare has significantly increased in recent years. Technology has already begun to permeate the healthcare market from other fields and industries. One way that the internet will help the industry evolve is by integrating digital health into daily life.

Research limitations/implications

The study is not using other databases but is limited to Google Scholar and Scopus. A significant constraint of this study is the paucity of relevant literature in reputable publications on health and information systems. Another restriction was that gray literature, such as any journal or newspaper written by members of the health community about health-tech start-ups, was not taken into account.

Practical implications

Healthcare players should exhibit a fundamental openness to novel solutions to facilitate the digitalization of the healthcare system. Developing technology is widely used, and from an innovation perspective, a start-up should focus on innovation by employing technology and offering revolutionary healthcare solutions.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is based on its presentation of an organized and thorough literature evaluation, which defines the current state of the art concerning green start-ups. To create a sustainable start-up, a thorough study of the information gained in respect of its healthcare start-up is presented.
Assessing the credibility of information sources in times of uncertainty: online debate about Finland's NATO membership
Authors: Savolainen Reijo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This article aims to elaborate the context-sensitive nature of credibility assessment by examining how such judgments are made in online discussion in times of uncertainty caused by Finland's intent to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in spring 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical findings draw on the qualitative content analysis of 3,324 posts submitted to a Finnish online discussion in February–March 2022. It was examined how the participants of online discussion assess the credibility of information sources referred to in debates on the NATO membership. It is assumed that the believability of the author of information is indicative of his or her expert power, for example based on the credentials of a scholar, while the credibility of information content, for example the provision of factual evidence is indicative of the source's informational power.

Findings

Political decision-makers, particularly the President of Finland were assessed as most credible information sources, due to their access to confidential knowledge and long-time experience in politics. The credibility assessments differed more strongly while judging the believability of researchers. On the one hand, their expertise was praised; on the other hand, doubts were presented about their partiality. Fellow participants of online discussion were assessed most negatively because information sources of these types are associated with low expert and informational power.

Research limitations/implications

As the study concentrated on credibility assessments made in a Finnish online discussion group, the findings cannot be extended to concern the credibility judgments occurring information in other contexts.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to characterize the role of expert and informational power in credibility assessment in times of uncertainty.
Understanding platform strategies for consumer stickiness on OTT platforms
Authors: Kour Gurpreet , Chhabria Bhavika
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Extant literature in Video on Demand (VoD) has taken the consumer perspective; however, the stakeholder perspective is largely neglected. This paper aims to fill this gap by understanding the strategies to enhance the experience and engage customers from the supplier’s point of view. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyse strategies adopted by over-the-top (OTT) platforms that ensure consumer loyalty in the VoD space.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach and inductive qualitative design, the authors interviewed 16 industry experts associated with OTT platforms in India and people handling various marketing-related positions. Data collected included topics related to industry landscape, the value created for a customer, consumer experience, engagement and platform stickiness. Thematic analysis was used to find meaningful semantic elements.

Findings

This study has found that consumer experience, content differentiation, consumer sense-making and engagement and platform extension as value enhancers as the key strategies been adopted in the Indian context, thereby leading to a platform’s stickiness.

Research limitations/implications

This research offers insights to policymakers of content, digital platforms, media practitioners and managers that are drawing consumers influenced by platform strategies.

Practical implications

This research provides insights to content policy makers, digital platform leaders, media practitioners, and managers who are influencing consumers through platform strategies.

Social implications

The research could help entrepreneurs and marketers understand the perspectives of stakeholders in the VoD industry in India.

Originality/value

The study encourages researchers to explore the concept of stickiness, which may or may not be equivalent to loyalty. It is important to focus on quality, frequency, and regular reminders to help customers return to the same platform in the short term.
LiDAR reveals a preference for intermediate visibility by a forest‐dwelling ungulate species
Authors: Zong Xin , Wang Tiejun , Skidmore Andrew K. , Heurich Marco
Published: November 2022

Visibility (viewshed) plays a significant and diverse role in animals' behaviour and fitness. Understanding how visibility influences animal behaviour requires the measurement of habitat visibility at spatial scales commensurate to individual animal choices. However, measuring habitat visibility at a fine spatial scale over a landscape is a challenge, particularly in highly heterogeneous landscapes (e.g. forests). As a result, our ability to model the influence of fine‐scale visibility on animal behaviour has been impeded or limited.

In this study, we demonstrate the application of the concept of three‐dimensional (3D) cumulative viewshed in the study of animal spatial behaviour at a landscape level. Specifically, we employed a newly described approach that combines terrestrial and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to measure fine‐scale habitat visibility (3D cumulative viewshed) on a continuous scale in forested landscapes. We applied the LiDAR‐derived visibility to investigate how visibility in forests affects the summer habitat selection and the movement of 20 GPS‐collared female red deer Cervus elaphus in a temperate forest in Germany. We used integrated step selection analysis to determine whether red deer show any preference for fine‐scale habitat visibility and whether visibility is related to the rate of movement of red deer.

We found that red deer selected intermediate habitat visibility. Their preferred level of visibility during the day was substantially lower than that of night and twilight, whereas the preference was not significantly different between night and twilight. In addition, red deer moved faster in high‐visibility areas, possibly mainly to avoid predation and anthropogenic risk. Furthermore, red deer moved most rapidly between locations in the twilight.

For the first time, the preference for intermediate habitat visibility and the adaption of movement rate to fine‐scale visibility by a forest‐dwelling ungulate species at a landscape scale was revealed. The LiDAR technique used in this study offers fine‐scale habitat visibility at the landscape level in forest ecosystems, which would be of broader interest in the fields of animal ecology and behaviour.
Weed communities are more diverse, but not more abundant, in dense and complex bocage landscapes
Authors: Boinot Sébastien , Mony Cendrine , Fried Guillaume , Ernoult Aude , Aviron Stéphanie , Ricono Claire , Couthouis Eloïse , Alignier Audrey
Published: November 2022

Bocage landscapes are characterized by a network of hedgerows that delimits arable fields. Such landscapes provide many ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation, but their effects on weed communities remain largely unknown. Bocage landscapes could affect weed communities through two main processes: plant spillover from hedgerows and increased environmental heterogeneity in arable fields. These bocage effects are also likely to vary between farming systems (conventional vs. organic) due to differences in management practices.

We sampled weed communities more than 20 m from field margins in 74 arable fields (37 per farming system). Fields were located along two independent landscape gradients of total length of hedgerows (with or without a shrub layer) and organic farming cover, in Brittany (France). We analysed the effect of ‘bocage’ (i.e. the density and complexity of hedgerow networks) and farming systems at field and landscape scales on species and functional diversity of weed communities. Further, we used fidelity to non‐crop habitats and Ellenberg indicator values to assess the ‘plant spillover’ and ‘environmental heterogeneity’ hypotheses, respectively.

Weed communities were more diverse and more abundant in organic farming systems. In addition, weed communities were more diverse, but not more abundant, in denser and more complex bocage landscapes. ‘Bocage’ increased species diversity of weeds, but also community‐weighted variance of specific leaf area, plant height and seed mass. Positive effects of ‘bocage’ on weed diversity were driven by increased environmental heterogeneity rather than spillover of transient species from hedgerows. ‘Bocage’ effects were independent of farming systems at field and landscape scales.

Synthesis and applications. Maintaining diverse weed communities is key to agroecological weed management and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. Farmers are often concerned that hedgerows harbour competitive plants spreading into field edges, thereby increasing weed pressure. However, our study shows that dense and complex bocage landscapes promote weed diversity in field cores, most likely by increasing environmental heterogeneity. Thus, bocage landscapes could actually enhance ecosystem services provided by weed communities and reduce weed‐crop competition.
Indigenous institutions and local government in the Torres Strait
Authors: Stanford Bartholomew Matthew
Published: November 2022

The relationships between local governments and Indigenous institutions in Australia are unstudied, despite both being oriented to the local level. Related research focuses on the performance of Indigenous local governments, Indigenous forms of governance and its relation to local government, relations between local governments and Indigenous communities, and the intercultural dynamics of Indigenous and Western governance frameworks in local governments. This article presents the findings of a study that examines relations between local governments and Indigenous institutions in the Torres Strait, a relationship that is framed by s. 9(3) of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) (LGA) that allows local governments to ‘take account of Aboriginal tradition and Island custom’. A framework adapted from health‐related studies, consisting of three alternative policy approaches—mainstreaming, indigenisation, and hybridisation—is used in this study to characterise relationships between local governments and Indigenous institutions. Kinship and country, two important Indigenous institutions, are marginalised in Queensland's mainstream system of local government, which in turn creates obstacles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from participating and engaging in local government processes.

Points for practitioners

Government that does not recognise the institutions which are fundamental to how Indigenous people govern will marginalise them from power.

Indigenous institutions are legitimate actors whose voice must be considered within mainstreaming discussions.

Representation within indigenous institutions influences local government relations.
Modifying children's court care plans to acknowledge poverty and disadvantage
Authors: Ainsworth Frank
Published: November 2022

This think piece suggests that Children's Court Care Plans should include a new section that documents poverty and social disadvantage, especially of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, when they are under investigation for child abuse and neglect. New South Wales in Australia is used as the exemplar state, but this suggestion may find an echo elsewhere.

Points for practitioners

As a general proposition social and economic circumstances should be considered in addition to parental dysfunction in child protection proceedings in Children's court.

Care Plans prepared for hearings in the NSW Children's Court, often developed in response to serious harm report investigations, currently do not contain information about parents' poverty and social disadvantage and hence decontextualise family living circumstances.

Consistent with international evidence, Care Plans should require information about parents' socioeconomic situation, including social disadvantage of residential neighbourhood, status and cost of household tenancy, and household income.

Taking account of social and economic circumstances has the potential to generate savings in out‐of‐home care that can be re‐allocated to support services to reduce poverty and social disadvantage and thereby reduce the need for removal of children from parental care.
The Context Sensitivity of International Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Role of Process and Product Innovation Capabilities
Authors: Mostafiz Md Imtiaz , Hughes Mathew , Gali Nazha , Sambasivan Murali
Published: November 2022

Drawing on a contingency perspective of the resource‐based view of the firm, we test the thesis that a relationship between international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) and the international performance of export‐manufacturing firms is context‐sensitive and contingent on innovation capabilities. Using time‐lagged survey data from 369 Bangladeshi export‐manufacturing firms in a least developed country (LDC) as an extreme empirical context, we predict that process and product innovation capabilities are essential to the relationship between IEO and international performance among export‐manufacturing firms. We find that the effect of IEO on international performance is not positive; however, the relationship becomes positive when moderated by process and product innovation capabilities. International entrepreneurial firms in an LDC succeed when they can better align IEO‐driven efforts with these capabilities. Our study advances knowledge on the context sensitivity of IEO and embellishes a resource‐based theory of IEO.
Discursive Quads: New Kinds of Lexical Co‐occurrence Data With Linguistic Concept Modelling
Authors: Mehl Seth
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces linguistic concept modelling, a new computational approach to humanities‐driven analysis of meaning in large text collections, and presents illustrative examples of the approach applied to over one billion words of printed Early Modern English contained in Early English Books Online (Text Creation Partnership edition). Linguistic concept modelling methods and innovations are described in detail, and justified as a unique, new, powerful means for studying meaning in texts in relation to individual lexical items, sets of lexical items and entire text collections. Linguistic concept modelling is compared to established approaches of distributional semantics and topic modelling, to show how linguistic concept modelling overcomes the limitations of those approaches to support humanities research. Examples demonstrate how our approach can be used to explore and analyse semantic, pragmatic and discursive meaning in texts, highlighting the novel observations that our approach affords, and its benefits for humanities scholars.
Ignorance: Aesthetic unlearning
Authors: Bojesen Emile
Published: November 2022

This article proceeds from a consideration of what John Baldacchino calls ‘viable ignorance’, attempting to take leave from the critical and pedagogical obligations of certain elements of Barbara Johnson's ‘positive ignorance’. It considers Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-François Lyotard and the composer, Karlheinz Stockhausen's reflections on modes of experience, and the cultivation of complementary dispositions, where the knowing, egocentric subject is transformed into, or undermined as, what Nietzsche calls ‘a medium of overpowering forces’. The disposition itself is outlined through close readings of key elements of Nietzsche's notebooks, Lyotard's final chapter of Libidinal Economy (1993), and Stockhausen's lecture, ‘Intuitive Music’ (1971) and developed through supplemental practice-as-research activity in sound. The intention of this paper is to explore the space of aesthetic ignorance as committedly as possible, without reverting constantly to positive ignorance.
Do Heterogeneous Beliefs Matter to Post‐announcement Informed Trading?
Authors: Chen Tao , Karathanasopoulos Andreas
Published: November 2022

We examine whether heterogeneous beliefs among investors affect post‐announcement informed trading. Using a global transaction‐level dataset, we find that post‐announcement informed trading increases with heterogeneous beliefs developed at the event window. Such an inference survives from several robustness checks. As additional analyses indicate, shrinking liquidity at the earnings announcement serves as a transmission mechanism to rationalize the documented association. Eventually, we reveal that informed trading driven by belief heterogeneity plays a dominant role in explaining post‐announcement returns.