bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dichotomy between the humoral and cellular responses elicited by mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ukey Rahul , Bruiners Natalie , Mishra Hridesh , Mishra Pankaj K. , McCloskey Deborah , Onyuka Alberta , Chen Fei , Pinter Abraham , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , Roy Jason , Gaur Sunanda , Gennaro Maria Laura
Published: September 2021

Protection from severe disease and hospitalization by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has been amply demonstrated by real-world data. However, the rapidly evolving pandemic raises new concerns. One pertains efficacy of adenoviral vector-based vaccines, particularly the single-dose Ad26.COV2.S, relative to mRNA vaccines. We investigated the immunogenicity of Ad26.COV2.S and mRNA vaccines in 33 subjects vaccinated with either vaccine class five months earlier on average. After controlling for time since vaccination, Spike-binding antibody and neutralizing antibody levels were higher in the mRNA-vaccinated subjects, while no significant differences in antigen-specific B cell and T cell responses were observed between the two groups. Thus, a dichotomy exists between humoral and cellular responses elicited by the two vaccine classes. Our results have implications for the need of booster doses in vaccinated subjects and might explain the dichotomy reported between the waning protection from symptomatic infection by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and its persisting efficacy in preventing hospitalization and death.
Acetobase: database update and reanalysis of formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase amplicon sequencing data from the anaerobic digesters
Authors: Singh Abhijeet , Schnürer Anna
Published: September 2021

AcetoBase is a public repository and database published in 2019, for the formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS) sequences. It is the first systematic collection of bacterial formyltetrahydrofolate nucleotide and protein sequences from the genomes and metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs), as well as sequences generated by clone library sequencing. In addition, AcetoBase was first to establish connection between FTHFS gene with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway and 16S rRNA genes. Since the publication of AcetoBase, significant improvements were seen in the taxonomy of many bacterial lineages and accessibility/availability of public genomics and metagenomics data. Thus, an update to the AcetoBase database with new sequence data and taxonomy has been made along with improvements in web-functionality and user interface. The update in AcetoBase reference database version 2 was furthermore evaluated by reanalysis of publicly accessible FTHFS amplicon sequencing data previously analysed with AcetoBase version 1. The latest database update showed significant improvements in the taxonomic assignments of FTHFS sequences. AcetoBase with its enhancements in functionality and content is publicly accessible at https://acetobase.molbio.slu.se.
Unsupervised mining of HLA-I peptidomes reveals new binding motifs and substantial false positives in community database
Authors: Sricharoensuk Chatchapon , Boonchalermvichien Tanupat , Muanwien Phijitra , Somparn Poorichaya , Pisitkun Trairak , Sriswasdi Sira
Published: September 2021

Modern vaccine designs and studies of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mediated immune responses rely heavily on the knowledge of HLA allele-specific binding motifs and computational prediction of HLA-peptide binding affinity. Breakthroughs in HLA peptidomics have considerably expanded the databases of natural HLA ligands and enabled detailed characterizations of HLA-peptide binding specificity. However, cautions must be made when analyzing HLA peptidomics data because identified peptides may be contaminants in mass spectrometry or may weakly bind to the HLA molecules. Here, a hybridde novopeptide sequencing approach was applied to large-scale mono-allelic HLA peptidomics datasets to uncover new ligands and refine current knowledge of HLA binding motifs. Up to 12-40% of the peptidomics data were low-binding affinity peptides with an arginine or a lysine at the C-terminus and likely to be tryptic peptide contaminants. Thousands of these peptides have been reported in a community database as legitimate ligands and might be erroneously used for training prediction models. Furthermore, unsupervised clustering of identified ligands revealed additional binding motifs for several HLA class I alleles and effectively isolated outliers that were experimentally confirmed to be false positives. Overall, our findings expanded the knowledge of HLA binding specificity and advocated for more rigorous interpretation of HLA peptidomics data that will ensure the high validity of community HLA ligandome databases.
Body fat volumes and distribution in chronic schizophrenia compared to healthy controls; a cross-sectional MR study
Authors: Osimo Emanuele F. , Brugger Stefan P. , Thomas E. Louise , Howes Oliver D.
Published: September 2021

People with schizophrenia show higher risk for abdominal obesity than the general population, which could contribute to excess mortality. However, it is unclear whether this is driven by alterations in abdominal fat partitioning. Here, we test the hypothesis that individuals with schizophrenia show a higher proportion of visceral to total body fat measured using MRI. We recruited 38 patients with schizophrenia and 38 healthy controls matched on age, sex, ethnicity and body mass index. We found no significant difference in body fat distribution between groups, suggesting that increased abdominal obesity in schizophrenia is not associated with altered fat distribution.
Psychedelic mushrooms in the USA: Knowledge, patterns of use and association with health outcomes
Authors: Matzopoulos R , Morlock R , Morlock A , Lerer B , Lerer L
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Popular media coverage, including of recent positive late stage clinical trials in depression and PTSD, and decriminalization initiatives, are transforming the public perception of psychedelics. However, little is known about levels of knowledge and personal use of psychedelic mushroom(s) (PM) among American adults.

Methods

We examined PM use and various measures of health status, quality of life and self-reported mental health outcome measures obtained through a national on-line, cross-sectional survey of adults with a demographic composition representative of the US adult population by region, gender, age, and race (weighted N = 251,297,495) from November 2020–March 2021.

Results

General mental health and well-being was a popular reason for PM use (63.6%). PM users were less likely to be overweight than non-users, but overall quality of life (VR-12) was lower for mental health (39.5 vs 45.5). PM users reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (GAD-7 scores of 9.6 vs 5.9) and depression (PHQ-9 scores of 11.2 vs 6.8). They were less likely to have health insurance [OR=0.50 (0.35-0.72)], but reported significantly more healthcare services utilization.

Discussion and Conclusions

There is a mismatch between our findings of an association between PM use and poor mental health outcomes, and current discourse on the positive health benefits of PM consumption. A significant number of Americans are already “self medicating” with PM and further research to understand the role of anecdotal knowledge and pseudoscientific information in PM uptake. There is an urgent need for a PM use-related national harm reduction strategy.
Retinal oxygen delivery and extraction in ophthalmologically healthy subjects with different blood pressure status
Authors: Pappelis Konstantinos , Jansonius Nomdo M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To compare retinal oxygen delivery (DO2) and extraction (VO2) in ophthalmologically healthy subjects with different blood pressure (BP) status.

Methods

In this case-control study, we prospectively included 93 eyes of 93 subjects (age 50-65) from a large-scale population-based Dutch cohort (n=167,000) and allocated them to four groups (low BP, normal BP [controls], treated arterial hypertension [AHT], untreated AHT). We estimated vascular calibers from fundus images and fractal dimension (FD) from optical coherence tomography angiography scans. We combined calibers, FD, BP, and intraocular pressure measurements in a proxy of total retinal blood flow (RBF), using a validated Poiseuille-based model. We measured arterial and venous oxygen saturations (SaO2, SvO2) with a two-wavelength scanning laser ophthalmoscope. We calculated DO2 and VO2 from RBF, SaO2, and SvO2. We compared DO2 and VO2 between groups and investigated the DO2-VO2 association.

Results

DO2 and VO2 were different between groups (P=0.009, P=0.036, respectively). In post hoc analysis, the low BP group had lower DO2 than the untreated AHT group (P=4.9·10-4), while both the low BP group and the treated AHT group had lower VO2 than the untreated AHT group (P=0.021, P=0.034, respectively). There was a significant DO2-VO2 correlation (Robs=0.65, bobs=0.51, P=2.4·10-12). After correcting for shared measurement error, the slope was no longer significant (bcor=0.19, P=0.29), while the correlation coefficient could not be calculated.

Conclusions

DO2 and VO2 were altered in ophthalmologically healthy subjects with different BP status. Future studies could elucidate whether these changes can explain the increased risk of several ophthalmic pathologies in those subjects.
Vitamin D and socioeconomic deprivation mediate COVID-19 ethnic health disparities
Authors: Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Ahmad Maria , Rishishwar Lavanya , Nagar Shashwat Deepali , Lee Kara K. , Norris Emily T. , Jordan I. King
Published: September 2021

Ethnic minorities in developed countries suffer a disproportionately high burden of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, and COVID-19 ethnic disparities have been attributed to social determinants of health. Vitamin D has been proposed as a modifiable risk factor that could mitigate COVID-19 health disparities. We investigated the relationship between vitamin D and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity using the UK Biobank, a large progressive cohort study of the United Kingdom population. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the ability of vitamin D, socioeconomic deprivation, and other known risk factors to mediate COVID-19 ethnic health disparities. Asian ethnicity is associated with higher COVID-19 susceptibility, compared to the majority White population, and Asian and Black ethnicity are both associated with higher COVID-19 severity. Socioeconomic deprivation mediates all three ethnic disparities and shows the highest overall signal of mediation for any COVID-19 risk factor. Vitamin supplements, including vitamin D, mediate the Asian disparity in COVID-19 susceptibility, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) levels mediate Asian and Black COVID-19 severity disparities. Several measures of overall health also mediate COVID-19 ethnic disparities, underscoring the importance of comorbidities. Our results support ethnic minorities’ use of vitamin D as both a prophylactic and a supplemental therapeutic for COVID-19.
Surgical Resection, Radiotherapy, And Percutaneous Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chockalingam Arun , Koo Brandon , Moon John T. , Konstantinidis Menelaos , Tran Andrew , Nourouzpour Sahar , Lawson Emily , Fox Kathleen , Habibollahi Peiman , Odisio Bruno C. , Loya Mohammed , Bassir Ali , Nezami Nariman
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up the majority of lung cancer cases. Currently surgical resection of the affected lung parenchyma is the gold standard of treatment. However, as patients are becoming medically more complex and presenting with more advanced disease, minimally invasive image guided percutaneous ablations are gaining popularity. Therefore, comparison of surgical, ablative, and second-line external beam therapies will help clinicians, as management of NSCLC changes. We will conduct a meta-analysis, reviewing literature investigating these therapies in adult patients diagnosed with Stage I NSCLC (tumor ranging from 0-5 cm, with no hilar nor mediastinal nodal involvement, confirmed either through cytology or histology regardless of type).

Methods and Analysis

We will search electronic databases from their inception to January 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, and cohort studies comparing the survival and clinical outcomes between any two interventions (lobectomy, wedge resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation and consolidated radiation therapies (EBRT, SBRT and 3D-CRT). The primary outcomes will include: cancer-specific survival (CSS), lung disease free survival, locoregional recurrence, death, toxicity, and non-target organ injury. In addition to the electronic databases, we will search for published and unpublished studies in trial registries and will review the references of included studies for possible inclusion in this review. Risk of bias will be assess using tools developed by the Cochrane collaboration. Two reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of studies and conduct the corresponding risk-of-bias assessments. For each outcome, given a sufficient number of studies, we will conduct a network meta-analysis. Finally, we will use the Confidence in Network meta-analysis (CINeMA) tool to assess the quality of the evidence for each of the primary outcomes.

Ethics and Dissemination

We aim to share our findings through high-impact peer review. As interventional techniques become more popular, it will be important for all providers in multi-disciplinary teams focused on care of these patients to receive continuing medical education on related to these interventions. Data synthesized in this study will be made available to readers.
YfiB: An Outer Membrane Protein Involved in the Virulence of Shigella flexneri
Authors: Sen Tanuka , Verma Naresh K
Published: September 2021

The intracellular pathogen Shigella flexneri, which is the causative agent of bacillary dysentery, significantly influences the worldwide implication of diarrheal infections, consequentially causing about 1.1 million deaths each year. Due to a non-availability of an authorized vaccine and the upsurge of multidrug resistance amongst Shigella strains, there has been a huge demand for further genetic analyses which could help in the advancement of new/improved drugs, and finding vaccine candidates against the pathogen. Whilst many features about the invasion of colonic cells by Shigella have been identified, fundamental gaps in information concerning in what way the bacteria transit, survive, and control gene expression, remain. The present study aims to illustrate the role of yfiB gene in Shigella virulence, which is a part of the periplasmic YfiBNR tripartite signaling system. This system is involved in the regulation of cyclic-di-GMP levels inside the bacterial cells, which is a vital messenger molecule impacting varied cellular processes such as biofilm formation, cytotoxicity, motility, synthesis of exopolysaccharide, and other virulence mechanisms like adhesion and invasion of the bacteria. Through a combination of genetic, biochemical, and virulence assays, we show how knocking out the yfiB gene can disrupt the entire YfiBNR system and affect biofilm formation, bacterial invasion, host-surface attachment, and the overall virulence of Shigella. This study eventually improves our understanding of the in-vivo persistence and survival of Shigella, brings light to the c-di-GMP lead regulation of Shigella virulence, and provides a prospective new target to design anti-infective drugs and vaccines against S. flexneri and other bacterial pathogens.
The Integrator complex regulates microRNA abundance through RISC loading
Authors: Kirstein Nina , Dokaneheifard Sadat , Cingaram Pradeep Reddy , Valencia Monica Guiselle , Beckedorff Felipe , Dos Santos Helena Gomes , Blumenthal Ezra , Tayari Mina Masoumeh , Shiekhattar Ramin
Published: September 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA) homeostasis is crucial for the post-transcriptional regulation of their target genes and miRNA dysregulation has been linked to multiple diseases, including cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA biogenesis from processing of primary miRNA transcripts to formation of mature miRNA duplex are well understood1-4. Loading of miRNA duplex into members of the Argonaute (Ago) protein family, representing the core of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), is pivotal to miRNA-mediated gene silencing5-7. The Integrator complex has been previously shown to be an important regulator of RNA maturation, RNA polymerase II pause-release, and premature transcriptional termination8-11. Here, we report that loss of Integrator results in global diminution of mature miRNAs. By incorporating 4-Thiouridine (s4U) in nascent transcripts, we traced miRNA fate from biogenesis to stabilization and identified Integrator to be essential for proper miRNA assembly into RISC. Enhanced UV crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) of Integrator confirms a robust association with mature miRNAs. Indeed, Integrator potentiates Ago2-mediated cleavage of target RNAs. These findings highlight an essential role for Integrator in miRNA abundance and RISC function.
Probing differences in gene essentiality between the human and animal adapted lineages of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex using TnSeq
Authors: Gibson Amanda J , Passmore Ian J , Faulkner Valwynne , Xia Dong , Nobeli Irene , Stiens Jennifer , Willcocks Sam , Werling Dirk , Villarreal-Ramos Bernardo , Wren Brendan W , Kendall Sharon L
Published: September 2021

Members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) show distinct host adaptations, preferences and phenotypes despite being >99% identical at the nucleic acid level. Previous studies have explored gene expression changes between the members, however few studies have probed differences in gene essentiality. To better understand the functional impacts of the nucleic acid differences between Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis we used the Mycomar T7 phagemid delivery system to generate whole genome transposon libraries in laboratory strains of both species and compared the essentiality status of genes during growth under identical in vitro conditions. Libraries contained insertions in 54% of possible TA sites in M. bovis and 40% of those present in M. tuberculosis, achieving similar saturation levels to those previously reported for the MTBC. The distributions of essentiality across the functional categories were similar in both species. 527 genes were found to be essential in M. bovis whereas 477 genes were essential in M. tuberculosis and 370 essential genes were common in both species. CRISPRi was successfully utilised in both species to determine the impacts of silencing genes including wag31, a gene involved in peptidoglycan synthesis and Rv2182c/Mb2204c, a gene involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism. We observed species specific differences in the response to gene silencing, with the inhibition of expression of Mb2204c in M. bovis showing significantly less growth impact than silencing its ortholog (Rv2182c) in M. tuberculosis. Given that glycerophospholipid metabolism is a validated pathway for antimicrobials, our observations suggest that target vulnerability in the animal adapted lineages cannot be assumed to be the same as the human counterpart. This is of relevance for zoonotic tuberculosis as it implies that the development of antimicrobials targeting the human adapted lineage might not necessarily be effective against the animal adapted lineage. The generation of a transposon library and the first reported utilisation of CRISPRi in M. bovis will enable the use of these tools to further probe the genetic basis of survival under disease relevant conditions.
SpinX: Time-resolved 3D Analysis of Mitotic Spindle Dynamics using Deep Learning Techniques and Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Dang David , Efstathiou Christoforos , Sun Dijue , Sastry Nishanth , Draviam Viji M.
Published: September 2021

Time-lapse microscopy movies have transformed the study of subcellular dynamics. However, manual analysis of movies can introduce bias and variability, obscuring important insights. While automation can overcome such limitations, spatial and temporal discontinuities in time-lapse movies render methods such as object segmentation and tracking difficult. Here we present SpinX, a framework for reconstructing gaps between successive frames by combining Deep Learning and mathematical object modelling. By incorporating expert feedback through selective annotations, SpinX identifies subcellular structures, despite confounding neighbour-cell information, non-uniform illumination and variable marker intensities. The automation and continuity introduced allows precise 3-Dimensional tracking and analysis of spindle movements with respect to the cell cortex for the first time. We demonstrate the utility of SpinX using distinct spindle markers and drug treatments. In summary, SpinX provides an exciting opportunity to study spindle dynamics in a sophisticated way, creating a framework for step changes in studies using time-lapse microscopy.
Zika virus causes placental pyroptosis and associated adverse fetal outcomes by activating GSDME
Authors: Zhao Zikai , Li Qi , Ashraf Usama , Yang Mengjie , Zhu Wenjing , Chen Zheng , Cao Shengbo , Ye Jing
Published: September 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, causing adverse fetal outcomes. Several studies have indicated that ZIKV can damage the fetal brain directly; however, whether the ZIKV-induced maternal placental injury contribute to adverse fetal outcomes are sparsely defined. Here, we discovered that ZIKV causes the pyroptosis of placental cells by activating the executor Gasdermin E (GSDME) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, caspase-8 undergoes activation upon the recognition of 5’ untranslated region of viral RNA by RIG-I, followed by the stimulation of caspase-3 to ultimately escalate the GSDME cleavage. Further analyses revealed that the ablation of GSDME in ZIKV-infected pregnant mice attenuates placental pyroptosis, which consequently confers protection against adverse fetal outcomes. In conclusion, our study unveils a novel mechanism of ZIKV-induced adverse fetal outcomes via causing placental cell pyroptosis, which could be employed for developing new therapies for ZIKV-associated diseases.

Significance statement

Several studies have elucidated the link between ZIKV infection and congenital ZIKV syndroms (CZS), but the pathogenesis yet needs further study. Here, we reported a novel pathogenic mechanism of ZIKV which leads to pyroptosis of placental cells through activating the pyroptotic executor GSDME, rather than GSDMD. Upon ZIKV infection, GSDME-mediated pyroptosis damages the structure and function of the placenta, thereby affecting the development of the fetus and contributing to the adverse fetal outcomes. Our study highlights the importance of pyroptotic executor GSDME in regulate ZIKV pathogenicity and further confirms that placental injury caused by ZIKV infection is a key factor for CZS.
Hematopoietic recovery after transplantation is primarily derived from the stochastic contribution of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Radtke Stefan , Enstrom Mark , Pande Dnyanada , Cui Margaret , Madhu Ravishankar , Perez Anai M. , Kiem Hans-Peter
Published: September 2021

Reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is assumed to occur in two distinct phases: initial recovery mediated by short-term progenitors and long-term repopulation by multipotent HSCs which do not contribute to hematopoietic reconstitution during the first 6-9 months. We have previously reported the transplantation and exclusive engraftment of the HSC-enriched CD34+CD45RA-CD90+ phenotype in a nonhuman primate model. Here, we closely followed the clonal diversity and kinetics in these animals. Enhanced sampling and high density clonal tracking within the first 3 month revealed that multipotent HSCs actively contributed to the early phases of neutrophil recovery and became the dominant source for blood cells as early as 50 days after transplant. Longitudinal changes in clonal diversity supported a stochastic engraftment of HSCs with the majority of HSCs clones vanishing early during neutrophil recovery and a smaller fraction of HSC clones expanding into bigger pools to support long-term hematopoiesis. In contrast to the bi-phasic model, we propose that hematopoietic recovery after myeloablation and transplantation is primarily derived from HSCs in a stochastic manner rather than in two phases by independent cell populations.
Quantitative input-output dynamics of a c-di-GMP signal-transduction cascade in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Bridges Andrew A. , Prentice Jojo A. , Fei Chenyi , Wingreen Ned S. , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: September 2021

Bacterial biofilms are multicellular communities that collectively overcome environmental threats and clinical treatments. To regulate the biofilm lifecycle, bacteria commonly transduce sensory information via the second-messenger molecule cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP). Using experimental and modeling approaches, we quantitatively capture c-di-GMP signal transmission via the bifunctional polyamine receptor NspS-MbaA, from ligand binding to output, in the pathogen Vibrio cholerae. Upon binding of norspermidine or spermidine, NspS-MbaA synthesizes or degrades c-di-GMP, respectively, which in turn, drives alterations specifically to biofilm gene expression. A longstanding question is how output specificity is achieved via c-di-GMP, a diffusible molecule that regulates dozens of effectors. We show that NspS-MbaA signals locally to specific effectors, sensitizing V. cholerae to polyamines. However, local signaling is not required for specificity, as changes to global cytoplasmic c-di-GMP levels can selectively regulate biofilm genes. This work establishes the input-output dynamics underlying c-di-GMP signaling, which could be useful for developing bacterial manipulation strategies.
COVID-19 and “the trinity of boredom” in public spaces: urban form, social distancing and digital transformation
Authors: Abusaada Hisham , Elshater Abeer
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Over the coming decades, the widespread application of social distancing creates challenges for the urban planning and design profession. This article aims to address the phenomenon of boredom in public places, its main influences that generate change in repetition, monotony and everyday lifestyle, whether positive, negative or both – depending on the binding and governing rules of urban shape variations and daily lifestyles.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint relied on literary narration to discuss the phenomenon of boredom vis-à-vis urban design and placemaking solutions in the face of social distancing. It builds its orientation by analyzing the works of nine scholars and five of their relevant theories.

Findings

Evidence from previous studies helped develop three-pillar guidelines that can produce better results for post-pandemic development in the face of boredom. These pillars include recommendations for the trinity of heterogeneity for metamorphosis in urban form, changes in public life and digital transformation in a time of uncertainty on how to confront (un)seen boredom in public spaces. Practitioners should develop new insights into the relationship between people and place by reviewing existing paradigms in urban studies to avoid repetition, monotony and change in everyday life after a pandemic.

Originality/value

The added value here is in underlining boredom as one of the consequences of social distancing and lockdown applications building on the phenomenon's theorizers. The key contribution of this work is the three-pillar recommendation for confronting the boredom in public spaces that happens because of social distancing and lockdown.
Antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management practices: a study of Indian food processing industry
Authors: Maaz Mohd Abdul Muqeet , Ahmad Rais , Abad Arif
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to empirically test a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) practices model. This paper incorporates green intellectual capital (GIC) and green supply chain orientation (GSCO) as antecedents to the successful implementation of GSCM practices and organizational performance as its consequence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted in the Indian food processing industry. The respondents of this study include 139 plant-level managers working in the food processing industry. The managers were contacted using a combination of personal visits, phone and mail. Structural equation modeling was performed using SPSS AMOS v26 to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that GIC and GSCO positively impact the implementation of GSCM practices. Further, GSCM practices improve economic and operational performance, leading to improved organizational performance.

Practical implications

This study provides implications for managers suggesting that GSCM practices should be implemented in phases. The first phase must reflect the organization's commitment toward building GIC and the second phase must reflect managerial orientation toward implementation for GSCM practices.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by linking GIC to GSCM practices; second, this study provides a framework for implementation of GSCM practices in the food processing industry.
Mapping research trends on strategic agility over the past 25 years: insights from a bibliometric approach
Authors: de Diego Enrique , Almodóvar Paloma
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Strategic agility is a fuzzy concept that has become crucial to cope with environmental uncertainty and instability; hence, more in-depth studies are highly needed. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the still diffuse research area of strategic agility by clarifying its scope and concept, as well as identifying the different topics that have been examined thus far. Finally, the intent of this paper is to show the existing gaps in the literature to provide scholars with a clear roadmap for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric and content analyses are used in this study to review the most impactful papers in strategic agility between 1996 and 2021. Citation and mapping analyses are conducted through SciMAT software, and a dynamic approach is adopted by assessing and discussing the evolution of strategic agility throughout five different periods.

Findings

This study reveals that strategic agility is a research line that has neither gained consensus nor reached maturity and that it is linked to several thematic areas or topics. The study offers a complete understanding of the state of the art of strategic agility over time and underscores its main future research lines.

Originality/value

This study presents a complete map of the strategic agility research thus far by using novel bibliometric techniques. This approach is especially interesting because it allows for identifying the dynamic relationships among themes within the topic over five different periods.
Contactless service in hospitality: bridging customer equity, experience, delight, satisfaction, and trust
Authors: Hao Fei , Chon Kaye Kye-Sung
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Draws from the equity theory and customer equity literature, this study aims to argue that the implementation of contactless service as an innovative service design in the hospitality industry can generate customers’ emotional attachment and cognitive evaluation of the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses partial least squares modeling and data from a large-scale survey of hotel guests who have experienced contactless service in mainland China. The authors performed an importance-performance map analysis to evaluate the significance of critical variables and constructs by including the performance dimension.

Findings

Customer equity is a three-dimensional higher-order construct that embraces value-, brand- and relationship equity. A pleasant experience of contactless service in hospitality encounters generates a positive effect on customer equity and delight. Additionally, increased customer equity improves satisfaction and trust.

Practical implications

This study provides practical evidence for hospitality practitioners to consider contactless service in creating memorable experiences, improve customer satisfaction, build trust and add value to hospitality brands.

Originality/value

The findings of this study add to the understanding of emerging contactless services, contribute to the development of the equity theory and current customer equity literature and advance the implementation of innovative service design in hospitality.
Safety enablers using emerging technologies in construction projects: empirical study in Malaysia
Authors: Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Lee Karen Pei Han , Wang Chen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

High rate of accidents continue to plague the construction industry. The advancements in safety technologies can ameliorate construction health and safety (H&S). This paper aims to explore the use of emerging technologies as an effective solution for improving safety in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a detailed literature review, a questionnaire survey was developed encompassing ten technologies for safety management and ten safety enablers using technologies in construction. A total of 133 responses were gathered from Malaysian construction practitioners. The collected quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to determine the meaningful relationships between the variables.

Findings

Findings revealed that the most effective emerging technologies for safety management are: building information modelling (BIM), wearable safety technologies and robotics and automation (R&A). The leading safety enablers are related to improve hazard identification, reinforce safety planning, enhance safety inspection, enhance safety monitoring and supervision and raise safety awareness.

Practical implications

Safety is immensely essential in transforming the construction industry into a robustly developed industry with high safety and quality standards. The adoption of safety technologies in construction projects can drive the industry towards the path of Construction 4.0.

Originality/value

The construction industry has historically been slow to adopt new technology. This study contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in the area of incorporating emerging technologies to further construction safety science and management in the context of the developing world. By taking cognisance of the pertinent emerging technologies for safety management and the safety enablers involved, construction safety can be enhanced using integrated technological solutions.
Risk disclosure and financial performance: the case of Islamic and conventional banks in the GCC
Authors: Haddad Ayman E. , Alali Hussain
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the extent of risk disclosure (RD) among conventional banks (CBs) and Islamic banks (IBs) listed on stock markets in the Gulf cooperation council (GCC). It also examines the influence of RD on the banks’ financial performance as measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses content analysis to examine RD in the annual reports of 16 CBs and 14 IBs in the GCC for a sample of 240 firm-year observations over the period 2007 to 2014.

Findings

The study shows no significant differences between the RD reported in the annual reports of CBs and that of IBs. On average, a CB reported 234 sentences while an IB disclosed 244 sentences of RD in its annual report. The authors also find that both types of banks had an upward trend over the periods. While the means of RD reported by CBs have significantly improved over the period, the RD reported by IBs has not. Similar results are also found when the authors compared the RD pre- and post-financial crisis period. Finally, the authors find that there is a significant association between RD and both models of financial performance (ROA and ROE) for IBs, after controlling other variables. However, RD has a significant association with only ROE for CBs.

Research limitations/implications

The bank selection was restricted to publicly traded banks in the GCC. Other financial institutions and different types of industries were not considered. Further research could determine whether the results obtained in this study could be generalized to different industries in the GCC and or in other countries.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence on the significant association between RD and the financial performance of CBs and IBs in GCC countries. This study could be helpful to regulatory authorities in encouraging banks to adopt the best practice of RD and thus promote banks’ transparency.

Originality/value

This is the first known study to examine the RD practices of both types of banks and their association with banks’ financial performance in five-GCC countries (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain), based on a longitudinal analysis of year-end annual reports, covering eight years period from 2007 to 2014.
COVID-19 and a trade-off between health and economics: an extended inoperability model for Italy
Authors: Socci Claudio , Ahmed Irfan , Alfify Mohammed Hussein , Deriu Stefano , Ciaschini Clio , Sheikh Riyaz Abdullah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The recent COVID-19 has obliged governments to enact large-scale policies to contain it. A topic of economic debate is the quantification of the impact that these policies can create in the economy, with the aim of activating regulatory mechanisms to minimize this impact. In this vein, this study aims to propose a quantification of the effects of the Italian government policy that blocks nonessential production activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multisectoral extended inoperability model on the social accounting matrix of Italy. The analysis identifies the pandemic’s impact on outputs, endogenous demands, value-added and disposable incomes of institutional sectors.

Findings

The construction and real estate sectors revealed a significant contraction followed by the retail trade and hotel and catering services sectors. The output contraction further impacts the value-added generation, disposable income and final demand components.

Originality/value

The current pandemic is alleged to have a greater impact than the epidemics of the past century, considering the present dimension of the world economy and the increasing interconnections between industries and institutions. In this scenario, it is challenging to safeguard not only human health and life but also the economy. Hence, there is a need to establish a trade-off between health and economics; and in this regard, the current study empirically quantifies the impact of health measures on the economy. The findings of this study help identify the sectors that are more prone to disaster effects and also present the structure of income circular flow in the Italian economy.
The causes of poor infrastructure management and maintenance in South African municipalities
Authors: Mazele Odwa , Amoah Christopher
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Infrastructure development and management form the central part of the government's commitment and responsibility to deliver essential services to the communities. However, much focus has been placed on the development aspect, with very little focus on the management and maintenance aspects, causing service delivery problems. This study explores the causes of poor management of immovable municipal infrastructure in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted; thus, a sample of 15 participants consisting of senior municipal workers, local organizations and forums in Ngqushwa Municipality in Eastern Cape were identified and interviewed. The interview data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to determine the common themes and the frequencies.

Findings

The study's findings indicate numerous causes of poor municipal infrastructure management, including lack of funding, lack of capacity, poor planning and oversight, lack of By-laws, grant dependency and corruption. The municipality's failure to address these issues has resulted in increased service protests, destruction of public property, interruption of services and loss of confidence in municipal administrations.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study concentrated on one municipality, the findings may be applicable to other South African municipalities.

Practical implications

To provide efficient services for the inhabitants to curtail aggravated service delivery protests, there is an urgent need for the municipalities to institute effective measures to manage and maintain the infrastructure that serves the communities.

Originality/value

The study has identified the factors underpinning ineffective management of the municipalities' facilities and the resultant's effects. Thus, the findings will guide the government and the authorities on the infrastructural management strategies for effective service delivery.
Development of a deposition framework for implementation of a region-based adaptive slicing strategy in arc-based metal additive manufacturing
Authors: Gokhale Nitish P. , Kala Prateek
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop and demonstrate a deposition framework for the implementation of a region-based adaptive slicing strategy for the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding-based additive manufacturing system. The present study demonstrates a deposition framework for implementing a novel region-based adaptive slicing strategy termed as Fast Interior and Accurate Exterior with Constant Layer Height (FIAECLH).

Design/methodology/approach

The mentioned framework has been developed by performing experiments using the design of experiments and analyzing the experimental data. Analysis results have been used to obtain the mathematical function to integrate customization in the process. The paper, in the end, demonstrates the FIAECLH framework for implementing region-based adaptive slicing strategy on the hardware level.

Findings

The study showcase a new way of implementing the region-based adaptive slicing strategy to arc-based metal additive manufacturing. The study articulating a new strategy for its implementation in all types of wire and arc additive manufacturing processes.

Originality/value

Wire-arc-based technology has the potential to deliver cost-effective solutions for metal additive manufacturing. The research on arc welding-based processes is being carried out in different dimensions. To deposit parts with complex geometry and better dimensional accuracy implementation of a novel region-based adaptive slicing strategy for the arc-based additive manufacturing process is an essential task. The successful implementation of an adaptive slicing strategy would ease the fabrication of complex geometry in less time. This paper accomplishes this need of implementing a region-based adaptive slicing strategy as no experimental investigation has been reported for the TIG-based additive manufacturing process.
The relationship between performance appraisal system and employees' voice behavior through the mediation-moderation mechanism
Authors: Memon Khalid Rasheed , Ghani Bilqees
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and articulate the performance appraisal process as a tool, used for the development of voice behavior through the fostering of trustworthiness and empowering culture in the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Data has been collected through survey instruments, filled by employees and their coworkers. The study proposes and tests a new model based on the relationship between performance appraisal and voice behavior through the moderation-mediation mechanism. Data analysis has been performed using SEM through SMART PLS 3.

Findings

Results show that a strong and positive relationship exists between performance appraisal and voice behavior through the mediating variable of psychological empowerment. The moderators, empowering leadership and perceived fairness have played vital role in boosting psychological empowerment and strengthening the relationship with performance appraisal.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents the performance appraisal system as one of the antecedents of employees' voice behavior generated through psychological empowerment (mediator) and perceived fairness and empowering leadership (moderators) since the appraisal system is to be implemented through the leader.

Originality/value

The study presents a unique and innovative idea while it tries to explore and measure the different effects/impacts of the relationship between performance appraisal and voice behavior.
Parental supervision and control of adolescents’ problematic internet use: understanding and predicting adoption of parental control software
Authors: Stewart Kristin , Brodowsky Glen , Sciglimpaglia Donald
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors that motivate parents to adopt internet monitoring software (aka parental control software [PCS]) to curb problematic internet usage and safeguard their children online. By doing so, the authors are able to curb problematic internet usage and keep children safe online.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted using a representative sample of 330 parents in the USA with children ages 10 to 15. Results were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This research combines two theories, namely, technology acceptance model (TAM) and protection motivation theory (PMT) to factors that motivate parents to adopt internet monitoring software to help their children. Perceived severity, perceived vulnerability from PMT and personal innovativeness (PI) from TAM, which is related to self-efficacy and the belief that future technologies will require less effort to adopt, are key factors that influence parents’ perceived usefulness of PCS. Perceived usefulness and PI both positively predict parents’ purchase intention for internet monitoring software.

Practical implications

The study establishes that there are personal, technology and situational factors that motivate the adoption of PCS. These determinants have implications for how marketers identify potential users and how they might improve the promotion of internet monitoring technologies.

Originality/value

The paper extends the application of the technology acceptance model and PMT to predict technology adoption aimed at helping others. Findings show that personal and perceptual factors motivate parents’ adoption of internet monitoring software to curb problematic internet usage and keep children safe online. This paper is the first to combine the technology acceptance model and PMT to explain the adoption of software solutions to protect others online. By doing so, a more thorough account of parents’ technology adoption to protect their children is offered.