bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive landscape flattening allows the design of both enzyme:substrate binding and catalytic power
Authors: Opuu Vaitea , Nigro Giuliano , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Mechulam Yves , Simonson Thomas
Published: September 2019

Designed enzymes are of fundamental and technological interest. Experimental directed evolution still has significant limitations, and computational approaches are complementary. A designed enzyme should satisfy multiple criteria: stability, substrate binding, transition state binding. Such multi-objective design is computationally challenging. Two recent studies used adaptive importance sampling Monte Carlo to redesign proteins for ligand binding. By first flattening the energy landscape of the apo protein, they obtained positive design for the bound state and negative design for the unbound. We extend the method to the design of an enzyme for specific transition state binding,i.e., for catalytic power. We consider methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS), which attaches methionine (Met) to its cognate tRNA, establishing codon identity. MetRS and other synthetases have been extensively redesigned by experimental directed evolution to accept noncanonical amino acids as substrates, leading to genetic code expansion. We redesigned MetRS computationally to bind several ligands: the Met analog azidonorleucine, methionyl-adenylate (MetAMP), and the activated ligands that form the transition state for MetAMP production. Enzyme mutants known to have azidonorleucine activity were recovered, and mutants predicted to bind MetAMP were characterized experimentally and found to be active. Mutants predicted to have low activation free energies for MetAMP production were found to be active and the predicted reaction rates agreed well with the experimental values. We expect the present method will become the paradigm for computational enzyme design.
Invariant chain regulates endosomal fusion and maturation through the SNARE Vti1b
Authors: Frei Dominik , Margiotta Azzurra , Distefano Marita Borg , Moulefera Mohamed , Janssen Lennert , Thibodeau Jacques , Neefjes Jacques , Bakke Oddmund
Published: September 2019

Invariant chain (Ii) is an important multifunctional player in the regulation of adaptive immune responses and is responsible for several cellular functions related to MHCI and MHCII antigen loading and antigen presentation. While regulating endosomal trafficking of MHCII and other proteins that bind to Ii, this molecule is able to influence the endosomal pathway delaying the maturation of endosomes to the late endosomal loading compartments. When expressed in cells Ii is found to increase endosomal size, but the mechanisms for this is not known. We used RNAi silencing to identify SNARE proteins controlling Ii induced increase of endosomal size and delay of the endosomal pathway. Ii was found to interact with the SNARE protein Vti1b. Vti1b localized at the contact sites of fusing Ii positive endosomes and a tailless Ii was able to relocate Vti1b to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, silencing Vti1b, abrogated the delay in endosomal maturation induced by Ii expression. In conclusion, Ii interacts with Vti1b and this interaction is fundamental for Ii-mediated alteration of the endosomal pathway. We propose that Ii, by interacting with SNAREs, in particular Vti1B in the biosynthetic pathway of antigen presenting cells, is able to assemble SNARE directed fusion partners in the early part of the endosomal pathway that lead to a slower endosomal maturation for efficient antigen processing and antigen loading.
Spatial transcriptional signatures define margin morphogenesis along the proximal-distal and medio-lateral axes in the complex leaf of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Martinez Ciera C. , Li Siyu , Woodhouse Margaret R. , Sugimoto Keiko , Sinha Neelima R.
Published: September 2019

Leaf morphogenesis involves cell division, expansion, and differentiation in the developing leaf, cells at different positions along the medio-lateral and proximal-distal leaf axes divide, expand, and differentiate at different rates. The gene expression changes that control cell fate along these axes remain elusive due to difficulties in precisely isolating tissues. Here, we combined rigorous early leaf characterization, laser capture microdissection, and transcriptomic sequencing to ask how gene expression patterns regulate early leaf morphogenesis in wild-type tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and the leaf morphogenesis mutanttrifoliate. We observed transcriptional regulation of cell differentiation along the proximal-distal axis and identified molecular signatures delineating the classically defined marginal meristem/blastozone region during early leaf development. We describe the importance of endoreduplication during leaf development, when and where leaf cells first achieve photosynthetic competency, and the regulation of auxin transport and signaling along the leaf axes. Knockout mutants ofBLADE-ON-PETIOLE2exhibited ectopic shoot apical meristem formation on leaves, highlighting the role of this gene in regulating margin tissue identity. We mapped gene expression signatures in specific leaf domains and evaluated the role of each domain in conferring indeterminacy and permitting blade outgrowth. Finally, we generated a global gene expression atlas of the early developing compound leaf.

One-sentence summary

Rigorous structural characterization, laser capture microdissection, and transcriptomic sequencing reveal how gene expression patterns regulate early morphogenesis of the compound tomato leaf.

The author responsible for distribution of materials integral to the findings presented in this article in accordance with the policy described in the Instructions for Authors (www.plantcell.org) is Ciera C. Martinez (ccmartinez@berkeley.edu).
Time-dynamics of mitochondrial membrane potential reveal an inhibition of ATP synthesis in mitosis
Authors: Kang Joon Ho , Katsikis Georgios , Stockslager Max A. , Lim Daniel , Yaffe Michael B. , Manalis Scott R. , Miettinen Teemu P.
Published: September 2019

The energetic demands of a cell are believed to increase during mitosis1–7. As cells transit from G2 into mitosis, mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) activity increases4,8,9, and cellular ATP levels progressively decrease until the metaphase-anaphase transition3,7,10, consistent with elevated consumption. The rates of ATP synthesis during mitosis, however, have not been quantified. Here, we monitor mitochondrial membrane potential of single lymphocytes and demonstrate that cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) activity causes mitochondrial hyperpolarization from G2/M until the metaphase-anaphase transition. By using an electrical circuit model of mitochondria, we quantify the time-dynamics of mitochondrial membrane potential under normal and perturbed conditions to extract mitochondrial ATP synthesis rates in mitosis. We found that mitochondrial ATP synthesis decreases by approximately 50 % during early mitosis, when CDK1 is active, and increases back to G2 levels during cytokinesis. Consistently, acute inhibition of mitochondrial ATP synthesis failed to delay cell division. Our results provide a quantitative understanding of mitochondrial bioenergetics in mitosis and challenge the traditional dogma that cell division is a highly energy demanding process.
A RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED transcription factor network governs egg cell differentiation and stress response inArabidopsis
Authors: Kirioukhova-Johnston Olga , Pawar Pallavi , Govind Geetha , Pantha Pramod , Lemcke René , Nandana Vidhyadhar , Larsen Danaé S. , Rhahul Alagarsamy M. , Shah Jubin N. , von Born Patrick , Wijesinghege Chathura , Zhou Yue , Gruissem Wilhelm , Turck Franziska , Dassanayake Maheshi , Johnston Amal J.
Published: September 2019

The multicellular embryo, and ultimately the entire organism, is a derivative of the fertilized egg cell. Unlike in animals, transcription factor networks orchestrating faithful egg development are still largely unknown in plants. We have identified that egg cell differentiation inArabidopsisrequire interplay between evolutionarily conserved onco-protein homologs RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED (RBR) and redundant MYB proteins MYB64/MYB119. RBR physically interacts with the MYBs; and with plant-specific transcription factors belonging to the RWP-RK-domain (RKD) family and LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), which participate in development of egg cells and inherent stress response. RBR binds to most of these egg cell-expressed loci at the DNA level, partially overlapping with sites of histone methylation H3K27me3. Since deregulation ofRKDs phenocopies mutants ofRBRand theMYBs in terms of cell proliferation in the egg cell spatial domain, all the corresponding proteins are likely required to restrict parthenogenetic cell divisions of the egg cells. Cross-talk among these transcription factors, and direct regulation by RBR, govern egg cell development and expression of egg-to-zygotic polarity factors of the WUSCHEL RELATED HOMEOBOX family. Together, a network of RBR-centric transcription factors underlies egg cell development and stress response, possibly, in combination with several other predicted nodes.

Author summary

The RETINOBLASTOMA protein is one of the core components of the Eukaryotic cell cycle, and corresponding evolutionary homologs have been implicated not only to repress cell division but also to control differentiation and development. How RETINOBLASTOMA RELATED (RBR) associate with other higher order regulators to control faithful egg cell development in sexual plants is pivotal for manipulation of successful reproduction in general, and engineering of parthenogenesis when asexual or apomictic seed progeny are desirable over sexual plants. Using a suite of molecular methods, we show that a RBR-associated transcription factor network operates to specify egg cells inArabidopsis. Complex cross-regulation within these transcription factors seems to be necessary for successful maternal egg cell to zygotic transition and reproductive stress response. Detailed genetic analysis implicate that RBR and its interactive partners belonging to MYB and RWP-RK transcription factor families are possibly required to prevent parthenogenesis of the sexual egg cells. Novel RBR networks and stress nodes explained in this study might help to improve our understanding of sexual and asexual reproduction.
Deletions of distant regulatory sequences upstream of zebrafish pitx2 result in a range of ocular phenotypes
Authors: Weh Eric , Sorokina Elena , Hendee Kathryn , Gould Doug B. , Semina Elena V.
Published: September 2019

Development of the anterior segment of the vertebrate eye is a highly coordinated process. Genetic mutations in factors guiding this process result in Anterior Segment Dysgenesis (ASD), a spectrum of disorders affecting the iris, cornea, trabecular meshwork and/or other iridocorneal angle structures and associated with glaucoma. One of the first factors linked to ASD in humans was PITX2, a homeodomain containing transcription factor with a role in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS). In addition to pathogenic alleles within the coding region of PITX2, deletions affecting the distant upstream region, but not PITX2 itself, have also been reported in ARS. Consistent with this, the distant upstream region was shown to contain multiple conserved elements (CE) with pitx2-related enhancer activity identified through studies in zebrafish. The two smallest human deletions reported to date encompass conserved elements 5-11 (ΔCE5-11) or 5-7 (ΔCE5-7). We previously reported the generation of ΔCE5-11 in zebrafish and we have now replicated the smallest deletion, ΔCE5-7, in the same model and studied the associated phenotype, expression, and DNA methylation profiles; we also performed further phenotypic examinations of the pitx2ΔCE5-11 fish. We show that the expression changes and phenotypes observed in the two lines are variable but that the severity generally correlates with the size of the deletion and the number of affected CEs; pitx2 promoter and a nearby region were hypermethylated in the pitx2ΔCE5-7 embryonic eyes. In addition, a subset of pitx2ΔCE5-11 animals were found to have a severe retinal phenotype suggesting that additional factors may modify the effects of this allele. These data provide further insight into functional sequences in the PITX2/pitx2 genomic region that coordinate PITX2/pitx2 expression during eye development and provide the basis for future studies into PITX2/pitx2 upstream regulators and modifiers.
Comparative analyses of parasites with a comprehensive database of genome-scale metabolic models
Authors: Carey Maureen A. , Medlock Gregory L. , Stolarczyk Michał , Petri William A. , Guler Jennifer L. , Papin Jason A.
Published: September 2019

Protozoan parasites cause diverse diseases with large global impacts. Research on the pathogenesis and biology of these organisms is limited by economic and experimental constraints. Accordingly, studies of one parasite are frequently extrapolated to infer knowledge about another parasite, across and within genera. Modelin vitroorin vivosystems are frequently used to enhance experimental manipulability, but these systems generally use species related to, yet distinct from, the clinically relevant causal pathogen. Characterization of functional differences among parasite species is confined topost hocor single target studies, limiting the utility of this extrapolation approach. To address this challenge and to accelerate parasitology research broadly, we present a functional comparative analysis of 192 genomes, representing every high-quality, publicly-available protozoan parasite genome includingPlasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Giardia, and other species. We generated an automated metabolic network reconstruction pipeline optimized for eukaryotic organisms. These metabolic network reconstructions serve as biochemical knowledgebases for each parasite, enabling qualitative and quantitative comparisons of metabolic behavior across parasites. We identified putative differences in gene essentiality and pathway utilization to facilitate the comparison of experimental findings. This knowledgebase represents the largest collection of genome-scale metabolic models for both pathogens and eukaryotes; with this resource, we can predict species-specific functions, contextualize experimental results, and optimize selection of experimental systems for fastidious species.
Mechanical Stimuli Affect E. Coli Heat Stable Enterotoxin (ST)-Cyclic GMP Signaling in a Human Enteroid Intestine-Chip Diarrhea Model
Authors: Sunuwar Laxmi , Yin Jianyi , Kasendra Magdalena , Karalis Katia , Kaper James , Fleckenstein James , Donowitz Mark
Published: September 2019

Modeling host-pathogen interactions with human intestinal epithelia using enteroid monolayers on permeable supports (such as Transwells) represents an alternative to animal studies or use of colon cancer-derived cell lines. However, the static monolayer model does not expose epithelial cells to mechanical forces normally present in the intestine, including luminal flow and serosal blood flow (shear force) or peristaltic forces. To determine the contribution of mechanical forces in the functional response of human small intestine to a pathogen virulence factor, human jejunal enteroids were cultured as monolayers in microengineered fluidic-based Organ-Chips (Intestine-Chips), exposed to enterotoxigenic E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin A (ST), and evaluated under conditions of static fluid, apical and basolateral flow, and flow plus repetitive stretch. Application of flow increased epithelial cell height, transcription of the cyclic nucleotide transporting protein MRP4, and apical and basolateral secretion of cGMP under baseline, unstimulated conditions. Addition of ST under flow conditions increased apical and basolateral secretion of cGMP relative to static conditions, but did not enhance intracellular cGMP accumulation. Cyclic stretch did not have any significant effect beyond that contributed by flow. This study demonstrates that fluid flow application initiates changes in intestinal epithelial cell characteristics relative to static culture conditions under both baseline conditions and with exposure to ST enterotoxin, and suggests that further investigations of application of these mechanical forces will provide insights into physiology and pathophysiology that more closely resembles intact intestine than study under static conditions.
Cysteine crosslinking in native membranes establishes the transmembrane architecture of Ire1
Authors: Vaeth Kristina , Mattes Carsten , Reinhard John , Covino Roberto , Stumpf Heike , Hummer Gerhard , Ernst Robert
Published: September 2019

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a key organelle of membrane biogenesis and crucial for the folding of both membrane and secretory proteins. Sensors of the unfolded protein response (UPR) monitor the unfolded protein load in the ER and convey effector functions for maintaining ER homeostasis. Aberrant compositions of the ER membrane, referred to as lipid bilayer stress, are equally potent activators of the UPR. How the distinct signals from lipid bilayer stress and unfolded proteins are processed by the conserved UPR transducer Ire1 remains unknown. Here, we have generated a functional, cysteine-less variant of Ire1 and performed systematic cysteine crosslinking experiments in native membranes to establish its transmembrane architecture in signaling-active clusters. We show that the transmembrane helices of two neighboring Ire1 molecules adopt an X-shaped configuration independent of the primary cause for ER stress. This suggests that different forms of stress converge in a common, signaling-active transmembrane architecture of Ire1.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a hotspot of lipid biosynthesis and crucial for the folding of membrane and secretory proteins. The unfolded protein response (UPR) controls the size and folding capacity of the ER. The conserved UPR transducer Ire1 senses both unfolded proteins and aberrant lipid compositions to mount adaptive responses. Using a biochemical assay to study Ire1 in signaling-active clusters, Väth et al. provide evidence that the neighboring transmembrane helices of clustered Ire1 form an ‘X’ irrespectively of the primary cause of ER stress. Hence, different forms of ER stress converge in a common, signaling-active transmembrane architecture of Ire1.
Endogenous retroviruses are a source of enhancers with oncogenic potential in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Deniz Özgen , Ahmed Mamataz , Todd Christopher D. , Rio-Machin Ana , Dawson Mark A. , Branco Miguel R.
Published: September 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematopoietic malignancy, defined by a series of genetic and epigenetic alterations, which result in deregulation of transcriptional networks. One understudied but important source of transcriptional regulators are transposable elements (TEs), which are widespread throughout the human genome. Aberrant usage of these sequences could therefore contribute to oncogenic transcriptional circuits. However, the regulatory influence of TEs and their links to disease pathogenesis remain unexplored in AML. Using epigenomic data from AML primary samples and leukemia cell lines, we identified six endogenous retrovirus (ERV) families with AML-associated enhancer chromatin signatures that are enriched in binding of key regulators of hematopoiesis and AML pathogenesis. Using both CRISPR-mediated locus-specific genetic editing and simultaneous epigenetic silencing of multiple ERVs, we demonstrate that ERV deregulation directly alters the expression of adjacent genes in AML. Strikingly, deletion or epigenetic silencing of an ERV-derived enhancer suppressed cell growth by inducing apoptosis in leukemia cell lines. Our work reveals that ERVs are a previously unappreciated source of AML enhancers that have the potential to play key roles in leukemogenesis. We suggest that ERV activation provides an additional layer of gene regulation in AML that may be exploited by cancer cells to help drive tumour heterogeneity and evolution.
An African origin forMycobacterium bovis
Authors: Loiseau Chloé , Menardo Fabrizio , Aseffa Abraham , Hailu Elena , Gumi Balako , Ameni Gobena , Berg Stefan , Rigouts Leen , Robbe-Austerman Suelee , Zinsstag Jakob , Gagneux Sebastien , Brites Daniela
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

Mycobacterium bovisandMycobacterium capraeare two of the most important agents of tuberculosis (TB) in livestock and the most important causes of zoonotic TB in humans. However, little is known about the global population structure, phylogeography and evolutionary history of these pathogens.

Methodology

We compiled a global collection of 3364 whole-genome sequences fromM. bovisandM. capraeoriginating from 35 countries and inferred their phylogenetic relationships, geographic origins and age.

Results

Our results resolved the phylogenetic relationship among the four previously defined clonal complexes ofM. bovis, and another eight newly described here. Our phylogeographic analysis showed thatM. bovislikely originated in East Africa. While some groups remained restricted to East- and West Africa, others have subsequently dispersed to different parts of the world.

Conclusions and implications

Our results allow a better understanding of the global population structure ofM. bovisand its evolutionary history. This knowledge can be used to define better molecular markers for epidemiological investigations ofM. bovisin settings where whole genome sequencing cannot easily be implemented.
Alcohol Drinking Alters Stress Coping via Extended Amygdala Kappa Opioid Receptor Signaling in Male Mice
Authors: Hwa Lara S. , Neira Sofia , Flanigan Meghan E. , Stanhope Christina M. , Pina Melanie M. , Pati Dipanwita , Hon Olivia J. , Yu Waylin , Kokush Emily , Calloway Rachel , Boyt Kristen , Kash Thomas L.
Published: September 2019

“The authors have withdrawn their manuscript because they identified errors in the methods and data reporting that make the results and conclusions unreliable. The published version of this preprint has already been retracted. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.”
Sequence and Structural Determinants of Ligand-dependent Alternating Access of a MATE Transporter
Authors: Jagessar Kevin L. , Claxton Derek P. , Stein Richard A. , Mchaourab Hassane S.
Published: September 2019

MATE transporters are ubiquitous ion-coupled antiporters that extrude structurally- and chemically-dissimilar molecules and have been implicated in conferring multidrug resistance. Here, we integrate Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER) in conjunction with functional assays and site-directed mutagenesis of conserved residues to illuminate principles of ligand-dependent alternating access of PfMATE, a proton-coupled MATE from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. Pairs of spin labels monitoring the two sides of the transporter reconstituted into nanodiscs reveal large amplitude movement of helices that alter the orientation of a putative substrate binding cavity. We found that acidic pH favors formation of an inward-facing (IF) conformation, whereas elevated pH (>7) and the substrate rhodamine 6G stabilizes an outward-facing (OF) conformation. PfMATE isomerization between outward-facing and inward-facing conformations is driven by protonation of a previously unidentified intracellular glutamate residue that is critical for drug resistance. Our results can be framed in a mechanistic model of transport that addresses central aspects of ligand coupling and alternating access.
Postcolonial hybridity, diaspora and accountancy
Authors: Kaifala Gabriel Bamie , Gallhofer Sonja , Milner Margaret , Paisey Catriona
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions and lived experiences of Sierra Leonean chartered and aspiring accountants, vis-à-vis their professional identity with a particular focus on two elements of postcolonial theory, hybridity and diaspora.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodological framework was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants about their perceptions of their professional identity and their professional experiences both within and outside Sierra Leone.

Findings

The current professionalisation process is conceptualised as a postcolonial third space where hybrid professional accountants are constructed. Professional hybridity blurs the local/global praxis being positioned as both local and global accountants. Participants experience difficulty “fitting into” the local accountancy context as a consequence of their hybridisation. As such, a diaspora effect is induced which often culminates in emigration to advanced countries. The paper concludes that although the current model engenders emancipatory social movements for individuals through hybridity and diaspora, it is nonetheless counterproductive for Sierra Leone’s economic development and the local profession in particular.

Research limitations/implications

This study has significant implications for understanding how the intervention of global professional bodies in developing countries shapes the professionalisation process as well as perceptions and lived experiences of chartered and aspiring accountants in these countries.

Originality/value

While extant literature implicates the legacies of colonialism/imperialism on the institutional development of accountancy (represented by recognised professional bodies), this paper employs the critical lens of postcolonial theory to conceptualise the lived experiences of individuals who are directly impacted by such institutional arrangements.
On theoretical engorgement and the myth of fair value accounting in China
Authors: Nobes Christopher
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide “Comments” on two previous papers in this journal about fair value in Chinese accounting. It extends those papers by considering developments since 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the contents of Chinese Accounting Standards, dividing the references to fair value into several different categories. This analysis is compared to the findings of the two previous papers. This paper then re-assesses the evidence about the alleged pressures from international institutions on Chinese accounting.

Findings

The two previous papers greatly overstate the importance of fair value in Chinese accounting, partly through misinterpreting Chinese standards and partly because of a lack of caveat that the instructions about fair value often relate to special circumstances or unusual companies. The theorising about Chinese enthusiasm for fair value is misguided: the present author suggests that China became keen to adopt international standards despite their use of fair value not because of it, and that China removed much of the fair value when it adapted international standards. The extension of the analysis beyond 2006 provides a fuller coverage but does not alter the conclusions.

Research limitations/implications

The earlier of the two papers examined has been extensively cited. Researchers need to be warned that the technical content and the conclusions of both papers are questionable. Authors should define terms clearly and should provide sufficient reference detail to enable readers to check findings.

Practical implications

Multinational companies, auditors and financial analysts should not be misled into thinking that Chinese accounting makes extensive use of fair value accounting.

Originality/value

This paper critically re-assesses two previous papers, starting with detailed technical data and moving through to the influence of international institutions. This paper also newly extends the analysis of Chinese standards beyond 2006.
The symbol of Saint Gióng and the Gióng festival in the historical context of Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Hai Hong
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trace the way in which a popular ritual became one of Vietnam’s most important festivals, elevated as a celebration of national heroism and charts its gradual transformation in modern society.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on the combination of a fertility rite and narratives of St Gióng based on nationalism or heroism created a special festival reflecting many traditional cultural characteristics of Vietnam and the Việt people and the transformation of St Gióng from a mythological to a national symbol of heroism in anti-invader history was recorded in texts.

Findings

The paper casts light on the mythologization and historicization of St Gióng in Vietnam’s particular historical context by decoding the Gióng symbol as a core element of the folktales and myths about St Gióng to understand the formation and development of St Gióng in the cultural history of Vietnam.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is not exploring the Gióng symbol within a larger cultural context of nationalism and ethnosymbolic approach in a comparison of national symbolism and heroism.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for advised scholars to conduct further exploration of the symbol and myth of not only St Gióng in Vietnam but also Kubera in India and Vaisravana in China to connect Kubera, Vaisravana and St Gióng under the connection of literal myth and heroic symbol.

Social implications

The paper shows how processes of historicizing myth and mythologizing history are important features of Vietnamese socio-historical research.

Originality/value

The paper shows how a fertility rite became a historical festival and the figure of St Gióng became a symbol of patriotic heroism.
Value co-creation for innovation: evidence from Indonesian Organic Community
Authors: Widjojo Handyanto , Fontana Avanti , Gayatri Gita , Soehadi Agus W.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how value co-creation in the Indonesian Organic Community overcomes the resource limitations of small enterprises through the integration of collective resources to drive innovation. A framework is derived and developed from service-dominant logic (SDL) and supported by consumer culture theory (CCT). It also offers a specific strategy that is required for the growth and sustainability of the organic-products entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Applied thematic analysis was performed by combining observation and in-depth interviews to multi-actors in the community.

Findings

The result shows that a collaboration network with external actors and the dynamic interaction within the community drive resource integration forming value co-creation platform and lead to innovation in product, process, marketing and organization.

Originality/value

A combination of SDL and CCT provides a new marketing perspective of value co-creation concept. SDL offers an understanding of multi-actor value co-creation that is built from the knowledge and skills-based resources. CCT unveils the roles of the community in developing the positive perception of organic products in the market ecosystem.
The determinants of art prices: an analysis of Joan Miró
Authors: Cinefra Jennifer , Garay Urbi , Mibelli Claudia , Pérez Eduardo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Relatively little is known about the determinants of the prices of paintings. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the price determinants of the art of Joan Miró, one of the great masters of Modern Art.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed 255 artworks by Miró sold at Sotheby’s and Christie’s between 2003 and 2017, and performed a hedonic price regression to measure the impact of a series of variables on the prices of this artist’s works.

Findings

Miró’s works command higher prices, ceteris paribus, when they were painted on canvas, were sold at Sotheby’s and in New York City or London, were traded during the evening session and depending on the period in which they had been painted, the size of their surface area, the number of words used to describe the respective lot and whether they had appeared in an art book. The prices of Miró’s paintings increased substantially between 2003 and 2008 and then declined, coinciding with the global financial crisis of 2009.

Research limitations/implications

The results were obtained from prices established in art auctions, which represent only one portion of the market.

Originality/value

This is the first exhaustive study carried out on the determinants of the prices of Joan Miró’s works. The artist represents an ideal case due to the large number of his works that have been sold at auctions. As yet, only studies of Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol have been conducted. Joan Miró has well-defined artistic periods, which also allows us to determine the impact on the price of the works of the period in which it was created. This paper also offers a methodological contribution to parties involved in the art sector (artists, galleries, collectors, investors, museums, etc.).
Aluminum formwork system: loss and productivity
Authors: Abreu Marina Macedo de , Lordsleem Jr Alberto Casado
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish and evaluate the concrete loss and labor productivity (LP) indicators in the concreting step of aluminum formwork system (AFS) in construction in Brazil. The loss and productivity indicators are directed to a regional database (Pernambuco, Brazil).

Design/methodology/approach

Case study was selected as the most appropriate approach. The methodology included data collection in the construction project with 10 residential towers of 320 apartments, in the city of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Brazil, throughout 82 concrete pouring days using 415 concrete mixer trucks, with a total of 2,582.50 m3 of concrete.

Findings

The findings identified an average concrete loss of 2.6 percent and the LP indicator varying between 0.15 and 0.97 WH/m3. It could be verified that the loss indicators were influenced mainly by the learning effect associated to the qualification of the labor. In addition, the productivity indicators were strongly influenced by delays at the beginning of the concrete pouring and by problems coming from the sequence of concrete supply.

Originality/value

LP indicators are still literature restricted, especially considering only the concreting step. The direct observations of this study allow the identification of factors that inhibit productivity. The comparison of indicators for the concreting service between the ASF and the conventional system attests to the speed, low cost and efficiency of the system studied in this paper.
An exact GITT solution for static bending of clamped parallelogram plate resting on an elastic foundation
Authors: Fu Guangming , Peng Yudan , Sun Baojiang , An Chen , Su Jian
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose generalised integral transform technique (GITT) to obtain the exact solutions for bending of clamped parallelogram plate resting on elastic foundation.

Design/methodology/approach

The GITT is used to solve the bending problem of the full clamped parallelogram plate under an elastic foundation. The auxiliary problem was developed and the corresponding eigenfunction and eigenvalue were calculated simultaneously. The original partial differential governed equation has been represented by the transformed ordinary differential equation system and solved by the subroutine DBVPFD from International Mathematics and Statistics Library.

Findings

The GITT has been proven to be an efficient approach to solve the bending problem of the plate with different loads, boundary conditions and elastic foundations. The parametric study indicates that the elastic foundation modulus has significant contribution in reducing the vertical deflections and moments for both rectangular and parallelogram plates. With the increasing of aspect ratio (a/b) and the elastic foundation modulus, the trends of the deflection and moment reduction decreased significantly.

Originality/value

The present hybrid analytical-numerical methodology was first used to solve the mechanics problem of the clamped parallelogram plate resting on elastic foundation. Excellent convergence and high accuracy was observed by comparing with the published results. It exhibits potential application to investigate the mechanics problem of the composite plate with different boundary conditions in the shipbuilding and civil engineering.
The recontextualisation of youth wellbeing in Australian schools
Authors: Whatman Susan , Thompson Roberta , Main Katherine
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest how well-being messages are recontextualized into school-based contexts from an analysis of national policy and state curricular approaches to health education as reported in the findings of two selected case studies as well as community concerns about young people’s well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional review of Australian federal and state-level student well-being policy documents was undertaken. Using two case examples of school-based in-curricular well-being programs, the paper explores how discourses from these well-being policy documents are recontextualized through progressive fields of translation and pedagogic decision making into local forms of curriculum.

Findings

Pedagogic messages about well-being in Australia are often extra-curricular, in that they are rarely integrated into one or across existing subject areas. Such messages are increasingly focused on mental health, around phenomena such as bullying. Both case examples clearly demonstrate how understandings of well-being respond to various power relations and pressures emanating from stakeholders within and across official pedagogic fields and other contexts such as local communities.

Originality/value

The paper focusses on presenting an adaptation of Bernstein’s (1990) model of social reproduction of pedagogic discourse. The adapted model demonstrates how “top-down” knowledge production from the international disciplines shaping curriculum development and pedagogic approaches can be replaced by community context-driven political pressure and perceived community crises. It offers contemporary insight into youth-at-risk discourses, well-being approaches and student mental health.
Virtual 3D model of Canseleri building via close-range photogrammetry implementation
Authors: Ahmad Shazali Ahmad Shahrunnizam , Tahar Khairul Nizam
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The current technique used to measure construction is the conventional total station method. However, the conventional method is time-consuming and could not be used to create a photo-realistic three-dimensional (3D) model of an object. Furthermore, the Canseleri building is located at a slope. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this study is to assess the geometric accuracy of a 3D model using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. There are two objectives in this study. The first is to construct a 3D model of the Canseleri building using UAV images. The second objective is to validate the 3D model of the Canseleri building based on actual measurements.

Findings

The close-range photogrammetry method, using the UAV platform, was able to produce a 3D building model. The results show that the errors between the actual measurement and the generated 3D model were less than 4 cm. The accuracy of the 3D model achieved in this study was about 0.015 m, compared to total station measurements.

Originality/value

Accuracy assessment was done by comparing the estimated measurement of the 3D model with the direct measurement. The differences between the measured values with actual values could be compared. Based on this study, the 3D building model gave a reliable accuracy for specific applications.
How adaption of historic listed buildings affords access
Authors: Lynch Suzanna , Proverbs David G.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Providing accessible and inclusive environments fulfils legislative obligations and creates financial benefits. Historic-listed buildings rely on heritage tourism for continued financial support. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how historic-listed buildings adapt to afford access to people with disabilities (PwD), through physical and non-physical interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study approach of an historic property, research comprises of: an observational visitor survey, determining visitor demographic regarding visible disabilities; an access audit, determining current accessibility; interviews with the property’s Access Team; and desktop-based research.

Findings

The results depict the complexity, challenges and barriers in making historic buildings accessible for PwD. Through alternative training and inclusive initiatives, the findings reveal how historic buildings may support the multiplicity of individuals’ access requirements.

Research limitations/implications

Further research incorporating longer surveying periods, wider demographic of interviewees and multiple case study analysis would provide richer, comparable data in understanding the intrinsic complexities involved in creating accessibility within historic buildings. The implications of this research could transcend management, conservation and adaptation of listed buildings in identifying the defined barriers and solutions to overcome them.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper relates to the use of alternative services creating access when physical changes are deemed “unreasonable”. A conceptual framework is developed depicting the complexity, challenges and barriers in making historic buildings accessible for PwD.
Disentangling cross-border interactions
Authors: Grainger Andrew , Morini Cristiano
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the interactions between logistics operators and government stakeholders in cross-border logistics operations with a specific focus on the UK and Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The research builds on supporting literature. The comparative cases of the UK and Brazil are examined by reference to an extensive series of focus group workshops as well as a series of interviews with key informants. Care was taken to make sure that comprehensive engagement the respective business and government communities were in place, and that there were opportunities to feedback on the analysis.

Findings

Suggestions were provided on how to improve the business–government interactions in cross-borders logistics operations. The analysis considered transaction costs and scope for trade facilitation. The research also helped produce a descriptive model of business–government interactions in cross-border logistics operations.

Research limitations/implications

The paper points to new directions in the understanding of how businesses interact with government agencies, and the kind of issues they face in cross-border logistics operations. However, the research only looked at two countries and there is significant scope for further enquiry within the logistics literature.

Practical implications

Reduced transaction costs at the border and subsequent economic opportunities for the UK and Brazil.

Social implications

A list of practical reform recommendations informed by the business communities of the UK and Brazil.

Originality/value

This paper’s original contribution to the literature is its framework for the analysis of transaction costs associated with the business–government interactions in cross-border logistics operations. In addition to the resulting findings in Brazil and the UK it may serve as a template for research elsewhere.
The effect of the client–contractor relationship on project performance
Authors: Jagtap Milind , Kamble Sachin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first to examine the effect of client-led and contractor-led supply chain initiatives on project performance in the Indian construction industry and second to assess how the client-led supply chain initiatives complement the contractor-led supply chain initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the effects of the client-led supply chain initiatives (reward power and competence trust of the construction clients) and the contractor-led supply chain initiatives (contractor integration and calculative commitment of the contractor) on project performance in construction projects are examined. The data were collected from 346 construction professionals working in Indian construction projects using purposive sampling. The proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The contractor-led supply chain initiatives, in the form of contractor integration and the calculative relationship commitment of a contractor, were found to be strong mediators, indirectly affecting the project performance. On the other hand, the client-led supply chain initiatives, in the form of the reward power of the client and the competence trust of the client, directly influence the project performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study reports the inevitable bias on the part of participants, who responded to the survey either in the capacity of client or contractor, although they might have executed projects in both capacities. Future studies could benefit from the use of objective data instead of behavioral data.

Practical implications

This study helps construction firms understand how to demarcate the client and contractor roles in the construction supply chain to improve the project performance.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its investigation of the influence of client-led supply chain initiatives and contractor-led supply chain initiatives on project performance.
Fashion trendsetting, attitudes toward money, and tendency to regret
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Lee Seung-Hee
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine differences among fashion trendsetting groups in money attitudes and consumer tendency to regret (CTR).

Design/methodology/approach

Students completed questionnaires containing demographic items and scales measuring money attitudes (power/prestige, quality, anxiety and distrust), CTR (CTRpurchase, CTRnot purchase) and trendsetting. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’sα, M/ANOVA and SNKpost hoctest.

Findings

Participants lowest in trendsetting scored lower in power/prestige than earlier adopters. Trendsetters scored higher in quality and anxiety than later adopters. Trendsetters scored higher in CTRnot purchasebut not in CTRpurchase. Participants higher (vs lower) in CTRpurchasescored higher in power/prestige, distrust and anxiety but not in quality. Participants higher (vs lower) in CTRnot purchasescored higher in power/prestige, quality and anxiety but not in distrust.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization of results is limited because the college student sample was not representative of the general population of consumers.

Practical implications

Many retailer sales tactics are designed to pressure consumers to buy and buy now – thus raising consumers’ level of anxiety. Retailers might benefit from strategies to reduce consumers’ negative emotions (e.g. anxiety, distrust) and to encourage attention to positive social or personal benefits of products.

Originality/value

Results extend cognitive dissonance theory and the post-purchase evaluation model by finding differences among fashion trendsetter groups in post-purchase evaluation and money attitudes. No prior research has explored CTR and money attitudes among fashion trendsetter groups.