bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the formation of embryonic appendages to the color of wings: Conserved and novel roles ofaristaless1in butterfly development
Authors: Bayala Erick X. , VanKuren Nicholas , Massardo Darli , Kronforst Marcus
Published: December 2021

Highly diverse butterfly wing patterns have emerged as a powerful system for understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic variation. While the genetic basis of this pattern variation is being clarified, the precise developmental pathways linking genotype to phenotype are not well understood. The genearistaless, which plays a role in appendage patterning and extension, has been duplicated in Lepidoptera. One copy,aristaless1, has been shown to control a white/yellow color switch in the butterflyHeliconius cydno, suggesting a novel function associated with color patterning and pigmentation. Here we investigate the developmental basis ofal1in embryos, larvae and pupae using new antibodies, CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi, qPCR assays of downstream targets and pharmacological manipulation of an upstream activator. We find that Al1 is expressed at the distal tips of developing embryonic appendages consistent with its ancestral role. In developing wings, we observe Al1 accumulation within developing scale cells of whiteH. cydnoduring early pupation while yellow scale cells exhibit little Al1 at this timepoint. Reduced Al1 expression is also associated with yellow scale development inal1knockouts and knockdowns. We also find that Al1 expression appears to downregulate the enzyme Cinnabar and other genes that synthesize and transport the yellow pigment, 3–Hydroxykynurenine (3-OHK). Finally, we provide evidence that Al1 activation is under the control of Wnt signaling. We propose a model in which high levels of Al1 during early pupation, which are mediated by Wnt, are important for melanic pigmentation and specifying white portions of the wing while reduced levels of Al1 during early pupation promote upregulation of proteins needed to move and synthesize 3-OHK, promoting yellow pigmentation. In addition, we discuss how the ancestral role ofaristalessin appendage extension may be relevant in understanding the cellular mechanism behind color patterning in the context of the heterochrony hypothesis.
cacna2d3, a voltage-gated calcium channel subunit, functions in vertebrate habituation learning and the startle sensitivity threshold
Authors: Santistevan Nicholas J. , Nelson Jessica C. , Ortiz Elelbin A. , Miller Andrew H. , Halabi Dima Kenj , Sippl Zoë A. , Granato Michael , Grinblat Yevgenya
Published: December 2021

The ability to filter sensory information into relevant versus irrelevant stimuli is a fundamental, conserved property of the central nervous system and is accomplished in part through habituation learning. Synaptic plasticity that underlies habituation learning has been described at the cellular level, yet the genetic regulators of this plasticity remain poorly understood, as do circuits that mediate sensory filtering. A forward genetic screen for zebrafish genes that control habituation learning identified a mutant allele doryp177 that caused reduced habituation of the acoustic startle response. Whole-genome sequencing identified the calcium voltage-gated channel auxiliary subunit alpha-2/delta-3 (cacna2d3) as a candidate gene affected in doryp177 mutants. Behavioral characterization of larvae homozygous for two additional, independently derived mutant alleles of cacna2d3, together with failure of these alleles to complement doryp177, confirmed a critical role for cacna2d3 in habituation learning. Notably, detailed analyses of the acoustic response in mutant larvae also revealed increased startle sensitivity to acoustic stimuli, suggesting a broader role for cacna2d3 in controlling innate response thresholds to acoustic stimuli. Taken together, our data demonstrate a critical role for cacna2d3 in sensory filtering, a process that is disrupted in human CNS disorders, e.g. ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism.
Long term analysis of social structure: evidence of age-based consistent associations in male Alpine ibex
Authors: Brambilla Alice , von Hardenberg Achaz , Canedoli Claudia , Brivio Francesca , Sueur Cédric , Stanley Christina R
Published: December 2021

Despite its recognized importance for understanding the evolution of animal sociality as well as for conservation, long term analysis of social networks of animal populations is still relatively uncommon. We investigated social network dynamics in males of a gregarious mountain ungulate (Alpine ibex,Capra ibex) over ten years focusing on groups, sub-groups and individuals, exploring the dynamics of sociality over different scales. Despite the social structure changing between seasons, the Alpine ibex population was highly cohesive: fission-fusion dynamics lead almost every male in the population to associate with each other male at least once. Nevertheless, we found that male Alpine ibex showed preferential associations that were maintained across seasons and years. Age seemed to be the most important factor driving preferential associations while other characteristics, such as social status, appeared less crucial. We also found that centrality measures were influenced by age and were also related to individual physical condition. The multi-scale and long-term frame of our study helped us show that ecological constrains, such as resource availability, may play a role in shaping associations in a gregarious species, but they cannot solely explain sociality and preferential association that are likely also to be driven by life-history linked physiological and social needs. Our results highlight the importance of long-term studies based on individually recognizable subjects to help us build on our understanding of the evolution of animal sociality.
McSNAC: A software to approximate first-order signaling networks from mass cytometry data
Authors: Wethington Darren , Mukherjee Sayak , Das Jayajit
Published: December 2021

Mass cytometry (CyTOF) gives unprecedented opportunity to simultaneously measure up to 40 proteins in single cells, with a theoretical potential to reach 100 proteins. This high-dimensional single-cell information can be very useful to dissecting mechanisms of cellular activity. In particular, measuring abundances of signaling proteins like phospho-proteins can provide detailed information on the dynamics of single-cell signaling processes. With a proper computational analysis, timestamped CyTOF data of signaling proteins could help develop predictive and mechanistic models for signaling kinetics. These models would be useful for predicting the effects of perturbations in cells, or comparing signaling networks across cell groups. We propose our Mass cytometry Signaling Network Analysis Code, or McSNAC, a new software capable of reconstructing signaling networks and estimating their kinetic parameters from CyTOF data.

McSNAC approximates signaling networks as a network of first-order reactions between proteins. This assumption breaks down often as signaling reactions can involve binding and unbinding, enzymatic reactions, and other nonlinear constructions. Furthermore, McSNAC may be limited to approximating indirect interactions between protein species, as cytometry experiments are only able to assay a small fraction of the protein species that are involved in signaling. We carry out a series of in silico experiments here to show that 1) McSNAC is capable of accurately estimating the ground-truth model in a scalable manner when given data originating from a first-order system; 2) McSNAC is capable of qualitatively predicting outcomes to perturbations of species abundances in simple second-order reaction models and in a complex in silico nonlinear signaling network in which some proteins are unmeasured. These findings demonstrate that McSNAC can be a valuable screening tool for generating models of signaling networks from timestamped CyTOF data.
Tumor Treating Fields Suppression of Ciliogenesis Enhances Temozolomide Toxicity
Authors: Shi Ping , Tian Jia , Ulm Brittany S. , Mallinger Julianne C. , Khoshbouei Habibeh , Deleyrolle Loic P. , Sarkisian Matthew R.
Published: December 2021

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are low intensity, alternating intermediate frequency (200kHz) electrical fields that extend survival of glioblastoma patients receiving maintenance temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. How TTFields exert efficacy on cancer over normal cells, or interact with TMZ is unclear. Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles triggered by extracellular ligands, mechanical and electrical field stimulation, and are capable of promoting cancer growth and TMZ chemoresistance. We found in both low and high grade patient glioma cell lines that TTFields ablated cilia within 24 hours. Halting TTFields treatment led to recovered frequencies of elongated cilia. Cilia on normal primary astrocytes, neurons, and multiciliated/ependymal cells were less affected by TTFields. The TTFields-mediated loss of glioma cilia was partially rescued by chloroquine pretreatment, suggesting the effect is in part due to autophagy activation. We also observed death of ciliated cells during TTFields by live imaging. Notably, TMZ-induced stimulation of ciliogenesis in both adherent cells and gliomaspheres was blocked by TTFields. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of TTFields and TMZ on tumor cell recurrence correlated with the relative timing of TMZ exposure to TTFields and ARL13B+cilia. Finally, TTFields disrupted cilia in patient tumors treated ex vivo. Our findings suggest TTFields efficacy may depend on the degree of tumor ciliogenesis and relative timing of TMZ treatment.
Microbowls with controlled concavity for accurate microscale mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Linfeng , Li Xiangpeng , Li Wenzong , Chang Kai-chun , Yang Hyunjun , Tao Nannan , Zhang Pengfei , Payne Emory , Modavi Cyrus , Humphries Jacqueline , Lu Chia-Wei , Abate Adam R.
Published: December 2021

Patterned surfaces can enhance the sensitivity of laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry by segregating and concentrating analytes, but their fabrication can be challenging. Here, we describe a simple method to fabricate substrates patterned with micron-scale wells that yield more accurate and sensitive mass spectrometry measurements compared to flat surfaces. The wells can also concentrate and localize cells and beads for cell-based assays.
Oxycodone decreases anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze test in male and female rats
Authors: Bruijnzeel Adriaan W. , Behnood-Rod Azin , Malphurs Wendi , Chellian Ranjithkumar , Caudle Robert M. , Febo Marcelo , Setlow Barry , Neubert John K.
Published: December 2021

The prescription opioid oxycodone is widely used for the treatment of pain in humans. Oxycodone misuse is more common among people with an anxiety disorder than those without one. Therefore, oxycodone might be misused for its anxiolytic properties. We investigated if oxycodone affects anxiety-like behavior in adult male and female rats. The rats were treated with oxycodone (0.178, 0.32, 0.56, or 1 mg/kg), and anxiety-like behavior was investigated in the elevated plus-maze test. Immediately after the elevated plus-maze test, a small open field test was conducted to determine the effects of oxycodone on locomotor activity. In the elevated plus-maze test, oxycodone increased the percentage of time spent on the open arms, the percentage of open arm entries, time on the open arms, open arm entries, and the distance traveled. The males treated with vehicle had a lower percentage of open arm entries than the females treated with vehicle, and oxycodone treatment led to a greater increase in the percentage of open arm entries in the males than females. Furthermore, the females spent more time on the open arms, made more open arm entries, spent less time in the closed arms, and traveled a greater distance than the males. In the small open field test, treatment with oxycodone did not affect locomotor activity or rearing. Sex differences were observed; the females traveled a greater distance and displayed more rearing than the males. In conclusion, oxycodone decreases anxiety-like behavior in rats, and oxycodone has a greater anxiolytic-like effect in males than females.
A Novel Oncogenic Function of PRC2 Heterogeneity in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Yi Jiaqing , Shi Xuanming , Zhan Xiaoming , Lu Richard Q , Xuan Zhenyu , Wu Jiang
Published: December 2021

Intratumor epigenetic heterogeneity is emerging as a key mechanism underlying tumor evolution and drug resistance. Medulloblastomas, the most common childhood malignant brain tumor, are classified into four subtypes including SHH medulloblastomas, which are characterized by elevated SHH signaling and a cerebellum granule neuron precursor (CGNP) cell-of-origin. Medulloblastomas are highly associated with epigenetic abnormalities. We observed that the histone H3K27 methyltransferase polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) is often heterogeneous within individual SHH medulloblastoma tumors. Using mouse models, we showed that while a complete deletion of the PRC2 core subunit EED inhibited medulloblastoma growth, a mosaic deletion of EED significantly enhanced tumor growth. EED is intrinsically required for CGNP maintenance by inhibiting both neural differentiation and cell death. Complete EED deletion led to CGNP depletion and reduced occurrence of medulloblastoma. Surprisingly, we found that medulloblastomas with mosaic EED levels grew faster than did control wildtype tumors and expressed increased levels of oncogenes such as Igf2. Igf2 is directly repressed by PRC2 and has been demonstrated to be both necessary and sufficient for SHH medulloblastoma progression. We showed that IGF2 mediated the oncogenic effects of PRC2 heterogeneity in tumor growth. Using a human medulloblastoma cell line, we generated clones with different EED levels and confirmed that EEDlow cells could stimulate the growth of EEDhigh cells through derepressed IGF2 signals. Thus, PRC2 heterogeneity controls medulloblastoma growth through both intrinsic growth competence and non-cell autonomous mechanisms in distinct tumor subclones. We reveal a novel oncogenic function of PRC2 heterogeneity in tumor development.
A Substrate-triggered µ-Peroxodiiron(III) Intermediate in the 4-Chloro-L-Lysine-Fragmenting Heme-Oxygenase-like Diiron Oxidase (HDO) BesC: Substrate Dissociation from, and C4 Targeting by, the Intermediate
Authors: McBride Molly J. , Nair Mrutyunjay A. , Sil Debangsu , Slater Jeffrey W. , Neugebauer Monica , Chang Michelle C. Y. , Boal Amie K. , Krebs Carsten , Bollinger J. Martin
Published: December 2021

The enzyme BesC from the β-ethynyl-L-serine biosynthetic pathway in Streptomyces cattleya fragments 4-chloro-L-lysine (produced from L-Lysine by BesD) to ammonia, formaldehyde, and 4-chloro-L-allylglycine and can analogously fragment L-Lys itself. BesC belongs to the emerging family of O2-activating non-heme-diiron enzymes with the “heme-oxygenase-like” protein fold (HDOs). Here we show that binding of L-Lys or an analog triggers capture of O2 by the protein’s diiron(II) cofactor to form a blue µ-peroxodiiron(III) intermediate analogous to those previously characterized in two other HDOs, the olefin-installing fatty acid decarboxylase, UndA, and the guanidino-N-oxygenase domain of SznF. The ∼ 5- and ∼ 30-fold faster decay of the intermediate in reactions with 4-thia-L-Lys and (4RS)-chloro-DL-lysine than in the reaction with L-Lys itself, and the primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects (D-KIEs) on decay of the intermediate and production of L-allylglycine in the reaction with 4,4,5,5-[2H]-L-Lys, imply that the peroxide intermediate or a successor complex with which it reversibly interconverts initiates the oxidative fragmentation by abstracting hydrogen from C4. Surprisingly, the sluggish substrate L-Lys can dissociate after triggering the intermediate to form, thereby allowing one of the better substrates to bind and react. Observed linkage between Fe(II) and substrate binding suggests that the triggering event involves a previously documented (in SznF) ordering of the dynamic HDO architecture that contributes one of the iron sites, a hypothesis consistent with the observation that the diiron(III) product cluster produced upon decay of the intermediate spontaneously degrades, as it has been shown to do in all other HDOs studied to date.
Universality and non-universality of the growth law
Authors: Wang Qirun , Lin Jie
Published: December 2021

An approximately linear relationship between the fraction of ribosomal proteins in the proteome (ϕR) and the growth rate (μ) holds in proliferating cells when the nutrient quality changes, often referred to as a growth law. While a simple model assuming a constant translation speed of ribosomes without protein degradation can rationalize this growth law, real protein synthesis processes are more complex. This work proposes a general theoretical framework of protein synthesis, taking account of heterogeneous translation speeds among proteins and finite protein degradation. We introduce ribosome allocations as the fraction of active ribosomes producing certain proteins, with two correlation coefficients respectively quantifying the correlation between translation speeds and ribosome allocations, and between protein degradation rates and mass fractions. We prove that the growth law curve generally followsϕR= (μ+c1)/(c2μ+c3) wherec1,c2, andc3are constants depending on the above correlation coefficients and the translation speed of ribosomal proteins. Our theoretical predictions ofϕRagree with existing data ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrate that when different environments share similar correlation coefficients, the growth law curve is universal and up-bent relative to a linear line in slow-growth conditions, which appears valid forEscherichia coli. However, the growth law curve is non-universal and environmental-specific when the environments have significantly different correlation coefficients. Our theories allow us to estimate the translation speeds of ribosomal and non-ribosomal proteins based on the experimental growth law curves.
Oxidative phase transition of heat shock factor-1
Authors: Kawagoe Soichiro , Matsusaki Motonori , Ishimori Koichiro , Saio Tomohide
Published: December 2021

Heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1) was found as a central upregulator of molecular chaperones in stress adaptation, but it has recently been rediscovered as a major component of persistent nuclear stress bodies (nSBs). When the persistently stressed cells undergo apoptosis, the phase transition of nSBs from fluid to gel-like states is proposed to be an important event in switching the cell fate from survival to death. Nonetheless, how the phase separation and transition of nSBs are driven remain unanswered. In this study, we discovered that Hsf1 formed liquid-liquid phase separation dropletsin vitro, causing the assembly of Hsf1 to drive nSBs formation. Under oxidative conditions, disulfide-bonded and oligomerized Hsf1 formed gel-like and more condensed droplets, confirmed through fluorescence recovery, refractive index imaging, and light scattering. Then, on the basis of our results, we proposed that Hsf1 undergoes oxidative phase transition by sensing redox conditions potentially to drive the cell fate decision by nSBs.
Machupo virus with mutations in the transmembrane domain and glycosylation sites is attenuated and immunogenic in animal models of Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Mantlo Emily K , Maruyama Junki , Manning John T , Wanninger Timothy G , Huang Cheng , Smith Jeanon N , Patterson Michael , Paessler Slobodan , Koma Takaaki
Published: December 2021

Several highly pathogenic mammarenaviruses cause severe hemorrhagic and neurologic disease in humans, for which vaccines and antivirals are limited or unavailable. New World (NW) mammarenavirus Machupo virus (MACV) infection causes Bolivian hemorrhagic fever in humans. We previously reported that the disruption of specific N-linked glycan sites on the glycoprotein (GPC) partially attenuate MACV in an IFN-αβ/γ receptor knockout mouse model. However, some capability to induce neurological pathology still remained. Highly pathogenic Junin virus (JUNV) is another NW arenavirus closely related to MACV. A F427I substitution in the GPC transmembrane domain (TMD) rendered JUNV attenuated in a lethal mouse model after intracranial inoculation. In this study, we rationally designed and rescued a MACV containing mutations at two glycosylation sites and the corresponding F438I substitution in GPC TMD. The MACV mutant is fully attenuated in IFN-αβ/γ receptor knockout mice and outbred guinea pigs. Furthermore, inoculation with this mutant MACV fully protected guinea pigs from wild-type MACV lethal challenge. Lastly, we found the GPC TMD F438I substitution greatly impaired MACV growth in neuronal cell lines of mouse and human origins. Our results highlight the critical roles of the glycans and the TMD on the GPC in arenavirus virulence, which informs the rational design of potential vaccine candidates for highly pathogenic arenaviruses.

Importance

For arenaviruses, the only vaccine available is the live-attenuated Candid#1 vaccine, a JUNV vaccine approved in Argentina. We and others have found that the glycans on GPC and the F427 residue in the GPC TMD are important for virulence of JUNV. Nevertheless, mutating either of them is not sufficient for full and stable attenuation of JUNV. Using reverse genetics, we disrupted specific glycosylation sites on MACV GPC, and also introduced the corresponding F438I substitution in the GPC TMD. This MACV mutant is fully attenuated in two animal models and protects animals from lethal infection. Thus, our studies highlight the feasibility of rational attenuation of highly pathogenic arenaviruses for vaccine development. Another important finding from this study is that the F438I substitution in GPC TMD could substantially affect MACV replication in neurons. Future studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanism and the implication of this mutation in arenavirus neural tropism.
Identification of Six Thiolases and their Effects on Fatty Acid and Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Huang Hui , Niu Yali , Jin Qi , Qin Kunhai , Wang Li , Zeng Bin , Hu Zhihong
Published: December 2021

Thiolase plays important roles in lipid metabolism. It can be divided into degradative thiolases (Thioase I) and biosynthetic thiolases (thiolases II), which are involved in fatty acid β-oxidation and acetoacetyl-CoA biosynthesis, respectively. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) genome harbors only one gene each for thioase I and thiolase II, namely, Pot1 and Erg10, respectively. In this study, six thiolases (named AoErg10A−AoErg10F) were identified in Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) genome using bioinformatics analysis. Quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that the expression of these six thiolases varied at different growth stages and under different forms of abiotic stress. Subcellular localization analysis showed that AoErg10A was located in the cytoplasm, AoErg10B and AoErg10C in the mitochondria, and AoErg10D-AoErg10F in the peroxisome. Yeast heterologous complementation assays revealed that AoErg10A, AoErg10D, AoErg10E, AoErg10F and cytoplasmic AoErg10B (AoErg10BΔMTS) recovered the phenotypes of S. cerevisiae erg10 weak and lethal mutants, and that only AoErg10D-F recovered the phenotype of the pot1 mutant that cannot use oleic acid as the carbon source. Overexpression of AoErg10s either affected the growth speed or sporulation of the transgenic strains. In addition, the fatty acid and ergosterol content changed in all the AoErg10-overexpressing strains. This study revealed the function of six thiolases in A. oryzae and their effect on growth, and fatty acid and ergosterol biosynthesis, which may lay the foundation for genetic engineering for lipid metabolism in A. oryzae or other fungi.

Importance

Thiolase including thioase I and thiolase II, plays important roles in lipid metabolism. A. oryzae, one of the most industrially important filamentous fungi, has been widely used for manufacturing oriental fermented food such as sauce, miso, and sake for a long time. Besides, A. oryzae has a high capability in production of high lipid content and has been used for lipid production. Thus, it is very important to investiagte the function of thiolases in A. oryzae. In this study, six thiolase (named AoErg10A-AoErg10F) were identified by bioinformatics analysis. Unlike other reported thiolases in fungi, three of the six thiolases showed dual function of thioase I and thiolase II in S. cerevisiae, indicating the lipid metabolism is more complex in A. oryzae. The reveal of founction of these thiolases in A. oryzae can lay the foundation for genetic engineering for lipid metabolism in A. oryzae or other fungi.
Functional analyses of two novel LRRK2 pathogenic variants in familial Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Coku I , Mutez E , Eddarkaoui S , Carrier S , Marchand A , Deldycke C , Goveas L , Baille G , Tir M , Magnez R , Thuru X , Vermeersch G , Vandenberghe W , Buée L , Defebvre L , Sablonnière B , Chartier-Harlin MC , Taymans JM , Huin V
Published: December 2021

Background

Pathogenic variants in the LRRK2 gene are a common monogenic cause of Parkinson’s disease. However, only seven variants have been confirmed to be pathogenic.

Objectives

We identified two novel LRRK2 variants (H230R and A1440P) and performed functional testing.

Methods

We transiently expressed wildtype, the two new variants, or two known pathogenic mutants (G2019S and R1441G), in HEK-293T cells, with or without LRRK2 kinase inhibitor treatment. We characterized the phosphorylation and kinase activity of the mutants by western blotting. Thermal shift assays were performed to determine the folding and stability of the LRRK2 proteins.

Results

The two variants were found in two large families and segregate with the disease. They display altered LRRK2 phosphorylation and kinase activity.

Conclusions

We identified two novel LRRK2 variants which segregate with the disease. The results of functional testing lead us to propose these two variants as novel causative mutations for familial Parkinson’s disease.
Ploidy dynamics in aphid host cells harboring bacterial symbionts
Authors: Nozaki Tomonari , Shigenobu Shuji
Published: December 2021

Aphids have evolved bacteriocytes or symbiotic host cells that harbor the obligate mutualistic bacterium Buchnera aphidicola. Because of the large cell size (approximately 100 μm in diameter) of bacteriocytes and their pivotal role in nutritional symbiosis, researchers have considered that these cells are highly polyploid and assumed that bacteriocyte polyploidy may be essential for the symbiotic relationship between the aphid and the bacterium. However, little is known about the ploidy levels and dynamics of aphid bacteriocytes. Here, we quantitatively analyzed the ploidy levels in the bacteriocytes of the pea-aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. Image-based fluorometry revealed the hyper polyploidy of the bacteriocytes ranging from 16- to 256-ploidy throughout the lifecycle. Bacteriocytes of adult parthenogenetic viviparous females were mainly 64-128C DNA levels, while those of sexual morphs (oviparous females and males) were consisted of 64C, and 32-64C cells, respectively. During post-embryonic development of viviparous females, the ploidy level of bacteriocytes increased substantially, from 16-32C at birth to 128-256C in actively reproducing adults. These results suggest that the ploidy levels are dynamically regulated among phenotypes and during development. Our comprehensive and quantitative data provides a foundation for future studies to understand the functional roles and biological significance of the polyploidy of insect bacteriocytes.
Ambidextrous leadership: a narrative literature review for theory development and directions for future research
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study seeks to provide a narrative literature review of existing empirical research, in order to better understand the processes and theory of ambidextrous leadership, as well as its influence on followers, employees and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 26 studies were extracted and synthesied providing a critical discussion about the methodological and theoretical aspects of the studies identified in the review.

Findings

It was revealed the attributes for an effective ambidextrous leader, it was presented the recently proposed concept of ambidextrous leadership theory and it was noticed the main criticisms against the findings of the extant ambidextrous leadership literature. It was also identified many research gaps in the literature which in turn can guide academics in the development of ambidextrous leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The ambidextrous leadership theory represents a novel and unique approach to the domain of leadership for creativity and innovation. It is shared across hierarchical levels throughout the organization. Leaders have a significant effect on employees' behaviors and should determine its applicability to different situations. Organizations require ambidextrous managers who combine flexible, situational and versatile leadership styles developing ever increasingly new and divergent ideas. Many research gaps in the literature were also identified that can guide academics in the development of ambidextrous leadership.

Practical implications

Understanding that ambidextrous leadership is required to significantly influence ambidexterity and innovation allows organizations to direct their leadership selection and development.

Originality/value

This review contributes to the ambidextrous leadership literature by creating a holistic picture of where it has been and where it should go.
Migrant construction workers' demography and job satisfaction: a New Zealand study
Authors: Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele , Ramanayaka Chamil Dilhan Erik , Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Rotimi Funmilayo Ebun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The demand for construction-related occupations has increased consistently over many years in New Zealand (NZ). This has necessitated recourse to migrant workers to address capacity and capability requirements. Migrant construction workers hail from various backgrounds with a complex set of their needs being met through employment in NZ. Research on understanding the satisfaction levels of this category of construction workers is scarce. With recent insinuations about migrant exploitations, research investigations into this knowledge area are significant. In this study, the authors sought to establish the moderating effect of migrants' demography on the determinants of job satisfaction in NZ's construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from migrant construction workers of Chinese extraction through a structured questionnaire survey. From 200 questionnaires administered, 108 samples were completed by migrant construction workers involved in major projects in Auckland city, NZ. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to establish the moderating effects of their demography on job satisfaction.

Findings

Results from this study support the internal validity and reliability of these personal characteristics as moderators of job satisfaction for migrant construction workers. These results suggest the relevance of personal characteristics of Chinese migrants in any improvement initiatives being developed for this group of construction workers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this study contribute to the discourse on the relevance of construction migrants as a strategic alternative to addressing skill shortages within the NZ construction sector. They also provide evidence that contributes to an improved understanding of the migrant workforce to meet their aspirations and enhance their general well-being.

Originality/value

Although the study is ethnic-specific, the conclusions show the relevance of personal characteristics in the experiences of construction migrant workers. The study is representative of the catchment of temporary migrant workers in the construction industry in NZ. The study provides insights for organisations employing migrants about putting in place appropriate measures to enhance their satisfaction levels. Finally, this study's findings may contribute to policy initiatives on the optimal categories of migrants engaged on construction activities to derive the maximum benefits for NZ.
Management gender diversity, executives compensation and firm performance
Authors: Chen Chenxuan , Hassan Abeer
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the executives’ team and firm performance by investigating the relationships between executives’ compensation, management gender diversity and firm financial performance in growth enterprises market (GEM) listed firms in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 461 companies listed on GEM boards during the period from the year 2016 to 2018. Specifically, executives’ compensation and female executives are set as the independent variables, and the proxy selected of corporate performance is Tobin’s Q ratio.

Findings

The results show that the correlation between corporate performance and executive cash payment is not significant, while executives’ equity-based compensation shows a significant positive correlation with firm performance. In addition, the participation of female executives is negatively associated with firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The results have practical implications for governments, policymakers and regulatory authorities, by indicating the importance of women to corporate success. In particular, the findings of this paper emphasize the specific background of GEM in China and provide empirical support for the value of women’s participation in corporate governance. In addition, the finding on the relationship between executive compensation and corporate performance of GEM listed companies provides guidance for the establishment of a performance compensation system of GEM listed companies in China.

Originality/value

This paper provides new evidence for the current literature of executive team and corporate performance. This is the first paper to adopt triangulation in theories from different disciplines including optimal contractual approach, managerial power approach as new perspectives of agency theory, upper echelons theory, motivational-hygiene theory and women leadership style theory. The results will contribute to provide guidance for enterprises to formulate an efficient compensation system and build a reasonable senior management team structure.
Dining in the sharing economy: a comparison of private social dining and restaurants
Authors: Lin Pearl M.C.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In view of the intense competition between businesses in the sharing economy and the conventional hospitality industry, this study aims to compare consumers’ private social dining and restaurant dining experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews with 29 private social diners were conducted to yield 10 dining experiential domains, which were then validated using online survey data from 840 diners across four sample groups – local (Hong Kong) private social diners, local (Hong Kong) restaurant diners, overseas private social diners and overseas restaurant diners – to empirically examine a mechanism through which the dining experience influences diners’ psychological and behavioral responses.

Findings

The significant differences emerged among the four sample groups in their evaluations of dining experiences. The mediating role of memorability appeared weaker in overseas settings than in local settings.

Practical implications

The findings suggest restaurateurs be creative and open-minded in designing dining experiences that go beyond food-related satisfaction. Destination marketers should also find the findings insightful because they can diversify their catering offerings by differentiating private social dining with conventional restaurants.

Originality/value

The study presents a novel angle on experiential consumption in the sharing economy to focus on food-sharing activities, which is thought to complement the currently skewed research focus in the sharing economy. A theoretically driven mechanism was also validated to explain the experiential differences between conventional restaurants and private social dining.
Surviving the hectic early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study to the supply chain strategies of food service firms in times of a crisis
Authors: Raassens Néomie , Haans Hans , Mullick Shantanu
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have hit the food service industry very hard. The COVID-19 outbreak has created a sharp downturn for firms in the food service industry, compelling actors across the whole food service supply chain to rethink their strategies. The purpose of this paper is to document the impact of COVID-19 on the food service supply chain, as well as to identify crisis management strategies food service firms use during the hectic early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to survive the current and prepare for future pandemics.

Design/methodology/approach

We performed a qualitative descriptive study using 21 semi-structured interviews with actors across the food service supply chain (i.e. farmers, wholesalers and food service providers). Data were collected to shed light on food service firms' decision making during the hectic early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to uncover various crisis management strategies used.

Findings

By integrating the disaster and crisis pyramid and resilience theory, four core crisis management strategies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic are conceptualized, i.e. (1) managing resources, (2) diversifying strategically, (3) prioritizing long-term outcomes and (4) bonding socially.

Originality/value

The theoretical contributions include documenting the performance impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food service supply chain and exploring crisis management strategies food service firms employed during the hectic early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, functioning and survival during a pandemic, an emerging field in literature, are central to this study. Additionally, while recent research suggests that integrating crisis management and resilience literature may provide a more complete understanding of the organization–crisis relationship, these literature streams mainly developed in isolation. By integrating the literature streams of crisis management and resilience and applying these theories to the COVID-19 crisis, our study provides specific managerial guidelines.
Impacts of social insurance on firm performance: evidence from Vietnamese small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Huynh The Nguyen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This article analyzes the impact of social insurance on firm performance by obtaining evidence from Vietnamese small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The method employed in the research is the generalized method of moments for testing hypotheses of data collected from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.

Findings

The results show that social insurance contributions can enhance firm performance in three dimensions: return on equity (ROE), labor productivity and total factor productivity (TFP). In addition, financial leverage, firm size, the average wage of workers and fixed assets have an impact on the social insurance costs of these companies.

Originality/value

This article provides a novel explanation of the contribution of social insurance to firm performance. In particular, social insurance contribution not only increases labor productivity but also boosts the growth of the TFP of companies. In addition, the article points out that taking care of the benefits of employees is a valuable investment of companies. These are the unique contributions of the paper to the literature on the economic impact of social insurance.
Regional responses to macroeconomic and regional policy in Poland
Authors: Anagnostou Ageliki , Bourelias Vyron , Gajewski Paweł
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate regional impact of macroeconomic and regional policy impulses, using our newly developed multi-regional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model for three, structurally distinctive Polish macro-regions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we build an interregional social accounting matrix for Poland and use it to develop a small scale, three-region CGE model, reflecting the size of regional economies and cross-regional differences in industrial structures, while also explicitly accounting for the dynamics of main economic relationships across regions, such as interregional flows in commodities, labor and capital. The model is subsequently use to simulate regional effects of various policy impulses.

Findings

We demonstrate important cross-regional differences in the transmission mechanism of macro-level policies, which either affect regional output and its individual components (as in the case of imposing shocks to VAT or PIT rates) or are limited to the components, while preserving a rather uniform impact on output (as in the case of imposing shocks to wages). Furthermore, we contribute to the regional policy equity-efficiency trade-off debate, by illustrating quantitatively how, due to structural differences, spatially targeted expenditure measures might promote either regional convergence or aggregate output growth at the country-level.

Originality/value

Prior to our study, regional CGE models have not been used to simulate spatial distribution of aggregate shocks in Poland or in any other CEE country. Another originality of our study lies in comprehensive evaluation of various policy impulses, from the perspective of their impact on the respective region, spillovers to the other regions and its overall, country-level effect.
Safety driven intelligent autonomous vehicle for smart cities using IoT
Authors: Balachander K. , Venkatesan C. , R. Kumar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Autonomous vehicles rely on IoT-based technologies to take numerous decisions in real-time situations. However, added information from the sensor readings will burden the system and cause the sensors to produce inaccurate readings. To overcome these issues, this paper aims to focus on communication between sensors and autonomous vehicles for better decision-making in real-time. The system has unique features to detect the upcoming and ongoing vehicles automatically without intervention of humans in the system. It also predicts the type of vehicle and intimates the driver.

Design/methodology/approach

The system is designed using the ATmega 328 P and ESP 8266 chip. Information from ultrasonic and infrared sensors are analyzed and updated in the cloud server. The user can access all these real-time data at any point of time. The stored information in cloud servers is used for integrating artificial intelligence into the system.

Findings

The real-time sensor information is used to predict the surrounding environment and the system responds to the user according to the situation.

Practical implications

The system is implemented on embedded platform with IoT technology. The sensor information is updated to the cloud using the Blynk application for the user in real time.

Originality/value

The system is proposed for smart cities with IoT technology where the user and the system are aware of the surrounding environment. The system is mainly concerned with the accuracy of sensors and the distance between the vehicles in real-time environment.
A social epidemiological perspective on local tennis league participation: a multigroup moderated-mediation structural analysis using PLS-SEM
Authors: Kim Amy Chan Hyung , Du James , James Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the current research was to examine the different relationships between individuals' sense of community in sport (SCS) cultivated by participating in local sport leagues, social support and health-related psychological outcomes (i.e. depressive symptoms and happiness) based on the participants' involvement level in the tennis league.

Design/methodology/approach

Using participants (n = 150) from local tennis leagues in the Southeastern region of the USA, the authors first conducted an instrument validation procedure to assess the psychometric properties of the included measures, and second, the authors analyzed the proposed multigroup moderated-mediation structural model using component-based partial least squares structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 3 (Ringle et al., 2015).

Findings

The results provide adequate evidence of reliability and validity for both the included reflective and formative constructs. Further, the findings of the proposed moderated-mediation structural model indicated that SCS was positively and significantly associated with social support and happiness while negatively related with depressive symptoms. Social support only mediated the relationship between SCS and happiness. The multigroup analysis results showed significant differences in the relationship between social support and happiness between the least involved group and more involved groups.

Originality/value

The findings of this study indicated that SCS experienced through participation in local sport leagues can develop both the extent and quality of supportive social relationships with other engaging members. One conclusion from the findings is recognizing a need to develop interventions to enhance SCS, social support and health-related psychological outcomes through local sport league participation.
Determinants of health and education equality: evidence from post-Soviet states
Authors: Panaro Angelo Vito
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This article examines the determinants of social equality in the education and healthcare sectors in the 15 post-Soviet states. Focussing on regime type and civil society organisations (CSOs), it argues that countries where liberal principles of democracy are achieved or have a stronger civil society deliver a more equitable social policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis rests upon a time-series cross-sectional (TSCS) analysis from 1992 to 2019. Data are collected from the Quality of Government (QoG) Dataset 2020 and the Variates of Democracy (V-DEM) Dataset 2020.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that while regime type only partially accounts for social equality, as electoral autocracies do not have more equitable social policy than close regime types and democracy weakly explains equality levels, the strength of CSOs is associated with more equality.

Originality/value

The article challenges dominant approaches that consider electoral democracy to be related to more equal social policy and demonstrates that de-facto free and fair elections do not impinge on social equality, while the strength of liberal and civil liberties and CSOs correlate with more equitable social policy.