bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNP calling parameters have minimal impact on population structure and divergence time estimates for the rice blast fungus
Authors: Latorre Sergio M. , Langner Thorsten , Malmgren Angus , Win Joe , Kamoun Sophien , Burbano Hernán A.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Accurate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) calls are crucial for robust evolutionary and population genetic inferences in genomic analyses. Such inferences can reveal the time-scales and processes associated with the emergence and spread of pandemic plant pathogens, such as the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae (Syn. Pyricularia oryzae). However, the specificity and sensitivity of SNP calls depend on the filtering parameters applied to the data. Here, we used a benchmarking approach to evaluate the impact of SNP calling on different population genetic analyses of the rice blast fungus, namely genetic clustering, topology of phylogenetic reconstructions and estimation of evolutionary rates.

Results

To benchmark SNP calling parameters, we generated a gold standard set of validated SNPs by sequencing nine M. oryzae genomes with both Illumina short-reads and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). We used the gold standard set of SNPs to identify the SNP calling parameter configuration that maximizes sensitivity and specificity. We found that the choice of parameter configurations can substantially change the number of ascertained SNPs, preferentially affecting SNPs segregating at low population frequency. However, SNP calling parameter configurations did not significantly affect the clustering of isolates in clonal lineages, the monophyly of each clonal lineage, and the estimation of evolutionary rates. We leverage the evolutionary rates obtained from each SNP calling parameter configuration to generate divergence time estimates that take into account the uncertainty associated with both the estimation of evolutionary rates and SNP calling. Our analysis indicates that M. oryzae clonal lineage expansions took place ~300 years ago.
Measuring the response to visually presented faces in the human lateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Nikel Lara , Sliwinska Magdalena W , Kucuk Emel , Ungerleider Leslie G. , Pitcher David
Published: March 2022

Neuroimaging studies have identified multiple face-selective areas. In the current study we compared the functional response of the face area in the lateral prefrontal cortex to that of other face-selective areas. In Experiment 1 participants (N=32) were scanned viewing videos containing faces, bodies, scenes, objects, and scrambled objects. We identified a face-selective area in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG). In Experiment 2 participants (N=24) viewed the videos or static images. Results showed that the rIFG, posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) and occipital face area (OFA) exhibited a greater response to moving than static faces. In Experiment 3 participants (N=18) viewed face videos presented in the contralateral and ipsilateral visual fields. Results showed that the face areas in the IFG and pSTS responded equally to faces in both visual fields, while the OFA and fusiform face area (FFA) showed a contralateral bias. These experiments suggest two conclusions; firstly, in all three experiments the face area in the IFG was not as reliably identified as face areas in the occipitotemporal cortex. Secondly, the similarity of the response patterns in the IFG and pSTS face areas suggests that the areas are functionally connected, a conclusion consistent with neuroanatomical and functional connectivity evidence.
On-chip engineered human lymphatic microvasculature for physio-/pathological transport phenomena studies
Authors: Serrano Jean C. , Gillrie Mark R. , Li Ran , Ishamuddin Sarah H. , Kamm Roger D.
Published: March 2022

The human vasculature constitutes an integral part of fluid, protein and cellular transport throughout a variety of physiological processes and pathological events. While the blood vascular system has been the topic of numerous studies in connection to its role in physio-/pathological transport phenomena, our secondary vascular system, the lymphatics, has yet to gain similar attention, in part due to a lack of adequate models to study its biological function. Despite their considerable value, animal models limit the ability to perform parametric studies, whereas currentin vitrosystems are lacking in physiological mimicry. Here, a microfluidic-based approach is developed that allows for precise control over the transport of growth factors and interstitial fluid flow, which we leverage to recapitulate thein vivogrowth of lymphatic capillaries. Using this approach, physiological tissue functionality is validated by characterizing the drainage rate of extracellular solutes and proteins. Finally, lymphatic-immune interactions are studied to affirm inflammation-driven responses by the lymphatics, which recruit immune cells via chemotactic signals, similarly toin vivo, pathological events. Results demonstrate the utility of this platform to study lymphatic biology and disease, as well as use as a screening assay to predict lymphatic absorption of therapeutic biologics.
Distinctive roles of translesion polymerases DinB1 and DnaE2 in diversification of the mycobacterial genome through substitution and frameshift mutagenesis
Authors: Dupuy Pierre , Ghosh Shreya , Adefisayo Oyindamola , Buglino John , Shuman Stewart , Glickman Michael
Published: March 2022

Antibiotic resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is exclusively a consequence of chromosomal mutations. Translesion synthesis (TLS) is a widely conserved mechanism of DNA damage tolerance and mutagenesis, executed by translesion polymerases such as DinBs. In mycobacteria, DnaE2 is the only known agent of TLS and the role of DinB polymerases is unknown. Here we demonstrate that mycobacterial DinB1 abets insertion and deletion frameshift mutagenesis in homo-oligonucleotide runs. DinB1 is the primary mediator of spontaneous −1 frameshift mutations in homo-oligonucleotide runs whereas DnaE2 and DinBs are redundant in DNA damage-induced −1 frameshift mutagenesis. DinB1 also promotes missense mutations conferring resistance to rifampicin, with a mutational signature distinct from that of DnaE2. These results highlight DinB1 and DnaE2 as drivers of mycobacterial genome diversification with relevance to antimicrobial resistance and host adaptation.
Sleep-like changes in neural processing emerge during sleep deprivation in early auditory cortex
Authors: Marmelshtein Amit , Nir Yuval
Published: March 2022

Insufficient sleep is commonplace in modern lifestyle and can lead to grave outcomes, yet the changes in neuronal activity accumulating over hours of extended wakefulness remain poorly understood. Specifically, which aspects of cortical processing are affected by sleep deprivation (SD), and whether they also affect early sensory regions, remains unclear. Here, we recorded spiking activity in rat auditory cortex along with polysomnography while presenting sounds during SD followed by recovery sleep. We found that frequency tuning, onset responses, and spontaneous firing rates were largely unaffected by SD. By contrast, SD decreased entrainment to rapid (≥20 Hz) click-trains, increased population synchrony, and increased the prevalence of sleep-like stimulus-induced silent periods, even when ongoing activity was similar. Recovery NREM sleep was associated with similar effects as SD with even greater magnitude, while auditory processing during REM sleep was similar to vigilant wakefulness. Our results show that processes akin to those in NREM sleep invade the activity of cortical circuits during SD, already in early sensory cortex.
LOXL2-dependent deacetylation of aldolase A induces metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression
Authors: Jiao Ji-Wei , Zhan Xiu-Hui , Wang Juan-Juan , He Li-Xia , Guo Zhen-Chang , Xu Xiu-E , Liao Lian-Di , Huang Xin , Wen Bing , Xu Yi-Wei , Hu Hai , Neufeld Gera , Chang Zhi-Jie , Zhang Kai , Xu Li-Yan , Li En-Min
Published: March 2022

Lysyl-oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) regulates extracellular matrix remodeling and promotes tumor invasion and metastasis. Altered metabolism is a core hallmark of cancer, however, it remains unclear whether and how LOXL2 contributes to tumor metabolism. Here, we found that LOXL2 and its catalytically inactive L2Δ13 splice variant also function as novel deacetylases that trigger metabolic reprogramming during malignant transformation. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that L2Δ13-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed perturbed glucose and lipid metabolism, which was associated with increased hepatic fibrosis and enhanced formation of precancerous lesions induced by chemical carcinogens, such as carbon tetrachloride and N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine. Furthermore, both LOXL2 and L2Δ13 boosted glucose metabolism of esophageal tumor cells, thereby facilitating tumor cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LOXL2 and L2Δ13 interacted physically with several glycolic proteins including aldolase A to enhance their enzymatic activities and mobilization from the actin cytoskeleton. Using SILAC followed by proteomic analysis, we identified LOXL2 as a deacetylase targeting metabolic proteins in esophageal cancer. Importantly, both LOXL2 and L2Δ13 directly catalyzed the deacetylation of aldolase A at K13, resulting in enhanced glycolysis which subsequently reprogramed tumor metabolism and promoted tumor progression. High level expression of LOXL2/L2Δ13 combined with decreased acetylation of aldolase-K13 predicted poor clinical outcome in patients with esophageal cancer. In summary, we have characterized a novel molecular mechanism that mediates the pro-tumorigenic activity of LOXL2 independently of its classical amine oxidase activity. These findings may enable the future development of therapeutic agents targeting the metabolic machinery via LOXL2 or L2Δ13.
ULK4 and Fused/STK36 interact to mediate assembly of a motile flagellum
Authors: McCoy Ciaran J. , Paupelin-Vaucelle Humbeline , Gorilak Peter , Beneke Tom , Varga Vladimir , Gluenz Eva
Published: March 2022

Unc-51-like kinase (ULK) family serine-threonine protein kinase homologs have been linked to the function of motile cilia in diverse species. Mutations in Fused/STK36 and ULK4 in mice resulted in hydrocephalus and other phenotypes consistent with ciliary defects. How either protein contributes to the assembly and function of motile cilia is not well understood. Here we studied the phenotypes of ULK4 and Fused gene knockout (KO) mutants in the flagellated protist Leishmania mexicana. Both KO mutants exhibited a variety of structural defects of the flagellum cytoskeleton. Biochemical approaches indicate spatial proximity of these proteins and indicates a direct interaction between the N-terminus of LmxULK4 and LmxFused. Both proteins display a dispersed localisation throughout the cell body and flagellum, with enrichment near the flagellar base and tip. Fused/STK36 was previously shown to localise to mammalian motile cilia and we demonstrate here that ULK4 also localises to the motile cilia in mouse ependymal cells. Taken together these data suggest a model where the pseudokinase ULK4 is a positive regulator of the kinase Fused/STK36 in a pathway required for stable assembly of motile cilia.

Summary Statement

Knockout phenotypes in Leishmania, and confirmation of ULK4 ciliary localisation in mouse, show ULK4 and Fused/STK36 interact in a conserved pathway for stable assembly of motile cilia.
A photoswitchable ligand targeting β1-adrenoceptor enables light-control of the cardiac rhythm
Authors: Duran-Corbera Anna , Faria Melissa , Ma Yuanyuan , Prats Eva , Dias André , Catena Juanlo , Martinez Karen L. , Raldua Demetrio , Llebaria Amadeu , Rovira Xavier
Published: March 2022

Catecholamine-triggered β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) signaling is essential for the correct functioning of the heart. Although both β1- and β2-AR subtypes are expressed in cardiomyocytes, drugs selectively targeting β1-AR have proven this receptor as the main target for the therapeutic effects of beta blockers in heart. Here, we report a new strategy for the spatiotemporal control of β1-AR activation by means of light-regulated drugs with a high level of β1-/β2-AR selectivity. All reported molecules allow for an efficient real time optical control of receptor function in vitro. Moreover, using confocal microscopy we demonstrate that the binding of our best hit, pAzo-2, can be reversibly photocontrolled. Strikingly, pAzo-2 also enables a dynamic cardiac rhythm management on alive zebrafish larvae using light, thus highlighting the therapeutic and research potential of the developed photoswitches. Overall, this work provides the first proof of precise control of the therapeutic target β1-AR in native environments using light.
Elevated HLA-E and NKG2A as a Consequence of Chronic Immune Activation Defines Resistance to M. bovis BCG Immunotherapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ranti D. , Wang Y.A. , Daza J. , Bieber C. , Salomé B. , Merritt E. , Cavallo J.A. , Hegewisch-Solloa E. , Mace E.M. , Farkas A.M. , Shroff S. , Patel F. , Tran M. , Strandgaard T. , Lindskrog S. V. , Dyrskjøt L. , Qi J. , Patel M. , Geanon D. , Kelly G. , de Real R.M. , Lee B. , Kim-Schulze S. , Thin T.H. , Garcia-Barros M. , Beaumont K.G. , Ravichandran H. , Hu Y. , Wang Y-C. , Wang L. , LaRoche D. , lee Y. , Sebra R.P. , Brody R. , Elemento O. , Tocheva A. , Hopkins B. D. , Wiklund P. , Zhu J. , Galsky M.D. , Bhardwaj N. , Sfakianos J.P. , Horowitz A.
Published: March 2022

Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the first-line treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), promotes the production of inflammatory cytokines, particularly interferon (IFN)-γ. Prolonged inflammation and IFN-γ exposure are known to cause an adaptive immune response, enabling immune escape and proliferation by tumor cells. We investigated HLA-E and NKG2A, a novel T and NK cell checkpoint pathway, as a driver of adaptive resistance in BCG unresponsive NMIBC. We observed ubiquitous inflammation in all patients after BCG immunotherapy, regardless of recurrence status. IFN-γ was shown to drive tumor expression of HLA-E and PD-L1. Further, NKG2A-expressing NK and CD8 T cells were enriched in BCG unresponsive tumors and with enhanced capacity for cytolytic functions. Strikingly, in situ spatial analyses revealed that HLA-EHIGH tumors are activated to recruit NK and T cells via chemokine production, potentially sparing HLA-ELOW tumors that would otherwise be susceptible to lysis. Finally, blood-derived NK cells retained anti-tumor functions at the time of tumor recurrence. These data support combined NKG2A and PD-L1 blockade for BCG unresponsive disease.
Climate biogeography ofArabidopsis thaliana:linking distribution models and individual variation
Authors: Yim Christina , Bellis Emily S. , DeLeo Victoria L. , Gamba Diana , Muscarella Robert , Lasky Jesse R.
Published: March 2022

AIM

Patterns of individual variation are key to testing hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying biogeographic patterns. However, it is challenging to gather data on individual-level variation at large spatial scales. Model organisms are potentially important systems for biogeographical studies, given the available range-wide natural history collections, and the importance of providing biogeographical context to their genetic and phenotypic diversity.

LOCATION

Global

TAXON

Arabidopsis thaliana(“Arabidopsis”)

METHODS

We fit occurrence records to climate data, and then projected the distribution of Arabidopsis under last glacial maximum, current, and future climates. We confronted model predictions with individual performance measured on 2,194 herbarium specimens, and we asked whether predicted suitability was associated with life-history and genomic variation measured on ∼900 natural accessions.

RESULTS

The most important climate variables constraining the Arabidopsis distribution were winter cold in northern and high elevation regions and summer heat in southern regions. Herbarium specimens from regions with lower habitat suitability in both northern and southern regions were smaller, supporting the hypothesis that the distribution of Arabidopsis is constrained by climate-associated factors. Climate anomalies partly explained interannual variation in herbarium specimen size, but these did not closely correspond to local limiting factors identified in the distribution model. Late-flowering genotypes were absent from the lowest suitability regions, suggesting slower life histories are only viable closer to the center of the realized niche. We identified glacial refugia farther north than previously recognized, as well as refugia concordant with previous population genetic findings. Lower latitude populations, known to be genetically distinct, are most threatened by future climate change. The recently colonized range of Arabidopsis was well-predicted by our native-range model applied to certain regions but not others, suggesting it has colonized novel climates.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Integration of distribution models with performance data from vast natural history collections is a route forward for testing biogeographical hypotheses about species distributions and their relationship with evolutionary fitness across large scales.
Application of high-throughput, high-depth, targeted single-nucleus DNA sequencing in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Haochen , Karnoub Elias-Ramzey , Umeda Shigeaki , Chaligné Ronan , Masilionis Ignas , McIntyre Caitlin A. , Hayashi Akimasa , Sashittal Palash , Zucker Amanda , Mullen Katelyn , Makohon-Moore Alvin , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A.
Published: March 2022

Despite insights gained by bulk DNA sequencing of cancer it remains challenging to resolve the admixture of normal and tumor cells, and/or of distinct tumor subclones; high throughput single-cell DNA sequencing circumvents these and brings cancer genomic studies to higher resolution. However, its application has been limited to liquid tumors or a small batch of solid tumors, mainly because of the lack of a scalable workflow to process solid tumor samples. Here we optimized a highly automated nuclei extraction workflow that achieved fast and reliable targeted single-nucleus DNA library preparation of 38 samples from 16 pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, with an average library yield per sample of 2867 single nuclei. We demonstrate that this workflow not only performs well using low cellularity or low tumor purity samples but reveals novel genomic evolution patterns of PDAC as well.
Hippo Signaling Cofactor, WWTR1, at the Crossroads of Human Trophoblast Progenitor Self-Renewal and Differentiation
Authors: Ray Soma , Saha Abhik , Ghosh Ananya , Roy Namrata , Kumar Ram P , Meinhardt Gudrun , Mukerjee Abhirup , Gunewardena Sumedha , Kumar Rajnish , Knöfler Martin , Paul Soumen
Published: March 2022

Healthy progression of human pregnancy relies on cytotrophoblast progenitor (CTB) self-renewal and their differentiation towards multi-nucleated syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). However, underlying molecular mechanisms that fine-tune CTB self-renewal or direct their differentiation towards STBs or EVTs during human placentation are poorly defined. Here, we show that hippo signaling cofactor WW Domain Containing Transcription Regulator 1 (WWTR1) is a master regulator of trophoblast fate choice during human placentation. Using human trophoblast stem cells (human TSCs), primary CTBs and human placental explants, we demonstrate that WWTR1 promotes self-renewal in human CTBs and is essential for their differentiation to EVTs. In contrast, WWTR1 prevents induction of STB fate in undifferentiated CTBs. Our single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses in first-trimester human placenta along with mechanistic analyses in human TSCs revealed that WWTR1 fine-tunes trophoblast fate by directly regulating Wnt signaling components. Importantly, our analyses of placentae from pathological pregnancies show that extreme preterm birth (gestational time ≤28weeks) and intrauterine growth restriction along with preeclampsia (IUGR/PE) are often associated with loss of WWTR1 expression in CTBs. In summary, our findings establish a critical importance of WWTR1 at the crossroads of human trophoblast progenitor self-renewal vs. differentiation. It plays positive instructive roles to promote CTB self-renewal and EVT differentiation and safeguards undifferentiated CTBs from obtaining the STB fate.

SIGNIFICANCE

Human pregnancy relies on formation of the transient organ placenta and trophoblast cells are the major building blocks of the placenta. A defect in trophoblast progenitor self-renewal or their differentiation is associated with either pregnancy loss or pathological pregnancies, yet underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate trophoblast differentiation are poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that WWTR1, a transcription cofactor and a component of conserved Hippo signaling pathway, optimizes trophoblast progenitor self-renewal and is essential for their differentiation into the invasive extravillous trophoblast cell lineage. Our findings establish WWTR1 as a critical regulator for success in human placentation and progression of a healthy pregnancy.
Molecular conflicts disrupting centromere assembly contribute to Xenopus hybrid inviability
Authors: Kitaoka Maiko , Smith Owen K. , Straight Aaron F. , Heald Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Although central to evolution, the causes of hybrid inviability that drive reproductive isolation are poorly understood. Embryonic lethality occurs when eggs of the frog X. tropicalis are fertilized with either X. laevis or X. borealis sperm. We observed that distinct subsets of paternal chromosomes failed to assemble functional centromeres, causing their mis-segregation during embryonic cell divisions. Core centromere DNA sequence analysis revealed little conservation among the three species, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms that normally operate to maintain centromere integrity are disrupted on specific paternal chromosomes in hybrids. In vitro reactions combining X. tropicalis egg extract with either X. laevis or X. borealis sperm chromosomes revealed that paternally matched or over-expressed centromeric histone CENP-A and its chaperone HJURP could rescue centromere assembly on affected chromosomes in interphase nuclei. However, whereas the X. laevis chromosomes maintained centromeric CENP-A in metaphase, X. borealis chromosomes did not, and also displayed ultra-thin regions containing ribosomal DNA. Both centromere assembly and morphology of X. borealis mitotic chromosomes could be rescued by inhibiting RNA Polymerase I or by preventing collapse of stalled DNA replication forks. These results indicate that specific paternal centromeres are inactivated in hybrids due to disruption of associated chromatin regions that interfere with CENP-A incorporation, at least in some cases due to conflicts between replication and transcription machineries. Thus, our findings highlight the dynamic nature of centromere maintenance and its susceptibility to disruption in vertebrate interspecies hybrids.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY

Centromere incompatibilities in inviable Xenopus hybrids are sequence-independent and result from disruption of epigenetic pathways required for centromere maintenance.
Intragenomic rearrangements in SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses
Authors: Patarca Roberto , Haseltine William A.
Published: March 2022

Variation of the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been the bane of COVID-19 control. Documented variation includes point mutations, deletions, insertions, and recombination among closely or distantly related coronaviruses. Here, we describe yet another aspect of genome variation by beta- and alphacoronaviruses. Specifically, we report numerous genomic insertions of 5’-untranslated region sequences into coding regions of SARS-CoV-2, other betacoronaviruses, and alphacoronaviruses. To our knowledge this is the first systematic description of such insertions. In many cases, these insertions change viral protein sequences and further foster genomic flexibility and viral adaptability through insertion of transcription regulatory sequences in novel positions within the genome. Among human Embecorivus betacoronaviruses, for instance, from 65% to all of the surveyed sequences in publicly available databases contain 5’-UTR-derived inserted sequences. In limited instances, there is mounting evidence that these insertions alter the fundamental biological properties of mutant viruses. Intragenomic rearrangements add to our appreciation of how variants of SARS-CoV-2 and other beta- and alphacoronaviruses may arise.

Significance

Understanding mechanisms of variation in coronaviruses is vital to control of their associated diseases. Beyond point mutations, insertions, deletions and recombination, we here describe for the first time intragenomic rearrangements and their relevance to changes in transmissibility, immune escape and/or virulence documented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Exploring factors affecting mobile-banking app adoption: a perspective from adaptive structuration theory
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Hameed Abdul , Moin Muhammad Farrukh , Khan Naseer Abbas
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The study has two aims: first, it aimed to investigate the impact of contextual factors (such as information quality, service quality, system quality, trust in applications (app) and COVID-19 health anxiety) on the intention to use the Mobile Payment (MP) app, and subsequently, the actual use of the app. Second, the aim of this study is whether the COVID-19 threat has a moderating influence on the relationship between customers' intent to use MP app and the actual use of MP app.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected through an online survey from 341 Mobile Banking (MB) app users from Pakistan to empirically analyze the relationship between service quality, system quality, information quality, trust in the app, COVID-19 health anxiety and COVID-19 threat, intentions to use MB-app and actual use of MB-app.

Findings

The empirical analysis of the data collected from MB-app users from Pakistan shows that service quality, system quality, information quality, trust in the app and COVID-19 health anxiety positively related to intentions to use MB-app, consequently affect the actual use of MB-app. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the COVID-19 threat positively moderates the relationship between intentions to use MB-app and actual use of MB-app.

Originality/value

Although, prior research established a positive impact of mobile apps on customer service and consumer satisfaction. Yet, it is not clear which factors influence customers to adopt MB-app. This study contributes to the research on MB-apps based on adaptive structuration theory and examines the technological factors and contextual factors that collectively explain when and how individuals decide to adopt MB-app.
Encouraging pro-environmental consumption behaviour amongst Gen-Y consumers: right messages to different consumers?
Authors: Nguyen Hung Vu , Do Long Thanh , Le Mai Thi Thu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Media information is often considered critical to foster pro-environmental consumption behaviours (PECB). However, empirical evidence was inconsistent about the impact of environmental information exposure on the behaviours. Thus, the study aims to clarify that impact by investigating three different types of environmental information. Moreover, the study posited that consumers who hold different environment-related values may be receptive to and influenced differently by these types of information.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 259 Gen-Y consumers in urban areas. The data were analysed for measure reliabilities and validities before hypotheses were tested using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions.

Findings

The results revealed that the environmental problem-, action- and effectiveness-related information exposure affects pro-environmental personal norms (PNs) which then influence the behaviours. More importantly, the influences of action-related information and effectiveness-related information on PNs were moderated differently by egoistic values held by consumers.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of information-value congruence in designing effective media campaigns.
Examining the influence of customer-brand relationship constructs and bandwagon effect on brand loyalty
Authors: Anantharaman Rajesh , Prashar Sanjeev , Tata Sai Vijay
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Organizations are being compelled to revamp their loyalty programs due to the increase in digital transactions, customer acquisition costs and competition in the loyalty market. Given the significance of consumer-brand relationships, businesses must quickly identify the relationships that best elicit brand loyalty. Thus, this study seeks to develop a comprehensive model about the consumer-brand relationship that encompasses the following constructs: brand trust, brand satisfaction, brand preference, brand affect, brand equity, brand image, commitment, variety seeking, and relationship length, and their influence on brand loyalty. The study also investigates the impact of the bandwagon effect, in tandem with the aforesaid antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set comprising 248 consumers in India was used to validate the measures and test the hypotheses. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesis. The data analysis was carried out on R version 4.0.2.

Findings

The study found that all the selected constructs exert influence on brand loyalty, although commitment, brand equity and brand preference exhibited the strongest impact. The bandwagon effect also demonstrated a strong effect.

Originality/value

This study advances the field's understanding of information processing through a consolidated meta-view of various consumer-brand relationship constructs along with bandwagon effects. Perhaps the most important contribution is shedding light on the influence of bandwagon effects on brand loyalty.
Decision support system for tower crane location and material supply point in construction sites using an integer linear programming model
Authors: Amiri Roya , Majrouhi Sardroud Javad , Momenaei Kermani Vahid
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The site layout has a significant impact on the efficiency of construction operations. Planning an effective site layout partly involves identifying and positioning temporary facilities such as tower cranes and areas on the jobsite for materials storage. This study proposes an approach to optimizing the type and location of the tower crane and material supply point on construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is formulated into an integer linear programming (ILP) model considering the total cost of material transportation as the objective function and site conditions as constraints. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated by finding the optimum site layout for a numerical example. The proposed model is validated and verified using two methods.

Findings

Results indicate that the proposed model successfully identifies the type and location of the tower crane and the location of material supply point, leading to approximately 20% cost reduction compared with when such features of a site layout are decided solely based on experience and educated guesses of the construction manager.

Originality/value

The primary contribution of this study is to present a modified linear mathematical model for site layout optimization that exhibits improved performance compared with previous models. The type and location of the tower crane and the material supply point as decision variables are extracted directly from solving the proposed model. The proposed model will help enhance time and cost efficiency on construction sites.
Corona fear and e-commerce adoption in an emerging economy: paradigm shift of consumer intention
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Khan Komal Akram
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The lockdown in the spring of 2020 significantly disrupted businesses. Unquestionably, countless dealers who had to shut their shops for weeks were hit hardest by the crisis. Similarly, consumers also face many difficulties, especially in emerging economies. At this time, e-commerce is the only available option that people can use to fulfill their needs. In developing states, people prefer to buy things from shops. Hence, it raises a concern about whether people will adopt e-commerce in the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to examine the consumers’ intention to adopt e-commerce by incorporating corona fear as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical techniques applied to the data set were confirmatory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings depict that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, perceived lack of alternatives are positively and significantly connected with the intention to adopt e-commerce. However, perceived risk, perceived behavioral control and attitude have a positive but insignificant effect. Additionally, moderating analysis results depict that corona fear moderates the associations between perceived risk, perceived usefulness, subjective norms and attitude. However, no moderating effect is found in perceived ease of use and perceived behavioral control.

Originality/value

The present research is the initial attempt that analyzes consumers’ intention to accept e-commerce during the corona pandemic in a country like Pakistan, where the trend of physical shopping is more favorable among consumers. Also, it includes the moderating role of corona fear to understand how this fear has shaped the consumers’ intention to shop online? Additionally, the technology acceptance model framework is expanded by including perceived risk and perceived lack of alternatives in the research model.
Beyond simple messaging: a review of crisis communication research in hospitality and tourism
Authors: Liu-Lastres Bingjie
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Crisis communication is an essential component of crisis management in hospitality and tourism. Yet few studies have offered a clear impression of the state of knowledge in this area. As one of the early conceptual attempts, this study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by analyzing, comparing and synthesizing the literature in crisis communication and hospitality and tourism research. This study also proposes a transactional and dynamic crisis communication model that lays the conceptual foundation for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was guided by a theory synthesis approach and analyzed the related literature. More specifically, this study conducted a rapid review of the general crisis communication research and a conventional, systematic review of crisis communication research in hospitality and tourism. Based on the review findings, this study further develops a transactive and dynamic crisis communication model in hospitality and tourism, which is fundamental for future studies in this area.

Findings

The findings of this study are presented through a literature review of general crisis communication research and crisis communication research in hospitality and tourism and the development of a transactive and dynamic crisis communication model in hospitality and tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This study reviews the literature and develops an integrated model for crisis communication in hospitality and tourism. The findings of this study lay the conceptual foundation for crisis communication in hospitality and tourism and reveal future research venues.

Practical implications

By offering a state-of-the-art review and developing an integrated conceptual model, the findings of this study can help bridge the gaps between academics and practices as well as serve as references for practitioners to identify and develop effective crisis responses.

Originality/value

This paper represents an early effort to review crisis communication research in hospitality and tourism and conceptualize the subject area through an integrated model. The findings of this study contribute to the further conceptual development of crisis communication in hospitality and tourism.
Economic policy uncertainty and other determinants of corporate cash holdings of Australian energy companies
Authors: Trinh Nga Thu , Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien , Nghiem Son Hong
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate a new determinant of corporate cash holdings of Australian energy firms: economic policy uncertainty (EPU). Based on two motives for holding cash: precautionary and speculative motives, the authors argue that EPU increases financing constraints or induces firms to postpone investment projects, thereby increasing their cash holdings. The authors examine whether the Australian policy-related economic uncertainty affects cash holdings of Australian energy companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a data set of Australian energy firms from 2010 to 2020 and the Australian EPU index, which measures the uncertainty in economic policy, using news coverage of eight major Australian newspapers. To address the potential endogeneity bias and ensure the robustness of the results, three models are used: ordinary least squares, fixed-effects and dynamic generalized method of moments.

Findings

The authors find that the EPU index has a significant and positive effect on cash holdings, after controlling for firm-specific factors. While firm size and dividend payments have mixed and insignificant effects, other determinants are significant, such as growth opportunities, net working capital, cash flow, cash flow risk, leverage and capital expenditure. The authors also find that the positive effect of EPU on cash holdings is not the manifestation of EPU affecting corporate investments but rather explained by financing constraints.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for policymakers and regulators in Australia as the uncertainty of their economic policies plays an important role when Australian energy companies determine their cash holding level to manage liquidity risks.

Originality/value

This study is the first to document EPU index as the new determinant of corporate cash holdings of Australian energy companies. Firms in this sector have a great need of funding and liquidity for their operations and capital-intensive projects. High EPU index induces them to hold more cash to avoid liquidity shocks.
The market for energy advice in Germany: a progress review
Authors: Ringel Marc , Mjekic Saranda , Knodt Michèle
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to update a 2017 review of trends, barriers and outlooks for the future of the energy advice services market in Germany, as perceived by market actors. With growing national and European ambitions for comprehensive energy renovations, lessons for a functioning energy sector management can be drawn that are valid at European and international level.

Design/methodology/approach

This review combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches, using a survey covering over 500 energy advisors and follow-up qualitative stakeholder interviews. Based on the present market, this study seeks to identify feedback on regulatory measures to promote market development; remaining barriers against further market development; and business and cooperation models for energy services in the building sector.

Findings

Since the last review in 2017/2018, market development has tended to stagnate, despite a strong government commitment to boost energy services markets. Significant barriers persist, many of which are related to government regulation. These barriers discourage homeowners to engage in energy renovations. To support innovative business models, regulatory complexity needs to be reduced. European Union lawmakers and German Government need to take action to facilitate access to advice services.

Originality/value

This paper provides the latest, updated sectoral overview of Europe’s biggest energy service market as perceived by the market actors. It focuses on the analysis of barriers, business models and cooperation models to derive governance options for further triggering market dynamics.
The impact of corporate governance on forward-looking CSR disclosure
Authors: Ananzeh Husam , Alshurafat Hashem , Bugshan Abdullah , Hussainey Khaled
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on forward-looking corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure (FCSRD).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the manual content analysis to measure FCSRD for a sample of 94 companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2016. Data on companies' FCSRD are manually collected from annual reports. The authors also use regression analyses to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that board size positively affects FCSRD, while CEO duality and family ownership negatively impact FCSRD.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first evidence of how governance mechanisms affect FCSR information in corporate annual reports in a developing country.
Challenges resulting from hawala banking for anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing policies of Swiss banks
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Wittmann Chiara
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate threefold how hawala banking poses a problem for Swiss banks implementing anti-money laundering (AML) and anti-terrorist financing (ATF) policies as a fulfilment of Switzerland’s UN commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The first author interviewed compliance officers and suspected criminals on hawala banking mechanisms. The authors formally recorded interviews with compliance officers, but interviews with suspected criminals were not recorded to maximize their potential forthrightness. In total, the authors conducted 70 formal interviews and developed a questionnaire based on this, which was sent to 200 compliance officers. The authors subjected the interviews to qualitative analysis and developed a system of categories that the authors assessed by means of triangulation. By substantiating proposed theoretical challenges with empirical findings, future recommendations for regulatory procedures are based on analytical evidence.

Findings

This study finds that hawala presents significant challenges for AML and ATF policies. Whilst it is possible to mediate the first two challenges laid out herein, it is the third hurdle that proves insurmountable. Ultimately, tolerating hawala banking passively counteracts any active effort made by implementing AML and ATF policies.

Originality/value

Whilst the existing literature sufficiently connects hawala banking to terrorist financing, this study details how existing compliance measures are circumvented and the implications on the perceived commitment of Switzerland against financial crime.
Third-party and creditor rights: provisional attachment under §5 of the Indian PMLA, 2002
Authors: Sethi Sarthak , Davis Kevin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the effect of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 on the property rights of third parties, by evaluating whether the interpretation of the scheme of the PMLA, 2002 results in a deprivation of rights, by virtue of the provision for the provisional attachment of property.[AQ3] In doing so, this paper attempts to consider two sub-categories of third parties that stand affected by §5 of the PMLA, 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

Primarily the authors analyse diverging judgements and case law across various high courts to evaluate the position of law with regards to attachment of property. To reach a precise legal conclusion, the authors consider the composite scheme of the PMLA, 2002 in their analysis.

Findings

It has been concluded that there is a clear lack of judicial cohesion in the interpretation of the PMLA, 2002, and in the absence of a judgement by the Supreme Court of India, enforcement authorities have failed to correctly identify the boundaries of the offence of money laundering, resulting in a dangerous deprivation of rights.

Originality/value

This paper fills a vacuum of detailed scholarship on anti-money laundering provisions in India, while also being contemporaneously relevant, as it considers the effects of the PMLA, 2002 on bona fide economic transactions and secured creditors.
Daily supervisor support, engagement and prosocial behavior: how turnover intentions reduce the resources to pay it forward
Authors: Haynie Jeffrey J. , Varma Virajanand , Ragland Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The authors test the daily perceived supervisor support (PSS) to job engagement relationship with respect to employees' extra-role displays. Additionally, the authors propose employees' turnover intentions (TIs) to minimize these indirect effects when high.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, employees in a field sample responded to a repeated survey spanning ten days to test the proposed model. Study 2, then, used a scenario-based experiment with online panelists as a further test of the model.

Findings

Daily job engagement was found to mediate the relationships of daily PSS with OCBI, where high TI reduced this indirect effect in Study 1. Similar indirect and conditional indirect effects were supported for OCBI and OCBO likelihood in Study 2.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the importance of supervisors' ongoing supportive behaviors extended to their subordinates along with an awareness of employees' TI behavioral signals.

Originality/value

This study adds to research examining the reinforcing nature of PSS on employees' engagement and subsequent citizenship behavior. It also offers a potential boundary condition to such indirect effects by proposing TI as influencing such daily motivational effects.
Smart grid reliability evaluation and assessment
Authors: Mashal Ibrahim
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Smart grid is an integration between traditional electricity grid and communication systems and networks. Providing reliable services and functions is a critical challenge for the success and diffusion of smart grids that needs to be addressed. The purpose of this study is to determine the critical criteria that affect smart grid reliability from the perspective of users and investigate the role big data plays in smart grid reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a model to investigate and identify criteria that influence smart grid reliability from the perspective of users. The model consists of 12 sub-criteria covering big data management, communication system and system characteristics aspects. Multi-criteria decision-making approach is applied to analyze data and prioritize the criteria using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based on the triangular fuzzy numbers. Data was collected from 16 experts in the fields of smart grid and Internet of things.

Findings

The results show that the “Big Data Management” criterion has a significant impact on smart grid reliability followed by the “System Characteristics” criterion. The “Data Analytics” and the “Data Visualization” were ranked as the most influential sub-criteria on smart grid reliability. Moreover, sensitivity analysis has been applied to investigate the stability and robustness of results. The findings of this paper provide useful implications for academicians, engineers, policymakers and many other smart grid stakeholders.

Originality/value

The users are not expected to actively participate in smart grid and its services without understanding their perceptions on smart grid reliability. Very few works have studied smart grid reliability from the perspective of users. This study attempts to fill this considerable gap in literature by proposing a fuzzy model to prioritize smart grid reliability criteria.