bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestational and postnatal age associations for striatal tissue iron deposition in early infancy
Authors: Cabral Laura , Calabro Finn , Rasmussen Jerod , Foran Will , Moore Luci A. , Graham Alice , O’Connor Thomas G , Wadhwa Pathik D , Entringer Sonja , Fair Damien , Buss Claudia , Panigrahy Ashok , Luna Beatriz
Published: July 2023

Striatal development is crucial for later motor, cognitive, and reward behavior, but age-related change in striatal physiology during the neonatal period remains understudied. An MRI-based measure of tissue iron deposition, T2*, is a non-invasive way to probe striatal physiology neonatally, linked to dopaminergic processing and cognition in children and adults. Striatal subregions have distinct functions that may come online at different time periods in early life. To identify if there are critical periods before or after birth, we measured if striatal iron accrued with gestational age at birth [range=34.57-41.85 weeks] or postnatal age at scan [range=5-64 days], using MRI to probe the T2* signal in N=83 neonates in three striatal subregions. We found iron increased with postnatal age in the pallidum and putamen but not the caudate. No significant relationship between iron and gestational age was observed. Using a subset of infants scanned at preschool age (N=26), we show distributions of iron shift between timepoints. In infants, the pallidum had the least iron of the three regions but had the most by preschool age. Together, this provides evidence of distinct change for striatal subregions, a possible differentiation between motor and cognitive systems, identifying a mechanism that may impact future trajectories.

Highlights

Neonatal striatal tissue iron can be measured using the T2* signal from rsfMRI

nT2* changed with postnatal age in the pallidum and putamen but not in the caudate

nT2* did not change with gestational age in any of the three regions

Patterns of iron deposition (nT2*) among regions shift from infancy to preschool
HOXDeRNA activates a cancerous transcription program and super-enhancers genome-wide
Authors: Deforzh Evgeny , Kharel Prakash , Karelin Anton , Ivanov Pavel , Krichevsky Anna M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The origin and genesis of highly malignant and heterogenous glioblastoma brain tumors remain unknown. We previously identified an enhancer-associated long non-coding RNA, LINC01116 (named HOXDeRNA here), that is absent in the normal brain but is commonly expressed in malignant glioma. HOXDeRNA has a unique capacity to transform human astrocytes into glioma-like cells. This work aimed to investigate molecular events underlying the genome-wide function of this lncRNA in glial cell fate and transformation.

Results

Using a combination of RNA-Seq, ChIRP-Seq, and ChIP-Seq, we now demonstrate that HOXDeRNA bindsin transto the promoters of genes encoding 44 glioma-specific transcription factors distributed throughout the genome and derepresses them by removing the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Among the activated transcription factors are the core neurodevelopmental regulators SOX2, OLIG2, POU3F2, and SALL2. This process requires an RNA quadruplex structure of HOXDeRNA that interacts with EZH2. Moreover, HOXDeRNA-induced astrocyte transformation is accompanied by the activation of multiple oncogenes such as EGFR, PDGFR, BRAF, and miR-21, and glioma-specific super-enhancers enriched for binding sites of glioma master transcription factors SOX2 and OLIG2.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that HOXDeRNA overrides PRC2 repression of glioma core regulatory circuitry with RNA quadruplex structure. These findings help reconstruct the sequence of events underlying the process of astrocyte transformation and suggest a driving role for HOXDeRNA and a unifying RNA-dependent mechanism of gliomagenesis.
Substrate displacement of CK1 C-termini regulates kinase specificity
Authors: Cullati Sierra N. , Akizuki Kazutoshi , Chen Jun-Song , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: July 2023

CK1 kinases participate in many signaling pathways; how these enzymes are regulated is therefore of significant biological consequence. CK1s autophosphorylate their C-terminal non-catalytic tails, and eliminating these modifications increases substrate phosphorylation in vitro, suggesting that the autophosphorylated C-termini act as inhibitory pseudosubstrates. To test this prediction, we comprehensively identified the autophosphorylation sites onSchizosaccharomyces pombeHhp1 and human CK1ε. Peptides corresponding to the C-termini interacted with the kinase domains only when phosphorylated, and phosphoablating mutations increased Hhp1 and CK1ε activity towards substrates. Interestingly, substrates competitively inhibited binding of the autophosphorylated tails to the substrate binding grooves. The presence or absence of tail autophosphorylation influenced the catalytic efficiency with which CK1s targeted different substrates, indicating that tails contribute to substrate specificity. Combining this mechanism with autophosphorylation of the T220 site in the catalytic domain, we propose a displacement specificity model to describe how autophosphorylation regulates substrate specificity for the CK1 family.
Decomposing a San Francisco Estuary microbiome using long read metagenomics reveals species and species- and strain-level dominance from picoeukaryotes to viruses
Authors: Lui Lauren M. , Nielsen Torben N.
Published: July 2023

Although long read sequencing has enabled obtaining high-quality and complete prokaryotic genomes from metagenomes, many challenges still remain to completely decompose a metagenome into its constituent genomes. These challenges include obtaining enough biomass, high-molecular weight DNA extraction, determining the appropriate depth of sequencing, and bioinformatics challenges to separate closely related genomes. This study focuses on decomposing an estuarine water metagenome from USGS Station 36 in the South San Francisco Bay into its constituent genomes and counting the number of organisms present. To achieve this, we developed a new bead-based DNA extraction method, a novel bin refinement method, and sequenced the sample with 150 Gbases of nanopore sequencing. With our results, we were able to estimate that there are ∼500 bacteria and archaeal species in our sample, obtain 68 high-quality bins (>90% complete, <5% contamination, ≤5 contigs, no contigs shorter than 100 Kbases, and all ribosomal and necessary tRNA genes). Since we pre-filtered the sample at 11μm and then collected directly on to a 0.1μm filter, we also obtained many contigs of picoeukaryotes, environmental DNA of larger eukaryotes such as mammals, complete mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes, and detected ∼40,000 viral populations. This deep analysis of the taxonomy of the sample down to the strain and individual contig level allowed us to find that among picoeukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses there are likely only a few strains that comprise most of the species abundances. These results also indicate that to truly decompose a metagenome into its constituent genomes, we likely need 1Tbase of sequencing.

If you are reading this preprint, know that this is the paper we wanted to write, but it will likely be shortened for submission to a journal.
Machine learning of enhancer-promoter specificity based on enhancer perturbation studies reveals a distinct class of enhancers
Authors: Barth Dylan , Cardwell Jonathan , Han Mira V.
Published: July 2023

Motivation

Understanding the rules that govern enhancer-driven transcription remains a central unsolved problem in genomics. Now with multiple massively parallel enhancer perturbation assays published, there are enough data that we can utilize to learn to predict enhancer promoter relationships in a data driven manner.

Results

We applied machine learning to one of the largest enhancer perturbation studies integrated with transcription factor and histone modification ChIP-seq. Based on the learned model, we confirmed previously reported rules governing enhancer driven transcription, and we gained some insights that generated new hypotheses, such as a novel role for protecting against replication-transcription conflict at the active enhancers in CHAMP1. We also identified a distinct class of enhancers that drives target promoter transcription, but is not in strong contact with the promoters. There were two clusters of such enhancers that regulatedATG2Aand the histone 1 cluster respectively. These enhancers were different from other typical enhancers, in that they had other strong enhancers nearby, and they also had strong H3K4me3 marks at the target promoters, both patterns that typically predict reduced enhancer influence, but here contributing in the opposite way. In summary, we find that integrating genomic assays with enhancer perturbation studies increases the accuracy of the model, and provides novel insights into the understanding of enhancer driven transcription.

Availability

the trained models and the source code are available athttps://github.com/HanLabUNLV/abic.

Contact:

mira.han@unlv.edu
Structural insights into dual-antagonize mechanism of AB928 on adenosine A2receptors
Authors: Weng Yuan , Yang Xinyu , Zhang Qiansen , Chen Ying , Xu Yueming , Zhu Chenyu , Xie Qiong , Wang Yonghui , Yang Huaiyu , Liu Mingyao , Lu Weiqiang , Song Gaojie
Published: July 2023

The adenosine subfamily G protein-coupled receptors A2AR and A2BR were identified as promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy within recent years. One of the A2AR/A2BR dual antagonist, AB928, has progressed to phase II clinic trial for the treatment of rectal cancer. However, the precise mechanism underlying its dual-antagonistic properties remains elusive. Herein, we report crystal structures of A2AR in complex with AB928 and a selective A2AR antagonist, 2-118. The structures reveal a common binding mode on A2AR, wherein the ligands establish extensive interactions with residues from both the orthosteric pocket and the secondary pocket. Conversely, the cAMP assay together with molecular dynamics simulations conducted on both A2AR and A2BR indicate that the ligands adopt distinct binding modes on A2BR. Detailed analysis of their chemical structures suggests that AB928 can readily adapt to the A2BR pocket, while 2-118 cannot due to its intrinsic differences. This disparity potentially accounts for their divergent inhibitory efficacies between A2BR and A2AR. The findings from this study can serve as valuable structural templates for future development of selective or dual inhibitors targeting A2AR/A2BR in the context of cancer therapy.
A pedagogical approach optimization toward sustainable architectural technology education applied by massive open online courses
Authors: Zhu Bifeng , Zheng Yuan , Ding Manqi , Dai Jie , Liu Gebing , Miao Liting
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The application of massive open online courses (MOOCs) helps integrate sustainable development goals (SDGs) into architectural curricula. The essence of MOOC development is building an education platform that promotes the sharing and continuing of global education resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a four-dimensional evaluation model based on the four characteristics of MOOCs. The quadrilateral area evaluation method is used to create an evaluation radar chart to comprehensively evaluate satisfaction and demand in the traditional teaching model of architectural technology. This study discusses whether the curriculum is suitable for the development of MOOCs and how to optimize the sustainable pedagogical mode according to its characteristics to meet future teaching needs and realize the sustainable development of education.

Findings

Satisfaction evaluation found that current education is not open enough from the students' perspective; therefore, MOOCs enhance students' participation and significantly reduce future learning costs. Through demand evaluation, it was found that both teachers and students believed that the lack of direct and effective communication between them and the difficulty in ensuring the learning effect were problems that must be addressed in MOOCs.

Originality/value

This study focused on the sustainability of MOOCs in curriculum development. It emphasizes the combination of MOOCs' teaching modes and the course itself and provides specific guidance and suggestions for improving the course. It uses an evaluation method for objective analysis and visualization.
A critical appraisal of traditional methods of construction progress monitoring
Authors: Sami Ur Rehman Muhammad , Shafiq Muhammad Tariq , Ullah Fahim , Galal Ahmed Khaled
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the current construction progress monitoring (CPM) process in relation to the contractual obligations, how project management teams carry out this activity in the field and why teams continue to adopt the current method. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current monitoring process and its effectiveness, identify any shortcomings and propose recommendations for improvements that can lead to better project outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 construction management practitioners to explore their views on contractual requirements, traditional progress monitoring practices and advanced monitoring methods. Thematic analysis was used to identify existing processes, practices and incentives for advanced monitoring.

Findings

Standard construction contracts mandate current progress monitoring practices, which often rely on manual, document-centric and labor-intensive methods, leading to slow and erroneous progress reporting and project delays. Key barriers to adopting advanced tools include rigid contractual clauses, lack of incentives and the absence of reliable automated tools. A holistic automated approach that covers the entire CPM process, from planning to claim management, is needed as a viable alternative to traditional practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study's findings can inform researchers, stakeholders and decision-makers about the existing monitoring practices and contribute to enhancing project management practices.

Originality/value

The study identified contractually mandated progress monitoring processes, traditional methods of collecting, transferring, analyzing and dispensing progress-related information and potential incentives and points of departure towards technologically advanced methods.
Seaweed as food: survey of the UK market and appraisal of opportunities and risks in the context of iodine nutrition
Authors: Redway Martha Lucy , Combet Emilie
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Seaweeds are gaining broader interest in Western societies through their use in product development and the health-food industry. High nutritional value, low carbon footprint and sustainability are key drivers for seaweed uptake in Europe; yet high iodine intake from seaweed remains a concern. This study seeks to identify seaweed food products available on the UK retail market between 2018 and 2021 and assess their safety in the context of iodine exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, a market survey (n = 37–40 retailers) was conducted in three annual waves to evaluate seaweed food product availability in the UK. The iodine dose of products was estimated based on a comprehensive literature review of seaweed iodine content.

Findings

This study shows a young, dynamic market with 2.3-fold increase in seaweed food product availability since the last available published data (2015). Specific iodine content labelling remains uncommon, and median iodine doses in a single serving of food exceeded 400 µg in all years. Some products, especially seaweed supplements, provide iodine doses above the tolerable upper limit and upper level of tolerance.

Originality/value

This study presents the most contemporary and comprehensive overview of the market for seaweed food products in the UK. With increasing popularisation of seaweed as a food, this study highlights the need for improved dialogue amongst producers, retailers, legislators and public health specialists to address the risk of iodine excess, and the concurrent scope for processing methods to reduce the iodine content in seaweeds.
A dynamic material distribution scheduling of automotive assembly line considering material-handling errors
Authors: Zhou Binghai , Wen Mingda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In a kitting supply system, the occurrence of material-handling errors is unavoidable and will cause serious production losses to an assembly line. To minimize production losses, this paper aims to present a dynamic scheduling problem of automotive assembly line considering material-handling mistakes by integrating abnormal disturbance into the material distribution problem of mixed-model assembly lines (MMALs).

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-phase dynamic scheduling (MPDS) algorithm is proposed based on the characteristics and properties of the dynamic scheduling problem. In the first phase, the static material distribution scheduling problem is decomposed into three optimization sub-problems, and the dynamic programming algorithm is used to jointly optimize the sub-problems to obtain the optimal initial scheduling plan. In the second phase, a two-stage rescheduling algorithm incorporating removing rules and adding rules was designed according to the status update mechanism of material demand and multi-load AGVs.

Findings

Through comparative experiments with the periodic distribution strategy (PD) and the direct insertion method (DI), the superiority of the proposed dynamic scheduling strategy and algorithm is verified.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to consider the impact of material-handling errors on the material distribution scheduling problem when using a kitting strategy. By designing an MPDS algorithm, this paper aims to maximize the absorption of the disturbance caused by material-handling errors and reduce the production losses of the assembly line as well as the total cost of the material transportation.
An application of data-driven modeling for hydroelasticity of an elastically supported semi-circular pipe conveying fluid
Authors: Xu Jianhang , Li Peng , Yang Yiren
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to develop an efficient data-driven modeling approach for the hydroelastic analysis of a semi-circular pipe conveying fluid with elastic end supports. Besides the structural displacement-dependent unsteady fluid force, the steady one related to structural initial configuration and the variable structural parameters (i.e. the variable support stiffness) are considered in the modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

The steady fluid force is treated as a pipe preload, and the elastically supported pipe-fluid model is dealt with as a prestressed hydroelastic system with variable parameters. To avoid repeated numerical simulations caused by parameter variation, structural and hydrodynamic reduced-order models (ROMs) instead of conventional computational structural dynamics (CSD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers are utilized to produce data for the update of the structural, hydrodynamic and hydroelastic state-space equations. Radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) model as well as proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) algorithm are applied to modeling these two ROMs, and a hybrid framework is proposed to incorporate them.

Findings

The proposed approach is validated by comparing its predictions with theoretical solutions. When the steady fluid force is absent, the predictions agree well with the “inextensible theory”. The pipe always loses its stability via out-of-plane divergence first, regardless of the support stiffness. However, when steady fluid force is considered, the pipe remains stable throughout as flow speed increases, consistent with the “extensible theory”. These results not only verify the accuracy of the present modeling method but also indicate that the steady fluid force, rather than the extensibility of the pipe, is the leading factor for the differences between the in- and extensible theories.

Originality/value

The steady fluid force and the variable structural parameters are considered in the data-driven modeling of a hydroelastic system. Since there are no special restrictions on structural configuration, steady flow pattern and variable structural parameters, the proposed approach has strong portability and great potential application for other hydroelastic problems.
Designing an efficient smoothed point interpolation method for modeling slope deformation
Authors: Qin Jiayu , Xu Nengxiong , Mei Gang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In this paper, the smoothed point interpolation method (SPIM) is used to model the slope deformation. However, the computational efficiency of SPIM is not satisfying when modeling the large-scale nonlinear deformation problems of geological bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the SPIM is used to model the slope deformation. However, the computational efficiency of SPIM is not satisfying when modeling the large-scale nonlinear deformation problems of geological bodies.

Findings

A simple slope model with different mesh sizes is used to verify the performance of the efficient face-based SPIM. The first accelerating strategy greatly enhances the computational efficiency of solving the large-scale slope deformation. The second accelerating strategy effectively improves the convergence of nonlinear behavior that occurred in the slope deformation.

Originality/value

The designed efficient face-based SPIM can enhance the computational efficiency when analyzing large-scale nonlinear slope deformation problems, which can help to predict and prevent potential geological hazards.
Promises and pitfalls: principals using short-cycle school improvement plans to optimize organizational change
Authors: Meyers Coby , Aaron Tiffany , Hitt Dallas Hambrick , VanGronigen Bryan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

School improvement planning has been a central part of school improvement initiatives for decades. Evidence suggests, however, that traditional planning processes are regularly superficial. In the USA, some principals have begun developing short-cycle planning designed to encourage school leadership teams and staff to develop, monitor and adjust plans throughout the academic year.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study of eight schools in one urban district, the authors analyzed multiple rounds of short-cycle improvement plans and principal interview data to assess the progress schools made implementing plans over the course of a semester, the ways in which plans were monitored and adjusted and the extent to which principals embraced short-cycle planning.

Findings

The authors found that many tasks from first semester plans were completed, which informed the development of plans for the second semester. Observational data were primarily used to monitor plan completion, although principals engaged in monitoring but relied on their leadership team to do so. Principals reported regular engagement with plans throughout semester, but plans were seldom adjusted within a semester.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that short-cycle planning is potentially a viable alternative to traditional annual planning as principals communicated being more engaged and adaptive. Still, the evidence also indicated that old habits might be hard to break as school leaders did not monitor and adjust plans frequently enough to guide improvement efforts in relative “real time.”
Digital twin-based warehouse management system: a theoretical toolbox for future research and applications
Authors: Maheshwari Pratik , Kamble Sachin , Kumar Satish , Belhadi Amine , Gupta Shivam
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The digital warehouse management system is an emergence that forms a critical part of the transformation of economic structure in Industry 4.0. In the present business scenario, the warehouse management system encounters a messy layout, poor damage control, unsatisfactory order management, lack of visibility and lack of technological interventions. Digital twin (DT) based warehouse system shows the ontology and knowledge graphs for competitive advantage by consolidating and transferring goods directly from an inbound supplier to an outbound customer on short notice and with no or limited storage. There remains a lack of clarity on how the DT can be implemented successfully in warehouse management.

Design/methodology/approach

The current literature remains largely unstructured and scattered due to a lack of a systematic approach to integrating the research implications and analysis. This paper probes the conceptualization of the DT with the help of theoretical analysis using the systematic literature analysis method.

Findings

The study explores essential concepts such as interoperability and integrability in implementing DT. Further, it analyzes the role of a supply chain control tower (SCCT) in modern supply chain management. A research framework is proposed for practitioners and academicians by incorporating the opportunities and challenges associated with DT implementation. The research findings are mainly threefold: Conceptualization of DT, Featuring SCCT and Exploration of cross-computer platform interfaces, scalability and maintenance strategies.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to analyze and review DT applications in warehouse management. Moreover, the study proposes a theoretical toolbox for the practitioners to successfully implement the DT in warehouse DT-based warehouse management system: A theoretical toolbox for future research and applications.
Do emerging market corporates mimic the payout policy of peers?
Authors: Jain Neeraj , Kashiramka Smita
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of peers on corporate payout policies in one of the largest emerging markets – India. It also examines the motives for mimicking payout decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is composed of 3,024 non-financial and non-government firms listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for the period 1995 to 2020. To encounter the endogeneity problem, the instrumental variable technique based on peer firms' idiosyncratic risk is used to estimate the effects of peers on firms' payout policy. To define peer reference groups, the authors use the basic industry classification of the firms.

Findings

The results indicate a significant positive impact of peers on firms' dividend policies in India. A firm with all dividend-paying peers is more likely to declare dividends than the one with no dividend-paying peers. Further, peer effects are found to be more pronounced amongst larger and older firms, thus supporting the rivalry theory of mimicking.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind that attempts to understand peer effects on payout decisions in an emerging market India, that offers a unique institutional setting. Moreover, the authors extend the existing literature by investigating the peer effects on a firm's payout policies considering various firm-level characteristics, such as growth opportunity, cash holding, financial constraint and profitability, which previous studies have not taken into consideration. These results provide additional insights into the heterogeneity and motives behind peer effects.
The informative potential of bibliographic classification systems – reflections on a discussion in the French Documentation Movement
Authors: Hansson Joacim
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In this article, the author discusses works from the French Documentation Movement in the 1940s and 1950s with regard to how it formulates bibliographic classification systems as documents. Significant writings by Suzanne Briet, Éric de Grolier and Robert Pagès are analyzed in the light of current document-theoretical concepts and discussions.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual analysis.

Findings

The French Documentation Movement provided a rich intellectual environment in the late 1940s and early 1950s, resulting in original works on documents and the ways these may be represented bibliographically. These works display a variety of approaches from object-oriented description to notational concept-synthesis, and definitions of classification systems as isomorph documents at the center of politically informed critique of modern society.

Originality/value

The article brings together historical and conceptual elements in the analysis which have not previously been combined in Library and Information Science literature. In the analysis, the article discusses significant contributions to classification and document theory that hitherto have eluded attention from the wider international Library and Information Science research community. Through this, the article contributes to the currently ongoing conceptual discussion on documents and documentality.
How can big data analytics improve outbound logistics in the UK retail sector? A qualitative study
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Essien Aniekan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how big data analytics (BDA) as a potential information technology (IT) innovation can facilitate the retail logistics supply chain (SC) from the perspective of outbound logistics operations in the United Kingdom. The authors' goal was to better understand how BDA can be integrated to streamline SCs and logistical networks by using the technology, organisational and environmental model.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied existing theoretical foundations for theory building based on semi-structured interviews with 15 SC and logistics managers.

Findings

The perceived benefits of using BDA in outbound retail logistics comprised the strongest predictor amongst technological, organisational and environmental issues, followed by top management support (TMS). A framework was proposed for the adoption of BDA in retail logistics. Contextual concepts from previous literature have helped us understand how environmental changes impact BDA decision-making, as such: (i) SC maturity levels and connectivity affect BDA utilisation, (ii) connected SCs improve data accessibility and information exchange, (iii) the benefits of BDAs also affect adoption and (iv) outsourcing complex tasks to experts allows companies to focus on core businesses instead of investing in IT infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

Outside the key findings listed, this study shows that there is no one-size-fits-it-all approach for use within all organisational settings. The proposed framework reveals that the perceived benefit of BDA is non-transferrable and requires top-level management support for successful implementation.

Originality/value

The existing literature focusses on the approaches to applying BDA in SC and logistics but fails to present a deep dive into retail outbound logistics activity. This study addresses the “how” and proposes a social-inclusive framework for a technology-enabled topic.
A new angle on SMEs' competitiveness. How do agility capabilities affect a firm's competitive position?
Authors: Zastempowski Maciej , Cyfert Szymon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to explain how agility capabilities (competence, flexibility, responsiveness and speed) influence the chance of improving a small and medium-sized enterprise's (SME's) competitive position, measured by market share and profit.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining organisational agility with competitiveness, the authors analysed how an SME's activities in the field of agility capabilities – competence, flexibility, responsiveness and speed – influence the chance of improving their competitive position. Data were collected from 1,286 SMEs from Poland using the computer-assisted personal interviews method (CAPI). To analyse the data, the authors used logistic regression and odds ratios.

Findings

The study provides empirical evidence of the relationship between agility capabilities and an SME's competitive position. First, the results suggest that all the studied agility capabilities positively impact SMEs' competitive position. Second, the study shows that seeking to increase market share requires particular attention to flexibility, the impact of which is slightly higher than that of the other variables. Third, the findings suggest that the drive to increase profitability requires an appreciation of responsiveness and competence.

Originality/value

The literature contains much discussion about the relationship between agility capabilities and a company's competitive position. However, these studies refer to large companies, whilst the question of the relationship between agility capabilities and competitive position amongst SMEs remains mainly unanswered, which given SMEs' contribution to the creation of economic growth, seems difficult to understand. Although small companies are by nature highly flexible, due to the size of the companies' operations and flattened and decentralised structure, companies' competitive potential is limited as a result of the limited resources that can be devoted to developing procedures for change.
Big data-assisted urban governance: forecasting social events with a periodicity by employing different time series algorithms
Authors: Zhang Zicheng , Lin Xinyue , Shan Shaonan , Yin Zhaokai
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze government hotline text data and generating forecasts could enable the effective detection of public demands and help government departments explore, mitigate and resolve social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, social problems were determined and analyzed by using the time attributes of government hotline data. Social public events with periodicity were quantitatively analyzed via the Prophet model. The Prophet model is decided after running a comparison study with other widely applied time series models. The validation of modeling and forecast was conducted for social events such as travel and educational services, human resources and public health.

Findings

The results show that the Prophet algorithm could generate relatively the best performance. Besides, the four types of social events showed obvious trends with periodicities and holidays and have strong interpretable results.

Originality/value

The research could help government departments pay attention to time dependency and periodicity features of the hotline data and be aware of early warnings of social events following periodicity and holidays, enabling them to rationally allocate resources to handle upcoming social events and problems and better promoting the role of the big data structure of government hotline data sets in urban governance innovations.
Hope during the COVID-19 lockdown – the role of organization interventions
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Mallawaarachchi Chamudi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study aims to investigate organization interventions experienced by employees during the lockdown for Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and the effect of these organization interventions on hope.

Design/methodology/approach

The respondents for the study were employees in full-time white-collar or professional job positions; they performed their job roles by way of work from home (WFH) in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 lockdown. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Results showed that employees maintained high levels of hope while working from home. The study identified four organization interventions that (a) promote collaborative and coordinated work, (b) promote meaningful goals and a sense of social support, (c) alleviate psychological strain and (d) assist in maintaining physical health. These four organization interventions increased hope during the COVID-19 lockdown while working from home.

Originality/value

The literature calls for research on intervention studies explaining the promotion of hope. The present study was built on the theories of positive organizational behaviour, conservation of resources theory and hope theory. The findings support that these three traditional theories have lasting theoretical resonance in explaining present-day phenomena with unique applications.
Liquidity management by mutual funds
Authors: Popescu Marius , Xu Zhaojin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The paper examines how equity mutual funds manage their liquidity. Specifically, the authors investigate what strategies fund managers use to meet investor redemption demand, whether these strategies vary over time, whether different type of funds employ different liquidation practices in response to fund outflows, and whether liquidity strategies impact fund performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of U.S. actively managed equity funds over the period 1990–2019. The authors use three different measures to capture funds' liquidity management practices. The authors examine the relationship between fund liquidity measures and net flow by estimating panel regressions over the entire sample period, on 2 sub-sample periods of different market conditions measured by the magnitude of implied market volatility (VIX), and on 2 sub-samples of funds with different liquidity profiles. The authors also examine the relationship between funds liquidity status and near-term performance through both a portfolio approach and regression analysis.

Findings

The authors find that on average, mutual funds reduce their cash position and the most liquid asset holdings to meet investor redemption demand. Furthermore, the authors find that fund managers choose different liquidity strategies under different market conditions. During highly volatile markets, mutual funds use cash and their most liquid assets to meet redemption demand while maintaining their portfolio liquidity. During low volatility markets, mutual funds rely heavily on cash but less on liquidity assets and tend to increase their portfolio illiquidity. Upon further examination of funds across portfolio liquidity profiles, the authors find that liquid funds increase portfolio liquidity when facing outflows, whereas illiquid funds maintain their portfolio liquidity position. The different liquidity strategies have significant impact on funds' near-term performance. Specifically, liquid funds underperform illiquid funds following the increase in their portfolio liquidity.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on liquidity management by asset managers by taking a holistic approach to examine funds liquidation practice at the portfolio holdings level. Considering the recent increase in market volatility, mutual fund liquidity management has drawn an increasing share of interest and attention from policy makers, investment professionals, and academia. This study covers both uncertain and stable market states during a long sample period and provides empirical evidence on the flow-induced liquidation decisions by equity mutual funds. In addition, this paper also contributes to the literature on mutual fund performance by providing evidence that funds' liquidity strategies significantly impact their near-term performance.
Value co-creation in smart tourism destinations
Authors: Garanti Zanete
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to describe the concept of smart tourism, placing emphasis on the smart tourism ecosystem and value co-creation concept within the system at a destination level. The work also summarizes the key challenges associated with smart tourism implementation and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a critical literature review, discussing the outcomes of a wide range and scope of relevant academic literature on the chosen concepts.

Findings

Smart tourism can be described as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) technologies to facilitate and enrich tourism products, services and experiences. Within the smart tourism ecosystem, all stakeholders – customers, suppliers, intermediates, the public sector, service providers, destination management organizations and others –participate in the synergies and value co-creation, also share the benefits from it. The ultimate aim of a smart tourism ecosystem is to create sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits for all and promote destination competitiveness. Smart tourism implementation is also associated with several challenges, of which the most important are participation, an overwhelming amount of data, data privacy and technology adoption.

Originality/value

The paper provides a critical review of the recent and relevant literature in order to define and discuss the mechanisms of value co-creation in a smart tourism ecosystem and the challenges associated with it.
Smart tourism: what developments and issues are important to the Baltic states?
Authors: Garanti Zanete , Berjozkina Galina , Zvaigzne Anda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a summary of the key outcomes and reflections related to the theme issue question, “Smart tourism: what developments and issues are important to the Baltic states?”

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a descriptive approach to summarize the key outcomes of the theme issue. The theme issue focuses on the problems, trends and developments of smart tourism in the Baltic states, namely, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Findings

The papers in the theme issue explore the emerging concept of smart tourism and the challenges associated with its implementation at the destination level. They also provide updated data on the adoption of smart tourism and aim to engage academics and industry professionals to identify future developments.

Originality/value

This theme issue provides unique perspectives from a variety of stakeholders, including academics, practitioners, industry professionals and policymakers on the key issues, trends and developments shaping the emergence of smart tourism in the Baltic states.
Protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) attenuates psoriasis and associated inflammation
Authors: Zhou Jing , Bian Huiying , Wu Nan
Published: July 2023

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory multisystem disease accompanied by hyperproliferation and inflammation of epidermal keratinocytes. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated and plays an important role in epidermal keratinocytes of human psoriatic skin lesions. In this study, we investigated the effects of an endogenous STAT3 inhibitor, a protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3), on the proliferation and inflammation of psoriatic cells. The expression of PIAS3 in psoriatic tissues and healthy skin was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus database and clinical samples. The human immortalized epidermal (HaCaT) cells were used to establish an in vitro psoriasis‐like cell model. 3–(4,5–dimethylthiazol–2–yl)–5–(3–carboxymethoxyphenyl)–2–(4–sulfophenyl)–2H–thethrazolium (MTS) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to determine apoptosis levels. Real‐time PCR, western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of related factors. Furthermore, a mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriatic dermatitis was established to verify the in vitro experimental results. The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of PIAS3 were lower in psoriatic lesions than in normal tissues. PIAS3 inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of M5‐induced HaCaT cells. Simultaneously, the mRNA and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin–6 (IL‐6), interleukin–8 (IL‐8), and keratin 17 (K17) were significantly decreased and that of p53 was increased, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response and promoting apoptosis. PIAS3 inhibited the transcription activity of STAT3 and noncanonical nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB). Furthermore, PIAS3 attenuated IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like inflammation in mice. Our findings suggest that PIAS3 plays an important role in psoriasis by regulating the STAT3/NF‐κB signaling pathway and p53. The lack of PIAS3 may represent a novel mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Fluid identification by nonlinear frequency‐dependent amplitude variation with offset inversion based on scattering theory
Authors: Lan Tianjun , Zong Zhaoyun , Jia Weihua
Published: July 2023

Pre‐stack seismic amplitude variation with offset inversion is a crucial technique in seismic exploration, employed to estimate reservoir elastic parameters and thus reservoir fluid properties. However, traditional amplitude variation with offset inversion methods are based on elastic theory and linear approximation, neglecting the inelasticity of medium and nonlinear theory. To overcome this limitation, a quadratic scattering coefficient equation of the viscoelastic fluid factor is derived, which provides the basis for the equation for amplitude variation with offset inversion. Traditional amplitude variation with offset inversion methods typically neglect seismic dispersion and attenuation, failing to account for the influence of the seismic wave velocity attenuation and frequency variation. Quality factors of P‐ and S‐waves represent the degree of attenuation of seismic waves. To comprehensively address the effects of seismic wave dispersion and attenuation, a novel method called pre‐stack seismic nonlinear frequency‐dependent amplitude variation with offset inversion has been developed. This method builds upon the new quadratic scattering coefficient and is utilized for reservoir fluid prediction. The reliability and stability of the method are verified through synthetic and filed data examples. Further analysis reveals that the method is more reasonable and accurate compared to the traditional linear amplitude variation with offset inversion method. The results demonstrate that the proposed pre‐stack seismic nonlinear frequency‐dependent amplitude variation with offset inversion method can effectively identify reservoir fluids, providing a novel solution for reservoir fluid identification.
Revitalizing Sustainable Reshoring Brands: Understanding the Customer Perspective on the Roles of Motivation Attributions and the Institutionalization Process
Authors: Yuan Ruizhi , Luo Jun , Liu Martin J. , Sivarajah Uthayasankar , Yannopoulou Natalia
Published: July 2023

Reshoring can be theorized as a brand‐revitalizing process for fostering companies’ ability to create value in the home country. The question of how to maintain sustainable reshoring implementation strategies by developing favourable brand responses is an important but underexplored field. Given that reshoring brand meanings are socially constructed and causally inferenced by consumers, we advocate that a reshoring brand revitalization should begin by understanding what constitutes customers’ attributions to reshoring motives. We identify values‐driven, stakeholder‐driven and strategic‐driven attributions as determinants of the sense of the institutionalization process (brand authenticity, legitimacy and sustainability). These institutional logics comprise drivers that influence brand love and brand advocacy. We conduct an empirical study (n = 1043) in China. The findings indicate that institutionalized reshoring branding activity is significantly influenced by customers’ attributions to underlying reshoring decisions. Reshoring brands that achieve institutional recognition are more likely to generate brand love and advocacy. In addition, our study provides empirical evidence that nostalgia (1) strengthens the influences of stakeholder‐driven attributions on brand authenticity and sustainability, (2) inhibits the influence of values‐driven attributions on brand authenticity and (3) inhibits the influence of strategic‐driven attributions on brand authenticity, legitimacy and sustainability. Reshoring brand managers should consider these connections when designing their reshoring implementation strategies in the home country.