bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innate fear responses are reflected in the blood epigenome of rhesus macaques
Authors: Bravo-Rivera Hector , Lardenoije Roy , Merced Dimaris , Mas-Rivera Adaris , Ayala James E. , Gonçalves Joana P. , Seligowski Antonia V. , Jovanovic Tanja , Ressler Kerry J. , Klengel Torsten , Quirk Gregory J.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Fear and anxiety are complex physiological states aimed at promoting adaptive behaviors. They are also core symptoms of many neuropsychiatric disorders; yet, our knowledge of the underlying biological correlates remains fragmented. Non-human primate models are critical for our understanding of mechanisms associated with complex higher-order behavioral phenotypes. Here we investigated individual variations in innate fear responses to a snake stimulus in free-ranging rhesus macaques and discovered an unusual bimodal distribution of fearful and fearless behavior, likely as a result of an environmental insult by a hurricane. In a translational approach, we discovered a DNA methylation profile associated with fear behavior in these monkeys. We also found evidence that this epigenetic signature is associated with innate fear responses in humans in the form of acoustic startle. Our data highlight the importance and translational utility of non-human primate models for neuropsychiatric research and provide a potential epigenetic signature of innate fear.
Warmer temperatures result in maladaptive learning of sexual preferences
Authors: Holveck Marie-Jeanne , Muller Doriane , Visser Bertanne , Timmermans Arthur , Colonval Lidwine , Jan Fabrice , Crucifix Michel , Nieberding Caroline M.
Published: November 2020

The impact of learning ability and sexual selection on the climate and biodiversity crisis are currently unclear.

Using the African butterfly Bicyclus anynana, which shows strong phenotypic plasticity (i.e., polyphenism) in response to temperature, we tested whether learning affects mate preferences under climate warming.

We first modelled climate warming scenarios and then showed experimentally that as temperature becomes an unreliable cue to the onset of the dry season, adult butterflies displayed the wet season rather than the dry season form.

Experienced females that were exposed to different male seasonal phenotypes during sexual maturation changed sexual preferences.

Female fertilization success was reversed for naive compared to experienced females, likely reducing female fitness following climate warming.

Our results emphasize the importance of sexual selection, learning, and their fitness consequences for understanding (mal)adaptation of natural populations to climate warming.
Synergy and allostery in ligand binding by HIV-1 Nef
Authors: Aldehaiman Abdullah , Momin Afaque A. , Restouin Audrey , Wang Luyao , Shi Xiaoli , Aljedani Safia , Opi Sandrine , Lugari Adrien , Hameed Umar F. Shahul , Ponchon Luc , Morelli Xavier , Huang Mingdong , Dumas Christian , Collette Yves , Arold Stefan T.
Published: November 2020

The Nef protein of human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV, respectively) boosts viral pathogenicity through its interactions with host cell proteins. Nef has a folded core domain and large flexible regions, each carrying several protein interaction sites. By combining the polyvalency intrinsic to unstructured regions with the binding selectivity and strength of a 3D folded domain, Nef can bind to many different host cell proteins, perturbing their cellular functions. For example, the combination of a linear proline-rich motif and a hydrophobic core domain surface allows Nef to increase affinity and selectivity for particular Src family SH3 domains. Here we investigated whether the interplay between Nef’s flexible regions and its core domain can allosterically influence ligand selection. We found that the flexible regions can bind back to the core domain in different ways, producing distinct conformational states that alter the SH3 domain selectivity and availability of Nef’s functional motifs. The resulting cross-talk might help synergising certain subsets of ligands while excluding others, promoting functionally coherent Nef-bound protein ensembles. Further, we combined proteomic and bioinformatic analyses to identify human proteins that select SH3 domains in the same way as does Nef. We found that only 2–3% of clones from a whole human fetal library displayed a Nef-like SH3 selectivity. However, in most cases this selectivity appears to be achieved by a canonical linear interaction rather than a Nef-like ‘tertiary’ interaction. This analysis suggests that Nef’s SH3 recognition surface has no (or marginally few) cellular counterparts, validating the Nef tertiary binding surface as a promising unique drug target.
High-resolution electrochemistry of the extracellular electron transfer ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Xiao Yong , Zheng Zhiyong , Gang Haiyin , Ulstrup Jens , Zhao Feng , Zhang Jingdong
Published: November 2020

Escherichia coliis one of the most important model bacteria in microorganism research and is broadly encountered in nature. In the present study, a wild-typeE. colistrain K-12 was used for electrochemical investigations. Differential pulse voltammetry showed five pairs of redox peaks both for K-12 cells and the supernatant with potentials (anodic/cathodic) at −0.450/−0.378, −0.125/−0.105, −0.075/−0.055, +0.192/+0.264, and +0.300/+0.414 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. Chronoamperometry indicates that K-12 cells can produce immediate current by addition of glucose. The current production from K-12 can be 8-fold enhanced by 10.0 μM exogenetic vitamin K3, but addition of 10.0 μM riboflavin did not enhance the current production. Medium replacement experiments show that 50 % of the K-12 biofilm current was produced via direct extracellular electron transfer pathways. The study provides new insight in the voltammetry of strain K-12 and confirms thatE. coliis an electrochemically active bacterium.E. colihas the potential to serve as a model bacterium for studying microbial extracellular electron transfer mechanisms.
“CandidatusDechloromonas phosphatis” and “CandidatusDechloromonas phosphovora”, two novel polyphosphate accumulating organisms abundant in wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Petriglieri Francesca , Singleton Caitlin , Peces Miriam , Petersen Jette F. , Nierychlo Marta , Nielsen Per H.
Published: November 2020

Members of the genusDechloromonasare often abundant in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems and are recognized putative polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), but their role in phosphate (P) removal is still unclear. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) to investigate the abundance and distribution ofDechloromonasspp. in Danish wastewater treatment plants. Two species were abundant, novel, and uncultured, and could be targeted by existing FISH probes. Raman microspectroscopy of probe-defined organisms (FISH-Raman) revealed the levels and dynamics of important intracellular storage polymers in abundantDechloromonasspp. in the activated sludge from four full-scale EBPR plants and from a lab-scale sequencing batch reactor fed with different carbon sources (acetate, glucose, glycine, and glutamate). Moreover, 7 distinctDechloromonasspecies were determined from a set of 10 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from Danish EBPR plants, each encoding the potential for poly-P, glycogen, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation. The two most abundant species exhibited anin situphenotype in complete accordance with the metabolic information retrieved by the MAGs, with dynamic levels of poly-P, glycogen, and PHA during feast-famine anaerobic-aerobic cycling, legitimately placing these microorganisms among the important PAOs. As no isolates are available for the two species, we propose the namesCandidatusDechloromonas phosphatis andCandidatusDechloromonas phosphovora.
Viscophobic turning dictates microalgae transport in viscosity gradients
Authors: Stehnach Michael R. , Waisbord Nicolas , Walkama Derek M. , Guasto Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2020

Gradients in fluid viscosity characterize microbiomes ranging from mucus layers on marine organisms1and human viscera2,3to biofilms4. While such environments are widely recognized for their protective effects against pathogens and their ability to influence cell motility2,5, the physical mechanisms regulating cell transport in viscosity gradients remain elusive6–8, primarily due to a lack of quantitative observations. Through microfluidic experiments, we directly observe the transport of model biflagellated microalgae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) in controlled viscosity gradients. We show that despite their locally reduced swimming speed, the expected cell accumulation in the viscous region9,10is stifled by a viscophobic turning motility. This deterministic cell rotation – consistent with a flagellar thrust imbalance11,12– reorients the swimmers down the gradient, causing their accumulation in the low viscosity zones for sufficiently strong gradients. Corroborated by Langevin simulations and a three-point force model of cell propulsion, our results illustrate how the competition between viscophobic turning and viscous slowdown ultimately dictates the fate of population scale microbial transport in viscosity gradients.
The human ApoE4 variant reduces functional recovery and neuronal sprouting after incomplete spinal cord injury in male mice
Authors: Toro Carlos A. , Hansen Jens , Siddiq Mustafa M. , Johnson Kaitlin , Zhao Wei , Azulai Daniella , Das Dibash K. , Bauman William , Sebra Robert , Cai Dongming , Iyengar Ravi , Cardozo Christopher P.
Published: November 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating form of neurotrauma. Patients who carry one or two ApoE4 alleles show worse functional outcomes and longer hospital stays after SCI but the cellular and molecular underpinnings for this genetic link remain poorly understood. Thus, there is a great need to generate animal models to accurately replicate the genetic determinants of outcomes after SCI to spur development of treatments that improve physical function. Here, we examined outcomes after a moderate contusion SCI of transgenic mice expressing human ApoE3 or ApoE4. ApoE4 mice have worse locomotor function and coordination after SCI. Histological examination revealed greater glial staining in ApoE4 mice after SCI associated with reduced levels of neuronal sprouting markers. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that subcellular processes (SCPs), such as extracellular matrix organization and inflammatory responses, were highly-ranked among upregulated genes at 7 days after SCI in ApoE4 variants. Conversely, SCPs related to neuronal action potential and neuron projection development were increased in ApoE3 mice at 21 days. In summary, our results reveal a clinically relevant SCI mouse model that recapitulates the influence of ApoE genotypes on post-SCI function in individuals who carry these alleles and suggest that the mechanisms underlying worse recovery for ApoE4 animals involve glial activation and loss of sprouting and synaptic activity.
BCL11b interacts with RNA and proteins involved in RNA processing and developmental diseases
Authors: Sobhy Haitham , Rovere Marco De , Ait-Ammar Amina , Kashif Muhammad , Wallet Clementine , Daouad Fadoua , Loustau Thomas , Lint Carine Van , Schwartz Christian , Rohr Olivier
Published: November 2020

BCL11b (B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11B, CTIP2) is a C2H2 zinc-finger transcription regulator and tumor suppressor. BCL11b is involved in lymphomagenesis and in fetal, central nervous system (CNS) and immune system developments. Therefore, it may contribute in congenital disorders and cancers (e.g. leukemia). BCL11b favors persistence of HIV latency in microglia, CNS macrophages. BCL11b contributes to control cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis in multiple organisms and cell models; however exact mechanisms are unknown. Although BCL11b recruits non-coding RNA and epigenetic enzymes to regulate gene expression, BCL11b-associated ribonucleoprotein complexes are unknown. Here, using immunoprecipitation of BCL11b-binding RNA and proteins (CLIP-seq and quantitative LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry) complemented with systems biology validations, we show that BCL11b interacts with RNA splicing and nonsense-mediated decay proteins, including FUS, SMN1, UPF1 and Drosha, which may contribute in isoform selection of protein-coding RNA isoforms from noncoding-RNAs isoforms (retained introns or nonsense mediated RNA). Interestingly, BCL11b binds to RNA transcripts and proteins encoded by the same genes (FUS, ESWR1, CHD and Tubulin). Our study highlights that BCL11b targets RNA processing and splicing proteins, and RNAs that implicate cell cycle, development, neurodegenerative, and cancer pathways. These findings will help future mechanistic understanding of developmental disorders.

IMPORTANCE

First genome-wide BCL11b-protein and RNA interactome BCL11b interacts with RNA processing and splicing proteins BCL11b interacts with neurodegenerative genes and sarcoma genes BCL11b targets during cell proliferation and disease pathways
HERC1 regulates breast cancer cells migration and invasion
Authors: Rossi Fabiana Alejandra , Calvo Roitberg Ezequiel Hernán , Enriqué Steinberg Juliana Haydeé , Joshi Molishree , Espinosa Joaquín Maximiliano , Rossi Mario
Published: November 2020

Tumor cell migration and invasion into adjacent tissues is one of the hallmarks of cancer and the first step towards secondary tumors formation, which represents the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This process is considered an unmet clinical need in the treatment of this disease, particularly in breast cancers characterized by high aggressiveness and metastatic potential. In order to identify and characterize genes with novel functions as regulators of tumor cell migration and invasion, we performed a genetic loss-of-function screen using a shRNA library directed against the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) in a highly invasive breast cancer derived cell line. Among the candidates, we validated HERC1 as a gene regulating cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, using animal models, our results indicated that HERC1 silencing affects primary tumor growth and lung colonization. Finally, we conducted an in-silico analysis using publicly available protein expression data and observed an inverse correlation between HERC1 expression levels and breast cancer patients overall survival.
Altogether, our findings demonstrate that HERC1 might represent a novel therapeutic target for the development or improvement of breast cancer treatment.
AMPK Modulates Associative Learning via Neuronal Mitochondrial Fusion inC. elegans
Authors: Escoubas Caroline C. , Laversenne Vanessa , Tabakovic Emina , Weir Heather J. , Clark Nicole , Mair William B.
Published: November 2020

Loss of metabolic homeostasis is one of the hallmarks of the aging process that might contribute to pathogenesis by creating a permissive landscape over which neurodegenerative diseases can take hold. AMPK, a conserved energy sensor, extends lifespan and is protective in some neurodegenerative models. AMPK regulates mitochondrial homeostasis and morphology, however, whether mitochondrial regulation causally links AMPK to protection against loss of neuronal function with aging and diseases remains unclear. Here we use an associative learning protocol inC. elegansas a readout of neuronal function and show that AMPK activation enhances associative learning and prevents age-related loss of learning capacity. AMPK promotes neuronal mitochondrial fusion and mitochondrial fragmentation viafzo-1deletion blocks AMPK’s effects on associative learning. Restoring mitochondrial fusion capacity specifically in the neurons rescued learning capacity downstream of AMPK. Finally, AMPK activation rescues neuronal Aβ1-42induced loss of associative learning. Overall, our results suggest that targeting neuronal metabolic flexibility may be a viable therapeutic option to restore neuronal function in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Boreal forests will be more severely affected by projected anthropogenic climate forcing than mixedwood and northern hardwood forests in eastern Canada
Authors: Boulanger Yan , Puigdevall Jesus Pascual
Published: November 2020

Context

Increased anthropogenic climate forcing is projected to have tremendous impacts on global forest ecosystems, with northern biomes being more at risk.

Objectives

To model the impacts of harvest and increased anthropogenic climate forcing on eastern Canada’s forest landscapes and to assess the strong spatial heterogeneity in the severity, the nature and direction of the impacts expected within northern forest regions.

Methods

We used LANDIS-II to project species-specific aboveground biomass (AGB) between 2020 and 2150 under three climate (baseline, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) and two harvest (baseline harvest, no harvest) scenarios within four forest regions (boreal west, boreal east, mixedwood and northern hardwood).

Results

Climate change impacts within the boreal forest regions would mainly result from increases in wildfires activity which will strongly alter total AGB. In the mixedwood and northern hardwood, changes will be less important and will result from climate-induced growth constraints that will alter species composition towards more thermophilous species. Climate-induced impacts were much more important and swifter under RCP 8.5 after 2080 suggesting that eastern Canada’s forests might cross important tipping points under strong anthropogenic climate forcing.

Conclusions

Boreal forest regions will be much less resilient than mixedwood or northern hardwoods to the projected changes in climate regimes. Current harvest strategies will interact with anthropogenic climate forcing to further modify forest landscapes, notably by accelerating thermophilous species AGB gain in southernmost regions. Major changes to harvest practices are strongly needed to preserve the long-term sustainability of wood supply in eastern Canada. Adaptation strategies should be region-specific.
Soil bacterial community diversity and composition vary more with elevation than seasons in alpine habitats of western Himalaya
Authors: Bhattacharya Pamela , Mondol Samrat , Talukdar Gautam , Rawat Gopal Singh
Published: November 2020

Soil heterotrophic respiration-driven CO2emissions, its impact on global warming and the mechanistic roles of soil bacterial communities in this process have been an area of active research. However, our knowledge regarding the effects of environmental changes on soil bacterial communities is limited. To this end, the climate-sensitive high-altitude alpine ecosystems offer ideal opportunities to investigate relationship between climate change and bacterial communities. While data from several high-altitude mountain regions suggest that local environment factors and geological patterns govern bacterial communities, no information is available from the Himalaya. Here we provide baseline information on seasonal soil bacterial community diversity and composition along a 3200-4000 m elevation gradient covering four alpine habitats (subalpine forest, alpine scrub, alpine meadow and moraine) in Gangotri National Park, western Himalaya. Bacterial metabarcoding data from 36 field-collected samples showed no elevation trend in the bacterial richness and a non-monotonous decrease in their diversity. Further, their community diversity and composition varied significantly among habitats along elevation but were stable seasonally within each habitat. The richness was primarily influenced by soil inorganic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), whereas temperature, SOC and TN affected diversity and composition patterns. Given the importance of the Himalaya in the context of global carbon cycle this information will help in accurate modeling of climate adaptation scenarios of bacterial niches and their downstream impacts towards climate warming.
SARS-CoV-2 Assembly and Egress Pathway Revealed by Correlative Multi-modal Multi-scale Cryo-imaging
Authors: Mendonça Luiza , Howe Andrew , Gilchrist James B. , Sun Dapeng , Knight Michael L. , Zanetti-Domingues Laura C. , Bateman Benji , Krebs Anna-Sophia , Chen Long , Radecke Julika , Sheng Yuewen , Li Vivian D. , Ni Tao , Kounatidis Ilias , Koronfel Mohamed A. , Szynkiewicz Marta , Harkiolaki Maria , Martin-Fernandez Marisa L. , James William , Zhang Peijun
Published: November 2020

Since the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there have been intense structural studies on purified recombinant viral components and inactivated viruses. However, investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the native cellular context is scarce, and there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 replicative cycle. Understanding the genome replication, assembly and egress of SARS-CoV-2, a multistage process that involves different cellular compartments and the activity of many viral and cellular proteins, is critically important as it bears the means of medical intervention to stop infection. Here, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero cells under the near-native frozen-hydrated condition using a unique correlative multi-modal, multi-scale cryo-imaging approach combining soft X-ray cryo-tomography and serial cryoFIB/SEM volume imaging of the entire SARS-CoV-2 infected cell with cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) of cellular lamellae and cell periphery, as well as structure determination of viral components by subtomogram averaging. Our results reveal at the whole cell level profound cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, exemplified by a large amount of heterogeneous vesicles in the cytoplasm for RNA synthesis and virus assembly, formation of membrane tunnels through which viruses exit, and drastic cytoplasm invasion into nucleus. Furthermore, cryoET of cell lamellae reveals how viral RNAs are transported from double-membrane vesicles where they are synthesized to viral assembly sites; how viral spikes and RNPs assist in virus assembly and budding; and how fully assembled virus particles exit the cell, thus stablishing a model of SARS-CoV-2 genome replication, virus assembly and egress pathways.
The Cambridge Structural Database in chemical education: analysis of hydrogen-bonded networks in salts of hexaaqua metal ions with organic counter-ions
Authors: Moret Massimo
Published: November 2020

This paper describes a laboratory course that introduces basic crystallographic data analysis to chemistry students encountering for the first time the world of crystals and crystal structures. The aim of the course is to provide students with direct contact with crystal structures and hands-on experience in structure analysis. To this end, a set of appropriately simple inorganic molecular structures was selected, consisting of salts of hexaaqua metal ions with organic counter-ions. By exploiting the crystallographic tools available in the Cambridge Structural Database program Mercury, students learn how to visualize and analyse a set of atomic coordinates. In this way they learn how to extract bonding and structural information concerning intramolecular interactions in both salt components. Intermolecular interactions are next analysed by looking closely at supramolecular motifs and packing patterns generated by hydrogen bonds. This pragmatic approach turned out to be effective and extremely useful for summarizing many chemical concepts learned by students during a bachelor degree course in chemistry. The experience provides at the same time some basic capabilities for properly managing crystal structure analysis.
Electric-field-intensity-modulated scattering as a thin-film depth probe
Authors: Dudenas Peter J. , Weber Adam Z. , Kusoglu Ahmet
Published: November 2020

Grazing-incidence X-ray scattering is a common technique to elucidate nanostructural information for thin-film samples, but depth-resolving this nanostructure is difficult using a single or few images. Anin situmethod to extract film thickness, the index of refraction and depth information using scattering images taken across a range of incident angles is presented here. The technique is described within the multilayer distorted-wave Born approximation and validated using two sets of polymer thin films. Angular divergence and energy resolution effects are considered, and implementation of the technique as a general beamline procedure is discussed. Electric-field-intensity-modulated scattering is a general technique applicable to myriad materials and enables the acquisition of depth-sensitive informationin situat any grazing-incidence-capable beamline.
Comparison of molecular structures of cis-bis[8-(dimethylphosphanyl)quinoline]nickel(II) and -platinum(II) complex cations
Authors: Mori Masatoshi , Suzuki Takayoshi
Published: November 2020

The crystal structures of the complexes (SP-4-2)-cis-bis[8-(dimethylphosphanyl)quinoline-κ2
N,P]nickel(II) bis(perchlorate) nitromethane monosolvate, [Ni(C11H12NP)2](ClO4)2·CH3NO2 (1), and (SP-4-2)-cis-bis[8-(dimethylphosphanyl)quinoline-κ2
N,P]platinum(II) bis(tetrafluoroborate) acetonitrile monosolvate, [Pt(C11H12NP)2](BF4)2·C2H3N (2), are reported. In both complex cations, two phosphanylquinolines act as bidentate P,N-donating chelate ligands and form the mutually cis configuration in the square-planar coordination geometry. The strong trans influence of the dimethylphosphanyl donor group is confirmed by the Ni—N bond lengths in 1, 1.970 (2) and 1.982 (2) Å and, the Pt—N bond lengths of 2, 2.123 (4) and 2.132 (4) Å, which are relatively long as compared to those in the analogous 8-(diphenylphosphanyl)quinoline complexes. Mutually cis-positioned quinoline donor groups would give a severe steric hindrance between their ortho-H atoms. In order to reduce such a steric congestion, the NiII complex in 1 shows a tetrahedral distortion of the coordination geometry, as parameterized by τ4 = 0.199 (1)°, while the PtII complex in 2 exhibits a typical square-planar coordination geometry [τ4 = 0.014 (1)°] with a large bending deformation of the ideally planar Me2Pqn chelate planes. In the crystal structure of 2, three F atoms of one of the BF4
− anions are disordered over two sets of positions with refined occupancies of 0.573 (10) and 0.427 (10).
Gender differences in organizational commitment and rewards within Japanese manufacturing companies in China
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke , Yasui Misako
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in organizational commitment (OC) and the relationship between OC and rewards among employees who work for Japanese manufacturing companies within China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized hierarchical regression analysis to examine survey data obtained from 27,854 employees who worked for 64 Japanese manufacturing companies within China.

Findings

The results reveal that autonomy and role clarity had a stronger influence, and co-worker support had a weaker influence, on OC for male employees than for female employees. These differences may be because more male employees than female employees prefer working with higher autonomy and well-defined roles than with co-worker support. After all, male employees, who place a great emphasis on independence, competition, decision-making and challenges, rely on intrinsic rewards more than social rewards.

Research limitations/implications

This study used data collected from Japanese manufacturing companies to understand the differences between OC and rewards in local male and female Chinese employees. We recommend that future research uses other national affiliates to clarify the characteristics of male and female Chinese workers more objectively and to test the validity of this research.

Practical implications

The results of this study support revising human resource management practices within multinational enterprises to enable female and male host-country workers to contribute to their companies on a long-term basis by taking into account the differences between the cultures of the home and host countries.

Originality/value

Although previous research has elucidated the OC–rewards relationship in particular countries, it has not met the requirements of foreign managers from different corporate cultures who face differences in the OC–rewards relationship between their male and female employees. In this sense, this research is the first attempt to tackle this theme and contribute to the literature.
Factors influencing intention to follow the “stay at home” policy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sumaedi Sik , Bakti I. Gede Mahatma Yuda , Rakhmawati Tri , Widianti Tri , Astrini Nidya J. , Damayanti Sih , Massijaya M. Azwar , Jati Rahmi K.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This research seeks to simultaneously test the effect of attitude towards the behavior of following the “Stay at Home” policy, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity on people's intention to follow the “Stay at Home” policy during COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through an online survey with 148 respondents in the Greater Area of Jakarta, Indonesia. The data were then analyzed using multiple regressions.

Findings

The findings show that attitude towards the behavior, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control positively and significantly affect intention to follow “Stay at Home” during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of COVID-19 do not significantly influence the intention to follow “Stay at Home” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to the Greater Area of Jakarta, Indonesia. Furthermore, sampling was done through convenience sampling. Therefore, future research should be conducted in a different context to test the generalization of this research's findings.

Practical implications

To encourage citizens' adherence to the stay-at-home policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, they must be directed to have positive attitudes toward the policy. Financial and non-financial supports are critical to ensure citizens' ability to sufficiently observe the policy sufficiently. Another important aspect is the influence of leaders and public figures to consistently call for obedience consistently.

Originality/value

This is the first research that studies citizens' behavior related to the “Stay at Home” policy requisitioned by the government to hinder the spread of COVID-19.
Internal flexibility in health-care organizations: a value-laden perspective on sustainability
Authors: Kumar Pradeep
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the constituents of internal flexibility in health-care organizations for achieving sustainability. The study incorporates resources-based theory and resource-dependence theory to illustrate how health-care organizations exhibit internal flexibility to redress environmental uncertainties and maximize organizational responsiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a case study in a health-care organization to explore how health-care organizations acquire several resources for attaining internal flexibility. A survey of health-care professionals was conducted to assess the relationships using partial least squares-structural equation modeling.

Findings

In the present study, the dimensions of internal flexibility in health-care organizations are identified. This study also established internal flexibility as a higher-order factor and explained its underlying aspects as a value-laden perspective on sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in the public health-care context in India. The framework needs to be tested in another context. The sample size for the study was limited to health-care experts, which could be extended to include the customer’s perspective.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying the specific dimensions of internal flexibility and explains as a higher-order factor. It enhances the understanding of sustainability from a flexibility perspective of the firm.
Should a family firm communicate their family identity and country of origin? A cross-cultural study from Chile and Spain
Authors: Alonso Dos Santos Manuel , Llanos Contreras Orlando , Calabuig Moreno Ferran , Augusto Felicio Jose
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the influence of firms' communication in terms of family firm identity and country-of-origin on consumer response.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-supplied online experiment in Chile and Spain is employed using as dependent variables brand trust and intention to buy. The experiment includes the following factors: family firm identity (family vs non-family), country of origin (national vs foreign) and as a manipulation check (type of product: hedonic vs utilitarian).

Findings

The results indicate that communicating the family firm identity increases brand trust and purchase intention. Consumers show higher scores on trust and purchase intention when exposed to national country of origin products. The effect of the variability on the dependent variables is greater when the family firm identity is communicated. Trust and purchase intention are different in Chilean and Spanish consumers when the family firm identity is combined with a national country of origin cue.

Originality/value

This article contributes to family business theory by exploring how to capitalize on the family firm identity component in brand communication. It also contributes to the theory of corporate brand identity by proposing a communication model oriented toward consumer behavior. It also examines firms' communication (family firm identity and country-of-origin) on consumer.
Intrapreneurial behaviors of organizational members. A conceptual view: how contextual expectations can explain the entrepreneurship roles in organizations?
Authors: Arun Korhan , Begeç Suat , Okun Olcay
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop theoretical arguments about the factors promoting nascent intrapreneurship relative to role theory. These arguments principally draw on contributions from interactional and structural sociology. Fixed theoretical tools for intrapreneurship are not quite enough. So, structural and interactionist perspective of sociology is necessary to understand the intrapreneurship concept because intrapreneurs live in a society and shape their course per the expectations of others. Previous approaches depend on individual, organizations or environment to push potential employees to be intrapreneurs. Expectations may be a keystone for intrapreneurship because intrapreneurs have been trying to explain or make progress about what is seen as crucial; more importantly, they learn their roles.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper about explaining intrapreneurship. Foregoing literature has been trying to explain the phenomenon by individual, organizational or environment endeavors to transform employees to be intrapreneurs. Role theory stems from interactional and structural sociology. Promoting the internal entrepreneur process by overcoming resistance to switching to a more structured management approach and adopting management systems and processes in a timely way is still a vague approach. So, the structural and interactionist perspective of sociology is necessary to understand the concept because intrapreneurship is a contextual factor rather than activity.

Findings

Expectations can convey what others consider particularly important or necessary. Intrapreneurship is a type of personal entrepreneur role influenced by expectations.

Practical implications

Intrapreneurship is not solely entrepreneurship in organizations but is also governed by the specific combinations of circumstances generally outside of the organizational environment, such as families, coworkers and friends.

Originality/value

The present paper seeks to answer three primary research questions: how differentiation among subunits changes intrapreneurship role expectations, how the intrapreneurs’ role has been affected from unlike expectations and are group or team-level expectations on intrapreneurs’ roles distinctive than organization and individual levels.
Authenticity, rapport and interactional justice in frontline service: the moderating role of need for uniqueness
Authors: Lindsey-Hall Kristina K. , Jaramillo Susana , Baker Thomas L. , Arnold Julian M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how perceptions of employee authenticity and customer–employee rapport influence customers’ interactional justice assessments and related service evaluations, and how customers’ need for uniqueness impacts these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method, three-study design is used to test the research model. Specifically, structural equation modeling provides tests of the main hypotheses, and two supplemental experimental studies tease out conditional effects providing insightful managerial contributions.

Findings

Results indicate that customers’ perceptions of employee authenticity affect customers’ interactional justice evaluations, particularly when customers identify high levels of customer–employee rapport. Additionally, the aforementioned relationships are contingent upon customers’ need for uniqueness, such that customers with higher levels of need for uniqueness experience lower levels of customer–employee rapport and, consequently, provide poorer interactional justice assessments. Finally, conditional effects are found given the type of provider and frequency of visit.

Originality/value

This research extends prior efforts to understand how customer–employee dynamics influence customers’ service encounter evaluations. In particular, it furthers understanding of authentic FLE–customer encounters, explores drivers of interactional justice and explicates how consumers’ varying levels of need for uniqueness have differential effects on service outcomes.
Religiosity, idealism, and ethical consumption: the mediating effect of perceived customer effectiveness and moral obligation
Authors: Alsaad Abdallah , Saif-Alyousfi Abdulazeez Y.H. , Elrehail Hamzah
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The cognitive processes through which religiosity and idealism affect ethical consumption have received little attention in prior research. This study aims to explore the influence of religiosity and idealism on ethical purchasing intention through moral obligation and perceived customer effectiveness (PCE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses data from 149 Muslim participants in Saudi Arabia, using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal that religiosity leads to PCE but not to moral obligation and that idealism leads to both PCE and moral obligation. Mediation analysis indicated that PCE mediates the effect of both religiosity and idealism, although moral obligation only mediates the effect of idealism.

Research limitations/implications

This research enriches the understanding of ethical consumption and contributes to the debate on how religiosity and idealism affect ethical consumption. It also has significant implications for theory and the development of sustainable marketing initiatives. Marketing campaigns and other promotional activities may focus on the interconnection between ethical purchase and the religious and ideology dimensions of consumers. Also, while formulating a communication strategy, it is necessary to emphasize the religious dimension of the sustainable use of the product.

Originality/value

Moral obligation and PCE have been shown as cognitive and psychological mechanisms explaining the links between religiosity or idealism and ethical purchasing behaviour.
Effects of red tape in public sector organizations: a study of government departments in Pakistan
Authors: Rauf Sana
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence and integration of red tape and how its negative effects on public sector organizations' performance have weakened the economies of developing countries such as Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was completed by 121 respondents working in 35 government departments in Punjab, a province of Pakistan.

Findings

The findings revealed a link between red-tapism and employees' motivation and work. When there is excessiveness of rules and regulations, employees are prevented from completing assigned tasks, ultimately resulting in decreased work commitment. This indicates that the integration of red tape into public organizations not only affects employees' behavior and attitudes but also impacts the overall performance of public sector organizations.

Originality/value

This paper provides recommendations for the Pakistani government. For example, conducting training and motivational workshops for public sector employees can help them stay engaged with their work. Government departments should also review the steps and procedures involved so as to eliminate unnecessary steps and reduce red-tapism.
Influences of structural parameters on the thermal properties of coated glass fiber fabrics under ablation condition investigated by numerical model
Authors: Zheng Zhenrong , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Qian , Mao Kezhu , Luo Lijuan , Liu Yuanjun
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of structural parameters of fabric on thermal insulation properties of the coated fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors established a numerical model for the ablation of silicone resin-coated fabric under high heat flow, and the simulation results have been validated by quartz lamp ablation experiment. The model was used to investigate the effects of structural parameters of glass fiber fabrics on the heat transfer process of the coated fabric.

Findings

The numerical values were in agreement with the experimental values. The thermal insulation of the coated glass fiber fabric was better than coated carbon fabric. Thermal insulation performance of the coated glass fiber fabrics was in order plain < 2/1 twill < 3/3 twill < 5/3 stain fabric. Increasing the warp density, from 100 to 180 ends/10 cm, the temperature of the back surface of the coated glass fiber fabric was reduced from 601°C to 553°C. Thermal insulation performance dramatically increased as yarn fineness went from 129 to 280 tex, and the temperature difference was 63°C.

Research limitations/implications

In the ablation process, to simplify the calculation, the combustion reaction of silicone resin was ignored, which can be added in the future research.

Originality/value

This paper provides the ablation model of the silicon-coated fabric based on the 3D geometry model to explore the influence of the structural parameters of coated glass fiber fabric on its thermal protection performance.
Black powder handgun shots—Cases analysis and literature review
Authors: Smędra Anna , Berent Jarosław
Published: November 2020

Black powder weapons are rarely used in countries where access to firearms is easy. Poland has a fairly restrictive law regarding possession of firearms but under the Weapons and Munitions Act of May 21, 1999, as further amended, the possession of black powder weapons using separate loaded ammunition and manufactured before 1885, or replicas thereof, is legal without a permit. When the amendment was introduced, forensic pathologists anticipated a rush of cases involving such weapons, mainly suicides, but also accidents and homicides, but in our own practice in Lodz over the past 10 years (2010–2019) we have encountered only 7 such cases. Although the number is not particularly high, it does nevertheless account for nearly one‐fifth of all gunshot deaths in the area. The aim of this paper is to present a series of deaths involving the use of black powder handguns. In analyzed cases, the victims were mostly men, they were sober, and their manner of death was suicide. As far as age was concerned, no regularity was found. All black powder handgun shots were characteristic enough in comparison with those from conventional firearms that they could be identified easily—the entrance wounds were larger than usual, there was a lot of gunpowder around them and in the wound canal, the bone fractures were extensive. Analysis of the literature and of our own material indicates that easy availability is not the only factor affecting the choice of a weapon; ease of use and reliability are also important.
Total minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy in an esophageal cancer patient with situs inversus totalis: A case report
Authors: Xie Chu‐Long , Cai Jing‐Sheng , Tan Zi‐Hui , Yang Jie , Yang Hao‐Xian
Published: November 2020

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is an extremely rare anomaly characterized by a left‐to‐right reversal of all the thoracic and abdominal organs. Only 11 cases of esophageal cancer with SIT have been reported worldwide, most of which underwent hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) but not total MIE. Here, we report a case of esophageal cancer with SIT successfully treated by total MIE, with a right lateral‐prone position adopted during the thoracic procedure. The relevant literature is also discussed and reviewed.
Effect of a 1‐year short message service in detoxified alcohol‐dependent patients: a multi‐center, open‐label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lucht Michael , Quellmalz Anne , Mende Meinhard , Broda Anja , Schmiedeknecht Anett , Brosteanu Oana , Höppner‐Buchmann Jacqueline , Langosch Jens , Stuppe Markus , Schomerus Georg , Klauer Thomas , Grabe Hans J. , Freyberger Harald J. , John Ulrich , Meyer Christian
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Existing evidence suggests that text message interventions can help people to reduce their alcohol consumption. However, studies with alcohol‐dependent patients are lacking. In this study a 1‐year automatic mobile phone‐based short messaging service (SMS) intervention on alcohol consumption in patients after alcohol detoxification in hospital was compared with treatment as usual.

Design

Multi‐center, randomized, controlled, two parallel‐group, observer‐blinded trial.

Setting and Participants

Primary and secondary care: four hospitals and community (1 million residents, 7600 km2 area in Germany). A total of 462 patients with alcohol dependence (ICD‐10) were included during inpatient detoxification treatment. Patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to an SMS intervention and treatment as usual (SMS + TAU; n = 230; mean age: 45.4 years; 22.6% women) or TAU alone (n = 232 mean age: 44.5 years; 22.8% women). Planned, automated messages were sent to patients over 1 year to record assistance needs. A ‘yes’ or missing response triggered a telephone call from a hospital therapist. Outcome was assessed by an independent survey center.

Measurements

The primary end‐point was a three‐category alcohol consumption measure covering months 10–12 after discharge: abstinence, non‐heavy drinking, heavy drinking [men > 60 g/day; women > 40 g/day equal to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria: high risk and very high risk, mean consumption]. Secondary end‐points were number of abstinent days over 12 months and frequency of abstinence.

Results

The arms differed primarily in the heavy drinking category (intervention group 22.2%, TAU‐only group 32.3%) in months 9–12. This is reflected by an odds ratio (OR) = 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–2.54, P = 0.015 for heavy drinking versus non‐heavy drinking/abstinence. No difference between treatments was found with respect to any drinking versus abstinence (OR = 1.13). These results were confirmed by models adjusting for randomization strata.

Conclusions

In Germany, a 12‐month mobile phone short messaging service‐based intervention enhanced the reduction in heavy drinking for 1 year in routine care among adults with alcohol dependence discharged from inpatient alcohol detoxification.