bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-cell chromatin and gene-regulatory dynamics of mouse nephron progenitors
Authors: Hilliard Sylvia , Tortelote Giovane , Liu Hongbing , Chen Chao-Hui , El-Dahr Samir S.
Published: October 2021

STRUCTURED ABSTRACT

Background

Cis-regulatory elements (CREs), such as enhancers and promoters, and their cognate transcription factors play a central role in cell fate specification. Bulk analysis of CREs has provided insights into gene regulation in nephron progenitor cells (NPCs). However, the cellular resolution required to unravel the dynamic changes in regulatory elements associated with cell fate choices remains to be defined.

Methods

We integrated single-cell chromatin accessibility (scATAC-seq) and gene expression (scRNA-seq) in embryonic E16.5 (self-renewing) and postnatal P2 (primed) mouse Six2GFPNPCs. This analysis revealed NPC diversity and identified candidate CREs. To validate these findings and gain additional insights into more differentiated cell types, we performed a multiome analysis of E16.5 and P2 kidneys.

Results

CRE accessibility recovered the diverse states of NPCs and precursors of differentiated cells. Single-cell types such as podocytes, proximal and distal precursors are marked by differentially accessible CREs. Domains of regulatory chromatin as defined by rich CRE-gene associations identified NPC fate-determining transcription factors (TF). Likewise, key TF expression correlates well with its regulon activity. Young NPCs exhibited enrichment in accessible motifs for bHLH, homeobox, and Forkhead TFs, while older NPCs were enriched in AP-1, HNF1, and HNF4 motif activity. A subset of Forkhead factors exhibiting high chromatin activity in podocyte precursors.

Conclusion

Defining the regulatory landscape of nephrogenesis at single-cell resolution informs the basic mechanisms of nephrogenesis and provides a foundation for future studies in disease states characterized by abnormal nephrogenesis.

Significance Statement

Nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) are a multipotent population giving rise to all cell types of the nephron. At any given time, the NPC’s choice to self-renew or differentiate is determined not only by its transcription factor (TF) repertoire but also by the genome accessibility of the cognate cis-regulatory elements.

Using single-cell analysis, we demonstrate the heterogeneity of NPCs at the epigenetic level and observe dynamic and cell type-specific changes in chromatin accessibility. Fate-determining TFs harbor domains rich in interactive chromatin that are established prior to gene activation.

These findings illustrate the importance of chromatin-based mechanisms in the regulation of nephrogenesis and may have implications for nephron regeneration and repair.
Discovery of archaeal Fusexins homologous to eukaryotic HAP2/GCS1 gamete fusion proteins
Authors: Moi David , Nishio Shunsuke , Li Xiaohui , Valansi Clari , Langleib Mauricio , Brukman Nicolas G. , Flyak Kateryna , Dessimoz Christophe , de Sanctis Daniele , Tunyasuvunakool Kathryn , Jumper John , Graña Martin , Romero Héctor , Aguilar Pablo S. , Jovine Luca , Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Sexual reproduction consists of genome reduction by meiosis and subsequent gamete fusion. Presence of meiotic genes in prokaryotes suggests that DNA repair mechanisms evolved toward meiotic recombination; however, fusogenic proteins resembling those found in eukaryotes were not identified in prokaryotes. Here, we identify archaeal proteins that are homologs of fusexins, a superfamily of fusogens that mediate eukaryotic gamete and somatic cell fusion, as well as virus entry. The crystal structure of a trimeric archaeal Fusexin1 reveals novel features such as a six-helix bundle and an additional globular domain. Ectopically expressed Fusexin1 can fuse mammalian cells, and this process involves the additional domain and a conserved fusion loop. Archaeal fusexin genes exist within integrated mobile elements, potentially linking ancient archaeal gene exchanges and eukaryotic sex.

One-Sentence Summary

Cell membrane fusion proteins of viruses and eukaryotes are also present in archaea.
Modular, robust and extendible multicellular circuit design in yeast
Authors: Carignano Alberto , Chen Dai Hua , Mallory Cannon , Wright Clay , Seelig Georg , Klavins Eric
Published: October 2021

Division of labor between cells is ubiquitous in biology but the use of multi-cellular consortia for engineering applications is only beginning to be explored. A significant advantage of multi-cellular circuits is their potential to be modular with respect to composition but this claim has not yet been extensively tested using experiments and quantitative modeling. Here, we construct a library of 24 yeast strains capable of sending, receiving or responding to three molecular signals, characterize them experimentally and build quantitative models of their input-output relationships. We then compose these strains into two- and three-strain cascades as well a four-strain bistable switch and show that experimentally measured consortia dynamics can be predicted from the models of the constituent parts. To further explore the achievable range of behaviors, we perform a fully automated computational search over all two-, three- and four-strain consortia to identify combinations that realize target behaviors including logic gates, band-pass filters and time pulses. Strain combinations that are predicted to map onto a target behavior are further computationally optimized and then experimentally tested. Experiments closely track computational predictions. The high reliability of these model descriptions further strengthens the feasibility and highlights the potential for distributed computing in synthetic biology.
Low antigen abundance limits efficient T-cell recognition of highly conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Swaminathan Srividhya , Lineburg Katie E. , Ambalathingal George R. , Crooks Pauline , Grant Emma J. , Mohan Sonali V , Raju Jyothy , Panikkar Archana , Texier Laetitia Le , Tong Zheng Wei Marcus , Chew Keng Yih , Neller Michelle A. , Short Kirsty R. , Gowda Harsha , Gras Stephanie , Khanna Rajiv , Smith Corey
Published: October 2021

Understanding the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is critical to overcome the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Efforts are being made to understand the potential cross-protective immunity of memory T cells, induced by prior encounters with seasonal coronaviruses, in providing protection against severe COVID-19. In this study we assessed T-cell responses directed against highly conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2. Epitope mapping revealed 16 CD8+ T-cell epitopes across the nucleocapsid (N), spike (S) and ORF3a proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and five CD8+ T-cell epitopes encoded within the highly conserved regions of the ORF1ab polyprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Comparative sequence analysis showed high conservation of SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab T-cell epitopes in seasonal coronaviruses. Paradoxically, the immune responses directed against the conserved ORF1ab epitopes were infrequent and subdominant in both convalescent and unexposed participants. This subdominant immune response was consistent with a low abundance of ORF1ab encoded proteins in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Overall, these observations suggest that while cross-reactive CD8+ T cells likely exist in unexposed individuals, they are not common and therefore are unlikely to play a significant role in providing broad pre-existing immunity in the community.
Characterisation of a highly diverged mitochondrial ATP synthase peripheral stalk subunit b in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Dewar Caroline E. , Oeljeklaus Silke , Warscheid Bettina , Schneider André
Published: October 2021

The mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase of Trypanosoma brucei has been studied in detail. Whereas its F1 moiety is relatively highly conserved in structure and composition, the same is not the case for the Fo part and the peripheral stalk. A core subunit of the latter, the normally conserved subunit b, could not be identified in trypanosomes suggesting that it might be absent. Here we have identified a 17 kDa mitochondrial protein of the inner membrane that is essential for normal growth, efficient oxidative phosphorylation and membrane potential maintenance. Pulldown experiments and native PAGE analysis indicate that the protein is associated with the F1Fo ATP synthase. Its ablation reduces the levels of Fo subunits, but not those of F1, and disturbs the cell cycle. HHpred analysis showed that the protein has structural similarities to subunit b of other species, indicating that the Fo part of the trypanosomal ATP synthase does contain a highly diverged subunit b. Thus, the Fo part of the trypanosomal ATPase synthase may be more widely conserved than initially thought.
RNA-seq, bioinformatic identification of potential MicroRNA-Like Small RNAs in the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus and experimental approach for their validation
Authors: Marin Francisco R. , Dávalos Alberto , Kiltschewskij-Brown Dylan , Crespo Maria C. , Cairns Murray , Andres-Leon Eduardo , Soler-Rivas Cristina
Published: October 2021

Although genomes from many edible mushrooms are sequenced, studies on fungal miRNAs are scarce. Most of the bioinformatic tools are designed for plants or animals but fungal miRNAs processing and expression share similarities and differences with both kingdoms. Moreover, since mushroom species such as Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) are frequently consumed as food, controversial discussions are still evaluating whether their miRNAs might or might not be assimilated, perhaps within extracellular vesicles (i.e exosomes). Therefore, the A. bisporus RNA-seq was studied in order to identify potential de novo miRNA-like small RNAs (milRNAs) that might allow their later detection in the diet. Results pointed to 1 already known and 37 de novo milRNAss. Three milRNAss were selected for RT-qPCR experiments. Precursors and mature milRNAs were found in the edible parts (caps and stipes) validating the predictions carried out in silico. When their potential gene targets were investigated, results pointed that mostly were involved in primary and secondary metabolic regulation. However, when human transcriptome is used as target, the results suggest that they might interfere with important biological processes related with cancer, infectious process and neurodegenerative diseases.
Flow Cytometric Evaluation of Yeast-Bacterial Cell-Cell Interactions
Authors: Lei Ming , Trivedi Vikas D. , Nair Nikhil U. , Lee Kyongbum , Van Deventer James A.
Published: October 2021

Synthetic cell-cell interaction systems can be useful for understanding multicellular communities or for screening binding molecules. We adapt a previously characterized set of synthetic cognate nanobody-antigen pairs to a yeast-bacteria coincubation format and use flow cytometry to evaluate cell-cell interactions mediated by binding between surface-displayed molecules. We further use fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to enrich for a specific yeast-displayed nanobody within a mixed yeast-display population. Finally, we demonstrate that this system supports characterization of a therapeutically relevant nanobody-antigen interaction: a previously discovered nanobody that binds to the intimin protein expressed on the surface of enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Overall, our findings indicate that the yeast-bacteria format supports efficient evaluation of ligand-target interactions. With further development, this format may facilitate systematic characterization and high throughput discovery of bacterial surface-binding molecules.
Quantitative parameters of bacterial RNA polymerase open-complex formation, stabilization and disruption on a consensus promoter
Authors: Bera Subhas C. , America Pim P. B. , Maatsola Santeri , Seifert Mona , Ostrofet Eugeniu , Cnossen Jelmer , Spermann Monika , Papini Flávia S. , Depken Martin , Malinen Anssi M. , Dulin David
Published: October 2021

Transcription initiation is the first step in gene expression, and is therefore strongly regulated in all domains of life. The RNA polymerase (RNAP) first associates with the initiation factorσto form a holoenzyme, which binds, bends and opens the promoter in a succession of reversible states. These states are critical for transcription regulation, but remain poorly understood. Here, we addressed the mechanism of open complex formation by monitoring its assembly/disassembly kinetics on individual consensuslacUV5promoters using high-throughput single-molecule magnetic tweezers. We probed the key protein–DNA interactions governing the open-complex formation and dissociation pathway by modulating the dynamics at different concentrations of monovalent salts and varying temperatures. Consistent with ensemble studies, we observed that RPOis a stable, slowly reversible state that is preceded by a kinetically significant open intermediate (RPI), from which the holoenzyme dissociates. A strong anion concentration and type dependence indicates that the RPOstabilization may involve sequence-independent interactions between the DNA and the holoenzyme, driven by a non-Coulombic effect consistent with the non-template DNA strand interacting withσand the RNAPβsubunit. The temperature dependence provides the energy scale of open-complex formation and further supports the existence of additional intermediates.
Prolonged HPA axis dysregulation in postpartum depression associated with adverse life experiences during development: a cross-species translational study for a novel therapeutic approach
Authors: Niwa Minae , Lockhart Sedona , Wood Daniel J. , Yang Kun , Francis-Oliveira Jose , Kin Kyohei , Ahmed Adeel , Wand Gary S. , Kano Shin-ichi , Payne Jennifer L. , Sawa Akira
Published: October 2021

Stress during childhood and adolescence increases the risk for postpartum depression (PPD). Patients with depression who have experienced adverse life events tend to be treatment refractory. However, the mechanism by which stress during childhood and adolescence are involved in the pathophysiology of PPD remains unclear. We investigated the longitudinal effects of adolescent stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and behaviors in the postpartum period through mouse and human studies. We observed that adolescent social isolation caused an aberrantly sustained elevation of glucocorticoids via dysregulation of the HPA axis, leading to long-lasting postpartum behavioral changes in female mice. The postpartum behavioral changes elicited by this adolescent stress were not ameliorated by the medicines currently used for PPD treatment. However, a post-delivery treatment with a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist effectively ameliorated the behavioral changes in mice. We also demonstrated a significant impact of stress during childhood and adolescence on the HPA axis dysregulation and PPD in women. We provide experimental evidence that suggests a mechanism-driven therapeutic strategy (repurposing a GR antagonist) for at least some cases of treatment refractory PPD.
Epigenetic clock and methylation studies in gray short-tailed opossums
Authors: Horvath Steve , Haghani Amin , Zoller Joseph A. , Raj Ken , Sinha Ishani , Talbot Annais , Ruiz Yadiamaris Aviles , Sears Karen E.
Published: October 2021

The opossum (Monodelphis domestica), with its sequenced genome, ease of laboratory care and experimental manipulation, and unique biology, is the most used laboratory marsupial. Using the mammalian methylation array, we generated DNA methylation data from n=100 opossum tissues including blood, liver, and tail. We contrast age-related changes in the opossum methylome to those of C57BL/6J mice. We present several epigenetic clocks for opossums that are distinguished by their compatibility with tissue type (pan-tissue and blood clock) and species (opossum and human). Two dual-species human-opossum pan-tissue clocks accurately measure chronological age and relative age, respectively. These human-opossum epigenetic clocks are expected to provide a significant boost to the attractiveness of opossum as a biological model.
A Proposed Unified Mitotic Chromosome Architecture
Authors: Sedat John , McDonald Angus , Kasler Herbert , Verdin Eric , Cang Hu , Arigovindan Muthuvel , Murre Cornelis , Elbaum Michael
Published: October 2021

A molecular architecture is proposed for an example mitotic chromosome, human Chromosome 10. This architecture is built on a previously described interphase chromosome structure based on Cryo-EM cellular tomography (1), thus unifying chromosome structure throughout the complete mitotic cycle. The basic organizational principle, for mitotic chromosomes, is specific coiling of the 11-nm nucleosome fiber into large scale approximately 200 nm structures (a Slinky (2, motif cited in 3) in interphase, and then further modification and subsequent additional coiling for the final structure. The final mitotic chromosome architecture accounts for the dimensional values as well as the well known cytological configurations. In addition, proof is experimentally provided, by digital PCR technology, that G1 T-cell nuclei are diploid, thus one DNA molecule per chromosome. Many nucleosome linker DNA sequences, the promotors and enhancers, are suggestive of optimal exposure on the surfaces of the large-scale coils.

Significance Statement

The significance of this proposed mitotic chromosome architecture is that a specific, sequenced chromosome, human Chromosome 10, can be built into a specific architecture that accounts for the dimensional values and cytological descriptions, a first time result. Since this molecular architecture is an extension of the interphase chromosome structure, a coiling of the 11-nm nucleosome fiber with further coiling, a unifying molecular structure motif is present throughout the entire mitotic cycle, interphase through mitosis.
Nuclear morphogenesis: forming a heterogeneous nucleus during embryogenesis
Authors: Tsai Albert , Crocker Justin
Published: October 2021

An embryo experiences progressively complex spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression that guide the morphogenesis of its body plan as it matures. Using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy in Drosophila melanogaster embryos, we observed a similar increase in complexity in the nucleus: the spatial distributions of transcription factors became increasingly heterogeneous as the embryo matured. We also observed a similar trend in chromatin conformation with the establishment of specific histone modification patterns. However, transcription sites of specific genes had distinct local preferences for histone marks separate from the average nuclear trend, depending on the time and location of their expression. These results suggest that reconfiguring the nuclear environment is an integral part of embryogenesis and that the physical organization of the nucleus is a key element in developmental gene regulation.

Summary statement

We observed spatial rearrangements in the nucleus during embryo development, progressively forming a heterogeneous nuclear environment, paralleling the increasing complexity of the embryo body as morphogenesis progresses.
A mechanism for exocyst-mediated tethering via Arf6 and PIP5K1C driven phosphoinositide conversion
Authors: Maib Hannes , Murray David H.
Published: October 2021

Polarized trafficking is necessary for the development of eukaryotes and is regulated by a conserved molecular machinery. Late steps of cargo delivery are mediated by the exocyst complex, which integrates lipid and protein components to tether vesicles for plasma membrane fusion. However, the molecular mechanisms of this process are poorly defined. Here, we reconstitute functional octameric human exocyst, demonstrating the basis for holocomplex coalescence and biochemically stable subcomplexes. We determine that each subcomplex independently binds to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), which is minimally sufficient for membrane tethering. Through reconstitution and epithelial cell biology experiments, we show that Arf6-mediated recruitment of the lipid kinase PIP5K1C rapidly converts phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) to PI(4,5)P2, driving exocyst recruitment and membrane tethering. These results provide a molecular mechanism of exocyst-mediated tethering and a unique functional requirement for phosphoinositide signaling on latestage vesicles in the vicinity of the plasma membrane.
Knowledge creation and external consultants during ERP implementation: an interpretive study
Authors: Dutta Subhasish , Kumar J. Ajith
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Previous research has investigated knowledge transfer and the external consultant's role in it, during enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. In this study, the authors explore the processes through which knowledge creation happens during ERP implementation and how external consultants help operationalize the same.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors engaged the SECI model of the theory of organizational knowledge creation and conducted an interpretive study that interviewed 14 ERP implementation experts in India. The interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using the ATLAS.ti package.

Findings

The findings reveal fine insights into how knowledge creation takes place during ERP implementation through the four modes of knowledge conversion – socialization (S), externalization (E), combination (C) and internalization (I). The external consultants aid in operationalizing this knowledge creation process through five types of knowledge-related activities: (I) importing external knowledge, (D) discovering internal knowledge, (E) extricating confined knowledge, (A) activating flows of knowledge and (S) solving problems using knowledge. These activities can be represented by the acronym, I-D-E-A-S.

Originality/value

The study makes two overarching contributions: (1) offering an interpretation and description of ERP implementation as a knowledge creation process and (2) extending the understanding of the external consultants' role during ERP implementation to include new knowledge creation.
Breaking the mould: achieving high-volume production output with additive manufacturing
Authors: Huang Yuan , Eyers Daniel R. , Stevenson Mark , Thürer Matthias
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The study aims to examine a discrepant industrial case that demonstrates how to achieve economies of scale with additive manufacturing (AM), thereby expanding the scope of AM beyond high-variety, customised production contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Abductive reasoning is applied to analyse a case of using AM to compete with conventional production, winning a contract to supply 7,700,000 products. Comparing this case to existing theories and contemporary practices reveals new research directions and practical insights.

Findings

Economies of scale were realised through a combination of technological innovation and the adoption of operations management practices atypical of AM shops (e.g. design for volume, low-cost resource deployment and material flow optimisation). The former improved AM process parameters in terms of time, cost and dependability; the latter improved the entire manufacturing system, including non-AM operations/resources. This system-wide improvement has been largely overlooked in the literature, where AM is typically viewed as a disruptive technology that simplifies manufacturing processes and shortens supply chains.

Originality/value

It is empirically shown that an AM shop can achieve economies of scale and compete with conventional manufacturing in high-volume, standardised production contexts.
Game play and the effectiveness of sponsor signage: visual attention to brand messages in live sport broadcasts
Authors: Boronczyk Felix , Rumpf Christopher , Breuer Christoph
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Technological innovations could allow for real-time control of sponsor exposure during sport broadcasts to increase the capacity of sponsor messages to attract attention. While such an approach requires knowledge on the interplay between in-game events and viewers' attention to sponsor signage previous studies have disregarded factors pertaining to the competition itself. To address this gap, this paper investigates the impact of game-related variables on the allocation of viewer attention in live broadcasts.

Design/methodology/approach

Eye tracking is used to examine the impact of variations in score, ball position and ball possession on soccer fans' attention to sponsor messages during broadcasts. In total, the data comprise n = 36,604 second-by-second observations from 11 participants and games.

Findings

Logistic regression analysis reveals game time effects and significant interaction effects between possession and the score as well as the ball position variable. Sponsors receive less attention if the attacking team controls the ball near the opponents' goal, particularly if the viewers' preferred team is in possession.

Practical implications

Property owners and sponsors can exploit these findings to determine the value of sponsor brand exposure more precisely. New systems could further increase message effectiveness through adjustments of sponsor exposure based on real time match event data.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore the influence of game-related variables on attention to sponsors. By employing live broadcasts in a near-realistic setting, it further addresses a gap in the literature and adds to the knowledge on sponsor message processing.
Feeling a historic city: Porto landscape through the eyes of residents and visitors
Authors: Vaz de Freitas Isabel , Sousa Cristina , Ramazanova Makhabbat , Albuquerque Helena
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to monitor the urban landscape through the perceptions of residents and visitors, identifying features that cause visual impacts and providing insights for landscape management decision-makers. Captured impressions about the city whilst moving around are important to assess the satisfaction of city residents and city visitors through key elements, such as directional signage, outdoor advertising, restaurants’ outdoor terrace furniture, urban furniture, green spaces, traffic, cleaning, pedestrian areas, visitor flow and conservation of monuments, museums and buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was applied in the historical Porto city centre (Portugal) to understand residents’ and visitors’ perceptions of the city landscape and assess the differences between these two groups. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the reliability of the constructs (dimensions) of urban landscape. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to find significant differences in the perceptions of residents and visitors.

Findings

The results suggest significant differences in the perceptions. Residents value more two constructs of the landscape (heritage conservation and transport mobility) whilst visitors value more other two (pedestrian mobility and aesthetic quality). It is showed that residents have a strong sense of place and are concerned with the conservation of historical heritage. Visitors are more concerned with dimensions intrinsically related to tourism.

Originality/value

This research allowed to fill a gap found in the literature, namely, the importance of considering the perceptions of different actors in the urban landscape monitoring. These results are an important contribution for local authorities to understand the value of urban landscape elements from the perspective of residents and visitors. This study opened the possibility of comparing the results from different historical cities centres.
The economic impacts of COVID-19 on the city tourism-related services; the case of Tehran
Authors: Parvin Mohammad , Tavakolinia Jamileh , Mosammam Hassan Mohammadian , Razavian Mohammadtaghi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extremely destructive impact on the tourism and hospitality industry. However, there is a gap in the literature on measuring the economic impact of the pandemic on employees of urban tourism industries by class. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the perceived economic impact of the COVID-19 by workers of urban tourism-related services in Tehran.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on stratified sampling, a Web-based survey was carried out among 383 employees of tourism industries. To measuring the perceived impact and evaluate statistically significant differences, one samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and post hoc test were used.

Findings

The study findings revealed that employees of tourism-related services perceived that COVID-19 outbreak has a huge negative impact on the tourism industries in terms of earnings reduction. However, the perceived impact on job losses and reduction of hours of work was non-monotonic.

Originality/value

Identifying the negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on city tourism by industries and their subclasses can contribute to more effective interventions to support and recover the tourism industries. In other words, it is essential to prioritize support for different class of services, to fair allocation of bailout monies and to improve their resilience against crises and shocks.
Impact of digital technology on velocity of B2B buyer-supplier relationship development
Authors: Kauffman Ralph , Pointer Lucille
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the widespread adoption of digital technology (DT) in business-to-business (B2B) markets affects and, in particular, increases the velocity of relationship development over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was conducted to develop propositions concerning DT’s effect on the various stages of an existing B2B buyer-seller relationship development model. A group of 55 experienced practitioners was used to obtain reactions to the propositions.

Findings

DT affects buyer-seller relationship development by reducing the time needed to initiate and advance through sequential relationship stages. Agility in the decision-making process fosters stronger inter-firm relationships and influences other important attributes of B2B relationships, such as organizational commitment, organizational embeddedness, trust and value creation.

Research limitations/implications

A broader, more diverse sample of commercial buyers and sellers is required to permit testing the generalizability of the study’s findings.

Practical implications

DT affects the speed and agility of B2B relationship formation regardless of stage. As DT evolves in the age of Industry 4.0, an understanding of the effects of DT will aid managers in assessing ways to leverage its potential and apply appropriate DT strategies throughout the B2B relationship process to capitalize on current and future business opportunities. Firms need to explore the positive and negative effects of the digital revolution on managers within their supply chain networks.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that specifically addresses DT’s impact during the specific stages of the relationship development process.
Development of complexity management strategies for construction projects
Authors: Kermanshachi Sharareh , Nipa Thahomina Jahan , Dao Bac
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain and list the most effective management strategies in efficiently handling the project complexities to enhance the performance of the project.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill the aim of this study, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, and the qualitative Delphi technique in two rounds was applied. Participants of the Delphi technique consisted of 12 subject matter experts (SMEs) with cumulative experience of 250 years in working in construction projects. In the first round of the Delphi technique, SMEs were asked to provide complexity management strategies to address the complexities due to 37 complexity indicators (CIs) under 11 complexity categories. In the second round of the Delphi technique, SMEs identified the top three management strategies for each of the 37 CIs.

Findings

This study collected the outcome of the two-round Delphi technique and based on the output developed the list of strategies to manage complexities related to each indicator. For example, establishing a well-informed governance team, assigning a Project Manager (PM) when the number of projects is more than one in an organization, and assigning a PM efficient enough to communicate with higher authority effectively will help in managing complexity that arises due to faulty assessment of the influence of a project on the organization’s overall success.

Originality/value

This study will help practitioners in effectively managing the project complexities, and thus will reduce the monetary loss associated with project complexities.
Exploring e-complaint method: learning from the Malaysian Polytechnic institutions
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The conventional e-complaint method provides a platform that contains multiple data sources of an infrastructure project, including building facilities, associated asset documentation of the asset. However, the conventional e-complaint method practised by the Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) faces issues due to management deficiencies and negligent staff to handle operations and maintenance processes within facilities management at Malaysian Polytechnic. This paper aims to identify the different maintenance management system (MMS) approaches using information and communication technology that is equipped with decision-making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This research presents eight cases of the use of e-complaint in major facilities management platforms in Malaysian Polytechnic, identifying the major problems using the conventional e-complaint method, the current technologies realised, as well as the procedures for learning and improving e-complaint to the Polytechnic institution. The major conclusion drawn from the interview results was that there is a lack of comprehensive MMSs that integrate operations and maintenance processes within facilities management and software programming to provide guidelines for decision-making processes.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the conventional e-complaint method cannot be used effectively to support the defect diagnosis process during maintenance assessment and development. The case studies further demonstrated that the conventional e-complaint method will be particularly led to inadequate strategic decision-making to analyse information to improve the maintenance project outcomes for Malaysian Polytechnic’s buildings, thereby, ignoring the accuracy and reliability of information for operations and maintenance. New MMS tools are suggested from the findings and lessons learned as a good practice to reduce defect repetition on the design specifications used and construction methods practised.

Originality/value

Due to the increasingly complex nature of projects in terms of size and information technology, realising these current technologies would require a learning process for all stakeholders involved in financial and managing assets. This research proposes stepped change and learning opportunity for maintenance value maximisation and delivery, management and operation efficiency using MMS. The new MMS can potentially transform operational and maintenance processes within facilities management into one of the most sophisticated technologies by accommodating data recordings, such as complaints and specific items needed for maintenance through the internet and intranet to facilitate improved execution of Polytechnic’s building activities.
Resident loyalty formation for the survival of African-ethnic restaurants during COVID-19: the adaptive capabilities logic
Authors: Otengei Samson Omuudu , Changha George
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This qualitative research aimed to explore the relationship between adaptive dynamic capabilities and resident loyalty formation among African-ethnic restaurants (AERs) during COVID-19 in East Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on the dynamic capabilities perspective, the study uses eight case studies to obtain data based on restaurant owner-managers' lived experiences.

Findings

The paper presents six factors: (1) sensory quality promise, (2) service personalization declaration, (3) openness of technology adoption, (4) healthy food and safety assurance, (5) authenticity pledge and (6) diversity provision as prerequisites for resident loyalty formation. The findings suggest adaptive capacity as an appropriate alternative for stimulating resident loyalty formation during difficult times.

Practical implications

The findings help managers in formulating strategies that facilitate residents' display of willingness to revisit and/or recommend others. The local restaurants can now keep modifying and adjusting their practices and processes so as to exhibit the ability to handle customer unique demands during difficult times.

Originality/value

Through this work, a model of adaptive capabilities as enablers of resident loyalty formation is proposed, hence contributing the existing body of knowledge.
Street-level bureaucrats: tensions and challenges in online placemaking
Authors: Breek Pieter , Eshuis Jasper , Hermes Joke
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Social media have become a key part of placemaking. Placemaking revolves around collaboration between multiple stakeholders, which requires ongoing two-way communication between local government and citizens. Although social media offer promising tools for local governments and public professionals in placemaking, they have not lived up to their potential. This paper aims to uncover the tensions and challenges that social media bring for public professionals at the street level in placemaking processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to fill this gap with a case study of area brokers engaged in online placemaking in Amsterdam. In total, 14 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, focusing on area brokers’ social media practices, perceptions and challenges. The authors used an open coding strategy in the first phase of coding. In the second phase, the authors regrouped codes in thematic categories with the use of sensitizing concepts derived from the theoretical review.

Findings

The use of social media for placemaking imposes demands on area brokers from three sides: the bureaucracy, the affordances of social media and affective publics. The paper unpacks pressures area brokers are under and the (emotional) labour they carry out to align policy and bureaucratic requirements with adequate communication needed in neighbourhood affairs on social media. The tensions and the multidimensionality of what is required explain the reluctance of area brokers to exploit the potential of social media in their work.

Originality/value

Several studies have addressed the use of social media in placemaking, but all neglected the perspective of street-level bureaucrats who shape the placemaking process in direct contact with citizens.
Monopoly and corporate innovation: evidence from antitrust law
Authors: Yu Minggui , Huang Yujing , Zhong Huijie , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2021

Purpose

There are two opposite views about whether the Antitrust Law is conducive to the development of the economy. One view is that the Antitrust Law can restrain monopoly, maintain market competition and benefit economic growth. The other view is that the Antitrust Law inhibits innovation by monopolistic firms and fosters rent-seeking, which is bad for economic growth. To provide a possible perspective for clarifying the controversy, this paper aims to answer the following two questions: first, will the Antitrust Law inhibit corporate innovation? Second, does the antitrust enforcement agency discriminate against private enterprises?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the samples of A-share listed companies from 2003 to 2013, the authors use the implementation of China’s Antitrust Law in 2008 as a policy shock, take the monopoly enterprises in each industry as the treatment group and competitive enterprises as the control group, using the difference-in-differences method to test the impact of the implementation of the Antitrust Law on corporate innovation activities.

Findings

The results show that compared with competitive enterprises, the patent output of monopolistic enterprises was significantly reduced after the implementation of the Antitrust Law, which indicates that the Antitrust Law does inhibit the innovation activities of monopolistic enterprises. Further research finds that the innovation suppression effect of the Antitrust Law is more prominent in state-owned enterprises, which means that the government does not have “selective law enforcement” against private enterprises in the process of law enforcement. Therefore, the results provide evidence for the idea that government intervention is neutral.

Originality/value

First, the paper enriches and expands the research on the factors affecting corporate innovation from the perspective of market structure. Second, it enriches and expands relevant research on the consequences of implementing the Antitrust Law from the perspective of corporate innovation. Third, it not only provides the relevant empirical evidence for clarifying the dispute about the Antitrust Law but also is helpful to clarify whether the Chinese Government has “selective law enforcement” against private enterprises.
Including people with intellectual disabilities in the development of their own positive behaviour support plans
Authors: Breeze James
Published: October 2021

Purpose

People with intellectual disabilities are not routinely involved in the assessment of their behaviours that challenge, as this is often completed by a proxy respondent and the health-care professional. This is contrary to guidance stating that everyone should be involved in the planning of their care. This paper aims to show how health-care professionals can support people with intellectual disabilities to engage in the assessment of their behaviours that challenge and the subsequent development of their own positive behaviour support (PBS) plans.

Design/methodology/approach

A non-systematic review of the existing literature on improving the engagement of people with learning disabilities in health-care planning, and specifically PBS planning, was undertaken. Appropriate papers were included in this paper.

Findings

There are several evidence-based methods to improve people’s engagement in the assessment of their own behaviours that challenge and then the development of their PBS plans. These methods are discussed in terms of their application to supporting people to communicate and involving them in the process of developing a valid and meaningful PBS plan. This is a relatively new focus within the literature, and further research should focus on increasing engagement in the process, as well as monitoring how co-production affects PBS outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper summarises some of the approaches used to support people with intellectual disabilities to engage in the assessment of their behaviours that challenge and the development of their own PBS plans. This should encourage health-care professionals to consider how to use alternative and augmentative communication strategies to facilitate co-production in their own clinical practice.
Fungal response to abruptly or gradually delivered antifungal agent amphotericin B is growth stage dependent
Authors: Li Erqin , Krsmanovic Aleksandra , Ballhausen Max‐Bernhard , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: October 2021

Anthropogenic disturbances pose a multitude of novel challenges to ecosystems. While many experiments have tested effects using abrupt treatment applications, most environmental changes in fact are gradual. Since ecosystem responses might be highly dependent on the temporal nature of stressors, it is crucial to differentiate the effects of abrupt vs gradual treatment application. Antifungal agents, which are widely used in disease control both for humans and in agriculture, are becoming a new class of environmental contaminants. In this study, we examined the effect of a sub‐lethal application of one antifungal agent, amphotericin B. We applied different rates of delivery, e.g. gradual and abrupt, and monitored biomass and sporulation of the model fungus Neurospora crassa in a batch culture. Our results demonstrate that: (i) the effect size difference between abrupt and gradual treatments is fungal growth stage dependent and (ii) the gradual treatment clearly had a higher sporulation level compared with all types of abrupt treatments. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the rate of change in environmental change research and point to a new research direction for future global change studies. Furthermore, our results also have important implications for avoiding treatment‐induced spore production in agriculture and medical practise.
Perspectives of students with autism on their participation in a peer‐mediated intervention
Authors: Zanuttini Jessica Z. , Little Cathy
Published: October 2021

The article describes research into the perspectives of students with autism regarding their participation as the target participants in a peer‐mediated social communication intervention. Questionnaires were administered to four elementary‐aged students with autism before and after their involvement in the intervention. The students' parents and teachers also completed questionnaires about the students' participation in the intervention. Through the use of these questionnaires, we gained an insight into students' experiences with the intervention, which elements of the intervention they found most enjoyable and most effective, and the perceived impacts of the intervention on their social communication behaviours. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the questionnaire data revealed that all four students with autism enjoyed participating in the peer‐mediated intervention sessions, felt that their social communication behaviours had improved as a result of their involvement, and would like to be involved in similar sessions in the future. Implications for parents and educators who support the social communication of children with autism are explored.
A cross‐sectional survey study on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates and the factors affecting vaccination rates in hemodialysis patients in Kocaeli Province of Turkey
Authors: Mutlu Aşkın , Şengül Erkan , Boz Gülşah
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations and the factors affecting vaccination rates in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

The study included 360 hemodialysis patients. Patients' data were collected via a questionnaire form applied during a face‐to‐face interview.

Results

Of the patients, 51.4% vaccinated at least once with influenza vaccine and 14.4% vaccinated with pneumococcal vaccine. While 31.4% of the patients had annual vaccination regularly for influenza, 20% were vaccinated irregularly. Of the patients with missing vaccination, 76.2% reported the reason for not being vaccinated as lack of knowledge about the relevant vaccine. At initial evaluation in the beginning of the study, the percentage of patients vaccinated with both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines was 10.8%. After informing the patients in the face‐to‐face interview, 89.7% of them reported that they planned to have both vaccines (p < 0.001). The rate of vaccine refusal, which was 17.8% at the initial evaluation, reduced to 10.3% at the end of the interview (p < 0.001). The most common source of information about influenza and pneumococcal vaccines (44%–43.3%, respectively) was dialysis nurses. Majority of the patients (87%) were vaccinated in the hemodialysis units.

Conclusion

The rates of pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations in dialysis patients were observed to be below the targeted rates and the main reason for such low rates was lack of information/recommend. All health care professionals, providing the patients with information about vaccinations, using communication tools such as media, phone, mails that facilitate to reach large populations more easily may enhance vaccination rates.