bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches to understand the genetic architecture of speciation across a monkeyflower hybrid zone
Authors: Stankowski Sean , Chase Madeline A. , McIntosh Hanna , Streisfeld Matthew A.
Published: January 2022

Understanding the phenotypic and genetic architecture of reproductive isolation is a longstanding goal of speciation research. In many systems, candidate barrier traits and loci have been identified, but causal connections between them are rarely made. In this study, we combine ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches with demographic modeling toward an integrated understanding of speciation across a monkeyflower hybrid zone. Previous work in this system suggests that pollinator-mediated reproductive isolation is a primary barrier to gene flow between two divergent red- and yellow-flowered ecotypes ofMimulus aurantiacus. Several candidate floral traits contributing to pollinator isolation have been identified, including a difference in flower color, which is caused primarily by a single large-effect locus (MaMyb2). Other anonymous SNP loci, potentially contributing to pollinator isolation, also have been identified, but their causal relationships remain untested. Here, we performed demographic analyses, which indicate that this hybrid zone formed by secondary contact, but that subsequent gene flow was restricted in a large fraction of the genome by barrier loci. Using a cline-based genome scan (our bottom-up approach), we demonstrate that candidate barrier loci are broadly distributed across the genome, rather than mapping to one or a few ‘islands of speciation.’ A QTL analysis (our top-down approach) revealed most floral traits are highly polygenic, with little evidence that QTL co-localize, indicating that most traits are largely genetically independent. Finally, we find little convincing evidence for the overlap of QTL and candidate barrier loci, suggesting that some loci contribute to other forms of reproductive isolation. Our findings highlight the challenges of understanding the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation and reveal that barriers to gene flow aside from pollinator isolation may play an important role in this system.
The role of preterm birth and postnatal stress in neonatal structural brain development
Authors: Lammertink Femke , Benders Manon J.N.L. , Hermans Erno J. , Tataranno Maria L. , Dudink Jeroen , Vinkers Christiaan H. , den Heuvel Martijn P. van
Published: January 2022

Preterm birth disrupts the emerging foundations of the brain’s architecture, and the continuum of early-life stress-provoked alterations reaches from a healthy adaptation with resilience to severe vulnerability and maladjustment with psychopathology. The current study examined how structural brain development is affected by a stressful extra-uterine environment and whether changes in topological architecture at term-equivalent age could explain the increased vulnerability for behavioral symptoms during early childhood. Longitudinal changes in structural brain connectivity were quantified using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and tractography in preterm born infants (gestational age <28 weeks), imaged at 30 and/or 40 weeks of gestation (N=145, 43.5% female). A global index of postnatal stress was based on invasive procedures during hospitalization (e.g., heel lance). Infants were classified as vulnerable and resilient based on having more or less internalizing symptoms at 2-5 years of age (n=71). Findings were replicated in an independent validation sample (N=123, 39.8% female, n=91 with follow-up). Higher stress levels impaired structural connectivity growth in the amygdala, insula, hippocampus, and posterior cingulate cortex. The hippocampus, amygdala, and subthalamic nucleus showed lower global connectivity in vulnerable relative to resilient individuals. The distinct characteristics of the resilient brain allowed for a good predictive accuracy of group membership using local network measures (80%, p<10−5, κ=0.61). These findings emphasize the detrimental impact of postnatal stress and, more importantly, the relative plasticity of the preterm brain. Resilience following postnatal stress appertains to a potential compensatory or innate ability to propagate global information flow.

Significance Statement

The underdeveloped preterm brain is exposed to various external stimuli following birth. Although the importance of early adversity has been widely recognized, the essential understanding of the effects of early chronic stress on neonatal brain networks as well as the remarkable degree of resilience is not well understood. We aim to provide an increased understanding of the impact of postnatal stress on brain development between 30 and 40 weeks of gestation and describe the topological architecture of a resilient brain. We observed global alteration in neonatal brain networks following postnatal stress and identified key contributive regions conferring resilience to the development of future internalizing symptoms.
Blood flow modeling under LVAD physiology. From global circulation to local hemodynamics☆
Authors: Blanco Pablo J. , Grinstein Jonathan , Bulant Carlos A. , Torii Ryo , Bourantas Christos V. , Lemos Pedro A. , García-García Héctor M.
Published: January 2022

This document presents the modeling strategy to address the in-silico study of different LVAD patho-physiological scenarios. The proposed approach employs a closed-loop lumped-parameter compartmental representation of the global circulation in the cardiovascular system (CVS). The CVS is coupled to a HeartMate 3 LVAD, and different cardiovascular conditions are proposed by modification of model parameters. Once the simulation for these conditions are performed, the cardiac function is analyzed in detail, and the global circulation model delivers flow rate waveforms which are employed as boundary conditions in a 3D hemodynamic simulation. This local circulation model is built using a patient-specific geometry of the aortic arch, containing 7 inlet/outlet boundaries, namely: LVAD cannula, aortic root, left and right subclavian arteries, left and right common carotid arteries and thoracic aorta. This model is exploited to investigate the impact of global cardiovascular conditions in the local hemodynamic features, particularly the wall shear stress (WSS) in different spatial regions.
Fitness costs and benefits in response to artificial artesunate selection inPlasmodium
Authors: Villa Manon , Berthomieu Arnaud , Rivero Ana
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Drug resistance is a major issue in the control of malaria. Mutations linked to drug resistance often target key metabolic pathways and are therefore expected to be associated with biological costs. The spread of drug resistance depends on the balance between the benefits that these mutations provide in the drug-treated host and the costs they incur in the untreated host. The latter may therefore be expressed both in the vertebrate host and in the vector. Research on the costs of drug resistance focusses on interactions with vertebrate host, yet whether they are also expressed in the vector has been overlooked. In this study, we aim to identify the costs and benefits of resistance against artesunate (AS), one of the main artemisinin derivatives used in malaria-endemic countries. For this purpose, we compared different AS-selected lines of the avian malaria parasitePlasmodium relictumto their ancestral (unselected) counterpart. We tested their within host dynamics and virulence both in the vertebrate host and in its natural vector, the mosquitoCulex quinquefasciatus. The within-host dynamics of the AS-selected lines in the treated birds was consistent with the phenotype of resistance described in humanP. falciparummalaria: a clearance delay during the treatment followed by a recrudescence once the treatment was interrupted. In the absence of treatment, however, we found no significant costs of resistance in the bird. The results of the two experiments to establish the infectivity of the lines to mosquitoes point towards a decreased infectivity of the drug-selected lines as compared to the ancestral, reference one. We discuss the potential implication of these results on the spread of artesunate resistance in the field.
Sex-specific transcription and DNA methylation landscapes of the Asian citrus psyllid, a vector of huanglongbing pathogens
Authors: Yu Xiudao , Marshall Hollie , Liu Yan , Xiong Yu , Zeng Xiangdong , Yu Haizhong , Chen Wei , Zhou Guchun , Zhu Bo , Ross Laura , Lu Zhanjun
Published: January 2022

The relationship of DNA methylation and sex-biased gene expression is of high interest, it allows research into mechanisms of sexual dimorphism and the development of potential novel strategies for insect pest control. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is a major vector for the causative agents of Huanglongbing (HLB), which presents an unparalleled challenge to citrus production worldwide. Here, we identify the X chromosome of D. citri and investigate differences in the transcription and DNA methylation landscapes between adult virgin males and females. We find a large number of male-biased genes on the autosomes and a depletion of such on the X chromosome. We have also characterised the methylome of D. citri, finding low genome-wide levels, which is unusual for an hemipteran species, as well as evidence for both promoter and TE methylation. Overall, DNA methylation profiles are similar between the sexes but with a small number of differentially methylated genes found to be involved in sex differentiation. There also appears to be no direct relationship between differential DNA methylation and differential gene expression. Our findings lay the groundwork for the development of novel epigenetic-based pest control methods, and given the similarity of the D. citri methylome to other insect species, these methods could be applicable across agricultural insect pests.
Structures of the Type IX Secretion/gliding motility motor from across the phylum Bacteroidetes
Authors: James Rory Hennell , Deme Justin C. , Hunter Alicia , Berks Ben C. , Lea Susan M.
Published: January 2022

Gliding motility using cell surface adhesins and export of proteins by the Type IX Secretion System (T9SS) are two phylum-specific features of the Bacteroidetes. Both of these processes are energized by the GldLM motor complex which transduces the protonmotive force at the inner membrane into mechanical work at the outer membrane. We previously used cryo-electron microscopy to solve the structure of the GldLM motor core from Flavobacterium johnsoniae at 3.9 Å resolution (Nat Microbiol (2021) 6: 221-233). Here we present structures of homologous complexes from a range of pathogenic and environmental Bacteroidetes species at up to 3.0 Å resolution. These structures show that the architecture of the GldLM motor core is conserved across the Bacteroidetes phylum although there are species-specific differences at the N-terminus of GldL. The resolution improvements reveal a cage-like structure that ties together the membrane-proximal cytoplasmic region of GldL and influences gliding function. These findings add detail to our structural understanding of bacterial ion-driven motors that drive the T9SS and gliding motility.

Importance

Many bacteria in the Bacteroidetes phylum use the Type IX Secretion System to secrete proteins across their outer membrane. Most of these bacteria can also glide across surfaces using adhesin proteins that are propelled across the cell surface. Both secretion and gliding motility are driven by the GldLM protein complex which forms a nanoscale electrochemical motor. We used cryo-electron microscopy to study the structure of the GldLM protein complex from different species including the human pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Capnocytophaga canimorsus. The organisation of the motor is conserved across species, but we find species-specific structural differences and resolve motor features at higher resolution. This work improves our understanding of the Type IX Secretion System, which is a virulence determinant in human and animal diseases.
CDK8 and CDK19 act redundantly to control the CFTR pathway in the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Prieto Susana , Dubra Geronimo , Camasses Alain , Simboeck Elisabeth , Aznar Ana Bella , Begon-Pescia Christina , Pirot Nelly , Gerbe François , Angevin Lucie , Jay Philippe , Krasinska Liliana , Fisher Daniel
Published: January 2022

CDK8 and CDK19 form a conserved cyclin-dependent kinase subfamily that interacts with the essential transcription complex, Mediator, and also promotes transcription by phosphorylating the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. Cells lacking either CDK8 or CDK19 are viable and have limited transcriptional alterations, but whether the two kinases redundantly control cell differentiation is unknown. Here, we find that CDK8 is dispensable for RNA polII CTD phosphorylation, regulation of gene expression, normal intestinal homeostasis and efficient tumourigenesis in mice. Furthermore, CDK8 is largely redundant with CDK19 in the control of gene expression. Yet, while their combined deletion in intestinal organoids reduces long-term proliferative capacity, it is not lethal and allows differentiation. Nevertheless, in double mutant organoids, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) pathway is transcriptionally and functionally downregulated, leading to mucus accumulation and increased secretion by goblet cells. This phenotype can be recapitulated by pharmacological inhibition of CDK8/19 kinase activity. Thus, the Mediator kinases are not essential for cell proliferation and differentiation, but they cooperate to regulate tissue-specific transcriptional programmes.
Biallelic SEPSECS variants in two siblings with pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2D underscore the relevance of splice-disrupting synonymous variants in disease.
Authors: Ramadesikan Swetha , Hickey Scott E , De Los Reyes Emily , Patel Anup D , Franklin Samuel J , Brennan Patrick , Crist Erin , Lee Kristy , White Peter , McBride Kim L , Koboldt Daniel C , Wilson Richard K
Published: January 2022

Noncoding and synonymous coding variants that exert their effects via alternative splicing are increasingly recognized as an important category of disease-causing variants. In this report, we describe two siblings who presented with hypotonia, profound developmental delays, and seizures. Brain MRI in the proband at 5 years showed diffuse cerebral and cerebellar white matter volume loss. Both siblings later developed ventilator-dependent respiratory insufficiency, scoliosis and are currently nonverbal and non-ambulatory. Extensive molecular testing including oligo array and clinical exome sequencing was non-diagnostic. Research genome sequencing under an IRB-approved study protocol revealed that both affected children were compound-heterozygous for variants in the SEPSECS gene. One variant was an initiator codon change (c.1A>T) that disrupted protein translation, consistent with the observation that most disease-causing variants are loss-of-function changes. The other variant was a coding change (c.846G>A) that was predicted to be synonymous but had been demonstrated to disrupt mRNA splicing in a minigene assay.
SEPSECS gene encodes O-phosphoseryl-tRNA(Sec) selenium transferase; an enzyme that participates in the biosynthesis and transport of selenoproteins in the body. Variations in SEPSECS cause autosomal recessive pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2D (PCHT 2D; OMIM #613811), a neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cerebrocerebellar atrophy, microcephaly, and epileptic encephalopathy. The identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in this family- one of which was a synonymous change not identified by prior clinical testing- not only ended the diagnostic odyssey for this family, but also highlights the contribution of occult pathogenic variants that may not be recognized by standard genetic testing methodologies.
Crystal structure of a hypothetical protein from Giardia lamblia
Authors: Beard Dylan K. , Bristol Seonna , Cosby Kayla , Davis Amber , Manning Courtney , Perry Lionel , Snapp Lauren , Toy Arian , Wheeler Kayla , Young Jeremy , Staker Bart , Arakaki Tracy L. , Abendroth Jan , Subrahamanian Sandhya , Edwards Thomas E. , Myler Peter J. , Asojo Oluwatoyin A.
Published: January 2022

Giardiasis is the most prevalent diarrheal disease globally and affects humans and animals. It is a significant problem in developing countries, the number one cause of travelers' diarrhea and affects children and immunocompromised individuals, especially HIV-infected individuals. Giardiasis is treated with antibiotics (tinidazole and metronidazole) that are also used for other infections such as trichomoniasis. The ongoing search for new therapeutics for giardiasis includes characterizing the structure and function of proteins from the causative protozoan Giardia lamblia. These proteins include hypothetical proteins that share 30% sequence identity or less with proteins of known structure. Here, the atomic resolution structure of a 15.6 kDa protein was determined by molecular replacement. The structure has the two-layer αβ-sandwich topology observed in the prototypical endoribonucleases L-PSPs (liver perchloric acid-soluble proteins) with conserved allosteric active sites containing small molecules from the crystallization solution. This article is an educational collaboration between Hampton University and the Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease.
Bis[3-(anthracen-9-yl)pentane-2,4-dionato-κ2
O,O′](N,N-dimethylformamide-κO)[tris(pyrazol-1-yl-κN
2)hydroborato]europium(III)
Authors: Mikhalyova Elena A. , Zeller Matthias , Jasinski Jerry P. , Kaur Manpreet , Addison Anthony W.
Published: January 2022

The title compound, [Eu(C9H10BN6)(C19H15O2)2(C3H7NO)] or [TpEu(Anthracac)2(DMF)], was synthesized by reaction of a tris(pyrazolyl)borate (Tp−) Eu3+ complex with 3-(anthracen-9-yl)pentane-2,4-dione (HAnthracac) in the presence of triethylamine. In the title compound, Eu3+ is located in an octavertex square-pyramidal coordination environment. In the two Anthracac− ligands, the anthracene and nearly planar acetylacetonate fragments are almost orthogonal. Neighboring molecules of TpEu(Anthracac)2(DMF) are connected in the crystal by intermolecular van der Waals interactions, while π-stacking interactions are limited to the edges of two anthracene rings.
Multidimensional drivers: exploring contractor rule violations in the construction industry
Authors: Liu Junying , Wang Yuqing , Wang Zhixiu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This research aims to build a three-tiered driver system that entices contractor rule violations and explores the importance and the relationships among these drivers, hence providing theoretical support for the contractor rule violations governance.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review based on fraud diamond theory identified drivers from Pressure, Opportunity, Rationalization and Capability that drive contractor rule violations. In the Chinese context, through feedback, discussion and analysis of semistructured interviews with ten experts, an improved three-tiered driver system was drafted. Based on this system, a survey was conducted and scored with experts to provide the data for this research. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to determine relationships and influences between factors, and the DEMATEL-based analytic network process method was used to weigh these factors.

Findings

This paper systematically studied the drivers of contractor rule violations, specifically, the results showed that pressure had an important driving effect across the driver system, and those five factors – poor cultural atmosphere, weak internal control, prior experience, moral disengagement and information asymmetry – had the most influence on contractor rule violations. The results also indicated the strong effect pressure has on enticing rule violations and revealed that culture atmosphere and internal company governance played crucial roles in the occurrence of rule violations.

Practical implications

This study provided construction practitioners with a robust tool to analyze the drivers of contractor rule violations. The rule violation drivers in the construction practice scenes identified in this study can provide more direct and effective violation-related guidance for contractors, regulators and the industry.

Originality/value

Based on the new perspective of fraud diamond, this paper systematically bulit a three-tiered driver system combining theory with practice. This study contributed to understand the driver mechanism of contractor rule violations especially the importance of internal factors of contractors, which provided theory reference for compliance governance of construction industry.
Shaping the attitudes of Russian managers in ethical issues – personal attributes and environmental pressure
Authors: Oberhauser Marc , Holtbrügge Dirk , Gurkov Igor
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the attitudes of Russian managers are affected by personal attributes, environmental conditions and also cognitive processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social cognitive theory, the authors developed hypotheses and tested them against data collected from 173 Russian managers via an online survey. A linear regression analysis revealed several determinants of ethical attitudes within the Russian context.

Findings

The findings suggest that personal values (i.e. political orientation), environmental conditions (i.e. hierarchical level, ownership – state-owned versus private – of the current employer, industry in which a manager works) as well as cognitive processes (i.e. the presence (absence) of multilingualism at the workplace) strongly affect ethical attitudes of Russian managers in several issues related to both job ethics (relations inside the organization) and business ethics (relations outside the organization).

Practical implications

Revealing a positive effect of multilingualism as cognitive process on managers' ethical attitudes, this study calls for incorporating a second lingua franca, for example, English, within the working context.

Originality/value

The study provides an in-depth investigation of the determinants of ethical attitudes in Russia. Conducting a single-country study, the authors are able to reveal locally meaningful determinants that may otherwise be overlooked.
Matching goal-based incentive systems with cross-functional integration to improve operation and innovation performance
Authors: Kang Mingu , Ki-Hyun Um. , Shou Yongyi , Roh James Jungbae
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Cross-functional integration has been an important factor for manufacturing firms' performance outcomes. The study aims to expand previous research by investigating the moderating role of goal-based incentive systems in the relationship between cross-functional integration and competitive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on multi-source data from 269 manufacturing firms around the world, regression analysis is used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The authors' findings suggest that cross-functional integration enhances manufacturers' innovation and operational performance. Moreover, cross-functional integration has a stronger impact on operational performance when firms implement a well-designed goal-based incentive system. However, the authors find that the goal-based incentive system does not moderate the relationship between cross-functional integration and innovation performance.

Originality/value

The study, by investigating the fit between goal-based incentive systems and cross-functional integration, provides practical insights into the ways that firms apply cross-functional integration and goal-based incentive systems to enhance competitive performance.
An acceptance model for sports technologies: the effects of sports motivation, sports type and context-aware characteristics
Authors: Oc Yusuf , Toker Aysegul
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study explores the drivers behind sports technology use and identifies the need for a new conceptualization of sports technology adoption. To address this issue, the authors create a new construct, “context-awareness,” with four dimensions: tracking, coaching, sharing and gamification.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a mixed-method approach, including in-depth interviews and partial least squares structural equation modeling. The proposed model combines technology acceptance frameworks with the Sports Motivation Scale and a novel context-awareness scale. It is empirically tested with a diverse sample of 600 respondents to identify use-intention differences according to sports motivation and sport types.

Findings

The paper reveals group differences in sports type (dynamic vs nondynamic) and sports motivation (intrinsic vs extrinsic) regarding sports technology use. It also suggests that perceived technology characteristics mediate the relationship between context-aware features and intention to use.

Originality/value

This research introduces a new construct of “context-awareness” into the literature on new technology acceptance. The proposed model combines insights from information systems, sports science, sports marketing and sports medicine to explain the adoption of complex technology.
Experiences of staff working in a mental health trust during the COVID-19 pandemic and appraisal of staff support services
Authors: Jones Abbeygail , Zhang Shuo , Woodburn Amy , Dorrington Sarah , Beck Alison , Winter Helen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The health and well-being of healthcare staff came into focus during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as already strained workforces responded to new and additional challenges. Organisational support services made efforts to adapt staff support provision. However, most literature and recommendations are centred on surveys of medical and clinical staff. The present study included staff across clinical and non-clinical workforces within a mental health trust over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic to date, and aimed to understand workforces' access to and experiences of organisational support.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study was a qualitative one using convenience and purposive sampling. Semi-structured individual and group interviews were conducted using a topic guide. Reflexive thematic analysis was used in a phenomenological framework to analyse data.

Findings

35 staff, broadly representative of the trust workforce, were recruited. Six global themes summarised the experiences of staff in relation to work practices, personal well-being and support access over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: COVID-19 disease, interpersonal relationships, individual considerations, change, working environment and support.

Practical implications

The findings from the study have implications for organisational support provisions for healthcare workers and the dissemination of these services.

Originality/value

Acknowledging the multi-various experiences of different workforces within National Healthcare Service organisations and how these change over time will facilitate innovative changes to staff support provision.
Default to truth in information behavior: a proposed framework for understanding vulnerability to deceptive information
Authors: Zimmerman Tara , Njeri Millicent , Khader Malak , Allen Jeff
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to recognize the challenge of identifying deceptive information and provides a framework for thinking about how we as humans negotiate the current media environment filled with misinformation and disinformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the influence of Wilson’s (2016) General Theory of Information Behavior (IB) in the field of information science (IS) before introducing Levine’s Truth-Default Theory (TDT) as a method of deception detection. By aligning Levine’s findings with published scholarship on IB, this study illustrates the fundamental similarities between TDT and existing research in IS.

Findings

This study introduces a modification of Wilson’s work which incorporates truth-default, translating terms to apply this theory to the broader area of IB rather than Levine’s original face-to-face deception detection.

Originality/value

False information, particularly online, continues to be an increasing problem for both individuals and society, yet existing IB models cannot not account for the necessary step of determining the truth or falsehood of consumed information. It is critical to integrate this crucial decision point in this study’s IB models (e.g. Wilson’s model) to acknowledge the human tendency to default to truth and thus providing a basis for studying the twin phenomena of misinformation and disinformation from an IS perspective. Moreover, this updated model for IB contributes the Truth Default Framework for studying how people approach the daunting task of determining truth, reliability and validity in the immense number of news items, social media posts and other sources of information they encounter daily. By understanding and recognizing our human default to truth/trust, we can start to understand more about our vulnerability to misinformation and disinformation and be more prepared to guard against it.
Be my friend! Cultivating parasocial relationships with social media influencers: findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Aw Eugene Cheng-Xi , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Chuah Stephanie Hui-Wen , Ooi Keng-Boon , Hajli Nick
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The emergence of social media has brought the influencer marketing landscape to an unprecedented level, where many ordinary people are turning into social media influencers. The study aims to construct and validate a model to yield strategic insights on the relevance of content curation, influencer–fans interaction and parasocial relationships development in fostering favorable endorsement outcomes (i.e. purchase intention).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyzes data from a survey of 411 consumers using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to understand the net and combined effects of content attributes, interaction strategies and parasocial relationships on purchase intention.

Findings

PLS-SEM results reveal that content attributes (i.e. prestige and expertise) and interaction strategies (i.e. interactivity and self-disclosure) positively influence parasocial relationships, and in turn, lead to high purchase intention. Findings from fsQCA indicate six solutions with different combinations of content attributes, interaction strategies and parasocial relationships that sufficiently explain high purchase intention.

Originality/value

The present study demonstrates the roles of content attributes and interaction strategies in engendering parasocial relationship and the endorsement outcome (i.e. purchase intention) from both linear and non-linear (complexity) perspectives.
Impact of bundling on the omnichannel supply chain under price competition
Authors: Jena Sarat Kumar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Many e-commerce firms suffer from high returns because of inaccurate and incomplete product information. Omnichannel and bundling settings can help firms improve operational efficiency and lower returns costs. However, no studies have been conducted on omnichannel supply chains considering bundling strategies. The purpose of this study is to examine the comparison between test-in-store-and-buy-online (TSBO) and online retail, comparing manufacturers’ bundling with retailers’ bundling.

Design/methodology/approach

The supply chain discussed here consists of two competitive manufacturers and one retailer. The retailer sells both manufacturers' products online and displays one manufacturer's product in a showroom who bears the display cost. Stackelberg game theory is used to develop mathematical models that help manufacturers and retailers make the most effective decisions. Here, the manufacturer is the Stackelberg leader, while the retailer is the follower. Using the backward induction approach, the authors determined the optimal values for selling price, wholesale price and service effort level.

Findings

The results show that the total TSBO retailing profit under manufacturer bundling is highest when the second manufacturer integrates with the online retailer. The result additionally establishes that when the bundling cost exceeds a certain threshold (1.5), the total profit is higher for the non-integrated type of supply chain channel as compared to the integrated retailer bundling-based configuration.

Practical implications

The operations and logistics manager will likely undertake the TSBO omnichannel strategy during manufacturers bundling and retailer bundling under the integrated strategy.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study is to examine the effect of TSBO retailing on supply chains profit and individual decision-making under different bundling strategies. The authors developed different mathematical models in the TSBO retailing and bundling context and extended the earlier work in the area of integration frame.
The role of CEOs' human capital in sustaining superior performance–empirical evidence from China
Authors: Guan Jian , Deng Fang , Zhou Dao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Focusing on the important representative of firm intellectual capital (IC), this research explores the effects of chief executive officer’s (CEOs') managerial human capitals on sustaining superior performance in Chinese transition economy to prove the dynamic and strategic value of IC and fulfill the gap of lacking emerging market studies in this research field.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on dynamic managerial capability theoretical framework, the authors propose a dynamic management path to analyze the influencing mechanism of CEOs' managerial human capitals to firm performance persistence and the moderating effect of environment uncertainty. Using a panel data of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2008 to 2017, it adopts dynamic first-order autoregressive models to examine these hypotheses. Several tests are conducted to further analyze and ensure that the results are robust and reliable.

Findings

These managerial human capitals reveal heterogenous impacts on sustaining superior performance, and environment uncertainty is a valid moderating variable to further distinguish their dynamic values. The supplementary analyses show the integrating effect of an MBA degree and output functional experience is positive and significant, and the results in Chinese state-owned and private firm subsamples are distinct.

Practical implications

It is beneficial for corporate stakeholders to judge and select CEOs and for policymakers to improve the efficiency advantage of IC in Chinese emerging market.

Originality/value

This study first explores the relationship between CEOs' managerial human capitals and superior performance persistence. Through introducing a dynamic perspective, it has extended existing performance persistence research into individual level and provided a new intellectual source of sustainable competitive advantages.
How does coaching leadership promote employee's constructive deviance? Affective events perspective
Authors: Cui Zhisong , Wang Hongyu , Nanyangwe Chilombo Namwinga
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Adopting an affective events perspective, this paper proposes and tests a moderated-mediation model linking coaching leadership (CL), positive emotion at work (PEW), proactive personality (PP) and constructive deviance (CD).

Design/methodology/approach

Altogether, 225 supervisor-subordinate pairs from 45 teams within a large Chinese manufacturing enterprise took part in our study. To keep common method bias to a minimal, two sources of data were used (subordinates and their direct supervisors).

Findings

(1) CL and employee CD have a positive association; (2) employee PEW mediates the connection between CL and employee CD; (3) the positive association between CL and follower PEW is moderated by employee PP such that PP strengthens the CL-PEW relationship (4) employee PP accentuates the indirect impact of CL on employee CD via employee PEW. Specifically, the indirect link is insignificant when PP is low.

Originality/value

(1) The results of this study enrich the CD literature; (2) the work puts forward a simple but foundational framework for understanding the CL process; (3) the third contribution arises from examining the influence of employee PP on the relationship between CL and employee CD.
Sustainable design guidelines for additive manufacturing applications
Authors: Agrawal Rohit
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have tremendous applications in industries owing to their unique advantages. Sustainable AM (SAM) is gaining significance because of lightweight structures, lattice geometries and customized parts for industrial applications. To facilitate design for SAM, design guidelines from AM and environment viewpoints are to be analyzed. In this context, this paper aims to present the analysis of SAM guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

This work divides 26 identified SAM guidelines into four categories. Grey axiomatic design was used to calculate the weights of guidelines categories. Further, the grey technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution was used as a solution methodology to prioritize the SAM guidelines.

Findings

The top identified guidelines are “Design for reusability” and “Optimize part orientation for build time and roughness.” Implementing proper design guidelines leads to many sustainable benefits such as minimum material consumption, energy consumption and emissions.

Originality/value

This study would facilitate Am product designers to deploy prioritized guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of the additively manufactured product with sustainability benefits. The prioritized guidelines would guide the AM product designers to take maximum advantage of the AM process by deploying design for AM and design for environment guidelines. This study contributed a structured approach for design engineers and practitioners to deploy guidelines during the early stages of product design to ensure AM feasibility with minimal environmental impact.
Risk management in guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contracts
Authors: Palihakkara Asha Dulanjalie , Perera B.A.K.S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contracts are becoming an increasingly popular contract solution; however, many projects experience higher levels of risk and exceed predetermined GMPs, failing to accomplish the main motive behind the concept. Thus, the study identified a risk management process for GMP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach consisting of three Delphi rounds. The collected data were analysed using statistical data analysis tools.

Findings

The study identified 17 highly significant risk factors in GMP projects and determined their levels of severity. Subsequently, risk allocation amongst the client, contractor and consultant and strategies to handle the most significant risk factors were determined. The study identified poorly defined scope and design changes as the most critical risks in GMP projects. Moreover, strategies such as clearly defining the project scope, preparing precise documentation, early involvement of the contractor and using a partnering approach can be deployed to reduce the risk in GMP projects. Each risk has to be assigned to the party who can best manage it, depending on its nature.

Originality/value

The study addresses the literature gap pertaining to risk management of GMP contracts by identifying its overall process, including the identification of significant risks based on the severity levels; risk allocation amongst the client, contractor and consultant; and identification of risk handling techniques suitable for each significant risk factor. The study contributes to the industry by identifying a systematic risk management process to implement GMP projects successfully within the stipulated time, cost and quality.
Olfactory training for olfactory dysfunction in COVID‐19: A promising mitigation amidst looming neurocognitive sequelae of the pandemic
Authors: Ojha Pooja , Dixit Abhinav
Published: January 2022

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a recognized symptom of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and is independently associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, the central nervous system manifestations in patients infected with the coronavirus‐2019 (COVID‐19) have demonstrated cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Hence, OD in COVID‐19 necessitates perusal of its mechanism and available treatment options to avert possible development of neurocognitive sequelae of the pandemic. The article presents a literature review organized from the published information about olfactory training (OT) for OD during COVID‐19. The methodology comprised retrieval of available literature from database searches and subsequent scrutinization of relevant information. Inferentially, injury to the sustentacular cells, possessing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) receptors, is an important mechanism causing OD in COVID‐19. Olfactory dysfunction may be prolonged in severe cases of anosmia predisposing to neurodegenerative and cognitive impairment in COVID‐19 infection. Olfactory training demonstrates an effective treatment for OD based on human and animal‐derived evidence through recent studies. It curtails the progression of OD, besides inducing neural rearrangement and changes in functional connectivity in patients receiving OT. Additionally, contemporary reports support that the administration of OT for COVID‐induced anosmia is effective and encompasses no significant adverse effects. The present review highlights the prominence of olfactory training as a recommended intervention for OD in COVID‐19. This review can guide the clinicians in curbing neurological repercussions of COVID besides enhancing cognitive rehabilitation through olfactory training.
Access to finance and rural youth entrepreneurship in Benin: Is there a gender gap?
Authors: Senou Melain Modeste , Manda Julius
Published: January 2022

Rural entrepreneurship is an important employment generation intervention for the fast‐growing young labour force in developing countries. Many bottlenecks including access to finance impede rural youths from performing in their new ventures. This paper examines the impact of access to finance on rural youths' entrepreneurship in Benin using data from the second wave of the School‐To‐Work Transition Survey, involving over 900 youths. The paper employs the endogenous switching regression technique, combined with propensity score matching, to investigate the drivers of rural youths' access to finance and its impact on entrepreneurship intention and performance. The results indicate that age, education, poverty status, experience, working in the agricultural sector and the existence of a bank branch are important determinants of rural youths' access to finance. The results also show that access to finance increases the probability of youth entrepreneurship by 15.2% on average. Moreover, the study shows a significant gender gap in rural entrepreneurship of 5.24% among youths with access to finance in Benin. These results suggest that policymakers should facilitate the access of youth, especially young women, to finance by encouraging formal financial institutions to reduce their credit eligibility conditions for those who do not have collateral.
Rights‐Restricting Rhetoric: The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021
Authors: Mallory Conall
Published: January 2022

This article considers the role of rhetoric in British political discourse with a particular focus on how it aids the construction of legislation that restricts human rights. Using the parliamentary debates concerning the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021 as an extensive example, it demonstrates how the rhetorical theatrics of legislating in the Westminster parliament play a fundamental role in justifying restrictions on rights to the public. Rhetoric fulfils three functions in this process: persuasion of the need for rights‐restricting legislation; obstruction of scrutiny of such plans, and the perpetuation of national myths and tropes upon which such policies are debated. Arguing that such rhetorical functions are immovable from British political discourse, the article concludes by proposing how they can best be diluted.
The prevalence and severity of mental health problems and sexual dysfunction in hemodialysis patients before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Duru Huseyin
Published: January 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of mental health problems and sexual dysfunction in hemodialysis patients before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A total of 84 hemodialysis patients were evaluated in terms of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Depression Inventory, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results

Poor sleep quality (79.8%) and poor mental health status (62.7%) and higher likelihood of having depression (31.0 vs. 61.9%, p < 0.001) were noted. The IIEF‐5 (10.5 [5–25] vs. 7.5 [5–23], p < 0.001) and FSFI (12 [4–78] vs. 6 [4–66], p < 0.001) scores were significantly decreased during the pandemic with an increase in the likelihood of having erectile dysfunction (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues, an impaired quality of life and an increase in prevalence and severity of suspected depression during pandemic in hemodialysis patients along with deterioration in erectile dysfunction among males.
Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months postpartum: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Qian , Tang Nan , Wacharasin Chintana
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This systematic review aims to identify factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) up to 6 months.

Methods

The databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANFANG were searched to retrieve studies. Quantitative research were extracted and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews were followed. Critical appraisal checklists of Joanna Briggs Institute were used to evaluate the quality of the included studies.

Findings

A total of 16 papers were eligible for this systematic review, comprising five cohort studies and 11 cross‐sectional studies. Moderate to strong evidence supported that 6‐month exclusive breastfeeding is affected by maternal working status, breastfeeding knowledge, delivery mode, parity, perception of insufficient human milk, mothers’ infant feeding attitude, breastfeeding self‐efficacy, and intention.

Conclusions

Factors influencing EBF up to 6 months postpartum play a key role in promoting mothers’ health and reducing diseases in their infants.

Implications for nursing practice

Interventions based on related factors should be developed and taken into practice to assist mothers in exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months. Additional studies from different countries in different populations with high quality are needed to provide more reliable and richer findings.