bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a self-management program using an eHealth system to reduce symptom severity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome simultaneously with changes in gut microbiota: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tayama Jun , Hamaguchi Toyohiro , Koizumi Kohei , Yamamura Ryodai , Okubo Ryo , Kawahara Jun-ichiro , Inoue Kenji , Takeoka Atsushi , Schneider Antonius , Fukudo Shin
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether a self-management program using the eHealth system could reduce symptom severity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Impact of the intervention on quality of life and gut microbiota were also examined.

Design

This study was designed as an open label, simple randomized controlled trial comparing an intervention group that attended an eHealth self-management program and a treatment as usual group. Participants were Japanese women between the ages of 18 and 36. Forty symptomatic IBS individuals who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to the two groups. The eHealth group received 8 weeks of unlimited access to the self-management program containing a wide variety of e-learning content. Participants’ severity of IBS symptoms, the main outcome, was assessed using the irritable bowel syndrome-severity index (IBS-SI) at baseline and 8 weeks. The secondary outcomes of participants’ quality of life and gut bacteria were also assessed at baseline and week 8.

Results

There was a significant difference in the net change in IBS severity index (IBS-SI) score between the eHealth and treatment as usual group (−50.1; 95% CI, −87.6 to -12.6; p = 0.010). The eHealth group had significantly lower IBS-SI scores following 8 weeks of intervention compared with the baseline scores (t = − 3.2, p < 0.01). The implementation of the eHealth program was accompanied by improvement of quality of life and decrease of phylum-level Cyanobacteria occupancy, respectively.

Conclusion

The implementation of eHealth for IBS was shown to reduce IBS symptoms.

Key Messages

What is already known on this topic –eHealth programs based on diet and probiotic use have shown good results in reducing IBS symptoms

What this study adds– a self-management program with an e-learning component based on a successful self-help guidebook for IBS

How this study might affect research, practice or policy– The proposed eHealth model reduces symptoms and improves the quality of life of IBS patients, providing an efficient and cost-effective intervention option to be adopted in policy and practice, and creates scope for future research in food intake, exercise, and sleep management through eHealth for IBS.
RNF43 mutations facilitate colorectal cancer metastasis via formation of a tumour-intrinsic niche
Authors: Bugter Jeroen M. , Bouazzaoui Layla El , Küçükköse Emre , Hong Yourae , Sprangers Joep , Jordens Ingrid , Fenderico Nicola , Gonzalez Diego Montiel , van Boxtel Ruben , Suijkerbuijk Saskia J.E. , Tejpar Sabine , Snippert Hugo J.G. , Kranenburg Onno , Maurice Madelon M.
Published: December 2022

In colorectal cancer (CRC),RNF43mutations are linked to BRAF V600E-initiated serrated adenomas that advance into mucinous adenocarcinomas with poor prognosis upon metastasis. HowRNF43mutations facilitate a metastasis-prone growth state remains unknown. Here, we addressed this issue by repairing mutantRNF43in patient-derived BRAF-mutant CRC organoids using gene editing. UponRNF43correction, CRC organoids exhibit strongly decreased mucus production and, moreover, display loss of niche factor independence and metastatic capacity upon orthotopic transplantation in mice. Mechanistically, we show that mutant RNF43 promotes cancer cell lineage specification towards a non-dividing niche population that secretes essential growth factors, providing a state of self-sufficiency to the cancer epithelium. We show that phenotypic diversification into tumour-intrinsic niche cells (TINCs) and proliferative cancer stem cells depends on tuneable WNT levels enabled by mutations inRNF43, but notAPC. In patient samples, enhanced TINC profiles correlate withRNF43-mutant CRC, mucinous histology and metastatic disease, thus representing a general cellular mechanism by which tumours acquire a self-sufficient, pro-metastatic growth state.
Enhanced neutralization escape to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages
Authors: Touret Franck , Giraud Emilie , Bourret Jérôme , Donati Flora , Tran-Rajau Jaouen , Chiaravalli Jeanne , Lemoine Frédéric , Agou Fabrice , Simon-Lorière Etienne , van der Werf Sylvie , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: December 2022

The landscape of SARS-CoV-2 variants dramatically diversified with the simultaneous appearance of multiple sub-variants originating from BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-lineages. They harbor a specific set of mutations in the spike that can make them more evasive to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. In this study, we compared the neutralizing potential of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron BA.2.75.2, BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and XBB variants, with a pre-Omicron Delta variant as a reference. Sotrovimab retains some activity against BA.2.75.2, BQ.1 and XBB as it did against BA.2/BA.5, but is less active against BQ.1.1. Within the Evusheld/AZD7442 cocktail, Cilgavimab lost all activity against all subvariants studied, resulting in loss of Evusheld activity. Finally, Bebtelovimab, while still active against BA.2.75, also lost all neutralizing activity against BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and XBB variants.
An integrated proteome and transcriptome of B cell maturation defines poised activation states of transitional and mature B cells
Authors: Salerno Fiamma , Howden Andrew J. M. , Matheson Louise S. , Gizlenci Özge , Screen Michael , Lingel Holger , Brunner-Weinzierl Monika C. , Turner Martin
Published: December 2022

During B cell maturation, transitional and mature B cells acquire cell-intrinsic features that determine their ability to exit quiescence and mount effective immune responses. We used label-free mass spectrometry to quantify the proteome of B cell subsets from the mouse spleen and map the differential expression of environmental sensing, transcription- and translation initiation-factors that define cellular identity and function. By comparing the full-length transcriptome and proteome within the same sample, we identified mRNAs linked to B cell activation and antibody secretion that are expressed without detectable protein. These “poised” mRNAs might enable rapid protein production through increased translation or protein stability. In addition, through interrogation of our proteomic dataset, we found that the translational repressor PDCD4 restrains the response of marginal zone B cells to a T-independent antigen. Our molecular characterization of B cell maturation is a valuable resource to further explore the mechanisms underpinning the specialised functions of B cell subsets.
Past human expansions shaped the spatial pattern of Neanderthal ancestry
Authors: Quilodrán Claudio S. , Rio Jérémy , Tsoupas Alexandros , Currat Mathias
Published: December 2022

The worldwide expansion of modern humans (Homo sapiens) from Africa started before the extinction of Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis). Both species coexisted and interbred, as revealed by the sequencing of Neanderthal genomes, leading to ~2% Neanderthal DNA in modern Eurasians1,2, with slightly higher introgression in East Asians than in Europeans3–6. These distinct levels of ancestry have been argued to result from selection processes7,8. However, recent theoretical simulations have shown that range expansions could be another explanation9,10. This hypothesis would lead to the generation of spatial gradients of introgression, increasing with the distance from the source of the expansion, i.e., Africa for modern humans. Here, we investigate the presence of Neanderthal introgression gradients after past human expansions by analysing an extended palaeogenomic dataset of Eurasian populations. Our results show that the Out-of-Africa expansion of modern humans into Eurasia resulted in spatial gradients of Neanderthal ancestry that persisted through time. Moreover, while keeping the same gradient orientation, the expansion of early Neolithic farmers into western Eurasia contributed decisively to reducing the average level of Neandertal genomic introgression in European compared to Asian populations. This is because Neolithic farmers carried less Neanderthal DNA than preceding Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers. This study shows that inferences about past population dynamics within our species can be made from the spatiotemporal variation in archaic introgression.
Spatial modeling of telomere intra-nuclear distribution reveals non-random organization that varies during cell cycle and depends on LAP2 and BAF
Authors: Keller Debora , Stinus Sonia , Umlauf David , Gourbeyre Edith , Biot Eric , Olivier Nicolas , Mahou Pierre , Beaurepaire Emmanuel , Andrey Philippe , Crabbe Laure
Published: December 2022

Genome organization within the 3D nuclear volume influences major biological processes but is completely lost during mitosis, which represents a major challenge to maintain cellular identity and cell fate. To restore a functional G1 nucleus for the next cell cycle, it is imperative to reestablish genome organization during post-mitotic nuclear assembly. Importantly, the configuration of linear chromosomes has been shown to directly impact spatial genome architecture. Both centromeres and telomeres are known to associate with nuclear structures, such as the nuclear envelope, and support chromatin distribution. Here, using high-resolution 3D imaging combined with 3D spatial statistics and modeling, we showed that telomeres generally followed a regular distribution compared to what is expected under a random organization. While the preferential localization of telomeres at nuclear periphery was restricted to early G1, we found a strong clustering of centromeres in addition to their predominant peripheral localization at all cell cycle stages. We then conducted a targeted screen using MadID to identify the molecular pathways driving or maintaining telomere anchoring to the nuclear envelope. Among these factors, we could show that LAP2α transiently localizes to telomeres in anaphase, at a stage where LAP2α initiates the reformation of the nuclear envelope. Moreover, co-depletion of LAP proteins and their partner BAF impacted telomere redistribution in the next interphase. There results suggest that in addition to their crucial role in genome protection, telomeres also participate in reshaping functional G1 nuclei after mitosis.
Folate depletion induces erythroid differentiation through perturbation of de novo purine synthesis
Authors: Maynard Adam G. , Pohl Nancy K. , Petrova Boryana , Wong Alan Y.L. , Wang Peng , Culhane Andrew J. , Hirsch Leah , Hoang Ngoc , Kirkland Orville , Braun Tatum , Ducamp Sarah , Fleming Mark D. , Li Hojun , Kanarek Naama
Published: December 2022

All dividing cells require the essential vitamin folate. Hematopoietic cells harbor a unique sensitivity to folate deprivation, as implied by the development of folate-deficient anemia and the utility of anti-folate chemotherapy in blood cancer. To study this metabolic sensitivity, we applied mild folate depletion to human and mouse erythroid cell lines, as well as primary murine erythroid progenitors. We show that folate depletion induces early blockade of purine synthesis that is followed by enhanced heme metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis and erythroid differentiation. This finding is phenocopied by inhibition of folate metabolism using SHIN1, an inhibitor of the folate enzymes SHMT1/2. The metabolically-driven differentiation is rescued by supplementation of purine precursors, yet occurs independent of nucleotide sensing through mTORC1 and AMPK. Our work profiles the metabolic response to folate depletion in erythroid cells and suggest that premature differentiation of folate-deprived erythroid progenitor cells is a mechanistic etiology to folate-deficiency induced anemia.
Single-cell Sequencing Highlights Heterogeneity and Malignant Progression in Actinic Keratosis and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zou Dan-Dan , Sun Ya-Zhou , Li Xin-Jie , Wu Wen-Juan , Xu Dan , He Yu-Tong , Qi Jue , Tu Ying , Tang Yang , Tu Yun-Hua , Wang Xiao-Li , Li Xing , Lu Feng-Yan , Huang Ling , Long Heng , He Li , Li Xin
Published: December 2022

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most frequent of the keratinocyte-derived malignancies with actinic keratosis (AK) as a precancerous lesion. To comprehensively delineate the underlying mechanisms for the whole progression from normal skin to AK to invasive cSCC, we performed single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) to acquire the transcriptomes of 138,982 cells from 13 samples of six patients including AK, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), cSCC and their matched normal tissues, covering comprehensive clinical courses of cSCC. We identified diverse cell types, including important subtypes with different gene expression profiles and functions in major keratinocytes. In SCCIS, we discovered the malignant subtypes of basal cells with differential proliferative and migration potential. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis screened out multiple key driver genes including transcription factors (TFs) along AK to cSCC progression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) / immunofluorescence (IF) experiments and single-cell ATAC sequencing (scATAC-seq) data verified the expression changes of these genes. The functional experiments confirmed the important roles of these genes in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in cSCC tumor. Furthermore, we comprehensively described the tumor microenvironment (TME) landscape and potential keratinocyte-TME crosstalk in cSCC providing theoretical basis for immunotherapy. Together, our findings provide a valuable resource for deciphering the progression from AK to cSCC and identifying potential targets for anticancer treatment of cSCC.
Motor adaptation does not differ when a perturbation is introduced abruptly or gradually
Authors: Bansal Ambika , ’t Hart Bernard Marius , Chauhan Udai , Eggert Thomas , Straube Andreas , Henriques Denise YP
Published: December 2022

People continuously adapt their movements to ever-changing circumstances, and particularly in skills training and rehabilitation, it is crucial that we understand how to optimize implicit adaptation in order for these processes to require as little conscious effort as possible. Although it is generally assumed that the way to do this is by introducing perturbations gradually, the literature is ambivalent on the effectiveness of this approach. Here we test whether there are differences in motor performance when adapting to an abrupt compared to a ramped visuomotor rotation. Using a within-subjects design, we test this question under 3 different rotation sizes: 30°, 45°, and 60°, as well as in 3 different populations: younger adults, older adults, and patients with mild cerebellar ataxia. We find no significant differences in either the behavioural outcomes, or model fits, between abrupt and gradual learning across any of the different conditions. Neither age, nor cerebellar ataxia had any significant effect on motor adaptation either. These findings together indicate that motor adaptation is not modulated by introducing a perturbation abruptly compared to gradually, and is also unaffected by age or mild cerebellar ataxia.
Cdc14 spatiotemporally regulates Rim4-mRNA complex assembly and stability during meiosis
Authors: Zhang Rudian , Feng Wenzhi , Qian Suhong , Li Shunjin , Wang Fei
Published: December 2022

In budding yeast, Rim4 sequesters a subset of meiotic transcripts and essentially suppresses their translation until being degraded at the end of meiosis I. We found that Rim4 loads mRNAs in the nucleus as a prerequisite for relocating Rim4 into the cytoplasm, where mRNAs protect Rim4 from autophagy. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Using genetic, biochemical, and cell imaging approaches, here, we revealed that phosphorylation states regulate Rim4’s intracellular interactions with mRNAs and the yeast 14-3-3 proteins Bmh1 and Bmh2. Our data showed that Rim4 forms a heterotrimeric complex with Bmh1 and Bmh2 via multiple phosphorylated sites with the consensus of a PKA kinase target. Remarkably, the Bmh1/2-Rim4 complex excludes mRNAs and is resistant to autophagy. We further found that Cdc14, a conserved cell cycle phosphatase, binds to a canonical Cdc14 docking site (PxL) in Rim4’s C-terminal low complexity domain (LCD) to de-phosphorylate Rim4 at multiple sites, resulting in Bmh1/2-Rim4 disassembly. Notably, before meiotic cell divisions, Cdc14 primarily resides in the nucleus, where mRNAs are transcribed. Therefore, Cdc14-triggered Bmh1/2 dissociation facilitates the nuclear Rim4 to target and sequester the nascent mRNAs. In contrast, during the meiotic divisions, Rim4-sequestered mRNAs are released for translation, while Cdc14 mediates Rim4-Bmh1/2 disassembly in the cytoplasm due to its temporary cytoplasmic relocation at the anaphases; subsequently, loss of protection from mRNAs and Bmh1/2 leads to autophagy-mediated Rim4 degradation at this stage. We conclude that phosphorylation states spatiotemporally regulate Rim4’s meiotic interactions, subcellular localization, and stability, regulated by Cdc14.
Systematic multi-trait AAV capsid engineering for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Eid Fatma-Elzahraa , Chen Albert T. , Chan Ken Y. , Huang Qin , Zheng Qingxia , Tobey Isabelle G. , Pacouret Simon , Brauer Pamela P. , Keyes Casey , Powell Megan , Johnston Jencilin , Zhao Binhui , Lage Kasper , Tarantal Alice F. , Chan Yujia A. , Deverman Benjamin E.
Published: December 2022

Broadening gene therapy applications requires manufacturable vectors that efficiently transduce target cells in humans and preclinical models. Conventional selections of adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid libraries are inefficient at searching the vast sequence space for the small fraction of vectors possessing multiple traits essential for clinical translation. Here, we present Fit4Function, a generalizable machine learning (ML) approach for systematically engineering multi-trait AAV capsids. By leveraging a capsid library that evenly samples the manufacturable sequence space, reproducible screening data are generated to train accurate sequence-to-function models. Combining six models, we designed a multi-trait (liver-targeted, manufacturable) capsid library and validated 89% of library variants on all six predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the models, trained only on mousein vivoand humanin vitroFit4Function data, accurately predicted AAV capsid variant biodistribution in macaque. Top candidates exhibited high production yields, efficient murine liver transduction, up to 1000-fold greater human hepatocyte transduction, and increased enrichment, relative to AAV9, in a screen for liver transduction in macaques. The Fit4Function strategy ultimately makes it possible to predict cross-species traits of peptide-modified AAV capsids and is a critical step toward assembling an ML atlas that predicts AAV capsid performance across dozens of traits.
Physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of honey produced by stingless bees(Meliponula beccarii)from the Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Damto Teferi , Kebeba Deresa , Gemeda Meseret
Published: December 2022

The study was designed to characterize the Physico-chemical and microbiological properties of stingless bee honey (Meliponula beccarii L.) in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. About thirty-nine (39) honey samples were collected from underground soils through an excavation of natural nests. The study revealed that the mean values of physicochemical parameters for honey samples were: moisture content (30.69±0.29), ash content (0.16±0.01), electrical conductivity (0.44±0.2), pH (3.30±0.03), free acidity (92.39±4.45), HMF (6.58±0.36), fructose (36.48±0.54), glucose (27.67±0.43),sucrose(1.24±0.18), maltose (1.2±0.18) and reducing sugar (64.15±0.75). Stingless bee honey in this study is characterized as possessing higher moisture content and free acidity, but a lower level of sugar as compared to Apis mellifera honey standard. The occurrence of microorganisms in the stingless honey sample ranged from 2.55 × 104to 1.9 × 103CFU/ml for Aerobic Mesophilic, 1.68 x104to 9 x102CFU/ml for yeast, and 1.8 x103to 2 x102CFU/ml for mold. The number of aerobic spore-forming bacteria was at non-detectable levels in all samples while Staphylococci species was detectable only in a sample obtained from Guduru. This indicated that there might be contamination during the harvesting, processing, and storage of stingless bee honey samples. The microbiological and physicochemical properties of stingless bee honey are different from those of A. mellifera honey and need to establish for specific quality standards to promote its commercialization.
ZBTB20 is Essential for Cochlear Maturation and Hearing in Mice
Authors: Xie Zhifang , Ma Xian-Hua , Bai Qiu-Fang , Tang Jie , Sun Jian-He , Jiang Fei , Guo Wei , Wang Chen-Ma , Yang Rui , Wen Yin-Chuan , Wang Fang-Yuan , Chen Yu-Xia , Zhang Hai , He David Z. , Kelley Matthew W. , Yang Shiming , Zhang Weiping J.
Published: December 2022

The mammalian cochlear epithelium undergoes substantial remodeling and maturation before the onset of hearing. However, very little is known about the transcriptional network governing cochlear late-stage maturation and particularly the differentiation of its lateral non-sensory region. Here we establish ZBTB20 as an essential transcription factor required for cochlear terminal differentiation and maturation and hearing. ZBTB20 is abundantly expressed in the developing and mature cochlear non-sensory epithelial cells, with transient expression in immature hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Otocyst-specific deletion of Zbtb20 causes profound deafness with reduced endolymph potential in mice. The subtypes of cochlear epithelial cells are normally generated but their postnatal development is arrested in the absence of ZBTB20, as manifested by an immature appearance of the organ of Corti, malformation of tectorial membrane, a flattened spiral prominence, and a lack of identifiable Boettcher cells. Furthermore, these defects are related with a failure in the terminal differentiation of the non-sensory epithelium covering the outer border Claudius cells, outer sulcus root cells and spiral prominence epithelial cells. Transcriptome analysis shows ZBTB20 regulates genes coding for tectorial membrane proteins in the greater epithelial ridge, and those preferentially expressed in root cells and spiral prominence epithelium. Our results point to ZBTB20 as an essential regulator for postnatal cochlear maturation and particularly for the terminal differentiation of cochlear lateral non-sensory domain.
Crystal structure of a new europium(III) compound based on thiopheneacrylic acid
Authors: Jiajaroen Suwadee , Diaz-Torres Raul , Laksee Sakchai , Chainok Kittipong
Published: December 2022

A europium(III) coordination compound based on thiopheneacrylic acid (Htpa), triaquatris[3-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-enoato-κ2
O,O′]europium(III)–3-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-enoic acid (1/3), [Eu(C7H5O2S)3(H2O)3]·3C7H6O2S or [Eu(tpa)3(H2O)3]·3(Htpa) (1), where tpa is the conjugate base of Htpa, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3. The structure of 1 consists of a discrete molecular complex [Eu(tpa)3(H2O)3] species and the Htpa molecule. In the crystal, the two components are involved in O—H...O [ring motif R
2
2(8)] and C—H...π hydrogen-bonding interactions. These interactions were further investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis, which showed high contributions of H...H, H...C/C...H and H...O/O...H contacts to the total Hirshfeld surfaces.
Solvency and performance persistence of defined benefit private and public pension plans
Authors: Mazonga Mfoutou Bruvine Orchidée , Xie Yuan Tao
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the solvency and performance persistence of defined benefit private and public pension plans (DBPPs) in the Republic of Congo.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the 2 × 2 contingency table approach and the time product ratio (TPR)-based cross-product ratio (CPR) on data covering ten years from 2011 to 2020, with variable funded ratios and excess returns, to determine the solvency and performance persistence of defined benefit pension plans.

Findings

The authors document a lack of solvency and performance persistence in DBPP funds. They conclude that the solvency and performance of DBPP funds are not repetitive. The previous year's private and public defined benefit pension funds’ results do not repeat in the current year. Hence, the current solvency and performance of defined benefit pension funds are not good predictors of future funds' solvency and performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to combine solvency and performance to examine the persistence of defined benefit pension plans in sub-Saharan Africa.
Supplements purchase intention: young consumer's perspective
Authors: Yeo Sook Fern , Tan Cheng Ling , Leong Irene Yoke Chu , Palmucci Dario Natale , Then Yu Jian
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intention towards dietary supplements (DS) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The supplement industry in Malaysia has been growing rapidly recently due to a paradigm shift in healthcare management, from curative to prevention. Thus, it has sparked interest to conduct a study on the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intentions towards DS. With a response rate of 74.5%, a survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from 149 Gen-Y respondents who consume supplements on a regular basis.

Findings

The results revealed that the influencing factors towards purchase decisions among these Gen-Y respondents aged between 17 and 25 are based on product knowledge and product quality. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are outlined at the end of this paper.

Originality/value

This study offers empirical insights from the perspective of an emerging digital economy on the factors that influence young consumers' purchase intentions towards DS in Malaysia.
Elevating the boutique appeal: generating a sense of place in luxury hospitality through virtual tours
Authors: Pohlmann Attila , Velasco Franklin , Guerra-Leal Eva M. , Sepulveda Cesar J.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Place identity refers to the combination of physical setting, social interactions, emotions and associated meanings. This research paper aims to broaden knowledge about boutique concepts and to examine the role of advertisement types suited to generate a heightened sense of place for customers. The design and delivery of tangible and intangible components of the boutique service experience are investigated to better understand business-relevant customer outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

An introductory qualitative study explores the key features and managerial relevance of the boutique appeal as a means to communicate personalization and a sense of place. Interviews with managers of a boutique catering service are conducted and thematically analyzed. A quantitative follow-up study examines the effect of the boutique appeal on hotel image, purchase intention and willingness to pay.

Findings

A boutique hotel appeal is more attractive to customers (compared to traditional luxury appeals) when it is advertised using visually engaging virtual tours because it augments customers’ sensation of place identity. The mediating psychological mechanism, place identity, represents the essential emotional component evoked by boutique concepts and its positive effect on managerially relevant customer outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight for the design and management of boutique concepts to better shape and predict consumer responses in various luxury hospitality industries. The process by which customers identify with the location where the service is provided, socialize with staff and attach meaning to these settings evokes a sense of place identity, a critical resource in the process of value co-creation.
Post-disaster research: inspirational early career scholars transcript for the disasters: deconstructed livestream on 15 September 2021
Authors: Alburo-Cañete Kaira Zoe , Campbell Nnenia , Lakhina Shefali Juneja , Le Dé Loïc , Rodríguez Alarcón María N.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This conversation presents the reflections from four inspirational early career disaster scholars on the opportunities and challenges associated with post-disaster research and disaster studies in general.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the conversations that took place on Disasters: Deconstructed Podcast livestream on the 15th September 2021.

Findings

The prominent themes in this conversation include representation, power imbalances and research extractivism and reciprocity.

Originality/value

The conversation contributes to the ongoing discussions around how research is conducted immediately following disasters.
The effect of illegitimate tasks on hospitality employees’ service performance: a conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Zhao Lijing , Jolly Phillip M. , Zhao Shuming
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of illegitimate tasks on frontline hospitality employees’ in-role and extra-role performance via the mediating role of thriving at work and the moderating role of work centrality.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 264 supervisor–subordinate pairs from three hotels in Jiangsu, China and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Illegitimate tasks negatively affected hospitality employees’ in-role and extra-role performance by inhibiting thriving at work. In addition, work centrality strengthened the impact of illegitimate tasks on thriving at work and their indirect effect on in-role and extra-role performance via reduced thriving at work.

Practical implications

First, managers should avoid assignment of unnecessary tasks. However, many tasks that could be viewed as illegitimate must still be performed; the results demonstrate that managers must be mindful of how such tasks are assigned and to whom, and should take steps to minimize and/or manage potential negative reactions to illegitimate tasks.

Originality/value

This study enriches the illegitimate tasks literature by examining its influence on the frontline hospitality employees’ in-role and extra-role performance and highlights a novel mediating mechanism linking illegitimate tasks and employee performance using conservation of resource theory. In addition, this reveals the novel moderating effect of work centrality.
Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: what builds organizational resilience capacity?
Authors: Matysek-Jędrych Anna , Mroczek-Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Kania Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has severely disrupted businesses around the world. To address the impact of operational and strategic business disruptions, this paper contributes to the practice of a firm's management in terms of identifying the determinants of organizational resilience (OR) and creating a hierarchical model of the potential sources of a firm's adaptive capability.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel research framework integrating Pareto analysis, grey theory and total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) has been applied to, first, identify the sources of a company's resilience and, second, to determine contextual relations among these sources of OR.

Findings

The findings of the survey highlight three primary sources that allow companies to build companies' resilience: access to financial resources, digitization level and supply chain (SC) collaboration. The authors' model shows that resilience cannot be viewed as a particular feature but rather as a dynamic intertwined network of different co-dependent sources.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed hierarchical model indicates that the most crucial sources of company's resilience in the recent pandemic are access to financial resources, digitization level and SC collaboration.

Originality/value

The study takes an original investigation on cognitive grounds, touching on the problem of firms' resilience to the unique nature of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also represents one of the few attempts to use integrated Pareto analysis, grey theory and TISM to examine this critical area of firm management.
Determinants of savings behaviour in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khawaja Muhammad Junaid
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The objective of the study is to explore the determinants of savings and their relative importance in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The stationarity of the data has been tested using augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) tests. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique has been applied to establish the long run and short run relationships. Stability of savings function has been tested by applying CUSUM and CUSUMSQ techniques.

Findings

Results of ARDL identify the important factors affecting savings behaviour in Saudi Arabia. According to the results, the growth rate of GDP, the interest rate, foreign direct investment (FDI) and budget surplus positively affect savings with the last two having the most influence on domestic savings. The coefficient of the dependency ratio is negative in conformity with the theory. Similarly, the coefficient of the inflation rate is also negative.

Research limitations/implications

There is limited availability of data since only 41 years’ annual data are available.

Practical implications

In the light of the results, it is recommended that in order to increase savings, the government should adopt policies to attract FDI, increase the GDP growth rate and decrease the dependency ratio and inflation.

Social implications

Government needs to discourage larger family sizes to encourage savings in the light of the result of negative impact of the dependency ratio on savings. In order to decrease the dependency ratio, more family members especially women should be encouraged to participate in the labour market.

Originality/value

There is a scarcity of research for Saudi Arabia on the critical issue of determinants of domestic savings. This is a pioneering study exploring important determinants of savings in Saudi data.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available athttps://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2021-0493.
An intermestic approach to China's public diplomacy: a case study of Beijing's COVID-19 communication in the early stages
Authors: Huang Zhao Alexandre , Wang Rui
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak and the international communication management of Chinese diplomats as a case for extending the definition of intermestic public diplomacy. The goal was to reveal how Beijing subtly used both domestic and foreign social media to organize a network for communication about COVID-19 and purposefully soften the highly centralized and hierarchical political propaganda of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature on digital public diplomacy, the authors applied the existing concept of intermestic to Chinese politics in order to demonstrate the digitalization of public diplomacy, along with its forms and strategies under an authoritarian regime. A hybrid methodology combining quantitative network analysis and qualitative discourse analysis permits examination of China's intermestic online communication network dynamics, shedding light on how such an intermestic practice promoted Chinese values and power to international publics in the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

The authors’ findings extend the implications of intermestic public diplomacy from a democratic context to an authoritarian one. By analyzing the content of public diplomacy and para-diplomatic social media accounts in China and abroad at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the authors outlined China's early crisis management, explaining its intermestic public diplomacy transmission modes and strategies. Moreover, the authors identified changes in the narrative strategies of Chinese diplomats and journalists during this process.

Social implications

The findings of this study underline that Beijing established a narrative-making virtual communication structure for disseminating favorable Chinese strategic narratives and voices through differentiated communication on domestic and foreign social media platforms. Such intermestic communication strategies were particularly evident and even further weaponized by Beijing in its large-scale Wolf Warrior diplomacy in the spring of 2020. Thus, the study’s findings help readers understand how China digitalized its public diplomacy, its digital communication patterns and strategies.

Originality/value

On the one hand, geopolitical uncertainty and the popularity of social media have contributed to the evolution of the intermestic model of public diplomacy. This model allows actors to coordinate homogenous and differentiated communication practices to deploy their influence. On the other hand, the authors did not examine how intermestic audiences perceive and receive public diplomacy practices. In future studies, scholars should measure the agenda-setting capacity of diplomatic actors by examining the effects of such intermestic communication efforts.
Abuse of consumer trust in the digital market and the green market: the case of green washing in the Italian legal system
Authors: Marcatajo Gabriella
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer some reflection on the abuse of consumer trust and the importance of control of information in the digital market and the green market. The role of the consumer as the arbiter of the market is fundamental. The abuse of consumer confidence depends, in fact, on the spread of stereotyped messages and vague and generic formulas aimed at hiding a dangerous vacuum of protection. In both markets, it is a question of giving the consumer the necessary tools to monitor the transparency of the criteria used by the trader to classify a product according to its characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of an Italian case law and the European programme, the author shows how in Italy there is a dangerous lack of consumer protection. The problem is that the green consumer, as well as the online consumer, is not able to immediately verify the accuracy of the product requirements and must be able to count on the seriousness of the professional. For this reason, the European and national authorities have provided specific rules for both markets. The new proposal of directive introduces specific rules to target unfair commercial practices that mislead consumers away from sustainable consumption choices and introduced many innovations, such as the ban on greenwashing.

Findings

This work aims to identify the tools necessary to make the information on the products offered in the digital market and those related to green products more reliable but above all to create a common methodology on which to base them. High is the risk that sustainability will become a simple marketing strategy for companies. The difficulty consists in the absence of certain and verifiable parameters by the consumer to really measure the characteristics and the quality of a product characteristic of a product compared to competing ones.

Originality/value

This work examines the problem of consumer protection in the digital and green market from a new perspective, comparing the information asymmetries with respect to the professionals in the two markets. Starting from the cases of greenwashing and analysing new European remedies, the author suggests for both markets, specific answers different from those required for advertising in general. The problem here is not only the truth of the message but also the vagueness and genericity. The consumer must be in a position to control the criteria used by the professional to classify products, both in the green and the digital market. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the original work of the author and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.
A systematic examination of the family business contributions: is this domain a legitimate field of research?
Authors: Sherlock Chelsea , Markin Erik , Swab R. Gabrielle , Antin Yates Victoria
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze family business research, which has experienced tremendous growth. Through this study’s categorization and evaluation of research, the authors illustrate the evolution of family business research in management, entrepreneurship and family business domains over the past decade.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides an interdisciplinary systematic review of family business literature between 2008 and 2022 to analyze the family business field. Following similar previous reviews (Chrismanet al., 2003; Debickiet al., 2009), this study’s final sample includes 1,443 studies, which the authors categorize into six broad topics and 21 subcategories of management topics.

Findings

This study’s analysis reveals the field has grown nearly fivefold since 2007. As such, the authors examine the growth and decline of specific research topics. The authors also find in the past decade family business research has experienced rapid growth across a variety of outlets, signaling increasing reach, richness and legitimacy of the field.

Originality/value

By reviewing and analyzing 1,443 family business articles, the results illustrate the evolution of family business research over the past decade and what this means for its future. Based on this study’s systematic review, the authors offer insights into the state of the field and propose avenues for future research so the field can continue to prosper.
Modelling and simulation of crowd evacuation in terrorist attacks
Authors: Song Yu , Liu Bingrui , Li Lejia , Liu Jia
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In recent years, terrorist attacks have gradually become one of the important factors endangering social security. In this context, this research aims to propose methods and principles which can be utilized to make effective evacuation plans to reduce casualties in terrorist attacks.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the statistical data of terrorist attack videos, this paper proposes an extended cellular automaton (CA) model and simulates the panic evacuation of the pedestrians in the terrorist attack.

Findings

The main findings are as follows. (1) The panic movement of pedestrians leads to the dispersal of the crowd and the increase in evacuation time. (2) Most deaths occur in the early stage of crowd evacuation while pedestrians gather without perceiving the risk. (3) There is a trade-off between escaping from the room and avoidance of attackers for pedestrians. Appropriate panic contagion enables pedestrians to respond more quickly to risks. (4) Casualties are mainly concentrated in complex terrains, e.g. walls, corners, obstacles, exits, etc. (5) The initial position of the attackers has a significant effect on the crowd evacuation. The evacuation efficiency should be reduced if the attacker starts the attack from the exit or corners.

Originality/value

In this research, the concept of “focus region” is proposed to depict the different reactions of pedestrians to danger and the effects of the attacker’s motion (especially the attack strategies of attackers) are classified. Additionally, the influences on pedestrians by direct and indirect panic sources are studied.
bwLastCopies – identifying the last copy: activities in the German state of Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Hassel Lena
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Cooperative preservation has been an international topic for a long time. Germany’s neighbouring countries such as Austria and Switzerland have already taken measures for the cooperative preservation of printed resources. The main objective of the project bwLastCopies – which was funded by the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst Baden-Württemberg in the context of the BigDIWA program – was to support cooperative preservation in Baden-Württemberg.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal was realized by the automated documentation of archiving commitments and the implementation of an inventory management system for the libraries in Baden-Württemberg to help examining the potential rareness of collections.

Findings

The project showed that many titles in libraries in Baden-Württemberg are, at least in the context of Baden-Württemberg, rare. Cooperative holdings management between libraries is only possible with a clear communication on what actions should be taken when sorting something out.

Originality/value

The marking of potentially rare titles in a database as large as K10plus is valuable to the participating libraries. Because of the amount of libraries working with the union catalogue, the markings are largely reliable and give an overview on how many and which titles are potentially rare.
Bank lending during the COVID-19 pandemic: do alliances and digital strategies matter?
Authors: Yudaruddin Rizky
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the joint impact of COVID-19, alliances and digital strategies on bank lending. Additionally, this study examines whether the effect of COVID-19, alliances and digital strategies on bank loans depends on the types of banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 92 commercial banks in Indonesia from March 2020 to September 2021, a fixed-effects model (FEM) was used to analyze data.

Findings

This study provides robust results regarding the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bank loans in Indonesian banking. Furthermore, it reveals that collaboration between banks and FinTech does not substantially influence bank lending, despite the rise in proven cases tending to reduce credit expansion. It emphasizes the importance of the development of mobile banking as part of digitalization in boosting loan bank expansion, and this finding is more noticeable in private and small banks.

Practical implications

This study highlights some policy recommendations to improve bank lending during the COVID-19 period, particularly the role of new alliances and digital strategy in involving COVID-19 pandemic mitigation within a novel financial ecosystem.

Originality/value

This study offers a significant contribution to the empirical literature that specifically explores the joint impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, alliances and digital strategies on bank lending in banking.