bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A role for Vps13-mediated lipid transfer at the ER-endosome contact site in ESCRT-mediated sorting
Authors: Suzuki Sho W. , West Matthew , Zhang Yichen , Fan Jenny S. , Roberts Rachel T. , Odorizzi Greg , Emr Scott D.
Published: July 2023

Endosomes are specialized organelles that function in the secretory and endocytic protein sorting pathways. Endocytosed cell surface receptors and transporters destined for lysosomal degradation are sorted into intralumenal vesicles (ILVs) at endosomes byEndosomalSortingComplexRequired forTransport (ESCRT) proteins. The endosomes (multivesicular bodies, MVBs) then fuse with the lysosome. During endosomal maturation, the number of ILVs increases, but the size of endosomes does not decrease despite consumption of the limiting membrane during ILV formation. Vesicle-mediated trafficking is thought to provide lipids to support MVB biogenesis. However, we have uncovered an unexpected contribution of a large bridge-like lipid transfer protein, Vps13, in this process. Here, we reveal that Vps13-mediated lipid transfer at ER-endosome contact sites is required for the ESCRT pathway. We propose that Vps13 may play a critical role in supplying lipids to the endosome, ensuring continuous ESCRT-mediated sorting during MVB formation.
The one-message-per-cell-cycle rule: A conserved minimum transcription level for essential genes
Authors: Lo Teresa W. , James Choi Han Kyou , Huang Dean , Wiggins Paul A.
Published: July 2023

The inherent stochasticity of cellular processes leads to significant cell-to-cell variation in protein abundance. Although this noise has already been characterized and modeled, its broader implications and significance remain unclear. In this paper, we revisit the noise model and identify the number of messages transcribed per cell cycle as the critical determinant of noise. In yeast, we demonstrate that this quantity predicts the non-canonical scaling of noise with protein abundance, as well as quantitatively predicting its magnitude. We then hypothesize that growth robustness requires an upper ceiling on noise for the expression of essential genes, corresponding to a lower floor on the transcription level. We show that just such a floor exists: a minimum transcription level of one message per cell cycle is conserved between three model organisms:Escherichia coli, yeast, and human. Furthermore, all three organisms transcribe the same number of messages per gene, per cell cycle. This common transcriptional program reveals that robustness to noise plays a central role in determining the expression level of a large fraction of essential genes, and that this fundamental optimal strategy is conserved fromE. colito human cells.
Engineered Antigen-Binding Fragments for Enhanced Crystallisation of Antibody:Antigen Complexes
Authors: Bruce Heather Ann , Singer Alexander U. , Filippova Ekaterina , Blazer Levi Lynn , Adams Jarrett J. , Enderle Leonie , Ben-David Moshe , Radley Elizabeth H , Mao Daniel YL , Pau Victor , Orlicky Stephen , Sicheri Frank , Kourinov Igor , Atwell Shane , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Sidhu Sachdev S
Published: July 2023

The atomic-resolution structural information that X-ray crystallography can provide on the binding interface between a Fab and its cognate antigen is highly valuable for understanding the mechanism of interaction. However, many Fab:antigen complexes are recalcitrant to crystallisation, making the endeavour a significant effort with no guarantee of success. Consequently, there have been significant steps taken to increase the likelihood of Fab:antigen complex crystallisation by altering the Fab framework. In this investigation, we applied the surface entropy reduction strategy coupled with phage-display technology to identify a set of surface substitutions that improve the propensity of a human Fab framework to crystallise. In addition, we showed that combining these surface substitutions with previously reported Crystal Kappa and elbow substitutions results in a striking improvement in Fab and Fab:antigen complex crystallisability, revealing a synergistic relationship between these sets of substitutions. Through comprehensive Fab and Fab:antigen complex crystallisation screenings followed by structure determination and analysis, we defined the roles that each of these substitutions play in facilitating crystallisation and how they complement each other in the process.
Coffee microsporogenesis and related small interfering RNAs biosynthesis have a unique pattern among eudicots suggesting a sensitivity to climate changes
Authors: de Oliveira Kellen Kauanne Pimenta , de Oliveira Raphael Ricon , Rume Gabriel de Campos , Ribeiro Thales Henrique Cherubino , Fernandes-Brum Christiane Noronha , Kakrana Atul , Mathioni Sandra , Meyers Blake C. , Gomes Matheus de Souza , Chalfun-Junior Antonio
Published: July 2023

Recently, the siRNAs pathways, and especially reproductive phasiRNAs, have attracted attention in eudicots since their biological roles are still unknown and their biogenesis took different evolutionary pathways compared to monocots. In this work, we usedCoffea arabicaL., a recently allotetraploid formed from the hybridization ofC. canephoraandC. eugenioidesunreduced gametes, to explore microsporogenesis and small RNAs related pathways in a eudicot crop. First, we identified the microsporogenesis stages during anther development revealing that pre-meiosis occurs in anthers of 1.5 mm inside floral buds (FBs), whereas meiosis between 1.5 and 4.2 mm FBs, and post-meiosis in FBs larger than 4.2mm. These stages coincide with the Brazilian winter, a period of FBs reduced growth which suggests temperature sensitivity. Next, we identified and quantified the expression of reproductive 21- and 24-nt phasiRNAs during coffee anther development together with their canonical and novel miRNA triggers, and characterized the DCL and AGO families. Our results showed that the pattern of reproductive phasiRNA abundance inC. arabicais unique among described eudicots and the canonical trigger car-miR2275 is involved in the processing of both 21 and 24 nt phasiRNAs. Fourteen DCL genes were identified, but DCL5, related to phasiRNA biosynthesis in monocots, was not according to its specificity for monocots. Thus, our work explored the knowledge gap about microsporogenesis and related siRNAs pathways in coffee, contributing to the control of reproductive development and to the improvement of fertility in eudicots.
Leveraging Permutation Testing to Assess Confidence in Positive-Unlabeled Learning Applied to High-Dimensional Biological Datasets
Authors: Xu Shiwei , Ackerman Margaret E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Compared to traditional supervised machine learning approaches employing fully labeled samples, positive-unlabeled (PU) learning techniques aim to classify “unlabeled” samples based on a smaller proportion of known positive examples. This more challenging modeling goal reflects many real-world scenarios in which negative examples are not available, posing direct challenges to defining prediction accuracy robustness. While several studies have evaluated predictions learned from only definitive positive examples, few have investigated whether correct classification of a high proportion of known positives (KP) samples from among unlabeled samples can act as a surrogate to indicate a performance.

Results

In this study, we report a novel methodology combining multiple established PU learning-based strategies to evaluate the potential of KP samples to accurately classify unlabeled samples without using “ground truth” positive and negative labels for validation. To address model robustness, we report the first application of permutation test in PU learning. Multivariate synthetic datasets and real-world high-dimensional benchmark datasets were employed to validate the proposed pipeline with varied underlying ground truth class label compositions among the unlabeled set and different proportions of KP examples. Comparisons between model performance with actual and permutated labels could be used to distinguish reliable from unreliable models.

Conclusions

Like in fully supervised machine learning, permutation testing offers a means to set a baseline “no-information rate” benchmark in the context of semi-supervised PU learning inference tasks against which model performance can be compared.
Aβ-aggregation-generated blue autofluorescence illuminates senile plaques, complex blood and vascular pathologies in the Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fu Hualin , Li Jilong , Zhang Chunlei , Du Peng , Gao Guo , Ge Qiqi , Guan Xinping , Cui Daxiang
Published: July 2023

Senile plaque blue autofluorescence in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was discovered around 40 years ago, however, its impact on AD pathology is not fully examined. We analyzed senile plaques with immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging on AD brain pathological sections and also the Aβ aggregation processin vitroin test tubes. In DAPI or Hoechst staining experiments, the data showed that the nuclear blue fluorescence could only be correctly assigned after subtracting the blue autofluorescence background. The plaque cores have very strong blue autofluorescence which is roughly 2.09 times of average DAPI nuclear staining and roughly 1.78 times of average Hoechst nuclear staining. The composite flower-like structures formed by Cathepsin D lysosomal staining wrapping dense core blue fluorescence should not be considered as central-nucleated neurons filled with defective lysosomes since there was no nuclear staining in the plaque core when the blue autofluorescence was subtracted. Furthermore, the dense cores were shown to be completely lack of nuclear signals by PI staining. The Aβ aggregation assay indicated that both Aβ self-oligomers and Aβ/Hemoglobin (Hb) heterocomplexes had significant blue autofluorescence. However, the blue autofluorescence intensity was not always proportional to the intensity of Aβ immunostaining. The majority of aggregates in the Aβ/Hb incubations were sensitive to Proteinase K (PK) digestion while the rest were PK resistant. The blue autofluorescence of Aβ aggregates not only labels senile plaques but also illustrates red blood cell aggregation, hemolysis, CAA, vascular amyloid plaques, vascular adhesion and microaneurysm. In summary, we conclude that Aβ-aggregation-generated blue autofluorescence is an excellent amyloid pathology marker in the senile plaques, blood and vascular pathologies in the Alzheimer’s disease.
The Intricate Relationship of G-Quadruplexes and Bacterial Pathogenicity Islands
Authors: Lyu Bo , Song Qisheng
Published: July 2023

The dynamic interplay between guanine-quadruplex (G4) structures and pathogenicity islands (PAIs) represents a captivating area of research with implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenicity. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of a large-scale dataset from reported 89 pathogenic strains of bacteria to investigate the potential interactions between G4 structures and PAIs. G4 structures exhibited an uneven and non-random distribution within the PAIs and were consistently conserved within the same pathogenic strains. Additionally, this investigation identified positive correlations between the number and frequency of G4 structures and the GC content across different genomic features, including the genome, promoters, genes, tRNA, and rRNA regions, indicating a potential relationship between G4 structures and the GC-associated regions of the genome. The observed differences in GC content between PAIs and the core genome further highlight the unique nature of PAIs and underlying factors, such as DNA topology. High-confidence G4 structures within regulatory regions ofEscherichia coliwere identified, modulating the efficiency or specificity of DNA integration events within PAIs. Collectively, these findings pave the way for future research to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms and functional implications of G4-PAI interactions, thereby advancing our understanding of bacterial pathogenicity and the role of G4 structures in pathogenic diseases.
Reward positivity biases interval production in a continuous timing task
Authors: Yan Yan , Hunt Laurence , Hassall Cameron
Published: July 2023

The neural circuits of reward processing and interval timing (including perception and production) are functionally intertwined, suggesting that it might be possible for momentary reward processing to influence subsequent timing behavior. Previous animal and human studies have mainly focused on the effect of reward on interval perception, whereas its impact on interval production is less clear. In this study, we examined whether feedback, as an example of performance-contingent reward, biases interval production. We recorded EEG from 20 participants while they engaged in a continuous drumming task with different realistic tempos (1728 trials per participant). Participants received color-coded feedback after each beat about whether they were correct (on time) or incorrect (early or late). Regression-based EEG analysis was used to unmix the rapid occurrence of a feedback response called the reward positivity (RewP), which is traditionally observed in more slow-paced tasks. Using linear mixed modelling, we found that RewP amplitude predicted timing behavior for the upcoming beat. This performance-biasing effect of the RewP was interpreted as reflecting the impact of fluctuations in dopaminergic activities on timing, and the necessity of continuous paradigms to make such observations was highlighted.
Ca2+-sensing receptor regulates neuronal excitability via Kv7 channel and Gi/oprotein signalling
Authors: Chuinsiri Nontawat , Siraboriphantakul Nannapat , Kendall Luke , Yarova Polina , Nile Christopher J. , Song Bing , Obara Ilona , Durham Justin , Telezhkin Vsevolod
Published: July 2023

Neuropathic pain, a debilitating condition with unmet medical needs, can be charactarised as hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons caused by dysfunction of ion channels. Voltage-gated potassium channel type 7 (Kv7), responsible for maintaining neuronal resting membrane potential and thus neuronal exitability, resides under tight control of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a GPCR that is known to regulate activity of numerous ion channels, but whether CaSR could control Kv7 channel function has been unexplored until now. Our results demonstrate that CaSR is expressed in recombinant cell models, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived nociceptive-like neurons and mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons, and its activation induced depolarisation via Kv7.2/7.3 channel inhibition. The CaSR-Kv7.2/7.3 channel crosslink was mediated via the Gi/oprotein/adenylate cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signalling cascade. Suppression of CaSR function rescued hiPSC-derived nociceptive-like neurons from algogenic cocktail-induced hyperexcitability. To conclude, this study demonstrates that CaSR-Kv7.2/7.3 channel crosslink via the Gi/oprotein signalling pathway effectively regulates neuronal excitability, providing a feasible pharmacological target for neuronal hyperexcitability management in neuropathic pain.
SPIN-CGNN: Improved fixed backbone protein design with contact map-based graph construction and contact graph neural network
Authors: Zhang Xing , Yin Hongmei , Ling Fei , Zhan Jian , Zhou Yaoqi
Published: July 2023

Recent advances in deep learning have significantly improved the ability to infer protein sequences directly from protein structures for the fix-backbone design. The methods have evolved from the early use of multi-layer perceptrons to convolutional neural networks, transformer, and graph neural networks (GNN). However, the conventional approach of constructing K-nearest-neighbors (KNN) graph for GNN has limited the utilization of edge information, which plays a critical role in network performance. Here we introduced SPIN-CGNN based on protein contact maps for nearest neighbors. Together with auxiliary edge updates and selective kernels, we found that SPIN-CGNN provided a comparable performance in refolding ability by AlphaFold2 to the current state-of-the-art techniques but a significant improvement over them in term of sequence recovery, perplexity, deviation from amino-acid compositions of native sequences, conservation of hydrophobic positions, and low complexity regions, according to the test by unseen structures and “hallucinated” structures. Results suggest that low complexity regions in the sequences designed by deep learning techniques remain to be improved, when compared to the native sequences.
Does ribosome composition maximize growth rate? The role of RNA instability
Authors: Széliová Diana , Müller Stefan , Zanghellini Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Ribosomes are protein synthesis machines that are central to cellular self-fabrication, and the synthesis time of a ribosome places an upper bound on growth rate. While most cellular enzymes are proteins, ribosomes consist of 1/3 protein and 2/3 RNA (inE. coli). Recent research suggests that ribosome composition arises from a trade-off between two “autocatalytic loops”, ribosomal protein and RNA polymerase synthesis, respectively.

In this study, we develop a (coarse-grained) mechanistic model of a self-fabricating cell and validate it under various growth conditions. Using resource balance analysis (RBA), we examine how the maximum growth rate varies with ribosome composition, assuming that all kinetic parameters remain independent of ribosome composition. Our model highlights the importance of RNA instability. If we neglect it, RNA synthesis is always “cheaper” than protein synthesis, leading to an RNA-only ribosome at maximum growth rate. However, when we account for RNA turnover, we find that a mixed ribosome composed of RNA and proteins maximizes growth rate.

To account for RNA turnover, we explore two scenarios regarding the activity of RNases. In (a) degradation is proportional to RNA content, whereas in (b) ribosomal proteins cooperatively mitigate RNA instability by protecting it from misfolding and subsequent degradation. In both cases, an increase in ribosomal protein content raises protein synthesis costs while reducing RNA turnover costs. This leads to a mixed ribosome composed of RNA and proteins. However, only in scenario (b), where we consider the cooperative protection of ribosomal RNA by proteins, our model predictions are in qualitative agreement with experimental data under different growth conditions.

Our research offers new mechanistic insights into ribosome biogenesis and evolution. Furthermore, it paves the way for understanding the protein-rich ribosome composition found in archaea and mitochondria.
Tgfbr1 controls developmental plasticity between the hindlimb and external genitalia by remodeling their regulatory landscape
Authors: Lozovska Anastasiia , Korovesi Artemis G. , Dias André , Lopes Alexandre , Fowler Donald A. , Martins Gabriel G. , Nóvoa Ana , Mallo Moisés
Published: July 2023

The hindlimb and external genitalia of present-day tetrapods are thought to derive from an ancestral common primordium that evolved to generate a wide diversity of structures adapted for efficient locomotion and mating in the ecological niche conquered by the species. We show that despite long evolutionary distance from the ancestral condition, the early primordium of the mouse external genitalia preserved the capacity to take hindlimb fates. In the absence ofTgfbr1, the pericloacal mesoderm generates an extra pair of hindlimbs at the expense of the external genitalia. It has been shown that the hindlimb and the genital primordia share many of their key regulatory factors.Tgfbr1controls the response to those factors by modulating the accessibility status of regulatory elements that control the gene regulatory networks leading to the formation of genital or hindlimb structures. Our work uncovers a remarkable tissue plasticity with potential implications in the evolution of the hindlimb/genital area of tetrapods, and identifies a novel mechanism forTgfbr1activity that might also contribute to the control of other physiological or pathological processes.
Global motor dynamics - Invariant neural representations of motor behavior in distributed brain-wide recordings
Authors: Ottenhoff Maarten C. , Verwoert Maxime , Goulis Sophocles , Wagner Louis , van Dijk Johannes P. , Kubben Pieter L. , Herff Christian
Published: July 2023

Neural activity is presumed to be correlated with motor behavior almost everywhere in the brain, implying that many different brain processes are involved in generating a behavioral output. Recent studies in multiple non-human species have observed pervasive brain-wide neural activity directly related to motor output. However, similar brain-wide investigations in humans with high-temporal resolution are lacking to date. Here, we recorded invasive data from brain-wide distributed electrodes in humans and reveal global neural dynamics that are predictive of movement across tasks and across participants. The dynamics are remarkably stable between participants with substantially varying electrode configurations and to loss of information. We demonstrate that these global neural dynamics are near brain-wide and present in all participants. Uncovering these global neural dynamics may allow for a more holistic and network-based perspective on motor-related neural activity.
Cytokine storm mitigation for exogenous immune agonists
Authors: Kareva Irina , Gevertz Jana L.
Published: July 2023

Cytokine storm is a life-threatening inflammatory response characterized by hyperactivation of the immune system. It can be caused by various therapies, auto-immune conditions, or pathogens, such as respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. Here we propose a conceptual mathematical model describing the phenomenology of cytokine-immune interactions when a tumor is treated by an exogenous immune cell agonist which has the potential to cause a cytokine storm, such as CAR T cell therapy. Numerical simulations reveal that as a function of just two model parameters, the same drug dose and regimen could result in one of four outcomes: treatment success without a storm, treatment success with a storm, treatment failure without a storm, and treatment failure with a storm. We then explore a scenario in which tumor control is accompanied by a storm and ask if it is possible to modulate the duration and frequency of drug administration (without changing the cumulative dose) in order to preserve efficacy while preventing the storm. Simulations reveal existence of a “sweet spot” in protocol space (number versus spacing of doses) for which tumor control is achieved without inducing a cytokine storm. This theoretical model, which contains a number of parameters that can be estimated experimentally, contributes to our understanding of what triggers a cytokine storm, and how the likelihood of its occurrence can be mitigated.
Evidence that anterograde learning interference depends on the stage of learning of the interferer: blocked versus interleaved training
Authors: Ning Ruijing , Wright Beverly A.
Published: July 2023

Training on one task (task A) can disrupt learning on a subsequently trained task (task B), illustrating anterograde learning interference. We asked whether the induction of anterograde learning interference depends on the learning stage that task A has reached when the training on task B begins. To do so, we drew on previous observations in perceptual learning in which completing all training on one task before beginning training on another task (blocked training) yielded markedly different learning outcomes than alternating training between the same two tasks for the same total number of trials (interleaved training). Those blocked versus interleaved contrasts suggest that there is a transition between two differentially vulnerable learning stages that is related to the number of consecutive training trials on each task, with interleaved training presumably tapping acquisition, and blocked training tapping consolidation. Here, we used the blocked versus interleaved paradigm in auditory perceptual learning in a case in which blocked training generated anterograde—but not its converse, retrograde—learning interference (A→B, not B←A). We report that anterograde learning interference of training on task A (interaural time difference discrimination) on learning on task B (interaural level difference discrimination) occurred with blocked training and diminished with interleaved training, with faster rates of interleaving leading to less interference. This pattern held for across-day, within-session, and offline learning. Thus, anterograde learning interference only occurred when the number of consecutive training trials on task A surpassed some critical value, consistent with other recent evidence that anterograde learning interference only arises when learning on task A has entered the consolidation stage.
Novel starting points for fragment-based drug design against mycobacterial thioredoxin reductase identified using crystallographic fragment screening
Authors: Füsser Friederike T. , Wollenhaupt Jan , Weiss Manfred S. , Kümmel Daniel , Koch Oliver
Published: July 2023

The increasing number of people dying from tuberculosis and the existence of extensively drug-resistant strains has led to an urgent need for new antituberculotic drugs with alternative modes of action. As part of the thioredoxin system, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is essential for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and shows substantial differences from human TrxR, making it a promising and most likely selective target. As a model organism for Mtb, crystals of Mycobacterium smegmatis TrxR that diffracted to high resolution were used in crystallographic fragment screening to discover binding fragments and new binding sites. The application of the 96 structurally diverse fragments from the F2X-Entry Screen revealed 56 new starting points for fragment-based drug design of new TrxR inhibitors. Over 200 crystal structures were analyzed using FragMAXapp, which includes processing and refinement by largely automated software pipelines and hit identification via the multi-data-set analysis approach PanDDA. The fragments are bound to 11 binding sites, of which four are positioned at binding pockets or important interaction sites and therefore show high potential for possible inhibition of TrxR.
The impact of digital economy on green development of agriculture and its spatial spillover effect
Authors: Hong Mingyong , Tian Mengjie , Wang Ji
Published: July 2023

Purpose

By discussing the spatial spillover effect and regional heterogeneity of digital economy and green agricultural development level, this paper aims to provide countermeasures and suggestions for the better development of green agriculture in the contemporary era when digital economy is universally developed and at the same time provide development suggestions suitable for green agriculture's development characteristics and initial conditions for different regions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the theoretical foundation of the digital economy and green agriculture development and utilizes panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2018. By employing the Super-Efficiency Slack-based Measure and Malmquist-Luenberger (SBM-ML) model based on unexpected output to measure the total factor productivity of green agriculture and employing the spatial panel Durbin model to empirically test the spatiotemporal effects of the digital economy on green agriculture development from both temporal and spatial dimensions. Finally, the model is tested for robustness as well as heterogeneity.

Findings

The research findings are as follows: First, from the perspective of time effect, digital economy has a continuous driving effect on the development of green agriculture and with the passage of time, this effect becomes more and more prominent; second, from the perspective of spatial effect, digital economy has a significant positive impact on the development of local green agriculture, while digital economy has a significant negative impact on the development of surrounding green agriculture. Finally, the impact of digital economy on the development of green agriculture shows significant differences in different dimensions and regions.

Originality/value

As an important driver of economic growth, the digital economy has injected new impetus into agricultural and rural development. Along with the intensifying environmental pollution problems, how to influence the green development of agriculture through the digital economy is a proposition worthy of attention nowadays. This paper analyzes the relationship between the digital economy and agricultural green development in multiple dimensions by exploring the temporal and spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on agricultural green development, as well as the heterogeneity in different dimensions and in different regions and derives policy insights accordingly in order to improve relevant policies.
Pandemic messaging to connect or to sell? B2B messaging strategies on LinkedIn regarding COVID-19
Authors: Brewer Steven , Imes Rebecca
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study examines how the world's largest business-to-business (B2B) firms communicated about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on LinkedIn during the first months of the pandemic. A Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) framework (Coombs, 2004) is used to assess how pandemic message themes resembled and differed from those utilized in past crises.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers examined all LinkedIn posts made by the 20 largest global B2B firms during February–October 2020 and assigned the posts to five message themes.

Findings

Consistent with past crises, firms conveyed “instructing” information designed to help social media followers cope. However, some businesses also promoted products for use in dealing with COVID-19. This stands in contrast to past reluctance to promote products during a crisis due to fears of being viewed as acting inappropriately. Surprisingly, only about 9% of all posts related to COVID-19.

Research limitations/implications

Research focused on the LinkedIn posts of the 20 largest B2B firms, limiting generalizability for smaller firms and for other social networks.

Practical implications

This study provides insights into how marketers can communicate to their stakeholders during a crisis.

Social implications

This study examines how reaction to COVID-19 was similar and different from message themes found during previous crises.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine how businesses use LinkedIn to communicate with key constituencies. This study examines whether SCCT predicted strategies used by global B2B firms during the pandemic and considers whether expectations regarding crises may be changing.
Thematic literature review of working capital management in the construction industry: trends and research opportunities
Authors: Asare Emmanuel , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Ayarkwa Joshua , Edwards David John , Martek I.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The construction industry (CI) is a major contributor to the gross domestic product of most economies. Yet, the industry is characterized by poorly performing projects, plagued with cost overruns, delays, with a relatively high-risk nature and marginal returns. Given that construction projects are financially dynamic, relying on highly fluctuating working capital and cash-flow requirements, there is an imperative need to understand the working capital management (WCM) of the CI. This study aims to review the extant literature on WCM in the CI to present a contemporary positional paper and engender a wider polemic debate on this crucial phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review methodology is used, using Google Scholar as the literature database.

Findings

Despite the importance of this research theme, only 16 publications dedicated to the topic of WCM in the CI are identified. This is an important finding in itself and is indicative of hitherto scant research conducted. Other observations include the lack of experts examining the field, with no authors exploring the theme more than once. Subthemes of WCM are also scarce, with only the topic of the relationship between “WCM and profitability” been revisited and refined in literature; all other topics being cursory.

Originality/value

This study is among pioneering papers in developing economies that have taken stock of WCM in the CI. As a result, the conclusion of this paper is to call out the paucity of research in WCM and set a broad agenda for future research.
The art and science of scholarly writing: framing symmetry of specificity beyond IMRAD
Authors: Eriksson David
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide scholars with a robust, easy-to-follow structural model for crafting compelling academic publications. Recognizing the diversity of research methodologies and genres, the paper proposes the symmetry of specificity framework as a guide to maintaining coherence, depth and relevance across different sections of an academic paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a theoretical framework – “symmetry of specificity” – through an iterative approach inspired by supervision and examination of theses, writing and reviewing research papers and editorial work. The framework builds upon the established IMRAD model and uses the concept of symmetry to explain the structural elements of academic publications. Its unique contribution lies in elucidating the two-dimensional funneling process that takes place within academic writing, and providing a nuanced understanding of how to maintain balance between different sections.

Findings

The symmetry of specificity framework introduces a novel perspective on academic writing, emphasizing the concept of “symmetry in specificity”. It shows how maintaining a balance in detail and focus across different sections of a research paper can significantly enhance its coherence and relevance. By elucidating the interaction between theory and data in research writing, it provides valuable insights into the nuances of crafting a compelling academic paper.

Research limitations/implications

While the proposed symmetry of specificity framework may not be universally applicable across all types of research, it provides a solid foundation for the development of alternate structures tailored to specific research paradigms. There is ample opportunity for future research to explore adaptations of this model for various types of academic writing, offering a fresh perspective on structuring academic publications and potentially sparking new discussions and innovations in this realm.

Practical implications

This framework can aid both novice and experienced scholars in structuring their research papers effectively. By offering a conceptual roadmap, it guides the writer through the complex process of academic writing, from crafting the methodology and analysis sections to articulating compelling conclusions. Thus, it serves as a useful tool in enhancing the quality and impact of research communication.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique approach to structuring academic publications that goes beyond the conventional IMRAD model. By offering a theory-based structural model, it contributes to an underexplored area in academic writing and opens up new avenues for pedagogy and practice in research communication.
Customer preferences for staycation package attributes
Authors: Qiu Richard T.R. , King Brian E.M. , Tang Mei Fung Candy , Fan Tina P.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to progress scholarly understanding of the staycation phenomenon by examining customer segments and documenting local customers’ attribute preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A stated choice experiment is used to examine customer preferences for staycation package attributes. Latent class discrete choice modeling is deployed to classify customers into market segments based on their preferences. The profile of each segment is enhanced by documenting customer characteristics and consumption styles.

Findings

Six prominent market segments are identified using a combination of sociodemographics, consumption styles and staycation attribute preferences. The findings draw on consumer experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic to generate theoretical insights into preferred staycation packages. Empirically, the estimation results from the research framework and choice experimental method demonstrate that staycation market segments exhibit distinct preference structures.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners and policymakers can incorporate the findings of this study in designing and/or assessing staycation packages. This can ensure differentiated products for defined segments that resonate within local communities through positive word of mouth, thus offering prospective spillovers to visiting friends and relatives.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study on preference heterogeneity from the customer perspective, with a focus on staycation markets. The findings can encourage and assist hotel sector leaders to capitalize on local market developments to achieve a more resilient hospitality business model.
Pedagogical innovation to captivate students to ethics education in engineering
Authors: Monteiro Fátima , Sousa Armando
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to develop an innovative pedagogic tool: an escape room board game to be played in-class, targeting an introduction to an ethics course for engineering students. The design is student-centred and aims to increase students' appreciation, commitment and motivation to learning ethics, a challenging endeavour for many technological students.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology included the design, development and in-class application of the mentioned game. After application, perception data from students were collected with pre- and post-action questionnaire, using a quasi-experimental method.

Findings

The results allow to conclude that the developed game persuaded students be in class in an active way. The game mobilizes body and mind to the learning process with many associated advantages to foster students' motivation, curiosity, interest, commitment and the need for individual reflection after information search.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the game is its applicability to large classes (it has been successfully tested with a maximum of 65 students playing simultaneously in the same room).

Originality/value

The originalities and contributions include the presented game that helped to captivate students to ethics area, a serious problem felt by educators and researchers in this area. This study will be useful to educators of ethics in engineering and will motivate to design tools for a similar pedagogical approach, even more so in areas where students are not especially motivated. The developed tool is available from the authors at no expense.
Impact of governance mechanism on supply chain ambidexterity and enterprise cooperation performance: a combined perspective
Authors: Li Ning , Hu Chao , Zhang Li
Published: July 2023

Purpose

According to governance theory, choosing an effective supply chain (SC) governance mechanism can balance the interests and conflicts between enterprises and help them achieve their performance goals. However, incentive and relational governance have not been fully studied in improving enterprise cooperative performance (ECP). This study aims to examine the relationship between incentive and relational governance in general, the direct effects of combined governance strategy (CGS; the combination dimension of the above two governance mechanisms) on ECP and the mediating effects of SC ambidexterity on CGS and ECP in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, this study implements hierarchical linear regression and bootstrap with a survey data set of Chinese manufacturing enterprises.

Findings

Results demonstrate that incentive and relational governance can generate complementary effects through enabling and compensating mechanisms, and their combination, that is, CGS, can promote ECP more than a single governance approach; CGS is conducive to solving the SC ambidexterity dilemma and can simultaneously enhance SC alignment and adaptability, thus further improving ECP; and SC ambidexterity plays an intermediary role between CGS and ECP.

Originality/value

The present study examines the complex interaction between incentive governance, relational governance, SC ambidexterity, and ECP. Implications for theory and practice are that formulating appropriate CGS can develop SC ambidexterity and improve ECP.
Leveraging supplementary modalities in automated real estate valuation using comparative judgments and deep learning
Authors: Despotovic Miroslav , Koch David , Stumpe Eric , Brunauer Wolfgang A. , Zeppelzauer Matthias
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In this study the authors aim to outline new ways of information extraction for automated valuation models, which in turn would help to increase transparency in valuation procedures and thus contribute to more reliable statements about the value of real estate.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hypothesize that empirical error in the interpretation and qualitative assessment of visual content can be minimized by collating the assessments of multiple individuals and through use of repeated trials. Motivated by this problem, the authors developed an experimental approach for semi-automatic extraction of qualitative real estate metadata based on Comparative Judgments and Deep Learning. The authors evaluate the feasibility of our approach with the help of Hedonic Models.

Findings

The results show that the collated assessments of qualitative features of interior images show a notable effect on the price models and thus over potential for further research within this paradigm.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first approach that combines and collates the subjective ratings of visual features and deep learning for real estate use cases.
Positive about place – West Midlands health and wellbeing boards in a changing governance environment – a review
Authors: Clifford Brendan , Squires Sandra , Wood Jenny Layton
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To share a case study of a service improvement review of practice and ambition for Health and Wellbeing Boards in the English West Midlands in the changing context of Integrated Care Systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed qualitative methods: 33 semi-structured interviews with senior care and health leaders; a computer-based self-assessment tool for Health and Wellbeing Boards; and desktop analysis of Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies.

Findings

“Place-based partnership” is a motivating concept, embracing the agency of leaders in pursuing local strategies and solutions. The need for strong leadership was recognised. The opportunity for Integrated Care Systems to contribute to narrowing health inequalities was welcomed by building on local place-based models, maximising council expertise in managing population health and wellbeing in their areas.

Research limitations/implications

The case study is a snapshot of a developing area at a time when further government guidance for Integrated Care Systems was pending. More specific analysis of place-based partnerships in the West Midlands in the context of Health and Wellbeing Boards and Integrated Care Systems would seem beneficial. In addition, further research of subsequent changes such as the Hewitt Review is also considered important.

Practical implications

The review shows the assertion of “place” as a unifying concept for Health and Wellbeing Boards and Integrated Care Systems. It suggests closer involvement of leaders in children's services with local Health and Wellbeing Boards is needed.

Social implications

Health and Wellbeing Boards and Integrated Care Partnerships share common aims of improving the health and wellbeing of local populations. Maximising integration especially on preventative approaches and fully engaging communities in health would have positive social impact.

Originality/value

The case study adds to the relatively less well-developed literature on Health and Wellbeing Boards and their link with Integrated Care Partnerships.
Rural place branding processes: actor engagement in service ecosystems
Authors: Gulisova Barbora , Horbel Chris , Bjørnshave Noe Egon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The place branding process in cities and tourism destinations is usually steered by a central organization but in rural places, a focal actor often does not exist. The purpose of this paper is to identify which approaches to place branding processes are applied in different rural places. This is done by seeing the place branding process as a service ecosystem with focus on actor engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework based on the concepts of service ecosystems and actor engagement is developed. This is then applied to analyse qualitative data collected through semi-structure interviews with participants from several Danish rural places.

Findings

The authors identify four different types of rural place branding processes along three dimensions: existence and type of a focal actor; type, extent and temporal properties of other actor groups’ engagement; and organization of the process, including its formalization, centralization and strategic focus. Type 1 is a highly formalized, centralized and strategically driven process under the leadership of a public authority. The other types are community-based approaches. Type 2 is formalized, centralized and strategically driven process. Type 3 is less formalized but also centralized and strategically focused. Type 4 is a non-formalized, decentralized process with ad hoc initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper applies a service marketing-based framework to analyse qualitative empirical data from different cases of rural places and identify different place branding processes.