bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stapled Peptide Inhibitor of METTL3-METTL14 for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Zenghui , Feng Yuqing , Han Hong , Jiang Xingyue , Chen Weiyu , Ma Xuezhen , Mei Yang , Yuan Dan , Zhang Dingxiao , Shi Junfeng
Published: September 2023

METTL3, a primary methyltransferase catalyzing RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancer types and thus nominated as a potentially effective target for therapeutic inhibition, although current options using this strategy are limited. In this study, we targeted protein-protein interactions at the METTL3-METTL14 binding interface to inhibit complex formation and subsequent catalysis of RNA m6A modification. Among candidate peptides,RM3exhibited the highest anti-cancer potency, inhibiting METTL3 activity while also facilitating its proteasomal degradation. We then designed a stapled peptide inhibitor (RSM3) with enhanced peptide stability and formation of the α-helical secondary structure required for METTL3 interaction. Functional and transcriptomic analysisin vivoindicated thatRSM3induced upregulation of programmed cell death-related genes while inhibiting cancer-promoting signals. Furthermore, tumor growth was significantly suppressed while apoptosis was enhanced uponRSM3treatment, accompanied by in-creased METTL3 degradation, and reduced global RNA methylation levels in twoin vivotumor models. This peptide inhibitor thus exploits a mechanism distinct from other competitive-binding small molecules to inhibit oncogenic METTL3 activity. Our findings collectively highlight the potential of targeting METTL3 in cancer therapies through peptide-based inhibition of complex formation and proteolytic degradation.
HIF1A contributes to the survival of aneuploid and mosaic pre-implantation embryos
Authors: Sanchez-Vasquez Estefania , Bronner Marianne E. , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: September 2023

Human fertility is suboptimal, partly due to error-prone divisions in early cleavage-stages that result in aneuploidy. Most human pre-implantation are mosaics of euploid and aneuploid cells, however, mosaic embryos with a low proportion of aneuploid cells have a similar likelihood of developing to term as fully euploid embryos. How embryos manage aneuploidy during development is poorly understood. This knowledge is crucial for improving fertility treatments and reducing developmental defects. To explore these mechanisms, we established a new mouse model of chromosome mosaicism to study the fate of aneuploid cells during pre-implantation development. We previously used the Mps1 inhibitor reversine to generate aneuploidy in embryos. Here, we found that treatment with the more specific Mps1 inhibitor AZ3146 induced chromosome segregation defects in pre-implantation embryos, similar to reversine. However, AZ3146- treated embryos showed a higher developmental potential than reversine-treated embryos. Unlike reversine-treated embryos, AZ3146-treated embryos exhibited transient upregulation of Hypoxia Inducible-Factor-1A (HIF1A) and lacked p53 upregulation. Pre-implantation embryos develop in a hypoxic environmentin vivo, and hypoxia exposurein vitroreduced DNA damage in response to Mps1 inhibition and increased the proportion of euploid cells in the mosaic epiblast. Inhibiting HIF1A in mosaic embryos also decreased the proportion of aneuploid cells in mosaic embryos. Our work illuminates potential strategies to improve the developmental potential of mosaic embryos.
Human DCP1 is crucial for mRNA decapping and possesses paralog-specific gene regulating functions
Authors: Chen Ting-Wen , Liao Hsiao-Wei , Noble Michelle , Siao Jing-Yi , Cheng Yu-Hsuan , Chiang Wei-Chung , Lo Yi-Tzu , Chang Chung-Te
Published: September 2023

The mRNA 5’-cap structure removal by the decapping enzyme DCP2 is a critical step in gene regulation. While DCP2 is the catalytic subunit in the decapping complex, its activity is strongly enhanced by multiple factors, particularly DCP1, which is the major activator in yeast. However, the precise role of DCP1 in metazoans has yet to be fully elucidated. Moreover, in humans, the specific biological functions of the two DCP1 paralogs, DCP1a and DCP1b, remain largely unknown. To investigate the role of human DCP1, we generated cell-lines that were deficient in DCP1a, DCP1b or both to evaluate the importance of DCP1 in the decapping machinery. Our results highlight the importance of human DCP1 in decapping process and show that the EVH1 domain of DCP1 enhances the mRNA-binding affinity of DCP2. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses outline the distinct functions of DCP1a and DCP1b in human cells, regulating specific endogenous mRNA targets and biological processes. Overall, our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanism of human DCP1 in mRNA decapping and shed light on the distinct functions of its paralogs.
Delineating the heterogeneity of senescence-induced-functional alterations in hepatocytes
Authors: Kumar Pavitra , Hassan Mohsin , Tacke Frank , Engelmann Cornelius
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Cellular senescence of hepatocytes involves permanent cell cycle arrest, disrupted cellular bioenergetics, resistance to cell death, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This ’zombie-like’ state perpetuates harmful effects on tissues and holds potential implications for liver disease progression. Remarkably, senescence exhibits heterogeneity, stemming from two crucial factors: the inducing stressor and the cell type. As such, our present study endeavors to characterize stressor-specific changes in senescence phenotype, its related molecular patterns, and cellular bioenergetics in primary mouse hepatocytes (PMH) and hepatocyte-derived liver organoids (HepOrgs).

Methods

PMH, isolated by collagenase-perfused mouse liver (C57B6/J; 18-23 weeks), were cultured overnight in William’s E-medium supplemented with 2% FBS, L-glutamine, and hepatocyte growth supplements. HepOrgs were developed by culturing cells in a 3D matrix for two weeks. The senescence was induced by DNA damage (doxorubicin, cisplatin, and etoposide), oxidative stress (H2O2, and ethanol), and telomere inhibition (BIBR-1532), p53 activation (nutlin-3a), DNA methyl transferase inhibition (5-azacitidine), and metabolism inhibitors (galactosamine and hydroxyurea). SA-β galactosidase activity, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and cellular bioenergetics were used to assess the senescence phenotype.

Results

Each senescence inducer triggers a unique combination of senescence markers in hepatocytes. All senescence inducers, except hydroxyurea and ethanol, increased SA-β galactosidase activity, the most commonly used marker for cellular senescence. Among the SASP factors, CCL2 and IL-10 were consistently upregulated, while Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 exhibited global downregulation across all modes of senescence. Notably, DNA damage response was activated by DNA damage inducers. Cell cycle markers were most significantly reduced by doxorubicin, cisplatin, and galactosamine. Additionally, DNA damage-induced senescence shifted cellular bioenergetics capacity from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation.

Conclusion

In our study, we demonstrated that each senescence inducer activates a unique combination of senescence markers in PMH. Doxorubicin demonstrated the highest efficacy in inducing senescence, followed by cisplatin and H2O2, with no impact on apoptosis. Each inducer prompted DNA damage response and mitochondrial dysfunction, independent of MAPK/AKT.

Graphical abstract
TheSLC1A1/EAAT3 Dicarboxylic Amino Acid Transporter is an Epigenetically Dysregulated Nutrient Carrier that Sustains Oncogenic Metabolic Programs
Authors: Grubb Treg , Khatun Jesminara , Matar Sayed , Ghandour Fatme , Dubasik Noah , Salem Carleigh , Orlando David A. , Guenther Matthew G. , Martinez Steven R. , Koochaki Pooneh , Coker Jesse A. , Tang Cerise , Reznik Eduard , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Hakimi A. Ari , Abdallah Nour , Weight Christopher J. , Choueiri Toni K. , Asara John M. , Stauffer Shaun R. , Signoretti Sabina , Kaelin William G. , Chakraborty Abhishek A.
Published: September 2023

Inactivation of pVHL tumor suppressor in clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) increases the abundance of Histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac). We hypothesized that H3K27ac, a marker of transcriptional activation, drives the expression of critical oncogenes in ccRCC. Using H3K27ac ChIP-Seq; RNA-Seq; anin vivopositive selection screen; cell-based functional studies; and clinical validations; here, we report the identification of the SLC1A1/EAAT3 aspartate (Asp) and glutamate (Glu) transporter as a ccRCC oncogene. pVHL loss promotes SLC1A1 expression in a HIF-independent manner. Importantly, SLC1A1 inactivation depletes Asp/Glu-derived metabolites, impedes ccRCC growth bothin vitroandin vivo, and sensitizes ccRCCs to metabolic therapeutics (e.g., glutaminase blockers). Finally, in human ccRCC biospecimens, higher SLC1A1 expression is associated with metastatic disease and clusters with elevated expression of other solute carriers, but not HIF/Hypoxia pathways. Altogether, our studies identify a HIF-independent metabolic hub in ccRCC and credential SLC1A1 as an actionable ccRCC oncogene.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Targeting chronic HIF activation underlies many therapeutic strategies in ccRCC; but, unfortunately, is not curative. SLC1A1, instead, represents a HIF-independent ccRCC dependency, which is targetable alone and together with other antimetabolites, such as glutaminase inhibitors. These observations identify an actionable metabolic program that functions independent of HIF in ccRCC.
Overexpression ofZmSTOP1-AEnhances Aluminum Tolerance in Arabidopsis by Stimulating Organic Acid Secretion and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging
Authors: Liu Chan , Hu Xiaoqi , Zang Lei , Liu Xiaofeng , Wei Yuhui , Wang Xue , Jin Xinwu , Du Chengfeng , Yu Yan , He Wenzhu , Zhang Suzhi
Published: September 2023

Aluminum (Al) toxicity and low pH are major factors limiting plant growth in acidic soils. Sensitive to Proton Rhizotoxicity 1 (STOP1) transcription factor respond to these stresses by regulating the expression of multiple Al- or low pH-responsive genes. ZmSTOP1-A, a STOP1-like protein from maize (Zea mays), was localized to the nucleus and had transactivation activity.ZmSTOP1-Awas expressed moderately in both roots and shoots of maize seedlings, but was not induced by Al stress or low pH. Overexpression ofZmSTOP1-Ain ArabidopsisAtstop1mutant partially restored Al tolerance and completely low pH tolerance with respect to root growth. Regarding Al tolerance,ZmSTOP1-A/Atstop1plants showed clear upregulation of organic acid transporter genes, and leading to increased organic acid secretion and reduced Al accumulation in roots. Besides, the antioxidant enzyme activity in roots and shoots ofZmSTOP1-A/Atstop1plants was significantly enhanced, ultimately alleviating Al toxicity via scavenging reactive oxygen species. Similarly, ZmSTOP1-A could directly activateZmMATE1expression in maize, positively correlated with the number of Al-responsive GGNVScis-element in theZmMATE1promoter. Our results revealed that ZmSTOP1-A antagonizes Al toxicity by enhancing organic acid secretion and reactive oxygen species scavenging in Arabidopsis, demonstrating that it is an important transcription factor conferring Al tolerance. Our findings help to comprehensively elucidate the role of STOP1-like transcript factor in enabling plants to detoxifying Al.
Manipulating PTPRD function with ectodomain antibodies
Authors: Qian Zhe , Song Dongyan , Ipsaro Jonathan J. , Bautista Carmelita , Joshua-Tor Leemor , Yeh Johannes T.-H. , Tonks Nicholas K.
Published: September 2023

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are critical regulators of signal transduction but have yet to be exploited fully for drug development. Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase δ (RPTPδ/PTPRD) has been shown to elicit tumor-promoting functions, including elevating SRC activity and promoting metastasis in certain cell contexts. Dimerization has been implicated in the inhibition of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs). We have generated antibodies targeting PTPRD ectodomains with the goal of manipulating their dimerization status ectopically, thereby regulating intracellular signaling. We have validated antibody binding to endogenous PTPRD in a metastatic breast cancer cell line, CAL51, and demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody, RD-43, inhibited phosphatase activity and induced the degradation of PTPRD. Similar effects were observed following chemically induced dimerization of its phosphatase domain. Mechanistically, RD-43 triggered the formation of PTPRD dimers in which the phosphatase activity was impaired. Subsequently, the mAb–PTPRD dimer complex was degraded through lysosomal and proteasomal pathways, independently of secretase cleavage. Consequently, treatment with RD-43 inhibited SRC signaling and suppressed PTPRD-dependent cell invasion. Together, these findings demonstrate that manipulating RPTP function via antibodies to the extracellular segments has therapeutic potential.
Indium Kα radiation from a MetalJet X-ray source: comparison of the Eiger2 CdTe and Photon III detectors
Authors: Ruth Paul Niklas , Graw Nico , Ernemann Tobias , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: September 2023

The MetalJet source makes available new Kα radiation wavelengths for use in X-ray diffraction experiments. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of indium Kα radiation in independent-atom model refinement, as well as approaches using aspherical atomic form factors. The results vary greatly depending on the detector employed, as the energy cut-off of the Eiger2 CdTe provides a solution to a unique energy contamination problem of the MetalJet In radiation, which the Photon III detector cannot provide.
Resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy using self-seeded hard X-ray pulses at PAL-XFEL
Authors: Choi Tae-Kyu , Park Jaeku , Kim Gyujin , Jang Hoyoung , Park Sang-Youn , Sohn Jang Hyeob , Cho Byoung Ick , Kim Hyunjung , Kim Kyung Sook , Nam Inhyuk , Chun Sae Hwan
Published: September 2023

Self-seeded hard X-ray pulses at PAL-XFEL were used to commission a resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy experiment with a von Hamos spectrometer. The self-seeded beam, generated through forward Bragg diffraction of the [202] peak in a 100 µm-thick diamond crystal, exhibited an average bandwidth of 0.54 eV at 11.223 keV. A coordinated scanning scheme of electron bunch energy, diamond crystal angle and silicon monochromator allowed us to map the Ir Lβ2 X-ray emission lines of IrO2 powder across the Ir L
3-absorption edge, from 11.212 to 11.242 keV with an energy step of 0.3 eV. This work provides a reference for hard X-ray emission spectroscopy experiments utilizing self-seeded pulses with a narrow bandwidth, eventually applicable for pump–probe studies in solid-state and diluted systems.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-ethoxy-1-ethyl-6-nitroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one
Authors: Yousra Seqqat , El Ghayati Lhoussaine , Hökelek Tuncer , Ouazzani Chahdi Fouad , Mague Joel T. , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Sebbar Nada Kheira
Published: September 2023

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C12H13N3O4, consists of two molecules differing to a small degree in their conformations. In the crystal, layers of molecules are connected by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and slipped π-stacking interactions. These layers lie parallel to (10\overline{1}) and are stacked along the normal to that plane. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing arise from H...H (43.5%) and H...O/O...H (30.8%) contacts. The density functional theory (DFT) optimized structure of the title compound at the B3LYP/ 6–311 G(d,p) level agrees well with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state.
Creating the baseline: data relations and frictions of UK City of Culture evaluation
Authors: Ashton Daniel , Gowland-Pryde Ronda , Roth Silke , Sturt Fraser
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Socioeconomic aims and impacts are an explicit part of the UK City of Culture (UKCoC) application, bidding, delivery and evaluation stages. This article engages with existing debates on evaluating cities of culture and introduces perspectives from critical data studies to examine the collection and analysis of different data for the purposes of the CoC application and evaluation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The meta-methodological concept of accompanying researcher is used to analyse the experiences of researchers based within a city bidding for UKCoC 2025 in dialogue with the evaluation reports from past UKCoC host cities.

Findings

Findings are analysed under three themes: defining data morsels; local histories and infrastructures of data generation and sharing; and resources, capacities and expertise for data generation and evaluation. The discussion examines data still to be generated and/or brought into relation; tensions around data and measurement; and how constructing an evaluation baseline is generative—creating new organisations, relationships and practices.

Practical implications

The conceptual and methodological approach and empirical findings will be relevant for academic, policymakers and practitioners engaging with cultural evaluation.

Originality/value

In focussing on the bidding stage in real time through the accompanying researcher position, this article presents original empirical insights into the process of creating a baseline for cities of culture evaluation. The conceptual originality of this article is in using critical data studies to explain strategies of data generation and analyse data relations and frictions.
Resilience strategies to mitigate “extreme” disruptions in sustainable tourism supply chain
Authors: Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Mahmud A.K.M. Shakil , Banik Shanta , Rabbanee Fazlul K. , Quaddus Mohammed , Alamgir Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic capability view (DCV), this research determines the suitable configurations of resilience strategies for sustainable tourism supply chain performance amidst “extreme” disruptive events affecting the entire supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a multi-study and multi-method approach. Study 1 utilizes in-depth interviews to identify a list of tourism supply chain sustainability risks and resilience strategies. Study 2, using quality function deployment (QFD) technique, determines the most important resilience strategies corresponding to highly significant risks. Study 3, on the other hand, adopts a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to determine the best recipe of resilience strategies and risks to make the tourism supply chain performance sustainable.

Findings

The findings reveal that sustainable tourism performance during an extreme disruptive event (e.g. COVID-19 health crisis) depends on the combined effect of tourism resilience strategies and risks instead of their individual effect.

Practical implications

The research findings offer significant managerial implications. Managers may experiment with multiple causal conditions of risks and resilience strategies to engender the expected outcome.

Originality/value

This research extends current knowledge on tourism supply chain and offers insights for managers to mitigate the risks and ensures sustainable performance in the context of extreme disruptive events.
Sustainable Development Goals and the future of architectural education – cultivating SDGs-centred architectural pedagogies
Authors: Burton Lindy Osborne , Salama Ashraf M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Following the positive call for a special issue on Architectural Pedagogies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the purpose of this overview article is to contextualise reflections on nine selected articles, within recent efforts made by professional organisations, which aspire to blend sustainable development into the collective psyche of both academics and future professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts four lines of inquiry by capturing key insights on the place of sustainable design knowledge in architectural education validation and accreditation at both national and global scales; presenting analytical narratives on the recent global efforts that embrace excellence in architectural pedagogy through addressing SDGs; elucidating the two knowledge spaces, centred on pedagogy and sustainability, which are strengthened and supported by Archnet-IJAR, and offering reflections on the nine articles published in this special issue that aims at integration of the two knowledge spaces.

Findings

Contextualisation and reflective narratives offer insights into current efforts and demonstrate a clear commitment of professional organisations to embed values relevant to SDGs. Efforts of the Education Commission of the International Union of Architects and the UNESCO-UIA Validation Council of Architectural Education appear to have advanced significantly over recent years with a clear prospect for a sustainable future. The nine articles published in this special issue respond clearly to the goal of Quality Education (SDG4), but not all of them have addressed the goals related to Good Health and Well-being (SDG3) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11), and their place in architectural pedagogy. However, they take a step further to address aspects of climate change, globalisation, sustainable architecture and urbanism, social sustainability, global north/global south dialectics and decolonisation.

Practical implications

The findings offer opportunities to recognise efforts by professional organisations, map key pedagogical experiments into these efforts, while providing lessons learned from best practices aiming to effectively integrate SDGs into architectural pedagogy.

Originality/value

No serious effort has been made to articulate the integration of SDGs into architectural education at the level of research or design studio pedagogical practice. Addressing architectural pedagogies and sustainable development is predicated on the fact that there is very little written or known on integrating SDGs into architectural education and design pedagogy. Understanding, appreciating, and sharing various efforts and approaches to incorporate SDGs into architectural pedagogy is a key step towards a sustainable future.
Toward a simple topological model of a three-phase transformer including deep saturation conditions
Authors: Zirka Sergey E. , Albert Dennis , Moroz Yuriy I. , Domenig Lukas Daniel , Schürhuber Robert
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a method of parametrizing topological transformer model at high flux densities in the core.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach proposed is based on terminal voltages and currents measured in a special purpose saturation test whose data are combined with typical saturation curves of grain-oriented electrical steels; the modeling is carried out in the ATPDraw program.

Findings

The authors corroborate experimentally the necessity of dividing the zero sequence impedance between all transformer phases and propose a method of the individual representation of the legs and yokes. This eliminates the use of nonexistent leakage inductances of primary and secondary windings.

Practical implications

The presented modeling approach can be used for predicting inrush current events and in the evaluation of the impact caused by geomagnetically induced currents (GICs).

Originality/value

The proposed approach is completely original and will contribute to a better understanding of the transients occurring in a transformer under abnormal conditions, such as inrush current events and GICs.
Geometry reconstruction based on arc splines with application to wheel-rail contact simulation
Authors: Silva Lucas , Gay Neto Alfredo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

When establishing a mathematical model to simulate solid mechanics, considering realistic geometries, special tools are needed to translate measured data, possibly with noise, into idealized geometrical entities. As an engineering application, wheel-rail contact interactions are fundamental in the dynamic modeling of railway vehicles. Many approaches used to solve the contact problem require a continuous parametric description of the geometries involved. However, measured wheel and rail profiles are often available as sets of discrete points. A reconstruction method is needed to transform discrete data into a continuous geometry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an approximation method based on optimization to solve the problem of fitting a set of points with an arc spline. It consists of an initial guess based on a curvature function estimated from the data, followed by a least-squares optimization to improve the approximation. The authors also present a segmentation scheme that allows the method to increment the number of segments of the spline, trying to keep it at a minimal value, to satisfy a given error tolerance.

Findings

The paper provides a better understanding of arc splines and how they can be deformed. Examples with parametric curves and slightly noisy data from realistic wheel and rail profiles show that the approach is successful.

Originality/value

The developed methods have theoretical value. Furthermore, they have practical value since the approximation approach is better suited to deal with the reconstruction of wheel/rail profiles than interpolation, which most methods use to some degree.
Influencing factors on building and improving social trust in emergency and disaster relief efforts: a systematic review
Authors: Khankeh HamidReza , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Saatchi Mohammad , Pourebrahimi Mohammad , Roudini Juliet , Rahmatali Khazaee Amin , Jenabi Ghods Mariye , Sepahvand Elham , Ranjbar Maryam , Hosseinabadi-Farahani Mohammadjavad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to review the results of relevant studies to shed light on social trust-building in different contexts and the factors that affect it in disaster risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses model. The study keywords were searched for in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases on August 2021. The inclusion criteria were English-written articles published in social trust and disaster relief efforts. Exclusion criteria were lack of access to the full text and article types such as nonoriginal articles.

Findings

Out of 1,359 articles found, 17 articles were included in the final analysis using four general categories: six articles on the role of local government in trust-building (local governments), five articles on the role of social media in trust-building (social media), four articles on the role of social capital in trust-building (social capital) and two articles on the importance of community participation in trust-building (community participation).

Originality/value

Understanding the role of social trust and the factors which influence it will help the development of community-based disaster risk management. Therefore, disaster management organizations and other relief agencies should take the findings of this study into account, as they can help guide policymaking and the adoption of strategies to improve public trust and participation in comprehensive disaster risk management. Further studies recommended understanding people’s experiences and perceptions of social trust, relief and disaster preparedness.
European emergency managers on social media: institutional arrangements and guidelines
Authors: Torpan Sten , Hansson Sten , Orru Kati , Rhinard Mark , Savadori Lucia , Jukarainen Pirjo , Nævestad Tor-Olav , Meyer Sunniva Frislid , Schieffelers Abriel , Lovasz Gabriella
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper offers an empirical overview of European emergency managers' institutional arrangements and guidelines for using social media in risk and crisis communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected and analysed material including publicly accessible relevant legal acts, policy documents, official guidelines, and press reports in eight European countries – Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, Finland, Norway, and Estonia. Additionally, the authors carried out 95 interviews with emergency managers in the eight countries between September 2019 and February 2020.

Findings

The authors found that emergency management institutions' social media usage is rarely centrally controlled and social media crisis communication was regulated with the same guidelines as crisis communication on traditional media. Considering this study's findings against the backdrop of existing research and practice, the authors find support for a “mixed arrangement” model by which centralised policies work in tandem with decentralised practices on an ad hoc basis.

Practical implications

Comparative insights about institutional arrangements and procedural guidelines on social media crisis communication in the studied countries could inform the future policies concerning social media use in other emergency management systems.

Originality/value

This study includes novel, cross-national comparative data on the institutional arrangements and guidelines for using social media in emergency management in the context of Europe.
A reliability-based design and optimization strategy using a novel MPP searching method for maritime engineering structures
Authors: Yang Shiyuan , Meng Debiao , Guo Yipeng , Nie Peng , Jesus Abilio M.P. de
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In order to solve the problems faced by First Order Reliability Method (FORM) and First Order Saddlepoint Approximation (FOSA) in structural reliability optimization, this paper aims to propose a new Reliability-based Design Optimization (RBDO) strategy for offshore engineering structures based on Original Probabilistic Model (OPM) decoupling strategy. The application of this innovative technique to other maritime structures has the potential to substantially improve their design process by optimizing cost and enhancing structural reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

In the strategy proposed by this paper, sequential optimization and reliability assessment method and surrogate model are used to improve the efficiency for solving RBDO. The strategy is applied to the analysis of two marine engineering structure cases of ship cargo hold structure and frame ring of underwater skirt pile gripper. The effectiveness of the method is proved by comparing the original design and the optimized results.

Findings

In this paper, the proposed new RBDO strategy is used to optimize the design of the ship cargo hold structure and the frame ring of the underwater skirt pile gripper. According to the results obtained, compared with the original design, the structure of optimization design has better reliability and stability, and reduces the risk of failure. This optimization can also better balance the relationship between performance and cost. Therefore, it is recommended for related RBDO problems in the field of marine engineering.

Originality/value

In view of the limitations of FORM and FOSA that may produce multiple MPPs for a single performance function, the new RBDO strategy proposed in this study provides valuable insights and robust methods for the optimization design of offshore engineering structures. It emphasizes the importance of combining advanced MPP search technology and integrating SORA and surrogate models to achieve more economical and reliable design.
External knowledge and eco-innovation: evidence from small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Edeh Jude , Vinces Jesús-Peña
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Firms are engaging in eco-innovation as a response to environmental concerns. Due to its complexity, firms are searching, absorbing and using externally acquired knowledge toward implementing eco-innovation. Thus, this study aims to examine how different external knowledge sources affect the eco-innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an Ordered Probit regression analysis for 318 developing economy SMEs to examine the impact of vertical flows (suppliers and customers) and horizontal flows (competitors and scientific organisations) on eco-innovations.

Findings

On the vertical dimension, the results show that external knowledge from suppliers is positively associated with eco-product and eco-process innovations. However, external knowledge from customers is positively associated with eco-product innovation, but not eco-process innovation. On the horizontal dimension, external knowledge from competitors contributes to eco-process innovation, but not to eco-product innovation. Finally, external knowledge from scientific organizations is positively related to eco-product and eco-process innovations.

Originality/value

First, the study contributes to the external knowledge literature by focusing on developing country SMEs. Second, the methodology used in this study constitutes a novelty as it provides a tool that categorizes firms according to the extent of emphasis they placed on both eco-product and eco-process innovations. Finally, it offers new evidence by revealing that the effects of external knowledge on eco-innovations are differentiated and not equally beneficial to firms.
Forecasting expenditure components in Nigeria
Authors: Salisu Afees , Omotor Douglason Godwin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study forecasts the government expenditure components in Nigeria, including recurrent and capital expenditures for 2021 and 2022, based on data from 1981 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs statistical/econometric problems using the Feasible Quasi Generalized Least Squares approach. Expenditure forecasts involve three simulation scenarios: (1) do nothing where the economy follows its natural path; (2) an optimistic scenario, where the economy grows by specific percentages and (3) a pessimistic scenario that defines specific economic contractions.

Findings

The estimation model is informed by Wagner's law specifying a positive link between economic activities and public spending. Model estimation affirms the expected positive relationship and is relevant for generating forecasts. The out-of-sample results show that a higher proportion of the total government expenditure (7.6% in 2021 and 15.6% in 2022) is required to achieve a predefined growth target (5%).

Originality/value

This study offers empirical evidence that specifically requires Nigeria to invest a ratio of 3 to 1 or more in capital expenditure to recurrent expenditure for the economy to be guided on growth.
Factors determining default in P2P lending
Authors: Avgeri Evangelia , Psillaki Maria
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The research documented in this paper aims to examine multiple factors related to borrowers' default in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending in the USA. This study is motivated by the hypothesis that both P2P loan characteristics and macroeconomic variables have influence on loan performance. The authors define a set of loan characteristics, borrower characteristics and macroeconomic variables that are significant in determining the probability of default and should be taken into consideration when assessing credit risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question in this study is to find the significant explanatory variables that are essential in determining the probability of default for LendingClub loans. The empirical study is based on a total number of 1,863,491 loan records issued through LendingClub from 2007 to 2020Q3 and a logistic regression model is developed to predict loan defaults.

Findings

The results, in line with prior research, show that a number of borrower and contractual loan characteristics predict loan defaults. The innovation of this study is the introduction of specific macroeconomic indicators. The study indicates that macroeconomic variables assessed alongside loan data can significantly improve the forecasting performance of default model. The general finding demonstrates that higher percentage change in House Price Index, Consumer Sentiment Index and S&P500 Index is associated with a lower probability of delinquency. The empirical results also exhibit significant positive effect of unemployment rate and GDP growth rate on P2P loan default rates.

Practical implications

The results have important implications for investors for whom it is of great importance to know the determinants of borrowers' creditworthiness and loan performance when estimating the investment in a certain P2P loan. In addition, the forecasting performance of the model could be applied by authorities in order to deal with the credit risk in P2P lending and to prevent the effects of increasing defaults on the economy.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to shed light on the association between specific macroeconomic indicators and the default risk from P2P lending within an economy, while the majority of the existing literature investigate loan and borrower information to evaluate credit risk of P2P loans and predict the likelihood of default.
Managerial ability and voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance: evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Kao Mao-Feng , Jian Cih-Huei , Tseng Chien-Hao
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of managerial ability on voluntary environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and assurance. By focusing on managerial ability, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing a firm’s ESG disclosure and assurance practices. This study contributes to a relatively unexplored area of study regarding the role of top management in promoting ESG reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a sample of publicly listed firms from 2014 to 2019 in Taiwan and applies the data envelopment analysis method to measure managerial ability. Heckman’s (1979) two-step model is used to estimate the primary models to prevent the results from being affected by possible bias because of self-selection.

Findings

The empirical evidence suggests that managerial ability is positively related to voluntary ESG disclosure and intention to seek third-party assurance of the report. Overall, managerial ability determines whether a firm will use voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance as a corporate strategy to respond effectively to stakeholders’ needs. The findings are robust after using alternative measures of managerial ability.

Practical implications

Investors and other stakeholders keen on seeking ESG information offered by companies could find the findings of this study valuable. By better comprehending how managerial competence impacts voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance, stakeholders may be better equipped to hold companies responsible for their ESG disclosure practices and make informed investment decisions.

Social implications

In the ESG decision-making process, managers with better abilities have a higher tendency to use voluntary disclosure and assurance as a part of the company’s sustainable policy.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies of the determinant factors of ESG disclosure, which mainly explore factors at the national or corporate level, this study focuses on factors at the individual level (i.e. managerial ability) to fill the gap in the literature. This study also presents empirical evidence that corroborates the idea that managerial competence can influence not only ESG disclosure but also the voluntary assurance of ESG information.
Increase in heat tolerance following a period of heat stress in a naturally occurring insect species
Authors: Ardelan Andre , Tsai Anne , Will Sophia , McGuire Rosa , Amarasekare Priyanga
Published: September 2023

Climate warming is the defining environmental crisis of the 21st century. Elucidating whether organisms can adapt to rapidly changing thermal environments is therefore a crucial research priority.

We investigated warming effects on a native Hemipteran insect (Murgantia histrionica) that feeds on an endemic plant species (Isomeris arborea) of the California coastal sage scrub. Experiments conducted in 2009 quantified the temperature responses of juvenile maturation rates and stage‐specific and cumulative survivorship. The intervening decade has seen some of the hottest years ever recorded, with increasing mean temperatures accompanied by an increase in the frequency of hot extremes.

Experiments repeated in 2021 show a striking change in the bugs' temperature responses. In 2009, no eggs developed past the second nymphal stage at 33°C. In 2021, eggs developed into reproductive adults at 33°C. Upper thermal limits for maturation and survivorship have increased, along with a decrease in mortality risk with increasing age and temperature, and a decrease in the temperature sensitivity of mortality with increasing age.

While we cannot exclude the possibility that other environmental factors occurring in concert could have affected our findings, the fact that all observed trait changes are in the direction of greater heat tolerance suggests that consistent exposure to extreme heat stress may at least be partially responsible for these changes.

Harlequin bugs belong to the suborder Heteroptera, which contains a number of economically important pests, biological control agents and disease carriers. Their differential success in withstanding warming compared to beneficial holometabolous insects such as pollinators may exacerbate the decline of beneficial insects due to other causes (e.g. pollution and pesticides) with potentially serious consequences on both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
‘Call the Bluff’ or ‘Build Back Better’—Anti‐corruption reforms in post‐war Ukraine
Authors: Richter Michael Martin
Published: September 2023

The fight against corruption is presented as a leading principle in policy papers and at donor conferences discussing Ukraine's reconstruction. It therefore mirrors the usual narrative surrounding post‐war reconstruction and democracy promotion attempts. However, reconstruction aid has historically been used for illicit means by elites and ended up strengthening an uneven system rather than building a resilient and successful country, despite the window of opportunity for the latter. Rather than just proposing principles, this paper therefore poses the question of how actors involved in the reconstruction process can be bound to stick to their previously propagated and formally existing principles. The analysis combines academic and policy‐oriented studies and highlights the combined importance of the external and internal dimension for a successful outcome. It proposes a ‘double conditionality’ mechanism, where an independent, technocratic institution holds frozen, Russian assets and partially reimburses Western donors only after successful audits on the reconstruction aid are conducted. This conditionality puts domestic pressure on aid givers to follow through with the anti‐corruption conditions formulated beforehand and to call out any reform bluff on Kyiv's side. Paired with a credible EU accession perspective, this can bring about the much‐needed stimulus for a build back better scenario.
Distinct physiological characteristics and altered glucagon signaling in GHRH knockout mice: Implications for longevity
Authors: Lasher A. Tate , Sun Liou Y.
Published: September 2023

Our previous research has demonstrated that mice lacking functional growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH) exhibit distinct physiological characteristics, including an extended lifespan, a preference for lipid utilization during rest, mild hypoglycemia, and heightened insulin sensitivity. They also show a further increase in lifespan when subjected to caloric restriction. These findings suggest a unique response to fasting, which motivated our current study on the response to glucagon, a key hormone released from the pancreas during fasting that regulates glucose levels, energy expenditure, and metabolism. Our study investigated the effects of an acute glucagon challenge on female GHRH knockout mice and revealed that they exhibit reduced glucose production, likely due to suppressed gluconeogenesis. However, these mice showed an increase in energy expenditure. We also observed alterations in pancreatic islet architecture, with smaller islets and a reduction of insulin‐producing beta cells but no changes in glucagon‐producing alpha cells. Additionally, the analysis of hepatic glucagon signaling showed a decrease in glucagon receptor expression and phosphorylated CREB. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the unique metabolic phenotype observed in these long‐lived mice may be partly explained by changes in glucagon signaling. Further exploration of this pathway may lead to new insights into the regulation of longevity in mammals.
Fire frequency has a contrasting effect on vegetation and topsoil in subcoastal heathland, woodland and forest ecosystems, south‐east Queensland, Australia
Authors: Dooley Madeline , Lewis Tom , Schmidt Susanne
Published: September 2023

Ecosystems managed with contrasting fire regimes provide insight into the responses of vegetation and soil. Heathland, woodland and forest ecosystems along a gradient of resource availability were burnt over four decades in approximately 3‐ or 5‐year intervals or were unburnt for 45–47 years (heathland, woodland), or experienced infrequent wildfires (forest: 14 years since the last fire). We hypothesized that, relative to unburnt or infrequent fires, frequent burning would favour herbaceous species over woody species and resprouting over obligate seeder species, and reduce understorey vegetation height, and topsoil carbon and nitrogen content. Our hypothesis was partially supported in that herbaceous plant density was higher in frequently burnt vegetation; however, woody plant density was also higher in frequently burnt areas relative to unburnt/infrequently burnt areas, across all ecosystems. In heathland, omission of frequent fire resulted in the dominance of fern Gleichenia dicarpa and subsequent competitive exclusion of understorey species and lower species diversity. As hypothesized, frequent burning in woodland and forest increased the density of facultative resprouters and significantly reduced soil organic carbon levels relative to unburnt sites. Our findings confirm that regular burning conserves understorey diversity and maintains an understorey of lower statured herbaceous plants, although demonstrates the potential trade‐off of frequent burning with lower topsoil carbon levels in the woodland and forest. Some ecosystem specific responses to varied fire frequencies were observed, reflecting differences in species composition and fire response traits between ecosystems. Overall, unburnt vegetation resulted in the dominance of some species over others and the different vegetation types were able to withstand relatively high‐frequency fire without the loss of biodiversity, mainly due to high environmental productivity and short juvenile periods.