bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kif6 regulates cilia motility and polarity in brain ependymal cells
Authors: Takagishi Maki , Yue Yang , Gray Ryan S. , Verhey Kristen J. , Wallingford John B.
Published: February 2023

Ependymal cells, lining brain ventricular walls, display tufts of cilia that beat in concert promoting laminar Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow within brain ventricles. The ciliary axonemes of multiciliated ependymal cells display a 9+2 microtubule array common to motile cilia. Dyneins and kinesins are ATPase microtubule motor proteins that promote the rhythmic beating of cilia axonemes. Despite common consensus about the importance of axonemal dynein motor proteins, little is known about how Kinesin motors contribute to cilia motility. Here, we define the function of Kinesin family member 6 (Kif6) using a mutation that lacks a highly conserved C-terminal tail domain (Kif6p.G555fs) and which displays progressive hydrocephalus in mice. An analogous mutation was isolated in a proband displaying macrocephaly, hypotonia, and seizures implicating an evolutionarily conserved function for Kif6 in neurodevelopment. We find that loss of Kif6 function caused decreased ependymal cilia motility and subsequently decreased fluid flow on the surface of brain ventricular walls. Kif6 protein was localized at ependymal cilia and displayed processive motor movement (676 nm/s) on microtubulesin vitro. Loss of the Kif6 C-terminal tail domain did not affect the initial ciliogenesisin vivo, but did result in defects in cilia orientation, the formation of robust apical actin networks, and stabilization of basal bodies at the apical surface. This suggests a novel role for the Kif6 motor in maintenance of ciliary homeostasis of ependymal cells.

Summary statement

We found that Kif6 is localized to the axonemes of ependymal cells. In vitro analysis shows that Kif6 moves on microtubules and that its loss mice decrease cilia motility and cilia-driven flow, resulting in hydrocephalus.
Visual perception and workload of office workers in various acoustic conditions
Authors: Kamińska Joanna , Radosz Jan , Kapica Łukasz
Published: February 2023

Noise in the office work environment can negatively affect workers’ cognitive performance, number of errors made and comfort. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of various types of acoustic conditions in the mental work environment on visual perception (eye-tracking parameters) and workload. Method: In the experiment a group of 39 people aged 20 to 34 was asked to perform two eye-tracking tests (Perceptiveness and Speed Tests (PTs) and to read the text of a fictional biography, and then to answer questions about the reading). Mental workload was evaluated in each condition using NASA TLX questionnaire. The tests were performed in various acoustic conditions: variant W1 – no presentation of acoustic stimuli, variant W2 – sounds of office equipment, variant W3 – sounds of office equipment with quiet conversation in native language, variant W4 – sounds of office equipment with loud conversation in native language, variant W5 – filtered pink noise. In variants from W2 to W5 the equivalent sound level A was 55 dB. Results: The assessment of work efficiency in the reading test indicates the existence of statistically significant differences. The most errors were made during mental work with the audible sounds of office equipment with a loud conversation (Variant W4) and during mental work performed with audible filtered pink noise (W5). While reading the text, different acoustic conditions do not differentiate statistically significantly visual perception described by eye-tracking parameters. In turn, in the PTs test, statistically significant differences between the variants were found in the Digit test (average blink duration) and the Fraction test (average blink duration, average fixation duration and saccades frequency parameters). In conclusion, visual perception depends on the type of noise. Acoustic factors aggect workers’ cognitive functions, mostly in more difficult tasks.
Divergent phenotypes in germline versus conditional mutant mouse models of Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss Syndrome
Authors: Larrigan Sarah , Joshi Shrilaxmi , Mattar Pierre
Published: February 2023

Chromatin remodellers are among the most important risk genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), however, their functions during brain development are not fully understood. Here, we focused on Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss Syndrome (SIHIWES) – a brain overgrowth/intellectual disability disorder caused by mutations in theCHD4chromodomain helicase gene. We utilized mouse genetics to excise theChd4ATPase/helicase domain – either in the germline, or conditionally in the developing telencephalon. Conditional heterozygotes exhibited little change in cortical size and cellular composition, and had only subtle behavioral phenotypes. Telencephalon-specific conditional knockouts had marked reductions in cortical growth, reduced numbers of upper-layer neurons, and exhibited alterations in anxiety and repetitive behaviors. Despite the fact that germline heterozygotes exhibited comparable growth defects, they were unaffected in these behaviors, but instead exhibited female-specific alterations in learning and memory. These data reveal unexpected phenotypic divergence arising from differences in the spatiotemporal deployment of loss-of-function manipulations, underscoring the importance of context in chromatin remodeller function during neurodevelopment.

Graphical Abstract.
Linking genotypic and phenotypic changes in theE. coliLong-Term Evolution Experiment using metabolomics
Authors: Favate John S. , Skalenko Kyle S. , Chiles Eric , Su Xiaoyang , Yadavalli Srujana S. , Shah Premal
Published: February 2023

1

Changes in an organism’s environment, genome, or gene expression patterns can lead to changes in its metabolism. The metabolic phenotype can be under selection and contributes to adaptation. However, the networked and convoluted nature of an organism’s metabolism makes relating mutations, metabolic changes, and effects on fitness challenging. To overcome this challenge, we use the Long-Term Evolution Experiment (LTEE) withE. colias a model to understand how mutations can eventually affect metabolism and perhaps fitness. We used mass-spectrometry to broadly survey the metabolomes of the ancestral strains and all 12 evolved lines. We combined this metabolic data with mutation and expression data to suggest how mutations that alter specific reaction pathways, such as the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, might increase fitness in the system. Our work provides a better understanding of how mutations might affect fitness through the metabolic changes in the LTEE and thus provides a major step in developing a complete genotype-phenotype map for this experimental system.
Maternal dietary deficiencies in one-carbon metabolism during early neurodevelopment result in larger damage volume, reduced neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation and changes in choline metabolites after ischemic stroke in middle-aged offspring
Authors: Hurley Lauren , Jauhal Jesse , Ille Sharadyn , Pull Kasey , Malysheva Olga V. , Jadavji Nafisa M.
Published: February 2023

Maternal diet pregnancy and lactation is vital to the early life neuro programming of offspring. One-carbon (1C) metabolism, which includes folic acid and choline, plays a vital role in closure of the neural tube and other neurodevelopment. However, the impact of maternal dietary deficiencies on offspring neurological function following ischemic stroke later in life remains undefined. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally, and its prevalence is expected to increase in younger age groups as the incidence of various risk factors for stroke increases. Furthermore, our group has shown that dietary deficiencies in 1C metabolism result in worse stroke outcome. Our study aimed to investigate the role of maternal dietary deficiencies in folic acid and choline on ischemic stroke outcome in middle-aged male and female mice. Female mice were maintained on either a control or deficient diets prior to and during pregnancy and lactation. When female and male offspring were 10-months of age, ischemic stroke was induced via photothrombosis targeting the sensorimotor cortex. Stroke outcome was assessed by measuring motor function in living animals and ischemic damage volume, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and choline metabolism in the brain postmortem. No significant difference was observed between maternal dietary groups in offspring motor function; however, males and females differed in their motor function. Maternal diet significantly impacted ischemic damage volume. Male and female offspring from deficient mothers showed significantly reduced neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation within the ischemic damage region. We also report changes in plasma 1C metabolites as a result of maternal diet and sex after ischemic stroke in offspring. Our data indicates that maternal dietary deficiencies do not impact offspring motor outcome following ischemic stroke, but do play a role in other ischemic stroke outcomes such as ischemic damage volume and plasma 1C metabolites in middle-aged adult offspring. Furthermore, our data indicates that sex of mice plays an important role in stroke outcome during middle-age.
Comprehensive comparison of female germ cell developmentin vitroandin vivoidentifies epigenetic gene regulation crucial for oocyte development and embryonic competence
Authors: Aizawa Eishi , Ozonov Evgeniy A. , Kawamura Yumiko K. , Dumeau Charles-Etienne , Nagaoka So , Saitou Mitinori , Peters Antoine H. F. M. , Wutz Anton
Published: February 2023

Germ cells are the origin of new individuals. Hence, specifying germ cell identity is crucial for reproduction. The recent establishment ofin vitroculture systems for generating oocytes from mouse pluripotent stem cells provides a basis for progress in studies of oogenesis and reproductive technology. However, currently the developmental competence ofin vitrogenerated oocytes is low compared toin vivogrown oocytes. The causes underlying poor oocyte quality remain to be determined. By reconstituting germ cell development in culture from different developmental starting points within gametogenesis, we show that the differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) to growing oocytes (GROs), as well as the subsequent growth of follicles are critical culture steps for specifying competence of fully-grown oocytes (FGOs) for preimplantation development. A systematic comparison of transcriptomes of single oocytes having undergone differentin vitroculture trajectories identifies genes normally upregulated during oocyte growth to be susceptible for mis-regulation duringin vitrooogenesis. Many of such genes have been described as targets of Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs). Deregulation of Polycomb repression therefore likely perturbs the accumulation of cytoplasmic factors and/or setting of chromatin states in FGOs that are required for embryonic development after fertilization. Conversely,in vitroderived oocytes often displayed failure of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and abnormal acquisition of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) on maternal chromosomes after activation. In addition, subcellular delocalization of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and of STELLA were observed suggesting new molecular markers for defective oocyte development. Our study identifies epigenetic regulation at an early stage of oogenesis as crucial for developmental competence and suggests specificin vitroculture steps as targets for improving oocyte quality.

Highlights

Single cell transcriptomics and functional assessment of oocyte development from pluripotent stem cells in culture in a stage-specific manner provides a comprehensive resource for comparisons to oogenesisin vivo.

Culture steps for growth and differentiation of reconstituted follicles are critical for defining embryonic competence ofin vitrogenerated oocytes.

Zygotic genome activation failure and epigenetic impairment are hallmarks of in vitro-generated oocytes that fail to develop after activation or fertilization.

Computational analysis of gene expression changes and chromatin modification patterns identifies specific gene sets that indicate that Polycomb mediated repression is vulnerable duringin vitrofolliculogenesis.
The Pathfinder plasmid toolkit for genetically engineering newly isolated bacteria enables the study ofDrosophila-colonizingOrbaceae
Authors: Elston Katherine M. , Phillips Laila E. , Leonard Sean P. , Young Eleanor , Holley Jo-anne C. , Ahsanullah Tasneem , McReynolds Braydin , Moran Nancy A. , Barrick Jeffrey E.
Published: February 2023

Toolkits of plasmids and genetic parts streamline the process of assembling DNA constructs and engineering microbes. Many of these kits were designed with specific industrial or laboratory microbes in mind. For researchers interested in non-model microbial systems, it is often unclear which tools and techniques will function in newly isolated strains. To address this challenge, we designed the Pathfinder toolkit for quickly determining the compatibility of a bacterium with different plasmid components. Pathfinder plasmids combine three different broad-host-range origins of replication with multiple antibiotic resistance cassettes and reporters, so that sets of parts can be rapidly screened through multiplex conjugation. We first tested these plasmids inEscherichia coli, a strain ofSodalis praecaptivusthat colonizes insects, and aRosenbergiellaisolate from leafhoppers. Then, we used the Pathfinder plasmids to engineer previously unstudied bacteria from the familyOrbaceaethat were isolated from several fly species. EngineeredOrbaceaestrains were able to colonizeDrosophila melanogasterand could be visualized in fly guts.Orbaceaeare common and abundant in the guts of wild-caught flies but have not been included in laboratory studies of how theDrosophilamicrobiome affects fly health. Thus, this work provides foundational genetic tools for studying new host-associated microbes, including bacteria that are a key constituent of the gut microbiome of a model insect species.

IMPORTANCE

To fully understand how microbes have evolved to interact with their environments, one must be able to modify their genomes. However, it can be difficult and laborious to discover which genetic tools and approaches work for a new isolate. Bacteria from the recently describedOrbaceaefamily are common in the microbiomes of insects. We developed the Pathfinder plasmid toolkit for testing the compatibility of different genetic parts with newly cultured bacteria. We demonstrate its utility by engineeringOrbaceaestrains isolated from flies to express fluorescent proteins and characterizing how they colonize theDrosophila melanogastergut.Orbaceaeare widespread inDrosophilain the wild but have not been included in laboratory studies examining how the gut microbiome affects fly nutrition, health, and longevity. Our work establishes a path for genetic studies aimed at understanding and altering interactions between these and other newly isolated bacteria and their hosts.
Striking clone-specific nymph deformity in pea aphid exposed to heat stress
Authors: Jahan Hawa , Khudr Mouhammad Shadi , Arafeh Ali , Hager Reinmar
Published: February 2023

Climatic changes, such as heatwaves, pose unprecedented challenges for insects, as escalated temperatures above the thermal optimum alter insect reproductive strategies and energy metabolism. While thermal stress responses have been reported in different insect species, thermo-induced developmental abnormalities in phloem-feeding pests are largely unknown. In this laboratory study, we raised two groups of first instar nymphs belonging to two clones of the pea aphidAcyrthosiphon pisum, on fava beansVicia faba. The instars developed and then asexually reproduced under constant exposure to a sub-lethal heatwave (27°C) for 14 days. Most mothers survived but their progenies showed abnormalities, as stillbirths and appendageless or weak nymphs with folded appendages were delivered. Clone N116 produced more deceased and appendageless embryos, contrary to N127, which produced fewer dead and more malformed premature embryos. Interestingly, the expression of the HSP70 and HSP83 genes differed in mothers between the clones. Moreover, noticeable changes in metabolism,e.g., lipids, were also detected and that differed in response to stress. Deformed offspring production after heat exposure may be due to heat injury and differential HSP gene expression, but may also be indicative of a conflict between maternal and offspring fitness. Reproductive altruism might have occurred to ensure some of the genetically identical daughters survive. This is because maintaining homeostasis and complete embryogenesis could not be simultaneously fulfilled due to the high costs of stress. Our findings shine new light on pea aphid responses to heatwaves and merit further examination across different lineages and species.

Highlights

Parthenogenetic aphids were resilient under heatwave yet produced deformed progeny

Developmental deformities by clones imply conflicting maternal/offspring fitness

Clone N127 produced fewer dead and more malformed premature embryos than clone N116

Expression of two heat shock protein genes differed across clones under heat stress

Exposure to heat stress led to metabolic differences in the exposed aphids
Transforming Estonian health data to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model: lessons learned
Authors: Oja Marek , Tamm Sirli , Mooses Kerli , Pajusalu Maarja , Talvik Harry-Anton , Ott Anne , Laht Marianna , Malk Maria , Lõo Marcus , Holm Johannes , Haug Markus , Šuvalov Hendrik , Särg Dage , Vilo Jaak , Laur Sven , Kolde Raivo , Reisberg Sulev
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe the reusable transformation process of electronic health records (EHR), claims, and prescriptions data into Observational Medical Outcome Partnership (OMOP) common data model (CDM), together with challenges faced and solutions implemented.

Materials and Methods

We used Estonian national health databases that store almost all residents’ claims, prescriptions, and EHR records. To develop and demonstrate the transformation process of Estonian health data to OMOP CDM, we used a 10% random sample of the Estonian population (n = 150,824 patients) from 2012-2019. For the sample, complete information from all three databases was converted to OMOP CDM version 5.3. The validation was performed using open-source tools.

Results

In total, we transformed over 100 million entries to standard concepts using standard OMOP vocabularies with the average mapping rate 95%. For conditions, observations, drugs, and measurements, the mapping rate was over 90%. In most cases, SNOMED Clinical Terms were used as the target vocabulary.

Discussion

During the transformation process, we encountered several challenges, which are described in detail with concrete examples and solutions.

Conclusion

For a representative 10% random sample, we successfully transferred complete records from three national health databases to OMOP CDM and created a reusable transformation process. Our work helps future researchers to transform linked databases into OMOP CDM more efficiently, ultimately leading to better real-world evidence.
A Thermostable Tetanus/diphtheria (Td) Vaccine in the Stablevax™Pre-Filled Delivery System
Authors: de la Torre Arrieta Juana , Briceño Daniela , de Castro Ivan Garcia , Roser Bruce
Published: February 2023

A pre-filled syringe for the long-term, room-temperature storage and injection of vaccines is described. Stabilisation was achieved by drying from a trehalose-containing buffer which formed an inert soluble glass distributed in the internal interconnected voids in a compliant reticulated medical-grade sponge. The sponge is stored inside the barrel of the syringe and the vaccines are re-solubilised by the aspiration of water. The syringe contains the sponge throughout the filling and drying processes in manufacture, and in transport, stockpiling and finally injection. The active vaccine is delivered to the patient in the normal injection process by depressing the plunger, which compresses the sponge to completely expel the dose. There was full recovery of vaccine potency, after 7-10 months @ 45°C, as shown by complete protection against active toxins in immunised Guinea pigs.
Influences of chemotype and parental genotype on metabolic fingerprints of tansy plants uncovered by predictive metabolomics
Authors: Dussarrat Thomas , Schweiger Rabea , Ziaja Dominik , Nguyen Thuan T. N. , Krause Liv , Jakobs Ruth , Eilers Elisabeth J. , Müller Caroline
Published: February 2023

Intraspecific plant chemodiversity shapes plant-environment interactions. Within species, chemotypes can be defined according to variation in dominant specialised metabolites belonging to certain classes. Different ecological functions could be assigned to these distinct chemotypes. However, the roles of other metabolic variations and the parental genotype of the chemotypes remain poorly explored. Here, we first compared the capacity of terpenoid profiles and metabolic fingerprints to distinguish five chemotypes of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and depict satellite metabolic differences. Metabolic fingerprints captured higher satellite variation while preserving the ability to define chemotypes. These satellite differences might influence plant performance and interactions with the environment. Next, to characterise the influence of the maternal genotype on chemodiversity, we performed variation partitioning and generalised linear modelling. Our findings revealed that maternal genotype was a higher source of chemical variation than chemotype. Predictive metabolomics unveiled 184 markers predicting maternal genotype with 89% accuracy. These markers included, among others, phenolics, whose functions in plant-environment interactions are well established. Hence, these findings place parental genotype at the forefront of intraspecific chemodiversity. We thus recommend considering this factor when comparing the ecology of various chemotypes. Besides, the combined inclusion of inherited and satellite metabolic variation in computational models may help connecting chemodiversity and evolutionary principles.
SorCS2 modulates neurovascular coupling via glutamatergic and calcium signaling in astrocytes
Authors: Staehr Christian , Login Hande , Postnov Dmitry , Ardestani Simin Berenji , Nolte Stella Solveig , Beck Hans Christian , Nykjaer Anders , Matchkov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

SorCS2 is involved in trafficking of membrane receptors and transporters. SorCS2 is implicated in brain disorders, but the mechanism remains uncertain. We hypothesized that SorCS2 expression is important for neurovascular coupling.

Brains from P8 and 2-month-old wild type mice were stained for SorCS2 and compared to SorCS2 knockouts (Sorcs2-/-). Changes in cerebral perfusion in response to sensory stimulation, i.e., neurovascular coupling, were comparedin vivo. Neurovascular coupling was also assessedex vivoin brain slices loaded with calcium-sensitive dye. Proteomics of astrocytes was analyzed for ingenuity pathways.

SorCS2 was strongly expressed in astrocytic endfeet of P8 mice but only in few astrocytes from 2-month-old brains.Sorcs2-/-mice demonstrated reduced neurovascular coupling. This was associated with reduced astrocytic calcium response to neuronal excitation inSorcs2-/-mice. No difference in cerebral artery caliber nor in endothelial function was seen between wild type andSorcs2-/-mice. Proteomics indicated reduced glutamatergic signaling and suppressed calcium signaling inSorcs2-/-astrocytes.

We suggest that SorCS2 expression is important for neurovascular coupling due to modulation of glutamatergic and calcium signaling in astrocytes.
Evolution of the ribbon-like organization of the Golgi apparatus in animal cells
Authors: Benvenuto Giovanna , Leone Serena , Astoricchio Emanuele , Bormke Sophia , Jasek Sanja , D’Aniello Enrico , Kittelmann Maike , McDonald Kent , Hartenstein Volker , Baena Valentina , Escrivà Héctor , Bertrand Stephanie , Schierwater Bernd , Burkhardt Pawel , Ruiz-Trillo Iñaki , Jékely Gáspár , Ullrich-Lüter Jack , Lüter Carsten , D’Aniello Salvatore , Arnone Maria Ina , Ferraro Francesco
Published: February 2023

The Golgi ribbon is a structural organization formed by linked Golgi stacks that is believed to be exclusive to vertebrate cells. Its functional contribution to cellular processes is unclear, yet its disruption is associated with several human pathologies. In this study we address the evolutionary origin of the Golgi ribbon, describe a potential molecular mechanism for its emergence and identify a cellular process in which it may be involved. We observed the ribbon-like architecture in the cells of several metazoan taxa, suggesting its early appearance during animal evolution before the emergence of vertebrates. Supported by AlphaFold2 modelling, we propose that the evolution of the complex between two Golgi resident proteins, Golgin-45 and GRASP, led to the tethering of Golgi stacks into the ribbon-like configuration. Finally, we find that the ribbon is assembled during the early embryogenesis of deuterostome animals, a strong indication of its role in development. Overall, our study indicates that the Golgi ribbon is functionally relevant beyond vertebrates and calls for further investigations to decipher its elusive functions.

Graphical abstract
A critical role of VEGFR2 in lymphatic tumor metastasis
Authors: Li Taotao , Cao Xudong , Zhou Fei , Cui Jing , Xu Beibei , Li Xiujuan , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Makinen Taija , He Yulong
Published: February 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) transduces crucial signals for blood vessel growth but its role in the lymphatic system remains incompletely elucidated. By employing genetic mouse models targetingVegfr2in either pan-endothelial cells (ECs) or lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), we examined roles of VEGFR2 in lymphangiogenesis and in tumor progression. VEGFR2 was differentially expressed in the murine lymphatic system and particularly marked in valves of collecting vessels. The pan-endothelialVegfr2deletion (Vegfr2iECKO) reduced the dermal lymphatic growth, and a significant decrease in lymphatic valves of pre-collectors was observed in mice with the LEC-specific attenuation of VEGFR2 (Vegfr2iLECKO). Furthermore, while the primary growth of subcutaneously implanted Lewis lung carcinoma was unaffected in theVegfr2iLECKOmouse model, the tumor metastasis to sentinel lymph nodes was efficiently suppressed. In accordance, the tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis was decreased in theVegfr2iLECKOmice compared with the control. Findings from this study imply that the lymphatic VEGFR2 regulates valve morphogenesis and promotes lymph node metastasis by regulating the tumor-associated lymphatic formation.
And Growth on Form? How tissue expansion generates novel shapes, colours and enhance biological functions of Turing colour patterns of Eukaryotes
Authors: Galipot Pierre
Published: February 2023

Evidenced in zebrafishes skin andMimuluspetal, Turing-like mechanisms are suspected to be responsible for many periodic colour patterns of Eukaryotes. They are characterised by the mathematical relationships linking their cellular or molecular actors, the periodicity and the geometrical range of the patterns they produce: spots, stripes or mazes. Nevertheless, some periodic patterns such as leopard iconic rosettes required additional ingredients to explain their formation. Growth being the main candidate, we extensively explore its multiple facets, at the Eukaryotes scale. We show that far beyond the particular feline coat pattern, putative-growth Turing colour patterns are present in many diverse lineages of plants and animals and seem absent in Fungi and unicellular lineages. Using models, we show the many ways growth can induce new shapes and colours, and that putative-growth pattern locations correlates with tissue hot spots of growth, suggesting the latter as the underlying mechanism. By reverse reasoning, we show that growth effects could reveal crucial information about pattern formation. We show how putative growth patterns can contribute to influence organisms visibility, thereby improving camouflage or aposematism. Our results demonstrate the range of morphogenetic roles that tissue expansion can take, by interacting with a scale-sensitive mechanism, here Turing-like patterning. Considering this extensive overview of its biological importance, both qualitatively and quantitatively, links between growth and form might more than ever needed to be explored.
Does managerial ability and auditor report readability affect corporate liquidity and cost of debt?
Authors: Dalwai Tamanna , Habib Ahmed Mohamed , Mohammadi Syeeda Shafiya , Hussainey Khaled
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of managerial ability and auditor report readability on the cost of debt and corporate liquidity in Omani-listed industrial companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from the S&P Capital IQ database and audited annual reports published on Muscat Securities Market. The sample consists of 35 firms (175 firm-year observations) from 2015 to 2019. Managerial ability is measured using the data envelopment analysis proposed by Demerjian et al. (2012a, b). Auditor report readability is measured as a log of the auditor report digital file size proposed by Loughran and McDonald (2014).

Findings

This study finds that a company's managerial ability reduces the cost of debt lending support to upper echelons and agency theory. Highly able managers of industrial companies are associated with increased corporate liquidity consistent with the precautionary motive of holding cash. In addition, less-readable auditor reports contribute to higher debt costs and reduce corporate liquidity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, few studies have explored the influence of managerial ability and auditor reporting readability on firms' financial policy. For industrial-sector firms, this study demonstrates the managerial ability and readability of auditor readability as significant determinants of the cost of debt and corporate liquidity, especially during periods of uncertainty. Thus, the findings can be generalized to other non-financial sector firms in the country and the Middle East.
A relationship marketing perspective on delight, its antecedents and outcomes in a banking context
Authors: Svotwa Tendai Douglas , Makanyeza Charles , Roberts-Lombard Mornay , Jaiyeoba Olumide Olasimbo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of surprise and delight on the loyalty intentions of retail banking customers in an emerging market context. This study also considers the moderating effect of trust on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience and purposive sampling methods, data collection was secured from 350 customers in the retail banking industry who are delighted with their banks.

Findings

This study found that for delightful experiences to occur, customers need to be surprised and see value in the product/service offered by the retail bank, coupled with the expertise of employees in delivering the service.

Research limitations/implications

The sample’s demographic profile was mostly skewed towards the younger generation (individuals 20–39 years of ages), meaning the results could be biased towards this group.

Practical implications

Retail banks need to create delightful experiences, as they are more memorable and leave a permanent mark in customers’ minds.

Originality/value

Limited studies have explored the relationship between delight, its antecedents and outcomes in a developing African market context, such as Botswana, hence the contribution of this study to literature.
Effect of impeller installation position on unsteady flow characteristics of a vortex pump
Authors: Zhao Kaiyao , Tan Minggao , Wu Xianfang , Shao Chen , Liu Houlin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to disclose the effect of the relative position (d) between the impeller and non-vane cavity on the hydraulic performance and unsteady characteristics of vortex pump.

Design/methodology/approach

Three groups of vortex pump models with different impeller installation positions were analyzed and studied by combining experimental and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) numerical calculations.

Findings

The steady numerical results show that as the width (d) of the impeller moves into the non-vane cavity increases, the proportion of circulation flow in the non-vane cavity is reduced and both the pump head and efficiency are on the rise. The unsteady numerical results and the Enstrophy analysis show that the dynamic and static interference between the circulation flow and the volute tongue is the main reason for the pressure pulsation with a frequency of 2fn in the vortex pump. With the increase of the d value, the dynamic and static interference between the circulation flow and the volute tongue is enhanced. The pulsation amplitude at the volute tongue of the d = 16.5 mm model increases about six times compared with the d = 0 mm model; the distribution of the vortex core in the non-vane cavity is closely related to the position of the impeller, and the peak of the Enstrophy of the circulation flow vortex belt always appears at the top of the impeller.

Originality/value

The research results provide a theoretical foundation for the optimization and improvement of the vortex pump.
Impact of the windbreak transition on flow structures of the high-speed railway and mitigation using oblique structure and circular curve structure transition
Authors: Chen Zheng-Wei , Zeng Guang-Zhi , Hashmi Syeda Anam , Liu Tang-Hong , Zhou Lei , Zhang Jie , Hemida Hassan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the variations in the flow fields induced by transition regions in the windbreak structures between the flat ground and the cutting along a railway and to propose mitigation measures to improve the windproof ability of the windbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

The improved delayed detached eddy simulation method was used to simulate the impact of the windbreak transition on flow structures of the high-speed railway under different wind angles, and also the accuracy of the numerical results was validated with those of the wind tunnel test.

Findings

The results showed that the original windbreak transition region resulted in a dimensionless peak wind velocity of 0.62 and 0.82 for railway line-1 at wind angles of 90° and 75°, respectively, and the corresponding values were 0.81 and 0.97 for railway line-2. The flow structure analysis revealed the reason for the mismatched height in the transition region, and the right-angle structures of the windbreaks resulted in ineffective protection and sudden changes in the wind speed and direction. Two mitigation measures – oblique structure (OS) and circular curve structure (CCS) transition walls – were developed to reduce the peak wind speed. The OS provided superior protection. The peak value of dimensionless wind velocity was all less than 0.2 for OS and CCS.

Originality/value

The flow field deterioration mechanism induced by the inappropriate form of a windbreak transition at different wind angles was examined, and effective mitigation and improvement measures were proposed and compared with the original transition.
Under external pressure: action pathways when an adverse event forces micro-enterprises to change
Authors: Veksler Alina , Thorgren Sara
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims at developing an understanding of action pathways when adverse events force micro-enterprises to change their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study draws upon empirical data collected from entrepreneurs facing the same adverse event—the COVID-19 pandemic—to build theory on different types of actions that micro-enterprises take and what leads up to these actions.

Findings

The findings suggest three types of action pathways. The first pathway is set off by losses stretched out over time and generates open-ended actions. The second pathway is set off by immediate losses and generates survival-oriented actions. The third pathway is set off by potential long-term losses and generates developmental-oriented actions.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insights into action pathways in response to adverse events, heterogeneity of such actions and processes that precede the choice of actions. It also expands the existing literature by showcasing actual actions instead of desired actions, which have already been extensively studied.
Detrended cross-correlations analysis between oil shocks and world food prices
Authors: Mokni Khaled
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between oil price shocks and world food prices between 1974 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the SVAR model to disentangle the oil price into supply, aggregate demand and oil-specific demand shocks and apply the detrended cross-correlations analysis to measure the association between oil price shocks and food returns/volatility and analyze contagion effects between oil and food markets.

Findings

The results show that the correlations between oil and food prices depend on whether oil prices changes are driven by supply or demand shocks. Particularly, food returns (volatility) are positively (negatively) more dependent on the oil price changes driven by aggregate demand (oil specific demand) shocks. Further analysis dealing with contagion analysis between oil and food markets shows a contagion effect during the food crisis of 2006–2008. Oil-specific demand shocks are the main source of this phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

This study differentiates itself from the previous literature by simultaneously disentangling oil price into supply, aggregate demand and oil-specific demand-driven shocks and evaluating the cross-correlations between each shock type and food returns/volatility. Specifically, this study has the originality of detecting the main source of contagion effects between oil and food markets over the food crisis of 2006–2008.

Practical implications

The results of this study are important for policymakers and investors. They should account for the oil price fluctuations differently depending on whether the oil price shocks are driven by the demand or supply side. Moreover, they should anticipate an increase (decrease) in food prices due to a positive (negative) oil shock. In addition, special attention should be accorded to the world oil demand. Finally, when a food crisis occurs, markets operators should focus more on the specific oil-demand shocks, as it is the most contributor to possible contagion effects between oil and food markets.

Originality/value

This study differentiates itself from the previous literature by simultaneously disentangling oil price into supply, aggregate demand and oil-specific demand-driven shocks and evaluating the cross-correlations between each shock type and food returns/volatility. Specifically, this study has the originality of detecting the main source of contagion effects between oil and food markets over the food crisis of 2006–2008.
Corporate tax avoidance and stock price crash risk: the moderating effects of corporate governance
Authors: Thai Hanh Minh , Dang Khue Ngoc , Nor Normaziah Mohd , Nguyen Hien Thi , Nguyen Khiem Van
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate tax avoidance and stock price crash risk and the moderating effects of corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the relationship between corporate tax avoidance and stock price crash risk using the sample consisting of listed firms in Vietnam for the period of 2011–2020 using panel regressions.

Findings

The authors find that there is a positive relationship between tax avoidance and stock price crash risk. Foreign ownership weakens the impacts of tax avoidance on stock price crash risk, while managerial ownership strengthens the impacts. Female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and female chairpersons weaken this relationship. Board gender diversity and state ownership have insignificant moderating impacts.

Practical implications

These findings could help the stock market build better internal monitoring mechanisms to reduce the impacts of tax avoidance on future stock price crash risk. Investors can recognize the characteristics of corporate governance, especially foreign ownership, managerial ownership, female CEOs and female chairpersons when making investment decisions. The policy makers should consider policies to attract foreign investment and support women entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on the impacts of tax avoidance on stock price crash risk in emerging countries. This paper is the first to investigate the influence of corporate governance mechanisms including state ownership, foreign ownership, female CEOs and chairpersons and board gender diversity on this relationship.
Supply networks for extreme uncertainty: a resource orchestration perspective
Authors: Skipworth Heather Dawn , Bastl Marko , Cerruti Corrado , Mena Carlos
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Disasters are growing in frequency and scale, unmasking the systemic vulnerabilities of modern supply chains and highlighting the need to understand how to respond to such events. In the context of an extreme event such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this research focuses on how networks of organizations leverage their combined resources and capabilities to develop, manufacture and deliver new products outside their traditional markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a theory elaboration process, the authors build on resource orchestration theory to develop data collection and analysis protocols to support a multi-case study research design. This research investigates four cases of newly formed networks that emerged in four different countries – Colombia, Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom–in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

These four networks in the investigation share common characteristics in terms of motivation and approach, creating patterns from which theoretical generalizations are developed into a series of propositions regarding the process of network-level resource orchestration under extreme uncertainty.

Practical implications

The research shows how networks and the organizations within them can streamline processes, swiftly build new relationships and develop a balanced risk management approach to extreme uncertainty.

Originality/value

This research contributes to theory by extending the resource orchestration model to a network level and showing how extreme uncertainty can lead to the emergence of networks and alter the motivations and goals of the member organizations, allowing them to be more responsive.
The role of budget imbalance in public spending–underground economy nexus: evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Nguyen Le To Quyen Hoang Thuy , Tran Pham Toan Khanh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between public spending, budget imbalance and underground economy. In addition, this paper investigates how budget imbalance moderates the public spending–underground nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

By utilizing a data set spanning from 1995 to 2017 of 35 OECD countries, the study has employed Dynamic Common Correlated Effects (DCCE) approach. The study is also extended to consider the marginal effects of public spending on the underground economy at different degrees of budget imbalance.

Findings

The results indicate that an increase in public spending and budget imbalance contributes to the expansion of underground economy. Interestingly, the effects of public spending on the underground economy will enhance and intensify with a higher budget imbalance level. The results are robust to various specifications and their broader implications are discussed.

Practical implications

Governments should carefully implement a fiscal policy with a clear understanding that increasing public spending leads to the expansion of informality. Besides, policymakers should enforce supportive policies to boost economic growth, cooperation and cross-border trade to control the size of the underground economy.

Originality/value

This study stresses the role of public spending, budget imbalance on the underground economy in OECD nations. To the best of the author's knowledge, this study pioneers to explore the moderating effect of budget imbalance in the public spending–undergrround nexus.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2022-0645.
Using the TOE theoretical framework to study the adoption of BIM-AR in a developing country: the case of Ghana
Authors: Addy Michael Nii , Kwofie Titus Ebenezer Ebenezer , Agbonani Divine Mawutor , Essegbey Adikie E.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) and augmented reality (AR) are unique technologies in the digitalized construction industry. In spite of the numerous benefits of BIM-AR, its adoption has been at a relatively slow pace. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the factors within technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework influence the adoption of BIM-AR in the context of construction companies in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a mainly deductive quantitative design, survey data were collected from senior management of built environment companies in Ghana using questionnaires. The study adopted a mixture of both purposive and snowball sampling approaches. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse how the factors within the TOE framework explain BIM-AR adoption in Ghana.

Findings

Findings from the study show that the top three factors within the TOE framework that facilitate the adoption of BIM-AR include ICT infrastructure within construction firms; the size of the construction firm, which may influence the financial capacity to accommodate BIM-AR; and competitive pressure. The inhibitors of BIM-AR at the company level included external support and trading partners’ readiness.

Research limitations/implications

Implicit is that the significant factors will be useful to policymakers and companies in developing programs that appeal to non-adopters to aid in mitigating their challenges and further enhance BIM-AR adoption.

Originality/value

The value of this paper has been the use of the theoretical framework TOE to explain the adoption factors of BIM-AR in the Ghanaian construction industry. The originality of the paper is further anchored in consideration of BIM-AR, which is quite nascent in emerging countries.