bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of F1 hybrids from single-genome data reveals frequent hybridization in Hymenoptera and particularly ants
Authors: Weyna Arthur , Bourouina Lucille , Galtier Nicolas , Romiguier Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Hybridization occupies a central role in many fundamental evolutionary processes, such as speciation or adaptation. Yet, despite its pivotal importance in evolution, little is known about the actual prevalence and distribution of hybridization across the tree of life. Here we develop and implement a new statistical method enabling the detection of F1 hybrids from single-individual genome sequencing data. Using simulations and sequencing data from known hybrid systems, we first demonstrate the specificity of the method, and identify its statistical limits. Next, we showcase the method by applying it to available sequencing data from more than 1500 species of Arthropods, including Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Archnida. Among these taxa, we find Hymenoptera, and especially ants, to display the highest number of candidate F1 hybrids, suggesting higher rates of recent hybridization in these groups. The prevalence of F1 hybrids was heterogeneously distributed across ants, with taxa including many candidates tending to harbor specific ecological and life history traits. This work shows how large-scale genomic comparative studies of recent hybridization can be implemented, uncovering the determinants of hybridization frequency across whole taxa.
Quantitative accuracy and precision in multiplexed single-cell proteomics
Authors: Ctortecka Claudia , Stejskal Karel , Krššáková Gabriela , Mendjan Sasha , Mechtler Karl
Published: September 2021

Single-cell proteomics workflows have considerably improved in sensitivity and reproducibility to characterize yet unknown biological phenomena. With the emergence of multiplexed single-cell proteomics, studies increasingly present single-cell measurements in conjunction with an abundant congruent carrier to improve precursor selection and enhance identifications. While these extreme carrier spikes are often >100-times more abundant than the investigated samples, undoubtedly the total ion current increases, but quantitative accuracy possibly is affected. We here focus on narrowly titrated carrier spikes (i.e., <20x) and assess their elimination for comparable sensitivity at superior accuracy. We find that subtle changes in the carrier ratio can severely impact measurement variability and describe alternative multiplexing strategies to evaluate data quality. Lastly, we demonstrate elevated replicate overlap while preserving acquisition throughput at improved quantitative accuracy with DIA-TMT and discuss optimized experimental designs for multiplexed proteomics of trace samples. This comprehensive benchmarking gives an overview of currently available techniques and guides conceptualizing the optimal single-cell proteomics experiment.
A critical role of brain network architecture in a continuum model of autism spectrum disorders spanning from healthy individuals with genetic liability to individuals with ASD
Authors: Khundrakpam Budhachandra , Bhutani Neha , Vainik Uku , Al-Sharif Noor , Dagher Alain , White Tonya , Evans Alan C.
Published: September 2021

Studies have shown cortical alterations in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as well as in individuals with high polygenic risk for ASD. An important addition to the study of altered cortical anatomy is the investigation of the underlying brain network architecture that may reveal brain-wide mechanisms in ASD and in polygenic risk for ASD. Such an approach has been proven useful in other psychiatric disorders by revealing that brain network architecture shapes (to an extent) the disorder-related cortical alterations. This study uses data from a clinical dataset – 560 male subjects (266 individuals with ASD and 294 healthy individuals, CTL, mean age at 17.2 years) from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database, and data of 391 healthy individuals (207 males, mean age at 12.1 years) from the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition and Genetics database. ASD-related cortical alterations (group difference, ASD-CTL, in cortical thickness) and cortical correlates of polygenic risk for ASD were assessed, and then statistically compared with structural connectome-based network measures (such as hubs) using spin permutation tests. Next, we investigated whether polygenic risk for ASD could be predicted by network architecture by building machine-learning based prediction models, and whether the top predictors of the model were identified as disease epicenters of ASD. We observed that ASD-related cortical alterations as well as cortical correlates of polygenic risk for ASD implicated cortical hubs more strongly than non-hub regions. We also observed that age progression of ASD-related cortical alterations and cortical correlates of polygenic risk for ASD implicated cortical hubs more strongly than non-hub regions. Further investigation revealed that structural connectomes predicted polygenic risk for ASD (r=0.30,p<0.0001), and two brain regions (the left inferior parietal and left suparmarginal) with top predictive connections were identified as disease epicenters of ASD. Our study highlights a critical role of network architecture in a continuum model of ASD spanning from healthy individuals with genetic risk to individuals with ASD. Our study also highlights the strength of investigating polygenic risk scores in addition to multi-modal neuroimaging measures to better understand the interplay between genetic risk and brain alterations associated with ASD.
Dopamine-dependent cAMP dynamics in basal amygdala glutamatergic neurons
Authors: Lutas Andrew , Fernando Kayla , Zhang Stephen X. , Sambangi Abhijeet , Andermann Mark L.
Published: September 2021

Dopaminergic inputs to basal amygdala (BA) instruct learning of motivational salience. Here, we investigated the dynamics of dopamine release and downstream signaling during multiple salient events occurring within tens of seconds. We established in vitro and in vivo real-time tracking and manipulation of cAMP – a key intracellular plasticity signal downstream of dopamine receptor activation. Optogenetically-evoked release of dopamine drove proportional increases in cAMP in almost all BA glutamatergic neurons, suggesting widespread actions of dopamine across neurons preferring positive or negative valence. These cAMP responses decayed more slowly than dopamine release, potentially extending the window of plasticity. cAMP levels accumulated following direct photostimulation of cAMP but not repeated stimulation of dopamine axons, due to potent depression of dopamine release. cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) responses to repeated appetitive or aversive stimuli also exhibited pronounced depression. Thus, history-dependent dynamics of dopamine and cAMP may regulate learning of temporally clustered, salient stimuli.
Sex differences in central and peripheral fatigue induced by sustained isometric ankle plantar flexion
Authors: Jo Donguk , Goubran Miriam , Bilodeau Martin
Published: September 2021

The main aim of this study was to determine sex differences in central and peripheral fatigue produced by a sustained isometric exercise of ankle plantar flexors in healthy young adults. Ten males and fourteen females performed a sustained isometric ankle exercise until task failure. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque (plantarflexion), voluntary activation level (using the twitch interpolation technique), and twitch contractile properties (twitch peak torque, twitch half relaxation time, and low frequency fatigue index) were measured before, immediately after, and throughout a recovery period (1, 2, 5, and 10 min) following the exercise protocol in order to characterize neuromuscular fatigue. Fatigue had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on all dependent variables. Other than for the maximal voluntary contraction torque, where males showed a greater fatigue-related decrease than females, males and females showed generally similar changes with fatigue. Altogether, our findings indicate no major differences in central or peripheral fatigue mechanisms between males and females to explain a somewhat greater fatigability in males.
Automatic variable selection in ecological niche modeling: A case study using Cassin’s Sparrow (Peucaea cassinii)
Authors: Schnase John L. , Carroll Mark L.
Published: September 2021

MERRA/Max provides a feature selection approach to dimensionality reduction that enables direct use of global climate model outputs in ecological niche modeling. The system accomplishes this reduction through a Monte Carlo optimization in which many independent MaxEnt runs, operating on a species occurrence file and a small set of randomly selected variables in a large collection of variables, converge on an estimate of the top contributing predictors in the larger collection. These top predictors can be viewed as potential candidates in the variable selection step of the ecological niche modeling process. MERRA/Max’s Monte Carlo algorithm operates on files stored in the underlying filesystem, making it scalable to large data sets. Its software components can run as parallel processes in a high-performance cloud computing environment to yield near real-time performance. In tests using Cassin’s Sparrow (Peucaea cassinii) as the target species, MERRA/Max selected a set of predictors from Worldclim’s Bioclim collection of 19 environmental variables that have been shown to be important determinants of the species’ bioclimatic niche. It also selected biologically and ecologically meaningful predictors from a more diverse set of 86 environmental variables derived from NASA’s Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2) reanalysis, an output product of the Goddard Earth Observing System Version 5 (GEOS-5) modeling system. We believe these results point to a technological approach that could expand the use global climate model outputs in ecological niche modeling, streamline the modeling process, and, eventually, enable automated bioclimatic modeling as a practical, readily accessible, low-cost, commercial cloud service.
Reovirus sensitizes microsatellite stable colorectal cancer to anti-PD-1 treatment via cross-talk in innate and adaptive immune systems
Authors: Augustine Titto , John Peter , Friedman Tyler , Jiffry Jeeshan , Guzik Hillary , Mannan Rifat , Gupta Riya , Delano Catherine , Mariadason John M. , Zang Xingxing , Maitra Radhashree , Goel Sanjay
Published: September 2021

Background

Microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) represents ~85% of all CRCs. These tumors are poorly immunogenic and largely resistant to immunotherapy, necessitating a need to develop new immune enhancing strategies. Oncolytic reovirus has a high propensity to replicate in KRAS mutant tumors which account for ~50% of MSS CRCs. Current study explores the ability of reovirus to potentiate the effect of immune checkpoint inhibition in MSS CRC.

Methods

Effectiveness of reovirus infection was quantified through MTT assay for cell viability, and expression of immune-response genes by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and microarray. Computational analysis of differentially expressed genes was performed by TAC, DAVID and STRING. Combinatorial approach using anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody was assessed in ex vivo and in vivo models. Live-cell imaging, tumor volume and survival were measured for quantification of anti-tumor activity. Expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), cell surface and activation markers of immune cells, and PD-1/PD-L1 axis were studied using multi-color flow cytometry, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.

Results

Reovirus infection exerted growth arrest and expression of immune-response genes in CRCs cell lines in a KRAS-dependent manner. However, microsatellite instability, rather than KRAS status determined immune-repose pathways, functionalities and biological processes post-reovirus infection. Furthermore, reovirus significantly enhanced the anti-tumor activity of anti-human PD-1 [nivolumab] treatment in MSS CRC cell lines ex vivo. Similarly, reovirus increased the activity of anti-mouse PD-1 treatment in the CT26 [MSS, KRASMut], but not the MC38 [MSI, KRASWt] syngeneic mouse model of CRC. Combinatorial treatment has reduced the proliferative index, increased apoptosis and differentially altered PD-L1/PD-1 signaling among CT26 and MC38 tumors. Activation of innate immune system and expression of PRRs and antigen presentation markers were observed under reovirus and anti-PD-1 treatment that additionally reduced immunosuppressive macrophages. This led to an increase in T cell subsets, increase in effector T cell activation, and decrease in exhaustion markers specifically within CT26 microenvironment.

Conclusion

The current study systematically evaluates immune characteristics and immune microenvironment of CRC under reovirus/anti-PD-1 combination treatment that proves increased effectiveness among MSS compared to MSI CRCs. This is a promising regimen warranting translation into clinical trials.

One Sentence Summary

Oncolytic reovirus alters innate and adaptive immune system and potentiates MSS type colorectal cancer to checkpoint inhibition therapy.
Highly Efficient Knockin in Human iPS Cells and Rat Embryos by CRISPR/Cas9 Molecular Optimization
Authors: Chenouard Vanessa , Leray Isabelle , Tesson Laurent , Remy Séverine , Fortun Agnès , Bernardeau Karine , Cherifi Yacine , David Laurent , Anegon Ignacio
Published: September 2021

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is now the gold standard for the generation of genetically modified cell and animal models but knockin is a bottleneck. One reason could be that there is no consensus regarding the concentrations of its components to be used. Here, we defined optimal Cas9 protein, guide RNA and short donor DNA concentrations on a GFP to BFP conversion model of human induced pluripotent stem cells and point mutations on rat transgenic embryos. With a molecular rational approach of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and study of ribonucleoprotein complex formation by nanodifferential scanning fluorimetry, we defined that Cas9/guide RNA 1/1 molar ratio with 0.2μM and 0.4μM of Cas9, coupled with 2μM of ssODN are sufficient for optimal and high knockin frequencies in rat embryos and human induced pluripotent stem cells, respectively. These optimal conditions use lower concentrations of CRISPR reagents to form the RNP complex than most conditions published while achieving 50% of knockin. This study allowed us to reduce costs and toxicity while improving editing and knockin efficacy on two particularly key models to mimic human diseases.
WheatEARLY FLOWERING3is a dawn-expressed circadian oscillator component that regulates heading date
Authors: Wittern Lukas , Steed Gareth , Taylor Laura J. , Ramirez Dora Cano , Pingarron-Cardenas Gabriela , Gardner Keith , Greenland Andy , Hannah Matthew A. , Webb Alex A. R.
Published: September 2021

Using an eight-parent Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population we investigated how variation at circadian clock-associated genes contributes to the regulation of heading date in UK and European winter wheat varieties. We identified homoeologues ofEARLY FLOWERING3 (ELF3) as candidates for theEarliness per se(Eps)D1andB1 lociin field conditions. We confirmed that a SNP within the coding region ofTaELF3-B1is a candidate polymorphism underlying theEps-B1 locus.We found that a reported deletion at theEps-D1 locusencompassingTaELF3-D1,is instead a novel allele that lies within an introgression region containing an inversion relative to the Chinese Spring D genome. UsingT. turgidum cv. Kronoscarrying loss of function alleles ofTtELF3we show thatELF3does regulate heading by demonstrating that the loss of a singleELF3homoeologue was sufficient to alter heading date. These studies demonstrated thatELF3forms part of the circadian oscillator but loss of all homoeologues was required to affect circadian rhythms. Similarly, loss of functionalLUX ARRHYTHMO(LUX) inT. aestivum, an orthologue of a protein partner of Arabidopsis ELF3, severely disrupted circadian rhythms.ELF3andLUXtranscripts are not co-expressed at dusk suggesting the structure of the wheat circadian oscillator might differ to that of Arabidopsis. Our demonstration that alteration toELF3homoeologues can affect heading date separate from effects on the circadian oscillator suggests a role forELF3in cereal photoperiodic responses that could be selected for, without pleiotropic deleterious alterations to circadian rhythms.
Glucagon Receptor-mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenic Gene Transcription is Endocytosis-dependent in Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Cajulao Jan Mikhale B. , von Zastrow Mark E. , Sanchez Erica L.
Published: September 2021

A number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are now thought to use endocytosis to promote cellular cAMP signaling that drives downstream transcription of cAMP-dependent genes. We tested if this is true for the Glucagon Receptor (GCGR), which mediates physiological regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism via cAMP signaling. We show that epitope-tagged GCGRs undergo clathrin and dynamin-dependent endocytosis in HEK293 cells after activation by glucagon, and transit via EEA1-marked endosomes shown previously to be sites of GPCR/Gs-stimulated production of cAMP. We further show that endocytosis potentiates cytoplasmic cAMP elevation produced by GCGR activation and promotes transcription of PCK1, the gene which encodes the enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step in gluconeogenesis. We verify endocytosis-dependent induction of PCK1 expression by endogenous GCGRs in primary hepatocytes, and show similar control of two other gluconeogenic genes (PGC1α and G6PC). Together, these results implicate the endosomal signaling paradigm in metabolic regulation by glucagon.
Recruitment of an ancient branching program to suppress carpel development in maize flowers
Authors: Klein Harry , Gallagher Joseph , Demesa-Arevalo Edgar , Abraham-Juárez María Jazmín , Heeney Michelle , Feil Regina , Lunn John E. , Xiao Yuguo , Chuck George , Whipple Clinton , Jackson David , Bartlett Madelaine
Published: September 2021

Floral morphology is immensely diverse. One developmental process acting to shape this diversity is growth suppression. For example, grass flowers exhibit extreme diversity in floral sexuality, arising through differential suppression of stamens or carpels. In maize, carpels undergo programmed cell death in half of the flowers initiated in ears and in all flowers in tassels. The HD-ZIP I transcription factor geneGRASSY TILLERS1(GT1) is one of only a few genes known to regulate this process. To identify additional regulators of carpel suppression, we performed agt1enhancer screen, and found a genetic interaction betweengt1andramosa3(ra3). RA3is a classic inflorescence meristem determinacy gene that encodes a trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) phosphatase (TPP). Dissection of floral development revealed thatra3single mutants have partially derepressed carpels, whereasgt1; ra3double mutants have completely derepressed carpels. Surprisingly,gt1suppressesra3inflorescence branching, revealing a role forgt1in meristem determinacy. Supporting these genetic interactions, GT1 and RA3 proteins colocalize to carpel nuclei in developing flowers. Global expression profiling revealed common genes misregulated in single and double mutant flowers, as well as in derepressedgt1axillary meristems. Indeed, we found thatra3enhancesgt1vegetative branching, similar to the roles for the trehalose pathway andGT1homologs in the eudicots. This functional conservation over ~160 million years of evolution reveals ancient roles forGT1-like genes and the trehalose pathway in regulating axillary meristem suppression, later recruited to mediate carpel suppression. Our findings expose hidden pleiotropy of classic maize genes, and show how an ancient developmental program was redeployed to sculpt floral form.
A novel widespread bacterial structure related to the flagellar type III secretion system
Authors: Kaplan Mohammed , Oikonomou Catherine M , Wood Cecily R. , Chreifi Georges , Ghosal Debnath , Dobro Megan J , Yao Qing , McDowall Alasdair , Briegel Ariane , Beeby Morgan , Chang Yi-Wei , Shaffer Carrie L. , Jensen Grant J.
Published: September 2021

The flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) is a suite of membrane-embedded and cytoplasmic proteins responsible for building the bacterial flagellar motility machinery. Homologous proteins form the injectisome machinery bacteria use to deliver effector proteins into eukaryotic cells, and other family members have recently been reported to be involved in the formation of membrane nanotubes. Here we describe a novel, ubiquitous and evolutionarily widespread hat-shaped structure embedded in the inner membrane of bacteria, of yet-unidentified function, that is related to the fT3SS, adding to the already rich repertoire of this family of nanomachines.
An Extended Motif in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Modulates Binding and Release of Host Coatomer in Retrograde Trafficking
Authors: Dey Debajit , Singh Suruchi , Khan Saif , Martin Matthew , Schnicker Nicholas J. , Gakhar Lokesh , Pierce Brian G. , Hasan S. Saif
Published: September 2021

β-Coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 hijack coatomer protein-I (COPI) for spike protein retrograde trafficking to the progeny assembly site in endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). However, limited residue-level details are available into how the spike interacts with COPI. Here we identify an extended COPI binding motif in the spike that encompasses the canonical K-x-H dibasic sequence. This motif demonstrates selectivity for αCOPI subunit. Guided by an in silico analysis of dibasic motifs in the human proteome, we employ mutagenesis and binding assays to show that the spike motif terminal residues are critical modulators of complex dissociation, which is essential for spike release in ERGIC. αCOPI residues critical for spike motif binding are elucidated by mutagenesis and crystallography and found to be conserved in the zoonotic reservoirs, bats, pangolins, camels, and in humans. Collectively, our investigation on the spike motif identifies key COPI binding determinants with implications for retrograde trafficking.
Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction tomography for characterizing organic thin films
Authors: Tsai Esther H. R. , Xia Yu , Fukuto Masafumi , Loo Yueh-Lin , Li Ruipeng
Published: September 2021

Characterization of thin films is of paramount importance for evaluating material processing outcomes/efficiency as well as establishing structure–property/performance relationships. This article introduces grazing-incidence diffraction tomography (GID tomography), a technique that combines grazing-incidence X-ray scattering and computed tomography to quantitatively determine the dimension and orientation of crystalline domains in thin films without restrictions on the beam coherence, substrate type or film thickness. This computational method extends the capability of synchrotron beamlines by utilizing standard X-ray scattering experiment setups.
An electric field cell for performing in situ single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction
Authors: Saunders Lucy K. , Yeung Hamish H.-M. , Warren Mark R. , Smith Peter , Gurney Stuart , Dodsworth Stephen F. , Vitorica-Yrezabal Inigo J. , Wilcox Adrian , Hathaway Paul V. , Preece Geoff , Roberts Paul , Barnett Sarah A. , Allan David R.
Published: September 2021

With the recent increase in research into ferroelectric, anti-ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials, studying the solid-state properties in situ under applied electric fields is vital in understanding the underlying processes. Where this behaviour is the result of atomic displacements, crystallographic insight has an important role. This work presents a sample environment designed to apply an electric field to single-crystal samples in situ on the small-molecule single-crystal diffraction beamline I19, Diamond Light Source (UK). The configuration and operation of the cell is described as well as its application to studies of a proton-transfer colour-change material.
reciprocalspaceship: a Python library for crystallographic data analysis
Authors: Greisman Jack B. , Dalton Kevin M. , Hekstra Doeke R.
Published: September 2021

Crystallography uses the diffraction of X-rays, electrons or neutrons by crystals to provide invaluable data on the atomic structure of matter, from single atoms to ribosomes. Much of crystallography's success is due to the software packages developed to enable automated processing of diffraction data. However, the analysis of unconventional diffraction experiments can still pose significant challenges – many existing programs are closed source, sparsely documented, or challenging to integrate with modern libraries for scientific computing and machine learning. Described here is reciprocalspaceship, a Python library for exploring reciprocal space. It provides a tabular representation for reflection data from diffraction experiments that extends the widely used pandas library with built-in methods for handling space groups, unit cells and symmetry-based operations. As is illustrated, this library facilitates new modes of exploratory data analysis while supporting the prototyping, development and release of new methods.
The statistical sensitivity of highway project cost to geo-heterogeneity in the tropics
Authors: Amadi Alolote
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study is carried out to analytically reconnoiter geotechnical index properties of subgrade soils as key variables that shape the cost profile of road infrastructure projects in a tropical geographic setting with starkly heterogenous ground conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Niger Delta region, as a point of reference, data on geotechnical index properties of subgrade soils at spatially dispersed locations for 61 completed highway projects are collated. Exploratory statistical tests were carried out to infer significant associations with final project costs before regression analysis. Regression analysis is principally deployed as an explanatory analytical tool, relevant to quantify the sensitivity of highway project costs to the individual and collective impact of geotechnical variables.

Findings

Several parameters of expansivity and compressibility exhibited significantly strong associations with the final costs recorded on the highway projects. The statistical analysis further established a cause-effect relationship, whereby small changes in the geotechnical properties of sub-grade soils at project locations, would result in disproportionately large changes in the cost of road construction.

Practical implications

The study findings provide insight into the sensitivity of road construction costs to geotechnical variables, which can serve as a useful input in financial risk analysis for development appraisal and the generation of location adjustment factors.

Originality/value

The study statistically demonstrates location-induced construction cost profiles, triggered in response to the spatial geotechnical variability and occurrence of problem subgrade soils in the humid tropics, which may be different from those traditionally established in studies of cold and temperate climate soils.
Empowering vulnerable microfinance women through entrepreneurship: opportunities, challenges and the way forward
Authors: Ranabahu Nadeera , Tanima Farzana Aman
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how vulnerabilities arising from physical impairments, age, widowhood, forced displacement due to war or natural disasters and sexual orientation affect women’s microfinance-related entrepreneurial activities and economic empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a structured literature review and uses preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. The paper also uses agency, resources and achievement dimensions of empowerment to assess the findings.

Findings

This study reveals that although microfinance services promote women entrepreneurship, they also exacerbate exclusion and further discrimination. Individual-, household-, institutional- and community-level structures shape women’s agencies to access and use loans and conduct entrepreneurial activities; hence, ultimately economic empowerment.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper arises from the conceptual model we synthesised from our review which illustrates how vulnerable women’s agency is shaped by resources and how it affects their achievements in relation to entrepreneurial activities.
Industry 4.0 technologies usage: motives and enablers
Authors: Čater Tomaž , Čater Barbara , Černe Matej , Koman Matjaž , Redek Tjaša
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the drivers for the use of Industry 4.0 technologies by investigating (1) what motivates companies to consider using I4 technologies and (2) what enables (or hinders) the intention to use I4 technologies to translate into their actual use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses survey data collected from a sample of export-oriented manufacturing companies with more than 10 employees. Final analysis is conducted on 124 companies.

Findings

The results show that companies are proactively approaching I4. Only efficiency motives and expected competitive advantage have a positive effect on the intention to use I4 technologies, which in turn positively influences their actual use. The external, legitimacy-based, motives do not play a significant role in explaining the intention to use. With respect to I4 technology enablers, employee competency positively moderates and availability of finance negatively moderates the relationship between intention to use and actual use.

Research limitations/implications

The work extends the existing knowledge base on I4 technology drivers in companies that are not major global trendsetters but are heavily embedded in the value chains of companies from the most industrially developed economies. The study is limited to manufacturing companies in a small European economy and should be retested in other contexts.

Practical implications

The study can help managers implement I4 technologies in their companies more successfully.

Originality/value

We take a novel research approach by proposing a framework that clearly distinguishes between motives and enablers for the use of I4 technologies.
Manufacturing internationalization: from distance to proximity? A longitudinal analysis of offshoring choices
Authors: Podrecca Matteo , Orzes Guido , Sartor Marco , Nassimbeni Guido
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a long-term systematic picture of the evolution of manufacturing offshoring (in terms of intensity, geography and drivers) highlighting the changes in the surrounding context and the resulting transitions points (“points in time”) that have shaped its development path.

Design/methodology/approach

Three statistical tools were adopted on a dataset of 644 cases. First, the authors resorted to multiple structural change tests to identify the transition points. Second, the authors explored offshoring geography by conducting a network analysis. Finally, the authors adopted gravity models to shed light on offshoring drivers.

Findings

Results highlight three offshoring phases: expansion (2002–2006), reconsideration (2007–2009) and rationalization (2010 onwards). During the first phase, characterized by economic growth, firms were mainly interested in economic savings; offshoring to low-cost countries was the prevailing location strategy. Subsequently, during the economic crisis, the number of cases declined and the main drivers became market-based factors together with the research for cost savings. Finally, in the third phase, when the economy was still stagnating and new manufacturing technologies appeared, the number of offshoring cases has further decreased, and technological- and market-based factors have become the main location drivers.

Originality/value

The study is the first to adopt a systematic, empirical and quantitative approach to analyze the evolution of the manufacturing offshoring considering both the phenomenon itself and the triggering changes in the surrounding context. In doing this, the authors also tested the importance of considering the point in time in offshoring strategies.
Do repetitive and non-repetitive companies equally benefit from Lean 4.0?
Authors: Cifone Fabiana Dafne , Portioli Staudacher Alberto
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The integration between the traditional lean management and Industry 4.0, namely called Lean 4.0, is under the spotlight of both academia and practitioners. While we agree on the benefits Lean 4.0 may bring to companies performance, we still lack a deep understanding of the characteristics of this paradigm, such as its effective application space. Recalling traditional lean better suits repetitive companies, we are keen to understand whether the anew Lean 4.0 will enlarge its application space.

Design/methodology/approach

We performed an exploratory study, using a quantitative analysis based on Bayesian network approach to investigate whether Lean 4.0 results to be as effective in repetitive companies as in non-repetitive ones, in terms of operational performance.

Findings

While our findings confirm that Lean 4.0 will enhance companies' performance regardless their production strategies, companies adopting a repetitive strategy do benefit from a much higher improvement. Our findings provide an insight on the true applicability space of Lean 4.0, which seems to be the same as the traditional lean.

Originality/value

We contribute to the ongoing debate of Lean 4.0 providing initial empirical evidence on how to improve the operational performance in non-repetitive companies, seeing that Lean 4.0 might not be the best choice in its current format.
Fans behave as buyers? Assimilate fan-based and team-based drivers of fan engagement
Authors: Fathy Doaa , Elsharnouby Mohamed H. , AbouAish Ehab
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Customer engagement, as one form of interactive marketing, enhances organisational performance, in terms of sales growth, superior competitive advantage and increased profitability, particularly within the sports context. This research aims to explore fans' engagement behaviours with their sports teams and identify its drivers and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers deployed mixed methods in this study via three phases: (1) A judgmental sampling technique, along with snowballing, were used to conduct in-depth interviews with twenty-two football fans, for the exploratory phase; (2) A convenience sample was also used for the quantitative phase, which was divided into two stages, (1) the pretesting stage (30 fans), and (2) the main data collection stage (407 fans) and (3) A judgmental sampling technique was applied for the qualitative validation phase (10 interviews with experts and practitioners).

Findings

Qualitative and quantitative results supported team jealousy, team competitiveness and team morality as new predictors for fan engagement behaviours. Further, while the fan role readiness had the most positive effect on management cooperation, team identification had the most predicting power for prosocial behaviour. Finally, team morality had the most significant positive impact on performance tolerance.

Originality/value

Despite the considerable practical attention, and the recent extensive research, paid towards conceptualising customer engagement behaviours in the last decade, there is still a need for further exploration on the fan engagement concept to better understand fans' unique behavioural responses; accordingly, the current research was conducted.
Recent advances in the relationship between economic development and carbon emissions
Authors: Yin Ziqi , Jin Xue
Published: September 2021

Purpose

With the rapid development of the economy, carbon emissions have also risen sharply. This study explores the relationship between the two by combining the literature of relevant fields and maps the analytical framework from the knowledge base to the research frontier model using CiteSpace.

Design/methodology/approach

Using CiteSpace and data statistical tools, we conducted a bibliometric and visual analysis of nearly ten thousand research papers on carbon emissions and economic development published in the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases from 1991 to 2021.

Findings

It shows that research on economic development and carbon emissions is developing steadily and involves a wide range of fields. Notably, keywords such as “carbon emissions,” “economic growth,” and “energy consumption” had high frequency, centrality, and persistence. “carbon emissions,” “economic growth,” and “energy consumption” had high frequency, centrality, and persistence. Research institutions in the USA and China have made great contributions to research on economic development and carbon emissions. The authors should continue to enrich and improve research on related subjects and concerns to reasonably plan the path of carbon emission reduction and economic development.

Originality/value

The study analyzes the evolution of the relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth to provide scholars a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the relationship from an international perspective.
Alternative food sources interfere with removal of a fungal amphibian pathogen by zooplankton
Authors: Deknock Arne , Pasmans Frank , van Leeuwenberg Robby , Van Praet Sarah , Bruneel Stijn , Lens Luc , Croubels Siska , Martel An , Goethals Peter
Published: September 2021

While the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis is causing ongoing population declines and biodiversity losses around the globe, efficient mitigation strategies are lacking. The free‐living zoospores of the causative agents of this disease, the chytrid pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), are a potential food source for filter‐feeding micropredators as part of the aquatic food web. While consumption of zoospores can lower environmental pathogen loads, alternative food sources may interfere with pathogen removal rates.

We compared the ability of three filter‐feeding zooplankton species, the cladoceran Daphnia magna, the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus and the ostracod Heterocypris incongruens, to remove Bd zoospores in water and investigated the effect of alternative food sources, the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris, on zoospore ingestion by D. magna.

Daphnia magna was the only micropredator candidate that effectively removed Bd zoospores from its environment, with an average removal rate of 1,012 ± 542 GE ind.−1 hr−1 within our test system. High concentrations (1 × 105 cells/ml) of large and easily ingestible P. subcapitata reduced pathogen removal rates, whereas the small and less edible C. vulgaris did not interfere with pathogen removal.

Synthesis and applications. We showed that Daphnia spp., which are keystone species in all sorts of aquatic habitats worldwide, are promising target agents for biologically mitigating chytridiomycosis infections and how natural food sources may interfere with this strategy. We also suggest potential management actions for biological disease mitigation, aiming to optimize environmental conditions for these target filter feeders, thereby reducing pathogen densities and eventually infection pressure in amphibian hosts. Examples of such management actions include, but are not limited to, removal of planktivorous fish, habitat restoration, nutrient control or agrochemical regulation in the vicinity of amphibian breeding ponds. Further studies, including field trials, are needed to confirm the effects of pathogen consumption on infection dynamics in natural situations and investigate the impact of intervention actions.
Connectivity and succession of open structures as a key to sustaining light‐demanding biodiversity in deciduous forests
Authors: Kozel Petr , Sebek Pavel , Platek Michal , Benes Jiri , Zapletal Michal , Dvorsky Miroslav , Lanta Vojtech , Dolezal Jiri , Bace Radek , Zbuzek Borivoj , Cizek Lukas
Published: September 2021

European forests are facing a rapid decline in light‐demanding biota. This has prompted active interventions to re‐establish and maintain partial habitat openness in protected areas. Managers of protected areas, however, need substantially more scientific evidence to support their decisions on where, when and how to intervene.

We investigated the importance of spatial continuity of open forest habitats in different years of succession, using six pairs of experimental clearings established in the formerly open, oak‐dominated forests of the Podyji National Park (Czech Republic). In each pair, one clearing was connected to the forest edge, while the other was isolated in closed forest. We sampled butterflies (74 spp.), moths (435 spp.), saproxylic beetles (465 spp.) and vascular plants (567 spp.) on the 12 clearings during the first 5 years of succession. We then compared species richness, abundance and composition of the four taxa between the two clearing types and along the succession.

All studied insect groups were substantially more species rich and more abundant in connected than in isolated clearings. Species composition of plants, moths and butterflies differed between the clearing types.

The number of species of all studied taxa generally increased from the first to the second or third year after cutting; species composition of all taxa differed among years. This suggests rapid changes in habitat quality and thus limited time for colonisation by light‐demanding organisms.

Synthesis and applications. Our results offer an evidence that spatial connectivity and rapid temporal dynamics are important habitat features for light‐demanding insects. Attempts to create or restore habitats for light‐demanding forest biota should take into account that: (a) Insects benefit from direct connection of new open patches to open habitats or flight corridors such as forest edges. (b) Considering plants, the optimal solution is to connect newly created open forest habitats to existing habitats with established biota of high conservation value. (c) Interventions should be carried out within short time intervals, that is within years rather than decades. (d) A fine mosaic of interconnected, open woodland patches in various successional stages is more beneficial than a single large patch with a single successional stage.
Co‐occurrence patterns at four spatial scales implicate reproductive processes in shaping community assembly in clovers
Authors: Christie Kyle , Harrison Susan P. , Friesen Maren L. , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: September 2021

Competition, niche differences and chance all contribute to community assembly; yet, the role of reproductive interactions between species is often less appreciated. Closely related plant species that share floral form, phenology and habitat often interact through pollination. They potentially facilitate pollinator attraction, compete for pollination services and/or exchange pollen. If reproductive processes are important to co‐occurrence, we predicted that fitness costs of heterospecific pollen transfer or pollen limitation should result in lower rates of co‐occurrence among outcrossing congeners. In contrast, selfers, which may be less exposed to heterospecific pollen, and/or less negatively affected by it, should co‐occur more frequently.

Flower size is an excellent proxy for mating system in clovers. Using herbarium records and three independent field datasets, we documented co‐occurrence patterns ofTrifoliumat 1 m2–1 km2scales in California. Using a randomization procedure to reshuffle matrices of community membership, we generated null hypotheses for the expected composition of large‐ and small‐flowered species inTrifoliumcommunities of different sizes.

Across all spatial scales, large‐flowered outcrossers were over‐represented at sites lacking congeners, but under‐represented in communities with multiple congeners. Conversely, small‐flowered selfers often occupied sites with multiple otherTrifoliumspecies. Patterns for plant height and leaf size, which are weakly or strongly correlated with flower size, did not explain co‐occurrence patterns as robustly. Regression analysis and model selection corroborated the null model analyses, indicating that the likelihood of co‐occurrence decreased as flower size, and thus reliance on outcrossing, increased.

Synthesis. This study suggests that reproductive traits and processes may be significant contributors to community assembly and co‐occurrence in flowering plants.
Tree species richness differentially affects the chemical composition of leaves, roots and root exudates in four subtropical tree species
Authors: Weinhold Alexander , Döll Stefanie , Liu Min , Schedl Andreas , Pöschl Yvonne , Xu Xingliang , Neumann Steffen , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: September 2021

Plants produce thousands of compounds, collectively called the metabolome, which mediate interactions with other organisms. The metabolome of an individual plant may change according to the number and nature of these interactions. We tested the hypothesis that tree diversity level affects the metabolome of four subtropical tree species in a biodiversity–ecosystem functioning experiment, BEF‐China. We postulated that the chemical diversity of leaves, roots and root exudates increases with tree diversity. We expected that the strength of this diversity effect differs among leaf, root and root exudates samples. Considering their role in plant competition, we expected to find the strongest effects in root exudates.

Roots, root exudates and leaves of four tree species (Cinnamomum camphora, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, Daphniphyllum oldhamii and Schima superba) were sampled from selected plots in BEF‐China. The exudate metabolomes were normalized over their non‐purgeable organic carbon level. Multivariate analyses were applied to identify the effect of both neighbouring (local) trees and plot diversity on tree metabolomes. The species‐ and sample‐specific metabolites were assigned to major compound classes using the ClassyFire tool, whereas potential metabolites related to diversity effects were annotated manually.

Individual tree species showed distinct leaf, root and root exudate metabolomes. The main compound class in leaves was the flavonoids, whereas carboxylic acids, prenol lipids and specific alkaloids were most prominent in root exudates and roots. Overall, plot diversity had a stronger effect on metabolome profiles than the local diversity. Leaf metabolomes responded more often to tree diversity level than exudates, whereas root metabolomes varied the least. We found no uniform or general pattern of alterations in metabolite richness or diversity in response to variation in tree diversity. The response differed among species and tissues.

Synthesis. Classification of metabolites supported initial ecological interpretation of differences among species and organs. Particularly, the metabolomes of leaves and root exudates respond to differences in tree diversity. These responses were neither linear nor uniform and individual metabolites showed different dynamics. More controlled interaction experiments are needed to dissect the causes and consequences of the observed shifts in plant metabolomes.