bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large dataset of octocoral mitochondrial genomes provides new insights into mt-mutS evolution and function
Authors: Muthye Viraj , Mackereth Cameron D. , Stewart James B. , Lavrov Dennis V.
Published: September 2021

All studied octocoral mitochondrial genomes contain a gene from the MutS family, whose members code for proteins involved in DNA mismatch repair, other types of DNA repair, meiotic recombination, and other functions. Although mutS homologues are found in all domains of life as well as viruses, octocoral mt-mutS is the only such gene encoded in an organellar genome. While the function of mtMutS is not known, its domain architecture, conserved sequence, and presence of some characteristic residues suggest its involvement in mitochondrial DNA repair. This inference is supported by exceptionally low rates of mt-sequence evolution observed in octocorals. Previous studies of mt-mutS have been limited by the small number of octocoral mt-genomes available. We utilized sequence-capture data from the recent Quattrini et al. study to assemble complete mitochondrial genomes for 97 species of octocorals. Combined with sequences publicly available in GenBank, this resulted in a dataset of 184 complete mitochondrial genomes, which we used to re-analyze the conservation and evolution of mt-mutS. We discovered the first case of mt-mutS loss among octocorals in one of the two Pseudoanthomastus sp. assembled from Quattrini et al. data. This species displayed accelerated rate and and changed patterns of nucleotide substitutions in mt-genome, which we argue provide additional evidence for the role of mtMutS in DNA repair. In addition, we found accelerated mt-sequence evolution in the presence of mt-mutS in several octocoral lineages. This accelerated evolution did not appear to be the result of relaxed selection pressure and did not entail changes in patterns of nucleotide substitutions. Overall, our results support previously reported patterns of conservation in mt-mutS and suggest that mtMutS is involved in DNA repair in octocoral mitochondria. They also indicate that the presence of mt-mutS contributes to, but does not fully explain, the low rates of sequence evolution in octocorals
Identification and characterization ofBotrylloides(Styelidae) species from Aotearoa New Zealand coasts
Authors: Temiz Berivan , Clarke Rebecca M. , Page Mike , Lamare Miles , Wilson Megan J.
Published: September 2021

Ascidians are marine filter feeder primitive chordates.Botrylloidesascidians possess diverse biological abilities like whole-body regeneration (WBR), hibernation/aestivation, blastogenesis, metamorphosis, and natural chimerism. However, the absence of distinctive morphological features often makes identification problematic.Botrylloides diegensisis an ascidian that has been misidentified in previous studies and is recorded in GenBank asBotrylloides leachiidue to the high morphological similarity between the sister species. More available sequences and strategies around identification would help resolve some of the confusion currently surrounding its ambiguous nature. We collected severalBotrylloidessamples from 7 locations around New Zealand - Dunedin, Christchurch, Picton, Nelson, Whangateau, New Plymouth and Invercargill - and barcoded the species based on Cytochrome Oxidase I, Histone 3, 18S, and 28S ribosomal RNA markers. Network and Bayesian trees confirmed the presence of threeBotrylloidesspecies:B. diegensis, B. jacksonianum, andB. aff. anceps. Additionally, morphotypes of three species were investigated regarding zooid size, area, tentacle numbers and colonial arrangement.
Genome sequencing and analysis of two early-flowering cherry (Cerasus × kanzakura) varieties, ‘Kawazu-zakura’ and ‘Atami-zakura’
Authors: Shirasawa Kenta , Itai Akihiro , Isobe Sachiko
Published: September 2021

To gain genetic insights into the early-flowering phenotype of ornamental cherry, also known as sakura, we determined the genome sequences of two early-flowering cherry (Cerasus × kanzakura) varieties, ‘Kawazu-zakura’ and ‘Atami-zakura’. Since the two varieties are interspecific hybrids, likely derived from crosses between Cerasus campanulata (early-flowering species) and Cerasus speciosa, we employed the haplotype-resolved sequence assembly strategy. Genome sequence reads obtained from each variety by single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) were split into two subsets, based on the genome sequence information of the two probable ancestors, and assembled to obtain haplotype-phased genome sequences. The resultant genome assembly of ‘Kawazu-zakura’ spanned 519.8 Mb with 1,544 contigs and an N50 value of 1,220.5 kb, while that of ‘Atami-zakura’ totaled 509.6 Mb with 2,180 contigs and an N50 value of 709.1 kb. A total of 72,702 and 72,528 potential protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome assemblies of ‘Kawazu-zakura’ and ‘Atami-zakura’, respectively. Gene clustering analysis identified 2,634 clusters uniquely presented in the C. campanulata haplotype sequences, which might contribute to its early-flowering phenotype. Genome sequences determined in this study provide fundamental information for elucidating the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the early-flowering phenotype of ornamental cherry tree varieties and their relatives.
Developing an ethanol utilisation pathway based NADH regeneration system in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: September 2021

Many industrially relevant biotransformation in whole-cells are dependent on cofactors such as NADH or NADPH. Cofactor regeneration is an established approach for providing a cheap source of cofactors in support of the main biotransformation reaction in biocatalysis. In essence, cofactor regeneration uses a sacrificial substrate to help regenerate a cofactor consumed by the main biotransformation reaction. Enzymatic in nature, alternative cofactor regeneration systems with high efficiency and which utilises low cost sacrificial substrate are of interest. Glucose dehydrogenase system has been dominant in NADH regeneration. But, in its current incarnation, glucose dehydrogenase system is relatively inefficient in regenerating NADH with theoretical yield of one NADH per glucose molecule. This work sought to explore the utility of a two-gene ethanol utilisation pathway in NADH regeneration. Comprising the first step that takes ethanol to acetaldehyde, and a second step that converts acetaldehyde to acetyl-CoA, NADH from both steps could be mined for supporting biotransformation reaction in cofactor regeneration mode. Theoretically, ethanol utilisation pathway (EUP) affords a higher NADH yield of two NADH per ethanol molecule, and is therefore more efficient than glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) system. In this project, the EUP pathway was coupled to a cpsADH (an alcohol dehydrogenase from Candida parapsilosis) mediated ketone to alcohol anaerobic biotransformation with concentration of alcohol product as marker for efficiency of cofactor regeneration. Experiment tests showed that EUP was more efficient than GDH. Further, EUP could support biotransformation of both butanone and acetophenone in single and two-phase biotransformation, respectively. Additional work conducted to improve biotransformation efficiency revealed that ethanol provision positively correlated with biotransformation efficiency. Growing cell biotransformation was also found to improve biotransformation efficiency compared to resting cell due largely to the driving force generated by cell growth. Tests of a growth medium effect also found that cells cultivated in M9 ethanol medium delivered higher biotransformation efficiency compared to those cultivated in LB medium. This could arise due to the lower expression of NADH dependent enzymes during growth in M9 ethanol medium compared to LB medium that allowed more NADH to be diverted to support ketone biotransformation. However, a persistent problem with the experimental system is the relatively poor consumption of ethanol that points to need for further engineering of the system. Collectively, pathway-based NADH regeneration is possible with ethanol utilisation, with biotransformation efficiency dependent on mode of biotransformation (resting cell versus growing cell) and growth medium used.
Horizontal orientation facilitates pollinator attraction and rain avoidance in radially symmetrical flowers
Authors: Nakata Taichi , Rin Ishii , Yaida Yuki A , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: September 2021

Premise

Floral angle, such as upward, horizontal, and downward orientation are known to evolve under both biotic and abiotic agents to enhance pollination success in zoophilious plants. Adaptive significance of horizontal orientation in radially symmetrical (actinomorphic) flowers under biotic and abiotic selection pressures were largely unknown, although those in bilaterally symmetrical flowers have been well studied.

Methods

Using experimentally angle changed flowers, we examined the effects of flower angle on pollinator behaviors, pollination success and rain avoidance in a population of insect-pollinatedPlatycodon grandiflorus. We further investigated the frequency and amount of precipitation in the flowering season and pollen damage by water in this species.Main results: Horizontally oriented flowers received more visitations and pollen grains on the stigma in male and/or female phases than downward and/or upward oriented flowers and avoided pollen damage by rainfall compared to upward oriented flowers. The pollen germination experiment showed that approximately 30% of pollen grains burst in distilled water, thus pollen damage by rainfall was potentially serious inP. garndiflorus.

Conclusion

In this study, our field experiments revealed that upward flowers cannot avoid damage from rainfall during the flowering period whereas both upward and downward flowers suffered from pollinator limitation in female success. Thus, horizontal flower orientation is suggested to be adaptive in this insect-pollinated actinomorphic species which blooms in the rainy season.
The chromatin-remodeling enzyme Smarca5 regulates erythrocyte aggregation via Keap1-Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Ding Yanyan , Li Yuzhe , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff , Liu Feng
Published: September 2021

Although thrombosis has been extensively studied using various animal models, however, our understanding of the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, using zebrafish model, we demonstrated that smarca5-deficient red blood cells (RBCs) formed blood clots in the caudal vein plexus that mimics venous thrombosis. We further used the anti-thrombosis drugs to treat smarca5zko1049a embryos and found that a thrombin inhibitor, argatroban, partially prevented blood clot formation in smarca5zko1049a. To explore the regulatory mechanism of smarca5 in RBC homeostasis, we profiled the chromatin accessibility landscape and transcriptome features in RBCs from smarca5zko1049a and their siblings and found that both the chromatin accessibility at the keap1a promoter and expression of keap1a were decreased. Keap1 is a suppressor protein of Nrf2, which is a major regulator of oxidative responses. We further identified that the expression of hmox1a, a downstream target of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, was markedly increased upon smarca5 deletion. Importantly, overexpression of keap1a or knockdown of hmox1a partially rescued the blood clot formation, suggesting that the disrupted Keap1-Nrf2 signaling is responsible for the venous thrombosis-like phenotypes in smarca5 mutants. Together, our study using zebrafish smarca5 mutants not only characterizes a novel role for smarca5 in blood clot formation, but also provides a new venous thrombosis animal model to support drug screening and pre-clinical therapeutic assessments to treat thrombosis.
Modeling single-cell phenotypes links yeast stress acclimation to transcriptional repression and pre-stress cellular states
Authors: Bergen Andrew C. , Kocik Rachel A. , Hose James , McClean Megan N. , Gasch Audrey P.
Published: September 2021

Stress defense and cell growth are inversely related in bulk culture analyses; however, these studies miss substantial cell-to-cell heterogeneity, thus obscuring true phenotypic relationships. Here, we devised a microfluidics system to characterize multiple phenotypes in single yeast cells over time before, during, and after salt stress. The system measured cell and colony size, growth rate, and cell-cycle phase along with nuclear trans-localization of two transcription factors: stress-activated Msn2 that regulates defense genes and Dot6 that represses ribosome biogenesis genes during an active stress response. By tracking cells dynamically, we discovered unexpected discordance between Msn2 and Dot6 behavior that revealed subpopulations of cells with distinct growth properties. Surprisingly, post-stress growth recovery was positively corelated with activation of the Dot6 repressor. In contrast, cells lacking Dot6 displayed slower growth acclimation, even though they grow normally in the absence of stress. We show that wild-type cells with a larger Dot6 response display faster production of Msn2-regulated Ctt1 protein, separable from the contribution of Msn2. These results are consistent with the model that transcriptional repression during acute stress in yeast provides a protective response, likely by redirecting translational capacity to induced transcripts.
Maternal SMCHD1 regulates Hox gene expression and patterning in the mouse embryo
Authors: Benetti Natalia , Gouil Quentin , del Fierro Andres Tapia , Beck Tamara , Breslin Kelsey , Keniry Andrew , McGlinn Edwina , Blewitt Marnie E.
Published: September 2021

Parents transmit genetic and epigenetic information to their offspring. Maternal effect genes regulate the offspring epigenome to ensure normal development. Here we report that the epigenetic regulator SMCHD1 has a maternal effect on Hox gene expression and skeletal patterning. Maternal SMCHD1, present in the oocyte and preimplantation embryo, prevents precocious activation of Hox genes postimplantation. Without maternal SMCHD1, highly penetrant posterior homeotic transformations occur in the embryo. Hox genes are decorated with Polycomb marks H2AK119ub and H3K27me3 from the oocyte throughout early embryonic development; however, loss of maternal SMCHD1 does not alter these marks. Therefore, we propose maternal SMCHD1 acts downstream of Polycomb marks to establish a chromatin state necessary for persistent epigenetic silencing and appropriate Hox gene expression later in the developing embryo. This is a striking role for maternal SMCHD1 in long-lived epigenetic effects impacting offspring phenotype.
Distinct proteostasis states drive pharmacologic chaperone susceptibility for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator misfolding mutants
Authors: McDonald Eli Fritz , Sabusap Carleen Mae P. , Kim Minsoo , Plate Lars
Published: September 2021

Pharmacological chaperones represent a class of therapeutic compounds for treating protein misfolding diseases. One of the most prominent examples is the FDA-approved pharmacological chaperone lumacaftor (VX-809), which has transformed cystic fibrosis (CF) therapy. CF is a fatal disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). VX-809 corrects folding of F508del CFTR, the most common patient mutation, yet F508del exhibits only mild VX-809 response. In contrast, rarer mutations P67L and L206W are hyper-responsive to VX-809, while G85E is non-responsive. Despite the clinical success of VX-809, the mechanistic origin for the distinct susceptibility of mutants remains unclear. Here, we use interactomics to characterize the impact of VX-809 on proteostasis interactions of P67L and L206W and compare these to F508del and G85E. We determine hyper-responsive mutations P67L and L206W exhibit decreased interactions with proteasomal, and autophagy degradation machinery compared to F508del and G85E. We then show inhibiting the proteasome attenuates P67L and L206W VX-809 response, and inhibiting the lysosome attenuates F508del VX-809 response. Our data suggests a previously unidentified but required role for protein degradation in VX-809 correction. Furthermore, we present an approach for identifying proteostasis characteristics of mutant-specific therapeutic response to pharmacological chaperones.
Vertebrate CTF18 and DDX11 essential function in cohesion is bypassed by preventing WAPL-mediated cohesin release
Authors: Kawasumi Ryotaro , Abe Takuya , Psakhye Ivan , Miyata Keiji , Hirota Kouji , Branzei Dana
Published: September 2021

The alternative PCNA loader containing CTF18-DCC1-CTF8 facilitates sister chromatid cohesion (SCC) by poorly defined mechanisms. Here we found that in DT40 cells, CTF18 acts complementarily with the Warsaw breakage syndrome DDX11 helicase in mediating SCC and proliferation. We uncover that the lethality and cohesion defects of ctf18 ddx11 mutants are associated with reduced levels of chromatin-bound cohesin and rescued by depletion of WAPL, a cohesin-removal factor. On the contrary, high levels of ESCO1/2 acetyltransferases that acetylate cohesin to establish SCC do not rescue ctf18 ddx11 phenotypes. Notably, the tight proximity of sister centromeres and increased anaphase bridges characteristic of WAPL-depleted cells are abrogated by loss of both CTF18 and DDX11. The results reveal that vertebrate CTF18 and DDX11 collaborate to provide sufficient amounts of chromatin-loaded cohesin available for SCC generation in the presence of WAPL-mediated cohesin-unloading activity. This process modulates chromosome structure and is essential for cellular proliferation in vertebrates.
Evolutionary rewiring of the wheat transcriptional regulatory network by lineage-specific transposable elements
Authors: Zhang Yuyun , Li Zijuan , Zhang Yu'e , Lin Kande , Peng Yuan , Ye Luhuan , Zhuang Yili , Wang Meiyue , Xie Yilin , Guo Jingyu , Teng Wan , Tong Yiping , Zhang Wenli , Xue Yongbiao , Lang Zhaobo , Zhang Yijing
Published: September 2021

More than 80% of the wheat genome consists of transposable elements (TEs), which act as major drivers of wheat genome evolution. However, their contributions to the regulatory evolution of wheat adaptations remain largely unclear. Here, we created genome-binding maps for 53 transcription factors (TFs) underlying environmental responses by leveraging DAP-seq in Triticum urartu, together with epigenomic profiles. Most TF binding sites (TFBSs) located distally from genes are embedded in TEs, whose functional relevance is supported by purifying selection and active epigenomic features. About 24% of the non-TE TFBSs share significantly high sequence similarity with TE-embedded TFBSs. These non-TE TFBSs have almost no homologous sequences in non-Triticeae species and are potentially derived from Triticeae-specific TEs. The expansion of TE-derived TFBS linked to wheat-specific gene responses, suggesting TEs are an important driving force for regulatory innovations. Altogether, TEs have been significantly and continuously shaping regulatory networks related to wheat genome evolution and adaptation.
Effect of plastic deformation on mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of nickel-aluminum bronze
Authors: Wu Zhong , Hu Qing , Qin Zhenbo , Zhang Yiwen , Xia Da-Hai , Hu Wenbin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) has been widely used in ship propellers. It is always subjected to local micro-plastic deformation in service environments. This paper aims to study the influence of plastic deformation on the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of NAB in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the microstructure of NAB alloy with different plastic deformations. Mechanical properties of the sample were measured by tensile experiment, and corrosion behavior was studied by electrochemical measurements and the long-term immersion corrosion test.

Findings

Results showed that the plastic deformation caused lattice distortion but did not change the microstructure of NAB alloy. Microhardness and yield strength of NAB were significantly improved with the increase of deformation. The lattice distortion accelerated the formation of corrosion product film, which made the deformed alloy show a more positive open-circuit potential and an increased Rp. However, during the long-term immersion corrosion, the corrosion resistance of NAB alloys deteriorated with the increase of plastic deformation. This is because larger plastic deformation brought about higher internal stress in corrosion product film, which resulted in the premature peeling of the film and the loss of its protective effect on the alloy substrate.

Originality/value

Tensile plastic deformations were found to cause a decline in the corrosion resistance of NAB. And the mechanism was clarified from the evolution of corrosion products during the corrosion process.
An empirical study on non-physical waste factors in the construction industry
Authors: Igwe Charles , Nasiri Fuzhan , Hammad Amin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study highlights the findings of an empirical study to investigate waste factors (WFs) affecting the performance and delivery of construction projects in developing countries. The objectives of this study are to identify non-physical WFs in developing nations and rank the identified factors based on their degree of influence on the key performance indicators (KPIs) of cost, quality and time.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 34 WFs were identified through a detailed literature review and consolidated using semi-structured interviews with construction practitioners. The statistical analysis involved a normality test using the Shapiro–Wilk test to determine if sample data have been drawn from a normally distributed population, ranking the WFs using the Frequency Index (FI), Severity Index (SI) and Importance Index (IMPI), ranking the WFs based on their effect on the project KPIs of cost, quality and time, and identify clustering structures for the identified WFs to using factor analysis (FA).

Findings

The results revealed ineffective planning and scheduling, rework/repair of defective work and resource quality problems (human, material and equipment) as the three most important WFs affecting construction projects. The factor analyses showed that WFs can be grouped into five interrelated components, suggesting the need for integrated and holistic strategies to overcome the identified WF.

Practical implications

Understanding the effects of WFs on construction projects is a first step towards designing holistic solutions to ensuring projects deliver value to the clients and other stakeholders. The findings of this study provide direction to construction practitioners on where to focus appropriate strategies to manage the identified WFs effectively and, therefore, improve the productivity of construction projects.

Originality/value

This study provides the first holistic analysis of WFs affecting the productivity of construction projects in developing countries.
Investigating the adoption of social media in the construction industry: empirical evidence from project teams in China
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Jiang Shan , Jia Jianyao
Published: September 2021

Purpose

A lack of reliable and effective communication tools poses major barriers impeding the performance of construction projects consisting of diverse participants. Although some construction project teams (CPTs) begin to apply social media (SM) as an available approach for project management the entire mechanism of SM adoption in this specific context remains understudied. Therefore, this study aims to adopt a CPT's lens to investigate the critical antecedents and associated effects underlying SM adoption in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) theory, a conceptual model was proposed and tested by empirical data collected from 159 CPTs in China. Structural equation modeling technique was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrate that all the five extracted TOE-based antecedents including two technological factors (i.e. compatibility and expected cost), one organizational factor (i.e. top management support) and two environmental factors (i.e. project partner collaboration and project fit) are crucial to the adoption of SM in CPTs. Besides, SM acceptance is found to mediate the relationships between organizational and environmental factors and SM use. Moreover, SM use significantly predicts the communication effectiveness of CPTs.

Research limitations/implications

A questionnaire study based on cross-sectional data from China may only unveil the logic of SM adoption in the context of Chinese construction industry within a shorter time interval. It is recommended that future research could develop longitudinal studies among various construction practitioners in different countries to further specify and generalize the current findings.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of SM adoption in the construction industry by exploring the preadoption antecedents and postadoption effects from the perspective of project teams. The empirical findings advance the current web-based project management literature and afford new insights for construction practitioners into better managing SM application to reap its full capabilities in projects.
The role of founder reign in explaining family firms' R&D investment: evidence from China
Authors: Zhong Xi , Song Tiebo , Ren Liuyang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Based on the socioemotional wealth theory, this study aims to empirically investigate how founder reign, that is a founder serving as a cheif executive officer (CEO) or chairman, influences family firms' research and development (R&D) investment in emerging economies (e.g. China).

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically tested the hypotheses based on a sample of listed Chinese family companies from 2008 to 2018.

Findings

Founder reign has a negative impact on family firms' R&D investment. Particularly, the negative impact of the founder serving as chairman on family firms' R&D investment is larger than the negative impact of the founder serving as CEO on family firms' R&D investment. Founder's military experience weakens the negative impact of founder reign on family firms' R&D investment, but founder's executive master of business administration (E)MBA experience has no moderating effect on this relationship.

Originality/value

First, the authors contribute to the family firm innovation literature by providing an alternative but complementary explanation of why family firms have relatively low R&D investment levels. This research shows that founder reign is a key reason for family firms in China eschewing R&D investment. Second, by incorporating the founder serving as CEO and the founder serving as chairman into the analytical framework, and then examining their impact on family firms' R&D investment, our research helps us to fully understand the impact of founder reign on firm strategic actions. Third, we contribute to the “founder reign-firm strategic actions” framework by revealing how founders' human capital profoundly affects the relationship between founder reign and family firms' R&D investment.
Innovation in agricultural and county shows: conceptualising the e-eventscape
Authors: Bosworth Gary , Ardley Barry , Gerlach Sabine
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In response to the cancellation of a host of events during the summer of 2020, the purpose of this paper is to examine the rapid innovation that created an online County Show. County Shows are traditionally associated with agriculture and the wider rural economy of a region and provide a range of visitor experiences alongside business networking and trading opportunities. The case of the online Lincolnshire Show sought to replicate many aspects of a physical show, and this paper evaluates its effectiveness by applying a newly developed e-eventscape model.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach generated data from businesses, visitors and the show organiser. Surveys and social media feedback from attendees captured overall satisfaction levels and suggestions for improvements. Participation in the online Business Breakfast event along with an interview with the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Show provided deeper understanding of the innovation occurring.

Findings

The nature of innovation was strongly rooted in place, despite creating a virtual product. Local networks and supporters were critical to staging the online Show. The proposed e-eventscape model allowed an effective appraisal of the online Show, identifying many strengths in terms of the user interface and aesthetics as well as opportunities for improvement, especially linked to greater interactive engagement.

Originality/value

The impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have accelerated digital innovation in a range of events and festivals. This provides an opportunity to examine the evolving role of Shows in the rural economy and the innovation processes that have emerged. As well as presenting original insights into rural innovation, the paper develops and tests a new e-eventscape model applicable to the growing field of online events and festivals. Findings indicate that there is considerable scope for organisers to embed online content into the future of many live Shows and festivals, far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effect of an online individualized program to prevent nurse burnout – a mixed method study
Authors: Geuens Nina , Franck Erik , Vlerick Peter , Van Bogaert Peter
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Preventing burnout and promoting psychological well-being in nurses are of great importance. In this study the effect of an online, stand-alone individualized preventive program for nurse burnout based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is described and explained.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method study with an explanatory sequential design was applied. Quantitative data were collected from September 2015 to March 2016 during an intervention study with a pretest-posttest wait-list control group design within a population of hospital nurses in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. Consecutively, 13 nurses from the intervention group who fully completed the program were interviewed.

Findings

All interviewed participants experienced some sort of effect due to working with the program. Emotional exhaustion remained stable in the intervention group and increased in the control group. However, this difference was not significant. Personal accomplishment decreased significantly within the intervention group when compared to the control group. This might be explained by the self-awareness that was created through the program, which confronted participants with their weaknesses and problems.

Originality/value

This study adds to the understanding of online individual burnout prevention. The results suggest the feasibility of an online program to prevent nurse burnout. This could be optimized by complementing it with organizational interventions, introducing refresher courses, reminders and follow-up. Furthermore, additional attention should be devoted to preparing the implementation in order to minimize attrition rates.
Are family firms reluctant to report impairment losses? Evidence from private firms
Authors: Sundkvist Charlotte Haugland , Stenheim Tonny
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines the reporting of impairment losses in family and non-family private firms. The socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory suggests that the reporting practices in family firms may differ from non-family firms and may vary among family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question is examined using a large-scale archival study. The authors use unique register data on family relationships for Norwegian private firms provided by the CCGR database at BI Norwegian Business School.

Findings

Drawing on the socioemotional wealth theory, the authors predict and find that private family firms are more reluctant to report impairment losses compared to private non-family firms. The results also suggest that both the likelihood to report impairment losses and the impairment amounts increase with board independence in private family firms. The authors also find some evidence suggesting that private family firms with a family CEO report lower impairment losses than private family firms without a family CEO, but this result is less robust and should be interpreted with caution.

Research limitations/implications

The true economic impairment is unobservable. The authors use proxies based on prior research to control for whether impairment losses are faithfully reported or not.

Practical implications

The results suggest a higher risk of impairment losses being managed in private family firms than in private non-family firms and that independent board members mitigate this tendency somewhat in private family firms. Awareness of this risk should have practical value for stakeholders such as non-family owners and creditors, external auditors, supervisory and monitoring bodies, and regulators.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the accounting literature by examining the reporting of a specific accrual (impairment losses) in the setting of private family firms. Prior research in this area is scarce.
March’s foolish views on leadership, or how to fail optimistically, pursue ethical authenticity, choose mindful resilience and enable ambiguous innovation
Authors: Fernández Fernández Susana
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to refract March’s views on leadership to re-frame them within an authentic model that understands optimistic failure and mindful resilience as likely byproducts of enabling ambiguous innovation. An analysis of March’s theories of slack, and the concepts of exploration and exploitation, as well as that of foolishness, are used to support the adoption of authentic and ethical leadership as an intelligent practice and, more concretely, to portray the leader as a resilient “juggling fool.”

Design/methodology/approach

This paper makes use of primary data by focusing on March’s published works, as well as on interviews and other materials written about him, or those discussing his contributions. A post-hoc practice of “appreciation” facilitated a fresh refraction of the “evidence” to identify or recognize new perspectives and/or challenges to March’s conceptualization of leadership, while relying on literature and metaphor to engage in “polymorphic research.”

Findings

This paper presents March as a complex thinker, whose thoughts on leadership have received, perhaps, less attention for being thought to be more refractive and less empirical. Nonetheless, his reflections on leadership re-discover him as a solid leadership philosopher. His use of literature, his theories of slack and the concepts of exploration and exploitation, as well as that of foolishness, may help leadership scholars to understand the essence of authentic and ethical leadership as an intelligent practice.

Practical implications

This paper proposes to extrapolate March’s vast insights about organizational theory to further develop the framework of authentic leadership. This re-framing of the leader as a “juggling fool” constitutes an empowered view of leadership that comes closer to balancing the complementary purposes of leadership and management; an effort that rests at the core of the future of leadership.

Originality/value

Despite the ostensible popularity of leadership over management as a desired organizational outcome, March’s phenomenal insights remind current and developing leaders of just how much the two fields must overlap in constant tension. It is, perhaps, the conceptualization of a leader as an authentic and resilient “juggling fool” what adds depth of meaning to March’s contributions to the field of leadership beyond that of management.
Customer responses to service failures on social media
Authors: Varnali Kaan , Cesmeci Caner
Published: September 2021

Purpose

As customers increasingly adopt social media as the primary channel to reach out to companies, voicing is becoming a public act. Adopting a social psychological perspective, this study aims to focus on the social dynamics that drive consumer voice on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses three studies. First, a list of metaperceptions about voicing behavior is compiled using the critical incident technique, and then the hypothesized effects are tested with two scenario-based experiments.

Findings

Metaperceptions mediate the relationship between social anxiety and the intention to voice on social media. Self-construal moderates the effect of metaperceptions, such that in the presence of a negative metaperception, the reluctance to post a direct complaint is attenuated under independent self-construal. Independent self-construal attenuates the positive effect of positive metaperception. An experimental comparison between social media and consumer review sites reveals that metaperceptions are only prevalent in social media and when the complainer construes him or herself as interdependent.

Originality/value

Since lodging a direct complaint to a service provider has been mainly conceived as a private behavior, the role of social dynamics in the context of voicing remains under-researched. Aiming to fill this gap, the present research empirically examines how the presence of a perceived audience affects voicing behavior.
Delivering well-being through the coronavirus pandemic: the role of human resources (HR) in managing a healthy workforce
Authors: Maddox-Daines Kay Lisa
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper examines how human resources (HR) professionals in the UK have supported employee wellbeing during the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic. It considers the extent to which HR professionals were prepared for the crisis and their readiness in supporting the wellbeing of their people.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 senior HR professionals working across the public and private sectors in the UK. Using an in-depth interview structure, the research explored how respondents both reacted to and managed the crisis in their respective organisations. Template analysis was used to analyse the data allowing a certain degree of fluidity in the establishment of ordered relationships between the themes.

Findings

This study finds that business continuity plans turned out to be useless during the pandemic because they focussed on data, not people. It highlights the tension between home-working and burn-out as online presenteeism increased due to staff changing their behaviour in response to self-surveillance. The paper emphasises the importance of soft skills and authentic leadership and the tensions in respect of equity.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted with HR professionals in the UK, not internationally. Although the sample did include HR professionals from across the public, private and third sectors, the experience may not be representative of all those working in HR.

Originality/value

This research found that those organisations that had engaged in business continuity planning prior to the pandemic focussed on the retrieval and accessibility of data rather than people. This prioritises staff as a resource rather than emphasising people as an organisation's most valuable asset. Furthermore, the study found that staff worked harder and for longer periods of time as a consequence of self-imposed surveillance. Organisational responses were contradictory as despite implementing well-being strategies to promote physical and mental health, there was little evidence of an effective response to this online presenteeism.
A hospital-based mixed-methods observational study to evaluate a hip and knee replacement quality improvement project
Authors: Wainwright Thomas W. , McDonald David
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Health services continue to face economic and capacity challenges. Quality improvement (QI) methods that can improve clinical care processes are therefore needed. However, the successful use of current QI methods within hospital settings remains a challenge. There is considerable scope for improvement of elective clinical pathways, such as hip and knee replacement, and so the use and study of QI methods in such settings is warranted.

Design/methodology/approach

A model to manage variability was adapted for use as a QI method and deployed to improve a hip and knee replacement surgical pathway. A prospective observational study, with a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design (quantitative emphasised) that consisted of two distinct phases, was used to assess its effectiveness.

Findings

Following the use of the novel QI method and the subsequent changes to care processes, the length of hospital stay was reduced by 18%. However, the interventions to improve care process highlighted by the QI method were not fully implemented. The qualitative data revealed that staff thought the new QI method (the model to manage variability) was simple, effective, offered advantages over other QI methods and had highlighted the correct changes to make. However, they felt that contextual factors around leadership, staffing and organisational issues had prevented changes being implemented and a greater improvement being made.

Originality/value

The quality of QI reporting in surgery has previously been highlighted as poor and lacking in prospective and comprehensively reported mixed-methods evaluations. This study therefore not only describes and presents the results of using a novel QI method but also provides new insights in regard to important contextual factors that may influence the success of QI methods and efforts.
GAB1 alleviates septic lung injury by inhibiting the TLR4/ NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Sun Lihua , Zhu Hongchao , Zhang Kui
Published: September 2021

Sepsis, with its high morbidity and mortality, is a difficult problem in critical care medicine. The purpose of this study is to investigate the involvement of GRB2‐associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) in septic lung injury. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mouse model and A549 cell model were used to simulate septic lung injury. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe the pathological changes. The terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase/(TdT)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis. The levels of inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In LPS‐induced sepsis mice, GAB1 expression was markedly reduced, and GAB1 overexpression significantly attenuated cell apoptosis and decreased levels of macrophages, neutrophils, and inflammatory factors in the BALF. Our results also demonstrated that GAB1 overexpression significantly reduced LPS‐induced apoptosis and inflammation of A549 cells. More importantly, GAB1 overexpression significantly inhibited the Toll‐like receptor/ NFkappaB (TLR4/NF‐κB) pathway, while silencing GAB1 significantly activated the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway and induced apoptosis and increased expression of inflammatory factors. However, the TLR4 inhibitor TAK‐242 eliminated the effect of GAB1 silencing on A549. In conclusion, GAB1 is a key regulator of sepsis by inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB mediated apoptosis and inflammation.
Subcellular architecture and metabolic connection in the planktonic photosymbiosis between Collodaria (radiolarians) and their microalgae
Authors: Decelle Johan , Veronesi Giulia , LeKieffre Charlotte , Gallet Benoit , Chevalier Fabien , Stryhanyuk Hryhoriy , Marro Sophie , Ravanel Stéphane , Tucoulou Rémi , Schieber Nicole , Finazzi Giovanni , Schwab Yannick , Musat Niculina
Published: September 2021

Photosymbiosis is widespread and ecologically important in the oceanic plankton but remains poorly studied. Here, we used multimodal subcellular imaging to investigate the photosymbiosis between colonial Collodaria and their microalga dinoflagellate (Brandtodinium). We showed that this symbiosis is very dynamic whereby symbionts interact with different host cells via extracellular vesicles within the colony. 3D electron microscopy revealed that the photosynthetic apparatus of the microalgae was more voluminous in symbiosis compared to free‐living while the mitochondria volume was similar. Stable isotope probing coupled with NanoSIMS showed that carbon and nitrogen were stored in the symbiotic microalga in starch granules and purine crystals respectively. Nitrogen was also allocated to the algal nucleolus. In the host, low 13C transfer was detected in the Golgi. Metal mapping revealed that intracellular iron concentration was similar in free‐living and symbiotic microalgae (c. 40 ppm) and twofold higher in the host, whereas copper concentration increased in symbionts and was detected in the host cell and extracellular vesicles. Sulfur concentration was around two times higher in symbionts (chromatin and pyrenoid) than their host. This study improves our understanding on the functioning of this oceanic photosymbiosis and paves the way for more studies to further assess its biogeochemical significance.
‘Who cares if you're poz right now?’: Barebackers, HIV and COVID‐19
Authors: Garcia‐Iglesias Jaime , Ledin Chase
Published: September 2021

The global COVID‐19 pandemic poses new challenges for communities built around certain sexual practices, and some of which have responded by using their previous experiences of HIV. In this article, we undertake an online ethnography of a popular Anglo‐American barebackers' forum to understand how HIV and COVID‐19 converge and how these men negotiate COVID‐19 risk by adapting previous sexual and disease prevention strategies. Barebackers, aka gay men who eroticise condomless anal intercourse, provide a relevant group to consider given their longstanding negotiation of HIV. We explore processes of responsibility, risk management and pleasure during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We suggest that their experiences of both the AIDS crisis and the current context of HIV frame their decisions around COVID‐19. We focus on how responsibility and desire shape discussions of bathhouses and the survival of barebackers' sexual practices during and after COVID‐19.
Global gaps in age data based on skeletochronology for amphibians
Authors: PENG Zhiwei , ZHANG Lixia , LU Xin
Published: September 2021

Individual age and population age composition are the major concerns of ecologists, evolutionary biologists and conservation biologists. In amphibians, skeletochronology—counting the number of lines of arrested growth deposited in the bone tissue, is the dominant method to determine actual age of an individual. Since 1970s, age data of the ectothermic taxa have been accumulated and increasingly used in comparative studies. Here we make a global assessment for the availability of the data, based on a collection of 369 published papers. For a specific species, more males than females were sampled. Among the extant 8146 amphibian species, only 266 (3.3%) have been skeletochronologically investigated. Of these studied species, 2 (0.9% of 214) belong to caecilians, 56 (7.6% of 740) salamanders and 208 (2.9% of 7192) anurans. A complete paucity of data was seen in 80%, 50%, and 54% of families in the corresponding orders. More temperate species than tropical species were sampled, while the proportion of Palearctic species studied was higher than that in the other 5 biogeographical realms. Species inhabiting semi‐aquatic niche were more likely to be studied than fossorial or plant dwellers. Age information of multiple populations (2–48) was available for species with a broad distribution, accounts for 61% of salamander and 43% of anuran species studied. Because these gaps in demographic knowledge can limit our understanding of questions ranging from life history evolution, population dynamics to conservation, we encourage herpetologists to pay more efforts on filling them.