bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Regulation of Parent-of-Origin Allelic Expression in the Endosperm
Authors: van Ekelenburg Yuri S. , Hornslien Karina S. , Van Hautegem Tom , Fendrych Matyáš , Van Isterdael Gert , Bjerkan Katrine N. , Miller Jason R. , Nowack Moritz K. , Grini Paul E.
Published: January 2022

Genomic imprinting promotes differential expression of parental alleles in the endosperm of flowering plants, and is regulated by epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation and histone tail modifications in chromatin. After fertilization, the endosperm develops through a syncytial stage before it cellularizes and becomes a nutrient source for the growing embryo. Both in early and late endosperm development regional compartmentalization has been shown, and different transcriptional domains suggest divergent spatial and temporal regional functions. The analysis of the role of parent-of-origin allelic expression in the endosperm as a whole and also investigation of domain specific functions has been hampered by the availability of the tissue for high-throughput transcriptome analyses and contamination from surrounding tissue. Here we have used Fluorescence-Activated Nuclear Sorting (FANS) of nuclear targeted eGFP fluorescent genetic markers to capture parental specific allelic expression from different developmental stages and specific endosperm domains. This RNASeq approach allows us to successfully identify differential genomic imprinting with temporal and spatial resolution. In a systematic approach we report temporal regulation of imprinted genes in the endosperm as well as region specific imprinting in endosperm domains. Our data identifies loci that are spatially differentially imprinted in one domain of the endosperm while biparentally expressed in other domains. This suggests that regulation of genomic imprinting is dynamic and challenges the canonical mechanisms for genomic imprinting.
LKB1 acts as a critical brake for the glucagon-mediated fasting response
Authors: Acevedo-Acevedo Suehelay , Stefkovich Megan L. , Sophie Kang Sun Woo , Cunningham Rory P. , Cultraro Constance M. , Porat-Shliom Natalie
Published: January 2022

As important as the fasting response is for survival, an inability to shut it down once nutrients become available can lead to exacerbated disease and severe wasting. The liver is central to transitions between feeding and fasting states, with glucagon being a key initiator of the hepatic fasting response. However, the precise mechanisms controlling fasting are not well defined. One potential mediator of these transitions is Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) given its role in nutrient sensing. Here, we show LKB1 knockout mice have a severe wasting and prolonged fasting phenotype despite increased food intake. By applying RNA sequencing and intravital microscopy we show that loss of LKB1 leads to a dramatic reprogramming of the hepatic lobule through robust upregulation of periportal genes and functions. This is likely mediated through the opposing effect LKB1 has on glucagon pathways and gene expression. Conclusion: our findings show that LKB1 acts as a brake to the glucagon-mediated fasting response resulting in “periportalization” of the hepatic lobule and whole-body metabolic inefficiency. These findings reveal a new mechanism by which hepatic metabolic compartmentalization is regulated by nutrient-sensing.
Pectin cell wall remodeling through PLL12 and callose deposition through polar CALS7 are necessary for long-distance phloem transport
Authors: Kalmbach Lothar , Bourdon Matthieu , Heo Jung-ok , Otero Sofia , Blob Bernhard , Helariutta Ykä
Published: January 2022

In plants, the phloem distributes photosynthetic products for metabolism and storage over long distances. It relies on specialized cells, the sieve elements, which are enucleated and interconnected through large so-called sieve pores in their adjoining cell walls. Reverse genetics identified PECTATE LYASE LIKE 12 (PLL12) as critical for plant growth and development. Using genetic complementation, we establish that PLL12 enzyme activity is required exclusively late during cell differentiation. Physiological assays suggested a role specifically in phloem long distance transport while short distance symplastic transport does not require PLL12. Exploiting CALLOSE SYNTHASE 7 (CALS7) as a polar fluorescent marker, we identified structural defects in sieve pores in pll12. Due to the serial arrangement of sieve elements in the phloem, such defects should affect a plant’s ability specifically for symplastic transport over long distances.
Cannabinoid receptor 1 is required for neurodevelopment of striosome-dendron bouquets
Authors: Crittenden Jill R. , Yoshida Tomoko , Venu Samitha , Mahar Ara , Graybiel Ann M.
Published: January 2022

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) has strong effects on neurogenesis and axon pathfinding in the prenatal brain. Endocannabinoids that activate CB1R are abundant in the early postnatal brain and in mother’s milk, but few studies have investigated their function in newborns. We examined postnatal CB1R expression in the major striatonigral circuit from striosomes of the striatum to the dopamine-containing neurons of the substantia nigra. CB1R enrichment was first detectable between postnatal days 5 and 7, and this timing coincided with the formation of ‘striosome-dendron bouquets’, the elaborate anatomical structures by which striosomal neurons control dopaminergic cell activity through inhibitory synapses. In Cnr1−/− knockouts lacking CB1R expression, striosome-dendron bouquets were markedly disorganized by postnatal day 11 and at adulthood, suggesting a postnatal pathfinding connectivity function for CB1R in connecting striosomal axons and dopaminergic neurons analogous to CB1R’s prenatal function in other brain regions. Our finding that CB1R plays a major role in postnatal wiring of the striatonigral dopamine system, with lasting consequences at least in mice, points to a crucial need to determine whether lactating mothers’ use of CB1R agonists (e.g., in marijuana) or antagonists (e.g., type 2 diabetes therapies) can disrupt brain development in nursing offspring.
Non-identifiability and the Blessings of Misspecification in Models of Molecular Fitness
Authors: Weinstein Eli N. , Amin Alan N. , Frazer Jonathan , Marks Debora S.
Published: January 2022

Understanding the consequences of mutation for molecular fitness and function is a fundamental problem in biology. Recently, generative probabilistic models have emerged as a powerful tool for estimating fitness from evolutionary sequence data, with accuracy sufficient to predict both laboratory measurements of function and disease risk in humans, and to design novel functional proteins. Existing techniques rest on an assumed relationship between density estimation and fitness estimation, a relationship that we interrogate in this article. We prove that fitness is not identifiable from observational sequence data alone, placing fundamental limits on our ability to disentangle fitness landscapes from phylogenetic history. We show on real datasets that perfect density estimation in the limit of infinite data would, with high confidence, result in poor fitness estimation; current models perform accurate fitness estimation because of, not despite, misspecification. Our results challenge the conventional wisdom that bigger models trained on bigger datasets will inevitably lead to better fitness estimation, and suggest novel estimation strategies going forward.
“Populist Attitude and Conspiracist beliefs contribution to the overconfidence about the risk of Covid-19: implications for Preventive Health Behaviors”
Authors: Agnese Giuliani , Fabio Presaghi
Published: January 2022

Populism and Conspiracy beliefs seem to represent the zeitgeist of people depending on fast and simple information retrieved through social media. The Covid-19 emergency has simply catalyzed this process, not without consequences. Supported by literature review, we hypothesize that the higher the populist attitude the higher the tendency in believing in conspiracies, and that both higher populist attitudes and conspiracist beliefs may induce people in underestimating health related risks that may be reflected in a lowered tendency in adopting preventive health behaviors against Covid-19 spread. Data collected during the quarantine (December 2020, March 2021) mainly supported our hypotheses. Results are discussed in accord with the dramatic consequences it may have overconfidence in undermining the adoption of preventive health behaviors.
Inequalities in access to paid sick leave among workers in England and Wales
Authors: Patel Parth , Beale Sarah , Nguyen Vincent , Braithwaite Isobel , Byrne Thomas E , Erica Fong Wing Lam , Fragaszy Ellen , Geismar Cyril , Hoskins Susan , Navaratnam Annalan M D , Shrotri Madhumita , Kovar Jana , Hayward Andrew C , Aldridge Robert W
Published: January 2022

Background

It is poorly understood which workers lack access to sick pay in England and Wales. This evidence gap has been of particular interest in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic given the relationship between presenteeism and infectious disease transmission.

Method

This cross-sectional analysis is nested within a large community cohort study of Covid-19 epidemiology in England and Wales (Virus Watch). An online survey in February 2021 asked participants if they had access to paid sick leave. We use a fixed effect logistic regression model to examine sociodemographic factors associated with lacking access to sick pay.

Results

8,874 participants in work responded to the survey item about access to sick pay. Of those, 5,864 (66%) report having access to sick pay, 2,218 (25%) report no access to sick pay and 792 (8.9%) were unsure. Workers aged 45-64 (OR 1.72) and over 65 (OR 5.26) are more likely to lack access to sick pay compared to workers aged 25-44. South Asian workers (OR 1.40) and those from Other minority ethnic backgrounds (OR 2.93) are more likely to lack access to sick pay compared to White British workers. Workers in low income households (OR 1.43-2.53) and those with working class occupations (OR 2.04-5.29) are also more likely to lack access to sick pay compared to those in high income households and managerial occupations.

Discussion

Unwarranted age and race inequalities in sick pay access are suggestive of labour market discrimination. Occupational differences are also cause for concern. Policymakers should consider expanding access to sick pay to mitigate transmission of Covid-19 and other endemic infectious disease epidemics in the community.
ScRNA-seq Expression ofIFI27andAPOC2Identifies Four Alveolar Macrophage Superclusters in Healthy BALF
Authors: Li Xin , Kolling Fred W. , Aridgides Daniel , Mellinger Diane , Ashare Alix , Jakubzick Claudia V.
Published: January 2022

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) reside on the luminal surface of the airways and alveoli, ensuring proper gas exchange by ingesting cellular debris and pathogens, and regulating inflammatory responses. Therefore, understanding the heterogeneity and diverse roles played by AMs, interstitial macrophages (IMs), and recruited monocytes is critical for treating airway diseases. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on 113,213 bronchoalveolar lavage cells from four healthy and three uninflamed cystic fibrosis subjects and identified FOLR2+SELENOP+and SPP1+PLA2G7+IMs, monocyte subtypes, and dendritic cell 1 (DC1), DC2, migDCs, plasmacytoid DCs, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and four AM superclusters (families) based on the expression ofIFI27andAPOC2genes. These 4 AM families have at least eight distinct functional members (subclusters) named after their differentially expressed gene(s): IGF1, CCL18, CXCL5, Cholesterol, Chemokine, Metallothionein, Interferon and small-cluster AMs. Interestingly, the Chemokine cluster further divides with each subcluster selectively expressing a unique combination of chemokines. One of the most striking observations, besides the heterogeneity, is the conservation of AM family members in relatively equal ratio across all AM superclusters and individuals. Transcriptional data and TotalSeq technology were used to investigate cell surface markers that distinguish resident AMs from recruited monocytes. Lastly, other AM datasets were projected onto our dataset. Similar AM superclusters and functional subclusters were observed, along with changes in AM subclusters in individuals infected with COVID-19. Overall, functional specializations of the AM subclusters suggest that there are highly regulated AM niches with defined programming states, highlighting a clear division of labor.

Summary Blurb

There are at least 14 AM subtypes; their frequency, along with other immune cells, are highly conserved across individuals suggesting a specific niche exists for each leukocyte population.

Graphical Abstract
A flexible network of lipid droplet associated proteins support embryonic integrity of C. elegans
Authors: Cao Zhe , Fung Chun Wing , Mak Ho Yi
Published: January 2022

In addition to coordinating the storage and mobilization of neutral fat, lipid droplets (LDs) are conserved organelles that can accommodate additional cargos in order to support animal development. However, it is unclear if each type of cargo is matched with a specific subset of LDs. Is the identity of each subset rigidly maintained? Here, we report that SEIP-1/seipin defines a subset of oocyte LDs that are required for proper eggshell formation in C. elegans. Using a photoconvertible fluorescent protein-based imaging assay, we found that SEIP-1 positive LDs were selectively depleted after fertilization, coincident of the formation of a lipid-rich permeability barrier of the eggshell. Loss of SEIP-1 function caused impenetrant embryonic arrest, which could be suppressed by depleting a LD-structural protein PLIN-1/perilipin. The embryonic development of seip-1; plin-1 mutant in turn depended on another LD-associated protein, RAB-18/Rab18. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that SEIP-1 dependent and independent mechanisms act redundantly to ensure the packaging and export of lipid-rich permeability barrier constituents via LDs. The identity of these LDs, as defined by their associated proteins, exhibits unexpected plasticity that ultimately ensures the survival of embryos ex utero.
Pinpointing the tumor-specific T-cells via TCR clusters
Authors: Goncharov M.M. , Bryushkova E.A. , Sharayev N.I. , Skatova V.D. , Baryshnikova A.M. , Sharonov G.V. , Samoylenko I.V. , Demidov L.V. , Chudakov D.M. , Serebrovskaya E.O.
Published: January 2022

Adoptive T cell transfer (ACT) is a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy, but its efficiency fundamentally depends on the extent of tumor-specific T-cell enrichment within the graft. This can be estimated via activation with identifiable neoantigens, tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), or living or lyzed tumor cells, but these approaches remain laborious, time-consuming, and functionally limited, hampering clinical development of ACT. Here, we demonstrate that homology cluster analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires efficiently identifies tumor-reactive TCRs allowing to: 1) detect their presence within the pool of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs); 2) optimize TIL culturing conditions, with IL-2low/IL-21/anti-PD-1 combination showing increased efficiency; 3) investigate surface marker-based enrichment for tumor-targeting T cells in freshly-isolated TILs (enrichment confirmed for CD4+and CD8+PD-1+/CD39+subsets), or re-stimulated TILs (informs on enrichment in 4-1BB-sorted cells). We believe that this approach to the rapid assessment of tumor-specific TCR enrichment should accelerate T cell therapy development.
Thyroid hormones deficiency impairs male germ cell development: a cross talk between hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid, and - gonadal axes in zebrafish
Authors: Rodrigues Maira S , Tovo-Neto Aldo , da Rosa Ivana F , Doretto Lucas B , Fallah Hamideh P , Habibi Hamid R , Nóbrega Rafael H
Published: January 2022

In vertebrates, thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are critical players in controlling different physiological processes such as development, growth, metabolism among others. There is evidence in mammals that thyroid hormones are also an important component of the hormonal system that controls reproduction, although studies in fish remain poorly investigated. Here we tested this hypothesis by investigating the effects of methimazole-induced hypothyroidism on the testicular function in adult D. rerio. Treatment of fish with methimazole, in vivo, significantly affected the progression of zebrafish spermatogenesis by inducing the accumulation of pre-meiotic cells, delaying cell differentiation and meiosis, as well as reducing the number of spermatozoa. The observed impairment of spermatogenesis by methimazole was correlated with significant changes in transcript levels for several genes involved in the control of reproduction. Using an in vitro approach, we also demonstrated that in addition to affecting the components of the brain-pituitary-peripheral axis, T3 also exerts direct action at the level of the testis. These results support the hypothesis that thyroid hormones are an essential component of multifactorial control of reproduction and testicular function in zebrafish and possibly other vertebrates.
Hedgehogs are the major amplifying hosts of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus
Authors: Zhao Chaoyue , Zhang Xing , Hao Junfeng , Ye Ling , Lawrence Kevin , Lu Yajun , Du Chunhong , Si Xiaoxi , Xu Haidong , Yang Qian , Xia Qianfeng , Yu Guoxiang , Yuan Fei , Jiang Jiafu , Zheng Aihua
Published: January 2022

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a tick-borne bandavirus mainly transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis in East Asia, mostly in rural areas. To date, the amplifying host involved in the natural transmission of SFTSV remains unidentified. Our epidemiological field survey conducted in endemic areas in China showed that hedgehogs were widely distributed, had heavy tick infestations, and had high SFTSV seroprevalence and RNA prevalence. After experimental infection of Erinaceus amurensis and Atelerix albiventris hedgehogs with SFTSV, robust but transitory viremias were detected, which lasted for around nine to eleven days. The infected hedgehogs experienced light weight loss and histopathology of the spleen showed hemorrhagic necrosis and lymphopenia, with infected hedgehogs recovering after viral clearance. Remarkably, SFTSV transmission cycle between hedgehogs and nymph/adult H. longicornis was easily accomplished under laboratory condition with 100% efficiency. Furthermore, naïve H. longicornis ticks could be infected by SFTSV-positive ticks co-feeding on naïve hedgehogs, with transstadial transmission of SFTSV also confirmed. We also found that SFTSV viremia remained high in hedgehogs during hibernation, suggesting that this mechanism might contribute to the persistence of SFTSV from one year to the next. Of concern, we recently found evidence of the natural circulation of SFTSV in the urban area of Beijing City in China involving H. longicornis ticks and E. amurensis hedgehogs. Our study suggests that the hedgehogs are the major wildlife amplifying hosts of SFTSV and that urban outbreaks of SFTSV might occur in the future.
Forced proximity promotes the formation of enduring cooperative relationships in vampire bats
Authors: Razik Imran , Brown Bridget K. G. , Carter Gerald G.
Published: January 2022

Spatial assortment can be both a cause and consequence of cooperation. Proximity promotes cooperation when individuals preferentially help nearby partners, and conversely, cooperation drives proximity when individuals move towards more cooperative partners. However, these two causal directions are difficult to distinguish with observational data. Here, we experimentally test if forcing randomly selected pairs of equally familiar female common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) into close spatial proximity promotes the formation of enduring cooperative relationships. Over 114 days, we sampled 682 hours of interactions among 21 females captured from three distant sites to track daily allogrooming rates over time. We compared these rates before, during, and after a one-week period, during which we caged random triads of previously unfamiliar and unrelated vampire bats in close proximity. After the week of close proximity when all bats could again freely associate, the allogrooming rates of pairs forced into proximity increased more than those of the 126 control pairs. This work is the first to experimentally demonstrate the causal effect of repeated interactions on cooperative investments in vampire bats. Future work should determine the relative importance of mere association versus interactions (e.g. reciprocal allogrooming) in shaping social preferences.
Clemizole and Trazodone are Effective Antiseizure Treatments in a Zebrafish Model of STXBP1 Disorder
Authors: Moog Maia , Baraban Scott C.
Published: January 2022

Objective

CRISPR-Cas9-generated zebrafish carrying a 12 base-pair deletion in stxbpb1b, a paralog sharing 79% amino acid sequence identity with human, exhibit spontaneous electrographic seizures during larval stages of development. Zebrafish stxbp1b mutants provide an efficient preclinical platform to test antiseizure therapeutics. The present study was designed to test prototype antiepileptic drugs approved for clinical use and two recently identified repurposed drugs with antiseizure activity.

Methods

Larval homozygous stxbp1b zebrafish (4 days post-fertilization) were agarose-embedded and monitored for electrographic seizure activity using a local field recording electrode placed in midbrain. Frequency of ictal-like events was evaluated at baseline and following 45 min of continuous drug exposure (1 mM, bath application). Analysis was performed on coded files by an experimenter blinded to drug treatment and genotype.

Results

Phenytoin, valproate, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and diazepam had no effect on ictal-like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish. Clemizole and trazodone decreased ictal-like event frequency in stxbp1b mutant zebrafish by 80% and 83%, respectively. These results suggest that repurposed drugs with serotonin receptor binding affinities could be effective antiseizure treatments.

Significance

Clemizole and trazodone were identified in a larval zebrafish model for Dravet syndrome. Based primarily on these preclinical zebrafish studies, compassionate-use and double-blind clinical trials with both drugs have progressed. The present study extends this approach to a preclinical zebrafish model representing STXBP1-related disorders, and suggests that future clinical studies may be warranted.
NCOA4 drives ferritin phase separation to facilitate macroferritinophagy and endosomal microferritinophagy
Authors: Ohshima Tomoko , Yamamoto Hayashi , Sakamaki Yuriko , Saito Chieko , Mizushima Noboru
Published: January 2022

A ferritin particle consists of 24 ferritin proteins (FTH1 and FTL) and stores iron ions within it. During iron deficiency, ferritin particles are transported to lysosomes to release iron ions. Two transport pathways have been reported: macroautophagy and ESCRT-dependent endosomal microautophagy. Although the membrane dynamics of these pathways differ, both require NCOA4, which is thought to be an autophagy receptor for ferritin. However, the exact function of NCOA4 remains elusive. Here, we found that ferritin particles form liquid-like condensates in a NCOA4-dependent manner. Homodimerization of NCOA4 and interaction between FTH1 and NCOA4 (i.e., multivalent interactions between ferritin particles and NCOA4) were required for the formation of ferritin condensates. Disruption of these interactions impaired ferritin degradation. Time-lapse imaging and three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy revealed that these ferritin–NCOA4 condensates were directly engulfed by autophagosomes and endosomes. In contrast, TAX1BP1 was not required for the formation of ferritin–NCOA4 condensates but was required for their incorporation into autophagosomes and endosomes. These results suggest that NCOA4 acts not only as a canonical autophagy receptor but also as a driver to form ferritin condensates to facilitate the degradation of these condensates by macroautophagy (i.e., macroferritinophagy) and endosomal microautophagy (i.e., microferritinophagy).
High-speed high-resolution data collection on a 200 keV cryo-TEM
Authors: Peck Jared V. , Fay Jonathan F. , Strauss Joshua D.
Published: January 2022

Limitations to successful single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) projects include stable sample generation, production of quality cryo-EM grids with randomly oriented particles embedded in thin vitreous ice and access to microscope time. To address the limitation of microscope time, methodologies to more efficiently collect data on a 200 keV Talos Arctica cryo-transmission electron microscope at speeds as fast as 720 movies per hour (∼17 000 per day) were tested. In this study, key parameters were explored to increase data collection speed including: (1) using the beam-image shift method to acquire multiple images per stage position, (2) employing UltrAufoil TEM grids with R0.6/1 hole spacing, (3) collecting hardware-binned data and (4) adjusting the image shift delay factor in SerialEM. Here, eight EM maps of mouse apoferritin at 1.8–1.9 Å resolution were obtained in the analysis with data collection times for each dataset ranging from 56 min to 2 h. An EM map of mouse apoferritin at 1.78 Å was obtained from an overnight data collection at a speed of 500 movies per hour and subgroup analysis performed, with no significant variation observed in data quality by image shift distance and image shift delay. The findings and operating procedures detailed herein allow for rapid turnover of single-particle cryo-EM structure determination.
An evolutionary structural optimization algorithm for the analysis of light automobile parts using a meshless technique
Authors: Gonçalves Diogo , Lopes Joel , Campilho Raul , Belinha Jorge
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the present work is to develop the combination of the radial point interpolation method (RPIM) with a bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) algorithm and extend it to the analysis of benchmark examples and automotive industry applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A BESO algorithm capable of detecting variations in the stress level of the structure, and thus respond to those changes by reinforcing the solid material, is developed. A meshless method, the RPIM, is used to iteratively obtain the stress field. The obtained optimal topologies are then recreated and numerically analyzed to validate its proficiency.

Findings

The proposed algorithm is capable to achieve accurate benchmark material distributions. Implementation of the BESO algorithm combined with the RPIM allows developing innovative lightweight automotive structures with increased performance.

Research limitations/implications

Computational cost of the topology optimization analysis is constrained by the nodal density discretizing the problem domain. Topology optimization solutions are usually complex, whereby they must be fabricated by additive manufacturing techniques and experimentally validated.

Practical implications

In automotive industry, fuel consumption, carbon emissions and vehicle performance is influenced by structure weight. Therefore, implementation of accurate topology optimization algorithms to design lightweight (cost-efficient) components will be an asset in industry.

Originality/value

Meshless methods applications in topology optimization are not as widespread as the finite element method (FEM). Therefore, this work enhances the state-of-the-art of meshless methods and demonstrates the suitability of the RPIM to solve topology optimization problems. Innovative lightweight automotive structures are developed using the proposed methodology.
Pricing research in hospitality and tourism and marketing literature: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Han Wenjia , Bai Billy
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study systematically reviewed pricing research published in leading marketing and hospitality and tourism (H&T) journals between 2010 and 2019. It attempts to concretize the understanding of the evolving patterns of pricing research in both fields and suggests an agenda for future research in H&T.

Design/methodology/approach

This study performed keyword co-occurrence analyses and co-citation analyses on the bibliographic data of 575 articles from marketing and H&T journals. Content analysis was applied to investigate the emerged topics in H&T.

Findings

The marketing discipline showed a persistent focus on research themes including price promotion, reference price, price fairness and pricing strategy. The H&T domain experienced a significant content enrichment of preexistent research topics. H&T scholars showed a growing interest in studying pricing for sharing economy accommodations and the interplay between pricing and electronic word-of-mouth. While marketing research applied theories from multiple disciplines as the theoretical foundations, H&T studies adopted the hedonic pricing model as an overarching theory.

Practical implications

Future pricing research in H&T may incorporate theories from other disciplines such as psychology, sociology and anthropology to broaden the scope of the study. Besides, innovative study designs and complex data analysis techniques should be encouraged. Topicwise, H&T scholars can dive deeper into price promotion and distribution channel price management.

Originality/value

This is the first study consolidating the pricing literature in H&T and marketing. It also suggests the potential research directions for researchers.
Numerical study of aerodynamic performance and flow characteristics of a centrifugal blower
Authors: Le Thanh-Long , Nghia Tran Trung , Thong Hong Duc , Son Mai Hoang Kim
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the effect of the operating condition such as the impeller speed on the centrifugal fan performance and flow characteristics. The ability to predict the behavior of the airflow motion in a centrifugal blower is essential for obtaining the topology optimization design.

Design/methodology/approach

A physical model of the air blower consisting of these main parts in a blower system: collector, impeller, outlet flange and volute casing, and the appropriate boundary conditions are set up by ANSYS software. Computation fluid dynamics are performed for the numerical analysis. The calculation of blower performance parameters such as total pressure, efficiency and flow rate is based on the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations and k-εturbulence flow model.

Findings

The numerical results show that the change in operating conditions has a significant effect on the blower performance, and the pressure maintained inside the blower is higher for a larger impeller rotational speed.

Originality/value

This work is original and has not yet been submitted to elsewhere or published previously.
Exploring the multi-level influence of shared leadership on workplace spirituality in teams
Authors: Prabhu Nandan , Modem Roopa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between shared transformational leadership and workplace spirituality in teams. While articulating its theoretical propositions, this research draws on the theory of motivational effects of charismatic leadership based on the self-concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has adopted the quantitative method and cross-sectional research design while examining the study’s variables’ multi-level relationship. The authors researched 141 project teams in India’s information technology setting.

Findings

This study shows that shared transformational leadership is associated with workplace spirituality. This research has also found significant within-team variance in team members’ workplace spirituality experiences.

Practical implications

The study’s results show that the information technology companies’ employees aspire to cultivate individual-specific meaning at work. Therefore, team leaders should strive to display transformational leadership behaviours to build individual-specific meaning and a sense of community among team members.

Social implications

The study’s findings imply that shared transformational leadership can reduce individualistic utilitarianism and the resulting baneful impact of hedonism. Society can also benefit from shared leadership’s impact on individuals’ self-work integration as it will probably strengthen the “other-benefitting” behaviour instead of mere hedonistic orientation.

Originality/value

This paper has addressed the theoretical tensions regarding the role of shared transformational leadership in inducing employees’ inner life, meaning at work and sense of community. This paper helps us understand shared transformational leadership’s effects on individual workplace spirituality experiences.
Commodity prices, inflation and inflation uncertainty among emerging economies
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the role price fluctuations associated with internationally traded commodities play in inflationary conditions and inflation uncertainty among economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel 32 countries from the sub-region from 1996 to 2019, this study employed Two-Step System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique in its analysis.

Findings

Empirical evidence demonstrates that fluctuations in forex-adjusted price of crude oil, gold and cocoa have significant positive impact on inflation while forex-adjusted changes in price of cotton tend to have significant negative influence on consumer price inflation among economies in the sub-region. Additionally, the study found that gold, cocoa and cotton price changes on the international market have significant positive impact on inflation uncertainty in the sub-region (rise in price leads to increase rate of inflation uncertainty). Furthermore, improved regulatory quality and growth in output growth (GDP per capita growth) were found to help in stabilizing inflation uncertainty (reduce inflation uncertainty) among economies in the sub-region during periods of persistent growth in general price levels.

Originality/value

The study present a different approach based on individual economy forex-adjusted global prices of internationally traded commodities instead of general prices often used in the literature and assessed the effects such adjusted commodity prices have on inflation and inflation uncertainty. Additionally, the moderating role of regulatory quality and output growth between surmised nexuses are also examined.
Green practices and sustainability performance: the exploratory links of organizational culture and quality improvement practices
Authors: Fok Lillian , Zee Susan , Morgan Yun-Chen Tsai
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the direct and indirect effects of organizational culture and quality improvement practices on the relationship between green practices and sustainability performances by using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 330 full-time managerial employees in established businesses. The relationships depicted in the proposed conceptual model were tested through six hypotheses. IBM SPSS Statistics and SEM-AMOS were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results supported proposed relationships in the model, except the one between organizational culture and green practices. The findings indicate that the more employees are aware of companies’ green practices, the more likely they are going to feel positive about the sustainability performance of the organization. Additionally, a strong organizational culture that supports the green movement and quality improvement practices lead to positive sustainability outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

A larger sample size in several major industries would allow the development of industry-specific sustainability strategies and best practices. In addition, a study based in a different geographical location in the USA or in a different country is recommended to see if the findings can be generalized across different industries, geographical locations or countries.

Practical implications

Sustainability has undoubtedly become a major concern for many companies today. The findings of this study provide important guidelines for practitioners to balance the implementation of green practices, organizational culture, quality improvement practices and sustainability performance dimensions. Profitability and sustainability can be achieved together when companies are willing to continuously pay attention to environmental issues and strategically invest in initiatives that are cost-efficient and eco-friendly.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first that explores how organizational culture and quality improvement practices affect directly and indirectly the relationship between green practices and sustainability performance. The results imply that organizational culture and quality improvement practices significantly affect the relationship between green practices and the sustainability performance dimensions.
Practice Briefing China's commercial real estate recovery, REITs and tax policies
Authors: Muszynski Olivia , Cinar Mine E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Commercial property market allows for the potential development of a similar real estate investment trust (REIT) structure in China as the commercial REITs (C-REIT) such as those offshore in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine tax codes of the present real estate investment methods in China in order to understand the interest for a new vehicle that specifically focuses on commercial real estate.

Findings

Given the progress of offshore C-REITS and Chinese government's emphasis on real estate, Chinese shareholders will benefit if onshore C-REITS are issued. Crucial to the success of C-REITS will be how the C-REIT shares will be priced with respect to Net Asset Value of underlying assets.

Research limitations/implications

COVID-19 pandemic has changed government priorities, and development of C-REITS in real estate for growth may no longer be a priority policy for China.

Practical implications

Liquidity in real estate markets will be enhanced by C-REITS due to participation of private investors.

Social implications

Onshore C-REITS would allow small and individual investors to have a stake in their home country's commercial real estate as an investment security for their own future.

Originality/value

This policy article also includes an interview with real estate professional in China whose opinions are embedded and added to the article.
Impact of government subsidy on the optimal strategies of improving water use efficiency for a high-water-consumption manufacturer
Authors: Ma Weimin , Li Xiaona
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In order to encourage the high-water-consumption (HWC) manufacturers to carry out water-saving transformation relying on self-strength or outsourcing to a water-saving service company (WSSC) during production processes, government subsidies are provided according to water-saving efforts (WSE) or investment cost. In this context, the authors derive the participant's equilibrium decisions and the manufacturer's water-saving strategy. Additionally, the effects of subsidies on WSE and stakeholders' profits are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical models including optimization model and Stackelberg game model are constructed under different subsidy schemes.

Findings

The study finds that (1) there exists a threshold related to the subsidy coefficient for the HWC manufacturer when choosing between self-saving and outsourcing-saving. (2) When the technological competitive advantage between WSSC and manufacturer is within a certain range, government's subsidy promotes HWC enterprises to choose outsourcing-saving. (3) Given a water-saving mode, subsidy on investment cost is more effective for the government to achieve more environmental performance.

Research limitations/implications

First, subsidy endogeneity can be considered to explore the optimal interval for government subsidies to maximize social welfare. Second, in outsourcing-saving, other types of contract can be discussed. Another extension is about model uncertainties. Finally, other policies on improving water efficiency can be also examined.

Practical implications

The paper includes implication for HWC manufacturers to select the best water-saving mode under subsidy, and it allows policymakers to understand the efficiency of proposed subsidies.

Originality/value

Decisions on water-saving efforts, selection of water-saving modes and operational planning are also regarded as business strategies in the paper. Particularly, the influences of different government subsidies are also considered and compared.
Effects of qualitative factors and auditors’ personal characteristics on materiality judgments
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed Abdel Aziz , Salama Samar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of qualitative materiality factors on auditors’ assessment of materiality and the determination of the type of the auditors’ reports. This paper also analyzes whether differences in personal characteristics of auditors can influence their use of qualitative materiality factors in assessing material misstatements.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire and experimental case studies were undertaken to determine whether differences in personal characteristics of auditors can influence their degree of reliance on qualitative factors in assessing the materiality of detected misstatements. Descriptive and statistical tests were used to analyze the data collected.

Findings

The results of this paper show that qualitative materiality factors strongly influence the auditor’s materiality judgments. However, no significant differences were found regarding the effects of auditors’ personal characteristics on the degree to which they rely on the qualitative factors in their materiality judgments. Also, in certain situations, auditors considered factors other than the income for assessing certain misstatements as material and consequently modified their audit reports.

Originality/value

This paper examines the influence of qualitative factors on auditors’ materiality judgments and develops a list of qualitative factors to be considered by auditors when assessing materiality. It also concludes that the nature of misstatement is the least important qualitative factor considered by auditors when assessing materiality of detected misstatements and that the existence of more explicit or standardized qualitative materiality guidelines would lead to a more uniform judgment among auditors.
Application of GIS-based multi-criteria decision making analysis (GIS-MCDA) in selecting locations most suitable for siting engineered landfills – the case of Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Asori Moses , Dogbey Emmanuel , Morgan Anthony Kwame , Ampofo Solomon Twum , Mpobi Robert Kwame Jumah , Katey Daniel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The study aimed to use geographic information system (GIS) based multi-criteria decision making analysis (GIS-MCDA) to select areas suitable for siting landfills in Ashanti region. It also sought to ascertain variables most sensitive to the siting of landfill in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized GIS-based Multi-criteria decision making analysis –AHP to model and select areas most suitable to siting landfills within the region. Overall, 16 variables including wind speed and hydraulic conductivity (which were previously neglected in landfill siting in Ghana) were identified through comprehensive literature review. These variables were weighted using AHP method and integrated using the weighted linear combination (WLC) in GIS environment to develop five sub-models: the physical environmental, sociocultural, economic/technical, climatic and hydrogeological sub-models. These sub-models were further weighted and then integrated to derive the final suitability model.

Findings

Results show that 13% (3,067 km2) of the region was identified as most suitable to siting engineered landfills. The study also identified 11 sites which are considered most suitable for situating landfills. On a sensitivity angle, hydrogeological (R2 = 0.5923; p = 0.003) and physical environmental sub-model (R2 = 0.254; p = 0.034) significantly predicted the final suitability model developed.

Practical implications

Ghana's Landfill Guidelines seeks to optimize site selection and ancillary services that culminate into achieving sanitary landfills by 2020. Evidence still abounds on the unsuitability of existing and in some cases, new landfill sites presenting environmental and social negative impacts. The comprehensive evaluation of most crucial variables – social and environmental factors that determine an optimal landfill location – will be of immense help to policy planners like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) towards upgraded landfills. The authors hope that, concerned agencies will adopt the model in the study and integrate into their existing landfill suitability modeling techniques to provide a more grounded framework that optimizes landfill site selection within the study area.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to consider a regional-level waste collection site selection in Ghana using comprehensive sets of social and environmental factors and will therefore contribute immensely to EPA's goal of achieving upgraded landfills by 2022.