bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poorly Cohesive Gastric Cancers Showing the Transcriptomic Hallmarks of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Behave Aggressively
Authors: Bencivenga Maria , Simbolo Michele , Ciaparrone Chiara , Vicentini Caterina , Torroni Lorena , Piredda Maria Liliana , Sacco Michele , Alloggio Mariella , Castelli Claudia , Tomezzoli Anna , Scarpa Aldo , De Manzoni Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Hypothesis:

Poorly cohesive (PC) gastric cancer (GC) exhibits variable clinical behavior, being extremely aggressive in most cases but more indolent at times. We hypothesized that the integrative genomic and gene expression characterization of a PC GC series could help identifying molecular subtypes with potential clinical implications.

Materials and Methods:

64 PC GCs were assessed for alterations in 409 genes and 30 cases were subjected to transcriptomic profiling of 20,815 genes.

Results:

A median of 8.2 mutations per Mb (interquartile range 6.9–10.4) was found and a tumor mutational load >10 muts/Mb was significantly associated with patients’ worse survival (P=0.0024). The most frequent mutated genes were CDH1 and TP53 (each 32.8%) followed by PIK3CA (10.9%). In 15 samples (23.4%), at least 1 chromatin remodeling gene was mutated: KMT2D (5 cases); ARID1A and BAP1 (4 cases each); EZH2, KMT2A, PBRM1 (1 case each). Eight samples (12.5%) had fusion genes involving CLDN18 gene. Gene expression profiling identified 4 different clusters: cluster A associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature; cluster B associated to proliferative signature and EMT; cluster C correlated to hedgehog signaling; cluster D showing no enrichment for any of the previous signatures. Notably, cluster A and B showed a worse prognosis compared with clusters C and D (P=0.0095).

Conclusion:

integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis suggest the existence of 4 molecular subtypes of PC GC with prognostic significance where EMT features are associated with a worse outcome.
Ocular Biomarkers of Riboflavin Transporter Deficiency
Authors: Bulas Sabrina , Bedoukian Emma C. , O'Neil Erin C. , Krantz Ian D. , Yum Sabrina W. , Liu Grant T. , Aleman Tomas S.
Published: August 2022

Background:

To describe the clinical presentation with a focus on ocular manifestations and response to riboflavin supplementation of 3 patients with riboflavin transporter deficiency (RTD) caused by mutations in SLC52A2 (SLC52A2-RTD).

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of records of 3 children (aged 18, n = 2 and age = 8, n = 1) with SLC52A2-RTD. Patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations including color vision testing, pattern visual-evoked potentials (pVEPs, 1 patient) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging. Patients received riboflavin supplements from the time of the molecular diagnosis of RTD.

Results:

Two unrelated 18-year-old patients with SLC52A2-RTD had a symptomatic onset with sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy/dys-synchrony since age 3 and 11, respectively. On examination 7 years after symptomatic onset, they showed subnormal visual acuities (20/30 and 20/60, both eyes, respectively), preserved color vision, and a thin but measurable retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) and nerve fiber (RNFL). The inner and outer nuclear layers were normal. The asymptomatic SLC52A2-positive brother of one of these patients started riboflavin supplementation right after the molecular diagnosis and had normal vision and SD-OCTs 7 years later. Onset of riboflavin supplementation in one of the 2 symptomatic cases resulted in acute improvement of the pattern visual-evoked potential and vision.

Conclusions:

Retinal ganglion cells and their axons are uniquely susceptible to RTD compared with other highly energy-dependent retinal neurons, such as photoreceptors, raising the possibility for alternative mechanisms of disease or protection. Riboflavin supplementation results in acute functional improvement of vision and long-term preservation of GCL and RNFL if initiated early.
Improvement of Retinal Capillary Function After High-Speed Circuit Resistance Training in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Jiang Hong , Signorile Joseph F. , Simms Ava-Gaye , Wang Jianhua
Published: August 2022

Background:

To determine the retinal capillary function (RCF, the efficiency of blood flow transferring in the capillary network) and its relation to cognitive function in healthy older people without known cognitive impairment following an 8-week high-speed circuit resistance training program (HSCT).

Methods:

Eleven subjects in the HSCT group and 7 age-matched nontraining controls (CON) were recruited. The HSCT group trained 3 times per week for 8 weeks, whereas CON performed no formal training. One eye of each subject from both groups was imaged at baseline and 8-week follow-up. Retinal blood flow (RBF) was measured using a retinal function imager, and retinal capillary density (RCD, expressed as fractal dimension Dbox) was measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. RCF was defined as the ratio of RBF to RCD. Cognitive function was assessed during both visits using the NIH Toolbox Fluid Cognition Battery.

Results:

RCF was 2.07 ± 0.64 nL⋅s−1·Dbox−1 (mean ± SD) at baseline, and significantly increased to 2.59 ± 0.54 nL⋅s−1·Dbox−1 after training (P = 0.0003) in the HSCT group, reflecting an increase of 25%. The changes of RBF were not related to the changes of RCD in the HSCT group (r = −0.18, P = 0.59). There was no significant change of RCF in the CON group (P = 0.58). In the HSCT group, the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test and Fluid Cognition Composite Score were significantly increased after HSCT (P = 0.01). Furthermore, the changes in Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (FLNK) were positively correlated to increases in RCF (r = 0.77, P = 0.005).

Conclusions:

This is the first prospective study to demonstrate that the increased RCF after HSCT was related to improved cognition in cognitively normal older adults.
Parasphingorhabdus cellanae sp. nov., isolated from the gut of a Korean limpet, Cellana toreuma
Authors: Yoo Ji-Ho , Han Jeong Eun , Lee June-Young , Jeong Su-Won , Jeong Yun-Seok , Lee Jae-Yun , Lee So-Yeon , Sung Hojun , Tak Euon Jung , Kim Hyun Sik , Kim Pil Soo , Choi Jee-Won , Kim Do-Yeon , Jeong In Chul , Gim Do-Hun , Kang Seo Min , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: August 2022

A novel bacterium, designated strain JHSY0214T, was isolated from the gut of a Korean limpet, Cellana toreuma. Cells of strain JHSY0214T were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, yellow-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile and showed a rod–coccus growth cycle. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain belonged to the genus

Parasphingorhabdus

, and was most closely related to

Parasphingorhabdus litoris

KCTC 12764T (98.71 %). Strain JHSY0214T had two fluoroquinolone-resistance genes and seven multidrug-resistance efflux pump genes, but did not have beta-lactamase genes and zinc resistance genes compared with

P. litoris

KCTC 12764T. Strain JHSY0214T grew optimally at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain JHSY0214T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
 ω6c and/or C18 : 1
 ω7c; 41.2 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c; 21 %) and C16 : 0 (18.9 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major polar lipids were sphingoglycolipid and phosphatidylethanolamine. The genomic DNA G+C content was 52.8 mol%. Based on phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data, strain JHSY0214T represents a novel species of the genus

Parasphingorhabdus

, for which the name Parasphingorhabdus cellanae is proposed. The type strain is JHSY0214T (=KCTC 82387T=DSM 112279T).
Providencia manganoxydans sp. nov., a Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium isolated from heavy metal contaminated soils in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Li Zongpei , Liao Fengfeng , Ding Zhexu , Chen Sha , Li Ding
Published: August 2022

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain designated as LLDRA6T, was isolated from heavy metal contaminated soils collected near a ceased smelting factory at Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, China. Strain LLDRA6T has the ability to oxidize Mn(II) and generate biogenic manganese oxides. The strain can grow in a wide range of temperature from 10–42°C and pH from 5 to 10. Comparative analysis of its complete 16S rRNA gene sequence suggests that strain LLDRA6T is highly similar to species within the genus

Providencia

. The complete genome of LLDRA6T is 4 342 370 bp with 40.18 mol% of G+C content and contains no plasmids. In comparison to the genomes of type strains in

Providencia

, LLDRA6T shows average nucleotide identity values between 76.60 and 80.89 %, and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values in a range of 21.2–24.6 %. Both multilocus sequence analysis and genomic phylogenetics indicate a new taxonomic status for LLDRA6T in

Providencia

. Chemotaxonomic analyses for LLDRA6T show that the predominant cellular fatty acids are C16 : 0, C14 : 0 and cyclo-C17 : 0, accounting for 32.7, 16.1 and 10.3 % of total fatty acids, respectively. The polar lipids consist of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids. Within the cell wall, ribose and meso-diaminopimelic acid are the characteristic constituents for saccharides and amino acids, respectively. Respiratory quinones on cell membranes are composed of menaquinone (MK) and ubiquinone (coenzyme Q), including MK-8 (100.0 %), Q-7 (13.7 %) and Q-8 (86.3 %). Moreover, the positive results from d-lyxose and d-mannitol fermentation tests indicate that LLDRA6T is totally different from all the type strains within the genus

Providencia

. In summary, strain LLDRA6T represents a novel species in the genus

Providencia

, for which the name Providencia manganoxydans sp. nov. (type strain LLDRA6T=CCTCC AB 2021154T=KCTC 92091T) is proposed.
Design Principles for Inflammasome Inhibition by Pyrin-Only-Proteins
Authors: Mazanek Zachary , Wu Shuai , Belotte Gretchen , Zhou Jeffery J. , Stallings Christina M. , Garg Archit , Lueck Jacob , Sohn Jungsan
Published: August 2022

Inflammasomes are filamentous signaling platforms essential for host defense against various intracellular calamities such as pathogen invasion and genotoxic stresses. However, dysregulated inflammasomes cause an array of human diseases including autoinflammatory disorders and cancer. It was recently identified that endogenous pyrin-only-proteins (POPs) regulate inflammasomes by directly inhibiting their filament assembly. Here, by combining Rosetta in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo methods, we investigate the target specificity and inhibition mechanisms of POPs. In contrast to a previous report, we find that POP1 is a poor inhibitor of the central inflammasome adaptor ASC. Instead, POP1 inhibits the assembly of upstream receptor PYD filaments such as those of AIM2, IFI16, NLRP3, and NLRP6. Moreover, not only does POP2 directly suppress the nucleation of ASC, but it can also inhibit the elongation of receptor filaments. In addition to inhibiting the elongation of AIM2 and NLRP6 filaments, POP3 potently suppresses the nucleation of ASC. Our Rosetta analyses and biochemical experiments consistently suggest that a combination of favorable and unfavorable interactions between POPs and PYDs is necessary for effective recognition and inhibition. Together, we reveal the intrinsic target redundancy of POPs and their inhibitory mechanisms.
The Effect of Blood Cholinesterase Level on Health Symptoms among Chili Farmers in Sakon Nakhon Province, Thailand
Authors: Pengpan Ratchadaporn , Kammoolkon Ratanee
Published: August 2022

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript whilst they perform additional experiments to test some of their conclusions further. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Association of mortality and aspirin use for COVID-19 residents at VA Community Living Center Nursing Homes
Authors: Abul Yasin , Devone Frank , Bayer Thomas A , Halladay Christopher , McConeghy Kevin , Mujahid Nadia , Singh Mriganka , Leeder Ciera , Gravenstein Stefan , Rudolph James L.
Published: August 2022

Background/Objectives

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a hypercoagulable state and increased thrombotic risk in infected individuals. Several complex and varied coagulation abnormalities were proposed for this association1. Acetylsalicylic acid(ASA, aspirin) is known to have inflammatory, antithrombotic properties and its use was reported as having potency to reduce RNA synthesis and replication of some types of coronaviruses including human coronavirus-299E (CoV-229E) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV 2,3. We hypothesized that chronic low dose aspirin use may decrease COVID-19 mortality relative to ASA non-users.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational cohort analysis of residents residing at Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers from December 13, 2020, to September 18, 2021, with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Low dose aspirin users had low dose (81mg) therapy (10 of 14 days) prior to the positive COVID date and were compared to aspirin non-users (no ASA in prior 14 days). The primary outcome was mortality at 30 and 56 days post positive test and hospitalization.

Results

We identified 1.823 residents who had SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1,687 residents were eligible for the study. Aspirin use was independently associated with a reduced risk of 30 days of mortality (adjusted HR, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.40-0.90) and 56 days of mortality (adjusted HR, 0.67, 95% CI, 0.47-0.95)

Conclusion

Chronic low dose aspirin use for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events is associated with lower COVID-19 mortality. Although additional randomized controlled trials are required to understand these associations and the potential implications more fully for improving care, aspirin remains a medication with known side effects and clinical practice should not change based on these findings.
Trait Stacking Simultaneously Enhances Provitamin A Carotenoid and Mineral Bioaccessibility in Biofortified Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Dzakovich Michael P. , Debelo Hawi , Albertsen Marc C. , Che Ping , Jones Todd J. , Simon Marissa K. , Zhao Zuo-Yu , Glassman Kimberly , Ferruzzi Mario G.
Published: August 2022

Vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiencies are major nutritional inadequacies in sub-Saharan Africa and disproportionately affect women and children. Biotechnology strategies have been tested to individually improve provitamin A carotenoid or mineral content and/or bioaccessibility in staple crops including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). However, concurrent carotenoid and mineral enhancement has not been thoroughly assessed and antagonism between these chemical classes has been reported. This work evaluated two genetically engineered constructs containing a suite of heterologous genes to increase carotenoid stability and pathway flux, as well as phytase to catabolize phytate and increase mineral bioaccessibility. Kernels from transformed sorghum events were processed into model porridges and evaluated for carotenoid and mineral content as well as bioaccessibility. Transgenic events produced markedly higher amounts of carotenoids (26.4 µg/g) compared to null segregants (4.2 µg/g) and wild-type control (Tx430; 3.7 µg/g). A 200 g serving of porridge made with these transgenic events represents a projected 53.7% of a 4– 8-year-old child’s vitamin A estimated average requirement. Phytase activation by pre-steeping flour resulted in significant phytate reduction (9.4 to 4.2 mg/g), altered the profile of inositol phosphate metabolites, and reduced molar ratios of phytate to iron (16.0 to 4.1); and zinc (19.0 to 4.9) in engineered material; suggesting improved mineral bioaccessibility. Improved phytate:mineral ratios did not significantly affect micellarization and bioaccessible provitamin A carotenoids were over 2300% greater in transgenic events compared to corresponding null segregants and wild-type controls. These data suggest that combinatorial approaches to enhance micronutrient content and bioaccessibility are feasible and warrant further assessment in human studies.
Call patterns encode and transmit emotion in marmoset monkeys
Authors: Huang Junfeng , Liu Hailin , Wang Chen , Ma He , Sun Yongkang , Chang Liangtang , Gong Neng
Published: August 2022

Marmoset monkeys have attracted much attention as a non-human primate model for studying vocal communication, but the call pattern and its meaning in marmoset communication are largely unknown. Here, we analyze sounds produced by hundreds of marmosets either in isolation or in pairs and reveal distinct call patterns in marmoset communication. The most prominent phee calls could be categorized into multiple grades based on the number of comprising phee syllables. Call transitions exhibited non-random patterns, favoring transition to the same or adjacent grade, with long sequences limited within two adjacent grades. The interval, composition, and temporal distribution of calls were significantly different between isolated and paired marmosets. Notably, different patterns of phee calls correlated with the heart rates and emotional states of marmoset, with the higher call grade reflecting a more agitated state. Antiphonal calling also exhibited distinct patterns and phee calls directly affected the heart rate of the listener in a manner depending on the grade of phee calls. Thus, phee call patterns in marmosets could encode emotional states and transmit emotion between turn-taking marmosets. How emotional expression in animals evolves into semantic communication in humans remains a mystery. Such complex call patterns in marmoset vocalization could represent the evolutionary prelude to semantic communication in primates.
Ocular findings, surgery details and outcomes in proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Jipeng , Chandra Aman , Liu Lin , Zhang Lin , Xu Jun , Zhao Meng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We investigated the influence of impaired renal function on fundus characteristics, pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) details, and outcomes in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Design

a retrospective cohort study

Methods

We investigated a consecutive series of PDR patients who underwent PPV. The diabetic complications, previous photocoagulation, intravitreal injections before PPV, ocular findings during PPV, surgical details, short-term visual outcome and post-PPV complications were recorded and compared between patients with and without impaired renal function.

Results

149 patients had normal renal function (67.7%) and 71 (32.3%) patients had impaired renal function, 85.4% of patients were identified with chronic kidney disease (CKD) during the preoperative assessment. Impaired renal function was related to hypertension (3.40[1.58-7.29], p=0.002), incomplete panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (3.18[1.50-6.72], p=0.002), severe fibrovascular membrane (8.19[3.43-19.54], p<0.001), and extensive retinal vascular closure (3.40[1.54-7.52], p=0.002). There was a more frequent occurrence of severe intraoperative bleeding (56.3%, 32.2%, p=0.001), a higher percentage of intraocular subretinal fluid drainage (45.1%, 22.1%, p=0.008) in patients with impaired renal function. The percentage of patients whose visual acuity (VA) increased was similar between two groups (46.4%, 54.3%, p=0.34).

Conclusions

In PDR patients, screening for CKD was required before PPV. PDR patients with impaired renal function tended to have more severe ischemic retinal conditions. Comparable PPV outcomes could be obtained in patients with and without impaired renal damage.
From peptides to proteins: coiled-coil tetramers to single-chain 4-helix bundles
Authors: Naudin Elise A. , Albanese Katherine I. , Smith Abigail J. , Mylemans Bram , Baker Emily G. , Weiner Orion D. , Andrews David M. , Tigue Natalie , Savery Nigel J. , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: August 2022

The design of completely synthetic proteins from first principles—de novo protein design—is challenging. This is because, despite recent advances in computational protein-structure prediction and design, we do not understand fully the sequence-to-structure relationships for protein folding, assembly, and stabilization. Antiparallel 4-helix bundles are amongst the most studied scaffolds for de novo protein design. We set out to re-examine this target, and to determine clear sequence-to-structure relationships, or design rules, for the structure. Our aim was to determine a common and robust sequence background for designing multiple de novo 4-helix bundles, which, in turn, could be used in chemical and synthetic biology to direct protein-protein interactions and as scaffolds for functional protein design. Our approach starts by analyzing known antiparallel 4-helix coiled-coil structures to deduce design rules. In terms of the heptad repeat, abcdefg—i.e., the sequence signature of many helical bundles—the key features that we identify are: a = Leu, d = Ile, e = Ala, g = Gln, and the use of complementary charged residues at b and c. Next, we implement these rules in the rational design of synthetic peptides to form antiparallel homo- and heterotetramers. Finally, we use the sequence of the homotetramer to derive a single-chain 4-helix-bundle protein for recombinant production in E. coli. All of the assembled designs are confirmed in aqueous solution using biophysical methods, and ultimately by determining high-resolution X-ray crystal structures. Our route from peptides to proteins provides an understanding of the role of each residue in each design.
Yeast and Mammalian Epsins Use Different Determinants for Localization and Function: Role of Clathrin/AP2/Ubiquitin Binding Motifs and Poly-Glutamine Stretches
Authors: Madhivanan Kayalvizhi , Subramanian Sneha , Cao Lingyan , Mukherjee Debarati , Sen Arpita , Hsieh Wen-Chieh , Hanna Claudia B. , Wang Beibei , Chen Hong , Staiger Chris J. , Aguilar R. Claudio
Published: August 2022

Epsins are endocytic adaptor proteins involved in the internalization of important membrane proteins such as EGFR and Notch ligands. Therefore, this protein family impacts critical signaling pathways and processes such as cell migration and cytokinesis and is ultimately required for embryo development in mammals and cell viability in yeast. Intriguingly, although Epsins are conserved and display similar binding determinants, the process of endocytosis in yeast and mammals exhibit some dramatic mechanistic differences. Therefore, we wondered if the function of Epsins in these organisms are similar and are similarly regulated or they also differ. Since proper and timely localization is needed for function, we determined what elements target Epsins to endocytic sites in yeast vs mammals. Specifically, using a systematic/combinatorial mutagenesis approach we produced a collection of yeast and human Epsin mutated variants that was tested for localization at endocytic sites and for function.

Our results showed that the intrinsically disordered carboxy-terminus holds the major determinants (involved in binding of ubiquitin, AP2, clathrin and EH domain-containing proteins) for proper intracellular localization of different Epsin paralogs and homologs in yeast and mammals, while also having a major impact on function. Importantly, we established hierarchies of carboxy-terminal binding determinants for sustaining Epsin localization which turned to be different for human vs. yeast cells; favoring clathrin and AP2 binding in the former and recognition of cargo and EH domain-containing proteins for the latter. Further, we found evidence in both systems that yeast Epsins also use for localization regions of the protein that were until now of unknown functional relevance, i.e., glutamine-rich sequences. Interestingly, some molecular determinants within the Epsin molecule seem to have functional importance beyond its contribution to localization to endocytic sites. Based on these findings, we propose working models for Epsin function and recruitment to membranes/endocytic sites at different maturation stages.
Prediction of Golgi Polarity in Collectively Migrating Epithelial Cells Using Graph Neural Network
Authors: Khuntia Purnati , Das Tamal
Published: August 2022

In the stationary epithelium, the Golgi apparatus assumes an apical position, above the cell nucleus. However, during wound healing and morphogenesis, as the epithelial cells starts migrating, it relocalizes closer to the basal plane. On this plane, the position of Golgi with respect to the cell nucleus defines the organizational polarity of a migrating epithelial cell, which is crucial for an efficient collective migration. Yet, factors influencing the Golgi polarity remain elusive. Here we constructed a graph neural network-based deep learning model to systematically analyze the dependency of Golgi polarity on multiple geometric and physical factors. In spite of the complexity of a migrating epithelial monolayer, our simple model was able to predict the Golgi polarity with 75% accuracy. Moreover, the model predicted that Golgi polarity predominantly correlates with the orientation of maximum principal stress. Finally, we found that this correlation operates locally since progressive coarsening of the stress field over multiple cell-lengths reduced the stress polarity-Golgi polarity correlation as well as the predictive accuracy of the neural network model. Taken together, our results demonstrated that graph neural networks could be a powerful tool towards understanding how different physical factors influence collective cell migration. They also highlighted a previously unknown role of physical cues in defining the intracellular organization.
Modeling the impact of green supply chain practices on environmental performance: the mediating role of ecocentricity
Authors: Appiah Michael Karikari , Odei Samuel Amponsah , Kumi-Amoah Gifty , Yeboah Samuel Ankomah
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between green supply chain management (Green SCM) practices and environmental performance, and develop an integrated model to explain the mediating role of ecocentricity on the relationship between Green SCM practices and environmental performance in the context of the Ghanaian downstream petroleum industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the objectives of the study, a survey had been conducted among companies in the Ghanaian downstream value chain. The paper used the structural equation modeling approach and smart partial least squares (Smart-PLS) analytical tool.

Findings

The study revealed that Green SCM practices had a significant and positive relationship with supply chain ecocentricity and environmental performance. The study further revealed that supply chain ecocentricity significantly mediated the relationship between Green SCM practices and environmental performance.

Practical implications

The study has developed a new integrated model to enhance oil and gas marketing and distribution company's adaptation and implementation of Green SCM practices.

Originality/value

The study had successfully applied the natural resource-based view and the stakeholder theory in the context of Ghana's downstream petroleum industry. Specifically, these theories had been integrated to form a new model to explain the relationship between Green SCM practices, supply chain ecocentricity and environmental performance in the context of Ghana's downstream petroleum industry. The newly developed integrated model has wider predictability as compared to the individual theories.
Developing a feature-centric and affordance-based conceptualization of social media interactions
Authors: Sajtos Laszlo , Cao Joanne T. , Zhang Wen , Peko Gabrielle , Sundaram David
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Despite the significance of online communication and interactions, previous research has not systematically compared all features on a single platform from the users' perspective. This study aims to fill this gap by extensively reviewing the current literature on social media affordances and proposes and tests a feature-centric and affordance-based conceptualization of social media platforms (SMPs) between users, features, the audience and content.

Design/methodology/approach

This research surveys users on Facebook, one of the largest SMPs, and asks them to assess 20 features of Facebook on six relational affordances between users, features, audience and content. The data in this study were collected on Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) with participants from the US Correspondence analysis was employed to examine the relationship between affordances and the ties among affordances, features and outcomes.

Findings

Results of the study indicate that users perceive features differently, and employing features as the unit of analysis captures users' interactions effectively. The findings support the presence of user-oriented affordances, such as presentation flexibility, association and content association. These three affordances can be summarized in two higher-level ones: self-expression and connection (SEC) and persona-linked content (PLC). Our findings of the two dimensions, SEC and PLC, highlight the importance of targets and their connections in understanding social media interactions' dynamic nature.

Practical implications

By proposing to shift the focus from platforms to features, this study suggests that companies should focus on understanding the features they use for their users to interact with their brand, rather than merely ensuring that their company is omnipresent on all platforms. This study underlines the need to focus on features that will help managers influence interpersonal and user-brand communications and interactions on social media.

Originality/value

This research is the first to put features at the center of its investigation and quantitatively examine the relationship between social media features and affordances in a social media context. In all, this research provides a new unit of analysis that is more suitable for researchers to build a robust conceptual foundation for affordances. We believe that conceptualizing audience and content as outcomes, distinguishing it from features and creating connections between them as affordances is the unique aspect of our conceptualization.
Is kindness invaluable? The impact of benefit and cost on prosocial behavior intentions
Authors: Jaw Chyi , Chi Kuei-Ju , Li Guan-Jia
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In the modern increasingly competitive milieu of cause marketing activities, both profit and nonprofit organizations expect their advocation of prosocial programs to gain the support of target customers. Previous research shows the effect from adding participant's personal attributes or social influence factors. This study considers the effects of benefit incentives and cost/reward influences to enhance prosocial behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Three between-subject experiments were conducted and SPSS Statistics ANOVA was employed to analyze the experimental results.

Findings

Rewarding time delays and prosocial efforts have no significant impact on the relationship between other-benefit incentives and willingness to engage in prosocial behaviors, but do significantly impact the self-benefit incentives condition. However, the negative effect of self-benefit condition can be mitigated by high rewards.

Research limitations/implications

Since prosocial campaigns proposed by organizations in this study include both profit and nonprofit organizations, perhaps two category organization types should be attentively classified to evaluate the effects.

Practical implications

Under social marketing campaigns with self-benefit incentives conditions, the empirical findings of this study show that profit and nonprofit organizations can provide higher reward values to mitigate the adverse effects of high participating costs.

Social implications

Social marketing campaigns with other-benefit incentives are less affected by high participating costs and highlight the value of altruism.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable suggestions for both profit and nonprofit organizations to use self-benefit/other-benefit incentives under cost related factors influence to encourage customers' prosocial behaviors.
Digital supply chain research trends: a systematic review and a maturity model for adoption
Authors: Weerabahu W.M. Samanthi Kumari , Samaranayake Premaratne , Nakandala Dilupa , Hurriyet Hilal
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the enablers and challenges of digital supply chains (DSCs) adoption and develops a digital supply chain maturity (DSCM) model as a basis for developing guidelines for DSC adoption in the digital transformation journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involves a systematic literature review (SLR) of Industry 4.0 (I4) adoption in supply chain (SC) practices to identify key enablers and associated maturity levels. The literature search of published articles during the 1997–2020 period and subsequent screening resulted in 64 articles. A DSCM model was developed using the categorization of important enablers and associated levels transitioning from the traditional SC to the DSC ecosystem.

Findings

Four broader categories of DSC enablers and challenges were identified from the content analysis of SLR. Digital strategy alongside I4 technologies and human capital were prominent in DSC adoption as I4 technologies and human capital depend on other enablers such as dynamic capabilities (DCs). Lack of infrastructure and financial constraints to implementing I4 were significant challenges in the DSC adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed DSCM model provides a holistic view of enablers and maturity levels from traditional SC to DSC adoption. However, the DSCM model needs to be empirically validated and streamlined further using inputs from practitioners.

Practical implications

The proposed DSCM model can be used as a framework to guide practitioners in assessing maturity and developing implementation plans for successful DSC adoption.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel DSC maturity model through a holistic view of enablers and maturity levels from traditional SC to DSC adoption.
Can big data analytics capabilities promote a competitive advantage? Green radical innovation, green incremental innovation and data-driven culture in a moderated mediation model
Authors: Al-Khatib Ayman Wael
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study explores the connection between big data analytics capabilities and the competitive advantage of the manufacturing sector in Jordan through the mediating role of green radical innovation and green incremental innovation as well as the moderating role of a data-driven culture.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of this study, 356 questionnaires were analysed. Convergent validity and discriminant validity tests were performed through structural equation modelling in the Smart-PLS programme, and the data reliability was confirmed. A bootstrapping technique was used to analyse the data. The mediating effect for green radical and green incremental innovation and the moderating effect for data-driven culture were performed.

Findings

The empirical results showed that the proposed moderated-mediation model was accepted because the relationships between the constructs were statistically significant. The results of the data analysis supported a positive relationship between big data analytics capabilities and the competitive advantage as well as a mediating effect of green radical innovation and green incremental innovation. It was confirmed that there is a moderating relationship for data-driven culture between green radical innovation, green incremental innovation and competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

This cross-sectional study provides a snapshot at a given moment in time, a methodological limitation that affects the generalization of its results, and the results are limited to one country.

Originality/value

This research developed a theoretical model to incorporate big data analytics capabilities, green radical innovation, green incremental innovation, data-driven culture, and competitive advantage. This study provides new findings that bridge the existing research gap in the literature by testing the moderated mediation model with a focus on the organizational benefits of big data analytics capabilities to improve levels of green innovation and competitive advantage in the Jordanian manufacturing sector.
Does board chairperson experience matter? Examining the relationship between board attributes and human rights reporting in Kenya
Authors: Tarus Daniel Kipkirong , Tuwey Joel Kiplagat , Yego Jacob Kimutai
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Using the resource dependence and legitimacy theories, this research aims to examine the relationship between board attributes and human rights reporting, as well as the interaction effect of board chairperson experience on the relationship among listed firms at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from annual reports of firms listed on the NSE from 2009 to 2019 using content analysis to examine how boards influence human rights reporting. A total of 547 firm-year observations were used to test the hypotheses. This study used a hierarchical regression model to examine the relationship.

Findings

This study found that board attributes are important predictors of human rights reporting. This study shows that both board diversity and board independence have a positive impact on human rights reporting. Furthermore, the interaction results revealed that having a highly experienced chairperson strengthens the effect of board independence on human rights reporting; however, this study found that experienced chairperson reduces the influence of board diversity on human rights reporting.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that board diversity and independence are essential attributes to which listed companies should pay attention when appointing board members. Moreover, the chairperson's leadership on the board is critical in ensuring that publicly trading companies adopt policies that disclose human rights information.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into Kenya's human rights disclosure practices. It also analyzes how boards influence human rights disclosures, an empirical test that has received little attention in the previous literature. This study emphasizes the importance of board members and the chairperson in advocating for human rights reporting to improve corporate sustainability.
Unravelling the role of organizational commitment and work engagement in the relationship between self-leadership and employee creativity
Authors: Jnaneswar K. , Ranjit Gayathri
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the serial mediating mechanism between self-leadership and employee creativity through organizational commitment and work engagement. Drawing on the self-determination theory and broaden and build theory, this study investigates the indirect effect of self-leadership on employee creativity through organizational commitment and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships were investigated using PROCESS macro for SPSS. Data were collected from 324 employees working in the Indian automobile industry. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the model fit of the measurement model.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that self-leadership impacts employee creativity. Further, the findings showed that both organizational commitment and work engagement individually mediate the relationship between self-leadership and employee creativity. The key finding of this research was the partial serial mediation of organizational commitment and work engagement in the relationship between self-leadership and employee creativity.

Originality/value

This is one of the primary studies that examined the serial mediating effect of organizational commitment and work engagement in the relationship between self-leadership and employee creativity. This study contributes to the existing literature on self-leadership and employee creativity by evincing the mediating mechanism of organizational commitment and work engagement.
More capable, more innovative? An empirical inquiry into the effects of dynamic managerial capabilities on digital firms' innovativeness
Authors: Heubeck Tim , Meckl Reinhard
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Managers play a critical role in shaping the development of firms due to the risky and long-term nature of innovation. Although the managerial effect on strategic change has long been factored into organizational theories, scholars still lack a complete understanding of the specific managerial capabilities that drive innovation in today's digital economy. The present study builds on dynamic managerial capabilities theory to close this research gap. The paper proposes managers' dynamic capabilities and their three underlying drivers – managerial human capital, social capital, and cognition – as a direct antecedent to digital firms' innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on survey data from German Industry 4.0 manufacturing firms, which were analyzed using regression analysis.

Findings

The results confirm managers' dynamic capabilities as facilitators of innovation. In contrast to previous research on nondigital industries, the findings demonstrate that only the complete portfolio of managers' dynamic capabilities promotes innovativeness in digital firms. The study provides evidence for the importance of dynamic managerial capabilities in the digital economy yet contradicts previous research on nondigital industries related to the advantageousness of managers' human capital, social capital, and cognition for innovation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by being the first to holistically test the effects of dynamic managerial capabilities on innovation in digital firms. The results offer a nuanced account of managers' dynamic capabilities, thereby expanding dynamic managerial capabilities theory to the digital economy.
Solving constrained portfolio optimization model using stochastic fractal search approach
Authors: Shahid Mohammad , Ashraf Zubair , Shamim Mohd , Ansari Mohd Shamim
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Optimum utilization of investments has always been considered one of the most crucial aspects of capital markets. Investment into various securities is the subject of portfolio optimization intent to maximize return at minimum risk. In this series, a population-based evolutionary approach, stochastic fractal search (SFS), is derived from the natural growth phenomenon. This study aims to develop portfolio selection model using SFS approach to construct an efficient portfolio by optimizing the Sharpe ratio with risk budgeting constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a constrained portfolio optimization model using the SFS approach with risk-budgeting constraints. SFS is an evolutionary method inspired by the natural growth process which has been modeled using the fractal theory. Experimental analysis has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of the proposed model by making comparisons with state-of-the-art from domain such as genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, simulated annealing and differential evolution. The real datasets of the Indian stock exchanges and datasets of global stock exchanges such as Nikkei 225, DAX 100, FTSE 100, Hang Seng31 and S&P 100 have been taken in the study.

Findings

The study confirms the better performance of the SFS model among its peers. Also, statistical analysis has been done using SPSS 20 to confirm the hypothesis developed in the experimental analysis.

Originality/value

In the recent past, researchers have already proposed a significant number of models to solve portfolio selection problems using the meta-heuristic approach. However, this is the first attempt to apply the SFS optimization approach to the problem.
Performance from building smart factories of small- and medium-sized enterprises: the moderating effects of product complexity and company size
Authors: Kim Hyunjung
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between building smart factories in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and firm performance and the moderating effect according to product complexity and company size.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 206 companies selected in the list of SMEs, which had built smart factories, provided by the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center in Korea. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

First, production automation and big data utilization are associated positively with productivity, but not significantly with export performance. Second, supply chain integration is associated positively with both productivity and export performance. Third, product complexity moderates negatively the relationship of productivity with each of production automation, big data utilization and supply chain integration while moderating positively the relationship between supply chain integration and export performance. Finally, company size does not moderate significantly the relationship between productivity or export performance with any of production automation, big data utilization and supply chain integration.

Originality/value

This study contributes theoretically to literature by demonstrating the usefulness of building smart factories and suggesting how SMEs build a smart factory to enhance productivity and export performance from a business perspective. Moreover, this study contributes practically by proposing that SMEs should put priority on supply chain integration over production automation and big data utilization and execute different strategies of building smart factories depending on product complexity.
Long-term changes in consumers' shopping behavior post-pandemic: an exploratory study
Authors: Gupta Astha Sanjeev , Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Short-term changes in consumers' shopping behaviour due to the Covid-19 pandemic have been studied, but not the long-term effects. This study fills this gap by exploring the long-term changes in consumers' retail shopping behaviour, due to their experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from one hundred fifty-nine respondents, and grounded theory approach was applied for interpretation. Gioia thematic analysis method, open coding, and axial coding were used for analysis.

Findings

Individuals who positively approached their experiences during the Covid-19 demonstrated increased pro-sustainable and pro-environmental self-identity, resulting in sustainable consumption and a shift to online shopping. Individuals having overpowering negative experiences demonstrated heightened fear of missing out (FOMO), loss aversion, and rumination. While shopping, they demonstrated herd behaviour and shifted to online shopping.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights emotional and psychological mechanisms influencing long-term changes in consumer shopping preferences post Covid-19 pandemic. The generalizability of the findings is limited due to the study's exploratory nature and the sample size.

Originality/value

This study contributes to shopping behaviour literature by uncovering novel constructs of self-identity, loss aversion, FOMO, and rumination as antecedents to long-term shopping behaviour changes post-Covid-19. It provides a new conceptual model of consumers' shopping behaviour, which may be empirically validated.