bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors and long-term outcomes of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Sadeghi Zahra , Afshar Mohamadreza , Memarian Asefeh , Flowers Heather L.
Published: June 2023

Aabstract

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) can be functionally debilitating in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). OPD induces alterations in safety and efficacy of food and/or liquid ingestion and may incur negative sequalae such as aspiration pneumonia or malnutrition/dehydration. Early detection and timely management of OPD in pwMS could prevent such complications and reduce mortality rates. Identifying predictors of OPD relative to its onset or repeat manifestation will enable the development of care pathways that target early assessment and sustained management. The aims of this systematic review are to compile, evaluate, and summarise the existing literature reporting potential predictors and associated long-term outcomes (e.g., aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and/or death) of OPD in pwMS.

Methods

We will undertake a systematic review to identify studies that describe patterns and complications of OPD in pwMS. Variables of interest include predictors of OPD along with long-term outcomes. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. We will consider studies for inclusion if they involve at least 30 adult participants with MS and report risk factors of OPD and/or its long-term outcomes. Studies will be excluded if they refer to esophageal or oropharyngeal dysphagia induced by causes other than multiple sclerosis. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by two independent assessors for abstract and full article review. We will present study characteristics in tables and document research findings for dysphagia-related risk factors or its complications via a narrative format or meta-analysis if warranted (e.g., mean difference and/or risk ratios measurements). All included studies will undergo risk of bias assessment conducted independently by two authors with consensus on quality ratings.

Conclusion

There is a lacune with respect to systematic reviews involving predictors and long-term outcomes of dysphagia in in pwMS to date. Our systematic review will provide the means to develop accurate and efficient management protocols for careful monitoring and evaluation by dysphagia experts. The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022340625
Structure of full-length cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase and cofactor loading capturedin crystallo
Authors: Mendoza Johnny , Purchal Meredith , Yamada Kazuhiro , Koutmos Markos
Published: June 2023

Cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase (MS) is a key enzyme in methionine and folate one-carbon metabolism. MS is a large multi-domain protein capable of binding and activating three substrates: homocysteine, folate,S-adenosylmethionine for methylation. Achieving three chemically distinct methylations necessitates significant domain rearrangements to facilitate substrate access to the cobalamin cofactor at the right time. The distinct conformations required for each reaction have eluded structural characterization as its inherently dynamic nature renders structural studies difficult. Here, we use a thermophilic MS homolog (tMS) as a functional MS model. Its exceptional stability enabled characterization of MS in the absence of cobalamin, marking the first studies of a cobalamin-binding protein in its apoenzyme state. More importantly, we report the first high-resolution full-length MS structure, ending a multi-decade quest. We also captured cobalamin loadingin crystallo, providing structural insights into holoenzyme formation. Our work paves the way for unraveling how MS orchestrates large-scale domain rearrangements crucial for achieving challenging chemistries.
Direct Regulation of the Voltage Sensor of HCN Channels by Membrane Lipid Compartmentalization
Authors: Handlin Lucas J. , Dai Gucan
Published: June 2023

Ion channels function within a membrane environment characterized by dynamic lipid compartmentalization. Limited knowledge exists regarding the response of voltage-gated ion channels to transmembrane potential within distinct membrane compartments. By leveraging fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), we visualized the localization of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in membrane domains. HCN4 exhibits a greater propensity for incorporation into ordered lipid domains compared to HCN1. To investigate the conformational changes of the S4 helix voltage sensor of HCN channels, we used dual stop-codon suppression to incorporate different noncanonical amino acids, orthogonal click chemistry for site-specific fluorescence labeling, and transition metal FLIM-FRET. Remarkably, altered FRET levels were observed between VSD sites within HCN channels upon disruption of membrane domains. We propose that the voltage-sensor rearrangements, directly influenced by membrane lipid domains, can explain the heightened activity of pacemaker HCN channels when localized in cholesterol-poor, disordered lipid domains, leading to membrane hyperexcitability and diseases.
Inhibition of Retinoic Acid Signaling in Proximal Tubular Epithelial cells Protects against Acute Kidney Injury by Enhancing Kim-1-dependent Efferocytosis
Authors: Yang M. , Lopez L.N. , Brewer M. , Delgado R. , Menshikh A. , Clouthier K. , Zhu Y. , Vanichapol T. , Yang H. , Harris R. , Gewin L. , Brooks C. , Davidson A. , de Caestecker M.P.
Published: June 2023

Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) signaling is essential for mammalian kidney development, but in the adult kidney is restricted to occasional collecting duct epithelial cells. We now show there is widespread reactivation of RAR signaling in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) in human sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI), and in mouse models of AKI. Genetic inhibition of RAR signaling in PTECs protects against experimental AKI but is associated with increased expression of the PTEC injury marker, Kim-1. However, Kim-1 is also expressed by de-differentiated, proliferating PTECs, and protects against injury by increasing apoptotic cell clearance, or efferocytosis. We show that the protective effect of inhibiting PTEC RAR signaling is mediated by increased Kim-1 dependent efferocytosis, and that this is associated with de-differentiation, proliferation, and metabolic reprogramming of PTECs. These data demonstrate a novel functional role that reactivation of RAR signaling plays in regulating PTEC differentiation and function in human and experimental AKI.

Graphical abstract
Platelet-Localized ST6Gal1 Does Not Impact IgG Sialylation
Authors: Glendenning Leandre M. , Zhou Julie Y. , Kukan Emily N. , Gao Chao , Cummings Richard D. , Joshi Smita , Whiteheart Sidney W. , Cobb Brian A.
Published: June 2023

The IgG antibody class forms an important basis of the humoral immune response, conferring reciprocal protection from both pathogens and autoimmunity. IgG function is determined by the IgG subclass, as defined by the heavy chain, as well as the glycan composition at N297, the conserved site of N-glycosylation within the Fc domain. For example, lack of core fucose promotes increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, whereas α2,6-linked sialylation by the enzyme ST6Gal1 helps to drive immune quiescence. Despite the immunological significance of these carbohydrates, little is known about how IgG glycan composition is regulated. We previously reported that mice with ST6Gal1-deficient B cells have unaltered IgG sialylation. Likewise, ST6Gal1 released into the plasma by hepatocytes does not significantly impact overall IgG sialylation. Since IgG and ST6Gal1 have independently been shown to exist in platelet granules, it was possible that platelet granules could serve as a B cell-extrinsic site for IgG sialylation. To address this hypothesis, we used a platelet factor 4 (Pf4)-Cre mouse to delete ST6Gal1 in megakaryocytes and platelets alone or in combination with an albumin-Cre mouse to also remove it from hepatocytes and the plasma. The resulting mouse strains were viable and had no overt pathological phenotype. We also found that despite targeted ablation of ST6Gal1, no change in IgG sialylation was apparent. Together with our prior findings, we can conclude that in mice, neither B cells, the plasma, nor platelets have a substantial role in homeostatic IgG sialylation.
Structure of mechanically activated ion channel OSCA2.3 reveals mobile elements in the transmembrane domain
Authors: Jojoa-Cruz Sebastian , Burendei Batuujin , Lee Wen-Hsin , Ward Andrew B.
Published: June 2023

Members of the OSCA/TMEM63 are mechanically activated ion channels and structures of some OSCA members have revealed the architecture of these channels and structural features that are potentially involved in mechanosensation. However, these structures are all in a similar state and information about the motion of different elements of the structure is limited, preventing a deeper understanding of how these channels work. Here, we used cryo-electron microscopy to determine high resolution structures ofArabidopsis thalianaOSCA1.2 and OSCA2.3 in peptidiscs. The structure of OSCA1.2 resembles previous structures of the same protein in different environments. Yet, in OSCA2.3 the TM6a-TM7 linker constricts the pore on its cytoplasmic side, revealing conformational heterogeneity within the OSCA family. Furthermore, coevolutionary sequence analysis uncovered a conserved interaction between TM6a-TM7 linker and the Beam-Like Domain. Our results support the involvement of TM6a-TM7 in mechanosensation and potentially in the diverse response of OSCA channels to mechanical stimuli.
Novel Diazirine Photoprobes for the Identification of Vancomycin-Binding Proteins
Authors: Rotsides Photis , Lee Paula J , Webber Nakoa , Grasty Kimberly C , Beld Joris , Loll Patrick J
Published: June 2023

Vancomycin's interactions with cellular targets drive its antimicrobial activity, and also trigger expression of resistance against the antibiotic. Interaction partners for vancomycin have previously been identified using photoaffinity probes, which have proven to be useful tools for exploring vancomycin's interactome. This work seeks to develop diazirine-based vancomycin photoprobes that display enhanced specificity and bear fewer chemical modifications, as compared to previous photoprobes. Using proteins fused to vancomycin's main cell-wall target, D-alanyl-D-alanine, we use mass spectrometry to show that these photoprobes specifically label known vancomycin-binding partners within minutes. In a complementary approach, we developed a Western-blot strategy targeting the vancomycin adduct of the photoprobes, eliminating the need for affinity tags and simplifying the analysis of photolabeling reactions. Together, the probes and identification strategy provide a novel and streamlined pipeline for identifying novel vancomycin-binding proteins.
Evolution of ion channels in cetaceans: A natural experiment in the Tree of life
Authors: Uribe Cristóbal , Nery Mariana F. , Zavala Kattina , Mardones Gonzalo A. , Riadi Gonzalo , Opazo Juan C.
Published: June 2023

Cetaceans could be seen as a natural experiment within the tree of life in which a mammalian lineage changed from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. This shift involved extensive phenotypic modifications, which represent an opportunity to explore the genetic bases of phenotypic diversity. Furthermore, the availability of whole genome sequences in representative species of all main cetacean groups means that we are in a golden age for such studies. Among the different molecular systems that maintain cellular homeostasis, ion channels are crucial for the proper physiological functioning of all living species. This study aims to explore the evolution of ion channels during the evolutionary history of cetaceans. To do so, we created a bioinformatic pipeline to annotate the repertoire of ion channels in the genome of the species included in our sampling. Our main results show that cetaceans have on average, fewer protein-coding genes and a higher percentage of annotated ion channels than non-cetacean mammals. Signals of positive selection were detected in ion channels related to the heart, locomotion, visual and neurological phenotypes. Interestingly, we predict that the NaV1.5 ion channel of most toothed whales (odontocetes) is sensitive to tetrodotoxin (TTX), similar to NaV1.7, given the presence of tyrosine instead of cysteine, in a specific position of the ion channel. Finally, the gene turnover rate of the cetacean crown group is more than three times faster than non-cetacean mammals.
Title: β Cell microRNAs Function as Molecular Hubs of Type 1 Diabetes Pathogenesis and as Biomarkers of Diabetes Risk
Authors: Syed Farooq , Krishnan Preethi , Chang Garrick , Langlais Sarah R. , Hati Sumon , Yamada Kentaro , Lam Anh K. , Talware Sayali , Liu Xiaowen , Sardar Rajesh , Liu Jing , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: June 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in modulating gene expression and are enriched in cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). We investigated whether miRNAs from human islets and islet-derived EVs could provide insight into β cell stress pathways activated during type 1 diabetes (T1D) evolution, therefore serving as potential disease biomarkers. We treated human islets from 10 cadaveric donors with IL-1β and IFN-γ to model T1Dex vivo. MicroRNAs were isolated from islets and islet-derived EVs, and small RNA sequencing was performed. We found 20 and 14 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in cytokine-versus control-treated islets and EVs, respectively. Interestingly, the miRNAs found in EVs were mostly different from those found in islets. Only two miRNAs, miR-155-5p and miR-146a-5p, were upregulated in both islets and EVs, suggesting selective sorting of miRNAs into EVs. We used machine learning algorithms to rank DE EV-associated miRNAs, and developed custom label-free Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance-based biosensors to measure top ranked EVs in human plasma. Results from this analysis revealed that miR-155, miR-146, miR-30c, and miR-802 were upregulated and miR-124-3p was downregulated in plasma-derived EVs from children with recent-onset T1D. In addition, miR-146 and miR-30c were upregulated in plasma-derived EVs of autoantibody positive (AAb+) children compared to matched non-diabetic controls, while miR-124 was downregulated in both T1D and AAb+ groups. Furthermore, single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed increased expression of the most highly upregulated islet miRNA, miR-155, in pancreatic sections from organ donors with AAb+ and T1D.

One Sentence Summary

miRNA expression patterns in human pancreatic islets and EVs change under inflammatory conditions and can be leveraged to inform biomarkers strategies for T1D.
Two subtypes of GTPase-activating proteins coordinate tip growth and cell size regulation inPhyscomitrium patens
Authors: Ruan Jingtong , Lai Linyu , Ou Hongxin , Yi Peishan
Published: June 2023

The establishment of cell polarity is a prerequisite for many developmental processes. However, how it is achieved during tip growth in plants remains elusive. Here, we show that the RHO OF PLANTs (ROPs), ROP GUANINE NUCLEOTIDE EXCHANGE FACTORs (RopGEFs), and ROP GTPASE-ACTIVATING PROTEINs (RopGAPs) assemble into membrane domains in tip-growing cells of the mossPhyscomitrium patens. The confinement of membrane domains requires redundant global inactivation of ROPs by PpRopGAPs and the PLECKSTRIN HOMOLOGY (PH) domain-containing RenGAP PpREN. Unexpectedly, PpRopGAPs and PpREN exert opposing effects on domain size and cell width upon overexpression. Biochemical and functional analyses indicate that PpRopGAPs are recruited to the membrane by active ROPs to restrict domain size through clustering, whereas PpREN rapidly inactivates ROPs and inhibits PpRopGAP-induced clustering. We propose that the activity- and clustering-based domain organization by RopGAPs and RenGAPs is a general mechanism for coordinating polarized cell growth and cell size regulation in plants.

Significance

Using the mossPhyscomitrium patens, we show that PpRopGAPs and PpRenGAP redundantly regulate tip growth by inactivating ROP GTPases and influencing their membrane organization. They display distinct GAP activities and binding capacities to ROPs and could oppositely regulate cell width when overexpressed. We propose that tip growth and cell size regulation are coordinated by two subtypes of GTPase-activating proteins that act together to maintain an optimal amount of active ROPs but reversely regulate the membrane clustering of ROPs. The involvement of functionally diverged GAPs in modulating ROP activity and localization may represent a general mechanism for cell morphology regulation in plants.
WBSCR16 Determines Metabolic Flexibility Via Regulating Mitochondrial 16S rRNA Maturation
Authors: Zhang Shengjie , Dong Zi , Feng Yang , Guo Wei , Zhang Chen , Shi Yifan , Zhao Zhiyun , Wang Jiqiu , Ning Guang , Huang Guorui
Published: June 2023

Mitochondria play significant roles in energy homeostasis by dissipating excess calories. However, the key proteins in mitochondrial govern metabolically flexibility remain poorly understand. Herein, we generated adipose specificWbscr16-/-mice and cells, both of which exhibited a preference for fat utilization and displayed dramatic mitochondrial changes. We demonstrated that WBSCR16 is essential for the specific cleavage of 16S rRNA-tRNALeu, leading to the production of maturated 16S rRNA, which in turn controls mitochondrial large ribosomal assembly. Importantly, WBSCR16 was identified as a 16S rRNA-binding protein that directly interacts with RNase P subunit MRPP3. Furthermore, evidence showed that WBSCR16 ablation promotes energy wasting via lipid cycling in BAT, leading to excess energy expenditure and resistance to obesity. Conversely, cells and mice with WBSCR16 overexpression preferred to glucose utilization. These findings suggest that WBSCR16 is the key mitochondrial switch protein between glucose and lipid metabolism, making it a promising target for the development of fat busting drug.
The activity ofengrailedimaginal disc enhancers is modulated epigenetically by chromatin and autoregulation
Authors: Cheng Yuzhong , Chan Fountane , Kassis Judith A.
Published: June 2023

engrailed(en) encodes a homeodomain transcription factor crucial for the proper development of Drosophila embryos and adults. Like many developmental transcription factors,enexpression is regulated by many enhancers, some of overlapping function, that drive expression in spatially and temporally restricted patterns. Theenembryonic enhancers are located in discrete DNA fragments that can function correctly in small reporter transgenes. In contrast, theenimaginal disc enhancers (IDEs) do not function correctly in small reporter transgenes. En is expressed in the posterior compartment of wing imaginal disks; small IDE-reporter transgenes are expressed in the anterior compartment, the opposite of what is expected. Our data show that the En protein binds toenIDEs, and we suggest that En directly represses IDE function. We identified twoenIDEs, ‘O’ and ‘S’. Deletion of either of these IDEs from a 79kb HA-en rescue transgene (HAen79) caused a loss-of-functionenphenotype when theHAen79transgene was the sole source of En. In contrast, flies with a deletion of the same IDEs from the endogenousengene had no phenotype, suggesting a resiliency not seen in theHAen79rescue transgene. Inserting a gypsy insulator inHAen79betweenenregulatory DNA and flanking sequences strengthened the activity ofHAen79, giving better function in both the ON and OFF transcriptional states. Altogether our data show that theenIDEs stimulate expression in the entire imaginal disc, and that the ON/OFF state is set by epigenetic regulators. Further, the endogenous locus imparts a stability toenfunction not seen even in a large transgene, reflecting the importance of both positive and negative epigenetic influences that act over relatively large distances in chromatin.

Author Summary

Genes that control development are often used at different times and places in a developing embryo. Transcription of these important genes must be tightly regulated; therefore, these genes often have large arrays of regulatory DNA. In Drosophila, discrete fragments of DNA (enhancers) can be identified that turn genes on in patterns in the early embryo. In cells where the genes are transcriptionally ON, there are active modifications on chromatin, setting later enhancers in a transcription-permission environment. In cells where the genes are OFF, repressive chromatin marks keep later enhancers inactive. In this paper we studied two late enhancers of the Drosophilaengene. We show that the correct activity of these enhancers is dependent on being next to other, earlier actingenenhancers. Our data also show that En can repress its own expression, likely directly by acting on these late enhancers. The chromatin-regulated activity of theseenlate enhancers is similar to what was described for a late enhancer of another Drosophila developmental gene,Ubx. We suggest that this mode of regulation is likely to be important for many late-acting developmental enhancers in many different organisms.
Nature and nurture: comparing mouse behavior in classic versus revised anxiety-like and social behavioral assays in genetically or environmentally defined groups
Authors: Ronquillo Janet , Nguyen Michael T. , Rothi Linnea , Bui-Tu Trung-Dan , Yang Jocelyn , Halladay Lindsay R.
Published: June 2023

Widely used rodent anxiety assays like the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the open field test (OFT) are often conflated with rodents’ natural preference for dark over light environments or protected over open spaces. The EPM and OFT have been used for many decades, yet have also been criticized by generations of behavioral scientists. Several years ago, two revised anxiety assays were designed to improve upon the “classic” tests by excluding the possibility to avoid or escape aversive areas of each maze. The 3-D radial arm maze (3DR) and the 3-D open field test (3Doft) each consist of an open space connected to ambiguous paths toward uncertain escape. This introduces continual motivational conflict, thereby increasing external validity as an anxiety model. But despite this improvement, the revised assays have not caught on. One issue may be that studies to date have not directly compared classic and revised assays in the same animals. To remedy this, we contrasted behavior in a battery of assays (EPM, OFT, 3DR, 3Doft, and a sociability test) in mice defined either genetically by isogenic strain, or environmentally by postnatal experience. Findings indicate that the optimal assay to assess anxiety-like behavior may depend upon grouping variable (e.g. genetic versus environment). We argue that the 3DR may be the most ecologically valid of the anxiety assays tested, while the OFT and 3Doft provided the least useful information. Finally, exposure to multiple assays significantly affected sociability measures, raising concerns for designing and interpreting batteries of behavioral tests in mice.
Linguistic clustering and aggregate productive efficiency in Indonesia
Authors: Repkine Alexandre
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the link between aggregate production efficiency and the extent of linguistic clustering in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on the stochastic frontier model and applies it to the data on Indonesian provinces to compute the effects of various determinants on these provinces' aggregate production efficiency. The key determinant is the spatial index of linguistic clustering that the author believes has never been applied before in this context.

Findings

Linguistic clustering is an important determinant of aggregate production efficiency. Linguistic diversity is positively associated with productive efficiency if members of a specific linguistic group are not clustered beyond a certain level.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that links the spatial index of linguistic clustering (because of Massey and Danton) to production efficiency. In other words, the contribution of this study is to introduce a geographical dimension to the mainstream analysis of the association between ethnic diversity and economic performance.
Co-integrating relation between pay, board governance and performance: evidence from Indian banking
Authors: Bhatia Madhur , Gulati Rachita
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the long-run impact of board governance and bank performance on executive remuneration. More specifically, the study addresses two objectives. First, the authors investigate the long-run relationship between pay and performance hold for the Indian banking industry. Second, the authors explore the moderating role of the board in explaining the relationship between executive pay and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses multivariate panel co-integration approaches, i.e. fully modified and dynamic ordinary least square, to explain the co-integrating relationship between executive pay, governance and performance of Indian banks. The analysis is conducted for the period from 2005 to 2018.

Findings

The results of co-integration tests reveal a long-run relationship between executive pay, board governance and bank performance. The long-run estimates produce evidence in favour of the dynamic agency theory, suggesting that the implications of asymmetric information can be mitigated by associating the current executive pay with the bank performance in the previous periods. The finding of this study reveals that improvements in the board quality serve as a monitoring tool to constrain excessive pay and moderate the executives’ pay. Furthermore, the interaction of performance and board governance negatively impacts pay, supporting a substitution approach. It implies that setting optimal pay packages for executives necessitates enhanced and efficient board governance practices.

Practical implications

The study recommends significant policy implications for regulators and the board of directors that executive pay significantly responds to the bank’s performance and good board governance practices in the long run.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel evidence of long-run pay-performance-governance relation using a panel co-integration approach.
Socioeconomic diversity in the hospitality industry: the relationship between social class background, family expectations and career outcomes
Authors: Lee Lindsey , Yu Heyao
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate socioeconomic diversity in the hospitality industry by examining the relationship between social class background, family expectations and career outcomes of Generation Z employees. The relationship was further tested by investigating job titles and perceived prestige.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were developed to test the research questions – first, the social prestige of hospitality jobs compared to other industries with similar skill sets. Second, a between-subjects experimental design was used to examine the moderating effect of job title on the relationship between social class background, family expectations and career decisions.

Findings

The findings of the first study confirm the negative perceptions of the hospitality industry. Study 2 demonstrated a negative relationship between social class background and intentions to choose hospitality through family expectations among Generation Z. The negative effect was attenuated when a manager position was offered. However, college students majoring in hospitality reported positive intentions to accept a job in the hospitality industry for both frontline and managerial positions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings emphasize the importance of extending organizational diversity beyond traditional demographics like race, gender and age by examining socioeconomic factors that influence career decisions among Generation Z employees. By considering social class background as a dimension of organizational diversity, the hospitality industry can cultivate a more inclusive culture and enhance recruitment and attraction efforts.

Originality/value

Examining the relationship between social class background and career decisions through the lens of social cognitive career theory provides insight into the social cognitive process of career development among Generation Z. The unique contribution of this study extends beyond observable dimensions of diversity to challenge the socioeconomic composition of the hospitality industry.
Conflict, communication and team collaboration: a comparison of Nigerians and US Americans
Authors: Donohue William A. , Cai Deborah A. , Fink Edward L. , Umana Etebong Attah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Given the growing relationship between Nigeria and the USA, the purpose of this study is to compare conflict communication of Nigerians and Americans.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 186 Nigerians and 214 Americans completed an online survey of Hammer’s (2005) Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory as well as items about the effect of conflict on team collaboration.

Findings

Contrary to expectations, Nigerians reported using more direct, whereas Americans reported using more indirect, communication when confronting conflict despite the stereotype that Americans are typically direct or more likely to say what is on their minds. However, consistent with expectations, Nigerians reported exercising more emotional restraint, whereas Americans favored the use of emotional expressiveness in conflict.

Originality/value

Overall, Nigerians were more concerned than Americans about the negative effect of conflict on team collaboration in the workplace. This concern was associated with the use of directness, indirectness and emotional restraint. Further, an exploratory structural equation model showed that the use of emotional expression was affected, in different ways, by several aspects of work and communication. Implications of these results are discussed along with directions for future research.
Regulation of data-driven marketing and management theory: bibliometric analysis, systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Xavier Jorge , Picoto Winnie Ng
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Regulatory initiatives and related technological shifts have been imposing restrictions on data-driven marketing (DDM) practices. This paper aims to find the main restrictions for DDM and the key management theories applied to investigate the consequences of these restrictions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a unified bibliometric analysis with 104 publications retrieved from both Scopus and Web of Science, followed by a qualitative, in-depth systematic literature review to identify the management theories in literature and inform a research agenda.

Findings

The fragmentation of the research outcomes was overcome by the identification of 3 main clusters and 11 management theories that structured 18 questions for future research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper sets for the first time a frontier between almost three decades where DDM evolved with no significative restrictions, grounded on innovations and market autoregulation, and an era where data privacy, anti-trust and competition and data sovereignty regulations converge to impose structural changes, requiring scholars and practitioners to rethink the roles of data at the strategic level of the firm.
Optimizing pricing and inventory strategies for dietary supplement production under stochastic demand
Authors: Zhao Yaping , Luo Hao , Chen Qingyue , Xu Xiaoyun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The increasing popularity of ERP solutions has provided dietary supplement manufacturing companies with modules to manage pricing and inventory. However, the decisions made by these modules are often independent and rely on deterministic forecasts. This paper studies a multi-product dietary supplement manufacturing system under stochastic demands. The purpose is to maximize the long-run expected profit by jointly considering pricing and inventory strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate both the general cases and three special cases including stable demand, negligible backlog and instantaneous replenishment. A two-stage algorithm named PAS is proposed. In the strategy construction stage, the constructed objective bounds are combined to provide estimates which then help to derive the optimal product prices. In the system operation stage, replenishment decisions are further made based on the prices generated from the previous stage.

Findings

It is proved that base-stock policy is optimal for the studied system, and the optimal based-stock level is provided. The global optimal strategies are obtained for three important special cases. For the general case, theoretical objective bounds are established. These bounds provide quick and reliable performance estimates for practical applications.

Originality/value

Very few studies have jointly considered pricing and inventory strategies with uncertainty demands in the dietary supplement industry. The PAS algorithm developed integrates these decisions and consistently generates high-quality solutions even under highly varying demands. Such algorithm could be a valuable add-on to the pricing and inventory management modules in ERP systems.
Ecological hotels' customer satisfaction through text mining of online reviews: a case of Ecuador hotels
Authors: Moreno Brito Yahaira Lisbeth , Ban Hyun-Jeong , Kim Hak-Seon
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the customer satisfaction associated with experiences from 14 ecological hotels in Ecuador by exploring online guest reviews and classifying the most influential factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied big data exploration, semantic network analysis, EFA and linear regression. It processed 22,629 online reviews from Google/travel, extracting 100 words with the highest frequency. In addition, CONCOR analysis built a comprehensive structural model gathering essential keywords. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis and regression were conducted to explore the elements that best express customer satisfaction in ecological hotels.

Findings

The words such as green, sustainable, recycle, environment and ecological were not found among the main attributes extracted. Nonetheless, the keywords obtained reflect customer satisfaction, revealing that green practices do not affect comfort and the guests' experience. CONCOR analysis displayed four categories associated with satisfaction: tangibles, experience, location and empathy. Then, EFA restructured and revealed the factors: facilities feature, assurance, reliability, location and experience. Lastly, the regression disclosed location, assurance and facilities features as the most significant factors for customer satisfaction in the 14 ecological hotels. The terms related to the hotel area, staff care and hotel amenities were decisive for guests.

Practical implications

This study demonstrated that employee courtesy and location are the keys to enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. Hotel managers must promote green attributes and practices to increase customer awareness through constant staff training and information disclosure in common areas.

Originality/value

These findings provide insight and empirical evidence for hoteliers to understand how and what guest perceive to be green practices. By identifying the main features or concepts associated with satisfaction in Ecuador's green hotels, hoteliers could address new strategies to respond to expectations, effectively satisfy customers and provide a superior experience.
A preliminary evaluation of Crisis Plus: a model for working with frequent users of psychiatric crisis and inpatient services
Authors: Sonigra Ketan Ramesh , McIvor Lucy , Payne-Gill James , Smith Tim , Beck Alison
Published: June 2023

Purpose

There is a proportion of psychiatric service users whose needs are not met by existing models of care. This can lead to a reliance on acute and crisis services. These service users may be considered high intensity users (HIUs). The purpose of this research is to evaluate the Crisis Plus model, an intervention designed to better support HIUs in the community and reduce dependency on acute and crisis services.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-seven HIUs were involved in Crisis Plus. The core intervention of Crisis Plus was an Anticipatory Management Plan (AMP), produced in collaboration with service users, their families and their care coordinators. AMPs were shared with relevant services and attached to electronic patient notes to ensure a uniform, psychologically informed approach to care.

Findings

HIU service use was compared pre and post-AMP. On average, number of inpatient admissions, number of days spent on the ward, accepted psychiatric liaison referrals and accepted home treatment team (HTT) referrals decreased significantly.

Practical implications

Crisis Plus has taken a collaborative, proactive approach to engage HIUs, their families and the services that care for them. Crisis interventions that emphasise collaborative working and service user agency are key.

Originality/value

The provision of dedicated psychological support to HIUs and their professional and personal network is crucial to reduce reliance on acute and crisis care. Crisis Plus is unique in that it instigates co-production and active consultation with HIUs and services to improve clinical outcomes, in addition to reducing NHS expenditure.
Trajectory planning method for docking of large aircraft components
Authors: Li Shuang-Gao , Chu Wenmin , Huang Xiang , Xu Jinggang
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In the digital assembly system of large aircraft components (LAC), the docking trajectory of LAC is an important factor affecting the docking accuracy and stability of the LAC. The main content of docking trajectory planning is how to move the LAC from the initial posture and position to the target posture and position (TPP). This paper aims to propose a trajectory planning method of LAC based on measured data.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the posture and position error model of the wing is constructed according to the measured data of the measurement points (MPs) and the fork lug joints. Second, the particle swarm optimization algorithm based on the dynamic inertia factor is used to optimize the TPP of the wing. Third, to ensure the efficiency and stability of posture adjustment, the S-shaped curve is used as the motion trajectory of LAC, and the parameters of the trajectory are solved by the generalized multiplier method. Finally, a series of docking experiments are carried out.

Findings

During the process of posture adjustment, the motion of the numerical control locator (NCL) is stable, and the interaction force between the NCLs is always within a reasonable range. After the docking, the MPs are all within the tolerance range, and the coaxiality error of the fork lug hole is less than 0.2 mm.

Originality/value

In this paper, the measured data rather than the theoretical design model is used to solve the TPP, which improves the docking accuracy of LAC. Experiment results show that the proposed trajectory method can complete the LAC docking effectively and improve the docking accuracy.
The impact of bitcoin on gold, the volatility index (VIX), and dollar index (USDX): analysis based on VAR, SVAR, and wavelet coherence
Authors: Aliu Florin , Asllani Alban , Hašková Simona
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Since 2008, bitcoin has continued to attract investors due to its growing capitalization and opportunity for speculation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of bitcoin (BTC) on gold, the volatility index (VIX) and the dollar index (USDX).

Design/methodology/approach

The series used are weekly and cover the period from January 2016 to November 2022. To generate the results, the unrestricted vector autoregression (VAR), structural vector autoregression (SVAR) and wavelet coherence were performed.

Findings

The findings are mixed as not all tests show the exact effects of BTC in the three asset classes. However, common to all the tests is the significant influence that BTC maintains on gold and vice versa. The positive shock in BTC significantly increases the gold prices, confirmed in three different tests. The effects on the VIX and USDX are still being determined, where in some tests, it appears to be influential while in others not.

Originality/value

BTC’s diversification potential with equity stocks and USDX makes it a valuable security for portfolio managers. Furthermore, regulatory authorities should consider that BTC is not an isolated phenomenon and can significantly influence other asset classes such as gold.
Effect of mineral additions on the mechanical behavior of polymer concretes
Authors: Mirouzi Ghania , Houda Amina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of mineral additions on the mechanical performances of polymer concrete. This study aims to propose a novel approach formulation of polymer concrete based on reduction in the quantity of the binder and disposal of large quantities of industrial by-products and household waste such as the marble, the brick and silica fume whose valuation in polymer concrete could be an interesting ecological and economical alternative. The incorporation of a rate of 10% brick powder affects the distribution of pores inside polymer concrete, that is, the pore diameters become thinner and decrease and the porosity becomes evenly distributed. The recycled mineral brick powder addition in polymer concrete mix improved the mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

This polymer concrete was prepared by using polyester resin and two different types of sand, following a new formulation based on an empirical method. Furthermore, the optimal binder percentage was of 20% resin and a mixture of 52% dune sand and 48% quarry sand according to the Abrams method. To achieve our objective, five rates (from 2% to 10%) of brick powder, marble powder and silica fume were examined. Afterwards, its mechanical characteristics were evaluated via a three-point flexural with compressive resistance. The findings indicated that the addition of brick, marble and silica fume to polymer concrete increases the flexural strength with 21.84%, 12.76% and 9.07%, respectively.

Findings

Concerning the compressive strength, the best resistance is that of polymer concretes based on brick powder, and this economic formulation of polymer concrete serves the optimal cost/resistance ratio criteria. It allows an improvement in the mechanical resistance of concrete are obtained by adding brick powder that exceed that of the reference concrete.

Originality/value

In the past few decades, there has been several contribution concerning the subject of the reduction of the binder quantity in polymer concretes and adding the industrial and household wastes. However, previous studies revolving around the same area disregarded the effect of the brick powder, which appears scientifically of great importance for enriching the literature.
Drought‐induced relocation of ant colonies and its consequences for the long‐term spatial ecology of a population under stress
Authors: Ord Terry J.
Published: June 2023

Maintaining a central refuge such as a nest or burrow can offer protection against environmental stressors but comes at the expense of the capacity to disperse to new locations. This trade‐off with mobility can be detrimental when environmental conditions become adverse for extended periods, necessitating animals to relocate in order to track shifting niche envelopes.

Long‐lived ant colonies that invest in the construction of large nests are especially susceptible to changing environmental conditions. The Australian meat ant,Iridomyrmex purpureus, build large terrestrial nests at sites that balance shade and solar exposure.

Long‐term study of a population of meat ants showed low nest turnover and a stable spatial distribution of nests across typical rainfall years. With the onset of drought, a dramatic surge in the production of new nests occurred through a process of budding that far exceeded historic trends. This appears to have allowed colonies to relocate nests into areas with more favourable microclimate conditions in a strategy reminiscent of the production of runners in stressed plants. The consequence has also been the packing of nests into a narrow habitable zone that has resulted in an apparent increase in competition among large rival colonies. Following the break in drought and the thinning of some nests through abandonment, competition has progressively eased in later years.

The surge in nest budding triggered by acute environmental stress in this population offers a possible strategy for long‐lived colonies to effectively migrate across the landscape. With changes in environmental conditions becoming more frequent and severe with the climate crisis, any strategy available to central place foragers to track windows of preferred conditions is likely to become increasingly important.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Effect of gluconic acid rinsing on cadmium decontamination from rice protein
Authors: Shen Dianying , Song Ge , Sun Xinyang , Fan Fengjiao , Ding Jian , Fang Yong , Li Peng
Published: June 2023

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice protein has long been considered a significant threat to human health. In the present study, a costless and effective method based on gluconic acid (GA) rinsing of rice protein was developed to reduce Cd contamination in rice protein. Moreover, the effect of GA on the structural and functional properties of rice protein was evaluated. With liquid–solid ratio of 30 mL/g and oscillation time of 120 min, 96.0% and 93.6% of Cd were eliminated from rice protein‐H and rice protein‐L, respectively. In addition, the results of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses showed that GA treatment did not significantly change the structural properties of rice protein. However, GA treatment increased foaming properties, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity of the rice protein, without affecting its further applicability. Thus, the proposed GA rinsing method can be considered a green and efficient strategy to solve the issue brought by Cd residual contamination in rice protein.

Practical Application

Given the advantages of green and efficient agriculture, gluconic acid (GA) has emerged as a powerful strategy for removing the Cd from rice protein. The method developed herein showed great potentials for applications in the manufacture of rice‐based products.