bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tardigrade CAHS Proteins Act as Molecular Swiss Army Knives to Mediate Desiccation Tolerance Through Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Hesgrove Cherie S. , Nguyen Kenny H. , Biswas Sourav , Childs Charles A. , Shraddha KC , Medina Bryan X. , Alvarado Vladimir , Yu Feng , Sukenik Shahar , Malferrari Marco , Francia Francesco , Venturoli Giovanni , Martin Erik W. , Holehouse Alex S. , Boothby Thomas C.
Published: August 2021

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, make up a phylum of small but extremely hardy animals, renowned for their ability to survive extreme stresses, including desiccation. How tardigrades survive desiccation is one of the enduring mysteries of animal physiology. Here we show that CAHS D, an intrinsically disordered protein belonging to a unique family of proteins possessed only by tardigrades, undergoes a liquid-to-gel phase transition in a concentration dependent manner. Unlike other gelling proteins, such as gelatin, our data support a mechanism in which gel formation of CAHS D is driven by intermolecular β-β interactions. We find that gel formation corresponds with strong coordination of water and slowing of water diffusion. The degree of water coordination correlates with the ability of CAHS D to protect lactate dehydrogenase from unfolding when dried. This implies that the mechanism for unfolding protection can be attributed to a combination of hydration and slowed molecular motion. Conversely, rapid diffusion leading to efficient molecular shielding appears to be the predominant mechanism preventing protein aggregation. Our study demonstrates that distinct mechanisms are required for holistic protection during desiccation, and that protectants, such as CAHS D, can act as molecular ‘Swiss Army Knives’ capable of providing protection through several different mechanisms simultaneously.
A novel transposable element based authentication protocol for Drosophila cell lines
Authors: Mariyappa Daniel , Rusch Douglas B. , Han Shunhua , Luhur Arthur , Overton Danielle , Miller David F. B. , Bergman Casey M. , Zelhof Andrew C.
Published: August 2021

Drosophila cell lines are used by researchers to investigate various cell biological phenomena. It is crucial to exercise good cell culture practice. Poor handling can lead to both inter- and intraspecies cross-contamination. Prolonged culturing can lead to introduction of large- and small-scale genomic changes. These factors, therefore, make it imperative that methods to authenticate Drosophila cell lines are developed to ensure reproducibility. Mammalian cell line authentication is reliant on short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, however the relatively low STR mutation rate in D. melanogaster at the individual level is likely to preclude the value of this technique. In contrast, transposable elements (TE) are highly polymorphic among individual flies and abundant in Drosophila cell lines. Therefore, we investigated the utility of TE insertions as markers to discriminate Drosophila cell lines derived from the same or different donor genotypes, divergent sub-lines of the same cell line, and from other insect cell lines. We developed a PCR-based next-generation sequencing protocol to cluster cell lines based on the genome-wide distribution of a limited number of diagnostic TE families. We determined the distribution of five TE families in S2R+, S2-DRSC, S2-DGRC, Kc167, ML-DmBG3-c2, mbn2, CME W1 Cl.8+, and OSS Drosophila cell lines. Two independent downstream analyses of the NGS data yielded similar clustering of these cell lines. Double-blind testing of the protocol reliably identified various Drosophila cell lines. In addition, our data indicate minimal changes with respect to the genome-wide distribution of these five TE families when cells are passaged for at least 50 times. The protocol developed can accurately identify and distinguish the numerous Drosophila cell lines available to the research community, thereby aiding reproducible Drosophila cell culture research.
Carbon isotope composition for agronomic diagnostic: predicting yield and yield response to nitrogen in wheat
Authors: Cossani C. Mariano , Sadras Victor O.
Published: August 2021

Rainfed crops rely on two sources of water: stored soil water at sowing and seasonal rain. In strongly seasonal winter-rainfall environments, stored soil water at sowing is minor, and uncertain seasonal rainfall is a source of risk. In south-eastern Australia, under-fertilisation is a common outcome of nitrogen risk management with implications for yield and soil mining. Here we explore the use of carbon isotope composition (δ 13C) to capture the effects of water in the prediction of yield and guide nitrogen management. In the sampled environment, crops receive at least 50% of seasonal rainfall by stem elongation, and at least 70% of seasonal rainfall by flowering. In a sample of 1518 plots, yield varied from 0.07 to 9.96 t ha-1 and correlated with δ 13C measured with isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) at flowering; this is consistent with the rainfall pattern and the physiology of the crop featuring a critical period for yield from 300 °Cd before to 100 °Cd after anthesis. In a sample of 135 plots, yield varied from 1.2 to 8.4 t ha-1 and correlated with δ 13C measured with IRMS at stem elongation. Yield response to nitrogen, defined as the difference between yield in fertilised crops (50 to 200 kg N ha-1) and unfertilised controls, correlated with δ 13C measured with IRMS at stem elongation, except for late-sown crops. Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR) returned estimates of δ 13C that agreed with δ 13C measured with IRMS (calibration: R2 = 0.82, RMSE = 0.53‰, n = 833; validation: R2 = 0.70, RMSE = 0.75‰, n = 364). We conclude that a MIR based, high-throughput, affordable measurement of δ 13C could be scaled to guide nitrogen management of wheat in winter-rainfall environments.
Core Protein-Directed Antivirals and Importin β Can Synergistically Disrupt HBV Capsids
Authors: Kim Christine , Barnes Lauren , Schlicksup Christopher , Patterson Angela , Bothner Brian , Jarrold Martin , Wang Che-Yen Joseph , Zlotnick Adam
Published: August 2021

Viral structural proteins can have multiple activities. Antivirals that target structural proteins have potential to exhibit multiple antiviral mechanisms. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) core protein (Cp) is involved in most stages of the viral lifecycle: it assembles into capsids, packages viral RNA, is a metabolic compartment for reverse transcription, interacts with nuclear trafficking machinery, and disassembles to release the viral genome into the nucleus. During nuclear localization, HBV capsids bind to host importins (e.g. Impβ) via Cp’s C-terminal domain (CTD); the CTD is localized to the interior of the capsid and is transiently exposed on the exterior. We used HAP12 as a representative Cp Allosteric Modulators (CpAMs), a class of antivirals that inappropriately stimulates and misdirects HBV assembly and deforms capsids. CpAM impact on other aspects of the HBV lifecycle is poorly understood. We investigated how HAP12 influenced the interactions between empty or RNA-filled capsids with Impβ and trypsin in vitro. We showed that HAP12 can modulate CTD accessibility and capsid stability, depending on the saturation of HAP12-binding sites. We demonstrated that Impβ synergistically contributes to capsid disruption at high levels of HAP12 saturation, using electron microscopy to visualize disruption and rearrangement of Cp dimers into aberrant complexes. However, RNA-filled capsids resisted the destabilizing effects of HAP12 and Impβ. In summary, we show host protein-induced catalysis of capsid disruption, an unexpected additional mechanism of action for CpAMs. Potentially, untimely capsid disassembly can hamper the HBV lifecycle and also cause the virus to become vulnerable to host innate immune responses.

IMPORTANCE

The HBV core, an icosahedral complex of 120 copies of the homodimeric core (capsid) protein with or without packaged nucleic acid, is transported to the host nucleus by its interaction with host importin proteins. Importin-core interaction requires the core protein C-terminal domain, which is inside the capsid, to “flip” to the capsid exterior. Core-protein directed drugs that affect capsid assembly and stability have been developed recently. We show that these molecules can, synergistically with importins, disrupt capsids. This mechanism of action, synergism with host protein, has potential to disrupt the virus lifecycle and activate the innate immune system.
Impact of Erg11 amino acid substitutions identified in Candida auris clade III isolates on triazole drug susceptibility
Authors: Williamson Benjamin , Wilk Adam , Guerrero Kevin D. , Mikulski Timothy D. , Elias Tony N. , Sawh Indira , Cancino-Prado Geselle , Gardam Dianne , Heath Christopher H. , Govender Nelesh P. , Perlin David S. , Kordalewska Milena , Healey Kelley R.
Published: August 2021

ERG11 sequencing of 28 Candida auris clade III isolates revealed the presence of concomitant V125A and F126L substitutions. Heterologous expression of Erg11-V125A/F126L in Saccharomyces cerevisiae led to reduced fluconazole and voriconazole susceptibilities. Generation of single substitution gene variants through site-directed mutagenesis uncovered that F126L primarily contributes to the elevated triazole MICs. A similar, yet diminished pattern of reduced susceptibility was observed with long-tailed triazoles posaconazole and itraconazole for V125A/F126L, F126L, Y132F, and K143R alleles.
Reciprocal regulation of p21 and Chk1 controls the Cyclin D1-RB pathway to mediate senescence onset after DNA damage-induced G2 arrest
Authors: Lossaint Gerald , Horvat Anđela , Gire Véronique , Bacevic Katarina , Mrouj Karim , Charrier-Savournin Fabienne , Georget Virginie , Fisher Daniel , Dulic Vjekoslav
Published: August 2021

Senescence is an irreversible proliferation withdrawal that can be initiated after DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest in G2 phase to prevent genomic instability. Senescence onset in G2 is not well understood; it requires p53 and RB family tumour suppressors, but how they are regulated to convert a temporary cell cycle arrest into a permanent one remains unknown. Here, we show that a previously unrecognised balance between the CDK inhibitor p21 and Chk1 controls D-type cyclin-CDK activity during G2 arrest. In non-transformed cells, p21 activates RB in G2 by inhibiting Cyclin D1-CDK2/CDK4. The resulting G2 exit, which precedes appearance of senescence markers, is associated with a mitotic bypass, Chk1 inhibition and DNA damage foci reduction. In p53/RB-proficient cancer cells, compromised G2 exit correlates with sustained Chk1 activity, delayed p21 induction, untimely Cyclin E1 re-expression and genome reduplication. Chk1 depletion promotes cell cycle exit by inducing p21 binding to Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1-CDK complexes and down-regulating CDK6, whereas Chk2 knockdown promotes RB phosphorylation and delays G2 exit. In conclusion, p21 and Chk2 oppose Chk1 to maintain RB activity, thus controlling DNA damage-induced senescence onset in G2.
The role of visual experience in brain inter-individual variability
Authors: Sen Sriparna , Tong Ningcong , Wang Xiaoying , Bi Yanchao , Striem-Amit Ella
Published: August 2021

Visual cortex organization is highly consistent across individuals. But to what degree does this consistency depend on life experience, in particular sensory experience? In this study, we asked whether visual cortex reorganization in congenital blindness results in connectivity patterns that are particularly variable across individuals, focusing on resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) patterns from primary visual cortex. We show that the absence of shared visual experience results in more-variable RSFC patterns across blind individuals than sighted controls. Increased variability is specifically found in areas that show a group difference between the blind and sighted in their RSFC. These findings reveal a relationship between brain plasticity and individual variability in which reorganization manifests variably across individuals. We further investigated the different patterns of reorganization in the blind, showing that the connectivity to frontal regions, proposed to have a role in reorganization of the visual cortex of the blind towards higher cognitive roles, is highly variable. In a supplementary analysis, we link some of the variability in visual-to-frontal connectivity to another environmental factor – duration of formal education. Together, these findings show a role of sensory and socioeconomic experience in imposing consistency on brain organization. By revealing the idiosyncratic nature of neural reorganization, these findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in fitting sensory aids and restoration approaches for vision loss.

Significance statement

The typical visual system is highly consistent across individuals. What are the origins of this consistency? Comparing the consistency of visual cortex connectivity between people born blind and sighted people, we showed that blindness results in higher variability, suggesting a key impact of individual experience on brain organization. Further, connectivity patterns that changed following blindness were particularly variable, resulting in diverse patterns of brain reorganization. Individual differences in reorganization were also directly affected by non-visual experiences in the blind (years of formal education). Together, these findings show a role of sensory and socioeconomic experiences in creating individual differences in brain organization and endorse the use of individual profiles for rehabilitation and restoration of vision loss.
Identification of INSR protein structural differences in Diabetes Mellitus type 2 subjects from protein sequences
Authors: Carroll Peyton
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we constructed several models of the Insulin Receptor protein(abbreviated INSR) from protein sequences from pathogenic and benign variants of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Through modeling these variants, we were able to determine which sections of the tertiary structure of the INSR protein were linked to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Ultimately, we created a map of the INSR protein and indicated which parts of the protein structure had significant effects on type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. We concluded differences in the charged/polar amino acids on the lower right section of the structure(amino acid numbers 487 and 750) were associated with pathogenic variants, while charged/polar differences on the lower left of the structure(amino acid numbers 669 and 784) had no impact on pathogenicity. We observed several differences in the amino acid chain structure, however they were not unique to the pathogenic variants; they were also seen in the benign variants.
Confined migration promotes cancer metastasis through resistance to anoikis and increased invasiveness
Authors: Fanfone Deborah , Wu Zhi Chong , Mammi Jade , Berthenet Kevin , Neves David , Weber Kathrin , Halaburkova Andrea , Virard François , Bunel Félix , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Tait Stephen WG , Hennino Anca , Ichim Gabriel
Published: August 2021

Mechanical stress is known to fuel several hallmarks of cancer, ranging from genome instability to uncontrolled proliferation or invasion. Cancer cells are constantly challenged by mechanical stresses not only in the primary tumour but also during metastasis. However, this latter has seldom been studied with regards to mechanobiology, in particular resistance to anoikis, a cell death programme triggered by loss of cell adhesion. Here, we show in vitro that migrating breast cancer cells develop resistance to anoikis following their passage through microporous membranes mimicking confined migration (CM), a mechanical constriction that cancer cells encounter during metastasis. This CM-induced resistance was mediated by Inhibitory of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs), and sensitivity to anoikis could be restored after their inhibition using SMAC mimetics. Anoikis-resistant mechanically-stressed cancer cells displayed enhanced cell motility and evasion from natural killer cell-mediated immune surveillance, as well as a marked advantage to form lung metastatic lesions in mice. Our findings reveal that CM increases the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells.
ExSTED microscopy reveals contrasting functions of dopamine and somatostatin CSF-c neurons along the central canal
Authors: Jalalvand Elham , Alvelid Jonatan , Coceano Giovanna , Edwards Steven , Robertson Brita , Grillner Sten , Testa Ilaria
Published: August 2021

The spatial location of cerebrospinal fluid contacting (CSF-c) neurons enables important regulatory homeostatic functions regarding pH and motion control. Their intricate organization, facing the central canal and extending across the spinal cord, in relation to specific subtypes is poorly understood. This calls for imaging methods with a high spatial resolution (5-10 nm) to resolve the synaptic and ciliary compartments of each individual cell to elucidate their signalling pathways and enough throughput to dissect the cellular organization. Here, light-sheet and expansion microscopy resolved the persistent ventral and lateral organization of dopamine and somatostatin CSF-c neuronal types.

The number of somatostatin-containing dense core vesicles, resolved by STED microscopy, was shown to be markedly reduced upon each exposure to alkaline or acidic pH inhibiting any movement as part of a homeostatic response. Their cilia symmetry was unravelled by ExSTED as sensory in contrast with the motile one found in the dopaminergic ph insensitive neurons. This novel experimental workflow elucidates the functional role of CSF-c neuron subtypes in situ paving the way for further spatial and functional cell type classification.
Circulating microRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for canine Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Sanders Karin , Veldhuizen Anouk , Kooistra Hans S. , Slob Adri , Timmermans-Sprang Elpetra P.M. , Riemers Frank M. , Daminet Sylvie , Fracassi Federico , van Nimwegen Sebastiaan A. , Meij Björn P. , Galac Sara
Published: August 2021

Canine Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism) can be caused by a pituitary tumor (pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism; PDH) or a cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumor (csACT). For both cases, noninvasive biomarkers that could pre-operatively predict the risk of recurrence after surgery would greatly impact clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as noninvasive biomarkers for canine Cushing’s syndrome.

After a pilot study with 40 miRNAs in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 3), dogs with PDH (n = 3) and dogs with a csACT (n = 4), we selected a total of 20 miRNAs for the definitive study. In the definitive study, these 20 miRNAs were analyzed in blood samples of healthy dogs (n = 6), dogs with PDH (n = 19, pre-and post-operative samples) and dogs with a csACT (n = 26, pre-operative samples).

In dogs with PDH, six miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-126-5p, miR-141-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-375-3p and miR-483-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Of one miRNA, miR-122-5p, the expression levels did not overlap between healthy dogs and dogs with PDH (p = 2.9×10−4), significantly decreased after hypophysectomy (p = 0.013), and were significantly higher (p = 0.017) in dogs with recurrence (n = 3) than in dogs without recurrence for at least one year after hypophysectomy (n = 7). In dogs with csACTs, two miRNAs (miR-483-3p and miR-223-3p) were differentially expressed compared to healthy dogs. Additionally, miR-141-3p was expressed significantly lower (p = 0.009) in dogs with csACTs that had a histopathological Utrecht score of ≥ 11 compared to those with a score of < 11.

These results indicate that circulating miRNAs have the potential to be noninvasive biomarkers in dogs with Cushing’s syndrome that may contribute to clinical decision-making.
Usutu virus escapes langerin-induced restriction to productively infect human Langerhans cells, unlike West Nile virus
Authors: Martin Marie-France , Maarifi Ghizlane , Abiven Hervé , Seffals Marine , Mouchet Nicolas , Beck Cécile , Bodet Charles , Lévèque Nicolas , Arhel Nathalie J. , Blanchet Fabien P. , Simonin Yannick , Nisole Sébastien
Published: August 2021

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are phylogenetically close emerging arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes, and constitute a global public health threat. Since USUV and WNV enter the body through the skin, the first immune cells they encounter are skin-resident dendritic cells, the most peripheral outpost of immune defense. This unique network is composed of Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal DCs, which reside in the epidermis and the dermis, respectively.

Using human skin explants, we show that while both viruses can replicate in keratinocytes, they can also infect resident DCs with distinct tropism, since WNV preferentially infects DCs in the dermis, whereas USUV has a greater propensity to infect LCs. Using both purified human epidermal LCs (eLCs) and monocyte derived LCs (MoLCs), we confirm that LCs sustain a faster and more efficient replication of USUV compared with WNV and that this correlates with a more intense innate immune response to USUV compared with WNV. Next, we show that ectopic expression of the LC-specific C-type lectin receptor (CLR), langerin, in HEK293T cells allows WNV and USUV to bind and enter, but supports the subsequent replication of USUV only. Conversely, blocking or silencing langerin in MoLCs or eLCs made them resistant to USUV infection, thus demonstrating that USUV uses langerin to enter and replicate in LCs. Altogether, our results demonstrate that LCs constitute privileged target cells for USUV in human skin, because langerin favors its entry and replication. Intriguingly, this suggests that USUV efficiently escapes the antiviral functions of langerin, which normally safeguards LCs from most viral infections.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a heterobimetallic cadmium–sodium complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione, [CdNa2(C3H2N3O3)4(H2O)8]
Authors: Divya R. , Bijini B. R. , Dhanya V. S. , Babu K. Rajendra , Sithambaresan M.
Published: August 2021

Heterobimetallic crystals of a cadmium–sodium complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione, namely, μ-aqua-1:2κ2
O:O-heptaaqua-1κ3
O,2κ2
O,3κ2
O-bis(μ-4,6-dioxo-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1,3,5-triazin-2-olato)-1:2κ2
O
2:N
1;2:3κ2
N
1:O
2-bis(4,6-dioxo-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1,3,5-triazin-2-olato)-1κO
2,3κO
2-2-cadmium-1,3-disodium, [CdNa2(C3H2N3O3)4(H2O)8], were grown by the single gel diffusion technique. The asymmetric unit of the title compound comprises four 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione ligands, two sodium atoms and one cadmium atom. Of the four ligands, two are monodentately coordinated to two Na atoms. The third ligand is coordinated bidentately to one Na and the Cd atom and the fourth is also coordinated bidentately to the Cd atom and the other Na atom. All the metal atoms are six-coordinate with a distorted octahedral geometry. The water molecules bridge the Na atoms, constructing coordination polymer chains along the a axis and hence are linked by two Cd and one Na coordinations through the cyanuric acid ligands present in the coordination polymer chains, generating a two-dimensional coordination polymer in the (110) plane. The polymer formation is further assisted by means of many intermolecular and intramolecular N—H...O, O—H...O and O–H...N hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and the ligands.
(4-Benzyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene)[(1,2,5,6-η)-cycloocta-1,5-diene](triphenylphosphane-κP)iridium(I) tetrafluoridoborate
Authors: Newman Elliott B. , Astashkin Andrei V. , Albert Daniel R. , Rajaseelan Edward
Published: August 2021

A new triazole-based N-heterocyclic carbene iridium(I) cationic complex with a tetrafluoridoborate counter-anion, [Ir(C10H11N3)(C8H12)(C18H15P)]BF4, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The cationic complex exhibits a distorted square-planar environment around the IrI ion. One significant non-standard hydrogen-bonding interaction exists between a hydrogen atom on the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a fluorine atom from the counter-ion, BF4
−. In the crystal, π–π stacking interactions are observed between one of the phenyl rings and the triazole ring. Both intermolecular and intramolecular C—H...π(ring) interactions are also observed.
“We are different, that’s a fact, but they treat us like we’re different-er”: understandings of autism and adolescent identity development
Authors: Mesa Sue , Hamilton Lorna G.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A key development in early adolescence is the active construction of individual identity; for autistic young people, integrating the idea of “being autistic” forms part of this process. The purpose of this paper is to explore identity development from a contextualist perspective, foregrounding young people’s experiences within mainstream educational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal, qualitative methodology was used: semi-structured interviews were conducted annually with 14 autistic young people, their parents and teachers between school years 6 and 9.

Findings

Young people felt different from their neurotypical peers and their acceptance of their diagnosis changed over time as they managed their developing personal and public identities. In pursuit of being treated “normally,” many camouflaged their differences at school, which sometimes involved opting out of school-based support. Adults described their own understandings of autism and discussed the responses of others in the school environment to autistic differences.

Originality/value

The influence of sociocultural discourses of autism on young people’s identity development is discussed and implications for both school based and post-diagnostic support for young people and their families explored.
Do firms adjust board gender diversity in response to economic policy uncertainty?
Authors: Jumreornvong Seksak , Treepong karuna Sirimon , Tong Shenghui , Jiraporn Pornsit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on board gender diversity. Prior research shows that female directors play a beneficial role. The advantage of board gender diversity should be particularly helpful when firms have to navigate an uncertain environment. So the authors hypothesize that firms adjust their board gender diversity in response to EPU.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors execute a regression analysis. To minimize endogeneity, the authors execute firm-fixed effects regressions, an instrumental variable (IV) analysis and propensity score matching.

Findings

Consistent with their hypothesis, the authors find that firms significantly raise board gender diversity in response to EPU. To draw a causal inference, the authors exploit the 9/11 terrorist attack as an exogenous shock that elevated EPU unexpectedly. The authors’ IV analysis corroborates the results. Finally, the authors show that board gender diversity substantially mitigates the adverse effect on shareholder wealth brought about by an unanticipated negative shock attributed to the 9/11 attack.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the effect of EPU on board gender diversity. This research contributes to two important areas of the literature, i.e. board gender diversity and EPU. The authors show that board gender diversity is beneficial and firms act accordingly when facing more economic uncertainty.
“Bookmysurprise”: navigating through the predicament of a start-up
Authors: Bansal Shagun , Kapur Inakshi , Singh Anjani Kumar , Verma Piyush
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this paper are as follows: to identify the pros and cons of waged employment and entrepreneurship, to identify the contextual factors influencing entrepreneurship, to set up a new venture, namely, steps, challenges involved and decision-making process, to scale up a small business; when, how and where? And to tradeoff required for scaling up a small business.

Case overview/synopsis

Pooja, a young management graduate from Varanasi, decided to overcome all challenges and barriers faced by a women entrepreneur and chase her lifelong dream of creating her own event management startup. After having achieved phenomenal success in a short period of time within the city, she began to receive interest from neighbouring cities as well. The decision to scale up operations was particularly difficult for Pooja, as she had funded the venture through her personal funds and personally nurtured the business and her team based on the values of quality and creativity. Like any small business, she had to decide what level of trade-off was required between scaling and dilution of control over the operations.

Complexity academic level

The case study is applicable for students of management. The learnings from the case can be applied by an individual who is looking to start a business or expand one.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Knowledge mapping of skills mismatch phenomenon: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Draissi Zineb , Zhanyong Qi , Raguindin Princess Zarla Jurado
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the development track of skills mismatch research and discover the hidden internal connections between literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered data through scientometric quantitative analysis using CiteSpace. Specifically, this article applied basic analysis, journal cocitation analysis (JCA), author cocitation analysis (ACA) and document cocitation analysis (DCA), cluster analysis, citation burstness detection, scientific research cooperation analysis and coconcurrence analysis of keywords of 3,125 documents from Web of Science core collections for the period 2000–2020.

Findings

Through the document cocitation analysis and the keywords' co-occurrence, this article identifies influential scholars, documents, research institutions, journals and research hotspots in research on the skills mismatch phenomenon. The results showed that the publications had ballooned, and the phenomenon has become an interdisciplinary research subject. The USA and Finland remain the main contributors, which is attributed to their high-yield institutions such as the University of Helsinki, the University of Witwatersrand, the University of Washington and so on. While the African continent lacks research on skills mismatch even with the continent’s effort to overcome such a crucial issue. The paper presents an in-depth analysis of skills and educational mismatch issues to better understand the evolutionary trajectory of the collective knowledge over the past 20 years and highlight the areas of active pursuit.

Research limitations/implications

The authors only used Web of Science core collection to collect data; however, they can added Scopus indexed database as well to extend the research trends and explore more new research hot topics to solve the skills mismatch phenomenon.

Originality/value

The scientometric analysis is of great significance for identifying the potential relationship between the literature and investigating the knowledge evolution of skills mismatch research. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization are the giants who are mostly concerned of the mismatch skills phenomenon. Researchers can refer to this study to understand the status quo, gaps and research trends to deal with the skills mismatch issue.
Customers’ evaluation of mechanical artificial intelligence in hospitality services: a study using online reviews analytics
Authors: Mariani Marcello , Borghi Matteo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze if and to what extent mechanical artificial intelligence (AI)-embedded in hotel service robots-influences customers’ evaluation of AI-enabled hotel service interactions. This study deploys online reviews (ORs) analytics to understand if the presence of mechanical AI-related text in ORs influences customers’ OR valence across 19 leading international hotels that have integrated mechanical AI – in the guise of service robots – into their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors identified the 19 leading hotels across three continents that have pioneered the adoption of service robots. Second, by deploying big data techniques, the authors gathered the entire population of ORs hosted on TripAdvisor (almost 50,000 ORs) and generated OR analytics. Subsequently, the authors used ordered logistic regressions analyses to understand if and to what extent AI-enabled hospitality service interactions are evaluated by service customers.

Findings

The presence of mechanical AI-related text (text related to service robots) in ORs influences positively electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) valence. Hotel guests writing ORs explicitly mentioning their interactions with the service robots are more prone to associate high online ratings to their ORs. The presence of the robot’s proper name (e.g., Alina, Wally) in the OR moderates positively the positive effect of mechanical AI-related text on ORs ratings.

Research limitations/implications

Hospitality practitioners should evaluate the possibility to introduce service robots into their operations and develop tailored strategies to name their robots (such as using human-like and short names). Moreover, hotel managers should communicate more explicitly their initiatives and investments in AI, monitor AI-related e-WOM and invest in educating their non-tech-savvy customers to understand and appreciate AI technology. Platform developers might create a robotic tag to be attached to ORs mentioning service robots to signal the presence of this specific element and might design and develop an additional service attribute that might be tentatively named “service robots.”

Originality/value

The current study represents the first attempt to understand if and to what extent mechanical AI in the guise of hotel service robots influences customers’ evaluation of AI-enabled hospitality service interactions.
Are social and traditional entrepreneurial intentions really that different?
Authors: Santos Susana C. , Nikou Shahrokh , Brännback Malin , Liguori Eric W.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Building on construal level theory (CLT), this study explores mental representations of entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) with different foci (i.e. social and commercial) among university students from Generations Y and Z.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of university students from the United States contacted through the Entrepreneurship Education Project, this study employs a configurational perspective—fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)—to identify the pathways leading to EIs and social entrepreneurial intentions (SEIs).

Findings

Results show that the configurations of conditions leading to the outcomes (EI and SEI) are not disparate but share far more similarities even when considering socially oriented antecedents, supporting the claim that students perceive both EIs with different foci as high-level construals. The results also demonstrate no differences within gender, but there are asymmetries between gender in the configurations leading to EI and SEI.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to EI literature by providing new insights into understanding how individuals perceive EIs at an early stage of entrepreneurship and by bringing CLT to the EI literature.

Practical implications

These results have implications for entrepreneurship education and practice, as it recognizes that students' EIs are psychologically distant, lacking a level of detail and specificity. This would explain why students do not immediately create ventures, but that entrepreneurship has a certain incubation time to create an entrepreneurial mindset.

Originality/value

Exploring the configurational approaches can help to uncover the complexity and idiosyncrasies underlying EIs.
Understanding the drivers of innovation in an organization: a literature review
Authors: Dani Mugdha Vinod , Gandhi Aradhana Vikas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Innovation is an engine that drives the organization and allows it to outcompete in the economic environment. This paper aims to analyze scientific publications between 1980 and January 2021 concerning innovation indicators at organizational and individual levels. The study identifies 11 unique indicators to evaluate innovation, thus enhancing existing knowledge in the domain.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 175 randomly selected journal articles were systematically analyzed.

Findings

While innovation has received significant attention in the commercial sector, the focus on the construct in academic research has remained relatively narrow. The analysis offers a comprehensive view of innovation drivers at an organizational and individual level.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review offers a deeper understanding of the indicators of innovation impacting organizational performance.

Originality/value

The analysis and methodology discussed aim to assist managers, researchers and policymakers in comprehending the various innovation indicators; such understanding may enhance individual and organizational efficiency.
Challenges in regulating the local and global needs of quality management systems
Authors: Bashan Aviva , Kordova Sigal
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The complex processes of global organizations poses significant challenges for the global quality management systems (QMSs) responsible for their coordination and effective management. This includes meeting local customers' needs, as well as being responsible for global operational effectiveness, aggregate capacity utilization, cost reduction and standardization. This study examines how all of these ends can be accomplished. Regulating local and global needs emerges as a key issue, but one that lacks clarity. Therefore, this article outlines an approach for developing a coherent, strategic approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study of eighteen multinational companies (MNCs) examined and mapped the activity of their QMS, defined representative profiles and compared these profiles to strategic, operational and marketing needs.

Findings

The data analysis shows several gaps in the approach to global quality management. The lack of coherence and considerable vagueness in addressing inter-organizational processes leads to behavior that fluctuates between absolute autonomy and specific initiatives aimed at reaching the necessary level of integration needed to achieve operational effectiveness.

Originality/value

The innovative mapping process and analysis of the current study provide a tool for differentiating between the local and global needs of MNCs' quality systems, identifying gaps and defining activities aimed at regulating responses while increasing global added value from the QMS. This provides deeper insight into the business needs of global and local QMSs to enhance the value derived from coordination and regulation.
Tribological study of TiO2 nanoparticles modified with stearic acid as additives in lithium grease
Authors: Zhang Hong , Han Sheng , Hu Wenjing , Li Jiusheng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the properties of metal nanoparticles which are easy to agglomerate and hard to disperse evenly, thus limiting the application of metal nanoparticles in grease. A novel technology was proposed for modifying metal oxide to improve the dispersibility of nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

SA-TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using an in-situ esterification method followed by surface modification with stearic acid. The microstructure of the nanoparticles was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and their thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analyzer. The tribological properties of the SA-TiO2 nanoparticles as additives in lithium grease were evaluated with a four-ball tester and TE77 reciprocating friction tester. The worn surfaces of the steel balls were investigated by EDS and XPS.

Findings

The prepared nanoparticles can be well dispersed in the lithium grease and possess much better tribological properties compared to traditional nanoparticles. The results indicated that the excellent tribological performance of SA-TiO2 was attributed to the chemical reaction film composing of Fe2O3, iron oxide and other organic compounds.

Originality/value

This paper provides a method to prevent the agglomeration of nano-TiO2 by surface modification with stearic acid. And the prepared nanoparticles can effectively improve the tribology performance of lithium grease.
Knowledge sharing, organizational commitment and turnover intention among knowledge workers: a knowledge-based perspective
Authors: Lakshman C. , Rai Sumita , Lakshman Sangeetha
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to theorize a knowledge-based perspective on organizational commitment and turnover intentions among knowledge workers. The authors contribute by examining the impact of knowledge sharing, and managerial human capital respectively, on commitment and turnover in a sample of 274 knowledge workers (engineers) from India. Additionally, the authors examine the crucial moderating role of intra-firm causal ambiguity on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using structural equation modeling and analysis of survey responses, the authors test a moderated mediation model to provide evidence of the positive impact of knowledge sharing and human capital, respectively, on turnover intention, mediated by organizational commitment. More importantly, the authors theorize and present evidence on the moderating role of intra-firm causal ambiguity, on these relationships.

Findings

The authors find that knowledge sharing behaviors are both intrinsically and extrinsically motivating for knowledge workers, which results in their emotional attachments and higher levels of identification and commitment, which subsequently results in lower turnover intention. Our findings also highlight the role of intra-firm causal ambiguity in making things difficult for organizations to retain talented employees in tough environments.

Originality/value

The authors provide a knowledge-based perspective of commitment and turnover in knowledge-intensive work contexts. The authors also contribute by provide an interesting account of the role of intra-firm causal ambiguity in knowledge processes leading to commitment.
Legitimacy building of digital platforms in the informal economy: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyo Eko Heru
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how digital entrepreneurs develop platforms business models under an unregulated market and what approach they take to address informal economy (IE) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative method by interviewing sixteen respondents, including founders, Chief Executive Officers, and managers of digital-driven start-ups in Indonesia. I then analysed the interviews into several codes and themes for further discussion.

Findings

This study reveals distinctive approaches performed by startups within three-level institutions, namely, users, market and regulation. Each level represents digital entrepreneurs’ unique behaviour, which the author described as collective, narrative and compliant.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates that digital entrepreneurs leveraging informal sectors contribute to the process of formalisation. However, the author emphasise less on how it impacts informality and who receives incentives.

Practical implications

This study suggests appropriate strategies for entrepreneurs who build and develop a platform beyond immature setting and unveils different directions to comprehend their legitimacy building.

Social implications

This study also elucidates political implications such as how the dynamics between regulators’ response and entrepreneurs’ reaction shape the new regulative environment. An idea of self-regulate – entrepreneurs as actors instead of a subject of regulation – might be suitable to reflect how they overcome the bottom of the pyramid using technology innovation.

Originality/value

While previous studies focused primarily on sharing economy, this study provides a different array of discussion on the digitalisation of the informal economy in emerging markets.
Process innovation in the digital age of business: the role of digital business intensity and knowledge management
Authors: Nwankpa Joseph K. , Roumani Yaman , Datta Pratim
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the dynamic relationship between digital business intensity (DBI) and process innovation through knowledge management. More specifically, the paper investigates the mechanism through which DBI and knowledge management jointly influence process innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a single informant approach of data collection and consistent with prior research, and a random sample of CIOs was selected and invited to participate in the survey resulting in a total 193 usable responses. The analysis and empirical validation of the research model used partial least square.

Findings

The results reveal a positive link between DBI and process innovation. This finding presents empirical support for hitherto anecdotal evidence regarding the impact of DBI on process innovation. In particular, the study notes the impactful role of DBI as an input repertoire that facilitates knowledge management with subsequent positive effects on process innovation. Results further surface an accentuating interplay between DBI and knowledge management on process innovation.

Originality/value

The current study advances our understanding of how DBI, a pre-condition to attaining digital business strategy, influences process innovation. Moreover, investigating the consequences of DBI should help offer an initial insight to managers and top management facing the challenge of implementing a successful digital footprint in an increasingly digital business landscape. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate how digitization efforts and knowledge management practices jointly affect process innovation.