bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient characterization of multiple binding sites of small molecule imaging ligands on amyloid-beta, 4-repeat/full-length tau and alpha-synuclein
Authors: Sobek Jens , Li Junhao , Combes Benjamin F. , Gerez Juan A , Nilsson Peter K. , Henrich Martin T. , Geibl Fanni F. , Shi Kuangyu , Rominger Axel , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Nitsch Roger M. , Nordberg Agneta , Ågren Hans , Riek Roland , Ni Ruiqing
Published: March 2023

Aim

There is an unmet need for compounds that detect alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and 4-repeat tau, which are critical in many neurodegenerative diseases for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Here, we aim to develop an efficient surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based method to facilitate the characterization of small molecule ligands/compounds to these fibrils.

Methods

SPR measurements were conducted to characterize the binding properties of fluorescent ligands/compounds towards recombinant Aβ42, K18 4-repeat/full-length tau and αSyn fibrils. In silico modelling was performed to examine the binding pockets of ligands on αSyn fibrils. Immunofluorescence staining with fluorescence ligands and specific antibodies on postmortem brain tissue slices from patients with Parkinson’s disease and disease mouse models was performed.

Results

We optimized the protocol for immobilizing Aβ42, K18 tau, full-length tau and αSyn fibrils in a controlled aggregation state on SPR sensor chips. The results from the analysis of binding kinetics suggested the presence of at least two binding sites for all fibrils, including luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (HS-169, HS-84, h-FTAA and q-FTAA), pyridine derivative PBB5, nonfluorescent methylene blue and lansoprazole. In silico modelling studies for αSyn (6H6B) showed four binding sites with preference to S4. Immunofluorescence staining validated the detection of pS129-positive αSyn in brain tissue from Parkinson’s disease patients, αSyn PFF-injected mice, 6E10-positive Aβ in arcAβ mice, and AT-8/AT-100-positive in tau pR5 tau mice, respectively.

Conclusions

SPR measurements of ligands and small molecules binding to Aβ42, 4R and full-length tau and αSyn fibrils suggest the existence of multiple binding sites. This approach may provide efficient characterization of compound binding properties towards these fibrils important in neurodegenerative diseases.
Identification of novel oncogenic transcriptional targets of mutant p53 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: George Sara A , Kotapalli Viswakalyan , Ramaswamy Pandilla , Kumar Raju , Gowrishankar Swarnalata , Uppin Shantveer G , Bashyam Murali D
Published: March 2023

Missense mutations in the DNA binding domain of p53 are observed frequently in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC). Recent studies have revealed the potentially oncogenic transcriptional networks regulated by mutant p53 proteins. However, majority of these studies have focused on common ‘hotspot’ p53 mutations while rarer mutations are poorly characterized. We had previously identifiedSMARCD1as an oncogenic transcriptional target of rare ‘non-hotspot’ p53 mutants detected from squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT). We now report the characterization of ‘non-hotspot’ p53 mutations from ESCC.In-vitrotumorigenic assays performed following ectopic-expression of ‘non-hotspot’ mutant p53 proteins caused enhancement of oncogenic properties in squamous carcinoma cell lines. Genome-wide transcript profiling of ESCC tumor samples stratified for p53 status, revealed several genes exhibiting elevated transcript levels in tumors harbouring mutant p53. Of these,ARF6, C1QBPandTRIM23were studied further due to their previously reported pro-oncogenic roles. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) performed on RNA isolated from ESCC tumor samples revealed significant correlation ofTP53transcript levels with those of the three target genes. Ectopic expression of wild type and several mutant p53 forms followed by RT-qPCR, Chromatin affinity-purification and Promoter-luciferase assays indicated the exclusive recruitment of p53 mutants – P190T and P278L, to the target genes leading to activation of expression. Several functional assays following knockdown of the target genes revealed a significant suppression of tumorigenicity in squamous carcinoma cell lines. Rescue experiments confirmed the specificity of the knockdown. The tumorigenic effect of the genes was confirmed in nude mice xenograft assays. This study has therefore identified novel oncogenic targets of rare ‘non-hotspot’ mutant p53 proteins relevant for ESCC besides validating the functional heterogeneity of the spectrum of tumor specific p53 mutations.
Positive epistasis for fitness under monosomy: Loss of ribosomal protein stoichiometry reduces the effects of other perturbations
Authors: Tutaj Hanna , Tomala Katarzyna , Pirog Adrian , Marszałek Marzena , Korona Ryszard
Published: March 2023

The loss of a single chromosome in a diploid organism halves the dosage of many genes and is usually accompanied by a substantial decrease in fitness. We asked whether this decrease simply reflects the joint damage caused by individual gene dosage deficiencies. We measured the fitness effects of single heterozygous gene deletions in yeast and combined them for each chromosome. This predicted a negative growth rate, i.e. lethality, for multiple monosomies. However, monosomic strains remained alive and grew as if much (often most) of the damage caused by single mutations had disappeared, revealing an exceptionally large and positive epistatic component of fitness. We looked for functional explanations by analyzing the transcriptomes. There was no evidence of increased (compensatory) gene expression on the monosomic chromosomes. Nor were there signs of the cellular stress response that would be expected if monosomy led to protein destabilization and thus cytotoxicity. Instead, all monosomic strains showed extensive upregulation of genes encoding ribosomal proteins, but in an indiscriminate manner that did not correspond to their altered dosage. This response did not restore the stoichiometry required for efficient biosynthesis, which probably became growth limiting, making all other mutation-induced metabolic defects much less important. In general, the modular structure of the cell leads to an effective fragmentation of the total mutational load. Defects outside the module(s) currently defining fitness lose at least some of their relevance, producing the epiphenomenon of positive interactions between individually negative effects.
Viruses in deep-sea cold seep sediments harbor diverse survival mechanisms and remain genetically conserved within species
Authors: Peng Yongyi , Lu Zijian , Pan Donald , Shi Ling-Dong , Zhao Zhao , Liu Qing , Zhang Chuwen , Jia Kuntong , Li Jiwei , Hubert Casey R.J. , Dong Xiyang
Published: March 2023

Deep sea cold seep sediments have been discovered to harbor novel, abundant, and diverse bacterial and archaeal viruses. However, little is known about viral genetic features and evolutionary patterns in these environments. Here, we examined the evolutionary ecology of viruses across active and extinct seep stages in the area of Haima cold seeps in the South China Sea. Diverse antiviral defense systems in 487 microbial genomes spanning 43 families inform the dynamics of host-virus interactions. Accordingly, a total of 338 viral operational taxonomic units are identified and linked to 36 bacterial and archaeal phyla. Cold seep viruses are predicted to harbor diverse adaptive strategies to persist in this environment, including counter-defense systems, reverse transcriptases, auxiliary metabolic genes, and alternative genetic code assignments. Extremely low nucleotide diversity is observed in cold seep viral populations, being influenced by factors including microbial host, sediment depth and cold seep stage. Most cold seep viral genes are under strong purifying selection with trajectories that differ depending on whether cold seeps are active or extinct. This work sheds light on the understanding of environmental adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary patterns of viruses in the sub-seafloor biosphere.
Engagement in science content via online video leveraging television science fiction (Star Trek: Discovery)
Authors: Noor Mohamed A. F. , Manturuk Kim
Published: March 2023

Using science fiction stories to teach real-world science concepts may improve student engagement and motivate creativity. Here, we explore the effectiveness of a science outreach video leveraging interest in science fiction television content at engaging an audience self-selected through online social media. We find that responding audience members report knowledge gains, that the science-fiction connection increased their interest, and that many may not have viewed this science content without the science-fiction connection. Overall, these findings support the use of fictional narrative connections to engage with non-student learners around science topics, extending the findings from classroom settings to online videos.
Structural basis of GAIN domain autoproteolysis and cleavage-resistance in the adhesion G-protein coupled receptors
Authors: Pohl Fabian , Seufert Florian , Chung Yin Kwan , Volke Daniela , Hoffmann Ralf , Schöneberg Torsten , Langenhan Tobias , Hildebrand Peter W. , Sträter Norbert
Published: March 2023

The GAIN domain is a hallmark of adhesion G-protein coupled receptors (aGPCRs) as this extracellular domain contains an integral agonistic sequence (Stachel) for activation via binding to the 7-transmembrane helical (7TM) domain of the receptor. Many aGPCRs are autoproteolytically cleaved at the GPCR proteolysis site (GPS) site within the GAIN domain formed HXS/T sequence motif. However, other aGPCR can be activated without GPS cleavage. We determined the crystal structure of the human ADGRB2/BAI2 hormone receptor (HormR) and GPCR autoproteolysis-inducing (GAIN) domains and found that this aGPCR is resistant to autoproteolysis despite the presence of a canonical HLS sequence motif at the GPS. We used structural comparisons and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify structural determinants that are important for autocleavage beyond the canonical HXS/T motif. These studies characterized a conserved glycine residue and an edge-π interaction of the histidine base of the GPS sequence with a phenylalanine residue that is highly conserved in cleavage-competent aGPCRs. The MD simulations showed that this interaction is important to position the imidazole group of the histidine for deprotonation of the serine or threonine nucleophile. Removal of this interaction reduced autoprote-olytic activity in the ADGRL1 receptor and restored cleavage competence of the ADGRB3 receptor in a R866H/L821F double mutant. Conservation analysis indicates that wild-type ADGRB2 and ADGRB3 are auto-cleavage-incompetent receptors.
Magnesium ions mediate ligand binding and conformational transition of the SAM/SAH riboswitch
Authors: Hu Guodong , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: March 2023

The SAM/SAH riboswitch binds S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) with similar affinities. Mg2+is generally known to stabilize RNA structures by neutralizing phosphates, but how it contributes to ligand binding and conformational transition is understudied. Here, extensive molecular dynamics simulations (totaling 120 μs) identified over 10 inner-shell Mg2+ions in the SAM/SAH riboswitch. Six of them line the two sides of a groove to widen it and thereby pre-organize the riboswitch for ligand entry. They also form outer-shell coordination with the ligands and stabilize an RNA-ligand hydrogen bond, which effectively diminish the selectivity between SAM and SAH. One Mg2+ion unique to the apo form maintains the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in an autonomous mode and thereby facilitates its release for ribosome binding. Mg2+thus plays vital roles in SAM/SAH riboswitch function.
A CA1 circuit motif that signals the start of information integration
Authors: Heldman Raphael , Pang Dongyan , Zhao Xiaoliang , Wang Yingxue
Published: March 2023

Integrating information from the recent past is critical for guiding predictions and shaping behavior. The process of integrating information, such as tracking distance traveled or time elapsed, begins with establishing a starting point. Yet, the mechanisms by which neural circuits utilize relevant cues to initiate integration remain unknown. Our study sheds light on this question by identifying a subpopulation of CA1 pyramidal neurons called PyrDown. These neurons shut down their activity at the beginning of distance or time integration and then gradually ramp up their firing as the animal approaches the reward. PyrDown neurons provide a mechanism for representing integrated information through ramping activity, complementing the well-known place/time cells that respond to specific distances or time points. Our findings also reveal that parvalbumin inhibitory interneurons mediate the shutdown of PyrDown neurons, uncovering a circuit motif that enables the initiation of subsequent information integration to improve future predictions.
The effects of LED daylength extensions on the fecundity of the pest aphidMyzus persicaeand the daily activity patterns of its parasitoid,Aphidius matricariae
Authors: Fraser Jessica L. , Abram Paul K. , Dorais Martine
Published: March 2023

Supplemental lighting, such as with LED lamps, allows greenhouse producers to maintain yields when natural light levels are low. Since both insect pests and their natural enemies are sensitive to light, both the duration and spectrum of LED daylength extensions could affect biological pest control in greenhouses. Longer days could allow for extended periods of reproduction for pests or foraging activity of biological control agents, possibly depending on the spectra used for these extensions. However, the effects of lengthening days with different LED spectra on the behaviour of biological control agents has mostly been studied in short-term experiments to date, and has not always included the context of the light’s effect on their hosts’ reproduction. In growth chambers, we examined the locomotor activity of the parasitoid biocontrol agentAphidius matricariae(Hymenoptera : Braconidae) as a predictor for foraging activity and the fecundity of its aphid hostMyzus persicae(Hemiptera : Aphididae) over multiple days under different daylength extension regimes representative of those used in greenhouse vegetable production. We compared the effects of 14, 16, 18, and 20 h photoperiods, and 12 h days extended by 6 h with three different spectral qualities. The parasitoids adjusted how their activity was distributed throughout the lit period of the day (i.e., its total duration and peak timing) without changing the total amount of daily activity, regardless of the photoperiod or the light spectrum used for daylength extension. The aphids’ peak fecundity was not affected by photoperiod or spectral quality. Our results suggest that at least some behavioral and reproductive traits of these insects can be resilient to even drastic changes in their light environment.
Diversification of Polynucleotide Kinase Clp1 Family Proteins and Their Possible Origins in Eukaryotic Evolution
Authors: Saito Motofumi , Inose Rerina , Sato Asako , Tomita Masaru , Kanai Akio
Published: March 2023

The Clp1 family proteins, consisting of the Clp1 and Nol9/Grc3 groups, have polynucleotide kinase (PNK) activity at the 5′ end of RNA strands and are important enzymes in the processing of some precursor RNAs. However, it remains unclear how this enzyme family diversified in the eukaryotes. We performed a large-scale molecular evolutionary analysis of the full-length genomes of 358 eukaryotic species and identified a group of protist proteins that we consider to be the evolutionary origin of Clp1 family proteins. First, we detected an average of 4.2 Clp1 family genes in members of in the protist phylum Euglenozoa, arising from gene duplication. For example, inTrypanosoma brucei, there are three genes of the Clp1 group and one gene of the Nol9/Grc3 group. In the Clp1 group proteins encoded by these three genes, the C-terminal domains have been replaced by unique characteristics domains, so we designated these proteinsTb-Clp1-t1,Tb-Clp1-t2, andTb-Clp1-t3. Experimental validation showed that onlyTb-Clp1-t2 has PNK activity against RNA strands. In a phylogenetic analysis of the PNK domain,Tb-Clp1-t2 mapped to the earliest position on the tree. Interestingly,Tb-Clp1-t1, for which no PNK activity was detected, was located on the phylogenetic tree near fungalSaccharomyces cerevisiaeClp1, which also lacks PNK activity. The analysis also revealed that in the higher eukaryotes, such as humans and plants, the Clp1 proteins diversified with the creation of isoforms by alternative splicing.
Slow release of a synthetic auxin induces formation of adventitious roots in recalcitrant woody plants
Authors: Roth Ohad , Yechezkel Sela , Serero Ori , Eliyahu Avi , Vints Inna , Tzeela Pan , Carignano Alberto , Janacek Dorina P. , Peters Verena , Kessel Amit , Dwivedi Vikas , Carmeli-Weissberg Mira , Shaya Felix , Faigenboim-Doron Adi , Ung Kien Lam , Pedersen Bjørn Panyella , Riov Joseph , Klavins Eric , Dawid Corinna , Hammes Ulrich Z. , Ben-Tal Nir , Napier Richard , Sadot Einat , Weinstain Roy
Published: March 2023

Clonal propagation of plants by induction of adventitious roots (ARs) from stem cuttings is a requisite step in breeding programs. A major barrier exists for propagating valuable plants that naturally have low capacity to form ARs. Due to the central role of auxin in organogenesis, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is often used as part of commercial rooting mixtures, yet many recalcitrant plants do not form ARs in response to this treatment. Here, we describe the synthesis and screening of a focused library of synthetic auxin conjugates inEucalyptus grandiscuttings and identify 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid-L-tryptophan-OMe as a competent enhancer of adventitious rooting in a number of recalcitrant woody plants, including apple and argan. Comprehensive metabolic and functional analyses reveal that this activity is engendered by prolonged auxin signaling due to initial fast uptake and slow release and clearance of the free auxin 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid. This work highlights the utility of a slow-release strategy for bioactive compounds for more effective plant growth regulation.
Structural and enzymatic characterization of the sialidase SiaPG from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Dong Wen-Bo , Jiang Yong-Liang , Zhu Zhong-Liang , Zhu Jie , Li Yang , Xia Rong , Zhou Kang
Published: March 2023

The sialidases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of sialic acid from extracellular glycoconjugates, are a group of major virulence factors in various pathogenic bacteria. In Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes human periodontal disease, sialidase contributes to bacterial pathogenesis via promoting the formation of biofilms and capsules, reducing the ability for macrophage clearance, and providing nutrients for bacterial colonization. Here, the crystal structure of the P. gingivalis sialidase SiaPG is reported at 2.1 Å resolution, revealing an N-terminal carbohydrate-binding domain followed by a canonical C-terminal catalytic domain. Simulation of the product sialic acid in the active-site pocket together with functional analysis enables clear identification of the key residues that are required for substrate binding and catalysis. Moreover, structural comparison with other sialidases reveals distinct features of the active-site pocket which might confer substrate specificity. These findings provide the structural basis for the further design and optimization of effective inhibitors to target SiaPG to fight against P. gingivalis-derived oral diseases.
The moderating role of workplace ostracism between employee training, employee participation and organizational commitment among bank employees
Authors: Ametepe Paul Kojo , Otuaga Emetomo Uchefiho , Nnaji Chinwe Felicia , Arilesere Mustapha Sina
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating employee training, employee participation and organizational commitment (OC) and the moderating effect of workplace ostracism among bank employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a descriptive and cross-sectional design with the aid of a standard scale constructed into a questionnaire. Cluster, convenience and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 1,067 respondents, of which 870 were deemed fit for the study. The theories underpinning the study were the social exchange theory (SET) and social identity theory (SIT). Four hypotheses were developed and tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, and moderation using PROCESS macro.

Findings

The study found that employee training and employee participation had a significant positive relationship with organizational commitment, while organizational ostracism had a significant but negative relationship with organizational commitment among bank employees. The study also found that workplace ostracism moderated the relationship between organizational climate and organizational commitment The study recommended that organizational commitment requires management training their workforce, allowing employee participation in decisions, and minimizing or outrightly eradicating the practice of organizational ostracism. It is, therefore, concluded that workers place great value on training and participation in decision-making and frown at organizational ostracism.

Originality/value

This paper fills in the gaps left by the paucity of empirical investigation of the moderating role that workplace ostracism plays between employee training, employee participation and organizational commitment – a feat that is lacking in developing countries. It serves as a reminder to management to prevent or entirely eliminate workplace ostracism to allay an employee's impression of being a threat to an organization when commitment is low.
Effect of brand experiences on brand loyalty mediated by brand love: the moderated mediation role of brand trust
Authors: Bae Byung Ryul , Kim Sung-Eun
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine how brand trust moderates the effect of brand experience on brand loyalty mediated by brand love in the context of Korean smartphone users. The authors examine the relationships focused on Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phone.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed the conceptual model based on theoretical and empirical background. The authors collected data using a self-administered structured questionnaire through an online research company. The authors tested the hypotheses using a structural equation modeling in AMOS and PROCESS macro model number 8 based on 598 Korean smartphone users.

Findings

The authors found that brand experiences affect brand love, and brand love affects brand loyalty. The authors found that brand experiences affect brand loyalty directly, and brand love mediated the relationship between brand experiences and brand loyalty. The authors found that brand trust had a moderating effect between brand experiences and brand love but had no moderating effect between brand experiences and brand loyalty. Finally, the authors found that brand trust has a moderated mediation role between brand experiences, brand love and brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the moderated mediation role of brand trust in the relationship between brand experiences, brand love and brand loyalty focused on Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phone users in the Korean context.
A pandemic impact study on working women professionals: role of effective communication
Authors: Tripathi Shalini Nath , Sethi Deepa , Malik Nishtha , Mendiratta Aparna , Shukla Manisha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The study aims to develop an in-depth understanding of challenges faced by Indian women professionals during the pandemic and the human resource (HR) initiatives like effective communication, taken by the organizations to mitigate the plight of these professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A mix of two qualitative research methods namely focus groups in-depth and one-to-one in-depth interviews was used. A total of 32 females working with different organizations participated.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed themes related to challenges faced by working women-gendered burnout, mental health issues, increased household responsibilities, job insecurity, work-life conflict, gender inequalities, reduced internal communication and financial independence, domestic violence and exploitation. The major themes that emerged for the organizational initiatives were flexible working hours, equal women representation in response to planning and decision making, driving transformative change for gender equality, paid leaves for family care, caregiving bonus, leadership development seeds, increased female recruitments, transparent communication and counseling sessions.

Research limitations/implications

The study establishes a holistic understanding of the plight of Indian women professionals and the consequent organizational interventions accompanied by transparent communication. It adds rigor to the evolving literature on COVID-19 and enriches the theoretical narrative of policy adaptations by industry practitioners for aligning them with employee needs. This helps in routing the policy design and implementation in light of the challenges faced.

Originality/value

The study presents an in-depth understanding of challenges faced by women employees; and provides a foundation for identifying human resource management (HRM) interventions customized for working females. It also proposes a framework implementable in the recovery phase, deploying critical strategic shifts like reflection, recommitment and re-engagement of the women workforce in order to maximize their efficacy for rapidly evolving organizational priorities.
Exploring the microfoundations of innovation: what they are, where they come from and where they are going?
Authors: Fernandes Cristina I. , Hughes Mathew (Mat) , Ferreira João , Veiga Pedro Mota
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Microfoundations have received increasing attention in several management disciplines. This study aims to outline the uniqueness of microfoundations research in innovation, look at where it comes from and where it is going and provide rich opportunities for future work.

Design/methodology/approach

To advance research in this area, this study conducted a systematic literature review combining mixed methods and creating a mapping framework to take stock of progress in the innovation microfoundations research field.

Findings

This study shows how distinct subfields have formed around key ideas expressed in subsets of seminal articles, shedding light on the relational nature of knowledge creation – uncovering these subfields’ characteristics, evolution and future trajectories.

Originality/value

This study develops a framework that reflects a critical analysis of the microfoundations of innovation within dos three research levels – individual, process and interaction and structure – and highlights the research gaps and potential research questions for future research that reflect the broad spectrum of approaches in the microfoundations of innovation literature.
Foresight and strategic decision-making framework from artificial intelligence technology development to utilization activities in small-and-medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Kim Jong-Seok , Seo Dongsu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to predict artificial intelligence (AI) technology development and the impact of AI utilization activity on companies, to identify AI strategies dealing with the broad innovation activity of AI, and to construct the strategic decision-making framework of AI strategies for a small- and medium-sized enterprise (hereafter SME), to improve strategic decision-making practices of AI strategy in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the multiple methods on the design of two data collection stages. The first stage is an expertise-based approach. It organized the three groups of expert panels and conducted the Delphi survey on them in combination with the brainstorming of technology, innovation and strategy in the fourth industrial revolution. The second stage is in the complement approach of expertise-based results. It used the literature review to involve the analysis of academic and practical papers, reports and audio materials relating to technology development, innovation types and strategies of AI. Additionally, it organized the four semi-structured interviews. Finally, this study used the mind-map and decision tree to conduct each analysis and synthesize each analytical result.

Findings

This study identifies the precondition and four paths of AI technological development classifying into specialized AI, AI convergence with other technologies, general AI and AI control methods. It captures the impact of non- and technological innovation through AI on companies. Second, it identifies and classifies the six types of AI strategy: the bystander, capability-building, capability-holding, management-enhancing, market-enhancing and new-market-creating strategy. By using the decision tree, it constructs the strategic decision-making framework containing six AI strategies. Actionable points, strategic priorities and relevant instruments are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The strategic decision-making framework covering from AI technology development to utilization in a SME can help understand the strategic behaviours in SMEs. The typology of six AI strategies implies the broad innovation behaviours in SMEs. It can lead to further research to understand the pattern of strategic and innovation behaviour on AI.

Practical implications

This practical study can help executives, managers and engineers in SMEs to develop their strategic practices through the strategic decision framework and six AI strategies.

Originality/value

This practical study elicits the six types of AI strategy and constructs the strategic decision-making framework of six AI strategies from AI technology development to utilization. It can contribute to improving the practices of strategic decision-making in SMEs.
Vietnamese enterprises’ considerations of big data and analytics implementation post-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tran Hung Ngoc
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Recently, Vietnamese enterprises have begun to realize the potential benefits of big data and harnessing all of the data they have been creating. Experiencing the crisis time of the COVID-19 pandemic, they could apprehend more and more benefits of digitalizing trend. However, a big problem for many Vietnamese enterprises is understanding where to begin in implementing big data and analytics. The study’s main objective is to investigate the impact factors of implementing big data and analytics in Vietnamese enterprises post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratively conducted with a quantitative survey approach and uses purposive techniques in collecting data. The sample focuses on Vietnamese enterprises which have experience with big data and analytics.

Findings

This study intended to highlight some aspects to consider when implementing big data and analytics in Vietnamese enterprises post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first academic paper to study Vietnamese enterprises’ considerations of big data and analytics post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Which sway? Athlete activism, teammate allyship and fan patriotism
Authors: Smith Brent , Tryce Stephanie A. , Ferrara Carol
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To measure the relationships between varieties of patriotism and fan reactions to anthem-linked athlete activism and to test the effects of teammate allyship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study of US sport fans (n = 519), the authors examine whether two varieties of patriotism—the affective “symbolic patriotism” and the cognitive “uncritical patriotism”—might explain fans' reactions (support v. opposition) to anthem-linked athlete activism. The authors also consider whether fans' acceptance of nonactivist teammate allyship moderates patriotism influences on those reactions.

Findings

Using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the authors posit and show that fans' reactions to athlete activism are driven more strongly by uncritical patriotism than by symbolic patriotism. The authors also show that fans' acceptance of nonactivist teammate allyship significantly moderate the strength and direction of fans' reactions to athlete activism.

Research limitations/implications

The authors contribute substantive, new knowledge into the sways of athlete activism, teammate allyship and fan patriotism within the sport world. By way of novel heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations, the authors show evidence of discriminant validities of symbolic patriotism and uncritical patriotism. Using PLS-SEM moderation tests, the authors also show that fans' acceptance of teammate allyship moderates the influences of these patriotism types differently.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies to date have investigated sport fans' reactions to athletes' displays of social activism (e.g. taking a knee to protest racism).
Drivers of innovation in the agro-food micro, small and medium enterprises of Uganda
Authors: Ajer Basil , Ngare Lucy , Macharia Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Purpose

With focus on Uganda, this study assessed the factors influencing agro-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) innovations. Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja districts were the locations of the research.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary cross-sectional data was collected using structured questionnaire for a sample of 521 agro-food MSMEs in Uganda. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to examine the data in SPSS.

Findings

The findings indicate that MSME innovation levels were usually high, at roughly 80%. The presence of rules that encourage innovation and reward creative people would enhance innovation that is customer-focused. On the other hand, policies and principles that encourage innovation and the conduct of internal product and process improvement research would promote system-focused innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Encouraging agro-food MSMEs to develop policies that support innovation would improve the overall level of innovation, while building the capacity of agro-food MSMEs to conduct product and process improvement research would increase the level of systems-focused research.

Originality/value

This study assessed the drivers of innovation in agri-food MSMEs in a developing country. The uniqueness of this study is in assessing the effects of innovation support services on customer-focused and systems-focused innovations.
Performance management systems, innovative work behavior and the role of transformational leadership: an experimental approach
Authors: Bauwens Robin , Audenaert Mieke , Decramer Adelien
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Despite increasing attention to employee development, past research has mostly studied performance management systems (PMSs) in relation to task-related behaviors compared to proactive behaviors. Accordingly, this study addresses the relation between PMSs and innovative work behavior (IWB).

Design/methodology/approach

Building on signaling theory and human resource management (HRM) system strength research, the authors designed a factorial survey experiment (n = 444) to examine whether PMSs stimulate IWB under different configurations of distinctiveness, consistency and consensus, as well as in the presence of transformational leadership.

Findings

Results show that only strong PMSs foster IWB (high distinctiveness, high consistency and high consensus [HHH]). Additional analyses reveal that the individual meta-features of PMS consistency and consensus can also stimulate innovation. Transformational leadership reinforced the relationship between PMS consensus and IWB relationship, but not the relationships of the other meta-features.

Practical implications

The study’s findings suggest that organizations wishing to unlock employees' innovative potential should design PMSs that are visible, comprehensible and relevant. To further reap the innovative gains of employees, organizations could also invest in the coherent and fair application of planning, feedback and evaluation throughout the organization and ensure organizational stakeholders agree on the approach to PMSs.

Originality/value

The study’s findings show that PMS can also inspire proactivity in employees, in the form of IWB and suggest that particular leadership behaviors can complement certain PMS meta-features, and simultaneously also compete with PMS strength, suggesting the whole (i.e. PMS strength) is more than the sum of the parts (i.e. PMS meta-features).
Real Estate Insights The continuing uncertainty of property investment markets – an outlook for the UK in 2023
Authors: Frodsham Malcolm
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this Real Estate Insight is to comment upon the outlook for real estate investment in the United Kingdom (UK) at the beginning of 2023 in light of global inflation brought about by the pent-up post-pandemic demand push for goods and services and the exacerbation of the Ukraine/Russia conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This Real Estate Insight will comment upon changes in the investor's view of the UK economy and the relative attractiveness of the different property sectors and the shift in thinking post-pandemic.

Findings

This paper will consider a number of scenarios and possibilities flowing from the current uncertainties in the property market and the wider economy.

Practical implications

As with all property investment, the value and performance of the property assets is interlinked with the use and demand of different property types. Understanding the supply and demand drivers provides investors with a reasoned conjecture of how the property market may perform going forward.

Originality/value

This is a review of the UK market in relation to post-COVID-19 changes to supply and demand at both an operational and investment level.
Channel integration in grocery retailers via mobile applications
Authors: Yen Yung-Shen
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of channel integration on usage intention through mobile applications (apps) for customers in grocery retailers. Moreover, the study examines the moderating effect of customer commitment in the model.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was conducted on a sample of 536 consumers in Taiwan.

Findings

This study found that information integration, marketing integration and operational integration are three significant dimensions of channel integration in grocery retailers. Channel integration positively affects satisfaction and trust, which, in turn, increases usage intention. Moreover, customer commitment significantly moderates the relationships in the model.

Research limitations/implications

Sample bias may exist because the sample was obtained from an online survey conducted on social media platforms.

Practical implications

This study suggested that practitioners should confidently implement channel integration through mobile apps in stores. They may develop more valuable services connected with different channels or devices to assist customers in buying in-store. To improve customer trust in the service, practitioners can enhance their confidence in using mobile apps in their stores. Moreover, practitioners segment customers based on high and low levels of customer commitment to provide different strategies to increase usage intention in the retailer.

Originality/value

This study advanced the extant knowledge of channel integration theory and relationship marketing theory in the context of omnichannel retailing.
Consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war: evidence from DAX, ATX, and FTSEMIB
Authors: Aliu Florin , Mulaj Isa , Hašková Simona
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The Russian invasion of Ukraine generated unprecedented panic in the European financial system. As expected, the European Union (EU) felt most of the negative effects of the war due to geographical proximity to Ukraine and energy dependence on Russia. This study aims to investigate the influence of Brent crude oil (BCO), Dutch Title Transfer Facility Natural Gas, and CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) on Deutscher Aktien Index (DAX), Austrian Traded Index (ATX) and Milano Indice di Borsa (FTSEMIB). The German, Austrian and Italian equity indexes were chosen due to the heavy dependence of these countries on Russian gas and oil.

Design/methodology/approach

The data cover the period from November 24, 2021, to June 24, 2022, including five months of the Russia–Ukraine war. To generate the intended results, vector autoregressive, structural vector autoregressive, vector error correction model, Johansen test and Granger causality test were used.

Findings

The results highlight that natural gas and the VIX carried negative effects on DAX, ATX and FTSEMIB. The BCO was expected to have influenced three selected equity indexes, while the results suggest that it was priced only in ATX.

Originality/value

This research provides modest evidence for the policymakers on the systemic risk that Russian gas has for the EU equity markets. From a managerial perspective, changes in oil and gas prices are a permanently integral part of portfolio risk analysis.
Seasonality of biogeochemically relevant microbial genes in a coastal ocean microbiome
Authors: Auladell Adrià , Ferrera Isabel , Montiel Fontanet Lidia , Santos Júnior Célio Dias , Sebastián Marta , Logares Ramiro , Gasol Josep M.
Published: March 2023

Microbes drive the biogeochemical cycles of marine ecosystems through their vast metabolic diversity. While we have a fairly good understanding of the spatial distribution of these metabolic processes in various ecosystems, less is known about their seasonal dynamics. We investigated the annual patterns of 21 biogeochemical relevant functions in an oligotrophic coastal ocean site by analysing the presence of key genes, analysing high‐rank gene taxonomy and the dynamics of nucleotide variants. Most genes presented seasonality: photoheterotrophic processes were enriched during spring, phosphorous‐related genes were dominant during summer, coinciding with potential phosphate limitation, and assimilatory nitrate reductases appeared mostly during summer and autumn, correlating negatively with nitrate availability. Additionally, we identified the main taxa driving each function at each season and described the role of underrecognized taxa such as Litoricolaceae in carbon fixation (rbcL), urea degradation (ureC), and CO oxidation (coxL). Finally, the seasonality of single variants of some families presented a decoupling between the taxonomic abundance patterns and the functional gene patterns, implying functional specialization of the different genera. Our study unveils the seasonality of key biogeochemical functions and the main taxonomic groups that harbour these relevant functions in a coastal ocean ecosystem.
Short interest and the stock market relation with news sentiment from traditional and social media sources
Authors: Chamberlain Ben , Liu Zhangxin (Frank) , Smales Lee A.
Published: March 2023

We examine how the stock market relation to news sentiment—from traditional and social media (Twitter) sources—interacts with short selling of stocks. Our sample includes the S&P500 constituents for the period January 2016 to December 2020, providing 704,452 firm‐day observations. We find evidence that both news sources are positively related to returns. The relationship is stronger for firms with a high short interest ratio, for small firms, and particularly for firms that are both small and highly shorted. This is consistent with short sellers targeting firms that are most responsive to (negative) news releases and so more likely to compensate for the additional costs encountered in shorting.
Addictions treatment mechanisms of change science and implementation science: A critical review
Authors: Magill Molly , Maisto Stephan , Borsari Brian , Glass Joseph E. , Hallgren Kevin , Houck Jon , Kiluk Brian , Kuerbis Alexis
Published: March 2023

This manuscript aims to contribute to the next phase of mechanisms of behavior change (MOBC) science on alcohol or other drug use. Specifically, we encourage the transition from a basic science orientation (i.e., knowledge generation) to a translational science orientation (i.e., knowledge application or Translational MOBC Science). To inform that transition, we examine MOBC science and implementation science and consider how these two research areas can intersect to capitalize on the goals, strengths, and key methodologies of each. First, we define MOBC science and implementation science and offer a brief historical rationale for these two areas of clinical research. Second, we summarize similarities in rationale and discuss two scenarios where one draws from the other—MOBC science on implementation strategy outcomes and implementation science on MOBC. We then focus on the latter scenario, and briefly review the MOBC knowledge base to consider its readiness for knowledge translation. Finally, we provide a series of research recommendations to facilitate the translation of MOBC science. These recommendations include: (1) identifying and targeting MOBC that are well suited for implementation, (2) use of MOBC research results to inform broader health behavior change theory, and (3) triangulation of a more diverse set of research methodologies to build a translational MOBC knowledge base. Ultimately, it is important for gains borne from MOBC science to affect direct patient care, while basic MOBC research continues to be developed and refined over time. Potential implications of these developments include greater clinical significance for MOBC science, an efficient feedback loop between clinical research methodologies, a multi‐level approach to understanding behavioral change, and reduced or eliminated siloes between MOBC science and implementation science.