bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The birth-death diffusion leading to present-day Mammal diversity
Authors: Quintero Ignacio , Lartillot Nicolas , Morlon Hélène
Published: August 2022

Dramatic spatial, temporal and taxonomic variation in biodiversity is ultimately explained by differences in speciation and extinction rates. Mammals represent a ∼200 My old radiation that resulted in over 6500 extant species, with stark temporal, spatial and taxonomic heterogeneity in biodiversity. Throughout their history, every mammal lineage is expected to have undergone diversification rates that vary instantaneously in time resulting from the complex interplay of context-specific extrinsic factors (e.g., K-Pg mass extinction event, rise of angiosperms) with their evolving ecologies (e.g., body size, diet). When studying the diversification history of a clade, however, mathematical and computational limitations have hindered inference of such a flexible birth-death model where speciation and extinction rates evolve continuously along a phylogenetic tree. Here we overcome these challenges by implementing a series of phylogenetic models in which speciation and extinction rates are inherited and diffuse following a latent Geometric Brownian motion process. We enable full Bayesian inference using data augmentation techniques to sample from the posterior distribution of model parameters, including augmented phylogenetic trees and validate using simulations. Using a genome-informed time-calibrated tree for over 4000 Mammals species, we are able to estimate a complete and fine-grained picture of the variation in diversification rates that captures both global and lineage specific effects. We find that, contrary to the idea of a suppressed mammalian diversification before the K-Pg mass extinction event (i.e., explosive- or delayed-rise), mammal speciation rates dramatically increased around 10-20 My before the K-Pg. Our new model opens exciting possibilities in disentangling the drivers behind variation in diversification and assaying how small-scale processes scale-up to macroevolutionary dynamics.
Formation of secondary allo-bile acids by novel enzymes from gut Firmicutes
Authors: Lee Jae Won , Cowley Elise S. , Wolf Patricia G. , Doden Heidi L. , Murai Tsuyoshi , Olivos Caicedo Kelly Yovani , Ly Lindsey K. , Sun Furong , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Daniel Steven L. , Cann Isaac , Gaskins H. Rex , Anantharaman Karthik , Alves João M. P. , Ridlon Jason M.
Published: August 2022

The gut microbiome of vertebrates is capable of numerous biotransformations of bile acids, which are responsible for intestinal lipid digestion and function as key nutrient-signaling molecules. The human liver produces bile acids from cholesterol predominantly in the A/B-transorientation in which the sterol rings are “kinked”, as well as small quantities of A/B-cisoriented “flat” stereoisomers known as “primary allo-bile acids”. While the complex multi-step bile acid 7α-dehydroxylation pathway has been well-studied for conversion of “kinked” primary bile acids such as cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) to deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA), respectively, the enzymatic basis for the formation of “flat” stereoisomers allo-deoxycholic acid (allo-DCA) and allo-lithocholic acid (allo-LCA) by Firmicutes has remained unsolved for three decades. Here, we present a novel mechanism by which Firmicutes generate the “flat” bile acids allo-DCA and allo-LCA. The BaiA1 was shown to catalyze the final reduction from 3-oxo-allo-DCA to allo-DCA and 3-oxo-allo-LCA to allo-LCA. Phylogenetic and metagenomic analyses of human stool samples indicate that BaiP and BaiJ are encoded only in Firmicutes and differ from membrane-associated bile acid 5α-reductases recently reported in Bacteroidetes that indirectly generate allo-LCA from 3-oxo-Δ4-LCA. We further map the distribution ofbaiPandbaiJamong Firmicutes in human metagenomes, demonstrating an increased abundance of the two genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients relative to healthy individuals.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Bile acid synthesis by vertebrates is central to digestion and nutrient signaling. Gut bacteria have evolved enzymes capable of converting primary bile acids to hundreds of secondary bile acids. While bile acid microbiology has been focused on the metabolism of ring hydroxyl groups and the carboxylated side-chain, very little is known about how bacteria alter the shape of the steroid ring system. Here, we describe enzymes expressed by Firmicutes that convert the “kinked” primary bile acid into “flat” secondary bile acids. Decades of research indicate that increased levels of secondary bile acids are risk factors for colorectal cancer. Hidden Markov Models developed from the BaiP and BaiJ enzyme sequences revealed significant enrichment in metagenomes of subjects with colorectal cancer.
Enhancing adult neuroplasticity by epigenetic regulation of Parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic cells
Authors: Lavertu-Jolin Marisol , Chattopadhyaya Bidisha , Chehrazi Pegah , Carrier Denise , Wünnemann Florian , Leclerc Séverine , Dumouchel Félix , Robertson Derek , Affia Hicham , Saba Kamal , Gopal Vijaya , Patel Anant Bahadur , Andelfinger Gregor , Pineyro Graçiela , Di Cristo Graziella
Published: August 2022

Failure of inhibiting fear in response to harmless stimuli contributes to anxiety disorders. Extinction training only temporarily suppresses fear memories in adults, but it is highly effective in juveniles. GABAergic parvalbumin-positive (PV+) cells restrict plasticity in adult brains, thus increasing PV+ cell plasticity could promote the suppression of fear memories following extinction training in adults. Histone deacetylase 2 (Hdac2) restrains both structural and functional synaptic plasticity; however, whether and how Hdac2 controls adult PV+ cell plasticity is unknown. Here, we report that Hdac2 deletion or pharmacological inhibition in PV+ cells attenuate spontaneous recovery of fear memory after fear extinction learning in adults. These manipulations promote a temporally restricted downregulation of Acan, a critical perineuronal net component expressed exclusively by PV+ cells in medial prefrontal cortex. Finally, we show that Acan transient downregulation before extinction training but after fear memory acquisition is sufficient to reduce spontaneous fear memory recovery in wild-type mice.
Phylogenetic analyses reveal bat communities in Northwestern Mexico harbour a high diversity of novel cryptic ectoparasite species
Authors: Najera-Cortazar Laura A. , Keen Alex , Kitching Thomas , Stokes Drew , Goodman Simon J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Parasites are integral parts of ecosystem function and important drivers of evolutionary processes. Characterising ectoparasite diversity is fundamental to studies of host-parasite interactions, evolution, and conservation, and also for understanding emerging disease threats for some vector borne pathogens. With more than 1,400 species, bats represent the second most speciose mammalian clade, but their ectoparasite fauna are poorly known for most species.

Methods

We sequenced mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit I and nuclear 18S ribosomal gene fragments, and used Bayesian phylogenetic analyses to characterise ectoparasite taxon identity and diversity for 17 species of parasitized bats sampled along the Baja California peninsula and in Northwestern Mexico.

Results

The sequence data revealed multiple novel lineages of bat bugs (Cimicidae), flies (Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) and ticks (Argasidae). Within families, the new linages showed more than 10% sequence divergence, which is consistent with separation at least at the species level. Both families of bat flies showed host specificity, particularly on Myotis species. We also identified new records for the Baja peninsula of one tick (Carios kelleyi), and of five Streblid bat flies. One Nycteribiid bat fly haplotype from Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) hosts was found throughout the peninsula, suggesting potential long distance co-dispersal with hosts. Different bat bug and tick communities were found in the north and south of the peninsula.

Conclusions

This study is the first systematic survey of bat ectoparasites in the Baja California peninsula, discovering highly genetically differentiated novel lineages compared to other parts of North America. For some ectoparasite species, haplotype distributions may reflect patterns of bat migration. This work is a first step in characterising ectoparasite diversity over the Baja California peninsula, and understanding how ecological and evolutionary interactions shape bat ectoparasite communities among host species in different parts of their ranges.
Simulations suggest robust microtubule attachment of kinesin and dynein in antagonistic pairs
Authors: Ma Tzu-Chen , Gicking Allison M. , Feng Qingzhou , Hancock William O.
Published: August 2022

Intracellular transport is propelled by kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein motors that carry membrane-bound vesicles and organelles bidirectionally along microtubule tracks. Much is known about these motors at the molecular scale, but many questions remain regarding how kinesin and dynein cooperate and compete during bidirectional cargo transport at the cellular level. The goal of the present study was to use a stochastic stepping model constructed by using published load-dependent properties of kinesin-1 and dynein-dynactin-BicD2 (DDB) to identify specific motor properties that determine the speed, directionality, and transport dynamics of a cargo carried by one kinesin and one dynein motor. Model performance was evaluated by comparing simulations to recently published experiments of kinesin-DDB pairs connected by complementary oligonucleotide linkers. Plotting the instantaneous velocity distributions from kinesin-DDB experiments revealed a single peak centered around zero velocity. In contrast, velocity distributions from simulations displayed a central peak around 100 nm/s, along with two side peaks corresponding to the unloaded kinesin and DDB velocities. We hypothesized that frequent motor detachment events and relatively slow motor reattachment rates resulted in periods in which only one motor is attached. To investigate this hypothesis, we varied specific model parameters and compared the resulting instantaneous velocity distributions, and we confirmed this systematic investigation using a machine learning approach that minimized the residual sum of squares between the experimental and simulation velocity distributions. The experimental data were best recapitulated by a model in which the kinesin and dynein stall forces are matched, motor detachment rates are independent of load, and the kinesin-1 reattachment rate is 50 s-1. These results provide new insights into motor dynamics during bidirectional transport and put forth hypotheses that can be tested by future experiments.

Statement of significance:

Bidirectional transport of vesicles along microtubules is vital for cellular function, particularly in the highly elongated axons and dendrites of neurons, and transport defects are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. For developing future therapeutic strategies, a better understanding is needed for how motors, cargo adapters, and accessory proteins coordinate their activities to transport cargo to their proper cellular locations. We approached this problem by simulating how antagonistic kinesin and dynein motors compete in pairs. We constrain our simulations by recent experimental results and conclude that the motors spend nearly all their time attached to the microtubule and competing against one another. This behavior is not predicted by existing single-molecule experiments and thus provides new insights into bidirectional transport.
Deformable image registration for automatic muscle segmentation and the generation of augmented imaging datasets
Authors: Henson William H. , Mazzá Claudia , Dall’Ara Enrico
Published: August 2022

Muscle segmentation is a process relied upon to gather medical image-based muscle characterisation, useful in directly assessing muscle volume and geometry, that can be used as inputs to musculoskeletal modelling pipelines. Manual or semi-automatic techniques are typically employed to segment the muscles and quantify their properties, but they require significant manual labour and incur operator repeatability issues. In this study an automatic process is presented, aiming to segment all lower limb muscles from Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging data simultaneously using three-dimensional (3D) deformable image registration. Twenty-three of the major lower limb skeletal muscles were segmented from five subjects, with an average Dice similarity coefficient of 0.72, and average absolute relative volume error of 12.7% (average relative volume error of -2.2%) considering the optimal subject combinations. Segmented MR imaging datasets of the lower limb are not widely available in the literature, limiting the potential of new, probabilistic methods such as deep learning to be used in the context of muscle segmentation. In this work, Non-linear deformable image registration is used to generate 69 manually checked, segmented, 3D, artificial datasets, allowing access for future studies to use these new methods, with a large amount of reliable reference data.
Functional characterization of six SLCO1B1 (OATP1B1) variants observed in Finnish individuals with a psychotic disorder
Authors: Häkkinen Katja , Kiander Wilma , Kidron Heidi , Lähteenvuo Markku , Urpa Lea , Lintunen Jonne , Vellonen Kati-Sisko , Auriola Seppo , Holm Minna , Lahdensuo Kaisla , Kampman Olli , Isometsä Erkki , Kieseppä Tuula , Lönnqvist Jouko , Suvisaari Jaana , Hietala Jarmo , Tiihonen Jari , Palotie Aarno , Ahola-Olli Ari V. , Niemi Mikko ,   the SUPER-Finland researchers listed in the Acknowledgements
Published: August 2022

Aim

Variants in the SLCO1B1 (solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1) gene encoding the OATP1B1 (organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1) protein are associated with altered transporter function that can predispose patients to adverse drug effects with statin treatment. We explored the effect of six rare SLCO1B1 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) occurring in Finnish individuals with a psychotic disorder on expression and functionality of the OATP1B1 protein.

Methods

The SUPER-Finland study has performed exome sequencing on 9,381 individuals with at least one psychotic episode during their lifetime. SLCO1B1 SNVs were annotated with PHRED-scaled Combined Annotation-Dependent (CADD) scores and the Ensembl variant effect predictor (VEP). In vitro functionality studies were conducted for the SNVs with PHRED-scaled CADD score >10 and predicted to be missense. To estimate possible changes in transport activity caused by the variants, transport of 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) in OATP1B1 expressing HEK293 cells was measured. The amount of OATP1B1 in crude membrane fractions was quantified with a LC–MS/MS-based quantitative targeted absolute proteomics analysis.

Results

Six rare missense variants of SLCO1B1 were identified in the study population located in transmembrane helix 3: c.317T>C (p.106I>T), intracellular loop 2: c.629G>T (p.210G>V), c.633A>G (p.211I>M), c.639T>A (p.213N>L), transmembrane helix 6: 820A>G (p.274I>V), and the C-terminal end: 2005A>C (p.669N>H). Of these variants, SLCO1B1 c.629G>T (p.210G>V) resulted in protein loss of function, abolishing the uptake of DCF and reducing membrane protein expression to 31% of reference OATP1B1.

Conclusions

Of the six rare missense variants, SLCO1B1 c.629G>T (p.210G>V) causes loss-of-function of OATP1B1 transport and severely decreases membrane protein abundance. Carriers of SLCO1B1 c.629G>T may be susceptible to altered pharmacokinetics of OATP1B1 substrate drugs and may have increased likelihood of adverse drug effects such as statin-associated musculoskeletal symptoms.

Abstract Figure
agoTRIBE detects miRNA-target interactions transcriptome-wide in single cells
Authors: Sekar Vaishnovi , Mármol-Sánchez Emilio , Kalogeropoulos Panagiotis , Stanicek Laura , Sagredo Eduardo A. , Doukoumopoulos Evangelos , Bonath Franziska , Biryukova Inna , Friedländer Marc R.
Published: August 2022

MicroRNAs are gene regulatory molecules that play important roles in numerous biological processes including human health. The function of a given microRNA is defined by its selection of target transcripts, yet current state-of-the-art experimental methods to identify microRNA targets are laborious and require millions of cells. We have overcome these limitations by fusing the microRNA effector protein Argonaute2 to the RNA editing domain of ADAR2, allowing for the first time the detection of microRNA targets transcriptome-wide in single cells. Our agoTRIBE method reports functional microRNA targets which are additionally supported by evolutionary sequence conservation. As a proof-of-principle, we study microRNA interactions in single cells, and find substantial differential targeting across the cell cycle. Lastly, agoTRIBE additionally provides transcriptome-wide measurements of RNA abundance and will allow the deconvolution of microRNA targeting in complex samples such as tissues at the single-cell level.
Membrane remodeling properties of the Parkinson’s disease protein LRRK2
Authors: Wang Xinbo , Espadas Javier , Wu Yumei , Cai Shujun , Ge Jinghua , Shao Lin , Roux Aurélien , Camilli Pietro De
Published: August 2022

Mutations in Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are responsible for late-onset autosomal dominant Parkinson’s disease (PD). LRRK2 has been implicated in a wide range of physiological processes including membrane repair in the endolysosomal system. Here, using cell free systems, we report that purified LRRK2 directly binds acidic lipid bilayers with a preference for highly curved bilayers. While this binding is nucleotide independent, LRRK2 can also deform low curvature liposomes into narrow tubules in a guanylnucleotide-dependent but ATP-independent way. Moreover, assembly of LRRK2 into scaffolds at the surface of lipid tubules can constrict them. We suggest that an interplay between the membrane remodeling and signaling properties of LRRK2 may be key to its physiological function. LRRK2, via its kinase activity, may achieve its signaling role at sites where membrane remodeling occurs.

Significance Statement

LRRK2 is one of the most frequently mutated gene in familial Parkinson’s disease. While much has been learned about its molecular properties, upstream regulators and protein substrates of its kinase activity, its precise function remains unclear. Recent evidence has pointed to a role of LRRK2 in membrane repair in the endo/lysosomal system. Here we show that purified LRRK2 has membrane remodeling properties. We suggest that its ability to sense and induce membrane curvature may be key to its function in membrane dynamics. These properties may help coordinate a direct role of LRRK2 at the membrane interface with its the signaling role of its kinase domain.
Nanomolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection by an unmodified peptide targeting the pre-hairpin intermediate of the spike protein
Authors: Yang Kailu , Wang Chuchu , Kreutzberger Alex J. B. , Ojha Ravi , Kuivanen Suvi , Couoh-Cardel Sergio , Muratcioglu Serena , Eisen Timothy J. , White K. Ian , Held Richard G. , Subramanian Subu , Marcus Kendra , Pfuetzner Richard A. , Esquivies Luis , Doyle Catherine A. , Kuriyan John , Vapalahti Olli , Balistreri Giuseppe , Kirchhausen Tomas , Brunger Axel T.
Published: August 2022

Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) challenge currently available COVID-19 vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies through epitope change on the receptor binding domain of the viral spike glycoprotein. Hence, there is a specific urgent need for alternative antivirals that target processes less likely to be affected by mutation, such as the membrane fusion step of viral entry into the host cell. One such antiviral class includes peptide inhibitors which block formation of the so-called HR1HR2 six-helix bundle of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and thus interfere with viral membrane fusion. Here we performed structural studies of the HR1HR2 bundle, revealing an extended, well-folded N-terminal region of HR2 that interacts with the HR1 triple helix. Based on this structure, we designed an extended HR2 peptide that achieves single-digit nanomolar inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 in cell-based fusion, VSV-SARS-CoV-2 chimera, and authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection assays without the need for modifications such as lipidation or chemical stapling. The peptide also strongly inhibits all major SARS-CoV-2 variants to date. This extended peptide is ~100-fold more potent than all previously published short, unmodified HR2 peptides, and it has a very long inhibition lifetime after washout in virus infection assays, suggesting that it targets a pre-hairpin intermediate of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Together, these results suggest that regions outside the HR2 helical region may offer new opportunities for potent peptide-derived therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, and even more distantly related viruses, and provide further support for the pre-hairpin intermediate of the S protein.

Significance Statement

SARS-CoV-2 infection requires fusion of viral and host membranes, mediated by the viral spike glycoprotein (S). Due to the importance of viral membrane fusion, S has been a popular target for developing vaccines and therapeutics. We discovered a simple peptide that inhibits infection by all major variants of SARS-CoV-2 with nanomolar efficacies. In marked contrast, widely used shorter peptides that lack a key N-terminal extension are about 100 x less potent than this peptide. Our results suggest that a simple peptide with a suitable sequence can be a potent and cost-effective therapeutic against COVID-19 and they provide new insights at the virus entry mechanism.
Interfering with nucleotide excision by the coronavirus 3’-to-5’ exoribonuclease
Authors: Chinthapatla Rukesh , Sotoudegan Mohamad , Anderson Thomas , Moustafa Ibrahim M. , Passow Kellan T. , Kennelly Samantha A. , Moorthy Ramkumar , Dulin David , Feng Joy Y. , Harki Daniel A. , Kirchdoerfer Robert , Cameron Craig E. , Arnold Jamie J.
Published: August 2022

Some of the most efficacious antiviral therapeutics are ribonucleos(t)ide analogs. The presence of a 3’-to-5’ proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN) in coronaviruses diminishes the potency of many ribonucleotide analogs. The ability to interfere with ExoN activity will create new possibilities for control of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ExoN is formed by a 1:1 complex of nsp14 and nsp10 proteins. We have purified and characterized ExoN using a robust, quantitative system that reveals determinants of specificity and efficiency of hydrolysis. Double-stranded RNA is preferred over single-stranded RNA. Nucleotide excision is distributive, with only one or two nucleotides hydrolyzed in a single binding event. The composition of the terminal basepair modulates excision. A stalled SARS-CoV-2 replicase in complex with either correctly or incorrectly terminated products prevents excision, suggesting that a mispaired end is insufficient to displace the replicase. Finally, we have discovered several modifications to the 3’-RNA terminus that interfere with or block ExoN-catalyzed excision. While a 3’-OH facilitates hydrolysis of a nucleotide with a normal ribose configuration, this substituent is not required for a nucleotide with a planar ribose configuration such as that present in the antiviral nucleotide produced by viperin. Design of ExoN-resistant, antiviral ribonucleotides should be feasible.
Electronic payment system and financial sustainability of tertiary institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Madu Frances Nwamaka , Onodugo Vincent A. , Isichei Ejikeme Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Addressing the challenges of financial sustainability in tertiary institutions through the adoption of technology was the central motivation of this study. Hence, the authors assessed the direct effect of the adoption of electronic payment system (EPS) on financial sustainability and the indirect mediating influence of technological capabilities on this relation.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample of 223 non-academic employees in twelve higher institutions were selected. The authors used primary data through the use of a questionnaire for data collection. Partial least square structural equation model (SmartPLSv3) was used for the analysis of the study.

Findings

The adoption of electronic payment system was shown to have a significantly positive effect on financial sustainability of tertiary institutions. It was also found that technological capabilities affect financial sustainability of tertiary institutions and technological capabilities mediate the relationship between the adoption of electronic payment solution and financial sustainability of tertiary institutions.

Practical implications

The study advances the need for incorporating technology as a measure in advancing the internal financial management practices of tertiary institutions in developing economies.

Originality/value

The authors developed a model that advances a new perspective to higher education financial sustainability through advocating for technological capabilities development as a channel to ensure liquidity and solvency of higher education, most especially in developing economies.
Perceived insider status and employees' innovative behavior: the role of knowledge sharing and organizational innovation climate
Authors: Zhang Guangning , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Yingying
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of perceived insider status to employees' innovative behavior, the mediating role of knowledge sharing and the moderating role of organizational innovation climate in the relationship between knowledge sharing and employees' innovative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted questionnaires to gather data. The sample of 341 employees working in diverse organizations in China was applied to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that perceived insider status is positively related to employees' innovative behavior and knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between perceived insider status and employees' innovative behavior. In addition, organizational innovation climate enhances the relationship of knowledge sharing and employees' innovative behavior.

Originality/value

This study builds a system from psychological aspect to behavior, which includes the mechanism of the influence of perceived insider status on employees' innovative behavior and a cross-level analysis of the influence of organizational innovation climate on employees' innovative behavior, breaking through the previous research paradigm of a single level of climate and employee behavior.
Influence of stratospheric aerosol geoengineering on temperature mean and precipitation extremes indices in Africa
Authors: Obahoundje Salomon , N'guessan Bi Vami Hermann , Diedhiou Arona , Kravitz Ben , Moore John C.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Three Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models involved in the G4 experiment of the Geoengineering Model Inter-comparison Project (GeoMIP) project were used to investigate the impact of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) on the mean surface air temperature and precipitation extremes in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This impact was examined under G4 and Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 scenarios on the total precipitation, the number of rainy days (RR1) and of days with heavy rainfall (R20 mm), the rainfall intensity (SDII), the maximum length of consecutive wet (CWD) and dry (CDD) days and on the maximum rainfall in five consecutive days (Rx5day) across four regions: Western Africa (WAF), Eastern Africa (EAF), Northern Africa and Southern Africa (SAF).

Findings

During the 50 years (2020–2069) of SAI, mean continental warming is −0.40°C lower in G4 than under RCP4.5. During the post-injection period (2070–2090), the temperature continues to increase, but at a lower rate (−0.19°C) than in RCP4.5. During SAI, annual rainfall in G4 is significantly greater than in RCP4.5 over the high latitudes (especially over SAF) and lower over the tropics. The termination of SAI leads to a significant increase of rainfall over Sahel and EAF and a decrease over SAF and Guinea Coast (WAF).

Practical implications

Compared to RCP4.5, SAI will contribute to reducing significantly regional warming but with a significant decrease of rainfall in the tropics where rainfed agriculture account for a large part of the economies. After the SAI period, the risk of drought over the extratropical regions (especially in SAF) will be mitigated, while the risk of floods will be exacerbated in the Central Sahel.

Originality/value

To meet the Paris Agreement, African countries will implement mitigation measures to contribute to keep the surface air temperature below 2°C. Geoengineering with SAI is suggested as an option to meet this challenge, but its implication on the African climate system needs a deep investigation in the aim to understand the impacts on temperature and precipitation extremes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the potential impact of SAI using the G4 experiment of GeoMIP on temperature and precipitation extremes of the African continent.
Personality traits, organizational cynicism and employee performance among academic leaders
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Saraih Ummi Naiemah , Tunku Ahmad Tunku Salha
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study examines the effect of personality traits on organizational cynicism (OC). It explores, also, OC's predictive power on Employee Performance (EP) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study in which the authors employed a survey questionnaire to collect cross-sectional data from the academic leaders of Pakistan's Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). The authors utilized 325 usable cases to arrive at this study's findings.

Findings

The Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis shows a positive and significant effect of agreeableness, extraversion, Emotional Stability (ES), conscientiousness and openness to experience on Cognitive Cynicism (CC), Affective Cynicism (AC) and Behavioural Cynicism (BC). Moreover, CC, AC and BC have proven to be negative and insignificant predictors of EP.

Practical implications

This study's findings offer additional insights to understanding the direct connection between personality traits, OC and EP. Therefore, the findings support the development of effective policies and organizational setups to manage OC through personality traits. The findings assist, also, in understanding OC and its adverse effects on EP. Finally, the findings further add to the depth of the literature through empirical confirmation by academic leaders.

Originality/value

This study's findings offer the original contribution of personality traits, OC and EP among HEIs' academic leaders in a developing country.
How university instructors apply the design principles for electronic courses: a comparative study based on Richard Mayer's model on multimedia learning
Authors: Keshavarz Hamid , Fallahnia Somayeh , Hamdi Fatemeh
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Due to the lack of standard and research-based frameworks in evaluating the content designed in electronic courses, there appears a need to examine some existing theoretical models like the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) developed by Richard Mayer on real occasions. To confirm the effectiveness of the seven principles of the model driven from this theory in different educational settings, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the present study was conducted in the contexts of two universities in Iran for comparison purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research is a descriptive one for which a survey method was considered to collect data. A measurement instrument was developed based on the seven principles mentioned in the last edition of the book written by Clark and Mayer (2016) as well as an extensive review of the related literature. The data gathered from 524 online questionnaires returned by students of a public university Shahid Beheshti University (SBU) and a private one Ruzbahan University (RU) were then analyzed through partial least squares using SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that convergent and discriminant validities, as well as model fit indices, had the reliability of the theoretical model at the 99% confidence level. Based on the path coefficients found for testing hypotheses, modality and coherence principles were the first and last priorities, respectively. Moreover, the comparative study showed that t-statistics values for multimedia, contiguity, modality, redundancy and personalization but not for coherence, and segmenting and pretraining principles are significantly different between the two universities.

Originality/value

This study can be considered a pioneering research in Iran so as to increase the quality of multimedia design, instruction and learning at university levels in future research while emphasizing the importance of Mayer’s principles in the design of electronic content.
Procrastination is not only a “thief of time”, but also a thief of happiness: it buffers the beneficial effects of telework on well-being via daily micro-events of IT workers
Authors: Junça Silva Ana , Neves Patrícia , Caetano António
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study draws on the affective events theory (AET) to understand how telework may influence workers' well-being. Hence this study aimed to (1) analyze the indirect relationship between telework and well-being via daily micro-events (DME), and (2) test whether procrastination would moderate this indirect effect.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the goals, data were gathered from a sample of teleworkers in the IT sector (N = 232). To analyze the data, a moderated mediation analysis was performed in SPSS with PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results showed that micro-daily events mediated the positive relationship between telework and well-being; however, this relation was conditional upon the levels of workers' levels of procrastination, that is, this link became weaker for those who were procrastinators.

Practical implications

By highlighting the importance of telework, DME and procrastination, this study offers managers distinct strategies for enhancing their employees' well-being.

Originality/value

Despite the existing research investigating the effect of telework on well-being, studies investigating the intervening mechanisms between these two constructs are scarce. Moreover, there is a lack of research investigating the moderating effect of procrastination in these relations. Hence, this study fills these gaps and advances knowledge on the process that explains how (via DME) and when (when procrastination is low) teleworking influences workers' well-being.
Impulse buying behaviour in omnichannel retail: an approach through the stimulus-organism-response theory
Authors: Pereira Marcelo Lisboa , de La Martinière Petroll Martin , Soares João Coelho , Matos Celso Augusto de , Hernani-Merino Martin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study investigates impulse buying as a consumer behaviour outcome in omnichannel retail through the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory. For such, the authors addressed convenience and channel integration as the stimuli, the relationship among consumer empowerment, trust, satisfaction, and perceived value as the organism, and impulse buying as the response.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 229 customers of a Brazilian retailer that adopts the omnichannel strategy. Data were analysed by partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Channel integration and convenience had a positive influence on consumer empowerment which, in turn, influenced customer satisfaction and trust, producing direct and indirect effects on their perception of value relative to the retailer. In addition, impulsive buying was significantly influenced by perceived value.

Practical implications

The results indicate that retailers that use the omnichannel strategy need to be alert to the factors mentioned above. The study empirically demonstrates that investing in channel integration increases customer empowerment, which will significantly improve customer trust and satisfaction and, eventually, customer impulse buying from the retailer.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the literature on marketing and consumer behaviour by identifying factors that influence consumers' impulse buying behaviour in the context of omnichannel retail. It suggests that impulse buying may be a relevant variable to understand the reaction of consumers empowered by the integration of the marketing channels and the convenience offered to them in an omnichannel retail environment.
Keeping carers from the “precariat”: availability of carer-friendly workplace policies for employees with adult and elder care responsibilities in Quebec
Authors: Nogues Sarah Marie , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle
Published: August 2022

Purpose

As employed carers tend to experience work interruptions and conflict between work and care, especially women, this paper aims to assess the availability and accessibility of carer-friendly workplace policies (CFWPs) in Quebec workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was distributed to members of the Association of Human Resources Management Counsellors in Quebec. The authors used a validating quantitative data design. The data was collected between October 2019 and the end of February 2020 and the questionnaire yielded 122 valid responses.

Findings

Adult/elder care responsibilities remain systematically perceived less important than childcare or general work-life balance needs. The current distribution of CFWPs within Quebec workplaces is unlikely to ensure carers sufficient support to prevent or significantly mitigate negative repercussions. Notable differences were found between organization type and size.

Practical implications

There is a need for expanding CFWPs through increased support services, educational workshops, broader access to flexible work arrangements and manager training.

Social implications

The results support recent research findings pointing that women with caring responsibilities face important opportunity costs and risk falling in precariousness. Carers should be able to maintain a social income from other sources to compensate a reduced activity on the labor market.

Originality/value

By investigating the availability of CFWPs in Quebec workplaces, this paper adds insights regarding the availability and access to CFWPs regionally and in small and medium size workplaces, rather than identifying best practice from workplaces across the globe. Workplace policies are analyzed for adult/elder care specifically.
Cryptocurrency: the future money here now…
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to look at cryptocurrencies – digital monies – as a dynamic and decentralized means of exchange for payments of goods and services.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and online search in wikis and blogs are used to find information on cryptocurrencies, their uses and technology components, to empower and improve the economy and society.

Findings

Cryptocurrency is viewed vis-à-vis its impact on the economy and society, showing how economies will be boosted and driven toward empowerment of the poverty-stricken and the society will be powerfully grown in eliminating wretchedness and squalor.

Originality/value

This study analyzes cryptocurrency and its benefits and identifies its uses in the library and information sector as well as generally as a current and future decentralized monetary system.
Hotspot and frontier discovery of hydrogen detection technology based on bibliometrics
Authors: Yang Jiale , Chen Xianfeng , Huang Chuyuan , Ma Tianming
Published: August 2022

Purpose

With the acceleration of global energy structure transformation, hydrogen has been widely used for its non-pollution and high efficiency, and hydrogen detection is used to guarantee the hydrogen safety. The purpose of this paper is to study the research foundation, trend and hotspots of hydrogen detection field.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 4,076 literature records from 2000 to 2021 were retrieved from the core collection of the Web of Science database selected as data sources. The literature information mining was realized by using CiteSpace software. Bibliometrics was used to analyze information, such as keywords, authors, journals, institutions, countries and cited references, and to track research hotspots.

Findings

Since the 21st century, the number of publications in the hydrogen detection field has been in a stable stepped uptrend. In terms of research foundation, the hotspots such as core-shell structures, nano-hybrid materials and optical fiber hydrogen sensors have been studied extensively. In combination with the discipline structure and research frontier, the selectivity, sensitivity, response speed and other performance parameters of hydrogen sensors need further improvement. The establishment of an interdisciplinary knowledge system centered on materials science and electronic science will become a long-term trend in the research of hydrogen detection.

Originality/value

This study presents an overview of research status, hotspots and laws in hydrogen detection field, through the quantitative analysis of much literature in the field and the use of data mining, so as to provide credible references for the research of hydrogen detection technology.
The coffee shop dilemma: a case of entrepreneur activism or ethical dissent?
Authors: Villegas Salvador G. , Monaghan-Geernaert Pamela
Published: August 2022

Theoretical basis

This case offers the students to see the impact business ethics concepts, including corporate social responsibility, ethical obligation, ethical strategy, alienation, corporate activism, sociopolitical activism, symbolism, transparency, integrity, decoupled organization, opportunism, moral muteness or moral exclusion, etc. Through the student’s own ethical sensitivity, they can then make an informed decision grounded in fundamental ethical theories such as Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Ethics of Care, Virtue Theory, Confucianism, etc.

Research methodology

Data for this case has been gathered entirely from publicly available secondary sources, including online resources, mainstream media reports, biased (opinion-based) media outlets, social media statements from all stakeholder groups (students, business, university) and meeting minutes from campus organizations. None of the named individuals nor entities, in this case, have ever been contacted by the authors.

Case overview/synopsis

In Fall 2020, Boise State University contracted a locally owned and operated coffee shop to open a location on-campus. The shop owner was engaged to a police officer who had been permanently injured in an altercation with a dangerous fugitive. For his sacrifice, this police officer was awarded the Medal of Honor from the City of Boise. To support her fiancé, the coffee shop owner displayed a Thin Blue Line flag on the front door of her off-campus location. Students heard of this display and began to voice their objections through administrative and social media channels. The business countered back at claims that they supported racism and ultimately asked to be released from their contract with the university. They closed their on-campus business, having operated the location for less than two months. Media representation of this case created a vocal response both from those who support the business’ use of this imagery and those who support the student’s decision to boycott this business on ethical grounds.

Complexity academic level

Business ethics: 300–400 level; Business strategy: 300–400 level.
Using dietary metabarcoding analyses to characterise waterbirds–agriculture interactions
Authors: Corriveau Amélie , Klaassen Marcel , Garnett Stephen T. , Kaestli Mirjam , Power Matthew W. , Mousavi‐Derazmahalleh Mahsa , Coghlan Megan L. , Christian Keith , Bunce Michael , Campbell Hamish A.
Published: August 2022

Globally, the use of agricultural fields by waterbirds has increased, resulting in conflicts with farmers. Designing effective management strategies to resolve these conflicts requires understanding the species' resource use. Dietary analyses can shed light on the extent of consumption of agricultural crops and surrounding natural resources, as well as the potential relationship between diet and an individual's body condition and ultimately its fitness.

We examined the dietary composition of the tropical magpie goose Anseranas semipalmata, seasonally utilising a mixed natural‐agricultural landscape of northern Australia. We used DNA metabarcoding of intestinal contents from hunted geese to reconstruct individual diets and evaluated body condition from morphometric measurements. We compared the relative contribution of agricultural and natural foods to dietary composition, and investigated how this contribution varied spatially, temporally and among individuals that differed in body condition.

We found that geese consumed both agricultural and naturally occurring plants assigned to at least 35 taxa. The most frequent and abundant taxa belonged to three families: Poaceae (grasses), Cyperaceae (sedges) and Anacardiaceae (mangoes). Dietary composition varied substantially among sampling sites and over time but not with body condition of geese.

Synthesis and applications. We used a novel approach to investigate the diet of a waterbird perceived as problematic across an agricultural landscape in tropical Australia. We showed that individuals forage opportunistically, and that agricultural crops, while eaten, may not represent an essential part of geese diet across the study region. The knowledge acquired provides new insights into the species' foraging ecology offering clear alternatives for mitigating goose–agriculture interactions. Providing disturbance‐free alternative foraging areas or minimising the attractiveness of targeted agricultural fields (e.g. shorter grass, alternative ground cover) may alleviate crop consumption while benefiting the species' long‐term conservation. While also highlighting the limitations of DNA metabarcoding, our dietary study emphasises the potential of this methodology to improve our understanding of crop damage by wildlife, allowing effective evaluation of management requirements.