bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrio cholerae’sToxRS Bile Sensing System
Authors: Gubensäk N. , Sagmeister T. , Buhlheller C. , Geronimo B. D. , Wagner G. E. , Petrowitsch L. , Gräwert M. , Rotzinger M. , Berger T. M. I. , Schäfer J. , Usón I. , Reidl J. , Sánchez-Murcia P. A. , Zangger K. , Pavkov-Keller T.
Published: May 2023

Cholera represents a diarrheal disease caused by the Gram-negative bacteriumVibrio cholerae. Its environmental persistence causing recurring sudden outbreaks is enabled byV. cholerae’srapid adaption to changing environments involving sensory proteins like ToxR and ToxS. Located at the inner membrane, ToxR and ToxS react to environmental stimuli like bile acid, thereby inducing survival strategies e.g. bile resistance and virulence regulation. Currently, transcription factor ToxR is described as main environmental sensor for bile acid, whose activity is enhanced by binding to ToxS. Here, the presented crystal structure of the sensory domains of ToxR and ToxS in combination with multiple bile acid interaction studies, reveals that a bile binding pocket of ToxS is only properly folded upon binding to ToxR. These findings support the previously suggested link between ToxRS and VtrAC-like co-component systems. Besides VtrAC, ToxRS is now the only experimentally determined structure within this recently defined superfamily, further emphasizing its significance.

In-depth analysis of the ToxRS complex reveals its remarkable conservation across variousVibriospecies, underlining the significance of conserved residues in the ToxS barrel and the more diverse ToxR sensory domain. Unraveling the intricate mechanisms governing ToxRS’s environmental sensing capabilities, provides a promising tool for disruption of this vital interaction, ultimately inhibitingVibrio’ssurvival and virulence. Our findings hold far-reaching implications for allVibriostrains that rely on the ToxRS system as a shared sensory cornerstone for adapting to their surroundings.
β-ionone regulatesArabidopsis thalianatranscriptome and increases its resistance againstBotrytis cinerea
Authors: Felemban Abrar , Moreno Juan C. , Mi Jianing , Ali Shawkat , Sham Arjun , AbuQamar Synan F. , Al-Babili Salim
Published: May 2023

Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments vital for photosynthesis. Moreover, they are the precursor of apocarotenoids that include the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA) and strigolactones (SLs), and retrograde signaling molecules and growth regulators, such as β-cyclocitral and zaxinone. The apocarotenoid β-ionone (β-I) was previously reported to exert antimicrobial effects. Here, we showed that the application of this scent to Arabidopsis plants at micromolar concentrations caused a global reprogramming of gene expression, affecting thousands of transcripts involved in stress tolerance, growth, hormone metabolism, pathogen defense and photosynthesis. These changes, along with modulating the levels of the phytohormones ABA, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid, led to enhanced Arabidopsis resistance toBotrytis cinerea(B.c.), one of the most aggressive and widespread pathogenic fungi affecting numerous plant hosts and causing severe losses of postharvest fruits. Pre-treatment of tobacco and tomato plants with β-I followed by inoculation withB.c.confirms the conserved effect of β-I and induced immune responses in leaves and fruits. Moreover, there was reduced susceptibility toB.c.inLYCOPENE β-CYCLASE-expressing tomato fruits possessing elevated levels of the endogenous β-I, indicating beneficial biological activities of this compoundin planta. Our work unraveled β-I as a further carotenoid-derived regulatory metabolite and opens up new possibilities to controlB.c.infection by establishing this natural volatile as an environmentally friendly bio-fungicide.
Restrander: rapid orientation and QC of long-read cDNA data
Authors: Schuster Jakob , Ritchie Matthew , Gouil Quentin
Published: May 2023

In transcriptomic analyses, it is helpful to keep track of the strand of the RNA molecules. However, the Oxford Nanopore long-read cDNA sequencing protocols generate reads that correspond to either the first or second-strand cDNA, therefore the strandedness of the initial transcript has to be inferred bioinformatically. Reverse transcription and PCR can also introduce artefacts which should be flagged in data pre-processing.

Here we introduceRestrander, a lightning-fast and highly accurate tool for restranding and quality checking long-read cDNA sequencing data. Thanks to its C++ implementation,Restranderwas faster than Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ existing toolPychopper, and correctly restranded more reads due to its strategy of searching for polyA/T tails in addition to primer sequences from the reverse transcription and template-switch steps. We found that restranding improved the process of visualising and exploring data, and increased the number of novel isoforms discovered bybambu, particularly in regions where sense and antisense transcripts co-occur.

The artefact detection implemented inRestranderquantifies reads which do not have the correct 5’ and 3’ ends, a feature which is useful in quality control for library preparation.Restranderis pre-configured for all major cDNA protocols, and can be customised with user-defined primers.Restranderis available athttps://github.com/jakob-schuster/restrander
Exercise Mitigates Flow Recirculation and Activates Mechanosensitive Transcriptome to Uncover Endothelial SCD1-Catalyzed Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites
Authors: Cavallero Susana , Roustaei Mehrdad , Satta Sandro , Cho Jae Min , Phan Henry , Baek Kyung In , Blázquez-Medela Ana M. , Gonzalez-Ramos Sheila , Vu Khoa , Park Seul-Ki , Yokota Tomohiro , Sumner Jennifer A. , Mack Julia J. , Sigmund Curt D. , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Li Rongsong , Hsiai Tzung K.
Published: May 2023

Exercise modulates vascular plasticity in multiple organ systems; however, the metabolomic transducers underlying exercise and vascular protection in the disturbed flow-prone vasculature remain under-investigated. We simulated exercise-augmented pulsatile shear stress (PSS) to mitigate flow recirculation in the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. When human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were subjected to PSS (τave= 50 dyne·cm−2, ∂τ/∂t = 71 dyne·cm−2·s−1, 1 Hz), untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase (SCD1) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) catalyzed the fatty acid metabolite, oleic acid (OA), to mitigate inflammatory mediators. Following 24 hours of exercise, wild-type C57BL/6J mice developed elevated SCD1-catalyzed lipid metabolites in the plasma, including OA and palmitoleic acid (PA). Exercise over a 2-week period increased endothelial SCD1 in the ER. Exercise further modulated the time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS orτave)and oscillatory shear index (OSIave), upregulatedScd1and attenuated VCAM1 expression in the disturbed flow-prone aortic arch inLdlr-/-mice on high-fat diet but not inLdlr-/-Scd1EC-/-mice.Scd1overexpression via recombinant adenovirus also mitigated ER stress. Single cell transcriptomic analysis of the mouse aorta revealed interconnection ofScd1with mechanosensitive genes, namelyIrs2,Acox1andAdipor2that modulate lipid metabolism pathways. Taken together, exercise modulates PSS (τaveand OSIave) to activate SCD1 as a metabolomic transducer to ameliorate inflammation in the disturbed flow-prone vasculature.
Anaesthesia delivery systems in low and lower-middle-income Asian countries: a scoping review of capacity and effectiveness
Authors: Shahbaz Sumbal , Howard Natasha
Published: May 2023

Background

Literature on anaesthesia systems in low and lower middle-income countries is limited, focused on the Africa region, and provides minimal data on anaesthesia or associated disciplines within intensive care, pain management and emergency medicine. We thus conducted a review of primary and secondary research literature on low and lower middle-income countries in the Asia region from 2000-2021, to clarify existing knowledge, important gaps, and possible subsequent steps.

Methods

We applied Arksey and O"Malley"s scoping literature review method to search, screen, extract, and synthesise data under three themes: (i) availability and type of anaesthesia workforce; (ii) anaesthesia system infrastructure, equipment, and supplies; and (iii) effectiveness of anaesthesia provision.

Results

We included 25 eligible sources of 603 identified. Only ten (40%) were published in the last 5 years and Asian lower-income countries were primarily represented in 15 multi-country sources. Fifteen (60%) sources used quantitative methods and provided limited information on data collection, e.g. sampling criteria or geographic areas included. No sources included countrywide data, despite anaesthesia delivery and resources differing significantly sub-nationally (e.g., central versus rural/remote, or insecure areas). Data on anaesthesiology delivery were limited, with findings including insufficiencies in workforce, supplies, training and skills-building of anaesthesia personnel, along with the lack of consistent strategies for overcoming maldistribution of resources and improving anaesthesia delivery systems in the region.

Conclusions

This review, a first attempt to synthesise existing data on anaesthesia delivery systems in low and lower-middle-income Asian countries, shows the anaesthesia literature is still limited. Findings highlight the urgent need for additional research and collaboration nationally and regionally to strengthen anaesthesia delivery and surgical facilities in resource-constrained settings.
Mechanism and evolutionary origins of Alanine-tail C-degron recognition by E3 ligases Pirh2 and CRL2-KLHDC10
Authors: Patil Pratik Rajendra , Burroughs A. Maxwell , Misra Mohit , Cerullo Federico , Dikic Ivan , Aravind L. , Joazeiro Claudio A. P.
Published: May 2023

In Ribosome-associated Quality Control (RQC), nascent-polypeptides produced by interrupted translation are modified with C-terminal polyalanine tails (‘Ala-tails’) that function outside ribosomes to induce ubiquitylation by Pirh2 or CRL2-KLHDC10 E3 ligases. Here we investigate the molecular basis of Ala-tail function using biochemical andin silicoapproaches. We show that Pirh2 and KLHDC10 directly bind to Ala-tails, and structural predictions identify candidate Ala-tail binding sites, which we experimentally validate. The degron-binding pockets and specific pocket residues implicated in Ala-tail recognition are conserved among Pirh2 and KLHDC10 homologs, suggesting that an important function of these ligases across eukaryotes is in targeting Ala-tailed substrates. Moreover, we establish that the two Ala-tail binding pockets have convergently evolved, either from an ancient module of bacterial provenance (Pirh2) orviatinkering of a widespread C-degron recognition element (KLHDC10). These results shed light on the recognition of a simple degron sequence and the evolution of Ala-tail proteolytic signaling.
ASTRA: a deep learning algorithm for fast semantic segmentation of large-scale astrocytic networks
Authors: Bonato Jacopo , Curreli Sebastiano , Romanzi Sara , Panzeri Stefano , Fellin Tommaso
Published: May 2023

Changes in the intracellular calcium concentration are a fundamental fingerprint of astrocytes, the main type of glial cell. Astrocyte calcium signals can be measured with two-photon microscopy, occur in anatomically restricted subcellular regions, and are coordinated across astrocytic networks. However, current analytical tools to identify the astrocytic subcellular regions where calcium signals occur are time-consuming and extensively rely on user-defined parameters. These limitations limit reproducibility and prevent scalability to large datasets and fields-of-view. Here, we present Astrocytic calcium Spatio-Temporal Rapid Analysis (ASTRA), a novel software combining deep learning with image feature engineering for fast and fully automated semantic segmentation of two-photon calcium imaging recordings of astrocytes. We applied ASTRA to several two-photon microscopy datasets and found that ASTRA performed rapid detection and segmentation of astrocytic cell somata and processes with performance close to that of human experts, outperformed state-of-the-art algorithms for the analysis of astrocytic and neuronal calcium data, and generalized across indicators and acquisition parameters. We also applied ASTRA to the first report of two-photon mesoscopic imaging of hundreds of astrocytes in awake mice, documenting large-scale redundant and synergistic interactions in extended astrocytic networks. ASTRA is a powerful tool enabling closed-loop and large-scale reproducible investigation of astrocytic morphology and function.
Collective signalling drives rapid jumping between cell states
Authors: Westbrook Elizabeth R. , Lenn Tchern , Chubb Jonathan R. , Antolović Vlatka
Published: May 2023

Development can proceed in “fits and starts”, with rapid transitions between cell states involving concerted transcriptome-wide changes in gene expression. However, it is not clear how these transitions are regulated in complex cell populations, in which cells receive multiple inputs. It is also not clear to what extent these rapid transitions represent developmental commitment. Here we address these issues usingDictyosteliumcells undergoing development in their physiological niche. A continuous single cell transcriptomics time series reveals a sharp “jump” in global gene expression marking functionally different cell states. By simultaneously live imaging the physiological dynamics of transcription and signalling over millimetre length scales, we show that the jump coincides with the onset of collective oscillations of cAMP, the positive feedback signal for multicellular development. Different jump genes respond to distinct dynamic features of signalling. The late gene expression changes of the jump are almost completely dependent on cAMP. In contrast, transcript changes at the onset of the jump require additional input. The spatial boundary marking the jump divides cells separated by only a few minutes of developmental time, with cells missing a jump then waiting several hours for the onset of the next wave of cAMP oscillations. This timing variability contrasts the prevailing developmental paradigm of a timed synchronous process and is associated with substantial pre-jump transcriptome variability. The coupling of collective signalling with gene expression is a potentially powerful strategy to drive robust cell state transitions in heterogeneous signalling environments. Based on the context of the jump, we also conclude that sharp gene expression transitions may not be sufficient for commitment.
SlumberNet: Deep learning classification of sleep stages using residual neural networks
Authors: Jha Pawan K. , Valekunja Utham K. , Reddy Akhilesh B.
Published: May 2023

Sleep research is fundamental to understanding health and well-being, as proper sleep is essential for maintaining optimal physiological function. Here we present SlumberNet, a novel deep learning model based on residual network (ResNet) architecture, designed to classify sleep states in mice using electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals. Our model was trained and tested on data from mice undergoing baseline sleep, sleep deprivation, and recovery sleep, enabling it to handle a wide range of sleep conditions. Employing k-fold cross-validation and data augmentation techniques, SlumberNet achieved high levels of accuracy (∼98%) in predicting sleep stages and showed robust performance even with a small and diverse training dataset. Comparison of SlumberNet’s performance to manual sleep stage classification revealed a significant reduction in analysis time (∼50x faster), without sacrificing accuracy. Our study showcases the potential of deep learning to facilitate sleep research by providing a more efficient, accurate, and scalable method for sleep stage classification. Our work with SlumberNet demonstrates the power of deep learning in sleep research, and looking forward, SlumberNet could be adapted to human EEG analysis and sleep stage classification. Thus, SlumberNet could be a valuable tool in understanding both sleep physiology and disorders in mammals.
Cross-feeding affects the target of resistance evolution to an antifungal drug
Authors: Durand Romain , Jalbert-Ross Jordan , Fijarczyk Anna , Dubé Alexandre K. , Landry Christian R.
Published: May 2023

Pathogenic fungi are a cause of growing concern. Developing an efficient and safe antifungal is challenging because of the similar biological properties of fungal and host cells. Consequently, there is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance to prolong the efficacy of current molecules. A major step in this direction would be to be able to predict or even prevent the acquisition of resistance. We leverage the power of experimental evolution to quantify the diversity of paths to resistance to the antifungal 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), commercially known as flucytosine. We generated hundreds of independent 5-FC resistant mutants derived from two genetic backgrounds from wild isolates ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Through automated pin-spotting, whole-genome and amplicon sequencing, we identified the most likely causes of resistance for most strains. Approximately a third of all resistant mutants evolved resistance through a pleiotropic drug response, a potentially novel mechanism in response to 5-FC, marked by cross-resistance to fluconazole. These cross-resistant mutants are characterized by a loss of respiration and a strong tradeoff in drug-free media. For the majority of the remaining two thirds, resistance was acquired through loss-of-function mutations inFUR1, which encodes an important enzyme in the metabolism of 5-FC. We describe conditions in which mutations affecting this particular step of the metabolic pathway are favored over known resistance mutations affecting a step upstream, such as the well-known target cytosine deaminase encoded byFCY1. This observation suggests that ecological interactions may dictate the identity of resistance hotspots.

Author summary

Determining the paths evolution takes to make microbes resistant to antimicrobials is key to drug stewardship. Flucytosine is one of the oldest antifungals available. It is often used to treat cryptococcal infections. However, despite decades of use in the clinic, some details of its metabolism and of the mechanisms of resistance evolution still elude us. Flucytosine resistance is most often acquired specifically by inactivating a gene essential for the activation of this prodrug. We show that among many paths possible, one is overrepresented and involves a diversity of mutations that prevent enzyme expression or its activity. This path is preferred because these mutations also protect from the activation of the prodrug by non-mutant cells. A second, less frequent path to resistance, putatively involves a generalized response, which leads to fungal cells having an increased efflux capacity. The same mutants end up being resistant to the distinct and most widely used antifungal fluconazole. Our results show that the paths followed by evolution are influenced by microecological conditions and that resistance to unrelated drugs can emerge from the same mutations.
Structures of 9-1-1 DNA checkpoint clamp loading at gaps from start to finish and ramification to biology
Authors: Zheng Fengwei , Georgescu Roxana E. , Yao Nina Y. , O’Donnell Michael E. , Li Huilin
Published: May 2023

Recent structural studies show the Rad24-RFC loads the 9-1-1 checkpoint clamp onto a recessed 5′ end by binding the 5′ DNA on Rad24 at an external surface site and threading the 3′ ssDNA into the well-established internal chamber and into 9-1-1. We find here that Rad24-RFC loads 9-1-1 onto DNA gaps in preference to a recessed 5′ DNA end, thus presumably leaving 9-1-1 on a 3′ ss/ds DNA after Rad24-RFC ejects from the 5′ gap end and may explain reports of 9-1-1 directly functioning in DNA repair with various TLS polymerases, in addition to signaling the ATR kinase. To gain a deeper understanding of 9-1-1 loading at gaps we report high-resolution structures of Rad24-RFC during loading of 9-1-1 onto 10-nt and 5-nt gapped DNAs. At a 10-nt gap we captured five Rad24-RFC–9-1-1 loading intermediates in which the 9-1-1 DNA entry gate varies from fully open to fully closed around DNA using ATPγS, supporting the emerging view that ATP hydrolysis is not needed for clamp opening/closing, but instead for dissociation of the loader from the clamp encircling DNA. The structure of Rad24-RFC–9-1-1 at a 5-nt gap shows a 180° axially rotated 3′-dsDNA which orients the template strand to bridge the 3′- and 5′- junctions with a minimum 5-nt ssDNA. The structures reveal a unique loop on Rad24 that limits the length of dsDNA in the inner chamber, and inability to melt DNA ends unlike RFC, thereby explaining Rad24-RFC’s preference for a preexisting ssDNA gap and suggesting a direct role in gap repair in addition to its checkpoint role.
Analysis and validation of overall N-glycan conformation in Privateer
Authors: Dialpuri Jordan S. , Bagdonas Haroldas , Atanasova Mihaela , Schofield Lucy C. , Hekkelman Maarten L. , Joosten Robbie P. , Agirre Jon
Published: May 2023

The oligosaccharides in N-glycosylation provide key structural and functional contributions to a glycoprotein. These contributions are dependent on the composition and overall conformation of the glycans. The Privateer software allows structural biologists to evaluate and improve the atomic structures of carbohydrates, including N-glycans; this software has recently been extended to check glycan composition through the use of glycomics data. Here, a broadening of the scope of the software to analyse and validate the overall conformation of N-glycans is presented, focusing on a newly compiled set of glycosidic linkage torsional preferences harvested from a curated set of glycoprotein models.
Challenges faced by ESL in-service teachers enrolled in a teacher education programme via open distance learning in Malaysia
Authors: Ooi Li Hsien , Othman Juliana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges experienced by in-service English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in an open distance learning (ODL) institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Many in-service ESL teachers who do not have the necessary teaching qualifications are seeking to obtain their teaching qualifications via the ODL mode of studies as it allows them to work as teachers while obtaining their teaching qualifications at the same time. They face multiple challenges which lead to high attrition rates, a concern for ODL institutions of higher learning worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design using a case study approach was used in this study where in-depth interviews were conducted with four in-service ESL teachers who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programme conducted via ODL.

Findings

The research is exploratory in nature. Findings highlighted four major challenges by these in-service ESL teachers: (1) financial difficulties, (2) work commitments, (3) family sacrifices and (4) emotional stress. However, technological use was not considered a challenge as mentioned by literature.

Practical implications

Findings from the study may be useful to ODL institutions to provide relevant support to ODL students to improve student retention rates in ODL institutions.

Originality/value

This study may be considered as a baseline analysis on the challenges experienced by in-service ESL teachers in ODL institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Further in-depth studies are needed to understand how ODL institutions can better support their education programme students to complete their teacher education programmes.
Research on two-stage public opinion evolution configuration path based on fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Hou Yanhui , Meng Fan , Wang Jiakun , Li Yun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Under the background of coexistence of information overload and information fragmentation, it is of great significance to identify influencing factors and reveal the evolution logic of public opinion for public opinion governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking 24 hot social events as research cases, firstly, the evolution process of public opinion was divided into initial stage and response stage. Secondly, eight antecedent variables were extracted for qualitative comparative analysis of fuzzy sets. Finally, the configuration path of public opinion evolution results was summarized.

Findings

The research showed that compared with the initial stage, the influencing factors in the reaction stage played a key role in the continuous evolution of public opinion. The influencing factors in the initial stage and response stage played an indispensable role in promoting the evolution of public opinion to calm down.

Practical implications

This research can provide reference for regulators to timely grasp the initiative, discourse power and leadership of public opinion development.

Originality/value

Research on the two-stage configuration path of public opinion evolution is helpful to clarify the key factors affecting the evolution trend of online public opinion of hot events.
The impact of building regulations on indoor environmental quality: the case of detached houses in Jordan
Authors: Ali Hikmat , Abed Amal , Rababah Alaa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

As numerous research studies have investigated the effect of the built environment on human contentment, building regulations have advanced as a direct impact on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) to include thermal, lighting, air quality and acoustics systems. Yet, while IEQ and residents' satisfaction have been discussed thoroughly in previous research, only a few studies have researched the role of building regulations as motivating factors in the housing context, specifically in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was adopted to address this issue involving genotype analysis for building morphology and simulation using Design Builder software. This helped to understand the impact of building regulations variables, including building setback, the height of an adjacent building, orientation and building geometry. Meanwhile, an online survey was conducted to include 410 residents spread out in various building categories (A, B, C and D).

Findings

The results of this study revealed that building regulation of setbacks, the height of adjacent buildings and orientation are significant parameters that directly affect IEQ and residents' satisfaction. In addition, based on this study, the matter was clear that the highest total satisfaction resulted based on the highest comfort level in terms of temperature and daylight obtained due to larger setback and lower building height. Yet, this finding undermined smart growth principles due to the limited scope of building regulation that focused only on spatial and physical dimensions, so improving to include environmental aspects such as passive design strategies that appreciate natural ventilation and lighting is necessary, which positively impact IEQ.

Originality/value

The concept of IEQ and residents' satisfaction have been discussed thoroughly, but only a few studies have researched the role of building regulations as motivating factors in the housing context specifically in Jordan.
CEO characteristics and firm performance: evidence from a Southeast Asian country
Authors: Suherman Suherman , Mahfirah Titis Fatarina , Usman Berto , Kurniawati Herni , Kurnianti Destria
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how chief executive officer (CEO) characteristics, including age, education, nationality and particularly gender, influence firm performance in a developing Southeast Asian Country (Indonesia).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses balanced firm-level panel data for 203 nonfinancial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2020. Return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q were used to measure firm performance. The data were analyzed using panel data regression analysis, including a fixed effects model with clustered standard errors.

Findings

The results indicate that female CEOs, education and nationality enhance firm performance, while CEO age can either improve or reduce firm performance. Numerous robustness checks were performed; the results were consistent with those in the main analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Individual characteristics should be considered when appointing CEOs. Some CEO characteristics enhance firm performance. Female CEOs bring new perspectives, while older CEOs’ longer experience adds a competitive advantage. More educated CEOs have a better ability to deal with challenging intellectual activities, and CEOs from foreign countries better understand international market regulations. However, some characteristics may reduce firm performance, for example, older CEOs are more conservative and unable to adapt to changing business environments.

Originality/value

This study contributes to corporate governance studies by synthesizing CEO characteristics and investigating their relationship with firm performance. Moreover, it emphasizes that developing countries such as Indonesia have different economic, legal, social and cultural environments than developed countries, especially Western countries.
Decoding Asian consumers' willingness to pay for organic food product: a configurational-based approach
Authors: Marozzo Veronica , Costa Alessandra , Crupi Antonio , Abbate Tindara
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the most influential drivers, both product-specific and consumer-specific, affecting Asian consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for organic olive oil.

Design/methodology/approach

To individuate the most influential drivers of WTP for organic products and to assess their effect, in terms of configurational paths and consumer profiles, this study sequentially employs explorative factor analysis approach and a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method. The survey is carried out in different areas of Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Vietnam and China).

Findings

The results suggest that Asian consumers' WTP for organic products is described by consumer-specific drivers (gender, occupation and household size) as well as product-specific drivers (product authenticity and sustainability, consumer ethnocentrism and food fraud risk perception).

Originality/value

The findings of the study permit the identification of different drivers that move consumers' WTP for organic olive oil. The study contributes to setting the ground for companies to propose and implement efficacious marketing strategies for organic olive oil in importing countries, such as Asia.
The moderating role of market uncertainty in the effectiveness of government policies and R&D activities promoting innovation in manufacturing firms
Authors: Kim Young-Ah , Kim Kyung-Ah , Moffatt Peter G.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of government support policies and research and development (R&D) activities on product innovation under market uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies logistic regression analysis to a sample of 4,000 South Korean manufacturing firms in order to investigate the impact of government policies and R&D activities of the firm on firm innovation performance, with particular interest in the moderating role of the firm's perceived market uncertainty (PMU).

Findings

Policies supporting industry/university/institute/local collaboration are found to have greater benefit under high PMU. Surprisingly, support for a consortium among different-sized firms has a negative effect on product innovation, although this negative effect disappears under high PMU. Both support for the protection of intellectual property (IP) and support for the resolution of manpower shortages have strong positive effects on the propensity to innovate products, but in both cases the moderating effects of uncertainty are negative. Finally, all types of R&D activities have positive effects on the propensity to innovate, more so for new product innovation than for improved product innovation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine analytically the moderating effect of PMU in the effectiveness of government policies promoting innovation in the manufacturing sector. The study is potentially useful both for policymakers in deciding which policies to implement under prevailing market conditions; and for entrepreneurs choosing between different forms of government support, particularly given the abnormal levels of market uncertainty prevailing in the Covid-19 era.
Startup category membership and boundary expansion in the field of artificial intelligence
Authors: Truong Yann
Published: May 2023

Purpose

An important but neglected area of investigation in digital entrepreneurship is the combined role of both core and peripheral members of an emerging technological field in shaping the symbolic and social boundaries of the field. This is a serious gap as both categories of members play a distinct role in expanding the pool of resources of the field. I address this gap by exploring how membership category is related to funding decisions in the emerging field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

The first quantitative study involved a sample of 1,315 AI-based startups which were founded in the period of 2011–2018 in the United States. In the second qualitative study, the author interviewed 32 members of the field (core members, peripheral members and investors) to define the boundaries of their respective role in shaping the social boundaries of the AI field.

Findings

The author finds that core members in the newly founded field of AI were more successful at attracting funding from investors than peripheral members and that size of the founding team, number of lead investors, number of patents and CEO approval were positively related to funding. In the second qualitative study, the author interviewed 30 members of the field (core members, peripheral members and investors) to define their respective role in shaping the social boundaries of the AI field.

Research limitations/implications

This study is one of the first to build on the growing literature in emerging organizational fields to bring empirical evidence that investors adapt their funding strategy to membership categories (core and peripheral members) of a new technological field in their resource allocation decisions. Furthermore, I find that core and peripheral members claim distinct roles in their participation and contribution to the field in terms of technological developments, and that although core members attract more resources than peripheral members, both actors play a significant role in expanding the field’s social boundaries.

Practical implications

Core AI entrepreneurs who wish to attract funding may consider operating in fewer categories in order to be perceived as core members of the field, and thus focus their activities and limited resources to build internal AI capabilities. Entrepreneurs may invest early in filing a patent to signal their in-house AI capabilities to investors.

Social implications

The social boundaries of an emerging technological field are shaped by a multitude of actors and not only the core members of the field. The author should pay attention to the role of each category of actors and build on their contributions to expand a promising field.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to build on the growing literature in emerging organizational fields to study the resource acquisition strategies of entrepreneurs in a newly establishing technological field.
Ethnic food tasting and gastronomy online reviews: incorporating enjoyment in the behavioral intention model
Authors: Baba Sabreena Nawaz , Dada Zubair Ahmad , Qureshi Reyaz A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study explores the tourists' behavioral intention toward tasting ethnic food by proposing 'enjoyment’ as an indirect mechanism in improvising the model of Wang. In other words, when affective and cognitive components are triggered positively while reading online gastronomy reviews on social media platforms, enjoyment is aroused, subsequently enhancing the desire to taste ethnic foods displayed online.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 385 visitors from Kashmir, India, were gathered using a purposive sample technique. The research model was put to the test using PLS-SEM.

Findings

Direct and indirect mechanisms influence Behavioral Intention. Enjoyment acts as a mediator. Overall, the results validated the presence of three direct and full mediation paths.

Practical implications

This study will help tourism practitioners justify their promotional activities on social networking sites, particularly in endorsing regional ethnic dishes. For example, tourism authorities could collaborate with bloggers on social media and offer incentives to promote attractive images of ethnic food. Similarly, ethnic food outlets can improve online exposure and interactivity by encouraging travelers to leave feedback after visits.

Originality/value

Unlike other studies, this research broadens our understanding by focusing on direct and indirect mechanisms. The inclusion of a mediator enhanced the total variance of the dependent variable.
Co-worker undermining, emotional exhaustion and organisational commitment: the moderating role of servant leadership
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed , Yunus Suhaer , Au Wee Chan , Cai Ziming
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Not much is known about the conditions under which the negative relationship between co-worker undermining and employee outcomes may wax or wane. This study seeks to address this issue by analysing the role of leadership in mitigating the negative impact of co-worker undermining on employee outcomes. Drawing on expectancy violation theory (EVT), the study proposes that servant leadership will alleviate the association between co-worker undermining, emotional exhaustion and consequently organisational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave time-lagged data were collected from a sample of 345 nurses working under 33 supervisors in a large public hospital in Malaysia. To account for the nested nature of the data, generalised multilevel structural equation modeling (GSEM) in STATA was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

After controlling for transformational leadership, co-worker undermining was indirectly related to organisational commitment via emotional exhaustion, and this indirect relationship was weaker when servant leadership was high.

Practical implications

Organisations need to invest in interventions that help reduce co-worker undermining and put emphasis on promoting servant leadership.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature by introducing EVT as a new theoretical lens to analyse the consequences of co-worker undermining on employee outcomes. The study also addresses calls for research on the role of leadership in ameliorating the negative consequences of co-worker undermining.
Contract design for a closed-loop supply chain considering information asymmetry of remanufacturing process innovation
Authors: Zhao Senlin , Mao Rongrong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Asymmetric cost information exists between a supplier and a manufacturer regarding the manufacturer's process innovation for remanufacturing (PIR), which may hurt the supplier's profit. The authors therefore seek to develop a menu of nonlinear pricing contracts for channel information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on principal–agent theory, the supplier, acting as a Stackelberg leader, designs a menu of nonlinear pricing contracts to impel the manufacturer to disclose its private cost information on PIR (i.e. PIR efficiency). In addition, the authors compare the equilibrium outcomes under asymmetric and symmetric information to examine the effects of asymmetric PIR information on the production policies and profits of the supplier and the manufacturer.

Findings

The proposed contract menu encourages th4e manufacturer to spontaneously share PIR efficiency information with the supplier. Asymmetric PIR information may distort the output of new products upward or downward, but the output of remanufactured products may only be distorted downward. In addition, the manufacturer with high PIR efficiency gains information rent, and interestingly, the increase in the probability of low PIR efficiency amplifies its information rent. Finally, an asymmetric information environment may increase the threshold for the manufacturer to enter remanufacturing.

Originality/value

The authors probe the issue of the supplier's contract design by jointly considering remanufacturing, process innovation and information asymmetry. The paper expands the influencing mechanism of process innovation information in the remanufacturing field. The authors also observe new results that may offer guidance to decision makers.
Optimization of reinforced concrete columns with variable circular cross-section hollowed using the criterion of instability and mechanical strength
Authors: Mattias Lucas Willian Aguiar , Araujo Leilson Joaquim
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to optimize the structural design of reinforced concrete columns with variable hollow circular sections.

Design/methodology/approach

The columns were optimized according to the criteria of instability (buckling) and mechanical strength (compression and/or tensile strength). To perform the optimizations, routines are developed in Python using the penalty and sequential linearization programming (SLP) function methods to optimize the elements satisfying the buckling and stress criteria.

Findings

At the end of the optimization process, the optimal section is obtained for the example of a circular column with a variable section, this section has an average radius of 5% smaller than that initially defined.

Originality/value

The theoretical basis for column optimization and the structuring of an algorithm in Python language for the computational resolution of these problems are presented in a didactic way, as well as the comparative efficiency of the methods.
Food systems microbiome‐related educational needs
Authors: Olmo Rocío , Wetzels Stefanie Urimare , Berg Gabriele , Cocolin Luca , Hartmann Moritz , Hugas Marta , Kostic Tanja , Rattei Thomas , Ruthsatz Manfred , Rybakova Daria , Sessitsch Angela , Shortt Colette , Timmis Kenneth , Selberherr Evelyne , Wagner Martin
Published: May 2023

Within the European‐funded Coordination and Support Action MicrobiomeSupport (https://www.microbiomesupport.eu/), the Workshop ‘Education in Food Systems Microbiome Related Sciences: Needs for Universities, Industry and Public Health Systems’ brought together over 70 researchers, public health and industry partners from all over the world to work on elaborating microbiome‐related educational needs in food systems. This publication provides a summary of discussions held during and after the workshop and the resulting recommendations.
Lacrimal gland ultrasonography and elastography as a diagnostic and activity tool for primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Karadeniz Hazan , Cerit Mahinur , Güler Aslıhan Avanoğlu , Salman Reyhan Bilici , Satış Hasan , Yıldırım Derya , Göker Berna , Küçük Hamit , Öztürk Mehmet Akif , Tufan Abdurrahman
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of 2‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) in the assessment of lacrimal gland involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and to determine the association between ultrasonographic findings and clinical activity measures.

Method

Forty‐six patients who fulfilled the 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria of pSS and 23 age and gender‐matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Clinical, laboratory and labial biopsy histopathologic characteristics of patients were recorded. Disease activity of pSS and severity of ocular dryness were evaluated with EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), respectively. Parotid and lacrimal gland architectures were assessed by B‐mode ultrasound and 2D‐SWE techniques.

Results

Mean shear wave elastography measurements, reflecting loss of elasticity, were remarkably higher in pSS patients compared to healthy subjects both in the lacrimal and parotid glands (8.99 ± 3.45 vs 3.68 ± 1.76 in lacrimal glands and 14.14 ± 4.39 vs 7.83 ± 1.69 in parotid glands, all P < 0.001). Shear wave elasticity of lacrimal glands was correlated with OSDI and ESSPRI scores (r = 0.69; P = 0.001 and r = 0.58; P = 0.001, respectively). A cut‐off value of 4.6 kPa in the lacrimal gland elasticity discriminated pSS patients from healthy subjects with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 87%.

Conclusion

Results of our study suggest that lacrimal glands lose elasticity in patients with pSS and the assessment of elasticity with 2D‐SWE might help to classify patients as having pSS. Further studies are needed to validate the diagnostic utility of lacrimal 2D‐SWE by including diseases other than pSS.
Restless leg syndrome in rheumatic conditions: Its prevalence and risk factors, a meta‐analysis
Authors: Padhan Prasanta , Maikap Debashis , Pathak Mona
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable desire to move legs along with abnormal sensations, particularly at night, which can lead to sleep disturbance. RLS may mimic rheumatic diseases or can be associated with them, hence their identification and treatment are important to improve sleep quality and overall quality of life in rheumatic diseases.

Methods

We conducted a search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases to identify studies reporting a prevalence of RLS in patients with rheumatic disease. Two authors independently screened, selected, and extracted the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and random effect method of the meta‐analysis was used to synthesize the results.

Results

Out of 273 unique records, 17 eligible studies including 2406 rheumatic patients were identified. RLS prevalence (95% CI) among patients of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis are found to be 26.6% (18.6 34.6); 32.5% (23.1–41.9), 4.4% (2.0–6.8), 38.1% (31.3–45.0) and 30.8% (23.48–39.16) respectively. RLS prevalence was similar for males and females.

Conclusion

Our study indicates a high prevalence of RLS in patients with rheumatic diseases. Early detection and treatment of RLS in patients with rheumatic conditions could be beneficial in improving their overall health and quality of life.