bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single-cell trajectory atlas of striatal development
Authors: Anderson Ashley G. , Kulkarni Ashwinikumar , Konopka Genevieve
Published: November 2022

The striatum integrates dense neuromodulatory inputs from many brain regions to coordinate complex behaviors. This integration relies on the coordinated responses from distinct striatal cell types. While previous studies have characterized the cellular and molecular composition of the striatum using single-cell RNA-sequencing at distinct developmental timepoints, the molecular changes spanning embryonic through postnatal development at the single-cell level have not been examined. Here, we combine published mouse striatal single-cell datasets from both embryonic and postnatal timepoints to analyze the developmental trajectory patterns and transcription factor regulatory networks within striatal cell types. Using this integrated dataset, we found that dopamine receptor-1 expressing spiny projection neurons have an extended period of postnatal development with greater transcriptional complexity compared to dopamine receptor-2 expressing neurons. Moreover, we found the transcription factor, FOXP1, exerts indirect changes to oligodendrocytes. These data can be accessed and further analyzed through an interactive website (https://cells-test.gi.ucsc.edu/?ds=mouse-striatal-dev).
Antagonism between viral infection and innate immunity at the single-cell level
Authors: Grabowski Frederic , Kochańczyk Marek , Korwek Zbigniew , Czerkies Maciej , Prus Wiktor , Lipniacki Tomasz
Published: November 2022

When infected with a virus, cells may secrete interferons (IFNs) that prompt nearby cells to prepare for upcoming infection. Reciprocally, viral proteins often interfere with IFN synthesis and IFN-induced signaling. We modeled the crosstalk between the propagating virus and the innate immune response using an agent-based stochastic approach. By analyzing immunofluorescence microscopy images we observed that the mutual antagonism between the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and infected A549 cells leads to dichotomous responses at the single-cell level and complex spatial patterns of cell signaling states. Our analysis indicates that RSV blocks innate responses at three levels: by inhibition of IRF3 activation, inhibition of IFN synthesis, and inhibition of STAT1/2 activation. In turn, proteins coded by IFN-stimulated (STAT1/2-activated) genes inhibit the synthesis of viral RNA and viral proteins. The striking consequence of these inhibitions is lack of coincidence of viral proteins and IFN expression within single cells. The model enables investigation of the impact of immunostimulatory defective viral particles and signaling network perturbations that could potentially facilitate containment or clearance of the viral infection.
Accelerating crystal structure determination with iterative AlphaFold prediction
Authors: Terwilliger Thomas C. , Afonine Pavel V. , Liebschner Dorothee , Croll Tristan I. , McCoy Airlie J. , Oeffner Robert D. , Williams Christopher J. , Poon Billy K. , Richardson Jane S. , Read Randy J. , Adams Paul D.
Published: November 2022

Experimental structure determination can be accelerated with AI-based structure prediction methods such as AlphaFold. Here we present an automatic procedure requiring only sequence information and crystallographic data that uses AlphaFold predictions to produce an electron density map and a structural model. Iterating through cycles of structure prediction is a key element of our procedure: a predicted model rebuilt in one cycle is used as a template for prediction in the next cycle. We applied this procedure to X-ray data for 215 structures released by the Protein Data Bank in a recent 6-month period. In 87% of cases our procedure yielded a model with at least 50% of Cαatoms matching those in the deposited models within 2Å. Predictions from our iterative template-guided prediction procedure were more accurate than those obtained without templates. We suggest a general strategy for macromolecular structure determination that includes AI-based prediction both as a starting point and as a method of model optimization.
A new view on functions of the lysine demalonylase activity of SIRT5
Authors: Nahálková Jarmila
Published: November 2022

A substrate specificity of the pharmaceutically attractive tumor-promoter SIRT5 was already investigated multiple times by advanced proteomic tools. However, the present bioinformatic analysis brings new highlights to the knowledge about the lysine demalonylation activity of SIRT5, a member of the sirtuin family with multiple roles in aging and age-related diseases. It shows unreported functional aspects of the lysine demalonylated substrates in Eukaryotic translation elongation (ETE), Amino acid and derivative metabolism (AADM), and Selenoamino acid metabolism (SAM). The cluster of the elongation factors (EEF1A1, EEF2, EEF1D, and EEF1G) belonging to ETE participates in the peptide chain elongation and the export of the tRNA-s from the nucleus to the primary sites of the proteosynthesis. SIRT5 regulates the activity of the key enzymes with tumor-promoting functions involved in AADM (GLUD1, SHMT1, ACAT1). In contrast, SIRT5 also lysine demalonylates tumor suppressor substrates as a part of the AADM and SAM interaction networks (ALDH9A1, BHMT, GNMT). It indicates comparable functions like SIRT3, which has dual tumor promoter/oncogene functions. Similar to the roles of the sirtuins, the SAM pathway impacts longevity, protects against cardiovascular diseases, and is associated with hepatic steatosis. The selen supplementation mediates the calorie restriction effect, which increases the NAD+/NADH ratio in the cells and stimulates the expression of SIRT5 and other sirtuins. SIRT5 in turn regulates the selenocysteine synthesis through the lysine demalonylation of the participating ribosomal proteins, SECISBP2 and GNMT, which creates a regulatory loop.
Increased levels of eIF2A inhibit translation by sequestering 40S ribosomal subunits
Authors: Grove Daisy J. , Levine Daniel J. , Kearse Michael G.
Published: November 2022

eIF2A was the first eukaryotic initiator tRNA carrier discovered but its exact function has remained enigmatic. Uncharacteristic of translation initiation factors, eIF2A is reported to be non-cytosolic in multiple human cancer cell lines. Attempts to study eIF2A mechanistically have been limited by the inability to achieve high yield of soluble recombinant protein. Here, we developed a purification paradigm that yields ∼360-fold and ∼6,000-fold more recombinant human eIF2A fromE. coliand insect cells, respectively, than previous reports. Using a mammalianin vitrotranslation system, we found that increased levels of recombinant human eIF2A inhibit translation of multiple reporter mRNAs, including those that are translated by cognate and near-cognate start codons, and does so prior to start codon recognition. eIF2A also inhibited translation directed by all four types of cap-independent viral IRESs, including the CrPV IGR IRES that does not require initiation factors or initiator tRNA, suggesting excess eIF2A sequesters 40S subunits. Supplementation with additional 40S subunits prevented eIF2A-mediated inhibition and pull-down assays demonstrated direct binding between recombinant eIF2A and purified 40S subunits. These data support a model that eIF2A must be kept away from the translation machinery to avoid sequestering 40S ribosomal subunits.
Recombinant expression and characterisation of a lipase from the Antarctic zooplanktonSalpa thompsoni
Authors: Rayani Ekta , Cotton Alexander , Roberts Iwan , Ward John , Goodall-Copestake Will , Parker Brenda
Published: November 2022

Cold marine environments are abundant on earth and represent a rich resource for low temperature enzymes. Here we applyin silicobioprospecting methods followed byin vitroexpression and biochemical analyses to characterise a novel low temperature lipase from the Antarctic tunicateSalpa thompsoni. A 586 amino acid pancreatic lipase-like gene was identified fromS. thompsonitranscriptomic data, expressed as a hexahistadine fusion protein inEscherichia coliat 10°C and purified by affinity chromatography. Hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate ρ-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB) showed that this recombinant protein has optimal activity at 20 °C and pH 7, and a specific activity of 3.16 U/mg under this condition. Over 60% of enzyme activity was maintained between 15 to 25 °C, with a sharp decrease outside this range. These results are indicative of cold active psychrophilic enzyme activity. A meta-analysis of lipase activities towards PNPB showed that the novelS. thompsonilipase displays a higher activity at lower temperatures relative to previously characterised enzymes. The work demonstrates a methodology for conversion of transcriptomic toin vitroexpression data for the discovery of new cold-active biocatalysts from marine organisms.
Low-level repressive histone marks fine-tune stemness gene transcription in neural stem cells
Authors: Rajan Arjun , Anhezini Lucas , Rives-Quinto Noemi , Neville Megan C. , Larson Elizabeth D. , Goodwin Stephen F. , Harrison Melissa M. , Lee Cheng-Yu
Published: November 2022

Coordinated regulation of stemness gene activity by transcriptional and translational mechanisms poise stem cells for a timely cell-state transition during differentiation. Although important for all stemness-to-differentiation transitions, mechanistic understanding of the fine-tuning of stemness gene transcription is lacking due to the compensatory effect of translational control. We used intermediate neural progenitor (INP) identity commitment to define the mechanisms that fine-tune stemness gene transcription in fly neural stem cells (neuroblasts). We demonstrate that the transcription factor FruitlessC(FruC) bindscis-regulatory elements of most genes uniquely transcribed in neuroblasts. Loss offruCfunction alone has no effect on INP commitment but drives INP dedifferentiation when translational control is reduced. FruCnegatively regulates gene expression by promoting low-level enrichment of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 in genecis-regulatory regions. Identical tofruCloss-of-function, reducing Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 activity increases stemness gene activity. We propose low-level H3K27me3 enrichment fine-tunes stemness gene transcription in stem cells, a mechanism likely conserved from flies to humans.
PARP14 inhibition restores PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor response following IFNγ-driven adaptive resistance
Authors: Wong Chun Wai , Evangelou Christos , Sefton Kieran N. , Leshem Rotem , Sergiou Kleita , Carro Macarena Lucia Fernandez , Uzuner Erez , Mole Holly , Telfer Brian A. , Wilcock Daniel J. , Smith Michael P. , Kunii Kaiko , Perl Nicholas R. , Lorigan Paul , Williams Kaye J. , Rao Patricia E. , Nagaraju Raghavendar T. , Niepel Mario , Hurlstone Adam F.L.
Published: November 2022

Adaptive resistance limits immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT) response duration and magnitude. Interferon γ (IFNγ), a critical cytokine that promotes cellular immunity, also induces adaptive resistance to ICBT. Using syngeneic mouse tumour models, we confirmed that chronic IFNγ exposure confers resistance to anti-Programmed cell death protein 1 (α-PD-1) therapy. We identified consistent upregulation of poly-ADP ribosyl polymerase 14 (PARP14) in both chronic IFNγ-treated cancer cells and patient melanoma with elevatedIFNGexpression. Knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PARP14 increased effector T cell infiltration into tumours derived from cells pre-treated with IFNγ and decreased the presence of regulatory T cells, leading to restoration of α-PD-1 sensitivity. Finally, we determined that tumours which spontaneously relapsed following α-PD-1 therapy could be re-sensitised upon receiving PARP14 inhibitor treatment, establishing PARP14 as an actionable target to reverse IFNγ-driven ICBT resistance.
Tracing the origin of pathologic pulmonary fibroblasts
Authors: Tsukui Tatsuya , Sheppard Dean
Published: November 2022

Fibroblasts substantially remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to tissue injury and generate fibrotic scars in chronic diseases. Recent studies have identified diverse fibroblast subsets in healthy and injured tissues. However, the origin(s) and functional importance of injury-induced fibroblast lineages remain unclear. Here we show that alveolar fibroblasts, which provide a niche for maintaining alveolar type 2 cells in uninjured lungs, are the dominant source of multiple emergent fibroblast subsets that sequentially arise to facilitate fibrosis after lung injury. We demonstrate that Cthrc1+ fibroblasts, which express the highest levels of ECM proteins at injured sites, are effector cells for fibrogenesis using a novel mouse tool, Cthrc1-CreER. We use another novel mouse tool, Scube2-CreER, that uniquely targets alveolar fibroblasts, to reveal that alveolar fibroblasts are the dominant origin for multiple fibroblast subsets that emerge after lung injury. Pseudotime and in vitro analysis suggest that inflammatory cytokines initially induce chemokine-producing inflammatory fibroblasts from alveolar fibroblasts, which can differentiate into Cthrc1+ fibrotic fibroblasts in response to TGF-β. We identify similar fibroblast lineages from scRNA-seq in human pulmonary fibrosis. These results elucidate the pathologic fibroblast lineage development in response to lung injury and suggest that targeting key steps in transitions among these subsets could provide novel strategies for the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
Neutralizing antibodies to Omicron after the fourth SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine dose in immunocompromised patients highlight the need of additional boosters
Authors: Rescigno Maria , Agrati Chiara , Salvarani Carlo , Giannarelli Diana , Costantini Massimo , Mantovani Alberto , Massafra Raffaella , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Morrone Aldo , Notari Stefania , Matusali Giulia , Pinter Giuseppe Lauria , Uccelli Antonio , Ciliberto Gennaro , Baldanti Fausto , Locatelli Franco , Silvestris Nicola , Sinno Valentina , Turola Elena ,   VAX4FRAIL study Group,   Maria Teresa Lupo Stanghellini, Apolone Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Immunocompromised patients have been shown to have an impaired immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. Here we compared the B-cell, T-cell and neutralizing antibody response to WT and Omicron BA.2 SARS-CoV-2 virus after the fourth dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with hematological malignancies (HM, n=71), solid tumors (ST, n=39) and immune-rheumatological (ID, n=25) diseases. We show that the T-cell response is similarly boosted by the fourth dose across the different subgroups, while the antibody response is improved only in patients not receiving B-cell targeted therapies, independent on the pathology. However, 9% of patients with anti-RBD antibodies did not have neutralizing antibodies to both virus variants, while an additional 5.7% did not have neutralizing antibodies to Omicron BA.2, making these patients particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The increment of neutralizing antibodies was very similar towards Omicron BA.2 and WT virus after the third or fourth dose of vaccine, suggesting that there is no preferential skewing towards either virus variant with the booster dose. The only limited step is the amount of antibodies that are elicited after vaccination, thus increasing the probability of developing neutralizing antibodies to both variants of virus. Hence, additional booster doses are recommended to frail patients.
Post-crisis response by Chinese stakeholders to Canadian international education programs: a case study with community-based survey evidence
Authors: Liu Yun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This article examines education diplomacy as a specific application of public diplomacy in stabilizing Canada–China relations, which have worsened over the last few years. It conducts a case study analysing post-crisis responses of Chinese stakeholders in Canadian university international programs. The survey results provide policymaking insight for restoring post-crisis global learning activities.

Design/methodology/approach

It applies conceptual analysis, comparative methods and historical reflection to design a community-based survey. It treated Chinese university students and scholars as stakeholders of education diplomacy. Utilizing an established network of Chinese intuitional partners by the host institute, this case study analyses questionnaires on the online survey platform Qualtrics.

Findings

The survey indicates concerns about diplomatic tension by Chinese stakeholders in Canadian university international programs. However, their responses are still favourable for resuming global learning activities with more flexibility, mobility and personal safety facilitation.

Originality/value

The paper assesses the post-crisis response of Chinese stakeholders concerning the Canada–China education collaboration while interpreting Education Diplomacy as a specific form of Public Diplomacy for normalizing China–Canada relations still subject to growing bilateral tension.
Resilience through operational flexibility for crisis response: an international investigation of firm responses during COVID-19
Authors: Shekarian Naser , Ramirez Ronald , Khuntia Jiban
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Crisis response has emerged as a salient concern for firms in the onset of COVID-19. While research suggests that resilience is critical during such disruptions, there remains a need to examine how firms build resilience during evolving situations. This study focuses on resiliency created through operational flexibility and examines how firms developed resiliency to COVID-19 through an adaptation of three technology-based levers of flexibility: change in a firm's product and service offerings, the channel it uses for sales and the location of a firm's workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a unique cross-sectional dataset generated from a survey administered by a reputable financial institution, from March 20 to June 20, during the inception of COVID crisis. This study uses ordinary least squares to analyze data from 6,076 firms across 20 countries.

Findings

Results indicate that flexibility through a combination of a change in a firm's product and service offerings, with movement to selling through a digital channel, had a positive impact on firm sales. However, flexibility through a combination of change in product and service offerings with workforce location changes had negative impacts. Robustness analysis indicates that negative impacts worsen in countries with higher digitization and in manufacturing and retail firms as compared to service firms, indicating the inflexibility of physical goods–based business models. Results highlight dimensions through which technology-based flexibility can take place and the benefits of flexibility on firm performance.

Originality/value

This study provides managerial insights into technology-based operational flexibility mechanisms that can be employed for building performance resilience during unexpected disruptions. Research findings inform firms facing supply chain challenges and inflation pressures of business today.
Prost with craft beer! Do customer experience and price sensitivity affect product price image, perceived value and repurchase intention?
Authors: Rizzon Fernanda , De Toni Deonir , Graciola Ana Paula , Milan Gabriel Sperandio
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of product price image (PPI) on perceived value (PV) and repurchase intention (RI) of Brazilian customers' craft beer. Moreover, this research also verifies the moderating effect of customer experience (CE) and price sensitivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data analysis was performed using Smart-PLS 3.3.9 and Process 4.1 software with 329 customers.

Findings

The results show that PV is a full mediation variable in the relationship between PPI and RI. As a mediated moderation, lower CE and price sensitivity better explain the indirect effect of PPI on RI via PV.

Practical implications

Thus, managers may reinforce the PV of low price sensitivity and low CE. These customers learn about companies' prices compared with higher price-sensitive customers and higher CE that already PV.

Originality/value

The article discusses the implications of PV as a mediator, low price sensitivity and low CE as moderators for craft beer.

Highlights

The world's most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, following water and tea, the third-most-popular drink on earth is beer;

Managers should create strategies to reinforce the PV and consequently the RI by offering PPI and benefits (PV) for customers with low experience and low-price sensitivity about craft beer;

Low customer experience and low-price sensitive's customers are learning about companies' prices compared to higher price sensitive, and higher customer experience that already PV, PL, PF, and PEs and NEs;

Small producers craft beer that connotated the product's high quality and benefits; the higher may be the level of RI and consumption from customers.
In prosperity and adversity? The value of high-performance work practices for SMEs under conditions of environmental hostility and social embeddedness
Authors: Martínez-del-Río Javier , Perez-Luño Ana , Bojica Ana Maria
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Taking a resource-based view, the authors analyse the effect of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) on the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under conditions of environmental hostility, and consider how this relationship is influenced by managers' embeddedness in social networks. The authors argue that high perceived levels of environmental hostility strengthen the strategic value of HPWPs in SMEs, whereas high levels of manager embeddedness in social networks weaken this contingent relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

These hypotheses were tested in a sample of 249 SMEs, from two Spanish industries related to food production, using linear regression with two- and three-way interaction effects.

Findings

The study results show that the implementation of HPWPs benefits SMEs' performance in hostile environments. However, the dark side of managers' social capital could undermine any such benefit, especially if there is a high degree of network closure. In hostile contexts, such closure appears to limit managers' willingness to depart from the common practice of reducing investment in human resources.

Practical implications

Contrary to predominant beliefs that managers facing economic adversity should reduce costs by cutting investment in personnel development, this study indicates that supporting HPWPs enhances a firm's objective financial performance.

Originality/value

This study advances our understanding of the specific conditions under which HPWPs sustain SME performance. It also introduces the dark side of managers' social capital into considerations of this relationship. The study findings provide new insights that are counterintuitive to business practice.
The role of management in lean implementation: evidence from the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Januszek Sven , Macuvele Julian , Friedli Thomas , Netland Torbjørn H.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how soft lean practices moderate the performance effects of hard lean practices. The authors provide new evidence from the pharmaceutical industry, which is characterized by a highly regulated and technical environment and has been largely uncharted in the lean literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the literature, the authors define a set of soft and hard lean practices. The authors test the hypotheses using factor analysis and moderated hierarchical linear regression on a unique dataset containing survey data and real performance measures of 351 pharmaceutical plants.

Findings

The results show that soft lean practices can be both enabling and constraining. When management engages in performance measurement, visualisation and employee empowerment the relationship between hard lean practices and performance is positively moderated. On the other hand, when managers emphasise goal setting and work standardisation the performance outcomes are reduced.

Practical implications

Effective lean managers build organisational commitment by motivating other employees to implement lean. They use performance measurement, visualisation and employee empowerment to focus on the “why”. Less effective managers engage in commanding and micro-management. Such managers focus on the “what” by using practices like goal setting and work standardisation.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature on lean management by empirically testing the moderator-variable interaction effects between soft and hard lean practices. In addition, it adds new evidence from the important pharmaceutical industry.
Carelessness in preserving manuscripts as a heritage: cases of local treatment in Indonesia
Authors: Fakhriati Fakhriati , Kalsum Nyimas Umi , Sugiarti Sugiarti , Ilyas Husnul Fahimah
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at examining the current condition of ancient manuscripts owned by locals in remote areas of Indonesia, which are mostly in poor condition. It is to describe the factors of these manuscript damages and the implications of the damage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed qualitative design with philological, codicological and anthropological approaches. The participants are manuscript owners and keepers in Western, Central and Eastern parts of Indonesia. Data were collected by direct observations and interviews with the participants.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights on how manuscripts were damaged due to human and environmental factors. These factors have caused the loss of part or whole information in the manuscripts, hence causing disconnected knowledge linkage from past to present.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the selected scope and area of study, this study may lack generalizability. Further studies can be conducted to examine the physical aspect and the content of the manuscripts.

Practical implications

This study suggests the urgency for stakeholders and local governments to preserve the manuscripts by taking specific measures that include preservation training to the locals and conducting a program for digitizing these manuscripts.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how the damages suffered by the local manuscripts.
Consumers' intention towards the use of smart technologies in tourism and hospitality (T&H) industry: a deeper insight into the integration of TAM, TPB and trust
Authors: Sujood  , Bano Naseem , Siddiqui Samiha
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study used an integrated framework that incorporates the technology acceptance model (TAM) (Davis, 1989), the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991) and trust to examine factors that mainly influence consumers' intention towards the use of smart technologies in tourism and hospitality (T&H) industry. The Internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems, etc. are the Smart 4.0 technologies generally used in T&H industry these days.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sampling approach was employed in this study. Data were collected over the Internet using a survey instrument by posting the questionnaire link on social network web pages of travel agencies from November 10, 2021, to December 30, 2021. In the opening statement of the questionnaire, we have explained about the Smart 4.0 technologies so that every respondent could understand what we mean by Smart 4.0 technologies.

Findings

The findings show that conjoining the TAM and the TPB with trust resulted in a robust model for explaining customers' intention toward using smart technologies in the T&H industry.

Research limitations/implications

Smart technologies have become one of the most profitable e-commerce applications. This study examines and integrates the various advantages of smart technologies for the consumers in T&H industry, as well as providing insight into the intentions of Indian consumers. Hence, this study gives significant information to IT companies, online travel agencies, tour operators, travel agents, T&H planners and other stakeholders on Indian consumers' behavioral intentions (BIs).

Originality/value

This study tested the utility of the extended model in predicting consumers' intention towards the use of smart technologies in T&H industry. As far as the authors' knowledge is concerned, this is the first study that predicted intention of Indian consumers towards the use of smart technologies in T&H industry by integrating TAM, TPB and trust.
Gig worker organizing: toward an adapted Attraction-Selection-Attrition framework
Authors: Schmidt Gordon B. , Philip Jestine , Van Dellen Stephanie A. , Islam Sayeedul
Published: November 2022

Purpose

As conventional practices of working continue to be modified in the gig economy, more theoretical work examining the experiences of gig workers is needed. Relying on person-based fit and levels of analysis literature, this paper proposes an adaptation to the traditional Attraction-Selection-Attrition (ASA) framework to the gig economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the ASA framework, this conceptual paper explores how gig workers join, leave and could be retained by gig employers.

Findings

The authors recognize an intermediary “organizing” phase within the ASA framework for gig workers. Using examples of appwork and crowdwork, the authors show that workers tend to self-organize through third-party websites to help gig work become economically sustainable, avoid being exploited and enhance gig workers' sense of community and identity.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research lie in gig employers understanding how workers experience gig employment and in helping employers be successful in attracting, selecting and retaining quality workers and thereby lowering permanent attrition.

Originality/value

The authors propose a novel adaptation to the conventional ASA framework to include organizing as a phase in gig worker employment. This research defines gig attraction and attrition at the individual-level, selection at the individual- and task-levels based in person-job (PJ)-fit and the various aspects of gig organizing as encompassing fit with one's job, organization, and environmental (i.e., PJ-, PO-, PE-fit) at the individual-, task-, and network-levels.
News-based sentiment: can it explain market performance before and after the Russia–Ukraine conflict?
Authors: Le Viet Hoang , von Mettenheim Hans-Jörg , Goutte Stéphane , Liu Fei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the market response of the aerospace and defense industry and the airline industry to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia based on the sentiments from war-related news articles over the period from October 2021 to June 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the news article database of Global Database of Events, Languages and Tone (GDELT) to create a new set of variables that reflect the news sentiment regarding war and conflict. By investigating the newly created sentiment variables in combination with traditional event study methodology, the authors seek to find out whether sentiment indicators can be helpful to rationalize the evolution of the different stock markets before and after the conflict.

Findings

The authors' results point out a significant negative impact of the war on the airline market and a positive impact on the defense market. The authors' study also introduces a new set of war-related news-based sentiment variables that is significant to explain the evolution of the two markets before and after the war. The relationships between this study's new set of variables and the performance of the two markets are also proven to be significantly impacted by the invasion.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first research to use the news sentiment related to the topic of war and conflict to explain the market movement of different industries during the Ukraine invasion.
Tweet for peace: Twitter as a medium for developing a peace discourse in the hands of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot leaders
Authors: Karayianni Christiana , Psaltis Charis
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The article examines how the two Cypriot leaders – the Greek-Cypriot community leader Nicos Anastasiades and the Turkish-Cypriot community leader Mustafa Akinci – have used their Twitter accounts during the period leading to the intensification of the Cyprus peace process between 30 April 2015 and 31 October 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents, using descriptive analysis and thematic analysis, how the two leaders have used Twitter in the negotiations' period.

Findings

The analysis shows that the leaders, during the time frame examined, developed both pro-peace discourses around the Cyprus problem and para-social and vicarious intergroup contact that contributed in what Hogg (2015) defines an intergroup relational identity that is an effective form of “bridging” leadership across communities.

Originality/value

The article argues that Twitter is a tool that, in the hands of political leaders in segregated public spheres caused by yet unresolved ethnic conflicts, can become a useful tool for constructing both a positive meaning around issues concerning the rival sides and transforming opposing social identities in the formation of an “extended sense of self that includes the collaboration partner” (Hogg, 2015, p. 191).

Peer review

The peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2022-0161
Development and validation of a nomogram for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis: A cohort study in 1099 cases
Authors: Liu Chun Hua , Liu Shuang , Zhao Yong Bing , Liao Yu , Zhao Guo Che , Lin Hui , Yang Shi Ming , Xu Zheng Guo , Wu Hao , Liu En
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) is a catastrophic complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. We aimed to establish a nomogram based on noninvasive clinical and imaging variables to predict the risk of EVB.

Methods

The cut‐off value of each variable was determined through univariate regression analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors and establish predictive models. The nomogram was established and validated using the calibration discrimination across different groups.

Results

Six indicators, including platelet count, hemoglobin, albumin to globulin ratio, fasting blood glucose, serum chloride, and computed tomography portal vein diameter (CTPD), were found to be related to the risk of EVB. Two models, with or without CTPD, were established and compared. Model 1 with CTPD had better discrimination than model 2 with C‐index of 0.893 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.872–0.915) and 0.862 (95% CI 0.837–0.887) in the primary cohort, respectively (Z = 2.027, P = 0.043). While the C‐index of the two models in the validation cohort was 0.878 (95% CI 0.838–0.919) and 0.810 (95% CI 0.757–0.863). Moreover, the clinical decision analysis curve and clinical impact curve showed that these models might confer a significant net benefit on patients and provide a reference threshold for clinicians.

Conclusion

A nomogram using routine clinical indicators was established to predict the risk of EVB in patients with liver cirrhosis, which was verified in an independent cohort and demonstrated a great consistency.
Utility of biomarkers and temporal artery biopsy length for investigating giant cell arteritis in Western Australia
Authors: Atlas Isabella S. , Colley Stephen M. , Chia Mark A.
Published: November 2022

Aim

To explore demographic characteristics, biopsy length, and blood biomarker performance in an Australian cohort of patients who have undergone temporal artery biopsy (TAB) for giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

We extracted data on biopsies performed for GCA between January 2016 and December 2020 at public hospitals in Perth. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for blood results. We evaluated the proportion of biopsies with post‐fixation length less than 15 mm and explored several length associations.

Results

We retrospectively reviewed biopsies of 360 patients (65.8% female, mean age 72.1 years). Biopsy‐positive patients were older (6.0 years, P < 0.01), and had higher C‐reactive protein (CRP) (44.5 mg/L, P < 0.01), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (18.9 mm/h, P < 0.01), and platelets (86.8 × 103/μL, P < 0.01) compared with biopsy‐negative patients. CRP and platelets had the highest AUCs at 0.76 and 0.71, respectively. Sensitivities for CRP and ESR were 96.2% and 91.5%, respectively. Specificities were comparatively low at 41.3% for CRP and 37.4% for ESR. The proportion of biopsies with sub‐optimal length was 55.9% and this varied significantly by site (P < 0.01). Smaller sites performed worse, with a sub‐optimal biopsy rate of 87% amongst the three smallest sites.

Conclusion

ESR and CRP are helpful preliminary investigations, especially in identifying low‐risk patients, but their specificity is limited. Smaller centers had a higher proportion of biopsies with sub‐optimal length. Considering the importance of biopsy length for TAB diagnostic value, reviewing biopsy data may assist services in developing improvement strategies.
Clinical management of psychostimulant withdrawal: review of the evidence
Authors: Li Michael J. , Shoptaw Steven J.
Published: November 2022

It is estimated that a majority of people who use psychostimulants, particularly methamphetamine (MA) and cocaine, experience withdrawal upon abstinence from sustained use. This review of clinical research reports the evidence regarding biomedical and behavioral treatments for psychostimulant withdrawal symptoms. It provides a framework for clinicians and scientists to increase impact on attenuating MA and cocaine withdrawal during initial and sustained abstinence. Articles reviewed included reports of controlled clinical trials (randomized or non‐randomized) reporting at least one withdrawal symptom among the outcomes or specifically studying patients in withdrawal. Potential efficacy for MA withdrawal is noted for a few medications (mirtazapine, naltrexone, bupropion) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during acute (first week), early protracted (weeks 2–4) and late protracted (> 4 weeks) withdrawal phases. Topiramate shows mixed evidence of efficacy for cocaine withdrawal. In general, there is inconsistent signal for biomedical and behavioral treatments on MA and cocaine withdrawal.
Feeding ecology of the vulnerable aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) in north‐western Sahara
Authors: Bounaceur Farid , Benamor Naceur , Bissaad Fatima Zohra , Lasgaa Faten , Baghadid Sabah , Rezigua Faiza , Aulagnier Stéphane
Published: November 2022

The feeding ecology of the aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) was investigated for the first time in north‐western Sahara, Djebel Antar (Bechar province, Algeria), from autumn 2015 to summer 2016. Microhistological analyses of faeces revealed an annual diet composed of 23 identified taxa belonging to 16 plant families. The highest species diversity was recorded in spring and summer (23 species), despite a marked consumption of two species: Vachellia tortilis (17.7%) and Avena sterilis (14.0%); diet diversity was lower in autumn and winter (16 species), including mainly Teucrium polium (14.7%, 21.0%) and Gymnocarpos decander (19.7%, 10.0%). The main plant parts consumed during these seasons were stems (77.7%, 65.3%), while leaves and inflorescences were mostly consumed during spring and summer (54.7%, 52.3%). Forbs dominated the aoudad's diet, with 46.3% average relative abundance, including mainly T. polium, Limoniastrum feei, and Chrysanthemum macrocarpum. Woody plants including mainly V. tortilis and G. decander accounted for 33.3% (50.0% in autumn), and grasses including A. sterilis and H. murinum for 20.4% (32.0% in summer). Based on this diet, A. lervia can be classified as a “generalist mixed‐feeder.”
Feeding the Land: The Importance of Paying Attention to Sakha Language with Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Authors: Sidorova Evgeniia (Jen) , Ferguson Jenanne
Published: November 2022

Through (auto)ethnographic research in the Amga and Megino‐Khangalas uluses (districts) in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), in this article, we discuss the intrinsic importance of paying close attention to Indigenous languages when exploring Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Here, language refers not only to vocabulary but also to the kinds of communicative practices or speech acts used to transmit or talk about TEK, especially those that reveal the indivisibility of the physical and spiritual elements in many Indigenous ontologies. Through the presentation of narratives of two researchers—one ethnically Sakha, one not—we highlight the centrality of language to maintaining the integrity of TEK and other Indigenous knowledge. We argue that not only must language be centered and documented to reflect the importance of language choice, but terminology should be situated within stories or narratives to best reveal connections of language to ontology, highlighting the interconnectedness of language and knowledge. [Sakha Republic (Yakutia), autoethnography, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Sakha language, language usage]
Hospital Profiling Using Bayesian Decision Theory
Authors: Hengelbrock Johannes , Rauh Johannes , Cederbaum Jona , Kähler Maximilian , Höhle Michael
Published: November 2022

For evaluating the quality of care provided by hospitals, special interest lies in the identification of performance outliers. The classification of healthcare providers as outliers or non-outliers is a decision under uncertainty, because the true quality is unknown and can only be inferred from an observed result of a quality indicator. We propose to embed the classification of healthcare providers into a Bayesian decision theoretical framework that enables the derivation of optimal decision rules with respect to the expected decision consequences. We propose paradigmatic utility functions for two typical purposes of hospital profiling: the external reporting of healthcare quality and the initiation of change in care delivery. We make use of funnel plots to illustrate and compare the resulting optimal decision rules and argue that sensitivity and specificity of the resulting decision rules should be analyzed. We then apply the proposed methodology to the area of hip replacement surgeries by analyzing data from 1,277 hospitals in Germany which performed over 180,000 such procedures in 2017. Our setting illustrates that the classification of outliers can be highly dependent upon the underlying utilities. We conclude that analyzing the classification of hospitals as a decision theoretic problem helps to derive transparent and justifiable decision rules. The methodology for classifying quality indicator results is implemented in an R package (iqtigbdt) and is available on GitHub.
A Kaupapa Māori conceptualization and efforts to address the needs of the growing precariat in Aotearoa New Zealand: A situated focus on Māori
Authors: Rua Mohi , Hodgetts Darrin , Groot Shiloh , Blake Denise , Karapu Rolinda , Neha Eddie
Published: November 2022

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the precariat is populated by at least one in six New Zealanders, with Māori (Indigenous peoples) being over‐represented within this emerging social class. For Māori, this socio‐economic positioning reflects a colonial legacy spanning 150 years of economic and cultural subjugation, and intergenerational experiences of material, cultural and psychological insecurities. Relating our Kaupapa Māori approach (Māori cultural values and principles underlining research initiatives) to the precariat, this article also draws insights from existing scholarship on social class in psychology and Assemblage Theory in the social sciences to extend present conceptualizations of the Māori precariat. In keeping with the praxis orientation central to our approach, we consider three exemplars of how our research into Māori precarity is mobilized in efforts to inform public deliberations and government policies regarding poverty reduction, humanizing the welfare system and promoting decent work. Note: Aotearoa New Zealand has been popularized within the everyday lexicon of New Zealanders as a political statement of Indigenous rights for Māori.
Long‐term outcome after Bascom's cleft‐lift procedure under tumescent local analgesia for pilonidal sinus disease: a cohort study
Authors: Svarre Kristina J. , Serup Camilla M. , Kanstrup Charlotte T. B. , Kleif Jakob , Bertelsen Claus A.
Published: November 2022

Aim

Bascom's cleft‐lift procedure for pilonidal sinus disease under tumescent local analgesia is feasible and well tolerated with favourable short‐term outcomes. We aimed to assess the 10‐year treatment success rate after cleft‐lift under tumescent local analgesia.

Method

This was a single‐centre cohort study based on prospectively registered perioperative data and survey data with additional data from electronic medical records. The cleft‐lift procedure was performed under tumescent local analgesia in a day‐surgical setting at a tertiary referral hospital between 1 July 2008 and 31 March 2014. The primary outcome was the 10‐year risk treatment success defined as complete wound healing within 180 days of surgery or no recurrence assessed with competing risk analyses. Secondary outcomes were time to complete wound healing, persistent pain and cosmetic satisfaction.

Results

Two hundred patients with complex pilonidal sinus disease were included. Indication was incomplete wound healing after pilonidal sinus surgery in 43 (21.5%) patients, recurrence after previous intervention in 78 (39.0%) or moderate to complex sinuses assessed by a consultant surgeon in 79 (39.5%). One hundred and ninety‐five patients had complete wound healing within 180 days with a median time of 29 days (interquartile range 16–47). The cumulative risk of 10‐year recurrence was 11.3% (95% CI 6.2%–16.4%) with a median follow‐up time of 8.5 (1.0–10.7) years. Treatment success was 86.1% (95% CI 80.6%–91.5%). No significant predictors were associated with recurrence, and 90% of patients experienced no persistent pain.

Conclusion

Cleft‐lift performed under tumescent local analgesia has an acceptable 10‐year treatment failure rate, making the method feasible in a day‐surgery setting.
Conservation implications and opportunities of mining activities for terrestrial mammal habitat
Authors: Sonter Laura J. , Lloyd Thomas J. , Kearney Stephen G. , Di Marco Moreno , O'Bryan Christopher J. , Valenta Richard K. , Watson James E. M.
Published: November 2022

Mining companies increasingly commit to a net positive impact on biodiversity. However, assessing the industry's progress toward achieving this goal is limited by knowledge of current mining threats to biodiversity and the relevant opportunities available for them to improve conservation outcomes. Here, we investigate the global exposure of terrestrial mammal habitat to mining activities, revealing the 136 species with >30% of their habitat within 10 km of a mining property or exploration site. One third (n = 42) of these species are already threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), suggesting projected increased demand for minerals may push some species beyond critical thresholds. Moreover, 28% (n = 33) of species are Data Deficient, illustrating tangible ways for industry to fill current knowledge gaps. However, large discrepancies between our results and the species currently listed as threatened by mining in the IUCN Red List, suggest other species may be at risk and that conservation tools and analyses based on these data may underestimate the benefits of averting such threats. We recommend ways to better capture mining threats to species within IUCN Red List assessments and discuss how these changes could improve conservation outcomes in mineral‐rich areas.