bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Blood-Brain Barrier in Bipolar Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alonso Clara Wakonigg , McElhatton Frances , O’Mahony Brian , Pollak Thomas , Stokes Paul R.A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Bipolar disorders (BD) are chronic, debilitating disorders. Our understanding of the pathogenesis and functional biomarkers in BD remains limited. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a highly selective, protective physical barrier which separates the central nervous system from the peripheral circulation, has been increasingly investigated in the BD. This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between BD and markers of BBB dysfunction.

Methods

Studies were identified in PubMed and Medline databases in January 2021. Articles were limited to full-length peer-reviewed journal publications with no date restrictions. Included studies compared blood, CSF, post-mortem, genetic and imaging measures of BBB function in people with BD compared to healthy controls.

Results

49 studies were identified, 34 of which found an association between BD and markers of BBB dysfunction. Blood QAlb, S100B and MMP levels were found to be increased in BD participants compared to controls in 57% of the studies. In post-mortem BD studies, ICAM, neurexin, claudin-5, and chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans were increased in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), prefrontal grey matter, occipital cortex and cerebellum, and lateral nucleus of the entorhinal cortex respectively compared to controls. Additionally, a study of BBB leakage measured by MRI found that nearly 30% of BD participants had extensive BBB leakage compared to controls. The mood state of BD participants was also associated with markers of BBB dysfunction, with participants experiencing mania generally having increased BBB marker levels compared to participants who were depressed or in remission.

Conclusions

This review suggests an association between BD and markers of BBB dysfunction. Further research is needed to control for a number of confounding factors, and to clarify whether this association provides a pathogenic mechanism, or is an epiphenomenon of BD.
Sodium channel endocytosis drives axon initial segment plasticity
Authors: Fréal Amélie , Jamann Nora , Bos Jolijn Ten , Jansen Jacqueline , Petersen Naomi , Ligthart Thijmen , Hoogenraad Casper C. , Kole Maarten H. P.
Published: November 2022

Activity-dependent plasticity of the axon initial segment (AIS) endows neurons with the ability to adapt action potential output to changes in network activity. Action potential initiation at the AIS highly depends on the clustering of voltage-gated sodium channels, however the molecular mechanisms regulating their plasticity remain largely unknown. Here, we used novel genetic tools to endogenously label sodium channels and their scaffolding protein, to reveal their nanoscale organization and longitudinally image AIS plasticity in hippocampal neurons, in slices and primary cultures. We find that induction of NMDA receptor-mediated long-term synaptic depression is linked to a rapid and local endocytosis of sodium channels from the distal AIS. These data reveal a novel fundamental mechanism for rapid activity-dependent AIS reorganization sharing conserved features with synaptic plasticity.
Genetic manipulation of stress-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase modulates early stages of the nodulation process inMedicago sativa
Authors: Hlaváčková Kateřina , Šamajová Olga , Hrbáčková Miroslava , Šamaj Jozef , Ovečka Miroslav
Published: November 2022

Leguminous plants have established a mutualistic endosymbiotic interaction with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia to secure nitrogen sources in new specialized organs called root nodules. Before nodule formation, the development of early symbiotic structures is essential for rhizobia docking, internalization, targeted delivery, and intracellular accommodation. We have recently reported that overexpression of stress-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (SIMK) in alfalfa affects root hair, nodule and shoot formation. However, detailed subcellular spatial distribution, activation, and developmental relocation of SIMK during the early stages of alfalfa nodulation remain unclear. Here, we qualitatively and quantitatively characterized SIMK distribution patterns in rhizobium-infected root hairs using live-cell imaging and immunolocalization, employing alfalfa stable transgenic lines with genetically manipulated SIMK abundance and kinase activity. In theSIMKK-RNAiline, showing downregulation ofSIMKKandSIMK, we found a considerably decreased accumulation of phosphorylated SIMK around infection pockets and infection threads, which was strongly increased in the GFP-SIMK line, constitutively overexpressing GFP-tagged SIMK. Thus, genetically manipulated SIMK modulates root hair capacity to form infection pockets and infection threads. These results shed new light on SIMK spatio-temporal participation in the early interactions between alfalfa and rhizobia, and its internalization into root hairs, showing that local accumulation of active SIMK indeed modulates nodulation in alfalfa.

One sentence summary

Genetic manipulation of SIMK in alfalfa revealed that SIMK modulates root hair capacity to form infection pockets and infection threads during the early interactions between alfalfa and rhizobia.
Cytotoxic CD8+T cells target citrullinated antigens in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Moon Jae-Seung , Younis Shady , Ramadoss Nitya S. , Iyer Radhika , Sheth Khushboo , Sharpe Orr , Rao Navin L. , Becart Stephane , Carman Julie A. , James Eddie A. , Buckner Jane H. , Deane Kevin D. , Holers V. Michael , Goodman Susan M. , Donlin Laura T. , Davis Mark M. , Robinson William H.
Published: November 2022

The immune mechanisms that mediate synovitis and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain poorly defined. Although increased levels of CD8+T cells have been described in RA, their role in pathogenesis remains unclear. Here we perform single cell transcriptome and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing of CD8+T cells derived from anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)+ RA blood. We identifyGZMB+CD8+subpopulations containing large clonal lineage expansions that express cytotoxic and tissue homing transcriptional programs, while aGZMK+CD8+memory subpopulation comprises of smaller clonal expansions that express effector T cell transcriptional programs. We demonstrate RA citrullinated autoantigens presented by MHC class I activate RA blood-derivedGZMB+CD8+T cells to expand, express cytotoxic mediators, and mediate killing of target cells. We also demonstrate that these clonally expandedGZMB+CD8+cells are present in RA synovium. These findings suggest that cytotoxic CD8+T cells targeting citrullinated antigens have a role in contributing to synovitis and joint tissue destruction in ACPA+ RA.
Identification of leaf rust resistance loci in a geographically diverse panel of wheat using genome-wide association analysis
Authors: Kaur Shivreet , Gill Harsimardeep , Breiland Matthew , Kolmer James , Gupta Rajeev , Sehgal Sunish , Gill Upinder
Published: November 2022

Leaf rust, caused byPuccinia triticina (Pt)is among the most devastating diseases posing a significant threat to global wheat production. The continuously evolving virulentPtraces in North America calls for exploring new sources of leaf rust resistance. A diversity panel of 365 bread wheat accessions selected from a worldwide population of landraces and cultivars was evaluated at the seedling stage against fourPtraces (TDBJQ, TBBGS, MNPSD and, TNBJS). A wide distribution of seedling responses against the fourPtraces was observed. Majority of the genotypes displayed a susceptible response with only 28 (9.8%), 59 (13.5%), 45 (12.5%), and 29 (8.1%) wheat accessions exhibiting a highly resistant response to TDBJQ, TBBGS, MNPSD and, TNBJS, respectively. Further, we conducted a high-resolution multi-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a set of 302,524 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The GWAS analysis identified 27 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for leaf rust resistance on different wheat chromosomes of which 20 MTAs were found in the vicinity of knownLrgenes, MTAs, or quantitative traits loci (QTLs) identified in previous studies. The remaining seven significant MTAs identified represent genomic regions that harbor potentially novel genes for leaf rust resistance. Furthermore, the candidate gene analysis for the significant MTAs identified various genes of interest that may be involved in disease resistance. The identified resistant lines and SNPs linked to the QTLs in this study will serve as valuable resources in wheat rust resistance breeding programs.
Allele surfing causes maladaptation in a Pacific salmon of conservation concern
Authors: Rougemont Quentin , Leroy Thibault , Rondeau Eric B. , Koop Ben , Bernatchez Louis
Published: November 2022

How various factors, including demography, recombination or genome duplication, may impact the efficacy of natural selection and the burden of deleterious mutations,is a central question in evolutionary biology and genetics. In this study, we show that key evolutionary processes, including variations ini) effective population size (Ne)ii) recombination rates andiii) chromosome inheritance, have influenced the genetic load and efficacy of selection in Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), a widely distributed salmonid species on the west coast of North America. Using whole genome resequencing data from 14 populations at different migratory distances from their southern glacial refugium, we found evidence supporting gene surfing, wherein reducedNeat the postglacial recolonization front, leads to a decrease in the efficacy of selection and a surf of deleterious alleles in the northernmost populations. Furthermore, our results indicate that recombination rates play a prime role in shaping the load along the genome. Additionally, we identified variation in polyploidy as a contributing factor to within-genome variation of the load. Overall, our results align remarkably well with expectations under the nearly neutral theory of molecular evolution. We discuss the fundamental and applied implications of these findings for evolutionary and conservation genomics.

Author Summary

Understanding how historical processes, such as past glaciations, may have impacted variations in population size and genetic diversity along the genome is a fundamental question in evolution. In this study, we investigated how recent postglacial demographic expansion has affected the distribution of deleterious genetic variants and the resulting deleterious mutation load in Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), throughout its native range in North America. By sequencing the entire genome of 71 Coho salmon, we reveal that postglacial expansion has led to allele surfing, a process where alleles increase in frequency in populations that are expanding or colonizing new environments. Here, allele surfing resulted in an increased deleterious mutation load at the colonization front. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the efficacy of natural selection scales with variation in effective population size among populations. We showed that the specific genomic features of Coho salmon, namely variation in local recombination rate and variation in chromosomal inheritance, strongly impacted the segregation of deleterious mutations.
ALiCE®: A versatile, high yielding and scalable eukaryotic cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system
Authors: Das Gupta Mainak , Flaskamp Yannick , Roentgen Robin , Juergens Hannes , Gimenez Jorge Armero , Albrecht Frank , Hemmerich Johannes , Ahmad Arfi Zulfaquar , Neuser Jakob , Spiegel Holger , Yeliseev Alexei , Song Lusheng , Qiu Ji , Williams Charles , Finnern Ricarda
Published: November 2022

Eukaryotic cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems have the potential to simplify and speed up the expression and high-throughput analysis of complex proteins with functionally relevant post-translational modifications (PTMs). However, low yields and the inability to scale such systems have so far prevented their widespread adoption in protein research and manufacturing.

Here, we present a detailed demonstration for the capabilities of a CFPS system derived fromNicotiana tabacumBY-2 cell culture (BY-2 lysate; BYL). BYL is able to express diverse, functional proteins at high yields in under 48 hours, complete with native disulfide bonds and N-glycosylation. An optimised version of the technology is commercialised as ‘ALiCE®’, engineered for high yields of up to 3 mg/mL. Recent advances in the scaling of BYL production methodologies have allowed scaling of the CFPS reaction. We show simple, linear scale-up of batch mode reporter proten expression from a 100 μL microtiter plate format to 10 mL and 100 mL volumes in standard Erlenmeyer flasks, culminating in preliminary data from 1 L reactions in a CELL-tainer® CT20 rocking motion bioreactor. As such, these works represent the first published example of a eukaryotic CFPS reaction scaled past the 10 mL level by several orders of magnitude.

We show the ability of BYL to produce the simple reporter protein eYFP and large, multimeric virus-like particles directly in the cytosolic fraction. Complex proteins are processed using the native microsomes of BYL and functional expression of multiple classes of complex, difficult-to-express proteins is demonstrated, specifically: a dimeric, glycoprotein enzyme, glucose oxidase; the monoclonal antibody adalimumab; the SARS-Cov-2 receptor-binding domain; human epidermal growth factor; and a G protein-coupled receptor membrane protein, cannabinoid receptor type 2. Functional binding and activity are shown using a combination of surface plasmon resonance techniques, a serology-based ELISA method and a G protein activation assay. Finally, in-depth post-translational modification (PTM) characterisation of purified proteins through disulfide bond and N-glycan analysis is also revealed - previously difficult in the eukaryotic CFPS space due to limitations in reaction volumes and yields.

Taken together, BYL provides a real opportunity for screening of complex proteins at the microscale with subsequent amplification to manufacturing-ready levels using off-the-shelf protocols. This end-to-end platform suggests the potential to significantly reduce cost and the time-to-market for high value proteins and biologics.
An update on eukaryotic viruses revived from ancient permafrost
Authors: Alempic Jean-Marie , Lartigue Audrey , Goncharov Artemiy E , Grosse Guido , Strauss Jens , Tikhonov Alexey N. , Fedorov Alexander N. , Poirot Olivier , Legendre Matthieu , Santini Sébastien , Abergel Chantal , Claverie Jean-Michel
Published: November 2022

One quarter of the Northern hemisphere is underlain by permanently frozen ground, referred to as permafrost. Due to climate warming, irreversibly thawing permafrost is releasing organic matter frozen for up to a million years, most of which decomposes into carbon dioxide and methane, further enhancing the greenhouse effect. Part of this organic matter also consists of revived cellular microbes (prokaryotes, unicellular eukaryotes) as well as viruses that remained dormant since prehistorical times. While the literature abounds on descriptions of the rich and diverse prokaryotic microbiomes found in permafrost, no additional report about “live” viruses have been published since the two original studies describing pithovirus (in 2014) and mollivirus (in 2015). This wrongly suggests that such occurrences are rare and that “zombie viruses” are not a public health threat. To restore an appreciation closer to reality, we report the preliminary characterizations of 13 new viruses isolated from 7 different ancient Siberian permafrost samples, 1 from the Lena river and 1 from Kamchatka cryosol. As expected from the host specificity imposed by our protocol, these viruses belong to 5 different clades infectingAcanthamoeba spp. but not previously revived from permafrost: Pandoravirus, Cedratvirus, Megavirus, and Pacmanvirus, in addition to a new Pithovirus strain.
HIV–1 infection reduces NAD capping of host cell snRNA and snoRNA
Authors: Benoni Barbora , Potužník Jiří František , Škríba Anton , Benoni Roberto , Trylcova Jana , Tulpa Matouš , Spustová Kristína , Grab Katarzyna , Mititelu Maria-Bianca , Pačes Jan , Weber Jan , Stanek David , Kowalska Joanna , Bednarova Lucie , Keckesova Zuzana , Vopalensky Pavel , Gahurova Lenka , Cahova Hana
Published: November 2022

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a critical component of the cellular metabolism and also serves as an alternative 5′ cap on various RNAs. However, the function of the NAD RNA cap is still under investigation. We studied NAD capping of RNAs in HIV–1–infected cells because HIV–1 is responsible for the depletion of the NAD/NADH cellular pool and causing intracellular pellagra. By applying the NAD captureSeq protocol to HIV–1–infected and uninfected cells, we revealed that four snRNAs (e.g. U1) and four snoRNAs lost their NAD cap when infected with HIV–1. Here, we provide evidence that the presence of the NAD cap decreases the stability of the U1/HIV–1 pre–mRNA duplex. Additionally, we demonstrate that reducing the quantity of NAD–capped RNA by overexpressing the NAD RNA decapping enzyme DXO results in an increase in HIV–1 infectivity. This suggests that NAD capping is unfavorable for HIV–1 and plays a role in its infectivity.

Abstract Figure
CryoEM reveals unprecedented binding site for NaV1.7 inhibitors enabling rational design of potent hybrid inhibitors
Authors: Kschonsak Marc , Jao Christine C. , Arthur Christopher P. , Rohou Alexis L. , Bergeron Philippe , Ortwine Daniel , McKerrall Steven J. , Hackos David H. , Deng Lunbin , Chen Jun , Dragovich Peter S. , Volgraf Matthew , Wright Matthew R. , Payandeh Jian , Ciferri Claudio , Tellis John C.
Published: November 2022

The voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel NaV1.7 has been identified as a potential novel pain target due to its striking human genetics. However, clinically available drugs (e.g. lidocaine, carbamazepine, etc.) are not selective among the nine NaV channel subtypes, NaV1.1-NaV1.9, and the two currently known classes of NaV1.7 subtype-selective inhibitors (aryl- and acylsulfonamides) have undesirable characteristics that may limit their development. Moreover, understanding of the structure-activity relationships of the acylsulfonamide class of NaV1.7 inhibitors, exemplified by the clinical development candidateGDC-0310, has been based solely on a single co-crystal structure of an arylsulfonamide inhibitor series. To advance inhibitor design targeting the NaV1.7 channel, we established an iterative system to routinely obtain high-resolution ligand-bound NaV1.7 structures using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We report thatGDC-0310engages the NaV1.7 voltage-sensing domain 4 (VSD4) through an unexpected binding mode orthogonal to the arylsulfonamide class binding pose, which identifies a previously unknown ligand binding site in NaV channels. This finding enabled the design of a novel hybrid inhibitor series that bridges the aryl and acylsulfonamide binding pockets and allows for the generation of molecules with substantially differentiated structures and properties. Overall, this study highlights the power of cryo-EM methods to pursue challenging drug targets using iterative and high-resolution structure-guided inhibitor design. It also underscores an important role of the membrane bilayer in the discovery of selective NaV channel modulators.
Differential effects of carbon nanotube and graphene on the tomato rhizosphere microbiome
Authors: You Yaqi , Kerner Patricia , Shanmugam Sudha , Khodakovskaya Mariya V.
Published: November 2022

Application of carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) to the soil-plant system can affect plant physiology, with positive results ranging from enhanced seed germination and root system development to improved stress tolerance. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Plant rhizosphere microbiomes at the soil-root interface are strongly influenced by the host plant and play a key role in the plant host’s development and health. Yet few studies have characterized changes in plant rhizosphere microbiomes following applications of CNMs to the soil-plant system. Here we investigated the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene on microbial communities in the ectorhizosphere of tomato plants versus surrounding bulk soil. Pot experiments were conducted where tomato plants were exposed to CNT or graphene at 200 mg/kg soil for four weeks. Ectorhizosphere and bulk soils were then collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties and microbiome structure and function. While graphene had a limited impact on the tomato rhizosphere microbiome, CNT significantly increased microbial alpha diversity, induced greater divergence of beta diversity, enhanced microbial interactions, and potentially impacted community functions such as aromatic compound degradation, antioxidant synthesis, and redox cofactor biosynthesis. Furthermore, CNT induced stronger and/or unique microbiome alterations in the tomato rhizosphere compared to bulk soil. Our findings reveal the differential modulating effects of two widely-used CNMs on plant rhizosphere microbiomes and highlight an imminent need to understand complex plant root-microbe interplays in the CNM-impacted rhizosphere. These results have implication for realizing the full potential of phytoapplication of CNMs toward improved and sustainable plant production.
Health, socioeconomic and genetic predictors of COVID-19 vaccination uptake: a nationwide machine-learning study
Authors: Hartonen Tuomo , Jermy Bradley , Sõnajalg Hanna , Vartiainen Pekka , Krebs Kristi , Vabalas Andrius ,   FinnGen,   Estonian Biobank Research Team, Leino Tuija , Nohynek Hanna , Sivelä Jonas , Mägi Reedik , Daly Mark , Ollila Hanna M. , Milani Lili , Perola Markus , Ripatti Samuli , Ganna Andrea
Published: November 2022

Reduced participation in COVID-19 vaccination programs is a key societal concern. Understanding factors associated with vaccination uptake can help in planning effective immunization programs. We considered 2,890 health, socioeconomic, familial, and demographic factors measured on the entire Finnish population aged 30 to 80 (N=3,192,505) and genome-wide information for a subset of 273,765 individuals. Risk factors were further classified into 12 thematic categories and a machine learning model was trained for each category. The main outcome was uptaking the first COVID-19 vaccination dose by 31.10.2021, which has occurred for 90.3% of the individuals.

The strongest predictor category was labor income in 2019 (AUC evaluated in a separate test set = 0.710, 95% CI: 0.708-0.712), while drug purchase history, including 376 drug classes, achieved a similar prediction performance (AUC = 0.706, 95% CI: 0.704-0.708). Higher relative risks of being unvaccinated were observed for some mental health diagnoses (e.g. dissocial personality disorder, OR=1.26, 95% CI : 1.24-1.27) and when considering vaccination status of first-degree relatives (OR=1.31, 95% CI:1.31-1.32 for unvaccinated mothers)

We derived a prediction model for vaccination uptake by combining all the predictors and achieved good discrimination (AUC = 0.801, 95% CI: 0.799-0.803). The 1% of individuals with the highest risk of not vaccinating according to the model predictions had an average observed vaccination rate of only 18.8%.

We identified 8 genetic loci associated with vaccination uptake and derived a polygenic score, which was a weak predictor of vaccination status in an independent subset (AUC=0.612, 95% CI: 0.601-0.623). Genetic effects were replicated in an additional 145,615 individuals from Estonia (genetic correlation=0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.95) and, similarly to data from Finland, correlated with mental health and propensity to participate in scientific studies. Individuals at higher genetic risk for severe COVID-19 were less likely to get vaccinated (OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05).

Our results, while highlighting the importance of harmonized nationwide information, not limited to health, suggest that individuals at higher risk of suffering the worst consequences of COVID-19 are also those less likely to uptake COVID-19 vaccination. The results can support evidence-informed actions for COVID-19 and other areas of national immunization programs.
Intention and preference for long-acting injectable PrEP among MSM in the Netherlands: a diffusion of innovation approach
Authors: Wang Haoyi , Zimmermann Hanne M. L. , van de Vijver David , Jonas Kai J.
Published: November 2022

Long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) is efficacious in preventing HIV among MSM and will be soon available in Europe. This study investigates the intention to use LAI-PrEP among MSM in the Netherlands by employing a diffusion of innovation approach, comparing PrEP naïve, discontinued MSM, oral PrEP early adopters and majority users. 309 MSM were surveyed on their intention and preference of LAI-PrEP. 83% showed high/very-high interest of, and 63% showed high/very-high intention to use LAI-PrEP. Early-adopters of oral PrEP use did not show increased intention to use LAI-PrEP and neither did PrEP naïve nor PrEP discontinued MSM, indicating a missing innovator effect for LAI-PrEP. Among the 218 current oral PrEP users, suboptimal oral PrEP adherence determined LAI-PrEP preference but did not determine LAI-PrEP intention. To reach the full potential of LAI-PrEP, a targeted strategy towards current oral PrEP users with suboptimal adherence seems indicated.
The influence of institutional conditions on firms’ process innovation – evidence from firms based on a multi-country analysis
Authors: Durst Susanne , Leyer Michael
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Our understanding of the influence of institutional conditions on process innovation is still limited, despite managers’ need to know which factors should be considered in decision-making and governments should be aware of how to foster process innovation through the provision of attractive institutions. Therefore, this paper aims to examine how institutional dimensions such as workforce, political instability, labor regulation, corruption, tax administration and transportation influence process innovation in smaller firms located in emerging countries other than the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Design/methodology/approach

A data set from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys questioning over 20,000 companies from 41 emerging countries supplemented by the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for each country was used and analyzed by the means of general linear mixed models. The analysis emphasized small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and excluded BRICS countries.

Findings

The findings demonstrate which institutional factors matter for process innovation depending on company size and GDP.

Research limitations/implications

This paper advances research on the influence of institutions on firm innovation – the institution–process innovation relationship in emerging countries other than the BRICS in particular. By considering the role of company size and GDP per capita on the institution–process innovation relationship, the paper offers more nuanced insights compared with prior studies and thus makes a strong contribution to the innovation theory. The data used are not suitable for a longitudinal study the same refers to capturing the variety found in the countries even those coming from the same geographic area.

Practical implications

The results provide practitioners, e.g. managers of SMEs, with concrete ideas on how to improve process innovation in their companies. Other actors such as policymakers too can benefit from the results as they will allow the design of more target group-oriented measures, aspects that can ultimately lead to more sustainable businesses.

Originality/value

By focusing on process innovation and emerging countries, the paper contributes to growing research efforts in emerging countries beyond the BRICS. Thus, the results add more diversity to the study of process innovation and its influencing external (institutional) factors. The emphasis on SMEs also allows us to highlight differences between different categories of SMEs.
Active learning: a consideration in collection development in health sciences libraries?
Authors: Cisney Lori
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Active learning is an important component of medical education and information literacy instruction. The purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary investigation to determine whether health sciences librarians consider active learning when making decisions about the library collection.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among health sciences librarians.

Findings

Nineteen librarians completed the survey and most are not considering active learning when making collection decisions.

Originality/value

Very little literature has been published about active learning as a consideration in collection development decisions by health sciences librarians.
On the path of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Li Zhengtu
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In human history, poverty for most and prosperity for few is the norm. Thus, no theory or practice of common prosperity has been developed. Marxism first formulated the theory of common prosperity, and the classical Marxist authors conducted theoretical exploration on the issue of common prosperity, forming a series of scientific conclusions.

Design/methodology/approach

The century-long practical history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the great practice of leading the Chinese people in getting rid of poverty, letting some people and regions get rich first and ultimately achieving the goal of common prosperity.

Findings

Common prosperity is the great practice of the CPC that leads all Chinese people in building a modern socialist country in an all-round way in the new era.

Originality/value

The path of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics will certainly arise in the process of the great practice of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics. Based on the anti-poverty theory and the “spirit of poverty alleviation” from the battle against poverty with Chinese characteristics, the theory of common prosperity and its spirit with Chinese characteristics will certainly be formed. The above conclusions constitute the basic principles of the theory of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics.
Platform marketplaces: unifying our understanding of lateral exchange markets
Authors: Gleim Mark R. , Stevens Jennifer L. , Johnson Catherine M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This research paper aims to provide conceptual clarity for marketplaces within the lateral exchange market framework. The advances in digital technologies have been critical to the growth of new marketplaces and forms of exchange. While there are many different names and manifestations of these marketplaces, the common thread is they all require digital platform intermediation. These marketplaces are referred to by a variety of names and characteristics, and a clear consensus has yet to be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a conceptual approach rooted in the marketing literature.

Findings

This study differentiates and defines the sharing economy, collaborative consumption and access-based consumption, as well as introduces the concept of liquid ownership – all under the LEM framework. Defining characteristics for each marketplace are noted to present a consistent classification of the focal concepts for the advancement of research and theory.

Research limitations/implications

As the number and types of lateral exchange marketplaces continue to grow, researchers need to have a clear delineation of the concepts. This research seeks to provide clarity on the disparate literature streams and introduces the concept of liquid ownership to allow for the advancement of research and theory surrounding these forms of consumption.

Practical implications

Understanding existing marketplaces is vital for online platforms as they develop new offerings and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Additionally, opportunities for traditional businesses abound as they pursue new market opportunities and adapt to changing technologies. Thus, research questions concerning consumers and platform managers are presented.

Originality/value

This research contributes conceptual clarity on elements commonly associated with the sharing economy while expanding it to include elements found in LEMs. The concept of liquid ownership is also presented to reflect the evolving consumption landscape. Research opportunities and questions are provided to guide future scholarly work.
The ethics of talent development: frameworks and identities
Authors: Reinert Kenneth , Debebe Gelaye
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the ethics of authentic talent development in socioeconomic context by considering a set of alternative ethical frameworks. It juxtaposes the ideals of civic virtue, which involve a concern for the common good, with the reality that socioeconomic deprivation and sociocultural practices severely constrain talent development opportunities and choice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on several frameworks complementary to the ideals of civic virtue – the basic goods approach, human capital theory, the capabilities approach and the ethic of care – to elucidate the barriers to talent development embodied in sociocultural context, as well as policy and institutional practices to overcoming these barriers.

Findings

While multiple ethical frameworks are necessary to fully capture the issues related to authentic talent development in socioeconomic context, a focus on the ethic of care and basic goods provision is an important starting point. There are also a few fundamental starting points for human resource development in responding to ethical concerns regarding authentic talent development.

Originality/value

While the prevailing approach to talent development is implicitly based on a logic of social identity ascription, this paper promotes an alternative approach based on the ethics of civic virtue. While the former is oriented to the support of social hierarchies based on identity, the latter is oriented to fostering both social and human well-being via choice and authentic talent development.
A systematic review on implementing operational excellence as a strategy to ensure regulatory compliance: a roadmap for Indian pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Jalundhwala Forum , Londhe Vaishali
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of the complete process of framing and implementing operational excellence in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure higher regulatory compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was conducted using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Strategies were set with different keywords and certain assessment criteria for the inclusion and exclusion of articles. A total of 46 articles were considered for a full review.

Findings

This study describes the impact of implementing operational excellence in day-to-day operations and the driving forces to achieve the same. Seven commonly used enablers are described can be used in combination to develop and validate an assessment model. Case studies are summarized to schematize operational excellence programs for the scope of their industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is implied toward small-scale manufacturers. It can be further extended to manufacturers from other regions.

Practical implications

This study guides quality assurance managers, regulatory agencies and other top management to implement operational excellence to ensure higher regulatory compliance. It guides to develop a roadmap to operational excellence in their scope. This study is applicable to any manufacturing industry bound to comply with pharmaceutical regulatory standards.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, at the time of publication, there are regulatory guidelines and some articles on various key enablers to achieve operational excellence. There is no published systematic review on achieving regulatory compliance by using operational excellence.
Mechanical properties and frictional behavior of SiCp/Al-Si-Cu-Ni-Mg hybrid composites at an elevated temperature
Authors: Zhou Yuejian , Liu Xiaoshan , He Guoqiu , Zhou Zhiqiang , Liao Yiping , Liu Yinfu , Xu Xiaojun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of Cu content and T6 heat treatment on the mechanical properties and the tribological performance of SiCp/Al-Si-Cu-Ni-Mg hybrid composites at an elevated temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The stir casting method was used to synthesize SiCp/Al-12Si-xCu-1Ni-1Mg (x = 2, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 Wt.%) composites containing 20 vol% SiC. The hardness and tensile strength of the aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) at room temperature and elevated temperature were studied, and the wear mechanism was investigated using scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive spectroscopy.

Findings

Results indicate that the hardness and tensile strength of the AMCs are affected significantly by T6 heat treatment and Cu content. The high-temperature friction and wear mechanism of AMCs is the composite wear mechanism of oxidation wear, adhesion wear, abrasive wear, peeling wear, high-temperature softening and partial melting. Among them, adhesion wear, high-temperature matrix softening and local melting are the main wear mechanisms.

Originality/value

The influence mechanism of Cu content on the hardness, tensile strength and high temperature resistance of AMCs was explained by microstructure. And the results further help to explore the application of AMCs in high temperature.
The impact of comment history disclosure on online comment posting behaviors
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Han Jeongsoo , Jiang Shiyu
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to empirically examine the effectiveness of disclosing user comment history without disclosing personal identity as a nudge policy to refrain users from posting malicious content online.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the number of comments and posters from the leading portal website in South Korea, Naver.com. To causally investigate the impacts of the new nudge policy on the number of comments and posters, the authors used the regression discontinuity design (RDD) approach.

Findings

The authors found that the new policy reduced all types of comments, including the number of malicious comments, self-deleted comments and current comments. This resulted in an overall decrease in the total number of posted comments, which is considered a side effect. In addition, the authors found that the effect of the nudge policy, which disclosed user comment history, has a stronger effect on older female users than their counterparts.

Originality/value

The study findings extend the current knowledge on a nudge policy being implemented by a website as a means to reduce malicious online content and how it impacts user content posting behaviors.
The ethics of climate change and the green new deal: a qualitative study
Authors: Bridge Damian J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper builds on the findings of Bridge (2021) and attempts to understand the major ethical, equity, and leadership issues that may arise when governments plan massive infrastructure and amelioration programs such as the United States’ Green New Deal (GND). The methodology developed here could be applied to the plans being created in other developed countries such as Canada and Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used to analyse the ethical issues associated with the Green New Deal via semi-structured interviews with 34 published authors of academic articles dealing with the ethics of climate change. Two industry experts were also consulted for reference.

Findings

This paper identifies three key themes arising from the proposed implementation of the Green New Deal. Firstly, the GND has the potential to present equity, justice, and ethical issues that must be considered as part of any intended adoption. Secondly, the GND will present opportunities for economic and climate success, but some groups may suffer due to its implementation. Thirdly, those that have the capacity, wealth, leadership, and ability should lead climate change initiatives. This may require market solutions in the short-term to reach 2050 net zero targets.

Originality/value

This paper is the first qualitative study undertaken on the Green New Deal, contributing to the development of the scant literature on this topic and also informing the practical implementation of wholesale infrastructure plans.
What influence the performance of banks? Evidence from public sector banks in India
Authors: Kantharia Nirali Jagjivanbhai , Biradar Jivan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Every shock, starting from the banking sector reform in 1992 to the global crisis due to Covid-19 pandemic, affects the performance of banks. The shocks and transformations jeopardise the bank’s performance. This study cover period of 30 years starting from 1992. So, the reason behind taking only public sector banks is that after 1991–92 many banking sector reforms took place, and many new private sector banks and foreign sector banks entered into competition due to the liberalization, privatization, globalization (LPG) policy. So, it has been difficult for public sector bank to manage their performance in a competitive market. So, the purpose of this study is to find out influencing factors of bank performance especially public sector bank, because, it has been vital to identify factors influencing their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study explores the determinant of the performance of public sector banks in India. Currently, in India, 12 banks are public sector banks, which capture 59.8% market share in the banking industry. After 1994 new licences were issued by Reserve Bank of India for many banks, and foreign sector banks entered the market as an effect of LPG policy, and market competition is one of the significant determinants of the performance of banks. Thus, the panel regression model is used to analyse the impact of various determinants on the performance of public sector banks (from 1992 to 2021). Return on equity and return on assets are used as indicators of performance, whereas influencing factors are divided into two parts, bank-specific factors, which include bank size, asset quality (AQ), liquidity, credit deposit ratio (CDR), capital adequacy, debt-equity ratio, employee’s productivity and macroeconomic factors which include inflation rate, tax rate and gross domestic product (GDP).

Findings

Results of the study show that bank size is not an essential factor for measuring bank performance because it is insignificant with both indicators of performance. AQ, liquidity ratio and CDR are significant in both models with negative impact. Macroeconomic factors like GDP are insignificant with both indicators with positive relations and tax rates are significant with a positive relationship. The inflation rate is significant but affects negatively to performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study only focuses on public sector banks. So, the results for private and foreign sector banks might differ. Considering the larger market share compared to other sector banks, the authors are focusing on public sector banks only. Foreign banks and cooperative banks are not included current analysis because of huge numbers and different working environments.

Originality/value

Determining influencing factors of bank performance is crucial because it will help the bank take various policy implications and formulation. Since independence measuring bank performance are important area.
Exploring the antecedents of internalization, identification, and compliance social influence for mobile banking adoption
Authors: Alenizi Abdulrahman Saqer
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Social media users can now create, exchange, modify and consume socially generated experiences which can enhance social influence toward mobile banking (MB). This study aims to provide understanding of how social actor interactions through social networking platforms (SNPs) can create social influence for MB adoption and present a research framework that can help to understand which social actors have higher social influence toward MB adoption in conventional and Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

SNP users have different levels of perceptions and experiences about the usability and credibility of MB. Therefore, their experiences are subjective realties which can generate socially constructed knowledge. To understand these subjective realties, a social constructivist approach is adopted. Data were collected from interviews with 60 individuals from diverse occupational backgrounds.

Findings

Identification element of social influence explained that the shared reviews and recommendations of opinion leaders, industry experts, celebrities and friends were highly positive for conventional banks; therefore, there is high word-of-mouth for MB of conventional banks. Internalization of social influence highlighted that people are more likely to accept the wisdom of the crowd and close friends, which can generate their engagement and connection with MB. Finally, the compliance factor of social influence explained that people can only adopt MB when they perceive high usability and credibility.

Research limitations/implications

This study has provided understanding to the marketers of how social actors on SNPs can play a role in the creation, exchange, modification and consumption of socially generated influence that can impact the MB adoption intention for conventional and Islamic banks.

Originality/value

Although many theories and models have been presented about the marketing strategies and antecedents of MB adoption, the extensive use of SNPs has changed marketing strategies. For example, this study has found that social media users are highly influenced by the social reviews and recommendations they receive from their close friends. Therefore, socially generated influence on SNPs can create an adoption intention toward MB.
I know you, you know me: the effects of customer empathy and employee self-disclosure on customer citizenship behavior
Authors: Kim Misun (Sunny) , Jang Jichul
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Drawing on social penetration theory (SPT) and social exchange theory, this study examines whether and why customer empathy for frontline employees (FLEs) and employee self-disclosure influence customer citizenship behavior (CCB).

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s hypotheses were tested using two studies (study 1 had an experimental design, and study 2 had a survey design) with restaurant customers.

Findings

The results indicate that when customers have a higher level of customer empathy for FLE, the likelihood that customers will exhibit CCB increases. Employee self-disclosure provides a greater advantage in fostering CCB. A mediating effect of rapport in the relationship between customer empathy for FLE, employee self-disclosure and CCB is also found, while no interaction effect of customer empathy for FLE and employee self-disclosure on CCB is supported.

Originality/value

Maintaining a focus on the interpersonal nature of interactions between customers and employees in co-creating values, this research advances the CCB literature by newly identifying customer empathy for FLEs and employee self-disclosure as predictors of CCB that have not yet been tapped. The underlying mechanism via rapport is also explained using the value co-creation perspective.