bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RaMALDI: enabling simultaneous Raman and MALDI imaging of the same tissue section
Authors: Yang Ethan , Kim Jeong Hee , Tressler Caitlin M. , Shen Xinyi Elaine , Brown Dalton R. , Johnson Cole C. , Barman Ishan , Glunde Kristine
Published: May 2023

Multimodal tissue imaging techniques that integrate two complementary modalities are powerful discovery tools for unraveling biological processes and identifying biomarkers of disease. Combining Raman spectroscopic imaging (RSI) and matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to obtain fused images with the advantages of both modalities has the potential of providing spatially resolved, sensitive, and specific biomolecular information, but has so far involved two separate, consecutive tissue sections for RSI and MALDI MSI, resulting in images from two separate entities with inherent disparities. We have developed RaMALDI, a streamlined, integrated, multimodal imaging workflow of RSI and MALDI MSI, performed on a single tissue section with one sample preparation protocol. We show that RaMALDI imaging of various tissues effectively integrates molecular information acquired from both RSI and MALDI MSI of the same sample.

Table of Contents

We demonstrate for the first time RaMALDI imaging, a streamlined, integrated multimodal imaging workflow of Raman spectroscopy imaging (RSI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI), which is performed on a single sample and uses one sample preparation protocol. RaMALDI imaging of various tissues effectively integrates molecular information acquired from both RSI and MALDI MSI of the same sample.
Cellular visualization of G-quadruplex RNA via fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Authors: Robinson Jenna , Stenspil Stine G. , Maleckaite Karolina , Bartlett Molly , Di Antonio Marco , Vilar Ramon , Kuimova Marina K.
Published: May 2023

Over the last decade, appreciation of the roles of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in cellular regulation and maintenance have rapidly grown, making the establishment of robust methods to visualize G4s increasingly important. Fluorescent probes are commonly used for G4 detectionin vitro, however, achieving sufficient selectivity to detect G4s in a dense and structurally diverse cellular environment is challenging. The use of fluorescence probes for G4 detection is further complicated by variations of probe uptake into cells, which may affect fluorescence intensity independently of G4 abundance. In this work, we report an alternative small-molecule approach to visualize G4s that does not rely on fluorescence intensity switch-on and thus, does not require the use of molecules with exclusive G4 binding selectivity. Specifically, we have developed a novel thiazole orange derivative, TOR-G4, that exhibits a unique fluorescence lifetime when bound to G4s compared to other structures, allowing G4 binding to be sensitively distinguished from non-G4 binding, independently of local probe concentration. Furthermore, TOR-G4 primarily co-localizes with RNA in the cytoplasm and nucleoli of cells, making it the first lifetime-based probe validated for exploring the emerging roles of RNA G4sin cellulo.

Abstract Figure
A transmission chain linkingMycobacterium ulceranswithAedes notoscriptusmosquitoes, possums and human Buruli ulcer cases in southeastern Australia
Authors: Mee Peter T. , Buultjens Andrew H. , Oliver Jane , Brown Karen , Crowder Jodie C. , Porter Jessica L. , Hobbs Emma C. , Judd Louise M. , Taiaroa George , Puttharak Natsuda , Williamson Deborah A. , Blasdell Kim R. , Tay Ee Laine , Feldman Rebecca , Muzari Mutizwa Odwell , Sanders Chris , Larsen Stuart , Crouch Simon R. , Johnson Paul D. R. , Wallace John R. , Price David J. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Gibney Katherine B. , Stinear Timothy P. , Lynch Stacey E.
Published: May 2023

In temperate southeastern Australia over the past two decades there has been a marked progressive increase in human cases of Buruli ulcer, an infection of subcutaneous tissue caused byMycobacterium ulcerans. Native possums are the major local environmental reservoir ofM. ulceransas they not only develop Buruli lesions but they also shedM. ulceransin their excreta. However the way humans acquireM. ulceransfrom possums has not been determined. Previous case-control studies, insect field surveys and vector competence studies have suggested a role for mosquitoes inM. ulceranstransmission between possums and humans. To explore these links we conducted an extensive, 4-month structured mosquito field survey and fourad hocfield surveys across an area of 350km2on the Mornington Peninsula, an area endemic for Buruli ulcer to the south of the major metropolitan city of Melbourne. We then compared spatial and temporal patterns ofM. ulcerans-positive mosquito occurrence withM. ulcerans-positive possums (established by previous possum excreta surveys) and human Buruli ulcer cases across the region. We used metabarcoding to assess mosquito blood-feeding host preference and to reconstructM. ulceransgenomes from positive mosquitoes to test epidemiological inferences. We collected 66,325 mosquitoes spanning 26 different species from 180 repeatedly sampled traps over a 4-month period.Culex molestusandAedes notoscriptuswere the dominant species (42% and 35% of trapped mosquitoes, respectively). PCR screening 25% of trapped mosquitoes revealed a significant association betweenM. ulceransandAe. notoscriptus(p<0.0001) with a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of 5.88M. ulceranspositive mosquitoes per 1,000 tested. Using spatial scanning statistics, we also observed significant overlap between clusters ofM. ulcerans-positiveAe. notoscriptus,M. ulcerans-positive possum excreta and human Buruli ulcer cases. Metabarcoding analyses of blood-fedAe. notoscriptusshowed individual mosquitoes had fed both on humans and native possums. Enrichment genome sequencing from PCR-positive mosquitoes confirmed sharedM. ulceransgenome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles between mosquitoes, possum excreta and clinical human isolates within the same regions. These findings indicate thatAe. notoscriptuslikely transmitM. ulceransin southeastern Australia and highlight mosquito control as a plausible means to control the Buruli ulcer epidemic in our region.
The subiculum encodes environmental geometry
Authors: Sun Yanjun , Nitz Douglas A , Xu Xiangmin , Giocomo Lisa M
Published: May 2023

Corners are a cardinal feature of many of the complex environmental geometries found in the natural world but the neural substrates that could underlie the perception of corners remain elusive. Here we show that the dorsal subiculum contains neurons that encode corners across environmental geometries in an allocentric reference frame. Corner cells changed their activity to reflect concave corner angles, wall height and the degree of wall intersection. A separate population of subicular neurons encoded convex corners. Both concave and convex corner cells were non-overlapping with subicular neurons that encoded environmental boundaries, suggesting that the subiculum contains the geometric information needed to re-construct the shape and layout of naturalistic spatial environments.

One Sentence Summary

Separate neural populations in the subiculum encode concave and convex environmental corners.
Cholesterol catalyzes unfolding in membrane inserted motifs of the pore forming protein cytolysin A
Authors: Kulshrestha Avijeet , Punnathanam Sudeep N , Roy Rahul , Ayappa K Ganapathy
Published: May 2023

Plasma membrane induced protein folding and conformational transitions play a central role in cellular homeostasis. Several transmembrane proteins are folded in the complex lipid milieu to acquire a specific structure and function. Bacterial pore forming toxins (PFTs) are proteins expressed by a large class of pathogenic bacteria that exploit the plasma membrane environment to efficiently undergo secondary structure changes, oligomerize and form transmembrane pores. Unregulated pore formation causes ion imbalance leading to cell death and infection. Determining the free energy landscape of these membrane driven transitions remains a challenging problem. Although cholesterol recognition is required for lytic activity of several proteins in the PFT family of toxins, the regulatory role of cholesterol for theα-PFT, cytolysin A expressed by E. coli is less understood. In a recent free energy computation, we have shown that theβ-tongue, a critical membrane inserted motif of the ClyA toxin, has an on-pathway partially unfolded intermediate that refolds into the helix-turn-helix motif of the pore state.1To understand the molecular role played by cholesterol, we have carried out string method based computations in membranes devoid of cholesterol which reveals an increase of∼30 times in the free energy barrier for the loss ofβ-sheet secondary structure when compared with membranes containing cholesterol. Specifically the tyrosine-cholesterol interaction was found to be critical to stabilizing the unfolded intermediate. In the absence of cholesterol the membrane was found to undergo large curvature deformations in both leaflets of the membrane accompanied by bilayer thinning. Our study with theα-toxin, ClyA illustrates that cholesterol is critical to catalyzing and stabilizing the unfolded state of theβ-tongue in the membrane, opening up fresh insights into cholesterol assisted unfolding of membrane proteins.

Significance

Cholesterol, an integral part of mammalian cell membranes, is necessary for activity of pathogenic toxins. Our understanding of the thermodynamic and molecular underpinnings of cholesterol-protein interactions during different stages of toxin activity is unclear. Using path based all atom molecular dynamics simulations, we illustrate lowered free energy barriers and enhanced stability of the membrane unfolded intermediate of anα-pore forming toxin (PFT) ‘ClyA’ providing insights into the increased pore formation kinetics with cholesterol. Thus, membrane cholesterol generally believed to play a passive receptor function for PFT activity is involved in a more complex regulatory role in assisting secondary structure transitions critical to PFT lytic activity. Our findings could aid in drug development strategies for mitigating PFT mediated bacterial infections.
DNA repair and anti-cancer mechanisms in the long-lived bowhead whale
Authors: Firsanov Denis , Zacher Max , Tian Xiao , Sformo Todd L. , Zhao Yang , Tombline Greg , Lu J. Yuyang , Zheng Zhizhong , Perelli Luigi , Gurreri Enrico , Zhang Li , Guo Jing , Korotkov Anatoly , Volobaev Valentin , Biashad Seyed Ali , Zhang Zhihui , Heid Johanna , Maslov Alex , Sun Shixiang , Wu Zhuoer , Gigas Jonathan , Hillpot Eric , Martinez John , Lee Minseon , Williams Alyssa , Gilman Abbey , Hamilton Nicholas , Haseljic Ena , Patel Avnee , Straight Maggie , Miller Nalani , Ablaeva Julia , Tam Lok Ming , Couderc Chloé , Hoopman Michael , Moritz Robert , Fujii Shingo , Hayman Dan J. , Liu Hongrui , Cai Yuxuan , Leung Anthony K. L. , Simons Mirre J. P. , Zhang Zhengdong , Nelson C. Bradley , Abegglen Lisa M. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Modesti Mauro , Genovese Giannicola , Vijg Jan , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: May 2023

At over 200 years, the maximum lifespan of the bowhead whale exceeds that of all other mammals. The bowhead is also the second-largest animal on Earth, reaching over 80,000 kg1. Despite its very large number of cells and long lifespan, the bowhead is not highly cancer-prone, an incongruity termed Peto’s Paradox2. This phenomenon has been explained by the evolution of additional tumor suppressor genes in other larger animals, supported by research on elephants demonstrating expansion of the p53 gene3–5. Here we show that bowhead whale fibroblasts undergo oncogenic transformation after disruption of fewer tumor suppressors than required for human fibroblasts. However, analysis of DNA repair revealed that bowhead cells repair double strand breaks (DSBs) and mismatches with uniquely high efficiency and accuracy compared to other mammals. The protein CIRBP, implicated in protection from genotoxic stress, was present in very high abundance in the bowhead whale relative to other mammals. We show that CIRBP and its downstream protein RPA2, also present at high levels in bowhead cells, increase the efficiency and fidelity of DNA repair in human cells. These results indicate that rather than possessing additional tumor suppressor genes as barriers to oncogenesis, the bowhead whale relies on more accurate and efficient DNA repair to preserve genome integrity. This strategy which does not eliminate damaged cells but repairs them may be critical for the long and cancer-free lifespan of the bowhead whale.
Direct measurements of collagen fiber recruitment in the posterior pole of the eye
Authors: Lee Po-Yi , Fryc Gosia , Gnalian John , Hua Yi , Waxman Susannah , Zhong Fuqiang , Yang Bin , Sigal Ian A
Published: May 2023

Collagen is the main load-bearing component of the peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) in the eye. Whilst it has been shown that uncrimping and recruitment of the PPS and LC collagen fibers underlies the macro-scale nonlinear stiffening of both tissues with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the uncrimping and recruitment as a function of local stretch have not been directly measured. This knowledge is crucial for the development of constitutive models associating micro and macro scales. In this project we measured local stretch-induced collagen fiber bundle uncrimping and recruitment curves of the PPS and LC. Thin coronal samples of PPS and LC of sheep eyes were mounted and stretched biaxially quasi-statically using a custom system. At each step, we imaged the PPS and LC with instant polarized light microscopy and quantified pixel-level (1.5 μ m/pixel) collagen fiber orientations. We used digital image correlation to measure the local stretch and quantified collagen crimp by the circular standard deviation of fiber orientations, orwaviness. Local stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers than the LC at the low levels of stretch. At 10% stretch the curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. The PPS had higher uncrimping rate and waviness remaining after recruitment than the LC: 0.9° vs. 0.6° and 3.1° vs. 2.7°. Altogether our findings support describing fiber recruitment of both PPS and LC with sigmoid curves, with the PPS recruiting faster and at lower stretch than the LC, consistent with a stiffer tissue.

Statement of Significance

Peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) collagen recruitment behaviors are central to the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the posterior pole of the eye. How PPS and LC collagen fibers recruit under stretch is crucial to develop constitutive models of the tissues but remains unclear. We used image-based stretch testing to characterize PPS and LC collagen fiber bundle recruitment under local stretch. We found that fiber-level stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers at a low stretch, but at 10% bundle stretch the two curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. We also found that PPS and LC fibers had different uncrimping rates and non-zero waviness’s when recruited.
Conformational ensembles of the human intrinsically disordered proteome: Bridging chain compaction with function and sequence conservation
Authors: Tesei Giulio , Trolle Anna Ida , Jonsson Nicolas , Betz Johannes , Pesce Francesco , Johansson Kristoffer E. , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: May 2023

Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (collectively IDRs) are pervasive across proteomes in all kingdoms of life, help shape biological functions, and are involved in numerous diseases. IDRs populate a diverse set of transiently formed structures, yet defy commonly held sequence-structure-function relationships. Recent developments in protein structure prediction have led to the ability to predict the three-dimensional structures of folded proteins at the proteome scale, and have enabled large-scale studies of structure-function relationships. In contrast, knowledge of the conformational properties of IDRs is scarce, in part because the sequences of disordered proteins are poorly conserved and because only few have been characterized experimentally. We have developed an efficient model to generate conformational ensembles of IDRs, and thereby to predict their conformational properties from sequence only. Here, we applied this model to simulate all IDRs of the human proteome. Examining conformational ensembles of 29,998 IDRs, we show how chain compaction is correlated with cellular function and localization, including in different types of biomolecular condensates. We train a model to predict compaction from sequence and use this to show conservation of structural properties across orthologs. Our results recapitulate observations from previous studies of individual protein systems, and enable us to study the relationship between sequence, conservation, conformational ensembles, biological function and disease variants at the proteome scale.
HIV-1 Vpu protein forms stable oligomers in aqueous solution via its transmembrane domain self-association
Authors: Majeed Saman , Dang Lan , Islam Md Majharul , Ishola Olamide , Borbat Peter P. , Ludtke Steven J. , Georgieva Elka R.
Published: May 2023

We report our findings on the assembly of the HIV-1 protein Vpu into soluble oligomers. Vpu is a key to HIV-1 protein. It has been considered exclusively a single-pass membrane protein. However, we revealed that this protein forms stable oligomers in aqueous solution, which is an interesting and rather unique observation, as the number of proteins transitioning between soluble and membrane embedded states is limited. Therefore, we undertook a study to characterize these oligomers by utilizing protein engineering, size exclusion chromatography, cryoEM and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We found that Vpu oligomerizes via its N-terminal transmembrane domain (TM). CryoEM analyses suggest that the oligomeric state most likely is a hexamer or hexamer-to-heptamer equilibrium. Both cryoEM and EPR suggest that, within the oligomer, the distant C-terminal region of Vpu is highly flexible. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on soluble Vpu. We propose that these oligomers are stabilized via possibly hydrophobic interactions between Vpu TMs. Our findings contribute valuable information about this protein properties and about protein supramolecular complexes formation. The acquired knowledge could be further used in protein engineering, and could also help to uncover possible physiological function of these Vpu oligomers.
Comparing genomic and epigenomic features across species using the WashU Comparative Epigenome Browser
Authors: Zhuo Xiaoyu , Hsu Silas , Purushotham Deepak , Kuntala Prashant Kumar , Harrison Jessica K. , Du Alan Y. , Chen Samuel , Li Daofeng , Wang Ting
Published: May 2023

Genome browsers have become an intuitive and critical tool to visualize and analyze genomic features and data. Conventional genome browsers display data/annotations on a single reference genome/assembly; there are also genomic alignment viewer/browsers that help users visualize alignment, mismatch, and rearrangement between syntenic regions. However, there is a growing need for a comparative epigenome browser that can display genomic and epigenomic data sets across different species and enable users to compare them between syntenic regions. Here, we present the WashU Comparative Epigenome Browser. It allows users to load functional genomic data sets/annotations mapped to different genomes and display them over syntenic regions simultaneously. The browser also displays genetic differences between the genomes from single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) to structural variants (SVs) to visualize the association between epigenomic differences and genetic differences. Instead of anchoring all data sets to the reference genome coordinates, it creates independent coordinates of different genome assemblies to faithfully present features and data mapped to different genomes. It uses a simple, intuitive genome-align track to illustrate the syntenic relationship between different species. It extends the widely used WashU Epigenome Browser infrastructure and can be expanded to support multiple species. This new browser function will greatly facilitate comparative genomic/epigenomic research, as well as support the recent growing needs to directly compare and benchmark the T2T CHM13 assembly and other human genome assemblies.
Dynamic modulation of genomic enhancer elements in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the site of the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: Bafna Akanksha , Banks Gareth , Hastings Michael H. , Nolan Patrick M.
Published: May 2023

The mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the ventral hypothalamus, synchronizes and maintains daily cellular and physiological rhythms across the body, in accordance with environmental and visceral cues. Consequently, the systematic regulation of spatiotemporal gene transcription in the SCN is vital for daily timekeeping. So far, the regulatory elements assisting circadian gene transcription have only been studied in peripheral tissues, lacking the critical neuronal dimension intrinsic to the role of the SCN as central brain pacemaker. By using histone-ChIP-seq, we identified SCN-enriched gene regulatory elements that associated with temporal gene expression. Based on tissue-specific H3K27ac and H3K4me3 marks, we successfully produced the first-ever SCN gene-regulatory map. We found that a large majority of SCN enhancers not only show robust 24-h rhythmic modulation in H3K27ac occupancy, peaking at distinct times of day, but also possess canonical E-box (CACGTG) motifs potentially influencing downstream cycling gene expression. To establish enhancer–gene relationships in the SCN, we conducted directional RNA-seq at six distinct times across the day and night, and studied the association between dynamically changing histone acetylation and gene transcript levels. About 35% of the cycling H3K27ac sites were found adjacent to rhythmic gene transcripts, often preceding the rise in mRNA levels. We also noted that enhancers encompass noncoding, actively transcribing enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) in the SCN, which in turn oscillate, along with cyclic histone acetylation, and correlate with rhythmic gene transcription. Taken together, these findings shed light on genome-wide pretranscriptional regulation operative in the central clock that confers its precise and robust oscillation necessary to orchestrate daily timekeeping in mammals.
From labelling weakness to liberatory praxis: a new theory of vulnerability for disaster studies
Authors: von Meding Jason , Chmutina Ksenia
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Vulnerability is a label and a concept that is widely used in disaster studies. To date the meaning has been quite limited and implied “weakness”, with criticisms arising periodically but not halting vulnerability's reproduction. In this paper, the authors offer a new theory of vulnerability for the field, suggesting that complicating the concept can create space for liberatory discourse and organising.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw from diverse understandings of vulnerability to generate new conceptual ground for disaster scholars. The authors explore the relationships between power and agency and autonomy and social hierarchy with regards to how vulnerability is considered within neoliberal democracies. The authors also outline ideological responses and the political actions that follow.

Findings

This exploration is underpinned by dissatisfaction with the way that vulnerability has thus far been theorised in disaster studies. Using the analytical framings provided, the authors hope that others will build on the idea that so-called “vulnerable” people, working in solidarity and using intersecting frameworks of anti-racism, anti-colonialism and anti-capitalism, can undermine the risk-creating norms of the neoliberal state.

Originality/value

The authors argue that the dominant framing of vulnerability in disaster studies – and usage of the vulnerability paradigm – provides political traction for neoliberal social projects, based on notions of humanitarianism. The authors make this claim as a challenge to the authors and the authors' peers to maintain reflexive scholarship and search for liberatory potential, not only in vulnerability but in other concepts that have become normative.
How to secure an innovation grant for firms in new industries? Gender and resource perspectives
Authors: Audretsch David , Belitski Maksim , Brush Candida
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Research on financing for entrepreneurship has consolidated over the last decade. However, one question remains unanswered: how does the combination of external finance, such as equity and debt capital, and internal finance, such as working capital, affect the likelihood of grant funding over time? The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between different sources of financing and firms' ability to fundraise via innovation grants and to examine the role of female chief executive officer (CEO) in this relationship. Unlike equity and debt funding, innovation grants manifest a form of innovation acknowledgement and visibility, recognition of potential commercialization of inovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use firm-level financial data for 3,034 high-growth firms observed in 2015, 2017 and 2019 across 35 emerging sectors in the United Kingdom (UK) to test the factors affecting the propensity of high-growth firms to secure an innovation grant as a main source of fundraising for innovation during the early stages of product commercialization.

Findings

The results do not confirm gender bias for innovation fundraising in new industries. This contrasts with prior research in the field which has demonstrated that access to finance is gender-biased. However, the role of CEO gender is important as it moderates the relationship between the sources of funding and the likelihood of accessing the grant funding.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not analyse psychological or neurological factors that could determine the intrinsic qualities of male and female CEOs when making high-risk decisions under conditions of uncertainty related to innovation. Direct gender bias with regards to access to innovation grants could not be assumed. This study offers important policy implications and explains how firms in new industries can increase their likelihood of accessing a grant and how CEO gender can moderate the relationship between availability of internal and external funding and securing a new grant.

Social implications

This study implicates and empirically demonstrates that gender bias does not apply in fundraising for innovation in new industries. As female CEOs represent various firms in different sectors, this may be an important signal for investors in new product development and innovation policies targeting gender bias and inclusion.

Originality/value

The authors draw on female entrepreneurship and feminist literature to demonstrate how various sources of financing and gender change the likelihood of grant funding in both the short and long run. This is the first empirical study which aims to explain how various internal and external sources of finance change the propensity of securing an innovation grant in new industries.
Lubrication characteristics and thermal deformation of hydrostatic thrust bearing based on conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Yang Xiaodong , Liu Xianli , Zhang Jian , Liu Feilin , Yang Shengguo , Zeng Lin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the variation of temperature field, pressure field and deformation of hydrostatic thrust bearing under different working conditions, so as to provide a theoretical basis for improving accuracy and reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the double rectangular hydrostatic bearing of type Q1-224 was selected as the research object, and the simulation was carried out according to different working conditions, and the obtained data were summarized regularly.

Findings

It is found that the overall temperature of hydrostatic bearing increases with the increase of speed and load, and the increase in load will result in a larger pressure distribution which first increases and then decreases with the speed. The deformation trend of the deformation field is found, and it is found that the force deformation is larger than the thermal deformation at low rotational speed, and the thermal deformation is larger than the force deformation at high rotational speed.

Originality/value

In this study, the fluid-structure coupling method of conjugate heat transfer is applied to study the whole hydrostatic bearing. Most of the previous studies only studied the oil film and considered the influence of the convective heat transfer between the hydrostatic bearing and the air in heat transfer, which is rarely seen in the previous research literature.
Digitalization in higher education: does personal innovativeness matter in digital learning?
Authors: Devisakti A. , Muftahu Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The explosion of technology has revolutionized the teaching and learning process in higher education. Students are using the digital technology to aid their learning process. In this sense, digital divide exists among students in higher education as they come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Thus, this study aims to examine the digital usage among the students from the low-income families (B40) in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was drawn by using an online survey from the undergraduates (low-income families B40) in Malaysia higher education institutions. In total, 391 responses were collected. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling method.

Findings

The results showed that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions have a significant relationship with digital usage. In addition, personal innovativeness has positive significant effect on performance expectancy and effort expectancy.

Research limitations/implications

This study sheds light on the students from the lower income family behaviour while using digital technologies for their learning purpose.

Originality/value

The study further contributes to the new knowledge on students from the low-income family’s behaviour in using digital technology for their learning process.
The influence of market orientation on innovation attitude and firm innovativeness: a case of agri-food MSMEs in Uganda
Authors: Ajer Basil , Ngare Lucy , Macharia Ibrahim
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study assessed the relationship among market orientation, innovation attitude and firm's innovativeness in the context of agri-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in a developing country context.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional primary data was collected using structured questionnaires from a sample of 521 agro-food MSMEs in Uganda. Data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results showed that interfunctional coordination influences both firm innovativeness and innovation attitude. On the other hand, competitor orientation does not influence innovation attitude, but negatively influences firm innovativeness, while customer orientation does not influence firm innovativeness, but positively influences innovation attitude. Results also confirm the positive influence of innovation attitude on firm innovativeness. These relationships vary by location, size of MSME, type of MSME.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of study this imply that agri-food firms should focus on improving the internal coordination among departments so as to improve both attitude toward innovation and firm's innovativeness.

Originality/value

This study investigates market orientation and innovation in agro-food MSMEs in a development country.
Management accounting adoption in small businesses: interfaces with challenges and performance
Authors: Ylä-Kujala Antti , Kouhia-Kuusisto Kati , Ikäheimonen Tuuli , Laine Teemu , Kärri Timo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

While companies worldwide are largely comprised of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a significant amount of management accounting (MA) research focuses on larger organisations, thus leaving MA practice in SMEs relatively under-researched. This paper aims to examine MA adoption (MAA) and its interfaces with MA challenges and business performance from a small business perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 502 small businesses is investigated with an embedded mixed methods research design comprised of qualitative content analysis, factor analysis and analysis of variance.

Findings

Up to 78% of small businesses are facing MA challenges that stem from organisation, systems, personnel and/or resources. Based on the present findings, MA challenges do motivate small businesses to at least consider investing in MAA as small businesses facing challenges are more likely to acquire systems and services than those reporting no issues at all. Hence, small business managers seem to not only recognise where their challenges lie, but also seek ways to improve the situation through MAA. The analysis also reveals that companies with the highest MA know-how have the best average solvency, suggesting that small businesses indeed benefit from MAA. Interestingly, the performance at medium levels of know-how declines while investments increase, revealing a “decreasing solvency phenomenon”. Potential explanations are, e.g. the MA not fitting the company’s exact needs, or information usability and use being limited by poor MA understanding.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies in exploring the interfaces between MA challenges, MAA and small business performance using distinctive embedded mixed methods research design.
Examining the relationship between total quality management and knowledge management and their impact on organizational performance: a dimensional analysis
Authors: Abbas Jawad , Kumari Kalpina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The current study probes the multi-dimensional link between total quality management (TQM) and knowledge management (KM) and investigates how different TQM's dimensions impacts KM processes and how this nexus impacts organizational performance (operational and financial performance) by considering KM as an intermediating variable between TQM and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Six TQM practices are taken from “Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award”, namely leadership, customer focus, strategic planning, human resource management, process management and information and analysis; KM processes include knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing and application and organizational performance comprises operational and financial performance. The researcher put together data from different sized services and manufacturing firms, from small, to medium and large firms located in the United Kingdom (UK).

Findings

The results suggested that a positive correlation existed between TQM, KM and organizational performance. KM is also shown to have quite a strong and positive influence on firm operational and financial performance and partially mediates the relationship between TQM and corporate performance. Dimensional analysis indicates that leadership, strategic planning, customer focus and HRM have a significant positive impact on all KM process, while mixed results have been found for process management and information and analysis. The contextual analysis indicates that except for knowledge creation, TQM plays an equally significant role for the majority of manufacturing establishments and services firms.

Originality/value

The present research makes a significant contribution to the scarce literature on the relationship between TQM and KM (mainly at dimensional level), particularly in the context of the UK, and provides a detailed understanding of the relations between different TQM and KM dimensions, and how their relationship impacts on the operational and financial performance of different sizes of manufacturing and services firms.

Highlights

Total quality management (TQM) enhances firms' knowledge management (KM) capabilities

KM partially mediates the relationship between TQM and firms' performance

Leadership, customer focus and process management indicated insignificant impact on knowledge creation

TQM and KM are equally important for all sizes manufacturing and services firms
Effect of Shariah compliance on financing decisions: empirical evidence from GCC
Authors: Tawfik Omar Ikbal , Elmaasrawy Hamada Elsaid
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of companies’ Shariah compliance (SC) debt financing decisions, financing with retained earnings (REs), cash holdings, capital expenditures and dividend pay-out policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 1,648 firm-year observations of GCC non-financial firms from various industries. The authors scrutinised the firms over a period of eight financial years from 2012 to 2019. To analyse the research hypotheses, the authors used a panel data model using ordinary least squares and generalised method of moments, depending on historical data.

Findings

The results of this study show a negative effect of SC on debt financing decision and dividend pay-out policies but a positive effect on financing decision with REs, cash holdings and the decision on capital expenditures.

Practical implications

This study's findings provide a better understanding of the role of restrictions of financing options in SC companies on financing decisions in the GCC. Whether religious or simply interested in investing in SC companies, investors can benefit from knowing that these companies make financial decisions that may affect their short- and long-term profits for policymakers and regulators. This study may be valuable in evaluating the effect of restrictions imposed by Islamic Shariah on how firms make different financial decisions. Policymakers should encourage the issuance of Islamic financial products and prepare two financial indicators to classify SC firms.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to obtain empirical evidence on the effect of SC on a set of financial decisions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to focus on non-financial companies committed to Shariah. They do not depend on interest-bearing loans for their financing but are limited to financing by shares, financing with REs and financing using various Islamic financing formulas.
Beware of separating from the majority: the influence of leader-member exchange (LMX) relational separation on individual creativity
Authors: Chen Chao
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim is to test the influence of leader-member exchange relational separation (LMXRS) on individual creativity by building up a cross-level moderated mediation model. Besides exploring the mediating role of emotional support in linking LMXRS with individual creativity, this study also examines the moderating role of group-level team-leader exchange (TMX) in affecting the mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data for 321 employees on 68 groups in over ten enterprises from China was employed to examine this model.

Findings

Results showed that LMXRS affected individual creativity negatively. Further, LMXRS had an indirect effect on individual creativity via emotional support. Finally, moderated path analysis revealed TMX median attenuated LMXRS direct influence on emotional support and indirect effect on individual creativity.

Originality/value

The empirical research investigates the mediating influence of emotional support on the association between LMXRS and individual creativity. The multilevel moderated mediation model also expands the current findings by examining that group-level TMX quality can moderate the indirect influence of LMXRS on individual creativity through emotional support.
Regimes of patriarchy and faith: reflections on challenges in interviewing women and religious minorities in Pakistan
Authors: Shah Waqar Ali , Lashari Asadullah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper discusses the challenges that two doctoral researchers faced while researching religious minorities and women in a culturally sensitive society such as Pakistan. Their shared interest in sensitive topics related to gender and minorities in Pakistan led both researchers to collaborate in this study to provide a better understanding of issues in qualitative research in the same research context. They discuss the challenges of interviewing participants within the educational context. They also suggest some ways to overcome such challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Foucualt's writings on regimes of truth, discourse and systems of exclusion, the authors in this study analyze how patriarchal and faith-based regimes of truth constrain some discourses that affect participants’ willingness and insights to reflect on the issues freely.

Findings

While reflecting on their experiences in data collection, authors report that qualitative researchers struggle to access participants to investigate issues related to gender subjectivities and minority faiths in educational contexts in developing societies like Pakistan. Researchers face a variety of problems, from their own positionality to participants’ access to their responses. The reason for this is patriarchal and religious regimes and also their intersecting relations that restrict participants’ ability to reflect on their issues. Minorities in Pakistan are often prevented from expressing their views freely by blasphemy fears. The discourses of gender are also sensitive. Therefore, the study suggests that in societies such as Pakistan, where religion and gender are emotive terms, the problem can be handled by counter-discourses that challenge truth regimes by conceiving research as a transformative practice. Moreover, such societies require a policy for protecting researchers and participants in the interest of knowledge production and dissemination.

Originality/value

This study is originally based on the primary data used in two doctoral studies.
The classes and class struggles contents of the Bangsamoro question
Authors: Valila Jr Jacinto Rebadulla
Published: May 2023

Purpose

There is a noticeable dearth of literature offering Marxist perspectives and analyses on the Bangsamoro struggles for self-determination, ethnic and religious identities and social justice. A reason for this may lie in the general derision of bourgeois academics and conventional commentators on the supposed paucity of Marxist theories on nationalism, ethnicity and religion. This may have influenced, ironically, Filipino Marxist thinkers into being indifferent to this research topic. Far from the truth, however, that Marxism is essentially an economic determinist social conflict theory, its historical materialism offers a rich treasury of analyses and perspectives on nationalism, self-determination, religion and ethnic identity within the context of class struggles as the acme of the theory of scientific socialism. The paper, therefore, offers a scientific analysis of the Bangsamoro Question from a Marxist standpoint beyond the perspectives of psychologism, naturalism and ethno-racialism, which are usually deployed by traditional and uninformed commentators in analyzing ethnicity questions and quests for separatism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the historical and class analysis of the dynamics, relationships and struggles of classes in the history of the Bangsamoro struggles against colonialism and the subsequent postcolonial regimes up to the present time.

Findings

As a scientific paradigm, historical materialism presents itself as a general scientific social conflict theory. Using this framework through historical and class analyses, the paper proves the improbability of the Moros’ quest for separatism or genuine autonomy at this historical point. It, therefore, asserts the linking of the Moro struggles to the more immense struggles of the Filipinos for national and social liberation from imperialism.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to the historical and class analyses of classes’ dynamics and struggles. It is, therefore, far from an exhaustive analysis of the Moro struggles using different non-Marxist social conflict theories.

Practical implications

The research can be considered a practical guide in analyzing and predicting the trajectories of the Moro struggles in Mindanao and Sulu.

Social implications

The work addresses the question from radical and Marxist premises.

Originality/value

This is a highly original and valuable work from the point of view of Marxist social conflict theory.
Affective computing technology for fostering an emotionally healthy workplace
Authors: Lirio Pamela , Plusquellec Pierrich
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present affective computing or Emotion AI in the context of work and how organizational leaders such as managers and human resource (HR) professionals can implement this technology to foster an emotionally healthy workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide a current overview of affective computing technology through definitions, examples and general use cases. This is in light of the current scrutiny on artificial intelligence (AI) use broadly across society. The authors address this from a research perspective and show how this advanced AI tool can be implemented in organizations for the benefit of employees.

Findings

Affective computing or Emotion AI is still relatively unknown, and yet, it is already part of our daily lives. Emotion AI platforms have the potential to be an essential part of HR tools. It is crucial, however, to use this technology in an ethical and responsible manner.

Originality/value

There is little awareness and understanding of use cases of affective computing tools in organizations, particularly for the well-being of the workforce. This paper provides HR leaders, managers and researchers with an overview of the origins of the field and major considerations for responsibly implementing Emotion AI to support employee mental health.
N‐dimensional hypervolumes in trait‐based ecology: Does occupancy rate matter?
Authors: Laini Alex , Datry Thibault , Blonder Benjamin Wong
Published: May 2023

Many methods for estimating the functional diversity of biological communities rely on measuring geometrical properties of n‐dimensional hypervolumes in a trait space. To date, these properties are calculated from individual hypervolumes or their pairwise combinations. Our capacity to detect functional diversity patterns due to the overlap of multiple hypervolumes is, thus, limited.

Here, we propose a new approach for estimating functional diversity from a set of hypervolumes. We rely on the concept of occupancy rate, defined as the mean or absolute number of hypervolumes enclosing a given point in the trait space. Furthermore, we describe a permutation test to identify regions of the trait space in which the occupancy rate of two sets of hypervolumes differs.

We illustrate the utility of our approach over existing methods with two examples on aquatic macroinvertebrates. The first example shows how occupancy rate relates to the stability of trait space utilisation due to increased flow intermittency and allows the identification of taxa in regions of the trait space with low occupancy rates. The second example shows how the permutation test based on occupancy rates can detect differences in trait space utilisation due to river morphology variation even with a high degree of overlap among input hypervolumes.

Our newly developed approach is particularly suitable in functional diversity analysis when investigating patterns of overlap among multiple hypervolumes. We emphasise the need to consider analyses based on occupancy rate into functional diversity estimation.

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