bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Single Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Large Midline Sacral Defects
Authors: Acartürk Tahsin Oğuz , Seyhan Tamer , Bengür Fuat Bariş , Erbaş Vasil Ercüment
Published: June 2021

Background

Large midline sacral defects are reconstructive challenges. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap provides enough tissue and versatility to cover large defects; however, a single flap may be insufficient. We present a technique to cover large defects using single SGAP flaps.

Methods

Large sacral defects (>100 cm2) reconstructed with single SGAP flaps were included. Angle of transposition (45°–60°) was determined based on the tissue laxity and mobility of gluteal area. Perforator identification, intramuscular dissection, or skeletonization was not performed. Outcomes were measured as achieving durable reconstruction, flap viability, and complications.

Results

There were 17 patients (12 male, 5 females; aged 25–72 years) with different etiologies. The mean flap surface area (136.1 ± 45.6 cm2, between 9 × 8 and 26 × 10 cm) was smaller than the mean defect surface area (211.1 ± 87.2 cm2, between 10 × 10 and 28 × 14 cm) (P < 0.001). All flaps survived with no partial or complete flap loss. Minor dehiscence in 4 patients (2 at donor site and 2 at recipient site) healed with dressing changes or using negative-pressure vacuum therapy. All patients had durable outcomes without any recurrence.

Conclusion

Single unilateral SGAP flaps can be used to completely cover midline large sacral defects. It is important to design the flaps to have a joint side with the defect in the proximal part and use the intrinsic mobility of gluteal soft tissues for the closure. Flaps can be (1) planned to be smaller than the defects, (2) harvested with no intramuscular perforator dissection or pedicle skeletonization, and (3) transposed with an angle less than 60°.
Ligand Induced Conformational and Dynamical Changes in a GT-B Glycosyltransferase: Molecular Dynamic Simulations of Heptosyltransferase I Apo, Binary and Ternary Complexes
Authors: Hassan Bakar A. , Milicaj Jozafina , Sham Yuk Y. , Taylor Erika A.
Published: June 2021

Understanding the dynamical motions and ligand recognition motifs of specific glycosyltransferase enzymes, like Heptosyltransferase I (HepI), is critical to discerning the behavior of other carbohydrate binding enzymes. Prior studies in our lab demonstrated that glycosyltransferases in the GT-B structural class, which are characterized by their connection of two Rossman-like domains by a linker region, have conservation of both structure and dynamical motions, despite low sequence conservation, therefore making discoveries found in HepI transferable to other GT-B enzymes. Through a series of 100 nanosecond Molecular Dynamics simulations of HepI in apo enzyme state, and also in the binary and ternary complexes with the native substrates/products. Ligand free energy analysis allowed determination of an anticipated enzymatic path for ligand binding and release. Principle component, dynamic cross correlation and network analyses of the simulation trajectories revealed that there are not only correlated motions between the N- and C-termini, but also that residues within the N-terminal domain communicate via a path that includes substrate proximal residues of the C-terminal domain. Analysis of structural changes, energetics of substrate/products binding and changes in pKa have elucidated a variety of inter- and intradomain interactions that are critical for catalysis. These data corroborate and allow visualization of previous experimental observations of protein conformational changes of HepI. This study has provided valuable insights into the regions involved in HepI conformational rearrangement upon ligand binding, and are likely to enhance efforts to develop new dynamics disrupting enzyme inhibitors for GT-B structural enzymes in the future.
NSun2 deficiency promotes tau hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration through epitranscriptomic regulation of miR-125b
Authors: Kim Yoon A. , Blaze Jennifer , Winters Tristan , Kumar Atul , Tein Ellen , Sproul Andrew A. , Teich Andrew F. , Bartolini Francesca , Akbarian Schahram , Hargus Gunnar , Santa-Maria Ismael
Published: June 2021

Overproduction or suppression of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains promote alterations in tau proteostasis and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms governing how specific miRNAs are dysregulated in AD brains are still under investigation. Epitranscriptomic regulation adds a layer of post-transcriptional control to brain function during development and adulthood. NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 2 (NSun2) is one of the few known brain-enriched methyltransferases able to modify mammalian non-coding RNAs and loss of function autosomal-recessive mutations in NSUN2 have been associated with neurological abnormalities in humans. Here, we provide evidence that NSun2 is expressed in adult human neurons in the hippocampal formation and prefrontal cortex. When we evaluated NSun2 protein expression in post-mortem brain tissue from AD patients we find is dysregulated which was also found in mice and human cellular AD models. To probe these observed alterations were unique to AD we further evaluated brain tissue from other tauopathies, observing NSun2 protein levels were similar between cases and controls. In a well-established Drosophila melanogaster model of tau-induced toxicity we investigated the pathological role of NSun2 observing that reduction of NSun2 protein levels exacerbated tau toxicity, while overexpression of NSun2 partially abrogated the toxic effects. We further show using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neuronal cultures that NSun2 deficiency results in tau hyperphosphorylation and we found in primary hippocampal neuronal cultures NSun2 levels decrease in response to amyloid-beta oligomers (AβO). Furthermore, in mice, we observed that NSun2 deficiency promotes aberrant levels of m6A methylated miR-125b and tau hyperphosphorylation. Altogether, our study supports that neuronal NSun2 deficiency in AD promotes neurodegeneration by altering tau phosphorylation and tau toxicity through an epitranscriptomic regulatory mechanism and highlights a novel avenue for therapeutic targeting.
Cellular heterogeneity and MTH1 play key roles in galactose mediated signaling of the GAL switch to utilize the disaccharide melibiose
Authors: Kar Rajesh Kumar , Bhat Paike Jayadeva
Published: June 2021

Yeast metabolizes the disaccharide melibiose by hydrolyzing it into equimolar concentrations of glucose and galactose by MEL1-encoded α-galactosidase. Galactose metabolizing genes (including MEL1) are induced by galactose and repressed by glucose, which are the products of melibiose hydrolysis. Therefore, how melibiose catabolization and utilization take place by circumventing the glucose repression is an enigma. Other than the galactose metabolizing genes MTH1, a negative regulator of glucose signal pathway has Gal4p binding sites and is induced by galactose and repressed by high glucose concentration. But, at low or no glucose MTH1 along with its paralogue STD1 represses hexose transporters, that are involved in glucose transport. This sort of tuning of glucose and galactose regulation motivated us to delineate the role of MTH1 as a regulator of MEL1 expression and melibiose utilization. The deletion mutant of MTH1 shows growth defect on melibiose and this growth defect is enhanced upon the deletion of both MTH1 and its paralogue STD1. Microscopy and flowcytometry analysis, suggest, that even though MEL1 and GAL1 promoter are under Gal4p and Gal80p regulation, upon deletion of MTH1 it hampers only MEL1 expression, but not the GAL1 gene expression. By using 2-Deoxy galactose toxicity assay, we observed phenotypic heterogeneity in cells grown on melibiose i.e. after cleaving of melibiose a fraction of cell population utilizes glucose and another fraction utilizes galactose and coexist together. Understanding GAL/MEL gene expression patterns in melibiose will have great implication to understand various other complex sugar utilizations, tunable gene expressions and complex feedback gene regulations.

Significance

Sugar metabolism is an important phenomenon to understand the regulation of gene expression. Glucose is the most preferred carbon source. Yeast follows glycolytic pathways like cancer cells for metabolism of sugars and understanding this will throw more light to the metabolism of cancer cells. In this communication we observed cell-to-cell heterogeneity in yeast cells playing a key role in metabolism of a complex disaccharide melibiose, which gets cleaved into glucose and galactose by α-galactosidase. Glucose represses α-galactosidase and galactose induces it. Because of the heterogeneous population of cells one fraction consumes glucose liberated by melibiose hydrolysis, therefore it is not sufficient to repress α-galactosidase and other GAL genes. Therefore, GAL genes are expressed and help in metabolizing melibiose and galactose.
Divergent evolution toward sex chromosome-specific gene regulation inDrosophila
Authors: Villa Raffaella , Jagtap Pravin Kumar Ankush , Thomae Andreas W. , Campos Sparr Aline , Forné Ignasi , Hennig Janosch , Straub Tobias , Becker Peter B.
Published: June 2021

The dosage compensation complex (DCC) ofDrosophilaidentifies its X-chromosomal binding sites with exquisite selectivity. The principles that assure this vital targeting are known from theD. melanogastermodel: DCC-intrinsic specificity of DNA binding, cooperativity with the CLAMP protein, and noncoding roX2 RNA transcribed from the X chromosome. We found that inD. virilis, a species separated frommelanogasterby 40 million years of evolution, all principles are active but contribute differently to X specificity. Inmelanogaster, the DCC subunit MSL2 evolved intrinsic DNA-binding selectivity for rare PionX sites, which mark the X chromosome. Invirilis, PionX motifs are abundant and not X-enriched. Accordingly, MSL2 lacks specific recognition. Here, roX2 RNA plays a more instructive role, counteracting a nonproductive interaction of CLAMP and modulating DCC binding selectivity. Remarkably, roX2 triggers a stable chromatin binding mode characteristic of DCC. Evidently, X-specific regulation is achieved by divergent evolution of protein, DNA, and RNA components.
The loss of heterochromatin is associated with multiscale three-dimensional genome reorganization and aberrant transcription during cellular senescence
Authors: Zhang Xianglin , Liu Xuehui , Du Zhenhai , Wei Lei , Fang Huan , Dong Qiongye , Niu Jing , Li Yanda , Gao Juntao , Zhang Michael Q. , Xie Wei , Wang Xiaowo
Published: June 2021

Heterochromatin remodeling is critical for various cell processes. In particular, the “loss of heterochromatin” phenotype in cellular senescence is associated with the process of aging and age-related disorders. Although biological processes of senescent cells, including senescence-associated heterochromatin foci (SAHF) formation, chromosome compaction, and redistribution of key proteins, have been closely associated with high-order chromatin structure, the relationship between the high-order chromatin reorganization and the loss of heterochromatin phenotype during senescence has not been fully understood. By using senescent and deep senescent fibroblasts induced by DNA damage harboring the “loss of heterochromatin” phenotype, we observed progressive 3D reorganization of heterochromatin during senescence. Facultative and constitutive heterochromatin marked by H3K27me3 and H3K9me3, respectively, show different alterations. Facultative heterochromatin tends to switch from the repressive B-compartment to the active A-compartment, whereas constitutive heterochromatin shows no significant changes at the compartment level but enhanced interactions between themselves. Both types of heterochromatin show increased chromatin accessibility and gene expression leakage during senescence. Furthermore, increased chromatin accessibility in potential CTCF binding sites accompanies the establishment of novel loops in constitutive heterochromatin. Finally, we also observed aberrant expression of repetitive elements, including LTR (long terminal repeat) and satellite classes. Overall, facultative and constitutive heterochromatin show both similar and distinct multiscale alterations in the 3D map, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression leakage. This study provides an epigenomic map of heterochromatin reorganization during senescence.
Mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic in India: an in-depth exploration of challenges and opportunities for three vulnerable population groups
Authors: Thomas Joe , de Wit Emma Emily , Radhakrishnan R.K. , Kulkarni Nupur , Bunders-Aelen Joske G.F.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is certain to have an unprecedented impact on the global population, but marginalized and vulnerable groups in low-income countries (LICs) are predicted to carry the largest burden. This study focuses on the implications of COVID-19-related measures on three population groups in India, including (1) migrant laborers (of which a majority come from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), as well as Other Backward Classes (OBCs)), (2) children from low-income families and, (3) refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a sequential mixed-method research design. A desk-based study of a selection of government reports was undertaken on the COVID-19-related mitigation measures. The desk study was followed by in-depth interviews with purposively recruited high-ranking experts in specific sectors of policy implementation and service delivery across the country.

Findings

The outcomes of this study shed light on (1) the most urgent needs that need to be addressed per population group, (2) the variety of state-level responses as well as best practices observed to deal with mitigation issues and (3) opportunities for quick relief as well as more long-term solutions.

Practical implications

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only reduced people's means of maintaining a livelihood but has simultaneously revealed some of India's long-standing problems with infrastructure and resource distribution in a range of sectors, including nutrition and health, education, etc. There is an urgent need to construct effective pathways to trace and respond to those people who are desolate, and to learn from – and support – good practices at the grassroot level.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the discussion on how inclusive public health might be reached.
A study of similar question retrieval method in online health communities
Authors: Xing Bufei , Yin Haonan , Yan Zhijun , Wang Jiachen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to retrieve similar questions in online health communities to improve the efficiency of health information retrieval and sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a hybrid approach to combining domain knowledge similarity and topic similarity to retrieve similar questions in online health communities. The domain knowledge similarity can evaluate the domain distance between different questions. And the topic similarity measures questions’ relationship base on the extracted latent topics.

Findings

The experiment results show that the proposed method outperforms the baseline methods.

Originality/value

This method conquers the problem of word mismatch and considers the named entities included in questions, which most of existing studies did not.
Research on the fit raglan sleeve based on the armhole depth and the connection point between body and sleeve
Authors: Jing Zhang , Hua Zhao Mei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

By controlling the value of influencing factors of raglan sleeves, the authors can balance the comfort and aesthetics of raglan sleeves and get the best parameter value.

Design/methodology/approach

Under the condition that the slope of sleeve midline is 45 and the height of sleeve mountain is 15.00 cm, different armhole depth and connection point between the body and the sleeve are combined, and the influence of these two on the comfort and aesthetics of clothing is studied by CLO software.

Findings

The relationship between sleeve fat (Y), armhole depth drop (X1) and the distance (X2) between the connection point between the body and the sleeve and the center line is Y = 12.985 + 1.240·X1 + 0.895·X2. When the armhole drop is 5.00 cm and the connection point is 1 cm closer to the center line, the comfort and aesthetics can be better balanced.

Originality/value

These data can provide reference for future research on raglan sleeves.
Textile supply chain management considering carbon emissions and apparel demand fuzziness: a fuzzy mathematical programming approach
Authors: Ghasemy Yaghin R. , Sarlak P.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper studies the textile supply chain tactical planning under demand fuzziness through considering environmentally friendly and social responsibility. Hence, carbon emission in textile production and transportation is considered along with supply chain profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a fuzzy multi-objective mathematical optimization model with credibilistic chance constraints to determine the fabric procurement quantities and production plan under uncertainty. The solution procedure makes use of credibility measure and fuzzy aggregation operator to attain compromise solutions.

Findings

A trade-off among carbon emissions, social performance and supply chain total profit is conducted. The analyses indicate the importance of transportation costs and carbon emission while determining the supply chain's tactical plan.

Originality/value

The textile supply chain's social sustainability alongside carbon emissions of textile operations is contemplated to provide apparel production and distribution logistics planning under uncertainty. In doing so, the authors propose a hybrid credibility-possibility mathematical optimization model to determine a compromise solution for textile managers.
Relationship between housing finance institutional contexts and financial contexts to housing ownership by low-income earners in Bauchi LGA, Nigeria
Authors: Gambo Moses Jonathan , Kunya Sani Usman , Ishiyaku Bala , Ashen Musa Jacob , Dzasu Wilfred Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between housing finance institutional related variables and financial related variables of low-income earners in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, quantitative research approach was adopted. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 500 primary school teachers in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi, Nigeria. A correlation analysis was carried out to find the relationship between housing finance institutional contexts and finance contexts to low-income earners in the study area using SPSS Version 23 software.

Findings

The findings shows that the low-income earners were more concerned with the accessibility and affordability on housing ownership, and it also showed that performance and effectiveness of the housing finance institutions were of paramount importance to housing ownership for the low-income earners in the study area.

Practical implications

The finance institutions are the prime consumer of these research findings. The participants in the finance institutions are going to benefit from the low-income earners’ housing ownership development.

Originality/value

The paper also emphasized that the finance institutions should make the housing finance loan accessible and affordable to the low-income earners to meet their dream to sustainable housing ownership.
Influencing factors of digital transformation: management or IT is the driving force?
Authors: Ko Andrea , Fehér Péter , Kovacs Tibor , Mitev Ariel , Szabó Zoltán
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This research aims to discuss the success of digital transformation focusing on the role of IT and management commitment in digitalization together with sectorial relevance as influencing factors. According to the literature, these dimensions are key elements of digitalization, and there is no consensus on their decisiveness. The authors measure the success of digital transformation with the digital innovation. The research is part of ongoing work, in which the IT-related practice of Hungarian organizations has been explored on an annual basis since 2009.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is a combined one; both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied including surveying digital transformation literature, interviews with key representatives of Hungarian organizations, developing a survey to collect quantitative data, data collection and processing with PLS-SEM.

Findings

The results revealed that the digital innovations are strongly determined by business, management commitment and, to a far lesser extent, by strategy. In the case of digital transformation, the role of IT departments and the services they provide are less relevant.

Research limitations/implications

The most important limitation of the research is the size and composition of the sample. Results do not present the situation of a specific industrial sector.

Originality/value

Digital technologies influence and disrupt practically every industry; the development of information and communication technology has changed economies all over the world. Decisive factors of digital transformations are widely researched, but there is no consensus about them. This research contributes to understanding the role of IT department and their services in this process together with leadership, sectorial relevance as influencing factors.
Mentoring dyads in higher education: It feels lucky, but it's more than luck
Authors: Fitzgerald Angela , McNamara Noeleen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the formation, maintenance and sustenance of a mentoring dyad in higher education. By investigating the reflections of a female mentor and mentee, who both engaged in a formal Mentoring Program, the intention is to inform the design of future programs and expectations of participants, enhance the quality of future practice and understand the benefits mentoring might offer to the academic community.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers utilised a self-study research design to explore their reflections of a mentoring dyad in higher education. The project was informed by a personal–constructivist–collaborative approach, with participants maintaining journals throughout the partnership. These reflections were then compared in order to understand the perceptions of the participants as their relationship developed.

Findings

Six themes emerged from the analysis representing the mentoring dyad experience under three categories: (1) forming – making the match, (2) maintaining – flexibility, responsiveness, and persistence, and (3) sustaining – desire to not disappoint and reciprocal learning.

Research limitations/implications

While this paper focuses on the experiences of two participants, the in-depth nature of this exploration draws out significant practical considerations that can be applied to the development and/or reinvigoration of formal mentoring programs and/mentoring dyads in other contexts.

Originality/value

These unique insights into their mentoring dyad over a significant period of time add to this dynamic body of knowledge. This study gives voice to female academics and lays bare their vulnerability and openness in sharing their lived experiences of participating in a formal mentoring program.
Exploring the relationship between dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in HESD
Authors: Shephard Kerry , Kalsoom Qudsia , Gupta Ritika , Probst Lorenz , Gannon Paul , Santhakumar V. , Ndukwe Ifeanyi Glory , Jowett Tim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Higher education is uncertain which sustainability-related education targets should be sought and monitored. Accepting that something needs to be measurable to be systematically improved, the authors explored how measures relate to potential targets. This paper aims to focus on dispositions to think critically (active open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking in appraising reasoning) as measures and explored how they related to sustainability concern as an indicative educational target.

Design/methodology/approach

This research included the development and testing of research instruments (scales) that explored dispositions to critical thinking and sustainability concern. Authors researched these instruments within their own correspondence groups and tested them with university students and staff in Pakistan, the USA, Austria, India and New Zealand. The authors also asked a range of contextualising questions.

Findings

Respondents’ disposition to aspects of active, open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking do predict their concern about facets of sustainability but their strength of religious belief was an important factor in these relationships and in their measurement.

Practical implications

This research demonstrates the complexity of monitoring dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in educational systems, particularly in circumstances where the roles of religious beliefs are of interest; and suggests ways to address this complexity.

Originality/value

This research integrates and expands discourses on ESD and on critical thinking in diverse disciplines and cultures. It investigates measurement approaches and targets that could help higher education institutions to educate for sustainable development and to monitor their progress, in ways that are compatible with their culture and values.
Exploring the common blockchain adoption enablers: the case of three Italian wineries
Authors: Galati Antonino , Vrontis Demetris , Giorlando Benedetto , Giacomarra Marcella , Crescimanno Maria
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore and describe the main enabling factors affecting the implementation of blockchain technology (BCT) in a strategic sector such as the wine industry, as well as the motivation behind this choice.

Design/methodology/approach

In light of the novelty of the phenomenon studied, a case study approach was adopted analyzing three Italian wineries. A conceptual framework, based on the dynamic capabilities, absorptive capacity and dominant logic theories, was developed. Primary and secondary data were collected.

Findings

Results show that wineries working in a highly dynamic and competitive market invest more in knowledge acquisition and internal assimilation and less in transformation and exploitation of acquired knowledge, in particular preferring to outsource the application phase of BCT. The particularity of the wine industry, indeed, demonstrates the existence of hybrid alternatives in which exploration and exploitation processes can be balanced. These findings confirm the value of the conceptual framework developed to explain how wineries implement BCT in their business.

Research limitations/implications

The present work must be considered in light of the research scope and its qualitative nature.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that the adoption of BCT depends on the wineries’ ability to invest more in effective knowledge management systems to acquire and assimilate knowledge internally and in managerial skills and dominant logic that become strategic resources that can improve their innovation performance.

Originality/value

Compared to previous studies on BCT adoption in the wine industry, this work helps us to better understand how wineries implement BCT as it focuses on their ability to acquire, manage and capitalize on the flow of knowledge, as a strategic resource, which forms the basis for creating dynamic capabilities and value. Findings are of interest to develop strategies aimed to ensure the effectiveness of this innovation in a strategic sector.
Management accounting systems effectiveness, perceived environmental uncertainty and enterprise risk management: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Abu Afifa Malik Muneer , Saleh Isam
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the direct relationship between management accounting systems effectiveness (MASE) and enterprise risk management (ERM). In addition, it aims to investigate the interaction (moderating) effect of each of the four informational characteristics of MASE and each of the three components of perceived environmental uncertainty (PEU) on ERM, using empirical evidence from the developing country's Jordanian market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population includes all Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange at the end of 2019, and the study sample consists of all these companies (complete surveying – census population). This study chooses a quantitative method through a survey design approach using questionnaire as the best method for data collection.

Findings

The summation of the relationship and interaction effects (moderation) examined by this study are as follows: three of the four informational characteristics of MASE, namely, a broadness of scope, an aggregation and an integration, have a positive direct relationship with ERM. The characteristic ‘timeliness’ has non-significant negative relationship with ERM. Additionally, the interaction (moderating) effect of higher levels of two informational characteristics of MASE, namely, a timeliness and an aggregation and higher level of perceived competitor uncertainty, will result in a higher ERM implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study have significant ramifications for numerous companies, administrators and interested parties, as they may allow them to build and sustain effective accounting processes for management. These results support adopting sophisticated management accounting systems (MASs) instead of traditional systems in the companies to help them in improving the information quality and control levels, as well as reducing the risks by implementation of ERM. In addition, to ensure that companies are confronted with the environmental factors they face. The results of the present study will enable administrators to develop a deeper understanding of such management accounting systems.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study of Jordan to investigate the relationship between MASE and ERM, moderated by PEU. As such, the study raises significant findings, drawing attention to MASs and their role in Jordan.
Motivational antecedents, employee engagement and knowledge management performance
Authors: Atapattu Mayuri Menike , Huybers Twan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the causal relationships between organisational practices, employee knowledge management (KM) engagement and organisational KM performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a quantitative research approach, an online survey of 536 knowledge workers from multinational knowledge-based organisations located in Sri Lanka was carried out. The data were analysed with structural equation modelling.

Findings

Teamwork, reward structure, learning, performance management and employee empowerment are found to be motivational antecedents of KM engagement while, subsequently, organisational KM performance is affected by employee KM engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are based on the use of five key organisational practices derived from the literature. Further research is needed to establish whether the findings extend to other organisational practices such as resourcing strategy, organisational culture and communication. Further, the sample for this research comprised knowledge workers in Sri Lankan organisations which limit the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications

Teamwork, rewards structure, learning, performance management and employee empowerment are organisational practices that foster employee KM engagement. Organisational practices and employee KM engagement are imperative for the organisational success of KM initiatives.

Originality/value

This research introduces the term KM engagement as the indicator of individual-level KM success and integrates the sequential linkage between individual-level KM outcomes (i.e. KM engagement) and organisational KM outcomes (KM performance) which has not yet been investigated.
The mediating role of workplace flourishing on the causal link between linguistic ostracism and withdrawal behavior
Authors: Mohamad Ibrahim Raed Ibrahim , Emeagwali Okechukwu Lawrence , Akkaya Murat
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Workplace flourishing and withdrawal behavior are important concepts for human resource practitioners in today’s multicultural and multilingual work atmosphere. Despite the prevalence of linguistic ostracism, only a handful of studies have considered its impact on workplace flourishing and withdrawal behavior. This paper embarks on unveiling the nature of these associations.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample ofn = 395 employee responses was obtained from Jordanian tourism and hospitality organizations. The data were analyzed with the variance-based structural equation modeling (VB-SEM) technique using ADANCO software.

Findings

VB-SEM results indicate that linguistic ostracism reduces workplace flourishing and indirectly increases withdrawal behavior through the mediating role of workplace flourishing. Decreased feelings of workplace flourishing resulted in increased withdrawal behavior.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to empirically examine the association between linguistic ostracism, workplace flourishing and withdrawal behavior and the mediating role of workplace flourishing using ethnolinguistic identity and stressor–emotion theories as a theoretical framework. Implications for practice and theory are discussed alongside future research directions.
Perceptions of salient stakeholders on the integration of sustainability education into the accounting curriculum: a Jordanian study
Authors: Al-Hazaima Huthaifa , Low Mary , Sharma Umesh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the perceptions of salient stakeholders in Jordan concerning the importance of integrating sustainability education (SE) into the accounting curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses salient stakeholder theory as a lens and seeks to explore the possible integration of SE into the Jordanian tertiary accounting curriculum. A final sample of 702 salient stakeholders including university accounting educators, accounting students, industry accountants, government representatives and accounting association professional members were used to glean an insight of their views and the extent to which sustainability is present in accounting education.

Findings

Findings indicate that there is a strong belief by these salient stakeholders that there is significant importance for the integration of SE into the accounting curriculum in Jordanian universities. There is concern that the current curriculum does not meet the educational needs of future accountants and business executives from a sustainability perspective.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the research debate on the competencies crisis in accounting education by focusing on the lack of SE in the accounting curriculum. This study draws attention to the need of up-skilling and applied knowledge in this critical area. There are strong viewpoints from the salient stakeholders in this study. They emphasise that a progressive education solution is required and which integrates SE into the accounting curriculum.

Practical implications

The research is useful to accounting educators, professional accounting associations, industry, accounting students and the government. The salient stakeholders in Jordan wish to include SE within the accounting curriculum. This would lead to future accountants and business executives having stronger competencies to respond in a resilient and resourceful manner to changes in the way business is conducted, especially in an area where societal and environmental impacts are highly scrutinised.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence on how salient stakeholders of an emerging economy can influence, provide guidance and leadership in integrating SE in the accounting curriculum. Engaging actively and extensively with research studies such as this allows them to voice their opinions about the importance of sustainability and how their country can better engage in this increasingly important field.
Transforming learning for architecture: online design studio as the new norm for crises adaptation under COVID-19
Authors: Al Maani Duaa , Alnusairat Saba , Al-Jokhadar Amer
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study explored the virtual design studio as a transformative learning model for the disaster and resilience context, including the factors that affect students' perceptions and experiences of the quality of this adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data obtained from 248 students who took online design studios during the lockdown in 15 universities in Jordan highlight many factors that make the experience of the online design studio more challenging. Despite these challenges, strongly positive aspects of the online studio were evident and widely discussed.

Findings

A model of a hyper-flexible design studio in which students can have a direct contact with their instructor when needed – in addition to online activities, reviews and written feedback – is highly recommended for the beginner years. This HyFlex model will enrich students' learning and understanding of the fundamentals of design and ensure that technology solutions deliver significant and sustainable benefits.

Originality/value

For students, studying architecture necessitates a fundamental shift in the learning mode and attitude in the transition from school. Beginner students are often surprised by the new mode of learning-by-doing and the new learner identity that they must adopt and adapt to in the design studio. Moreover, due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, architecture teaching has moved online. Both instructors and students are experiencing dramatic changes in their modes of teaching and learning due to the sudden move from on-campus design studios to a virtual alternative, with only the bare minimum of resources and relevant experience.
Risk and ambiguous choices: individual versus groups, an experimental analysis
Authors: Aggarwal Divya , Damodaran Uday , Mohanty Pitabas , Israel D.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study examines individual ambiguity attitudes alone and in groups by leveraging the descriptive model of anchoring and adjustment on decision-making under ambiguity. The study extends Ellsberg's probability ambiguity to outcome ambiguity and examines decisions made under both ambiguities, at different likelihood levels and under the domain of gains and losses.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology selected for this study is a two-stage within-subject lab experiment, with participants from different Indian universities. Each participant made 12 lottery decisions at the individual level and at individuals in the group level.

Findings

The results show that ambiguity attitudes are not universal in nature. Ambiguity seeking as a dominant choice was observed at both the individual level and at individual in the group level. However, the magnitude of ambiguity seeking or ambiguity aversion contingent upon the domain of gains and losses differed widely across the individual level and at individuals in the group level.

Research limitations/implications

The study enables to contribute toward giving a robust descriptive explanation for individual behavior in real-world applications of finance. It aims to provide direction for theoretical normative models to accommodate heterogeneity of ambiguity attitudes.

Originality/value

The study is novel as it examines a two-dimensional approach by representing ambiguity in probability and in outcomes. It also analyzes whether decisions under ambiguity vary when individuals make decisions alone and when they make it in groups.
Managing natural tourism attractions based on visitor reviews: a case study of Golden Beach, Karpaz
Authors: Öztüren Ali , Kilic Hasan , Olorunsola Victor Oluwafemi , Osumeje Benjamin Omeiza
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to uncover the critical factors relating to the enhancement of a natural tourism attraction from a visitor perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The reviews (n = 336) of Golden Beach, Karpaz were collected from the Tripadvisor.com platform. Content analysis was conducted with Leximancer software to determine the themes relating to natural tourism attraction development.

Findings

The most widely highlighted themes in the data were environment, infrastructure, location, activities, visitors and locals. Pro-environmental visitors, the responsibilities of government and visitor management issues are discussed in relation to managing natural tourism attractions.

Practical implications

The paper has a number of practical implications for tourism stakeholders involved in developing sustainable destinations.

Originality/value

This paper emphasises the value of analysing visitor generated comments in order to better understand visitor thoughts and perceptions. In so doing, the authorities can make decisions that align with the expectations of visitors and manage their resources accordingly.
Influence of fiber stacking sequences and matrix materials on mechanical and vibration behavior of jute/carbon hybrid composites
Authors: Margabandu Sathiyamoorthy , Subramaniam Senthil Kumar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the influence of fabric hybridization, stacking sequences and matrix materials on the tensile strength and damping behavior of jute/carbon reinforced hybrid composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid composites were fabricated with different sequences of fabric plies in epoxy and polyester matrix using a hand layup technique. The tensile and vibration characteristics were evaluated on the hybrid laminated composite models using finite element analysis (FEA), and the results were validated experimentally according to ASTM standards. The surface morphology of the fractured specimens was studied using the scanning electron microscope.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the position of jute layers in the hybrid composites has a significant influence on the tensile strength and damping behavior. The hybrid composite with jute fiber at the surface sides and carbon fibers at the middle exhibited higher tensile strength with superior damping properties. Further, it is found that the experimental results are in good coherence with the FEA results.

Originality/value

The less weight and low-cost hybrid composites were fabricated by incorporating the jute and carbon fabrics in interply configurations. The influences of fabric hybridization, stacking arrangements and matrix materials on the tensile and vibration behavior of jute/carbon hybrid composites have been numerically evaluated and the results were experimentally validated.
Role of leverage and liquidity risk in asset pricing: evidence from Indian stock market
Authors: Jain Mehak , Singla Ravi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Asset pricing revolves around the core aspects of risk and expected return. The main objective of the study is to test different asset pricing models for the Indian securities market. This paper aims to analyse whether leverage and liquidity augmented five-factor model performs better than Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Fama and French three-factor model, leverage augmented four-factor model and liquidity augmented four-factor model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the current study comprises records on prices of securities that are part of the Nifty 500 index for a time frame of 14 years, that is, from October 2004 to September 2017 consisting of 183 companies using time series regression.

Findings

The results indicate that the five-factor model performs better than CAPM and the three-factor model. The model outperforms leverage augmented and liquidity augmented four-factor models. The empirical evidence shows that the five-factor model has the highest explanatory power among the entire asset pricing models considered.

Practical implications

The present study bears certain useful implications for various stakeholders including fund managers, investors and academicians.

Originality/value

This study presents a five-factor model containing two additional factors, that is, leverage and liquidity risk along with the Fama-French three-factor model. These factors are expected to give more value to the model in comparison to the Fama-French three-factor model.
Toxicological and biological effects of some plant extracts on the house mosquito Culex pipiens, the dominant species in Jeddah governorate
Authors: Alghamdi Abdullah Gurullah
Published: June 2021

Mosquitoes are a vector of dangerous diseases that kill millions of people annually. The traditional methods of control depend on the use of pesticides, which leads to the emergence of resistance against them over time, in addition to the pollution they leave in the environment and the targeting of beneficial organisms. Therefore, this study aimed to use extracts of natural products from Juniperus procera and Dodonaea viscosa plants in the control of mosquito larvae of Culex pipiens, as well as their applications in nanoparticle synthesis and effectiveness on mosquito larvae. These nanoparticles were determined and confirmed using multiple techniques, including UV–visible spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The IC50 values of the extracts plus silver nanoparticles were 20.871 and 105.166 ppm, a 5.03‐ and 2.17‐fold increase over the individual extracts, with IC50 values of 105.166 and 228.271 ppm, respectively. In addition, some morphological deformations were observed on the treated larvae through the stage of larval development into a pupa and the stage of emergence from a pupa into a complete insect.
Lichen planus – ein Klinikleitfaden
Authors: Solimani Farzan , Forchhammer Stephan , Schloegl Alexandra , Ghoreschi Kamran , Meier Katharina
Published: June 2021

Lichen planus (LP) ist eine chronisch lichenoide Erkrankung der Haut, der Schleimhäute und der Adnexe. Klassischerweise ist LP durch ein dichtes bandförmiges Infiltrat von T‐Zellen im oberen Teil der Dermis gekennzeichnet. Bisher wurden verschiedene Subtypen der Erkrankung beschrieben. Obwohl LP klinisch gut definiert ist, stellt die Erkrankung immer noch eine therapeutische Herausforderung dar. Insbesondere für LP‐Typen an Schleimhaut oder Kopfhaut, die oft rezidivieren und nicht auf Behandlungen ansprechenden, fehlen nach wie vor wirksame Therapien. LP bedingt eine sehr hohe psychosoziale Belastung bei den Betroffenen. Neue Erkenntnisse zur LP‐Pathogenese zeigen mögliche Angriffspunkte für Medikamente auf und ebnen so den Weg für künftige Therapien. In diesem klinischen Leitfaden fassen wir das aktuelle Wissen und die Therapiestandards zusammen und diskutieren die Zukunftsperspektive der Behandlung des LP.
Product Quality and International Price Dynamics over the Business Cycle
Authors: Arespa Marta , Gruber Diego
Published: June 2021

Two puzzling facts of international real business cycles are (1) weak or negative correlations between the terms of trade and output, and (2) a rise in relative consumption for countries where national goods become relatively more expensive. We show that these puzzles either vanish or become much weaker in recent data. We propose a new mechanism that generates endogenous international price movements that are consistent with both the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ facts. In this mechanism, firms operating in a monopolistically competitive environment adjust price and quality of their products in response to technological shocks. This model is consistent with the old facts if price levels are not adjusted for quality. Instead, if quality adjustments to price level are introduced, then the model’s properties are in line with the new facts.