bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel mtDNA Imparts the Connective Tissue Disorder of a Tourette Pedigree
Authors: Schaefer Patrick M. , Alves Leonardo Scherer , Lvova Maria , Huang Jessica , Rathi Komal , Janssen Kevin , Butic Arrienne , Yardeni Tal , Morrow Ryan , Lott Marie , Keller Kierstin , Garcia Benjamin A. , Francomano Clair A. , Wallace Douglas C.
Published: February 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with a range of clinical manifestations including neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorder. Here, we reanalyzed a family with an L-Histidine Decarboxylase (HDC) variant previously linked to Tourette syndrome but with associated connective tissue and metabolic features of unknown etiology. We identified a mitochondrial haplogroup J-defining mutation on the haplogroup H background that functionally interacts with the L-Histidine Decarboxylase variant via calcium homeostasis. Our findings establish how a common mtDNA variant on a different mtDNA background can result in mitochondrial dysfunction, demonstrate a role for histaminergic signaling in modifying mitochondrial phenotypes, and link mitochondria dysfunction to connective tissue phenotypes.
The BAF A12T mutation associated with premature aging impedes lamin A/C recruitment to sites of nuclear rupture, contributing to nuclear envelope fragility
Authors: Janssen A.F.J. , Marcelot A. , Breusegem S.Y. , Legrand P. , Zinn-Justin S. , Larrieu D.
Published: February 2022

The premature aging disorder Nestor Guillermo Progeria Syndrome (NGPS) is caused by a homozygous Alanine to Threonine mutation at position 12 (A12T) in Barrier-to- Autointegration Factor (BAF). BAF is a small essential protein that binds to DNA and nuclear envelope proteins. It contributes to important cellular processes including transcription regulation and nuclear envelope reformation after mitosis. More recently, BAF was identified as an important factor for nuclear envelope repair upon rupture in interphase. However, the mechanism by which the BAF A12T mutation causes NGPS has remained unclear. To investigate the effects of this mutation on nuclear envelope integrity, we used NGPS-derived patient cells and engineered an isogenic cell line by reversing the BAF A12T homozygous mutation using CRISPR/Cas9. Using a combination of cellular models, structural data and in vitro assays, we identified that the A12T mutation reduces the affinity of BAF for lamin A/C by tenfold. As a result, BAF A12T is unable to recruit lamin A/C to sites of nuclear envelope rupture. This leads to persistent lamin A/C gaps at sites of ruptures, and contributes to nuclear fragility in NGPS patient cells, which show increased frequency of nuclear envelope re- rupturing. Overexpression of wild-type BAF in a NGPS context rescues lamin A/C recruitment to sites of nuclear rupture, which could explain why the heterozygous A12T mutation does not cause premature aging.
Long-Term Culture of Patient-Derived Cardiac Organoids Recapitulated Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy and Disease Progression
Authors: Marini Vittoria , Marino Fabiola , Aliberti Flaminia , Giarratana Nefele , Pozzo Enrico , Duelen Robin , Calabuig Álvaro Cortés , Larovere Rita , Vervliet Tim , Torella Daniele , Bultynck Geert , Sampaolesi Maurilio , Chai Yoke Chin
Published: February 2022

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked neuromuscular disease which to-date incurable. The major cause of death is dilated cardiomyopathy, however the pathogenesis is unclear as existing cellular and animal models do not fully recapitulate the human disease phenotypes. In this study, we generated cardiac organoids from patient-derived pluripotent stem cells (DMD-CO) and isogenic-corrected controls (DMD-Iso-CO) and studied if DMD-related cardiomyopathy and disease progression occur in the organoids upon long-term culture (up to 93 days). Histological analysis showed that DMD-CO lacks initial proliferative capacity, displayed a progressive loss of α-sarcoglycan localization and high stress in endoplasmic reticulum. Additionally, the cardiomyocyte deteriorated over time, and fibrosis and adipogenesis were observed in DMD-CO. RNA sequencing analysis confirmed a distinct transcriptomic profile in DMD-CO which were associated with functional enrichment in hypertrophy/dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, adipogenesis and fibrosis pathways. Moreover, five miRNAs were identified to be crucial in this dysregulated gene network. In conclusion, we generated patient-derived cardiac organoid model that displayed DMD-related cardiomyopathy and disease progression phenotypes in long-term culture. We envision the feasibility to develop a more complex, realistic and reliable in vitro 3D human cardiac-mimics to study DMD-related cardiomyopathies.
Event-related causality in Stereo-EEG discriminates syntactic processing of noun phrases and verb phrases
Authors: Cometa Andrea , D’Orio Piergiorgio , Revay Martina , Bottoni Franco , Repetto Claudia , Lo Russo Giorgio , Cappa Stefano F. , Moro Andrea , Micera Silvestro , Artoni Fiorenzo
Published: February 2022

Syntax involves complex neurobiological mechanisms, which are difficult to disentangle for multiple reasons. Using a protocol able to separate syntactic information from sound information we investigated the neural causal connections evoked by the processing of homophonous phrases, either verb phrases (VP) or noun phrases (NP). We used event-related causality (ERC) from stereo-electroencephalographic (SEEG) recordings in 10 epileptic patients in multiple cortical areas, including language areas and their homologous in the non-dominant hemisphere. We identified the different networks involved in the processing of these syntactic operations (faster in the dominant hemisphere) showing that VPs engage a wider cortical network. We also present a proof-of-concept for the decoding of the syntactic category of a perceived phrase based on causality measures. Our findings help unravel the neural correlates of syntactic elaboration and show how a decoding based on multiple cortical areas could contribute to the development of speech prostheses for speech impairment mitigation.
Effect of Ionic Strength on the Assembly of Simian Vacuolating Virus Capsid Protein Around Poly(Styrene Sulfonate)
Authors: Asor Roi , Singaram Surendra W. , Levi-Kalisman Yael , Hagan Michael F. , Raviv Uri
Published: February 2022

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are noninfectious nanocapsules that can be used for drug delivery or vaccine applications. VLPs can be assembled from virus capsid proteins around a condensing agent like RNA, DNA, or a charged polymer. Electrostatic interactions play an important role in the assembly reaction. VLPs assemble from many copies of capsid protein, with combinatorial intermediates, and therefore the mechanism of the reaction is poorly understood. In this paper, we determined the effect of ionic strength on the assembly of Simian Vacuolating Virus 40 (SV40)-like particles. We mixed poly(styrene sulfonate) with SV40 capsid protein pentamers at different ionic strengths. We then characterized the assembly product by solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryo-TEM. To analyze the data, we performed Brownian dynamics simulations using a coarse-grained model that revealed incomplete, asymmetric VLP structures that were consistent with the experimental data. We found that close to physiological ionic strength, T=1 VLPs coexisted with VP1 pentamers. At lower or higher ionic strengths, incomplete particles coexisted with pentamers and T=1 particles. Including the simulation, structures were essential to explaining the SAXS data.
T Cell Deficiency Precipitates Antibody Evasion and Emergence of Neurovirulent Polyomavirus
Authors: Lauver Matthew D. , Jin Ge , Ayers Katelyn N. , Carey Sarah N. , Specht Charles S. , Abendroth Catherine S. , Lukacher Aron E.
Published: February 2022

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) causes Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a life-threatening brain disease in T cell immunosuppressed patients. PML patients often carry mutations in the JCPyV VP1 capsid protein. These mutations confer resistance to neutralizing VP1 antibodies (Ab). We found that T cell insufficiency during persistent infection, in the setting of monospecific VP1 Ab, was required for outgrowth of VP1 Ab-escape viral variants. CD4 T cells were primarily responsible for preventing resurgent virus infection in the kidney and checking emergence of these mutant viruses. T cells also provided a second line of defense against Ab-escape VP1 mutant viruses. A virus with two capsid mutations, one conferring Ab-escape yet impaired infectivity and a second compensatory mutation, yielded a highly neurovirulent variant. These findings link T cell deficiency and evolution of Ab-escape polyomavirus VP1 variants with neuropathogenicity.
Role of Delta-Notch signalling molecules on cell-cell adhesion in determining heterogeneous chemical and cell morphological patterning
Authors: Bajpai Supriya , Chelakkot Raghunath , Ranganathan Prabhakar , Inamdar Mandar M.
Published: February 2022

Cell mechanics and motility are responsible for collective motion of cells that result in overall deformation of epithelial tissues. On the other hand, contact-dependent cell-cell signalling is responsible for generating a large variety of intricate, self-organized, spatial patterns of the signalling molecules. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly clear that the combined mechanochemical patterns of cell shape/size and signalling molecules in the tissues, for example, in cancerous and sensory epithelium, are governed by mechanochemical coupling between chemical signalling and cell mechanics. However, a clear quantitative picture of how these two aspects of tissue dynamics, i.e., signalling and mechanics, lead to pattern and form is still emerging. Although, a number of recent experiments demonstrate that cell mechanics, cell motility, and cell-cell signalling are tightly coupled in many morphogenetic processes, relatively few modeling efforts have focused on an integrated approach. We extend the vertex model of an epithelial monolayer to account for contact-dependent signalling between adjacent cells and between non-adjacent neighbors through long protrusional contacts with a feedback mechanism wherein the adhesive strength between adjacent cells is controlled by the expression of the signalling molecules in those cells. Local changes in cell-cell adhesion lead to changes in cell shape and size, which in turn drives changes in the levels of signalling molecules. Our simulations show that even this elementary two-way coupling of chemical signalling and cell mechanics is capable of giving rise to a rich variety of mechanochemical patterns in epithelial tissues. In particular, under certain parametric conditions, bimodal distributions in cell size and shape are obtained, which resemble experimental observations in cancerous and sensory tissues.
Dissociable default-mode subnetworks subserve childhood attention and cognitive flexibility: evidence from deep learning and stereotaxic electroencephalography
Authors: Warsi Nebras M. , Wong Simeon M. , Germann Jürgen , Boutet Alexandre , Arski Olivia N. , Anderson Ryan , Erdman Lauren , Yan Han , Suresh Hrishikesh , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Loh Aaron , Elias Gavin J. B. , Kerr Elizabeth , Smith Mary Lou , Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi , Sharma Roy , Jain Puneet , Donner Elizabeth , Lozano Andres M. , Snead O. Carter , Ibrahim George M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Cognitive flexibility encompasses the ability to efficiently shift focus and forms a critical component of goal-directed attention. The neural substrates of this process are incompletely understood in part due to difficulties in sampling the involved circuitry.

Methods

Stereotactic intracranial recordings that permit direct resolution of local-field potentials from otherwise inaccessible structures were employed to study moment-to-moment attentional activity in children with epilepsy during the performance of an attentional set-shifting task. A combined deep learning and model-agnostic feature explanation approach was used to analyze these data and decode attentionally-relevant neural features. Connectomic profiling of highly predictive attentional nodes was further employed to examine task-related engagement of large-scale functional networks.

Results

Through this approach, we show that beta/gamma power within executive control, salience, and default mode networks accurately predicts single-trial attentional performance. Connectomic profiling reveals that key attentional nodes exclusively recruit dorsal default mode subsystems during attentional shifts.

Conclusions

The identification of distinct substreams within the default mode system supports a key role for this network in cognitive flexibility and attention in children. Furthermore, convergence of our results onto consistent functional networks despite significant inter-subject variability in electrode implantations supports a broader role for deep learning applied to intracranial electrodes in the study of human attention.

Funding

No funds supported this specific investigation. Awards and grants supporting authors include: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Vanier Scholarship (NMW, HY); CIHR Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship Doctoral Award (SMW); CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s Award (ONA); and a CIHR project grant (GMI).
Stable iPSC-derived NKX2-1+ Lung Bud Tip Progenitor Organoids Give Rise to Airway and Alveolar Cell Types
Authors: Hein Renee F.C. , Conchola Ansley S. , Fine Alexis , Xiao Zhiwei , Frum Tristan , Childs Charlie J. , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Holloway Emily M. , Huang Sha , Mahoney John , Spence Jason R.
Published: February 2022

Bud tip progenitors (BTPs) in the developing lung give rise to all epithelial cell types found in the airways and alveoli. The current work aimed to develop an iPSC organoid model enriched with stable NKX2-1+ BTP-like cells. Building on prior work, we optimized a directed differentiation paradigm to generate spheroids with robust NKX2-1 expression. Spheroids were expanded into organoids that possessed NKX2-1+/CPM+ BTP-like cells, which increased in number over time. Single cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed a high degree of transcriptional similarity between induced BTPs (iBTPs) and in vivo BTPs. Using FACS, iBTPs can be purified and expanded as induced bud tip organoids (iBTO), which maintain an enriched population of bud tip progenitors. When iBTOs are directed to differentiate into airway or alveolar cell types using well-established methods, they give rise to organoids composed of organized airway or alveolar epithelium, respectively. Collectively, iBTOs are transcriptionally and functionally similar to in vivo BTPs, providing an important model to study human lung development and differentiation.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

iPSC-derived lung bud tip progenitors emerge in organoid culture, can be isolated and expanded, are transcriptionally similar to primary bud tip progenitors, and can differentiate into airway or alveolar organoids.
Development and optimization of a Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)-mediated gene editing system to improve Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance in wheat
Authors: Chen Hui , Su Zhenqi , Tian Bin , Liu Yang , Pang Yuhui , Kavetskyi Volodymyr , Trick Harold N. , Bai Guihua
Published: February 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease in wheat that causes million dollars of wheat yield losses annually in the U.S.A. Recently we demonstrated that wheat carry FHB susceptible genes and knocking out the susceptible gene increased FHB resistance, which suggests that manipulating susceptible genes using gene editing may open a new avenue to create new sources of FHB resistance. However, wheat genome editing uses gene transformation to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 and gRNA into plants, and most wheat genotypes are not suitable for transformation due to low rates of callus induction and regeneration, therefore it cannot be used in practical wheat breeding. In this study, we developed a new Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)-mediated gRNA delivery system that does not need the gene transformation and tissue culture and it can be used in any genotypes for gene function validation and editing. We used this system edited the susceptible allele of Fhb1, a major FHB resistance gene. We demonstrated that the edited trait is heritable in different genetic backgrounds and knocking out Fhb1 susceptible allele improved FHB resistance in wheat. We also modified system to improve editing efficiency by using floral dip agroinfiltration and adding RNA mobility sequences to the gRNA in the viral vectors. We believe this work will facilitate wheat FHB resistance research and gene editing in cereal crops and will benefit cereal crop researchers and breeders worldwide.
A Combined Human Gastruloid Model of Cardiogenesis and Neurogenesis
Authors: Olmsted Zachary T. , Paluh Janet L.
Published: February 2022

Multi-lineage development from gastruloids is enabling unprecedented opportunities to model and study human embryonic processes and is expected to accelerate ex vivo strategies in organ development. Reproducing human cardiogenesis with neurogenesis in a multi-lineage context remains challenging, requiring spatiotemporal input of paracrine and mechanical cues. Here we extend elongating multi-lineage organized (EMLO) gastruloids to include cardiogenesis (EMLOC) and describe interconnected neuro-cardiac lineages in a single gastruloid model. Contractile EMLOCs recapitulate numerous interlinked developmental features including heart tube formation and specialization, cardiomyocyte differentiation and remodeling phases, epicardium, ventricular wall morphogenesis, chamber-like structures and formation of a putative outflow tract. The EMLOC cardiac region, which originates anterior to gut tube primordium, is progressively populated by neurons in a spatial pattern mirroring the known distribution of neurons in the innervated human heart. This human EMLOC model represents the first multi-lineage advancement for the study of coincident neurogenesis and cardiogenesis.
Generation of PRKN and PINK1-KO and double KO cell lines from healthy induced pluripotent stem cells using CRISPR/Cas9 editing
Authors: Chen Carol X.-Q. , You Zhipeng , Abdian Narges , Sirois Julien , Shlaifer Irina , Tabatabaei Mahdieh , Boivin Marie-Noëlle , Gaborieau Lydiane , Karamchandani Jason , Beitel Lenore K. , Fon Edward A. , Durcan Thomas M.
Published: February 2022

Autosomal recessive mutations in either PRKN or PINK1 are associated with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. The corresponding proteins, PRKN, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and the mitochondrial serine/threonine-protein kinase PINK1 play a role in mitochondrial quality control. Using CRISPR/CAS9 technology we generated three human iPSC lines from the well characterized AIW002-02 control line. These isogenic iPSCs contain homozygous knockouts of PRKN (PRKN-KO, CBIGi001-A-1), PINK1 (PINK1-KO, CBIGi001-A-2) or both PINK1 and PRKN (PINK1-KO/PRKN-KO, CBIGi001-A-3). The knockout lines display normal karyotypes, express pluripotency markers and upon differentiation into relevant brain cells or midbrain organoids may be valuable tools to model Parkinson’s disease.
Active site mutations in the bacterial actin homolog FtsA impair direct interactions with the divisome in Escherichia coli
Authors: Morrison Josiah J. , Ferreira Colby N. , Siler Evelyn M. , Nelson Katie , Trebino Catherine E. , Piraino Benjamin , Camberg Jodi L.
Published: February 2022

During cell division in Escherichia coli, the highly conserved tubulin homolog FtsZ polymerizes and assembles into a ring-like structure, called the Z-ring, at the site of septation early in the division pathway. For recruitment to the membrane surface, FtsZ polymers directly interact with membrane-associated proteins. In E. coli, membrane recruitment and tethering of FtsZ are predominantly carried out by FtsA. FtsA shares structural homology with actin and, like actin, hydrolyzes ATP. Yeast actin detects nucleotide occupancy through a sensor region adjacent to the nucleotide binding site and adopts distinct conformations in monomeric and filamentous actin. Accordingly, bacterial actin homologs also display considerable conformational flexibility across different nucleotide-bound states and adopt a polymerized conformation. Here, we show that a cluster of amino acid residues in the central region of FtsA and proximal to the nucleotide binding site are critical for FtsA function in vitro and in vivo. Each of these residues are important for ATP hydrolysis, phospholipid (PL) binding, ATP-dependent vesicle remodeling, and recruitment to the divisome in vivo, to varying degrees. Notably, we observed that Ser 84 and Glu 14 are essential for ATP-dependent vesicle remodeling and magnesium-dependent membrane release of FtsA from vesicles in vitro, and these defects likely underlie the loss of function by FtsA(E14R) and FtsA(S84L) in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate that FtsA(A188V), which is associated with temperature-sensitive growth in vivo, is defective for rapid ATP hydrolysis and ATP-dependent remodeling of PL vesicles in vitro. Together, our results show that loss of nucleotide-dependent activities by FtsA, such as ATP hydrolysis, ATP-dependent PL vesicle remodeling, and membrane release, lead to failed Z-ring assembly and division defects in cells.
Schlieren imaging investigation on azimuthally varying shock net from four-lobed corrugated nozzle
Authors: K.G. Kriparaj , V. Paul Roy , P.S. Tide , N. Biju
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an experimental investigation on the shock cell structure of jets emanating from a four-lobed corrugated nozzle using Schlieren imaging technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The Schlieren images were captured for seven different nozzle pressure ratios (NPR = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) and compared with the shock cell structure of a round nozzle with an identical exit area. The variation in the length of the shock cell, width of boundary interaction between adjacent shock cells, maximum width of first shock cell, Mach disk position and diameter for different NPR was measured from the Schlieren images and analysed.

Findings

A three-layer shock net observed in the jet emanating from the four-lobed corrugated nozzle is a novel concept in the field of under-expanded jet flows. A shock net represents interconnected layers of shock cells developed because of the interaction between the core and peripheral shock waves in a jet emanating from a corrugated lobed nozzle. Also, the pattern of shock net is different while taking Schlieren images across the groove and lobe sections. Thus, the shock net emerging from a corrugated lobed nozzle varies azimuthally and primarily depends on the nozzle exit cross section. The length of the shock cell, width of boundary interaction between adjacent shock cells, maximum width of first cell, Mach disk position and diameter were found to exhibit increasing trend with NPR.

Originality/value

A novel concept of interconnected layers of shock waves defined as “shock net” developed from a single jet emanating from a four-lobed corrugated nozzle was observed.
Identifying the information behavior in competitive intelligence process: a paradigm model for medical sciences universities
Authors: Oraee Narges
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and design a paradigm model for universities' information acquisition behavior in competitive intelligence process.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling has been conducted in two stages. First, purposive sampling has been done among Iranian universities of medical sciences. Second, 20 university staff members were selected using the snowball method. The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The purpose of acquiring information in competitive intelligence process is to meet organizational and individual information needs in active and passive ways. The characteristics of information acquisition and how to acquire it are varied. Enablers include the information sources, individual, organizational characteristics and environmental pressures. Barriers are individual, organizational, environmental factors. The consequences of information acquisition are success, failure and partial success. Accordingly, a paradigm model of information behavior has been designed.

Originality/value

This is the first study to identify information behavior of universities in competitive intelligence process. In addition to why and how to acquire information, this study also looks at facilitators and barriers factors.
Relationship outcomes following a service failure: the role of agent likability
Authors: Radu Alexandru , Quach Sara , Thaichon Park , Surachartkumtonkun Jiraporn , Weaven Scott
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of likeability of service agents on perceived justice and reconciliation and retaliation as consequences of service failures, taking into consideration the conflict resolution styles that is showing empathy and issuing an apology.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to 630 residents in the United States. The participants were US residents, had experienced a service failure in the prior six months and had complained either in person or by phone call.

Findings

It was found that likeability had a positive effect on both reconciliation and retaliation. Given the likeability of the service agent, interactional justice mitigated retaliation, whereas distributive justice enhanced reconciliation. Furthermore, when a service agent displays a high level of empathy and apology, the positive effect of likeability on distributive justice is intensified.

Originality/value

This study extends the current knowledge concerning the effects of likeability in service recovery by offering a comprehensive framework and practical implications for managers to restore business relationships following a service failure.
Contested identities, contested building: planning for a glocal future
Authors: Shelby Jennifer , Lindsay Georgia , Derr Claire
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Iconic buildings, especially museums, are often enrolled in creating an identity for cities, yet cities and museums have been sometimes uneasy partners in using architecture to shape city identity. This paper examines the negotiations of place identity amid the conflicting influences of global design trends and local cultural nostalgia through the case of a single development in Aspen, Colorado.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, using discourse analysis and grounded theory methods, the authors analyzed interviews, planning documents and critical opinions in the press to reveal the ways in which complex identities and contradictory planning directives shape a single building in a hyper-glocal Western town.

Findings

This analysis presents a place with complex and at times conflicting identities: residents have intense local concerns in parallel with global allegiances. The Aspen Art Museum building by Shigeru Ban similarly reflects a complex and contradictory identity with its bold design which confronted notions of local identity expressed in the built environment. Despite engaged citizenry and carefully crafted planning directives, the resulting design did not reflect locally produced culture but instead revealed the influence of international capital in the urban fabric.

Originality/value

This study examines the tension between hyper-local concerns and international status enacted on a single site in a small yet metropolitan place in the American West offering insights regarding the emplacement of buildings and the subsequent impacts on a place. As cities and institutions move beyond placeless iconic architecture, architecture and urban planning practice will need to adapt to the new paradigm where buildings can be at once global yet also local, drawing on innovative design practices and local culture in the construction of place.
Enhancing mechanical and antibacterial performances of organic cotton materials with greenly synthesized colored silver nanoparticles
Authors: Hasan K. M. Faridul , Wang Haona , Mahmud Sakil , Islam Ashraful , Habib Md. Ahsan , Genyang Cao
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Functionalization of organic cotton fabrics (OCFs) by in situ deposition of chitosan reduced-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). No other toxic chemicals used to warrant an ecofriendly synthesis protocol. Human toxicity of silver systematically avoided to use as textile clothing. Primary colors (nearly-red, yellow and blue) were imparted on OCFs via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of AgNPs. Decent mechanical properties and laundering durability in terms of antibacterial/fastness test improved mechanical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized by using silver nitrate along with commercially available chitosan. Due to the surface LSPR property of silver nanoparticles, it exhibits versatile colors depending on the synthesizing procedures. The coloration occurs due to the electrostatic interaction between the AgNPs and chitosan-treated OCF. The nanotreated fabrics provide excellent mechanical properties with improved antibacterial effects.

Findings

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis quantifies the developed materials in the substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization indicates the appearance and morphologies of silver nanoparticles into the fabric surface after the coloration process. It proves that the treated cotton knit fabric exhibits the LSPR optical features of AgNPs. The antibacterial and mechanical properties confirm the improved functionality of products.

Originality/value

Improved mechanical properties, antibacterial performances and coloration effects on organic cotton substrates in terms of chitosan-mediated nanosilver are not yet studied.
Empowering leadership and behavioural support for change: the moderating role of a diverse climate
Authors: Sukoco Badri Munir , Choirunnisa Zuyyinna , Mudzakkir Mohammad Fakhruddin , Susanto Ely , Nasution Reza Ashari , Widianto Sunu , Fauzi Anas Miftah , Wu Wann-Yih
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Members' behaviour to support change is a critical factor in organisational change. Building on social cognitive theory, this research investigates how empowering leadership (EL) contributes to behavioural support for change in higher education. The paper argues that the relationship between EL and behavioural support for change is moderated by diversity climate.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, 107 colleges from the highest-ranking 11 universities in Indonesia, consisting of 1,634 faculties, participated in this study.

Findings

Members would experience higher support for change with EL. Furthermore, the positive relationship between EL and behavioural support for change was stronger in members who perceived a more diverse climate.

Originality/value

This study empirically tested how behaviour to support change was determined by leaders' empowering behaviour based on social cognitive theory in a high-power distance culture. In terms of its methodological contributions, this study used a multi-level analysis in order to test EL. Finally, the research on behavioural support for change has been expanded upon through a unit-level analysis.
The implementation of teacher coaching across eight New Zealand schools in a Kāhui Ako/Community of learning: a multiple case study
Authors: Bennett Paul Nathan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore how teacher coaching was implemented across eight schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A subjectivist epistemological position was adopted as the most appropriate for this study, and a qualitative approach to methodology, data collection and analysis was used within an evaluative multiple case study framework in order to investigate three research questions.

Findings

The findings indicate coaching has the potential to provide schools with a professional learning approach that allows staff to explore a wide variety of challenges of practice. However, inconsistencies in perceptions, staffing and coach development mean positive outcomes for students may not be guaranteed.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that it provides a snapshot of teacher coaching in relation to a specific group of schools in a constantly changing New Zealand context.

Practical implications

School leaders implementing teacher coaching programmes are encouraged to consider how they will evaluate whether their programmes are changing teachers’ practice and improving outcome for students. School leaders should also plan how to manage changes in personnel.

Social implications

The findings show the concept of teacher coaching is a social construct influenced by the unique environmental context and individual perceptions of those involved, leading to variations in its application.

Originality/value

This study provides new knowledge in relation to the challenges that can be experienced when implementing teacher coaching across a community of schools.
Last mile practices in e-commerce: framework development and empirical analysis of Swedish firms
Authors: Risberg Andreas , Jafari Hamid
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In light of the recent dynamics, this paper aims to explore the last mile (LM) of e-commerce retailers. Two research questions are developed (1) What firm characteristics are critical in LM practices? and (2) How do LM practices differ based on the identified critical firm characteristics?

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via 10 interviews with e-commerce executives, as well as a survey on 200 e-commerce firms in different retail sectors in Sweden.

Findings

“Firm Size” and “Sales Channel-Mix” appear to be the top critical firm characteristics in LM practices. While last mile delivery (LMDe) was found to vary more based on sales channel mix than firm size, the opposite occurs for last mile back-end fulfilment (LMBF). Moreover, last mile consumer steering (LMCS) was found to vary only with sales channel-mix. Unexpectedly, primarily store-based retailers capitalize on their stores while offering competitive remote services; they hence compete indirectly with their existing store network.

Originality/value

While most prior work has focused on LMBF and LMDe for strategizing, the consumer-steering aspect seems to have been a missing link. This study develops an integrated framework for LM strategy planning, incorporating LMCS, LMBF and LMDe. New aspects such as the environment, specialization and inventory management are included. The findings provide insights for executives when strategizing, undertaking competition analysis and positioning the firm.
Documenting cultural heritage in an INSPIRE-based 3D GIS for risk and vulnerability analysis
Authors: Colucci Elisabetta , Matrone Francesca , Noardo Francesca , Assumma Vanessa , Datola Giulia , Appiotti Federica , Bottero Marta , Chiabrando Filiberto , Lombardi Patrizia , Migliorini Massimo , Rinaldi Enrico , Spanò Antonia , Lingua Andrea
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study, within the Increasing Resilience of Cultural Heritage (ResCult) project, aims to support civil protection to prevent, lessen and mitigate disasters impacts on cultural heritage using a unique standardised-3D geographical information system (GIS), including both heritage and risk and hazard information.

Design/methodology/approach

A top-down approach, starting from existing standards (an INSPIRE extension integrated with other parts from the standardised and shared structure), was completed with a bottom-up integration according to current requirements for disaster prevention procedures and risk analyses. The results were validated and tested in case studies (differentiated concerning the hazard and type of protected heritage) and refined during user forums.

Findings

Besides the ensuing reusable database structure, the filling with case studies data underlined the tough challenges and allowed proposing a sample of workflows and possible guidelines. The interfaces are provided to use the obtained knowledge base.

Originality/value

The increasing number of natural disasters could severely damage the cultural heritage, causing permanent damage to movable and immovable assets and tangible and intangible heritage. The study provides an original tool properly relating the (spatial) information regarding cultural heritage and the risk factors in a unique archive as a standard-based European tool to cope with these frequent losses, preventing risk.
Forest conservation by the indigenous Baduy community in the form of customary law
Authors: Asteria Donna , Alvernia Putri , Kholila Berliana Nur , Husein Sabarina Isma , Asrofani Farha Widya
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The Baduy tribe has its own uniqueness and values regarding the forest; it manages the forest using customary law to keep it sustainable. This research aims to describe the position of customary law used by the Baduy tribe to conserve forest areas.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a qualitative research conducted in September 2019 and 2020 at Baduy. The data were collected through a literature study and in-depth interviews with informants related to the Baduy tribe. The collected data included documentation and interview transcripts that were translated into English. Data analysis was conducted in a descriptive manner, equipped with related evidence.

Findings

The Baduy community holds firm to its customs and culture called pikukuh. The Baduy community applies the concept of sustainable forest management in that local communities are directly involved in forest management activities to improve welfare and implement sustainable forests.

Practical implications

The implication of this research is that it is beneficial for forest conservation based on customary law, using the conservation approach of the Baduy tribe as a local community in protecting the sustainability of forest resources and their sustainability for the next generation. This study contributes as a guide for the government to formulate policies that will include local communities into conservation programs and government policies. It may apply to a study of coordination with related institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in implementing forest conservation.

Originality/value

This study uses primary data from the Baduy tribe, which has unique local traditional values regarding the territory and the important role of the forest. The originality of the findings from the excavation of each activity was based on the procedures and beliefs regulated in customary law regarding forest management. Preservation of traditional knowledge in customary law has contributed to the urgency of sustainable forest conservation and biodiversity conservation, which is part of the traditional knowledge of the Baduy tribe.
Occupational health and safety orientation in the oil and gas industry of Ghana: analysis of knowledge and attitudinal influences on compliance
Authors: Quaigrain Rhoda Ansah , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Edwards David John , Hammond Mavis , Hammond Mabel , Martek Igor
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Occupational safety issues among employees remains a contemporary and omnipresent concern. In developing countries, safety-related problems are amplified, resulting in higher incidences of serious accidents and occupational diseases. This study aims to evaluate employees’ knowledge and attitudes toward occupational health and safety, and how these influence overall occupational health and safety compliance. Ghana’s oil and gas industry provides the contextual backdrop for this research, given it is characterized by high rates of injury.

Design/methodology/approach

A positivist and deductive research strategy was used to quantitatively analyze both primary and secondary data sources. A structured survey was administered to industry employees, and multiple linear regression was used to establish the effects of employee’s knowledge and attitude toward occupational health hazards on overall health and safety compliance.

Findings

The findings indicate that most employees had both a high level of knowledge and positive attitude toward mitigating occupational health hazards. Moreover, the study reveals that most employees complied with occupational health safety practices. However, the study also reveals that the effect of employees’ knowledge and attitude toward occupational health hazards does not translate into deployment of comprehensive safety practices. Interestingly, female employees were found to be more knowledgeable and compliant with occupational health and safety practices than their male counterparts.

Practical implications

Premised upon the findings, the study recommends: implementation of relevant education and training programs encompassing the proper usage of machinery and equipment, tailored hazard safety training appropriate to specific employee job requirements, effective dissemination of risk information and governance initiatives that enforce strict adherence to correct safety procedures.

Originality/value

The study uniquely examines the influence of employee’s knowledge of health and safety to overall compliance within the oil and gas industry. Cumulatively, the study’s findings and recommendations contribute to improving the occupational health and safety outcomes within the industry.
Green supply chain management for operational performance: anteceding impact of corporate social responsibility and moderating effects of relational capital
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Yu Yubing , Wu Ye , Zhang Justin Zuopeng , Liu Yulong , Cao Yanhong , Eachempati Prajwal
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to study the relationship between corporate social responsibility, green supply chain management, and operational performance and the moderating effects of relational capital on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct an empirical study with a structural equation modeling approach to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility—constructed by the quality and environmental responsibility, green supply chain management—including green supplier and customer management and operational performance—manifested by quality, cost, flexibility, and delivery performance using data from 308 manufacturers in China. Besides, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier and customer relational capital on these relationships.

Findings

The findings indicate that a company's quality and environmental responsibility significantly impacts its green supply chain management practices, which further improve its operational performance in quality, cost, flexibility, and delivery. In addition, supplier and customer relational capital strengthens the influence of environmental responsibility on green supply chain management. While supplier relational capital reinforces the impact of green supplier management on flexibility and delivery performance, customer relational capital only strengthens the influence of green customer management on flexibility performance.

Originality/value

The study enriches the extant literature by developing a holistic framework integrating corporate social responsibility, green supply chain management, relational capital, and operational performance and unraveling their intricate relationships. The authors’ findings help practitioners prioritize proactive steps in environmental conservation more than achieving operational performance.
Impact of analyst report on the behavior of retail investors: a study during COVID-19 in India
Authors: Chakraborty Bijitaswa , Chatterjee Manali , Bhattacharjee Titas
Published: February 2022

Purpose

One of the adverse effects of COVID-19 is on poor economic and financial performance. Such economic underperformance, less demand from the consumer side and supply chain disruption is leading to stock market volatility. In such a backdrop, this paper aims to find the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian stock market by analyzing the analyst’s report.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes a cross-sectional data set on selected Indian firms that are indexed in BSE 100. The authors calculate the score of disclosure tone by using a textual analysis tool based on the analyst report of selected BSE 100 firms' approach in tackling COVID-19’s impact. The relationship between the tone of the analyst report and stock market performance is examined. This empirical model also survives robustness analysis to establish the consistency of the findings. This study uses both frequentist statistics and Bayesian statistics approach.

Findings

The empirical result shows that tone has negative and significant influence on stock market performance. This study indicates that either analysts are not providing value-relevant and incremental information, which can reduce the stock market volatility during this pandemic situation or investors are not able to recognize the optimism of the information.

Practical implications

This study provides an interesting insight regarding retail investors' stock purchasing behavior during the crisis period. Hence, this study also lays out crucial managerial implications that can be followed by preparers while preparing corporate disclosure.

Originality/value

In the concern on pandemic and its impact on the stock market, this study sheds light on investors' preferences during the crisis period. This study uniquely focuses on analyst reports and investors' preference which has not been studied widely. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the Indian context, which aims to understand retail investors’ investment preferences during a pandemic.
The abuse of hawala banking for terrorist financing in German-speaking countries
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Wittmann Chiara
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to determine how terrorist financiers have continued to exploit hawala banking in German-speaking countries, despite regulations in place to prohibit this.

Design/methodology/approach

The first author interviewed compliance officers and suspected criminals on hawala banking mechanisms. Formal interviews with compliance officers were recorded, but interviews with suspected criminals were not, to maximize their potential forthrightness. The number of interviews totaled to 70 and a questionnaire was based on this that was sent to 200 compliance officers. The interviews were analyzed with a qualitative analysis and developed a system of categories that, in turn, was assessed by means of triangulation. These interviews enabled the first author to translate the empirical findings into his own recommendations for improving regulatory procedures prohibiting the financing of terrorism.

Findings

The paper finds that it is possible to circumvent compliance measures and exploit hawala banking to finance terrorism. Compliance officers consider the chances of detecting terrorist financing to be “low,” which is illustrated by mapping out the individual steps of the asset transfer. The conducted interviews enabled the first author to translate the empirical findings into his own recommendations for improving regulatory procedures prohibiting the financing of terrorism.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of application of results was duly considered.

Originality/value

Whilst the existing literature sufficiently connects hawala banking to terrorist financing, this article details how existing compliance measures are circumvented. Emergent policies must consider the current vulnerabilities to improve their effectiveness.