bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B1L regulates lateral root development by exocytic vesicular trafficking-mediated polar auxin transport in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Gang , Chen Bi-xia , Chen Tao , Chen Jia-hui , Sun Rui , Liu Cong-cong , Jia Jiao , Yue Xiu-le , An Li-zhe , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2021

Auxin and auxin-mediated signaling pathways involved in the regulation of lateral root development are well documented. Although exocytic vesicle trafficking plays an important role in auxin efflux carriers PIN recycling, and polar auxin transport during lateral root formation, however, the mechanistic details of these processes are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that BYPASS1-LIKE (B1L) regulate lateral root development via exocytic vesicular trafficking-mediated polar auxin transport in Arabidopsis. In b1l mutants, the number of lateral roots increased significantly, and the phenotypes were mainly attributed to lateral root primordium initiation but not to the defects in lateral root primordium development. Furthermore, the auxin signal was stronger in the lateral root primordium of the b1l mutant at stage I than those observed in the wild-type (WT). Moreover, exogenous auxin and auxin transport inhibitory treatments indicated that the phenotype of lateral roots in b1l mutants can be attributed to higher auxin levels and that B1L regulates auxin efflux. Consistently, auxin efflux carriers PIN1-GFP and PIN3-GFP were expressed at higher levels in the lateral root primordium of the b1l mutants. Interestingly, we found that B1L interacted with the exocyst and b1l mutant showed a defect in PIN2 exocytosis. Finally, we found that B1L cooperated with EXO70B1 to regulate lateral root formation. Our findings reveal an essential regulatory mechanism of B1L that interacts with the exocyst to regulate PIN-mediated polar auxin transport and lateral root initiation.
Droplets of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated p62/SQSTM1 mutants show slower inner fluidity
Authors: Omar Faruk Mohammad , Ichimura Yoshinobu , Kageyama Shun , El-Gowily Afnan H. , Sou Yu-shin , Koike Masato , Noda Nobuo N , Komatsu Masaaki
Published: June 2021

A series of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related proteins such as FUS, TDP-43 and hnRNPA1 has an ability to be liquid-liquid phase separation, and their disease-related mutations cause the transition of their responsible liquid droplets to aggregates. Missense mutations in SQSTM1/p62, which have been identified throughout the gene, are associated with ALS, frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and Paget’s disease of bone. SQSTM1/p62 protein forms liquid-droplets through the interaction with ubiquitinated proteins, and the droplet serves as a platform of autophagosome formation and anti-oxidative stress response via the LC3-interacting region (LIR) and Keap1-interacting region (KIR), respectively. However, it remains unclear whether ALS/FTD-related p62 mutations in LIR and KIR form aberrant liquid droplets, cause defective autophagy and stress response or both. To evaluate the effects of ALS/FTD-related p62 mutations in LIR and KIR on a major oxidative stress system, the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and the autophagic turnover, we developed systems that enable to monitor them with high sensitivity. These systems revealed that some mutants but not all have their less abilities on the Nrf2-activation and show the delayed turnover. By contrast, while the sufficient ability to form liquid droplets, all droplets consisting of p62 mutants showed slower inner fluidity. These results indicate that like other ALS-related mutant proteins, a primary defect in ALS/FTD with p62 missense mutations is a qualitative change of p62-liquid droplets.
FXa cleaves the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and blocks cell entry to protect against infection with inferior effects in B.1.1.7 variant
Authors: Dong Wenjuan , Wang Jing , Tian Lei , Zhang Jianying , Mead Heather , Jaramillo Sierra A. , Li Aimin , Zumwalt Ross E. , Whelan Sean P.J. , Settles Erik W. , Keim Paul S. , Barker Bridget Marie , Caligiuri Michael A. , Yu Jianhua
Published: June 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Human natural defense mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 are largely unknown. Serine proteases (SPs) including furin and TMPRSS2 cleave SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, facilitating viral entry. Here, we show that FXa, a SP for blood coagulation, is upregulated in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 donors and exerts anti-viral activity. Mechanistically, FXa cleaves the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which prevents its binding to ACE2, and thus blocks viral entry. Furthermore, the variant B.1.1.7 with several mutations is dramatically resistant to the anti-viral effect of FXa compared to wild-type SARA-CoV-2 in vivo and in vitro. The anti-coagulant rivaroxaban directly inhibits FXa and facilitates viral entry, whereas the indirect inhibitor fondaparinux does not. In a lethal humanized hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2, FXa prolonged survival while combination with rivaroxaban but not fondaparinux abrogated this protection. These preclinical results identify a previously unknown SP function and associated anti-viral host defense mechanism and suggest caution in considering direct inhibitors for prevention or treatment of thrombotic complications in COVID-19 patients.
A screen of covalent inhibitors in Mycobacterium tuberculosis identifies serine hydrolases involved in lipid metabolism as potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Babin Brett M. , Keller Laura J. , Pinto Yishay , Li Veronica L. , Eneim Andrew , Vance Summer E. , Terrell Stephanie M. , Bhatt Ami , Long Jonathan Z. , Bogyo Matthew
Published: June 2021

The increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections is a global health threat necessitating the development of new antibiotics. Serine hydrolases (SHs) are a promising class of targets because of their importance for the synthesis of the mycobacterial cell envelope. We screened a library of small molecules containing serine-reactive electrophiles and identified narrow spectrum inhibitors of M. tuberculous growth. Using these lead molecules, we performed competitive activity-based protein profiling and identified multiple SH targets, including enzymes with uncharacterized functions. Lipidomic analyses of compound-treated cultures revealed an accumulation of free lipids and a substantial decrease in lipooligosaccharides, linking SH inhibition to defects in cell envelope biogenesis. Mutant analysis revealed a path to resistance via the synthesis of mycocerates, but not through mutations to target enzymes. Our results suggest that simultaneous inhibition of multiple SH enzymes is likely to be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of M. tuberculosis infections.
Rat anterior cingulate cortex continuously signals decision variables in a patch foraging task
Authors: Kane Gary A , James Morgan H , Shenhav Amitai , Daw Nathaniel D , Cohen Jonathan D , Aston-Jones Gary
Published: June 2021

In patch foraging tasks, animals must decide whether to remain with a depleting resource or to leave it in search of a potentially better source of reward. In such tasks, animals consistently follow the general predictions of optimal foraging theory (the Marginal Value Theorem; MVT): to leave a patch when the reward rate in the current patch depletes to the average reward rate across patches. Prior studies implicate an important role for the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in foraging decisions based on MVT: within single trials, ACC activity increases immediately preceding foraging decisions, and across trials, these dynamics are modulated as the value of staying in the patch depletes to the average reward rate. Here, we test whether these activity patterns reflect dynamic encoding of decision-variables and whether these signals are directly involved in decision-making. We developed a leaky accumulator model based on the MVT that generates estimates of decision variables within and across trials, and tested model predictions against ACC activity recorded from rats performing a patch foraging task. Model predicted changes in MVT decision variables closely matched rat ACC activity. Next, we pharmacologically inactivated ACC to test the contribution of these signals to decision-making. ACC inactivation had a profound effect on rats foraging decisions and response times yet rats still followed the MVT decision rule. These findings suggest that the ACC encodes foraging-related variables for reasons unrelated to patch-leaving decisions.
Viral Evasion of the Integrated Stress Response Through Antagonistic eIF2-P Mimicry
Authors: Schoof Michael , Wang Lan , Zachery Cogan J , Lawrence Rosalie , Boone Morgane , Wuerth Jennifer Deborah , Frost Adam , Walter Peter
Published: June 2021

Viral infection triggers activation of the integrated stress response (ISR). In response to viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) phosphorylates the translation initiation factor eIF2, converting it from a translation initiator into a potent translation inhibitor and this restricts the synthesis of viral proteins. Phosphorylated eIF2 (eIF2-P) inhibits translation by binding to eIF2’s dedicated, heterodecameric nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B and conformationally inactivating it. We show that the NSs protein of Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) allows the virus to evade the ISR. Mechanistically, NSs tightly binds to eIF2B (KD= 43 nM), blocks eIF2-P binding, and rescues eIF2B GEF activity. Cryo-EM structures demonstrate that SFSV NSs and eIF2-P directly compete, with the primary NSs contacts to eIF2Bα mediated by five ‘aromatic fingers’. NSs binding preserves eIF2B activity by maintaining eIF2B’s conformation in its active A-State.
Peer presence and familiarity as key factors to reduce cocaine intake: an effect mediated by the Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Giorla E , Nordmann S , Vielle C , Pelloux Y , Roux P , Protopopescu C , Manrique C , Davranche K , Montanari C , Giorgi L , Vilotitch A , Huguet P , Carrieri P , Baunez C
Published: June 2021

Stimulant use, including cocaine, often occurs in a social context whose influence is important to understand to decrease intake and reduce associated harms. Given the regulatory role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) on cocaine intake and emotions, we investigate its role on such influence of social context on cocaine intake. We explored the influence of peer presence and familiarity on the frequency of self-administered cocaine and its neurobiological basis. We first compared cocaine intake in various conditions (alone or with peers with different characteristics: observing or self-administering, familiar or not, cocaine-naive or not, dominant or subordinate) in rats (n=90). The risk of drug consumption was reduced when a peer was present, observing or self-administering as well, and further diminished when the peer was unfamiliar (vs familiar). The presence of a cocaine-naive peer further decreased cocaine consumption. The presence of a non-familiar and drug-naive peer represents thus key conditions to diminish cocaine intake. We tested the effects of STN lesions in these various conditions and also conducted social experiments to validate the role of STN in social cognition. The STN lesion by itself reduced cocaine intake to the level reached in presence of a stranger naïve peer and affected social cognition, positioning the STN as one neurobiological substrate of social influence on drug intake. Finally, with a translational research approach, we compared the drug intake in these conditions in human drug users (n=77). This human study confirmed the beneficial effect of social presence, especially of strangers. Our results indirectly support the use of social interventions and harm reduction strategies, in particular supervised consumption rooms for stimulant users.
Seed microbiota revealed by a large-scale meta-analysis including 50 plant species
Authors: Simonin Marie , Briand Martial , Chesneau Guillaume , Rochefort Aude , Marais Coralie , Sarniguet Alain , Barret Matthieu
Published: June 2021

Seed microbiota constitutes a primary inoculum for plants that is gaining attention due to its role for plant health and productivity. Here, we performed a meta-analysis on 63 seed microbiota studies covering 50 plant species to synthesize knowledge on the diversity of this habitat. Seed microbiota are diverse and extremely variable, with taxa richness varying from one to thousands of taxa. Hence, seed microbiota presents a variable (i.e flexible) microbial fraction but we also identified a stable (i.e. core) fraction across samples. Around 30 bacterial and fungal taxa are present in most plant species and in samples from all over the world. Core taxa, such asPantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas viridiflava, P. fluorescens, Cladosporium perangustumandAlternaria sp., are dominant seed taxa. The characterization of the core and flexible seed microbiota provided here will help uncover seed microbiota roles for plant health and design effective microbiome engineering.
ER-lysosome lipid transfer protein VPS13C/PARK23 prevents aberrant mtDNA-dependent STING signaling
Authors: Hancock-Cerutti William , Wu Zheng , Tharkeshwar Arun , Ferguson Shawn M. , Shadel Gerald S. , De Camilli Pietro
Published: June 2021

Mutations in VPS13C cause early onset, autosomal recessive Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We have established that VPS13C encodes a lipid transfer protein localized to contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and late endosomes/lysosomes. In the current study, we demonstrate that depleting VPS13C in HeLa cells causes an accumulation of lysosomes with an altered lipid profile, including an accumulation of di-22:6-BMP, a biomarker of the PD-associated leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S mutation. In addition, the DNA-sensing cGAS/STING pathway, which was recently implicated in PD pathogenesis, is activated in these cells. This activation results from a combination of elevated mitochondrial DNA in the cytosol and a defect in the degradation of activated STING, a lysosome-dependent process. These results suggest a link between ER-lysosome lipid transfer and innate immune activation and place VPS13C in pathways relevant to PD pathogenesis.
Initial sizing of a roadable personal air vehicle using design of experiments for various engine types
Authors: Cha Jaeyoung , Yun Juyeol , Hwang Ho-Yon
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the performances of novel roadable personal air vehicle (PAV) concepts that meet established operational requirements with different types of engines.

Design/methodology/approach

The vehicle configuration was devised considering the dimensions and operational restrictions of the roads, runways and parking lots in South Korea. A folding wing design was adopted for road operations and parking. The propulsion designs considered herein use gasoline, diesel and hybrid architectures for longer-range missions. The sizing point of the roadable PAV that minimizes the wing area was selected, and the rate of climb, ground roll distance, cruise speed and service ceiling requirements were met. For various engine types and mission profiles, the performances of differently sized PAVs were compared with respect to the MTOW, wing area, wing span, thrust-to-weight ratio, wing loading, power-to-weight ratio, brake horsepower and fuel efficiency.

Findings

Unlike automobiles, the weight penalty of the hybrid system because of the additional electrical components reduced the fuel efficiency considerably. When the four engine types were compared, matching the total engine system weight, the internal combustion (IC) engine PAVs had better fuel efficiency rates than the hybrid powered PAVs. Finally, a gasoline-powered PAV configuration was selected as the final design because it had the lowest MTOW, despite its slightly worse fuel efficiency compared to that of the diesel-powered engine.

Research limitations/implications

Although an electric aircraft powered only by batteries most capitalizes on the operating cost, noise and emissions benefits of electric propulsion, it also is most hampered by range limitations. Air traffic integration or any safety, and noise issues were not accounted in this study.

Practical implications

Aircraft sizing is a critical aspect of a system-level study because it is a prerequisite for most design and analysis activities, including those related to the internal layout as well as cost and system effectiveness analyses. The results of this study can be implemented to design a PAV.

Social implications

This study can contribute to the establishment of innovative PAV concepts that can alleviate today’s transportation problems.

Originality/value

This study compared the sizing results of PAVs with hybrid engines with those having IC engines.
Adoption of rural bank credit programs among smallholder farmers in Ghana: an average treatment effect estimation of rates of exposure and adoption and their determinants
Authors: Missiame Arnold , Irungu Patrick , Nyikal Rose Adhiambo , Appiah-Kubi Grace Darko
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The study aims to estimate the rates of exposure to, and adoption of, rural bank credit programs by smallholder farmers in rural Ghana and the factors responsible for those rates.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a random sample of 300 smallholder farmers in the Fanteakwa District of Ghana, obtained through the multistage sampling technique. The study also employed the average treatment effects approach to estimate the average treatment effect of farmers’ exposure to rural bank credit programs, on their adoption of such programs.

Findings

The actual adoption rate is approximately 41%, and the potential, conditional on the whole population being aware of rural bank credit programs, is approximately 61%. Accordingly, there is a gap of about 20% in the adoption of rural bank credit programs, and is due to the incomplete exposure of smallholder farmers to the rural bank credit programs. Age of the household head, access to extension services, membership in farmer-based organizations and active savings accounts with a rural bank are the major contributors to smallholder farmer exposure to and the adoption of rural bank credit programs.

Originality/value

The current study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Ghana on rural bank credit programs. It takes into account the extent to which smallholder farmers are exposed to such credit programs and how it influences their decisions to access or adopt.
Re-structuring library resources and services in IIT Delhi library: analytical study from users' perspective
Authors: Kumar Rajender , Gupta Dinesh K.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess users' satisfaction from the re-structured library resources and services due to technological innovations in the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi library. It also identifies and suggests potential improvement areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a survey research method to collect data from the end-users of the library. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire. In total, 100 copies of questionnaires were distributed to the students, and out of the filled received questionnaires, 92 were found dully completed and useable. Collected data were analyzed by using percentage and chi-square test for testing of hypothesis.

Findings

This study shows that users' usage and preference for e-resources and e-services are increasing as there is a general trend to overlook traditional print resources where e-resources are available in the first place. The study recommends that a radical rethinking is required to strengthen the electronic collection and improve the library services.

Practical implications

The paper has a direct practical implication. It suggests that as technology continues to evolve, it is likely that academic institutes find themselves identifying appropriate areas to redesign library activities and services regularly. This paper reveals the practice of re-engineering in academic library services and knowing students' specific preferences of resources and services to enhance library usage.

Originality/value

The study is based on the self-designed structured questionnaire. Primary data has been collected from the IIT Delhi library users, thus providing original information and informative inputs to the existing literature.
Failure factors–a comparative study of private and government construction firms
Authors: Navandar Yogeshwar V. , Bari Chintaman , Gaikwad P. G.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to examine the failure factors for the construction firms in a developing nation. Furthermore, the comparison of failure factors for private and government firms are evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, comparison between private and government construction firms is done in the context of a construction firm failure. About 60 construction firms were selected in and around the Nashik region for the investigation, where a simple multi-attribute rating technique (SMART) is used for analysis purpose.

Findings

It is found that for private firms (private contractors and builders) lack of experience is the major factor for failure of the business as against lack of managerial experience is a critical factor in case of a government contractor.

Practical implications

The outcome of the present study will be used to guide the policymakers during the implementation of governmental and private projects in order to lessen the construction project failures.

Originality/value

Construction company failure is an important aspect in developing countries like India. The limited studies were available in literature which shows failure factors for government and private firms and distinguished them. Hence, the present study extends the construction company failure literature by focusing on government and private firms. Also, the study provides some theoretical guidelines for management to avoid construction company failure in India.
The effect of body acceleration on the dispersion of solute in a non-Newtonian blood flow through an artery
Authors: Saadun Nur Husnina , Jaafar Nurul Aini , Md Basir Md Faisal , Anqi Ali , Safaei Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve convective diffusion equation analytically by considering appropriate boundary conditions and using the Taylor-Aris method to determine the solute concentration, the effective and relative axial diffusivities.

Design/methodology/approach

>An analysis has been conducted on how body acceleration affects the dispersion of a solute in blood flow, which is known as a Bingham fluid, within an artery. To solve the system of differential equations analytically while validating the target boundary conditions, the blood velocity is obtained.

Findings

The blood velocity is impacted by the presence of body acceleration, as well as the yield stress associated with Casson fluid and as such, the process of dispersing the solute is distracted. It graphically illustrates how the blood velocity and the process of solute dispersion are affected by various factors, including the amplitude and lead angle of body acceleration, the yield stress, the gradient of pressure and the Peclet number.

Originality/value

It is witnessed that the blood velocity, the solute concentration and also the effective and relative axial diffusivities experience a drop when either of the amplitude, lead angle or the yield stress rises.
Users’ perception of cybersecurity, trust and cloud computing providers’ performance
Authors: Xu Hongjiang , Mahenthiran Sakthi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop a scale to measure the cloud provider’s performance and it investigates the factors that impact that performance from the users’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a research framework, develops hypotheses and conducts a survey to test the framework.

Findings

The results from both ordinary least square regression and structural equation modeling analyzes indicate that information technology complexity negatively and significantly affects users’ perception of the cloud computing providers’ performance. Additionally, the trust in the supervisor significantly enhances the otherwise insignificant positive relationship between providers’ cybersecurity capability and users’ perception of their providers’ performance.

Originality/value

The research makes important contributions to the cloud computing literature, as it measures users’ perception of the cloud computing provider’s performance and links it with cybersecurity, technical complexity and incorporates both the trust in the client firm’s supervisor and the strength of cybersecurity offered by cloud computing provider.
The development of effective new venture teams in venture creation programmes
Authors: Steira Iselin Mauseth , Steinmo Marianne
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how effective new venture teams are developed in venture creation programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a multiple case study focusing on the development of effective new venture teams. Semi-structured interviews with 15 new venture teams from two different venture creation programmes were conducted and an abductive analysis approach was used.

Findings

Three key phases of the development of an effective new venture team are identified: (1) establishing a foundation for collaboration, (2) structuring the teamwork and (3) adapting to changes. Key activities undertaken by effective new venture teams in each phase are explicated. The findings suggest that new venture teams that are able to establish a foundation for team collaboration and teamwork structuring have the capacity to persevere through the challenges inherent in emerging ventures.

Originality/value

This study offers a much-needed practical perspective about how effective new venture teams are developed in venture creation programmes, and how venture creation programme educators can facilitate the development of effective new venture teams. For educators, these findings provide important insights about team-based learning in entrepreneurship education.
Understanding volunteer commitment to a project: testing a conceptual model
Authors: Gilbert Guinevere , Turner Michelle , Holdsworth Sarah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In Australia, it is estimated that volunteers provide over $14.6 billion of unpaid labour to not-for-profit organisations. Much of the work that volunteers undertake is within a project context, yet the impact of a project and its environment on volunteer commitment is unknown. A conceptual model proposes three categories of factors that impact volunteer commitment to a project: purposeful, emotional and contextual. The purpose of this research is to empirically explore the conceptual model of volunteer commitment with volunteers working on projects in order to seek support for, and refine, the model.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was exploratory and Q methodology was used as a framework to collect and analyse data. Forty-one Australian volunteers engaged in project-based tasks participated in the study.

Findings

Refinement of the initial conceptual model of volunteer commitment is required. The three categories that influence volunteer commitment to a project should be labelled “my contribution”, “relationships” and “the project”. The revised model shows early evidence that the project itself is the main commitment building factor.

Originality/value

Whilst volunteer retention is not a new field of knowledge, research such as this further informs not-for-profit organisations in their volunteer recruitment and retention practices.
Examining risks and strategies for the spice processing supply chain in the context of an emerging economy
Authors: Silva Udukumburage Shalinda Kusal De , Paul Ananna , Hasan Kazi Wahadul , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Ali Syed Mithun , Chakrabortty Ripon Kumar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Managing supply chain risk is a crucial element in ensuring the long-term sustainability of any organization or industry. As such, identification of risks and deploying their mitigation strategies should be the focal point to sustain in the long run. The risks that are faced by food processing supply chains are gaining prominence, given more consumers requiring higher quality products while ensuring traceability. In essence, this research focuses on the supply chain risks and mitigation strategies in the spice industry of an emerging economy, Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper integrates two popular multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, such as the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to assess the supply chain risks and to derive their mitigation strategies for the spice industry.

Findings

Findings show that “inability to meet quality requirements” has been established as the most significant risk in the Sri Lankan spice industry. On the other hand, “vertical integration” (backward integration) has been discovered as the key mitigation strategy to ameliorate the effects of supply chain risks in this sector.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory, and more empirical data and statistical analyses are needed to further validate the outcomes of the study.

Originality/value

Despite being one of the largest trade exporters in Sri Lanka, the spice industry gets scant attention to the identification and mitigation of the risks. The authors explored the supply chain risks in the spice industry and then prioritized the suitable mitigation strategies using an integrated AHP-TOPSIS method.
Stratified ontology, institutional pluralism and performance monitoring in Zambia’s health sector
Authors: Phiri Joseph , Guven-Uslu Pinar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate funding and performance monitoring practices in Zambia’s health sector from an institutional and stratified ontology perspective. Such an approach was deemed appropriate in view of pluralistic institutional environments characterising most African economies that are also considered to be highly stratified.

Design/methodology/approach

Blended with insights from stratified ontology, the paper draws on institutional pluralism as a theoretical lens to understand the institutional structures, mechanisms, events and experiences encountered by actors operating at different levels of Zambia’s health sector. The study adopted an interpretive approach that helped to investigate the multifaceted and subjective nature of social phenomena and practices being studied. Data were collected from both archival sources and interviews with key stakeholders operating within Zambia’s health sector.

Findings

The study’s findings indicate the high levels of stratification within Zambia’s health sector as evidenced by the three sector levels that possessed different characteristics in terms of actor responses to donor influence. This study equally demonstrates the capacity of agents operating under highly fragmented institutional environments to engage in enabling and constraining responses depending on the understanding of their empirical world.

Originality/value

Through blending insights from stratified ontology with institutional pluralism, the study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the enabling and constraining reflexive capacity of agents to exercise choices under highly fragmented institutional environments while responding to multiple demands and expectations to sustain the co-existence of diverse stakeholders. Accordingly, the study advances thinking on the application of institutional theory to critical accounting research in line with recent ontological and epistemological shifts in institutional theory.
Technical efficiency and input-driven growth in Indian engineering goods industry during post-reform period: stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Akram Vasim , Illiyan Asheref
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the performance of Indian engineering goods industry by measuring the technical efficiency and input-driven growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the panel data of six firms from the period of 1991–92 to 2014–15 compiled from Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), India and output-oriented econometric techniques such as pooled OLS model, and stochastic frontier approach has been applied to measure the technical efficiency.

Findings

The results suggest that the prime sources of high performance in engineering goods industry, which has recorded 8.8% output growth, are primarily contributed by inputs driven growth (8.2%) during the post-reform period, while the effect of technological change is minimal (0.1%) and technical efficiency change is negative (−0.2%). It was due to sluggishness, outdated technology and underutilization of resources in Indian economy.

Research limitations/implications

This research paper is limited to engineering goods industry based on concorded macro data. The recommendations are that India should pursue policies and programs which may focus on technology acquisition, skill enhancement of labor, better capacity utilization, R&D and infrastructure development that may augment the technical change and technical efficiency change of the sector.

Originality/value

This research provides robust and significant estimates of technical efficiency and adds valuable insights to the existing literature by identifying the potential areas that improves the performance of Indian engineering goods industry.
Workforce safety education and training for oil and gas industry: a conceptual framework for virtual reality-based HAZFO expert 2.0
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Sherwani Fahad , Hassan Razali Bin , Sahito Zafarullah , Khan Najmonnisa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Oil and gas industries play a major role for the growth of world economy, and drilling operation is considered as most important and hazardous procedure at the same time for oil and gas drilling crew because of the lack of effectual and user-friendly safety and health teaching and learning aids with updated knowledge and training capability. According to the previous studies, there is an urgent industrial need for user interactive technological aid for enhancing the teaching and learning of oil and gas drilling crew and safety officials at onshore and offshore drilling domains to fulfill the requirements of fourth industrial and educational revolutions. Therefore, this proposed virtual reality (VR)-based Hazard Free Operation (HAZFO Expert 2.0) teaching and learning aid to reduce the workplace risk and hazards to enhance the vestibule and experiential learning performance of oil and gas drilling process at Pakistani drilling industries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this proposed product based study for interactive teaching and learning application for industry, sequential explanatory research design will be adopted to prevent the accidents according to the modern technologies in this era of IR 4.0. Whereas, for the development of VR-based educational aid for Pakistani oil and gas industries, Autodesk 3ds Max, visual studio and MySQL software’s will be used.

Findings

This new concept of VR-based interactive educational aid (HAZFO Expert 2.0) for accident prevention at oil and gas drilling industries will be based on potential hazards and their suitable controlling measures for onshore and offshore drilling sites.

Practical implications

VR-based interactive educational aid for oil and gas workforce will facilitate the health and safety professionals for the elimination of potential hazards associated with oil and gas drilling activities to the next level of identification of hazards which has been identified in HAZFO Expert 1.0 at onshore and offshore drilling sites.

Originality/value

This proposed VR-based interactive educational aid for safe drilling process will be the first visual teaching and e-learning technology which covers all onshore and offshore drilling operations in Pakistani oil and gas industries and provides effective hazard controlling strategies to overcome challenging industrial hazards.
The impacts of intellectual capital on financial performance and value-added of the production evidence from Chile
Authors: Acuña-Opazo Christian , González Oscar Contreras
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the direct impacts on financial performance and the added value of production in family businesses, considering the efficiency of intellectual capital as determining variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative analysis between family businesses (FB) and non-family businesses (NFB) is proposed to explore significant differences in the impacts on financial performance and added value of companies, through multivariate techniques. It contributes to the literature on the family business, and its performance from an analytical framework that incorporates the theory of intellectual capital and the measurement of its impact.

Findings

The findings show that the value-added coefficient of intellectual capital (VAICTM) is a determining factor in the financial performance of companies and, to a greater extent, in the FB than in their NFB counterparts. It is also verified that the efficiency of intellectual capital in the FB has a direct and greater relationship with the value added of production (VAEmp), with respect to non-family businesses, being an important factor in predicting the performance of companies.

Practical implications

The findings allow us to conclude the importance of efficient management of intangible factors in companies, such as intellectual capital, becoming a competitive advantage factor.

Originality/value

The document explores the relationship and impact of VAICTM in family businesses that belong to an emerging economy and demonstrates the existence of differences between FB and NFB, at the level of intangible factors under a comparative analysis.
Supplier satisfaction with public sector competitive tendering processes
Authors: Kelly Stephen , Marshall Donna , Walker Helen , Israilidis John
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the supplier perspective on competitive tendering processes and build on an increasing and developing interest in supplier satisfaction with public sector procurement activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data was collected from 20 interviews with a variety of suppliers to the UK public sector, which was then analysed using Nvivo and a series of empirically supported propositions developed.

Findings

The findings are combined into an integrated supplier satisfaction model, which explains how a multi-layered set of expectations (past and ideal) and quality dimensions (fairness, ambiguity, unnecessary information, tender focus, relationship irrelevance, unresponsiveness, outcome success) lead to dissatisfaction. This paper also establishes the implications of these judgments (non-response, poor quality and relationship impact) and that they are impacted by comparison to alternatives.

Practical implications

Supplier dissatisfaction can have serious ramifications for public sector buying organisations by reducing the pool of applicants, creating relationship barriers and a disconnect between the tender and the eventual services provided. This paper gives empirically derived advice to managers and policymakers on how to avoid these issues.

Social implications

Ensuring that as wide a pool of possible suppliers can respond to tender requests, means that the services that are provided by the public sector can make the most effective and efficient use of available resources. In addition, small to medium-sized enterprises may be encouraged to overcome their feelings of dissatisfaction and respond more frequently and readily to tender requests.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the field of public sector procurement and in particular that which looks at increasing supplier satisfaction, by developing a supplier satisfaction model based on supplier generated data, which uses disconfirmation theory to explain the dynamics of how individuals make judgments by comparing perceptions of performance with a multi-layered set of expectations. This paper identifies service quality dimensions that influence satisfaction judgments and the implications of these judgments.
Shaping service delivery through faith-based service inclusion: the case of the Salvation Army in Zambia
Authors: Davey Janet , Kahiya Eldrede , Krisjanous Jayne , Sulzberger Lucy
Published: June 2021

Purpose

While service inclusion principles raise the awareness of scholars to service that improves holistic well-being, little research explicitly investigates the spiritual dimensions of service inclusion. This study, therefore, aims to explore faith-based service inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study of the Salvation Army’s Chikankata Services in Zambia was undertaken. Semi-structured interviews with the organization’s leaders and professionals were analyzed thematically.

Findings

Service inclusion pillars evince contextualized meaning and priority. In resource-constrained, vulnerable communities, faith-based service inclusion prioritizes two additional pillars – “fostering eudaimonic well-being” and “giving hope,” where existence is precarious, fostering (hedonic) happiness is of low priority. Findings reveal that pillars and processes are mutually reinforcing, harnessed by the individual and collective agency to realize transformative outcomes from service inclusion.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides unique insight into faith-based service inclusion but acknowledges limitations and areas warranting further research.

Practical implications

The study yields important managerial implications. Service providers can use the framework to identify the contextual priority and/or meaning of service inclusion pillars and relevant reciprocal processes. The framework emphasizes the harnessing potential of individual agency and capability development for transformative well-being.

Social implications

Faith-based service inclusion, predicated on inclusion, human dignity and holistic well-being, has important implications for reducing the burden on scarce resources while building resilience in communities.

Originality/value

By examining a faith-based service in sub-Saharan Africa, this paper provides a holistic framework conceptualizing pillars, processes, agency and outcomes to extend Fisk et al.’s (2018) service inclusion pillars and to better understand the shaping of service delivery for service inclusion.
Digital transformation or analogic relationships? A dilemma for small retailer entrepreneurs and its resolution
Authors: Candelo Elena , Casalegno Cecilia Giuliana , Civera Chiara
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Digital transformation has had controversial impacts on the way small retailers and stakeholders interact, make decisions, and jointly create value while also transforming the nature of relationships. This paper examines the enabling factors of digital transformation in the small retailers' context through the lens of stakeholder theory, deepening the knowledge about the implications of such transformations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a mixed methodology based on a single case study, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and a survey to illustrate the dynamics behind and the impacts of the development of a digital platform created to support the commercial activity of 100 small retailer entrepreneurs located in Italy during the 2020 lockdowns. The platform has been developed in partnership with public and private local stakeholders with different degrees of involvement in the project.

Findings

The authors demonstrated that stakeholder relationships based on trust, engagement and empowerment are enablers of digital transformation in entrepreneurial contexts based on analogic relationships and communal sharing relational models. The authors also outlined the implications of empowerment and digital contamination among small retailers.

Originality/value

The authors’ findings foster the understanding of digital transformation in small entrepreneurial contexts by highlighting the potential of digital transformation as a powerful bridge between the urgent call for digitalisation and the maintenance of valuable relationships with customers by small retailer entrepreneurs, supporting the creation of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The reintegration officers’ perspectives on offenders to be discharged from community supervision in Singapore
Authors: Chan Joyce P.S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the perspectives of correctional officers supervising young offenders on community supervision in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research framework, where attention was devoted to understanding the perspectives of eight reintegration officers, and what they perceived to have helped young offenders successfully discharged from community supervision.

Findings

The five essential factors that emerged are compliance to supervision conditions, education and/or employment, ability to cope and efforts to change, support and environment. Each factor is defensible and had been substantiated by past research that incorporates evidence-based practice in correctional rehabilitation for offenders.

Research limitations/implications

Due to constraints imposed on the research timeline, the five factors identified do not take into account societal-level barriers such as stigma, discrimination and inequalities, which are important factors that can be further explored in subsequent studies.

Originality/value

In Singapore, there is no research study on the Reintegration Officers' perspectives on what they deemed as critical for offenders to be discharged from community supervision. Understanding these key factors may help to shape future research in determining supervisees’ readiness for discharge from community supervision in Singapore. This knowledge gained could further inform and bolster the correctional rehabilitation services provided by SPS and be further developed into a tool that can be used to systematically assess the readiness of offenders to be discharged from community supervision.
Modelling the crisis management and impacts of 21st century disruptive events in tourism: the case of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aldao Carolina , Blasco Dani , Poch Espallargas Manel , Palou Rubio Saida
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the most significant disruptive events affecting tourism during the twenty-first century, particularly the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a thorough literature review, this study takes a complexity science approach to the field of tourism to shed light on the challenges of disruptive events in tourism systems.

Findings

Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, this study acknowledges that disruptive events are complex and have tremendous impacts on several areas of society: people’s psychological well-being and the health-care system, as well as social, economic, cultural, technological, environmental and political dimensions. Whether they occur alone or interact, these dimensions add varying levels of complexity to the tourism system. In response, the tourism industry can adopt a resilience model as a crisis management tool to address disruptive events affecting this field.

Research limitations/implications

As this paper is mainly theoretical, future empirical research will contribute to refining the findings and testing the usefulness of the proposed model.

Practical implications

The paper looks at examples of successful and unsuccessful of COVID-19 outbreak management in various countries to analyse issues such as crisis management, resilience and tools for coping with the impacts of disruptive events.

Originality/value

This theoretical paper proposes a first taxonomy of the multidimensional impacts of twenty-first-century disruptive events on tourism and dissects the phases of crisis management, with a corresponding conceptual model.