bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Gene-expression Module Identifies Circulating Immune Cells with Enhanced Recruitment to Sites of Inflammation
Authors: Sinha Debajyoti , Laurent Thomas , Broquet Alexis , Fourgeux Cynthia , Letellier Thibault , Tilly Gaelle , Bruneau Sarah , Ville Simon , Bouchet-Delbos Laurence , Brancherau Julien , Kerleau Clarisse , Brouard Sophie , Blancho Gilles , Giral Magali , Josien Regis , Danger Richard , Roquilly Antoine , Degauque Nicolas , Poschmann Jeremie
Published: April 2023

Circulating immune cells are critical mediators of inflammation upon recruitment to tissues, yet how their gene expression state influences this recruitment is not well understood. Here, we report longitudinal single-cell transcriptome profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients undergoing kidney transplantation rejection. We identify a novel gene expression module, termed ALARM (early activation transcription factor module), associated with transcriptional regulation, homing, and immune activation across multiple immune cell types. Circulating cells expressing this module are significantly reduced in patients experiencing graft rejection, a finding confirmed in a pig model of acute kidney transplantation rejection. Correspondingly, module expression is markedly increased in kidney grafts undergoing rejection, indicating preferential recruitment of ALARM-expressing cells to the inflamed tissue.

Within this module, we identify the receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12, expressed in the graft, as a likely mechanism for recruitment. In vitro transwell assays combined with scRNA-seq reveal that this CXCR4-CXCL12 interaction is critical for T cell migration and upregulation of CD69, an early activation marker, and is accompanied by a metabolic switch towards glycolysis. Further exploration of publicly available transcriptomic data demonstrates that this module is generally expressed in healthy individuals and is strongly associated with responses to infection, including SARS-CoV-2 infection. This finding is further supported by experiments in a pneumonia mouse model, which confirm the recruitment of CXCR4-expressing T cells during lung infection. Moreover, we find that module expression is predictive of immune-mediated diseases.

In summary, we have identified a key gene expression module in circulating immune cells that orchestrates their preferential recruitment to inflamed tissues, metabolic reprogramming, promoting tissue residency and effector functions. These insights advance our understanding of immune cell recruitment and activation mechanisms in transplant rejection and infectious diseases, with potential implications for therapeutic interventions.
Dimerisation of European robin cryptochrome 4a
Authors: Hanić Maja , Antill Lewis M. , Gehrckens Angela S. , Schmidt Jessica , Görtemaker Katharina , Bartölke Rabea , El-Baba Tarick J. , Xu Jingjing , Koch Karl W. , Mouritsen Henrik , Benesch Justin L. P. , Hore P. J. , Solov’yov Ilia A.
Published: April 2023

Homo-dimer formation is important for the function of many proteins. Although dimeric forms of cryptochromes (Cry) have been found by crystallography and were recently observedin vitrofor European robin Cry4a, little is known about the dimerisation of avian cryptochromes and the role it could play in the mechanism of magnetic sensing in migratory birds. Here we present a combined experimental and computational investigation of the dimerisation of robin Cry4a resulting from covalent and non-covalent interactions. Experimental studies using native mass spectrometry, mass spectrometric analysis of disulphide bonds, chemical cross-linking and photometric measurements show that disulphide-linked dimers are routinely formed, the most likely cysteines being C317 and C412. Computational modelling and molecular dynamics simulations were used to generate and assess a number of possible dimer structures. The relevance of these findings to the proposed role of Cry4a in avian magnetoreception is discussed.
Identification of microbial communities and their removal efficiency of multiple pharmaceutical micropollutants combined in Membrane-Bioreactors
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Demaria Francesca , Zimmardi Cristina , Kolvenbach Boris , Corvini Philippe
Published: April 2023

Pharmaceuticals are of concern to our planet and health as they can accumulate in the environment. The impact of these biologically active compounds on ecosystems is hard to predict and information on their biodegradation is necessary to establish sound risk assessment. Microbial communities are promising candidates for the biodegradation of pharmaceuticals such as ibuprofen, but little is known yet about their degradation-capacity of multiple micropollutants at higher concentrations (100 mg/L). In this work, microbial communities were cultivated in lab-scale Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) exposed to increasing concentrations of a mixture of six micropollutants (ibuprofen, diclofenac, enalapril, caffeine, atenolol, paracetamol). Key players of biodegradation were identified using a combinatorial approach of 16S rRNA sequencing and analytics. Microbial community structure changed with increasing pharmaceutical intake (from 1 mg/L to 100 mg/L) and reached a steady-state during incubation for 7 weeks on 100 mg/L. HPLC analysis revealed a fluctuating but significant degradation (30-100%) of five pollutants (caffeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen, atenolol, enalapril) by an established and stable microbial community mainly composed ofAchromobacter,Cupriavidus,PseudomonasandLeucobacter. By using the microbial community from MBR1 as inoculum for further batch culture experiments on single micropollutants (400 mg/L substrate, respectively), different active microbial consortia were obtained for each single micropollutant. Microbial genera potentially responsible for degradation of the respective micropollutant were identified, i.e.Pseudomonassp. andSphingobacteriumsp. for ibuprofen, caffeine and paracetamol,Sphingomonassp. for atenolol, andKlebsiellasp. for enalapril. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating stable microbial communities capable of degrading simultaneously a mixture of highly concentrated pharmaceuticals in lab-scale MBRs and the identification of microbial genera potentially responsible for the degradation of specific pollutants.

Graphical abstract
Physical interaction between MSL2 and CLAMP assures direct co-operativity and prevents competition at composite binding sites
Authors: Eggers Nikolas , Gkountromichos Fotios , Krause Silke , Campos-Sparr Aline , Becker Peter B.
Published: April 2023

MSL2, the DNA-binding subunit of theDrosophiladosage compensation complex, cooperates with the ubiquitous protein CLAMP to bind MSL recognition elements (MREs) on the X chromosome. We explore the nature of the cooperative binding to these GA-rich, composite se-quence elements in reconstituted naïve embryonic chromatin.

We found that the cooperativity requires physical interaction between both proteins. Remarkably, disruption of this interaction does not lead to indirect, nucleosome-mediated cooperativity as expected, but to competition. The protein interaction apparently not only increases the affinity for composite binding sites, but also locks both proteins in a defined dimeric state that prevents competition.

High Affinity Sites of MSL2 on the X chromosome contain variable numbers of MREs. We find that the cooperation between MSL2/CLAMP is not influenced by MRE clustering or arrangement, but happens largely at the level of individual MREs.

The sites where MSL2/CLAMP bind stronglyin vitrolocate to all chromosomes and show little overlap to an expanded set of X-chromosomal MSL2in vivobinding sites generated by CUT&RUN. Apparently, the intrinsic MSL2/CLAMP cooperativity is limited to a small selection of potential sitesin vivo. This restriction must be due to components missing in our reconstitution, such asroX2lncRNA.
Differential Expression of 5’-tRNA Fragments in Circulating Preeclampsia Syncytiotrophoblast Vesicles Drives Macrophage Inflammation
Authors: Cooke William Robert , Jiang Peiyong , Ji Lu , Bai Jinyue , Jones Gabriel Davis , Lo Y. M. Dennis , Redman Christopher , Vatish Manu
Published: April 2023

Background

The relationship between placental pathology and the maternal syndrome of preeclampsia is incompletely characterised. Mismatch between placental nutrient supply and fetal demands induces stress in the syncytiotrophoblast, the layer of placenta in direct contact with maternal blood. Such stress alters the content and increases the release of extracellular vesicles (STB-EVs) into the maternal circulation. We have previously shown 5’-tRNA fragments (5’-tRFs) constitute the majority of small RNA in STB-EVs in healthy pregnancy. 5’-tRFs are produced in response to stress. We hypothesised STB-EV 5’-tRF release might change in preeclampsia.

Methods

We perfused placentas from eight women with early-onset preeclampsia and six controls, comparing small RNA expression in STB-EVs. We used membrane-affinity columns to isolate maternal plasma vesicles and investigate placental 5’-tRFsin-vivo. We quantified 5’-tRFs from circulating STB-EVs using a placental alkaline phosphatase immunoassay. 5’-tRFs and scrambled RNA controls were added to monocyte, macrophage and endothelial cells in culture to investigate transcriptional responses.

Results

5’-tRFs constitute the majority of small RNA in STB-EVs from both preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. >900 small RNA fragments are differentially expressed in preeclampsia STB-EVs. Preeclampsia-dysregulated 5’-tRFs are detectable in maternal plasma, where we identified a placentally-derived load. 5’-tRF-Glu-CTC, the most abundant preeclampsia-upregulated 5’-tRF in perfusion STB-EVs, is also increased in preeclampsia STB-EVs from maternal plasma. 5’-tRF-Glu-CTC induced inflammation in macrophages but not monocytes. The conditioned media from 5’’-tRF-Glu-CTC-activated macrophages reduced eNOS expression in endothelial cells.

Conclusions

Increased release of syncytiotrophoblast-derived vesicle-bound 5’-tRF-Glu-CTC contributes to preeclampsia pathophysiology.
LabEmbryoCam: An opensource phenotyping system for developing aquatic animals
Authors: Ibbini Ziad , Bruning Maria , Allili Sakina , Holmes Luke A , Tully Ellen , McCoy Jamie , Spicer John I. , Tills Oliver
Published: April 2023

Phenomics is the acquisition of high-dimensional data on an individual-wide scale and is proving transformational in areas of biological research related to human health including medicine and the crop sciences. However, more broadly, a lack of available transferrable technologies and research approaches is significantly hindering the uptake of phenomics, in contrast to molecular-omics for which transferrable technologies have been a significant enabler. Aquatic embryos are natural models for phenomics, due to their small size, taxonomic diversity, ecological relevance, and high levels of temporal, spatial and functional change. Here, we present LabEmbryoCam, an autonomous phenotyping platform for timelapse imaging of developing aquatic embryos cultured in a multiwell plate format. The LabEmbryoCam capitalises on 3D printing, single board computers, consumer electronics and stepper motor enabled motion. These provide autonomous X, Y and Z motion, a web application streamlined for rapid setup of experiments, user email notifications and a humidification chamber to reduce evaporation over prolonged acquisitions. Downstream analyses are provided, enabling automated embryo segmentation, heartbeat detection, motion tracking, and energy proxy trait (EPT) measurement. LabEmbryoCam is a scalable, and flexible laboratory instrument, that leverages embryos and early life stages to tackle key global challenges including biological sensitivity assessment, toxicological screening and broader engagement with the earliest stages of life.

Specifications table
Accurate prediction of in vivo protein abundances by coupling constraint-based modelling and machine learning
Authors: de Moura Ferreira Maurício Alexander , Wendering Philipp , Arend Marius , da Silveira Wendel Batista , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: April 2023

Quantification of how different environmental cues affect protein allocation can provide important insights for understanding cell physiology. While absolute quantification of proteins can be obtained by resource-intensive mass-spectrometry-based technologies, prediction of protein abundances offers another way to obtain insights into protein allocation. Here we present CAMEL, a framework that couples constraint-based modelling with machine learning to predict protein abundance for any environmental condition. This is achieved by building machine learning models that leverage static features, derived from protein sequences, and condition-dependent features predicted from protein-constrained metabolic models. Our findings demonstrate that CAMEL results in excellent prediction of protein allocation inE. coli(average Pearson correlation of at least 0.9), and moderate performance inS. cerevisiae(average Pearson correlation of at least 0.5). Therefore, CAMEL outperformed contending approaches without using molecular read-outs from unseen conditions and provides a valuable tool for using protein allocation in biotechnological applications.
Human pluripotent stem cells-derived inner ear organoids recapitulate otic developmentin vitro
Authors: Doda Daniela , Jimenez Sara Alonso , Rehrauer Hubert , Carreño Jose F. , Valsamides Victoria , Santo Stefano Di , Widmer Hans Ruedi , Edge Albert , Locher Heiko , van der Valk Wouter , Zhang Jingyuan , Koehler Karl R. , Roccio Marta
Published: April 2023

Our molecular understanding of the early stages of human inner ear development has been limited by the difficulty in accessing fetal samples at early gestational stages. As an alternative, previous studies have shown that inner ear morphogenesis can be partially recapitulated using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) directed to differentiate into Inner Ear Organoids (IEOs). Once validated and benchmarked, these systems could represent unique tools to complement and refine our understanding of human otic differentiation and model developmental defects. Here, we provide the first direct comparisons of the early human embryonic otocyst and human iPSC-derived IEOs. We use multiplexed immunostaining, and single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize IEOs at three key developmental steps, providing a new and unique signature ofin vitroderived otic -placode, -epithelium, -neuroblasts, and -sensory epithelia. In parallel, we evaluate the expression and localization of critical markers at these equivalent stages in human embryos. We show that the placode derivedin vitro(days 8-12) has similar marker expression to the developing otic placode of Carnegie Stage (CS) 11 embryos and subsequently (days 20-40) this gives rise to otic epithelia and neuroblasts comparable to the CS13 embryonic stage. Differentiation of sensory epithelia, including supporting cells and hair cells startsin vitroat days 50-60 of culture. The maturity of these cells is equivalent to vestibular sensory epithelia at week 10 or cochlear tissue at week 12 of development, before functional onset. Together, our data indicate that the current state-of-the-art protocol enables the specification ofbona fideotic tissue, supporting the further application of IEOs to inform inner ear biology and disease.
The anti-cancer compound JTE-607 reveals hidden sequence specificity of the mRNA 3′ processing machinery
Authors: Liu Liang , Yu Angela M , Wang Xiuye , Soles Lindsey V. , Chen Yiling , Yoon Yoseop , Sarkan Kristianna S.K. , Valdez Marielle Cárdenas , Linder Johannes , Marazzi Ivan , Yu Zhaoxia , Qiao Feng , Li Wei , Seelig Georg , Shi Yongsheng
Published: April 2023

JTE-607 is a small molecule compound with anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activities. Upon entering the cell, it is hydrolyzed to Compound 2, which directly binds to and inhibits CPSF73, the endonuclease for the cleavage step in pre-mRNA 3′ processing. Although CPSF73 is universally required for mRNA 3′ end formation, we have unexpectedly found that Compound 2- mediated inhibition of pre-mRNA 3′ processing is sequence-specific and that the sequences flanking the cleavage site (CS) are a major determinant for drug sensitivity. By using massively parallel in vitro assays, we have measured the Compound 2 sensitivities of over 260,000 sequence variants and identified key sequence features that determine drug sensitivity. A machine learning model trained on these data can predict the impact of JTE-607 on poly(A) site (PAS) selection and transcription termination genome-wide. We propose a biochemical model in which CPSF73 and other mRNA 3′ processing factors bind to RNA of the CS region in a sequence-specific manner and the affinity of such interaction determines the Compound 2 sensitivity of a PAS. As the Compound 2-resistant CS sequences, characterized by U/A-rich motifs, are prevalent in PASs from yeast to human, the CS region sequence may have more fundamental functions beyond determining drug resistance. Together, our study not only characterized the mechanism of action of a compound with clinical implications, but also revealed a previously unknown and evolutionarily conserved sequence-specificity of the mRNA 3′ processing machinery.
BRCA2 promotes genomic integrity and therapy resistance primarily through its role in homology-directed repair
Authors: Lim Pei Xin , Zaman Mahdia , Jasin Maria
Published: April 2023

Highlights

Gap suppression requires BRCA2 C-terminal RAD51 binding in mouse and human cells

Brca2heterozygosity in mice results in fork protection and gap suppression defects

Gap suppression mitigates sensitivity to hmdU, but only when HDR is unperturbed

HDR deficiency is the primary driver of chemotherapeutic sensitivity

eTOC blurb

Limet al. report that gap suppression as well as fork protection require BRCA2 stabilization of RAD51 filaments in human and mouse cells but have minimal impact on genome integrity, oncogenesis, and drug resistance. BRCA2 suppression of PRIMPOL-mediated replication gaps confers resistance to the nucleotide hmdU, incorporation of which leads to cytotoxic abasic sites.This effect is diminished when HDR is abrogated.

Tumor suppressor BRCA2 functions in homology-directed repair (HDR), protection of stalled replication forks, and suppression of replicative gaps. The relative contributions of these pathways to genome integrity and chemotherapy response are under scrutiny. Here, we report that mouse and human cells require a RAD51 filament stabilization motif in BRCA2 for both fork protection and gap suppression, but not HDR. Loss of fork protection and gap suppression do not compromise genome instability or shorten tumor latency in mice or cause replication stress in human mammary cells. By contrast, HDR deficiency increases spontaneous and replication stress-induced chromosome aberrations and tumor predisposition. Unlike with HDR, fork protection and gap suppression defects are also observed inBrca2heterozygous mouse cells, likely due to reduced RAD51 stabilization at stalled forks and gaps. Gaps arise from PRIMPOL activity, which is associated with sensitivity to 5-hydroxymethyl-2’-deoxyuridine due to the formation of abasic sites by SMUG1 glycosylase and is exacerbated by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition. However, HDR deficiency ultimately modulates sensitivity to chemotherapeutics, including PARP inhibitors.
Developing an evolutionary baseline model for humans: jointly inferring purifying selection with population history
Authors: Johri Parul , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2023

Building evolutionarily appropriate baseline models for natural populations is not only important for answering fundamental questions in population genetics – including quantifying the relative contributions of adaptive vs. non-adaptive processes – but it is also essential for identifying candidate loci experiencing relatively rare and episodic forms of selection (e.g.,positive or balancing selection). Here, a baseline model was developed for a human population of West African ancestry, the Yoruba, comprising processes constantly operating on the genome (i.e., purifying and background selection, population size changes, recombination rate heterogeneity, and gene conversion). Specifically, to perform joint inference of selective effects with demography, an approximate Bayesian approach was employed that utilizes the decay of background selection effects around functional elements, taking into account genomic architecture. This approach inferred a recent 6-fold population growth together with a distribution of fitness effects that is skewed towards effectively neutral mutations. Importantly, these results further suggest that, while strong and/or frequent recurrent positive selection is inconsistent with observed data, weak to moderate positive selection is consistent but unidentifiable if rare.
Arl3 regulates ODA16-mediated intraflagellar transport in motile cilia biogenesis
Authors: Huang Yameng , Dong Xiaoduo , Sun Stella Y. , Lim Teck-Kwang , Lin Qingsong , He Cynthia Y.
Published: April 2023

Arl13b and Arl3 are ciliary GTPases implicated in human Joubert Syndrome, affecting ciliary membrane and axoneme organization. Although the mechanism of Arl13b as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of Arl3 and the function of Arl13b and Arl3 in ciliary membrane protein transport are well established, their role in axoneme biogenesis is unclear. InTrypanosoma brucei, TbArl13 acts as a GEF for two distinct TbArl3 proteins, TbArl3A and TbArl3C. Here, we identified theT. bruceihomolog of ODA16, a cargo adapter facilitating intraflagellar transport (IFT) of motile ciliary components, as an effector of both TbArl3A and TbArl3C. Depletion of TbArl3 GTPases stabilized TbODA16 interaction with IFT, while active TbArl3 variants displaced TbODA16 from IFT, demonstrating a mechanism of TbArl3 in motile ciliary cargo transport.

One-sentence summary

Arl3 acts as a displacement factor and releases ODA16 from IFT
Comparison of commercially available differentiation media on morphology, function, and virus-host interaction in conditionally reprogrammed human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Awatade Nikhil T , Reid Andrew T , Nichol Kristy S , Budden Kurtis F , Veerati Punnam C , Pathinayake Prabuddha S , Grainge Christopher L , Hansbro Philip M , Wark Peter AB
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Primary air liquid interface (ALI) cultures of bronchial epithelial cells are used extensively to model airway responses. A recent advance is the development of conditional reprogramming that enhances proliferative capability. Several different media and protocols are utilized, yet even subtle differences may influence cellular responses. We compared the morphology and functional responses, including innate immune responses to rhinovirus infection in conditionally reprogrammed primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) differentiated using two commonly used culture media.

Methods

pBECs from healthy participants (n = 5) were CR using γ-irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts and Rho Kinase inhibitor. CRpBECs were differentiated at ALI in either PneumaCult™ (PN-ALI) or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium (BEGM)-based differentiation media (BEBM:DMEM, 50:50, Lonza™) - (AB-ALI) for 28 days. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), immunofluorescence, histology, cilia activity, ion channel function, and expression of cell markers were analyzed. Viral load was assessed by RT-qPCR and anti-viral factors quantified by Legendplex following Rhinovirus-A1b (RVA1b) infection.

Results

CRpBECs differentiated in PneumaCult™ were smaller and had a lower TEER and cilia beat frequency (CBF) compared to BEGM media. PneumaCult™ media cultures exhibited significantly increasedFOXJ1expression, more ciliated cells with a larger active area, increased intracellular mucins, and increased calcium-activated chloride channel current. However, there were no significant changes in viral RNA or host antiviral responses.

Conclusion

There are distinct structural and functional differences in CRpBECs cultured in the two commonly used ALI differentiation media. Such factors need to be taken into consideration when designing and comparing CRpBECs ALI experiments.
Elliptical one-side composite bonded repair analysis through a differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Chamorro-Cruz Isaías , López-Santiago Rebeca , Vázquez-Castillo Valentin , Hernández-Moreno Hilario , Beltrán-Zúñiga Manuel Alejandro , González-Velázquez Jorge Luis , Rivas-López Diego Israel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal shape of a one-sided elliptical composite material patch of an adhesively bonded repair of cracked metal plates under biaxial stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach consists on determining the patch topology and adhesive thickness that minimize the stress intensity factor and the bending moment caused by the asymmetry of the repair by applying a differential evolution algorithm with a selection phase using the Deb’s rules.

Findings

The results demonstrate that an elliptical patch of major axis length equal to the plate width, and minor axis length equal to the crack length, with a thin adhesive thickness, provides the highest stress intensity factor and bending moment reduction, maximizing the fatigue life of the repair.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to linear elastic behavior of the cracked plate and a fully rigid bond between the cracked plate and the patch. The effectiveness of the repair was verified by theoretical calculation of the fatigue life, thus experimental validation is still needed.

Practical implications

The results of this work can be applied to experimental validations of the effectiveness of the elliptical one-side composite bonded repairs, avoiding and extensive number of experiments, and also, encourage maintainers to explore on this technique that is more economical and easier to apply, in comparison to other repair techniques. By following the patch geometry recommendations proposed herein, it is analytically predicted that the fatigue life may increase by as much as 27 times that of the unpatched plate.

Originality/value

Currently, there are no detailed studies that assess one-side patch repair procedures, which require consideration of the bending moment and biaxial stress state, and therefore, the optimal patch geometry and adhesive thickness are unknown.
Between obedience and resistance: transforming the role of pupil councils and pupil organisations in Sweden (1928–1989)
Authors: Landahl Joakim
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The overall aim of this article is to discuss the conditions and character of collective protest in schools. When do pupils as a collective gain the ability to express critical views on the policies of schools, and what is that criticism about? Using Sweden as an example, I discuss this question by studying the collective organisation of pupils from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses and compares two phases of pupils' collective organisation in Sweden: one dominated by pupil councils, one by national organisations. The article discusses how pupil councils at individual schools arose in the wake of the 1928 grammar school charter, and illustrates its influence using a case study of a grammar school in Stockholm. Furthermore, the article investigates how national organisations, first formed in 1952, expressed their concerns about national school policies.

Findings

The first phase (ca. 1928–1951) was dominated by the idea of discipline, and the main task of pupil councils was to help teachers in maintaining discipline. The second phase (ca. 1952–1989) was instead characterised by a heightened focus on protests and democracy. From then on, the main idea was that pupil councils and national pupil organisations should change the school, making it more suited to the needs of the pupils.

Originality/value

There is much research on university students and student uprisings. However, much of the previous research on the student voice is related to the upheavals of the long 1968. By concentrating its efforts on a limited time period when protest was more obvious, previous research has arguably not been able to discuss transformations over time.
The importance of entrepreneurial leadership in fostering bank performance
Authors: Djalil Muslim Abdul , Amin Muslim , Herjanto Halimin , Nourallah Mustafa , Öhman Peter
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study investigates how entrepreneurial leadership fosters market orientation, bank innovativeness and bank performance; it also investigates how market orientation contributes to brand orientation, bank innovativeness and bank performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1500 questionnaires were distributed to 100 bank branches in Indonesia (500 to managers and 1000 to employees); 300 responses (20% response rate) were used for further statistical analysis.

Findings

The results confirmed the existence of relationships among entrepreneurial leadership, market orientation, bank innovativeness, brand orientation and bank performance. The role of entrepreneurial leadership in fostering market orientation, bank innovativeness, brand orientation and bank performance demonstrates that leaders can motivate employees to complete their tasks.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that entrepreneurial leadership, new ideas and innovative products and services can foster bank performance.

Originality/value

The emerging banking industry in Indonesia has witnessed changing market conditions. Banks will benefit from being more market-driven and diverse in their customer relationships to generate value.
Income and price elasticity of residential electricity demand in Latin America and the Caribbean: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis
Authors: Marques Maria Laura Victória , Uhr Daniel de Abreu Pereira , Uhr Julia Ziero
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the income and price elasticities of demand for residential electricity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and to verify their main determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analysis and meta-regression methods were applied. After collecting and filtering journal articles, the authors obtained a sample composed of 76 studies covering 1979–2020.

Findings

The results show that the LAC's income elasticity is approximately 0.20 and 0.92 for the short and long term, respectively. The LAC's price elasticity is approximately −0.37 and −0.46 for the short and long term, respectively. Furthermore, the estimates are affected by the data structure, the estimation method used and the sampling period.

Originality/value

The authors close a gap in the literature by analyzing the price and income elasticities of demand through meta-analysis and meta-regression.
Efficiency decomposition in three-stage network with fuzzy desirable and undesirable output and fuzzy input in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Saeedi Aval Noughabia Fatima , Malekmohammadi Najmeh , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad , Razavyan Shabnam
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the recent models for the evaluation of the efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) comprising a network structure with undesirable intermediate measures and fuzzy data.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a three-stage network structure model with desirable and undesirable data is presented and is solved as linear triangular fuzzy planning problems.

Findings

A new three stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is established to evaluate the efficiency of industries with undesirable and desirable indicators in fuzzy environment.

Practical implications

The implication of this study is to evaluate the furniture services and the chipboard industries of wood lumber as a three-stage process.

Originality/value

In some cases, DMUs include two or multi-stage process (series or parallel) operating with a structure called a network DEA. Also, in the real world problems, the data are often presented imprecisely. Additionally, the intermediate measures under the real-world conditions include desirable and undesirable data. These mentioned indexes show the value of the proposed model.
Administrative capacity and local level development in metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in Ghana: mediating role of resource capacity
Authors: Annan-Prah Elizabeth Cornelia , Andoh Raphael Papa Kweku
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of resource capacity on the effect of administrative capacity on local level development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is obtained from three Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Central Region of Ghana using a survey. A structural equation modelling that includes a formatively measured construct (administrative capacity) is used in the analyses.

Findings

Leadership, human resource management, financial resource management, technical and adaptive capacities are supported as formative constructs of administrative capacity. More so, it is established that administrative capacity has an effect on resource capacity. Also, administrative capacity and resource capacity each has an effect on local level development. The mediation analysis shows that resource capacity mediates the effect administrative capacity has on local level development.

Practical implications

Administrative capacity is a necessity for local governments as enhancing it together with the resource capacity of MMDAs are vital if local level development is to be achieved. In this regard, administrative and resource capacities of local governments must be pursued by both the central government and decentralised governments for the latter to achieve its primary mandate.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically ascertain leadership, human resource management, financial resource management, technical and adaptive capacities as the dimensions of administrative capacity using a structural equation model. Given that there is a lack of consensus on the dimensions of administrative capacity, this study contributes significantly to the discourse. The study also highlights the need to pursue and enhance administrative and resource capacities for local level development.
Market reactions to timing and information of mandatory disclosures
Authors: Kiattikulwattana Prapaporn , Pattanapanyasat Ra-Pee
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines whether investors value the timing and/or information of mandatory disclosures in a unique research setting of listed companies in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt an event-study based approach. Abnormal stock returns are calculated using an OLS market model to measure market reactions to three types of mandatory reports issued by listed Thai firms: financial statements, Form 56-1 and Form 56-2. These reports are released sequentially but contain overlapping information content. Multivariate regression models are employed to examine the market reactions to these regulatory reports and explore the characteristics of firms that affect the market response.

Findings

The stock market reacts differentially to these reports. The financial statements, which are filed the earliest and are the most concise, prompt the strongest reaction. Investors similarly react significantly to Form 56-1 and Form 56-2, although Form 56-2 provides additional information beyond Form 56-1. The market reactions to small firms are stronger. Collectively, equity investors focus on the timeliness of disclosures rather than the information disclosed in the mandatory reports.

Practical implications

The evidence provides support for ongoing regulatory initiatives aimed at improving the timeliness of mandatory disclosures in emerging economies.

Originality/value

Prior studies on disclosure regulation investigate either the effect of information content or the timing of mandatory disclosures in isolation. The authors differentiate the effect of information content from disclosure timing and extend the literature by suggesting that investors incrementally value timeliness of disclosures. Investors perceive the benefit of the timely release of quantitative information compared to subsequent narrative disclosures. Between Form 56-1 and Form 56-2, the earlier release of the narrative non-financial information is incrementally traded into share prices.
Artificial intelligence and deep learning: considerations for financial institutions for compliance with the regulatory burden in the United Kingdom
Authors: Singh Charanjit
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are having a major impact on banking (FinTech), health (HealthTech), law (RegTech) and other sectors such as charitable fundraising (CharityTech). The pace of technological innovation and the ability of AI systems to think like human beings (simulate human intelligence), perform tasks independently, develop intelligence based on its own experiences and process layers of information to learn ever-complex representations of data (ML/DL) means that improvements in the rates at which this technology can undertake complex, technical and time-consuming tasks, identify people, objects, voices, patterns, etc., screen for ‘problems’ earlier, and provide solutions, provide astounding benefit in economic, political and social terms. The purpose of this paper is to explore advents in AI, ML and DL in the context of the regulatory compliance challenge faced by financial institutions in the United Kingdom (UK).

Design/methodology/approach

The subject is explored through the analysis of data and domestic and international published literature. The first part of the paper summarises the context of current regulatory issues, the advents in deep learning, how financial institutions are currently using AI, and how AI could provide further technological solutions to regulatory compliance as of February 2023.

Findings

It is suggested that UK financial institutions can further utilise AI, ML and DL as part of an armoury of solutions that ease the regulatory burden and achieve high levels of compliance success.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to specifically explore how AI, ML and DL can continue to assist UK financial institutions in meeting the regulatory compliance challenge and the opportunities provided for financial institutions by the metaverse.
Experiential learning during lockdown: a teaching case describing intercultural competency development through the mechanism of reflection using different digital teaching methods
Authors: Kittelmann Friederike , Kraft Patricia , Schmid Ellen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Based on the necessity for universities through the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to switch to online teaching from one day to the other, this study aims to show how a combination of different online teaching approaches makes it possible to activate reflection as an enabler of intercultural competency development even though real experience, interaction and exchange elements could not be implemented as usual.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on insights on experiential learning using intercultural competence development through the mechanism of reflection in combination with findings from on- and offline learning settings and informal learning processes. Adapting Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning cycle, this study presents an online course design for an undergraduate course in intercultural competencies. This study delineates an assessment of the course based on student evaluation results and excerpts of student essays.

Findings

This study demonstrates how the acquisition of important future skills such as reflection skills can be successfully mastered by combining different online teaching approaches. This study also shows that Kolb’s (1984) experiential learning cycle continues to yield critical benefits when adapted it to the “new reality.”

Originality/value

This study provides a case study on how business schools can deal with special challenges in courses where competencies are taught, which are usually developed through real experiences or informal learning. An application to other types of experiential learning activities is considered valuable. It is useful to further adopt elements in a post-COVID-19 teaching environment. Especially using apps as described can contribute to make learning more tailored to each student. As such, this paper contributes to the body of research on the importance of reflection skills in an educational and virtual context.
Dynamic evolution of the relationship quality among participants in integrated project delivery: based on supply chain theory
Authors: Yan Shenghua , Chen Weigong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The core of the successful implementation of the integrated project delivery (IPD) mode is to establish a high-quality relationship of cooperation, trust and sharing among participants. This paper proposes recommendations to improve the relationship quality of participants from the owner's perspective. The results provide the theoretical basis and practical guidance for the popularization and application of the IPD mode.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the dynamic relationship among participants in IPD mode based on supply chain theory and similarity theory. A tripartite game model of the owner, designer and the contractor is constructed to obtain the evolutionary equilibrium strategies under different parameter constraints. Then, numerical simulations under various scenarios are conducted to explore the dynamic evolution and the influencing factors of the relationship quality among the participant in the IPD mode.

Findings

The results show that (1) the relationship quality under certain conditions gradually improves as the project progresses until stable and high-quality cooperation is formed and (2) the owner's positive supervision cost, the distribution coefficient of incentive and punishment of participants and the scale of incentive pool are important factors influencing the relationship quality.

Originality/value

This study incorporates the following three innovations. First, analyzing the relationship quality among the participants of IPD mode based on supply chain theory. Second, the evolutionary game theory is applied to the relationship quality analysis. Third, conclusion innovation. The authors conclude that the relationship quality may progress, decrease or cycle with the progress of the project and targeted recommendations are presented based on the results.
Effect of reflow temperature and solder size on Cu-Ni cross-interaction in the Cu/Sn/Ni micro solder joints
Authors: Gao Xing , Zhang Z.J. , Wei Hong , Zhou Xu , Shi Quan , Wu Yang , Chen Lei Da
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Solder bumps for chip interconnections are downsizing from current approximately 100 µm to the expected 1 µm in future. As a result, the Cu-Ni cross-interaction in Cu/Solder/Ni solder joints will be more complicated and then strongly influence the growth of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Thus, it is critical to understand the fundamental aspects of interfacial reaction in micro solder joints. This paper aims to reveal the effect mechanism of reflow temperature and solder size on the interfacial reaction in Cu/Solder/Ni solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

The Cu-Ni cross-interaction in the Cu/Sn/Ni micro solder joints with 50 and 100 µm solder sizes at 250°C and 300°C were observed, respectively. The line-type interconnects were soaked in silicone oil, and the temperature of the line-type interconnects was 250 ± 3°C and 300 ± 3°C, which were monitored by a fine K-type thermocouple, and followed by an isothermal aging process at various times. After aging, the specimens were removed from the silicone oil and cooled in the air to room temperature.

Findings

The major interfacial reaction product on both interfaces was (Cu,Ni)6Sn5, and the asymmetric growth of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5, evidenced by the thickness of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMCs at the Sn/Ni interface was always larger than that at the Sn/Cu interface, resulted from the directional migration of Cu atoms toward the Sn/Ni interface under Cu concentration gradient. The morphology of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMC at Sn/Cu interface was columnlike at 250°C, and which changed from columnlike to scallop with large aspect ratio at 300°C, while that at Sn/Ni interface gradually evolved from needlelike to the mixture of needlelike and layered at 250°C, and which evolved from needlelike to scallop with large aspect ratio at 300°C. The evolution of morphology of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 is attributed to the content of Ni. Furthermore, the results indicate that the Cu-Ni cross-interaction was stronger with small solder size and relatively low temperature in the Cu/Sn/Ni micro solder joints.

Originality/value

The asymmetric growth of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 in the Cu/Sn/Ni micro solder joints, evidenced by the thickness of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMCs at the Sn/Ni interface, was always larger than that at the Sn/Cu interface. The morphology evolution of (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMC at both interfaces was attributed to the content of Ni. The Cu-Ni cross-interaction was stronger with small solder size and relatively low temperature in the Cu/Sn/Ni micro solder joints.
Robotics and automation for sustainable construction: microscoping the barriers to implementation
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aliu John , Fadamiro Patricia , Jamir Singh Paramjit Singh , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin , Yahaya Mahathir
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study presents the results of an assessment of the barriers that can hinder the deployment of robotics and automation systems in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review was conducted through which barriers to the adoption of robotics and automation systems were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data were obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

Based on the mean scores, the top five barriers were the fragmented nature of the construction process, resistance by workers and unions, hesitation to adopt innovation, lack of capacity and expertise and lack of support from top-level managers. Through factor analysis, the barriers identified were categorized into four principal clusters namely, industry, human, economic and technical-related barriers.

Practical implications

This study provided a good theoretical and empirical foundation that can be useful to construction industry stakeholders, decision-makers, policymakers and the government in mapping out strategies to promote the incorporation and deployment of automation and robotics into the construction industry to attain the safety benefits they offer.

Originality/value

By identifying and evaluating the challenges that hinder the implementation of robotics and automation systems in the Nigerian construction industry, this study makes a significant contribution to knowledge in an area where limited studies exist.