bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining Critical Elements in Strengthening the Organisations: A Study on the Public Sector
Authors: Abidin Rahimi , Osman Nor Hasni , Mohd Zahari Fadhilah , Nordin Norani
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the results of a case study conducted on three public sectororganisations. The main objectives of this study were to identify critical elementswhich affect the organisationsâ€™ performance and to analyse competitive elements inorganisations. The McKinsey 7S framework and the Kano Model were used toidentify critical elements that need to be focused on in each organisation. Thefindings demonstrated that there are three elements that need to be finely thought-outin the formation and maintenance of the three public sector organisations. Theseelements are staff, structure, and skill. The results of the study can assist theseorganisations to clearly identify their organisational strengths and weaknesses.Accordingly, it helps in finding the middle ground to get all the elements intoharmony that motivate the stimulation of highly effective functioning employeestoward achieving better organisational performance.
A SWOT Analysis on Jasmine Used Book Store in Taiwan
Authors: Soo Sze-Huey , Goh Yen-Nee , Othman Rosly
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study is to perform a SWOT analysis on a used bookstore in Taiwannamed Jasmine. Semi-structured interviews, observations and documents review wereused for data collection. Jasmine used bookstore aims for better sales and higherprofits besides promoting a reading culture among the Taiwanese society throughcharitable activities. Employee hiring and training process are important to Jasmineâ€™stop management in order to ensure customer satisfaction. Inventory management,independent business model and employeeâ€™s satisfaction/retention are acknowledgedto be Jasmineâ€™s weaknesses. As for opportunities and threats, external threats fromglobalization and e-books transformation are foreseeable for a used book store likeJasmine albeit having a supportive government and strong reading culture among theTaiwanese society. This paper intends to provide an up-close and in depth examinationof SWOT analysis based on a real case perspective.
Using Action Research in Business: Developing New Practical Framework of Financial Planning Process for a New Franchise System
Authors: Mohd Harif Mohd Amy Azhar , Perry Chad
Published: January 2023

Franchising is the fastest growing method of doing business these days, however, thereis little academic research to guide or regulate industry practices. Thus, this researchinvestigated the financial planning process in developing a new franchise system.This study used action research methodology to develop a new practical frameworkof financial planning for a new franchise system within the Malaysian governmentdepartment franchise regulators. Three main action research cycles were conductedwith three new franchise systems seeking to register with the Registrar of FranchiseMalaysia (ROF). To triangulate the findings of the action research, the researcher alsopresented them at a National Franchise Workshop (NFW). These activities showedthat the process of financial planning for a new franchise system should comprise 14elements with specific linkages. These practical frameworks for financial planning in anew franchise system were adopted by the ROF to be used as guideline in the processof developing a new franchise system and serve as evaluation tools for franchiseregistration.
Environmental Information: Pressures, Types, and Usage
Authors: Tsu Way Stephanie Phang , Abdul Khalid Siti Nabiha , Jalaludin Dayana
Published: January 2023

Global warming, manmade pollution, and pressure from various stakeholdersare among the factors that drive business organisations to strike a balance intheir operations by reducing negative impact on the environment and society,while increasing the companyâ€™s wealth. In response to these pressures, onecommon method is voluntary disclosure of information on environmental impactthrough publication of corporate social responsibility report. The majority ofstudies on companyâ€™s environmental issues primarily look from the externalviewpoint. This paper takes an alternative approach focusing on processes inrelation to the management of environmental issues. Among the areas exploredare pressure factors that lead managers to adopting sustainability management,the types of environmental information being considered, its usage, and theusers. The findings derived from interviews with several key personnel revealedthat a number of external and internal pressures lead to a variety of internalusers from different departments in the organisation.
A Review on the Selection of Granular Fertiliser Distribution Methods for Malaysiaâ€™s Paddy Field on a Large Scale
Authors: Ying Eng Pei , Ngali Mohd Zamani , Ahmad Mohd Taufik
Published: January 2023

High efficiency distribution applicators, such as boom sprayer (air blower concept),Kuhn Axis fertiliser spreaders (rotating disc concept), and pendulum spreader (magneticconcept) were the response to the call to distribute granular fertiliser to a paddy fieldon a large scale. Each of these distribution applicators had their own characteristicswhich are optimised for different purposes. This paper shows the review results afterstudying journal papers to select the most suitable applicators for Malaysiaâ€™s paddyfield on a large scale. The analyses included the compliments of these applicatorstoward the type of granular fertiliser used in Malaysiaâ€™s paddy field, the maintenancecost of these applicators, the suitability of machine to be used in the landscape ofMalaysiaâ€™s paddy, the distribution areas covered by these applicators, and the accuracyof distribution. The review concluded that Kuhn Axis fertiliser spreader was found to bethe most suitable applicator compared to other applicators.
The Effect of Seasonal Flood on Agricultural and Industrial Land Values in Malaysia: A Hedonic Pricing Model (HPM) Approach
Authors: Ismail Nur Hafizah , Abd Karim Mohd Zaini , Basri Bakti Hasan
Published: January 2023

Flood disasters have raised critical issues for landowners as they might affect land values. The argument of possible decline in the value of land located in flood-liable areas has been discussed in previous literature. However, existing studies on flood impact in Malaysia are few and do not focus on land property as a main issue of study. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of flood on agricultural and industrial land property values in Malaysia by using the Hedonic Pricing Model (HPM). The results of this study suggest that flood duration significantly reduced the value of agricultural and industrial land property. The results from this study has benefits for landowners in terms of understanding the effect of flood duration on agricultural and industrial land values and factors responsible for decreasing land value. This will help the landowners to make contingency arrangement on the property assets to ensure that loss due to flood is minimized.
Social Community Engagement: The Evidence of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM)
Authors: Abdul Aziz Norazita Marina
Published: January 2023

The social engagement by the Non-Governmental Organisation (henceforth, NGO) reflects social accountability to the public. With this in mind, the paper examines the role of social disclosures in articulating NGO accountability relations in ABIM. The conceptual framework of this paper delineates social accountability, which can be explained from the perspective of financial accountability into social actions that are delineated from verbal conversations, conducts and body language. In line with this, the paper addresses an initial exploration by framing moral positioning within NGO accountability relations through a social context in accounting. The empirical contribution is obtained from a case study of ABIM, employing interpretive methodology, through a series of in-depth interviews and documentary reviews. The empirical evidence reveals the accounting mechanisms by highlighting the values of a well-defined Islamic community in public policy debate. The NGOâ€™s actions, include accounting disclosures, emphasises the moral imperatives underpinning plural rationalities for humanitarian assistance and social movements provided by ABIM.
Influence of Capital Structure on Profitability: Empirical Evidence from Listed Nigerian Non-Financial Firms
Authors: Olayinka Aminu Abdulrahim , Abdul Latif Rohaida
Published: January 2023

Sound and effective capital structure is important for sustainable growth and development of any firm. This research work investigates the impact of capital structure on the financial performance of firms in Nigeria. A total of one hundred and six (106) non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange between 2012 to 2016 were used as sample. Panel data for the selected firms were generated and analyzed using fixed effect model as a method of estimation. The dependent variable for the study is profitability which was measured as Return on Assets (ROA). The independent variables on the other hand are total debts to total assets (TD), total long term debts to total assets (LTD) and short term debts to total assets (STD) used independently. Sales Growth, Firm Growth and Firm Age are used as control variables. Results indicates a negative significant relationship between Total Debt to Asset, and short term debt with return on assets (ROA), on the other hand, an insignificant relationship between long term debt and return on assets.
Performance Management in Tax Administration: A Holistic Model for Malaysian Tax Authorities
Authors: Mansor Muzainah
Published: January 2023

This paper has developed a holistic model for performance management in tax administration. To achieve this aim, the literature on performance management practice as well as performance management models were reviewed and analysed. Tax administration cannot perform efficiently and effectively without understanding performance management elements which include performance and governance evaluations. The performance management elements should also involve both internal and external stakeholders. The model in this paper is aimed at improving performance management in tax administration for Malaysian tax authorities
The Relationship between Technology, Financial and Location Strategies and Customer Relationship Management Performance among Logistics Service Providers
Authors: Mohamad Shah Muhamad Fairos , Wahab Samsudin , Tajudin Anas
Published: January 2023

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Board Governance Characteristics, Ownership Structure and Capital Structure Decisions among Islamic Banks in Malaysia: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Razali Nina Emi Liana , Md Kassim Aza Azlina
Published: January 2023

Islamic banks should continue to have less risky capital structure in order to maintain their sustainability and profitability. High risk capital structure tend to exposes Islamic banks to bankruptcy. Previous studies have focused on leverage in public listed companies and conventional banking but scanty studies focus on Islamic banks in Malaysia. Islamic banks are growing rapidly nowadays. The objective of this study is to develop a conceptual model on the influence of board governance characteristics and managerial ownership on leverage among Islamic banks in Malaysia. Thus, the study fills an important gap in board governance studies as many areas have not been explored, particularly, female directors and directorâ€™s meeting attendance and their association with leverage in Islamic banks. It is appropriate to look at the application of the agency theory in the perspective of capital structure decisions.
Measuring the Spiritual Brand Attribute of Islamic Banks
Authors: Ab Hamid Siti Ngayesah , Wan Jusoh Wan Jamaliah , Maulan Suharni
Published: January 2023

Islamic banking institutions are different from their conventional counterparts as theyincorporate religious and spiritual values in their operations. Despite this significantdifference, few studies have investigated this spiritual aspect especially from theperspective of the brand. The main purpose of this study is to develop a valid andreliable scale to measure the spiritual brand attribute of Islamic banks. Based on theresult of the interviews and review of literature, 28 items were proposed and analysedusing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Atotal of 14 items remain on the final scale classified in three dimensions which arebeliefs, ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The new brand attribute scaleis different from the existing scale as it focuses mainly on the spiritual and religiousaspect incorporated into the Islamic banking brand.
The Mediating Effect of Ethical Perception on the Relationship between Tax Service and Tax Compliance Behavior Using Baron and Kenny and Bootstrapping Method
Authors: Tan Swee Kiow , Mohd Salleh Mohd Fuad , Md Kassim Aza Azlina
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of this study is to examine the mediating and indirect effects ofethical perception in tax service on tax compliance behaviour. The study used crosssectionalsurvey design to collect primary data from individual taxpayers in thesouthern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Data was analysed with Statistical Packagefor the Social Science (SPSS). Results indicate that partial mediation was supported byadopting Baron and Kenny method. However, there is almost no mediation by usingbootstrapping method. It showed that ethical perception of individual taxpayers differacross individuals and these differences matter in significant ways particularly in theirtax compliance decisions. Therefore, IRB should provide better tax service to individualtaxpayers in order to enhance their tax ethics and compliance. This may increase taxrevenue and reduce the budget deficit without raising tax rates. This research resultsprovide valuable information for the IRB and it is useful for tax policy development.
Regional Expansion Policy in the Northern Sumatra Province of Indonesia: Impact on Regional Inequality
Authors: Anggia Yola , Sieng Lai Wei , Khain Wye Chung
Published: January 2023

This study aims to examine the impact of regional expansion policy on regionaldevelopment inequality in North Sumatra province, Indonesia. North Sumatra provinceis one of 34 Provinces in Indonesia. This province produce many new regencies andcities as a result of regional expansion policy. In 2000, the number of regencies inNorth Sumatra Province were 19 and then expanded to 33 in 2009. The number ofregencies remain unchanged since then. The aim of regional expansion policy is toimprove prosperity and accelerate development. Therefore, this study attempts toanalyze whether the policy of regional expansion in North Sumatra Province achievedthe purpose or rather caused development inequality in the regency. This study utilizedthe Williamson Index method to analyze the value of development inequalities in NorthSumatra Province from 2000 to 2016 using data from all regencies in the province.The results show that the expansion of the regency has resulted in a high level ofdevelopment inequality. This indicates that developmental inequality is increasing.
Group farming and productivity in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority of Malaysia
Authors: Mm Mm
Published: January 2023

The paddy sector is a strategic sector in Malaysia. This is due to its importance in the context of rice self-sufficiency, income generation and job opportunities especially for the rural population. The Malaysian government has set the goal of achieving self- sufficiency level in rice production at about 65-70% of local consumption. In order to achieve the objective, the government has implemented many strategies, the group farming project in Muda Agricultural Devevelopment Area (MADA) is one such strategy. The study was conducted on four MADA areas representing three schemes, namely the 10 tones Project, Estate Paddy Project, and Model Farm Project. The proportionate multistage stratified random sampling technique involving the area sampling method and the systematic method was employed to select 664 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used as an instrument to elicit information. An econometric model and other statistical techniques were used to estimate the effects of group farming project on productivity and farmersâ€™ income. The study makes a number of suggestions for improving the effectiveness of group farming projects. Recommendations are included in the project planning and implementation of group farming, and the importance of subsidy on paddy production for farmers in the study area.
Visual Images on Medieval and Early Modern World Maps
Authors: Krleža Palmira , Mlinarić Dubravka
Published: January 2023

This interdisciplinary research is focused on visual images on maps of the known world spanning from the medieval to the early modern period. Regardless of their purpose, which could range from ideological representations of the medieval world, as were O or T maps, to practical sailing maps like portolan charts and other early modern nautical charts of the (already known) world in a smaller scale, they carried the standard scope of geo-cartographic data and content. Besides, they offered a rich illustrative component of respectable graphic quality. This depended on the purpose of the map, as well as the geographical knowledge of its author on one hand and on the skill and expertise of its creator on the other. Through this short synchronic and diachronic overview of the iconographic elements of Old World maps, especially in respect to Croatian lands, some chronological continuities of cartographic presentation were revealed. The spread of ideas and ideologies communicated and disseminated by these will also be discussed.
Military Cetology
Authors: Shiga John , Ritts Max
Published: January 2023

 

Throughout the Cold War, the US Navy aggressively explored the sound-making and sound-detecting capacities of cetaceans to help it retain its supremacy in marine battle space. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises were engaged as animals that “see with sound,” that produce sophisticated echolocation “clicks,” and that harness the ocean’s complex acoustic waveguide to detect signals thousands of miles away. Other scholars have touched on the navy’s legacy in cetology (whale science), but none have made it their object of study. Our article places this relationship at the center of burgeoning engagements among media studies, sound studies, and marine spatial theory. We focus on the Cold War period, when new interests in submarine warfare facilitated the growth of naval interests in cetology. We understand the dynamic outcomes of these interests in terms of acoustemology—Steven Feld’s concept for a theory of what can be known and experienced through situated sonic encounter. At stake in this account is not only the question of cetology’s power-laden ways of engaging cetaceans but the role of sound in shifting conceptions of the ocean itself.
Localized diacylglycerol-dependent stimulation of Ras and Rap1 during phagocytosis
Authors: Botelho Roberto , Harrison Rene E. , C. Stone James , Hancock John F. , Philips Mark R. , Jongstra-Bilen Jenny , Mason David , Plumb Jonathan , R. Gold Michael , Grinstein Sergio
Published: January 2023

We describe a role for diacylglycerol in the activation of Ras and Rap1 at the phagosomal membrane. During phagocytosis, Ras density was similar on the surface and invaginating areas of the membrane, but activation was detectable only in the latter and in sealed phagosomes. Ras activation was associated with the recruitment of RasGRP3, a diacylglycerol-dependent Ras/Rap1 exchange factor. Recruitment to phagosomes of RasGRP3, which contains a C1 domain, parallels and appears to be due to the formation of diacylglycerol. Accordingly, Ras and Rap1 activation was precluded by antagonists of phospholipase C and of diacylglycerol binding. Ras is dispensable for phagocytosis but controls activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which is partially impeded by diacylglycerol inhibitors. By contrast, cross-activation of complement receptors by stimulation of Fcgamma receptors requires Rap1 and involves diacylglycerol. We suggest a role for diacylglycerol-dependent exchange factors in the activation of Ras and Rap1, which govern distinct processes induced by Fcgamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis to enhance the innate immune response.

 
The Fab1/PIKfyve phosphoinositide phosphate kinase is not necessary to maintain the pH of lysosomes and of the yeast vacuole
Authors: Ho Cheuk Y , Choy Christopher H , Wattson Christina A , Johnson Danielle E , Botelho Roberto
Published: January 2023

Lysosomes and the yeast vacuole are degradative and acidic organelles. Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2), a master architect of endolysosome and vacuole identity, is thought to be necessary for vacuolar acidification in yeast. There is also evidence that PtdIns(3,5)P2 may play a role in lysosomal acidification in higher eukaryotes. Nevertheless, these conclusions rely on qualitative assays of lysosome/vacuole pH. For example, quinacrine, an acidotropic fluorescent base, does not accumulate in the vacuoles of fab1Δ yeast. Fab1, along with its mammalian ortholog PIKfyve, is the lipid kinase responsible for synthesizing PtdIns(3,5)P2. In this study, we employed several assays that quantitatively assessed the lysosomal and vacuolar pH in PtdIns(3,5)P2-depleted cells. Using ratiometric imaging, we conclude that lysosomes retain a pH < 5 in PIKfyve-inhibited mammalian cells. In addition, quantitative fluorescence microscopy of vacuole-targeted pHluorin, a pH-sensitive GFP variant, indicates that fab1Δ vacuoles are as acidic as wild-type yeast. Importantly, we also employed fluorimetry of vacuoles loaded with cDCFDA, a pH-sensitive dye, to show that both wild-type and fab1Δ vacuoles have a pH < 5.0. In comparison, the vacuolar pH of the V-ATPase mutant vph1Δ or vph1Δ fab1Δ double mutant was 6.1. Although the steady-state vacuolar pH is not affected by PtdIns(3,5)P2 depletion, it may have a role in stabilizing the vacuolar pH during salt shock. Overall, we propose a model in which PtdIns(3,5)P2 does not govern the steady-state pH of vacuoles or lysosomes.
The PH domain from the Toxoplasma gondii PH-containing protein-1 (TgPH1) serves as an ectopic reporter of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate in mammalian cells
Authors: Chintaluri Krishna , Goulden Brady D. , Celmenza Camilyn , Saffi Golam , Miraglia Emily , R. V. Hammond Gerald , Botelho Roberto
Published: January 2023

Phosphoinositide (PtdInsP) lipids recruit effector proteins to membranes to mediate a variety of functions including signal transduction and membrane trafficking. Each PtdInsP binds to a specific set of effectors through characteristic protein domains such as the PH, FYVE and PX domains. Domains with high affinity for a single PtdInsP species are useful as probes to visualize the distribution and dynamics of that PtdInsP. The endolysosomal system is governed by two primary PtdInsPs: phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PtdIns(3)P] and phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,5)P2], which are thought to localize and control early endosomes and lysosomes/late endosomes, respectively. While PtdIns(3)P has been analysed with mammalian-derived PX and FYVE domains, PtdIns(3,5)P2 indicators remain controversial. Thus, complementary probes against these PtdInsPs are needed, including those originating from non-mammalian proteins. Here, we characterized in mammalian cells the dynamics of the PH domain from PH-containing protein-1 from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (TgPH1), which was previously shown to bind PtdIns(3,5)P2 in vitro. However, we show that TgPH1 retains membrane-binding in PIKfyve-inhibited cells, suggesting that TgPH1 is not a viable PtdIns(3,5)P2 marker in mammalian cells. Instead, PtdIns(3)P depletion using pharmacological and enzyme-based assays dissociated TgPH1 from membranes. Indeed, TgPH1 co-localized with Rab5-positive early endosomes. In addition, TgPH1 co-localized and behaved similarly to the PX domain of p40phox and FYVE domain of EEA1, which are commonly used as PtdIns(3)P indicators. Collectively, TgPH1 offers a complementary reporter for PtdIns(3)P derived from a non-mammalian protein and that is distinct from commonly employed PX and FYVE domain-based probes.

 
mTOR controls lysosome tubulation and antigen presentation in macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Saric Amra , Hipolito Victoria E. B. , Kay Jason G. , Canton Johnathan , N. Antonescu Costin , Botelho Roberto
Published: January 2023

Macrophages and dendritic cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) convert their lysosomes from small, punctate organelles into a network of tubules. Tubular lysosomes have been implicated in phagosome maturation, retention of fluid phase, and antigen presentation. There is a growing appreciation that lysosomes act as sensors of stress and the metabolic state of the cell through the kinase mTOR. Here we show that LPS stimulates mTOR and that mTOR is required for LPS-induced lysosome tubulation and secretion of major histocompatibility complex II in macrophages and dendritic cells. Specifically, we show that the canonical phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway regulates LPS-induced lysosome tubulation independently of IRAK1/4 and TBK. Of note, we find that LPS treatment augmented the levels of membrane-associated Arl8b, a lysosomal GTPase required for tubulation that promotes kinesin-dependent lysosome movement to the cell periphery, in an mTOR-dependent manner. This suggests that mTOR may interface with the Arl8b-kinesin machinery. To further support this notion, we show that mTOR antagonists can block outward movement of lysosomes in cells treated with acetate but have no effect in retrograde movement upon acetate removal. Overall our work provides tantalizing evidence that mTOR plays a role in controlling lysosome morphology and trafficking by modulating microtubule-based motor activity in leukocytes.
Lysosome remodelling and adaptation during phagocyte activation
Authors: Hipolito Victoria E. B. , Escobar Erika Ospina , Botelho Roberto
Published: January 2023

Lysosomes are acidic and hydrolytic organelles responsible for receiving and digesting cargo acquired during endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. For macrophages and dendritic cells, the lysosome is kingpin, playing a direct role in microbe killing and antigen processing for presentation. Strikingly, the historic view that lysosomes are homogeneous and static organelles is being replaced with a more elegant paradigm, in which lysosomes are heterogeneous, dynamic, and respond to cellular needs. For example, lysosomes are signalling platforms that integrate stress detection and molecular decision hubs such as the mTOR complex 1 and AMPK to modulate cellular activity. These signals can even adjust lysosome activity by modulating transcription factors such as transcription factor EB (TFEB) and TFE3 that govern lysosome gene expression. Here, we review lysosome remodelling and adaptation during macrophage and dendritic cell stimulation. First, we assess the functional outcomes and regulatory mechanisms driving the dramatic restructuring of lysosomes from globular organelles into a tubular network during phagocyte activation. Second, we discuss lysosome adaptation and scaling in macrophages driven by TFEB and TFE3 stimulation in response to phagocytosis and microbe challenges. Collectively, we are beginning to appreciate that lysosomes are dynamic and adapt to serve phagocyte differentiation in response to microbes and immune stress.
The Lysosome Signaling Platform: Adapting With the Times
Authors: Inpanathan Subothan , Botelho Roberto
Published: January 2023

Lysosomes are the terminal degradative compartment of autophagy, endocytosis and phagocytosis. What once was viewed as a simple acidic organelle in charge of macromolecular digestion has emerged as a dynamic organelle capable of integrating cellular signals and producing signal outputs. In this review, we focus on the concept that the lysosome surface serves as a platform to assemble major signaling hubs like mTORC1, AMPK, GSK3 and the inflammasome. These molecular assemblies integrate and facilitate cross-talk between signals such as amino acid and energy levels, membrane damage and infection, and ultimately enable responses such as autophagy, cell growth, membrane repair and microbe clearance. In particular, we review how molecular machinery like the vacuolar-ATPase proton pump, sestrins, the GATOR complexes, and the Ragulator, modulate mTORC1, AMPK, GSK3 and inflammation. We then elaborate how these signals control autophagy initiation and resolution, TFEB-mediated lysosome adaptation, lysosome remodeling, antigen presentation, inflammation, membrane damage repair and clearance. Overall, by being at the cross-roads for several membrane pathways, lysosomes have emerged as the ideal surveillance compartment to sense, integrate and elicit cellular behavior and adaptation in response to changing environmental and cellular conditions. 
Fyn and TOM1L1 are recruited to clathrin-coated pits and regulate Akt signaling
Authors: Cabral-Dias Rebecca , Lucarelli Stefanie , Zak Karolina , Rahmani Sadia , Judge Gurjeet , Abousawan John , DiGiovanni Laura F , Vural Dafne , Anderson Karen E. , G. Sugiyama Michael , Genc Gizem , Hong Wanjin , Botelho Roberto , Fairn Gregory D. , Kim Peter K. , N. Antonescu Costin
Published: January 2023

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) controls many aspects of cell physiology. EGF binding to EGFR elicits the membrane recruitment and activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, leading to Akt phosphorylation and activation. Concomitantly, EGFR is recruited to clathrin-coated pits (CCPs), eventually leading to receptor endocytosis. Previous work uncovered that clathrin, but not receptor endocytosis, is required for EGF-stimulated Akt activation, and that some EGFR signals are enriched in CCPs. Here, we examine how CCPs control EGFR signaling. The signaling adaptor TOM1L1 and the Src-family kinase Fyn are enriched within a subset of CCPs with unique lifetimes and protein composition. Perturbation of TOM1L1 or Fyn impairs EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt2 but not Akt1. EGF stimulation also triggered the TOM1L1- and Fyn-dependent recruitment of the phosphoinositide 5-phosphatase SHIP2 to CCPs. Thus, the recruitment of TOM1L1 and Fyn to a subset of CCPs underlies a role for these structures in the support of EGFR signaling leading to Akt activation.
Enhanced translation expands the endo-lysosome size and promotes antigen presentation during phagocyte activation
Authors: Hipolito Victoria E. B. , Diaz Jacqueline A. , Tandoc Kristofferson V. , Oertlin Christian , Ristau Johannes , Chauhan Neha , Saric Amra , Mclaughlan Shannon , Larsson Ola , Topisirovic Ivan , Botelho Roberto
Published: January 2023

The mechanisms that govern organelle adaptation and remodelling remain poorly defined. The endo-lysosomal system degrades cargo from various routes, including endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. For phagocytes, endosomes and lysosomes (endo-lysosomes) are kingpin organelles because they are essential to kill pathogens and process and present antigens. During phagocyte activation, endo-lysosomes undergo a morphological transformation, going from a collection of dozens of globular structures to a tubular network in a process that requires the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-AKT-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. Here, we show that the endo-lysosomal system undergoes an expansion in volume and holding capacity during phagocyte activation within 2 h of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Endo-lysosomal expansion was paralleled by an increase in lysosomal protein levels, but this was unexpectedly largely independent of the transcription factor EB (TFEB) and transcription factor E3 (TFE3), which are known to scale up lysosome biogenesis. Instead, we demonstrate a hitherto unappreciated mechanism of acute organelle expansion via mTOR Complex 1 (mTORC1)-dependent increase in translation, which appears to be mediated by both S6Ks and 4E-BPs. Moreover, we show that stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line with LPS alters translation of a subset but not all of mRNAs encoding endo-lysosomal proteins, thereby suggesting that endo-lysosome expansion is accompanied by functional remodelling. Importantly, mTORC1-dependent increase in translation activity was necessary for efficient and rapid antigen presentation by dendritic cells. Collectively, we identified a previously unknown and functionally relevant mechanism for endo-lysosome expansion that relies on mTORC1-dependent translation to stimulate endo-lysosome biogenesis in response to an infection signal.
Defective apoptotic cell contractility provokes sterile inflammation, leading to liver damage and tumour suppression
Authors: Julian Linda , Naylor Gregory , Wickman Grant R , Rath Nicola , Castino Giovanni , Stevenson David , Bryson Sheila , Munro June , McGarry Lynn , Mullin Margaret , Rice Alistair , Hernández Armandodel Del Río , Olson Michael
Published: January 2023

Apoptosis is characterized by profound morphological changes, but their physiological purpose is unknown. To characterize the role of apoptotic cell contraction, ROCK1 was rendered caspase non-cleavable (ROCK1nc) by mutating aspartate 1113, which revealed that ROCK1 cleavage was necessary for forceful contraction and membrane blebbing. When homozygous ROCK1nc mice were treated with the liver-selective apoptotic stimulus of diethylnitrosamine, ROCK1nc mice had more profound liver damage with greater neutrophil infiltration than wild-type mice. Inhibition of the damage-associated molecular pattern protein HMGB1 or signalling by its cognate receptor TLR4 lowered neutrophil infiltration and reduced liver damage. ROCK1nc mice also developed fewer diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumours, while HMGB1 inhibition increased HCC tumour numbers. Thus, ROCK1 activation and consequent cell contraction are required to limit sterile inflammation and damage amplification following tissue-scale cell death. Additionally, these findings reveal a previously unappreciated role for acute sterile inflammation as an efficient tumour-suppressive mechanism.

 
MICAL1 Monooxygenase in Autosomal Dominant Lateral Temporal Epilepsy: Role in Cytoskeletal Regulation and Relation to Cancer
Authors: Olson Michael
Published: January 2023

Autosomal dominant lateral temporal epilepsy (ADLTE) is a genetic focal epilepsy associated with mutations in the LGI1, RELN, and MICAL1 genes. A previous study linking ADLTE with two MICAL1 mutations that resulted in the substitution of a highly conserved glycine residue for serine (G150S) or a frameshift mutation that swapped the last three C-terminal amino acids for 59 extra residues (A1065fs) concluded that the mutations increased enzymatic activity and promoted cell contraction. The roles of the Molecule Interacting with CasL 1 (MICAL1) protein in tightly regulated semaphorin signaling pathways suggest that activating MICAL1 mutations could result in defects in axonal guidance during neuronal development. Further studies would help to illuminate the causal relationships of these point mutations with ADLTE. In this review, we discuss the proposed pathogenesis caused by mutations in these three genes, with a particular emphasis on the G150S point mutation discovered in MICAL1. We also consider whether these types of activating MICAL1 mutations could be linked to cancer. 
Optimizing metastatic-cascade-dependent Rac1 targeting in breast cancer: Guidance using optical window intravital FRET imaging
Authors: Floerchinger Alessia , Murphy Kendelle J , Latham Sharissa L. , C.Warren Sean , McCulloch Andrew T , Kyung Lee Young , Stoehr Janett , Mélénec Pauline , S.Guaman Cris , Metcalf Xanthe L , Lee Victoria , Zaratzian Anaiis , Da Silva Andrew , Tayao Michael , Rolo Sonia , Phimmachanh Monica , Sultani Ghazal , McDonald Laura , M. Mason Susan , Ferrari Nicola , M. Ooms Lisa , Johnsson Anna-Karin E , Spence Heather J , Olson Michael , Machesky Laura M. , Sansom Owen J , P. Morton Jennifer , Mitchell Christina A. , S. Samuel Michael , Croucher David R. , Welch Heidi C. E. , Blyth Karen , Caldon C. Elizabeth , Herrmann David , I Anderson Kurt , Timpson Paul , Nobis Max
Published: January 2023

Assessing drug response within live native tissue provides increased fidelity with regards to optimizing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Here, using longitudinal intravital imaging of a Rac1-Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor mouse coupled with in vivo photoswitching to track intratumoral movement, we help guide treatment scheduling in a live breast cancer setting to impair metastatic progression. We uncover altered Rac1 activity at the center versus invasive border of tumors and demonstrate enhanced Rac1 activity of cells in close proximity to live tumor vasculature using optical window imaging. We further reveal that Rac1 inhibition can enhance tumor cell vulnerability to fluid-flow-induced shear stress and therefore improves overall anti-metastatic response to therapy during transit to secondary sites such as the lung. Collectively, this study demonstrates the utility of single-cell intravital imaging in vivo to demonstrate that Rac1 inhibition can reduce tumor progression and metastases in an autochthonous setting to improve overall survival. 
Living Islam: Study of the “Pintan” Tradition in Welcoming and Ending the Month of Ramadhan
Authors: Fauzi Rahmat , Regina Dinda Alfa
Published: January 2023

The reception of Islamic societies to authoritative sources of Islamic teachings can be diverse. However, in the history of Islamic civilization, scholars have exerted more of their intellectual efforts to study the informative rather than the performative function of the Islamic scripture. Living Islam pointing to a new sub-field within Islamic studies that focuses on the Qurʾanic and hadith reception in society as imprinted in the socio-cultural life of the Muslim community. This article discusses the tradition of pasang Pintan as the phenomenon of Living Islam in the Javanese Muslim community, Patok Village, Kayu Aro, Kerinci. This study aims to examine how the community's understanding and reception of the source of Islamic teachings and how it was reflected in the tradition of Pasang Pintan. This tradition is categorized as a Living Islam phenomenon because it has particles and dimensions of Islam in it and has been deeply rooted in the socio-cultural of the community. In addition, this tradition is considered to have a normative foundation derived from both the Quran and hadith. Using qualitative methods and phenomenological approaches, this study found that the tradition of pasang Pintan by the Patok Village community has a functional-cultural meaning, namely as a form of unification between religion and culture. In addition, Pintan is intended as a means of filial piety to parents and social cohesion, enlivening the month of Ramadhan, do'a and zikir, as well as a medium of moral education, especially to parents.
Stagioni e figure della notte nella poesia di Paolo Volponi
Authors: Ritrovato Salvatore
Published: January 2023

Il presente articolo offre un attraversamento del tema, ma sarebbe meglio dire del “sentimento” della notte, nella poesia di Volponi, nella quale è presente sin dalle prime raccolte, e non cessa di prodursi in immagini intense nei versi della maturità e della vecchiaia. In particolare, si intende dimostrare la problematica evoluzione della notte dalla originaria dimensione lirica, legata alle stagioni naturali della terra, in cerca di una simbiosi con la vita interiore del poeta (sulla quale la bufera bellica ha lasciato ferito e cicatrici), a una nuova lucida e a volte angosciata percezione della notte, ormai tradita dall’uomo che la proietta su uno sfondo insonne e inerte di struggenti fantasmi lirici (come per esempio la luna).
“La luna è piena e il lago riposa tranquillo. O quasi.” Percorsi nella prosa notturna di Fleur Jaeggy
Authors: Brysiak Anna Małgorzata
Published: January 2023

L’articolo intende mostrare la pervasività della figura della notte nell’opera narrativa di Fleur Jaeggy e segnalare dei percorsi nella sua prosa, partendo dal fascino dell’autrice per la notte, momento elettivo della sua creazione oltre che sfondo costante delle sue opere letterarie. Della rappresentazione della notte in Jaeggy viene posta in primo piano la dimensione perturbante, enigmatica e spiazzante, propria dei personaggi così come della poetica dell’autrice. Ancora, il saggio si propone di mostrare la ricca, originale e multiforme centralità dell’esperienza e dell’immaginario della notte nella prosa di Jaeggy e nel suo mondo letterario, individuando passaggi in cui la notte si manifesta ora quale luogo dell’anima, ora spazio di incontro con fantasmi e doppi, ora punto di congiunzione fra dimensione spirituale e spettrale. Si indagano infine gli scenari tenebrosi in cui i protagonisti di Jaeggy trovano una forma di apparente distacco o, addirittura, di preparazione alla morte.
Hiobs Vaterschaft und die Trauer um seine Kinder
Authors: Marschall Anja
Published: January 2023

Dieser Aufsatz überprüft die These, dass der Protagonist des Hiobbuches als klagender Vater charakterisiert ist. Prolog, Dialog und Epilog zeigen Hiob als trauernden und liebenden Vater, der sich mit Gesprächspartnern auseinandersetzt, die wiederum auf die Art seiner Trauer Bezug nehmen. Nach einer Untersuchung der Verwendung typischer Trauerverben und -riten wendet sich die Untersuchung Hiobs körperlicher, emotionaler und kognitiver Reaktion auf den Tod seiner Kinder zu. Durch den Abgleich mit anderen alttestamentlichen und altorientalischen Texten sowie mit der aktuellen exegetischen und kulturanthropologischen Forschung zeigt sich, dass Hiobs Morbidität und Todeswunsch Teil einer kulturtypischen, aber besonders verstärkten Trauerreaktion sind. Hiobs kognitive Verarbeitung bildet hingegen eine im Alten Israel unübliche Art der Trauerbewältigung ab. Gleichwohl zeigt sie große Übereinstimmungen mit bekannten Trauermustern wie der komplizierten Trauer und Disenfranchised grief. Die Parallelen zu Ergebnissen der zeitgenössischen Psychologie ermöglichen es, Hiobs Trauer als treibende Kraft der Klage und als Anstoß des Streits unter Freunden wahrzunehmen. Die negative Reaktion der Freunde auf Hiobs Trauer bestätigt, dass Hiob als trauernder Vater klagt und protestiert und als solcher Gottes Weltordnung in Frage stellt. Im Epilog des Hiobbuches erweist sich schließlich die Vaterschaft Hiobs als das überdauernde und stabilisierende Element im Narrativ des Lebens Hiobs.
 
This paper verifies the thesis that the protagonist of the Book of Job is delineated as a grieving father. The prologue, dialogue and epilogue show Job as a mourning and loving father engaging in dialogue with friends and God who themselves relate to Job’s grief. After examining the use of typical mourning verbs and rites, the study turns to Job’s physical, emotional, and cognitive reaction to the death of his children. By comparing Job’s expressions with other Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern texts as well as with current exegetical and cultural anthropological scholarship, Job’s morbidity and death wish can be seen as a culturally typical but particularly intensified grief response. In contrast, Job’s cognitive processing represents a coping mechanism unusual in Ancient Israel. However, there are parallels to typical patterns of mourning known to contemporary psychology, such as complicated and disenfranchised grief. These allow to identify Job’s grief as the driving force of the lament and as the impetus of a dispute among friends. Their negative reaction to Job’s mourning confirms that Job laments and protests as a grieving father. Finally, in the epilogue of the book, Job’s fatherhood emerges as the enduring and stabilizing feature of the story.
A Tearful and Busy Mother
Authors: Garcia-Ventura Agnes
Published: January 2023

As a way to explore certain aspects related to the construction of motherhood, and by extension of an ideal of femininity in ancient Mesopotamia, in this article we examine a first millennium BCE baby incantation known to us thanks to two duplicates found in the city of Assur. More specifically, we concentrate on the two references to the mother in this text. In the first one the mother herself cries when she sees that she cannot stop her baby’s crying. In the second one the mother is presented as unable to attend to the work she has to do because of the baby’s crying. In our analysis we argue that both references underline important pillars in the construction of femininity. On the one hand we emphasise that the crying of the mother can be read, at least partially, as an empathetic reaction. On the other, we defend that the busy mother in the text embodies the ideal of the industrious woman – in contrast to the negative archetype of the lazy woman, a frequent trope in Sumerian and Akkadian literature.
Modelo para la implementación de un sistema de trauma, emergencias y cuidado intensivo quirúrgico
Authors:   Virginia Commonwealth University, Aboutanos Michel , Chango-Siguenza Óscar ,   Hospital docente Vicente Corral Moscoso, Espinoza-Peña Andrea ,   Hospital docente Vicente Corral Moscoso, Fernández-de-Córdova-Rubio Lenin ,   Hospital docente Vicente Corral Moscoso, Figueroa-Segarra Fernando ,   Hospital docente Vicente Corral Moscoso, Flores-Lazo Nube ,   Universidad de Cuenca, Jaigua-Rodríguez Juan Diego ,   Universidad de Cuenca, Martínez-Carvallo Alberto ,   Universidad de Cuenca, Pino-Andrade Edmundo ,   Universidad Autónoma de Los andes, Pino-Andrade Raúl ,   Universidad de Cuenca, Rodas-Reinbach Edgar ,   Virginia Commonwealth University, Sacoto-Aguilar Hernán ,   Universidad del Azuay, Salamea-Molina Juan Carlos ,   universidad del Azuay, Serrano-Cisneros Esteban Andrés ,   Universidad del Azuay, Sarmiento-Altamirano Doris ,   Universidad del Azuay, Reinoso-Naranjo Jiovanni ,   Universidad de Cuenca
Published: January 2023

El Modelo está más claramente definido en la sección 6 (Modelo: Trauma, Emergencias y Cuidado Intensivo Quirúrgico) porque da a conocer los antecedentes históricos que llevaron a la introducción del sistema de atención a las condiciones agudas en cirugía y la forma en que este modelo ha cambiado el paradigma del cirujano general. Aunque este fenómeno tiene unos antecedentes específicos dentro del ámbito norteamericano, la diseminación de estas nuevas estrategias se ha traducido en Cuenca en un alto rendimiento a nivel asistencial en el hospital. La efectividad del cuidado, el control de calidad y el impacto en la utilización de recursos formarán parte de los argumentos más sólidos para la promoción continuada de estos programas en otras regiones.160 páginas ISBN:978-9942-778-10-9 e-ISBN:978-9942-778-11-6
Tejiendo sustentabilidad desde la comunicación en América Latina
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, Durán Ana María , Ferrari María Aparecida ,   Universidad del Azuay, Reucing-Polezzi Juliana ,   Universidad Anáhuac, Ayala-Soliz Mónica ,   Bolivia, Cecato Valdete ,   Brasil, Matus Pablo ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Lanzani Claudia Alejandra ,   Universidad Argentina John F. Kennedy
Published: January 2023

Tejiendo sustentabilidad desde la comunicación en América Latina es una obra recomendable para todos los que ejercen la actividad de relaciones públicas, comunicación y sustentabilidad en organizaciones públicas, privadas y ONG, así como para estudiantes de pregrado y postgrado, docentes e investigadores. Las experiencias presentadas, con seguridad servirán para responder inquietudes de cada lector en esta amplia temática. Ana María Durán, Universidad del Azuay, Ecuador; María Aparecida Ferrari, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil; Juliana Reucing Polezzi, Universidad Anáhuac, México ; Mónica Ayala Soliz,Bolivia ; Valdete Cecato; Pablo Matus, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; Claudia Alejandra Lanzani, Universidad Argentina John F. Kennedy, Argentina. 170 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-778-14-7 e-ISBN: 978-9942-778-15-4