bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput, fluorescent-aptamer-based measurements of steady-state transcription rates forMycobacterium tuberculosisRNA polymerase
Authors: Jensen Drake , Manzano Ana Ruiz , Rector Maxwell , Tomko Eric J. , Record M. Thomas , Galburt Eric A.
Published: March 2023

The first step in gene expression is the transcription of DNA sequences into RNA. Regulation at the level of transcription leads to changes in steady-state concentrations of RNA transcripts, affecting the flux of downstream functions and ultimately cellular phenotypes. Changes in transcript levels are routinely followed in cellular contexts via genome-wide sequencing techniques. However,in vitromechanistic studies of transcription have lagged with respect to throughput. Here, we describe the use of a real-time, fluorescent-aptamer-based method to quantitate steady-state transcription rates of theMycobacterium tuberculosisRNA polymerase. We present clear controls to show that the assay specifically reports on promoter-dependent, full-length RNA transcription rates that are in good agreement with the kinetics determined by gel-resolved, α-32P NTP incorporation experiments. We illustrate how the time-dependent changes in fluorescence can be used to measure regulatory effects of nucleotide concentrations and identity, RNAP and DNA concentrations, transcription factors, and antibiotics. Our data showcase the ability to easily perform hundreds of parallel steady-state measurements across varying conditions with high precision and reproducibility to facilitate the study of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial transcription.

Significance Statement

RNA polymerase transcription mechanisms have largely been determined fromin vitrokinetic and structural biology methods. In contrast to the limited throughput of these approaches,in vivoRNA sequencing provides genome-wide measurements but lacks the ability to dissect direct biochemical from indirect genetic mechanisms. Here, we present a method that bridges this gap, permitting high-throughput fluorescence-based measurements ofin vitrosteady-state transcription kinetics. We illustrate how an RNA-aptamer-based detection system can be used to generate quantitative information on direct mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and discuss the far-reaching implications for future applications.
TimeTeller: a tool to probe the circadian clock as a multigene dynamical system
Authors: Vlachou Denise , Veretennikova Maria , Usselmann Laura , Vasilyev Vadim , Ott Sascha , Bjarnason Georg A. , Dallmann Robert , Levi Francis , Rand David A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Recent studies have established that the circadian clock influences onset, progression and therapeutic outcomes in a number of diseases including cancer and heart diseases. Therefore, there is a need for tools to measure the functional state of the molecular circadian clock and its downstream targets in patients. Moreover, the clock is a multi-dimensional stochastic oscillator and there are few tools for analysing it as a system. In this paper we consider the methodology behind Time-Teller, a machine learning tool that analyses the clock as a system and aims to estimate circadian clock function from a single transcriptome by modelling the multi-dimensional state of the clock. We demonstrate its potential for clock systems assessment by applying it to mouse, baboon and human microarray and RNA-seq data and show how to visualise and quantify the global structure of the clock, quantitatively stratify individual transcriptomic samples by clock dysfunction and globally compare clocks across individuals, conditions and tissues thus highlighting its potential relevance for advancing circadian medicine.
An efficient method for helicopter fuselage shape optimization
Authors: Zhu Jiahao , Xu Guohua , Shi Yongjie
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a new method of fuselage drag optimization that can obtain results faster than the conventional methods based on full computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations and can be used to improve the efficiency of preliminary design.

Design/methodology/approach

An efficient method for helicopter fuselage shape optimization based on surrogate-based optimization is presented. Two numerical simulation methods are applied in different stages of optimization according to their relative advantages. The fast panel method is used to calculate the sample data to save calculation time for a large number of sample points. The initial solution is obtained by combining the Kriging surrogate model and the multi-island genetic algorithm. Then, the accuracy of the solution is determined by using the infill criteria based on CFD corrections. A parametric model of the fuselage is established by several characteristic sections and guiding curves.

Findings

It is demonstrated that this method can greatly reduce the calculation time while ensuring a high accuracy in the XH-59A helicopter example. The drag coefficient of the optimized fuselage is reduced by 13.3%. Because of the use of different calculation methods for samples, this novel method reduces the total calculation time by almost fourfold compared with full CFD calculations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to provide a novel method of fuselage drag optimization by combining different numerical simulation methods. Some suggestions on fuselage shape optimization are given for the XH-59A example.
Key factors in reducing cost of UAM implementation
Authors: Liberacki Adam , Dziugiel Bartosz , Woroniecka Paulina , Ginter Piotr , Stanczyk Anna Dorota , Mazur Anna Maria , Ten Thije Jens T. , Tojal Castro Marta
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is the identification of the main factors affecting the cost of urban air mobility (UAM) based on results of ASSURED-UAM project. These factors can be found among such cost areas as investments (infrastructure, aircraft), operational, energy, end of life, delay and environmental. Once determined, they can be of great value for all UAM stakeholders, including manufacturers, urban planners and air service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

The obtained results were based on the outcomes of ASSURED-UAM project. Having the information about the magnitude of each cost category, we were able to identify the most costly factors of UAM. As a result, it was possible to suggest feasible cost reduction means.

Findings

For each cost category, there is the possibility to lower its value among the total cost of UAM. Each cost category has its own cost reduction means. It is vital however that the obtained results depend strongly on the assumptions made at the beginning of cost calculations.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is the identification of key UAM costs reduction means which may be found beneficial for all UAM stakeholders involved in the development of UAM infrastructure and services.
Pre-covid and peri-covid analysis of employees' work values and job quality
Authors: Amankwah Majoreen Osafroadu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The workspace has experienced several significant changes (shift in work culture) due to the Covid-19 pandemic thereby necessitating the need for a comparative assessment of differences that exist in work values and job quality of employees pre-covid 19 and “peri”-covid 19.

Design/methodology/approach

The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was employed to conduct a correlation and T-test analysis from the quantitative data gathered from Ghanaian public and private sector employees.

Findings

The study found differences in what employees valued pre- and peri-covid era for job security, promotional opportunities, interesting work, using skills and experience, the usefulness of work to society and flexible work. During the pre-covid era, employees perceived autonomy, personal contact and stressful jobs, whereas promotional opportunities, good collegial relations and help to others were experienced peri-covid.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study tracked the work values and quality of employees, the respondents (pre-covid and peri-covid) were different. Responses here captured the views of formal sector workers only. These notwithstanding, the findings are important for explaining changes (work values and job quality) that occurred due to the pandemic. Future research might use a qualitative approach to understand reasons behind these changes.

Practical implications

Due to changes in the working space and the introduction of technology, stress has been impacted positively as employees need not commute frequently to work and work seems to have been simplified. It is therefore safe for organisations to retain changes to people management due to the pandemic.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first study in the Ghanaian context comparing employees' values and job quality pre- and peri-covid.
Who and what messages are more suitable for health ads: the combined influence of endorsers and message framing on visual attention and ad effectiveness
Authors: Hsu Chiung-Wen
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The author examined effects of endorser type and message framing on visual attention and ad effectiveness in health ads, including the moderator of involvement. This paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted with a 2 (celebrity vs. expert) × 2 (positive vs. negative framing) between-subject factorial design. Eye-tracking measured visual attention and a questionnaire measured ad effectiveness and product involvement.

Findings

Experimental data from 78 responses showed no vampire effect in the health advertisements. Celebrity endorsement with negative message framing received more attention and had less ad recall than that with positive message framing. Negative and positive message framing attracted the same amount of attention and ad recall in the expert endorsement condition. High involvement participants paid more attention to the ad message with the expert than that with the celebrity, but ad recall was not significantly increased. Low involvement participants exhibited the same attention to the ad message with the expert and with the celebrity, but had greater recall of the ad message with the expert. Visual attention to the endorser was associated with ad attitude but not with ad recall. Ad attitude impacted behavioral intention.

Originality/value

Studies examining influences of celebrity and message framing on ad effectiveness have focused on the response to advertising stimuli, not the information process. The author provides empirical evidence of the viewers' information processing of endorsers and health messages, and its relationship with ad effectiveness. The study contributes to the literature by combining endorser and message framing in health ads to promote public health communication from the information processing perspective.
Cryptocurrency adoption and continuance intention among Indians: moderating role of perceived government control
Authors: Kala Devkant , Chaubey Dhani Shanker
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of perceived government control (PGC) on cryptocurrency adoption and continuance intention among Indians through an integrated model of the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with the Information System Success Model (ISSM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined the items of cryptocurrency adoption, continuance intention and PGC adopted from the information systems and cryptocurrency literature. The survey was administered to 391 Indians through an online questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data.

Findings

Results have shown that social influence, effort expectancy and perceived trust are the major drivers for cryptocurrency adoption. All paths leading to cryptocurrency adoption were found to be significant in the hypothesized directions. The study also found that PGC moderates the relationship between adoption and continuance intention.

Originality/value

This study advances existing literature by empirically verifying the integrated UTAUT and ISSM in the context of cryptocurrency adoption for investment purposes. The findings offer crypto-developers and crypto-exchange insight into how adoption is diffusing in emerging markets. The findings provide policymakers with meaningful insights into the role of government regulations in cryptocurrency continuance intention.
Deep and organizational learning as innovation catalyzer in digital business ecosystems – a scenario analysis on the tourism destination Berlin
Authors: Schuhbert Arne , Thees Hannes , Pechlaner Harald
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The below-average innovative capacity of the tourism sector raises the question on the potentials of digital business ecosystems (DBEs) to overcome these shortages at a destination level – especially within a smart city environment. Using the example of the German Capital Berlin, this article aims to discuss both the possibilities and inhibitors of innovative knowledge-creation by building scenarios on one specific design option: the integration of digital deep learning (DL) functionalities and traditional organizational learning (OL) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the qualitative GABEK-method, major characteristics of a DBE as resource-, platform- and innovation systems are analyzed toward their interactions with the construction of basic action models (as the basic building blocks of knowledge).

Findings

Against the background of the research findings, two scenarios are discussed for future evolution of the Berlin DBE, one building on cultural emulation as a trigger for optimized DL functionalities and one following the idea of cultural engineering supported by DL functionalities. Both scenarios focus specifically on the identified systemic inhibitors of innovative capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

While this study highlights the potential of the GABEK method to analyze mental models, separation of explicit and latent models still remains challenging – so does the reconstruction of higher order mental models which require a combined take on interview techniques in the future.

Originality/value

The resulting scenarios innovatively combine concepts from OL theory with the concept of DBE, thus indicating possible pathways into a tourism future where the limitations of human learning capacities could be compensated through the targeted support of general artificial intelligence (AI).
Does fit perception influence career exploration in a relational context? The mediating role of career adaptability
Authors: Kou Qi , Mohd Rasdi Roziah , Muhamad Nasharudin Nurfazreen Aina , Md Rami Ahmad Aizuddin , Cao Peng , Umar Baki Nordahlia
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between contextual factors and career exploration. Career adaptability mediates the relationship between social support, sense of belonging and career exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study involved 291 undergraduates recruited from two universities in China. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicated that social support and sense of belonging were positively related to career adaptability. Career adaptability was found to be a mediator between relational predictors and career exploration. Contrary to our hypothesis, the direct path from sense of belonging to career exploration was insignificant.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of career adaptability in connecting contextual indicators and career exploration in the Chinese context.
Implementation of legislative framework governing records management throughout the life cycle in the Limpopo provincial government of South Africa
Authors: Malatji Ouma , Marutha Ngoako Solomon
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate a framework for implementation of legislative framework governing records management throughout the life cycle in the Limpopo provincial government of South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative multi-method study used a semi-structured questionnaire, document analysis and interviews to collect data. The dominant approach was quantitative, with some support from limited qualitative data, which served to clarify the statistical data. No sampling method was applied, as the study targeted the entire population of 135 records management participants from the provincial departments with the questionnaire, while nine participants from provincial archives participated in interviews.

Findings

The study revealed that the role of the provincial archives in enforcing compliance with legislative frameworks for the proper management of records was always disrupted by a lack of key resources such as staffing, for inspecting and training records-creating departments and working resources at the departmental levels.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will contribute to the field in respect of future studies into compliance with records management legislation, and the proposed framework may be applied as a theoretical basis for, or part of, a conceptual framework.

Practical implications

The study will serve as a resource or benchmark for archivists and records management professionals in the industry, as they count amongst the policymakers who find ways of monitoring, evaluating and enforcing compliance with the legislation governing proper records management.

Social implications

The proper implementation of recommendations from this study will lead to significant improvements in the management of records with enduring value, allowing them to finally be transferred to an archival repository to serve the public interest as heritage, national memory, or resources for researchers and authors, amongst others.

Originality/value

The study proposes a framework for implementation of legislation governing records management with greater ease in the Limpopo provincial government of South Africa.
Enhancing the design of data-related privacy controls for smart home devices
Authors: Chhetri Chola , Motti Vivian Genaro
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Past research shows that users of smart home devices (SHDs) have privacy concerns. These concerns have been validated from technical research that shows SHDs introduce a lot of privacy risks. However, there is limited research in addressing these concerns and risks. This paper aims to bridge this gap by informing the design of data-related privacy controls for SHDs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors follow a user-centered design approach to design data-related privacy controls from design requirements backed by literature. The authors test the design for usability and perceived information control using psychometrically validated scales. For this purpose, two variations of the prototype (MyCam1 with a listing of data-related privacy controls and MyCam2 with three privacy presets) were created and tested them in a between-subjects experimental setting. Study participants (n = 207) were recruited via Mechanical Turk and asked to use the prototype app. An online survey was distributed to the participants to measure some usability and privacy-related constructs.

Findings

Findings show that the presented prototype designs were usable and met the privacy control needs of users. The prototype design with privacy presets (MyCam2) was found to be significantly more usable than the list of privacy controls (MyCam1).

Originality

The findings of this paper are original and build on the paper presented at the International Symposium on Human Aspects of Information Security and Assurance (HAISA 2022). This paper contributes improved and usable designs of privacy controls for smart home applications.
Crises and capabilities in project-based organizations: conceptual model and empirical evidence
Authors: Iftikhar Rehab
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the identification of different types of crises, their impact on project-based organizations' (PBOs) performance and exploring PBOs' capabilities to influence the effects of those crises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents results from a large-scale survey (n = 283) comprising PBOs in the information technology, telecom and construction industries. The data analysis relies on structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study indicates that internal (as well as external) crises are negatively (as well as positively) associated with performance, which demonstrates the different effects that different kinds of crises have on performance. Furthermore, project-based organizational capabilities moderate the crisis–performance relation. In particular, the study demonstrates the contrasting effects that capabilities have on the management of crises indicating that some capabilities might worsen the effects of crises.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to dynamic capability and project management literature by identifying different types of crises that could impact short-and long-term performance and explore a set of capabilities required by PBOs to manage crises.
Commodity price volatility, risk exposure and development of financial institutions
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study examines the dynamics of financial institution development among economies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and how volatility in forex-adjusted price of key globally traded, commodities and macroeconomic risk influence such development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data collected from the period starting 2001 to 2019 for relevant variables; and the empirical test was performed using the two-step system generalized method of moments (TSS-GMM) estimation method.

Findings

Empirical estimates suggest that volatility in forex-adjusted prices of crude oil and cocoa are inimical to development of financial institutions among economies in the sub-region. On the other hand, volatility in the price of gold is found to have a significant positive effect on development of financial institutions. Additionally, political instability is found to exacerbate the adverse effect of volatility in the price of globally traded commodities on the development of financial institutions in the sub-region.

Originality/value

The study verifies how volatility in forex-adjusted prices of key traded commodities on the global market influence development of financial institutions in the sub-region. Additionally, the study examines the impact of macroeconomic risk, a principal component analysis (PCA) constructed index on the development trajectory of financial institutions. Finally, the authors examine the moderating role of institutional quality and political instability in the relationship in question.
Fallacy of continual improvement in the longitudinal study of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards
Authors: Yadav Neeraj , Heriyati Pantri
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Generic quality management system standard ISO 9001 and the automotive quality management system standard IATF 16949 both require organisations to demonstrate continual improvement in their customer satisfaction and the number of non-conformities identified during quality system audits. However, the long-term trends of these two parameters under ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards are not researched so far. It is expected that under continual improvement, organisations will achieve a step-function/stair-case shaped pattern. This study evaluates if this expectation is true when long-term performance of certified organisations is assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal exploration of three organisations certified to ISO 9001 standard and three certified to IATF 16949 standard is done. The observations are further substantiated using secondary data for the same ten years period about customer satisfaction of the major automobile manufacturers.

Findings

It is observed that none of the two indicators, i.e. the customer satisfaction and number of non-conformities, in any of the six organisations show step-wise/stair-case type improvement. All indicators followed random up and down patterns like ocean waves. It is paradoxical that certified organisations are claiming continual improvement and are remaining certified but there is actually no long-term improvement.

Originality/value

Longitudinal studies for the generic quality management standard ISO 9001 and the quality system standard for automotive sector IATF 16949 are rare. The revelation about ocean wave patterns observed in the long-term trends for customer satisfaction and the number of non-conformities in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified organisations is a startling finding. It is outlandishly different from the conventional perception of a staircase-styled continual improvement pattern expected a priori in certified organisations.
Lean performance measurement system for an Indian automotive supply chain
Authors: Sangwa Narpat Ram , Sangwan Kuldip Singh , Paidipati Kiran Kumar , Shah Bhavin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a simple and innovative fuzzy methodology-based lean performance measurement system (L-PMS) for an Indian automotive supply chain. The paper also enlightens the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on supply chains and the practical implications of the unprecedented disruptions on the performance measurement systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The L-PMS is divided into three phases. In the first phase, the key performance indicator (KPI) list, as deemed fit by the organization, is prepared using literature and suggestions from the case organization. The list contains 61 KPIs measuring 24 performance dimensions in seven functional areas of the supply chain. In the second phase, the KPI performance data (actual, best and worst) are collected using the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. In the last phase, the leanness score of the case organization is calculated at four levels – KPI, dimension, functional area and overall organization.

Findings

The overall leanness score of the case organization is 60%. The case organization uses KPIs from all seven functional areas, but it needs to improve the number of KPIs in administration and supplier management functional areas. The case organization uses only quantitative KPIs. However, the performance dimensions at the middle level are adequate. The leanness level of the case organization in different areas is highly variable (ranges from 45% to 91%).

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the study is that the case study is done at a single organization.

Practical implications

The managers at the different levels of the hierarchy can use the lean performance measurement score to leverage the better performing areas/dimensions/KPIs and improve poor performing areas/dimensions/KPIs. The lean performance measurement at functional area level can help leadership to give responsibility to different people for the improvement of leanness with respect to different dimensions/functional areas. The disruptive impact of COVID-19 should clearly be understood by the managers to make appropriate decisions based on the severity as measured at different levels.

Originality/value

According to the authors' best knowledge, this is the first lean performance measurement application at the four hierarchical levels (KPI, performance dimension, functional area and overall organization).
An assessment of facilitative leadership, communication quality and trust on public-private partnership success
Authors: Mohd Som Rafedzah , Ismail Ismi Arif , Omar Zoharah , Alias Siti Noormi , Asimiran Soaib
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test a public–private partnership (PPP) success model by examining the direct effects of two input factors (facilitative leadership and communication quality) on an outcome factor, namely, PPP success (PPP project success and PPP relational success), as well as the mediating effect of trust as a process factor on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research uses the sociotechnical systems theory as the guiding framework. This is a quantitative study that uses a questionnaire survey and purposive sampling. The respondents comprise 266 public and private sector employees who have been involved in various PPP projects. The data gathered from the survey are analysed using SPSS and structural equation modelling (AMOS version 23.0).

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that facilitative leadership, communication quality and trust are positively correlated with PPP success, that is, PPP relational and PPP project success. Trust is found to mediate the relationship between facilitative leadership and communication quality with PPP success.

Practical implications

This paper upholds the importance of facilitative leadership, communication quality and trust in a PPP setting.

Originality/value

This study enriches the knowledge of PPP projects regarding facilitative leadership, communication quality and trust. It also discusses the vital role of these variables in ensuring PPP success.
What is known and what is unknown about food buying and consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic? A systematic literature review
Authors: Nosi Costanza , Aquilani Barbara , Fulco Irene
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the management and marketing literature on food buying and consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic to shed light on how consumers reacted to this global crisis, to help interpret consumer reactions to possible future crises and to identify future research avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a systematic literature review as research methodology.

Findings

This study's outcomes reveal that, during the pandemic, people have deeply changed their food buying and consumption habits. The analysis identifies four main themes: food purchasing channel choice and buying behavior; food choices and consumption habits; food and “food-related” waste; and country influence on food buying and consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This review uses only one database of records (Scopus). The Boolean modifiers chosen for extracting the papers may have influenced the type and number of retrieved publications. The analysis was limited to articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Originality/value

While most examined investigations do not provide a comprehensive picture of consumers’ food-related responses to the pandemic and individually offer only a partial view focusing on one or just a few aspects of food consumer behavior, this study offers an overall description of consumers’ responses to the crisis and identifies important research issues to be addressed in the future.
Do sustainability motivations drive satisfaction and engagement in the sharing economy, or is it just price and convenience? Some answers in a collaborative housing context
Authors: Alarcón-del-Amo María-del-Carmen , Lorenzo-Romero Carlota , Gómez-Borja Miguel-Ángel
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the motivations behind using Airbnb as a collaborative housing platform brand, their impact on satisfaction and engagement, and how the latter affects brand electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) and brand loyalty. It also analyzes the potential moderating effect of the use intensity of collaborative housing platforms for the proposed causal relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was addressed to active users of Airbnb with a final sample of 405 users. Data were analyzed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the causal model and a multigroup SEM to test the moderator effect of the intensity of use.

Findings

The results show that convenience affects brand satisfaction and hedonic motivation influences brand engagement, and both affect return intention and eWOM. In contrast, sustainability motivations seem unrelated both with satisfaction and engagement. Furthermore, the mechanism by which people reach loyalty in terms of return intention varies according to their usage intensity. Thus, the engagement–intention way is stronger for more intensive brand users. In contrast, the satisfaction–intention mechanism is significantly stronger for those with more sporadic use.

Practical implications

The management of collaborative housing platforms should promote tools and actions that favor enjoyment and fun since they increase engagement. On the other hand, it should be interesting to communicate the idea of the convenience of the applications, such as availability for a great offer, ease of contracting, or saving time, since this type of motivation directly correlates with customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The motivational and behavioral heterogeneity demonstrated in this research can make it easier for people to be reached through different communication strategies and arguments both by the collaborative housing platforms and by public agencies with interests in city tourism management.
Proposed temporary waqf model for family waqf implementation in Malaysia
Authors: Ab Rahman Muhamad Firdaus , Abdullah Thaidi Hussein ‘Azeemi , Mohamad Suhaimi Farhana , Ab Rahim Siti Farahiyah
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a temporary waqf model for family waqf by establishing its application parameters, which may facilitate the management of family waqf in Malaysia and encourage new donors to establish waqf.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was employed to analyse the data through deductive and field research methods. For field research, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with the Waqf Corporations and Mufti's Department in the selected states within Malaysia.

Findings

Results drawn from the interview's findings are that creating family waqf in Malaysia is hindered by several obstacles, including family waqfs not serving the public interest but rather their descendants, and family waqfs have been practised in perpetuity. Besides, inefficient management of family waqf and a lack of an effective mechanism and parameter exists. Therefore, this study presented a conceptual framework for a temporary cash waqf model for family waqf along with the parameters that can be used to implement it. The temporary waqf is a strategy to develop waqf property and the interests of creators, beneficiaries and trustees. Temporary waqf merged into the family waqf yields benefits to the family waqf.

Research limitations/implications

Because of Malaysia's Waqf Regulation and Administration, this study was confined to selected states. This study has broadened the scope of temporary family waqf, including moveable, immovable property and cash waqf.

Practical implications

This study presented a temporary waqf model for family waqf as a realistic mechanism and criterion for its practical implementation in Malaysia.

Social implications

This study could encourage new donors to establish waqf.

Originality/value

This study’s novelty lies in its attempt to highlight the importance of the temporary waqf model as a practical mechanism with holistic principles for its implementation in Malaysia to benefit the donors, their families and trustees. In addition to family waqf, numerous temporary waqfs may be established, in which the income or usufruct is shared proportionally, such as charitable waqf (waqf khairi), private waqf (waqf khas) and joint waqf (waqf mushtarak).
Remuneration committees, CEO compensation, skills and retention
Authors: Khan Arifur , Kanapathippillai Sutharson , Dellaportas Steven
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold: to examine the impact of a remuneration committee (RC) on the level of chief executive officer (CEO) remuneration; whether firms with a RC, pay a premium to CEOs with different skill sets (general or specific); and whether a pay premium mitigates the potential for CEO turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 5,305 firm-year observations on a data set drawn from companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange for the period 2007 to 2014. The authors use ordinary least squares as well as logit regression techniques to test the formulated hypotheses. Difference in difference and propensity score matching techniques were undertaken to address the endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The findings show that firms with a RC pay a higher total remuneration to CEOs compared to firms without a RC. Furthermore, firms with a RC, value and reward CEOs with general skills by paying a premium not offered to CEOs with industry-specific skills. Paying a premium, in turn, mitigates CEO turnover by strengthening the CEO’s commitment to the organisation.

Originality/value

The study helps us to understand the critical role played by the RC in the remuneration of CEOs. The findings show that RCs act as an effective governance mechanism to deal with issues of executive remuneration and to retain skilled CEOs. Additionally, CEOs who acquire and develop general managerial skills will be able to extract higher pay from improved bargaining power. The findings will be of relevance to shareholders, regulators and company management who have an interest in executive pay and performance.
Active participants but confused minds: university students’ perceptions of citizenship learning experiences in Chinese higher education
Authors: Zhang Chong
Published: March 2023

Purpose

There is widespread debate about the nationalistic top-down approach of citizenship education. By using the notion of cultural citizenship as a useful theoretical lens, citizenship education research tends to focus on the process of subjectivity construction among students’ citizenship learning process. The Communist Party of China plays a dominant role in cultivating citizens in the form of ideological and political education (IaPE) in Chinese universities. The research problem thus focuses on the dynamics and complexity of how Chinese university students construct their subjectivities regarding citizenship learning through IaPE. The main purpose of the study is to provide some research directions for understanding students’ citizenship learning today.

Design/methodology/approach

With the case study of one university in China and interview data from 25 students, this paper examines the ways in which students understand and respond to dominant discourses.

Findings

The findings revealed there is a deficit of citizenship learning in IaPE, and students felt ideologically pressurized. This study suggests students’ complex subjectivities of active participants but confused minds as a phenomenon in Chinese higher education, in which they must involve in IaPE for personal academic and career development, while they adopted covert strategies for self-conscious citizenship learning expectations. These strategies took the form ranging from obediently completing basic curriculum requirements and distancing away by studying abroad, to actively searching for learning opportunities from other courses and media society.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to citizenship education research by recognizing the complexities of how subjectivities are formed in formal university settings.
Resilience, vulnerability and personality effects on social commerce intentions: the COVID-19 era
Authors: Mourelatos Evangelos , Manganari Emmanouela
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between social commerce purchase intention and consumer psychological factors (i.e. resilience, vulnerability and personality traits) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on social cognitive theory (SCT), an econometrical behavioral model was developed to explore the key determinants of online purchase behavior of 303 students in Greece. The research data were collected with a two-wave online survey (pre- and during the pandemic) which was distributed randomly to students in Generation Z.

Findings

A series of regression analyses revealed a positive effect of openness and a negative impact of extraversion and neuroticism on internet, Instagram and Facebook purchases during the pandemic. Findings suggest that loneliness serves as a moderator, while resilience and vulnerability have a positive effect on social media purchase behavior.

Practical implications

This study provides insights and implications for social commerce marketers and sheds light on the determinants of online purchase intentions of young consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

Elaborating on SCT, this study provides novel insights into young consumers’ internet use and online purchase behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e. longitudinal approach), by focusing on consumer vulnerability and resilience while also embedding personality traits and mental health aspects (i.e. loneliness levels during the pandemic).
Exosomal miR‐21‐5p derived from multiple myeloma cells promote renal epithelial–mesenchymal transition through targeting TGF‐β/SMAD7 signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Liping , Liu Langni , Liu Rui , Liu Jing , Cheng Qian
Published: March 2023

The prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) patients combined with renal insufficiency is poor. Renal fibrosis is an important pathological cause for MM patients combined with renal insufficiency. It is reported that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells is an important mechanism in renal fibrosis. We speculated that EMT might play an important role in the renal insufficiency of MM with unclear mechanism. MM cells derived exosomes could affect the function of targeted cells by delivering microRNAs (miRNAs). Literature has shown that the expression of miR‐21 is closely related to EMT. In this research, we found that co‐culture of HK‐2 cells (human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells) and exosomes derived from MM cells promoted the EMT of HK‐2 cells, resulting in the down‐regulation of epithelial‐related marker (E‐cadherin), and up‐regulation of stroma‐related marker (Vimentin). Meanwhile, the expression of SMAD7, one of the downstream targets in the TGF‐β signalling pathway, was suppressed and the expression of TGF‐β was increased. After transfecting the inhibitor of miR‐21 in MM cells, the expression of miR‐21 in exosomes secreted by MM cells was significantly decreased, and the co‐culture of these treated exosomes and HK‐2 cells inhibited the EMT of HK‐2 cells. In conclusion, these findings showed that exosomal miR‐21 derived from MM cells could promote renal EMT through targeting TGF‐β/SMAD7 signalling pathway.
An argument for sparsity
Authors: Zeitlyn David
Published: March 2023

I consider the influence of the language used in anthropological analysis (the metalanguage). If in principle there are at least as many anthropologies as there are languages, then we must allow the possibility of seven thousand or so more or less incommensurable anthropologies. However, incommensurability need not follow: not only can sparse theory aid comparison but it can also help establish partial (incomplete) commensurability. The parsimony of sparse theory allows for clarity even when dealing with vague ideas. If to achieve this some fashionable terms of analysis have to avoided, this is a price worth paying. In sum: we should all say less more clearly.
Improving growth properties of Corynebacterium glutamicum by implementing an iron‐responsive protocatechuate biosynthesis
Authors: Thoma Felix , Appel Christof , Russ Dominik , Huber Janine , Werner Felix , Blombach Bastian
Published: March 2023

Corynebacterium glutamicum experiences a transient iron limitation during growth in minimal medium, which can be compensated by the external supplementation of protocatechuic acid (PCA). Although C. glutamicum is genetically equipped to form PCA from the intermediate 3‐dehydroshikimate catalysed by 3‐dehydroshikimate dehydratase (encoded by qsuB), PCA synthesis is not part of the native iron‐responsive regulon. To obtain a strain with improved iron availability even in the absence of the expensive supplement PCA, we re‐wired the transcriptional regulation of the qsuB gene and modified PCA biosynthesis and degradation. Therefore, we ushered qsuB expression into the iron‐responsive DtxR regulon by replacing the native promoter of the qsuB gene by the promoter PripA and introduced a second copy of the PripA‐qsuB cassette into the genome of C. glutamicum. Reduction of the degradation was achieved by mitigating expression of the pcaG and pcaH genes through a start codon exchange. The final strain C. glutamicum IRON+ showed in the absence of PCA a significantly increased intracellular Fe2+ availability, exhibited improved growth properties on glucose and acetate, retained a wild type‐like biomass yield but did not accumulate PCA in the supernatant. For the cultivation in minimal medium C. glutamicum IRON+ represents a useful platform strain that reveals beneficial growth properties on different carbon sources without affecting the biomass yield and overcomes the need of PCA supplementation.
Is fluoroscopy‐guided percutaneous bone biopsy of diabetic foot with suspected osteomyelitis worthwhile? A retrospective study
Authors: Al‐Balas Hassan , Metwalli Zeyad A. , Nagaraj Aaditya , Sada David M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Diabetic foot infection, particularly osteomyelitis, is a major risk factor of amputation in persons with diabetes. Bone biopsy with microbial examination is considered the gold standard of diagnosis of osteomyelitis, providing information about the offending pathogens as well as their antibiotics susceptibility. This allows targeting of these pathogens with narrow spectrum antibiotics, potentially reducing emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Percutaneous fluoroscopy guided bone biopsy allows accurate and safe targeting of the affected bone.

Methods

In a single tertiary medical institution and over 9 year period, we performed 170 percutaneous bone biopsies. We retrosepctively reviewed the medical record of these patients including patients' demographics, imaging and biopsy microbiology and pathollogic results.

Results

Microbiological cultures of 80 samples (47.1%) were positive with 53.8% of the positive culture showed monomicrobial growth and the remaining were polymicrobial. Of the positive bone samples 71.3% grew Gram‐positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen from positive bone cultures with almost one third showing methicillin resistence. Enterococcus species were the most frequently isolated pathogens from polymicrobial samples. Enterobacteriaceae species were the most common Gram‐negative pathogens and were more common in polymicrobial samples.

Conclusions

Percutaneous image‐guided bone biopsy is a low‐risk, minimally invasive procedure that can provide valuable information about microbial pathogens and therefore enable targeting these pathogens with narrow spectrum antibiotics.