bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-yield enzymatic synthesis of mono– and trifluorinated alanine enantiomers
Authors: Nieto-Dominguez Manuel , Sako Aboubakar , Enemark-Rasmussen Kasper , Gotfredsen Charlotte Held , Rago Daniela , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: November 2023

Fluorinated amino acids are a promising entry point for incorporating new-to-Nature chemistries in biological systems. Hence, novel methods are needed for the selective synthesis of these building blocks. In this study, we focused on the enzymatic synthesis of fluorinated alanine enantiomers. To this end, the alanine dehydrogenase fromVibrio proteolyticusand the diaminopimelate dehydrogenase fromSymbiobacterium thermophilumwere applied to thein vitroproduction of (R)-3-fluoroalanine and (S)-3-fluoroalanine, respectively, using 3-fluoropyruvate as the substrate. Additionally, an alanine racemase fromStreptomyces lavendulae, originally selected for setting an alternative enzymatic cascade leading to the production of these non-canonical amino acids, had an unprecedented catalytic efficiency in the β-elimination of fluorine from the monosubstituted fluoroalanine. Thein vitroenzymatic cascade based on the dehydrogenases ofV.proteolyticusandS.thermophilumincluded a cofactor recycling system, whereby a formate dehydrogenase fromPseudomonassp. 101 (either native or engineered) coupled formate oxidation to NAD(P)H formation. Under these conditions, the reaction yields for (R)-3-fluoroalanine and (S)-3-fluoroalanine reached >85% on the fluorinated substrate and proceeded with complete enantiomeric excess. Moreover, the selected dehydrogenases were also able to catalyze the conversion of trifluoropyruvate into trifluorinated alanine, as a first-case example of biocatalysis with amino acids carrying a trifluoromethyl group.
Glutathione accelerates the cell cycle and cellular reprogramming in plant regeneration
Authors: Lee Laura R , Guillotin Bruno , Rahni Ramin , Hutchison Chanel , Desvoyes Bénédicte , Gutierrez Crisanto , Birnbaum Kenneth D
Published: November 2023

The plasticity of plant cells underlies their wide capacity to regenerate, with increasing evidence in plants and animals implicating cell cycle dynamics in cellular reprogramming. To investigate the cell cycle during cellular reprogramming, we developed a comprehensive set of cell cycle phase markers in the Arabidopsis root. Using single-cell RNA-seq profiles and live imaging during regeneration, we found that a subset of cells near an ablation injury dramatically increases division rate by truncating G1. Cells in G1 undergo a transient nuclear peak of glutathione (GSH) prior to coordinated entry into S phase followed by rapid divisions and cellular reprogramming. A symplastic block of the ground tissue impairs regeneration, which is rescued by exogenous GSH. We propose a model in which GSH from the outer tissues is released upon injury licensing an exit from G1 near the wound to induce rapid cell division and reprogramming.
Human mutations in high-confidence Tourette disorder genes affect sensorimotor behavior, reward learning, and striatal dopamine in mice
Authors: Nasello Cara , Poppi Lauren A. , Wu Junbing , Kowalski Tess F. , Thackray Joshua K. , Wang Riley , Persaud Angelina , Mahboob Mariam , Lin Sherry , Spaseska Rodna , Johnson C.K. , Gordon Derek , Tissir Fadel , Heiman Gary A. , Tischfield Jay A. , Bocarsly Miriam , Tischfield Max A.
Published: November 2023

Tourette disorder (TD) is poorly understood, despite affecting 1/160 children. A lack of animal models possessing construct, face, and predictive validity hinders progress in the field. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate mice with mutations orthologous to humande novovariants in two high-confidence Tourette genes,CELSR3andWWC1. Mice with human mutations inCelsr3andWwc1exhibit cognitive and/or sensorimotor behavioral phenotypes consistent with TD. Sensorimotor gating deficits, as measured by acoustic prepulse inhibition, occur in both male and femaleCelsr3TD models.Wwc1mice show reduced prepulse inhibition only in females. Repetitive motor behaviors, common toCelsr3mice and more pronounced in females, include vertical rearing and grooming. Sensorimotor gating deficits and rearing are attenuated by aripiprazole, a partial agonist at dopamine type II receptors. Unsupervised machine learning reveals numerous changes to spontaneous motor behavior and less predictable patterns of movement. Continuous fixed-ratio reinforcement showsCelsr3TD mice have enhanced motor responding and reward learning. Electrically evoked striatal dopamine release, tested in one model, is greater. Brain development is otherwise grossly normal without signs of striatal interneuron loss. Altogether, mice expressing human mutations in high-confidence TD genes exhibit face and predictive validity. Reduced prepulse inhibition and repetitive motor behaviors are core behavioral phenotypes and are responsive to aripiprazole. Enhanced reward learning and motor responding occurs alongside greater evoked dopamine release. Phenotypes can also vary by sex and show stronger affection in females, an unexpected finding considering males are more frequently affected in TD.

Significance Statement

We generated mouse models that express mutations in high-confidence genes linked to Tourette disorder (TD). These models show sensorimotor and cognitive behavioral phenotypes resembling TD-like behaviors. Sensorimotor gating deficits and repetitive motor behaviors are attenuated by drugs that act on dopamine. Reward learning and striatal dopamine is enhanced. Brain development is grossly normal, including cortical layering and patterning of major axon tracts. Further, no signs of striatal interneuron loss are detected. Interestingly, behavioral phenotypes in affected females can be more pronounced than in males, despite male sex bias in the diagnosis of TD. These novel mouse models with construct, face, and predictive validity provide a new resource to study neural substrates that cause tics and related behavioral phenotypes in TD.
Dispersal of a dominant competitor can drive multispecies coexistence in biofilms
Authors: Holt Jacob D. , Schultz Daniel , Nadell Carey D.
Published: November 2023

Despite competition for both space and nutrients, bacterial species often coexist within structured, surface-attached communities termed biofilms. While these communities play important, widespread roles in ecosystems and are agents of human infection, understanding how multiple bacterial species assemble to form these communities and what physical processes underpin the composition of multispecies biofilms remains an active area of research. Using a model three-species community composed ofP. aeruginosa,E. coli, andE. faecalis, we show with cellular scale resolution that biased dispersal of the dominant community member,P. aeruginosa, prevents competitive exclusion from occurring, leading to coexistence of the three species. AP. aeruginosa bqsSdeletion mutant no longer undergoes periodic mass dispersal, leading to local competitive exclusion ofE. coli. Introducing periodic, asymmetric dispersal behavior into minimal models parameterized by only maximal growth rate and local density supports the intuition that biased dispersal of an otherwise dominant competitor can permit coexistence generally. Colonization experiments show that WTP. aeruginosais superior at colonizing new areas in comparison toΔbqsS P. aeruginosa, but at the cost of decreased local competitive ability againstE. coliandE. faecalis. Overall, our experiments document how one species’ modulation of a competition-dispersal-colonization trade-off can go on to influence the stability of multispecies coexistence in spatially structured ecosystems.
Functional and antigenic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 spike fusion peptide by deep mutational scanning
Authors: Lei Ruipeng , Qing Enya , Odle Abby , Yuan Meng , Tan Timothy J.C. , So Natalie , Ouyang Wenhao O. , Wilson Ian A. , Gallagher Tom , Perlman Stanley , Wu Nicholas C. , Wong Lok-Yin Roy
Published: November 2023

The fusion peptide of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is functionally important for membrane fusion during virus entry and is part of a broadly neutralizing epitope. However, sequence determinants at the fusion peptide and its adjacent regions for pathogenicity and antigenicity remain elusive. In this study, we performed a series of deep mutational scanning (DMS) experiments on an S2 region spanning the fusion peptide of authentic SARS-CoV-2 in different cell lines and in the presence of broadly neutralizing antibodies. We identified mutations at residue 813 of the spike protein that reduced TMPRSS2-mediated entry with decreased virulence. In addition, we showed that an F823Y mutation, present in bat betacoronavirus HKU9 spike protein, confers resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and also highlight a potential challenge in developing broadly protective S2-based coronavirus vaccines.
copepodTCR: Identification of Antigen-Specific T Cell Receptors with combinatorial peptide pooling
Authors: Kovaleva Vasilisa A. , Pattinson David J. , Barton Carl , Chapin Sarah R. , Minervina Anastasia A. , Richards Katherine A. , Sant Andrea J. , Thomas Paul G. , Pogorelyy Mikhail V. , Meyer Hannah V.
Published: November 2023

T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity enables the orchestration of antigen-specific immune responses against the vast space of possible pathogens. Identifying TCR/antigen binding pairs from the large TCR repertoire and antigen space is crucial for biomedical research. Here, we introducecopepodTCR, an open-access tool for the design and interpretation of high-throughput experimental assays to determine TCR specificity.copepodTCRimplements a combinatorial peptide pooling scheme for efficient experimental testing of T cell responses against large overlapping peptide libraries, useful for “deorphaning” TCRs of unknown specificity. The scheme detects experimental errors and, coupled with a hierarchical Bayesian model for unbiased results interpretation, identifies the response-eliciting peptide for a TCR of interest out of hundreds of peptides tested using a simple experimental set-up. We experimentally validated our approach on a library of 253 overlapping peptides covering the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We provide experimental guides for efficient design of larger screens covering thousands of peptides which will be crucial for the identification of antigen-specific T cells and their targets from limited clinical material.
RankCompV3: a differential expression analysis algorithm based on relative expression orderings and applications in single-cell RNA transcriptomics
Authors: Yan Jing , Zeng Qiuhong , Wang Xianlong
Published: November 2023

Effective identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) has been challenging for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiles. Many existing algorithms have high false positive rates (FPRs) and often fail to identify weak biological signals. Here, we present a novel method for identifying DEGs in scRNA-seq data called RankCompV3. It is based on the comparison of relative expression orderings (REOs) of gene pairs which are determined by comparing the expression levels of a pair of genes in a set of single-cell profiles. The numbers of genes with consistently higher or lower expression levels than the gene of interest are counted in two groups in comparison, respectively, and the result is tabulated in a 3×3 contingency table which is tested by McCullagh’s method to determine if the gene is dysregulated. In both simulated and real scRNA-seq data, RankCompV3 tightly controlled the FPR and demonstrated high accuracy, outperforming 11 other common single-cell DEG detection algorithms. Analysis with either regular single-cell or synthetic pseudo-bulk profiles produced highly concordant DEGs with ground-truth. In addition, RankCompV3 demonstrates higher sensitivity to weak biological signals than other methods. The algorithm was implemented using Julia and can be called in R. The source code is available athttps://github.com/pathint/RankCompV3.jl.
Origin and evolution of the bread wheat D genome
Authors: Cavalet-Giorsa Emile , González-Muñoz Andrea , Athiyannan Naveenkumar , Holden Samuel , Salhi Adil , Gardener Catherine , Quiroz-Chávez Jesús , Rustamova Samira M. , Elkot Ahmed F. , Patpour Mehran , Rasheed Awais , Mao Long , Lagudah Evans S. , Periyannan Sambasivam K. , Sharon Amir , Himmelbach Axel , Reif Jochen C. , Knauft Manuela , Mascher Martin , Stein Nils , Chayut Noam , Ghosh Sreya , Perovic Dragan , Putra Alexander , Perera Ana B. , Hu Chia-Yi , Yu Guotai , Ahmed Hanin Ibrahim , Laquai Konstanze D. , Rivera Luis F. , Chen Renjie , Wang Yajun , Gao Xin , Liu Sanzhen , Raupp W. John , Olson Eric L. , Lee Jong-Yeol , Chhuneja Parveen , Kaur Satinder , Zhang Peng , Park Robert F. , Ding Yi , Liu Deng-Cai , Li Wanlong , Nasyrova Firuza Y. , Dvorak Jan , Abbasi Mehrdad , Li Meng , Kumar Naveen , Meyer Wilku B. , Boshoff Willem H. P. , Steffenson Brian J. , Matny Oadi , Sharma Parva K. , Tiwari Vijay K. , Grewal Surbhi , Pozniak Curtis , Chawla Harmeet Singh , Ens Jennifer , Dunning Luke T. , Kolmer James A. , Lazo Gerard R. , Xu Steven , Gu Yongqiang , Xu Xianyang , Uauy Cristobal , Abrouk Michael , Bougouffa Salim , Brar Gurcharn S. , Wulff Brande B. H. , Krattinger Simon G.
Published: November 2023

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a globally dominant crop and major source of calories and proteins for the human diet. Compared to its wild ancestors, modern bread wheat shows lower genetic diversity caused by polyploidisation, domestication, and breeding bottlenecks1,2. Wild wheat relatives represent genetic reservoirs, harbouring diversity and beneficial alleles that have not been incorporated into bread wheat. Here, we establish and analyse pangenome resources for Tausch’s goatgrass,Aegilops tauschii, the donor of the bread wheat D genome. This new pangenome facilitated the cloning of a disease resistance gene and haplotype analysis across a complex disease resistance locus, allowing us to discern alleles from paralogous gene copies. We also reveal the complex genetic composition and history of the bread wheat D genome, involving previously unreported contributions from genetically and geographically discreteAe. tauschiisubpopulations. Together, our results reveal the complex history of the bread wheat D genome and demonstrate the potential of wild relatives in crop improvement.
Temporal genomic analysis of melanoma rejection identifies regulators of tumor immune evasion
Authors: Shvefel Sapir Cohen , Pai Joy A. , Cao Yingying , Pal Lipika R. , Levy Ronen , Yao Winnie , Cheng Kuoyuan , Zemanek Marie , Bartok Osnat , Weller Chen , Yin Yajie , Du Peter P. , Yakubovich Elizabeta , Orr Irit , Ben-Dor Shifra , Oren Roni , Fellus-Alyagor Liat , Golani Ofra , Goliand Inna , Ranmar Dean , Savchenko Ilya , Ketrarou Nadav , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Ruppin Eytan , Satpathy Ansuman T. , Samuels Yardena
Published: November 2023

Decreased intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) correlates with increased patient survival and immunotherapy response. However, even highly homogenous tumors may display variability in their aggressiveness, and how immunologic-factors impinge on their aggressiveness remains understudied. Here we studied the mechanisms responsible for the immune-escape of murine tumors with low ITH. We compared the temporal growth of homogeneous, genetically-similar single-cell clones that are rejected vs. those that are not- rejected after transplantationin-vivousing single-cell RNA sequencing and immunophenotyping. Non- rejected clones showed high infiltration of tumor-associated-macrophages (TAMs), lower T-cell infiltration, and increased T-cell exhaustion compared to rejected clones. Comparative analysis of rejection- associated gene expression programs, combined within-vivoCRISPR knockout screens of candidate mediators, identifiedMif(macrophage migration inhibitory factor) as a regulator of immune rejection.Mifknockout led to smaller tumors and reversed non-rejection-associated immune composition, particularly, leading to the reduction of immunosuppressive macrophage infiltration. Finally, we validated these results in melanoma patient data.

Statement of significance

Here, we uncover the association ofMifexpression with tumor growth and aggressiveness, specifically in low ITH tumors. These findings could facilitate the development of new strategies to treat patients with homogeneous, high-MIFexpressing tumors that are unresponsive to immune checkpoint therapy.
Short tandem repeat mutations regulate gene expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Verbiest Max A. , Lundström Oxana , Xia Feifei , Baudis Michael , Sonay Tugce Bilgin , Anisimova Maria
Published: November 2023

Short tandem repeat (STR) mutations are prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in tumours with the microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype. While STR length variations are known to regulate gene expression under physiological conditions, the functional impact of STR mutations in CRC remains unclear. Here, we integrate STR mutation data with clinical information and gene expression levels to study the gene regulatory effects of STR mutations in CRC. We confirm that STR mutability in CRC highly depends on the MSI status, repeat unit size, and repeat length. Furthermore, we present a set of 1244 putative expression STRs (eSTRs) for which the STR length is associated with gene expression levels in CRC tumours. The length of 73 eSTRs is associated with expression levels of cancer-related genes, nine of which are CRC-specific genes. We show that linear models describing eSTR-gene expression relationships allow for predictions of gene expression changes in response to eSTR mutations. Moreover, we found an increased mutability of eSTRs in MSI tumours. Our evidence of gene regulatory roles for eSTRs in CRC highlights a mostly overlooked way through which tumours may modulate their phenotypes. The increased mutability of eSTRs in MSI tumours may be an early indication that eSTR mutations can confer a selective advantage to tumours. Future extensions of our findings into larger cohorts could uncover new STR-based targets in the treatment of cancer.
Impact of embedded AI mobile smart speech recognition on consumer attitudes towards AI and purchase intention across Generations X and Y
Authors: Arachchi H.A. Dimuthu Maduranga , Samarasinghe G. Dinesh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of the derived attributes of embedded artificial intelligence-mobile smart speech recognition (AI-MSSR) technology, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived enjoyment (PE) on consumer purchase intention (PI) through the chain relationships of attitudes to AI and consumer smart experience, with the moderating effect of consumer innovativeness and Generation (Gen) X and Gen Y in fashion retail.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative survey strategy, drawing a sample of 836 respondents from Sri Lanka and India representing Gen X and Gen Y. The data analysis was carried out using smart partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings show a positive relationship between the perceived attributes of MSSR and consumer PI via attitudes towards AI (AAI) and smart consumer experiences. In addition, consumer innovativeness and Generations X and Y have a moderating impact on the aforementioned relationship. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study are discussed with a note on the research limitations and further research directions.

Practical implications

To multiply the effects of embedded AI-MSSR and consumer PI in fashion retail marketing, managers can develop strategies that strengthen the links between awareness, knowledge of the derived attributes of embedded AI-MSSR and PI by encouraging innovative consumers, especially Gen Y consumers, to engage with embedded AI-MSSR.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on embedded AI-MSSR and consumer PI in fashion retail marketing by providing an integrated view of the technology acceptance model (TAM), the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and the generational cohort perspective in predicting PI.
Paternalism as a positive way of HRM in MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Panya Fuangfa
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on owner-managers’ paternalism and its effects on human resource management (HRM) in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to describe and discuss how owner-managers paternalism enhanced the sustainability of exemplary MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach employing Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological methodology was used. Data were collected from 30 exemplary MSME restaurants using non-participant observation, document analysis and in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 75 key informants: 30 owner-managers and 45 of their employees in 10 Thai tourist provinces over three time periods. Verbatim transcripts were coded using template analysis to generate distilled data summaries.

Findings

Four HRM themes were identified: (1) staffing, (2) development, (3) performance management and (4) compensation. A proposed model was suggested to understand how owner-managers’ paternalism affects four HRM practices. Owner-managers use their authority, combined with high levels of benevolence and morality, through supportiveness and kindness for employees to meet both their work and personal needs. Specifically, their employees repay them through performance and loyalty. This reciprocal relationship positively impacts employers, employees and MSMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The generalization of the study's outcomes is limited by the sample size and study methodology. The findings propose alternative HRM practices for Thai restaurants, therefore, generalization to all types of MSMEs and all areas of the world is not possible. In future research, it would be useful to consider a mixed-methods approach using large samples of MSMEs across the country or in other countries. Some small HR issues that were noted in this study, such as using the horoscope, astrology and zodiac as hiring tools, could be studied further. Future studies should explore the main thrust and relationship established between owner-managers and employees to drive MSMEs' performance.

Practical implications

The findings may be used as guidelines for creating a deep bond between employers and employees to strengthen MSMEs and foster sustainability.

Social implications

Important for instilling HRM practices in MSMEs. This paper provides policy implications for governments, relevant public agencies and other developing countries. They need to put forward for consideration of new strategies for migrant policy, in order to solve the shortage of labor in MSMEs. A well-considered policy could increase employee well-being during crises by bringing supportive strategies together.

Originality/value

This study expands knowledge of the effects of paternalism on HRM practices in shaping employer and employee relationships through social exchange theory (SET).
Corporate culture and takeover vulnerability: evidence from machine learning and earnings conference calls
Authors: Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Chintrakarn Pandej , Papangkorn Suwongrat , Jiraporn Pornsit
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Exploiting an innovative measure of corporate culture based on machine learning and earnings conference calls, this study aims to investigate how corporate culture is influenced by hostile takeover threats. To sidestep endogeneity, this study uses a unique measure of takeover vulnerability principally based on the staggered implementation of state legislations, which are plausibly exogenous.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the standard regression analysis, this study also executes a variety of other empirical tests such as propensity score matching, entropy balancing and an instrumental variable analysis, to demonstrate that the results are robust. The final sample includes 27,663 firm-year observations from 4,092 distinct companies from 2001 to 2014.

Findings

This study documents that more takeover exposure weakens corporate culture considerably, consistent with the managerial myopia hypothesis. Threatened by the takeover risk, managers tend to behave myopically and are less likely to make long-term investments that promote strong corporate culture in the long run. Additional analysis focusing on a culture of innovation, which is especially vulnerable to managerial myopia, produces similar evidence.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the effect of takeover susceptibility on corporate culture using a distinctive metric of corporate culture based on textual analysis.
A design for tokenization in governmental investment
Authors: Silva Romildo , Marques Rui Pedro , Inácio Helena
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the possible efficiency gains in using tokenization for the execution of public expenditure on governmental investments.

Design/methodology/approach

Through design science research methodology, the exploratory research produced a tokenized prototype in the blockchain, through the Ernst and Young OpsChain traceability solution, allowing automated processes in the stages of public expense. A focus group composed of auditors from the public sector evaluated the possibility of improving the quality of information available in the audited entities, where the tokens created represent and register the actions of public agents in the blockchain Polygon.

Findings

The consensus of the experts in the focus group indicated that the use of tokenization could improve the quality of the information, since the possibility of recording the activities of public agents in the metadata of the tokens at each stage of the execution of the expenditure allows the audited entities the advantages of the information recorded on the blockchain, according to the following ranking: first the immutability of audited data, followed by reliability, transparency, accessibility and efficiency of data structures.

Originality/value

This research makes an empirical contribution to the real use of tokenization in blockchain technology to the public sector through a value chain in which tokens were created and moved between the wallets of public agents to represent, register and track the operations regarding public expense execution.
Creating a sustainable ripple in rural entrepreneurship – the case of Deserttulip in resource-constrained rural Jordan
Authors: Refai Deema , Elkafrawi Nermin , Gittins Peter
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This article aims to explore whether and how rural entrepreneurs (REs) navigate the challenges they face to support rural development, with a particular focus on sustainable entrepreneurial development in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on structuration theory (Giddens, 1984), the article is underpinned by the position-practice perspective and its four interrelated elements: praxis, positioning, capabilities and trust. A qualitative methodology is applied to explore the case study of Deserttulip in Jordan and its utilisation of the innovative agricultural Groasis Waterboxx-Technology (GroasisWBT).

Findings

Findings indicate that the position-practice of rural entrepreneurs becomes contextualised between enablers and constraints that shape entrepreneurs' praxis, positioning, capabilities and trust. Pervasive constraints are evidenced by limiting external structures and resources. Yet, these are challenged by enablers observed through the agentic roles of REs and the utilisation of innovative tools in ways that minimise the limitations of constrained contexts.

Practical implications

The article has practical implications within countries with extreme constraints – including environmental (drought), financial and institutional constraints – where collective sustainable initiatives, alongside the utilisation of innovative tools, are called for in order to minimise the impact of limited resources and institutional support whilst promoting empowerment, cohesion and sustainable entrepreneurial development.

Originality/value

The article highlights the specificity of constrained entrepreneurship in ways that allow re-interpreting position-practice of rural entrepreneurs around collective social systems rather than individual entrepreneurs. A sustainable ripple is conceptualised, whereby expanding sustainable entrepreneurial development initiatives are observed around collective acts that stress the accountability and mutual dispositions of rural entrepreneurs towards developing and sustaining their contexts.
Epistemological extension of situation strength theory to assess intrapreneurial behaviour
Authors: Alam Muhammad Zubair , Rafiq Muhammad , Alafif Adnan , Nasir Sobia
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The determination of human behaviours due to individual characteristics (personality traits) or situational factors has long remained inconclusive. Although the literature stream on personality as the determinants of behaviour is voluminous, the interest of researchers is also growing towards organisational situational cues as the determinant of behaviours. According to situation strength theory (SST), behaviours are determined by situations in strong situations and by personality in weak situations. This study aims to propose a theoretical model of intrapreneurial behaviour (IB) emanation from empowering leadership (EL) by extending the epistemology of SST under the influence of organisational strong situations of job autonomy (JA) and perceived organisational support (POS).

Design/methodology/approach

Using SST, the present study argues that strong situations play a key role in determining human behaviours, and the same can be viewed deductively to assess IB.

Findings

The study attempts to propose whether EL is capable of predicting IB under the strong situation effect of JA and POS while dampening the impact of human personality characteristics.

Originality/value

The current study offers a significant departure from current human resource practices in person-situation dialectics, moving away from personality assessments and toward the creation of cues from strong situations for fostering human behaviour. As a result, personality researchers are being encouraged to conduct a reality check on the extensive personality research conducted in occupational settings. Considering organisational situational cues can impact human resource scope in areas such as talent management, selection, promotion and employment.
Measuring counterproductive work behavior in telework settings: development and validation of the counterproductive [tele]work behavior scale (CTwBS)
Authors: Junça Silva Ana , Martins Sara
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Although (tele)work is increasingly being adopted and employees’ behavior is recognized to be key for organizational outcomes (e.g. performance), the current literature on counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) in telework settings is fragmented, and a valid measurement instrument is lacking. This study aims to address this gap and starts by presenting a review of the current literature on counterproductive work behavior in flexible work arrangements (i.e. telework). Based on this study, eight categories of work behavior that appear to be frequent under telework settings were identified.

Design/Methodology

Next, four studies aimed at developing and validating a measurement instrument that captures employee counterproductive work behavior when teleworking: the counterproductive [tele]work behavior scale (CTwBS).

Findings

In Study 1, the CTwBS was created, and in Study 2, its factorial validity was examined (N = 350). In Study 3, using a sample of teleworkers (N = 289), the convergent and discriminant validity of the CTwBS was tested using self-ratings of (positive and negative) affect, attitudes toward telework and frequency of CWB in general. In Study 4, a daily-diary study across five workdays (N = 232 × 5 = 1,160) examined the criterion validity of the CTwBS.

Practical implications

The results indicated that the CTwBS is a valid and reliable instrument for capturing employee counterproductive work behavior in telework settings. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Originality

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, CTwBS is the first measure aimed at assessing counterproductive work behavior in telework settings.
A solution approach proposal with a lean perspective for the poultry sector with WRM and BWM integration
Authors: Kiran Elif , Ozkan-Ozen Yesim Deniz , Ozturkoglu Yucel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze lean wastes for the poultry sector in Turkey and link lean tools to this study, focusing on identifying each lean waste that affects poultry production and proposing solutions for preventing these lean wastes in the sector. The proposed solutions aim to improve processes by suggesting different lean tools and their applications for the poultry sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consists of two different applications. First, the waste relationship matrix (WRM) was created to reveal the relationship between seven lean wastes and their importance order. Then, after determining lean tools for eliminating lean wastes, the optimum weight ranking and consistency ratio of the most suitable lean tools were calculated for these wastes and ranked with the best-worst method (BWM).

Findings

Results showed that overproduction is the most critical waste that impacts other wastes, followed by defect waste. Due to the nature of the sector, these wastes not only result in economic loss for the company but also in food waste and loss and issues related to animal welfare. Furthermore, the Kaizen approach and 5S implementation are the methods to eliminate these wastes. Detailed discussion on the link between lean tools and lean wastes is provided for the poultry sector.

Originality/value

This is the first study that theoretically and empirically identifies the potential lean waste affecting the poultry sector and provides lean tools for eliminating these wastes. Sector-specific explanations and discussions are presented in the study to show the applicability of lean approaches in the poultry sector to eliminate waste. In addition, this study is the first to integrate the WRM and BWM.
Tackling societal challenges as opportunities: a case study of a Swiss foundation's value-creating function
Authors: Strauß Nadine , Mpadanes Markos
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In today's risk society, foundations are essential for sustaining democracies. However, the proof of a value-creating function of foundations is rarely assessed. Therefore, this study uses sensemaking theory and the communication value framework to explore to what extent a foundation achieved its overall mission in tackling societal challenges as opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a case study approach of a Swiss foundation. Through 20 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, insights about the value-creating function of the foundation were gained, showing how strategic communication activities contributed to the foundation's overall mission in various spheres of action.

Findings

The stakeholders overall identified a value-creating function of the foundation. The feedback obtained from the interviews could be structured along the lines of the communication value framework, with minor adjustments, showing that the foundation brought about value through its strategic communication regarding tangible assets (e.g. publicity), intangible assets (e.g. unique reputation), room for maneuver (e.g. renowned network) and opportunities for development (e.g. new formats). However, on each level, value-limiting factors have also been identified (e.g. limited publicity).

Originality/value

This study is the first to employ sensemaking theory to assess a foundation's value-creating function in achieving its overall mission by interviewing direct stakeholders. It is also one of the few studies in the field that analyzes strategic communication of foundations. Thus, this study adds methodological, theoretical and practical knowledge to foundation communication, value-creation and strategic communication management.
Ideating a framework for sustainable livelihood of handicraft producers at the bottom of the pyramid: a mix-method study from India
Authors: Dalal Arunava , Bhattacharya Subhajit , Chattopadhyay Subrata
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The handicraft sector is unorganized with huge potential for the economic upliftment of the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) craft producers. To ensure the sustainable livelihood of the artisans living in BOP, it is essential to identify the hurdles being faced by them so that they can be worked upon. This paper aims to look at the existing handicraft value chain in an integrated way to identify these hurdles and suggest probable solutions to mitigate them.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage study involving quantitative and qualitative approaches is used. Empirical observations from 218 artisans were analyzed using the relative to an identified distribution to rank the different variables affecting the functioning of the handicraft value chain. Next, 17 handicraft entrepreneurs were interviewed to identify solutions for the hurdles.

Findings

A two-stage study examining the perspectives of artisans and handicraft entrepreneurs identified five significant challenges affecting the handicraft sector and viable solutions to address them. While presenting an operational model, a comprehensive picture of the handicraft business ecosystem was studied, from the procurement of raw materials to the marketing and sale of finished products. This can assist handicraft producers in sustaining their livelihoods and expanding the industry.

Originality/value

Studies on the handicraft value chain at BOP are rare, and none have tried to look at the sector holistically to find solutions and propose an operational framework. The study has captured the voices of the artisans and handicraft entrepreneurs and, through a mixed-method approach, identified the main pain points of the BOP artisans to arrive at a workable solution for better business outcomes.
Service system resilience under resource scarcity: from vulnerability to balanced centricity
Authors: Leino Henna M. , Davey Janet , Johns Raechel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Disruptive shocks significantly compromise service contexts, challenging multidimensional value (co)creation. Recent focus has been on consumers experiencing vulnerability in service contexts. However, the susceptibility of service firms, employees and other actors to the impacts of disruptive shocks has received little attention. Since resource scarcity from disruptive shocks heightens tensions around balancing different needs in the service system, this paper aims to propose a framework of balanced centricity and service system resilience for service sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a conceptual model process, the paper integrates resilience and balanced centricity (method theories) with customer/consumer vulnerability (domain theory) resulting in a definition of multiactor vulnerability and related theoretical propositions.

Findings

Depleted, unavailable, or competed over resources among multiple actors constrain resource integration. Disruptive shocks nevertheless have upside potential. The interdependencies of actors in the service system call for deeper examination of multiple parties’ susceptibility to disruptive resource scarcity. The conceptual framework integrates multiactor vulnerability (when multiactor susceptibility to resource scarcity challenges value exchange) with processes of service system resilience, developing three research propositions. Emerging research questions and strategies for balanced centricity provide a research agenda.

Research limitations/implications

A multiactor, balanced centricity perspective extends understanding of value cocreation, service resilience and service sustainability. Strategies for anticipating, coping with and adapting to disruptions in service systems are suggested by using the balanced centricity perspective, offering the potential to maintain (or enhance) the six types of value.

Originality/value

This research defines multiactor vulnerability, extending work on experienced vulnerabilities; describes the multilevel and multiactor perspective on experienced vulnerability in service relationships; and conceptualizes how balanced centricity can decrease multiactor vulnerability and increase service system resilience when mega disruptions occur.
Impact of indirect taxes on CO2 emissions in the presence of institutional quality: evidence from a global panel data analysis
Authors: Ebaidalla Ebaidalla M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Despite the importance of tax policy in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, there is a dearth of research on the environmental impact of indirect taxes. This paper examines the impact of indirect taxes on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with an emphasis on institutional quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the Government Revenue Dataset (2021), comprising 143 countries, dividing into 114 developing and 29 developed countries, during the period between 1996 and 2019. The author adopts panel data techniques, with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors to account for the issue of cross-sectional dependence (CSD).

Findings

The results indicate that indirect tax revenues have a negative and significant impact on CO2 emissions for the total sample. The subsample analysis revealed that while indirect taxes reduce carbon emissions in developing countries, opposed results are reported for developed countries. This finding implies that most of the advanced countries have already reached a high level of taxes, at which carbon emissions increase as indirect tax increases further. Interestingly, the results revealed that institutional quality enhances the role of indirect taxes in mitigating carbon emissions for both developing and developed countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the sole study using the newly developed tax data by the United Nations University, World Institute for Development Research (UNU-WIDER) to investigate the impact of indirect taxes on carbon emissions, with an emphasis on institutional quality. The existing literature focuses on specific taxes, like carbon taxes, with no comprehensive research on the link between indirect taxes and carbon emissions.
Synthesis and adsorption performance of temperature-sensitive imprinted composite poly (vinylidene fluoride) resin membranes with chitosan modification for selective separation of ReO4−
Authors: Xu Wan , Liu Xinsheng , Zhang Huijuan , Huo Ting , Chen Zhenbin , Sun Yuan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to prepare an imprinted composite membrane with grafted temperature-sensitive blocks for the efficient adsorption and separation of rhenium(Re) from aqueous solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

PVDF resin membrane was used as the substrate, dopamine and chitosan (CS) were used to modify the membrane surface and temperature-sensitive block PDEA was grafted on the membrane surface. Then acrylic acid (AA) and N-methylol acrylamide (N-MAM) were used as the functional monomers, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker and ascorbic acid-hydrogen peroxide (Vc-H2O2) as the initiator to obtain the temperature-sensitive ReO4− imprinted composite membranes.

Findings

The effect of the preparation process on the performance of CS–Re–TIICM was investigated in detail, and the optimal preparation conditions were as follows: the molar ratios of AA–NH4ReO4, N-MAM and EGDMA were 0.13, 0.60 and 1.00, respectively. The optimal temperature and time of the reaction were 40 °C and 24 h. The maximum adsorption capacity of CS–Re–TIICM prepared under optimal conditions was 0.1071 mmol/g, and the separation was 3.90 when MnO4− was used as the interfering ion. The quasi first-order kinetics model and Langmuir model were more suitable to describe the adsorption process.

Practical implications

With the increasing demand for Re, the recovery of Re from Re-containing secondary resources becomes important. This study demonstrated a new material that could be separated and recovered Re in a complex environment, which could effectively alleviate the conflict between the supply and demand of Re.

Originality/value

This contribution provided a new material for the selective separation and purification of ReO4−, and the adsorption capacity and separation of CS–Re–TIICM were increased with 1.673 times and 1.219 time compared with other Re adsorbents, respectively. In addition, when it was used for the purification of NH4ReO4 crude, the purity was increased from 91.950% to 99.999%.
Study on the mechanism and performance of 3D-printed PLA/epoxy composite for stab resistance
Authors: Du Zhe , Chen Changjie , Wang Xinhou
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Stab-resistant body armor (SRBA) is used to protect the body from sharp knives. However, most SRBA materials currently have the disadvantages of large weight and thickness. This paper aims to prepare lightweight and high-performance SRBA by 3D printing truss structure and resin-filling method.

Design/methodology/approach

The stab resistance truss structure was prepared by the fused deposition modeling method, and the composite structure was formed after filling with resin for dynamic and quasi-static stab tests. The optimized structural plate can meet the standard GA68-2019. Digital image correlation technology was used to analyze the local strain changes during puncture. The puncture failure mode was summarized by the final failure morphologies. The explicit dynamics module in ANSYS Workbench was used to analyze the design of the overlapped structure stab resistance process in this paper.

Findings

The stab resistance performance of the 3D-printed structural plate is affected by the internal filling pattern. The stab resistance performance of 3D-printed structural parts was significantly improved after resin filling. The 50%-diamond-PLA-epoxy, with a thickness of only 5 mm was able to meet the stab resistance standard. Resins are used to increase the strength and hardness of the material but also to increase crack propagation and reduce the toughness of the material. The overlapping semicircular structure was inspired by the exoskeleton structure of the demon iron beetle, which improved the stab resistance between gaps. The truss structure can effectively disperse stress for toughening. The filled resin was reinforced by absorbing impact energy.

Originality/value

The 3D-printed resin-filled truss structure can be used to prepare high-performance stab resistance structural plates, which balance the toughness and strength of the overall structure and ultimately reduce the thickness and weight of the SRBA.