bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number of Synergies Impacts Sensitivity of Gait to Weakness and Contracture
Authors: Kuska Elijah C. , Mehrabi Naser , Schwartz Michael H. , Steele Katherine M.
Published: June 2021

Muscle activity during gait can be described by a small set of synergies, weighted groups of muscles, that are often theorized to reflect underlying neural control. For people with neurologic injuries, like in cerebral palsy or stroke, even fewer (e.g., < 5) synergies are required to explain muscle activity during gait. This reduction in synergies is thought to reflect simplified control strategies and is associated with impairment severity and treatment outcomes. Individuals with neurologic injuries also develop secondary musculoskeletal impairments, like weakness or contracture, that can also impact gait. The combined impacts of simplified control and musculoskeletal impairments on gait remains unclear. In this study, we use a musculoskeletal model constrained to synergies to simulate unimpaired gait. We vary the number of synergies (3-5), while simulating muscle weakness and contracture to examine how altered control impacts sensitivity to muscle weakness and contracture. Our results highlight that reducing the number of synergies increases sensitivity to weakness and contracture. For example, simulations using five-synergy control tolerated 40% and 51% more knee extensor weakness than those using four- and three-synergy control, respectively. Furthermore, the model became increasingly sensitive to contracture and proximal muscle weakness, such as hamstring and hip flexor weakness, when constrained to four- and three-synergy control. However, the model’s sensitivity to weakness of the plantarflexors and smaller bi-articular muscles was not affected by the number of synergies. These findings provide insight into the interactions between altered control and musculoskeletal impairments, emphasizing the importance of incorporating both in future simulation studies.
Correlation in Domain Fluctuations Navigates Target Search of a Viral Peptide along RNA
Authors: Prusty Sangram , Sarkar Raju , Roy Susmita
Published: June 2021

Biological macromolecules often exhibit correlation in fluctuations involving distinct domains. This study decodes their functional implications in RNA-protein recognition and target-specific binding. The target search of a peptide along RNA in viral TAR-Tat complex is closely monitored using atomistic simulations, steered molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and a machine-learning-based clustering technique. An anti-correlated domain fluctuation is identified between the tetraloop and the bulge region in the apo form of TAR RNA that sets a hierarchy in the domain-specific fluctuations at each binding event and that directs succeeding binding footsteps. Thus, at each binding footstep, the dynamic partner selects an RNA location for binding where it senses higher fluctuation, which is conventionally reduced upon binding. This event stimulates an alternate domain-fluctuation which then dictates sequential binding footstep/s and thus, the search progresses. Our cross-correlation maps show that the fluctuations relay from one domain to another specific domain till the anti-correlation between that inter-domain fluctuations sustains. Artificial attenuation of that hierarchical domain fluctuation inhibits specific RNA binding. The binding is completed with the arrival of a few long-lived water molecules that mediate slightly distant RNA-protein sites and finally stabilizes the overall complex. The study underscores the functional importance of naturally designed fluctuating RNA motifs (bulge, tetraloop) and their interplay in dictating the directionality of the search in a highly dynamic environment.
Interrogation of the Dynamic Properties of Higher-Order Heterochromatin Using CRISPR/dCas9
Authors: Gao Yuchen , Han Mengting , Shang Stephen , Wang Haifeng , Qi Lei S.
Published: June 2021

Eukaryotic chromosomes feature large regions of compact, repressed heterochromatin hallmarked by Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1). HP1 proteins play multi-faceted roles in shaping heterochromatin, and in cells, HP1 tethering to individual gene promoters leads to epigenetic modifications and silencing. However, emergent properties of HP1 at supranucleosomal scales remain difficult to study in cells due to lack of appropriate tools. Here, we develop CRISPR-Engineered Chromatin Organization (EChO), combining live cell CRISPR imaging with inducible large-scale recruitment of chromatin proteins to native genomic targets. We demonstrate that human HP1α tiling across kilobase-scale genomic DNA forms novel contacts with natural heterochromatin, integrates two distantly targeted regions, and reversibly changes chromatin from a diffuse to compact state. The compact state exhibits delayed disassembly kinetics and represses transcription across over 600 kilobases. These findings support a polymer model of HP1α-mediated chromatin regulation and highlight the utility of CRISPR-EChO in studying supranucleosomal chromatin organization in living cells.
Implicating Gene and Cell Networks Responsible for Differential COVID-19 Host Responses via an Interactive Single Cell Web Portal
Authors: Jin Kang , Bardes Eric E. , Mitelpunkt Alexis , Wang Jake Y. , Bhatnagar Surbhi , Sengupta Soma , Krummel Daniel Pomeranz , Rothenberg Marc E. , Aronow Bruce J.
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have provided single-cell transcriptome profiles of host responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Critically lacking however is a datamine that allows users to compare and explore cell profiles to gain insights and develop new hypotheses. To accomplish this, we harmonized datasets from COVID-19 and other control condition blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tissue samples, and derived a compendium of gene signature modules per cell type, subtype, clinical condition, and compartment. We demonstrate approaches to probe these via a new interactive web portal (http://toppcell.cchmc.org/COVID-19). As examples, we develop three hypotheses: (1) a multicellular signaling cascade among alternatively differentiated monocyte-derived macrophages whose tasks include T cell recruitment and activation; (2) novel platelet subtypes with drastically modulated expression of genes responsible for adhesion, coagulation and thrombosis; and (3) a multilineage cell activator network able to drive extrafollicular B maturation via an ensemble of genes strongly associated with risk for developing post-viral autoimmunity.
Logical and experimental modeling of cytokine and eicosanoid signaling in psoriatic keratinocytes
Authors: Tsirvouli Eirini , Ashcroft Felicity , Johansen Berit , Kuiper Martin
Published: June 2021

Psoriasis is characterized by chronic inflammation, perpetuated by a Th17-dependent signaling loop between the immune system and keratinocytes that could involve phospholipase A2(PLA2)-dependent eicosanoid release. A prior knowledge network supported by experimental observations was used to encode the regulatory network of psoriatic keratinocytes in a computational model for studying the mode of action of a cytosolic (c) PLA2α inhibitor. A combination of evidence derived from the computational model and experimental data suggests that Th17 cytokines stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in psoriatic keratinocytes via activation of cPLA2α-PGE2-EP4 signaling, which could be suppressed using the anti-psoriatic calcipotriol. cPLA2α inhibition and calcipotriol showed overlapping and distinct modes of action. Model analyses revealed the immunomodulatory role of Th1 cytokines, the modulation of the physiological states of keratinocytes by Th17 cytokines, and how Th1 and Th17 cells together promote the development of psoriasis. Model simulations additionally suggest novel drug targets, including EP4 and PRKACA, for treatment that may restore a normal phenotype. Our work illustrates how the study of complex diseases can benefit from an integrated systems approach.
TSEBRA: Transcript Selector for BRAKER
Authors: Gabriel Lars , Hoff Katharina J. , Brůna Tomáš , Borodovsky Mark , Stanke Mario
Published: June 2021

Background

BRAKER is a suite of automatic pipelines, BRAKER1 and BRAKER2, for the accurate annotation of protein-coding genes in eukaryotic genomes. Each pipeline trains statistical models of protein-coding genes based on provided evidence and, then predicts protein-coding genes in genomic sequences using both the extrinsic evidence and statistical models. For training and prediction, BRAKER1 and BRAKER2 incorporate complementary extrinsic evidence: BRAKER1 uses only RNA-seq data while BRAKER2 uses only a database of cross-species proteins. The BRAKER suite has so far not been able to reliably exceed the accuracy of BRAKER1 and BRAKER2 when incorporating both types of evidence simultaneously. Currently, for a novel genome project where both RNA-seq and protein data are available, the best option is to run both pipelines independently, and to pick one, likely better output. Therefore, one or another type of the extrinsic evidence would remain unexploited.

Results

We present TSEBRA, a software that selects gene predictions (transcripts) from the sets generated by BRAKER1 and BRAKER2. TSEBRA uses a set of rules to compare scores of overlapping transcripts based on their support by RNA-seq and homologous protein evidence. We show in computational experiments on genomes of 11 species that TSEBRA achieves higher accuracy than either BRAKER1 or BRAKER2 running alone and that TSEBRA compares favorably with the combiner tool EVidenceModeler.

Conclusion

TSEBRA is an easy-to-use and fast software tool. It can be used in concert with the BRAKER pipeline to generate a gene prediction set supported by both RNA-seq and homologous protein evidence.
Evidence for a vocal signature in the rat and its reinforcing effects
Authors: Vielle Cassandre , Montanari Christian , Pelloux Yann , Baunez Christelle
Published: June 2021

While the term “language” is used for human and non-human primates, “vocal communication” is rather used for rodents or other species. The main difference is that there is, to date, no evidence for a vocal signature in the well-known 50- and 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) emitted by rats. Here, we show that rats can recognize the identity of the USV emitter since they self-administer preferentially playback of 50-kHz USV emitted by a stranger rat over those emitted by their cage-mate. In a second experiment, we show that the familiarity with the USV emitter also modulate the effect of USV playback during cocaine self-administration, since only stranger, but not familiar, 50-kHz USV decrease drug intake. Finally, to study the neurobiological substrate of those processes, we have tested the effects of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) lesion on these various conditions. STN-lesioned rats did not lever press much for any USV playback, whatever their emotional valence, nor did they seem able to differentiate familiar from stranger peer. Advocating for the existence of a vocal signature in rats, these results highlight the importance of ultrasonic communication in socio-affective influence of behavior, such as the influence of proximal social factors on drug consumption and confirm the role of the subthalamic nucleus on this influence.
Single-molecule imaging reveals the coupling of translation and mRNA decay
Authors: Dave Pratik , Griesbach Esther , Roth Gregory , Mateju Daniel , Chao Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2021

The relationship between mRNA translation and decay is incompletely understood, with conflicting reports suggesting that translation can either promote decay or stabilize mRNAs. The effect of translation on mRNA decay has mainly been studied using ensemble measurements and global inhibitors of transcription and translation, which can mask the underlying mechanisms. We developed a single-molecule imaging approach to control the translation of a specific transcript that enabled simultaneous measurement of translation and mRNA decay. Our results demonstrate that mRNAs undergoing translation are degraded faster than non-translating ones, although with slower kinetics than translation-coupled degradation of transcripts targeted by NMD. Furthermore, our results indicate that miRNAs mediate efficient degradation of both translating and non-translating target mRNAs. Single-molecule measurements of translation and decay reveal a predominant role of mRNA decay in miRNA-mediated regulation. Simultaneous visualization of translation and decay on single mRNAs provides a framework to study how these processes are interconnected in cells.
Zinc(II) and nickel(II) complexes of 3,5-dimethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole: relationship between fluorescence and crystal packing
Authors: Małecka Magdalena , Kusz Joachim , Mayer Peter , Sobiesiak Marta , Budzisz Elzbieta
Published: June 2021

Two novel coordination complexes, namely, dichlorido[3,5-dimethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1H-pyrazole-κN
2]zinc(II), [ZnCl2(C10H11N3)], 1, and aquachloridobis[3,5-dimethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1H-pyrazole-κN
2]nickel(II) chloride monohydrate, [NiCl(C10H11N3)(H2O)]Cl·H2O, 2, have been synthesized. The crystal structure analyses revealed that complexes 1 and 2 are mononuclear and have ZnN2Cl2 distorted tetrahedral and NiN4OCl distorted octahedral structures, respectively. Complex 1 displays a dimer in the crystal structure, while complex 2 forms a chain along the [010] direction. The fluorescence properties of both complexes were also investigated. A search of the Cambridge Structural Database for other complexes of the ligand 3,5-dimethyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole (L) shows that there exist different coordination polyhedra with different arrangements as monomers, dimers and polycyclic structures. Here it has also been demonstrated that there is a relationship between the crystal packing and the fluorescence properties of ZnII and CdII complexes of L.
Operationalising ethnicity in accountability: insights from an ethnic group within the Salvation Army
Authors: Joannides De Lautour Vassili , Hoque Zahirul , Wickramasinghe Danture
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper explores how ethnicity is implicated in an etic–emic understanding through day-to-day practices and how such practices meet external accountability demands. Addressing the broader question of how ethnicity presents in an accounting situation, it examines the mundane level responses to those accountability demands manifesting an operationalisation of the ethnicity of the people who make those responses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed ethnomethodology principles whereby one of the researchers acted both as an active member and as a researcher within a Salvation Army congregation in Manchester (UK), while the others acted as post-fieldwork reflectors.

Findings

The conceivers and guardians of an accountability system relating to the Zimbabwean-Mancunian Salvationist congregation see account giving practices as they appear (etic), not as they are thought and interiorised (emic). An etic–emic misunderstanding on both sides occurs in the situation of a practice variation in a formal accountability system. This is due to the collision of one ethnic group's emics with the emics of conceivers. Such day-to-day practices are thus shaped by ethnic orientations of the participants who operationalise the meeting of accountability demands. Hence, while ethnicity is operationalised in emic terms, accounting is seen as an etic construct. Possible variations between etic requirements and emic practices can realise this operationalisation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ findings were based on one ethnic group's emic construction of accountability. Further research may extend this to multi-ethnic settings with multiple etic/emic combinations.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the debate on both epistemological and methodological issues in accountability. As it is ill-defined or neglected in the literature, the authors offer a working conceptualisation of ethnicity – an operating cultural unit being implicated in both accounting and accountability.
Passenger aircraft emissions analysis at Ordu-Giresun International Airport, Turkey in 2017
Authors: Orhan Ilkay
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present the pollutant gas produced by hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the quantity of fuel burned from commercial aircraft at Ordu-Giresun International Airport, Turkey during the landing and take-off (LTO) cycles in 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The flight data recorded by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority and the aircraft engine emission data from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Engine Exhaust Emission Databank were used for calculation. The aircraft and engine types used by the airlines for flight at Ordu-Giresun International Airport were determined. To evaluate the effect of taxi time on emission amounts, analysis and evaluations were made by taking different taxi times into consideration.

Findings

As a result of the emission analysis, the amount of fuel consumed by the aircraft were calculated as 6,551.52 t/y, and the emission amounts for CO, HC and NOx were estimated as 66.81, 4.20 and 79.97 t/y, respectively.

Practical implications

This study is aimed to reveal the effect and contribution of taxi time on the emitted emission at the airport during the LTO phase of the aircraft.

Originality/value

This study helps aviation authorities explain the importance of developing procedures that ensure the delivery of aircraft to flights in minimum time by raising awareness of the impact of taxi time on emitted emissions, and contributes to the determination of an aircraft emission inventory at Ordu-Giresun International Airport.
China’s arable land wasting problem
Authors: Chen Wensheng
Published: June 2021

Purpose

China's population–land contradiction is a crucial issue, and by deeply analyzing causes of wasting arable land, this article recommends some policies to avoid waste.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the current high-, middle- and low-class differentiation in the agricultural products' consumption structure against urban residents' rapid income growth, this article proposes that agricultural products with distinctive regional characteristics should be developed according to regional natural agricultural resources and market demand, so as to ensure that China's scarce arable land can be used effectively.

Findings

Choices in regional agricultural production relate to operational farmers' enthusiasm for profitability and production, residential farmers' ability to ensure their own food security, agriculture's sustainable development and arable land resources' optimal allocation. Therefore, the varietal structure of agricultural products and regional production layout should be compatibly decided according to consumer demand and resource endowment.

Originality/value

During the process of industrialization and urbanization, wasting of arable land has become a social development problem. On the basis of agriculture's regional resource endowment, this article reconstructs the functional positioning of various Chinese agricultural regions and solves the difficult problem of consumption structure transformation and homogeneous competition through the geographical division of labor, thereby optimizing allocation of arable land resources.
Corporate governance and COVID-19: a literature review
Authors: Koutoupis Andreas , Kyriakogkonas Panagiotis , Pazarskis Michail , Davidopoulos Leonidas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the literature on corporate governance (CG); environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and addresses three research questions: What are the characteristics of the literature on CG and COVID-19? What are the themes in CG in the COVID-19 era? and What are key areas of future research on CG and COVID-19?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors attempted a systematic literature review of 62 studies published in 2020. The authors used four criteria to identify characteristics of the literature on CG and COVID-19 and three criteria to identify key themes in the literature addressing CG and the pandemic. The authors analyzed answers to the above research questions and proposals from studies reviewed to guide future research.

Findings

CG in the context of COVID-19 has been studied mostly in developed countries and within a theoretical framework. As accounting data are insufficient, more research is required in all countries (developed, emerging and other). Further, there are no conclusive results regarding the relevance of ESG and CSR to financial performance. Future research should use additional methodologies and data sources to fully explain the impact of COVID-19 on CG.

Practical implications

Practitioners and policymakers could benefit from the study, as the authors present key challenges to CG for the present and the future.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide a systematic literature review on CG during the COVID-19 pandemic and presents current trends, challenges and avenues for future research.
Analysis and visualization of COVID-19 discourse on Twitter using data science: a case study of the USA, the UK and India
Authors: Ilyas Haider , Anwar Ahmed , Yaqub Ussama , Alzamil Zamil , Appelbaum Deniz
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to understand, examine and interpret the main concerns and emotions of the people regarding COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, the USA and India using Data Science measures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implements unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods, i.e. topic modeling and sentiment analysis on Twitter data for extracting the topics of discussion and calculating public sentiment.

Findings

Governments and policymakers remained the focus of public discussion on Twitter during the first three months of the pandemic. Overall, public sentiment toward the pandemic remained neutral except for the USA.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a Data Science-based approach to better understand the public topics of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The family CEO’s effect on succession planning: founder status, difficulties with letting go and gender differences
Authors: Umans Ine , Lybaert Nadine , Steijvers Tensie , Voordeckers Wim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate several antecedents of succession planning in family firms: founder status, the family chief executive officer (CEO)’s inability to let go and the family CEO’s gender.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts moderated mediation analysis on a sample of 259 family firms.

Findings

The results show that family firms led by founders show lower succession planning levels than family firms led by descendant family CEOs. This effect is mediated by the family CEO’s inability to let go. Furthermore, the influence of the emotion of being unable to let go on succession planning is dependent on the family CEO’s gender. This influence is smaller when the family CEO is female than when the family CEO is male.

Originality/value

The study introduces the family CEO’s inability to let go as a mediator in the founder-succession planning relationship. The results add empirical evidence to the debate about gender influences in family firms. By showing that emotions have a different outcome concerning succession planning depending on the family CEO’s gender, this study enriches gender research. The study also contributes to the family business field by introducing relational theory as a valuable theoretical framework to include gender in succession research.
Gender stereotyping and self-stereotyping among Danish managers
Authors: Smith Nina , Eriksson Tor , Smith Valdemar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how gender stereotypes and self-stereotypes of Danish managers vary among managers at different job levels, from lower level managers to CEO level, in a large survey of Danish private-sector managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is explorative. Measures of stereotypes and self-stereotypes are constructed and analyzed with regressions models that control for a large number of individual and firm characteristics.

Findings

The results document significant gender differences in stereotyping among managers. Male managers have significantly more masculine stereotypes of successful leaders, and they rate themselves higher on masculine traits than female managers. For CEOs, the picture is different. Stereotypes do not differ by gender and female CEOs have more pronounced masculine stereotypes than female managers at lower levels. Female managers at the age of 50 are the least gender stereotyping managers. Younger female managers have significantly more masculine stereotypes about the role as a successful leader.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on cross-sectional data and does not claim to uncover causal relationships.

Practical implications

The results suggest that gender stereotypes and self-stereotypes among Danish private-sector managers are not going to change quickly indicating that new government policies with more focus on gender equalization and affirmative actions are called for.

Originality/value

Most earlier studies of stereotypes concerning female managers are based on studies of samples drawn from the general population or consisting of students. This study makes use of a large sample of managerial employees from all levels of the corporate hierarchy in different types of firms.
Review of research for two decades for women leadership in higher education around the world and in Vietnam: a comparative analysis
Authors: Maheshwari Greeni , Nayak Rajkishore , Ngyyen Tu
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the studies conducted on women leadership in higher education (WLHE) in the past 20 years to understand as to how the trend has changed over the past two decades around the world and particularly in Vietnam for women leaders in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a systematic review of 93 articles published in the past 20 years in WLHE. The articles were classified based on the country of research and the research methods used.

Findings

The study concluded that most of the research in WLHE had been done in the USA and Canada, with a dearth of literature on WLHE in Asia, and only six studies so far have been done in Vietnam, with only two studies being done before 2017. Vietnam is gaining importance in research in WLHE may be because of the increased female labour participation rate and growth in the gross domestic product.

Practical implications

This study provided some recommendations at the societal, institutional and individual levels, which can help in women empowerment and help women take up the leadership roles.

Originality/value

Although a variety of reviews have been conducted focusing on different areas in higher education, there is a small number of literature review studies in the field of women leaders in higher education, especially in Vietnam and Asia. Hence, the current study will add this missing part to the growing body of literature in WLHE.
Decreasing work-related movement during a pandemic. Location analytics and the implications of the digital divide
Authors: Taylor Joseph , Taylor Rickey
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of digital infrastructure in supporting compliance with travel restrictions. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of digital infrastructure in supporting compliance with travel restrictions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries around the world have issued “stay-at-home” orders and curtailed a variety of economic activities. As countries have adopted aggressive policies to limit the spread of COVID-19, varying levels of national infrastructure to provide internet access have limited some nations’ ability to reduce travel requirements. As national policies struggle to address public health issues, location analytics enabled by big data provide unique insights regarding the efficacy of digital infrastructure. These insights can provide valuable tools to public health officials and regulators in understanding how health recommendations are implemented within an economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes mobile phone movement data during the first half of 2020 and finds that countries that provided greater access to internet capabilities were better able to reduce work-related mobility.

Findings

This study’s findings indicate that greater levels of digital infrastructure may better prepare countries to adapt to societal disruptions such as COVID-19.

Practical implications

This study’s findings demonstrate that public health controls regarding movement and person-to-person interaction are less likely to be effective in nations with weaker digital infrastructure, even after accounting for variation attributable to gross domestic product (GDP) and pandemic severity. This could limit public health options in developing countries when faced with future socially disruptive events and encourage national investment in digital infrastructure.

Social implications

This study’s findings highlight positive externalities associated with reducing the digital divide. Developing better digital business infrastructure globally may reduce human exposure to future pandemic risks.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates the practical development implications of analysis of aggregate data widely available through mobile technology. As institutions develop techniques to ethically and effectively analyze this data, greater opportunities to support economic development may be revealed.
Assessing housing preferences of young civil servants in Malaysia: do location, financial capability and neighbourhood really matter?
Authors: Muhammad Zamri Nor Ezatie Mukminah , Yaacob Mahazril ‘Aini , Mohd Suki Norazah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the key factors that influence the housing preferences of young civil servants in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 respondents who fulfilled the eligibility criteria of civil servant working in Malaysia aged between 20 and 40 years, and currently renting a house, or staying with friends, immediate family or relatives. Data were analysed via exploratory factor analysis and Pearson correlation.

Findings

The results reveal that financial capability is the factor that most strongly influences the housing preferences of young civil servants, followed by neighbourhood and location. Young civil servants are highly inclined to consider the monthly repayment amount as the most important issue when deciding to buy a house. Furthermore, they prefer to buy a house in a neighbourhood that ensures high security and protection against crime.

Practical implications

Housing developers should develop affordable housing in suitable neighbourhoods and locations to match homebuyers’ preferences to avoid a mismatch between housing demand and supply, which is obviously one of the greater risks of unsold homes.

Originality/value

Given the lack of focus on this precise research sample (i.e. young civil servants), the study is justified in terms of its originality, as it examines a specific cohort by focussing on the correlations of location, financial capability and neighbourhood with housing preferences of young civil servants in Malaysia. These insights are invaluable, as this group has not been the specific focus of research.
Lean management in universities: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gómez-Molina Diana-Lucía , Moyano-Fuentes José
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Implementing lean management (LM) provides universities with a variety of benefits and utilities. The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze the existing literature on the implementation of LM in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is undertaken to identify, select and evaluate the literature. A total of 68 articles were identified in Web of Science and Scopus, analyzed and synthesized from the first article published on the topic (2003) to mid-2020.

Findings

Literature analysis and evaluation have enabled us to offer a novel literature classification based around four research lines that summarize the empirical evidence on LM implementation in universities, namely, lean applied to academic management processes; lean applied to administrative management processes; factors that facilitate lean implementation and results obtained with lean. Finally, the gaps and challenges for future research into LM in universities are presented.

Originality/value

This study provides a characterization of the research carried out into LM implementation in universities, which facilitates the work of both scholars wishing either to begin or to dig deeper into this sphere and university professionals and managers pursuing the best outcomes from LM.
Microstructure and tribological properties of sprayed nanostructure Fe-based martensite coating on an aluminum cylinder liner
Authors: Liu Eryong , Xue Yuan , Bai Yaping , Pu Jibin , Du Shuangming , Du Huiling
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the tribological properties of aluminum cylinder liner. Higher martensite contents were closely related to the higher hardness and excellent wear resistance of Fe-based coatings. Furthermore, the grain size of the Fe-based coating was approximately 40 nm, which provides an excellent fine grain strengthening effect.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve the tribological properties of aluminum cylinder liners, a Fe-based martensite coating was prepared by internal plasma spraying technology, whose microstructure and tribological properties were then investigated.

Findings

Sprayed Fe-based coating possessed a low contact angle and strong adhesion with lubricating oil. In a simulated engine condition, Fe-based coating exhibited a decreased friction coefficient and increased wear resistance under oil lubrication, which was dominated by a stronger adhesive force with lubricating oil, higher martensite contents on the worn surface, higher hardness and higher H/E value than those of the reference HT 200 and Al-19Si cylinder material.

Originality/value

Nanostructure Fe-based martensite coating was sprayed on an aluminum cylinder liner, which demonstrated remarkable advantages over the reference cylinder material.
The effects of corporate disclosure on firm value and firm performance: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Temiz Hüseyin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of firms’ disclosure practices on firm value and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Firms’ disclosure scores were calculated based on unique hand-collected data by using the S&P transparency and disclosure index (S&P TD index). Ordinary least squares with year/firm fixed effects and two-stage least square methods were used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

It is observed that firms’ disclosure scores have positive and statistically significant effects on firm value. However, firms’ disclosure scores do not have significant effects on firm performance. This result is mostly observed in sub-categories of the index.

Practical implications

Results show that disclosed information has an impact on firm value. Therefore, standardization and increasing the reliability of this information are necessary for both information users and firms. It is important to standardize the information published by the firms and to increase their reliability by implementing new regulations by regulatory bodies in Turkey.

Social implications

Firms bear the costs due to their disclosure practices. However, the benefits derived from this situation may be higher than the cost incurred. Hence, it is suggested that firms that are traded in Turkey consider this in the determination of their disclosure policy.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the effects of firms’ disclosure scores on both firm value and firm performance by using the S&P TD index in the Turkish context.
Risk management practices and trade facilitation as influenced by public sector reforms: institutional isomorphism
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the implementation process of risk management (RM) practices as a trade facilitation initiative in a public organization undergoing public sector reform and modernization processes in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the institutional theory and presents a qualitative case study of Jordan Customs (JC). It synthesizes an institutional isomorphism framework to interpret the interplay between the JC institutional environment and the JC RM practices. The data were collected and analyzed by using the triangulation of interviews, observations and documents.

Findings

The study findings reveal that JC has experienced institutional pressures that mobilize the emerging of RM as a managerial tool that contributes to facilitating international trade, improving state revenues and reducing the public budget deficit. To be internationally recognized, JC benchmark its RM practices with international practices recommended by International Agencies such as World Customs Organizations (WCO). The study concludes that RM practices have been tailored and aligned with the JC’s external and internal context and role and RM has been embedded as an integral part of all organizational processes including strategic and business planning, as well as all accounting change and management activities. The study finds that coercive, normative and mimetic pressures are the driving forces with coercive mechanisms being the most influential.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has important implications for practitioners, academics and students, as well as international donors especially U.S. Agency for International Development. It mainly depends on the analysis of documents and records to elucidate the development of RM, yet corroborated by interviews. It also uses a retrospective approach with interviewees being asked to describe, explain and reflect upon the events they had experienced during the JC change processes.

Practical implications

This paper significantly contributes to the scarce of knowledge that currently exists about RM in the public sector of developing countries and in particular “customs administrations.” It recognizes how the public sector in Jordan responded to the international community and WCO’s recommendation in implementing RM.

Originality/value

This study shows that JC’s experience of institutional pressures mobilized by the enactment of RM as a managerial tool that enabled a higher quality of custom services, trade facilitation, improvement of state revenues and a reduction of the state’s budget deficit.
A study on office workplace modification during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Netherlands
Authors: Hou Huiying (Cynthia) , Remøy Hilde , Jylhä Tuuli , Vande Putte Herman
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Triggered by public concerns over office workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study sheds light on the office workplace environment and aims to investigate how organisations respond to forces from the external environment (impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic) and how they modify their office workplace management strategically and operationally to suit the stakeholders’ needs and future development in the post COVID-19 period.

Design/methodology/approach

A desktop study was conducted to provide the framework for the in-depth interviews with five corporate real estate (CRE) managers and three workplace consultants. Thematic analysis including coding technique was adopted to analyse the qualitative data.

Findings

The findings show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the intended and implemented office workplace modifications are mainly related to two types of risk control: administrative control and personal protection. At a strategic level, organisations react to the external forces by re-modelling their businesses and working towards re-orienting their CRE strategies, such as portfolio transformation, agile portfolio strategies and redesign of the office workplace, etc.

Originality/value

This is a topical and timely study that presents the general practice of office workplace modification during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the related CRE management (CREM) strategies developed for the new normal. The findings obtained through in-depth interviews have well supported the CREM strategic alignment theory. It is foreseen that office workplace management will encounter other challenges due to uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study provide a practical lens to look at the future changes of office workplace environment.
Outsourcing in startups
Authors: Steinbruch Fernanda Kalil , Fernandes Bernardo Soares , Nascimento Leandro da Silva , Zawislak Paulo Antônio
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main activities that startups outsource and the elements involved in outsourcing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study composed of Brazilian startups was conducted. Data through interviews and secondary sources were obtained. Two groups of startups were considered and analyzed comparatively: startups in the development stage and in the sales stage.

Findings

The findings show that even though the literature suggests that the core business should not be outsourced, some startups do have to outsource this kind of activity. That was the main difference found between startups in the sales stage and in the development stage: the former group has a solid structure, knowledge and resources, so they can keep the core business inside the firm; whereas the latter group has little experience, scarce knowledge and resources, making outsourcing a more attractive alternative.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this paper approaches a perspective underexplored in the innovation and management literature: outsourcing in startups. It highlights how outsourcing, as a decision between making and buying, can help startups to improve success potential. In practice, this paper discusses and demonstrates why and what can be outsourced by startups in the development and in the sales stages to overcome their limitations and, consequently, achieve better innovative results.
Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and daytime functioning among Thai obstructive sleep apnea patients receiving continuous positive airway pressure therapy
Authors: Theerakittikul Theerakorn , Chaiard Jindarat , Deeluea Jirawan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose is to assess the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and daytime functioning among Thai obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.

Design/methodology/approach

A repeated measures clinical intervention design was implemented. Participants were 50 patients first time diagnosed with OSA and prescribed CPAP treatment. The intervention composed of CPAP health education, and follow-up evaluation. Data on CPAP adherence were downloaded from Smartcards of the CPAP device. The Thai PSQI, ESS and FSAQ-10 questionnaires were administered at baseline, 1-month, and 3-months. Descriptive statistics and repeated measure analysis with multilevel mixed-effects modeling approach were used.

Findings

Thirty-nine participants completed the study. Approximately 53% (n = 25) and 71.1% (n = 27) of the patients adhered to CPAP treatment by the end of the 1- and 3-months, respectively. After controlling for patients’ adherence, at 1-month follow-up, the intervention improved quality of sleep (β = −2.65, 95% CI = −1.60, −4.13), daytime functioning (β = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.87, 4.61) and decreased daytime sleepiness (β = −3.29, 95% CI = −1.85, −4.73). At 3 months, the intervention still improved quality of sleep (β = −3.53, 95% CI = −2.05, −5.01), and daytime functioning (β = 4.34, 95% CI = 2.76, 5.92), and decreased daytime sleepiness (β = −4.82, 95% CI = −3.16, −6.49).

Originality/value

Adherence to CPAP treatment is effective in improving sleep quality, daytime functioning and reducing daytime sleepiness. Patient-oriented strategies for enhancing CPAP adherence should be developed and implemented as a standard care in sleep clinics.
Effect of chronotype on diet and sleep quality in healthy female students: night lark versus early bird
Authors: Bodur Mahmut , Bidar Şahika Nur , Yardimci Hülya
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of chronotype on diet and sleep quality in healthy female students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in 197 healthy female students and were grouped in morning, intermediate and evening types according to the Horne and Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Assessment included sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); physical activity level using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); dietary intake using the 24-h dietary recall; and diet quality using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015).

Findings

In this study, no significant difference was found between chronotypes in terms of general nutritional habits, age, smoking status, anthropometric measurements and physical activity levels. However, evening-type individuals had poor sleep quality (p = 0.040) and having issues about sleep latency (p = 0.049) and daytime dysfunction (p = 0.044), and they had had lower intake of whole fruit (p = 0.002), total fruit (p = 0.024) and higher consumption of refined grains (p < 0.001). Although, among chronotypes, there is no difference in the intake of protein, saturated fat, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber, evening-type individuals’ daily energy (p = 0.013), fat (p = 0.021) and carbohydrate intake (p = 0.033) were higher.

Originality/value

In conclusion, further research is required to understand the relationship between chronotype, diet and sleep quality. This study is one of the limited studies that examines sleep quality, daily energy and macronutrient intake and diet quality together for healthy women.
Should I stay or should I go? Skilled immigrants' perceived brain-waste and social embeddedness
Authors: Farivar Farveh , Cameron Roslyn , Dantas Jaya A.R.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Drawing on embeddedness theory, we examine how skilled immigrants' perceived brain-waste affects their social embeddedness. Social embeddedness facilitates the acquisition of host country-specific human capital, which, in return, can accelerate the transfer of immigrants' human capital in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 397 skilled immigrants in Australia participated in this study. We applied a set-theoretic approach to decode the complexity and interplay among the key concepts used in this study.

Findings

We found the impacts of psychological workplace wellbeing and workplace discrimination on social embeddedness differ between skilled immigrants who experience perceived brain-waste and skilled immigrants whose skills were recognized by employers. The results suggest that job satisfaction is the most critical factor contributing to social embeddedness among skilled immigrants who did not report brain-waste. Furthermore, we found that married skilled male immigrants who reported brain-waste still could embed socially if they did not directly experience workplace discrimination.

Originality/value

The majority of previous studies have compared skilled immigrants with their local-born colleagues, but we compared two groups of skilled migrants in the current study. We adopted fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to test how unique configurations of several variables can ease their social embeddedness into the host society.