bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IpaA reveals distinct modes of vinculin activation duringShigellainvasion and cell-matrix adhesion
Authors: Cocom-Chan Benjamin , Khakzad Hamed , Konate Mahamadou , Aguilar Daniel Isui , Bello Chakir , Valencia-Gallardo Cesar , Zarrouk Yosra , Fattaccioli Jacques , Mauviel Alain , Javelaud Delphine , Tran Van Nhieu Guy
Published: March 2023

Vinculin is a cytoskeletal linker strengthening cell adhesion. TheShigellaIpaA invasion effector binds to vinculin to promote vinculin supra-activation associated with head-domain mediated oligomerization. Our study investigates the impact of mutations of vinculin D1D2 subdomains’ residues predicted to interact with IpaA VBS3. These mutations affected the rate of D1D2 trimer formation with distinct effects on monomer disappearance, consistent with structural modeling of a “closed” and “open” D1D2 conformer induced by IpaA. Notably, mutations targeting the closed D1D2 conformer significantly reducedShigellainvasion of host cells as opposed to mutations targeting the open D1D2 conformer and later stages of vinculin head-domain oligomerization. In contrast, all mutations affected the formation of focal adhesions (FAs), supporting the involvement of vinculin supra-activation in this process. Our findings suggest that IpaA-induced vinculin supra-activation primarily reinforces matrix adhesion in infected cells, rather than promoting bacterial invasion. Consistently, shear stress studies pointed to a key role for IpaA-induced vinculin supra-activation in accelerating and strengthening cell matrix adhesion.
Functional identification of language-responsive channels in individual participants in MEG investigations
Authors: Huybrechts Mathias , Bruffaerts Rose , Pongos Alvince , Shain Cory , Lipkin Benjamin , Siegelman Matthew , Wens Vincent , Sjøgård Martin , Blank Idan , Goldman Serge , De Tiège Xavier , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: March 2023

Making meaningful inferences about the functional architecture of the language system requires the ability to refer to the same neural units across individuals and studies. Traditional brain imaging approaches align and average brains together in a common space. However, lateral frontal and temporal cortices, where the language system resides, is characterized by high structural and functional inter-individual variability, which reduces the sensitivity and functional resolution of group-averaging analyses. This issue is compounded by the fact that language areas lay in close proximity to regions of other large-scale networks with different functional profiles. A solution inspired by visual neuroscience is to identify language areas functionally in each individual brain using a "localizer" task (e.g., a language comprehension task). This approach has proven productive in fMRI, yielding a number of robust and replicable findings about the language system. Here, we extend this approach to MEG. Across two experiments (one in Dutch speakers, n=19; one in English speakers, n=23), we examined neural responses to the processing of sentences and a control condition (nonword sequences). In both the time and frequency domains, we demonstrated that the topography of neural responses to language is spatially stable within individuals but varies across individuals. Consequently, analyses that take this inter-individual variability into account are characterized by greater sensitivity, compared to the group-level analyses. In summary, similar to fMRI, functional identification within individuals yields benefits in MEG, thus opening the door to future investigations of language processing including questions where whole-brain coverage and temporal resolution are both critical.
Selective bioelectronic sensing of quinone pharmaceuticals using extracellular electron transfer inLactiplantibacillus plantarum
Authors: Li Siliang , Tavares Caroline De Groote , Tolar Joe G. , Ajo-Franklin Caroline M.
Published: March 2023

Redox-active small molecules containing quinone functional groups play important roles as pharmaceuticals, but can be toxic if overdosed. Despite the need for a fast and quantitative method to detect quinone and its derivatives, current sensing strategies are often slow and struggle to differentiate between structural analogs. Leveraging the discovery that microorganisms use certain quinones to perform extracellular electron transfer (EET), we investigated the use ofLactiplantibacillus plantarumas a whole-cell bioelectronic sensor to selectively sense quinone analogs. By tailoring the native EET pathway inL. plantarum, we enabled quantitative quinone sensing of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) - a gut bifidogenic growth stimulator. We found thatL. plantarumcould respond to environmental DHNA within seconds, producing electronic signals that cover a 106concentration range. This sensing capacity was robust in different assay media and allowed for continuous monitoring of DHNA concentrations. In a simulated gut environment containing a mixed pool of quinone derivatives, this tailored EET pathway can selectively sense pharmacologically relevant quinone analogs, such as DHNA and menadione, amongst other structurally similar quinone derivatives. We also developed a multivariate model to describe the mechanism behind this selectivity and found a predictable correlation between quinone physiochemical properties and the corresponding electronic signals. Our work presents a new strategy to selectively sense redox-active molecules using whole-cell bioelectronic sensors and opens the possibility of using probioticL. plantarumfor bioelectronic applications in human health.

Significant Statement

Quinone-containing pharmaceuticals show toxicity at high concentrations, making it important to quickly and accurately measure their concentration while distinguishing between analogs. To address this problem, we leveraged recent discoveries in electroactive bacteria to develop a novel concept for whole-cell sensing. This concept combines selectivity and specificity, enabling differentiation between analogs based on the temporal dynamic of electron transfer in living cells. With this strategy, we achieved selective detection of pharmacologically relevant quinones with distinct electronic signals for each analog. These signals were deciphered by a multivariate model to provide insight into the specific physiochemical properties of each analog. We envision that this new concept can be applied to other analytes for faster and more efficient sensing using electroactive whole cells.
TAp73 regulates mitochondrial dynamics and multiciliated cell homeostasis through an OPA1 axis
Authors: Buckley Niall , Craxton Andrew , Sun Xiao-Ming , Panatta Emanuele , Pinon Lucia , Llodrá Jaime , Morone Nobuhiro , Amelio Ivano , Melino Gerry , Martins L. Miguel , MacFarlane Marion
Published: March 2023

Dysregulated mitochondrial fusion and fission has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. We have identified a novel function of the p53 family protein TAp73 in regulating mitochondrial dynamics. TAp73 regulates the expression of Optic atrophy 1, a protein responsible for controlling mitochondrial fusion, cristae biogenesis and electron transport chain function. Disruption of this axis results in a fragmented mitochondrial network and an impaired capacity for energy productionviaoxidative phosphorylation. Owing to the role of OPA1 in modulating cytochromecrelease, TAp73-/-cells also display an increased sensitivity to apoptotic cell death, e.g.,viaBH3-mimetics. We also show that the TAp73/OPA1 axis has functional relevance in the upper airway, where TAp73 expression is essential for multiciliated cell differentiation and function. Consistently, ciliated epithelial cells ofTrp73-/-(global p73 KO) mice display decreased expression of OPA1 and perturbations of the mitochondrial network, which may drive multiciliated cell loss. In support of this,Trp73andOPA1gene expression is decreased in COPD patients, a disease characterised by alterations in mitochondrial dynamics. We therefore highlight a potential mechanism involving the loss of p73 in COPD pathogenesis. This work also adds to the growing body of evidence for growth-promoting roles of TAp73 isoforms.
Contribution and functional connectivity between cerebrum and cerebellum on sub-lexical and lexical-semantic processing of verbs
Authors: Reyes-Aguilar Azalea , Licea-Haquet Giovanna , Arce Brenda I. , Giordano Magda
Published: March 2023

Language comprehension requires sub-lexical (e.g., phonological) and lexical-semantic processing. We designed a task to compare the sub-lexical and lexical-semantic processing of verbs during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Likewise, we were interested in the dichotomous representation of concrete-motor versus abstract-non-motor concepts, so two semantic categories of verbs were included: motor and mental. The findings support the involvement of the left dorsal stream of the perisylvian network for sub-lexical processing during the reading of pseudo-verbs and the ventral stream for lexical-semantic representation during the reading of verbs. According to the embodied or grounded cognition approach, modality-specific mechanisms, i.e.,, sensory-motor systems, and the well-established multimodal left perisylvian network contribute to semantic representation for concrete and abstract verbs. The present study detected a preferential modality-specific system for abstract-mental verbs. The visual system was recruited by mental verbs and showed functional connectivity with the right crus I/lobule VI from the cerebellum, suggesting the existence of this network to support the semantic representation of abstract concepts. These results confirm the dissociation between sub-lexical and lexical-semantic processing and provide evidence about the neurobiological basis of semantic representations for abstract verbs.
Haplotype-resolved assembly of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) provides insights for semi-terrestrial adaptation of airbreathing catfishes
Authors: Nguinkal Julien A. , Zoclanclounon Yedomon A. B. , Brunner Ronald M. , Goldammer Tom
Published: March 2023

Airbreathing catfishes are a group of stenohaline freshwater fish that can withstand various environmental conditions and farming practices, including the ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen. This unique ability has allowed them to thrive in semi-terrestrial habitats. However, the genomic mechanisms underlying their adaptation to adverse ecological conditions remain poorly understood. Here, we sequenced the genome of the African catfishClarias gariepinus, one of the most commonly farmed clariids. By integrating different long reads sequencing technologies, we generated a chromosome-level assembly with high-resolution haplotypes, including the male-specific haplotype. The diploid assembly yielded 58 contigs spanning 969.72 Mb with a contig N50 of 33.71 Mb. We report 25,655 predicted protein-coding genes and 49.94% repetitive elements in the African catfish genome. Several gene families involved in ion transport, osmoregulation, oxidative stress response, and muscle metabolism were expanded or positively selected in clariids, suggesting a potential role in their transition to terrestrial life. The reported findings expand our understanding of the genomic mechanisms underpinning the resilience and adaptive mechanisms of C. gariepinus to adverse environments. These insights will serve as a valuable resource for future studies in elucidating these unique biological traits in related teleosts and leverage these insights for aquaculture improvement.
Staphylococcus aureusDelta Toxin Modulates both Extracellular Membrane Vesicle Biogenesis and Amyloid Formation
Authors: Wang Xiaogang , Uppu Divakara SSM , Dickey Seth W. , Burgin Dylan J. , Otto Michael , Lee Jean C.
Published: March 2023

Staphylococcus aureussecretes phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), a family of small, amphipathic, secreted peptides with multiple biologic activities. Community-acquiredS. aureusstrains produce high levels of PSMs in planktonic cultures, and PSM alpha peptides have been shown to augment the release of extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs). We observed that amyloids, aggregates of proteins characterized by a fibrillar morphology and stained with specific dyes, co-purified with MVs harvested from cell-free culture supernatants of community-acquiredS. aureusstrains. δ-toxin was a major component of amyloid fibrils that co-purified with strain LAC MVs, and δ-toxin promoted the production of MVs and amyloid fibrils in a dose-dependent manner. To determine whether MVs and amyloid fibrils were generated under in vivo conditions, we inoculated mice withS. aureusharvested from planktonic cultures. Bacterial MVs could be isolated and purified from lavage fluids recovered from infected animals. Although δ-toxin was the most abundant PSM in lavage fluids, amyloid fibrils could not be detected in these samples. Our findings expand our understanding of amyloid fibril formation inS. aureuscultures, reveal important roles of δ-toxin in amyloid fibril formation and MV biogenesis, and demonstrate that MVs are generated in vivo in a staphylococcal infection model.

Importance

Extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs) produced byStaphylococcus aureusin planktonic cultures encapsulate a diverse cargo of bacterial proteins, nucleic acids, and glycopolymers that are protected from destruction by external factors. δ-toxin, a member of the phenol soluble modulin family, was shown to be critical for MV biogenesis. Amyloid fibrils co-purified with MVs generated by virulent, community-acquiredS. aureusstrains, and fibril formation was dependent on expression of theS. aureusδ-toxin gene (hld). Mass spectrometry data confirmed that the amyloid fibrils were comprised of δ-toxin. AlthoughS. aureusMVs were produced in vivo in a localized murine infection model, amyloid fibrils were not observed in the in vivo setting. Our findings provide critical insights into staphylococcal factors involved in MV biogenesis and amyloid formation.
Architecture of the human G-protein-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase nanoassembly for B12delivery and repair
Authors: Mascarenhas Romila , Ruetz Markus , Gouda Harsha , Heitman Natalie , Yaw Madeline , Banerjee Ruma
Published: March 2023

G-proteins function as molecular switches to power cofactor translocation and confer fidelity in metal trafficking. MMAA, a G-protein motor, together with MMAB, an adenosyltransferase, orchestrate cofactor delivery and repair of B12-dependent human methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMUT). The mechanism by which the motor assembles and moves a >1300 Da cargo, or fails in disease, are poorly understood. Herein, we report the crystal structure of the human MMUT-MMAA nanomotor assembly, which reveals a dramatic 180° rotation of the B12domain, exposing it to solvent. The nanomotor complex, stabilized by MMAA wedging between two MMUT domains, leads to ordering of the switch I and III loops, revealing the molecular basis of mutase-dependent GTPase activation. The structure explains the biochemical penalties incurred by methylmalonic aciduria-causing mutations that reside at the newly identified MMAA-MMUT interfaces.
SARS-CoV-2 convalescence and hybrid immunity elicits mucosal immune responses
Authors: Puhach Olha , Bellon Mathilde , Adea Kenneth , Bekliz Meriem , Hosszu-Fellous Krisztina , Sattonnet Pascale , Coudurier-Boeuf Sophie , Arm-Vernez Isabelle , Kaiser Laurent , Eckerle Isabella , Meyer Benjamin
Published: March 2023

Mucosal antibodies play a key role in the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the upper respiratory tract, and potentially in limiting virus replication and therefore onward transmission. While systemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is well understood, little is known about the antibodies present on the nasal mucosal surfaces.

In this study, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 mucosal antibodies in response to infection, vaccination, or a combination of both. Paired nasal fluid and serum samples were collected from 136 individuals, which include convalescent, vaccinated, or breakthrough infections.

We detected a high correlation between IgG responses in serum and nasal fluids, which were higher in both compartments in vaccinated compared to convalescent participants. Contrary, nasal and systemic SARS-CoV-2 IgA responses were weakly correlated, indicating a compartmentalization between the local and systemic IgA responses. SARS-CoV-2 secretory component IgA (s-IgA) antibodies, present exclusively on mucosal surfaces, were detected in the nasal fluid only in a minority of vaccinated subjects and were significantly higher in previously infected individuals. s-IgA binding antibodies showed significant correlation with neutralizing activity of nasal fluids against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral B.1 and Omicron-BA.5 variant, indicating that s-IgA is the crucial contributor to neutralization in the nasal mucosa. Neutralization against both SARS-CoV-2 strains was higher in the mucosa of subjects with previous SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to vaccinated participants.

In summary, we demonstrate that currently available vaccines elicit strong systemic antibody responses, but SARS-CoV-2 infection generates more potent binding and neutralizing mucosal antibodies. Our results support the importance to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that elicit mucosal antibodies.

One Sentence Summary

SARS-CoV-2 infection or combination of infection and vaccination (hybrid immunity) elicit binding and functional mucosal antibody responses superior of those after systemic vaccination.
Genomic profile of two Brazilian choroid plexus tumors by whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Garcia Felipe Antonio de Oliveira , Evangelista Adriane Feijó , Mançano Bruna Minniti , Moreno Daniel Antunes , Berardinelli Gustavo Noriz , de Paula Flávia Escremim , Antoniazzi Augusto Perazzolo , Júnior Carlos Almeida , Lombardi Ismael , Santana Iara , Teixeira Gustavo Ramos , Costa Caio Evangelista , Reis Rui Manuel
Published: March 2023

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare intracranial neoplasms, representing <1% of all brain tumors, yet they represent 20% of first-year pediatric brain tumors. Although these tumors have been linked toTP53germline mutations in the context of Li–Fraumeni syndrome, their somatic driver alterations remain poorly understood. In this study, we report two cases of lateral ventricle tumors: 3-yr-old male diagnosed with an atypical choroid plexus papilloma (aCPP), and a 6-mo-old female diagnosed with a choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). We performed whole-exome sequencing of paired blood and tumor tissue in both patients, categorized somatic variants, and determined copy-number alterations. Our analysis revealed a tier II variant (Association for Molecular Pathology [AMP] criteria) inBRD1,aH3andTP53acetylation agent, in the aCPP. In addition, we detected copy-number gains on Chromosomes 12, 18, and 20 and copy-number losses on Chromosomes 13q and 22q (BRD1locus) in this tumor. The CPC tumor had only a pathogenic germlineTP53variant, based on American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria, with a clinical and familiar history of Li–Fraumeni syndrome. The CPC patient presented loss of heterozygosity (LoH) ofTP53loci and hyperdiploid genome. Both tumors were microsatellite-stable. This is the first study performing whole-exome sequencing in Brazilian choroid plexus tumors, and in line with the literature, we corroborate the absence of recurrent somatic mutations in these tumors. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings and better understand the underlying biology of these tumors.
Doing critical dialogic accounting and accountability research: an analytical framework and case illustration
Authors: Tanima Farzana Aman , Brown Judy , Hopper Trevor
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To present an analytical framework for conducting critical dialogic accounting and accountability-based participatory action research to further democratisation, social change and empowering marginalised groups, and to reflect on its application in a Bangladeshi nongovernmental organisation's microfinance program.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework, synthesising prior CDAA theorising and agonistic-inspired action research, is described, followed by a discussion of the methodological challenges when applying this during a ten-year, ongoing intervention seeking greater voice for poor, female borrowers.

Findings

Six methodological issues emerged: investigating contested issues rather than organisation-centric research; identifying and engaging divergent discourses; engaging marginalised groups, activists and/or dominant powerholders; addressing power and power relations; building alliances for change; and evaluating and disseminating results. The authors discuss these issues and how the participatory action research methods and analytical tools used evolved in response to emergent challenges, and key lessons learned in a study of microfinance and women's empowerment.

Originality/value

The paper addresses calls within and beyond accounting to develop critical, engaged and change-oriented scholarship adopting an agonistic research methodology. It uses a novel critical dialogic accounting and accountability-based participatory action research approach. The reflexive examination of its application engaging NGOs, social activists, and poor women to challenge dominant discourses and practices, and build alliances for change, explores issues encountered. The paper concludes with reflective questions to aid researchers interested in undertaking similar studies in other contentious, power-laden areas concerning marginalised groups.
Analysis of the convergence of Newton method by finite element simulation with vector hysteresis stop model
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Müller Fabian , Nell Martin Marco , Hameyer Kay
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The goal of this research is to investigate the convergence behavior of the Newton iteration, when solving the nonlinear problem with consideration of hysteresis effects. Incorporating the vector hysteresis model in the magnetic vector potential formulation has encountered difficulties. One of the reasons is that the Newton method is very sensitive regarding the starting point and states distinct requirements for the nonlinear function in terms of monotony and smoothness. The other reason is that the differential reluctivity tensor of the material model is discontinuous due to the properties of the stop operators. In this work, line search methods to overcome these difficulties are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

To stabilize the Newton iteration, line search methods are studied. The first method computes an error-oriented search direction. The second method is based on the Wolfe-Powell rule using the Armijo condition and curvature condition.

Findings

In this paper, the differentiation of the vector stop model, used to evaluate the Jacobian matrix, is studied. Different methods are applied for this nonlinear problem to ensure reliable and stable finite element simulations with consideration of vector hysteresis effects.

Originality/value

In this paper, two different line search Newton methods are applied to solve the magnetic field problems with consideration of vector hysteresis effects and ensure a stable convergence successfully. A comparison of these two methods in terms of robustness and efficiency is presented.
Integrated scheduling optimization of production and transportation for precast component with delivery time window
Authors: Dan Yiran , Liu Guiwen
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Production and transportation of precast components, as two continuous service stages of a precast plant, play an important role in meeting customer needs and controlling costs. However, there is still a lack of production and transportation scheduling methods that comprehensively consider delivery timeliness and transportation economy. This article aims to study the integrated scheduling optimization problem of in-plant flowshop production and off-plant transportation under the consideration of practical constraints of customer order delivery time window, and seek an optimal scheduling method that balances delivery timeliness and transportation economy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an integrated scheduling optimization model of flowshop production and transportation for precast components with delivery time windows is established, which describes the relationship between production and transportation and handles transportation constraints under the premise of balancing delivery timeliness and transportation economy. Then a genetic algorithm is designed to solve this model. It realizes the integrated scheduling of production and transportation through double-layer chromosome coding. A program is designed to realize the solution process. Finally, the validity of the model is proved by the calculation of actual enterprise data.

Findings

The optimized scheduling scheme can not only meet the on-time delivery, but also improve the truck loading rate and reduce the total cost, composed of early cost in plant, delivery penalty cost and transportation cost. In the model validation, the optimal scheduling scheme uses one less truck than the traditional EDD scheme (saving 20% of the transportation cost), and the total cost can be saved by 17.22%.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the relationship between the production and transportation of precast components and establishes the integrated scheduling optimization model and its solution algorithm. Different from previous studies, the proposed optimization model can balance the timeliness and economy of production and transportation for precast components.
Design thinking for innovation: context factors, process, and outcomes
Authors: Rösch Nicolas , Tiberius Victor , Kraus Sascha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Design thinking has become an omnipresent process to foster innovativeness in various fields. Due to its popularity in both practice and theory, the number of publications has been growing rapidly. The authors aim to develop a research framework that reflects the current state of research and allows for the identification of research gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a systematic literature review based on 164 scholarly articles on design thinking.

Findings

This study proposes a framework, which identifies individual and organizational context factors, the stages of a typical design thinking process with its underlying principles and tools, and the individual as well as organizational outcomes of a design thinking project.

Originality/value

Whereas previous reviews focused on particular aspects of design thinking, such as its characteristics, the organizational culture as a context factor or its role on new product development, the authors provide a holistic overview of the current state of research.
Just the tip: exploring the tipped restaurant employee perspective
Authors: Norris Cortney , Taylor Scott , Taylor D. Christopher
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This research aimed to fill several gaps in the tipping literature which has overlooked the server's perspective in identifying and understanding variables that influence a tip amount and therefore where they concentrate their efforts during the service encounter. Furthermore, the extant literature has theorized how or why certain variables influence the tip amount, but these studies fail to capture insight from server's which would supplement the theory and provide a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms at play.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a grounded theory approach using semi-structured one-on-one interviews with tipped restaurant employees who were identified and selected using snowball sampling. Content analysis is employed to code and categorize the data.

Findings

The content analysis revealed five categories where servers focus their time and effort to earn tips: service quality, connection, personal factors, expertise and food quality. The server's personality was identified as a variable the tipping literature has largely ignored as a determinant of the tip amount. Server's shift their style of service for groups of eight or more people, and for regular customers, who must dine in the restaurant at least once per week. Lastly, despite the many drawbacks associated with working for tips, servers would not want to replace it with any other method of compensation.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative study focused on understanding the server's role in the service exchange relationship since McCarty et al. (1990) study. The results provide new insights on the often-studied variables from the tipping literature.
Effect of cement and geopolymer stabilization on the thermal comfort: case study of an earthen building in Burkina Faso
Authors: Neya Ibrahim , Yamegueu Daniel , Messan Adamah , Coulibaly Yezouma , Ouedraogo Arnaud Louis Sountong-Noma , Ayite Yawovi Mawuénya Xolali Dany
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The stabilization of earthen blocks improves their mechanical strength and avoids adobe construction erosion due to rainwater. However, the stabilization affects the thermal properties of the earthen blocks, and thus their capacity to provide adequate thermal comfort to occupants. This article examines the influence of cement and geopolymer binders on thermal comfort in compressed earthen buildings in hot and arid climates.

Design/methodology/approach

The test cell is on the building platform in Burkina Faso. The building is made of compressed earth blocks (CEB) consisting of laterite, water and binder. The thermal models of the building were implemented in EnergyPlus v9.0.1 software. Empirical validation is used to check whether the model used for the thermal dynamic simulation can reproduce with accuracy the thermal behavior in a real situation. The adaptive thermal comfort model of ASHRAE 55–2010 was used to assess thermal comfort in long-term hot and dry tropical conditions.

Findings

The results show that the CEB buildings remain hot despite the use of cement or geopolymer binder. Indeed, with both cement and geopolymer binders, on a daily basis, 19 h and 15 h are uncomfortable during, respectively, the hot and cold seasons. An increase of 1% in cement content raises the comfort hours by 9.2 h during the hot season and 11.7 h during the cold season. Hence, the comfort time varies linearly with the cement content in the building material. Moreover, there is no linear relationship between comfort time and geopolymer rate.

Research limitations/implications

Complementary work should also assess the influence of stabilization on building humidity levels. In fact, earthen materials are very sensitive to outdoor humidity and indoor humidity affects thermal comfort even if it is not taken into account in the ASHRAE adaptive thermal comfort model.

Practical implications

The present study will certainly contribute to a better valorization of clay potential in countries with similar climatic conditions.

Social implications

The use of geopolymer binder is a suitable ecological option to replace the cement binder. It is important to mention that nighttime comfort can be increased through passive strategies such as natural ventilation.

Originality/value

Most CEB material stabilization analyses including cement and geopolymer ones were mostly investigated at the laboratory scale and less at the building scale. Also, the influence of the binder rate on the thermal performance of buildings made of cement and geopolymer has not yet been assessed. This paper fills this gap of knowledge by assessing the impact of cement and geopolymer binder rates on the thermal comfort of CEB dwellings.
An Industry 4.0 readiness model for new technology exploitation
Authors: Ansari Iman , Barati Masoud , Sadeghi Moghadam Mohammad Reza , Ghobakhloo Morteza
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Considering the importance and the broad applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in various organizations and industries and enjoying the many benefits of this digital transformation framework, organizations need to measure their Industry 4.0 readiness as a starting point and take steps to achieve the strategic goals of Industry 4.0. This study aims to design a comprehensive and practical model that can determine Industry 4.0 readiness level, allowing organizations to implement and exploit technological constituents of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was used to evaluate and summarize a clear and comprehensive literature overview of Industry 4.0 readiness models and to certify the validity and transparency of the review process. After reviewing 71 articles and survey and then the consensus of Industry 4.0 experts, the 10 dimensions of the 4.0 Industry readiness model were finalized with their indicators having the most frequency in the published articles and models.

Findings

The application of the SLR to the development of the new Industry 4.0 readiness model which includes 10 dimensions and 37 indicators and can assess the Industry 4.0 readiness of firms and industries accurately and effectively.

Research limitations/implications

An extensive review of the previous literature yielded the current Industry 4.0 readiness model. The comprehensiveness of this model leads to its wide application in different companies. Future research suggestions are presented at the end of the manuscript.

Practical implications

The concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the application of its technologies are vague and complicated for many organizations and managers, while the need to implement the components and technologies of Industry 4.0 is essential to achieve organizational goals. The presented readiness model helps companies to measure their readiness to enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution and achieve long-term goals.

Originality/value

In this study, an attempt was made to examine the Industry 4.0 readiness models thoroughly and extensively and identify their different approaches. Finally, a comprehensive and multi-dimensional readiness model is presented to assess the position of organizations in order to enter Industry 4.0.
The acquirements of e-service quality in fashion e-storescapes: mediating effect in an S-O-R model
Authors: Türkdemir Pınar , Yıldız Erkan , Ateş Mustafa Fikret
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effects of e-service quality (e-SQ) in fashion e-storescapes (online retail store environments) on e-customer citizenship behaviour (e-CCB) and e-repurchase intention (e-RI), as well as to investigate whether e-CCB plays a mediating role in these relations.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the aim of this study, the relationships between the variables were examined by using the mediation effect analysis within the framework of a Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model. An online survey was developed based on the scales with proven reliability and validity. The convenience sampling method on social media sites was used to collect data for analysis from 500 volunteer participants who had previously shopped online for fashion brands between 1st and 30th September 2020. The partial least squares (PLS) path analysis method was used to analyse the research model.

Findings

This study revealed that the dimensions of e-SQ, except e-efficiency and e-privacy, have positive effects on all dimensions of e-CCB. Concurrently, this study identified that the dimensions of e-CCB have positive effects on e-RI. Subsequently, the study determined that the dimensions of e-CCB played a full mediator role between the dimensions of e-SQ and e-RI.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this study is that the study is based on the perceptions of fashion e-customers about the customers' e-tailing (online retailing) experiences, which is only reached via the convenience sampling method.

Practical implications

In this study, the positive relationships between e-CCB and e-RI were accepted as the acquirements of e-SQ in fashion e-storescapes. In this context, the reasons for fashion customers to repurchase from an e-storescape are not only low prices and product variety, but also the exhibition of extra-role behaviours in the form of e-SQ acquirements. These implications, which will attract the attention of fashion e-tailers, may enable the e-tailers to modify the e-SQ of e-tailers' e-storescapes based on customer feedback.

Originality/value

This study is unique as the study draws on the S-O-R theory to provide insight into the stimulus effect of e-storescape e-SQ on the mediating role of e-CCB. The current study is expected to contribute to the literature by highlighting the reasons for changes in consumption attitudes, intentions and behaviours amongst customers that prefer e-tailing for fashion apparel shopping.
Are donor funds used effectively? An examination of Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions
Authors: Mohamed Toka S. , Elgammal Mohammed M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to compare the nexus between donations to Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions (MFIs) and their credit risk, financial performance and social outreach.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use fixed effects and two-step system generalized methods of moments models with internal instrumentation. The analysis is conducted on an international sample of 1,519 MFIs in 55 countries during 1999–2019.

Findings

Islamic MFIs receiving greater donations experience an increase in credit risk, whereas the opposite occurs among their conventional counterparts. Donations are associated with an improvement in the depth of outreach of Islamic MFIs, allowing them to serve a poorer client base, despite a simultaneous decline in the breadth of their outreach. On the other hand, donations improve both the depth and breadth of conventional MFIs outreach. Donations also exhibit a positive relation with productivity, efficiency and sustainability in conventional MFIs.

Practical implications

This paper addresses a gap in the literature on Islamic MFIs and their use of donor funds by examining how donations contribute to the quality of their credit portfolios, financial performance and social outreach. This study used Ahmed’s (2012, 2017, 2020, 2021) total factor productivity model to capture the impact of donations on the performance of MFIs.

Social implications

Donations are found to contribute to positive financial inclusion outcomes for both Islamic and conventional MFIs, a promising implication for society and donors alike.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a gap in the academic literature on Islamic MFIs and their use of donor funds by examining how donations contribute to the quality of their credit portfolios, financial performance and social outreach.
Participatory rights of older adults at risk in adult protection case conferences
Authors: Fennell Kate
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (ASP Act) mandates public bodies to investigate situations of harm and to support and protect adults at risk. One of the fundamental principles of the legislation is to involve the person in the adult protection process. Older people are highly represented among those defined as adults at risk and have the right to participate in decisions about their lives. However, contextual factors can impact participatory parity, and participation can be tokenistic. Drawing on the author’s practice experience, this paper aims to explore the supports and barriers to meaningful participation in adult protection.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on practice during the first decade of the ASP Act, this paper uses amalgamated scenarios involving older adults at risk to illustrate some of the key themes emanating from literature.

Findings

Despite Human Rights Conventions and law promoting participatory principles, research evidence and practice experience suggests that ethical principles do not always translate to practice. Within adult protection case conferences (APCCs), participation is nuanced and multifaceted, involving individual and structural facilitators and impediments. APCCs can be inhospitable environments for the adult at risk. But they also have the potential to be collaborative and supportive spaces, promoting the person’s self esteem and agency. The author plans to conduct research with service users and practitioners exploring the extent to which APCCs can facilitate meaningful participation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the wider debate about the participatory rights of service users and the value of experiential knowledge.
Scholarly communication: a concept analysis
Authors: Fleming-May Rachel
Published: March 2023

Purpose

“Scholarly Communication” is a frequent topic of both the professional and research literature of Library and Information Science (LIS). Despite efforts by individuals (e.g. Borgman, 1989) and organizations such as the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) to define the term, multiple understandings of it remain. Discussions of scholarly communication infrequently offer a definition or explanation of its parameters, making it difficult for readers to form a comprehensive understanding of scholarly communication and associated phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

This project uses the evolutionary concept analysis (ECA) method developed by nursing scholar, Beth L. Rodgers, to explore “Scholarly Communication” as employed in the literature of LIS. As the purpose of ECA is not to arrive at “the” definition of a term but rather exploring its utilization within a specific context, it is an ideal approach to expand our understanding of SC as used in LIS research.

Findings

“Scholarly Communication” as employed in the LIS literature does not refer to a single phenomenon or idea, but rather is a concept with several dimensions and sub-dimensions with distinct, but overlapping, significance.

Research limitations/implications

The concept analysis (CA) method calls for review of a named concept, i.e. verbatim. Therefore, the items included in the data set must include the phrase “scholarly communication”. Items using alternate terminology were excluded from analysis.

Practical implications

The model of scholarly communication presented in this paper provides language to operationalize the concept.

Originality/value

LIS lacks a nuanced understanding of “scholarly communication” as used in the LIS literature. This paper offers a model to further the field's collective understanding of the term and support operationalization for future research projects.
Supply chain gaps analysis during COVID-19 pandemic - the case of medical supplies in Tanzania
Authors: Sallwa Alfred Ain
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the supply chain gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania amid the pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed approach, using both structured questionnaires and individual interviews to gather raw data (quantitative and qualitative data). To assess quantitative data for statistical (descriptive and inferential) analysis, this study used a sample of 57 wholesale and retail pharmacies and 10 hospital pharmacies, which were randomly selected. The thematic analysis was applied to the gathered qualitative data to authenticate the quantitative findings and conclusions which were the outcome of the descriptive and inferential analysis (binary logistics regression) analysed by the SPSS.

Findings

The results revealed the presence of various supply chain gaps in terms of target gaps, time gaps and coverage gaps. This study highlighted the disruption on demand and uncertainty in business environment as ways that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the gaps and revealed the negative effects of the supply chain gaps on the effectiveness of medical supplies in Tanzania.

Research limitations/implications

The results revealed the presence of various supply chain gaps (in terms of target gaps, time gaps and coverage gaps), underlined the disruption in demand and uncertainty in the business environment as ways that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the gaps and revealed the negative effects of the supply chain gaps on the effectiveness of medical supplies in Tanzania.

Practical implications

Data generated and used in this study is from participants from one country only (Tanzania), despite the supply chain gaps being common to many developing countries in general.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel framework in medical supply chain literature by identifying numerous disruptions in the medical supply chain which emerged during the COVID-19 emergence and serves as a basis for future studies on how to counter the gaps and rebuild a resilient and sustainable medical supply chain in developing countries.
Assessing global and local interest in eNaira CBDC and cryptocurrency information: implications for financial stability
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the global and local interest in Internet information about cryptocurrency and the Nigeria central bank digital currency, which is also known as eNaira.

Design/methodology/approach

Granger causality test and GMM coefficient matrix methodologies were used.

Findings

There is sustained increase in global and local interest in Internet information about eNaira in the first six weeks after eNaira adoption. Local interest in Internet information about cryptocurrency in Nigeria exceeded global interest in Internet information about cryptocurrency. The south-east region had the highest interest in cryptocurrency information followed by the south-south, the north-central, the north-east, the north-west and the south-west regions. In contrast, the north-east region had the highest interest in Internet information about eNaira, followed by the north-west, the north–central, the south-west, the south-south and the south-east regions. Nigeria recorded the highest global interest in Internet information about cryptocurrency and eNaira, while Japan and Brazil recorded the lowest interest during the period. The correlation results show a significant and positive correlation between interest in cryptocurrency information and interest in eNaira information. The Granger causality results show that global interest in cryptocurrency information causes both global and local interest in eNaira information. Also, local interest in cryptocurrency information causes global interest in eNaira information. The GMM regression coefficient matrix shows a significant positive relationship between interest in cryptocurrency information and eNaira information.

Originality/value

There are few studies on CBDC in country-specific contexts. This study adds to the literature by examining the Nigerian context.