bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human pre-60S assembly factors link rRNA transcription to pre-rRNA processing
Authors: Buhagiar Amber F. , McCool Mason A. , Bryant Carson J. , Abriola Laura , Surovtseva Yulia V. , Baserga Susan J.
Published: March 2022

In eukaryotes, the nucleolus is the site of ribosome biosynthesis, an essential process in all cells. While human ribosome assembly is largely evolutionarily conserved, many of the regulatory details underlying its control and function have not yet been well-defined. The nucleolar protein RSL24D1 was originally identified as a factor important for ribosome biogenesis, and as an interactor with the PeBoW complex (PES1, BOP1, WDR12) in high-throughput affinity purifications. The PeBoW complex has been shown to be required for pre-28S rRNA processing. In this study, we show that RSL24D1 depletion impairs both pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) transcription and mature 28S rRNA production, leading to decreased protein synthesis and p53 stabilization in mammalian cells. Surprisingly, each of the PeBoW complex members is also required for pre-rRNA transcription. We also demonstrate that RSL24D1 is physically complexed with RNA polymerase I, revealing a connection between large ribosomal subunit biogenesis and rDNA transcription. These results uncover the dual role of RSL24D1 and the PeBoW complex in multiple steps of ribosome biogenesis, and provide evidence implicating large subunit biogenesis factors in pre-rRNA transcription control.
Cholesterol in the cargo membrane reduces kinesin-1 binding to microtubules in the presence of tau
Authors: Li Qiaochu , Ferrare James T. , Silver Jonathan , Wilson John O. , Arteaga-Castaneda Luis , Qiu Weihong , Vershinin Michael , King Stephen J. , Neuman Keir C. , Xu Jing
Published: March 2022

Intracellular cargos are often membrane-bound and transported by microtubule-based motors in the presence of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Whereas increasing evidence reveals how MAPs impact the interactions between motors and microtubules, critical questions remain about the impact of the cargo membrane on transport. Here we combined in vitro optical trapping with theoretical approaches to determine the effect of a lipid cargo membrane on kinesin-based transport in the presence of MAP tau. Attaching kinesins to a fluid lipid membrane decreases the inhibitory effect of tau in comparison to membrane-free cargos. Adding cholesterol, which reduces kinesin diffusion in the cargo membrane, amplifies the inhibitory effect of tau on kinesin in a dosage-dependent manner. Our findings can be understood in a framework in which kinesin diffusion in the cargo membrane counteracts binding-site occlusion by tau. Our study establishes a direct link between the physical properties of cargo membrane and MAP-based regulation of kinesin-1.
Brain embeddings with shared geometry to artificial contextual embeddings, as a code for representing language in the human brain
Authors: Goldstein Ariel , Dabush Avigail , Aubrey Bobbi , Schain Mariano , Nastase Samuel A. , Zada Zaid , Ham Eric , Hong Zhuoqiao , Feder Amir , Gazula Harshvardhan , Buchnik Eliav , Doyle Werner , Devore Sasha , Dugan Patricia , Friedman Daniel , Brenner Michael , Hassidim Avinatan , Devinsky Orrin , Flinker Adeen , Hasson Uri
Published: March 2022

Contextual embeddings, derived from deep language models (DLMs), provide a continuous vectorial representation of language. This embedding space differs fundamentally from the symbolic representations posited by traditional psycholinguistics. Do language areas in the human brain, similar to DLMs, rely on a continuous embedding space to represent language? To test this hypothesis, we densely recorded the neural activity in the Inferior Frontal Gyrus (IFG, also known as Broca’s area) of three participants using dense intracranial arrays while they listened to a 30-minute podcast. From these fine-grained spatiotemporal neural recordings, we derived for each patient a continuous vectorial representation for each word (i.e., a brain embedding). Using stringent, zero-shot mapping, we demonstrated that brain embeddings in the IFG and the DLM contextual embedding space have strikingly similar geometry. This shared geometry allows us to precisely triangulate the position of unseen words in both the brain embedding space (zero-shot encoding) and the DLM contextual embedding space (zero-shot decoding). The continuous brain embedding space provides an alternative computational framework for how natural language is represented in cortical language areas.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal composition across US citrus orchards, management strategies, and disease severity spectrum
Authors: Xi MengYuan , Deyett Elizabeth , Ginnan Nichole , Ashworth Vanessa E.T.M. , Dang Tyler , Bodaghi Sohrab , Vidalakis Georgios , Roper M. Caroline , Glassman Sydney I. , Rolshausen Philippe E.
Published: March 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) remain understudied in perennial cropping systems. Citrus is a globally grown fruit tree and under threat by the pandemic Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Here, we assessed in what capacity geographical location, management strategies and disease affect AMF citrus root communities. Root samples were collected from 88 trees in ten orchards located in the two major citrus producing states in the US. Orchards were selected based on conventional or organic practices in California and based on HLB symptom severity in Florida. We used AMF-specific amplicon sequencing primers to capture community composition and diversity. Taxa names were assigned based on a phylogenetic analysis that comprised a backbone of AMF references sequences from Mycobank and virtual taxa from the MaarjAM database. AMF were detected in 78% of citrus root samples with taxa belonging to six known (Dominikia, Funneliformis, Glomus, Rhizophagus, Sclerocystis, Septoglomus) and unknown Glomeraceae genera. Geographical location affected AMF community composition but not richness, whereas management practice and disease influenced both richness and composition. Our approach indicated that perennial agroecosystems share a set of AMF generalist and specialist taxa. Some taxa could improve environmental fitness and be exploited for agricultural purposes.
Classifying interactions in a synthetic bacterial community is hindered by inhibitory growth medium
Authors: Santos Andrea R. Dos , Martino Rita Di , Testa Samuele , Mitri Sara
Published: March 2022

Predicting the fate of a microbial community and its member species relies on understanding the nature of their interactions. However, designing simple assays that distinguish between interaction types can be challenging. Here, we performed spent media assays based on the predictions of a mathematical model to decipher the interactions between four bacterial species: Agrobacterium tumefaciens (At), Comamonas testosteroni (Ct), Microbacterium saperdae (Ms) and Ochrobactrum anthropi (Oa). While most experimental results matched model predictions, the behavior of Ct did not: its lag phase was reduced in the pure spent media of At and Ms, but prolonged again when we replenished with our growth medium. Further experiments showed that the growth medium actually delayed the growth of Ct, leading us to suspect that At and Ms could alleviate this inhibitory effect. There was, however, no evidence supporting such “cross-detoxification” and instead, we identified metabolites secreted by At and Ms that were then consumed or “crossfed” by Ct, shortening its lag phase. Our results highlight that even simple, defined growth media can have inhibitory effects on some species and that such negative effects need to be included in our models. Based on this, we present new guidelines to correctly distinguish between different interaction types, such as cross-detoxification and cross-feeding.
Differential Effects of Koisio Technology-Modulated Solutions on the Growth of Lung Fibroblast Cell Cultures and Lung Cancer Cell Cultures
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Men Yinghui , Zhu Qi , Ying Weihai
Published: March 2022

Cell growth is a crucial biological property of cells, which plays key roles in several major biological processes including organ development, tissue repair and cancer development. It is of both scientific and medical significance to discover new strategies to modulate cell growth. Koisio technology is a novel technology that modulates the properties of water solely by physical approaches without additions of any external substances. In our current study we obtained the following findings regarding the effects of Koisio technology-modulated solutions on cell growth: First, compared with the lung fibroblast (L929) cell cultures cultured in normal media, the L929 cells cultured in Koisio technology-modulated media grew at approximately 20% higher speed; second, compared with the lung cancer cell cultures (LLC cells) cultured in normal media, the LLC cells cultured in Koisio technology-modulated media grew at approximately 9% lower speed; and third, compared with the telomere lengths of the L929 cells cultured in normal media, the L929 cells cultured in Koisio technology-modulated media had approximately 14% longer telomere length. Collectively, our study has provided the first evidence indicating that Koisio technology-modulated solutions affect differentially the growth of lung fibroblast cell cultures and that of lung cancer cell cultures. The capacity of the Koisio technology-modulated solutions to promote the growth of lung fibroblast cell cultures may result at least partially from its capacity to protect the telomere length.
LITOS - a versatile LED illumination tool for optogenetic stimulation
Authors: Höhener Thomas Christoph , Landolt Alex , Dessauges Coralie , Gagliardi Paolo Armando , Pertz Olivier
Published: March 2022

Optogenetics has become a key tool to manipulate biological processes with high spatio-temporal resolution. Recently, a number of commercial and open-source multi-well illumination devices have been developed to provide throughput in optogenetics experiments. However, available commercial devices remain expensive and lack flexibility, while open-source solutions require programming knowledge and/or include complex assembly processes. We present a LED Illumination Tool for Optogenetic Stimulation (LITOS) based on an assembled printed circuit board controlling a commercially available 32×64 LED matrix as illumination source. LITOS can be quickly assembled without any soldering, and includes an easy-to-use interface, accessible via a website hosted on the device itself. Complex light stimulation patterns can easily be programmed without coding expertise. LITOS can be used with different formats of multi-well plates, petri dishes, and flasks. We validated LITOS by measuring the activity of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in response to different dynamic light stimulation regimes using FGFR1 and Raf optogenetic actuators. LITOS can uniformly stimulate all the cells in a well and allows for flexible temporal stimulation schemes. LITOS’s ease of use aims at democratizing optogenetics in any laboratory.
Stereochemistry of transient protein-protein interactions in a signaling hub: exploring G3BP1-mediated regulation of CFTR deubiquitination
Authors: Sheehan Colin T. , Madden Dean R.
Published: March 2022

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) can coordinate often transient or weak interactions with multiple proteins to mediate complex signals within large, reversible protein networks. Among these, the IDP hub protein G3BP1 forms protein complexes with Caprin1 and USP10, and the resulting control of USP10 activity plays an important role in a pathogenic virulence system that targets CFTR endocytic recycling. However, while the identities of protein interactors are known for many of these IDP hub proteins, the relationship between pairwise affinities and the extent of protein recruitment and activity is not well understood. Here we describe in vitro analysis of the G3BP1 affinities, and show that substitution of G3BP1 residues F15 or F33 to tryptophan reduces affinity for both the USP10 and Caprin1 motif peptides. These same mutations significantly reduce formation of complexes by the full-length proteins. The crystal structure of G3BP1 TripleW (F15W/F33W/F124W) mutant reveals a clear reorientation of the side chain of W33, creating a steric clash with the USP10 and Caprin1 peptides. An amino-acid scan of the USP10 and Caprin1 motif peptides reveals similarities and differences in the ability to substitute residues in the core motifs as well as specific mutations with the potential to create higher affinity peptides. Taken together, these data show that small changes in 1:1 binding affinity can have significant effects on the composition of cellular interaction hubs. These specific protein mutations can be harnessed to manipulate complex protein networks, informing future investigations into roles of these networks in cellular processes.
Dynamic simulation of orientational disorder in organic crystals: methyl groups, trifluoromethyl groups and whole molecules
Authors: Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: March 2022

Large amplitude librations of atomic groups or of entire molecules in their crystals are simulated using optimized intermolecular potentials and crystal structures deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database. The analysis proceeds by a simple static model in which reorientations take place in a fixed environment, or by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of equilibria dotted by rotational defects, or eventually by full Molecular Dynamics (MD). The simplest approach provides a valuable qualitative preview, but MC and MD are becoming easily accessible to the general solid-state chemist thanks to the facilities of the newly developed Milano Chemistry Molecular Simulation (MiCMoS) platform. Their combined results offer a wealth of information on the behaviour of phenyl–methyl and phenyl–trifluoromethyl groups, almost invariably affected by rotational flipping, whose nature and consequences are discussed with respect to disorder modelling in the refinement of X-ray structures. Whole-body reorientation takes place in flat molecules, benzene being the well-known prototype, but also in a very large molecule like coronene. Molecular dynamics of rotations in the cyclohexa-1,4-diene crystal offer a spectacular picture of the energetic profiles with jumping times. The dynamic oscillations described here are seldom considered in the formulation of crystal `bonds' or of `synthon' stability.
Temperature-dependent crystal structure investigation of 4f hybridized thermoelectric clathrate Ba8–x
Ce
x
Au
y
Si46–y
Authors: Sandemann Jonas , Reardon Hazel , Brummerstedt Iversen Bo
Published: March 2022

Thermoelectric materials allow for conversion of waste heat into electrical energy, and they represent a green solution for improving our energy efficiency. Inclusion of 4f electrons near the Fermi level may boost the Seebeck coefficient, which is essential for high thermoelectric performance. In this study, Ce was successfully substituted for Ba on the guest atom sites in the type-I clathrate Ba8–x
Ce
x
Au
y
Si46–y
and the material was characterized using high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data measured from 100 K to 1000 K to investigate potential structural implications of the inclusion of a 4f element. The thermal expansion and bonding of the host structure are not affected by the presence of Ce, as seen from the linear coefficient of unit-cell thermal expansion of 7.30 (8) × 10−6 K−1 and the average host Debye temperature of 404 (7) K determined from the multi-temperature atomic displacement parameters, both of which are similar to values obtained for pure Ba8Au
y
Si46–y
. The anisotropic atomic displacement parameters on the guest atom site in the large clathrate cage populated by Ba surprisingly reveals isotropic behavior, which is different from all other clathrates reported in literature, and thus represents a unique host–guest bonding situation.
Collaboration with Hans-Beat Bürgi: crystallography at Bern and Lausanne
Authors: Schwarzenbach Dieter
Published: March 2022

A personal recollection of scientific developments by Hans-Beat Bürgi and fellow crystallographers in Switzerland is given.
Prediction of long-term service life of an organic coating based on short-term exposure results
Authors: Xu Yuqing , Song Guang-Ling , Zheng Dajiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a model to predict the service life of a thick organic coating.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of thin coating films are rapidly tested under the same exposure condition as the thick coating in its service condition by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Findings

The validity of the model is successfully verified. The long-term protectiveness or service life of a thick organic coating can be rapidly predicted.

Originality/value

The prediction model does not require long-term experiments or any test that may alter the degradation mechanism of the thick coating.
Effectiveness of interventions to convert the energy consumption of an educational building to zero energy
Authors: Zaferanchi Mahdiyeh , Sozer Hatice
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The amount of energy consumption of buildings has obtained international concern so the concept of zero energy building becomes a target for building designers. There are various definitions and evaluation methods for efficient buildings. However, detailed research about the critical parameters that have a major effect through the operational time to reduce the energy consumption is not emphasized as this paper represents. The main aim of this study is to identify the effect of applicable interventions on energy consumption parameters with their sensitivity to each other to reach zero energy building. Relatedly, the cost of energy reduction is also determined.

Design/methodology/approach

Energy consumption parameters were defined as area lightings, space heating, space cooling, ventilation fans, pumps, auxiliary equipment and related miscellaneous equipment. The effect of each applied intervention on energy consumption was classified as high, medium, low, very low, no effect and negative effect by utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The base case's energy model is created by utilizing energy performance software such as e-Quest. Accordingly, energy performance improvement scenarios are developed by applying interventions such as lamp replacements, sensors, heat pumps and photovoltaic panels’ integration. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses of each intervention were developed for consumed energy and its cost.

Findings

Results indicated the electric consumption is more effective than gas consumption on primary energy and energy cost. Solar systems decline primary energy by 78.53%, lighting systems by 13.47% and heat pump by 5.48% in this building; therefore, integrating mentioned strategies could rise the improvement rate to 100%, in other words, zero amount of energy is using from the grid that means saving $ 5,750.39 in one year.

Research limitations/implications

The study can be applied to similar buildings. It is worthwhile to investigate suggested methods in diverse buildings with different functions and climates in future works.

Practical implications

This study aims to investigate of energy consumption of an educational building in the Mediterranean climate to convert an existing building into a zero energy building by saving energy and renewable sources. Subsequent purposes are analyzing the effect of each strategy on energy consumption and cost.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is filling gaps in sensitivity analysis of energy consumption parameters by not only identifying their effect on overall energy consumption but also identifying their effect on each other. Some interventions may have a positive effect on overall consumption while having a negative effect on each other. Identifying this critical effect in detail not only further improves the energy performance, but also may affect the decision-making of the interventions.
United Kingdom general elections and the impact on house prices
Authors: Aha Bismark , Higgins David , Lee Timothy
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper considers if house price movements in the United Kingdom (UK) can be linked to the political cycle as governments realise homeowners represent a large portion of the voter base and their voting decisions could be influenced by the magnitude and direction of house price changes. Specifically, this paper aims to investigate whether house prices behave differently before and after elections and under different political regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses quarterly house price data from 1960 to 2018 together with data on UK parliamentary elections for the same period. Descriptive statistics and significance tests are used to analyse the impact of the political cycle on house price movements in the UK.

Findings

While there is no evidence that house prices in the UK performed significantly differently under different political parties, the authors observed that house prices performed much better in the last year before an election compared to the first year after an election. On average, house prices increased by 5.3% per annum in the last year before an election compared to 1.3% per annum in the first year following an election.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights significant variations in the performance of UK house prices around election times.

Practical implications

It is imperative that the political cycle is given adequate consideration when making residential property investment decisions.

Social implications

House buyers and investors in the residential property market could include the election timings as part of their decision-making process.

Originality/value

This paper represents a unique systematic examination of the influence of the political cycle on residential houses prices in the UK.
A decision support model for selecting unmanned aerial vehicle for medical supplies: context of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Banik Debapriya , Ibne Hossain Niamat Ullah , Govindan Kannan , Nur Farjana , Babski-Reeves Kari
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In recent times, due to rapid urbanization and the expansion of the E-commerce industry, drone delivery has become a point of interest for many researchers and industry practitioners. Several factors are directly or indirectly responsible for adopting drone delivery, such as customer expectations, delivery urgency and flexibility to name a few. As the traditional mode of delivery has some potential drawbacks to deliver medical supplies in both rural and urban settings, unmanned aerial vehicles can be considered as an alternative to overcome the difficulties. For this reason, drones are incorporated in the healthcare supply chain to transport lifesaving essential medicine or blood within a very short time. However, since there are numerous types of drones with varying characteristics such as flight distance, payload-carrying capacity, battery power, etc., selecting an optimal drone for a particular scenario becomes a major challenge for the decision-makers. To fill this void, a decision support model has been developed to select an optimal drone for two specific scenarios related to medical supplies delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a methodology that incorporates graph theory and matrix approach (GTMA) to select an optimal drone for two specific scenarios related to medical supplies delivery at (1) urban areas and (2) rural/remote areas based on a set of criteria and sub-criteria critical for successful drone implementation.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that drones equipped with payload handling capacity and package handling flexibility get more preference in urban region scenarios. In contrast, drones with longer flight distances are prioritized most often for disaster case scenarios where the road communication system is either destroyed or inaccessible.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology formulated in this paper has implications in both academic and industrial settings. This study addresses critical gaps in the existing literature by formulating a mathematical model to find the most suitable drone for a specific scenario based on its criteria and sub-criteria rather than considering a fleet of drones is always at one's disposal.

Practical implications

This research will serve as a guideline for the practitioners to select the optimal drone in different scenarios related to medical supplies delivery.

Social implications

The proposed methodology incorporates GTMA to assist decision-makers in order to appropriately choose a particular drone based on its characteristics crucial for that scenario.

Originality/value

This research will serve as a guideline for the practitioners to select the optimal drone in different scenarios related to medical supplies delivery.
Machiavellianism, self-concept and resilience: do they affect employee performance? A moderated-mediated analysis
Authors: Varshney Deepanjana
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Over the years, the impact of personality attributes on work behavior has constituted a broad research domain. The manner in which employees view themselves have been regarded as significant in analyzing their work behavior and eventual employee performance from the organizational perspective. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between self-concept and performance, with resilience as a mediator and Machiavellianism as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 271 employees from four medium-sized private sector companies in India after excluding missing data. Correlation, regression and Hayes Macro analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Resilience mediates the relationship between self-concept and performance. Second, Machiavellianism moderated the relationship between self-concept and resilience and moderated the mediation effect of resilience on the relationship between self-concept and performance. The role of personality attributes has been found to profoundly impact the employee's perception of self and work performance. Resilience, which refers to the individual's ability to bounce back amidst adverse situations, is simultaneously moderated by one of the dark triad personalities, Machiavellianism.

Practical implications

Understanding the self-concept dimension, the dual effects of resilience and the Machiavellianism personality have gradually become immensely significant for improvising employee work performance in the organization.

Originality/value

This original research has examined a model of untested variables and explored the mediating effect of resilience by connecting self-concept to performance along with the moderated-mediated impact of Machiavellianism on the variables, which is a novel attempt.
Children’s participation in practice: comparing the views of managers and practitioners in an early intervention and prevention programme
Authors: Tierney Edel , Rodriguez Leonor , Kennan Danielle , Devaney Carmel , Brady Bernadine , Canavan John , Forkan Cormac , Cassidy Anne , Malone Pat , McGregor Caroline
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Participation is the active involvement of children and young people in decision-making regarding issues that affect their lives. It is crucial in the context of child protection and welfare systems and how they respond to the needs of children and young people. The purpose of this paper is to report on the evaluation of child and family participation in an early intervention and prevention programme implemented by the Irish Child and Family Agency. It provides an analysis of a comprehensive, “whole organization” approach to understand how participation is embedded in policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a comparative qualitative case study of the perspectives of managers and practitioners about participation practice, identifying the facilitators and barriers, as well as their perspectives of the sustainability of participation within the agency and its partners. The authors draw on two complementary, theoretically informed studies evaluating participatory practice within the Agency using qualitative interviews with participants.

Findings

Overall, managers and practitioners had a positive attitude towards participation and identified examples of best practices. Facilitators included training, access to resources and the quality of relationships. Challenges for meaningful participation remain, such as the need to engage, hard to reach populations. Differences were identified regarding how embedded and sustainable participation was.

Originality/value

This paper provides a critical understanding of participation in practice and how to embed a culture of participation in child protection and welfare.
Cash holdings and bank profits in periods of uncertainty
Authors: Dang Van Dan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper explores the effect of cash holdings on bank profitability in the context of uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Through data on Vietnamese banks from 2007 to 2019, the author measures uncertainty in banking using the dispersion of bank-level shocks and perform dynamic regressions using the generalized method of moments (GMM) and the least squares dummy variable correction. The author uses different measures to comprehensively evaluate bank profitability, including the net interest margins (NIMs), the returns on assets (ROA) and the returns on equity (ROE)

Findings

The author documents that more cash holdings reduce bank profits when the uncertainty level is low; however, there is a high uncertainty point at which holding further cash improves bank profitability. Thus, the findings reveal the importance of cash management for banks in times of high uncertainty.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to shed light on the impact of cash management on bank profitability while paying close attention to the moderating role of uncertainty. Accordingly, the author indicates the marginal effects of cash holdings on bank profits according to uncertainty levels via drawing plots from interaction terms between continuous variables. This approach exploits all the information exhibited in the interactive variables and hence considerably deepens the understanding of our estimates.
Analysis of interdisciplinary characteristics and knowledge structure from multidimensional perspective: a case study of national fitness topic in China
Authors: Feng Xin , Liu Yuehao , Wang Xu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The sudden COVID-19 epidemic in 2019 has frustrated China's overall economy, and the implementation and development of the National Fitness Program has encountered huge obstacles. At a new historical starting point, in order to realize the dream of becoming a powerful country in sports, it is necessary to transform the successful experience gained since the reform and opening up into regular understanding and systematic theories, so as to make a theoretical response to the new contradictions and challenges faced in development and give full play to the National Fitness has comprehensive values and multiple functions in improving people's health, promoting people's all-round development, promoting economic and social development and demonstrating the country's cultural soft power.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the topic of national fitness as an example, this paper sets out from the three dimensions of knowledge input, knowledge output and knowledge production, using citation analysis, social network analysis, co-word analysis and cluster analysis, to measure the characteristics and knowledge structure of interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.

Findings

China's national fitness is still in the primary development stage, and the strong boost of the national top-level policy is the biggest driving force of its development, driven by the policy together with the settlement of many major events, constantly improving and enriching the wings. The main body of knowledge production on the topic of national fitness is mainly colleges and universities, with low participation of government and enterprises, high degree of cooperation among authors, obvious interdisciplinary characteristics and strong application of research themes.

Originality/value

This study provides a strong theoretical basis for the promotion of the Healthy China strategy. Especially under the influence of COVID-19, this paper can contribute to the comprehensive value and multimodal functions of national fitness in improving the health of people, promoting economic and social development and demonstrating the soft power of national culture.
Big data analytics capability and supply chain performance: the mediating roles of supply chain resilience and innovation
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad , Shokouhyar Sajjad , Seifian Atiyeh
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) capabilities can affect supply chain performance in several ways. The main purpose of this study was to understand how BDA capabilities could affect supply chain performance through supply chain resilience and supply chain innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional approach to collect survey-based responses to examine the hypotheses. Accordingly, 187 responses were collected and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) in the SmartPLS3.

Findings

The results showed that BDA capabilities improve supply chain performance through resilience and innovation of the supply chain.

Originality/value

The present study also contributed to the existing literature by demonstrating the mediating role of supply chain resilience and supply chain innovation between BDA capabilities and supply chain performance. In this context, some theoretical and managerial implications were proposed and discussed.
Herding behaviour in the Islamic bank market: evidence from the Gulf region
Authors: Yousaf Imran , Alokla Jassem
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examines herding in Islamic bank equity markets under various market conditions (up/down, high/low trading and high/low volatility) and during events such as Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting days, Ramadan, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) crisis of 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors also look at the impact of rising and falling oil prices on herding behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the model of Changet al.(2000) to estimate herding behaviour in the Islamic bank markets.

Findings

First, the authors estimate herding at the GCC region level, and the results reveal an absence of herding under all market conditions and during all the events considered, except for the GCC crisis of 2017. Second, the authors investigate herding in four Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates [UAE], Qatar and Kuwait) separately and find that herding is evident in all these countries during various market conditions. During Ramadan, herding appears in the Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Islamic bank equity markets. Herding is not prevalent during OPEC meeting days in any of the markets, whereas herding is evident in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait Islamic bank equity markets during the GCC crisis of 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, the rising and falling oil prices do not influence herding at either GCC region or country level.

Practical implications

From the practitioner's perspective, this study provides useful insights for investors in Islamic banks and policymakers, in terms of asset pricing, portfolio diversification, trading strategies and market stability.

Originality/value

Many studies explore herding in the equity markets of Muslim majority countries, but not specifically in the Islamic bank market. This study fills this literature gap by comprehensively examining herding in Islamic bank equity markets under various market conditions (up/down, high/low trading and high/low volatility) and during events, such as OPEC meeting days, Ramadan, the GCC crisis of 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
A systematic review of the eclectic approach application in language teaching
Authors: Al-Khasawneh Fadi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aimed at providing a systematic review of the research conducted on the application of the eclectic approach in language teaching since 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The articles have been selected from seven renowned databases (i.e. EBSCO, Online Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Sage Journal Online, Education Resources Information Center, and Web of Science). The number of total articles identified in the initial research was 432, out of this number, only 47 articles were selected for the review using predefined inclusion criteria. The selected articles have been analyzed and coded into different categories: research design, location, context, level of education, learning outcomes and pedagogical implications.

Findings

The review analysis showed the major trends and outcomes in the eclectic approach topic. It also provided useful information for stakeholders regarding the application of the eclectic approach in language teaching.

Originality/value

The study contributes to some unaddressed points identified in the selected articles, and it recommends some points to be considered in future research.
Nexus between shared leadership, workplace bullying, team learning, job insecurity and team performance in health care
Authors: Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Elgammal Islam , Shah Syed Asim , Shaukat Hira
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The primary objectives of this paper are to examine the mediating effect of team learning (TL) in the relationship between shared leadership (SL) and team performance (TP), to investigate the important contingencies-moderating role of workplace bullying in the relationship between SL and TL and to investigate the moderating role of job insecurity in the relationship between TL and TP in health-care organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the social learning theory, this study used the aggregation approach to collect data, by using a structured questionnaire and the purposive sampling technique, from 223 respondents (60 leaders and 174 team members) of 60 sales teams from the top 10 pharmaceutical companies. A structural equation modeling on SmartPLS 3.2.9. was then used for analyzing the data collected.

Findings

The results indicate that SL significantly affects TP and that TL partially mediates this relationship. Workplace bullying has a significant impact as it reduces the effect of SL on TL and has a significant impact on TL. On the other hand, job insecurity has positively influenced TL and TP.

Originality/value

One of the first studies in the Pakistan health-care producer context used social learning theory to develop a contingency model based on important contingencies (workplace bullying and job insecurity). The study contributes to the existing literature on team leadership, highlighting how leadership can be translated into team performance.
Practical wisdom, the (not so) secret ingredient for responsible knowledge management
Authors: Rocha Raysa Geaquinto , Kragulj Florian , Pinheiro Paulo
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to stress the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis) for the knowledge management field. It is a relevant intellectual and ethical resource for responding to recent changes in the business environment and for responsibly and sustainably aligning organizations for the future. Organizations must find ways to reconcile social, environmental and economic goals and meet different and conflicting stakeholder needs. To this end, the authors challenge knowledge management researchers to feature practical wisdom as an enabler for responsible knowledge management built on solid ethical foundations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors introduce the concept of phronesis, reaching from Aristotle’s The Nicomachean Ethics to Nonaka and Takeuchi’s The Wise Company. Based on a systematic review of the literature, the authors performed a bibliometric analysis. Moreover, the authors discuss the findings and offer avenues for future research.

Findings

The results provide an overview of the research on phronesis in the knowledge management field. It points out the leading articles and journals (e.g.Journal of Business EthicsandJournal of Knowledge Management). Likewise, it identifies thematic areas, i.e. knowledge management field, knowledge dynamics, organizational wisdom, leadership and followership, corporate social responsibility and red flags.

Originality/value

In this essay, the authors advise practical wisdom as a promising candidate for advancing the field of knowledge management towards responsible knowledge management. To pursue this, the authors propose to address instability and continuous change through practical wisdom and outline a research agenda to guide further research.
Examining the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between information and communication technologies and sustainable performance
Authors: Acosta-Prado Julio César , Tafur-Mendoza Arnold Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) enable firms to improve their processes to remain competitive and profitable in today’s market. These demands not only value economic results but also social impact and environmental care. In other words, firms must achieve sustainable performance. However, to take on these new sustainability challenges, firms must have dynamic capabilities to take advantage of highly changing technology. Thus, this study aims to examine the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between ICT and sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was empirical, associative and explanatory, following a latent variable design. The sample of the study consisted of partners, founders, executives and promoters from 102 Colombian new technology-based firms selected through purposive non-probabilistic sampling. Variance-based structural equation modeling or partial least squares was used for the statistical data analysis.

Findings

A higher-order model was tested, corroborating that ICT was composed of two dimensions (use and acquisition), dynamic capabilities were composed of three dimensions (absorption, innovation and adaptation), while sustainable performance showed a unidimensional structure. As for the research hypotheses, all the direct effects were supported, as well as the mediating effect of dynamic capability in the relationship between ICT and sustainable performance, this being a complementary mediation.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of dynamic capabilities for firms today, especially those working with high levels of technology. Also, considering the results obtained, firms must implement better strategies in the acquisition and use of technology to improve their sustainable performance in dynamic and uncertain environments.
Perception of barriers in physical activity participation among middle-aged adults: a qualitative study
Authors: Sharma Shivangi , Suhail Ammar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore perceived barriers to participating in regular physical activity (PA) among middle-aged adults in Una, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used qualitative methodology. The authors conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews among adults between 40 and 60 years of age. Eleven interviews were conducted in participants’ vernacular language and were audio-recorded. The recordings were transcribed, and emergent findings were evaluated and interpreted using an open-ended method.

Findings

PA was mostly related to household chores by female participants. Male participants considered their daily tasks synonymous with PA. The main barriers identified were lack of enthusiasm/time, advancing age and declining health status, misperceptions of being physically active, lack of skill/knowledge, family responsibilities, lack of social support, lack of open spaces, parks and other facilities, and social restrictions due to the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study will aid in designing better interventions targeted at promoting PA. Identification of the existing modifiable barriers can be a target source for most public health programs.

Practical implications

The barriers existing among the community must be addressed to achieve the recommended level of PA. The promotional strategies should focus on individual factors, such as increasing self-efficiency and knowledge about recommended levels of PA. The social barriers must also be addressed through peer support and group-based activities. Health policies should emphasize making societies more active by ensuring more open spaces and parks.

Originality/value

Barriers to PA may differ among the socioeconomic strata and geographical locations. The present study explored barriers among working adults in an urban Indian setting.
Increased serum levels of CCL3, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 in rosacea patients and their correlation with disease severity
Authors: Liu Tangxiele , Li Ji , Deng Zhili , Chen Mengting , Sha Ke , Xiao Wenqin , Xie Hongfu , Zhao Zhixiang
Published: March 2022

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease involving millions of patients worldwide. Previous studies have highlighted the upregulation of a variety of chemokines in the skin lesions of both rosacea patient and rosacea‐like mouse model. However, the serum levels of these chemokines and their clinical significance have not been explored before. In this study, we aimed at examining the serum levels of a series of chemokines (including CCL2, CCL3, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL12) implicated in rosacea and their correlation with disease severity. Bio‐Plex Pro Human Chemokine Assays were used to measure the serum levels of these chemokines. Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) was applied for assessing the papules/pustules of rosacea patients, while persistent erythema was evaluated by the Clinician’s Erythema Assessment (CEA). Our results revealed that the serum concentration of CCL3, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 were markedly elevated in rosacea patients compared to healthy controls. Among them, the levels of CCL3, CXCL8, and CXCL9 were positively correlated with the IGA score, while serum CXCL9 and CXCL10 were positively related with the CEA score of rosacea patients. What’s more, the expression of the corresponding receptors of CCL3 (Ccr1), CXCL8 (Cxcr1 and Cxcr2), CXCL9, and CXCL10 (Cxcr3) were all significantly increased in the skin lesions of rosacea‐like mouse model with CXCR2 and CXCR3 highly expressed in rosacea patient skins. Our results indicated that CCL3, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10 might potentially serve as serum indicators for rosacea and could assist the severity evaluation of disease. Findings in this study would also potentially help to develop new targeted therapies for rosacea in future. © 2022 Japanese Dermatological Association