bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A temperature-sensitiveMycobacterium smegmatis glgEmutation leads to a loss of GlgE enzyme activity and thermostability and the accumulation of α-maltose-1-phosphate
Authors: Syson Karl , Batey Sibyl F. D. , Schindler Steffen , Kalscheuer Rainer , Bornemann Stephen
Published: April 2020

Background

The bacterial GlgE pathway is the third known route to glycogen and is the only one present in mycobacteria. It contributes to the virulence ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. The involvement of GlgE in glycogen biosynthesis was discovered twenty years ago when the phenotype of a temperature-sensitiveMycobacterium smegmatismutation was rescued by theglgEgene. The evidence at the time suggestedglgEcoded for a glucanase responsible for the hydrolysis of glycogen, in stark contrast with recent evidence showing GlgE to be a polymerase responsible for its biosynthesis.

Methods

We reconstructed and examined the temperature-sensitive mutant and characterised the mutated GlgE enzyme.

Results

The mutant strain accumulated the substrate for GlgE, α-maltose-1-phosphate, at the non-permissive temperature. The glycogen assay used in the original study was shown to give a false positive result with α-maltose-1-phosphate. The accumulation of α-maltose-1-phosphate was due to the lowering of thekcatof GlgE as well as a loss of stability 42 ºC. The reported rescue of the phenotype by GarA could potentially involve an interaction with GlgE, but none was detected.

Conclusions

We have been able to reconcile apparently contradictory observations and shed light on the basis for the phenotype of the temperature-sensitive mutation.

General Significance

This study highlights how the lowering of flux through the GlgE pathway can slow the growth mycobacteria.
Kallikrein-related peptidase 14 activates zymogens of membrane type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs) - a CleavEx library-based analysis
Authors: Falkowski Katherine , Bielecka Ewa , Thøgersen Ida B. , Bocheńska Oliwia , Płaza Karolina , Kalińska Magdalena , Sąsiadek Laura , Magoch Małgorzata , Pęcak Aleksandra , Wiśniewska Magdalena , Gruba Natalia , Wysocka Magdalena , Wojtysiak Anna , Brzezińska-Bodal Magdalena , Sychowska Kamila , Pejkovska Anastasija , Rehders Maren , Butler Georgina , Overall Christopher M , Brix Klaudia , Dubin Grzegorz , Lesner Adam , Kozik Andrzej , Enghild Jan J. , Potempa Jan , Kantyka Tomasz
Published: April 2020

Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are secretory proteinases known to proteolytically process components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus modulating the pericellular environment in physiology and excessively in pathologies like cancer. However, the interconnection between these groups of proteases remains elusive. To test this hypothesis, we have developed a peptide library-based exposition system (Cleavage ofexposed amino acid sequences, CleavEx) aiming at investigating the potential of KLK14 to recognize and hydrolyze proMMP sequences specifically. Initial assessment of the library identified a total of ten MMP activation domain sequences which were validated by Edman degradation. The CleavEx analysis revealed that membrane-type (MT) MMPs are likely targeted by KLK14 for activation. Correspondingly, commercially available proMT-MMPs, namely proMMP14-17 were investigatedin vitroand found to be effectively processed by KLK14. Again, the expected neo-N-termini of the activated MT MMPs were yielded and confirmed by Edman degradation. In addition, the productivity of proMMP activation was analyzed by gelatin zymography, which indicated the release of fully active, mature MT-MMPs upon KLK14 treatment. Lastly, MMP14 was shown to be processed on the cell surface by KLK14 using murine fibroblasts stably overexpressing human MMP14.

Herein, we propose KLK14-mediated selective activation of cell-membrane located MT-MMPs as an additional layer of their regulation within the ECM. As both, KLKs and MT-MMPs are implicated in cancer, the activation described herein may constitute an important factor in tumor progression and metastasis.
A subcellular atlas ofToxoplasmareveals the functional context of the proteome
Authors: Barylyuk Konstantin , Koreny Ludek , Ke Huiling , Butterworth Simon , Crook Oliver M. , Lassadi Imen , Gupta Vipul , Tromer Eelco , Mourier Tobias , Stevens Tim J. , Breckels Lisa M. , Pain Arnab , Lilley Kathryn S. , Waller Ross F.
Published: April 2020

Apicomplexan parasites cause major human disease and food insecurity. They owe their considerable success to novel, highly specialized cell compartments and structures. These adaptations drive their recognition and non-destructive penetration of host’s cells and the elaborate reengineering of these cells to promote growth, dissemination, and the countering of host defenses. The evolution of unique apicomplexan cellular compartments is concomitant with vast proteomic novelty that defines these new cell organizations and their functions. Consequently, half of apicomplexan proteins are unique and uncharacterized, and these cells are, therefore, very poorly understood. Here, we determine the steady-state subcellular location of thousands of proteins simultaneously within the globally prevalent apicomplexan parasiteToxoplasma gondii. This provides unprecedented comprehensive molecular definition to these cells and their novel compartments, and these data reveal the spatial organizations of protein expression and function, adaptation to hosts, and the underlying evolutionary trajectories of these pathogens.
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated pinpoint microbial genome editing aided by target-mismatched sgRNAs
Authors: Lee Ho Joung , Kim Hyun Ju , Lee Sang Jun
Published: April 2020

Genome editing has been revolutionized by the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 is composed of single-molecular guide RNA (sgRNA) and a proteinaceous Cas9 nuclease, which recognizes a specific target sequence and a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence and, subsequently, cleaves the targeted DNA sequence. This CRISPR-Cas9 system has been used as an efficient negative-selection tool to cleave unedited or unchanged target DNAs during site-specific mutagenesis and, consequently, obtain microbial cells with desired mutations. This study aimed to investigate the genome editing efficiency of the CRISPR-Cas9 system for in vivo oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis in bacteria. This system successfully introduced two- to four-base mutations in galK in Escherichia coli with high editing efficiencies (81%−86%). However, single-point mutations (T504A or C578A) were rarely introduced with very low editing efficiencies (<3%), probably owing to mismatch tolerance. To resolve this issue, we designed one- or two-base mismatches in the sgRNA sequence to recognize target sequences in galK in E. coli. A single-point nucleotide mutation (T504A or C578A in the galK gene) was successfully introduced in 36%−95% of negatively selected E. coli cells using single-base mismatched sgRNAs. Sixteen targets were randomly selected through genome-wide single-base editing experiments using mismatched sgRNAs. Consequently, out of 48 desired single-base mutations, 25 single bases were successfully edited, using mismatched sgRNAs. Finally, applicable design rules for target-mismatched sgRNAs were provided for single-nucleotide editing in microbial genomes.
3D-printed holders forin meso in situfixed-target serial X-ray crystallography
Authors: Huang Chia-Ying , Meier Nathalie , Caffrey Martin , Wang Meitian , Olieric Vincent
Published: April 2020

Thein meso in situserial X-ray crystallography method was developed to ease the handling of small fragile crystals of membrane proteins and for rapid data collection on hundreds of microcrystals directly in the growth medium without the need for crystal harvesting. To facilitate mounting of thesein situsamples on a goniometer at cryogenic or at room temperatures, two new 3D-printed holders have been developed. They provide for cubic and sponge phase sample stability in the X-ray beam and are compatible with sample-changing robots. The holders can accommodate a variety of window material types, as well as bespoke samples for diffraction screening and data collection at conventional macromolecular crystallography beamlines. They can be used for convenient post-crystallization treatments such as ligand and heavy-atom soaking. The design, assembly and application of the holders forin situserial crystallography are described. Files for making the holders using a 3D printer are included as supporting information.
Accurate high-resolution single-crystal diffraction data from a Pilatus3 X CdTe detector
Authors: Krause Lennard , Tolborg Kasper , Grønbech Thomas Bjørn Egede , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt , Overgaard Jacob
Published: April 2020

Hybrid photon-counting detectors are widely established at third-generation synchrotron facilities and the specifications of the Pilatus3 X CdTe were quickly recognized as highly promising in charge-density investigations. This is mainly attributable to the detection efficiency in the high-energy X-ray regime, in combination with a dynamic range and noise level that should overcome the perpetual problem of detecting strong and weak data simultaneously. These benefits, however, come at the expense of a persistent problem for high diffracted beam flux, which is particularly problematic in single-crystal diffraction of materials with strong scattering power and sharp diffraction peaks. Here, an in-depth examination of data collected on an inorganic material, FeSb2, and an organic semiconductor, rubrene, revealed systematic differences in strong intensities for different incoming beam fluxes, and the implemented detector intensity corrections were found to be inadequate. Only significant beam attenuation for the collection of strong reflections was able to circumvent this systematic error. All data were collected on a bending-magnet beamline at a third-generation synchrotron radiation facility, so undulator and wiggler beamlines and fourth-generation synchrotrons will be even more prone to this error. On the other hand, the low background now allows for an accurate measurement of very weak intensities, and it is shown that it is possible to extract structure factors of exceptional quality using standard crystallographic software for data processing (SAINT-Plus,SADABSandSORTAV), although special attention has to be paid to the estimation of the background. This study resulted in electron-density models of substantially higher accuracy and precision compared with a previous investigation, thus for the first time fulfilling the promise of photon-counting detectors for very accurate structure factor measurements.
A thermal-gradient approach to variable-temperature measurements resolved in space
Authors: O'Nolan Daniel , Huang Guanglong , Kamm Gabrielle E. , Grenier Antonin , Liu Chia-Hao , Todd Paul K. , Wustrow Allison , Thinh Tran Gia , Montiel David , Neilson James R , Billinge Simon J. L. , Chupas Peter J. , Thornton Katsuyo S. , Chapman Karena W.
Published: April 2020

Temperature is a ubiquitous environmental variable used to explore materials structure, properties and reactivity. This article reports a new paradigm for variable-temperature measurements that varies the temperature continuously across a sample such that temperature is measured as a function of sample position and not time. The gradient approach offers advantages over conventional variable-temperature studies, in which temperature is scanned during a series measurement, in that it improves the efficiency with which a series of temperatures can be probed and it allows the sample evolution at multiple temperatures to be measured in parallel to resolve kinetic and thermodynamic effects. Applied to treat samples at a continuum of temperatures prior to measurements at ambient temperature, the gradient approach enables parametric studies of recovered systems, eliminating temperature-dependent structural and chemical variations to simplify interpretation of the data. The implementation of spatially resolved variable-temperature measurements presented here is based on a gradient-heater design that uses a 3D-printed ceramic template to guide the variable pitch of the wire in a resistively heated wire-wound heater element. The configuration of the gradient heater was refined on the basis of thermal modelling. Applications of the gradient heater to quantify thermal-expansion behaviour, to map metastable polymorphs recovered to ambient temperature, and to monitor the time- and temperature-dependent phase evolution in a complex solid-state reaction are demonstrated.
Structure–function study of AKR4C14, an aldo-keto reductase from Thai jasmine rice (Oryza sativaL. ssp.indicacv. KDML105)
Authors: Songsiriritthigul Chomphunuch , Narawongsanont Rawint , Tantitadapitak Chonticha , Guan Hong-Hsiang , Chen Chun-Jung
Published: April 2020

Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are NADPH/NADP+-dependent oxidoreductase enzymes that metabolize an aldehyde/ketone to the corresponding alcohol. AKR4C14 from rice exhibits a much higher efficiency in metabolizing malondialdehyde (MDA) than do theArabidopsisenzymes AKR4C8 and AKR4C9, despite sharing greater than 60% amino-acid sequence identity. This study confirms the role of rice AKR4C14 in the detoxification of methylglyoxal and MDA, and demonstrates that the endogenous contents of both aldehydes in transgenicArabidopsisectopically expressing AKR4C14 are significantly lower than their levels in the wild type. The apo structure of indica rice AKR4C14 was also determined in the absence of the cofactor, revealing the stabilized open conformation. This is the first crystal structure in AKR subfamily 4C from rice to be observed in the apo form (without bound NADP+). The refined AKR4C14 structure reveals a stabilized open conformation of loop B, suggesting the initial phase prior to cofactor binding. Based on the X-ray crystal structure, the substrate- and cofactor-binding pockets of AKR4C14 are formed by loops A, B, C and β1α1. Moreover, the residues Ser211 and Asn220 on loop B are proposed as the hinge residues that are responsible for conformational alteration while the cofactor binds. The open conformation of loop B is proposed to involve Phe216 pointing out from the cofactor-binding site and the opening of the safety belt. Structural comparison with other AKRs in subfamily 4C emphasizes the role of the substrate-channel wall, consisting of Trp24, Trp115, Tyr206, Phe216, Leu291 and Phe295, in substrate discrimination. In particular, Leu291 could contribute greatly to substrate selectivity, explaining the preference of AKR4C14 for its straight-chain aldehyde substrate.
Foreign versus local firms: implications for environmental sustainability
Authors: Balasubramanian Sreejith , Shukla Vinaya
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Managing environmental consequences while sustaining economic development necessitate strong commitment and participation of all firms across sectors. However, the environment-related role of foreign and local firms is unclear from previous research. With increasing trade liberalization and entry of foreign firms, this question has become particularly relevant. The purpose of this paper is to contrast the roles and contributions of foreign and local firms from an environmental sustainability perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected through a structured survey (395 responses) and semi-structured interviews (19 numbers) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction sector (research setting), the study analyses and understands the hypothesized differences between foreign and local firms on three key environmental sustainability aspects: the extent of environmental practices implementation, the strengths/influences of drivers and barriers affecting the implementation, and the environmental, cost-related, and organizational performance benefits derived.

Findings

Foreign firms were found to implement environmental practices to a greater extent, have a greater internal drive to implement these practices, and face lower barriers to implementation than local ones. Local firms though were found to be not far behind foreign ones with regards to the environmental, cost-related, and organizational performance benefits derived.

Practical implications

Findings from the study are expected to help policymakers and practitioners develop policies/interventions that ensure all firms irrespective of their nature of ownership contribute equitably to environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This study is arguably the first comprehensive attempt to understand how various environmental sustainability aspects are perceived and performed by local and foreign firms.
Corporate cash savings and discretionary accruals
Authors: Jia Jianjun , Shao Lili , Sun Zhenzhen , Zhao Fang
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper assesses how discretionary accruals (DAs) affect corporate cash savings policies and the motivation behind this cash saving behavior and, also whether the linkage between DAs and cash saving affect the market-perceived cash value.

Design/methodology/approach

We construct the measure of DAs using the previous five-year average information to investigate the association of DAs with the change in cash. Moreover, the Faulkender and Wang (2006) methodology is utilized to examine the market-perceived cash value in DAs.

Findings

The key finding is that firms with high DAs save significantly more cash. A one standard deviation increase in DAs saves cash by 12.59%. Furthermore, the value of cash is low for these firms. The effect is stronger in firms with poor governance but not present in financially constrained firms.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence highlights DAs have negative effect on market-perceived cash value, which underscores the insight that managers manage earnings opportunistically using DAs.

Originality/value

Taken together, we provide more evidence on the literature of accruals in earnings manipulation.
Development of disaster risk reduction policy in Thailand
Authors: Kitagawa Kaori
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This exploratory study discusses the policy learning process of the development of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses how DRR has and has not developed in Thailand through the two major disasters: the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2011 Great Flood. The information was collected by documentary analysis to gain a historical and critical understanding of the development of the system and policy of DRR in Thailand. Additionally, key stakeholders' interviews were undertaken to supplement the analysis.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that Thailand's DRR development has been “reactive” rather than “proactive”, being largely directed by global DRR actors.

Research limitations/implications

Being a small-scale study, the sample size was small. The analysis and argument would be consolidated with an increase in the number of interviews.

Practical implications

The model can help deconstruct which dimension of the learning process a government has/has not achieved well.

Originality/value

The application of the “restrictive-expansive policy learning” model, which identifies different dimensions of policy learning, reveals that the Thai government's policy learning was of a mixed nature.
Building information modelling for building services engineering: benefits, barriers and conducive measures
Authors: Chiu Wai Yee Betty , Lai Joseph H.K.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) in building projects has sprawled, but the uptake of BIM in building services engineering (BSE) remains sluggish. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to achieve wider adoption of BIM in BSE.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive literature review, the benefits of, barriers to and measures conducive to, using BIM for BSE were identified and classified. Built upon the review and a focus group meeting, a questionnaire was devised for an industry-wide survey in Hong Kong and the survey data were processed by statistical analyses.

Findings

On the ranking of the benefits, strong agreements existed between the BSE and non-BSE respondent groups; yet no significant agreement was found between the two groups on the rankings of the barriers or the conducive measures. The top conducive measure, according to the BSE group, is “Allow enough time in project programme for BIM model development”.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection and analysis methods of this study may be used for similar BIM studies in other places.

Practical implications

The priority of the conducive measures, which aid policy or decision makers in formulating how to get BIM effectively implemented in BSE, are useful information in the pursuit of a more productive and sustainable built environment.

Originality/value

This BIM study is specifically on BSE rather than the other disciplines (e.g. architecture, structural engineering) that have been widely studied.
Multiplex boundary work in innovation projects: the role of collaborative spaces for cross-functional and open innovation
Authors: Ungureanu Paula , Cochis Carlotta , Bertolotti Fabiola , Mattarelli Elisa , Scapolan Anna Chiara
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the role of collaborative spaces as organizational support for internal innovation through cross-functional teams and for open innovation with external stakeholders. In particular, the study focuses on collaborative spaces as tools for multiplex (i.e., simultaneous internal and external boundary management in innovation projects).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a qualitative study in a multi-divisional organization that set up in its headquarters a collaborative space for collaborative product development. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observations.

Findings

Findings highlight that the relation between expectations and experiences about the collaborative space impact on employees' ability to perform boundary work inside and outside the organization. In addition to the collaborative space's affording role for expectations about hands-on collaborative innovation (space as laboratory), the study also highlights a set of collaboration constraints. These latter are generated by perceived boundary configurations (i.e. degree of boundary permeability and infrastructure in internal and external collaborations) and by discrepancies between expectations (space as laboratory) and actual collaboration experiences in the space (i.e. space as maze, cloister, showcase and silo). We show that space-generated constraints slow down internal and external boundary work for innovation and generate a trade-off between them.

Originality/value

Using the process-based perspective of boundary work, the paper connects studies on cross-functional teaming and open innovation through the concept of “multiplex boundary work.” It also contributes to the literature on boundary work by showing the challenges of using collaborative spaces as organizational support tools for multiplex boundary spanning.
Building reputation through sustainable supplier selection: the case of an emerging economy
Authors: Salam Mohammad Asif , Ali Murad
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the drivers of sustainable supplier selection (SSS) and investigate the extent to which it is associated with a buyer's financial performance within an emerging economy context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 235 supply chain and procurement professionals in Thailand. The structural relationship was tested using partial least squares based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and PROCESS tool.

Findings

Based on the empirical findings, firms that pursue sustainability initiatives during supplier selection process enjoy better financial performance than their competitors. The analysis suggests six hypothetical paths explain SSS. Suppliers' human rights and safety focus are the most powerful determinants of SSS. Significantly, positive support was found for the SSS and buyers' financial performance relationship. Finally, there is a significant moderating effect of resource investment on sustainability efforts.

Research limitations/implications

Data for the study were collected from a single industry, so the findings are indicative but not representative of all supply chains. Due to this limitation, the findings cannot be generalized across other countries and industries. This study is a starting point in understanding the role of SSS in creating a sustainable supply chain. Future research may develop a comprehensive understanding of the nature and magnitude of the impact of SSS on sustainable supply chains.

Originality/value

This paper contributes toward an understanding of the determinants of SSS and its consequences for sustainable supply chains.
Korean EFL students’ argumentative writing in L1 and L2: A comparative move analysis study
Authors: Jwa Soomin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This comparative study aims to investigate the rhetorical organization of Korean and English argumentative texts. In previous studies, the rhetorical organization of such texts has been categorized as either direct or indirect depending on the placement of the thesis statement (Chien, 2011). The present study attempts to document more specific rhetorical patterns using Swales (1990) concept of moves and steps.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten Korean EFL students with similar L1 and L2 literacy backgrounds were selected, and, adopting a within-subject design, the students wrote two argumentative essays, one in Korean and one in English, in response to two different topics. The students’ essays were analyzed at both the macro and micro levels. The focus of the macro-level analysis was on the placement of the thesis statement and of topic sentences in each of the body paragraphs. Once the macro-level analysis was done, the essays were analyzed at the micro level using Swales (1990) move analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that both texts were organized in a similar way at the macro level, constituting a typical paper structure (i.e. introduction, body and conclusion). However, a difference appears at the micro level: the students used a variety of steps to create a move when writing in Korean, whereas little variation was found in the English texts. An analysis of the data suggests the possibility that the standardized moves and steps in the English texts may be due not to culture-specific rhetoric, but to a lack of practice with rhetorical thinking in English.

Originality/value

In previous studies, the rhetorical organization of texts has been categorized as either direct or indirect depending on the placement of the thesis statement. The present study uses the framework of move analysis to describe more specific organizational patterns of Korean and English writing to determine the extent to which Korean and English writing is similar in the genre of argumentative writing. Another significance of the study lies in the choice of Korean writing as a reference point for comparison with English writing. It has been widely noted that there is a dearth of research of Korean students’ writing in contrastive rhetoric. To the best of the author’s knowledge, most of the contrastive rhetoric studies were conducted with Chinese or Japanese student writers.
A framework for earthquake resilience at neighborhood level
Authors: Aslani Fereshteh , Amini Hosseini Kambod , Fallahi Alireza
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Despite long decades of research studies in the field of urban neighborhood resilience, there are still some unknown dimensions. In this regard, the study aims to develop a new framework for assessment of physical and social resilience at neighborhood level against earthquake.

Design/methodology/approach

Accordingly, first all indicators affecting earthquake resilience at neighborhood level have been determined. Subsequently, they have been weighted and prioritized, using analytical hierarchy process technique. One of the neighborhoods of Tehran city in Iran was selected for the case study. Then, four criteria of “robustness,” “redundancy,” “rapidity” and “resourcefulness” were considered as the basis for assessing neighborhood resilience.

Findings

It is shown that besides four well-known criteria, four other criteria including “adaptability,” “regularity,” “density” and “efficiency” should also be considered to assess earthquake resilience at neighborhood level. Therefore, a new framework is developed and formulated at this level. Paying attention to all eight criteria, the appropriate interventions to improve resiliency can be addressed.

Practical implications

This study proposes several practical approaches toward the more resilient neighborhoods against earthquakes. By considering the complexity and dynamic characteristics of earthquake resilience, it recommends the implementation of all resilience phases at every neighborhood to increase resilience.

Originality/value

This study proposes a framework in which in addition to physical and tangible indicators of resilience, non-physical and intangible ones are presented. Also, it is shown that besides well-known criteria, other criteria should also be considered using practical and community-based approaches.
Exploring the link between vulnerability of energy systems and social acceptance of renewable energy in two selected districts of Uganda
Authors: Nkundabanyanga Stephen Korutaro , Muhwezi Moses , Musimenta Doreen , Nuwasiima Sharon , Najjemba Grace Muganga
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to show preliminary evidence of the link between the perceived low vulnerability of vital energy systems (LVRE) and social acceptance of renewable energy (SARE) while treating environmental opportunities and threats (EOPT), renewable energy technological innovations (TECH) and business model innovations as possible antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are delivered through a survey of 199 households (potential and actual customers/suppliers of electric power and renewable energy gadgets in Kampala and Wakiso districts of Uganda), and the data obtained were analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression.

Findings

Both LVRE and EOPT, on their own, significantly predict SARE. TECH significantly mediate in the relation between EOPT and SARE. The highest form of SARE is market acceptance. Also, the current state of vulnerability of vital energy systems in the two Ugandan districts seems to espouse energy security as the real value of renewable energy. The study further finds that to deliver high SARE, there is a need to encompass potential user performance expectations of renewable energy technologies.

Research implications/limitation

Because the current results are from only two cities (districts) of Uganda and also based on a non-probability sample, generalizing them can be considered remote. In other words, it appears that more complex models need developing and testing in the future concerning LVRE and SARE. The present preliminary results are offered as a stimulus to such efforts. Well, it is expected, and, consistent with the diffusion of innovations theory (Rogers, 1995), that the population in Kampala and Wakiso districts are potential change agents (i.e. capable of influencing others in rural areas of Uganda).

Originality/value

The study estimates the direct and indirect effects to show how strongly TECH operate. Basing on OLS regression coefficients, the indirect effects are larger. Using the medgraph, we find probably for the first time, the adoption of technological innovation explains a significant part of the link between EOPT and SARE in the current study setting.
Job satisfaction of shrimp industry workers in Bangladesh: an empirical analysis
Authors: Syed Robayet Ferdous
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess different issues for promoting job satisfaction as well as improvement of work efficiency in the shrimp industry of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The random sampling (RS) technique has been used for collecting data. A total of 132 data has been collected through a structured questionnaire from shrimp industry’s worker, working in different shrimp cultivating industry of three specific cultivating areas of the Southwestern part in Bangladesh such as Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat. The survey was conducted between June 2017 and July 2017.

Findings

This study shows that eight factors significantly influence job satisfaction among the shrimp workers in Bangladesh. Among these factors, four are relating to non-pecuniary issues such as workers’ appointment by appointment letter, job security, weekly holiday and safety of health and skin, and remaining four factors are relating to pecuniary issues such as legitimate payment for overtime, compensation, yearly increment and salary.

Originality/value

This study helps in assessing the opinion of the workers’ job satisfaction as well as policy planning for the development of the shrimp industry’s worker labour management.
Does interest rate liberalisation affect the constancy of mean interest rates in China?
Authors: Hong Hui , Bian Zhicun , Chen Naiwei , Su Chiwei
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of interest rate liberalisation on the constancy of mean interest rates in China to test the effect of financial reforms and provide strategies for future practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Bai and Perron’s (1998, 2003) methodology is used to test for structural breaks in the mean of different interest rates using Chinese data, and break dates are measured against the exact dates of the interest rate liberalisation. The performance of mean interest rates across the regimes defined by liberalisation dates is also investigated.

Findings

The main results show that interest rates generally increase (decrease) after deregulations on lending (deposit) rates, but these changes are not significant to induce a negative impact on the domestic economy. Instead, the infrequent but important shifts (structural breaks) in mean interest rates are caused by factors other than liberalisation such as economic shocks, inflationary expectation and liquidity crunch in China.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper provides unprecedented evidence on significant changes in interest rates attributable to the liberalisation within the Chinese context.
Corporate social sustainability in supply chain management: a literature review
Authors: Arslan Muhammad
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Recently, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has generated significant interest and gained attention of practitioners and academics. The purpose of this paper is to explore different themes in the existing literature, which pertains to social sustainability (SS) in supply chains, to argue for the use of SS model and suggest further research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, the authors have undertaken extensive literature review (n= 171) and used thematic analysis to propose a model.

Findings

Through the extensive review and thematic analysis, the paper identifies eight themes, which include stakeholder pressure, sustainability culture, contingencies, sustainability practices, partnerships, drivers and barriers, sustainability performance and optimization, and develops a SS model called “five-factor sustainability model.” Furthermore, a list of potential research directions for five-factor sustainability model is discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The research is an attempt to explore different themes related to SS in supply chain and develop a model that is also applicable to economic and environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new approach to SSCM literature, arguing for five-factor sustainability model and providing further research directions. Moreover, this model will help sustainability scholars to position and integrate their research within social, economic and environmental sustainability literature.
Intellectual capital and sustainable development: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alvino Federico , Di Vaio Assunta , Hassan Rohail , Palladino Rosa
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the literary corpus on the role of intellectual capital (IC) for the sustainable and innovative development of organisations. It provides a quantitative overview of the academic literature that constitutes this field. The paper discusses whether IC, through the implementation of knowledge management (KM) processes, can influence the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) towards the creation of sustainable business models (SBMs), which are outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda and adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a database containing 45 publications in the English language with a publication date from 1990 to 2019 (October), a bibliometric analysis was conducted. Data on publications, journals, authors and citations were collected, re-checked and examined by applying bibliometric measures.

Findings

The bibliographic analysis identified that the research published on IC in the perspective of sustainability focusses mainly on the measurement of results, in terms of increased business performance. The results show that the IC is linked to the concept of long-term value. Therefore, the development potential of the IC is linked to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development (SD). These results also provide a framework for the literature on IC and SDGs by highlighting the connection with the EO to develop SBMs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on IC as a driver for SD. In more detail, it provides a systematic review of the literature on these topics under the umbrella of the SDG perspective.
Game on! Exploring reactions to game-based selection assessments
Authors: Ellison Leah Joyce , McClure Johnson Tara , Tomczak David , Siemsen Alina , Gonzalez Manuel Francisco
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The use of game-based assessments (GBAs) is growing in selection contexts, yet test-takers have varying reactions to such assessments, which have important implications for applicant behavior. This paper reviews the literature on applicant reactions and explores classic assessment models in the context of GBAs, identifying best practice recommendations and pitfalls for enhancing the candidate experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 374 participants from MTurk completed cognitive GBAs and questionnaires regarding test-taker reactions (job-relatedness, perceived opportunity to perform, provision of selection information, face validity, task engagement, task motivation and willingness to refer others to the company), technology self-efficacy, and game/technology experience.

Findings

Fairness mediated the relationship between procedural justice rules and willingness to recommend the company to others. Technology self-efficacy was significantly related to fairness perceptions and procedural justice perceptions. Males had significantly higher procedural justice perceptions of GBAs than females.

Research limitations/implications

The study underscores the importance of considering fairness perceptions and individual differences in reactions to GBAs. Future research should study participants within high-stakes hiring situations and examine other individual difference factors such as ethnicity.

Practical implications

GBAs are a viable assessment method for personnel selection, yet organizations must recognize that individuals are more likely to respond positively to GBAs if they perceive such assessments as fair and job-related, and perceive themselves as capable of performing well on the assessment.

Originality/value

This study tests a classic model of procedural fairness in a novel and timely assessment context.
How do industry 4.0 technologies influence organisational change? An empirical analysis of Italian SMEs
Authors: Cimini Chiara , Boffelli Albachiara , Lagorio Alexandra , Kalchschmidt Matteo , Pinto Roberto
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This article aims to investigate the organisational implications of adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, giving specific attention to operations. The paper addresses these implications in two directions: organisational prerequisites for, and consequences of, I4.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a multiple case study of Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing. Ten case studies have been developed through interviews, company visits and secondary data collection.

Findings

The multiple case study results show that: (1) a lean organisational structure supports effective adoption of I4.0 technologies; (2) introducing such technologies is linked to developing a new kind of job profile (i.e. the “Autonomous Operative Job Profile”); and (3) higher levels of technology adoption create a higher need for non-technical competences.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this research relates to the highly heterogeneous maturity levels of the sampled companies, due to the relative newness of the I4.0 paradigm. Future research could, therefore, longitudinally analyse the technology integration process within organisations.

Practical implications

This research provides preliminary evidence about how organisations and technologies co-evolve, thus suggesting that managers should co-design these areas. It also demonstrates the extreme importance of designing a structured process and a clear set of human resource management tools to favour SME organisational development.

Originality/value

The study is built upon a conceptual framework derived from the sociotechnical perspective that analyses the interconnections between technology implementation and organisational change. From the results, three research propositions are derived to be tested on a larger scale.
Unravelling the unarticulated: SME managers and the role of tacit expertise in marketing
Authors: Ardley Barry , Naikar Sanngarri
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role played by tacit knowledge in marketing decision making in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to extrapolate the ramifications, in terms of practice and theory generation.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide support for the existence of tacit expertise, research was framed around three key questions and in-depth interview data drawn from SME senior managers. Although limited in number, interviewees represent a range of different types of SME businesses.

Findings

In SMEs, tacit knowledge presents a reservoir of expertise that reflects the recondite characteristics of marketing decision making. Strategies in marketing were found to be about locally situated networks, intersubjective knowledge and intuitive based judgements that led to important company advantages in the market place.

Practical implications

Based on an analysis of the findings and despite the abstruse nature of tacit knowledge, this paper tentatively suggests ways for marketers to unravel it. The suggestion is that tacit and locally significant experience and expertise in marketing is a basis for theory and practice, with potential for dissemination.

Originality/value

Tacit knowledge is a notable, yet widely overlooked area of SME marketing. Highlighted here are both managerial and learning challenges in terms of better conceptualising the understanding of marketing and SME activity regarding this largely unarticulated base of practice.
Barriers to knowledge transfer of the franchisor to franchisee: an application in language schools
Authors: Araújo Davi Lucas Arruda de , Popadiuk Silvio , Pereira Rafael Morais
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to measure the influence of the barriers present in the knowledge transfer at the sales process, by the franchisor to the franchisee, in language schools in the São Paulo/SP city, Brazil. The theoretical aspects include the transfer of knowledge displayed through communication model and barriers inherent in this process. Using (Szulanski 1996) approach the barriers may occur in relation to, namely, the content of knowledge; context; the source; the recipient.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is quantitative and the type of research is exploratory and descriptive. For this investigation was used an adapted version of the questionnaire developed by Szulanski (1996), applied to a sample of 79 franchised language schools linked to the Brazilian Franchise Association. Beyond factor analysis it was used the nonparametric test of Jonckheere-Terpstra and analysis of variance, to comparing schools.

Findings

The results of this analysis revealed that certain types of knowledge transfers are evaluated by the franchisees as more favorably or unfavorably according to the brand franchise. These results show a lack of standardization trend of the activities of the sales process and mismatches with the guidelines of the franchisor. The authors highlight that in the comparison between the brands is evident the dominance of the CNA in relation to other networks of language franchises when analyzed the relationship factors, technical adequacy, absorption of knowledge, competence to absorb knowledge and in the indicators contribution to revenue, acceptance of guidelines and bring results.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the identification of barriers that are involved during the transfer of practices of the franchisor to the franchisee on the knowledge of the sales process in language schools, awakening in franchisee reflections of improvements and solutions that can be worked on and developed in their units. Specifically, the study contributes to the knowledge management literature in franchises, as this topic is still emerging, as it presents conflicting findings.
How transformational leadership facilitates innovation capability: the mediating role of employees' psychological capital
Authors: Lei Hui , Leaungkhamma Lathong , Le Phong Ba
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of transformational leadership on individuals and organization’s innovation capability via the mediating role of employees' positive psychological capital (Psy-Cap) namely self-efficacy and optimism.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test proposal hypotheses through the empirical data collected from 330 participants at 90 firms in Vietnam.

Findings

The research findings revealed that self-efficacy and optimism significantly mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and innovation capabilities. In addition, self-efficacy has a greater impact on innovation capabilities compared with the effect of optimism.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the important role of practicing transformational leadership style to nurture and foster both employees' positive psychology sources and firms' innovation capability.

Originality/value

The paper has significantly advanced and deepened our understanding of how transformational leaders connect with employees to nurture and develop one of the most special aspects of human resource in contemporary working environment called employees' positive Psy-Cap for stimulating firm's innovation capabilities.