bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5’ extended protein-codingINO80Etranscript regulates expression of two head-to-head overlapping genes:INO80EandHIRIP3
Authors: Ryczek Natalia , Łyś Aneta , Wanowska Elżbieta , Kozłowska-Masłoń Joanna , Makałowska Izabela
Published: December 2023

TheINO80Egene encodes the protein involved in the chromatin remodeling processes as a part of the multi-subunit INO80-chromatin remodeling complex. TheINO80Egene is located on chromosome 16 and overlaps head-to-head with theHIRIP3gene encoding protein, which binds H2B and H3 core histones and HIRA protein and regulates the chromatin and histone metabolism. Antisense transcription of head-to-head overlapping PC genes may have several consequences and none of them have been comprehensively investigated and explained. Here, we determined that INO80E-201, which overlaps theHIRIP3gene transcripts, forms an R-loop at its 5’ end. We also demonstrated that overlapping transcripts of INO80E andHIRIP3form an RNA:RNA duplex that has the stabilizing effect on the involved mRNAs. Our results confirmed that this stabilization could be mediated by the ELAVL1 protein. We additionally introducedde novomethylation using the CRISPR/Cas system into the promoter sequence ofINO80Egene. As a result of the introduced changes, reduced expression ofHIRIP3andINO80Egene transcripts was observed. It was determined that methylated cytosines were located in the binding sites for four transcription factors including RARG, which was further confirmed to be important in the transcription of both studied genes. Our results strongly suggest that the formation of an RNA:RNA duplex is necessary for stable simultaneous expression of both genes. Lack of this dsRNA structure results in a loss of a wider DNA opening and in consequence transcriptional interference. We also concluded that forming R-loops probably plays only a supplementary role and is not required for proper expression ofHIRIP3andINO80Egene transcripts.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Nematode Pan Allergen (NPA) fromWuchereria bancroftiand their Potential Role in Human Filarial Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia (TPE)
Authors: Katru Samuel Christopher , Munirathinam Gnanasekar , Hadadianpour Azadeh , Balakrishnan Anand Setty , Smith Scott A. , Kalyansundaram Ramaswamy
Published: December 2023

Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a chronic respiratory syndrome associated with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a tropical parasitic infection of the human, transmitted by mosquitoes. A larval form of LF, the microfilariae trapped in the lungs of TPE subjects have a major role in initiating the TPE syndrome. To date, there are no reports on the potential allergen that is responsible for generating parasite-specific IgE in TPE. In this project, we screened a cDNA expression library of the microfilarial stages ofWuchereria bancroftiwith monoclonal IgE antibodies prepared from subjects with clinical filarial infections. Our studies identified a novel molecule that showed significant sequence similarity to an allergen. A blast analysis showed the presence of similar proteins in a number of nematodes parasites. Thus, we named the molecule as Nematode Pan Allergen (NPA). Subsequent functional analysis showed that NPA is a potent allergen that can cause release of histamine from mast cells, induce secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from alveolar macrophages and promote accumulation of eosinophils, all of which occur in TPE lungs. Therefore, we believe that NPA may have a significant role in the pathology of the TPE syndrome.
Identification of key residues in MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases for resistance against clinically applied inhibitors nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir
Authors: Krismer Laura , Schöppe Helge , Rauch Stefanie , Bante David , Sprenger Bernhard , Naschberger Andreas , Costacurta Francesco , Fürst Anna , Sauerwein Anna , Rupp Bernhard , Kaserer Teresa , von Laer Dorothee , Heilmann Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an epidemic, zoonotically emerging pathogen initially reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS-CoV has the potential to mutate or recombine with other coronaviruses, thus acquiring the ability to efficiently spread among humans and become pandemic. Its high mortality rate of up to 35 % and the absence of effective targeted therapies call for the development of antiviral drugs for this pathogen. Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, extensive research has focused on identifying protease inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Our intention was therefore to assess whether these protease inhibitors are viable options for combating MERS-CoV. To that end, we used previously established protease assays to quantify inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV main proteases. Furthermore, we selected MERS-CoV-Mpromutants resistant against nirmatrelvir, the most effective inhibitor of this protease, with a safe, surrogate virus-based system, and suggest putative resistance mechanisms. Notably, nirmatrelvir demonstrated effectiveness against various viral proteases, illustrating its potential as a broad-spectrum coronavirus inhibitor. To adress the inherent resistance of MERS-CoV-Mproto ensitrelvir, we applied directed mutagenesis to a key ensitrelvir-interacting residue and provided structural models.

One-Sentence Summary

We investigate antivirals for MERS-CoV with a pool of SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drugs and study potential resistances developing against those drugs.
Symmetry-adapted Markov state models of closing, opening, and desensitizing in α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Zhuang Yuxuan , Howard Rebecca J. , Lindahl Erik
Published: December 2023

α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are homopentameric ligand-gated ion channels gated by acetylcholine. These receptors play crucial roles in controlling electrical signaling within the nervous system by facilitating the passage of cations across the membrane. Recent studies have resolved and functionally annotated closed, open, and desensitized states of α7 nAChRs, providing insight into ion permeation and lipid modulation. However, the process by which α7 nAChRs transition between states remains unclear. To understand gating and lipid modulation, we generated two ensembles of molecular dynamics simulations of the apo form of α7 nAChRs, with or without cholesterol. Using symmetry-adapted Markov state modeling, we developed a five-state gating model. Free energies recapitulated functional behavior, with the closed state dominating in the absence of agonists. Notably, the transition rate from open to a non-conductive intermediate (flipped) state corresponded to experimentally measured open durations around 0.1 ms. The introduction of cholesterol relatively stabilized the desensitized state and reduced barriers between desensitized and open states. These results establish plausible asymmetric transition pathways between functionally important states, they define lipid modulation effects in the α7 nAChR conformational cycle, and provide an ensemble of structural models that could be utilized for guiding rational design strategies to develop lipidic pharmaceuticals targeting these receptors.
Understanding how genetically encoded tags affect phase separation by Heterochromatin Protein HP1α
Authors: Zhou Ziling (Kate) , Narlikar Geeta J.
Published: December 2023

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is driven by weak multi-valent interactions. Such interactions can result in the formation of puncta in cells and dropletsin vitro. The heterochromatin protein HP1α forms droplets with chromatinin vitroand is found in puncta in cells. A common approach to visualize the dynamics of HP1α in cells is to genetically encode fluorescent tags on the protein. HP1α modified with tags such as GFP has been shown to localize to dynamic punctain vivo. However, whether tagged HP1α retains its intrinsic phase separation properties has not been systematically studied. Here, using different C-terminal tags (AID-sfGFP, mEGFP, and UnaG), we assessed how tag size and linker length affected the phase separation ability of HP1α with DNAin vitro. We found that the AID-sfGFP tag (52 kDa) promoted HP1α phase-separation, possibly driven by the highly disordered AID degron. The mEGFP tag (27 kDa) inhibited phase-separation by HP1α, whereas an UnaG tag (13 kDa) with a 16 amino acid linker showed minimal perturbation. The UnaG tag can thus be used in cellular studies of HP1α to better correlatein vitroandin vivostudies. To test if cellular crowding overcomes the negative effects of large tagsin vivo, we used polyethylene glycol (PEG) to mimic crowdingin vitro. We found that addition of 10% PEG8000 or PEG4000 enables phase separation by GFP-tagged HP1α at comparable concentrations as untagged HP1α. However, these crowding agents also substantially dampened the differences in phase-separation between wild-type and mutant HP1α proteins. PEG further drove phase-separation of Maltose Binding Protein (MBP), a tag often used to solubilize other proteins. These results suggest that phase-separation of biological macromolecules with PEG should be interpreted with caution as PEG-based crowding agents may change the types of interactions made within the phases.
Cross-linguistic and acoustic-driven effects on multiscale neural synchrony to stress rhythms
Authors: He Deling , Buder Eugene H. , Bidelman Gavin M.
Published: December 2023

We investigated how neural oscillations code the hierarchical nature of stress rhythms in speech and how stress processing varies with language experience. By measuring phase synchrony of multilevel EEG-acoustic tracking and intra-brain cross-frequency coupling, we show the encoding of stress involves different neural signatures (delta rhythms = stress foot rate; theta rhythms = syllable rate), is stronger for amplitude vs. duration stress cues, and induces nested delta-theta coherence mirroring the stress-syllable hierarchy in speech. Only native English, but not Mandarin, speakers exhibited enhanced neural entrainment at central stress (2 Hz) and syllable (4 Hz) rates intrinsic to natural English. English individuals with superior cortical-stress tracking capabilities also displayed stronger neural hierarchical coherence, highlighting a nuanced interplay between internal nesting of brain rhythms and external entrainment rooted in language-specific speech rhythms. Our cross-language findings reveal brain-speech synchronization is not purely a “bottom-up” but benefits from “top-down” processing from listeners’ language-specific experience.

Highlights

Neural oscillations at delta and theta bands synchronize with stress and syllable rhythms.

Hierarchical delta-theta phase coupling mirrors speech rhythm hierarchy.

Language experience shapes multiscale brain-to-speech entrainment.

Optimized brain-to-speech synchronization occurs at natural stress (2 Hz) and syllable (4 Hz) rates.

Amplitude cues dominate the neural oscillatory encoding of stress rhythm.
Cell-type-specific 3D-genome organization and transcription regulation in the brain
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Zheng Pu , Wang Cosmos Yuqi , Jia Bojing Blair , Zemke Nathan R. , Ren Bing , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: December 2023

3D organization of the genome plays a critical role in regulating gene expression. However, it remains unclear how chromatin organization differs among different cell types in the brain. Here we used genome-scale DNA and RNA imaging to investigate 3D-genome organization in transcriptionally distinct cell types in the primary motor cortex of the mouse brain. We uncovered a wide spectrum of differences in the nuclear architecture and 3D-genome organization among different cell types, ranging from the physical size of the cell nucleus to the active-inactive chromatin compartmentalization and radial positioning of chromatin loci within the nucleus. These cell-type-dependent variations in nuclear architecture and chromatin organization exhibited strong correlation with both total transcriptional activity of the cell and transcriptional regulation of cell-type-specific marker genes. Moreover, we found that the methylated-DNA-binding protein MeCP2 regulates transcription in a divergent manner, depending on the nuclear radial positions of chromatin loci, through modulating active-inactive chromatin compartmentalization.
The impacts of caterpillar fungus income on grazing pressure in Tibetan regions: a tale of income diversification
Authors: Kang Qi , Carpio Carlos E. , Wang Chenggang , Tang Zeng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research examined the impacts of diversified income from trading caterpillar fungus on pastoral households' livestock production and income. The specific objectives were to identify the main factors underlying participation in caterpillar fungus trade and to explore the impacts of a diversified income from trading fungus on livestock production activities and income.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a pastoral household survey (n = 503) in five Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. The authors employed propensity score matching (PSM) procedures to estimate the effects of participation in trading caterpillar fungus.

Findings

Pastoral households participating in caterpillar fungus activities maintain smaller herds, sell fewer animals for profit, slaughter more livestock for family consumption and experience fewer livestock deaths compared to nonparticipants. There is also some evidence that pastoral households participating in caterpillar fungus activities have a higher annual income compared to nonparticipants.

Research limitations/implications

A direct measure of grassland degradation was not included due to the data limitation. The estimated average treatment effects could differ under different observed households' characteristics.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature on the impacts of diversified income on livestock production activities. The authors provide a new perspective on the controversy over the extraction of caterpillar fungus. This study contributes to exploring the dual role of income diversification in addressing poverty and grassland resource degradation for Tibetan pastoral communities.
ReNew Power: Building Scale in the Indian RE Sector
Authors: Agarwalla Sobhesh Kumar , Pandey Ajay
Published: December 2023

This case describes the growth of ReNew Power during its first decade of operation. Sumant Sinha, a first-generation entrepreneur and former banker, founded the company, which grew from a modest generator-cum-developer of wind energy-based electricity to one of India's largest companies in the renewable energy sector. With the entry of large, well-funded players such as Tata Power and Adani Green into the Indian renewable sector by the end of 2020, Sinha had to make a strategic decision: should ReNew continue to organically scale up its presence in an increasingly competitive yet expanding Indian renewable energy sector, should it diversify geographically, or should it pursue emerging opportunities for vertical or horizontal integration within the sector? The case provides an opportunity to discuss how alternative business models and competitive scenarios may facilitate or inhibit the growth of a player in the renewable energy sector.
Students’ perception of strategies for effective lean knowledge in future Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Aka Adefemi , Isah Abubakar Danladi , Salisu Olusegun Idris , Bello Abdulkabir Opeyemi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Waste has been a major challenge in the construction industry. Lean concepts have been adopted in developed nations to overcome waste. However, developing countries are still faced with the challenge due to a lack of strategies for effective lean knowledge by construction practitioners. The purpose of this research is to identify the strategies for lean knowledge in the future Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This was achieved through a case study of a Nigerian university. Assignments and questionnaires were the two instruments used for data collection in the study. Content analysis was adopted to analyse the data obtained from the assignments, while statistical tools such as correlation and ANOVA analysis were used to analyse the questionnaire data.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that the introduction of lean theory into students’ academic curriculum, lean practical classes and collaboration between universities, industry and lean construction institutes are some of the critical strategies for adequate lean knowledge in the future Nigerian construction industry.

Research limitations/implications

The study is case-based and focused on a single university. The study did not also put clients’ level of lean knowledge as well as future required acquaintance into consideration.

Practical implications

This study is important as it will enable students to have an adequate understanding of the concept of lean construction right from a higher institution level. This study will enable students to put the knowledge into practice in the construction industry, hence eliminating waste or NVAAs in future construction projects.

Originality/value

The findings of the study could enhance concerted efforts by universities, lean construction institutes and the construction industry towards an intentional and systematic delivery of lean knowledge that will reduce waste in future Nigerian construction projects. Further studies should be carried out to identify the success factors required by clients for effective lean knowledge in construction projects.
How do illegitimate tasks affect hospitality employees’ adaptive performance? An explanation from the perspective of cognitive-affective system theory of personality
Authors: Li Pengbo , Lv Yina , Wang Runna , Chen Tao , Gao Jing , Huang Zixin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Guided by the cognitive-affective system theory of personality (CAPS), this study aims to investigate the parallel mediating effects of cognitive and affective cynicism on the relationship between illegitimate tasks and employees’ adaptive performance. It also proposes growth need strength as a moderating variable for relationships between illegitimate tasks and employees’ adaptive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a time-lagged design, data were gathered from 330 frontline hotel employees in China.

Findings

The authors found that the presence of illegitimate tasks is negatively associated with employees’ adaptive performance, this relationship being mediated by cognitive and affective cynicism. Growth need strength weakens the negative impacts of cognitive and affective cynicism on employees’ adaptive performance. In addition, the indirect effect of illegitimate tasks on employees’ adaptive performance via cognitive and affective cynicism is stronger for employees with lower levels of growth need strength.

Practical implications

Hotel managers must heed the negative impact of illegitimate tasks. Furthermore, they should underscore the importance of promoting a harmonious and positive organizational culture and atmosphere. Naturally, hotel managers must also establish effective communication with employees, assisting them in fostering a desire for excellence in their work.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights for the hospitality industry by investigating how illegitimate tasks hold sway over hotel employees’ adaptive performance. The study uses a moderated dual-path model to uncover the mechanisms behind this impact and the influence of boundary conditions, thereby expanding the understanding of the topic.
Climate change adaptation through nature-based solution: examining the case of Thakurani Khal of Mongla Port Municipality, Bagerhat Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhooree Imon , Aziz Tasfin , Rashid Md. Jubaer , Hossain Meherab
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Urban areas, especially in the coastal region of Bangladesh, face environmental degradation due to rapid urbanization, uncontrolled socio-economic activities and experiencing the adverse impacts of climate change. Nature-based solutions (NbS) as options for restoring, preserving, maintaining and elevating natural features or systems are becoming popular for reducing vulnerabilities caused either by natural hazards or human-induced activities. With this understanding, this study aims to explore the need of practicing NbS by studying the condition of a tidal canal (known as Thakurani Khal) and its peripheral areas of Mongla Port Municipality, a coastal and seaport town in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study-based research uses multiple inquiries, including focus group discussions, pair-wise comparison, observation, GIS-based mapping, key informant interviews and secondary climate data review, to understand the spatial development of the area and community reactions to the changes in the urban environment.

Findings

The natural water flow of this canal is controlled by sluice gates that indirectly allowed the dweller to encroach its lands and convert the canal into a solid waste dumping area. These human-induced activities as well as the climate change-induced events (i.e. extreme heat, intensive and irregular rainfall, increased number of cyclones, etc.) have made the adjacent areas prone to waterlogging and drainage congestion. In this context, the revival of the original natural quality of the canal has been identified as an alternative to ensuring an adaptive urban environment.

Originality/value

This research highlights the importance of practicing NbS for developing urban resilience in the context of climate change.
Meeting the needs of students in higher education multigenerational classrooms: what can educators do?
Authors: Schnell-Peskin Lauren , Riley Gina , Hodnett Kristen , Gryta Virginia , Kisamore April
Published: December 2023

Purpose

It is now considered commonplace to teach in a multigenerational higher education classroom that is made up of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y and Z students. To ensure that all students, regardless of their generational identity, are successful in the classroom, educators must teach purposefully, with an understanding of the variables that affect student learning. Educators must ensure instruction is delivered according to varying student strengths and needs. This paper will provide guidance for higher education faculty teaching in multigenerational classrooms by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses across student generations. The most effective instructional practices for teaching will be discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a literature review focused on meeting the needs of multigenerational learners in synchronous and asynchronous online learning classrooms.

Findings

To ensure that all students, regardless of generational identity, are successful in the classroom, educators must teach purposefully, with an understanding of the variables that affect student learning. A summary of these generational strengths and needs are discussed within this paper.

Practical implications

This paper will provide guidance for higher education faculty teaching in multigenerational classrooms by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses across student generations.

Originality/value

This paper will provide guidance for higher education faculty teaching in multigenerational classrooms by reviewing the strengths and weaknesses across student generations. The most effective instructional practices for teaching will be discussed.
Crack localization in glass fiber composite beams by experimental modal analysis and multi variable Gaussian process regression method
Authors: Rama Krishna S. , Sathish J. , Rahul Mani Datta Talari , Raghu Vamsi S.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Ensuring the early detection of structural issues in aircraft is crucial for preserving human lives. One effective approach involves identifying cracks in composite structures. This paper employs experimental modal analysis and a multi-variable Gaussian process regression method to detect and locate cracks in glass fiber composite beams.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study proposes Gaussian process regression model trained by the first three natural frequencies determined experimentally using a roving impact hammer method with crystal four-channel analyzer, uniaxial accelerometer and experimental modal analysis software. The first three natural frequencies of the cracked composite beams obtained from experimental modal analysis are used to train a multi-variable Gaussian process regression model for crack localization. Radial basis function is used as a kernel function, and hyperparameters are optimized using the negative log marginal likelihood function. Bayesian conditional probability likelihood function is used to estimate the mean and variance for crack localization in composite structures.

Findings

The efficiency of Gaussian process regression is improved in the present work with the normalization of input data. The fitted Gaussian process regression model validates with experimental modal analysis for crack localization in composite structures. The discrepancy between predicted and measured values is 1.8%, indicating strong agreement between the experimental modal analysis and Gaussian process regression methods. Compared to other recent methods in the literature, this approach significantly improves efficiency and reduces error from 18.4% to 1.8%. Gaussian process regression is an efficient machine learning algorithm for crack localization in composite structures.

Originality/value

The experimental modal analysis results are first utilized for crack localization in cracked composite structures. Additionally, the input data are normalized and employed in a machine learning algorithm, such as the multi-variable Gaussian process regression method, to efficiently determine the crack location in these structures.
Influence of V doping on the microstructure, chemical stability, mechanical and tribological properties of MoS2 coatings
Authors: Lu Xiaolong , Sui Xudong , Zhang Xiao , Yan Zhen , Hao Junying
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of V doping on the microstructure, chemical stability, mechanical and vacuum tribological behavior of sputtered MoS2 coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

The MoS2-V coatings are fabricated via tuning V target current by magnetron sputtering technique. The structural characteristic and elemental content of the coatings are measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, electron probe X-ray micro-analyzer, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer. The hardness of the deposited coatings are tested by a nanoindentation technique. The vacuum tribological properties of MoS2-V coatings are studied by a ball-on-disc tribometer.

Findings

Introducing V into the MoS2 coatings results in a more compact microstructure. The hardness of the coatings increases with the doping of V. The MoS2-V coating deposited at a current of 0.2 A obtains the lowest friction coefficient (0.043) under vacuum. As the amount of V doping increases, the wear rate of the coating decreases first and then increases, among which the coating deposited at a current of 0.5 A has the lowest wear rate of 2.2 × 10–6 mm3/N·m.

Originality/value

This work elucidates the role of V doping on the lubrication mechanism of MoS2 coatings in a vacuum environment, and the MoS2-V coating is expected to be applied as a solid lubricant in space environment.
The lived experiences of women who discovered their partner perpetrated a sexual offence
Authors: Conmy Eileen , Prentice Garry , Hannigan Barbara , Trimble Timothy James
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the experiences of non-offending partners (NOPs) of men who perpetrated contact and non-contact sexual offences.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight women and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Findings yielded two superordinate themes, eight subordinate themes and an overarching theme. The first superordinate theme “Paying for their Husband’s Transgressions” captured many ways in which the women’s lives were impacted by their husbands offending. The second superordinate theme “Navigating the Darkness” encompassed the women’s experiences of trying to adapt to their new lives. The overarching theme “A Contaminated Life” pertained to the shared experiences of the women who all described encountering instant and profound consequences. This research highlighted the need for immediate signposting to support services for NOPs. The value of a humanistic counselling approach paired with forensic expertise was also identified. Future research with cross-cultural samples and same sex-couples would enrich the current understanding of this experience.

Practical implications

This research highlighted the need for immediate signposting to support services for NOPs. The value of a humanistic counselling approach paired with forensic expertise was also identified.

Originality/value

Qualitative research on the experiences of NOPs of men who perpetrated sexual offences is sparse. Furthermore, existing research focuses on the experiences of women who’s own children were abused, with the partners of men who have perpetrated extra-familial or non-contact offenses remaining largely neglected.
A critical analysis of the cross-border financial crime risks inherent in the African continental free trade area
Authors: Esoimeme Ehi Eric
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide authorities managing free trade zones, business enterprises, financial institutions and dedicated free zone customs, police and immigration command assigned to deal with aspects of movement of goods and persons in and out of the free zones with a clear understanding of the cross-border financial crime risks associated with the African Continental Free Trade Area and the risk control measures that combines human intelligence with advanced technology to combat cross-border financial crimes in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of research activities would be used in this study. In addition to a sweeping literature review of academic, official studies and media writings, the main focus is on critically evaluating and analysing primary data by searching and collecting statutes, court cases, administrative rules and regulations and policy documents.

Findings

This paper identified bribery and corruption; modern slavery; and trade-based money laundering as the financial crime risks that are of priority concern to African Continental Free Trade Areas and demonstrated how countries can assess and mitigate these risks through adequate policies, procedures and controls including appropriate compliance management arrangement and adequate screening procedures to ensure high standards when hiring employees; corporate transparency; training on managing incidents of modern slavery, forced labour and third-party exploitation; and appropriate monitoring framework for trade-based money laundering activities.

Originality/value

While many authors have written research papers on intra-African trade, none of those research papers explained how countries can assess and mitigate financial crime risks in free trade zones. This research paper describes the ways in which cross-border financial crime risks can be assessed and adequately addressed by the authorities managing free trade zones. This research paper analyses the risk assessment topic in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area with a focus on free trade zones in Nigeria. This research paper would help authorities managing free trade zones, commercial organisations and business enterprises to identify, prevent and mitigate cross-border financial crime risks. Zone managements and business enterprises that implement the risk-based approach, in line with the guidance given in this research paper, will be well-placed to avoid the consequences of inappropriate de-risking behaviour.
Integrated child mental health care provision in Pakistan: End-user and provider perspectives
Authors: Vostanis Panos , Hassan Sajida , Fatima Syeda Zeenat , O'Reilly Michelle
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Children in majority world countries (MWC) have high rates of unmet mental health needs, with limited access to specialist resources. Integration of child mental health in existing psychosocial care can improve provision. Through a Train-the-Trainer (ToT) cascade approach, this study aimed to provide a framework for such integration in resource-constrained communities in Karachi, Pakistan and to establish hindering and enabling factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight practitioners attended a child mental health ToT program, including training on a five-domain service transformation framework. Trainers co-designed and implemented interventions that integrated child mental health knowledge and skills on each domain. These were attended by 136 end-users (youth, parents, teachers, managers), of whom a sub-sample of 47 stakeholders, as well as the trainers, attended focus groups on their experiences. Data were analysed through a thematic codebook.

Findings

Established themes reflected common ingredients across all domains/interventions that were deemed important for child mental health care integration. These included child-centric approaches, positive parenting, community mobilization and systemic changes.

Originality/value

Integrated child mental health care informed by the Train-of-Trainer approach can be a useful model for resource-constrained MWC contexts. Integrated interventions should be co-produced with communities.
“Firm performance” measurement in strategic management: some notes on our performance
Authors: Bolton Joel , Butler Frank C. , Martin John
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Firm performance remains at the heart of strategic management. In the quest to refine the field’s contribution, Venkatraman and Ramanujam (1986) argued that reliance upon single measures of firm performance is risky and firm performance should be treated as a multidimensional construct. Subsequently, researchers have examined trends in firm performance measurement ever since. Over a decade since the last examination of this issue, this study aims to add to the ongoing conversation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigated 1,972 research papers published in five premier management journals for the years 2015–2019 to determine if multidimensional measurement of firm performance has improved.

Findings

The findings suggest that approximately two-thirds of papers that measure firm performance are published using only a single measure of firm performance, and approximately three-fourths do not measure firm performance across multiple dimensions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the necessity to consider the dimensionality of firm performance, use multiple measures and consistently ground firm performance variables with theory – especially control variables – to keep firm performance as the focus of the strategy field. Evidence and implications are discussed and recommendations for researchers and reviewers are provided.
Predictive and mediation model for decision-making in the context of dynamic capabilities and knowledge management
Authors: Bocoya-Maline José , Calvo-Mora Arturo , Rey Moreno Manuel
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Drawing on resource and capability theory, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between the dynamic capabilities (DC), the knowledge management (KM) process (KMP) and results in customers and people. More specifically, the study argues that the KM process mediates the relationship between DC and the results outlined above. In addition, a predictive analysis is carried out that demonstrates the relevance of the KM process in the model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample is made up of 118 Spanish organizations that have some kind of recognition of excellence awarded by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). Partial least squares methodology is used to validate the research model, the hypothesis testing and the predictive analysis.

Findings

The results show that organizations which leverage the DC through the KMP improve customer and people outcomes. Moreover, the predictive power is higher when the KMPmediates the relationship between the DC and the results.

Originality/value

There is no consensus in the literature on the relationship between DC, KM and performance. Moreover, there are also not enough papers that study KM or DC through the dimensions that define these constructs or variables. Given this need, this work considers the KMP according to the stages of knowledge creation, storage, transfer and application. Similarly, DC is dimensioned in sensing, learning, integrating and coordinating capabilities. These, as reconfigurators of knowledge assets, influence the KMP. Accordingly, the empirical model connects these knowledge domains and analyses their link to outcomes.
Asset specificity, relational governance, firm adaptability and supply chain integration
Authors: Farida Nakayima , Joseph Ntayi , Sheila Namagembe , Levi Kabagambe , Moses Muhwezi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates how asset specificity, relational governance and firm adaptability relate with supply chain integration (SCI), considering selected food processing firms (FPFs) in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a quantitative research methodology. This research draws on a sample of 103 FPFs that have been selected from a population of 345 FPFs located in Kampala district. Hypothesis testing was done using Smart PLS version 3.

Findings

Asset specificity has a significant positive relationship with SCI, and firm adaptability partially mediates this relationship. Also, there is a full mediation impact of firm adaptability on the relationship between relational governance and SCI.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on perceptual measures to get responses from managers on the level of integration with key suppliers and customers, yet firms deal with a number of suppliers and customers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing literature on SCI by applying the transaction cost theory. The study focuses on the influence of asset specificity, relational governance and firm adaptability on SCI in the food processing sector. Literature on relational governance in supply chain using the transaction cost theory remains scanty. Few studies have also focused on firm adaptability as a mediator in the FPS with specific focus on Uganda, yet the sector is highly faced with uncertain events. The uncertain events in the sector and in developing countries call for adaptive strategies. Additionally, this study is the first to use firm adaptability to mediate the influence of asset specificity and relational governance on SCI more so in a developing country like Uganda where the FPS is one of the most important in the economy.
Innovation is the key: identifying factors to increase career satisfaction and psychological well-being in millennial and generation Z sport employees
Authors: Hill Jasamine , Kim Minjung , Oja Brent D. , Kim Han Soo , Lee Hyun-Woo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how to generate innovative work behaviors among Millennial and Generation Z sport employees and its impact on their career satisfaction and psychological well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among predictors of job engagement, innovative work behaviors, career satisfaction and psychological well-being. The model was tested across managerial sport employees of Division I athletics departments (N = 224).

Findings

The highlights of the study include job engagement's positive relationship with innovative work behaviors and the positive influence of innovative work behavior on career satisfaction and psychological well-being.

Originality/value

These findings signify the importance of considering job engagement and innovative work behaviors to develop a positive work experience for Millennial and Generation Z sport employees. Doing so is thought to be a critical step in cultivating an organizational competitive advantage via younger generations of sport employees.
Study on the effectiveness of single-bolt double-lap joints for integrating the damping system with building structure during cyclic load
Authors: Jazeel Mohammed , Paul P. Sam , Gunaraj Lawrance , G. Hemalatha
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Nowadays, in building structures, dampers are connected to the building structure to reduce the damages caused by seismicity in addition to enhancing structural stability, and to connect dampers with the structure, joints are used. In this paper, three different configurations of double-lap joints were designed, developed and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to analyze three different categories of double-lap single-bolted joints that are used in connecting dampers with concrete and steel frame structures. These joints were designed and tested using computational, numerical and experimental methods. The studies were conducted to examine the reactions of the joints during loading conditions and to select the best joints for the structures that allow easy maintenance of the dampers and also withstand structural deformation when the damper is active during seismicity. Also, a computational analysis was performed on the designed joints integrated with the M25 concrete beam column junction. In this investigation, experimental study was carried out in addition to numerical and computational methods during cyclic load.

Findings

It was observed from the result that during deformation the double-base multiplate lap joint was suitable for buildings because the deformations on the joint base was negligible when compared with other joints. From the computational analysis, it was revealed that the three double joints while integrated with the beam column junction of M25 grade concrete structure, the damages induced by the double-base multiplate joint was negligible when compared with other two joints used in this study.

Originality/value

To prevent the collapse of the building during seismicity, dampers are used and further connecting the damper with the building structures, joints are used. In this paper, three double-lap joints in different design configuration were studied using computational, numerical and experimental techniques.
Blockchain‐Based Governance: Implications for Organizational Boundaries and Structures
Authors: Singh Shubham , Gaur Ajai , Singh Deeksha
Published: December 2023

Blockchain has emerged as a key Industry 4.0 technology, enabling novel forms of governance and coordination mechanism among organizations and markets. However, extant literature has largely focused on the technical aspects of blockchain, with limited attention to the behavioural and institutional aspects. In this paper, we argue that blockchain‐based smart contracts and decentralized autonomous organizations represent the potential for a radical departure from traditional forms of contractual governance and hierarchy, carrying profound implications for the design and governance of economic transaction and organizational structures. We elucidate how blockchain technologies, characterized by transparency, immutability, programmability and decentralization, reduce transaction costs and establish an industrialized and trustless transactional governance system. Finally, we present an agenda for future research, highlighting the need for new theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to understand the impact of blockchain on organizational design and forms.
Misreporting of second liens in portfolio mortgages and privately securitized mortgages
Authors: Yavas Abdullah , Zhu Shuang
Published: December 2023

Using a unique nationwide mortgage servicing dataset, this paper investigates the underreporting of second liens in portfolio mortgages and compares underreporting in portfolio versus privately securitized mortgages. Portfolio loans have more than 40% of the second liens underreported. Low documentation securitized loans have a 47% (in relative terms) lower misreporting rate than observably similar portfolio loans. The portfolio setting allows us to provide strong evidence that misreporting happens in the early stages of intermediation by lenders. The decreased occurrence of misreporting in sold loans subjected to more rigorous screening indicates the effectiveness of MBS issuers' screening, though its overall effect remains limited. Further, we show that the lender‐MBS issuer affiliation also plays a role in misreporting.
Consumption of edible insects and insect‐based foods: A systematic review of sensory properties and evoked emotional response
Authors: Ribeiro José Carlos , Pintado Manuela E. , Cunha Luís M.
Published: December 2023

Low consumer acceptance of edible insects and insect‐based products is one of the main barriers to the successful implementation of entomophagy in Western countries. This rejection is mainly caused by consumers’ negative emotional responses, psychological/personality traits, and attitudes toward food choices. However, as the role of intrinsic product characteristics on such food choices has not been adequately studied, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA method, to analyze studies that have assessed hedonic evaluations, sensory profiling, or emotional responses to edible insects or insect‐based products. The majority of studies performed with whole insects and insect flour highlight that insect‐based products are more negatively evaluated than control products. Although the sensory properties of insects are affected by species and processing conditions, they are generally negative across sensory dimensions. In particular, insects and insect‐based products are generally associated with odor and flavor/taste attributes that are related to old/spoiled food. These negative attributes can be linked to the fat fraction of edible insects, with insect oils being very negatively evaluated by consumers. On the other hand, defatted fractions and deodorized oils are not associated with these negative attributes, further supporting the hypothesis that the fat fraction is responsible for the negative odor and flavor/taste attributes. However, there is still a lack of studies assessing the sensory profile of edible insects and insect‐based products, as well as consumers’ emotional responses to their consumption. Future studies should focus on the effects of different processing conditions, products incorporating insect fractions (namely protein concentrates/isolates and defatted fractions), and evaluation by target consumer groups.