bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adaptor protein NumbL is involved in the control of glucolipotoxicity-induced pancreatic beta cell apoptosis
Authors: Basavarajappa Halesha D. , Irimia Jose M. , Fueger Patrick T.
Published: August 2020

Avoiding loss of functional beta cell mass is critical for preventing or treating diabetes. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying beta cell death are partially understood, and there is a need to identify new targets for developing novel therapeutics to treat diabetes. Previously, our group established that Mig6, an inhibitor of EGF signaling, mediates beta cell death under diabetogenic conditions. The objective of this study was to clarify the mechanisms linking diabetogenic stimuli to beta cell death by investigating Mig6-interacting proteins. Using co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we evaluated the binding partners of Mig6 under both normal glucose (NG) and glucolipotoxic (GLT) conditions in beta cells. We identified that Mig6 interacts dynamically with NumbL; whereas Mig6 associates with NumbL under NG, this interaction is disrupted under GLT conditions. Further, we demonstrate that siRNA-mediated suppression of NumbL expression in beta cells prevented apoptosis under GLT conditions by blocking activation of NF-κB signaling. Using co-immunoprecipitation experiments we observed that NumbL’s interactions with TRAF6, a key component of NFκB signaling, are increased under GLT conditions. The interactions among Mig6, NumbL, and TRAF6 are dynamic and context-dependent. We propose a model wherein these interactions activate pro-apoptotic NF-κB signaling while blocking pro-survival EGF signaling under diabetogenic conditions, leading to beta cell apoptosis. These findings indicate that NumbL should be further investigated as a candidate anti-diabetic therapeutic target.
Identification of microbial markers across populations in early detection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Yuanqi , Jiao Na , Zhu Ruixin , Zhang Yida , Wu Dingfeng , Wang An-Jun , Fang Sa , Tao Liwen , Li Yichen , Cheng Sijing , He Xiaosheng , Lan Ping , Tian Chuan , Liu Ning-Ning , Zhu Lixin
Published: August 2020

Several studies have investigated the association between microbial and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the replicable markers for early stage adenoma diagnosis across multiple populations remain elusive. Here, a meta-analysis of six studies, comprising a total of 1057 fecal samples, was performed to identify candidate markers. By adjusting the potential confounders, 11 and 26 markers (P<0.05) were identified and separately applied into constructing Random Forest classifier models to discriminate adenoma from control, and adenoma from CRC, achieving robust diagnostic accuracy with AUC = 0.80 and 0.89, respectively. Moreover, these markers demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in independent validation cohorts. Pooled functional analysis and targeted qRT-PCR based genetic profiles reveal that the altered microbiome triggers different pathways of ADP-heptose and menaquinone biosynthesis (P<0.05) in adenoma vs. control and adenoma vs. CRC sequences respectively. The combined analysis of heterogeneous studies confirm adenoma-specific but universal markers across multi-populations, which improves early diagnosis and prompt treatment of CRC.
Deuteration improves small-molecule fluorophores
Authors: Grimm Jonathan B. , Xie Liangqi , Casler Jason C. , Patel Ronak , Tkachuk Ariana N. , Choi Heejun , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Brown Timothy A. , Glick Benjamin S. , Liu Zhe , Lavis Luke D.
Published: August 2020

Fluorescence microscopy relies on dyes that absorb short-wavelength photons and emit longer-wavelength light. In addition to this fluorescence process, dyes can undergo other photochemical reactions that result in spectral shifts and irreversible photobleaching. Increases in brightness, ‘chromostability’, and photostability of fluorescent dyes are therefore crucial for advancing the frontier of bioimaging. Here, we describe a general approach to improve small-molecule fluorophores using deuteration. Incorporating deuterium into the alkylamino substituents of rhodamines and other dyes improves fluorescence quantum yield, inhibits photochemically induced spectral shifts, and slows irreparable photobleaching. These compounds are easily synthesized and show improved performance in cellular imaging experiments.
RevisitingCryptococcusextracellular vesicles properties and their use as vaccine platforms
Authors: Rizzo Juliana , Wong Sarah Sze Wah , Gazi Anastasia D. , Moyrand Frédérique , Chaze Thibault , Commere Pierre-Henri , Novault Sophie , Matondo Mariette , Pehau-Arnaudet Gerard , Reis Flavia C. G. , Vos Matthijn , Alves Lysangela R , May Robin C. , Nimrichter Leonardo , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Janbon Guilhem
Published: August 2020

Whereas extracellular vesicle (EV) research has become commonplace in different biomedical fields, this field of research is still in its infancy in mycology. Here we provide a robust set of data regarding the structural and compositional aspects of EVs isolated from the fungal pathogenic speciesCryptococcus neoformans, C. deneoformans and C. deuterogattii. Using cutting-edge methodological approaches including cryogenic electron microscopy and cryogenic electron tomography, proteomics, and flow cytometry, we revisited cryptococcal EV features and suggest a new EV structural model, in which the vesicular lipid bilayer is covered by mannoprotein-based fibrillar decoration, bearing the capsule polysaccharide as its outer layer. About 10% of the EV population is devoid of fibrillar decoration, adding another aspect to EV diversity. By analyzing EV protein cargo from the three species, we characterized the typicalCryptococcusEV proteome. It contains several membrane-bound protein families, including some Tsh proteins bearing a SUR7/PalI motif. The presence of known protective antigens on the surface ofCryptococcusEVs, resembling the morphology of encapsulated virus structures, suggested their potential as a vaccine. Indeed, mice immunized with EVs obtained from an acapsularC. neoformansmutant strain rendered a strong antibody response in mice and significantly prolonged their survival uponC. neoformansinfection.
Automated and unbiased classification of motor neuron phenotypes with single cell resolution in ALS tissue
Authors: Hagemann Cathleen , Tyzack Giulia E. , Taha Doaa M. , Devine Helen , Greensmith Linda , Newcombe Jia , Patani Rickie , Serio Andrea , Luisier Raphaëlle
Published: August 2020

Histopathological analysis of tissue sections is an invaluable resource in neurodegeneration research. Importantly, cell-to-cell variation in both the presence and severity of a given phenotype is however a key limitation of this approach, reducing the signal to noise ratio and leaving unresolved the potential of single-cell scoring for a given disease attribute. Here, we developed an image processing pipeline for automated identification and profiling of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathological tissue sections. This approach enabled unbiased analysis of hundreds of cells, from which hundreds of features were readily extracted. Next by testing different machine learning methods, we automated the identification of phenotypically distinct MN subpopulations in VCP- and SOD1-mutant transgenic mice, revealing common aberrant phenotypes in cellular shape. Additionally we established scoring metrics to rank cells and tissue samples for both disease probability and severity. Finally, by adapting this methodology to human post-mortem tissue analysis, we validated our core finding that morphological descriptors strongly discriminate ALS from control healthy tissue at the single cell level. In summary, we show that combining automated image processing with machine learning methods substantially improves the speed and reliability of identifying phenotypically diverse MN populations. Determining disease presence, severity and unbiased phenotypes at single cell resolution might prove transformational in our understanding of ALS and neurodegenerative diseases more broadly.
LinCoM: a graph theoretic approach for the production of Linear place fields in Complex Mazes
Authors: Papasavvas Christoforos A.
Published: August 2020

Studies on spatial coding and episodic memory typically involve recordings of hippocampal place cell activity while rodents navigate in mazes. Linear place fields serve as reduced representations of the activity of place cells, revealing their spatial preference along the tracks of the maze. Sometimes, the experimental designs include complex mazes with irregular geometries and one or more decision points. Unfortunately, in such complex mazes, the production of linear place fields becomes a non-trivial problem. Here, I present a MATLAB toolbox which implements a graph-theoretic approach for the efficient production of linear place fields in a variety of complex mazes.
Endosomal trafficking defects alter neural progenitor proliferation and cause microcephaly
Authors: Carpentieri Jacopo A. , Di Cicco Amandine , Andreau David , Del Maestro Laurence , Marjou Fatima El , Coquand Laure , Brault Jean-Baptiste , Bahi-Buisson Nadia , Baffet Alexandre D.
Published: August 2020

Primary microcephaly and megalencephaly are severe brain malformations defined by reduced and increased brain size, respectively. Whether these two pathologies arise from related alterations at the molecular level is unclear. Microcephaly has been largely associated with centrosomal defects, leading to cell death. Here, we investigated the consequences ofWDR81loss of function, which cause severe microcephaly in patients. We show that WDR81 regulates endosomal trafficking of EGFR, and that loss of function leads to reduced MAP kinase pathway activation. Mouse radial glial progenitor cells knocked-out forWDR81display reduced proliferation rates, leading to reduced brain size. These proliferation defects are rescuedin vivoby the expression of megalencephaly-causing mutated Cyclin D2. Our results identify the endosomal machinery as an important regulator of RG cell proliferation rates and brain growth. They demonstrate that microcephaly and megalencephaly can be due to opposite effects on the proliferation rate of radial glial progenitors.
Old Dog, New Tricks: Influenza A Virus NS1 andIn VitroFibrillogenesis
Authors: Shaldzhyan A.A. , Zabrodskaya Y.A. , Baranovskaya I.L. , Sergeeva M.V. , Gorshkov A.N. , Savin I.I. , Shishlyannikov S.M. , Ramsay E.S. , Protasov A.V. , Kukhareva A.P. , Egorov V.V.
Published: August 2020

The influenza NS1 protein is involved in suppression of the host immune response. Recently, there is growing evidence that prion-like protein aggregation plays an important role in cellular signaling and immune responses. In this work, we obtained a recombinant, influenza A NS1 protein and showed that it is able to form amyloid-like fibrilsin vitro. Using proteolysis and subsequent mass spectrometry, we showed that regions resistant to protease hydrolysis highly differ between the native NS1 form (NS1-N) and fibrillar form (NS1-F); this indicates that significant structural changes occur during fibril formation. The discovery of the ability of NS1 to form amyloid-like fibrils may be relevant to uncovering relationships between influenza A infection and modulation of the immune response.
Integrating genetics, morphology, and fungal host specificity in conservation studies of a vulnerable, selfing, mycoheterotrophic orchid
Authors: Fama Nicole M. , Sinn Brandon T. , Barrett Craig F.
Published: August 2020

Mycoheterotrophic plants derive most or all carbon and nutrients from fungal partners and represent poorly understood components of forest biodiversity. Many are rare or endangered yet can be ecological indicators of forest ecosystem function due to their often highly specific fungal host requirements. One such species is the IUCN red-listed (‘vulnerable’), fully mycoheterotrophic orchid,Corallorhiza bentleyi. This recently described species is among the rarest plants in Appalachia, known from five counties in Virginia and West Virginia, USA. The species has a restricted range, small population size, and is self-pollinating. Here we take an integrative approach to conservation genetic assessment inC. bentleyiusing floral morphometrics, simple-sequence repeats, and fungal host DNA to characterize variation within and among sampling localities. Morphology reveals some differentiation among individuals from six sampling localities. Surprisingly, most genetic variation is found within localities, contra to the expectation for a selfing species. Fungal host DNA reveals extreme specificity upon a few genotypes of a single ectomycorrhizal host species,Tomentella fuscocinerea,across all localities. We discuss the conservation implications of morphological, genetic, and symbiotic diversity in this vulnerable species, and recommend additional assessment of conservation status based on: an obligate reproductive mode of selfing, preventing benefits of outcrossing among genetically non-identical individuals; extreme host specificity, severely restricting niche space; and highly fragmented habitat under threat from anthropogenic disturbance. This study underscores the importance of integrative conservation assessment, analyzing multiple data sources, and reveals patterns not readily apparent from census-based assessments alone.
Structural basis for designing an array of engrailed homeodomains
Authors: Sunami Tomoko , Hirano Yu , Tamada Taro , Kono Hidetoshi
Published: August 2020

Small DNA-binding proteins that target desired sequences have the potential to act as a scaffold for molecular tools such as genome editing. In this study, an engrailed homeodomain (EHD) was chosen and it was evaluated whether it could be used as a molecular module that can connect to itself to recognize a longer target sequence. It was previously shown that two EHDs connected by a linker (EHD2) recognize a target sequence twice as long as that recognized by a single EHD in cells only when Arg53 in each EHD in the tandem protein is mutated to alanine {(EHD[R53A])2}. To investigate the recognition mechanism of (EHD[R53A])2, the crystal structure of the (EHD[R53A])2–DNA complex was determined at 1.6 Å resolution. The individual EHDs were found to adopt the typical homeodomain fold. Most importantly, the base-specific interactions in the major groove necessary for the affinity/specificity of wild-type EHD were preserved in (EHD[R53A])2. Bacterial assays confirmed that the base-specific interactions are retained under cellular conditions. These observations indicate that the R53A mutation only causes a loss of the arginine–phosphate interaction at the protein–DNA interface, which reduces the DNA-binding affinity compared with the wild type. It is therefore concluded that (EHD[R53A])2precisely recognizes tandem target sites within cells, enabling the individual EHDs to concurrently bind to the target sites with modest binding affinity. This suggests that modulation of the binding activity of each EHD is vital to construct a protein array that can precisely recognize a sequence with multiple target sites.
An epoxide hydrolase from endophyticStreptomycesshows unique structural features and wide biocatalytic activity
Authors: Tormet-González Gabriela D. , Wilson Carolina , de Oliveira Gabriel Stephani , dos Santos Jademilson Celestino , de Oliveira Luciana G. , Dias Marcio Vinicius Bertacine
Published: August 2020

The genusStreptomycesis characterized by the production of a wide variety of secondary metabolites with remarkable biological activities and broad antibiotic capabilities. The presence of an unprecedented number of genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes with industrial appeal such as epoxide hydrolases (EHs) reveals its resourceful microscopic machinery. The whole-genome sequence ofStreptomycessp. CBMAI 2042, an endophytic actinobacterium isolated fromCitrus sinensisbranches, was explored by genome mining, and a putative α/β-epoxide hydrolase named B1EPH2 and encoded by 344 amino acids was selected for functional and structural studies. The crystal structure of B1EPH2 was obtained at a resolution of 2.2 Å and it was found to have a similar fold to other EHs, despite its hexameric quaternary structure, which contrasts with previously solved dimeric and monomeric EH structures. While B1EPH2 has a high sequence similarity to EHB fromMycobacterium tuberculosis, its cavity is similar to that of human EH. A group of 12 aromatic and aliphatic racemic epoxides were assayed to determine the activity of B1EPH2; remarkably, this enzyme was able to hydrolyse all the epoxides to the respective 1,2-diols, indicating a wide-range substrate scope acceptance. Moreover, the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of styrene oxide, epichlorohydrin and 1,2-epoxybutane were used to monitor enantiopreference. Taken together, the functional and structural analyses indicate that this enzyme is an attractive biocatalyst for future biotechnological applications.
Teaching strategies for linking knowledge acquisition and application in the architectural design studio
Authors: Saghafi Mahmoud Reza
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In the context of architecture education, design studio projects usually start with “research” on the design theme and the context, but often there is no strong link between this research and its application in the project and the resultant design product. This paper explores strategies which link knowledge acquisition and knowledge application in design studio teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

These strategies have been applied in several design studios and master’s theses and involve sixteen years of research by the author through observation, surveys and analysis of student work.

Findings

The results show that these strategies are not limited to the design studio, with more than half of them (eight out of fourteen) also applicable in theoretical subjects that sit outside the design studio unit and generate knowledge of relevance to studio projects. As such, the paper advocates for a multi-level approach involving the following: course design and curriculum development, teaching and learning pedagogies and organizational decisions regarding the deployment of staff as for collaborative team-based teaching.

Research limitations/implications

The results also recognize the relevance of problem-based and project-based learning to the broader higher education context and its dependence on a collaborative approach.

Originality/value

This paper which synthesizes this work contributes to the literature on architecture pedagogy, specifically that related to the integration of theoretical and practical subjects.
Exploring the moderated mediation relationship between leader narcissism and employees’ innovative behavior
Authors: Yang Jie , Chang Mingchao , Li Jian , Zhou Lulu , Tian Feng , Zhang JiangJiang
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Based on the social information processing theory, the purpose of this study is to propose a conceptualized moderated mediation model for testing the linkage between leader narcissism and employees’ innovative behavior through the mediating effect of employees’ cognitive dependency and the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty between employees’ cognitive dependency and their innovative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, multisource data from 266 employees and their supervisors in 11 large high-tech Chinese companies were collected through a field study and an online survey. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping.

Findings

The results of this study show that leader narcissism has a negative impact on employees’ innovative behavior and that employees’ cognitive dependency plays a mediating role between leader narcissism and employees’ innovative behavior. Cognitive dependency and environmental uncertainty play moderated mediation roles between leader narcissism and employees’ innovative behavior.

Research limitations/implications

In the future, longitudinal research and experimental methods can be used to avoid common method bias. Further studies could allow leaders to evaluate environmental uncertainty and explore the emotional path by which leader narcissism has negative effects on followers’ innovation from social information processing theory. In addition, future studies can explore cognitive dependency more deeply from the perspectives of forced obedience and active worship.

Practical implications

Organizations should warn leaders to control the dark side of narcissism and minimize environmental uncertainty to reduce barriers to innovation.

Originality/value

This study constructs the path of the effect of leader narcissism on employees’ innovation through employees’ cognitive dependency in a specific context, which enriches theoretical research on the link between leaders’ traits and employees’ innovative behavior. Along with the finding of leader narcissism’s negative effect on employees’ innovative behavior, this study explores the dark side of leader narcissism in the context of China’s high-tech firms and environmental uncertainty.
Dimensions of governance in interorganizational project networks
Authors: Kujala Jaakko , Aaltonen Kirsi , Gotcheva Nadezhda , Lahdenperä Pertti
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to create a framework to analyze approaches for coordination, adaptation and safeguarding of exchanges in interorganizational project networks.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis framework to analyze governance in project networks was created based on a systematic review of existing literature. The framework was applied to analyze governance approaches used in a large infrastructure project implemented with an alliance project delivery method to illustrate the practical validity of the framework.

Findings

The analysis framework categorized governance in project networks in six dimensions: goal setting, rewarding, monitoring, roles and decision-making, coordination and capability building. A set of questions for each governance dimension was created and the analysis framework was applied in the context of a project alliance.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of this research is on governance internal to a project network. The authors identified dimensions of governance in project networks and related governance approaches based on a systematic literature review. The practical applicability of the framework was validated in a single case study setting.

Practical implications

The paper introduces a concept of governance in project networks, which takes the perspective that all actors that have an influence on project implementation are part of an interorganizational project network. The focal organization may have had a significant role in the design of governance, but governance also emerged from the network structure of companies and the interactions among them. The analysis framework created in this research can be used to design and analyze governance in different type of project context.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a concept of governance in project networks, which takes the perspective that all actors that have an influence on project implementation are part of an interorganizational project network.
Assessing project risks from a supply chain quality management (SCQM) perspective
Authors: Gaudenzi Barbara , Qazi Abroon
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Project-driven supply chain risks pose a significant threat to the success of complex development projects, in terms of achieving key performances such as quality, time and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a supply chain quality perspective in order to explore and better understand the unique attributes of risks associated with project-driven supply chains for continuously improving the quality of both processes and products.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically grounded in the framework of Bayesian Belief Networks and Game theory, this paper develops a structured process for assessing and managing risks in project-driven supply chains. The application of the proposed approach is demonstrated through a simulation case study conducted on the development project of Boeing 787 aircraft.

Findings

The conflicting incentives amongst stakeholders in a supply chain can jeopardise the success of a project and therefore, assessment of this category of risks classified as “Game theoretic risks” needs special consideration. Project-driven supply chain risks pose a significant threat to the success of complex projects. The results of the study clearly revealed that without mitigating the game theoretic risks, the main objective of timely completion of the Boeing 787 project was not materialised. Further, the lack of management expertise was the major factor contributing to the overall project costs including cost of quality.

Originality/value

The proposed process and analyses present a significant and original insight in terms of capturing the key determinants of both product and service quality such as product performance, convenience and reliability of service, timeliness, ease of maintenance, flexibility, and customer satisfaction and comfort. Propositions are developed for ascertaining the significance of information sharing in a project-driven supply chain, and a fair sharing partnership is introduced to help supply chain managers in managing game theoretic risks in order to achieve the goals of quality, time and efficiency.
Destination central district: the representation of the conflict
Authors: Macías Rodríguez Damián , Del Espino Hidalgo Blanca , Pérez Cano María Teresa
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to represent the conflict of touristification in the central district of Seville to evaluate the dimension of the problem. Therefore, it focuses on the diagnostic representation of the conflict between citizens and tourists, to help define the coexistence of opposing interests and to bring solutions in favour of a liveable urban landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has implied a detailed analysis beyond the observation of data and statistics, which facilitated a complex diagnosis for decision-making. This has led to consider as an initial framework the main tourist resources, official agreements and civil manifestations regarding touristification. Then, factors of tourist density and one in-depth case study of changes in use have been mapped.

Findings

First, an analysis of the urban spaces affected by the tourist dynamics following the degree of habitability of the resident citizens has been led. Second, of the conflict resulting from a relationship between economic activities, the attractiveness of the urban landscape and the tourist use of the space has been mapped.

Originality/value

Through the study of the central district of a city of great heritage value where conflicts begin to occur as a result of tourism, it is intended to contribute to the development of the spatial syntax of the tourist conflict, what could lead to improve responsible urban and social city policies.
Conceptualization of wasta and its main consequences on human resource management
Authors: Alsarhan Fadi , Valax Marc
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a review of the concept of wasta, as a form of social capital in Arab societies. Furthermore, this paper seeks to elucidate the main implications of the use of wasta among human resource management (HRM) practices on the workplace environment and the overall performance of institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors embraced a qualitative approach in this paper. A total of 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HR officials from different levels in a number of Jordanian public organizations.

Findings

The results obtained indicate that wasta has negative consequences on the overall performance of organizations, through the influence it exerts on employee motivation, morale and job satisfaction, frustration, workplace diversity, turnover, brain drain, as well as its effect on the image and reputation of the individuals and organizations alike.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors attempted to illustrate the concept of wasta as a form of social capital and to analyze its links with the features of the Jordanian culture through two of Hofstede’s dimensions. Furthermore, this paper is based both on the available literature and on data obtained through the semi-structured interviews. The findings through this process not only corroborate what we already know in the literature but they also generate an understanding of the hidden mechanisms that link the different implications of wasta together, creating the actual known consequences of this practice.
A framework of hiring strategy for manpower hiring in a hyper-local food delivery organization
Authors: Das Debadyuti , Yadav Chirag
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The present work attempts to determine an appropriate number of different categories of Delivery Persons for a Hyper-local Food Delivery Organization for different intervals within a day and across days within a week which would provide a satisfactory level of service to the target customers and at the same time would become cost-efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

Currently the firm estimates the required number of Delivery Persons for “lunch peak” and “dinner peak” of the next week's weekdays and weekend based on the maximum number of orders occurring during the same period of both weekdays and weekend in the current week. The proposed approach involves determining the projected demand in every four-hourly interval of both week-days and weekend in the next week. Subsequently, the study has developed a simple integer programming model for determining the optimum number of Delivery Persons based on the projected demand data.

Findings

The existing approach followed by the firm indicates that the Delivery Persons remain unutilized during periods of low demand. The proposed model demonstrated savings to the tune of 21.4% in manpower cost without any erosion in the service level.

Originality/value

The study has made three tangible contributions. First, the development of a simple methodology for estimating the demand of next period allows the Managers to utilize dynamic demand data. Second, the development of a simple integer programming model helps managers determine an appropriate number of Delivery Persons in different intervals in both weekdays and weekend. Third, the development of a framework of hiring strategy aids managers in adopting a particular hiring strategy under a particular context keeping in mind the magnitude of demand for food, demand for delivery service and the cost of providing the service.
Money laundering with cryptocurrency: open doors and the regulatory dialectic
Authors: Dupuis Daniel , Gleason Kimberly
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the opportunities and limitations of cryptocurrencies as a tool for money laundering through six currently available “open doors” (exchange mechanisms). The authors link the regulatory dialectic paradigm to know your customer and anti-money laundering evasion techniques, highlight six tactics to launder funds with virtual assets and investigate potential law enforcement and regulatory alternates used to reduce the incidence of money laundering with digital coins.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is the analysis of significant recent events and the availability of “fintech” crime-fighting tools and a literature review focusing on the application of the regulatory dialectic to innovations in existing crypto-asset markets that make them compelling to money launderers.

Findings

The authors examine the illicit use of cryptocurrency through Kane’s regulatory dialectic paradigm, identify a number of avenues for crypto to fiat exchange that are still available for those seeking to launder money using digital coins, review recently “closed doors” and make recommendations regarding the regulation of crypto-related markets that may assist in making them less desirable for potential criminals.

Research limitations/implications

The research is constrained by the state of the market for crypto to fiat exchange as of time of writing; the technology and products to launder money using these open doors is continually changing (as predicted by the regulatory dialectic).

Social implications

The regulatory dialectic predicts that regulatory response is reactive and often increasingly burdensome or oppressive. There is continuous innovation in the cryptocurrency market, which seeks to preserve privacy and anonymity with which regulators seek to keep up. From a social perspective, the response of bank regulators worldwide to existing open doors for crypto to fiat exchange used for money laundering may prove costly to individuals engaging in legitimate transactions, as well as financial criminals and may also erode the ability of individuals to maintain privacy regarding their financial information.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, there are yet no broad overview regarding the feasibility of money laundering across crypto-related assets within the paradigm of the regulatory dialectic.
Stakeholders’ categorization of the sustainable public procurement system: the case of Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Marcus Vinicius de Souza Silva , Simão João , Caeiro Sandra Sofia Ferreira da Silva
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Encouraged by the State, the Brazilian public organizations practice sustainable procurement as one of the strategies to promote sustainable development. Performing them requires understanding to manage stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to identify and categorize the stakeholders of Brazilian public organizations’ sustainable procurement system.5

Design/methodology/approach

Preliminarily, the stakeholders were identified in the literature and by interviews with experts. Later, in a multi-case study, it was categorized by the model of stakeholder salience.

Findings

In general, governmental and intra-organizational stakeholders were classified as more salient. However, some stakeholders considered important by literature and experts have been categorized as less salient by organizations.

Originality/value

The proposed categorization is useful for the system comprehension and will serve as a basis for the development of future works, notably those who propose to understand or evaluate the sustainable public procurement (SPP). Additionally, this work aims to enlarge the knowledge and the better practices of SPP in a large emerging South American country, giving its contribution to the transition to more sustainable societies.
CEO characteristics and bank performance: evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Neeraj , Mahakud Jitendra
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) personal characteristics on the performance of Indian commercial banks. Additionally, it also analyses the nonlinear relationship of CEO age and CEO tenure on the bank performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A balanced panel data approach has been used in this study. Particularly, the fixed effect estimation technique is used to examine the relationship between CEO characteristics and bank performance during the period 2009–2010 to 2016–2017.

Findings

The authors find that professional qualification of CEOs in finance stream enhances performance. Additionally, the impact of CEO duality is found to be positive and significant on performance. Male CEOs are beneficial for bank performance. Well experienced CEOs contribute to higher performance. The results are robust across the various proxies of bank performance, and sub-samples based on ownership, size of the bank and board size.

Practical implications

This study provides insights to policy regulators and policymakers who are entrusted with the appointment of the CEOs in the banks in the light of the ongoing regulatory reforms.

Originality/value

This study can be considered as one of the early studies, which examines the association between CEO characteristics and bank performance from an emerging economy perspective. It also extends the existing study by considering both public and private banks operating in India.
Self-cartography within migrants and refugees: a tool for resilience?
Authors: Davanture Adèle , Derivois Daniel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Meta-analyses indicate that migrants and refugees develop more mental health problems than the general population as a result of their exposure to armed conflict, violence and torture together with their experiences prior to, during and after resettlement. The purpose of this paper is to experience a tool that allows analysing how migrants and refugees represent the world and how they self-represent in the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to design a projective tool called “Self Cartography” to facilitate the production of migration stories, based on narratives.

Findings

The self-cartography tool revealed the psychological suffering generated by the brutality and violence of exile. The narratives about the pre-migratory phase appear to be more complex and more painful than the migratory and post-migratory phases.

Research limitations/implications

The preliminary interviews in the exploratory phase have raised certain methodological biases, such as the size of the map, which is currently in A2 format. It was described by some participants as being too large and a source of anxiety.

Practical implications

The purpose of this work is to conceptualise a standardised projective tool that can be used by researchers and professionals responsible for making therapeutic assessments and supporting individuals in migration situations.

Social implications

This tool aims to facilitate better social integration for migrants and refugees.

Originality/value

The self-cartography tool opens up the boundaries of narrativity in a geo-temporal space shared with the clinician. Using the world as a means to self-narrate can be thought of as an attempt to rewrite the collective and individual traumatic histories of our humanity.
Building organizational innovation through HRM, employee voice and engagement
Authors: Azevedo Marcia Carvalho de , Schlosser Francine , McPhee Deborah
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To investigate how HRM in an established organization can support employee voice and engage employees to be innovative in their everyday lived experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a case study of an innovation event in an organization, where 27 employees were interviewed about the emotional, cognitive and behavioral aspects of their engagement in innovation.

Findings

Findings highlight the importance of continuing HRM's involvement during an entire event process to connect innovation events with everyday work. HRM has a central role in initiatives that intend to support voice and stimulate the engagement of diverse employees in innovation in established firms.

Research limitations/implications

This was a qualitative and cross-sectional case study of one organization and one event offered two years in a row.

Practical implications

In order to promote innovation, HR and senior management should foster an environment that motivates employees and promotes voice behavior (Morrison, 2014). HRM can create multiple methods of engagement, acknowledging the diversity of the workforce profile and its specific needs. HRM has an important role within an innovation strategy; as it can, together with other areas, create, develop and maintain actions that support and recognize innovative ideas and encourage employees to become actively engaged with the inclusion of innovation in their daily work life. Specifically, innovation exercises are an activity with much potential to foster voice and promote engagement towards innovation.

Originality/value

We develop a model proposing relationships between HRM, employee voice, employee engagement, cross-department collaboration and innovation. The study also considers the engagement of a diverse group of employees in an established company context.
Mitigating workplace adversity through employee resilience
Authors: Douglas Stephanie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present the how resilience can mitigate workplace adversity and human resource practices (HRPs) to build capacity for resilience in employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature was conducted for employee resilience.

Findings

Resilience can mitigate the negative effects of occupational and workplace adversity on employees. HRPs through job design, training and development and social support were found to foster capacity for resilience in employees and support organizational performance.

Practical implications

Organizations can use the findings to build organizational and human resource (HR) strategies to develop employee resilience.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in presenting how employee resilience can lessen negative effects from workplace adversity and provide HR strategies to build resilience.
The challenge of change fatigue on workplace mental health
Authors: Bruce Jan , English Lucy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Change and “change fatigue” were contributing to a spectrum of workplace issues – from extreme stress and burnout – to rising mental health issues even before the impact of COVID-19. This paper aims to examine why identifying mental and behavioral health issues had become a top priority for some employers and explore the negative impacts mental health issues present to organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain this additional insight and data, meQuilibrium partnered with Employer Health Innovation Roundtable (EHIR) to hold a series of four workshops and focus groups, in the Fall of 2019 with 37 participating EHIR members representing large employers. The authors also gathered data through a short survey instrument. The discussions and the survey focused on the current mental and behavioral health challenges being faced by their organizations and what innovations are being put in place or will need to be put in place as part of a future integrated workforce strategy.

Findings

A key, and foundational, finding was that among these human resource (HR) leaders there was a view shared by 97% of survey respondents that the workplace was facing a greater mental health challenge than previously. Hundred per cent of participants agreed that the success of a workplace mental health solution will now require highly personalized, whole-person care across the full range of problems from mild to severe and will need to include not just the employee but also their spouse/partner and children.

Originality/value

While identifying mental and behavioral health issues had become a top priority for some employers even before the pandemic, meQuilibrium believed there was a need for more clarity as to how the HR professionals were viewing the urgency of the situation. This study examines key stakeholders in their organizations, the effectiveness of their current solutions and what new approaches to employee mental health they were considering. This paper includes original data compiled through workshops and focus groups.
Cytomorphological features and literature review of CIC‐DUX4‐positive sarcoma, confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in a paediatric patient
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Kembhavi Priyanka , Mishra Surya Narayan
Published: August 2020

Certain undifferentiated round cell sarcomas characterised by specific underlying genetic fusions have been reported. This case describes cytomorphological and corresponding histopathological, including immunohistochemical features of a rare case of CIC‐DUX4 positive sarcoma, including a literature review of similar reported cases.
Cold and hungry: combined effects of low temperature and resource scarcity on an edge‐of‐range temperate primate, the golden snub‐nose monkey
Authors: Hou Rong , Chapman Colin A. , Jay Ollie , Guo Songtao , Li Baoguo , Raubenheimer David
Published: August 2020

Both biotic and abiotic factors play important roles in influencing ecological distributions and niche limits. Where biotic and abiotic stressors co‐occur in space and time, homeostatic systems face a scenario in which stressors can compound to impose a challenge that is greater than the sum of the separate factors. We studied the homeostatic strategies of the golden snub‐nosed monkey Rhinopithecus roxellana, a species living in temperate deciduous forests at the edge of the global distribution range for folivorous primates, to cope with the co‐occurrence of cold temperatures and resource scarcity during winter. We discovered that in winter the monkeys experience a dietary energy deficit of 101 kJ mbm−1 d−1 compared with calculated needs, despite increased feeding. This is partly offset by behavioral changes (reduced locomotion and increased resting) and reducing skin temperature by an average of 3.2°C through a cutaneous vasoconstriction to decrease heat loss. However, their major strategy is ingesting surplus energy and accumulating fat reserves when food was not limiting during summer and autumn. Their 14% of body mass lost over the winter represented an energy yield of 102 kJ mbm−1 d−1, which closely matched the calculated winter energy deficit of 101 kJ mbm−1 d−1. However, the latter value assumes that all the 75.41 kJ mbm−1 d−1 of protein ingested in winter was available for energy metabolism. This is almost certainly an over‐estimate, suggesting that the study population was in negative energy balance over the study period. Our study therefore suggests that despite its suit of integrated homeostatic responses, the confluence of low temperatures and resource limitation during winter places this edge‐of‐range primate close the threshold of what is energetically viable. It also provides a framework for quantitative models predicting the vulnerability of temperate primates to global change.
Positioning push–pull boundary in a hesitant fuzzy environment
Authors: Pournamazi Seyedeh Roya , Ghasemy Yaghin R. , Jolai Fariborz
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, fierce competition enforces supply chain planners to develop market‐oriented production strategies. Customer order decoupling point (CODP) could increase the supply chain efficiency and responsiveness simultaneously. The right position of CODP in production industries will result in a pattern for trade‐off between responsiveness and operational efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to address the positioning problem of a push‐pull boundary in a fuzzy hesitant environment. To this end, a hybrid multi‐criteria decision‐making methodology of analytic network process (ANP) and VIKOR is proposed in a hesitant judgement environment to determine the position of CODP in a supply chain. Finally, CODP positioning in the apparel supply chain, as an industry‐based example, is analysed to show the applicability of the proposed method.
Sharp V‐notches in viscoplastic solids: Strain energy rate density rule and fracture toughness
Authors: Dai Yanwei , Susmel Luca , Qin Fei
Published: August 2020

Different from Neuber's rule or Glinka's energy method which are always adopted to characterize the notch tip field under elastoplastic condition, in this paper, the strain energy rate density (SERD) rule is used for viscoplastic materials. In particular, based on the definition of generalized notch stress intensity factor (G‐NSIF) for sharp V‐notch in viscoplastic solids, the concept of SERD for sharp V‐notch in viscoplastic solids is presented. Subsequently, by taking as a starting point the SERD, the averaged strain energy density (SED) for sharp V‐notch in viscoplastic solids is derived with integration of time. The fracture toughness relation between sharp V‐notch specimens and crack specimen in viscoplastic materials is given based on the transformation of SERD. A numerical approach is presented to compute the SERD and SED based on finite element method. Some crucial comments on the G‐NSIF have been discussed. Some typical solutions for SERD and SED for sharp V‐notched specimens are investigated.