bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-GRe : an efficient pipeline to maximised pseudogene prediction in plants/eucaryotes
Authors: Cabanac Sébastien , Dunand Christophe , Mathé Catherine
Published: December 2023

Formerly considered as part of “junk DNA”, pseudogenes are nowadays known for their role in the post-transcriptional regulation of functional genes. In addition, their identification allows a better understanding of gene evolution in the frame of multigenic families. Despite this, there is, to our knowledge, no fully automatic user-friendly software allowing the annotation of pseudogenes on a whole genome. Here, we present Pseudo-Gene Retriever (P-GRe), a fully automated pseudogene prediction software requiring only a genome sequence and its corresponding GFF annotation file. P-GRe detects the sequences of the pseudogenes on a whole genome and returns to the user all their genomic sequences and their pseudo-coding sequences. The ability of P-GRe to finely reconstruct the structure of pseudogenes also allow to obtain a set of proteins virtually encoded by the predicted pseudogenes. We show here that in 70% of the cases, virtual proteins constructed by P-GRe fromArabidopsis thalianaproteome and genome aligned better to their parent protein than their annotated counterpart.
Repeated Activation of Gαq by neurotransmitters causes age-dependent accumulation of stress granules inC.elegans
Authors: Rennie Madison , Scarlata Suzanne
Published: December 2023

Gαq proteins mediate signals from neurotransmitters to transduce calcium signals. In PC12 cells, we have shown that Gαq stimulation results in retraction of neurites and induces the formation of stress granules that sequester two specific mRNAs,ChbgbandATP5f1b. Here, we show that repeated activation of Gαq inC. elegansadversely reduces lifespan potentially through accumulation of stress granules and inefficient recovery from neurite retraction. In the absence of stimulation, we could not detect significant changes in number of stress granules from Day 1-15 worms. Single Gαq activation increases stress granule size through the enlargement of pre-formed particles with younger worms (Day 1-4) being more responsive than older (Day 8). Repeated Gαq stimulation impacts the number of particles through the assembly of nascent particles. Additionally, we a systematic rise in the number of AGL-1 stress granules with repeated Gαq stimulation suggesting that stress granules accumulate in neurons and sequester mRNAs. This idea is supported by immunofluorescence studies of ATP5f1b as well as changes in peristaltic speed. In addition to stress granule accumulation, we find that repeated Gαq activation results in age-dependent morphological defects in mechanosensory neurons. Taken together, studies show that repeated Gαq activation negatively influences the health ofC.elegans.
Lithocholic acid phenocopies rejuvenating and life-extending effects of calorie restriction
Authors: Qu Qi , Chen Yan , Wang Yu , Long Shating , Wang Weiche , Yang Heng-Ye , Li Mengqi , Tian Xiao , Wei Xiaoyan , Liu Yan-Hui , Xu Shengrong , Zhang Cixiong , Zhu Mingxia , Lam Sin Man , Wu Jianfeng , Zhang Baoding , Zheng Zhong-Zheng , Piao Hai-Long , Shui Guanghou , Deng Xianming , Zhang Chen-Song , Lin Sheng-Cai
Published: December 2023

Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary intervention to promote health and longevity. CR causes various metabolic changes in both the production and circulation of metabolites; however, it remains unclear which of the changed metabolite(s) can account for the physiological benefits of CR. Through metabolomic analysis of metabolites undergoing abundance changes during CR and subsequent functional validation, we found that lithocholic acid (LCA) is the only metabolite that alone can recapitulate the effects of CR, including activation of AMPK and the rejuvenating effects of muscle regeneration, grip strength and running capacity in mice. Interestingly, LCA also activates AMPK and exerts life- and health-extending effects inCaenorhabditis elegansandDrosophila melanogaster, indicating that these animal models are able to transmit the signalling of LCA once administered. Knockout of AMPK abrogates LCA-induced phenotypes, in nematodes and flies, as well as in mice. Together, we have identified that administration of the CR-upregulated metabolite LCA alone can confer anti-ageing benefits to metazoans, in an AMPK-dependent manner.
Conserved N-terminal Regulation of the ACA8 Calcium Pump with Two Calmodulin Binding Sites
Authors: Larsen Sigrid Thirup , Dannersø Josephine Karlsen , Nielsen Christine Juul Fælled , Poulsen Lisbeth Rosager , Palmgren Michael , Nissen Poul
Published: December 2023

The autoinhibited plasma membrane calcium ATPase, ACA8 fromA. thalianahas an N-terminal autoinhibitory domain. Calcium-bound calmodulin binding at two sites located at residues 42-62 and 74-96 relieves autoinhibition of ACA8 activity.

We investigated N-terminally truncated ACA8 constructs (WT, Δ20, Δ30, Δ35, Δ37, Δ40, Δ74 and Δ100) to explore the role of conserved motifs in the N-terminal segment preceding the calmodulin binding sites. Furthermore, we purified WT, Δ20- and Δ100-ACA8, tested activityin vitroand performed structural studies of purified Δ20-ACA8 stabilized in its native form to explore the mechanism of autoinhibition.

Through activity studies and a yeast complementation assay, we show that an N-terminal segment between residues 20 and 35, upstream of the calmodulin binding sites, is important for autoinhibition and the activation by calmodulin, and that a conserved Phe32 is essential for autoinhibition. Cryo-EM structure determination at 3.3 Å resolution of a beryllium fluoride inhibited form shows no autoinhibition, but a low-resolution structure for an E1 state indicates autoinhibitory domain binding consistent with the mutational studies and AlphaFold predicted structures.
Transcriptomic analysis of N-terminal mutatedTrypanosoma cruziUBP1 knockdown underlines the importance of this RNA-binding protein in parasite development
Authors: Sabalette Karina B. , Campo Vanina A. , Sotelo-Silveira José R. , Smircich Pablo , De Gaudenzi Javier G.
Published: December 2023

During its life cycle, the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi must quickly adapt to different environments, in which the variation in the gene expression of the regulatory U-rich RNA-binding protein 1 (TcUBP1) plays a crucial role. We have previously demonstrated that the overexpression of TcUBP1 in insect-dwelling epimastigotes orchestrates an RNA regulon to promote differentiation to infective forms. In an attempt to generate TcUBP1 knockout parasites by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, in the present study, we obtained a variant transcript that encodes a protein with 95% overall identity and a modified N-terminal sequence. The expression of this mutant protein, named TcUBP1mut, was notably reduced compared to that of the endogenous form found in normal cells. TcUBP1mut-knockdown epimastigotes exhibited normal growth and differentiation into infective metacyclic trypomastigotes and were capable of infecting mammalian cells. We analyzed the RNA-Seq expression profiles of these parasites and identified 276 up- and 426 downregulated genes with respect to the wildtype control sample. RNA-Seq comparison across distinct developmental stages revealed that the transcriptomic profile of these TcUBP1mut-knockdown epimastigotes significantly differs not only from that of epimastigotes in the stationary phase but also from the gene expression landscape characteristic of infective forms. This is both contrary to and consistent with the results of our recent study involving TcUBP1-overexpressing cells. Together, our findings demonstrate that the genes exhibiting opposite changes under overexpression and knockdown conditions unveil key mRNA targets regulated by TcUBP1. These mostly encompass transcripts that encode for trypomastigote-specific surface glycoproteins and ribosomal proteins, supporting a role for TcUBP1 in determining the molecular characteristics of the infective stage.
Assessment of phytoplanktonic community and abiotic parameters of Rana stream in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Bains N. , Banyal H.S.
Published: December 2023

This research paper gives insight into the physico-chemical characteristics of the Rana stream located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India, with a particular emphasis on the diversity of diatoms. During the course of this study, eight genera of phytoplankton were identified. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation unveiled significant associations between the physicochemical parameters and the different groups of diatoms. To assess the diversity of phytoplankton within the stream, several diversity indices were employed. Highest diversity was observed during the month of February. Furthermore, the calculation of water quality indices for the Rana stream yielded values falling within the range of 47.34 to 59.01. This range signifies that the water quality within the Rana stream can be categorized according to the Water Quality Index (WQI) scale, spanning from “good” to “poor.” It is worth noting that the presence of a diverse assembly of pollution-tolerant diatoms such asFragilaria, Navicula, Gomphonema, andCymbella, particularly during the month of March, which coincided with the period of the poorest water quality, is indicative of the eutrophic nature of the stream.
Dopamine Prediction Error Signaling in a Unique Nigrostriatal Circuit is Critical for Associative Fear Learning
Authors: Zafiri Daphne , Salinas-Hernández Ximena I. , De Biasi Eloah S. , Rebelo Leonor , Duvarci Sevil
Published: December 2023

Learning by experience that certain cues in the environment predict danger is crucial for survival. How dopamine (DA) circuits drive this form of associative learning is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that DA neurons projecting to a unique subregion of the dorsal striatum, the posterior tail of the striatum (TS), encode an aversive prediction error (PE) signal during associative fear learning. These DA neurons are necessary specifically during acquisition of fear learning, but not once the fear memory is formed, and are not required for forming cue-reward associations. Notably, temporally-precise excitation of DA terminals in TS is sufficient to enhance fear learning. Furthermore, neuronal activity in TS is crucial for acquisition of associative fear learning and learning-induced activity patterns in TS critically depend on DA input. Together, our results reveal that DA PE signaling in a non-canonical nigrostriatal circuit is crucial for driving associative fear learning.
Ovothiol is a redundant part of a complex thiol network in promastigoteLeishmania mexicana
Authors: Bolton Victoria L. , Regnault Clement , Morrison Lesley S. , Khanra Supriya , Ritchie Ryan , Hargrave Kerrie E. , Burchmore Richard J.S. , MacLeod Megan K.L. , Barrett Michael P.
Published: December 2023

A gene encoding OvoA, a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of ovothiol, was excised form the genome of Leishmania mexicana promastigotes using CRISPR/cas mediated gene editing. The role of the enzyme in synthesising ovothiol was confirmed since both ovothiol A and ovothiol B were lost from the metabolome of the modified cells. The OvoA knockout line had similar growth kinetics to wild-type progenitor cells and, moreover, most of the changes in metabolism that accompanied the transition of log stage growth to stationary phase were mirrored in the KO line. Significant differences, however, were observed in the ratio of the reduced and oxidised forms of the other major low molecular weight thiols, glutathione and trypanothione, indicative of a role of these other thiols in maintaining reduced ovothiol and demonstrating an interconnected network of low molecular weight thiols in these cells. The OvoA knockout cells remained infective to macrophages where promastigotes transformed to amastigote forms in a manner similar to wild-type. The knockout line was tested for sensitivity to a range of current anti-leishmanial drugs and oxidative and nitrosative stresses. While generally the absence of ovothiol caused little or no change in sensitivity to these stress-inducing agents, enhanced sensitivity to amphotericin B was noted.

Author summary

Ovothiol is a low molecular weight histidine-derived thiol first described in sea urchin eggs, and later found in many organisms, including the protozoa of the order Kinetoplastida, that includes human pathogens such as the Leishmania species that cause leishmaniasis. Thiol metabolism in the Kinetoplastidae has been studied in some detail, particularly with regard to an unusual bis-glutathione, spermidine conjugate named trypanothione that takes on many of the roles performed by glutathione in most other organisms. Roles for ovothiol in Leishmania have not been previously defined, although potential roles in defence against oxidative stress have been hypothesised. A gene encoding the first enzyme of the pathway involved in ovothiol production, OvoA, was excised from theLeishmania mexicanagenome. Its role in ovothiol synthesis was confirmed as ovothiol was absent from the mutants. Little changed, however, with respect to the phenotype of these cells, including their proliferation rate, their ability to infect macrophages or their sensitivity to a range of stress inducing agents. These included several leishmanicidal drugs, oxidative and nitrosative stresses. For amphotericin B, however, the Ovothiol lacking cells were more sensitive than wild-type indicating some role in defence against the impact of this drug.
Mitotic chromosomes harbor cell type and species-specific structural features within a universal looping architecture
Authors: Oomen Marlies E. , Fox A Nicole , Gonzalez Inma , Molliex Amandine , Papadopoulou Thaleia , Navarro Pablo , Dekker Job
Published: December 2023

The architecture of mammalian mitotic chromosomes is considered to be universal across species and cell types. However, some studies suggest that features of mitotic chromosomes might be cell type or species specific. We previously reported that CTCF binding in human differentiated cell lines is lost in mitosis, whereas mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) display prominent binding at a subset of CTCF sites in mitosis. Here, we perform parallel footprint ATAC-seq data analyses of mESCs and somatic mouse and human cells to further explore these differences. We then investigate roles of mitotically bound (bookmarked) CTCF in prometaphase chromosome organization by Hi-C. We do not find any remaining interphase structures such as TADs or CTCF loops at mitotically bookmarked CTCF sites in mESCs. This suggests that mitotic loop extruders condensin I and II are not blocked by bound CTCF, and thus that any remaining CTCF binding does not alter mitotic chromosome folding. Lastly, we compare mitotic Hi-C data generated in this study in mouse with publicly available data from human and chicken cell lines. We do not find any cell type specific differences; however, we do find a difference between species. The average genomic size of mitotic loops is much smaller in chicken (200-350 kb), compared to human (500-750 kb) and mouse (1-2 mb). Interestingly, we find that this difference in loop size is correlated with the average genomic length of the q-arm in these species, a finding we confirm by microscopy measurements of chromosome compaction. This suggests that the dimensions of mitotic chromosomes can be modulated through control of sizes of loops generated by condensins to facilitate species-appropriate shortening of chromosome arms.
Structural studies of a serum amyloid A octamer that is primed to scaffold lipid nanodiscs
Authors: Nady Asal , Reichheld Sean E. , Sharpe Simon
Published: December 2023

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a highly conserved acute-phase protein that acts on multiple pro-inflammatory pathways during the inflammatory response and is used as a biomarker of inflammation. It has also been linked to beneficial roles in tissue repair through improved clearance of lipids and cholesterol. In patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, elevated SAA may contribute to increased severity of the underlying condition. The majority of circulating SAA is bound to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), stabilizing SAA and altering its functional properties, likely through altered accessibility of protein-protein interaction sites on SAA. While high-resolution structures for lipid-free forms of SAA have been reported, their relationship with the lipid or HDL-bound forms of the protein, has not been established. We used multiple biophysical techniques, including SAXS, TEM, SEC-MALS, native gel electrophoresis, glutaraldehyde crosslinking, and trypsin digestion to characterize the lipid-free and lipid-bound forms of SAA. SAXS and TEM data show the presence of soluble octamers of SAA with structural similarity to the ring-like structures reported for lipid-free ApoA-I. These SAA octamers represent a previously uncharacterized structure for lipid-free SAA and are capable of scaffolding lipid nanodiscs with similar morphology to those formed by ApoA-I. SAA-lipid nanodiscs contain four SAA molecules and have similar exterior dimensions as the lipid-free SAA octamer, suggesting that relatively few conformational rearrangements are required for lipid binding. This study suggests a new model for SAA-lipid interactions and provides new insight into the ability of SAA to stabilize protein-lipid nanodiscs or even replace ApoA-I on HDL particles during inflammation.
ERLIN1 may be involved in DHRS1-induced Change in Lipid Droplet Morphology in HeLa Cell
Authors: Bamigbade Adekunle Toyin , Ogunsade Ololade Omolara , Xu Shimeng , Deng Yaqin , Liu Pingsheng
Published: December 2023

Dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR family) member1, DHRS1, a member of the conserved short chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily, has been identified in lipid droplets proteome of different cells and tissues. However, until now, little is known about the potential role of DHRS1 on the lipid droplet (LD). Here, we report that DHRS1 localized to the lipid droplet in Huh7 and HeLa cells and ectopic expression of DHRS1 in HeLa cell induced a significant change in the lipid droplet morphology resulting in nearly 2 fold increase both in lipid droplet size and total triacylglycerol level independent of oleic acid treatment. DHRS1 interacted with ERLIN1, a non-caveolae lipid raft-like domain marker, in HeLa cell and ERLIN1 deficient HeLa cells displayed no detectable change in LD morphology. Although ectopic expression of DHRS1-GFP fusion protein in ERLIN1 deficient HeLa cells resulted in fewer GFP-labeled ring structures relative to WT HeLa cell; thus suggesting that ERLIN1 may be involved in regulating DHRS1 protein turnover. Taken together, these data showed that DHRS1 localized to the LD and induced a significant change in LD morphology which may be regulated by ERLIN1.
Participant-oriented evaluation through participatory action research: a case study of a community engagement approach
Authors: Nagy Szilvia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This article explores the applicability of participatory action research (PAR) on two levels: on the one hand, as a participatory evaluation method for community engagement and community development; on the other hand, as a tool to link ex ante and ex-post evaluation that situated at various stages of the policy cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a practice-based case study of the community engagement process of Valletta Design Cluster, this paper aims to illustrate how PAR can offer collaborative and continuous evaluation by facilitating social action through a practical, situative, context-bounded, responsive and transformative framework.

Findings

The study explores how PAR can contribute to cultural sustainability by linking community development with participatory evaluation, and it offers new perspectives on the applicability of PAR as a tool to link ex ante and ex-post evaluation, situated at various stages of the policy cycle.

Research limitations/implications

Although based on a single case, the paper demonstrates that the method has the potential to be applied in various contexts, as it helps to foster local ownership and to develop future cultural strategies, thus providing a base for cultural sustainability.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to link evaluation – a majorly top-down and ex ante approach – with participatory planning. PAR-E offers a continuous participatory framework for the whole European Capitals of Culture (ECoC) cycle, as well as serving as a tool for empowerment and community development.
Implementation of lean principles in the yarn manufacturing industry: a system dynamics approach
Authors: Narassima M.S. , Aashrith V. , Aldo Ronald C. , Anbuudayasankar S.P. , Thenarasu M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The textile industry contributes 2 and 3% to the global and Indian Gross Domestic Product (GDP), respectively. India supplies a quarter of global cotton yarn. Yet, most yarn manufacturing companies use outdated methods and lack organisational skills and strategies. Improvement in processes in India could significantly help the industry worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables that influence the performance of the system were identified. Their interrelationships and impact were identified from the employees in the chosen case study, a yarn manufacturing industry. A System Dynamics (SD) approach was employed to study the benefits of implementing 5S lean strategies. The impact of each variable on various performance measures such as throughput, Work In Progress, processing time, waiting time, idle time, over-processing and scraps was analysed.

Findings

Improvement in outcomes reflected an enhanced adoption of leanness in the industry. The decision-makers can utilise this study to optimise the necessary parameters in the system and attain the desired productivity levels. Better resource management and reduced processing time helped increase the despatch rate by 9.735% and decrease the WIP by 23.01%. Time management helped to reduce the inventory, idle time and waiting time. Over-processing, defects and scraps were minimised, indicating a shift towards lean.

Research limitations/implications

This study pioneers the use of SD simulation models for optimising yarn manufacturing using lean strategies. Improvement in performance measures by integrating these strategies opens avenues for future research using multiple approaches to address a problem.

Practical implications

Implementing 5S lean principles and simulations enhances productivity, reduces waste and optimises resource management for the yarn manufacturing industry. Decision-makers can employ simulation to witness the outcomes of their changes without investing cost and time and without associated implementation risks.

Originality/value

The use of a simulation model to witness the benefits of incorporating lean strategies in yarn production has not been explored. This approach could help the managers and policymakers understand their existing system's shortcomings and critical areas that require improvement.
Impacts of South Asian's culture, income, education and expectations on parental involvement in children's academic achievement
Authors: Rasool Shahid , Aydin Hasan , Zhang Jingshun
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this quantitative study was to fill the knowledge gap and to investigate relationships between cultural background and various demographic factors influencing parental involvement behaviors that prompt them to engage in their children's academic activities.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was used to collect data to answer research questions and explore relationships between variables (Fraenkel et al., 2015). The researchers created the survey on Qualtrics and conducted a pilot study to improve the survey based on the recommendations of the pilot study's participants. Some items were reworded suggested by an expert committee to finalize the instrument. This survey mainly consisted of two sections to collect data on participants' demographics and cultural background. The participants used multiple-choice options to answer items pertaining to family demographics. They were asked to use a 5-point Likert scale: very often = 5, often = 4, sometimes = 3, rarely = 2 and never = 1 to respond to survey items regarding cultural background and parental involvement behaviors.

Findings

The correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant relationship between parents' expectations, educational level and their involvement behaviors in children's academic achievement. However, parents' income and cultural background had no statistically significant relationships with parental involvement in their children's academic achievement.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study have potentially broad implications for educational leaders, policymakers, educators and parents to develop policies for diverse students to enhance their educational achievements.

Originality/value

The researchers reviewed extensive literature and found the gap in regional studies particularly related to one of the fastest-growing, financially stable and highly educated ethnic groups in the country. The researchers developed a brand new instrument on Qualtrics and distributed a survey via online and direct administration to collect primary data from 200 participants.
Factors affecting entrepreneurial intentions among students in higher education institutions
Authors: Al-Tekreeti Tabarek , Al Khasawneh Mohammad , Dandis Ala' Omar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the factors affecting individual dispositions toward intentions. Specifically, this study aims to investigate the effects of emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial motivation and creativity on the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from a sample of 745 university students in Jordan. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares (PLS) analysis.

Findings

The results indicate a robust relationship between entrepreneurial motivation and creativity and entrepreneurial intention. However, an insignificant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial intention. The findings of this study reveal that both creativity and emotional intelligence exert a significant and positive indirect effect on entrepreneurial intentions through the mediation of entrepreneurial motivation.

Practical implications

This work suggests that university administrators should consider the significant roles that emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial motivation and creativity play in shaping the entrepreneurial intentions of university students.

Originality/value

While there is limited existing research on this matter within the Middle Eastern context, especially in Jordan, this study aims to address this gap in the Jordanian entrepreneurial literature. As the first of its kind conducted within Jordanian universities, this study contributes significantly to the understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics in the region. Using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, this study evaluates emotional intelligence in Jordan. The results contribute to social psychology literature and suggest actionable government measures, integrated into education systems, to encourage entrepreneurial paths for students and alleviate graduate unemployment.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do: the effect of characteristics of capitalism on environmental performance
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , Oliveira Marcelle Colares , Lozano Maria Belen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of characteristics of capitalism on environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed a sample of 6,257 companies, based in 55 countries and 8 typologies of capitalism. The independent variables are the characteristics of capitalism, measured through five indicators: cooperation between employees and employers, index of economic freedom, local competition between industries, human development index (HDI) and quality of the governance environment. To measure environmental performance, the authors created an index composed of 20 indicators. Data were analyzed using panel data regression and dynamic panel of the generalized method of moments.

Findings

The results indicate that the characteristics of capitalism can shape the environmental behavior of companies. The authors find that in countries with better cooperation between employees and employers, more economic freedom, and competition between firms, in addition to better HDI and national governance, companies have higher environmental performance. When they are in more developed countries, companies have a greater environmental performance.

Practical implications

Managers must consider the country's characteristics of capitalism when making their environmental decisions and strategies. The findings invite governments to incorporate into their regulations mechanisms to protect other interest groups, not just shareholders.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined environmental performance, which is less susceptible to greenwashing. The metric for environmental performance measures the company's concrete effort in relation to environmental issues and not just the disclosure of information. Additionally, the authors examine characteristics of capitalism supported by Varieties of Capitalism, an approach still little explored in the environmental management.
How do takeovers in the United Kingdom split value gains between domestic deals' parties?
Authors: da Graca Tarcisio
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to address the question: What is the distribution of value (in pounds) created in a sample of domestic takeovers in the United Kingdom from 2013 to 2020 among acquirer and target stockholders?

Design/methodology/approach

The author employs a traditional event study methodology to calculate the percentage excess returns of companies on the announcement date. These returns are then converted into pound-denominated excess returns using the companies' market capitalizations. This allows the author to estimate the synergies of the mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and how they are allocated between acquirers and targets. This innovative transformation from percentage to pound excess returns establishes a new ratio methodology for addressing the paper's objective.

Findings

This paper reveals that in UK takeovers, 40 percent of the synergies in pounds are allocated to the stockholders of acquiring companies, while 60 percent go to the stockholders of target companies. In other words, acquirers retain a significant portion—more than half—of the synergies generated in these domestic deals. This original finding is statistically significant at the one percent level and strongly contradicts the hypothesis that acquirers, at best, merely break even.

Originality/value

The evidence that UK takeovers distribute value gains nearly equally between domestic deal parties challenges the enduring conventional insight in the M&A literature. This conventional wisdom suggests that the value created by business combinations is entirely distributed to target company stockholders. Consequently, this reexamination may have broader implications, offering an alternative perspective on the motives behind business combinations. This perspective differs from the “managerial hubris hypothesis,” which aligns with the prevailing conventional insight but receives limited support in the original finding reported here.
Changes in repo markets and the necessity for CCPs in Korea
Authors: Yoon Sun-Joong
Published: December 2023

In 2022, US financial regulators proposed to mandate a single central clearing mechanism for treasury bonds and repo transactions to stabilize financial markets. The systemic risks inherent in repo markets were first highlighted by the global financial crisis and, as a response, global financial authorities such as the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and Bank for International Settlements (BIS) have advocated for the introduction of a central counterparty (CCP). This study examines the structural characteristics of Korean repo markets and proposes the introduction of CCPs as a way to mitigate systemic risk. To this end, the author analyzes the structural differences between US and European repo markets and estimates the potential consequences of introducing CCP clearing in local repo markets. In general, CCPs offer two benefits: they can reduce required capital through netting in multilateral transactions, and they can mitigate the effects of risk transfer by isolating counterparty risk during periods of turbulence. In Korea, the latter effect is expected to play a pivotal role in mitigating potential risks.
Exploring the effects of e-service quality and e-trust on consumers' e-satisfaction and e-loyalty: insights from online shoppers in Pakistan
Authors: Ashiq Rubab , Hussain Asad
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of e-service quality and e-trust on customer e-satisfaction and, subsequently, on customer e-loyalty towards a website in the online shopping environment of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a quantitative approach and utilised structural equation modelling to investigate the relationship between e-service quality and e-trust on consumers’ e-satisfaction and e-loyalty. The data were collected from 250 individuals who actively use online shopping websites to purchase products in Pakistan.

Findings

The findings revealed that e-service quality and e-trust offered on e-commerce websites significantly impacted customer e-loyalty. However, it was found that both e-service quality and e-trust do not have a significant impact on customer e-satisfaction. In addition, the findings showed that customer e-satisfaction positively impacts e-loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, these findings emphasise the importance of e-service quality, e-trust and customer e-satisfaction and their role in cultivating customer loyalty within the context of the online shopping environment in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on online shopping in Pakistan by exploring the factors influencing consumer behaviour in this context. The findings add to the academic understanding of consumer behaviour and provide valuable insights for e-commerce businesses in Pakistan.
Knowledge transfer as transformative dialogue: a pedagogical view on learning and meta-knowledge transfer in a leadership development program
Authors: Ohlsson Jon
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the links between leaders' creation of knowledge in the setting of a leadership development program and the transfer of knowledge to their own organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study of a leadership development program conducted during 2020–2022. The program was focused on how to lead and manage learning and knowledge processes in organizations, and offered a mix of theoretical perspectives and practical collaborative sessions. Data were collected through interviews and the participants' written reflections on their learning experiences. Total number of interviews was 13.

Findings

Overall the participants showed many examples of how they applied theories and practical tools that they had learned during the program in their own organizations. The participants experienced different types of challenges regarding knowledge transfer, but also potential meta-knowledge transfer through dialogue.

Practical implications

Pedagogical organizing of leadership development point to a need for supplementary dialogue between the leader of the development program and both the participating leader and manager.

Originality/value

This study shows that meta-knowledge transfer is not a simple matter of moving codified knowledge from the development program to new settings. Knowledge about others' knowledge requires and stimulates subject-to-subject relations between people through which new knowledge potential is created. These findings confirm and enhance previous studies that indicate the need for social support for soft-skill knowledge transfer.
Development and validation of a scale to measure subjective liminality: individual differences in the perception of in-betweenness
Authors: Dhar Udayan , Boyatzis Richard
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Modern careers are marked by periods of feeling betwixt, or “in-between,” – yet, there is no validated measure of this experience, recognized as subjective liminality. The present research aims to (1) operationalize subjective liminality and (2) develop and validate a scale to measure it.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was used to operationalize subjective liminality, and the scale validation was performed using four separate samples: 150 workers on M-Turk, 151 graduate and professional students at a large Midwestern University, 252 unemployed individuals in the US and Canada, and 416 full-time employed individuals in the US.

Findings

Subjective liminality was conceptualized as a second-order latent construct reflected by three dimensions: feelings of anxiety, ambiguity and reduced group identification. A 9-item scale was developed and validated to measure it.

Originality/value

This study clarifies and measures an emergent construct in the career transition and organizational change literature.
Investigation on performance of prestressed hollow core slabs exposed to elevated temperatures
Authors: Jeyashree T.M. , Kannan Rajkumar P.R.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study focused on identifying critical factors governing the fire response of prestressed hollow-core slabs. The hollow-core slabs used as flooring units can be subjected to elevated temperatures during a fire. The fire response of prestressed hollow-core slabs is required to develop slabs with greater fire endurance. The present study aims to determine the extent to which the hollow-core slab can sustain load during a fire without undergoing progressive collapse under extreme fire and heating scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite element model was generated to predict the fire response of prestressed hollow core slabs under elevated temperatures. The accuracy of the model was predicted by examining thermal and structural responses through coupled temperature displacement analysis. A sensitivity analysis was performed to study the effects of concrete properties on prediction of system response. A parametric study was conducted by varying the thickness of the slab, fire and heating scenarios.

Findings

Thermal conductivity and specific heat of concrete were determined as sensitive parameters. The thickness of the slab was identified as a critical factor at a higher load level. Asymmetric heating of the slab resulted in higher fire resistance compared with symmetric heating.

Originality/value

This is the first study focused on studying the effect of modeling uncertainties on the system response by sensitivity analysis under elevated temperatures. The developed model with a parametric study helps in identifying critical factors for design purposes.
A frontier-based parametric framework for exploring the competition–efficiency nexus in commercial banking: insights from an emerging economy
Authors: Srivastava Bhavya , Singh Shveta , Jain Sonali
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present study assesses the commercial bank profit efficiency and its relationship to banking sector competition in a rapidly growing emerging economy, India from 2009 to 2019 using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA).

Design/methodology/approach

Lerner indices, conventional and efficiency-adjusted, quantify competition. Two SFA models are employed to calculate alternative profit efficiency (inefficiency) scores: the two-step time-decay approach proposed by Battese and Coelli (1992) and the recently developed single-step pairwise difference estimator (PDE) by Belotti and Ilardi (2018). In the first step of the BC92 framework, profit inefficiency is calculated, and in the second step, Tobit and Fractional Regression Model (FRM) are utilized to evaluate profit inefficiency correlates. PDE concurrently solves the frontier and inefficiency equations using the maximum likelihood process.

Findings

The results suggest that foreign banks are less profit efficient than domestic equivalents, supporting the “home-field advantage” hypothesis in India. Further, increasing competition drives bank managers to make riskier lending and investment choices, decreasing bank profit efficiency. However, this effect varies depending on bank ownership and size.

Originality/value

Literature on the competition bank efficiency link is conspicuously scant, with a focus on technical and cost efficiency. Less is known regarding the influence of competition on bank profit efficiency. The article is one of the first to examine commercial bank profit efficiency and its relationship to banking sector competition. Additionally, the study work represents one of the first applications of the FRM presented by Papke and Wooldridge (1996) and the PDE provided by Belotti and Ilardi (2018).
Steady melting in material extrusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Colon Austin R. , Kazmer David Owen , Peterson Amy M. , Seppala Jonathan E.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

A main cause of defects within material extrusion (MatEx) additive manufacturing is the nonisothermal condition in the hot end, which causes inconsistent extrusion and polymer welding. This paper aims to validate a custom hot end design intended to heat the thermoplastic to form a melt prior to the nozzle and to reduce variability in melt temperature. A full 3D temperature verification methodology for hot ends is also presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Infrared (IR) thermography of steady-state extrusion for varying volumetric flow rates, hot end temperature setpoints and nozzle orifice diameters provides data for model validation. A finite-element model is used to predict the temperature of the extrudate. Model tuning demonstrates the effects of different model assumptions on the simulated melt temperature.

Findings

The experimental results show that the measured temperature and variance are functions of volumetric flow rate, temperature setpoint and the nozzle orifice diameter. Convection to the surrounding air is a primary heat transfer mechanism. The custom hot end brings the melt to its setpoint temperature prior to entering the nozzle.

Originality/value

This work provides a full set of steady-state IR thermography data for various parameter settings. It also provides insight into the performance of a custom hot end designed to improve the robustness of melting in MatEx. Finally, it proposes a strategy for modeling such systems that incorporates the metal components and the air around the system.
Long‐term effects of intercropping on multi‐trophic structure and bio‐thermodynamic health of mixed Eucalyptus‐native tree plantations
Authors: Wang Yanjia , Lin Yongbiao , Zhang Lei , Liu Siyu , Wang Jun , Tian Yang , Campbell Daniel E. , Lin Ruoyi , Ren Hai , Lu Hongfang
Published: December 2023

The intercropping approach of Eucalyptus and native trees has been widely recommended, as an ideal replacement for monoculture Eucalyptus plantations (EUs), to ameliorate global biodiversity loss and mitigate environmental change. However, both suitable native tree species (NS) and the best intercropping ratio between Eucalyptus and native trees have not been determined.

To fill this gap, a four‐level intercropping gradient of Eucalyptus urophylla planted with eight NS was set up (i.e., 20%NS, 30%NS, 40%NS, 50%NS), monitored and compared with a monoculture E. urophylla plantation (EU) and a randomly mixed plantation of nine NS in southern China.

The results showed that, the intercropping ratio of Eucalyptus and native trees had a long‐term effect on tree layer structure and health status, and a cascading effect on the thermodynamic health state of soil microbes. Shade‐tolerant woody species are more suitable for intercropping with Eucalyptus. Intercropping plantations with not less than 30% native trees were more favourable for long‐term survival and growth of both planted Eucalyptus and native trees, and provided much more favourable conditions for the natural immigration of other native trees, which leads to a healthy plant community with significantly higher eco‐exergy than EU. The initial mixing ratio between Eucalyptus and high diversity native trees affected soil fertility through its long‐term effects on the biodiversity and bio‐thermodynamic state of trees and soil microbes.

Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the long‐term positive effect of the intercropping ratio of Eucalyptus and high diversity native trees on multi‐trophic biodiversity conservation, bio‐thermodynamic health development and soil fertility conservation. In the conversion of monoculture EUs to multi‐species plantations, it is recommended to mix more than 30% NS, which have different ecological niches with Eucalyptus.
Gender and cross‐boundary mobility preferences: the moderating effects of organisational and occupational contexts
Authors: Duan Jiali , Kim Sunghoon , Su Zhong‐Xing
Published: December 2023

The role of gender in career mobility is a major practical and scholarly concern. Drawing on boundaryless career literature and social role theory, we examined whether gender influences employees' psychological mobility, whether this influence varies depending on the nature of career boundaries (the boundaries of job, organisation and industry) and whether it is contingent on organisational or occupational characteristics. We conducted cross‐classified multilevel analyses on 3,527 Australian employees nested within 725 organisations and 43 occupations. The results suggest that females show higher mobility preferences than males when it comes to crossing industries but not changing organisations or jobs. However, their preference for crossing career boundaries is significantly reduced when their organisation has a strong presence of female leadership. We also find that in female‐dominated occupations, females show a higher cross‐organisational mobility preference than males, while in male‐dominated occupations, females show a lower cross‐organisational mobility preference.
Numerical Simulation of Rainfall‐induced Xianchi Reservoir Landslide in Yunyang, Chongqing, China
Authors: YAN Jinkai , MA Yan , LIU Lei , WANG Zhihui , REN Tianxiang
Published: December 2023

A calamitous landslide happened at 22:00 on September 1, 2014 in the Yunyang area of Chongqing City, southwest China, enforcing the evacuation of 508 people and damaging 23 buildings. The landslide volume comprised 1.44 million m3 of material in the source area and 0.4 million m3 of shoveled material. The debris flow runout extended 400 m vertically and 1600 m horizontally. The Xianchi reservoir landslide event has been investigated as follows: (1) samples collected from the main body of landslide were carried out using GCTS ring shear apparatus; (2) the parameters of shear and pore water pressure have been measured; and (3) the post‐failure characteristics of landslide have been analyzed using the numerical simulation method. The excess pore‐water pressure and erosion in the motion path are considered to be the key reasons for the long‐runout motion and the scale‐up of landslides, such as that at Xianchi, were caused by the heavy rainfall. The aim of this paper is to acquired numerical parameters and the basic resistance model, which is beneficial to improve simulation accuracy for hazard assessment for similar to potentially dangerous hillslopes in China and elsewhere.