bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radip light-induced phosphorylation changes in microtubule related proteins in arabidopsis
Authors: Arico Denise Soledad , Wengier Diego Leonardo , Burachik Natalia B. , Mazzella María Agustina
Published: May 2023

Rapid hypocotyl elongation allows buried seedlings to reach the surface, where light triggers de-etiolation and inhibits hypocotyl growth mainly by phytochromes A, B and cryptochromes 1, 2. Dynamic phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events provide a mechanism to rapidly transduce light signals. Only recently we have begun to uncover the earliest phospho-signaling responders to light.

Here, we report a large-scale phosphoproteomic analysis and identify 20 proteins that change their phosphorylation pattern after 20 min of white light pulse compared to darkness. Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) were highly overrepresented in this group. Among them, we studied CIP7 (COP1-INTERACTING-PROTEIN-7), which presented microtubule (MT) localization, in contrast to what was previously described. Phosphorylated isoform in Serine 915 (Sp915) of CIP7 was detected in etiolated seedlings but undetectable after a light pulse in the presence of photoreceptors, while its expression decays with long light exposure.

The short hypocotyl phenotype and rearrangement of MTs in etiolatedcip7mutants are complemented by CIP7-YFP and the phospho-mimetic CIP7S915D-YFP, but not the phospho-null CIP7S915A-YFP suggesting that Sp915CIP7 is the active isoform that promotes hypocotyl elongation thorough MT reorganisation in darkness.

Our results reveal that the small repertory of proteins that changes the phosphorylation status after a rapid light signal is tightly focused on MAPs; suggesting that phospho-regulation of microtubule-base processes are early targets during de-etiolation. The evidence on Sp915CIP7 supports this idea.
Wnt binding to Coatomer proteins directs secretion on exosomes independently of palmitoylation
Authors: Gurriaran-Rodriguez Uxia , Datzkiw David , Radusky Leandro G. , Esper Marie , Xiao Fan , Ming Hong , Fisher Solomon , Rojas Marina A. , De Repentigny Yves , Kothary Rashmi , Rojas Adriana L. , Serrano Luis , Hierro Aitor , Rudnicki Michael A.
Published: May 2023

Wnt proteins are secreted hydrophobic glycoproteins that act over long distances through poorly understood mechanisms. We discovered that Wnt7a is secreted on extracellular vesicles (EVs) following muscle injury. Structural analysis identified the motif responsible for Wnt7a secretion on EVs that we term the Exosome Binding Peptide (EBP). Addition of the EBP to an unrelated protein directed secretion on EVs. Disruption of palmitoylation, knockdown of WLS, or deletion of the N-terminal signal peptide did not affect Wnt7a secretion on purified EVs. Bio-ID analysis identified Coatomer proteins as candidates responsible for loading Wnt7a onto EVs. The crystal structure of EBP bound to the COPB2 coatomer subunit, the binding thermodynamics, and mutagenesis experiments, together demonstrate that a dilysine motif in the EBP mediates binding to COPB2. Other Wnts contain functionally analogous structural motifs. Mutation of the EBP results in a significant impairment in the ability of Wnt7a to stimulate regeneration, indicating that secretion of Wnt7a on exosomes is critical for normal regenerationin vivo. Our studies have defined the structural mechanism that mediates binding of Wnt7a to exosomes and elucidated the singularity of long-range Wnt signalling.
The Arabidopsis SWEET1 and SWEET2 uniporters recognize similar substrates despite differences in subcellular localization
Authors: Gwon Sojeong , Park Jihyun , Huque AKM Mahmudul , Cheung Lily S.
Published: May 2023

Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) are central for sugar allocation in plants. The SWEET family is vast, with approximately 20 homologs in most plant genomes. Despite extensive research on their structures and molecular functions, it is still unclear how diverse SWEETs recognize their substrates. Previous work using SweetTrac1, a biosensor constructed by the intramolecular fusion of a conformation-sensitive fluorescent protein in the plasma membrane transporter SWEET1 fromArabidopsis thaliana, identified common features in the transporter’s substrates. Here, we report SweetTrac2, a new biosensor based on the Arabidopsis vacuole membrane transporter SWEET2 and use it to explore the substrate specificity of this second protein. Our results show that SWEET1 and SWEET2 recognize similar substrates but some with different affinities. Sequence comparison and mutagenesis analysis support the conclusion that the differences in affinity depend on non-specific interactions involving key residues in the binding pocket. Furthermore, SweetTrac2 can be an effective tool for monitoring sugar transport at vacuolar membranes that would be otherwise challenging to study.
N-glycans show distinct spatial distribution in mouse brain
Authors: Noel Maxence , Cummings Richard D. , Mealer Robert G.
Published: May 2023

Protein N-linked glycosylation is a ubiquitous modification in the secretory pathway that plays a critical role in the development and function of the brain. N-glycans have a distinct composition and undergo tight regulation in the brain, but the spatial distribution of these structures remains relatively unexplored. Here, we systematically employed carbohydrate binding lectins with differing specificities to various classes of N-glycans and appropriate controls to identify multiple regions of the mouse brain. Lectins binding high-mannose-type N-glycans, the most abundant class of brain N-glycans, showed diffuse staining with some punctate structures observed on high magnification. Lectins binding specific motifs of complex N-glycans, including fucose and bisecting GlcNAc, showed more partitioned labeling, including to the synapse-rich molecular layer of the cerebellum. Understanding the distribution of N-glycans across the brain will aid future studies of these critical protein modifications in development and disease of the brain.
Citrate cross-feeding betweenPseudomonas aerguinosagenotypes supportslasRmutant fitness
Authors: Mould Dallas L. , Finger Carson E. , Botelho Nico , Stuut Stacie E. , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: May 2023

Across the tree of life, clonal populations—from cancer to chronic bacterial infections — frequently give rise to subpopulations with different metabolic phenotypes. Metabolic exchange or cross-feeding between subpopulations can have profound effects on both cell phenotypes and population-level behavior. InPseudomonas aeruginosa, subpopulations with loss-of-function mutations in thelasRgene are common. Though LasR is often described for its role in density-dependent virulence factor expression, interactions between genotypes suggest potential metabolic differences. The specific metabolic pathways and regulatory genetics enabling such interactions were previously undescribed. Here, we performed an unbiased metabolomics analysis that revealed broad differences in intracellular metabolomes, including higher levels of intracellular citrate in LasR- strains. We found that while both strains secreted citrate, only LasR- strains, consumed citrate in rich media. Elevated activity of the CbrAB two component system which relieves carbon catabolite repression enabled citrate uptake. Within mixed genotype communities, we found that the citrate responsive two component system TctED and its gene targets OpdH (porin) and TctABC (transporter) required for citrate uptake were induced and required for enhanced RhlR signalling and virulence factor expression in LasR- strains. Enhanced citrate uptake by LasR- strains eliminates differences in RhlR activity between LasR+ and LasR- strains thereby circum-venting the sensitivity of LasR- strains to quorum sensing controlled exoproducts. Citrate cross feeding also induces pyocyanin production in LasR- strains co-cultured withStaphylococcus aureus, another species known to secrete biologically-active concentrations of citrate. Metabolite cross feeding may play unrecognized roles in competitive fitness and virulence outcomes when different cell types are together.

IMPORTANCE

Cross-feeding can change community composition, structure and function. Though cross-feeding has predominantly focused on interactions between species, here we unravel a cross-feeding mechanism between frequently co-observed isolate genotypes ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we illustrate an example of how such clonally-derived metabolic diversity enables intraspecies cross-feeding. Citrate, a metabolite released by many cells includingP. aeruginosa, was differentially consumed between genotypes, and this cross-feeding induced virulence factor expression and fitness in genotypes associated with worse disease.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals microenvironment context-specific routes for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreas cancer cells
Authors: Brown Brooke A. , Lazzara Matthew J.
Published: May 2023

In the PDAC tumor microenvironment, multiple factors initiate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs heterogeneously among transformed ductal cells, but it is unclear if different drivers promote EMT through common or distinct signaling pathways. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify the transcriptional basis for EMT in pancreas cancer cells in response to hypoxia or EMT-inducing growth factors. Using clustering and gene set enrichment analysis, we find EMT gene expression patterns that are unique to the hypoxia or growth factor conditions or that are common between them. Among the inferences from the analysis, we find that the FAT1 cell adhesion protein is enriched in epithelial cells and suppresses EMT. Further, the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is preferentially expressed in hypoxic mesenchymal cells in a manner correlating with YAP nuclear localization, which is suppressed by FAT1 expression. AXL inhibition prevents EMT in response to hypoxia but not growth factors. Relationships between FAT1 or AXL expression with EMT were confirmed through analysis of patient tumor scRNA-seq data. Further exploration of inferences from this unique dataset will reveal additional microenvironment context-specific signaling pathways for EMT that may represent novel drug targets for PDAC combination therapies.
The Nβ motif of NaTrxh directs secretion as an endoplasmic reticulum transit peptide and variations might result in different cellular targeting
Authors: Zaragoza-Gómez Andre , García-Caffarel Emilio , Cruz-Zamora Yuridia , González James , Anaya-Muñoz Víctor H. , Cruz-García Felipe , Juárez-Díaz Javier Andrés
Published: May 2023

Soluble secretory proteins with a signal peptide reach the extracellular space through the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi conventional pathway. During translation, the signal peptide is recognised by the secretory recognition particle and results in a co-translational translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum to continue the secretory pathway. However, soluble secretory proteins lacking a signal peptide are also abundant, and several unconventional (endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi independent) pathways have been proposed and some demonstrated. This work describes new features of the secretion signal called Nβ, originally identified in NaTrxh, a plant extracellular thioredoxin, that does not possess an orthodox signal peptide. We provide evidence that other proteins, including thioredoxins typeh, with similar sequences are also signal peptide-lacking secretory proteins. To be a secretion signal, positions 5, 8 and 9 must contain neutral residues –a negative residue in position 9 in animal proteins– to maintain the Nβ motif negatively charged and a hydrophilic profile. Moreover, our results suggest that the NaTrxh translocation to the endoplasmic reticulum occurs as a post-translational event. Finally, the Nβ motif sequence at the N- or C-terminus could be a feature that may help to predict protein localisation, mainly in plant and animal proteins.
Implication of the double-gating mode in a hybrid photon counting detector for measurements of transient heat conduction in GaAs/AlAs superlattice structures
Authors: Naumenko Denys , Burian Max , Marmiroli Benedetta , Haider Richard , Radeticchio Andrea , Wagner Lucas , Piazza Luca , Glatt Lisa , Brandstetter Stefan , Dal Zilio Simone , Biasiol Giorgio , Amenitsch Heinz
Published: May 2023

Understanding and control of thermal transport in solids at the nanoscale are crucial in engineering and enhance the properties of a new generation of optoelectronic, thermoelectric and photonic devices. In this regard, semiconductor superlattice structures provide a unique platform to study phenomena associated with phonon propagations in solids such as heat conduction. Transient X-ray diffraction can directly probe atomic motions and therefore is among the rare techniques sensitive to phonon dynamics in condensed matter. Here, optically induced transient heat conduction in GaAs/AlAs superlattice structures is studied using the EIGER2 detector. Benchmark experiments have been performed at the Austrian SAXS beamline at Elettra–Sincrotrone Trieste operated in the hybrid filling mode. This work demonstrates that drifts of experimental conditions, such as synchrotron beam fluctuations, become less essential when utilizing the EIGER2 double-gating mode which results in a faster acquisition of high-quality data and facilitates data analysis and data interpretation.
High-throughput calculation screening for new silicon allotropes with monoclinic symmetry
Authors: Fan Qingyang , Wu Jie , Zhao Yingbo , Song Yanxing , Yun Sining
Published: May 2023

A total of 87 new monoclinic silicon allotropes are systematically scanned by a random strategy combined with group and graph theory and high-throughput calculations. The new allotropes include 13 with a direct or quasi-direct band gap and 12 with metallic characteristics, and the rest are indirect band gap semiconductors. More than 30 of these novel monoclinic Si allotropes show bulk moduli greater than or equal to 80 GPa, and three of them show even greater bulk moduli than diamond Si. Only two of the new Si allotropes show a greater shear modulus than diamond Si. The crystal structures, stability (elastic constants, phonon spectra), mechanical properties, electronic properties, effective carrier masses and optical properties of all 87 Si monoclinic allotropes are studied in detail. The electron effective masses ml
of five of the new allotropes are smaller than that of diamond Si. All of these novel monoclinic Si allotropes show strong absorption in the visible spectral region. Taken together with their electronic band gap structures, this makes them promising materials for photovoltaic applications. These investigations greatly enrich the current knowledge of the structure and electronic properties of silicon allotropes.
Dynamical scattering in ice-embedded proteins in conventional and scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Leidl Max Leo , Sachse Carsten , Müller-Caspary Knut
Published: May 2023

Structure determination of biological macromolecules using cryogenic electron microscopy is based on applying the phase object (PO) assumption and the weak phase object (WPO) approximation to reconstruct the 3D potential density of the molecule. To enhance the understanding of image formation of protein complexes embedded in glass-like ice in a transmission electron microscope, this study addresses multiple scattering in tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) specimens. This includes the propagation inside the molecule while also accounting for the effect of structural noise. The atoms in biological macromolecules are light but are distributed over several nanometres. Commonly, PO and WPO approximations are used in most simulations and reconstruction models. Therefore, dynamical multislice simulations of TMV specimens embedded in glass-like ice were performed based on fully atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations. In the first part, the impact of multiple scattering is studied using different numbers of slices. In the second part, different sample thicknesses of the ice-embedded TMV are considered in terms of additional ice layers. It is found that single-slice models yield full frequency transfer up to a resolution of 2.5 Å, followed by attenuation up to 1.4 Å. Three slices are sufficient to reach an information transfer up to 1.0 Å. In the third part, ptychographic reconstructions based on scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and single-slice models are compared with conventional TEM simulations. The ptychographic reconstructions do not need the deliberate introduction of aberrations, are capable of post-acquisition aberration correction and promise benefits for information transfer, especially at resolutions beyond 1.8 Å.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (1H-imidazole-κN
3)[N-(2-oxidobenzylidene)tyrosinato-κ3
O,N,O′]copper(II)
Authors: Suzuki Soma , Akiyama Yukihito , Nakane Daisuke , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: May 2023

The title copper(II) complex, [Cu(C16H13NO4)(C3H4N2)], consists of a tridentate ligand synthesized from L-tyrosine and salicylaldehyde. One imidazole molecule is additionally coordinating to the copper(II) ion. The crystal structure features N—H...O, O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the packing are from H...H (37.9%), C...H (28.2%) and O...H/H...O (21.2%) contacts.
(E)-5-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-N′-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbohydrazide
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Farahat Abdelbasset A. , Bekheit Mohamed S. , Yousif Emad , Kariuki Benson M. , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: May 2023

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C25H19N5O3, is composed of two independent molecules with slightly different conformations. The extended structure features N—H...O hydrogen bonds as well as π–π interactions.
LQR and LQG control of the helicopter during landing on the ship deck
Authors: Topczewski Sebastian , Bibik Przemyslaw
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the performance of the designed automatic control system based on the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) algorithms during landing of the helicopter on the ship deck. This paper is a further development of the series based on Topczewski et al. (2020).

Design/methodology/approach

The system consists of two automatic control algorithms based on LQR and the LQG. It is integrated with the ship motion prediction system based on autoregressive algorithm with parameters calculated using Burg’s method. It is assumed that the source of necessary navigation data is integrated Inertial Navigation System with Global Positioning System. Landing of the helicopter on the ship deck is performed in automatic way, based on the preselected procedure. Performance of the control system is analyzed when all necessary navigation data is available for the system and in case when one of the parameters is unavailable during performing the procedure.

Findings

In this paper, description of the designed control system developed for performing the approach and landing of the helicopter using selected procedure is presented. Helicopter dynamic model is validated using the manufacturer data and by test pilots, overview is presented. Necessary information about ship motion model is also included. Tests showing mission performance while using LQR and LQG algorithms applied to the control system are presented and analyzed, taking into account both situations when full navigation data is available/unavailable for the control system.

Practical implications

Results of the system performance analyses can be used for selection of the proper control methodology for prospective helicopters autopilots. Furthermore, the system can be used to analyze the mission safety when information about one of the navigation parameters is identified by the navigation system as unavailable or incorrect and therefore unavailable during landing on the ship deck.

Originality/value

In this paper, control system dedicated for the automatic landing of the helicopter on the ship deck, based on two different control algorithms is presented. Influence of lack of information about one of the navigation parameters on the mission performance is analyzed.
Analysis of longitudinal dynamic stability of tandem wing aircraft
Authors: Figat Marcin , Kwiek Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Tandem wing aircrafts belong to an unconventional configurations group, and this type of design is characterised by a strong aerodynamic coupling, which results in lower induced drag. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether a certain trend in the wingspan impact on aircraft dynamic stability can be identified. The secondary goal was to compare the response to control of flaps placed on a front and rear wing.

Design/methodology/approach

The aerodynamic data and control derivatives were obtained from the computational fluid dynamics computations performed by the MGAERO software. The equations of aircraft longitudinal motion in a state space form were used. The equations were built based on the aerodynamic coefficients, stability and control derivatives. The analysis of the dynamic stability was done in the MATLAB by solving the eigenvalue problem. The response to control was computed by the step response method using MATLAB.

Findings

The results of this study showed that because of a strong aerodynamic coupling, a nonlinear relation between the wing size and aircraft dynamic stability proprieties was observed. In the case of the flap deflection, stronger oscillation was observed for the front flap.

Originality/value

Results of dynamic stability of aircraft in the tandem wing configuration can be found in the literature, but those studies show outcomes of a single configuration, while this paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the impact of wingspan on aircraft dynamic stability. The results reveal that because of a strong aerodynamic coupling, the relation between the span factor and dynamic stability is nonlinear. Also, it has been demonstrated that the configuration of two wings with the same span is not the optimal one from the aerodynamic point of view.
Risk-adjusted farm returns and farm size
Authors: Noumir Ashraf M. , Langemeier Michael R. , Mallory Mindy L.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The average U.S. farm size has risen dramatically over the last three decades. Motives for this trend are the subject of a large body of literature. This study incorporates farm size risk and return analysis into this research stream. In this paper, cross-sectional and temporal relations between farm size and returns are examined and characterized.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on farm level panel data from Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) for 140 farms from 1996 to 2018, this article examines the relationship between farm size and returns and investigates whether farm size is related to risk. Two measures of farm returns are used: excess return on equity and risk-adjusted return on equity. Value of farm production and total farm acres are used as measures of farm size.

Findings

Findings suggest a significant and positive relationship between farm size and excess return on equity as well as farm size and risk-adjusted return on equity. However, this return premium associated with farm size is not associated with additional risk. Stated differently, farm size can be viewed as a farm characteristic that is associated with higher return without additional risk.

Practical implications

These findings provide further support for ongoing farm consolidation.

Originality/value

The results suggest the trend towards consolidation in production agriculture is likely to continue. Larger farms bear less risk.
Characterizing traveling Instagrammers: an exploration of socio-psychological concepts, travel typologies and posting motives
Authors: Egger Roman
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand how traveling Instagrammers should be characterized by bridging socio-psychological concepts with Instagram usage and travel typologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using analysis of variance, differences between non-Instagrammers and passive and active users were identified with regard to their personality traits and human values; traveling Instagrammers and their travel types were characterized in more detail using k-means clustering, and, finally, posting behavior was examined using multiple regression.

Findings

The results demonstrate significant differences between the user groups in terms of their personality traits, their human values and their travel behavior. The multiple regressions provide deeper insights into tourists’ Instagram posting.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted on 1,100 German travelers, meaning that the results are only valid for this cultural context. All data were collected using an online panel and participants received incentives, and thus extrinsic rewards, instead of using merely intrinsic motivation to take part in the survey.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of Instagram usage behavior when traveling and adds valuable insights to this field of research. At the same time, the results are relevant for tourism businesses wishing to optimize their communication and marketing strategies.
University-firm cooperation: how do small and medium-sized enterprises become involved with the university?
Authors: Pereira Rosivalda , Franco Mário
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) perceive the benefits and obstacles with university cooperation for themselves and regional development, setting out from the personal relations the parts have formed.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was adopted, using a sample of 336 Brazilian SMEs that had undertaken some cooperation with universities in the past years.

Findings

From structural equation modelling, results show that interpersonal relations interfere in the type of cooperation formed, these being a catalyst in formalizing the cooperation. These relations also interfere in the perception of barriers and benefits of cooperation for the firm.

Practical implications

The results are clearer in the firm domain and less so in the region, implying that university-SME cooperation does not yet present clearly disseminated benefits so that firms can be more aware of the results. The barriers to cooperation seem to be overcome by interpersonal relations but also by the contracts established since they were more evident in the informal type of cooperation.

Originality/value

This study provides more empirical evidence about these relations in a context of low socio-economic development, a topic which is still under-explored in the field of university-firm cooperation.
Evaluation of concrete workers' interaction with a passive back-support exoskeleton
Authors: Gonsalves Nihar J. , Yusuf Anthony , Ogunseiju Omobolanle , Akanmu Abiola
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Concrete workers perform physically demanding work in awkward postures, exposing their backs to musculoskeletal disorders. Back-support exoskeletons are promising ergonomic interventions designed to reduce the risks of back disorders. However, the suitability of exoskeletons for enhancing performance of concrete workers has not been largely explored. This study aims to assess a passive back-support exoskeleton for concrete work in terms of the impact on the body, usability and benefits of the exoskeleton, and potential design modifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Concrete workers performed work with a passive back-support exoskeleton. Subjective and qualitative measures were employed to capture their perception of the exoskeleton, at the middle and end of the work, in terms of discomfort to their body parts, ease of use, comfort, performance and safety of the exoskeleton, and their experience using the exoskeleton. These were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Findings

The exoskeleton reduced stress on the lower back but caused discomfort to other body parts. Significant correlations were observed between perceived discomfort and usability measures. Design modifications are needed to improve the compatibility of the exoskeleton with the existing safety gears, reduce discomfort at chest and thigh, and improve ease of use of the exoskeleton.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted with eight concrete workers who used the exoskeleton for four hours.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing knowledge on human-wearable robot interaction and provides suggestions for adapting exoskeleton designs for construction work.
Deployment of physical access control (PAC) devices in university settings in Ghana
Authors: Botchway Edward Ayebeng , Agyekum Kofi , Pittri Hayford , Lamina Anthony
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study explores the importance of and vulnerabilities in deploying physical access control (PAC) devices in a typical university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts face-to-face and telephone interviews. This study uses a semi-structured interview guide to solicit the views of 25 interviewees on the subject under consideration. Qualitative responses to the interview are thematically analyzed using NVivo 11 Pro analysis application software.

Findings

The findings reveal five importance and seven vulnerabilities in the deployment of PAC devices in the institution. Key among the importance of deploying the devices are “prevent unwanted premise access or intrusions,” “prevent disruptions to university/staff operations on campus” and “protect students and staff from outside intruders.” Key among the identified vulnerabilities are “tailgating”, “delay in emergent cases” and “power outage may affect its usage.”

Originality/value

This study offers insight into a rare area of study, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Furthermore, the study contributes to the state-of-the-art importance and vulnerabilities in deploying PAC devices in daily human activities. The study is valuable in that it has the potential to establish a foundation for future studies that may delve into investigating issues associated with the deployment of PAC devices.
Social performance, financial risk and financial performance in microfinance institutions
Authors: Singh Kuldeep
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper examine whether social performance moderates the linkage between financial risk and financial performance in microfinance institutions (MFIs). The study focuses on the financial self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability of MFIs.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study uses unbalanced panel data of 2,694 worldwide MFIs from 2009 to 2019. In the first step, the study inspects the impact of social performance and risk on financial performance, proxied as return on assets and operational self-sufficiency. In the second stage, moderated hierarchical regression is applied to test whether social performance moderates the relationship between risk and financial performance. Lastly, the study confirms the significant moderation effects with slope tests.

Findings

The study detects robust evidence that financial risk is negatively related to financial performance. Though social performance exhibits a weak positive link with financial performance in silos, the evidence of its moderating effects on risk is mixed and significant. Social performance indicators, such as the borrower retention rate and female representation, positively moderate the relationship between financial risk and financial performance. The study documents that social performance impacts financial performance and operational self-sufficiency through risk moderation. Thus, social performance fosters the sustainability of these institutions over the long haul.

Research limitations/implications

The study is relevant to academics and theorists to consider the stakeholder approach in microfinancing. In the context of stakeholder theory, the study advances the specific social responsiveness process, namely stakeholder engagement.

Practical implications

The evidence that socially sensitive operations can curtail the adverse effects of credit risks on financial performance signify the required attention to social performance. For MFI managers and practitioners, the findings justify the business case for social performance. Stakeholder engagement, under the auspices of social responsiveness, acts as a risk-mitigation mechanism to eventually foster financial performance and self-sufficiency.

Social implications

The study motivates MFIs to do more for their stakeholders and society by highlighting the benefits of social performance.

Originality/value

The study reaffirms that social performance remains at the epicenter of the MFIs' mission and is an essential risk mitigation mechanism. The study adds to the extant literature on stakeholder engagement and its effects on MFIs.
Despotic vs narcissistic leadership: differences in their relationship to emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions
Authors: Badar Kamal , Aboramadan Mohammed , Plimmer Geoff
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether two types of destructive leadership styles – despotic and narcissistic – predict turnover intentions of nurses via emotional exhaustion, drawing from the conservation of resources theory and the unfolding theory of turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used multiwave data collected from 731 nurses working in Palestinian hospitals. Structural equation modeling using partial least squares was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Both narcissistic and despotic leadership are associated with turnover intentions directly and indirectly through emotional exhaustion. Despotic leadership, however, has a stronger relationship to turnover intention than narcissistic leadership. Despotic and narcissistic leadership are common in this sample.

Practical implications

A strong psycho-safety climate is likely needed to address the harm caused by these destructive leadership styles, and interventions should span primary, secondary and tertiary levels of the public health model. Examples include ensuring strong organizational checks, balances and information flows, job control, support and widespread training; assistance programs such as counseling services; and remediation and repair for harmed individuals and teams.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of the negative, dark or destructive side of leadership specifically in the nursing context. This study compares despotic and narcissistic leadership to examine which one better/worse explains turnover intentions through emotional exhaustion.
Translation of the management control system in a privatised solid waste management network
Authors: Che Pak Nur Azliani Haniza , Ismail Suhaiza , Mohd Alwi Norhayati
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help better understand the translation process of the management control system (MCS) of privatised solid waste management (SWM) towards creating a stable network.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the actor network theory (ANT), the case of a privatised SWM was studied. Data were collected from all entities involved in the privatisation process of SWM, which include Department A, Corporation X and the private sector concessionaire. Six documents were reviewed, 20 interviews were conducted and two observations were carried out.

Findings

The findings reveal that the control mechanism of SWM is complex, involving the interaction between human and non-human actors. Non-human actors include the key performance indicators (KPIs) and the concessionaire agreement (CA), which are the main control mechanisms towards creating a stable SWM network. Essentially, stability is achieved when the KPIs and CA can influence the activities of both intra- and inter-organisational relationships.

Originality/value

This paper provides a better understanding of the translation process of the MCS that adds to the stability of the network of a privatised SWM from the lens of the ANT.
The “PERSPECS” principles: early action and migrant children with no recourse to public funds
Authors: Jolly Andrew
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to make the case for early action approaches with migrant families, introducing a set of principles for practice, mapped against the Professional Capabilities Framework for social work and the Social Work England professional standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first explores the context of social work with migrant families, outlining the challenges and gaps in our conceptual understanding of this work. The paper then introduces a conceptual model of work with migrant families which draws on the literature from social work and allied professions, and informed by social work values and ethics.

Findings

Current social work practice with migrant children has been criticised as defensive, procedural and lacking a coherent conceptual basis, particularly for those who are subject to the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) rule. This field of social work practice would benefit from an evidence-informed model of practice, anchored in human rights approaches and focused on early action. Eight principles, drawn from existing good practice in other social work and social care contexts, are outlined as the basis for a new model of practice in social work with migrant families.

Originality/value

The NRPF rule is a provision in the immigration rules that prevents people who are subject to immigration control from claiming most social security benefits in the UK. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in research about the NRPF rule and its negative impact on children. However, there is currently no evaluated model of social work practice for children and families with NRPF.
Optical character recognition quality affects subjective user perception of historical newspaper clippings
Authors: Kettunen Kimmo , Keskustalo Heikki , Kumpulainen Sanna , Pääkkönen Tuula , Rautiainen Juha
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify user perception of different qualities of optical character recognition (OCR) in texts. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of different quality OCR on users' subjective perception through an interactive information retrieval task with a collection of one digitized historical Finnish newspaper.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the simulated work task model used in interactive information retrieval. Thirty-two users made searches to an article collection of Finnish newspaper Uusi Suometar 1869–1918 which consists of ca. 1.45 million autosegmented articles. The article search database had two versions of each article with different quality OCR. Each user performed six pre-formulated and six self-formulated short queries and evaluated subjectively the top 10 results using a graded relevance scale of 0–3. Users were not informed about the OCR quality differences of the otherwise identical articles.

Findings

The main result of the study is that improved OCR quality affects subjective user perception of historical newspaper articles positively: higher relevance scores are given to better-quality texts.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this simulated interactive work task experiment is the first one showing empirically that users' subjective relevance assessments are affected by a change in the quality of an optically read text.
Ramadhan street food bazaar shopping: investigating the effect of Malaysian Muslim consumer’s visual sensory cues on purchase behaviour and satisfaction
Authors: Azman Nur Ilya Diana Bahrol , Zahari Mohd Salehuddin Mohd , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Ferdian Feri
Published: May 2023

Purpose

There is a paucity of knowledge on how visual sensory cues impact consumers’ purchase behaviour and their satisfaction, especially in Ramadhan street food bazaar context. This study aims to investigate the effect of Muslim consumer’s visual sensory cues on Ramadhan street food purchase behaviour and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 367 Malaysian Muslim consumers to depict their purchase behaviour and satisfaction based on visual sensory cues during their visit to the Ramadhan street food bazaar.

Findings

The findings show that visual sensory evaluations of texture and appearance influence Ramadhan street food bazaar customers’ purchase behaviour. Meanwhile, visual cues of texture and taste of the street bazaar food significantly influenced satisfaction.

Practical implications

The result offers practice guidelines for small food operators to enhance their product placement and display to encourage consumer purchase behaviour. The findings highlight the importance of visual cues in foodservice businesses and how they affect consumers’ desire to consume Ramadhan street bazaar’s food products.

Originality/value

Paying attention to food presentation would allow the sellers to obtain customers’ attention and purchase intention. Subsequently, it allows the Ramadhan street bazaar food sellers to be more competitive and effective in their business operation techniques and services, eventually impacting their survivability and sustainability.
Exploring the role of social capital in public procurement
Authors: EL Bizri Jad , Karttunen Elina , Lintukangas Katrina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to build on social capital theory (SCT) and its dimensions by examining the role of social capital in the public procurement process and by identifying related contingencies that may influence procurement performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review and a thematic analysis regarding social capital in procurement are conducted. The antecedent–behaviour–consequence (ABC) model is used for illuminating linkages between social capital, contingencies and procurement performance.

Findings

The dimensions of social capital are investigated in the procurement process; however, the extent of social capital role can vary between the phases of the process. It is concluded that the contingencies of social dynamics are linked with social capital and may influence the outcomes and performance of the procurement process.

Practical implications

Social capital can ease interactions between public buyers and private suppliers by contributing to effective tendering, improving social interaction in negotiations and balancing rigidity in contract management, supporting the interests of both parties. The provided framework helps decision makers to comprehend the social dynamics in public procurement.

Social implications

Improving social dynamics and solutions in public procurement.

Originality/value

This study extends social capital research in the field of public procurement and creates a framework connecting social capital and prevailing contingency factors to procurement process performance.
Trends of publications on transformational leadership in nursing: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Aydogdu Ana Luiza Ferreira
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the structure of publications on transformational leadership in nursing and determine its evolution process through a bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a descriptive bibliometric study. Data were collected on October 24, 2022, from the Web of Science and analyzed using Excel, VOSviewer, HistCite and Bibliometrix R programs.

Findings

A total of 348 studies conducted by 962 authors and published between 1990 and 2021 were included. It was found that 84.5% of these publications were original articles and 97.7% were published in English. The studies are from 82 different journals and were carried out by researchers from 43 countries. The most productive country was the USA (n = 151).

Research limitations/implications

Only one database was used to search for studies. The searches were limited to the nursing category, and only studies published up to 2021 were included. Another important point is that, although there were no language limitations for the field literature search, English keywords were used; thus, the search can be considered semi-limited. It is believed that more comprehensive search strategies may generate different findings.

Originality/value

Two main themes were identified as the studies carried out in the field of transformational leadership in nursing, generally, directly or indirectly addressed the effects of this style of leadership either on nurses’ performance/job satisfaction or on quality care/patient safety; however, a gap was observed in the literature in the area of nursing education. Researchers can be inspired by the results of the present study, by learning about the focus of published research on transformational leadership, which will encourage them to plan new studies to improve nursing education, nursing care, nursing management and working conditions of nurses. Through the results of this study, it is also possible to learn about countries and researchers for possible collaborations in future studies.
Consumption and voluntary savings response to service tax
Authors: Gupta Sudip , Seal Jayanta Kumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of consumption tax on savings behavior especially on the people who are close to their retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the response in spending and retirement saving using a difference-in-differences regression methodology. The authors use the year since the Public Provident Fund (PPF) enrollment date for each individual as a random assignment to identify the service tax policy's causal impact. Therefore, this variable is a continuous variable defined as an individual's age until the end of the restrictions when people can withdraw money from their retirement savings account PPF without any penalty. The treatment variable is the service tax shock (increase in service tax) that happened effective 1st April 2015.

Findings

The authors find a significant effect of a change in the service tax rate on individuals' spending and PPF saving behavior. On average, individuals lower their consumption by about 14% and increase their PPF savings by 16% in response to the increase in the service tax rate. The authors find substantial heterogeneity in effect across different types of individuals. The effect is more pronounced for people closer to their retirement and needy people (defined as individuals with low traditional savings account balances).

Research limitations/implications

The authors studied the effect of consumption tax on one category of savings (PPF) only. There are other savings instruments available in India. The data for those were not available to us.

Practical implications

This paper not only throws light on the consumption and savings behaviour of the individuals, but will also help the policy maker for framing appropriate fiscal policy.

Originality/value

Using a unique and proprietary data from a large bank in India, the authors analyze the effect of a tax policy change on households' consumption and retirement savings behavior. The authors find that households reduce their consumption by 14% and increase their voluntary retirement savings (Public Provident Fund aka PPF) by 16% in response to an increase in the service tax policy. Individuals close to their retirement age (55 years of age and above) and without any withdrawal restrictions from their PPF account tend to reduce their expenditures more and save more. Individuals with financial constraints and withdrawal restrictions do not reduce their expenditures significantly. To the best of the authors’ knowledge no study was done on this.