bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clamping of the Aortic Arch Vessels During Normothermic Regional Perfusion After Circulatory Death Prevents the Return of Brain Activity in a Porcine Model
Authors: Dalsgaard Frederik F. , Moeslund Niels , Zhang Zhang L. , Pedersen Michael , Qerama Erisela , Beniczky Sandor , Ryhammer Pia , Ilkjær Lars B. , Erasmus Michiel , Eiskjær Hans
Published: January 2022

Background.

The cerebral effect of clamping following normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in donation after circulatory death (DCD) remains unknown. We investigated the effect of cerebral reperfusion during NRP and the preventive effect of clamping on brain function in a porcine model.

Methods.

In 16 pigs, intracranial physiological parameters were recorded, including pressure, cerebral blood perfusion (CBF), temperature, and oxygen. Additionally, electroencephalography (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were used to assess brain function. The animals were cannulated for the heart-lung machine, and baseline measurements were performed before withdrawal from life support. After 8 min of mechanical asystole, the animals were randomly allocated to clamp (n = 8) or nonclamp (n = 8) of the aortic arch vessels. After 30 min of NRP, the animals were monitored for 3 h after weaning (AW).

Results.

Intracranial measurements of CBF, oxygen, and temperature indicated successful occlusion of the arch vessels following NRP and AW in the clamp group versus the nonclamp group. In the clamp group, EEG was isoelectric and SSEPs were absent AW in all pigs. In the nonclamp group, EEG activity was observed in all 8 pigs, whereas SSEPs were observed in 6 of 8 pigs. Additionally, agonal respiratory movements in the form of gasping were observed in 6 of 8 pigs in the nonclamp group.

Conclusions.

Reperfusion of the brain during NRP led to a return of brain activity. Conversely, clamping of the arch vessels halted cerebral circulation, ensuring the permanent cessation of brain function and maintaining the determination of death in DCD.
Novel insights into the role of the mobilome in ecological diversification and success of Staphylococcus haemolyticus as an opportunistic pathogen
Authors: Saroha Tanu , Chaudhry Vasvi , Patil Prabhu B.
Published: January 2022

Staphylococcus haemolyticus

is a species of coagulase-negative staphylococci that has primarily been studied as a human skin microbiome member and an emerging nosocomial pathogen. Here, we present the first complete genome of

S. haemolyticus

strains SE3.9, SE3.8 and SE2.14 reported as an endophyte of rice seed. Detailed investigation of the genome dynamics of strains from diverse origins revealed an expanded genome size in clinical isolates, and a role of many insertion sequence (IS) elements in strain diversification. Interestingly, several of the IS elements are also unique or enriched in a particular habitat. Comparative studies also revealed the potential movement of mobile elements from rice endophytic

S. haemolyticus

to strains from other pathogenic species such as

Staphylococcus aureus

. The study highlights the importance of ecological studies in the systematic understanding of genome plasticity and management of medically important

Staphylococcus

species.
Risk factors for developing symptomatic COVID-19 in older residents of nursing homes: A hypothesis-generating observational study
Authors: Escribà-Salvans Anna , Rierola-Fochs Sandra , Farrés-Godayol Pau , Molas-Tuneu Miriam , Bezerra de Souza Dyego Leandro , Skelton Dawn A , Goutan-Roura Ester , Masmitjà Daniel Alonso , Minobes-Molina Eduard , Jerez-Roig Javier
Published: January 2022

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on society, including on residents of nursing homes (NH), who have a higher risk of complications and mortality due their physical and intellectual disabilities.

Aim

To identify which risk factors associated with developing COVID-19 infection with symptoms in institutionalized older people.

Methods

A 1-year longitudinal multicenter study was conducted in 5 NH during the period December 2019 to March 2021. The inclusion criteria used were residents aged 65 years or over, living in the NH permanently, with a diagnostic test for COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or serological test. The main variable was symptomatic COVID-19, with at least one of the following symptoms (fever, respiratory difficulties, cough, diarrhea, sudden urinary incontinence and disorientation or delirium). Three assessments were performed: baseline, six and twelve months follow-up. Descriptive and bivariate analysis (calculating relative risk-RR) were performed, considering a 95% confidence level and a statistically significant p <0.05.

Results

Of the total sample of 78 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, mean age 84.6 years (SD=±7.8), 62 (79.5%) were female; 40 (51.3%) participants presented with COVID-19 symptoms. Living in a private NH (RR=3.6, 95% CI [1.2–11.0], p=0.023) and having suffered a stroke (RR=4.1, 95% CI [1.1–14.7], p=0.033) were positively associated with developing COVID-19 infection with symptoms.

Conclusions

Having suffered a stroke and living permanently in a private health care facility were positively associated with symptomatic COVID-19 in this sample of institutionalized older people.
Alphavirus nsP2 protease structure and cleavage prediction: Possible relevance to the pathogenesis of viral arthritis
Authors: Prescott Lucas
Published: January 2022

Alphaviruses are a diverse genus of arboviruses capable of infecting many vertebrates including humans. Human infection is common in equatorial and subtropical regions and is often accompanied by arthralgia or encephalitis depending on viral lineage. No antivirals or vaccines have been approved, and many alphavirus lineages have only recently been discovered and classified. Alphavirus nsP2 protease is an important virulence factor yet is commonly thought to be a simple papain-like protease which only cleaves viral polyproteins. Here, I reveal novel molecular mechanisms of these proteases via sequence and predicted structure alignment and propose novel cellular mechanisms for the pathogenesis of viral arthritis by predicting which human proteins are likely cleaved by these proteases. In addition to the known primary cysteine mechanism in all alphaviruses and a secondary serine mechanism documented in chikungunya virus (CHIKV), I discovered secondary cysteine and threonine mechanisms exist in many other alphaviruses and that these secondary mechanisms coevolve with their viral polyprotein cleavages. As for cleavage prediction, neural networks trained on 93 different putative viral polyprotein cleavages achieved a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.965, and, when applied to the human proteome, predicted that hundreds of proteins may be vulnerable. Notable pathways likely affected by cleavages include the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, antiproteases, protein translation/folding/glycosylation/ubiquitination, cellular differentiation, inflammation, and vesicle trafficking, hinting that this viral protease is a more important virulence factor than previously believed.
The correlated evolution of foraging mode and reproductive in lizards
Authors: Padilla Perez Dylan J. , DeNardo Dale F. , Angilletta Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Life-history theory suggests that the optimal reproductive effort of an organism is affected by factors such as energy acquisition and predation risk. The observation that some organisms actively search for their prey and others ambush them creates the expectation of different energy needs and predation risk associated with each foraging behavior, the so-called “foraging-mode paradigm”. Although this paradigm has been around for decades, the empirical evidence consists of conflicting results derived from competing models based on different mechanisms. For instance, models within the foraging-mode paradigm suggest that widely-foraging females have evolved low reproductive effort, because a heavy reproductive load decreases their ability to escape from predators. By contrast, a long-standing prediction of evolutionary theory indicates that organisms subject to high extrinsic mortality, should invest more in reproduction. Here, we present the first partial evidence that widely-foraging species have evolved greater reproductive effort than have sit-and-wait species, which we attribute to a larger body size and greater mortality among mobile foragers. According to our findings, we propose a theoretical model that could explain the observed pattern in lizards, suggesting ways for evolutionary ecologists to test mechanistic hypotheses at the intraspecific level.
The demographic costs of sexually antagonistic selection in partially selfing populations
Authors: Olito Colin , de Vries Charlotte
Published: January 2022

Classic population genetics theory has been fundamental to understanding the evolution of sex-differences and the maintenance of sexually antagonistic (SA) genetic variation, but these models have rarely considered the demographic consequences of intralocus sexual antagonism. In this paper we develop a stage-structured mendelian matrix model and jointly analyze the evolutionary and demographic consequences of SA selection in obligately outcrossing (i.e., dioecious/gonochorous) and partially selfing hermaphrodite populations. We focus on identifying parameter conditions under which SA polymorphism is maintainedandthe population growth rate remains positive. Additionally, we analyze the effects of inbreeding depression manifesting at different life-history stages and give an illustrative example of the potential for SA polymorphism in real populations using empirically estimated demographic rates for the hermaphroditic flowering plantMimulus guttatus. Our results show that when population intrinsic growth rates approach one, extinction occurs across large swathes of parameter space favoring SA polymorphism or the fixation of male-beneficial alleles, and that inbreeding depression is a significant problem for maintaining SA polymorphism in partially selfing populations. Despite these demographic challenges, our example withM. guttatusappears to show that demographic rates observed in some real populations are capable of sustaining large regions of viable SA polymorphic space.
Keystone species determine the productivity of synthetic microbial biofilm communities
Authors: Sun Xinli , Xie Jiyu , Zheng Daoyue , Xia Riyan , Wang Wei , Xun Weibing , Huang Qiwei , Zhang Ruifu , Kovács Ákos T. , Xu Zhihui , Shen Qirong
Published: January 2022

Microbes typically reside in multi-species communities, whose interactions have considerable impacts on the robustness and functionality of such communities. To manage microbial communities, it is essential to understand the factors driving their assemblage and maintenance. Even though the community composition could be easily assessed, interspecies interactions during community establishment remain poorly understood. Here, we combined co-occurrence network analysis with quantitative PCR to examine the importance of each species within synthetic communities (SynComs) of pellicle biofilms. Genome-scale metabolic models andin vitroexperiments indicated that the biomass of SynComs was primarily affected by keystone species that are acting either as metabolic facilitators or as competitors. Our study sets an example of how to construct a model SynCom and investigate interspecies interactions.
Alternative Assembly of Qβ Virus Like Particles
Authors: Shaw Vincent , Sungsuwan Suttipun , McFallBoegeman Hunter , Huang Xuefei , Jin Xiangshu
Published: January 2022

Qβ virus like particles (VLPs) are versatile platforms for grafting functional groups for vaccine development. The structure of Qβ VLPs at atomic detail are critical for design of more effective vaccines. While the structures of native Qβ VLPs have been determined previously, the structure of VLPs assembled from a recombinantly expressed Qβ coat protein, which are extensively used as platforms have not been studied. We sought to determine the crystal structures of VLPs assembled from recombinantly expressed Qβ coat protein of wild type and two mutants: A38K and A38K/A40C/D102C. The structures of Qβ VLPs assembled from recombinantly expressed Qβ coat proteins showed that VLPs can be assembled both in T=1 and T=3 symmetry.
The amyloid precursor protein modulates the position and length of the axon initial segment offering a new perspective on Alzheimer’s disease genetics
Authors: Ma Fulin , Xu Jianquan , Liu Yang , Popova Dina , Youssef Mark M. , Hart Ronald P. , Herrup Karl
Published: January 2022

The small Aβ peptide has been hypothesized to be the main driver of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ is a proteolytic cleavage product of a larger protein, the amyloid precursor protein (APP), whose normal functions remain largely unexplored. We report here activities of the full-length APP protein that relate directly to the etiology of AD. Increasing neuronal activity leads to a rapid increase in App gene expression. In both cultures of mouse cortical neurons and human iPSC-derived neurons, elevated APP protein changes the structure of the axon initial segment (AIS), the site of action potential initiation. In neurons with elevated APP, the AIS shortens in length and shifts in position away from the cell body. Both changes would be expected to reduce neuronal excitability. The AIS effects are due to the cell-autonomous actions of APP; exogenous Aβ – either fibrillar or oligomeric – has no effect. The findings relate directly to AD in several ways. In culture, APP carrying the Swedish familial AD mutation (APPSwe) induces stronger AIS changes than wild type APP. Ankyrin G and βIV-spectrin, scaffolding proteins of the AIS, both physically associate with APP, and APPSwe binds more avidly than wild type APP. Finally, neurons in the frontal cortex of humans with sporadic AD reveal histologically elevated levels of APP protein that invade the domain of the AIS, whose length is significantly shorter than that found in healthy control neurons. The findings offer an alternative explanation for the effects of at least some familial AD mutations.

Significance

In familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) the linkage between the genetics of APP, the neuropathology of the amyloid plaques and the symptoms of dementia are one of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting the amyloid cascade hypothesis – a conceptualization that marks the Aβ peptide as the root cause of AD. Yet, formally, the genetics only point to APP, not its Aβ breakdown product. We report here that the full-length APP protein affects the properties of the axon initial segment and through these changes serves as a dynamic regulator of neuronal activity. We propose that this newly discovered APP function offers a different, Aβ-independent, view of the genetic evidence.
Interpreting the Evolutionary Echoes of a Protein Complex Essential for Inner-Ear Mechanosensation
Authors: Nisler Collin R. , Narui Yoshie , Choudhary Deepanshu , Bowman Jacob D. , Lynch Vincent J. , Sotomayor Marcos
Published: January 2022

The sensory epithelium of the inner ear, found in all extant lineages of vertebrates, has been subjected to over 500 million years of evolution, resulting in the complex inner ear of modern vertebrates. Inner-ear adaptations are as diverse as the species in which they are found, and such unique anatomical variations have been well studied. However, the evolutionary details of the molecular machinery that are required for hearing are less well known. Two molecules that are essential for hearing in vertebrates are cadherin-23 and protocadherin-15, proteins whose interaction with one another acts as the focal point of force transmission when converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. This interaction exists in every lineage of vertebrates, but little is known about the structure or mechanical properties of these proteins in most non-mammalian lineages. Here, we use various techniques to characterize the evolution of this protein interaction. Results show how evolutionary sequence changes in this complex affect its biophysical properties both in simulations and experiments, with variations in interaction strength and dynamics among extant vertebrate lineages. Evolutionary simulations also characterize how the biophysical properties of the complex in turn constrain its evolution and provide a possible explanation for the increase in deafness-causing mutants observed in cadherin-23 relative to protocadherin-15. Together, these results suggest a general picture of tip-link evolution in which selection acted to modify the tip-link interface, while subsequent neutral evolution combined with varying degrees of purifying selection drove additional diversification in modern tetrapods.
Cryo-EM structure of an active central apparatus
Authors: Han Long , Rao Qinhui , Yang Renbin , Wang Yue , Chai Pengxin , Xiong Yong , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2022

Accurately regulated ciliary beating in time and space is critical for diverse cellular activities, which impact the survival and development of nearly all eukaryotic species. An essential beating regulator is the conserved central apparatus (CA) of motile cilia, composed of a pair of microtubules (C1 and C2) associated with hundreds of protein subunits per repeating unit. It is largely unclear how CA plays its regulatory roles in ciliary motility. Here, we present high-resolution structures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CA by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and its dynamic conformational behavior in multiple scales. The structures show how functionally related projection proteins of CA are clustered onto a spring-shaped scaffold of armadillo-repeat proteins, facilitated by elongated rachis-like proteins. The two halves of CA are brought together by elastic chain-like bridge proteins to achieve coordinated activities. We captured an array of kinesin-like protein (KLP1) in two different stepping states, which are actively correlated with beating wave propagation of cilia. These findings establish a structural framework for understanding the role of CA in cilia.
Nascent Polypeptide Associated Complex–alphaand Signal Recognition Particle are required for cardiac development and remodeling
Authors: Schroeder Analyne M. , Vogler Georg , Colas Alexandre R. , Bodmer Rolf
Published: January 2022

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is driven by a strong genetic predisposition, yet only a small subset of patients (∼20%) are diagnosed with a precise genetic cause. Therefore, expanding the pool of genes associated with CHD and establishing the functional relationships between genes can assemble a more comprehensive genetic network to better understand cardiac development and pathogenesis. In our studies, we identified protein biogenesis cofactors Nascent polypeptide Associated Complex (NAC) and Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) that bind disparate subsets of emerging nascent polypeptides at the ribosome exit site to direct polypeptide fates, as novel regulators of cell differentiation and cardiac morphogenesis. Knockdown (KD) of the alpha-(Nacα)or beta- subunit (bicaudal, bic)of NAC in the developingDrosophilaheart led to disruption of cardiac remodeling during pupal stages resulting in an adult fly with no heart. Heart loss was rescued by combined KD ofNacαwith theHoxgeneAbd-B.Consistent with a central role for this interaction in the regulation of cardiogenesis, KD ofNacαin Cardiac Progenitors derived from human iPSCs impaired cardiac differentiation while co-KD with mammalianHoxgenesHOXC12 and HOXD12rescued this phenotype. The effect ofNacαKD on the fly heart was temporally regulated, in that KD in embryo or in pupae caused only a partial loss of the heart, whereas KD during both stages led to heart loss similar to continuous KD throughout life. This suggests thatNacαKD already in the embryo may reprogram cells leading to aberrant cardiac remodeling during pupal stages. Lastly, KD of several SRP subunits individually in the fly heart produced a range of cardiac phenotypes that targeted specific segments and cell types, indicating spatially regulated activities of SRP components in the heart. Together, these data suggest that despite NAC and SRP ubiquitous presence, they displayed spatially and temporally fine-tuned activities for proper cardiac morphogenesis.Nacα’sinteraction with cardiac-specificHoxgene functions builds upon the novel role of this pathway and expands our understanding of the complex genetic networks involved in cardiac development and pathogenesis.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of radiation on mitochondria structure using coherent diffraction imaging with a clustering algorithm
Authors: Pan Dan , Fan Jiadong , Nie Zhenzhen , Sun Zhibin , Zhang Jianhua , Tong Yajun , He Bo , Song Changyong , Kohmura Yoshiki , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Shen Yuequan , Jiang Huaidong
Published: January 2022

Radiation damage and a low signal-to-noise ratio are the primary factors that limit spatial resolution in coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) of biomaterials using X-ray sources. Introduced here is a clustering algorithm named ConvRe based on deep learning, and it is applied to obtain accurate and consistent image reconstruction from noisy diffraction patterns of weakly scattering biomaterials. To investigate the impact of X-ray radiation on soft biomaterials, CDI experiments were performed on mitochondria from human embryonic kidney cells using synchrotron radiation. Benefiting from the new algorithm, structural changes in the mitochondria induced by X-ray radiation damage were quantitatively characterized and analysed at the nanoscale with different radiation doses. This work also provides a promising approach for improving the imaging quality of biomaterials with XFEL-based plane-wave CDI.
An advanced workflow for single-particle imaging with the limited data at an X-ray free-electron laser. Corrigendum
Authors: Assalauova Dameli , Kim Young Yong , Bobkov Sergey , Khubbutdinov Ruslan , Rose Max , Alvarez Roberto , Andreasson Jakob , Balaur Eugeniu , Contreras Alice , DeMirci Hasan , Gelisio Luca , Hajdu Janos , Hunter Mark S. , Kurta Ruslan P. , Li Haoyuan , McFadden Matthew , Nazari Reza , Schwander Peter , Teslyuk Anton , Walter Peter , Xavier P. Lourdu , Yoon Chun Hong , Zaare Sahba , Ilyin Viacheslav A. , Kirian Richard A. , Hogue Brenda G. , Aquila Andrew , Vartanyants Ivan A.
Published: January 2022

An error in Fig. 3(c) of the article by Assalauova et al. [IUCrJ (2020), 7, 1102–1113] is corrected.
Crystal structure and initial characterization of a novel archaeal-like Holliday junction-resolving enzyme from Thermus thermophilus phage Tth15-6
Authors: Ahlqvist Josefin , Linares-Pastén Javier A. , Håkansson Maria , Jasilionis Andrius , Kwiatkowska-Semrau Karolina , Friðjónsson Ólafur H. , Kaczorowska Anna-Karina , Dabrowski Slawomir , Ævarsson Arnþór , Hreggviðsson Guðmundur Ó. , Al-Karadaghi Salam , Kaczorowski Tadeusz , Nordberg Karlsson Eva
Published: January 2022

This study describes the production, characterization and structure determination of a novel Holliday junction-resolving enzyme. The enzyme, termed Hjc_15-6, is encoded in the genome of phage Tth15-6, which infects Thermus thermophilus. Hjc_15-6 was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and high yields of soluble and biologically active recombinant enzyme were obtained in both complex and defined media. Amino-acid sequence and structure comparison suggested that the enzyme belongs to a group of enzymes classified as archaeal Holliday junction-resolving enzymes, which are typically divalent metal ion-binding dimers that are able to cleave X-shaped dsDNA–Holliday junctions (Hjs). The crystal structure of Hjc_15-6 was determined to 2.5 Å resolution using the selenomethionine single-wavelength anomalous dispersion method. To our knowledge, this is the first crystal structure of an Hj-resolving enzyme originating from a bacteriophage that can be classified as an archaeal type of Hj-resolving enzyme. As such, it represents a new fold for Hj-resolving enzymes from phages. Characterization of the structure of Hjc_15-6 suggests that it may form a dimer, or even a homodimer of dimers, and activity studies show endonuclease activity towards Hjs. Furthermore, based on sequence analysis it is proposed that Hjc_15-6 has a three-part catalytic motif corresponding to E–SD–EVK, and this motif may be common among other Hj-resolving enzymes originating from thermophilic bacteriophages.
Atomic model validation using the CCP-EM software suite
Authors: Joseph Agnel Praveen , Olek Mateusz , Malhotra Sony , Zhang Peijun , Cowtan Kevin , Burnley Tom , Winn Martyn D.
Published: January 2022

Recently, there has been a dramatic improvement in the quality and quantity of data derived using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This is also associated with a large increase in the number of atomic models built. Although the best resolutions that are achievable are improving, often the local resolution is variable, and a significant majority of data are still resolved at resolutions worse than 3 Å. Model building and refinement is often challenging at these resolutions, and hence atomic model validation becomes even more crucial to identify less reliable regions of the model. Here, a graphical user interface for atomic model validation, implemented in the CCP-EM software suite, is presented. It is aimed to develop this into a platform where users can access multiple complementary validation metrics that work across a range of resolutions and obtain a summary of evaluations. Based on the validation estimates from atomic models associated with cryo-EM structures from SARS-CoV-2, it was observed that models typically favor adopting the most common conformations over fitting the observations when compared with the model agreement with data. At low resolutions, the stereochemical quality may be favored over data fit, but care should be taken to ensure that the model agrees with the data in terms of resolvable features. It is demonstrated that further re-refinement can lead to improvement of the agreement with data without the loss of geometric quality. This also highlights the need for improved resolution-dependent weight optimization in model refinement and an effective test for overfitting that would help to guide the refinement process.
Challenges negating virtual construction project team performance in the Middle East
Authors: Sagar Sukhwant Kaur , Arif Mohammed , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo , Rana Muhammed Qasim
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Over the last couple of decades, many organisations are increasingly adopting virtual team concepts, and construction companies in the Middle East are no exception. Members of a virtual team are geographically scattered and represent a diverse range of cultures. Thus, challenging issues emerge more frequently than in a traditional team. There are challenges associated with space and time as well as high client's demand. Therefore, this study aims to identify and probe the causes of the challenges in virtual project teams in the construction industry of the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of challenges was derived through a comprehensive review of relevant literature. Questionnaire survey was conducted with professionals who are involved in construction virtual project teams. Further, the factor analysis technique was used to analyse the survey responses.

Findings

The results show that the challenges in virtual team arrangement in the Middle East construction industry can be grouped into seven categories, namely, organisational culture, conflict within the team, characteristics of the team members, trust within the team members diversity of the team, communication and training, and cohesion in the team. Understanding of these factors will drive the needed platform to support effective virtual project teams in the Middle East.

Originality/value

This study raises the prospect that organisations may establish an environment for team members to achieve higher levels of virtual cooperation by concentrating on these potentially crucial factors. This, in turn, will encourage further innovation and performance within construction organisations.
Well-being and its associated factors among migrant workers in food and beverage industry: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zhang Bo , Cai Xiaomei , Li Jun (Justin) , He Biao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Drawing upon Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, a comprehensive model exploring the relationships among four distinct culture values and their influence on employees' turnover intention through the mediating roles of organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior was developed and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

This study covers 585 migrant workers from nine countries who work in the food and beverage industry in Guangzhou, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data collected from these migrant workers.

Findings

The results reveal that (1) among the four culture values, only uncertainty avoidance, collectivism orientation and masculinity orientation significantly affect organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior, (2) organizational commitment is significantly positively related to organizational citizenship behavior and (3) both organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior have a negative direct effect on turnover intention, while organizational citizenship behavior has a stronger impact on migrants' turnover intention than organizational commitment.

Originality/value

The issue of cultural diversity, particularly among relevant migrant workers in the hospitality industry in developing countries, such as China, needs more attention than ever.
Green innovation in the Latin American agri-food industry: understanding the influence of family involvement and business practices
Authors: Muller Claudio G. , Canale Fernanda , Discua Cruz Allan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Over the past few years, several scholars have focused on green innovation in the agri-food industry. In line with this research stream, the purpose of this paper is to cover some unexplored areas regarding if stakeholder pressures have a positive influence on family engagement to implement green innovation practices and socially responsible practices.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting a qualitative research methodology, mainly based on a multiple case study, this paper seeks to cover some unexplored areas regarding the understanding the relationship between stakeholders, family involvement and business practices in green innovation. The authors analyze eight cases from five Latin American countries selected, all are family firms focused on agricultural production.

Findings

Latin American family firms from agri-food industry, have a positive influence from internal/external stakeholder to implement green innovation initiatives and socially responsible practices, that result in short/long term business practices.

Originality/value

The originality of the proposed conceptual model stems from the need to overcome the previous theoretical models based on the stakeholder theory, which deals separately with internal/external influence over the firm.
The why, what and how of career research: a review and recommendations for future study
Authors: Baruch Yehuda , Sullivan Sherry E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The field of careers studies is complex and fragmented. The aim of this paper is to detail why it is important to study careers, what we study and how we study key issues in this evolving field.

Design/methodology/approach

Key theories, concepts and models are briefly reviewed to lay the groundwork for offering an agenda for future research.

Findings

The authors recommend ten key directions for future research and offer specific questions for further study.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the development of the theoretical underpinning of career studies.

Practical implications

The authors hope that the proposed agenda for future research will help advance the field and encourage more research on understudied, but important, topics.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive view of research on contemporary careers.
Finite element models of dynamic-WPTS: a field-circuit approach
Authors: Bertoluzzo Manuele , Di Barba Paolo , Forzan Michele , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Sieni Elisabetta
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a a field-circuit method for investigating the magnetic behavior of a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) for the charge of batteries of electric vehicles. In particular, a 3D model for finite element analysis (FEA) for the field simulation of a WPTS is developed. Specifically, the effects of aluminum shield and steel layer, representing the car frame, on the self and mutual inductances are investigated. An equivalent electric circuit is then built, and the relevant lumped parameters are identified by means of the FEAs.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element model is used to evaluate self and mutual inductances in several transmitting-receiving coil configurations and relative positions. In particular, the FEA simulates the aluminum and steel layers as shell elements in a 3D domain. The self and mutual inductance values in the aligned coil case are also used as input parameters in a circuit model to evaluate the onload current.

Findings

The use of shell elements in FEA substantially reduces the number of mesh elements needed to simulate the eddy currents in the steel and aluminum layer, so putting the ground for low-cost field analysis. Moreover, the FEA gives an accurate computation of the self and mutual inductance to be used in a circuit model, which, in turn, provides a fast update of the onload induced current.

Originality/value

To save computational time, the use of 2D shell elements to model thin conductive regions introduces a simplified FEA that could be used in the WPTS simulation. Moreover, the dynamic behavior of WPTS, i.e. the operation when the receiving coil is moving with respect to the transmitting one, is considered. Because of the lumped parameters’ dependence upon the relative positions of the two coils, the proposed method allows identifying the circuit parameters for several configurations so substantially reducing the computational burden.
Board's gender diversity and international entrepreneurship: intensity versus quality?
Authors: Wang Kai , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Wang Cizhi , Fan Hejun , Sun Jiamu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

An increased globalisation pushes forward the study of international entrepreneurship that however has been mainly analysed at a macro-environmental and an individual level. The authors want instead identify the determinants of international entrepreneurship from a firm-level perspective, specifically in relation to the key decision-making entity – the board of directors. The authors focused on the overall composition of the board of directors in terms of gender diversity and how this affects multi-subject decision-making when it comes to international entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on entrepreneurial decision-making and the neo-institutional theory, the authors analyse the relationship between gender diversity in boards of directors and firms' international entrepreneurship, assessing how state ownership and ownership concentration moderate this relationship. Using a sample made up of China's listed companies from 2009 to 2018, the authors empirically test the main effect and the moderating effects.

Findings

International entrepreneurship is less prevalent in firms with more female directors, but in terms of quality of the decisions, these boards perform better. State ownership and ownership concentration can strengthen and weaken the relationship between the presence of female directors and the intensity of international entrepreneurship, respectively.

Originality/value

Firstly, the authors draw attention to the implications of gender diversity in boards of directors, calling for further studies on communication and collaboration patterns within multi-subject decision-making. Secondly, the authors’ conclusions enrich academic literature on female directors by exploring the roles they play in firms' decision-making when it comes to international entrepreneurship.
The new not normal
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of an extended multi-year COVID-19 pandemic on corporate planning.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of trends in supply chain, manufacturing and human capital management arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Companies need to initiate fundamental review of their existing business models to adjust to long-term changes to the business environment created by the pandemic.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there have been few comprehensive examinations of the business impact of a 5–10-year continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From mine industries to a place of culture, tourism, research and higher education: case study of the great mine Serbariu
Authors: Pau Sara , Contu Giulia , Rundeddu Vincenzo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how closed factories could be transformed and provide a path for sustainable development for a territory. The authors focus on the case of the Great Mine Serbariu, located in Carbonia (Sardinia), which used to be the largest coal mine in Italy between 1939 and 1964.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a qualitative research design based on an exploratory single-case study, drawing on interviews with the main stakeholders, on a survey conducted among 5,158 visitors, and on administrative documentation of the City Council.

Findings

The analysis of the Great Mine Serbariu case showed that the regeneration of an exhausted mine serves a model of sustainable development, especially for the redevelopment of other urban and industrial degraded areas. The Great mine Serbariu was restored and turned into a place of culture, tourism, research and higher education, with the Italian Cultural Centre of Coal Mining (ICCCM) establishing its headquarters in the heart of the former mine. It attracted almost 220,000 visitors, generating both domestic and international tourist flows and making an industrial heritage a real resource for the area.

Originality/value

This article advances the authors’ understanding of how closed industries could become an instrument for sustainable development on the social, economic, touristic and cultural levels. This study would help local governments with examples to enhance the historical resources to create a new identity that led to a sustainable development of an urban landscape, and to create networks with other comparable museums all over Europe to better exploit the touristic and cultural potential.
The emergence of digital reformatting in the history of preservation knowledge: 1823–2015
Authors: Lischer-Katz Zack
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the emergence of digital reformatting as a technique for preserving information within the cultural heritage preservation community by reviewing historical trends in modern preservation research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes secondary sources, reviews and historical texts to identify trends in the intellectual and technological histories of preservation research, beginning with the first applications of the scientific method to combating book decay in the early nineteenth to the emergence of digitization techniques in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Findings

This paper identifies five major historical periods in the development of preservation knowledge: the early experimental era; era of microfilm experimentation; era of professionalization; era of digital library research; and the era of digital reformatting and mass digitization; and identifies three major trends in its development: empirical inquiry, standardization and centralization.

Research limitations/implications

Findings reflect broad trends in the field of preservation, primarily in a United States context and are limited to the modern era of preservation research.

Practical implications

This paper's broad historical overview provides a reference for preservation professionals and students in library science or archives programs. Identifying historical trends enables practitioners to critically examine their own preservation techniques and make better decisions when adopting and using new preservation technologies.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective on the history of preservation knowledge that synthesizes existing historical research in order to identify periods and trends that enable a clearer understanding of digital reformatting in its historical emergence.
Monetary policies and bank lending in developing countries: evidence from Sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Modugu Kennedy Prince , Dempere Juan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine monetary policies and bank lending in the emerging economies of Sub-Sahara Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic system-generalized method of moments (GMM) that overcomes issues of unobserved period and country-specific effects, as well as potential endogeneity of explanatory variables, is applied in the estimation exercise. The study uses the data for 80 banks across 20 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

The findings show that expansionary monetary policy such as an increase in money supply stimulates bank lending, while contractionary monetary policies like increase in the monetary policy rates by the central banks lead to credit contraction, albeit a weak effect due to possible underdevelopment of financial markets, institutional constraints, bank concentration and other rigidities in the system characteristic of developing countries that undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission. Capital adequacy ratio and size of economic activities are other variables that significantly influence bank lending channels.

Practical Implication

Sub-Sahara Africa countries can enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission on bank lending through the effective use of the transmission mechanism of changes in money supply and monetary policy rate.

Originality/value

While greater empirical attention has been devoted to the nexus between monetary policies and macroeconomic variables in country-specific studies, the connection between monetary policies and bank lending at an extensive regional or cross-country level is still scanty. For Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a palpable lack of empirical evidence on this. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap in a region where the impact of monetary policies on credit intermediation is crucial to the economic diversification efforts of the governments of Sub-Sahara Africa.
Emissivity of hot-dip galvanized surfaces in future development of EN 1993-1-2
Authors: Der Batuhan , Raszková Sylvie , Wald František , Bihina Gisèle , Gaigl Christian , Rus Vasile , Malaska Mikko
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new design value, based on experimental and numerical studies, for surface emissivity of zinc hot-dip galvanized members exposed to fire.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sums up experiments, used specimens and also shows results. Four experiments were performed in a horizontal furnace and one test in a fire compartment of the experimental building. Several tests were carried out for determination of the surface emissivity of galvanized steel structures in fire. The experimental and numerical studies were used for preparation of new generation of the structural steel fire standard Eurocode EN 1993-1-2:2025.

Findings

Hot-dip galvanizing is one of the most widely used processes for corrosion protection of steel products. The new design value for surface emissivity of zinc hot-dip galvanized members exposed to fire is determined using experimental results as 0.35. The value is proposed for next generation of EN 1993-1-2:2025. If hot-dip galvanization additionally can contribute beneficially to the fire resistance of unprotected steel members, it would be a huge economic advantage.

Originality/value

Experimental studies in the past years have indicated the influence of hot-dip galvanizing on the heating of steel members. This study suggests 50% reduction of the surface emissivity of a carbon steel member. This amendment will be incorporated in future versions of Eurocodes 3 and 4 and has already been implemented in some fire design tools for steel members in order to consider the beneficial contribution of hot-dip galvanized for fire-resistance requirements of less than 60 min.
A bibliometric evaluation and critical review of the smart city concept – making a case for social equity
Authors: Okafor Chigozie Collins , Aigbavboa Clinton , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to promote the idea that social equity is a significant objective that needs to be achieved to attain a smart city and further reveal the current research focus of smart city in relation to social equity. Also, it will propose determinants of social equity for smart city development.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of this study was conducted by reviewing ten existing smart city models and assessing their elements, in a bid to find a relationship between the existing smart city models and social equity. These models were sorts from scholarly publications such as books, journals and other related articles sourced from google scholar and Scopus database. To give more credence to this study, a second aspect of this study was necessary; this was conducted using a bibliometric approach, and the data was gathered from the Scopus database. Keywords such as “smart-city” OR “Digital-city” OR “Intelligent-city” OR “Computer-city” OR “Technology-city” AND “Social-equity” were used for article extraction. VOSview was used to analyse the bibliographic data obtained.

Findings

This research revealed that studies that relate, link or discuss the idea that social equity is a significant objective that needs to be achieved to attain a smart city are low considering that only 48 articles were extracted, and most of the studies did not specifically focus on social equity in smart city development. Further findings revealed that the ten reviewed smart city models never linked or discussed the idea of social equity in smart city development. Additionally, this study revealed that emerging countries aiming to develop smart cities, particularly in Africa, are not paying much attention to the importance of creating social equity policies to attain smart cities.

Practical implications

This study revealed a knowledge gap in the study of smart cities in developing countries. Governments of various developing countries can implement the ideas from this study by creating and applying social equity policies to drive sustainable development, which will positively influence smart city attainment.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is that it promotes the idea that social equity is a significant objective that needs to be achieved to attain smart cities. This study’s further originality and value lie in adopting a bibliometric approach of analysis that has not been used in this form in previous studies.