bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype-dependent responses to long-term water stress in Chenopodium quinoa Willd
Authors: Maestro-Gaitán I. , Granado-Rodríguez S. , Orús M. , Matías J. , Cruz V , Bolaños L. , Reguera M.
Published: April 2022

Within the current climate context, freshwater resources have become scarce. Agriculture, especially in rain-fed conditions, should deal with the need for increasing yields to contribute to food security under limiting water availability. Exploring underutilized crops such as Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) has become a unique opportunity as some of these crops possess the ability to tolerate several abiotic stresses, including drought. In line with this, this work aimed at evaluating the genotype-dependent response to drought by comparing the performance of different European-adapted cultivars (F14, F15, F16, and Titicaca). The results show that the cultivars here evaluated presented different mechanisms to cope with long-term water stress, including changes in phenology, morphology, or physiology. Among them, the cultivar F16 might be the most promising genotype to grow under water-limiting conditions as it was able to increase Water Use Efficiency (WUE), reducing the stomatal conductance and keeping CO2 assimilation rates similar to well-watered conditions, maintaining seed yield and increasing harvest index (HI) under water deficit conditions. Furthermore, based on these results, we propose a model in which differences between a tolerant and a sensitive genotype are presented. Altogether, we believe that this work will significantly contribute to broadening our understanding regarding how quinoa responds to long-term water stress highlighting genotype-related differences that will allow the selection of the best adapted genotypes for water-limiting environments.

Highlight

Quinoa physiological, phenological, and morphological distinct responses to long-term water stress depending on the genotype.
A streamlined tandem tip-based workflow for sensitive nanoscale phosphoproteomics
Authors: Tsai Chia-Feng , Wang Yi-Ting , Hsu Chuan-Chih , Kitata Reta Birhanu , Chu Rosalie K. , Velickovic Marija , Zhao Rui , Williams Sarai M. , Chrisler William B. , Jorgensen Marda L. , Moore Ronald J. , Zhu Ying , Rodland Karin D. , Smith Richard D. , Wasserfall Clive H. , Shi Tujin , Liu Tao
Published: April 2022

Effective phosphoproteome of nanoscale sample analysis remains a daunting task, primarily due to significant sample loss associated with non-specific surface adsorption during enrichment of low stoichiometric phosphopeptide. We developed a novel tandem tip phosphoproteomics sample preparation method that is capable of sample cleanup and enrichment without additional sample transfer, and its integration with our recently developed SOP (Surfactant-assisted One-Pot sample preparation) and iBASIL (improved Boosting to Amplify Signal with Isobaric Labeling) approaches provides a streamlined workflow enabling sensitive, high-throughput nanoscale phosphoproteome measurements. This approach significantly reduces both sample loss and processing time, allowing the identification of >3,000 (>9,500) phosphopeptides from 1 (10) µg of cell lysate using the label-free method without a spectral library. It also enabled precise quantification of ∼600 phosphopeptides from 100 cells sorted by FACS (single-cell level input for the enriched phosphopeptides) and ∼700 phosphopeptides from human spleen tissue voxels with a spatial resolution of 200 µm (equivalent to ∼100 cells) in a high-throughput manner. The new workflow opens avenues for phosphoproteome profiling of mass-limited samples at the low nanogram level.
Piezo mechanosensory channels regulate centrosome integrity
Authors: David Liron , Martinez Laurel , Xi Qiongchao , Fan Xueping , Kooshesh Kameron A. , Zhang Ying , Shah Jagesh V. , Lu Weining , Maas Richard L. , Wu Hao
Published: April 2022

Piezo1 and 2 are evolutionarily conserved mechanosensory cation channels known to function on the cell surface by responding to external pressure and transducing a mechanically activated Ca2+ current. Here we show that both Piezo1 and 2 also exhibit concentrated intracellular localization at centrosomes. Both Piezo1 and 2 loss-of-function and Piezo1 activation by the small molecule Yoda1 produced supernumerary centrosomes due to inappropriate centriole disengagement. Using a centrosome-localized GCaMP Ca2+-sensitive reporter, we show that perturbations in Piezo modulate Ca2+ local concentration at centrosomes. We designed a photoactivable Yoda1 analog (caged-Yoda1) and revealed that its photoactivation specifically at centrosomes leads to rapid premature centriole disengagement within minutes. We identified the sorting nexin Snx5, which is involved in endocytic uptake and trafficking, as a protein-interactor with the conserved Piezo C-terminal domain, and Snx5 also co-localizes with Piezo1 and 2 at centrosomes. Moreover, inhibition of Polo-like-kinase 1 (PLK1) abolishes Yoda1-induced centriole disengagement. Collectively, these data suggest that Piezo1 and 2 in pericentrosomal endosomes control centrosome integrity, likely by maintaining local Ca2+ within a defined range through mechanotransduction of cell intrinsic forces from microtubules.
Coupling phenotype stability to growth rate overcomes limitations of bet-hedging strategies
Authors: de Groot Daan H. , Tjalma Age J. , Bruggeman Frank J. , van Nimwegen Erik
Published: April 2022

Microbes in the wild face highly variable and unpredictable environments, and are naturally selected for their average growth rate across environments. Apart from using sensory-regulatory systems to adapt in a targeted manner to changing environments, microbes employ bet-hedging strategies where cells in an isogenic population switch stochastically between alternative phenotypes. Yet, bet-hedging suffers from a fundamental trade-off: increasing the phenotype switching rate increases the rate at which maladapted cells explore alternative phenotypes, but also increases the rate at which cells switch out of a well-adapted state. Consequently, it is currently believed that bet-hedging strategies are only effective when the number of possible phenotypes is limited and when environments last for sufficiently many generations. However, recent experimental results show that gene expression noise generally decreases with growth rate, suggesting that phenotype switching rates may systematically decrease with growth rate. We here show that such growth rate dependent stability (GRDS) can almost completely overcome the trade-off that limits bet-hedging, allowing for effective adaptation even when environments are diverse and change rapidly. GRDS allows cells to be more explorative when maladapted, and more phenotypically stable when well-adapted. We further show that even a small decrease in switching rates of faster growing phenotypes can substantially increase long-term fitness of bet-hedging strategies. Together, our results suggest that stochastic strategies may play an even bigger role for microbial adaptation than hitherto appreciated.
Carbon dioxide regulates Mycobacterium tuberculosis PhoPR signaling and virulence
Authors: Dechow Shelby J. , Goyal Rajni , Johnson Benjamin K. , Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: April 2022

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) two-component regulatory system, PhoPR, is implicated in pH-sensing within the macrophage because it is strongly induced by acidic pH both in vitro and the macrophage phagosome. The carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor ethoxzolamide (ETZ) inhibits PhoPR signaling supporting the hypothesis that CO2 may also play a role in regulating PhoPR. Here, we show that increasing CO2 concentration induces PhoPR signaling, and its induction is independent of medium pH. We also show that at acidic pH 5.7, a normally strong inducer of PhoPR signaling, that increasing CO2 from 0.5% to 5% further induces the pathway. Based on these findings, we propose that PhoPR functions as a CO2 sensor. Mtb has three CA (CanA, CanB, and CanC) and using CRISPR interference knockdowns and gene deletion mutants, we assessed which CAs regulate PhoPR signaling and virulence. We first examined if CA played a role in Mtb pathogenesis and observed that CanB was required for virulence in macrophages, where the knockdown strain had ~1 log reduction in virulence. To further define the interplay of CO2 and Mtb signaling, we conducted transcriptional profiling experiments at varying pH and CO2 concentrations. As hypothesized, we observed the induction of PhoPR at acidic pH is dependent on CO2 concentration, with a subset of core PhoPR regulon genes dependent on both 5% CO2 and acidic pH for their induction, including expression of the ESX-1 secretion system. Transcriptional profiling also revealed core CO2 responsive genes that were differentially expressed independently of the PhoPR regulon or the acidic pH-inducible regulon. Notably, genes regulated by a second two component regulatory system, TrcRS, are associated with adaptation to changes in CO2.
An updatedC. elegansnuclear body muscle transcriptome for studies in muscle formation and function
Authors: Schorr Anna L. , Mejia Alejandro Felix , Miranda Martina Y. , Mangone Marco
Published: April 2022

The body muscle is an important tissue used in organisms for proper viability and locomotion. Although this tissue is generally well studied and characterized, and many pathways have been elucidated throughout the years, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of its transcriptome and how it controls muscle development and function. Here, we have updated a nuclear FACS sorting-based methodology to isolate and sequence a high-quality muscle transcriptome fromC. elegansmixed-stage animals. We have identified 2,848 muscle-specific protein-coding genes, including 78 transcription factors and 206 protein-coding genes containing an RNA binding domain. We studied their interaction network, performed a detailed promoter analysis, and identified novel muscle-specificcis-acting elements. We have also identified 16 high-quality muscle-specific miRNAs, studied their functionin vivousing fluorochrome-based analyses, and developed a high-qualityC. elegansmiRNA Interactome incorporating other muscle-specific datasets produced by our lab and others.

Our study expands our understanding of how muscle tissue functions inC. elegansand in turn, provide results that can in the future be applied to humans to study muscular-related diseases.
A chromosome-scale genome assembly of aBacillus thuringiensisCry1Ac insecticidal protein resistant strain ofHelicoverpa zea
Authors: Stahlke Amanda R. , Chang Jennifer , Tembrock Luke R. , Sim Sheina B. , Chudalayandi Sivanandan , Geib Scott M. , Scheffler Brian E. , Perera Omaththage P. , Gilligan Todd M. , Childers Anna K. , Hackett Kevin J. , Coates Brad S.
Published: April 2022

Helicoverpa zea(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an insect pest of major cultivated crops in North and South America. The species has adapted to different host plants and developed resistance to several insecticidal agents, includingBacillus thuringiensis(Bt) insecticidal proteins in transgenic cotton and maize.H. zeapopulations persist year-round in tropical and subtropical regions, but seasonal migrations into temperate zones increase the geographic range of associated crop damage. To better understand the genetic basis of these physiological and ecological characteristics, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level assembly for a singleH. zeamale from Bt resistant strain, HzStark_Cry1AcR. Hi-C data were used to scaffold an initial 375.2 Mb contig assembly into 30 autosomes and the Z sex chromosome (scaffold N50 = 12.8 Mb and L50 = 14). The scaffolded assembly was error-corrected with a novel pipeline, polishCLR. The mitochondrial genome was assembled through an improved pipeline and annotated. Assessment of this genome assembly indicated 98.8% of the Lepidopteran Benchmark Universal Single-Copy Ortholog set were complete (98.5% as complete single-copy). Repetitive elements comprised approximately 29.5% of the assembly with the plurality (11.2%) classified as retroelements. This chromosome-scale reference assembly forH. zea, ilHelZeax1.1, will facilitate future research to evaluate and enhance sustainable crop production practices.

Significance

We established a chromosome-level reference assembly forHelicoverpa zea, an insect pest of multiple cultivated crops in the Americas. This assembly of aBacillus thuringiensisinsecticidal protein resistant strain, HzStark_Cry1AcR, will facilitate future research in areas such as population genomics and adaptations to agricultural control practices.
A recombinant murine rotavirus with Nano-Luciferase expression reveals tissue tropism, replication dynamics, and virus transmission
Authors: Zhu Yinxing , Sánchez-Tacuba Liliana , Hou Gaopeng , Kawagishi Takahiro , Feng Ningguo , Greenberg Harry B. , Ding Siyuan
Published: April 2022

Rotaviruses (RVs) are one of the main causes of severe gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and death in children and young animals. Although suckling mice prove to be highly useful small animal models of RV infection and pathogenesis, direct visualization tools are lacking to track the temporal dynamics of RV replication and transmissibility in vivo. Here, we report the generation of the first recombinant murine RV that encodes a Nano-Luciferase reporter (NLuc) using a newly optimized RV reverse genetics system. The NLuc-expressing RV was replication-competent in cell culture and both infectious and virulent in neonatal mice in vivo. Strong luciferase signals were detected in the proximal and distal small intestines, colon, and mesenteric lymph nodes. We showed, via a noninvasive in vivo imaging system, that RV intestinal replication peaked at day 2 and day 5 post infection. Moreover, we successfully tracked RV transmission to uninoculated littermates as early as 3 days post infection, 1 day prior to clinically apparent diarrhea and 3 days prior to detectable fecal RV shedding in the uninoculated littermates. We also observed significantly increased viral replication in Stat1 knockout mice that lack the host interferon signaling. Our results suggest that the NLuc RV represents a non-lethal powerful tool for the studies of tissue tropism and host and viral factors that regulate RV replication and spread, as providing a new mechanism to facilitate the testing of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions in the future.
Phylogenomics and body shape morphometrics reveal recent diversification in the goatfishes (Syngnatharia: Mullidae)
Authors: Nash Chloe M. , Lungstrom Linnea L. , Hughes Lily C. , Westneat Mark W.
Published: April 2022

Clades of marine fishes exhibit many patterns of diversification, ranging from relatively constant throughout time to rapid changes in the rates of speciation and extinction. The goatfishes (Syngnatharia: Mullidae) are a family of marine, reef associated fishes with a relatively recent origin, distributed globally in tropical and temperate waters. Despite their abundance and economic importance, the goatfishes remain one of the few coral reef families for which the species level relationships have not been examined using genomic techniques. Here we use phylogenomic analysis of ultra-conserved elements (UCE) and exon data to resolve a well-supported, time-calibrated phylogeny for 72 species of goatfishes, supporting a recent crown age of the goatfishes at 21.9 million years ago. We used this framework to test hypotheses about the associations among body shape morphometrics, taxonomy, and phylogeny, as well as to explore relative diversification rates across the phylogeny. Body shape was strongly associated with generic-level taxonomy of goatfishes, with morphometric analyses showing evidence for high phylogenetic signal across all morphotypes. Rates of diversification in this clade reveal a recent sharp increase in lineage accumulation, with 92% of the goatfish species sampled across all clades and major body plans having originated in just the past 5 million years. We suggest that habitat diversity in the early Pliocene oceans and the generalist ecology of goatfishes are key factors in the unusual evolutionary tempo of the family Mullidae.
EstG is a novel esterase required for cell envelope integrity
Authors: Daitch Allison K. , Orsburn Benjamin C. , Chen Zan , Alvarez Laura , Eberhard Colten D. , Sundararajan Kousik , Zeinert Rilee , Kreitler Dale F , Jakoncic Jean , Chien Peter , Cava Felipe , Gabelli Sandra B. , Bumpus Namandjé N. , Goley Erin D.
Published: April 2022

Proper regulation of the bacterial cell envelope is critical for cell survival. Identification and characterization of enzymes that maintain cell envelope homeostasis is crucial, as they can be targets for effective antibiotics. In this study, we have identified a novel enzyme, called EstG, whose activity protects cells from a variety of lethal assaults in the ⍺-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Despite homology to transpeptidase family cell wall enzymes and an ability to protect against cell wall-targeting antibiotics, EstG does not demonstrate biochemical activity towards cell wall substrates. Instead, EstG is genetically connected to the periplasmic enzymes OpgH and BglX, responsible for synthesis and hydrolysis of osmoregulated periplasmic glucans (OPGs), respectively. The crystal structure of EstG revealed similarities to esterases and transesterases, and we demonstrated esterase activity of EstG in vitro. Using biochemical fractionation, we identified a cyclic hexamer of glucose as a likely substrate of EstG. This molecule is the first OPG described in Caulobacter and establishes a novel class of OPGs, the regulation and modification of which is important for stress survival and adaptation to fluctuating environments. Our data indicate that EstG, BglX, and OpgH comprise a previously unknown OPG pathway in Caulobacter. Ultimately, we propose that EstG is a novel enzyme that, instead of acting on the cell wall, acts on cyclic OPGs to provide resistance to a variety of cellular stresses.
Proteolytic Analysis of Epsilon 34 Phage Tailspike protein indicates Partial Sensitivity to Proteinase K
Authors: Ayariga Joseph A. , Villafane Robert
Published: April 2022

Purified bacteriophage ε34 tailspike protein (ε34 TSP) can bind to Salmonella newington (S. newington) via the binding site of the protein, which is the O antigens of the LPS of the bacterium. We demonstrated else-where that purified ε34 TSP possessed bacteria lytic property on S. newington. The ε34 TSP has been shown via computational prediction to consist of parallel β-helices like that of P22 TSP. These protein moieties are among the simplest repetitive structural elements in proteins. There exist extensive research on the folding behavior of β-helix proteins, which also provides insight on how amyloid fibrils are generated since these proteins consist of similar parallel β-helix motifs. One of the most significantly studied system for investigating protein folding is the from the Salmonella bacteriophage P22. The major component of this protein is a right-handed parallel β-helix with 13 rungs. Initial in silico analysis of the ε34 phage TSP indicates similar structural similarity to the P22 TSP. Our previous studies indicated that despite the similarities of the two proteins, P22 TSP shows higher resistance to proteases (e.g. trypsin) and heat compared to ε34 TSP. In this study we further proof that ε34 TSP is partially sensitive to proteinase K, whereas P22 TSP is completely resistant to this protein. Detailed analysis indicates that specific structural motifs of ε34 TSP is insensitive to the protease, whereas other regions of the protein showed susceptibility to it.
Exploring generality of experimental conformational changes with AlphaFold predictions
Authors: Castellví Albert , Medina Ana , Petrillo Giovanna , Sagmeister Theo , Pavkov-Keller Tea , Govantes Fernando , Diederichs Kay , Sammito Massimo D. , Usón Isabel
Published: April 2022

Structural predictions have matched the accuracy of experimental structures in the case of close homologues, outperformed docking methods for multimeric complexes and helped sampling the conformational landscape of transporters and receptors. Such successes prompt the question whether predictions can be used to relate experimental structures in the context of available knowledge. LysR-type transcriptional regulators (LTTR) constitute the most common family of bacterial regulators. Intriguingly, their experimental structures are remarkably diverse. The active species, composed of flexible monomers dimerizing through their N- and C-terminal domains in a circular arrangement, differ across LTTR, due to intrinsic sequence differences or because crystals stabilize diverse snapshots of a common dynamic mechanism. We have used AlphaFold2 (AF) to interrogate the experimental AtzR structure in the context of predictions guided towards the different hetero-multimeric conformations known for other LTTR. Our approach drives AF prediction with the structure-based selection of the information input through sequence alignment and template conformation, linked to examination of the energy with PISA and interactions with ALEPH.
Ventral attention network connectivity is linked to cortical maturation and cognitive ability in childhood
Authors: Dong Hao-Ming , Zhang Xi-Han , Labache Loïc , Zhang Shaoshi , Ooi Leon Qi Rong , Yeo B.T. Thomas , Margulies Daniel S. , Holmes Avram J. , Zuo Xi-Nian
Published: April 2022

The human brain experiences functional changes through childhood and adolescence, shifting from an organizational framework anchored within sensorimotor and visual regions into one that is balanced through interactions with later-maturing aspects of association cortex. Here, we link this profile of functional reorganization to the development of ventral attention network connectivity across independent datasets. We demonstrate that maturational changes in cortical organization preferentially link to within-network connectivity and heightened degree centrality in the ventral attention network, while connectivity within network-linked vertices predicts cognitive ability. This connectivity is closely associated with maturational refinement of cortical organization. Children with low ventral attention network connectivity exhibit adolescent-like topographical profiles, suggesting that attentional systems may be relevant in understanding how brain functions are refined across development. These data suggest a role for attention networks in supporting age-dependent shifts in cortical organization and cognition across childhood and adolescence.
LES predictions of confinement effect on swirling flow generated by single helical axial swirler
Authors: Rajesh Mavuri , R. Sivakumar
Published: April 2022

Purpose

For higher swirling flows (swirl > 0.5), flow confinement significantly impacts fluid flow, flame stability, flame length and heat transfer, especially when the confinement ratio is less than 9. Past numerical studies on helical axial swirler type systems are limited to non-reacting or reacting flows type Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes closure models, mostly are non-parametric studies. Effects of parametric studies like swirl angle and confinement on the unsteady flow field, either numerical or experimental, are very minimal. The purpose of this paper is to document modeling practices for a large eddy simulation (LES) type grid, predict the confinement effects of a single swirler lean direct injection (LDI) system and validate with literature data.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper discusses the approach followed for numerical modelling of LES with the minimum number of cells required across critical sections to capture the spectrum of turbulent energy with good accuracy. The numerical model includes all flow developing sections of the LDI swirler, right from the axial setting chamber to the exit of the flame tube, and its length is effectively modelled to match the experimental data. The computational model predicts unsteady features like vortex breakdown bubble, represented by a strong recirculation zone anchored downstream of the fuel nozzle. It is interesting to note that the LES is effective in predicting the secondary recirculation zones in the divergent section as well as at the corners of the tube wall.

Findings

The predictions of a single helical axial swirler with a vane tip angle of 60°, with a duct size of 2 × 2 square inches, are compared with the experimental data at several axial locations as well as with centerline data. Both mean and unsteady turbulent quantities obtained through the numerical simulations are validated with the experimental data (Cai et al., 2005). The methodology is extended to the confinements effect on mean flow characteristics. The time scale and length scale are useful parameters to get the desired results. The results show that with an increase in the confinement ratio, the recirculation length increases proportionally. A sample of three cases has been documented in this paper.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper is the modelling practices (grid/unsteady models) for a parametric study of LDI are established, and the mean confinement effects are validated with experimental data. The spectrum of turbulent energies is well captured by LES, and trends are aligned with experimental data. The methodology can be extended to reacting flows also to study the effect of swirl angle, fuel injection on aerodynamics, droplet characteristics and emissions.
A coupled implicit material point-finite element method for modeling reinforced materials
Authors: Chihadeh Ahmad , Kaliske Michael
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a method to couple truss finite elements to the material point method (MPM). It presents modeling reinforced material using MPM and describes how to consider the bond behavior between the reinforcement and the continuum.

Design/methodology/approach

The embedded approach is used for coupling reinforcement bars with continuum elements. This description is achieved by coupling continuum elements in the background mesh to the reinforcement bars, which are described using truss- finite elements. The coupling is implemented between the truss elements and the continuum elements in the background mesh through bond elements that allow for freely distributed truss elements independent of the continuum element discretization. The bond elements allow for modeling the bond behavior between the reinforcement and the continuum.

Findings

The paper introduces a novel method to include the reinforcement bars in the MPM applications. The reinforcement bars can be modeled without any constraints with a bond-slip constitutive model being considered.

Originality/value

As modeling of reinforced materials is required in a wide range of applications, a method to include the reinforcement into the MPM framework is required. The proposed approach allows for modeling reinforced material within MPM applications.
Analysis of factors influencing project portfolio benefits with synergy considerations
Authors: Bai Libiao , Qu Xue , Liu Jiale , Han Xiao
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Realizing project portfolio benefits (PPBs) is considered a key challenge faced by enterprises. This challenge can largely be attributed to an unclear understanding of the factors influencing PPBs. However, synergistic relationships create complexity for the management of influencing factors. In response to this dilemma, the objective of this study is to quantitatively investigate the factors influencing PPBs while considering the synergistic effect among factors to provide guidelines for benefits management.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an integration of the synergy degree of the composite system model and social network analysis (SNA), a refined model is proposed to explore the factors influencing PPBs. First, a list that includes financial and nonfinancial influencing factors is clarified. Then, the corresponding network links, which represent the synergistic relationships among the factors, are innovatively assessed based on the synergy degree of the composite system. Finally, the influencing factor network is analyzed using both individual and overall indicators of SNA.

Findings

The resulting evidence demonstrates that four critical influencing factors exist, namely, “project managers,” “purchasers,” “development capacity” and “tangible resources.” These factors are relatively important and should be prioritized. Furthermore, the factors are divided into three subgroups: participant, resource and governmental factors. A general observation from the results is that factors that share the same subgroup are more likely to have a synergistic effect advantage, which leads to an increase in PPBs.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in its proposition of a quantitative model that can be used to measure and analyze the factors influencing PPBs with synergy considerations. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on benefits management by linking synergy with PPBs. It presents new insights for managers on how PPBs may be effectively managed and promoted from the perspective of influencing factors.
Predicting employee turnover using financial indicators in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Awwad Mohammad Suleiman , Heyari Haya Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating the impact of some financial indicators (salary competitiveness, employee productivity, company performance and company size), disclosed in the annual financial reports, on employee turnover in Jordanian pharmaceutical companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE).

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal design with cross-sectional time-series (panel) data from annual financial reports of six Jordanian pharmaceutical companies, listed on the ASE for the period 2009–2018, was used to measure employees’ turnover and its precedents quantitively. The panel data of 160 observations (six companies with ten-time periods) were analyzed using STATA 15.0 to achieve study objectives.

Findings

Contrary to what is expected, the results showed that salary competitiveness does not affect employee turnover, and employee productivity positively affects employee turnover. In contrast, the results of this study supported the widespread belief that company performance and size negatively affect employee turnover.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not address voluntary and mandatory turnover because it is very difficult to distinguish the two types based on financial reports. Also, other important variables (medical expenses, training expenses, etc.), which can affect employee turnover are not disclosed in the financial reports of all pharmaceutical companies due to the lack of uniform financial reporting standards.

Practical implications

Pharmaceutical companies should not focus on salaries to attract and retain employees but rather provide them with a distinct set of other benefits including salaries. Also, it should try to reduce the workload of employees by increasing their number to the extent that it does not constitute an additional burden on other employees.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt, according to a literature review, to measure employee turnover and its antecedents based on financial indicators disclosed in the pharmaceutical companies’ annual financial reports.
The evolutive dimension of conflict resolution: contributions from behavioral sciences and the analysis of animal behavior to inquiries about peace
Authors: Ávila Hernández Ángela Karina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is return to some findings and approaches typical of behavioral sciences and evolutionary anthropology that will allow us to link the process of self-domestication that can be seen in our evolutionary past, the primate tendency to enter into conflicts through patterns of signal exchange rather than direct aggressions, and the development of the persuasive dimension of language, with the possible evolutionary origin of both cultural violence and structural violence.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach has been, at all times, multidisciplinary insofar as it has sought to elucidate how the inquiries made from the behavioral sciences can help to understand human violence.

Findings

What was found is the possibility of understanding conflicts as a mechanism of evolutionary pressure that has been involved not only in social restructuring but also in the evolutionary origin of the human being.

Research limitations/implications

More empirical evidence should be found in this regard.

Originality/value

This study is a multidisciplinary approach that seeks to understand both the phenomenon of violence and peace from an evolutionary perspective.
Financial stability and monetary policy of the Central Bank of West African Countries: a Markov-Switching model
Authors: Houngbédji Honoré Sèwanoundé , Bassongui Nassibou
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the response of monetary policy to financial instability in the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

Design/methodology/approach

Through annual aggregated data from 1970 to 2019, the empirical strategy is based on the Markov regime-switching model with fixed probabilities.

Findings

The results revealed that the monetary policy of the central bank of the West African Economic and Monetary Union is characterized by two regimes (calm and distress) with respect to the trend of financial stability. The authors also found that the occurrence of the calm regime was likely greater than that of the distress regime. In addition, the calm regime is longer than the distress regime. The authors finally revealed that the central bank reacts to financial instability risk by increasing its short-term interest rate when financial instability reaches a threshold.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the unavailability of monthly or quarterly data that are more suitable for the methodological approach adopted.

Originality/value

This study is the one to estimate the response of the Central Bank of West African Countries to financial stress using a novel approach based on the Markov-Switching regression.
Cost–benefit analysis to appraise technical mitigation options for earthquake-induced liquefaction disaster events
Authors: Wanigarathna Nadeeshani , Jones Keith , Pascale Federica , Morga Mariantonietta , Meslem Abdelghani
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Recent earthquake-induced liquefaction events and associated losses have increased researchers’ interest into liquefaction risk reduction interventions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there was no scholarly literature related to an economic appraisal of these risk reduction interventions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issues in applying cost–benefit analysis (CBA) principles to the evaluation of technical mitigations to reduce earthquake-induced liquefaction risk.

Design/methodology/approach

CBA has been substantially used for risk mitigation option appraisal for a number of hazard threats. Previous literature in the form of systematic reviews, individual research and case studies, together with liquefaction risk and loss modelling literature, was used to develop a theoretical model of CBA for earthquake-induced liquefaction mitigation interventions. The model was tested using a scenario in a two-day workshop.

Findings

Because liquefaction risk reduction techniques are relatively new, there is limited damage modelling and cost data available for use within CBAs. As such end users need to make significant assumptions when linking the results of technical investigations of damage to built-asset performance and probabilistic loss modelling resulting in many potential interventions being not cost-effective for low-impact disasters. This study questions whether a probabilistic approach should really be applied to localised rapid onset events like liquefaction, arguing that a deterministic approach for localised knowledge and context would be a better base for the cost-effectiveness mitigation interventions.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to literature through a critical review of CBA approaches applied to disaster mitigation interventions. Further, this paper identifies challenges and limitations of applying probabilistic based CBA models to localised rapid onset disaster events where human losses are minimal and historic data is sparse; challenging researchers to develop new deterministic based approaches that use localised knowledge and context to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mitigation interventions.
What role does generic strategy play in how managers adapt their aspirations in response to performance feedback?
Authors: Ruckman Karen , Blettner Daniela
Published: April 2022

Purpose

When managers set aspirations for their firms, they typically compare their own firms' performance to past aspirations as well as to the performance of social reference groups. The authors explore how firm generic strategy affects managers' adaptation of firm aspirations in response to feedback from three social reference groups that vary in terms of breadth (population average, strategic group, and one direct rival).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose that firm generic strategy (low-cost or differentiation) functions as an organizational information filter through with managers interpret performance feedback. The authors test for whether generic strategy has a moderating effect on the influence of performance feedback from social reference groups.

Findings

Based on a longitudinal sample of US airlines, the study shows that all firms are influenced most strongly by their strategic groups. Low-cost and differentiation generic strategies differ in terms of which social reference group motivates a larger reaction when overperforming: low-cost firms are more influenced by the population average which is contributed to by the entire industry than are differentiating firms, while differentiating firms are more swayed by the narrow focus of their direct rivals than are low-cost firms.

Originality/value

Although firm strategy represents a core decision at the firm level, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, performance feedback research, surprisingly, has not yet integrated generic strategy into its models.
Technology on the move, Consumer Electronics Show 2022: the evolving metaverse and much more
Authors: Kesselman Martin A. , Esquivel Wilson
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to showcase exciting new technology products coming to the marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The conference report was written by LHTN Editor on CES2022, forecasting new technology trends and products of interest to librarians and others.

Findings

Several new products and trends are featured in this conference report.

Originality/value

Original review from attending the CES2020 conference in Janurary 2022.
Mobilising management control systems to support sustainability strategy in SMEs: the case of a waste disposal firm
Authors: Cavicchi Caterina , Oppi Chiara , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The extent to which sustainability is integrated into conventional accounting practices, in the light of a more integrated thinking perspective, requires further exploration. This paper aims to investigate how management control systems (MCSs) and sustainability-specific control systems (SCSs) are mobilised and how they interact to support the environmental sustainability strategy of a small- and medium-sized entity (SME).

Design/methodology/approach

Through a case study in a waste disposal firm, this paper examines the influence of cognitive, organisational and technical factors on the interaction and integration of MCSs and SCSs to bolster an environmental sustainability strategy.

Findings

The MCSs that are mobilised vary according to the type of strategy that is pursued. Even though the technical integration of MCSs with SCSs was not achieved, interaction between them supported strategic decision-making and the pursuit of environmental performance in the light of a more integrated thinking perspective. The role of multidisciplinary teams formed by accountants and environmental scientists to support sustainability management control at the SME also enabled interaction and provided steps for integrated thinking.

Practical implications

Although based on single case study, this research offers practitioners useful knowledge about the potential levers and obstacles relating to the mobilisation of MCSs when a sustainability strategy is conceived and its impact on the development of integrated thinking.

Originality/value

The paper provides insight into how SMEs can mobilise their MCSs to support an environmental sustainability strategy, shedding light on the factors that enhance interaction among MCSs and SCSs.
Rayleigh-type surface waves in a thermally conducting mixture of an elastic solid and a Newtonian fluid
Authors: Singla Himanshu , Singh Baljeet
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the propagation characteristics of the Rayleigh-type surface wave in a thermally conducting mixture of an elastic solid and a Newtonian fluid by applying the mixture theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are formulated in context of both Green–Lindsay (G-L) and Lord–Shulman (L-S) theories of generalized thermoelasticity. The specialized governing equations in a plane are solved by using the traditional approach, and a dispersion equation of the Rayleigh surface wave is obtained.

Findings

A program in MATLAB software is developed to solve the dispersion equation. The numerical results demonstrate a significant dependence of the wave speed and the attenuation coefficient of the Rayleigh wave on the frequency and porosity.

Originality/value

The problem considered on Rayleigh wave on the surface of a half-space containing a thermally conducting mixture is not studied in the literature yet. The theoretical and numerical findings of the study will guide the experimental scientists while finding applications in various engineering fields.
Evolution and comprehensive evaluation of viscoelastic characteristics of road asphalt in medium temperature region
Authors: Wu Guangyuan , Zhang Haitao , Ge Qixin , Sun Junfeng , Yu Tengjiang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In order to determine the range of medium temperature zone of road asphalt, it is hoped that the evolution of viscoelastic characteristics of road asphalt under medium temperature state can be deeply explored.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the needle penetration test and temperature scanning test were designed for 90# and 70# bitumen as test materials, and the boundary of medium temperature zone of 90# and 70# bitumen was accurately determined by data analysis method. A mathematical model was established based on principal component analysis, and a comprehensive evaluation index was proposed to evaluate the evolution of temperature viscoelastic characteristics of road asphalt by means of standardization and rotational dimensionality reduction.

Findings

The test results show that the medium temperature zone of 90# asphalt is [−5 ± 1°C, 38 ± 1°C], and the medium temperature zone of 70# asphalt is [0 ± 1°C, 51 ± 1°C]. According to the viscoelastic response of road asphalt in the medium temperature zone, the medium temperature zone can be divided into three evolution stages: weak viscoelastic stage, viscoelastic equilibrium stage, strong viscoelastic weak stage. Analysis based on the intrinsic viscosity fillip target describing the various intrinsic viscoelastic index represents the viscoelastic properties of bitumen from different angles, and limitations inherent stick fillip for target put forward the integrated the inherent stick fillip mark information, as well as targeted and accurate evaluation of road asphalt temperature comprehensive evaluation indexes in the evolution of the viscoelastic properties of IM-T. Finally, the temperature data of asphalt pavement in several representative regions of China are compared with the determined medium temperature region, and it is proved that the research on the evolution of viscoelastic characteristics of asphalt pavement under the medium temperature condition has important practical significance.

Originality/value

The boundary of medium temperature zone of 90# and 70# base asphalt was determined, and the viscoelastic characteristic evolution of road asphalt under medium temperature state was studied deeply. Aiming at the limitation of intrinsic viscoelastic index, a comprehensive evaluation index IM-T which not only integrates the information of intrinsic viscoelastic index but also can accurately evaluate the evolution of temperature viscoelastic characteristics in road asphalt is proposed.
Exploring the effects of ethical leadership on negative feedback-seeking behavior
Authors: Chughtai Aamir Ali
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of ethical leadership on negative feedback-seeking behavior (NFSB). In addition, it sought to investigate the mediating role of psychological safety and job involvement in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for this study comprised 238 primary and secondary school teachers who were selected from three private sector schools operating in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Results revealed that as expected, psychological safety and job involvement fully mediated the effects of ethical leadership on NFSB.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that has empirically established a connection between ethical leadership and NFSB. Furthermore, it uncovers two distinct mechanisms in the form of psychological safety and job involvement through which ethical leadership can influence NFSB.
The impact of ownership structure and corporate governance on energy intensity: evidence from Indian business groups
Authors: Jadiyappa Nemiraja , Hickman Emily , Saikia Namrata
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Energy efficiency is critical for global sustainability (International Energy Agency, 2019). The purpose of this paper is to examine how agency conflicts arising from pyramidal ownership structures impact the energy intensity (EI) of group-affiliated Indian firms. Group-affiliated firms face unique governance challenges. For instance, parent owners (promoters) may transfer profits from one group-affiliated firm to another firm in which they have greater ownership. The authors hypothesize that such governance issues will lead to underinvestment in energy-saving projects among group firms in which promoters have a low ownership stake, resulting in their greater EI.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measure EI as the ratio of total energy expense to total sales revenue (EI) and as the industry-adjusted version of this ratio. Group-affiliated Indian firms are divided into high- and low-stake firms based on the sample’s median promoter ownership.

Findings

Results support the authors’ prediction: group firms in which promoters have low ownership are more energy intensive, consistent with these firms being exposed to greater governance challenges and agency conflicts that result in operating inefficiencies and/or underinvestment in energy-saving projects.

Practical implications

Given energy efficiency will be key in addressing climate change, this study could raise awareness among activists, motivate regulators to consider agency problems among group-affiliated firms in emerging markets and may underscore the importance of environmental-related corporate disclosures.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to identify the significant impact that firm ownership structure and associated governance challenges have on corporate EI.