bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air plasma-activated medium exerts tumor-specific cytotoxicity via the oxidative stress-induced perinuclear mitochondrial clustering
Authors: Suzuki-Karasaki Manami , Ando Takashi , Ochiai Yushi , Kawahara Kenta , Suzuki-Karasaki Miki , Nakayama Hideki , Suzuki-Karasaki Yoshihiro
Published: November 2021

Intractable cancers such as osteosarcoma (OS) and oral cancer (OC) are highly refractory, recurrent, and metastatic once developed, and their prognosis is still disappointing. Tumor-targeted therapy eliminating cancers effectively and safely is the current clinical choice. Since aggressive tumors have inherent or acquired resistance to multidisciplinary therapies targeting apoptosis, tumor-specific induction of another cell death modality is a promising avenue to meet the goal. Here, we report that a cold atmospheric air plasma-activated medium (APAM) can induce cell death in OS and OC via a unique mitochondrial clustering. This event was named monopolar perinuclear mitochondrial clustering (MPMC) because of the characteristic unipolar mitochondrial perinuclear aggregation. APAM had potent antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. APAM caused apoptosis, necrotic cell death, and autophagy. APAM contained hydrogen peroxide and increased mitochondrial ROS (mROS), while the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented cell death. MPMC occurred following mitochondrial fragmentation coinciding with nuclear damages. MPMC was accompanied by the tubulin network remodeling and mitochondrial lipid peroxide (mLPO) accumulation and prevented by NAC and the microtubule inhibitor, Nocodazole. Increased Cardiolipin (CL) oxidation was also seen, and NAC and the peroxy radical scavenger Ferrostatin-1 prevented it. In contrast, in fibroblasts, APAM induced minimal cell death, mROS generation, mLPO accumulation, CL oxidation, and MPMC. These results suggest that MPMC is a tumor-specific cause of cell death via mitochondrial oxidative stress and microtubule-driven mitochondrial motility. MPMC might serve as a promising target for exerting tumor-specific cytotoxicity.

Graphical abstract
When Yeast Cells Change their Mind: Cell Cycle “Start” is Reversible under Starvation
Authors: Irvali Deniz , Schlottmann Fabian P. , Muralidhara Prathibha , Nadelson Iliya , Wood N. Ezgi , Doncic Andreas , Ewald Jennifer C.
Published: November 2021

Eukaryotic cells decide in late G1 whether to commit to another round of genome duplication and division. This point of irreversible cell cycle commitment is a molecular switch termed “Restriction Point” in mammals and “Start” in budding yeast. At Start, yeast cells integrate multiple signals such as pheromones, osmolarity, and nutrients. If sufficient nutrients are lacking, cells will not pass Start. However, how the cells respond to nutrient depletion after they have made the Start decision, remains poorly understood.

Here, we analyze by live cell imaging how post-Start yeast cells respond to nutrient depletion. We monitor fluorescently labelled Whi5, the cell cycle inhibitor whose export from the nucleus determines Start. Surprisingly, we find that cells that have passed Start can re-import Whi5 back into the nucleus. This occurs when cells are faced with starvation up to 20 minutes after Start. In these cells, the positive feedback loop is interrupted, Whi5 re-binds DNA, and CDK activation occurs a second time once nutrients are replenished. Cells which re-import Whi5 also become sensitive to mating pheromone again, and thus behave like pre-Start cells. In summary, we show that upon starvation the commitment decision at Start can be reversed. We therefore propose that in yeast, as has been suggested for mammalian cells, cell cycle commitment is a multi-step process, where irreversibility in face of nutrient signaling is only reached approximately 20 minutes after CDK activation at Start.
Quantitative Measurement of Diffusion-weighted Imaging Signal Using Expression-controlled Aquaporin-4 Cells: Comparative Study of 2-compartment and Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Models
Authors: Imaizumi Akiko , Obata Takayuki , Kershaw Jeff , Tachibana Yasuhiko , Abe Yoichiro , Shibata Sayaka , Nitta Nobuhiro , Aoki Ichio , Yasui Masato , Higashi Tatsuya
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare parameter estimates for the 2-compartment (2Comp) and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKm) models obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression-controlled cells, and to look for biomarkers that indicate differences in the cell membrane water permeability.

Methods

DWI was performed on AQP4-expressing and non-expressing cells and the signal was analyzed with the 2Comp and DKm models. For the 2Comp model, the diffusion coefficients (Df, Ds) and volume fractions (Ff, Fs, Ff=1-Fs) of the fast and slow compartments were estimated. For the DKm model, estimates of the diffusion kurtosis (K) and corrected diffusion coefficient (D) were obtained.

Results

For the 2Comp model, Ds and Fs showed clear differences between AQP4-expressing and non-expressing cells. Fs was also sensitive to cell density. There was no clear relationship with the cell type for the DKm parameters.

Conclusions

Changes to cell membrane water permeability due to AQP4 expression affected DWI of cell suspensions. For the 2Comp and DKm models, Ds was the parameter most sensitive to differences in AQP4 expression.
Everyday functioning in a community-based volunteer population: Differences between participant- and study partner-report
Authors: Verrijp M. , Dubbelman M.A. , Visser L.N.C. , Jutten R.J. , Nijhuis E.W. , Zwan M.D. , van Hout H.P.J. , Scheltens P. , van der Flier W.M. , Sikkes S.A.M.
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION

Impaired awareness in dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, made study partner-report the preferred method of measuring interference in ‘instrumental activities of daily living’ (IADL). However, with a shifting focus towards earlier disease stages and prevention, the question arises whether self-report might be equally or even more appropriate. This study aims to investigate how participant and study partner report IADL perform in a community-based volunteer population without dementia, and which factors relate to differences between participant and study partner report.

METHODS

Participants (N=3288; 18–97 years, 70.4% females) and their study partners (N=1213; 18–88 years, 45.8% females) were recruited from the Dutch brain research registry. IADL was measured using the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire. Concordance between participant and study partner-reported IADL difficulties was examined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multinomial logistic regressions were used to investigate which demographic, cognitive and psychosocial factors related to participant and study partner differences, by looking at the over- and underreport of IADL difficulties by the participant, relative to their study partner.

RESULTS

The vast majority of A-IADL-Q scores represented no difficulties for both participants (87.9%) and study partners (89.4%). Concordance between participants and study partners was moderate (ICC=.55, 95%CI=[.51, .59]), 24.5% (N=297) of participants overreported their IADL difficulties compared to study partners, and 17.8% (N=216) underreported difficulties. The presence of depressive symptoms (odds ratio (OR)=1.31, 95%CI=[1.12, 1.54]), as well as memory complaints (OR=2.45, 95%CI=[1.80, 3.34]), increased the odds of participants overreporting their IADL difficulties. Higher IADL ratings decreased the odds of participant underreport (OR=0.71, 95%CI=[0.67, 0.74]).

CONCLUSION

In this sample of community-based volunteers, the majority of participants and study partners reported no major IADL difficulties. Differences between participant and study partner were, however, quite prevalent, with subjective factors indicative of increased report of IADL difficulties by the participant in particular. These findings suggest that self- and study partner-report measures may not be interchangeable, and that the level of awareness needs to be taken into account, even in cognitively healthy individuals.
Reversal of lineage plasticity in RB1/TP53-deleted prostate cancer through FGFR and Janus kinase inhibition
Authors: Karthaus Wouter R. , Chan Joseph , Setty Manu , Love Jillian R. , Zaidi Samir , Choo Zi-ning , Persad Sitara , LaClair Justin , Lawrence Kayla E , Chaudhary Ojasvi , Xu Tianhao , Masilionis Ignas , Mazutis Linas , Chaligne Ronan , Pe’er Dana , Sawyers Charles L
Published: November 2021

The inherent plasticity of tumor cells provides a mechanism of resistance to many molecularly targeted therapies, exemplified by adeno-to-neuroendocrine lineage transitions seen in prostate and lung cancer. Here we investigate the root cause of this lineage plasticity in a primary murine prostate organoid model that mirrors the lineage transition seen in patients. These cells lose luminal identity within weeks following deletion ofTrp53andRb1, ultimately acquiring an Ar-negative, Syp+ phenotype after orthotopicin vivotransplantation. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed progressive mixing of luminal-basal lineage features after tumor suppressor gene deletion, accompanied by activation of Jak/Stat and Fgfr pathway signaling and interferon-a and -g gene expression programs prior to any morphologic changes. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of Jak1/2 in combination with FGFR blockade restored luminal differentiation and sensitivity to antiandrogen therapy in models with residual AR expression. Collectively, we show lineage plasticity initiates quickly as a largely cell-autonomous process and, through newly developed computational approaches, identify a pharmacological strategy that restores lineage identity using clinical grade inhibitors.
An atlas of human viruses provides new insights into diversity and tissue tropism of human viruses
Authors: Ye Sifan , Lu Congyu , Qiu Ye , Zheng Heping , Ge Xingyi , Wu Aiping , Xia Zanxian , Jiang Taijiao , Zhu Haizhen , Peng Yousong
Published: November 2021

Viruses continue to threaten human health. Yet, the complete viral species carried by humans and their infection characteristics have not been fully revealed. This study curated an atlas of human viruses from public databases and literatures, and built the Human Virus Database (HVD) available at http://computationalbiology.cn/humanVirusBase/#/. The HVD contains 1,131 virus species of 54 viral families which were more than twice the number of the human-infecting virus species reported in previous studies. These viruses were identified in human samples including 68 human tissues, the excreta and body fluid. The viral diversity in humans was age-dependent with a peak in the infant and a valley in the teenager. The tissue range of viruses was found to be associated with several factors including the viral group (DNA, RNA or reverse-transcribing viruses), enveloped or not, viral genome length and GC content, viral receptors and the virus-interacting proteins. Finally, the tissue range of DNA viruses was predicted using a random-forest algorithm with a medium performance. Overall, the study not only provides a valuable resource for further studies of human viruses, but also deepens our understanding towards the diversity and tissue tropism of human viruses.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis doxycycline tolerance strategies include modulating expression of genes involved in cell permeability and tRNA modifications
Authors: Alvarez-Manzo Hector S. , Davidson Robert K. , de Wyels Jasper Van Cauwelaert , Cotten Katherine L. , Nguyen Benjamin , Zhu Zeyu , Anthony Jon , van Opijnen Tim , Davis Kimberly M.
Published: November 2021

Antibiotic tolerance is typically associated with a phenotypic change within a bacterial population, resulting in a transient decrease in antibiotic susceptibility that can contribute to treatment failure and recurrent infections. Although tolerant cells may emerge prior to treatment, the stress of prolonged antibiotic exposure can also promote tolerance. Here, we sought to determine how Yersinia pseudotuberculosis responds to doxycycline exposure, to then verify if these gene expression changes could promote doxycycline tolerance in culture and in our mouse model of infection. Only four genes were differentially regulated in response to a physiologically-relevant dose of doxycycline: osmB and ompF were upregulated, tusB and cnfy were downregulated; differential expression also occurred during doxycycline treatment in the mouse. ompF, tusB and cnfy were also differentially regulated in response to chloramphenicol, indicating these could be general responses to ribosomal inhibition. cnfy has previously been associated with persistence and was not a major focus here. We found deletion of the OmpF porin resulted in increased antibiotic accumulation, suggesting expression may promote diffusion of doxycycline out of the cell, while OsmB lipoprotein had a minor impact on antibiotic permeability. Overexpression of tusB significantly impaired bacterial survival in culture and in the mouse, suggesting that tRNA modification by tusB, and the resulting impacts on translational machinery, may play an important role in promoting tolerance. We believe this is the first observation of bactericidal activity of doxycycline, which was revealed by reversing tusB downregulation.
Conservation and divergence in cortical cellular organization between human and mouse revealed by single-cell transcriptome imaging
Authors: Fang Rongxin , Xia Chenglong , Zhang Meng , He Jiang , Close Jennie , Long Brian , Miller Jeremy , Lein Ed , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: November 2021

The human cerebral cortex has tremendous cellular diversity and complex cellular organization that are essential for brain function. How different types of cells are organized and interact with each other in the human cortex, and how cellular organizations and interaction patterns vary across species are, however, unclear. Here, we performed spatially resolved single-cell expression profiling of 4,000 genes in human middle and superior temporal gyrus using multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH). We identified >100 neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations with distinct transcriptional signatures, generated a molecularly defined and spatially resolved cell atlas of these brain regions, and analyzed cell-cell interactions in a cell-type-specific manner. Comparison with the mouse cortex showed conservation in the laminar organization of cells and substantial divergence in cell-cell interactions between human and mouse. Notably, our data revealed a drastic increase in interactions between neurons and non-neuronal cells in the human cortex, uncovered human-specific cell-cell interaction patterns, and identified potential ligand-receptor basis of microglia-neuron interactions.
Separable mechanisms drive local and global polarity establishment in the C. elegans intestinal epithelium
Authors: Pickett Melissa A. , Sallee Maria D. , Naturale Victor F. , Akpinaroglu Deniz , Lee Joo , Shen Kang , Feldman Jessica L.
Published: November 2021

Apico-basolateral polarization is essential for epithelial cells to function as selective barriers and transporters, and to provide mechanical resiliency to organs. Epithelial polarity is established locally, within individual cells to establish distinct apical, junctional, and basolateral domains, and globally, within a tissue where cells coordinately orient their apico-basolateral axes. Using live imaging of endogenously tagged proteins and tissue specific protein depletion in the C. elegans embryonic intestine, we found that local and global polarity establishment are temporally and genetically separable. Local polarity is initiated prior to global polarity and is robust to perturbation. PAR-3 is required for global polarization across the intestine but is not required for local polarity establishment as small groups of cells are able to correctly establish polarized domains in PAR-3 depleted intestines in an HMR-1/E-cadherin dependent manner. Despite belonging to the same apical protein complex, we additionally find that PAR-3 and PKC-3/aPKC have distinct roles in the establishment and maintenance of local and global polarity. Together, our results indicate that different mechanisms are required for local and global polarity establishment in vivo.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Live-imaging and intestine specific protein depletion reveal that apico-basolateral polarity establishment can be temporally and genetically separated at the local level of individual cells and globally, across a tissue.
Soil microbes mediate the effects of environmental variability on plant invasion
Authors: Zhang Xue , van Kleunen Mark , Chang Chunling , Liu Yanjie
Published: November 2021

Many studies indicate that increases in resource variability promote plant invasion. However, it remains unknown to what extent these effects might indirectly be mediated by other organisms. To test this, we grew eight alien species in pot-mesocosms with five different native communities under eight combinations of two nutrient-availability, two nutrient-fluctuation and two soil-microbe treatments. We found that when plants grew in sterilized soil, nutrient fluctuation promoted the dominance of alien plants under low nutrient availability, whereas its effect was minimal under high nutrient availability. However, the opposite pattern was found when plants grew in living soil. Analysis of the soil microbial community suggests that this might reflect that nutrient fluctuation strongly increased the soil fungal pathogen diversity under high nutrient availability, but slightly decreased it under low nutrient availability. Our findings indicate that besides its direct influence, environmental variability could also indirectly affect plant invasion via changes in soil-microbial communities.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 Effector HopG1 is a multi-faceted protein that Triggers Necrotic Cell Death that is attenuated by the Nonhost Resistance 2B (AtNHR2B) Protein
Authors: Rodríguez-Puerto Catalina , Chakraborty Rupak , Singh Raksha , Rocha-Loyola Perla , Rojas Clemencia M.
Published: November 2021

The plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) has become a paradigm in plant-bacteria interactions due to its ability to cause disease in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Pst DC3000 uses the type III secretion system to deliver type III secreted effectors (T3SEs) directly into the plant cytoplasm. Pst DC3000 T3SEs contribute to pathogenicity by suppressing plant defense responses and targeting plant’s physiological processes. Although the complete repertoire of effectors encoded in the Pst DC3000 genome have been identified, the specific function for most of them remains to be elucidated. The mitochondrial-localized T3E HopG1, suppresses plant defense responses and promotes the development of disease symptoms. Here, we show that HopG1 triggers necrotic cell death that enables the growth of non-adapted pathogens. We further showed that HopG1 interacts with the plant immunity-related protein AtNHR2B and that AtNHR2B attenuates HopG1-virulence functions.
Genetic control of rhizosheath formation in pearl millet
Authors: De la Fuente Cantó C. , Diouf M.N. , Ndour P.M.S. , Debieu M. , Grondin A. , Passot S. , Champion A. , Barrachina C. , Pratlong M. , Gantet P. , Assigbetsé K. , Kane N. , Cubry P. , Diedhiou A.G. , Heulin T. , Achouak W. , Vigouroux Y. , Cournac L. , Laplaze L.
Published: November 2021

The rhizosheath, the layer of soil that adheres strongly to roots, influences water and nutrients acquisition. Pearl millet is a cereal crop that plays a major role for food security in arid regions of sub Saharan Africa and India. We previously showed that root-adhering soil mass is a heritable trait in pearl millet and that it correlates with changes in rhizosphere microbiota structure and functions. Here, we studied the correlation between root-adhering soil mass and root hair development, root architecture, and symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and we analysed the genetic control of this trait using genome wide association (GWAS) combined with bulk segregant analysis and gene expression studies. Root-adhering soil mass was weakly correlated only to root hairs traits in pearl millet. Twelve QTLs for rhizosheath formation were identified by GWAS. Bulk segregant analysis on a biparental population validated five of these QTLs. Combining genetics with a comparison of global gene expression in the root tip of contrasted inbred lines revealed candidate genes that might control rhizosheath formation in pearl millet. Our study indicates that rhizosheath formation is under complex genetic control in pearl millet and suggests that it is mainly regulated by root exudation.

Highlight

Formation of the rhizosheath, a layer of soil adhering to the root, is under complex genetic control in pearl millet and is mainly regulated by root exudation.
DNA-free CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of tetraploid tomatoes using protoplast regeneration
Authors: Hsu Chen-Tran , Yuan Yu-Hsuan , Zheng Po-Xing , Wu Fu-Hui , Cheng Qiao-Wei , Wu Yu-Lin , Lin Steven , Yue Jin-Jun , Cheng Ying-Huey , Lin Shu-I , Shih Ming-Che , Sheen Jen , Lin Yao-Cheng , Lin Choun-Sea
Published: November 2021

Wild tomatoes are important genomic resources for tomato research and breeding. Development of a foreign DNA-free CRISPR-Cas delivery system has potential to mitigate public concern about genetically modified organisms. Here, we established a DNA-free protoplast regeneration and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system for Solanum peruvianum, an important resource for tomato introgression breeding. We generated mutants for genes involved in small interfering RNAs (siRNA) biogenesis, RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE 6 (SpRDR6) and SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING 3 (SpSGS3); pathogen-related peptide precursors, PATHOGENESIS-RELATED PROTEIN-1 (SpPR-1) and PROSYSTEMIN (SpProsys); and fungal resistance (MILDEW RESISTANT LOCUS O, SpMlo1) using diploid or tetraploid protoplasts derived from in vitro-grown shoots. The ploidy level of these regenerants was not affected by PEG-calcium-mediated transfection, CRISPR reagents, or the target genes. By karyotyping and whole genome sequencing analysis, we confirmed that CRISPR-Cas9 editing did not introduce chromosomal changes or unintended genome editing sites. All mutated genes in both diploid and tetraploid regenerants were heritable in the next generation. spsgs3 null T0 regenerants and sprdr6 null T1 progeny had wiry, sterile phenotypes in both diploid and tetraploid lines. The sterility of the spsgs3 null mutant was partially rescued, and fruits were obtained by grafting to wild-type stock and pollination with wild-type pollen. The resulting seeds contained the mutated alleles. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus proliferated at higher levels in spsgs3 and sprdr6 mutants than in the wild type. Therefore, this protoplast regeneration technique should greatly facilitate tomato polyploidization and enable the use of CRISPR-Cas for S. peruvianum domestication and tomato breeding.

One-sentence summary

DNA-free CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in wild tomatoes creates stable and inheritable diploid and tetraploid regenerants.
Plasmotype condition nuclear pleiotropic effects on clock and fitness in barley
Authors: Bdolach Eyal , Prusty Manas Ranjan , Tiwari Lalit Dev , Kashkush Khalil , Fridman Eyal
Published: November 2021

In plants, the role of chloroplasts and mitochondria (plasmotype) in controlling circadian clock plasticity and overall plant robustness has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the rhythmicity of chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl F) clock output, and fitness in the field at optimal and elevated temperatures, in three different barley populations. First, we examined a reciprocal DH population between two wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum), in which we identified two pleiotropic QTLs (frp2.1 and amp7.1) that modulate clock and fitness including conditioning of these effects by plasmotype diversity. In the second population, a complete diallel consisting of 11 genotypes (reciprocal hybrids differing in plasmotype), we observed a gradual reduction in plasmotype, ranging from 26% and 15% for Chl F and clock measurements to 5.3% and 3.7% for growth and reproductive traits, respectively. The third population studied was a collection of cytolines in which nine different wild plasmotypes replaced the cultivated Noga (H. vulgare) plasmotype. Here, the order and magnitude of the effects of the plasmotypes differed from what we observed in the diallel population, with the greatest effect of plasmotype diversity observed for clock period and amplitude. Comparison of the chloroplast sequences suggests several candidate genes in the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) complex that may be responsible for the observed plasmotype effects. Overall, our results unravel previously unknown cytonuclear epistatic interactions that controls clock performance while also having pleiotropic effects on a plant field characteristics.
Chemiluminescence analysis of saliva for the assessment of emotional stress in autistic children undergoing a medical examination
Authors: Proskurnina Elena , Portnova Galina , Ivanova Maria , Sokolova Svetlana
Published: November 2021

Purpose

An electroencephalography (EEG) examination may cause psychological stress in children with autism that can interfere with the examination results. The objective information on the presence or absence of psycho-emotional stress in patients can help interpret electroencephalograms. This paper aimed to demonstrate the potential of noninvasive objective diagnostics of emotional stress in autistic children undergoing an EEG examination based on analysis of saliva.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved 19 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (ICD-10 F84.0); the mean age was seven years. During EEG examination of the children, behavioral parameters were assessed. The activity of cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) in saliva was measured before and after the EEG procedure using lucigenin-enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-stimulated chemiluminescence assay.

Findings

Significant differences in CYPOR activity were found between the children who were distressed during an EEG examination and the children without behavioral disturbances (Mann–Whitney test, p = 0.002). Thus, the EEG examination resulted in an increase in CYPOR activity in saliva cells, which may prove the stressful effect of this procedure on autistic children.

Originality/value

The chemiluminescent indices reflecting the activity of microsomal CYPOR in cells presenting in saliva correlate with the absence or presence of psychological stress in children; this phenomenon can be explained by an increased metabolism of the stress hormone, cortisol, by the cytochrome P450 microsomal system. Furthermore, the proposed method is completely safe, noninvasive, rapid (recording time is 20 min), inexpensive and promising for an objective assessment of psycho-emotional stress in autistic children undergoing medical examinations.
Forced online experiment and its acceptance among the University students during pandemic in Pakistan
Authors: Abdullah Iqra , Parveen Shazia , Haq Saif Ul
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the acceptability of online classes among university students of Pakistan through the extension of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a quantitative research approach and data were collected from 662 university students of 10 different universities of Pakistan through a self-administrative Web survey. Structural equation modeling through SmartPLS was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Findings of the research show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions play a significant role in developing the intention to adopt online classes. Furthermore, facilitating conditions and intention to adopt online classes have further resulted in frequent use behavior. The authors also investigated the moderating role effect of active learning in relationship behavioral intention and use behavior. Findings show that active learning is an important component of online classes that interacts with the behavioral intention to develop the behavior of attending the online mode of learning by students. However, no significant moderation of uncertainty was found in the relationship between four components of acceptance of technology and behavioral intention to adopt the technology.

Originality/value

The authors have extended the UTUAT model by establishing the relationship between facilitating conditions and behavioral intention that supports e-learning. Furthermore, this study tests the moderating role of uncertainty and active learning on the UTUAT model.
The impact of trade openness on the cost of financial intermediation and bank performance: evidence from BRICS countries
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mizanur , Rahman Md. Mominur , Rahman Mahfuzur , Masud Md. Abdul Kaium
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trade openness on the cost of financial intermediation and bank performance. Developed and developing countries are currently pursuing trade openness to achieve higher bank performance with less intermediation costs.

Design/methodology/approach

In attaining the study's objectives, several regression methodologies were employed (i.e. system generalized method of moments (GMM), fixed effect, pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and vector error correction model (VECM)). The authors tested the hypothesis on data of 885 banks from BRICS countries, which span 18 years (2000–2017).

Findings

The results from this robust study showed that embedding higher trade openness reduces financial intermediation costs and improves banks' performance. The results remain robust following the use of different estimation methods and alternative variables as proxies. In addition, results were still valid upon considering bank level, industry level and country level as control variables. It was also observed that the relation pattern holds its rigidity during “good” and “bad” times (i.e. the global financial crisis).

Originality/value

The results provide better references for bank regulators, academics and policymakers to take advantage of the low financial intermediation costs resulting from trade openness.
Enhancing the tensile strength of SiC reinforced aluminium-based functionally graded structure through the mixture design approach
Authors: Poornesh M. , Bhat Shreeranga , Gijo E.V. , Bellairu Pavana Kumara
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This article aims to study the tensile properties of a functionally graded composite structure with Al–18wt%Si alloy as the matrix material and silicon carbide (SiC) particles as the reinforcing element. More specifically, the study's primary objective is to optimize the composition of the material elements using a robust statistical approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the composite material is fabricated using a combination of stir casting and the centrifugal casting technique. Moreover, the test specimen required to study the tensile strength are prepared according to the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Eventually, optimal composition to maximize the tensile property of the material is determined using the mixture design approach.

Findings

The investigation results imply that the addition of the SiC plays a crucial role in increasing the tensile strength of the composite. The optical microstructural images of the composite show the adequate distribution of the reinforcing particles with the matrix. The proposed regression model shows better predictability of tensile strength. In addition, the methodology aids in optimizing the mixture component values to maximize the tensile strength of the produced functionally graded composite structure.

Originality/value

Little work has been reported so far where a hypereutectic Al–Si alloy is considered the matrix material to produce the composite structure. The article attempts to make a composite structure by using a combination of stir casting and centrifugal casting. Furthermore, it employs the mixture design to optimize the composition and predict the model of the study, which is one of a kind in the field of material science.
An automated mobile app labeling framework based on primary motivations for smartphone use
Authors: Ayanso Anteneh , Han Mingshan , Zihayat Morteza
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an automated mobile app labeling framework based on a novel app classification scheme that is aligned with users’ primary motivations for using smartphones. The study addresses the gaps in incorporating the needs of users and other context information in app classification as well as recommendation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a corpus of mobile app descriptions collected from Google Play store, this study applies extensive text analytics and topic modeling procedures to profile mobile apps within the categories of the classification scheme. Sufficient number of representative and labeled app descriptions are then used to train a classifier using machine learning algorithms, such as rule-based, decision tree and artificial neural network.

Findings

Experimental results of the classifiers show high accuracy in automatically labeling new apps based on their descriptions. The accuracy of the classification results suggests a feasible direction in facilitating app searching and retrieval in different Web-based usage environments.

Research limitations/implications

As a common challenge in textual data projects, the problem of data size and data quality issues exists throughout the multiple phases of experiments. Future research will extend the data collection scope in many aspects to address the issues that constrained the current experiments.

Practical implications

These empirical experiments demonstrate the feasibility of textual data analysis in profiling apps and user context information. This study also benefits app developers by improving app descriptions through a better understanding of user needs and context information. Finally, the classification framework can also guide practitioners in customizing products and services beyond mobile apps where context information and user needs play an important role.

Social implications

Given the widespread usage and applications of smartphones today, the proposed app classification framework will have broader implications to different Web-based application environments.

Originality/value

While there have been other classification approaches in the literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this framework is the first study on building an automated app labeling framework based on primary motivations of smartphone usage.
SMEs’ resilience from continuous improvement lenses
Authors: Zighan Saad , Ruel Salomée
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The business environment is increasingly volatile, complex, uncertain and ambiguous. Today, COVID-19 represents a super-disruption situation. This paper aims to explore small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) resilience from continuous improvement lenses. It explores the role of continuous improvement in building organizational resilience across SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi methodology has been adopted to capture evidence and opinions from 38 experts from several Jordan-based SMEs through three-online rounds.

Findings

The study finds that continuous improvement enhances SMEs’ resilience in the short term and long term. It can translate the concept of resilience into tangible working constructs for SMEs in visualizing and making decisions about their risks, adapting, absorbing changes and prevailing over time. The role of continuous improvement in building organizational resilience is fourfold; continuous improvement is a cyclical process; it has a vital cultural aspect and can be considered a business philosophy. It also emphasizes a holistic change approach based on small but constant changes. However, SMEs’ leaders must consider several issues for effective continuous improvement, including a continuous improvement culture and a results-focused approach.

Originality/value

Organizational resilience has been studied across various contexts; however, there are still unanswered questions for SMEs’ resilience. This study contributes to theory and practice by examining the role of continuous improvement in SMEs’ resilience.
Preparing a workforce across sectors: staff experiences of developing an Australian first, mental health and intellectual disability initiative for youth (MHIDI-Y)
Authors: Whitehead Richard , Hopkins Liza , Kehoe Michelle , Pedwell Glenda
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of staff during the development and implementation of an Australian-first, family-focussed service addressing the mental health needs of young people (aged 12–25 years) with an intellectual disability. This study aims to understand the challenges and successes of the staff team when navigating their way in a new program working with a complex client group.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a thematic analysis on data collected from focus groups at two time points in the implementation phase of the new program. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted to identify important themes relating to the staff’s challenges, successes and learning.

Findings

The findings showed that there was a lot of adaptation needed for staff members trained in either mental health, or disability, but not both. Another key finding was the importance of working with the young person’s family system as well as their existing system of support services. This major focus of the work for staff could be challenging due issues arising in the family unit and a lack of collaboration between services. Working with this complex client group was viewed as challenging and stress inducing; however, the motivation and attitudes of staff were found to be positive factors in the running of the program.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to the field, as it provides a unique look at staff experiences when needing to adapt to a new and challenging workplace that was the first-of-its-kind in Australia.
Pioneering success
Authors: Robertson James Andrew
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design:

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings:

First-mover advantage is known to bestow pioneering firms with considerable dominance and control over a market. Yet FMA does not necessarily last, with later entrants able to adapt and innovate better and in turn, gain preeminence in a market.

Originality:

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Culture of excellence
Authors: Robertson James Andrew
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design:

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings:

A culture of excellence is key to successfully implementing and sustaining entrepreneurial creativity, but stakeholder pressure is key in adopting sustainable practices in order to gain sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality:

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Investing in performance drivers
Authors: Robertson James Andrew
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design:

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings:

Heavy and unrestrained investment in R&D in the Indian pharmaceutical industry can negatively impact the performance and revenues of such firms.

Originality:

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Delineating novel aspects of social enterprise theory
Authors: Murphy Patrick J. , Kornetskyy Artem , Nixon Joseph T.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Social enterprises are defined in practice in terms of one operational model generating measurable value in more than one of the economic, social and natural/ecological value denomination categories. However, entrepreneurship theory does not generally or explicitly reflect this definition, which has generated confusion about the social enterprise concept. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to social enterprise theory by delineating novel aspects of this definition and their conceptual ramifications.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the social enterprise literature with a focus only on the most original contributions and most distinct research questions. The authors do not explicitly review research on traditional for-profit entrepreneurial ventures, not-for-profit/non-governmental organizations or mainstream social entrepreneurial ventures.

Findings

The authors offer several implications for social enterprise theory based on practices that are unique to the area but not amenable other areas of entrepreneurship. The contribution is instrumental to establishing social enterprise as a distinct theoretic area.

Originality/value

By focusing on novel aspects of social enterprise not easily explainable by mainstream theoretic traditions, the authors offer an original contribution to the development of social enterprise theory.
Rationality, experiences or identity work? Sensemaking of emotionally tense experiences of organizational sustainability
Authors: Sarna Bhavesh , Onkila Tiina , Mäkelä Marileena
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Although emotional tensions related to organizational sustainability have been identified, little is known about how employees aim to resolve such situations. This study aims to explore how employees use sensemaking to resolve emotionally tense situations concerning organizational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors studied a case in which, while employees attached positive emotions to organizational sustainability, external stakeholders viewed it negatively. Specifically, the study analyzed how employees used sensemaking to resolve such tense experiences and how this sensemaking eventually influenced their actions. To this end, the authors interviewed 25 employees at an energy company who had experience participating in its sustainability work.

Findings

The analysis revealed three sensemaking mechanisms for resolving emotional tensions related to organizational sustainability caused by discrepancies between external reputation and internal personal experience: rational sensemaking, experiential sensemaking and identity work. The complexity of sensemaking was reflected in the mixed-use of these three mechanisms, as employees constantly moved from one to another.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates employees’ tendency to defend their positive emotions about their organization’s sustainability in tense situations. It further provides insights into related sensemaking processes and shows how they can result in different levels of action.
Design and analysis of semi-closed stator core transverse flux permanent magnet generator
Authors: Muhammad Ali , Khan Faisal , Yousuf Muhammad , Ullah Basharat
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to modernize the generator system of wind turbine concept that not only improves the efficiency and power density but also reduces the system cost making design simpler and less expensive, especially in large-scale production.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a new permanent magnet transverse flux generator (PMTFG) for wind energy production. The key feature of its composition is the double armature coil in a semi-closed stator core. The main structural difference of the presented design is the use of double coil in the same space of semi-closed stator core and reduced number of stator pole pairs and rotor magnets from 12/24 to 10/20. 3D simulations are performed using finite element analysis (FEA) to measure induced voltage and magnetic field distribution at no load. The FEA is performed to quantify the change in flux linkage, induced voltage and output power as a function of different speeds and load current.

Findings

Results show that PMTFG with double coil configuration has improved electromagnetic performance in terms of flux linkage, induced voltage, output power and efficiency. The power density of 10/20 PMTFG with the double coil is 0.0524 KW/Kg, about an 18% increase compared to the conventional design.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed PMTFG is highly recommended for direct drive applications such as wind power.

Originality/value

Four models are simulated by FEA with single and double coil configuration, and load analysis is performed on all simulated models. Finally, results are compared with conventional PMTFG.
Why are the highly educated more sympathetic towards welfare recipients?
Authors: McARTHUR DANIEL
Published: November 2021

Stigmatising stereotypes about welfare recipients play a crucial role in building public support for welfare retrenchment. Existing literature finds that the highly educated are more sympathetic towards welfare recipients. This is surprising given the economic advantage associated with educational attainment. Furthermore, educational attainment has increased even as sympathy for welfare recipients has declined. I address these puzzles using three decades of British survey data and find that it is the socially liberal attitudes rather than the economic advantage associated with higher education that explains why this group is sympathetic towards welfare recipients. These findings reveal an educational cleavage in stereotypes about welfare recipients, which is based on non‐economic concerns, and has implications for support for welfare retrenchment and policies such as increased conditionality. This cleavage is weaker in more highly educated regions, implying that there are diminishing returns from increasing educational attainment in terms of sympathetic attitudes towards welfare recipients.