bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term label-free assessments of individual bacteria using three-dimensional quantitative phase imaging and hydrogel-based immobilization
Authors: Shin Jeongwon , Park Jinho , Kim Geon , Lee Moosung , Park Yongkeun
Published: June 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) quantitative phase imaging (QPI) enables long-term label-free tomographic imaging and quantitative analysis of live individual bacteria. However, the Brownian motion or motility of bacteria in a liquid medium produces motion artifacts during 3D measurements and hinders precise cell imaging and analysis. Meanwhile, existing cell immobilization methods produce noisy backgrounds and even alter cellular physiology. Here, we introduce a protocol that utilizes hydrogels for high-quality 3D QPI of live bacteria maintaining bacterial physiology. We demonstrate long-term high-resolution quantitative imaging and analysis of individual bacteria, including measuring the biophysical parameters of bacteria and responses to antibiotic treatments.

Abstract Figure
Macroevolutionary constraints on global microbial diversity
Authors: Fishman FJ , Lennon JT
Published: June 2022

Biologists have long sought to quantify the number of species on Earth. Often missing from these efforts is the contribution of microorganisms. Despite recent large-scale sampling efforts, estimates of global microbial diversity span many orders of magnitude. To reconcile this uncertainty, it is important to consider how speciation and extinction over the last four billion years constrain inventories of biodiversity. We parameterized macroevolutionary and mass-extinction event models to determine how diversification limits present-day microbial diversity. We find that while 106-107 taxa is most probable, much larger values (≥1012) are feasible. Allowing for mass extinction events does not greatly alter these conclusions. Along with empirical predictions, our models provide support for a massive global-scale microbiome while shedding light on the upper limits of life on Earth.
Fatty acid metabolism changes in association with neurobehavioral deficits in animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Hwang Hye Mee , Kawasawa Yuka Imamura , Basha Aiesha , Mohammad Shahid , Hashimoto-Torii Kazue
Published: June 2022

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) show various behavioral problems due to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Our previous study found significant changes in gene expressions linked to fatty acid metabolism in the brain of the PAE mouse model. Given the importance of fatty acids in normal brain functions and the contributions to neurodegenerative diseases, we hypothesized that the fatty acids changed by PAE contribute to neurobehavioral deficits in FASD. This study found an increase of palmitic acid and arachidonic acid in phospholipid compositions in the cerebral cortex of PAE at postnatal day 30. The increase of palmitic acid was consistent with the increase of the producing enzyme, fatty acid synthase (Fasn). The decrease of 26:6 fatty acid was also found in phospholipid. It is consistent with the increase of the Elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 4 (ELOVL4) which uses 26:6 as a substrate for making very long chain fatty acids. However, there was no increase in the elongated products. Rather, we found an accumulation of the lipid droplets (LDs) in the PAE brain, suggesting changes in fatty acid metabolism that lead to the accumulation of excessive fatty acids. Although metabolic measurements, including plasma triglyceride level, were not affected by PAE, the abundance of fatty acid-related gut microbiota was altered. Interestingly, multi-omics association analysis revealed a potential contribution of the altered gut microbiota, primarily Ruminococcaceae that produces short chain fatty acid, to LD formation in the PAE brain and the behavioral problems, suggesting that the gut microbiome could serve as a tool to facilitate uncovering the brain pathophysiology of FASD and a potential target to mitigate neurobehavioral problems.
Development and application of an uncapped mRNA platform
Authors: Zheng Xiaodi , Liu Biao , Ni Peng , Cai Linkang , Shi Xiaotai , Ke Zonghuang , Zhang Siqi , Hu Bing , Yang Binfeng , Xu Yiyan , Long Wei , Fang Zhizheng , Wang Yang , Zhang Wen , Xu Yan. , Wang Zhong , Pan Kai , Zhou Kangping , Wang Hanming , Geng Hui , Hu Han , Liu Binlei
Published: June 2022

A novel uncapped mRNA platform was developed. Five lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA constructs were made to evaluate several aspects of our platform, including transfection efficiency and durabilityin vitroandin vivoand the activation of humoral and cellular immunity in several animal models. The constructs were eGFP-mRNA-LNP (for enhanced green fluorescence mRNA), Fluc-mRNA-LNP (for firefly luciferase mRNA), SδT-mRNA-LNP (for Delta strain SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer mRNA), gDED-mRNA-LNP (for truncated glycoprotein D mRNA coding ectodomain from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2)) and gDFR-mRNA-LNP (for truncated HSV2 glycoprotein D mRNA coding amino acids 1∼400). Quantifiable target protein expression was achievedin vitroandin vivowith eGFP-and Fluc-mRNA-LNP. SδT-mRNA-LNP, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced both humoral and cellular immune responses comparable to those obtained by previously reported capped mRNA-LNP constructs. Notably, SδT-mRNA-LNP elicited neutralizing antibodies in hamsters against the Omicron and Delta strains. Additionally, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced potent neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and mice. The mRNA constructs with uridine triphosphate (UTP) outperformed those with N1-methylpseudouridine triphosphate (N1mψTP) in the induction of antibodies via SδT-mRNA-LNP. Our uncapped, process-simplified, and economical mRNA platform may have broad utility in vaccines and protein replacement drugs.
Density-dependent selection at high food levels leads to the evolution of persistence but not constancy in Drosophila melanogaster populations
Authors: Pandey Neha , Joshi Amitabh
Published: June 2022

Mechanisms through which population dynamics evolve to be stable have been a subject of considerable interest in population biology. One of the ways through which population stability is likely to evolve is via density-dependent selection with or without an r and K trade-off. In this paper, we test whether the specific combination of egg number and food amount under which density-dependent selection is implemented affects the evolution of population stability attributes in D. melanogaster populations that have evolved under density-dependent selection for 75 generations. Our findings show that these populations have evolved higher persistence stability than controls, although constancy stability did not evolve. Moreover, these populations did not show an r-K trade-off, and evolved persistence largely through a significant decrease in sensitivity of growth rate to population density, especially at densities ranging from medium to the equilibrium population size. Qualitative comparison of these findings with those from another set of crowding-adapted D. melanogaster populations that had evolved both constancy and persistence stability, suggests that the ecology of larval crowding influences the consequent evolution of stability attributes. We discuss previous findings on the evolution of life-history traits to argue that differences in the ecology of density-dependent selection experienced at the larval stage affects population stability differently by altering the sensitivity of population growth rate to population density.
Assessing combinatorial diversity of aureochrome bZIPs through genome-wide screening
Authors: Khamaru Madhurima , Nath Deep , Mitra Devrani , Roy Soumen
Published: June 2022

Aureochromes are unique blue light-responsive LOV (Light Oxygen Voltage) photoreceptors cum basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs), present exclusively in photosynthetic marine stramenopiles. Considering the availability of the complete genome sequence, this study focuses particularly on aureochromes from Ectocaupus siliculosus. Aureochromes mediate light-regulated developmental responses in this brown photosynthetic algae. Both the LOV sensor and the bZIP effector shows sequence-structure conservation. The LOV+bZIP modules of aureochrome homologs/ paralogs are not only structurally similar but also show an identical oligomeric state -- preferably dimeric. Aureochromes execute diverse cellular responses in different photosynthetic stramenopiles-- though their activities can vary even within a given algal species. Besides a heterogeneous linker connecting the sensor-effector and a flexible N-terminal region, the sequence composition of both the domains is vital. Therefore, it is important to understand whether aureochromes select dimerization partners from the same family or interact with other bZIPs as well. To regulate multifarious bio-logical activities, it is possible that aureochromes activate the global TF interaction network. Following homo/heterodimer modeling, we address the compatibility of dimerization partners by screening through heptad repeats. We evaluate the dimer interface area in terms of gain in solvation energy as well as the number of hydrogen bonds/salt bridge interactions. We further explore the relative stability of these structures from a graph-theoretic perspective through well-studied measures such as the energy of the graph and average participation coefficient. Furthermore, we also conduct an information-theoretic analysis using network information centrality and Kullback-Leibler divergence. We find that all our investigations into the relative stability of these dimers using diverse methods from bioinformatics, network science, and, information theory are in harmonious agreement. Our approach and findings should facilitate the design of experiments.
Root twisting drives halotropism via stress-induced microtubule reorientation
Authors: Yu Bo , Zheng Wenna , Xing Lu , Zhu Jian-Kang , Persson Staffan , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2022

Plants have evolved signaling mechanisms that guide growth away from adverse environments that can cause yield losses. Root halotropism is a sodium-specific negative tropism that is crucial for surviving and thriving under high salinity. Although root halotropism was discovered some years ago, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated root twisting determines halotropism inArabidopsis. An ABA-activated SnRK2 protein kinase (SnRK2.6) phosphorylates the microtubule-associated protein SP2L at Ser406, which induces a change in the anisotropic cell expansion at the root transition zone that located between the apical meristem and basal elongation zone, and is required for root twisting during halotropsim. Salt stress triggers SP2L-mediated cortical microtubule reorientation in cells at the transition zone, which guides cellulose microfibril patterns. Our findings outline the cellular and molecular mechanisms of root halotropism and indicate that anisotropic cell expansion through MT-reorientation and microfibril deposition have a central role in mediating tropic responses.
Multivalency, autoinhibition, and protein disorder in the regulation of interactions of dynein intermediate chain with dynactin and the nuclear distribution protein
Authors: Jara Kayla A. , Loening Nikolaus M. , Reardon Patrick N. , Yu Zhen , Woonnimani Prajna , Brooks Coban , Vesely Cat H. , Barbar Elisar J.
Published: June 2022

Cytoplasmic dynein plays crucial roles in the intracellular transport of organelles and other cargoes. Central to dynein function is the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of dynein intermediate chain (IC), which binds the three dimeric dynein light chains at multivalent sites, and dynactin p150Glued and nuclear distribution protein (NudE) at overlapping sites. The disorder in IC has hindered cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography studies of its structure and interactions. Here we use a suite of biophysical methods to reveal how multivalent binding of the three light chains regulate IC interactions with p150Glued and NudE. Using the N-terminal domain or the full-length IC from Chaetomium thermophilum, a tractable species to interrogate IC interactions, we identify a significant reduction in IC’s binding affinity for p150Glued and a loss of binding to NudE in contrast to the tight binding observed with small IC constructs. We attribute this difference to autoinhibition caused by strong long-range intramolecular interactions that cover IC’s N-terminal single α-helix, the site for p150Glued and NudE binding. Reconstitution of IC subcomplexes demonstrate that autoinhibition is differentially regulated by light chains binding underscoring their importance both in assembly and organization of IC, and in selection between multiple binding partners at the same site.
The role of oxidative stress in seed priming to improve germination and vigour
Authors: Marks Zane D. , Cowley James M. , Burton Rachel A. , Bianco-Miotto Tina
Published: June 2022

Seed priming improves germination, but responses vary with procedure and plant used, potentially from differential responses in oxidative pathways. This study targeted oxidative pathways in seed priming, using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), antioxidant-related micronutrients (Zn, Se and Mn), or a combination, to modulate germination and plant growth characteristics of hemp and barley. Hemp tolerated higher H2O2(1 M vs 0.125 M) and micronutrients (6-fold greater) concentrations than barley, with the combination treatment significantly increasing hemp germination but decreasing barley germination. Seed priming did not improve hemp germination under salt stress (200 mM NaCl), but the micronutrient treatment improved germination of barley under salt stress (100 mM NaCl). Histological staining showed that micronutrient-primed root tips accumulated less O2-in both non-stressed and salt-stressed conditions. We assessed seed priming benefits if grown in soil by measuring plant quality in three-week-old plants potted post-priming, but most quality factors were not significantly improved, except barley where shoot zinc content increased. In summary, seed priming with H2O2and/or micronutrients increased germination in hemp, but only micronutrients increased barley germination. Future work will continue optimising the priming methodology and further investigate the role of oxidative stress in the observed responses.
Responsiveness of functional assessments to monitor change in balance, walking speed and strength of older adults: A systematic review of the minimal detectable change
Authors: Arkesteijn Marco , Low Daniel
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to systematically review and evaluate the responsiveness of different functional tests via the minimal detectable change (MDC) across different older adult population cohorts.

Design

Systematic review of ISI Web of Knowledge and PubMed databases were searched up to September 26th 2020.

Setting

Community dwellings, hospital and residential homes

Participants

Studies were included if participants were adults over the age of 60. This study reports data from studies that utilise healthy community dwelling older adults, as well as older adults who are hospitalised, live in residential home or have musculoskeletal conditions.

Interventions

No interventions feature in this study

Primary and secondary outcome measures

MDC reported for gait speed, grip strength, balance, timed up and go, and repeated chair stand separated per older adult sub-group were deemed the primary outcome measure. A secondary outcome measure were the results of a regression analysis, performed to determine the effect of the functional test, cohort, study design and MDC calculation methodology on MDC magnitude.

Results

Thirty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Not all assessments were evaluated in the literature for all population cohorts. The MDC was affected by the functional test used, the cohort and MDC calculation methodology.

Conclusion

The MDC can be assessment and population specific, and thus this should be taken into account when using the MDC. It appears acceptable that different assessors are involved in the re-assessment of the same person.

Trial registration

The systematic review protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42019147527).

Article Summary

Strengths and Limitations of this Study

Strength: A range of assessments were included to determine if MDC could be used to prioritize specific assessments in interventions.

Strength: A wide range of search criteria and methods resulting in 6448 studies being assessed that enabled the inclusion of 39 original research papers to derive 138 MDC values.

Strength: Analysis of MDC95 for functional tests commonly used by practitioners to assess effective change in older adults

Strength: Analyses of the impact of method design features such as different assessors on the MDC

Limitation: Limited to the settings and tests selected
Preferential cross-linking of the stereospecific complex over the encounter complexes by DOPA2, a faster cross-linker than DSS
Authors: Wang Jian-Hua , Gong Zhou , Dong Xu , Liu Shu-Qun , Tang Yu-Liang , Lei Xiaoguang , Tang Chun , Dong Meng-Qiu
Published: June 2022

Transient protein-protein interactions are fundamental aspects of many biochemical reactions, but they are technically challenging to study. Chemical cross-linking of proteins coupled with mass spectrometry (CXMS) analysis is a powerful tool to facilitate the analysis of transient interactions. Central to this technology are chemical cross-linkers. Here, using two transient heterodimeric complexes—EIN/HPr with a KD of 7 μM and EIIAGlc/EIIBGlc with a KD of 25 μM—as model systems, we compared the effects of two amine-specific homo-bifunctional cross-linkers of different cross-linking speeds. Protein cross-linking by DOPA2, a di-ortho-phthalaldehyde cross-linker, is 60-120 times faster than that by DSS, an N-hydroxysuccinimide ester cross-linker. We analyzed the differences in the number of cross-links identified that reflected the stereospecific complex (SC), the final lowest-energy conformational state, and that of cross-links that reflected the encounter complexes (ECs), an ensemble of short-lived intermediate conformations mediated by nonspecific electrostatic interactions. We found that the faster DOPA2 cross-linking favored the SC whereas the slower DSS cross-linking favored the ECs. We propose a mechanistic model for this intriguing observation. This study suggests that it is feasible to probe the dynamics of protein-protein interaction using cross-linkers of different cross-linking speeds.
Inducible degradation of the Drosophila Mediator subunit Med19 reveals its role in regulating developmental but not constitutively-expressed genes
Authors: Jullien Denis , Guillou Emmanuelle , Bernat-Fabre Sandra , Payet Adeline , Bourbon Henri-Marc G , Boube Muriel
Published: June 2022

The multi-subunit Mediator complex plays a critical role in gene expression by bridging enhancer-bound transcription factors and the RNA polymerase II machinery. Although experimental case studies suggest differential roles of Mediator subunits, a comprehensive view of the specific set of genes regulated by individual subunits in a developing tissue is still missing. Here we address this fundamental question by focusing on the Med19 subunit and using the Drosophila wing imaginal disc as a developmental model. By coupling auxin-inducible degradation of endogenous Med19 in vivo with RNA-seq, we got access to the early consequences of Med19 elimination on gene expression. Differential gene expression analysis reveals that Med19 is not globally required for mRNA transcription but specifically regulates positively or negatively less than a quarter of the expressed genes. By crossing our transcriptomic data with those of Drosophila gene expression profile database, we found that Med19-dependent genes are highly enriched with spatially-regulated genes while the expression of most constitutively expressed genes is not affected upon Med19 loss. Whereas globally downregulation does not exceed upregulation, we identified a functional class of genes encoding spatially-regulated transcription factors, and more generally developmental regulators, responding unidirectionally to Med19 loss with an expression collapse. Moreover, we show in vivo that the Notch-responsive wingless and the E(spl)-C genes require Med19 for their expression. Combined with experimental evidences suggesting that Med19 could function as a direct transcriptional effector of Notch signaling, our data support a model in which Med19 plays a critical role in the transcriptional activation of developmental genes in response to cell signaling pathways.
Revisiting Leishmania GP63 host cell targets reveals a limited spectrum of substrates
Authors: Guay-Vincent Marie-Michèle , Matte Christine , Berthiaume Anne-Marie , Olivier Martin , Jaramillo Maritza , Descoteaux Albert
Published: June 2022

Colonization of host phagocytic cells by Leishmania metacyclic promastigotes involves several parasite effectors, including the zinc-dependent metalloprotease GP63. The major mode of action of this virulence factor entails the cleavage/degradation of host cell proteins. Given the potent proteolytic activity of GP63, identification of its substrates requires the adequate preparation of cell lysates to prevent artefactual degradation during cell processing. In the present study, we re-examined the cleavage/degradation of reported GP63 substrates when GP63 activity was efficiently neutralized during the preparation of cell lysates. To this end, we infected bone marrow-derived macrophages with either wild type, Δgp63, and Δgp63+GP63 L. major metacyclic promastigotes for various time points. We prepared cell lysates in the absence or presence of the zinc-metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline and examined the levels and integrity of ten previously reported host cell GP63 substrates. Inhibition of GP63 activity with 1,10-phenanthroline during the processing of macrophages prevented the cleavage/degradation of several previously described GP63 targets, including PTP-PEST, mTOR, p65RelA, c-Jun, VAMP3, and NLRP3. Conversely, we confirmed that SHP-1, Synaptotagmin XI, VAMP8, and Syntaxin-5 are bona fide GP63 substrates. These results point to the importance of efficiently inhibiting GP63 activity during the preparation of Leishmania-infected host cell lysates. In addition, our results indicate that the role of GP63 in Leishmania pathogenesis must be re-evaluated.

AUTHOR’S SUMMARY

In the protozoan parasite Leishmania, the abundant zinc-dependent metalloprotease GP63 is expressed at high levels at the surface of the promastigotes forms of the parasite. Upon phagocytosis by host macrophages, this metalloprotease is released from the parasite’s surface and spreads across the cytosol of infected cells. There, GP63 cleaves a number of host cell proteins involved in the control of host microbicidal function and in the regulation of immune responses, thereby contributing the ability of Leishmania to impair host defence mechanisms against infection. Given the abundance and powerful proteolytic activity of GP63, it is crucial to prevent artefactual proteolysis during processing of infected cells to identify genuine GP63 substrates. In this study, we found that inhibition of GP63 activity with 1,10-phenanthroline during the processing of macrophages prevented the degradation of several of previously identified GP63 substrates. These results uncover the importance of efficiently inhibiting GP63 activity during the preparation of Leishmania-infected host cell lysates.
Elucidating the role of gender differences via TAM in e-recruitment adoption in India: a multi-group analysis using MICOM
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Kaur Rajpreet
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to answer two research questions: first, to study the factors that directly and indirectly influence the intentions of job-seekers and second, to examine the moderating role of gender differences in e-recruitment adoption through the application of technology acceptance model (TAM) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sampling technique was used to collect online data via GoogleDocs through various online channels such as social media, LinkedIn and email. The final data was collected from 364 final-year graduates and postgraduate students to confirm the impact of female and male differences, measurement invariance in composite models (MICOM) and multi-group analysis (MGA).

Findings

The results indicated that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) have a direct impact on attitude (AT), whereas PU influenced behavioral intentions (BI) of job-seekers, but PEOU did not. AT directly leads to the BI. The outcomes of mediation analysis show that AT partially mediates the relationships between PU to BI and PEOU to BI. Further, the findings of MICOM and MGA showed that gender significantly moderates all the relationships between the constructs except for the influence of AT on BI.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the current literature, revealing that the original TAM model is still pertinent and effective in prevailing periods in emerging markets. The significance of PEOU and PU on AT and BI implies that job-seekers will strongly adopt e-recruitment when it is user-friendly and assist them to accomplish their tasks easily and efficiently. Moreover, gender has a vital moderating influence in e-recruitment adoption. In the case of females, the effect of PEOU is stronger, and for males, PU has a substantial impact on adoption.

Practical implications

Developers and recruiters should provide significant information related to salary, location and job profile on e-recruitment to enhance the adoption rate of online recruitment. Further, the usefulness of e-recruitment systems was more significant for males compared to females, whereas female job-seekers prefer the e-recruitment system, which is easy to use and operate.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in the literature by examining the essential factors affecting the BI of job-seekers as well as empirically testing the impact of gender differences to adopt TAM for e-recruitment – an under-explored subject in developing countries like India.
Does the efficiency of working capital management affect a firm’s financial distress? Evidence from UAE
Authors: Habib Ahmed Mohamed , Kayani Umar Nawaz
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relative efficiency of the working capital management (WCM) for Emirati firms before and during the coronavirus crisis. Next, this study explores the potential impact of WCM on the likelihood of financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

A data envelopment analysis (DEA) was applied to assess the relative efficiency of the WCM. This study uses the emerging market Z-score model to predict the likelihood of financial distress. The logistic regression was applied to investigate the impact of the efficiency of WCM on firms’ financial distress.

Findings

The results of this study model showed a negative and significant influence of the efficiency of WCM on firms’ financial distress likelihood.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for many stakeholders, including decision makers, WC managers, financiers, investors, financial consultants, researchers and others, in increasing their awareness of firms’ WCM performance before and during the crisis. Further, the results could have implications for trading strategies as investors seek attractive economic gains from their investment in firms that care about WCM.

Social implications

The implications of WCM performance on social interests would cause firms’ decision makers to operate efficiently and achieve the best practices to minimise the probability of firms' financial distress.

Originality/value

This study advances a novel contribution to the literature by introducing a novel model to assess WCM based on DEA technology.
Comparative analysis of dual second-order generalized integrator-phase locked loop based series hybrid filter and static synchronous compensator for load voltage compensation and power quality improvement with grid synchronization in islanded microgrid
Authors: Subramanian Vasantharaj , Vairavasundaram Indragandhi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to eliminate voltage harmonics and instantly measure the positive sequence fundamental voltage during unbalanced grid conditions, the dual second-order generalized integrator-phase locked loop used in series hybrid filter structures is often used in grid synchronisation in three-phase networks. The preferred series active hybrid power filter simultaneously compensates for voltage balancing and current harmonics generated by non-linear loads.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the use of renewable energy–based microgrid (MG) to support linear and non-linear loads. It is capable of synchronising with both the utility and the diesel generator unit. Power is transferred from the grid throughout a stable grid situation with minimum renewable energy generation and maximum load demand. It synchronises with diesel generator set to supply the load and form an AC MG during outages and minimum renewable power generation. In islanded and grid-connected mode, the voltage and power quality issues of the MG are controlled by static synchronous compensator and series hybrid filter.

Findings

Because of the presence of non-linear loads, reactive loads in the distribution system and the injection of wind power into the grid integrated system result power quality issues like current harmonics, voltage fluctuations, reactive power demand, etc.

Originality/value

The voltage at the load (linear and non-linear) is regulated, and the power factor and total harmonic distortions were improved with the help of the series hybrid filter.
Moving the needle on qualitative approaches to studying HRD
Authors: Grenier Robin S. , Williams Peter , Cho Yonjoo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conclude this special issue on innovation in qualitative research by addressing the preceding papers in relation to the work of Human Resource Development (HRD) scholars and scholar-practitioners, consider the implications to the field of HRD and point to additional directions for innovative qualitative approaches. The authors use the term “innovative” to mean either an approach (or technique) that is newly conceived or one that is new to HRD (or little used).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the papers in the special issue, identified other innovative qualitative approaches from the HRD literature and described briefly additional innovative approaches from other fields to suggest future directions for HRD professionals.

Findings

In this review, the authors noted the relatively few approaches to qualitative research that have been used regularly in HRD literature and suggested further innovative approaches that could deepen the understanding of organizations, including narrative, visual and indigenous methods, among others.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides for HRD scholars an overview of a few qualitative research methodologies that are new to HRD and identifies additional approaches and epistemological challenges that could be valuable for future inquiry into complex organizations by HRD scholars and practitioners.

Practical implications

The authors suggest various feasible approaches and tools for HRD professionals to inquire into their practice in organizations to identify needs, evaluate outcomes and inquire into socially complex issues.

Originality/value

This study’s intent is to encourage the use of various innovative qualitative inquiry approaches when appropriate to understand and transform organizations. In particular, this study encourages the approaches that center the voices and experiences of those being studied and emphasizes the ways of listening to voices from the margins that may have been ignored previously.
Cash flow bullwhip control mechanisms in a major crisis situation: a case study from the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Drissi Hicham , Lamzaouek Hicham , Amellal Issam , Mialed Karima
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To understand the specificities of Cash-flow bullwhip in the context of major crises similar to that of COVID-19, to identify its financial impacts on the Moroccan FMCG companies, to establish the profile of the companies most affected by this CFB and finally to propose internal control mechanisms that should be put in place to mitigate the effects of Cash flow Bullwhip in such a context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose to conduct descriptive research on companies operating in the fast-moving consumer goods sector in Morocco. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on a target population during the period from December 2020 to March 2021. To answer the different research questions, a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) has been conducted on the 21 variables obtained from the survey questions.

Findings

Small and medium-sized companies are those that have been the most financially impacted. Indeed, the instability of the cash flow conversion cycle increased their working capital requirements and limited their self-financing capacity. To face this situation, those companies used alternative means to finance their operational activity by using their equities or bank loans.

Originality/value

Due to the originality of the COVID 19 context, this study gives a different angle of view to analyze the cash flow bullwhip and its implications on the financial health of companies.
Antecedents of word-of-mouth communication in the life insurance industry
Authors: Yu Tsu-Wei
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study explored the antecedents and mediators of word-of-mouth (WOM) behavior in the life insurance industry and investigated how to increase policyholders' positive WOM communication.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of life insurance policyholders in Taiwan is surveyed. These respondents were chosen using purposive sampling. The author sent out 650 questionnaires to customers of the top six life insurance firms in Taiwan in proportion to each firm's market share as follows: Cathay (200), Fubon (150), Nan Shan (120), Shin Kong (80), China (60), and Taiwan (40). A total of 338 usable questionnaires were returned. Structural equation modeling was performed to estimate the influence of the identified antecedents of WOM communication.

Findings

The results support the proposed model and hypotheses, indicating that customers' positive evaluations of functional quality and technical quality help drive positive WOM communication. Corporate image and trust also play partial mediating roles.

Practical implications

Decision-makers should note that functional quality, technical quality, corporate image, and trust are antecedents of WOM communication. Functional quality and technical quality are the main factors influencing policyholders' perceptions. Therefore, life insurance firms must understand policyholders' quality expectations. Managers should also pay increased attention to promoting favorable WOM communication through strengthening corporate image and trust.

Originality/value

This was the first study to examine WOM communication in Taiwan's life insurance industry. Few studies have investigated the mediating effects of corporate image and trust in the relationships of functional and technical quality with WOM. The findings reveal the importance of WOM to the marketing of life insurance, providing new information for life insurance practice and theory.
Hotel employees’ occupational stigma narratives: perceived attributes, formation paths and destigmatization mechanisms
Authors: Xiang Keheng , Gao Fan , Qiao Guanghui , Chen Qingwen
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Hotel employees’ occupational stigma is often overlooked. Exploration of hotel employees’ occupational stigma representations, perception pathways and destigmatization provides an empirical basis for positive organizational behavior and psychology in the hotel industry. Therefore, this study aims to better understand the mechanism underlying inherent of occupational stigma.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a five-factor narrative analysis involving stigma narrative interviews with a purposed sampling of hotel employees (n = 18). Based on occupational stigma and resource conservation theories, this study designed a five-factor narrative analysis structure chart as the basis for data analysis.

Findings

Findings indicate the existence of four quadrants of perceived occupational stigma attribute distribution, two paths of perceived occupational stigma formation and a more systematic occupational destigmatization mechanism path.

Research limitations/implications

The occupational destigmatization path and countermeasures proposed in this study can resolve talent drain and eliminate stereotyping in the hotel industry, which promote the industry’s rapid recovery and sustainable healthy development, providing the practical management guidelines for public communication via social media, and offer practical significance for existing hotel human resource management in modules such as organizational culture and training.

Originality/value

This study broadens investigations of occupational stigma in a single, static context and explains the relationship between hotel employees’ stigma perceptions and destigmatization paths. Further, the mechanism of emotional energy distribution on spatial stigma was identified. These results have practical implications for organizational culture, training and employee care in hotel human resource management.
Wicked multi-problems (COVID-19 + Oil Spill + wildFires) in Brazil and their effects on socioeconomic vulnerability
Authors: Câmara Samuel Façanha , Silva Felipe Roberto da , Pinto Francisco Roberto , Soares Marcelo de Oliveira
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This research aims to identify Brazil's socioeconomic vulnerability to wicked multi-problems arising from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (2019–2020), from the most extensive (∼ 3,000 km) oil spill in tropical oceans (2019/2020) and from the highest rate of wildfires in the last decade.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors measured the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the 27 Brazilian states to these multi-problems (COVID-19 + Oil Spill + wildFire), considering the effects of these events individually and together. In addition, the authors calculated the vulnerability indices using two variables: production value and number of jobs created by an economic activity.

Findings

Results show the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro as the most susceptible, with a potential loss of 74.2% in production value and 47% in active employment relationships, caused by these overlapping events in time. The results also demonstrate that the country has failed in the coordination and management of these events (separately and jointly), showing difficulties especially in the stages of immediate response and recovery.

Originality/value

Regarding its contributions, this paper innovates by establishing an unprecedented overlap of wicked problems, linking this concept to the analysis of socioeconomic vulnerability of the affected communities, through a model that applies to other regions worldwide.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2021-0536
Analyzing diversity amongst visitors of Portuguese wine routes based on their wine involvement
Authors: Cunha Diana , Kastenholz Elisabeth , Silva Carla
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper focuses on the wine tourist market in the central region of Portugal, and it aims to analyze the wine tourist’s demographic and travel behavior and preferences profile, based on their level of wine involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents results from an exploratory study with a quantitative design, including a total of 1,029 survey responses from visitors of three wine routes. A K-mean cluster analysis was carried out, and the emerging groups of wine tourists were statistically compared (ANOVA or Chi-squared test).

Findings

Participants present a demographic profile of the wine route visitor similar to that found in other studies, with an average involvement with wine. There were three clusters of wine tourists, with different levels of involvement with wine: less wine-involved; medium wine-involved; and highly wine-involved. Significant differences between the three mentioned categories are visible for gender, age and attractions visited and expenses, suggesting the possibility of a differentiated market approach. Additionally, most respondents report high interest in a variety of attractions that are not exclusively wine-related. This finding supports the conceptualization of (particularly rural) wine tourism as “terroir tourism.”

Research limitations/implications

The pandemic context in which data collection was undertaken led to a smaller sample than expected, which was also more domestic than would have been in “non-COVID” times.

Practical implications

This study provides relevant insights about visitors of wine routes in Central Portugal, which may resonate in other wine tourism destinations. Implications for both theory and practice are also discussed.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study the wine tourism market in the Central Region of Portugal and expands our understanding about wine tourists’ profiles, behavior and interests, adding with empirical findings to the debate on heterogeneity in the wine tourist market, the role of wine involvement and of terroir.
New-normal Market Entry Mode for Pharmaceuticals: an Internet of Things (IoT) market entry framework stemming from COVID-19
Authors: Priporas Constantinos-Vasilios , Vellore-Nagarajan Durga
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to determine new-normal uncertainty considerations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic to consider within transaction-cost analysis for pharmaceuticals. It also aims to propose new-normal market entry strategies to address the uncertainty as a result of COVID-19's implications and provide for lack of knowledge and information in an uncertain business environment by way of Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for pharmaceutical market entry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we focus on the uncertainty facet within transaction-cost analysis consideration and utilise a descriptive three-case study approach taking in Johnson and Johnson (J&J), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis to present an ADO (Antecedent-Decisions-Outcomes) understanding of their usual market entry approach, the approach undertaken during the pandemic and the outcomes thereafter facilitating new-normal uncertainty considerations to factor in. Further with this insight, we develop a conceptual framework addressing the transaction-cost analysis implications of uncertainties toward lack of knowledge and information for a new-normal market entry approach and operating strategy for pharmaceuticals applicable due to IoT (Internet of Things).

Findings

Uncertainty (external and internal) is different now in the new-normal business environment for pharmaceuticals and boils down to acute shortage of knowledge and information impact to make an appropriately informed decision. Therefore, considering the changed factors to consider, pharmaceuticals need to be able to undertake market entry with vaccines and medicines by way of IoT thereby enabling, the filling of the gap via real-time data access and sharing, including enhancing predictive analysis for sustenance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper's findings have many theoretical implications highlighted in the manuscript.

Practical implications

The paper's findings have many practical implications highlighted in the manuscript.

Originality/value

This is the first study to our knowledge that throws light on transaction-cost analysis theory's uncertainty facet for pharmaceuticals. It is also the first study that provides a new-normal market entry strategy for pharmaceutical companies built on interoperability of real-time IoT.
Visual literacy shown through a magnifying lens by high school students
Authors: Reddy Pritika , Sharma Bibhya , Chaudhary Kaylash , Lolohea Osaiasi , Tamath Robert
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate student visual literacy skills using the newly designed visual literacy framework and visual literacy (VL) scale.

Design/methodology/approach

It includes a newly designed framework, a self-reporting questionnaire and a scale to evaluate an individual's VL skills and overall competency. The self-reporting questionnaire consists of 13 items with a five-point Likert scale.

Findings

The newly developed VL skill scale assessed the Fiji students’ competency (i.e. identify, understand, evaluate and communicate using visuals). The mean for the 13 items on VL skills showed average results, but 46.33% recorded high visual literacy competencies. The multiple linear regression analysis outcomes showed all 13 skills demonstrated significant contributions to becoming visually literate.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that the questionnaire is self-reporting, so the evaluation can be highly rated. The implications are that relevant stakeholders will be able to devise strategies and content to improve visual literacy in Fiji.

Practical implications

Images are playing an important role today, especially after COVID-19, which forced the education system to go online. Online learning involves a lot of visuals, and as such, visual literacy is important to students so that they can successfully learn online. This paper brings out the important aspects of visual literacy, which needs to be understood by the students.

Social implications

In society, everything involves visuals. This paper introduces a visual literacy scale and a visual literacy tool to measure the visual competencies of individuals. If people understand the components of visual literacy, then visual competencies of the people will also improve.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one on evaluating visual literacy competencies in Fiji and also in the South Pacific. The visual literacy tool is also new to the world.
Infrastructure development: reflections on Sierra Leone infrastructure scheme and the Lungi Bridge project
Authors: Oliveros-Romero José , Paton-Cole Vidal Patrick
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The Government of Sierra Leone has launched a strategic plan 2019–2022 that includes a large focus on new large infrastructure. This plan includes the Lungi Bridge project, a 7-km bridge for connecting the capital city Freetown with the Lungi airport, procured with a public–private partnership (PPP) model. This study aims to reflect on seven issues regarding the plan implementation and the procurement of the Lungi Bridge project.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses case study analysis (Sierra Leone’s infrastructure plan), in which existing literature and expertise is applied to discuss/reflect the implications for the future.

Findings

Among other reflections, this study addresses the benefits and risks of using a PPP option with non-sovereign guarantee, off-balance sheet treatment and a special purpose vehicle for multiple projects; this study also discusses the social risk of misperceiving the bridge as a basic essential transport option (non-voluntary).

Practical implications

The reflective process can contribute significantly to policymakers in Sierra Leone and its neighbour countries, as it is a contextualised analysis for the country.

Originality/value

Many studies have addressed existing PPP projects and contexts for low-income countries. However, to best of the author’s knowledge, the analysis of a single government infrastructure plan has not been addressed. Moreover, for the Sierra Leone’s context, this is unique.