bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A humanized yeast model reveals dominant-negative properties of neuropathy-associated alanyl-tRNA synthetase mutations
Authors: Meyer-Schuman Rebecca , Marte Sheila , Smith Tyler J. , Feely Shawna M.E. , Kennerson Marina , Nicholson Garth , Shy Mike E. , Koutmou Kristin S. , Antonellis Anthony
Published: May 2022

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are ubiquitously expressed, essential enzymes that ligate tRNA molecules to their cognate amino acids. Heterozygosity for missense variants or small in-frame deletions in five ARS genes causes axonal peripheral neuropathy, a disorder characterized by impaired neuronal function in the distal extremities. These variants reduce enzyme activity without significantly decreasing protein levels and reside in genes encoding homo-dimeric enzymes. These observations raise the possibility of a dominant-negative effect, in which non-functional mutant ARS subunits dimerize with wild-type ARS subunits and reduce overall ARS activity below 50%, breaching a threshold required for peripheral nerve axons. To test for these dominant-negative properties, we developed a humanized yeast assay to co-express pathogenic human alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS1) mutations with wild-type human AARS1. We show that multiple loss-of-function, pathogenic AARS1 variants repress yeast growth in the presence of wild-type human AARS1. This growth defect is rescued when these variants are placed in cis with a mutation that reduces dimerization with the wild-type subunit, demonstrating that the interaction between mutant AARS1 and wild-type AARS1 is responsible for the repressed growth. This demonstrates that neuropathy-associated AARS1 variants exert a dominant-negative effect, which supports a common, loss-of-function mechanism for ARS-mediated dominant peripheral neuropathy.
ReSurveyGermany: Vegetation-plot time-series over the past hundred years in Germany
Authors: Jandt Ute , Bruelheide Helge , Berg Christian , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , Blüml Volker , Bode Frank , Dengler Jürgen , Diekmann Martin , Dierschke Hartmut , Doerfler Inken , Döring Ute , Dullinger Stefan , Härdtle Werner , Haider Sylvia , Heinken Thilo , Horchler Peter , Jansen Florian , Kudernatsch Thomas , Kuhn Gisbert , Lindner Martin , Matesanz Silvia , Metze Katrin , Meyer Stefan , Müller Frank , Müller Norbert , Naaf Tobias , Peppler-Lisbach Cord , Poschlod Peter , Roscher Christiane , Rosenthal Gert , Rumpf Sabine B. , Schmidt Wolfgang , Schrautzer Joachim , Schwabe Angelika , Schwartze Peter , Sperle Thomas , Stanik Nils , Stroh Hans-Georg , Storm Christian , Voigt Winfried , von Heßberg Andreas , von Oheimb Goddert , Wagner Eva-Rosa , Wegener Uwe , Wesche Karsten , Wittig Burghard , Wulf Monika
Published: May 2022

Vegetation-plot resurvey data are a main source of information on terrestrial biodiversity change, with records reaching back more than one century. Although more and more data from re-sampled plots have been published, there is not yet a comprehensive open-access dataset available for analysis. Here, we compiled and harmonised vegetation-plot resurvey data from Germany covering almost 100 years. We show the distribution of the plot data in space, time and across habitat types of the European Nature Information System (EUNIS). In addition, we include metadata on geographic location, plot size and vegetation structure. The data allow calculating temporal biodiversity change at the community scale and reach back further into the past than most comparable data yet available. They also enable tracking changes in the incidence and distribution of individual species across Germany. In summary, the data come at a level of detail that holds promise for broadening our understanding of the mechanisms and drivers behind plant diversity change over the last century.
Robust and Versatile Arrayed Libraries for Human Genome-Wide CRISPR Activation, Deletion and Silencing
Authors: Yin Jiang-An , Frick Lukas , Scheidmann Manuel C. , Liu Tingting , Trevisan Chiara , Dhingra Ashutosh , Spinelli Anna , Wu Yancheng , Yao Longping , Vena Dalila Laura , Knapp Britta , Cecco Elena De , Ging Kathi , Armani Andrea , Oakeley Edward , Nigsch Florian , Jenzer Joel , Haegele Jasmin , Pikusa Michal , Täger Joachim , Rodriguez-Nieto Salvador , Guo Jingjing , Bouris Vangelis , Ribeiro Rafaela , Baroni Federico , Bedi Manmeet Sakshi , Berry Scott , Losa Marco , Hornemann Simone , Kampmann Martin , Pelkmans Lucas , Hoepfner Dominic , Heutink Peter , Aguzzi Adriano
Published: May 2022

Arrayed CRISPR libraries extend the scope of gene-perturbation screens but require large numbers of efficacious sgRNA-expressing vectors. Using a newly invented liquid-phase plasmid cloning methodology, we constructed genome-wide arrayed libraries for human gene ablation (19,936 plasmids), activation, and epigenetic silencing (22,442 plasmids). At least 76% of each plasmid preparation encoded an intact array of 4 non-overlapping sgRNAs designed to tolerate most human DNA polymorphisms. We achieved perturbation efficacies of 75-99%, 76-92% and up to 10,000x in deletion, silencing and activation experiments, respectively. Upon conversion into massively parallel lentiviral vectors, an arrayed activation screen of 1,634 human transcription factors yielded 11 novel regulators of the cellular prion protein PrPC. Furthermore, a screen using a pooled version of the ablation library identified 5 novel modifiers of autophagy that went undetected with either of two 1sgRNA libraries. The CRISPR libraries described here represent a powerful resource for the targeted perturbation of human protein-coding genes.
Peripersonal encoding of forelimb proprioception in the mouse somatosensory cortex
Authors: Alonso Ignacio , Scheer Irina , Palacio-Manzano Mélanie , Frézel-Jacob Noémie , Philippides Antoine , Prsa Mario
Published: May 2022

Conscious perception of limb movements depends on proprioceptive neural responses in the somatosensory cortex. In contrast to tactile sensations, proprioceptive cortical coding is barely studied in the mammalian brain and practically non-existent in rodent research. To understand the cortical representation of this important sensory modality we developed a passive forelimb displacement paradigm in behaving mice and also trained them to perceptually discriminate where their limb is moved in space. We delineated, for the first time, the rodent proprioceptive cortex with wide-field calcium imaging and optogenetic silencing experiments during awake behavior. Our results reveal that proprioception is represented in both sensory and motor cortical areas. In addition, behavioral measurements and responses of layer 2/3 neurons imaged with two-photon microscopy reveal that passive limb movements are both perceived and encoded in the mouse cortex as a spatial direction vector that interfaces the limb with the body’s peripersonal space.
Distinct antigenic properties of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5
Authors: Willett Brian J. , Kurshan Ashwini , Thakur Nazia , Newman Joseph , Manali Maria , Tyson Grace , Logan Nicola , Murcia Pablo R. , Snell Luke B. , Edgeworth Jonathan D. , Zhou Jie , Sukhova Ksenia , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Brown Kevin , Charleston Bryan , Malim Michael H. , Thomson Emma C. , Barclay Wendy S. , Bailey Dalan , Doores Katie J. , Peacock Thomas P.
Published: May 2022

Over the course of the pandemic variants have arisen at a steady rate. The most recent variants to emerge, BA.4 and BA.5, form part of the Omicron lineage and were first found in Southern Africa where they are driving the current wave of infection.

In this report, we perform an in-depth characterisation of the antigenicity of the BA.4/BA.5 Spike protein by comparing sera collected post-vaccination, post-BA.1 or BA.2 infection, or post breakthrough infection of vaccinated individuals with the Omicron variant. In addition, we assess sensitivity to neutralisation by commonly used therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

We find sera collected post-vaccination have a similar ability to neutralise BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5. In contrast, in the absence of vaccination, prior infection with BA.2 or, in particular, BA.1 results in an antibody response that neutralises BA.4/BA.5 poorly. Breakthrough infection with Omicron in vaccinees leads to a broad neutralising response against the new variants. The sensitivity of BA.4/BA.5 to neutralisation by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies was similar to that of BA.2.

These data suggest BA.4/BA.5 are antigenically distinct from BA.1 and, to a lesser extent, BA.2. The enhanced breadth of neutralisation observed following breakthrough infection with Omicron suggests that vaccination with heterologous or multivalent antigens may represent viable strategies for the development of cross-neutralising antibody responses.
pdCIFplotter: visualizing powder diffraction data in pdCIF format
Authors: Rowles Matthew R.
Published: May 2022

A description is given of the program pdCIFplotter. This program is used for visualizing powder diffraction data and models published in powder CIF format (pdCIF). In particular, support for the visualization of multi-pattern data sets, such as in situ diffraction experiments, is provided by means of stack and surface plots. pdCIFplotter is written in Python 3 and can run wherever a compatible runtime is available. TOPAS macros for the production of pdCIF files are also presented.
Analytic descriptions of parabolic X-ray mirrors
Authors: Goldberg Kenneth A.
Published: May 2022

On X-ray beamlines and telescopes, glancing-incidence mirrors with parabolic profiles are used to collimate, focus, and collect light. Here, analytic descriptions for paraboloidal, plane-parabolic, and parabolic cylindrical mirrors in several congruent geometries that are commonly used in fabrication, metrology, and modeling are provided. The exact expressions are derived directly from Fermat's principle, without coordinate transformations, in several mirror-centered coordinate systems, including one with the surface tangent to the central point of intersection. Coefficients for a sixth-order polynomial series approximation are calculated for that coordinate system.
3D-printed SAXS chamber for controlled in situ dialysis and optical characterization
Authors: Ehm Tamara , Philipp Julian , Barkey Martin , Ober Martina , Brinkop Achim Theo , Simml David , von Westphalen Miriam , Nickel Bert , Beck Roy , Rädler Joachim O.
Published: May 2022

3D printing changes the scope of how samples can be mounted for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). In this paper a 3D-printed X-ray chamber, which allows for in situ exchange of buffer and in situ optical transmission spectroscopy, is presented. The chamber is made of cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), including COC X-ray windows providing ultra-low SAXS background. The design integrates a membrane insert for in situ dialysis of the 100 µl sample volume against a reservoir, which enables measurements of the same sample under multiple conditions using an in-house X-ray setup equipped with a 17.4 keV molybdenum source. The design's capabilities are demonstrated by measuring reversible structural changes in lipid and polymer systems as a function of salt concentration and pH. In the same chambers optical light transmission spectroscopy was carried out measuring the optical turbidity of the mesophases and local pH values using pH-responsive dyes. Microfluidic exchange and optical spectroscopy combined with in situ X-ray scattering enables vast applications for the study of responsive materials.
Elucidation of protein function using computational docking and hotspot analysis by ClusPro and FTMap
Authors: Jones George , Jindal Akhil , Ghani Usman , Kotelnikov Sergei , Egbert Megan , Hashemi Nasser , Vajda Sandor , Padhorny Dzmitry , Kozakov Dima
Published: May 2022

Starting with a crystal structure of a macromolecule, computational structural modeling can help to understand the associated biological processes, structure and function, as well as to reduce the number of further experiments required to characterize a given molecular entity. In the past decade, two classes of powerful automated tools for investigating the binding properties of proteins have been developed: the protein–protein docking program ClusPro and the FTMap and FTSite programs for protein hotspot identification. These methods have been widely used by the research community by means of publicly available online servers, and models built using these automated tools have been reported in a large number of publications. Importantly, additional experimental information can be leveraged to further improve the predictive power of these approaches. Here, an overview of the methods and their biological applications is provided together with a brief interpretation of the results.
Lipidic cubic phase serial femtosecond crystallography structure of a photosynthetic reaction centre
Authors: Båth Petra , Banacore Analia , Börjesson Per , Bosman Robert , Wickstrand Cecilia , Safari Cecilia , Dods Robert , Ghosh Swagatha , Dahl Peter , Ortolani Giorgia , Björg Ulfarsdottir Tinna , Hammarin Greger , García Bonete María-José , Vallejos Adams , Ostojić Lucija , Edlund Petra , Linse Johanna-Barbara , Andersson Rebecka , Nango Eriko , Owada Shigeki , Tanaka Rie , Tono Kensuke , Joti Yasumasa , Nureki Osamu , Luo Fangjia , James Daniel , Nass Karol , Johnson Philip J. M. , Knopp Gregor , Ozerov Dmitry , Cirelli Claudio , Milne Christopher , Iwata So , Brändén Gisela , Neutze Richard
Published: May 2022

Serial crystallography is a rapidly growing method that can yield structural insights from microcrystals that were previously considered to be too small to be useful in conventional X-ray crystallography. Here, conditions for growing microcrystals of the photosynthetic reaction centre of Blastochloris viridis within a lipidic cubic phase (LCP) crystallization matrix that employ a seeding protocol utilizing detergent-grown crystals with a different crystal packing are described. LCP microcrystals diffracted to 2.25 Å resolution when exposed to XFEL radiation, which is an improvement of 0.15 Å over previous microcrystal forms. Ubiquinone was incorporated into the LCP crystallization media and the resulting electron density within the mobile QB pocket is comparable to that of other cofactors within the structure. As such, LCP microcrystallization conditions will facilitate time-resolved diffraction studies of electron-transfer reactions to the mobile quinone, potentially allowing the observation of structural changes associated with the two electron-transfer reactions leading to complete reduction of the ubiquinone ligand.
COVID-19 catastrophes and stock market liquidity: evidence from technology industry of four biggest ASEAN capital market
Authors: Priscilla Sherin , Hatane Saarce Elsye , Tarigan Josua
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study examines the influence of various COVID-19 catastrophes variables on the stock market liquidity, considering the market depth and market tightness in the technology industry of the four biggest ASEAN capital markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilised the panel data regression analysis obtained from 177 listed technology companies across the four ASEAN countries from March 2, 2020 to June 30, 2021 using the random effect and weighted least squares. The study also supported the result with robustness test, implementing the quantile regression to further present companies' segmentation within the variables.

Findings

The regression results indicate that daily growth COVID-19 confirmed cases and stringency that adversely impacted the stock market liquidity. Confirmed deaths were also found to have a detrimental effect on the stock market liquidity. On the other hand, recoveries and vaccination of COVID-19 enhance the stock market liquidity to escalate.

Research limitations/implications

The study affirms that stock market liquidity is bound to be driven by the COVID-19 variables, but only to be limited to the technology industry observed in four major ASEAN capital markets. Awareness by investors and government could be shifted towards the rise of confirmed cases, recoveries, vaccination and stringency as it improves the liquidity of capital market in aggregate. However, rise of confirmed deaths negatively affect the liquidity. All in all, government and stock market regulator should promote transparency to boost investors' confidence in trading.

Originality/value

This study initiates the investigation in the four biggest ASEAN capital markets, particularly in the technology industry, regarding the COVID-19 catastrophes and stock market liquidity in terms of both market depth and market tightness. Further, this study enriches the impact of COVID-19 by taking the recovery cases and vaccination of COVID-19 as additional consideration.
Prediction method of motor magnetic field based on improved Linknet model
Authors: Jin Liang , Liu Yuankai , Yang Qingxin , Zhang Chuang , Liu Suzhen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Under the condition of small data set, a prediction model of motor magnetic field is established based on deep learning method. This paper aims to complete the magnetic field prediction quickly and accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved Linknet model is proposed to predict the motor magnetic field. This is a digital twin technology, which can predict the function values of other points according to the function values of typical sampling points. The results of magnetic field distribution are represented by color images. By predicting the pixels of the image, the corresponding magnetic field distribution is obtained. The model not only considers the correlation between pixels but also retains the spatial information in the original input image and can well learn the mapping relationship between motor structure and magnetic field.

Findings

The model can speed up the calculation while ensuring the accuracy and has obvious advantages in large-scale calculation and real-time simulation.

Originality/value

Under the condition of small data set, the model can well learn the mapping relationship between motor structure and magnetic field, so as to complete the magnetic field prediction quickly and accurately. In the future, according to the characteristics of magnetic field distribution, it will lay a foundation for solving the problems of rapid optimization, real-time simulation and physical field control of electrical equipment.
“Is compassion an answer to the hiding problem?” Role of psychological danger and compassion training in knowledge hiding behavior
Authors: Lanke Parijat 
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold, first is to conceptualize the role of “psychological danger” and the consequent “interpersonal distrust” as the cause of knowledge hiding in organizations. Second, it proposes the role of “compassion” training to tackle this challenge to knowledge hiding. Thus, the overall idea contributes to the ongoing conversation on knowledge hiding and provides new insights into tackling the same.

Design/methodology

This paper uses an integrative review technique to conceptualize the proposed relationships for model development. Extant work on knowledge hiding and its antecedents were reviewed to propose the new antecedents and outline how the compassion training may help combat the challenge posed. A theoretical lens of social exchange theory forms the basis for the proposed relationship.

Findings

This study forwards the reasons for knowledge hiding and the ways to tackle it. We observe that “psychological danger” (opposite of psychological safety) might lead to an interpersonal distrust between employees, and this may finally lead to knowledge hiding behavior. This interpersonal transaction leading to hiding behavior could be regulated by the compassion developed in an employee via training.

Originality

Although the research on “knowledge hiding” is progressing, there is still a lack of focus on findings answers to the challenges of the way “knowledge hiding” behavior is triggered. This study is unique in its proposal of an organizational intervention of “compassion” to tackle knowledge hiding.

Research implications

This study proposes a new set of antecedents to the knowledge hiding behavior. It also conceptualizes a moderated mediation model that could be tested in future research. Future studies may employ an intervention-based experimental or longitudinal survey research to study the proposed relationship.

Practical implications

This research takes cognizance of the challenge organizations face due to knowledge hiding behavior and how it degrades the knowledge management systems. It proposes that if employees are provided with compassion training, it may help check the issue of “knowledge hiding.”
Factors influencing the use of social media by academic librarians in Zimbabwe: a UTAUT model analysis
Authors: Chiparausha Blessing , Onyancha Omwoyo Bosire , Ezema Ifeanyi Jonas
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the use of social media by academic librarians at universities in Zimbabwe with particular focus on the application of the four key constructs of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. This study assesses the degree to which academic librarians in Zimbabwe believe that using social media enhances service delivery, the extent to which academic librarians perceive social media as easy to use, the influence of peers on social media use among academic librarians and the extent to which facilitating conditions influence social media use.

Design/methodology/approach

A pragmatist worldview in which both quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted, this multiple case study used face-to-face interviews, self-administered questionnaires and content analysis for collecting data.

Findings

Academic librarians in Zimbabwe perceive social media tools to be useful and easy to use in the provision of services. Social influence had a moderate effect on academic librarians’ use of social media for service delivery at universities in Zimbabwe, but they feel that their supervisors do not provide enough help for them to use social media.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no similar study has been done previously in Zimbabwe. This multiple case study presents useful findings on the acceptance and use of social media by academic librarians in Zimbabwe.
Fueling the spirit of care to surmount hazing: foregrounding the role of spiritual leadership in inhibiting hazing in the hospitality context
Authors: Ali Moazzam , Usman Muhammad , Shafique Imran , Garavan Thomas , Muavia Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate direct and indirect (via perceived caring climate) links between spiritual leadership and hazing at work in the hospitality context. The authors also test the role of employee interpersonal justice values as a boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected time-lagged data from 441 newcomers and their 441 peers (existing hotel employees) and analyzed the data using structural modeling equation in Mplus (8.6).

Findings

The authors found a negative relationship between spiritual leadership and hazing behaviors. Further, perceived caring climate mediated the relationship between spiritual leadership and hazing behaviors. The results also provided support for employee interpersonal justice values as the boundary condition on both the direct relationship between spiritual leadership and perceived caring climate and the indirect relationship between spiritual leadership and workplace hazing.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that there is a value in having organizational leaders who demonstrate spiritual leadership behaviors. This will enhance hospitality employees’ perceptions of a caring climate and undermine their engagement in hazing behaviors.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to the nascent literature on workplace hazing behaviors and spiritual leadership in the hospitality context. The study is also noteworthy because it provides important insights into the antecedents and outcomes of perceived caring climate, an important contextual resource that has imperative implications for hospitality employees’ hazing behaviors.
CFO credentials, stock market signaling, and firm performance
Authors: Datta Sudip , Doan Trang , Guha Abhijit , Iskandar-Datta Mai , Kwon Min-Jeong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper examines how “strategic” chief financial officers (CFOs) with an elite MBA (i.e. elite CFOs) influence (1) stock market reaction to CFO hiring announcements (ex antemeasure) and (2) post-hiring firm performance (ex-post measure).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a comprehensive, proprietary database with information about the educational qualifications and prior professional experience of 1,340 CFOs hired during the period 1994–2014. For each CFO, the authors hand-collected data on the CFO's prior experience as well as CFO's educational profile. The authors also identified the date of CFO hiring from financial press articles. To evaluate performance, the authors consider two different, yet complementary performance measures: (1) the stock market reaction,a priorimeasure and (2) a traditional measure of performance, which is a post-facto metric related to firm performance.

Findings

The results show that hiring CFOs with scarce and strategic human capital elicits a positive market response and leads to significant improvement in firm performance. Further, firms with greater managerial discretion benefit more from hiring elite CFOs. The results hold after controlling for chief executive officer (CEO), CFO, top managment team (TMT), and board characteristics.

Originality/value

This study shows converging and mutually consistent results about what specific types of CFO human capital create firm value and, more importantly, show that such value-creation is only in the case of small firms and high growth firms. The study also advances the stream of literature that contrasts the relative benefits of specialist versus generalist qualifications.
The roles of national culture in affecting quality management practices and quality performance - multilevel and multi-country analysis
Authors: Prajogo Daniel , Mena Carlos , Cooper Brian , Teh Pei-Lee
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the role of national culture on the implementation and effectiveness of quality management practices. Specifically, the authors examine the dual roles of two of Hofstede's national culture dimensions (individualism and indulgence) in driving the implementation of people management practices and in moderating the relationship between people management and product quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ dataset combines a survey of 976 firms from 22 countries with Hofstede's national culture index. A multi-level analysis, at firm and country levels, is used for investigating the interplay between two dimensions of national culture (individualism and indulgence) on people management practices and product quality performance.

Findings

The authors' findings show the negative relationship between indulgence (at country level) and people management practices (at firm level) while individualism (at country level) strengthens the relationship between people management and product quality performance (at firm level). Furthermore, the finding shows that the joint interaction between individualism and indulgence (at country level) moderates the relationship between people management and product quality performance (at firm level) where the relationship is strongest when individualism is high and indulgence is low.

Practical implications

Understanding the interplay between national culture and management practices is important for managers in making decisions on the practices managers should implement under different cultural contexts to gain the expected outcomes.

Originality/value

The authors' results challenge the universalist view that suggests that quality management practices (in this case people management practices) can be applied in any context effectively to achieve high product quality performance by showing that facets of national culture influence the implementation and effectiveness of people management practices and performance. The results also provide a fresh perspective on the role of indulgence, given that it is the newest dimension in Hofstede's framework. The authors also extend previous studies which commonly only examine the main and not interactive effects of different dimensions of national culture.
Does transparency and disclosure (T&D) improve the performance of banks in India?
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Kanoujiya Jagjeevan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore the association of disclosures for the performance of banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis (utilising static and dynamic models) is applied on the data of 34 Indian banks (for time-frame 2015–2019) to explore the association of disclosures (as transparency and disclosure index) with the performance of banks (as profitability, risk-taking and technical efficiency (TE)). The regulation, competition and ownership concentration variables are taken as control variables.

Findings

None of the banks' performance measures applied in the study is significantly associated with the disclosures. This situation implies that disclosures do not impact the performance of the banks in India. The reason is that disclosures and performance are two different activities that aim at different purposes.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not provide output for the association between disclosures and the value of the banks and confines itself to explore the association between disclosures and performance of the banks only. This limitation can be the future scope of the study.

Originality/value

There is no other study that solely focuses on exploring the association of disclosures with the performance of the banks. Disclosure has more significant importance in banks because of the inherent nature of opaqueness in banking operations. Therefore, the current study's findings have substantial implications for policymakers, managers and investors of the banks.
Probing the impact of cognitive heuristics on strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Ahmad Maqsood , Wu Qiang , Naveed Muhammad , Ali Shoaib
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore and clarify the mechanism by which cognitive heuristics influence strategic decision-making during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted through a survey completed by 213 top-level managers from firms located in the twin cities of Pakistan. A convenient, purposively sampling technique and snowball method were used for data collection. To examine the relationship between cognitive heuristics and strategic decision-making, hypotheses were tested by using correlation and regression analysis.

Findings

The article provides further insights into the relationship between cognitive heuristics and strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that cognitive heuristics (under-confidence, self-attribution and disposition effect) have a markedly negative influence on the strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging economy.

Practical implications

The article encourages strategic decision-makers to avoid relying on cognitive heuristics or their feelings when making strategic decisions. It provides awareness and understanding of cognitive heuristics in strategic decision-making, which could be very useful for business actors such as managers and entire organizations. The findings of this study will help academicians, researchers and policymakers of emerging countries. Academicians can formulate new behavioural models that can depict the solutions to dealing with an uncertain situation like COVID-19. Policymakers and strategic decision-making teams can develop crisis management strategies based on concepts from behavioral strategy to better deal with similar circumstances in the future, such as COVID-19.

Originality/value

The paper’s novelty is that the authors have explored the mechanism by which cognitive heuristics influence strategic decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging economy. It adds to the literature in strategic management, explicitly probing the impact of cognitive heuristics on strategic decision-making; this field is in its initial stage, even in developed countries, while little work has been done in emerging countries.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available athttps://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0636.
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy: a retrospective overview
Authors: Bamel Nisha , Kumar Satish , Bamel Umesh , Gaur Vidhu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize the knowledge published in the International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy since its inaugural issue to current issue, i.e. from 1981 to 2021, using a structured and systematic review technique.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve the objective of this paper, the authors have analysed the bibliometric metadata of 1,583 research documents published during the last four decades in International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy by employing a structural and quantitative literature review technique, i.e. bibliometric. Particularly, the authors used performance analysis and network analysis (intellectual and social network analysis).

Findings

Findings reveal the performance metrics, i.e. productivity and citation performance of various constituencies of IJSSP such as authors, institutes, research articles etc. In addition, the authors constituted certain knowledge networks such as keywords co-occurrence, strategic map and social network.

Research limitations/implications

Present systematic and objective review reveals the evolution and pattern of research publication in IJSSP, and this will help in predicting and setting the future course of knowledge creation such as emphasis on a particular theory or framework, reexamining the established assumptions and so on.

Practical implications

In the wake of changing social policy dynamics, the present systematic synthesis helps in understanding the possible emerging areas of concerns both for practitioners and policymakers.

Originality/value

The present study is a first attempt that considers the entire research corpus of the journal and synthesizes it objectively and systematically.
Fighting corruption in international development: a grounded theory of managing projects within a complex socio-cultural context
Authors: Harnois Yanik G. , Gagnon Stéphane
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Taking a transdisciplinary viewpoint, the authors synthesize the literature on the theoretical, methodological, and epistemological issues in the study of corruption as a construct in project management (PM) as applied to IDPs. While the study of corruption has focused on “who and why” to help understand corruption's occurrence, there is a lack of analysis on “where and how” to ensure corruption's prevention and improve PM to better support delivery actors. The authors rely on four theoretical frameworks to help interpret evidence and formulate a coherent model for managing project socio-cultural context: organizational interests theory (OIT), principal-agent theory (PAT), culturalist theory (CT) and institutional theory (IT).

Design/methodology/approach

International development projects (IDPs) have become very complex with greater diversity of donor agencies and aid delivery actors. The relative lack of success of development aid has been linked in part to corruption at various levels. PM methods are essential to help prevent this behavior. To assess the complexity of this problem, the authors completed a grounded theory research based on thirty interviews with international development experts, balancing representation from donor and receiving countries, as well as project managers in public and private sectors. Data are analyzed using a qualitative sorting process using the software NVivo.

Findings

Results show that PM, beyond PM's practical nature and technical focus, can offer numerous opportunities to prevent corruption impact on project actors, even in a context where anti-corruption initiatives may be perceived as less effective. The authors present an original theoretical model that illustrates which actors, events and context are related and linked in the dynamic efforts to understand and combat corruption in international development endeavors. Context is linked to dynamics: foreign aid cycle, capture opportunities, context pressures, personal damages done, and control mechanisms exercised.

Originality/value

The outcomes and quality of IDPs remain highly controversial, especially with perception of corruption by various stakeholders. Some experts recognize the inefficacy of applying classical PM tools and processes. By contrasting findings to the literature, the authors conclude that an alternative approach to overcome the taboos and prejudices in studying corruption is to ask a different research question. A research agenda is proposed for solving this phenomenon. To guide PM research on development projects, focusing on the “where and how” of corruption requires addressing how actors build their knowledge management capabilities, and address the social and cultural challenges inherent to IDPs.
Sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry: unsustainable practices, barriers and strategies
Authors: Omopariola Emmanuel Dele , Olanrewaju Oludolapo Ibrahim , Albert Idowu , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Ibiyemi Sunday Bankayode
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Sustainable construction practices are strongly correlated with a profitable and competitive construction industry, improved client satisfaction and efficient use of resources. However, due consideration is not being given to sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to identify the unsustainable construction practices on construction sites, the barriers to sustainable construction and possible strategies to improve sustainable construction in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey of 50 construction sites was conducted with construction professionals on the sites as the specific target, out of which only 43 construction sites have at least a construction professional present at the site. Forty-three filled questionnaires from the respondents were used for descriptive (mean score, standard deviation and charts) and inferential analysis (t-test and Kruskal–Wallis) in this study.

Findings

The study shows that a large percentage (75%) of construction professionals in Nigeria are aware of sustainable construction. The descriptive and inferential analysis showed a disparity in the ranking of the 12 unsustainable practices, 14 barriers and 11 strategies among the respondents. Five unsustainable practices (“negative externalities”, “excess energy”, “unsustainable technologies”, “non-management of health and safety of workers” and “material waste”), six barriers to sustainable construction (“absence of historical data and exemplary projects on which construction professionals can build and learn from”, “lack of professional to handle the task”, “poverty and low urban investment”, “lack of urban and construction policy”, “lack of awareness” and “lack of technical know-how”) and three strategies to improve sustainable construction practices in Nigeria (“cooperation, partnership and participation”, “protection of biodiversity and conservation of natural resources” and “sustainability assessment system”) were found to be significant.

Practical implications

The study offers significant insights into the construction industry unsustainable practices, barriers to sustainable construction, as well as strategies for improving sustainable construction practices. These insights can be applied to other developing countries with an emphasis on geographical differences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the recent studies in Nigeria that explored the context of sustainable construction in the construction industry by providing insights into the unsustainable construction practices, barriers and strategies to improve sustainable construction in Nigeria.
Benefits and drawbacks of communication visibility: from vicarious learning and supplemental work to knowledge reuse and overload
Authors: van Zoonen Ward , Sivunen Anu , Rice Ronald E.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine some of the benefits and drawbacks of communication visibility. Specifically, building on communication visibility theory, the authors study how and why message transparency and network translucence may increase knowledge reuse and perceived overload through behavioral responses of vicarious learning and technology-assisted supplemental work.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on survey data obtained from 1,127 employees of a global company operating in the industrial machinery sector, the authors used structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the two aspects of communication visibility yield somewhat differential benefits and drawbacks in terms of knowledge reuse and communication overload, through vicarious learning and supplemental work practices.

Research limitations/implications

The results demonstrate the relationship between different aspects of communication visibility and knowledge reuse, specifically through vicarious learning. Furthermore, the findings highlight a potential drawback of visibility – communication overload – specifically through technology-assisted supplemental work. Overall, network translucence seems more beneficial compared to message transparency in terms of knowledge reuse and communication overload.

Originality/value

The study connects with recent work on communication visibility by distinguishing differential direct and indirect effects of message transparency and network translucence. It also extends this work by testing relationships between communication visibility and a potential drawback of visibility – communication overload – specifically through technology-assisted supplemental work.
Producing liminal spaces for change interventions: the case of LEGO serious play workshops
Authors: Piironen Siiri
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance spatial studies of change interventions by conceptualizing them as liminal spaces and examining how these spaces are conceived, perceived and lived during the intervention process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores change interventions as liminal spaces in the empirical context of LEGO serious play workshops through participant observations and interviews.

Findings

The study shows that in change interventions an abstract, conceived liminal space is created, maintained and closed down to enable the planned change to take place. While practicing the space, the change participants may indeed perceive this space as liminal, but the space is less manageable because of their both prescribed and unprescribed interpretations. Furthermore, as subjectively experienced, the space may hold a spectrum of liminal, liminoid and everyday (business as usual) notions.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the research on (1) the spatiality of change interventions and (2) artificially created liminal spaces of organizing.

Practical implications

The paper reminds consultants and organizations embarking on change interventions to pay attention to the spatiality of such interventions. The study shows that it is not enough to plan how these spaces are to be used, but also it is equally important to consider how the participants use and experience them.

Originality/value

The study provides a novel insight into change interventions by examining them as liminal spaces that are simultaneously conceived, perceived and lived during the intervention process.
Emotional closeness and emotional distance among schoolteachers: the case of Arab teachers who teach in Jewish schools
Authors: Oplatka Izhar , Elmalak-Watted Alaa Afif
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to explore emotional closeness and emotional distance between Arab teachers who teach in the Jewish State Educational System and their Jewish counterparts in the school.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used semi-structured interviews with 16 Arab and Jewish teachers in Israel.

Findings

The authors identified patterns of emotional closeness and emotional distance among Arab and Jewish teachers, perception gaps among Jewish and Arab teachers and the factors affecting emotional closeness/distance among them. Empirical and practical implications are suggested.

Originality/value

The study sheds light on the emotional aspects of multicultural educational teams and workplaces and increases our understanding of the complexity of teacher emotion in multi-ethnic and multi-religious staffrooms.
Enacting safe places – a study of (im)balancing acts in everyday city centre management
Authors: Cassinger Cecilia , Thufvesson Ola
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to outline a practice approach towards safety in public places whereby safety and place is understood as simultaneously produced in everyday work practice. Hence, the focus is shifted from place safety as a manageable asset to safe places as ongoing accomplishments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on practices of enacting safe places on the municipal level in Sweden. Thus, the focus of analysis is on the meanings of safety. The empirical material was collected during the period 2017–2019 in the Swedish cities of Stockholm, Helsingborg and Malmö. In different ways, these cities struggle with navigating safety issues in public places.

Findings

The study demonstrates how urban places are enacted as safe in and through practice. The findings include some of the ways in which safe places are accomplished, such as maintaining and caring for places, countering negative rumours and news reports and forming collaboration across sectors and actors. To gain a better understanding of safety in city centres, the study illuminates competing meaning-making processes in management work practice whereby places are negotiated as safe.

Originality/value

The existing research on safety in public places is scattered across disciplinary fields and dominated by a fortress approach to safe places. By contrast to the top-down view of safety as a measure of control, this study generates knowledge of how safe places are continuously construed in the junction of management practices and practices of everyday life.