bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piezo1 ion channels are capable of conformational signaling
Authors: Lewis Amanda H. , Cronin Marie E. , Grandl Jörg
Published: May 2024

Piezo1 is a mechanically activated ion channel that senses forces with short latency and high sensitivity. Piezos undergo large conformational changes, induce far-reaching deformation onto the membrane, and modulate the function of two-pore potassium (K2P) channels. Taken together, this led us to hypothesize that Piezos may be able to signal their conformational state to other nearby proteins. Here, we use chemical control to acutely restrict Piezo1 conformational flexibility and show that Piezo1 conformational changes, but not ion permeation through it, are required for modulating the K2P channel TREK1. Super-resolution imaging and stochastic simulations further reveal that both channels do not co-localize, which implies that modulation is not mediated through direct binding interactions; however, at high Piezo1 densities, most TREK1 channels are within the predicted Piezo1 membrane footprint, suggesting the footprint may underlie conformational signaling. We speculate that physiological roles originally attributed to Piezo1 ionotropic function could, alternatively, involve conformational signaling.
A Dose-Response Model for Accurate Detection and Quantification of Transcriptome-Wide Gene Knockdown for Oligonucleotide-Based Medicines
Authors: Pekker David , Kuntz Steven , McArthur Monica , Nicholson-Shaw Tim , Yanke Sara , Mukhopadhyay Swagatam
Published: May 2024

Synthetic antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs are a class of Oligonucleotide-Based Medicines (OBMs) that can hybridize with pre-mRNA and mRNA, recruit a mechanism-of-action specific enzymatic complex, and knockdown target gene expression. This class of molecules provides an excellent substrate for designing precision gene-modulatory therapeutics; however, quantifying on- and off-target dose response as measured by next-generation sequencing for this class of therapeutics has remained under-powered and ambiguous. Oftenin silicopredictions of off-targets (ranked by edit tolerance) are used as putative off-target analysis in ASO and siRNA drug design. We construct a simple, effective theory of transcriptional dynamics and enzymatic activity in order to describe the transcriptome-wide response to these oligonucleotides. We establish rigorous quantification methods of off-target analysis in oligonucleotide drug design. We also extend the DESeq work [1, 2] of Negative Binomial noise in gene expression measurements to describe noise, including outliers, in OBM-dose response NGS experiments. We demonstrate the performance of our model on both synthetic and experimental Digital Gene Expression (DGE) data of dose response in ASO-treated cells. We present our analysis package,DoReSeq, as a freely available resource for the community. We hope this will elevate the standards of off-target analysis for such an important class of precision therapeutics.
Detection of neutralizing antibodies against arboviruses from liver homogenates
Authors: Costa Thais Alkifeles , Arruda Matheus Soares , Oliveira Gabriela Fernanda Garcia , de Sousa Reis Erik Vinicius , Guimarães Anna Catarina Dias Soares , Moreira Gabriel Dias , Arias Nidia Esther Colquehuanca , do Vale Beirão Marina , Vasilakis Nikos , Hanley Kathryn A. , Drumond Betânia Paiva
Published: May 2024

Yellow fever virus (YFV) circulates in a sylvatic cycle between non-human primates (NHPs) and arboreal mosquitoes in Brazil. Passive monitoring of ill or deceased NHPs is a key component of the Brazilian yellow fever (YF) surveillance program. Samples from NHPs carcasses are usually suitable for molecular tests but not for serological assays. As an alternative to the conventional plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) based on sera, we tested the utility of liver homogenates from experimentally infected (YFV, Mayaro virus [MAYV], chikungunya virus [CHIKV], or mock) mice to quantify PRNTs. Although homogenates from mock-infected mice showed a low level of nonspecific virus neutralization against YFV, MAYV or CHIKV, homogenates from YFV-, MAYV- and CHIKV-infected mice demonstrated significantly higher levels of virus neutralization compared to controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analyses were performed using the median neutralization values of three technical replicates for each infected group separately or collectively. Results showed scores ≥0.97 (95% CI ≥ 0.89-1.0) for the area under the curve at dilutions 1:20 to 1:80, suggesting that median virus neutralization values effectively differentiated YFV-, MAYV-, or CHIKV-infected groups from controls. Liver homogenates obtained from 25 NHPs carcasses (collected during the 2017 YF outbreak in Brazil) were also tested using the adapted PRNT as well as rapid anti-YFV IgM immunochromatographic tests. Neutralization activity was detected in six NHPs samples that were also positive by PCR and anti-YFV IgM tests and one sample that tested negative by PCR and IgM test. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of using liver homogenates as an alternative approach for serological investigation in viral epidemiologic surveillance.
Quantifying acyl-chain diversity in isobaric compound lipids containing monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids
Authors: Green CR , Kolar MJ , McGregor GH , Nelson AT , Wallace M , Metallo CM
Published: May 2024

Compound lipids comprise a diverse group of metabolites present in living systems, and metabolic- and environmentally-driven structural distinctions across this family is increasingly linked to biological function. However, methods for deconvoluting these often isobaric lipid species are lacking or require specialized instrumentation. Notably, acyl-chain diversity within cells may be influenced by nutritional states, metabolic dysregulation, or genetic alterations. Therefore, a reliable, validated method of quantifying structurally similar even-, odd-, and branched-chain acyl groups within intact compound lipids will be invaluable for gaining molecular insights into their biological functions. Here we demonstrate the chromatographic resolution of isobaric lipids containing distinct combinations of straight-chain and branched-chain acyl groups via ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS) using a C30 liquid chromatography column. Using metabolically-engineered adipocytes lacking branched-keto acid dehydrogenase A (Bckdha), we validate this approach through a combination of fatty acid supplementation and metabolic tracing using monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids and valine. We observe resolution of numerous isobaric triacylglycerols and other compound lipids, demonstrating the resolving utility of this method. This approach strengthens our ability to quantify and characterize the inherent diversity of acyl chains across the lipidome.
Predicted mechanistic impacts of human protein missense variants
Authors: Jänes Jürgen , Müller Marc , Selvaraj Senthil , Manoel Diogo , Stephenson James , Gonçalves Catarina , Lafita Aleix , Polacco Benjamin , Obernier Kirsten , Alasoo Kaur , Lemos Manuel C. , Krogan Nevan , Martin Maria , Saraiva Luis R. , Burke David , Beltrao Pedro
Published: May 2024

Genome sequencing efforts have led to the discovery of tens of millions of protein missense variants found in the human population with the majority of these having no annotated role and some likely contributing to trait variation and disease. Sequence-based artificial intelligence approaches have become highly accurate at predicting variants that are detrimental to the function of proteins but they do not inform on mechanisms of disruption. Here we combined sequence and structure-based methods to perform proteome-wide prediction of deleterious variants with information on their impact on protein stability, protein-protein interactions and small-molecule binding pockets. AlphaFold2 structures were used to predict approximately 100,000 small-molecule binding pockets and stability changes for over 200 million variants. To inform on protein-protein interfaces we used AlphaFold2 to predict structures for nearly 500,000 protein complexes. We illustrate the value of mechanism-aware variant effect predictions to study the relation between protein stability and abundance and the structural properties of interfaces underlyingtransprotein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs). We characterised the distribution of mechanistic impacts of protein variants found in patients and experimentally studied example disease linked variants in FGFR1.
The genusCortinariusshould not (yet) be split
Authors: Gallone Brigida , Kuyper Thomas W. , Nuytinck Jorinde
Published: May 2024

The genusCortinarius(Pers.) Gray (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) is one of the most species-rich fungal genera with thousands of species reported.Cortinariusspecies are important ectomycorrhizal fungi and form associations with many vascular plants globally. Until recentlyCortinariuswas the single genus of theCortinariaceaefamily, despite several attempts to provide a workable, lower-rank hierarchical structure based on subgenera and sections. The first phylogenomic study for this group elevated the old genusCortinariusto family level and the family was split into ten genera, of which seven were described as new. Here, by careful re-examination of the recently published phylogenomic dataset, we detected extensive gene-tree/species-tree conflicts using both concatenation and multispecies coalescent (MSC) approaches. Our analyses demonstrate that theCortinariusphylogeny remains unresolved and the resulting phylogenomic hypotheses suffer from very short and unsupported branches in the backbone. We can confirm monophyly of only four out of ten suggested new genera, leaving uncertain the relationships between each other and the general branching order. Thorough exploration of the tree space demonstrated that the topology on whichCortinariusrevised classification relies on does not represent the best phylogenetic hypothesis and should not be used as constrained topology to include additional species.

For this reason, we argue that based on available evidence the genusCortinariusshould not (yet) be split.

Moreover, considering that phylogenetic uncertainty translates to taxonomic uncertainty, we advise for careful evaluation of phylogenomic datasets before proposing radical taxonomic and nomenclatural changes.
The dual actions of the host miRNA-16a in restricting Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) replication through targeting host cell Furin and in enhancing the host immune response
Authors: Shah Abid Ullah , Hemida Maged Gomaa
Published: May 2024

1.

The roles of host cell miRNAs have not been studied well in the context of BCoV replication and immune regulation. The main aim of this study was to identify some miRNA candidates that regulate essential host genes involved in BCoV replication, tissue tropism, and immune regulation. To achieve these goals, we used two isolates of BCoV (enteric and respiratory) to infect the bovine endothelial cells (BEC) and Madine Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells. This is in addition to the ex vivo model using the peripheral bovine blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We determined the miRNA expression profiles in these cells after BCoV infection. miRA-16a is one of the differentially altered during BCoV infection. Our data shows that miRNA-16a is a significantly downregulated miRNA in both in vitro andex vivomodels. We confirmed the miRNA-16a expression profile by the qRT-PCR. Overexpression of the pre-miRNA-16a in BEC and MDBK cell lines resulted in marked inhibition of BCoV infection based on the viral genome copy numbers measured by qRT-PCR, the viral protein expression (S and N) measured by Western blot, and the virus infectivity using plaque assay. Our bioinformatic prediction showed that Furin is a potential target for the miRNA-16a. We checked the Furin protein expression level in the pre-miRNA-16a transfected/BCoV infected cells compared to the pre-miRNA scrambled to validate that. Our data shows marked inhibition of the Furin expression levels on the mRNA levels by qRT-PCR and the protein level by Western blot. The BCoV-S protein expression was markedly inhibited on both the mRNA and protein levels. To further confirm the impacts of the downregulation of the Furin enzyme on the replication of BCoV, we used transfected cells with specific Furin-siRNA parallel to the scrambled siRNA. A marked inhibition of BCoV replication was observed in the Furin-siRNA-treated group. To further validate Furin as a novel target for miRNA-16a, we cloned the 3’UTR of the bovine Furin carrying the seed region of the miRNA-16a in the dual luciferase vector. Our data shows luciferase activity in the pre-miRNA-16a transfected cells decreased by more than 50% compared to the cells transfected with the construct carrying the mutated Furin seed region. Our data confirms miRNA-16a inhibits BCoV replication by targeting the host cell Furin and the BCoV-S glycoprotein. It will also enhance the host immune response, which contributes to the inhibition of viral replication. To our knowledge, this is the first study to confirm that Furin is a valid target for the miRNA-16a. Our findings highlight the clinical applications of the host miRNA-16a as a potential miRNA-based vaccine/antiviral therapy.
Real-time correlators in
3+1D
thermal lattice gauge theory
Authors: Boguslavski Kirill , Hotzy Paul , Müller David I.
Published: May 2024

We present the first direct computation of unequal-time correlation functions in non-Abelian lattice gauge theory. We demonstrate nontrivial consistency relations among correlators, time-translation invariance, and agreement with Monte Carlo results for thermal equilibrium in 3+1 dimensions by employing our stabilized complex Langevin method. Our work sets the stage to extract real-time observables, relevant to quark-gluon plasma physics within a first-principles real-time framework.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Comparison of viscoelastic flows in two- and three-dimensional serpentine channels
Authors: Garg Himani , Fureby Christer
Published: May 2024

Polymer solutions in the dilute regime play a significant role in industrial applications. Due to the intricate rheological properties of these highly viscoelastic fluids, especially in complex flow geometries, a thorough numerical analysis of their flow dynamics is imperative. In this research, we present a numerical investigation of purely elastic instability occurring in two- and three-dimensional serpentine channels under conditions where fluid inertia is negligible and across a broad spectrum of polymer relaxation times. Our findings reveal a strong qualitative agreement between the existing experimental results obtained from dilute solutions of flexible polymers in microfluidic devices and the numerical simulations conducted in two and three dimensions using the Oldroyd-B model. Spatial flow observations and statistical analysis of temporal flow features indicate that this purely elastic turbulent flow exhibits nonhomogeneous, non-Gaussian, and anisotropic characteristics across all scales. Additionally, our comparison of two- and three-dimensional simulations demonstrates that the elastic instability is primarily driven by the curvature of the streamlines induced by the flow geometry, rather than the weak secondary flow in the azimuthal direction. Therefore, our two-dimensional numerical simulations successfully replicate, at least qualitatively, the features observed in three-dimensional experiments. Furthermore, spectral analysis suggests that, in comparison to elastic turbulence in the dilute regime, the range of scales for the excited fluctuations is narrower.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
FinTech and financial development: the role of traditional financial institutions
Authors: Emuron Abraham , van der Nest D.P. , Coffie Cephas Paa Kwasi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper employs data from the World Bank to examine the effect of traditional banks on FinTech and financial development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) as the primary data analysis method.

Findings

The findings of the study demonstrate a bi-directional relationship between traditional financial institutions and FinTech. Traditional financial institutions are observed to facilitate the adoption of FinTech solutions, whilst the disruptive effects of FinTech incentivize traditional banks to adapt to the changing financial landscape and tailor their service and product offerings to reflect recent technological advancements. Consequently, there exists a positive relationship between traditional financial institutions and financial development in the SADC region.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest the need for market liberalization and enhanced institutional quality controls for policymakers. Traditional banks must adapt their business models and incorporate FinTech solutions to remain competitive and relevant. Collaborative partnerships between traditional banks and FinTech firms have emerged as a practical approach to leverage the strengths of both sectors.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to examine the role of traditional financial institutions in FinTech and financial development using GMM in the SADC region.
Galerkin-FEM approach for dynamic recovering of the plate profile in electrostatic MEMS with fringing field
Authors: Versaci Mario , Angiulli Giovanni , Fattorusso Luisa Angela , Di Barba Paolo , Jannelli Alessandra
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Based on previous results of the existence, uniqueness, and regularity conditions for a continuous dynamic model for a parallel-plate electrostatic micro-electron-mechanical-systems with the fringing field, the purpose of this paper concerns a Galerkin-FEM procedure for deformable element deflection recovery. The deflection profiles are reconstructed by assigning the dielectric properties of the moving element. Furthermore, the device’s use conditions and the deformable element’s mechanical stresses are presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The Galerkin-FEM approach is based on weighted residuals, where the integrals appearing in the solution equation have been solved using the Crank–Nicolson algorithm.

Findings

Based on the connection between the fringing field and the electrostatic force, the proposed approach reconstructs the deflection of the deformable element, satisfying the conditions of existence, uniqueness and regularity. The influence of the electromechanical properties of the deformable plate on the method has also been considered and evaluated.

Research limitations/implications

The developed analytical model focused on a rectangular geometry.

Practical implications

The device studied is suitable for industrial and biomedical applications.

Originality/value

This paper proposed numerical approach characterized by low CPU time enables the creation of virtual prototypes that can be analyzed with significant cost reduction and increased productivity.
From the side-eye of a fat black girl: using pop culture to tackle fat phobia in education
Authors: Johnson Kenesha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address weight-based bullying as a persistent issue among adolescents. Fat phobia, rooted in societal biases against overweight individuals, leads to social exclusion and discrimination, negatively impacting mental health and equality. Educational settings suffer from the profound effects of fat phobia, creating a toxic atmosphere that distracts from learning and marginalizes students who don't conform to traditional physical norms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines historical analysis, literature review and critical discourse analysis. It examines the historical roots of fat phobia, explores the impact of societal influences, analyzes contemporary educational practices and the use of popular culture as a innovative tool.

Findings

Leveraging popular culture in anti-fat phobia education effectively challenges stereotypes. Educators empower students to critically analyze media depictions, encouraging empathy and inclusivity. Current events serve as critical teaching tools, sparking discussions on intersecting discrimination forms and equity.

Practical implications

This paper emphasizes the urgent need to comprehensively address fat phobia in education, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward body diversity. Popular culture can serve as an educational tool to create inclusive classrooms where all students are valued and free from weight-based discrimination.

Social implications

This paper emphasizes the urgent need to comprehensively address fat phobia in education, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward body diversity. Popular culture can serve as an educational tool to create inclusive classrooms where all students are valued and free from weight-based discrimination.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this paper lie in its multi-faceted approach to examining weight-based discrimination, its historical context, practical educational strategies, and the innovative use of popular culture as a tool for promoting inclusivity and empathy.
A neural based modeling approach for predicting effective thermal conductivity of brewer’s spent grain
Authors: Silva Amanda de Oliveira e , Leonel Alice , Perazzini Maisa Tonon Bitti , Perazzini Hugo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the main by-product of the brewing industry, holding significant potential for biomass applications. The purpose of this paper was to determine the effective thermal conductivity (keff) of BSG and to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict keff, since this property is fundamental in the design and optimization of the thermochemical conversion processes toward the feasibility of bioenergy production.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental determination of keff as a function of BSG particle diameter and heating rate was performed using the line heat source method. The resulting values were used as a database for training the ANN and testing five multiple linear regression models to predict keff under different conditions.

Findings

Experimental values of keff were in the range of 0.090–0.127 W m−1 K−1, typical for biomasses. The results showed that the reduction of the BSG particle diameter increases keff, and that the increase in the heating rate does not statistically affect this property. The developed neural model presented superior performance to the multiple linear regression models, accurately predicting the experimental values and new patterns not addressed in the training procedure.

Originality/value

The empirical correlations and the developed ANN can be utilized in future work. This research conducted a discussion on the practical implications of the results for biomass valorization. This subject is very scarce in the literature, and no studies related to keff of BSG were found.
Work engagement interventions linked to employee learning and improvement
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify influential workplace engagement interventions that were initiated by managers over several years as revealed in many studies. Also, an action learning guide is offered for an individual manager to use such interventions with the employee in shaping activities to assist employee learning and performance improvement which may result in greater workplace engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step was to examine the research literature on: the meaning of workplace engagement along with theory bases for it, the framework for stimulating employee engagement and information about action learning in the workplace. Second, was the identification of manager/organization interventions found to result in employee assessment of their own positive growth in workplace engagement? Third, we offer a practical, action learning approach.

Findings

An action guide is presented as an example of a method to assist a manager working with, in this case, a single employee. The guide is grounded on empirical research, mostly meta-analyses, and reflects positively assessed workplace engagement interventions.

Originality/value

In the performance management, human resources and training domains there is limited research and/or examples of practical guides for managers to use to link guidance with efforts to apply specific interventions to support employee workplace engagement. This paper provides the manager with a path to assist employees.
Investing the impact of person-environment fit and normative factors on employees’ energy-saving behavior in the workplace
Authors: Tang Zhenya , Wu Le
Published: May 2024

Purpose

One of the simplest ways to improve the profitability of a business is by saving energy. Responding to recent calls to investigate the mechanism leading to individuals’ energy-saving behaviors in the workplace, this study aims to investigate combining person-environment (PE) fit theory with normative factors to understand employees’ decisions to engage in energy-saving activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of an online survey reveal that person-organization fit, person-job fit and moral norm significantly affect employees’ energy-saving intention.

Findings

Furthermore, the findings show that moral norm is the strongest predictor of employees’ willingness to save energy. The results also demonstrate the interrelated relationships between PE fit and normative factors.

Originality/value

The results contribute overall to a greater understanding of energy-saving practices in the organizational context. Apart from the theoretical contributions, the findings of the current investigation offer valuable practical insights for organizations and policymakers to promote energy conservation practices.
Proposal to improve the regulatory framework of the Brazilian free energy market with a focus on sugar-energy bioelectricity
Authors: Ronquim Filho Adhemar , Cezarino Luciana Oranges , Ferraresi de Araujo Geraldo Jose
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Bioelectricity from sugarcane presents possibilities of gaining prominence as an energy source in the coming years, contributing to sustainable development and being a relevant pillar of Brazil’s energy matrix, based on its advantages and the measures that can stimulate it. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a new framework for improving the regulatory framework for Brazilian sugarcane bioelectricity that facilitates the governance of its stakeholders and their respective relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory and qualitative research, adopting, in addition to theoretical and practical research, consultations with experts, combined with analysis of documents relating to sustainability reports released by companies in the sector.

Findings

In the observed reports of 23 companies, it was found that 14 give full relevance to bagasse energy, and it can be attested that sugar-energy bioelectricity includes social, economic and environmental dimensions. In addition, the work presented elements that can benefit cogeneration, such as reduction or exemption of the distribution system use tariff for energy generation from bagasse; freedom for full commercialization in the free energy market, including small consumers; contractual simplification and solidification of financial compensation for clean energy production.

Originality/value

The work contributes to the advancement of theoretical references of business economics and competitiveness for practical application in competitive sustainability environments.
Hosting mega sporting events in the extreme hospitality context: Why do hotel employees engage so intensively in their job duties?
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Arslan Ahmad , Szczepańska-Woszczyna Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify why hotel employees in the Egyptian context accept the extreme job duties resulting from hosting too many mega sporting events and what outcomes they experience as a result.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data is based on semi-structured interviews with 36 hotel employees working in reservations, front desk and events management roles in four 4-star hotels located in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the interview transcripts.

Findings

The findings show that hotel employees accept the extreme job duties resulting from hosting mega sporting events for the following four reasons: linking pay with performance, difficulty finding alternative jobs, proving their occupational identity and being subject to patriotism. Furthermore, this paper highlights that the engagement of hotel employees in extreme work conditions during such mega-sporting events might be detrimental to their mental health, resulting in increased cronyism and gender bias among them.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneering study to specifically investigate how hosting mega sporting events influences the extremity of work conditions for hospitality sector employees. Prior studies (to the best of the authors’ knowledge) have not theorised and empirically analysed this specific topic, especially in under-researched settings, such as developing countries in the global south.
Coordinated torque control for enhanced steering and stability of independently driven mobile robots
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Shoukun , Wang Junzheng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Mobile robots with independent wheel control face challenges in steering precision, motion stability and robustness across various wheel and steering system types. This paper aims to propose a coordinated torque distribution control approach that compensates for tracking deviations using the longitudinal moment generated by active steering.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon a two-degree-of-freedom robot model, an adaptive robust controller is used to compute the total longitudinal moment, while the robot actuator is regulated based on the difference between autonomous steering and the longitudinal moment. An adaptive robust control scheme is developed to achieve accurate and stable generation of the desired total moment value. Furthermore, quadratic programming is used for torque allocation, optimizing maneuverability and tracking precision by considering the robot’s dynamic model, tire load rate and maximum motor torque output.

Findings

Comparative evaluations with autonomous steering Ackermann speed control and the average torque method validate the superior performance of the proposed control strategy, demonstrating improved tracking accuracy and robot stability under diverse driving conditions.

Research limitations/implications

When designing adaptive algorithms, using models with higher degrees of freedom can enhance accuracy. Furthermore, incorporating additional objective functions in moment distribution can be explored to enhance adaptability, particularly in extreme environments.

Originality/value

By combining this method with the path-tracking algorithm, the robot’s structural path-tracking capabilities and ability to navigate a variety of difficult terrains can be optimized and improved.
Academic integrity in the information age: insights from health sciences students at a South African University
Authors: Kell Colette Melissa , Thandar Yasmeen , Bhundoo Adelle Kemlall , Haffejee Firoza , Mbhele Bongiwe , Ducray Jennifer
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Academic integrity is vital to the success and sustainability of the academic project and particularly critical in the training of ethical and informed health professionals. Yet studies have found that cheating in online exams was commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increased use of online and blended learning post-COVID-19, an understanding of student cheating dynamics is essential for developing effective strategies to combat academic dishonesty in the rapidly changing educational landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explored academic integrity and reasons for dishonesty from the perspective of health sciences students at a South African University of Technology (UOT) via the Fraud Diamond. To gain an in-depth understanding of the topic, a qualitative method was employed, and data were collected via focus group discussions with nine student class representatives. These data were analysed thematically using the Clarke and Braun approach.

Findings

Cheating during online assessment was common and innovative, with students manipulating others and exploiting friendships to facilitate dishonest practices. Student motivations for dishonesty included a lack of consequences and pressure due to a lack of time management, engagement and preparation.

Practical implications

This study underscores the need for institutions to adopt an adaptable, multi-faceted approach that addresses student cheating opportunity, motivation and normalisation of dishonest practices whilst strengthening academic integrity policies and enforcement thereof.

Originality/value

The findings contribute valuable insights into the ongoing academic integrity crisis in higher education in the South African context.
Antecedents and outcomes of innovative blockchain usage in accounting and auditing profession: an extended UTAUT model
Authors: Alkhwaldi Abeer F. , Alidarous Manal Mohammed , Alharasis Esraa Esam
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article aims to extend the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to understand the factors affecting the usage behavior of Blockchain from accountants' and auditors’ perspectives and its impact on their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach employing a web-based questionnaire was applied, and the empirical data were gathered from 329 potential and current users of Blockchain in the accounting and auditing profession in Jordan. The analytical model was based on structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS 25.0.

Findings

The experimental findings of the structural path confirmed that performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), Blockchain transparency (BT) and Blockchain efficiency (BE) were significantly affecting individuals’ behavioral intention (BI) toward the use of Blockchain-based systems and helped to explain (0.67) of its variance. Also, BE has a positive significant impact on PE. Whereas, in contrast to what is anticipated, the influence of effort expectancy (EE) on BI was not supported. Additionally, users’ intentions were found to affect the actual usage (AU) behavior and helped to explain (0.69) of its variance. The outcome variables proposed in this study: knowledge acquisition (KACQ) and user satisfaction (USAT) were significantly influenced by the AU of Blockchain technology.

Practical implications

This study outlines practical implications for government, policymakers, business leaders and Blockchain service providers aiming to exploit the advantages of Blockchain technology (BCT) in the accounting and auditing context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this article is one of the few studies that offer an evidence-based perspective to the discussions on the effect of disruptive and automated information and communication technologies (ICTs), on the accounting and auditing profession. It applies an innovative approach to analysis through the integration of UTAUT, contextual factors: BT and BE, besides two outcome factors: KACQ and USAT within its theoretical model. This study extends and complements the academic literature on information technology/information systems acceptance and use by providing novel insights into accountants' and auditors’ views.
Do health-care institutions perform better under leaders with medical or non-medical backgrounds? A scoping review
Authors: Mohmad Shazwani , Lee Kun Yun , Bakit Pangie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to summarize studies that compared the performance of health-care institutions led by leaders with medical background versus those with no medical background.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search was conducted on three databases: PubMed, Ovid Medline and Google Scholar to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies using the keywords “performance,” “impact,” “physician,” “medical,” “doctor,” “leader,” “healthcare institutions” and “hospital.” Only quantitative studies that compared the performance of health-care institutions led by leaders with medical background versus non-medical background were included. Articles were screened and assessed for eligibility before the relevant data were extracted to summarize, appraise and make a narrative account of the findings.

Findings

A total of eight studies were included, four were based in the USA, two in the UK and one from Germany and one from the Arab World. Half of the studies (n = 4) reported overall better health-care institutional performance in terms of hospital quality ranking such as clinical effectiveness and patient safety under leaders with medical background, whereas one study showed poorer performance. The remaining studies reported mixed results among the different performance indicators, especially financial performance.

Practical implications

While medical background leaders may have an edge in clinical competence to manage health-care institutions, it will be beneficial to equip them with essential management skills to optimize leadership competence and enhance organizational performance.

Originality/value

The exclusive inclusion of quantitative empirical studies that compared health-care institutional performance medical and non-medical leaders provides a clearer link between the relationship between health-care institutional performance and the leaders’ background.
Digital wind of changes: navigating competitiveness in the maritime sector through the transformation in human resource development
Authors: Autsadee Yuthana , Jeevan Jagan , Mohd Salleh Nurul Haqimin , Othman Mohamad Rosni
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The maritime industry, a linchpin of global trade, has embarked on a transformative journey catalysed by the relentless advance of digitalisation. There is a discernible gap in the literature concerning the specific consequences of digitalisation within the maritime sector. This research aims to examine the current body of literature on the influence of digitalisation in human resource development (HRD) on the competitive advantage of organisations and its potential within the maritime industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

Findings

The findings of this research explore the literature landscape encompassing digitalisation in HRD, its influence on HR operations, learning and development, performance management, employee experience and strategic alignment within maritime organisations.

Originality/value

This research provides valuable recommendations for maritime organisations and HRD practitioners seeking to leverage digitalisation to gain a competitive edge. Thus, the maritime industry can adopt digital HRD practices to streamline operations, improve performance and align HR strategies with broader organisational goals.
Servant leadership and service recovery performance: influence of creative adaptability and employee psychological well-being
Authors: Hoang Thi Kim Quy , Tran Mai Dong , Dinh Tien Minh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study draws on insights from the theory of conservation of resources to explore the impact of servant leadership (SL), creative adaptability (CA), and psychological well-being (PWB) on the service recovery performance (SRP) of employees. More specifically, the objective of this study is twofold: one to ascertain whether employees' service recovery performance would increase significantly after their exposure to SL, and two, to determine whether CA and PWB serially mediate the link between SL and SRP.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the data collected from a sample of 371 air service providers’ front-line employees (FLEs), partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was performed.

Findings

The result indicated that SL was positively related to SRP. Likewise, the results of the serial mediation analysis showed that CA and PWB independently and serially mediated the SL-SRP relationship. This study makes significant contributions to the literature on SL and SRP.

Originality/value

This study adds to the growing body of research on how FLEs effectively deal with customers who are dissatisfied with their service failure experiences. Specifically, this research expands on previous results by proving the favorable effect of leadership style on FLE’s service recovery performance. In addition, the current study examines how effective service recovery is by assessing the employee’s resources based on COR theory. Finally, this research provides new insight into the influence of SL on SRP through the serial mediation of CA and FLE’s well-being.
The impact of business ethics on ESG engagement and the effect on corporate financial performance: evidence from family firms
Authors: Gangi Francesco , Daniele Lucia Michela , Varrone Nicola , Coscia Maria , D'Angelo Eugenio
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The increasing relevance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) engagement has attracted interest in its drivers and effects on business outcomes under different organizational settings. By focusing on family firms (FFs), we deepen both the role of business ethics as a predictor of enhanced ESG engagement and the link with improved corporate financial performance (CFP). In this way, we aim to provide new insights into the impact of business ethics and ESG engagement on FFs competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a worldwide panel of 335 FFs covering the 2002–2020 time horizon, this study adopts a two-stage Heckman model (1979) to empirically address two research questions: (RQ1) Do business ethics predict greater ESG engagement in FFs? (RQ2) Does ESG engagement positively affect the corporate financial performance (CFP) of FFs?

Findings

The results of the current study are twofold. First, we demonstrate that an ethical approach to business drives greater ESG engagement. Second, we show that higher levels of ESG engagement lead to improved financial performance in FFs.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to filling the knowledge gaps regarding the drivers and effects of ESG engagement in FFs. On the one hand, we demonstrate the positive connection between dimensions that have their own identity, such as business ethics and ESG constructs. On the other hand, by shedding light on the impact of ESG engagement on improved CFP, we contribute to solving the trade-off between economic and noneconomic FF goals.
Navigating paradoxes: building a sustainable strategy for an integrated ESG corporate governance
Authors: Annesi Nora , Battaglia Massimo , Ceglia Ilenia , Mercuri Francesco
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Organisations are confronted with the challenge of navigating various pressures arising from activities that shape environmental and social impacts, which stakeholders find significant. This research endeavours to ascertain a process facilitating the analysis and seamless integration of sustainability into corporate strategy. The goal is to establish an “integrated” ESG governance framework adept at effectively managing institutional pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs an action research approach, focusing on a leading company within the sugar industry. The investigation delves into the relationship dynamics associated with business issues through a process that engages, either directly or indirectly, board members, top managers, as well as industrial and commercial customers, along with final consumers.

Findings

The formulation of a sustainability strategy serves as a guiding framework for the Board of Directors in effectively navigating tensions arising from environmental, social and economic pressures.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to bridging the realms of business governance and institutional theory (viewed under a paradoxical lens). On a managerial level, the study introduces a structured process aimed at seamlessly integrating sustainability objectives into governance, aligning with international ESG guidelines (OECD, 2023; WEF, 2020).

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in crafting a sustainability strategy by the BoD that takes into account the impact of governance and responds to the demands of strategic stakeholders.
Organizational effectiveness: the role of culture and work engagement
Authors: Naqshbandi M. Muzamil , Farhana Said Thuraya , Hisa Adilah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of learning organizational culture on organizational effectiveness. The study also explores the role of employee work engagement as the intervening mechanism in the learning organizational culture-organizational effectiveness association.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from middle and top managers using the survey approach from the manufacturing and services sectors in India. Structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were used to analyze the data.

Findings

We found that organizational effectiveness is positively affected by learning organizational culture and that employee work engagement mediates this relationship. Our findings provide an essential building block in the research of learning organizational culture, work engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study establishes linkages among the variables of interest by examining the impact of a learning organizational culture and work engagement on organizational effectiveness. It augments the existing literature on organizational effectiveness by elucidating the role of a learning organizational culture and work engagement as critical enablers of organizational effectiveness. Additionally, the study furnishes empirical evidence demonstrating the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between a learning organizational culture and organizational effectiveness.