bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulating the murineLgr5locus using a rapid, efficient and flexible CRISPR/Cas9 pipeline
Authors: Reichmuth Jan , vom Berg Johannes , Brügger Michael , Hausmann George , Valenta Tomas , Basler Konrad
Published: January 2021

The maintenance of adult epithelial tissues, such as the lining of the intestine, depends on their periodical renewal. This is achieved through small populations of adult stem cells. Lgr5 serves as a marker for these cells. Here we report a novel non-variegated Lgr5 mouse model, which was generated via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We show that thisLgr5-2A-CreERT2-2A-mOrange2mouse line can be used for lineage tracing, as well as for directing gene expression to Lgr5+cells. The introduction of the transgene affects neither the expression, nor the function of endogenousLgr5. Therefore, this new tool will serve to mark and manipulate intestinal stem cells to gain new biological insights.
Anisotropic expansion of hepatocyte lumina enforced by apical bulkheads
Authors: Belicova Lenka , Repnik Urska , Delpierre Julien , Gralinska Elzbieta , Seifert Sarah , Ignacio Valenzuela José , Morales-Navarrete Hernán Andrés , Franke Christian , Räägel Helin , Shcherbinina Evgeniya , Prikazchikova Tatiana , Koteliansky Victor , Vingron Martin , Kalaidzidis Yannis , Zatsepin Timofei , Zerial Marino
Published: January 2021

Lumen morphogenesis is key to the function of organs and results from the integration of molecular pathways and mechanical forces1–3. The mechanisms governing anisotropic lumen expansion remain elusive4–6. In contrast to epithelial cells which have simple apico-basal polarity and form tubes, hepatocytes are multi-polar and form narrow lumina that grow anisotropically between adjacent cells, collectively generating a complex 3D network of bile canaliculi (BC)7,8. Here, we studied lumen elongation and BC morphogenesis in differentiating primary mouse hepatoblastsin vitro. Remarkably, we discovered a pattern of specific extensions of the apical membrane traversing the lumen between adjacent hepatocytes and sealed by tight junctions, reminiscent of the bulkheads of boats. These structures were also present in the developing liver. A targeted screen revealed that silencing of Rab35 caused loss of the bulkheads, conversion of hepatocyte into simple epithelial polarity and formation of spherical luminain vitro. Strikingly, we could re-engineer hepatocyte polarity and tissue morphogenesisin vivoin the embryonic liver, converting BC into simple epithelial tubes. Our results suggest that the apical bulkheads of hepatocytes are cell-intrinsic anisotropic mechanical elements that ensure stability of the elongating lumen between two cells, thus determining the structure of BC during liver tissue morphogenesis.
The growing topology of theC. elegansconnectome
Authors: Helm Alec , Blevins Ann S. , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: January 2021

Probing the developing neural circuitry inCaenorhabditis eleganshas enhanced our understanding of nervous systems. TheC. elegansconnectome, like those of other species, is characterized by a rich club of densely connected neurons embedded within a small-world architecture. This organization of neuronal connections, captured by quantitative network statistics, provides insight into the system’s capacity to perform integrative computations. Yet these network measures are limited in their ability to detect weakly connected motifs, such as topological cavities, that may support the system’s capacity to perform segregated computations. We address this limitation by using persistent homology to track the evolution of topological cavities in the growingC. elegansconnectome throughout neural development, and assess the degree to which the growing connec-tome’s topology is resistant to biological noise. We show that the developing connectome topology is both relatively robust to changes in neuron birth times and not captured by similar growth models. Additionally, we quantify the consequence of a neuron’s specific birth time and ask if this metric tracks other biological properties of neurons. Our results suggest that the connectome’s growing topology is a robust feature of the developing con-nectome that is distinct from other network properties, and that the growing topology is particularly sensitive to the exact birth times of a small set of predominantly motor neurons. By utilizing novel measurements that track biological features, we anticipate that our study will be helpful in the construction of more accurate models of neuronal development inC. elegans.

Author Summary

Network analyses have identified several local and global properties of theC. elegansconnectome that are relevant to the organism’s function and its capacity for information processing. Recent work has extended those investigations by focusing on the connectome’s growth, in an effort to uncover potential drivers of connectome formation. Here we investigate connectome growth from the perspective of applied algebraic topology, by tracking both changing and persistent homology. In doing so, we are able to measure the resilience of the growth process to perturbations, and assess spatial variations in that resilience throughout the organism’s body. Our findings provide new insights regarding the development of this simple natural connectome, as we have determined the existence of a robust and topologically simple network feature that is unexplained by the presence of other notable features of the connectome.
Widespread inhibitory projections from the cerebellar interposed nucleus
Authors: Judd Elena N. , Lewis Samantha M. , Person Abigail L.
Published: January 2021

The cerebellum consists of parallel parasagittal modules that contribute to diverse behaviors, spanning motor to cognitive. Recent work employing cell-type specific tracing has identified circumscribed output channels of the cerebellar nuclei that could confer tight functional specificity. These studies have largely focused on excitatory projections of the cerebellar nuclei, however, leaving open the question of whether inhibitory neurons also constitute multiple output modules. We mapped output and input patterns to intersectionally restricted cell types of the interposed and adjacent interstitial nuclei. In contrast to the widespread assumption of primarily excitatory outputs and restricted inferior olive-targeting inhibitory output, we found that inhibitory neurons from this region ramified widely within the brainstem, targeting both motor- and sensory-related nuclei, distinct from excitatory output targets. Despite differences in output targeting, monosynaptic rabies tracing revealed largely shared afferents to both cell classes. We discuss the potential novel functional roles for inhibitory outputs in the context of cerebellar theory.
Simultaneous Identification of Brain Cell Type and Lineage via Single Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Anderson Donovan J. , Pauler Florian M. , McKenna Aaron , Shendure Jay , Hippenmeyer Simon , Horwitz Marshall S.
Published: January 2021

Acquired mutations are sufficiently frequent such that the genome of a single cell offers a record of its history of cell divisions. Among more common somatic genomic alterations are loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Large LOH events are potentially detectable in single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets as tracts of monoallelic expression for constitutionally heterozygous single nucleotide variants (SNVs) located among contiguous genes. We identified runs of monoallelic expression, consistent with LOH, uniquely distributed throughout the genome in single cell brain cortex transcriptomes of F1 hybrids involving different inbred mouse strains. We then phylogenetically reconstructed single cell lineages and simultaneously identified cell types by corresponding gene expression patterns. Our results are consistent with progenitor cells giving rise to multiple cortical cell types through stereotyped expansion and distinct waves of neurogenesis. Compared to engineered recording systems, LOH events accumulate throughout the genome and across the lifetime of an organism, affording tremendous capacity for encoding lineage information and increasing resolution for later cell divisions. This approach can conceivably be computationally incorporated into scRNA-seq analysis and may be useful for organisms where genetic engineering is prohibitive, such as humans.
A Constitutively Closed Pannexin1 Channel in Lipid Bilayer Nanodiscs Assembles as a Large-Pore Heptamer
Authors: Jin Xueyao , Leonhardt Susan A. , Chiu Yu-Hsin , Purdy Michael D. , McIntire William E. , Bennett Brad C. , Bayliss Douglas A. , Yeager Mark
Published: January 2021

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels are widely expressed and play important roles in apoptotic cell clearance, inflammation, blood pressure regulation, neurological disorders, opiate withdrawal, and cancer progression and metastasis. We performed (1) physicochemical analysis on a constitutively closed Panx1 channel (designated fPanx1ΔC) to examine the entire population of particles to detect multiple oligomeric states and (2) cryoEM in the membrane mimetics amphipol A8-35 and lipid bilayer nanodiscs. Our results reveal that the dominant if not exclusive oligomeric state of fPanx1ΔC is a heptamer, in solution and by cryoEM. The Panx1 heptamer provides further structural diversity within the family of large-pore channels, including hexameric LRRC8 (SWELL1) channels and connexin hemichannels, octameric CALHM1 channels and innexin hemichannels, and undecameric CALHM2 channels. Conserved structural themes are a large cytoplasmic vestibule with a diameter that corresponds roughly with the oligomeric state and a 4-helix bundle protomer, albeit with noncanonical helical packing for CALHM1 and CALHM2.

In Brief

The 4-helix bundle protomer of a constitutively closed pannexin1 channel assembles as a heptamer in solution and by cryoEM.
Cyclic AMP signalling and glucose metabolism mediate pH taxis by African trypanosomes
Authors: Shaw Sebastian , Knüsel Sebastian , Abbühl Daniel , Naguleswaran Arunasalam , Etzensperger Ruth , Benninger Mattias , Roditi Isabel
Published: January 2021

The collective movement of African trypanosomes on semi-solid surfaces, known as social motility, is presumed to be due to migration factors and repellents released by the parasites. Here we show that procyclic (insect midgut) forms acidify their environment as a consequence of glucose metabolism, generating pH gradients by diffusion. Early and late procyclic forms exhibit self-organising properties on agarose plates. While early procyclic forms are repelled by acid and migrate outwards, late procyclic forms remain at the inoculation site. Furthermore, trypanosomes respond to exogenously formed pH gradients, with both early and late procyclic forms being attracted to alkali. pH taxis is mediated by multiple cyclic AMP effectors: deletion of one copy of adenylate cyclase ACP5, or both copies of the cyclic AMP response protein CARP3, abrogates the response to acid, while deletion of phosphodiesterase PDEB1 completely abolishes pH taxis. The ability to sense pH is biologically relevant as trypanosomes experience large changes as they migrate through their tsetse host. Supporting this, a CARP3 null mutant is severely compromised in its ability to establish infections in flies. Based on these findings, we propose that the expanded family of adenylate cyclases in trypanosomes might govern other chemotactic responses in their two hosts.
Overexpression of the microtubule-binding protein CLIP-170 induces a +TIP network superstructure consistent with a biomolecular condensate
Authors: Wu Yueh-Fu O. , Bryant Annamarie T. , Nelson Nora T. , Madey Alexander G. , Fernandes Gail F. , Goodson Holly V.
Published: January 2021

Proper regulation of microtubule (MT) dynamics is critical for cellular processes including cell division and intracellular transport. Plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) dynamically track growing MTs and play a key role in MT regulation. +TIPs participate in a complex web of intra- and inter-molecular interactions known as the +TIP network. Hypotheses addressing the purpose of +TIP:+TIP interactions include relieving +TIP autoinhibition and localizing MT regulators to growing MT ends. In addition, we have proposed that the web of +TIP:+TIP interactions has a physical purpose, creating a superstructure that constrains the structural fluctuations of the fragile MT tip and thus acts as a polymerization chaperone. Many animal +TIP network proteins are multivalent and have intrinsically disordered regions, features commonly found in biomolecular condensates. This observation suggests that the +TIP network might under some conditions form a biomolecular condensate. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of the +TIP CLIP-170 induces large “patch” structures containing CLIP-170 and other +TIPs. To test the hypothesis that these patches might be biomolecular condensates, we used video microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP). Our data show that the CLIP-170-induced patches have hallmarks indicative of a biomolecular condensate, one that contains +TIP proteins and excludes other known condensate markers. Moreover, bioinformatic studies demonstrate that the presence of intrinsically disordered regions is conserved in key +TIPs, implying that these regions are functionally significant. Together, these results indicate that the CLIP-170 induced patches in cells are phase-separated liquid condensates and raise the possibility that the endogenous +TIP network might form a liquid droplet at MT ends or other +TIP locations.
The novel leishmanial Copper P-type ATPase plays a vital role in intracellular parasite survival
Authors: Paul Rupam , Banerjee Sourav , Sen Samarpita , Dubey Pratiksha , Maji Saptarshi , Bachhawat Anand K , Datta Rupak , Gupta Arnab
Published: January 2021

Copper is essential for all life forms; however in excess it is extremely toxic. Toxic properties of copper are utilized by hosts against various pathogenic invasions.Leishmania, in its both free-living and intracellular forms, was found to exhibit appreciable tolerance towards copper-stress. To determine the mechanism of copper-stress evasion employed byLeishmaniawe identified and characterized the hitherto unknown Copper-ATPase inLeishmania majorand determined its role in parasite’s survival in host macrophage cells.L. majorCu-ATPase, LmATP7, exhibits high homology with its orthologues at multiple conserved motifs. In promastigotes, LmATP7 localized to the plasma membrane with a fraction in intracellular puncta. Upon copper treatment,LmATP7expression increases few folds. LmATP7 is capable of complementing copper transport in Cu-ATPase-Δ yeast strain. Promastigotes overexpressingLmATP7exhibits higher survival upon copper stress indicating efficacious copper export compared to wild type and heterozygousLmATP7knock-out parasites. We explored macrophage-Leishmanialinteraction with respect to copper stress subjected by the host upon parasite and the parasite’s reciprocating response thereon to evade the stress. The Copper-P-type-ATPases ATP7A/7B serve as major copper exporters in mammals that maintain cellular copper levels. We found thatLeishmaniainfection triggers ATP7A upregulation in macrophages. Additionally, as part of host response, ATP7A traffics from trans-Golgi network and transports copper to the endosomal and endolysosomal compartments harbouring theLeishmaniaamastigotes. Finally, we showLmATP7overexpression in this parasite increased amastigote survivability within infected macrophages whereas knocking it down reduces that drastically, establishing its role in combating host-induced copper stress.
Social interaction and effectiveness of the online learning – A moderating role of maintaining social distance during the pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Baber Hasnan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The pandemic of COVID-19 has pushed most of the classroom learning to an online environment with which most of the people were not familiar. This study aims to investigate the importance of social interaction on the effectiveness of online learning during the pandemic when social distancing norms are in place.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the partial least square (PLS) structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, a nonparametric method based on total variance, using the SmartPLS software 3.0. The data were collected using the snowball sampling technique from the students who were learning online due to the pandemic COVID-19 and asked them to forward the survey link in their network.

Findings

The results suggested that social interaction has a positive significant impact on the effectiveness of online learning. However, this effect is reduced in the presence of social distance norms as people give more importance to continuous learning and to saving lives rather than socializing in the online environment.

Originality/value

The study will be helpful for instructors and educational institutes to formalize the strategies to enhance social interaction in online learning and analyze their pedagogy to improve effectiveness.
Effect of financial technology on cash holding in Nigeria
Authors: Onah Emmanuel Onyebuchi , Ujunwa Angela Ifeanyi , Ujunwa Augustine , Ogundele Oloruntoba Samuel
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of financial technology on cash holding in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Pesaran et al.’s (2001) autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test approach to cointegration to estimate the long-run relationship between four direct measures of financial technology (automated teller machine [ATM], Internet banking [IB], point of sale [POS] and mobile banking [MB]) and cash holding.

Findings

The authors find the presence of long-run negative relationship between cash holding and the four direct measures of financial technology.

Practical implications

Despite the negative effect of financial technology on cash holding, the descriptive results highlight increasing trajectory in cash holding. This suggests that structural factors such as ethical climate, literacy level, household characteristics, currency denomination structures, economic uncertainty and infrastructure deficit may account for the pervasive cash transactions in Nigeria and not necessarily the unwillingness of economic agents to use digital platform for financial transactions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing literature by augmenting the money demand function to accommodate direct measures of financial technology in examining the effectiveness of the policy on cash holding in Nigeria.
Empirical study of consumer participation motivation in value cocreation within cultural and creative virtual brand communities
Authors: Chen Longshan , Yuan Leping , Zhu Zhangxiang
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the motivation for consumer participation in value cocreation and its impact on value cocreation behavior within cultural and creative virtual brand communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth analysis of the psychological needs of the users of short videos, the motivations for user participation in value cocreation are categorized based on the self-determination theory, and six theoretical models are proposed for the impacts of participation motivation on the different levels of value cocreation behavior. Our research hypotheses are validated by conducting a regression analysis based on the 277 valid responses collected.

Findings

Ranked from highest to lowest by the degree of impact, the motivational factors that have significant positive impacts on browsing behavior are altruistic motivation, information motivation, social motivation, and hedonic motivation. The motivational factors that have significant positive impacts on member interaction behavior are achievement motivation, hedonic motivation, social motivation, and brand identity, while the motivational factors that have significant positive impacts on content creation behavior are achievement motivation, altruistic motivation, information motivation, and social motivation.

Originality/value

This current paper enriches the research on the consumer’s value cocreation behavior in virtual brand communities and provides constructive relevant platform manager’s suggestions for increasing user participation.
The J-shaped curve-conceptual and methodological challenges
Authors: Grønbæk Morten , Ellison R. Curtis , Skovenborg Erik
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the conceptual and methodological challenges of a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption (AC), coronary heart disease (CHD) and all-cause mortality. In associated papers in this journal, Skovenborg et al., 2021 reviews the evidence for the J-shaped curve, and Ellison et al., 2021 examines the advantages and drawbacks of Mendelian randomization studies of the J-shaped curve.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of methodological problems are common in observational research in general, and some of the methodological problems suggested for the J-shaped alcohol-CHD-associations are discussed. The extent of the methodological problems in studies of the J-shaped curve is reviewed, and the possibility that the J-shaped curve is an artifact created by reverse causality and residual confounding is discussed. Further, the issue of interaction with drinking pattern and type of alcohol is discussed.

Findings

Imprecise categorization of alcohol intake information seems to have had little effect on the J-shaped alcohol-CHD-associations, nor has it affected the ability of these studies to show increasing mortality from a range of causes with increasing AC. The problem of “sick quitters” has been resolved by large studies using lifelong abstainers or infrequent drinkers as reference group. Many studies lack information on drinking patterns with regard to regular, moderate consumption versus binge drinking. Stratified analyses by important risk factors for CHD have not significantly changed the J-shaped association observed in most epidemiologic studies.

Originality/value

Potential biases and residual confounding probably do not overcome the J-shaped alcohol-CDH-association observed in most epidemiologic studies; however, the existence of a J-shaped curve is challenged by some degree of uncertainty. The actual review together with the associated papers by Skovenborg et al., 2021 and Ellison et al., 2021 offers a possibility to “update your priors” and achieve greater certainty when giving your patients information on the pros and cons of alcohol intake.
CEOs as agents of change and continuity
Authors: Kelan Elisabeth K. , Wratil Patricia
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Chief executive officers (CEOs) are increasingly seen as change agents for gender equality, which means that CEOs have to lead others to achieve gender equality. Much of this leadership is going to happen through talk, which raises the question as to how CEOs talk about gender equality to act as change agents. The purpose of this paper is to understand the arguments of CEOs deploy.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on interviews with global CEOs, who have publicly supported gender equality work, the article draws on discourse analysis to understand the arguments of CEOs deploy.

Findings

The analysis shows that CEOs deploy three arguments. First, CEOs argue that women bring special skills to the workplace, which contributes to a female advantage. Second, CEOs argue that the best person for the job is hired. Third, CEOs talk about how biases and privilege permeate the workplace. The analysis shows that CEOs are often invested in essentialised views of gender while holding onto ideals of meritocracy.

Originality/value

The article suggests that how leaders talk about gender equality leads to continuity, rather than change in regard to gender equality.
The influence of green HRM practices on green service behaviors: the mediating effect of green knowledge sharing
Authors: Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher , Kee Daisy Mui Hung , Rimi Nadia Newaz
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study intends to examine the influence of green human resource management (GHRM) on green service behaviors through the mediating effect of green knowledge sharing based on bank employees' perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes 365 frontline employees' perceptions from the banking industry in Bangladesh using partial least square.

Findings

The findings show a significant positive direct influence of GHRM on green in-role, extra-role service behavior and green knowledge sharing. Green knowledge sharing is also found to have a significant mediating effect between GHRM and green service behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers perceptions of employees of the private commercial banking organizations, and thereby, its findings cannot be generalized for all other service organizations in the context of Bangladesh.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates that GHRM can influence employees' green service behaviors via green knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

Green banking is an emerging trend that deserves more attention. There is growing recognition that green banking is not an “automatic” process but requires that banking management promote green service behavior among their employees. This study extends the research on GHRM by focusing on how it impacts green service behavior through the mediating role of green knowledge sharing. The paper provides practical insights for organizations looking to improve green service behaviors among employees.
To continue or not to continue: a structural analysis of antecedents of mobile payment systems in India
Authors: Raman Prashant , Aashish Kumar
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Consumers in India are increasingly using mobile payment systems (MPSs) to make online and offline payments. Digital payment applications are gradually being used as surrogates for cash, checks and plastic money. The motive behind this research is to analyze the different antecedents that impact the users' willingness to continue using the MPS in India.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive study of the literature review supports the creation of a framework that describes the continuance intention of using MPS. Data from a survey of 612 respondents from India were collected to assess the research model. The study used partial least squares (PLS)–structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to empirically validate the framework developed.

Findings

The outcomes of the research suggest that service quality, attitude, effort expectancy and perceived risk act as influencing antecedents of continuance intention to use MPS. Determinants like perceived trust, convenience and social value have no influence on users' continuance intention. SEM analysis has verified the proposed model, which explains 50.7% of the variance of the users' continuance intention of using MPSs.

Research limitations/implications

The research is built upon cross-sectional data carried out in India. Hence, the outcomes of the study are limited to this region only.

Practical implications

Engaging with the consumers for a long time and enabling their continuance usage are extremely important for firms offering mobile payment services. The managerial implications provide insights into the different ways to capture new business opportunities to the firms rendering mobile payment services in the wake of changing consumer behavior.

Originality/value

This research tries to analyze users' continuance intention to use MPS in India. Although many research studies have investigated the willingness of the individuals to adopt novel technology in different frameworks, there are hardly any empirical studies carried out to analyze the antecedents of users' continuance intention to use MPSs.
Corporate social responsibility for women's empowerment: a study on Nigerian banks
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel , Hinson Robert Ebo , Nwoba Arinze Christian , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Drawing on stakeholder theory, the purpose of this paper examines how Nigerian banks employ their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to empower women to participate in economic and commercial activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this paper is regarding a thematic analysis of Nigerian banks' annual CSR and sustainability reports.

Findings

A theoretical framework was developed which illustrates the investment foundation (Sustainable Development Goals, Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles) that supports the different levels of engagement (healthcare, financial, social and career empowerment) aimed at different groups of women (women at large, women in business and women in career) in the society.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings are confined to the banks in Nigeria, focussing on how they empower women to participate in economic and commercial activities.

Practical implications

It is paramount that Nigerian banks consistently report their CSR initiatives. When designing these initiatives, it is equally important to incorporate WEPs, as they are specifically focussed on women.

Social implications

Due to their low-level institutional and financial development, it is important that Nigerian banks design their CSR initiatives to improve women empowerment. While initiatives should be targeted at women's well-being and physical health, it is important to steer women towards financial and social independence through loans, grants and mentorship.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no other research study has examined how banks in an emerging market use their CSR activities to empower women to participate in financial activities.
Developing movement experiences with refugees to the United States who have undergone trauma
Authors: Dieterich-Hartwell Rebekka , Haen Craig , Kaimal Girija , Koch Sabine , Villanueva Augusta , Goodill Sherry
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate what resources recent refugees to the USA tap into and how collaborative expressive movements were experienced with regard to coping and resourcing, and to derive a theoretical model that would inform the use of dance/movement therapy and other holistic treatment modalities with refugees.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 13 refugees overall participated in parts of this study. Ten of these refugees completed movement sessions and semi-structured in-person interviews. Constructivist grounded theory methods and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings suggest that refugees draw on a number of resources. The collaborative movement experiences seemed to have both a settling and mobilizing effect with the most important phenomenon of connection to the self or to another person. A grounded theory model, developed based on the findings, shows a dynamic interaction between the encountered categories.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are preliminary and not transferrable because of limited size and potential researcher bias.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to an understanding of the resettlement and acculturation phase of refugees with potential implications and suggestions for current clinical practices and health services.

Originality/value

This study was original in its focus on understanding the role and the potential of body and expressive movement among refugees who have experienced trauma. Adherence to transformative paradigm principles invited participants to become co-researchers.
The logic and integration of coproductive research approaches
Authors: Lindhult Erik , Axelsson Karin
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the methodological logic of coproductive research approaches like action research, collaborative research, interactive research and participatory research in a way that can clarify its effectiveness and scientific qualities in high quality knowledge production, and show the way that it can be integrated with institutionalized textbook science.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper clarifies the character of coproduction as research methodology concept, the logic of coproductive research approaches, and its characteristics compared to quantitative and qualitative methodology. A model for characterizing research approaches from leading textbook social science is developed to specify the character of coproductive research approaches and support integration in mainstream research methodology discussions.

Findings

The paper develops a research methodology framework for coproductive logic and approaches to research, to support the integration of this type of approaches in mainstream research methodology.

Research limitations/implications

The developed model of coproductive research approaches is not empirically described. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test and further develop the model in relation to cases and designs of research projects.

Practical implications

The paper is helpful for guiding the design of coproductive research in practice, i.e., in research project development or in research methodology education.

Social implications

The development of coproductive research approaches supports making science relevant and useful for solving pressing problems and improving social conditions. It also is enabling stakeholders to participate in research and development processes, thus the democratization of research and knowledge production.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to integration of the family of coproductive approaches in mainstream research methodology discussion through the development and elaboration of a framework for organizing the description and development of coproductive research approaches. The aim is that the framework is valuable for both academics, practitioners and students in designing coproductive research projects.
A dynamic performance measurement system for supply chain management
Authors: Nazari-Ghanbarloo Vahid
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a dynamic model for measurement supply chain performance (SCP) based on a dynamic balanced scorecard (DBSC). Balanced scorecard (BSC) can be defined as a popular performance measurement method that can translate the strategy into a set of performance indicators and manage the status of implementing the various strategies. However, BSC is unable to simulate the complicated environment and the dynamic behavior of performance metrics. Therefore, the author combines BSC with system dynamics (SD) to explore a more efficient tool for measurement SCP.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic causal model is proposed based on the causal hypotheses. The developed DBSC enables managers to evaluate and measure the SCP in a much-balanced way. Using DBSC makes it possible that different SCP metrics to be reviewed and distributed into the four above-mentioned perspectives. It also enables supply chain (SC) managers to evaluate different strategies to improve SCP.

Findings

investigates two strategies to improve SCP as follows: (1) competitive strategy and (2) harvesting big data and using data mining techniques to determine the customer's expectations and then compares the results of these two strategies based on the four perspectives of DBSC and introduce the best strategy. Finally, harvesting big data and data mining is selected as the best strategy.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel strategic management tool for measurement SCP and simulation of the complicated environment and the dynamic behavior of performance metrics. The proposed DBSC model enables managers to compare different strategies and select the best strategy.
Young people and “county lines”: a contextual and social account
Authors: Wroe Lauren Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present an analysis of a “county lines” safeguarding partnership in a large city region of England. A critical analysis of current literature and practice responses to “county lines” is followed by the presentation of an analytical framework that draws on three contextual and social theories of (child) harm. This framework is applied to the partnership work to ask: are the interconnected conditions of criminal exploitation of children via “county lines” understood?; do interventions target the contexts of harm?; and is social and institutional harm acknowledged and addressed?

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical framework is applied to a data set collected by the author throughout a two-year study of the “county lines” partnership. Qualitative data collected by the author and quantitative data published by the partnership are coded and thematically analysed in NVivo against the analytic framework.

Findings

Critical tensions are surfaced in the praxis of multi-agency, child welfare responses to “county lines” affected young people. Generalising these findings to the child welfare sector at large, it is proposed that the contextual dynamics of child harm via “county lines” must be understood in a broader sense, including how multi-agency child welfare practices contribute to the harm experienced by young people.

Originality/value

There are limited peer-reviewed analyses of child welfare responses to “county lines”. This paper contributes to that limited scholarship, extending the analysis by adopting a critical analytic framework to a regional county lines partnership at the juncture of future national, child welfare responses to “county lines”.
Internal audit as an antecedent of economic growth
Authors: Alzeban Abdulaziz
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper reports a study that examines the role of the internal audit function as a cornerstone of corporate governance, on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 108 countries for the period 2011–2015. The World Bank, the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation and the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index were the data sources. Two statistical techniques were used: regression analysis to test the study hypotheses and the Chi-squared test to determine whether variations between countries.

Findings

The findings suggest that conformance with internal audit standards and maturity (in years) of the internal audit department contribute to economic growth. They also reveal a relationship between the professional standing of internal audit staff (represented by professional qualifications and number of training hours annually) and the contribution to economic growth, that being that the greater the professional standing of staff, the greater internal audit conformance to the standards and the higher the contribution to economic growth. Further, the findings reveal that the impact of internal audit on economic growth varies among countries according to income classifications.

Originality/value

The consideration of internal audit as one of the four fundamental bases of corporate governance, and therefore, its relationship with economic growth is a neglected topic in the research arena. This study addresses that shortcoming by providing worldwide evidence on the contribution of internal audit to economic growth and, thus, makes a new contribution to the literature. Further, evidence is provided to enlighten poorly performing economies of the value of mandating the presence of internal audit and the compliance of it with international internal audit standards.
Determinants of sustainable competitive advantage from resource-based view: implications for hotel industry
Authors: Hossain Md Sazzad , Hussain Kashif , Kannan Suresh , Kunju Raman Nair Sree Kala
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between absorptive capacity, team culture, competitive intelligence awareness and entrepreneurial behavior with strategic flexibility and sustainable competitive advantage and further investigates the moderating influence of innovativeness on the relationship between strategic flexibility and sustainable competitive advantage in the hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study applied a quantitative research method to collect data from five-star and luxury hotel management staff in Malaysia, using questionnaire surveys. A total of 550 questionnaires were distributed, and the researcher received 457 valid questionnaires. The hypotheses were tested using the SEM (structural equation modeling) analytical technique.

Findings

The salient findings of this research are (1) absorptive capacity, team culture and competitive intelligence awareness have a significant impact on strategic flexibility and sustainable competitive advantage, (2) entrepreneurial behavior has an insignificant effect on strategic flexibility and sustainable competitive advantage, (3) strategic flexibility has a significant impact on sustainable competitive advantage, (4) innovativeness actively moderates on the relationship between strategic flexibility and sustainable competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The study described here introduces a sustainable competitive advantage as a new and dynamic approach to explore how its outcomes or performance can be enhanced in the hotel industry. The outcomes of sustainable competitive advantage can help the long-term survival of hotels.

Originality/value

The present study suggests and explains the role of sustainable competitive advantage in the hotel industry and offers new insights into the competitive hotel industry's gaps and weaknesses.
An exploration of the role and contribution of entrepreneurship centres in UK higher education institutions
Authors: Jones Paul , Maas Gideon , Kraus Sascha , Lloyd Reason Lester
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study evaluates current and future roles of UK entrepreneurship centres (ECs) within Higher Education institutions. Literature suggests current activity in entrepreneurship education is strongly associated with the contribution of ECs. However, ECs experience resource limitations and high stakeholder's expectations, leading to a proliferation of aims, roles and identity issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study evaluates five UK EC using evidence from a range of stakeholders within each centre. The study considers the strategic direction of ECs, their aim and roles, resourcing and the leadership role they adopt.

Findings

The study assesses the role ECs are fulfilling in the promotion of entrepreneurship and the resource constraints limiting future development. The need for EC identity and community contribution are identified as a determinant of success.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insight into factors influencing EC behaviour and future strategy, which will be of value for UK HEI and Entrepreneurship educators.
Operationally defining family SMEs: a critical review
Authors: Roffia Paolo , Moracchiato Stefania , Liguori Eric , Kraus Sascha
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the dilemma of devising an operational family business definition in the SME context. The existing family business literature mostly agrees with the validity of a theoretical model called F-PEC, which identifies family businesses by evaluating three dimensions: power, experience, and culture. Nonetheless, empirical studies on family SMEs still use just one or a few elements with many different thresholds to operationally define family SMEs, highlighting an unsolved definitional divergence among scholars, which limits the possibility of investigating the potential effects of family attributes on firms’ goals, structures, processes, and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing ancestry searching, online databases, and issue-by-issue searches from two decades (1990–2019), we analyzed 255 empirical studies that specified a family business’s operational definition (despite posing different research questions) and used a sample of small-sized and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Findings

Results showed ownership and governance/management are the most used elements in the operational definitions provided in the literature to date, but that there still is not a universally adopted operational definition of family SMEs in use today.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to comprehensively analyze and review the operationalized use of family SME definitions in the literature.
Responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic: The experiences of South Australia's Rescue, Retrieval and Aviation Services
Authors: Alderson Steven , Paddock Sharon , West Nathan , Pearce Andrew , Martin Daniel , Keir Amy
Published: January 2021

COVID‐19 poses significant challenges to pre‐hospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM) clinicians – and many are unique to this area of clinical practice. We share the experiences of the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) MedSTAR Emergency Medical Retrieval Service in preparing for the COVID‐19 pandemic in the pre‐hospital and retrieval setting – including the role of a multidisciplinary leadership team; challenges and potential approaches to screening for COVID‐19; personal protective equipment for pre‐hospital and aeromedical taskings; issues arising with interstate retrievals; and the role of telehealth. Although novel solutions allowed SAAS MedSTAR to continue to deliver high‐quality care, considering the resource implications involved in undertaking the transfer of patients with COVID‐19, it is clear that significant community disease transmission threatens to overwhelm any PHRM service. Should Australia face a significant future outbreak, it is conceivable that some PHRM operations may need to be reduced or suspended entirely.
Does volume or occupancy influence emergency access block? A multivariate time series analysis from a single emergency department in Sydney, Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bein Kendall J , Berendsen Russell Saartje , Ní Bhraonáin Sinéad , Seimon Radhika V , Dinh Michael M
Published: January 2021

Objective

The study aims to determine whether ED presentation volume or hospital occupancy had a greater impact on ED performance before and during the COVID‐19 health response at a tertiary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia.

Methods

Single centre time series analysis using routinely collected hospital and ED data from January 2019 to September 2020. The primary outcome was ED access block measured by emergency treatment performance (ETP; i.e. percentage of patients who were discharged or transferred to a ward from ED within 4 h of ED arrival time). Secondary outcomes were hospital occupancy, elective theatre cases and ambulance ramping. Multivariate time series analysis was performed using vector autoregression, to model effects of changes in various endogenous and correlated variables on ETP.

Results

There was an increase in ETP, drop in ED presentations and decrease in hospital occupancy between April and June 2020. Elective surgery and hospital occupancy had significant effects up to 2 days prior on ETP, while there were no significant effects of either ED or ambulance presentations on ETP. Hospital occupancy itself increased with ED presentations after 2–4 days and decreased with elective surgery after 1 day. Shocks (a one standard deviation increase) in hospital occupancy had a peak impact nearly two times greater compared to ED presentations (−1.43, 95% confidence interval −1.92, −0.93 vs −0.73, 95% confidence interval −1.21, −0.25).

Conclusion

The main determinants of the reduction of ED overcrowding and access block during the pandemic were associated with reductions in hospital occupancy and elective surgery levels, and more research is required to assess more complex associations beyond the scope of this manuscript.