bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remorin proteins serves as membrane topology scaffolds in plants
Authors: Su Chao , Rodriguez-Franco Marta , Lace Beatrice , Nebel Nils , Hernandez-Reyes Casandra , Liang Pengbo , Schulze Eija , Popp Claudia , Keller Jean , Libourel Cyril , Fischer Alexandra A.M. , Gabor Katharina E. , Mymrikov Evgeny V. , Gross Nikolas M. , Mark Eric , Hunte Carola , Weber Wilfried , Wendler Petra , Stanislas Thomas , Delaux Pierre-Marc , Einsle Oliver , Ott Thomas
Published: March 2022

Organization of membrane topologies in plants has so far been mainly attributed to the cell wall and the cytoskeleton. Taking rhizobial infections of legume root cells, where plasma membranes undergo dynamic and large-scale topology changes, as an initial model, we challenged this paradigm and tested whether additional scaffolds such as plant-specific remorins that accumulate on highly curved and often wall-less plasma membrane domains, control local membrane dynamics. Indeed, loss-of-function mutants of the remorin protein SYMREM1 failed to develop stabilized membrane tubes as found in colonized cells in wild-type plants, but released empty membrane spheres instead. Expression of this and other remorins in wall-less protoplasts allowed engineering different membrane topologies ranging from membrane blebs to long membrane tubes. Reciprocally, mechanically induced membrane indentations were equally stabilized by SYMREM1. This function is likely supported by remorin oligomerization into antiparallel dimers and the formation of higher order membrane scaffolding structures. Taken together we describe an evolutionary confined mechanism that allows the stabilization of large-scale membrane conformations and curvatures in plants.

One-sentence summary

The remorin SYMREM1 evolved as structural membrane scaffold that stabilizes membrane tubulation and curvature during symbiotic intracellular infections.
The identification of two newly discovered fluorescent proteins in human glioblastoma
Authors: Lyu Xiao , Wei Yutian
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common malignancy featured by an extremely strong proliferation with enriched genetic information. Due to the rapid proliferation and the unstable genome-induced evolutionary potential, unique proteins may be expressed in GBM cells under the certain influence of the microenvironment. We therefore speculated that fluorescent proteins exist in GBM cells. During the immunofluorescence staining assay, we accidently discovered autofluorescence in primary GBM cells without fluorescent labeling, which were further validated as 2 newly discovered fluorescent proteins excited by 467 nm and 378 nm wavelength, respectively, namely human fluorescent protein Ⅰ and Ⅱ (HFP1, HFP2). Fluorescence colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) results showed the tight interaction of HFP1 and HFP2, and their synergistic effect. Our results for the first time identified 2 newly discovered fluorescent proteins in GBM cells, and clarified their chemical properties.
Solute exchange through gap junctions lessens the adverse effects of inactivating mutations in metabolite-handling genes
Authors: Monterisi Stefania , Michl Johanna , Hill Amaryllis E. , Hulikova Alzbeta , Abdullayeva Gulnar , Bodmer Walter F. , Swietach Pawel
Published: March 2022

Experimental inactivation of certain genes involved in metabolism attenuates cancer cell growth in vitro. However, loss-of-function mutations in metabolic pathways are not negatively selected in human cancers, indicating that these genes are not essential in vivo. We hypothesize that spontaneous mutations affecting metabolic pathways do not necessarily result in a functional defect because affected cells may be rescued by exchanging metabolites with neighboring wild-type cells via gap junctions. Using fluorescent substances to probe inter-cellular diffusion, we show that colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are coupled by gap junctions assembled from connexins, particularly the constitutively expressed Cx26. In co-cultures of wild-type cells with cells that had inactivated components of pH regulation (SLC9A1), glycolysis (ALDOA), or mitochondrial metabolism (NDUFS1), we show that diffusive coupling was able to rescue the functional defect associated with the inactivation of metabolite-handling genes. Function rescue was dependent on Cx26 channels and reduced phenotypic heterogeneity among cells. Since the phenotypic landscape did not map onto genotype, an individual cell should not be considered as the unit under selection, at least in the case of metabolite-handling processes. Our findings can explain why certain loss-of-function mutations in genes, previously ascribed as being ‘essential’, do not influence the growth of human cancers.
Phylogenetic analysis of human parainfluenza type 3 virus strains responsible for the outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Kim Ha Nui , Yoon Soo-Young , Lim Chae Seung , Lee Chang Kyu , Yoon Jung
Published: March 2022

Background

Human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) is a major respiratory pathogen that causes acute respiratory infections in infants and children. Since September 2021, an out-of-season HPIV3 rebound has been noted in Korea. The objective of this study was to analyze the molecular characteristics of the HPIV3 strains responsible for the outbreak in Seoul, South Korea.

Methods

A total of 61 HPIV3-positive nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected between October and November 2021. Using 33 HPIV3-positive specimens, partial nucleotide sequences of the HPIV3 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene were aligned with previously published HN gene sequences for phylogenetic and genetic distance (p-distance) analyses.

Results

Phylogenetic tree revealed that all Seoul HPIV3 strains grouped within the phylogenetic subcluster C3. However, these strains formed a unique cluster that branched separately from the C3a lineage. This cluster showed 99% bootstrap support with a p-distance < 0.001. Genetic distances within the other C3 lineages ranged from 0.013 (C3a) to 0.023 (C3c). Deduced amino acid sequences of the HN gene revealed four protein substitutions in Seoul HPIV3 strains that have rarely been observed in other reference strains: A22T, K31N, G387S, and E514K.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic analysis of Seoul HPIV3 strains revealed that the strain belonged to a separate cluster within subcluster C3. Genetic distances among strains within subcluster C3 suggest the emergence of a new genetic lineage. The emergence of a new genetic lineage could pose a potential risk of a new epidemic. Further monitoring of the circulating HPIV3 strains is needed to understand the importance of newly discovered mutations.
No evidence for environmental transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK’s largest urban river system: London as a case study
Authors: Ransome E , Hobbs F , Jones S , Coleman CM , Harris N D , Woodward G , Bell T , Trew J , Kolarević S , Kračun-Kolarević M , Savolainen V
Published: March 2022

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in untreated sewage has been confirmed in many countries but its incidence and infection risk in contaminated freshwaters is still poorly understood. The River Thames in the UK receives untreated sewage from 57 Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), with many discharging dozens of times per year. We investigated if such discharges provide a pathway for environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Samples of wastewater, surface water, and sediment collected close to six CSOs on the River Thames were assayed over 8 months for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and infectious virus. Bivalves were sampled as sentinel species of viral bioaccumulation. Sediment and water samples from the Danube and Sava rivers in Serbia, where raw sewage is also discharged in high volumes, were assayed as a positive control. We found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA or infectious virus in UK samples, in contrast to RNA positive water and sediment samples from Serbia. Furthermore, we show that infectious SARS-CoV-2 inoculum is stable in Thames water and sediment for < 3 days, while RNA remained detectable for at least seven days. This indicates that dilution of wastewater likely limits environmental transmission, and that infectivity should be embedded in future risk assessments of pathogen spillover.
Unusual patterns of risk for diabetic retinopathy in the Mumbai slums: The Aditya Jyot Diabetic Retinopathy in Urban Mumbai Slums Study (AJ-DRUMSS) Report 3
Authors: Krishnan Radhika , Jain Astha , Nare Siddhita , Shankar Rajkumar , Bartlett Jacquelaine , Iyengar Sudha K. , Williams Scott M. , Sundaram Natarajan
Published: March 2022

Diabetes onset precedes diabetic retinopathy (DR) by 5-10 years, but many people with diabetes remain free of this microvascular complication. Our aim was to identify risk factors for DR progression in a unique and diverse population, the slums of Mumbai.

We performed a population-based cross-sectional analysis of 1163 diabetics over 40 years of age from slums in 18 wards of Mumbai. Data was collected on 33 variables and assessed for association with DR using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Stratified analyses were also performed on males and females, separately. Among hypertensive individuals we also assessed whether duration of hypertension associated with DR.

Of 31 non-correlated variables analysed as risk factors for DR, 15 showed evidence of significant association. The most prominent included sex, where being a female associated with decreased risk of DR, while longer duration of diabetes and poor glycaemic control associated with increased risk. The duration of diabetes risk was partially, but significantly, mediated by age of diabetes diagnoses (8.6% of variance explained, p = 0.012). Obesity as measured by several measures, including body mass index (BMI) and measures of central obesity had a negative association with DR; increased measures of obesity consistently reduced risk of DR.

There was some agreement with risk factors described in earlier studies (e.g., duration of diabetes and glycaemic control), but other factors such as obesity measures appeared to have a reversed direction of effect compared to most prior studies. These results indicated that the overall pattern of association in the Mumbai slums was novel. Thus, in previously uncharacterized populations, such as the slums that we examined, it is important to evaluate all risk factors de novo to appropriately assess patterns of risk.
MePMe-seq: Antibody-free simultaneous m6A and m5C mapping in mRNA by metabolic propargyl labeling and sequencing
Authors: Hartstock Katja , Ovcharenko Anna , Kueck Nadine A. , Spacek Petr , Cornelissen Nicolas V. , Hüwel Sabine , Dieterich Christoph , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: March 2022

Internal modifications of mRNA have emerged as widespread and versatile regulatory mechanism to control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Current insights rely on the ability to make a modified nucleoside amenable to sequencing. Most of the modifications are methylations involving the co-factorS-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), however, simultaneous detection of different methylation sites in the same sample has remained elusive. We present metabolic labeling with propargyl-selenohomocysteine (PSH) in combination with click chemistry to detectN6- methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytidine (m5C) sites in mRNA with single nucleotide precision in the same sequencing run (MePMe-seq). Intracellular formation of the corresponding SAM analogue leads to detectable levels ofN6-propargyl-A (prop6A) and 5-propargyl-C (prop5C). MePMe-seq overcomes the problems of antibodies for enrichment and sequence-motifs for evaluation, limiting previous methodologies. The joint evaluation of m6A and m5C sites opens the door to study their interconnectivity and improve our understanding of mechanisms and functions of the RNA methylome.
Strain-specific alterations in gut microbiome and host immune responses elicited by Bifidobacterium pseudolongum
Authors: Ma Bing , Gavzy Samuel J. , Saxena Vikas , Song Yang , Piao Wenji , Lwin Hnin Wai , Lakhan Ram , Lyyathurai Jegan , Li Lushen , France Michael , Paluskievicz Christina , WillsonShirkey Marina , Hittle Lauren , Munawwar Arshi , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Bromberg Jonathan S.
Published: March 2022

The beneficial effects attributed to Bifidobacterium are thought to arise from their host immunomodulatory capabilities, which are likely to be species- and even strain-specific. However, their strain-specificity in direct and indirect immune modulation remain largely uncharacterized. We have shown that B. pseudolongum UMB-MBP-01, a murine isolate, is capable of suppressing inflammation and reducing fibrosis in vivo. To ascertain the mechanism driving this activity and to determine if it is specific to UMB-MBP-01, we compared it to B. pseudolongum type strain ATCC25526 of porcine origin using a combination of in vitro and in vivo experimentation and comparative genomics approaches. Despite many shared features, we demonstrate that these two strains possess distinct genetic repertoires in carbohydrate assimilation, differential activation signatures and cytokine responses in innate immune cells, and differential effects on lymph node morphology with unique local and systemic leukocyte distribution. Importantly, the administration of each B. pseudolongum strain resulted in major divergence in the structure, composition, and function of gut microbiota. This was accompanied by markedly different changes in intestinal transcriptional activities, suggesting strain-specific modulation of the endogenous gut microbiota as a key to host responses of immune modulation and changes in intestinal B. pseudolongum strains. These observations highlight the importance of strain-specificity characteristics of Bifidobacterium for prophylactic supplementation for immune modulation and advance our understanding of the mechanisms which drive the association between Bifidobacterium and health benefit.
Selection on the fly: short term adaptation to an altered sexual selection regime inDrosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: Barata Carolina , Snook Rhonda R. , Ritchie Michael G. , Kosiol Carolin
Published: March 2022

Experimental evolution studies are powerful approaches to unveil the evolutionary history of lab populations. Such studies have shed light on how selection changes phenotypes and genotypes. Most of these studies have not examined the time course of adaptation under sexual selection manipulation, by resequencing the populations’ genomes at multiple time points. Here, we analyse allele frequency trajectories inDrosophila pseudoobscurawhere we altered their sexual selection regime for 200 generations and sequenced pooled populations at 5 time points. The intensity of sexual selection was either relaxed in monogamous populations (M) or elevated in polyandrous lines (E). We present a comprehensive study of how selection alters population genetics parameters at the chromosome and gene level. We investigate differences in the effective population size –Ne– between the treatments, and perform a genome-wide scan to identify signatures of selection from the time-series data.

We found genomic signatures of adaptation to both regimes inD. pseudoobscura. There are more significant variants on E lines as expected from stronger sexual selection. However, we found that the response on the X chromosome was substantial in both treatments, only more marked in E and restricted to chromosome arm XR in M.Neis lower on the X at the start of the experiment, which might indicate a swift adaptive response at the onset of selection. Additionally, we show that the third chromosome was also affected by elevated polyandry. Its distal end harbours a region showing a strong signal of adaptive divergence in E lines.
Integration and querying of multimodal single-cell data with PoE-VAE
Authors: Litinetskaya Anastasia , Schulman Maiia , Curion Fabiola , Szalata Artur , Omidi Alireza , Lotfollahi Mohammad , Theis Fabian J
Published: March 2022

Constructing joint representations from multimodal single-cell datasets is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity and function. Traditional methods, such as factor analysis and kNN-based approaches, face computational limitations with scalability across large datasets and multiple modalities. In this work, we demonstrate the product-of-experts VAE-based model, which offers a flexible, scalable solution for integrating multimodal data, allowing for the seamless mapping of both unimodal and multimodal queries onto a reference atlas. We evaluate how different strategies for combining modalities in the VAE framework impact query-to-reference mapping across diverse datasets, including CITE-seq and spatial metabolomics. Our benchmarks assess batch effect correction, biological signal preservation, and imputation of missing modalities. We showcase our approach in a mosaic setting, integrating CITE-seq and multiome data to accurately map unimodal and multimodal queries into the joint latent space. We extend this to spatial data by integrating gene expression and metabolomics from paired Visium and MALDI-MSI slides, achieving a high correlation in metabolite predictions from spatial gene expression. Our results demonstrate that this VAE-based framework is scalable, robust, and easily applicable across multiple modalities, providing a powerful tool for data imputation, querying, and biological discovery.
Substrate trapping approach identifies TRIM25 ubiquitination targets involved in diverse cellular and antiviral processes
Authors: Yang Emily , Huang Serina , Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman , McInerney Gerald M , Wohlschlegel James A , Li Melody MH
Published: March 2022

The tripartite motif (TRIM) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases is well known for its roles in antiviral restriction and innate immunity regulation, in addition to many other cellular pathways. In particular, TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination affects both carcinogenesis and antiviral response. While individual substrates have been identified for TRIM25, it remains unclear how it regulates diverse processes. Here we characterized a mutation, R54P, critical for TRIM25 catalytic activity, which we successfully utilized to “trap” substrates. We demonstrated that TRIM25 targets proteins implicated in stress granule formation (G3BP1/2), nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (UPF1), and nucleoside synthesis (NME1). R54P abolishes TRIM25 inhibition of alphaviruses independently of the host interferon response, suggesting that this antiviral effect is a direct consequence of ubiquitination. Consistent with that, we observed diminished antiviral activity upon knockdown of several TRIM25-R54P specific interactors including NME1. Our findings highlight that multiple substrates mediate the cellular and antiviral activities of TRIM25, illustrating the multi-faceted role of this ubiquitination network in diverse biological processes.
Mother cells control daughter cell proliferation in intestinal organoids to minimize proliferation fluctuations
Authors: Huelsz-Prince Guizela , Kok Rutger N.U. , Goos Yvonne J. , Bruens Lotte , Zheng Xuan , Ellenbroek Saskia I. , van Rheenen Jacco , Tans Sander J. , van Zon Jeroen S.
Published: March 2022

During renewal of the intestine, cells are continuously generated by proliferation. Proliferation and differentiation must be tightly balanced, as any bias towards proliferation results in uncontrolled exponential growth. Yet, the inherently stochastic nature of cells raises the question how such fluctuations are limited. We used time-lapse microscopy to track all cells in crypts of growing mouse intestinal organoids for multiple generations, allowing full reconstruction of the underlying lineage dynamics in space and time. Proliferative behavior was highly symmetric between sister cells, with both sisters either jointly ceasing or continuing proliferation. Simulations revealed that such symmetric proliferative behavior minimizes cell number fluctuations, explaining our observation that proliferating cell number remained constant even as crypts increased in size considerably. Proliferative symmetry did not reflect positional symmetry, but rather lineage control through the mother cell. Our results indicate a concrete mechanism to balance proliferation and differentiation with minimal fluctuations, that may be broadly relevant for other tissues.
Size–strain line-broadening analysis of anatase/brookite (TiO2)-based nanocomposites with carbon (C): XRPD and Raman spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Kremenović Aleksandar , Grujić-Brojčin Mirjana , Tomić Nataša , Lazović Vladimir , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica , Krstić Jugoslav , Šćepanović Maja
Published: March 2022

A size–strain line-broadening analysis of the XRPD patterns and Raman spectra for two anatase/brookite (TiO2)-based nanocomposites with carbon (C) was carried out and the results compared with those of a similar sample free of carbon. The crystal structures and microstructures of anatase and brookite, as well as their relative abundance ratio, have been refined from XRPD data by the Rietveld method (the low amount of carbon is neglected). The XRPD size–strain analysis resulted in reliable structure and microstructure results for both anatase and brookite. The experimental Raman spectra of all the samples in the region 100–200 cm−1 are dominated by a strong feature primarily composed of the most intense modes of anatase (Eg
) and brookite (A
1g
). The anatase crystallite sizes of 14–17 nm, estimated by XRPD, suggest the application of the phonon confinement model (PCM) for the analysis of the anatase Eg
mode, whereas the relatively large brookite crystallite size (27–29 nm) does not imply the use of the PCM for the brookite A
1g
mode. Superposition of the anatase Eg
mode profile, calculated by the PCM, and the Lorentzian shape of the brookite A
1g
mode provide an appropriate simulation of the change in the dominant Raman feature in the spectra of TiO2-based nanocomposites with carbon. Raman spectra measured in the high-frequency range (1000–2000 cm−1) provide information on carbon in the investigated nanocomposite materials. The results from field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nitrogen physisorption measurements support the XRPD and Raman results.
N-(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)acetamide
Authors: Hines III James E. , Deere Curtistine J. , Vaddi Poornasai , Kondati Ranjeeth R. , Fronczek Frank R. , Uppu Rao M.
Published: March 2022

In the title compound, C9H10N2O4, the three substituents vary in the degree of lack of planarity with the central phenyl ring. The methoxy group is nearest to being coplanar, with a C—C—O—C torsion angle of 6.1 (5)°. The nitro group is less coplanar, with a 12.8 (5)° twist about the C—N bond and the acetamido group is considerably less coplanar with the central ring, having a 25.4 (5)° twist about the C—N bond to the ring. The NH group forms an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond to a nitro-group O atom.
Managing the dynamic change of organizational knowledge base in collaboration networks
Authors: Wang Jingbei , Nie Yafei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Previous studies have addressed the importance of knowledge base and its effect on innovation outputs. However, few studies have focused on the antecedents of dynamic changes of the organizational knowledge base. This study aims to shed light on the antecedents of dynamic change of the organizational knowledge base by examining how network centrality in an organization's collaboration network impacts this change and the moderating role of knowledge network cohesion.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting of this study is the smartphone collaboration network. The authors selected patent data from the Derwent Innovation Database. A negative binomial model was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results verified that network centrality has a positive effect on the change in coupling among existing knowledge domains and has an invertedU-shaped relationship with the coupling between new and existing knowledge domains. Furthermore, when local cohesion is high, network centrality has a stronger positive effect on the change in coupling among existing knowledge domains. Global cohesion moderates this process in such a way that when it is at a high level, the coupling between new and existing knowledge domains can benefit more from a moderate level of network centrality.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the antecedents of dynamic change of the organizational knowledge base and links the literature on collaboration and knowledge networks by providing novel insights to match collaboration network centrality with knowledge network cohesion for successful improvement of the organizational knowledge base.
Ownership concentration and Covid-19 disclosure: the mediating role of corporate leverage
Authors: Albitar Khaldoon , Elmarzouky Mahmoud , Hussainey Khaled
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of ownership concentration on Covid-19 disclosure in the narrative sections of corporate annual reports. It also explores the mediating role of corporate leverage on the ownership concentration–Covid-19 disclosure relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses automated textual analysis to measure Covid-19 disclosure in annual reports. It also applies different regression models to test the research hypotheses and to address the endogeneity problem. It uses univariate and multivariate analyses through correlations and ordinary least squares.

Findings

The analysis shows that ownership concentration has a negative impact on Covid-19 disclosure. It also shows that corporate leverage negatively affects Covid-19 disclosure, and it has a partial mediating effect on the ownership concentration–Covid-19 disclosure relationship.

Practical implications

The results offer important practical implications for the government, management, shareholders and policymakers. For example, corporate managers are encouraged to consider small shareholders’ interests and provide a sufficient level of Covid-19 disclosure to avoid violating their rights. Also, the government may consider forming a mechanism for balancing the ownership structure to protect small investors and weaken large shareholders’ tunnelling behaviours.

Originality/value

This paper offers two important contributions to governance and disclosure literature. First, it provides new empirical evidence on the relationship between ownership concentration and Covid-19 disclosure. Second, it provides new evidence on the mediating role of the leverage ratio on the ownership concentration–Covid-19 disclosure relationship.
Luxury hotels as orchestrators in gastronomic destination development and management: the case of Borgo Egnazia and the Itria Valley
Authors: Franco Stefano , Presenza Angelo , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to uncover the main capabilities that a luxury hotel needs to develop when functioning as the orchestrator of a local gastronomic business ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the limited attention previous literature has placed on the role of luxury hotels as orchestrators in luxury gastronomic business ecosystems, this paper adopts a qualitative approach, i.e. the exploratory analysis of a single case study: the Italian high-end hotel Borgo Egnazia.

Findings

The paper highlights the main capabilities developed by the orchestrator: relational, combinative and promotional capabilities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first studies to explore what capabilities are needed by a company to orchestrate a destination that builds its product and service offerings upon the local food culture.
Women entrepreneurs’ opportunity identification of digital platform start-ups: emerging evidence from South Africa
Authors: Swartz Ethné M. , Scheepers Caren Brenda , Toefy Tracey
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Cognitive drivers of opportunity identification and development are important in entrepreneurship. This study examines antecedents of opportunity development among women founders of digital platform start-ups, defined as technology-mediated sites that facilitate user interactions, processing of transactions or other innovative practices. The opportunity identification and development literature framed our exploration of drivers into digital entrepreneurship among women in a middle-income economy, an area under-represented in prior research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses in-depth interview data with women founders of five digital platform start-ups in South Africa. The authors supplemented primary interviews with secondary data from a global big data site to provide context for how investors are funding women-owned start-ups in the country.

Findings

Entrepreneurs’ heightened alertness to opportunity developed from a confluence of factors such as personal values, impatience at the slow pace of change in post-Apartheid South Africa, corporate ennui and building for-profit business models driven by social purpose. Respondents had multiple identities, including gender, culture and generation that influenced their development as entrepreneurs and their adoption of digital platform strategy for start-up ventures.

Research limitations/implications

Multiple factors influence women entrepreneurs during the opportunity identification and development process as they enact the creation of digital platform start-ups. The authors recommend additional research linking opportunity identification and development to gender in emerging markets.

Practical implications

South Africa is witnessing the emergence of women-owned digital platform start-ups that attract risk capital investment. These entrepreneurs are university educated and use prior corporate experience to create growth-oriented companies that government should support.

Originality/value

The study contributes to opportunity identification theory building based on context, specifically how the concepts and strategies can inform new models that include women entrepreneurs.
Working together in emergency care? How professional boundaries influence integration efforts and operational performance
Authors: Gifford Rachel , van der Vaart Taco , Molleman Eric , van der Linden M. Christien
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Emergency care delivery is a process requiring input from various healthcare professionals within the hospital. To deliver efficient and effective emergency care, professionals must integrate rapidly at multiple interfaces, working across functional, spatial and professional boundaries. Yet, the interdisciplinary nature of emergency care presents a challenge to the optimization of patient flow, as specialization and functional differentiation restrict integration efforts. This study aims to question what boundaries exist at the level of professionals and explores how these boundaries may come to influence integration and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide a more holistic understanding of the inherent challenges to integration at the level of professionals and in contexts where professionals play a key role in determining operational performance, the authors carried out an in-depth case study at a busy, Level 1 trauma center in The Netherlands. In total, 28 interviews were conducted over an 18-month period.

Findings

The authors reveal the existence of structural, relational and cultural barriers between (medical) professionals from different disciplines. The study findings demonstrate how relational and cultural boundaries between professionals interrupt flows and delay service processes.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of interpersonal and cultural dynamics for internal integration and operational performance in emergency care processes. The authors unveil how the presence of professional boundaries creates opportunity for conflict and delays at important interfaces within the emergency care process, and can ultimately accumulate, disrupting patient flow and increasing lead times.
The impact of decision-making styles (effectuation logic and causation logic) on firm performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yun , Li Zhihong , Sha Yongzhong , Yang Kehu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

As two essential styles of firm decision-making, the relationships among effectuation logic, causation logic and firm performance are unclear. It is helpful to deepen the understanding of reasoning theory and the process of decision-making. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between effectuation logic, causation logic and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 31 independent empirical studies (including 11,600 samples) published by predecessors, meta-analysis is used to systematically integrate the impact of two decision-making styles on firm performance and explore the potential factors affecting their relationship.

Findings

The results show a positive correlation between two decision-making styles and firm performance and the influence of effectuation decision-making style in firm performance is slightly stronger. However, the application environment is different: in the emerging market, the causation decision-making style is more effective for firm performance management. When the firm chooses the effectuation decision-making style, it is more effective for performance management in the emerging market. In addition, the industry type, firm performance evaluation tools, national development level and firm scale and firm age can significantly moderate the impact of two decision-making styles on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

Both decision-making logics are possible ways for firm to success. Still, the future needs to dig deeper into the black box that can unlock the decision-making styles to achieve firm performance or competitive advantage based on other factors of the decision-behavior-outcome business model, more longitudinal data and experiments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the impact of decision-making styles (effectuation logic and causation logic) on firm performance using a meta-analysis.
3Ps model of entrepreneurial resourcefulness among micro-youth entrepreneurs
Authors: Quagrainie Fanny Adams , Kabalan Alan Anis Mirhage , Adams Samuel , Dankwa Afia Dentaa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which entrepreneurial resourcefulness and competencies theories and practice can be applied in small youth entrepreneurship in Ghana as well as develop an entrepreneurial resourcefulness model for youth entrepreneurs that incorporates their competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews amongst 32 youth entrepreneurs in Accra, Ghana was used.

Findings

Youth entrepreneurial resourcefulness embraces some relevant concepts of traditional entrepreneurial resourcefulness and competencies. It also emerged that there were other competencies including discipline, understanding business numbers and being empathic which are competencies associated with youth entrepreneurial resourcefulness.

Research limitations/implications

This paper was limited to a small sample of youth entrepreneurs in Ghana; thus, the generalisation of findings should be done with care.

Originality/value

A “3Ps” model for entrepreneurial resourcefulness in youth micro-entrepreneurship is proposed, which encompasses the attributes of personal, people and political competencies. This paper is one of the few attempts to study and explain the type of competencies and resources embedded in youth entrepreneurial resourcefulness.
Measuring SERVQUAL dimensions and their importance for customer-satisfaction using online reviews: a text mining approach
Authors: Chatterjee Swagato , Ghatak Arpita , Nikte Ratnadeep , Gupta Shivam , Kumar Ajay
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The extant literature has utilized the SERVQUAL scale to measure service quality dimensions and their importance towards customer-satisfaction using close-ended survey-based questions and not open-ended questions and/or user-generated qualitative responses. On the other hand, while measuring customer-satisfaction drivers from user-generated content (UGC), extant studies have majorly used overall or aspect-wise evaluations and not evaluations specific to SERVQUAL dimensions. In this study, the authors try to bridge the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors suggest a methodology consisting of text mining, machine learning and econometric techniques that can measure consumer evaluations of SERVQUAL dimensions. The authors used qualitative and quantitative UGC obtained from 27,052 online reviews on 362 airlines by reviewers of 158 nationalities for our analysis.

Findings

The authors established a unique method which combines qualitative and qualitative UGC to measure service quality. The authors have also uncovered the comparative importance of such dimensions in creating customer-satisfaction and recommendation in the context of the airline industry.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the pioneering studies that try to find measures of SERVQUAL dimensions from online consumer reviews and their influence on customer satisfaction.
Gender board diversity and corporate fraud: empirical evidence from US companies
Authors: Maulidi Ach
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of gender board diversity on corporate fraud. Particularly, it is to gain empirical evidence whether firms with more female corporate leaders are more (less) likely to engage in corporate fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data of fraud firms from Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases. As a focus of the study, the authors take the fraud sample observations from the last 10 years, from 2011 to 2021. The idea is that the number of firms sectioned due to corporate fraud reached a peak in such periods.

Findings

In the context of non-state-owned enterprise environments, the authors find female corporate leaders are less likely to engage in corporate fraud. However, among firms with a state-owned background, the authors’ empirical evidence shows that the roles of female corporate leaders remain under-represented in the boardrooms. As reported, the presence of female corporate leaders does not bring a significant impact on enhancing group ethical decision-making and governance quality. This situation does appear when political connections between firms and governments or politicians are prevalent.

Research limitations/implications

This study has practical and theoretical implications. Given the increased pressure on companies around the globe to have more females in their boardrooms, this study provides insight into the effect of female corporate leaders on the prevalence of corporate fraud. As such, this study offers critical consideration for policymakers and regulators. Moreover, an analysis of whether and when the gender board diversity is associated with the firm’ propensity to perpetrate corporate fraud, particularly from the US corporate fraud, is sorely lacking. This study contributes to such gaps.

Originality/value

This study provides insightful discussion about the topical issue of whether, and under what circumstances, female corporate leaders influence (or do not influence) corporate fraud.
Stakeholder expectations of the accountability of Malaysian State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCS): to whom and for what?
Authors: Masruki Rosnia , Hussainey Khaled , Aly Doaa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine stakeholders’ expectations of accountability in non-profit organisations (NPOs) in general, and State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs) in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data, which was then analysed descriptively. Furthermore, the differences between stakeholder groups were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Findings

The findings indicate that NPOs generally and SIRCs specifically need to clarify the meaning of accountability to meet the expectations of their stakeholders, especially the public, and to address accountability inquiries.

Research limitations/implications

The research method was a limitation of this study. The data was collected using a survey. Generally, surveys contain restricted numbers and types of questions that the authors have outlined. Consequently, respondents might be constrained in their choice of how they perceive accountability. So, surveys used to collect respondents’ opinions may have an adverse effect on their responses. In addition, a number of respondents may also give superficial answers, particularly if they are required to answer a number of questions over a long period of time. Finally, the data collected using surveys might show what respondents think about accountability, but they do not show the actual practice.

Practical implications

Owing the highest accountability to the Board of Directors is akin to the practices of corporations. The findings of this study could assist their top officials to understand the accountability chain within SIRCs. This is consistent with the findings regarding accountability within SIRCs, whereby they perceived that they are responsible to their board for performance. Therefore, this should encourage the reporting of performance to both internal and external stakeholders.

Originality/value

Overall, perceptions on accountability are an ongoing debate, and they depend on the role of the organisation and expectations of stakeholders. Identifying a clear accountability chain is essential to develop the best reporting practices for SIRCs. The paper contributes to the literature by addressing two questions on accountability for NPOs: to whom and for what.
Competencies for superior performance across management levels in the provincial government executive offices
Authors: Monang Joe , Sudirman Iman , Siswanto Joko , Yassierli Y.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate a set of competencies that are important for superior performance across three top levels of management in the provincial government executive offices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the case of the West Java Province Government, Indonesia, a qualitative approach with document analysis and behavioural event interview techniques were employed. The results were confirmed using focus group discussions. The Mann–Whitney U test was also conducted to further analyse the results.

Findings

The authors found 19 competencies grouped into five competency clusters: managing personal, managing task, managing work unit, managing socio-cultural and functional aspects. The Mann–Whitney U test results showed that managing work unit and socio-cultural aspects were more important for upper-level management, while functional aspects were more necessary for lower and middle levels of management. Two competencies, that is, achievement orientation and innovation, were the main characteristics of superior performers across all management levels, differentiating them from average performers.

Practical implications

The study suggests the need for the Government of Indonesia to improve the current competency model. Its implications on educational and training institutions are discussed.

Originality/value

This study considered three different levels of management, grouped into superior and average performers and thematically analysed their past experiences when performing their jobs. It thus extends previous competency studies that mostly focus on a particular management level and individuals' perceptions.
Analyzing legal education mobile learner's behavior using deep learning under social media
Authors: Chen Zhen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Under emerging social media technology, mobile learners' behavior analysis and legality education have important practical significance. The research aims to detect the mobile learning (M-learning) learners' behavior in legality education under the background of the Internet era and improve the learning and teaching effect of online legality education and law popularization.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a model based on deep learning (DL) fuzzy clustering analysis (FCA), and bidirectional encoder and decoder (ENDEC) of converter model to detect the mobile learners' behaviors in online legality education under the current social media. Then, the effectiveness of the proposed model is tested. The proposed model expects to be applied to multimedia teaching and law popularization activities and provides some theoretical reference and practical value for improving the effectiveness of online teaching.

Findings

The experimental results show that in the learner behavior detection process of M-learning-oriented online legality education, the model's accuracy can reach 99.8%. The response time is shorter than other algorithms. Overall, the application effect of the proposed model and algorithm is good and can be applied in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack universality due to the selected research methods. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed methods further. In the future, it is necessary to expand the type and scale of text data to improve the accuracy of data detection.

Practical implications

The research results provide a specific theoretical reference and practical significance for improving the learning effect of online M-learning-oriented legality education.

Originality/value

This paper meets the needs of mobile learner behavior analysis based on social media.
Intangible assets management and digital transformation: evidence from intellectual property rights-intensive industries
Authors: Trequattrini Raffaele , Lardo Alessandra , Cuozzo Benedetta , Manfredi Simone
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of digital technologies for intangible assets management. The authors analyse how technological innovations and regulations of intellectual property affect business models of companies or intellectual property rights (IPR) intensive industries to determine the impact of digital transformation on intangible assets management, highlighting emerging issues and future effects of the digital technology revolution.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a case study method to answer our research questions. The authors use Soundreef SpA as our case study, a collecting company that develops technology for monitoring, collecting and maximising the earnings of songwriters and music publishers. The authors also elaborate and adopt the framework of the enhanced intellectual capital as the theoretical lens for presenting and analysing our case study, determining how the digital transformation caused business model innovation and more transparent and timely performance measurement in copyright-based companies.

Findings

The analysis of Soundreef SpA’s business model allows us to demonstrate how using new technologies drives the performance measurement of copyright holders and improve the collecting societies’ performance, introducing a new key performance indicator. This turning point is made possible by digital transformation and regulatory change. In the IPR industry, copyright holders’ performance has never been calculated, so the distribution of copyright revenues was based on the criteria approved by governance bodies/management.

Originality/value

In the study, the authors demonstrate that digital transformation is able to enhance the intellectual capital of IPR-intensive companies introducing new ways to manage intangible assets and to measure performance.