bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PhaSeDis: A Manually Curated Database of Phase Separation–Disease Associations and Corresponding Small Molecules
Authors: Chen Taoyu , Tang Guoguo , Li Tianhao , Yanghong Zhining , Hou Chao , Du Zezhou , Ma Liwei , Li Tingting
Published: May 2024

Biomacromolecules form membraneless organelles through liquid–liquid phase separation in order to regulate the efficiency of particular biochemical reactions. Dysregulation of phase separation might result in pathological condensation or sequestration of biomolecules, leading to diseases. Thus, phase separation and phase separating factors may serve as drug targets for disease treatment. Nevertheless, such associations have not yet been integrated into phase separation related databases. Therefore, based on MloDisDB, a database for membraneless organelle factor–disease association previously developed by our lab, we constructed PhaSeDis, the phase separation–disease association database. We increased the number of phase separation entries from 52 to 185, and supplemented the evidence provided by the original article verifying the phase separation nature of the factors. Moreover, we included the information of interacting small molecules with low or high-throughput evidence that might serve as potential drugs for phase separation entries. PhaSeDis strives to offer comprehensive descriptions of each entry, elucidating how phase separating factors induce pathological conditions via phase separation and the mechanisms by which small molecules intervene. We believe that PhaSeDis would be very important in the application of phase separation regulation in treating related diseases. PhaSeDis is available athttp://mlodis.phasep.pro.
PAN deadenylase ensures proper mitosis under conditions of microtubule stress by regulating spindle integrity and promoting cell survival
Authors: Verma Jigyasa , He Zhengcheng , Brown Joshua A.R. , Dean Pamela , Young Barry P. , Flibotte Stephane , Howe LeAnn J. , Maxwell Christopher D. , Roskelley Calvin D. , Loewen Christopher J.R.
Published: May 2024

The Poly(A) Tail Length (PATL) of mRNAs of certain cell-cycle regulatory genes undergo significant trimming during M-phase, however the functional importance is unknown. The Ccr4-Not and PAN complexes account for the majority of cytoplasmic poly(A) deadenylation, however a role in M phase has not been described. We find that under conditions of microtubule stress in yeast, loss of PAN deadenylase activity leads to arrest in M phase, defective spindles, and increased cell death. PAN consists of the catalytic subunit Pan2 and the RNA binding subunit Pan3. Consistent with a role in mitosis,PAN2interacts genetically with tubulin genes, prefoldin complex genes and the mitotic cyclinCLB1.PAN2knockdown in human cultured cells disrupts mitosis and results in spindle fragmentation leading to abnormal cell division, while expression of humanPAN2in yeast rescuespan2Δ cell-cycle phenotypes. Hence, we reveal an important highly conserved role for PAN in ensuring proper mitosis when cells are under microtubule stress. We propose PAN regulates PATLs of mRNAs of key cell-cycle/mitotic proteins in response to defective spindles.

Author Summary

Proper cell division is essential for the growth and survival of all living organisms. Our study investigates the role of PAN deadenylase complex in yeast and human cultured cells under microtubule stress, induced by microtubule inhibitors used in cancer treatment. The PAN complex, consisting of Pan2 and Pan3, trims the poly(A) tails of mRNAs. We found that loss of PAN activity leads to cell cycle arrest in M-phase, spindle defects and increased cell death in yeast. Similarly,PAN2knockdown in human cultured cells disrupts mitosis and causes abnormal cell division, indicating a conserved function across species. We propose that PAN regulates mRNA poly(A) tail lengths of key mitotic proteins to ensure proper mitosis under stress. This regulation likely prevents faulty spindle formation by repressing translation of these mRNAs. Interestingly, PAN’s role is specific to stress conditions, as cells without PAN function normally otherwise. Our findings highlight PAN’s critical role in maintaining genomic stability and proper cell division during microtubule stress, providing insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of cell cycle and potential targets for cancer therapy.
Flat-field super-resolution structured illumination microscopy with joint spatial-temporal light modulation
Authors: Liang Yong , Wen Gang , Zhang Jie , Li Simin , Tan Yao , Jin Xin , Wang Linbo , Chen Xiaohu , Gao Jing , Li Hui
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Super-resolution structured illumination microscope (SR-SIM) has been established as a powerful tool for visualizing subcellular dynamics and studying organelle interactions in live cells. However, the interfering Gaussian beams result in a limited and nonuniform field of view (FOV) which hinders its application for large whole-cell dynamics and pathological sample imaging. Here, we proposed a joint spatial-temporal light modulation (JSTLM) method to reshape the excitation light field into flat-field structured illumination without disturbing the interfering fringes. Our flat-field structured illumination microscopy (flat-field SIM) improves the uniformity across the whole FOV significantly, hence enabling SR image stitching. Skeleton dynamics and vesicle transportation in and between whole cells were visualized by flat-field SIM. With the stitching of multi-FOV flat-field SIM images, millimeter-sized SR images can be obtained which provides the possibility for cell heterogeneity studies and pathological diagnoses. The JSTLM method can be further incorporated with regions of interest to reduce unnecessary photodamage to live cells during multicolor imaging.

Contributions

Y.L. and X.H.C. conceived and designed the idea. Y.L., S.M.L., X.J., and G.W. built the SIM setup. Y.L. performed the data acquisitions. Y.L. and X.H.C. conducted the optical wave simulation. J.Z. prepared the cell samples. Y.T. and L.B.W. performed the image analyses. Y.L. prepared the illustrations. X.H.C. and J.G. supervised the project. Y.L. and H.L. wrote the manuscript.
Reproductive and ecological adaptations to climate underpin the evolution of sociality in lizards
Authors: Halliwell B , O’Connor E. A , Uller T , Meiri S , Holland B.R , Cornwallis C.K , While G. M
Published: May 2024

Identifying the environmental factors associated with group living is important for understanding how social systems originate, persist and diversify. In endothermic birds and mammals, living in social groups is associated with habitat constraints and harsh climatic conditions. We use phylogenetic comparative analyses to test whether climate and habitat have played similar roles in the evolution of social grouping in a globally distributed clade of ectothermic vertebrates, lizards (Nspecies= 1696). Social grouping was strongly associated with cool, dry climates across the lizard phylogeny. However, this climatic signature arose indirectly, by association with live birth (common in cool climates) and a reliance on rock crevices (common in dry climates), traits which increase parent-offspring associations and reduce offspring dispersal. In contrast, direct effects of cool temperature on the evolution of social grouping were marginal and restricted to live bearing species. Our results demonstrate that relationships between climate and sociality may result from climatic adaptations that go on to promote the emergence of grouping behaviour.
Experimental evolution of evolvability
Authors: Barnett Michael , Zeller Lena , Rainey Paul B.
Published: May 2024

Capacity to generate adaptive variation can evolve by natural selection. However, the idea that mutation becomes biased toward specific adaptive outcomes is controversial. Here, using experimental bacterial populations, we report the evolution of enhanced evolvability via localised hyper-mutation. Key to realisation was a lineage-level birth-death dynamic, where lineage success depended upon capacity to mutate between two phenotypic states, each optima in a cycling environment. The evolved mechanism is analogous to “contingency loci” in pathogenic bacteria, whose origin was previously unclear. Subsequent evolution showed lineages with localised hyper-mutability were more likely to acquire additional adaptive mutations. Our results provide a detailed mechanistic account of the adaptive evolution of evolvability.
Monovalent Ion Effect on Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation of Aqueous Polyphosphate–Salt Mixtures
Authors: Furuki Tomohiro , Togo Azusa , Usuda Hatsuho , Nobeyama Tomohiro , Hirano Atsushi , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: May 2024

Polyphosphate (polyP) is one of the most conserved biomacromolecules and can form aggregates, such as polyP granules in bacteria, which are generated through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Studies have examined the mechanism of polyP aggregation using LLPS systems containing artificial polyP molecules as aggregation system models, where LLPS is typically induced by multivalent salts and polyelectrolytes. Although the typical concentrations of monovalent ions in living cells are approximately 100 times higher than those of divalent ions, the effects of monovalent ions on the LLPS of polyP solutions are little known. This study demonstrated that submolar NaCl induces LLPS of polyP solutions, whereas other monovalent salts did not at the same concentrations. Small-angle X-ray scattering measurements revealed that NaCl significantly stabilizes the intermolecular association of polyP, inducing LLPS. These findings suggest that the modulation of monovalent ion concentrations is an underlying mechanism of polyP aggregate formation/deformation within living cells.

TOC GRAPHIC
Derivation of human trophoblast stem cells from placentas at birth
Authors: Karakis Victoria , Britt John W , Jabeen Mahe , San Miguel Adriana , Rao Balaji M
Published: May 2024

Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) have emerged as a powerful tool for modeling the placental cytotrophoblast (CTB) in vitro. hTSCs were originally derived from CTBs of the first trimester placenta or blastocyst-stage embryos in trophoblast stem cell medium (TSCM) that contains epidermal growth factor (EGF), the glycogen synthase kinase-beta (GSK3β) inhibitor CHIR99021, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) inhibitors A83-01 and SB431542, valproic acid (VPA), and the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632. Here we show that hTSCs can be derived from CTBs isolated from the term placenta, using TSCM supplemented with a low concentration of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake inhibitor UK5099 and lipid-rich albumin (TUA medium). Notably, hTSCs could not be derived from term CTBs using TSCM alone, or in the absence of either UK5099 or lipid-rich albumin. Strikingly, hTSCs cultured in TUA medium for a few passages could be transitioned into TSCM and cultured thereafter in TSCM. hTSCs from term CTBs cultured in TUA medium as well as those transitioned into and cultured in TSCM thereafter could be differentiated to the extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast lineages and exhibited high transcriptome similarity with hTSCs derived from first trimester CTBs. We anticipate that these results will enable facile derivation of hTSCs from normal and pathological placentas at birth with diverse genetic backgrounds and facilitate in vitro mechanistic studies in trophoblast biology.
Virome responses to heating of a forest soil suggest that most dsDNA viral particles do not persist at 90°C
Authors: Geonczy Sara E. , Hillary Luke S. , Santos-Medellín Christian , Fudyma Jane D. , Sorensen Jess W. , Emerson Joanne B.
Published: May 2024

Many fundamental characteristics of soil viruses remain underexplored, including the effects of high temperatures on viruses and their hosts, as would be encountered under disturbances like wildland fire, prescribed burning, and soil solarization. In this study, we leveraged three data types (DNase-treated viromes, non-DNase-treated viromes, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) to measure the responses of soil viral and prokaryotic communities to heating to 30°C, 60°C, or 90°C, in comparison to field and control conditions. We investigated (1) the response of dsDNA viral communities to heating of soils from two horizons (O and A) from the same forest soil profile, (2) the extent to which specific viral taxa could be identified as heat-sensitive or heat-tolerant across replicates and soil horizons, and (3) prokaryotic and virus-host dynamics in response to heating. We found that both viral and prokaryotic communities responded similarly to the treatment variables. Community composition differed most significantly by soil source (O or A horizon). Within both soil horizons, viral and prokaryotic communities clustered into three groups, based on beta-diversity patterns: the ambient community (field, control, and 30°C samples) and the 60°C and 90°C communities. As DNase-treated viromic DNA yields were below detection limits at 90°C, we infer that most viral capsids were compromised after the 90°C treatment, indicating a maximum temperature threshold between 60°C and 90°C for most viral particles in these soils. We also identified groups of heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive vOTUs across both soil sources. Overall, we found that over 70% of viral populations, like their prokaryotic counterparts, could withstand temperatures as high as 60°C, with shifts in relative abundance explaining most community compositional differences across heating treatments.
An Open-Source Membrane Stretcher for Simultaneous Mechanical and Structural Characterizations of Soft Materials and Biological Tissues
Authors: Li Shannon , Gee Alyssa , Cai Nathan , Bermudez Alexandra , Lin Neil Y.C.
Published: May 2024

The ability to simultaneously measure material mechanics and structure is central for understanding their nonlinear relationship that underlies the mechanical properties of materials, such as hysteresis, strain-stiffening and -softening, and plasticity. This experimental capability is also critical in biomechanics and mechanobiology research, as it enables direct characterizations of the intricate interplay between cellular responses and tissue mechanics. Stretching devices developed over the past few decades, however, do not often allow simultaneous measurements of the structural and mechanical responses of the sample. In this work, we introduce an open-source stretching system that can apply uniaxial strain at a submicron resolution, report the tensile force response of the sample, and be mounted on an inverted microscope for real-time imaging. Our system consists of a pair of stepper-based linear motors that stretch the sample symmetrically, a force transducer that records the sample tensile force, and an optically clear sample holder that allows for high-magnification microscopy. Using polymer samples and cellular specimens, we characterized the motion control accuracy, force measurement robustness, and microscopy compatibility of our stretching system. We envision that this uniaxial stretching system will be a valuable tool for characterizing soft and living materials.
Multiple inositol phosphate species enhance stability of active mTOR
Authors: Rameh Lucia E. , York John D. , Blind Raymond D.
Published: May 2024

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) binds the small metabolite inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) as shown in structures of mTOR, however it remains unclear if IP6, or any other inositol phosphate species, can activate mTOR kinase activity. Here, we show that multiple, exogenously added inositol phosphate species (IP6, IP5, IP4and IP3) can all enhance the ability of mTOR and mTORC1 to auto-phosphorylate and incorporate radiolabeled phosphate into peptide substrates inin vitrokinase reactions. Although IP6did not affect the apparent KMof mTORC1 for ATP, monitoring kinase activity over longer reaction times showed increased product formation, suggesting inositol phosphates stabilize an active form of mTORC1in vitro. The effects of IP6on mTOR were reversible, suggesting IP6bound to mTOR can be exchanged dynamically with the free solvent. Interestingly, we also observed that IP6could alter mTOR solubility and electrophoretic mobility in SDS-PAGE in the presence of manganese, suggesting divalent cations may play a role in inositol phosphate regulation of mTOR. Together, these data suggest for the first time that multiple inositol phosphate species (IP4, IP5and IP6) can dynamically regulate mTOR and mTORC1 by promoting a stable, active state of the kinase. Our data suggest that studies of the dynamics of inositol phosphate regulation of mTOR are well justified.
Design of High Affinity Binders to Convex Protein Target Sites
Authors: Baker David , Yang Wei , Hicks Derrick R , Ghosh Agnidipta , Schwartze Tristin A , Coventry Brian , Goreshnik Inna , Allen Aza , Halabiya Samer , Kim ChanJohng , Hinck Cynthia S , Lee David S , Bera Asim , Li Zhe , Wang Yujia , Schlichthaerle Thomas , Cao Longxing , Huang Buwei , Garrett Sarah , Gerben Stacey R , Rettie Stephen , Heine Piper , Edman Natasha , Murray Analisa N , Carter Lauren P , Stewart Lance , Almo Steven , Hinck Andrew P
Published: May 2024

While there has been progress in the de novo design of small globular miniproteins (50-65 residues) to bind to primarily concave regions of a target protein surface, computational design of minibinders to convex binding sites remains an outstanding challenge due to low level of overall shape complementarity. Here, we describe a general approach to generate computationally designed proteins which bind to convex target sites that employ geometrically matching concave scaffolds. We used this approach to design proteins binding to TGFβRII, CTLA-4 and PD-L1 which following experimental optimization have low nanomolar to picomolar affinities and potent biological activity. Co-crystal structures of the TGFβRII and CTLA-4 binders in complex with the receptors are in close agreement with the design models. Our approach provides a general route to generating very high affinity binders to convex protein target sites.
Impact of exogenous aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and tRNA on temperature sensitivity inEscherichia coli
Authors: Choi Jongdoo , Ahn Jiyeun , Bae Jieun , Yoon Moonsang , Yun Hwayoung , Koh Minseob
Published: May 2024

Genetic code expansion (GCE) is a powerful strategy that expands the genetic code of an organism for incorporating non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins using engineered tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs). While GCE has opened up new possibilities for synthetic biology, little is known about the potential side effects of exogenous aaRS/tRNA pairs. In this study, we investigated the impact of exogenous aaRS and amber suppressor tRNA on gene expression inEscherichia coli. We discovered that in DH10β ΔcyaA, transformed with the F1RP/F2P two-hybrid system, high consumption rate of cellular ATP by exogenous aaRS/tRNA at elevated temperatures induces temperature sensitivity in the expression of genes regulated by the catabolite activator protein. We harnessed this temperature sensitivity to create a novel biological AND gate inE. coli, responsive to bothp-benzoylphenylalanine (BzF) and low temperature, using a BzF-dependent variant ofE. colichorismate mutase and split subunits ofBordetella pertussisadenylate cyclase. Our study provides new insights into the unexpected effects of exogenous aaRS/tRNA pairs and offers a new approach for constructing a biological logic gate.
A germline PAF1 paralog complex ensures cell type-specific gene expression
Authors: Vilstrup Astrid Pold , Gupta Archica , Rasmussen Anna Jon , Ebert Anja , Riedelbauch Sebastian , Lukassen Marie Vestergaard , Hayashi Rippei , Andersen Peter
Published: May 2024

Animal germline development and fertility rely on paralogs of general transcription factors that recruit RNA polymerase II to ensure cell type-specific gene expression. It remains unclear whether gene expression processes downstream of such paralog-based transcription is distinct from that of canonical RNA polymerase II genes. InDrosophila, the testis-specific TBP-associated factors (tTAFs) activate over a thousand spermatocyte-specific gene promoters to enable meiosis and germ cell differentiation. Here, we show that efficient termination of tTAF-activated transcription relies on testis-specific paralogs of canonical Polymerase Associated Factor 1 Complex (PAF1C) proteins, which form a testis-specific PAF1C (tPAF). Consequently, tPAF mutants cause aberrant expression of hundreds of downstream genes due to read-in transcription. Furthermore, tPAF facilitates expression of Y-linked male fertility factor genes, and thus broadly maintains spermatocyte-specific gene expression. Consistently, tPAF is required for the segregation of meiotic chromosomes and male fertility. Supported by comparativein vivoprotein interaction assays, we provide a mechanistic model for the functional divergence of tPAF and PAF1C and for transcription termination as a developmentally regulated process required for cell type-specific gene expression.
Human hippocampal CA3 uses specific functional connectivity rules for efficient associative memory
Authors: Watson Jake F. , Vargas-Barroso Victor , Morse-Mora Rebecca J. , Navas-Olive Andrea , Tavakoli Mojtaba R. , Danzl Johann G. , Tomschik Matthias , Rössler Karl , Jonas Peter
Published: May 2024

The human brain has remarkable computational power. It generates sophisticated behavioral sequences, stores engrams over an individual’s lifetime, and produces higher cognitive functions up to the level of consciousness. However, so little of our neuroscience knowledge covers the human brain, and it remains unknown whether this organ is truly unique, or is a scaled version of the extensively studied rodent brain. To address this fundamental question, we determined the cellular, synaptic, and connectivity rules of the hippocampal CA3 recurrent circuit using multicellular patch clamp-recording. This circuit is the largest autoassociative network in the brain, and plays a key role in memory and higher-order computations such as pattern separation and pattern completion. We demonstrate that human hippocampal CA3 employs sparse connectivity, in stark contrast to neocortical recurrent networks. Connectivity sparsifies from rodents to humans, providing a circuit architecture that maximizes associational power. Unitary synaptic events at human CA3–CA3 synapses showed both distinct species-specific and circuit-dependent properties, with high reliability, unique amplitude precision, and long integration times. We also identify differential scaling rules between hippocampal pathways from rodents to humans, with a moderate increase in the convergence of CA3 inputs per cell, but a marked increase in human mossy fiber innervation. Anatomically guided full-scale modeling suggests that the human brain’s sparse connectivity, expanded neuronal number, and reliable synaptic signaling combine to enhance the associative memory storage capacity of CA3. Together, our results reveal unique rules of connectivity and synaptic signaling in the human hippocampus, demonstrating the absolute necessity of human brain research and beginning to unravel the remarkable performance of our autoassociative memory circuits.
Effective field theories and finite-temperature properties of zero-dimensional superradiant quantum phase transitions
Authors: Ge Zi-Yong , Fan Heng , Nori Franco
Published: May 2024

The existence of zero-dimensional superradiant quantum phase transitions seems inconsistent with conventional statistical physics. This work clarifies this apparent inconsistency. We demonstrate the corresponding effective field theories and finite-temperature properties of light-matter interacting systems, and show how this zero-dimensional quantum phase transition occurs. We first focus on the Rabi model, which is a minimum model that hosts a superradiant quantum phase transition. With the path-integral method, we derive the imaginary-time action of the photon degrees of freedom. We also define a dynamical critical exponent as the rescaling between the temperature and the photon frequency, and perform dimensional analysis to the effective action. The dynamical critical exponent shows that the effective theory of the Rabi model is a free scalar field, where a true second-order quantum phase transition emerges. These results are also verified by numerical simulations of imaginary-time correlation functions of the order parameter. Furthermore, we also generalize this method to the Dicke model. Our results make the zero-dimensional superradiant quantum phase transition compatible with conventional statistical physics, and pave the way to understand it in the perspective of effective field theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Signatures of Hund metal and finite-frequency nesting in
Sr2RuO4
revealed by electronic Raman scattering
Authors: Blesio Germán , Beck Sophie , Gingras Olivier , Georges Antoine , Mravlje Jernej
Published: May 2024

We investigate the electronic Raman scattering of Sr2RuO4 using a material-realistic dynamical mean-field theory approach. We identify the low-energy Fermi liquid behavior and point out that the enhanced Raman response at higher energies is a fingerprint of Hund metals. These signatures originate in the two-stage coherence of Hund metals and associated quasiparticle “unrenormalization.” In agreement with recent experimental observations, we find the B1g and B2g responses differ, but our calculations suggest a novel interpretation of this dichotomy. The B1g response is dominated by the xy orbital and the B2g response receives contributions from all orbitals and is strongly affected by previously unnoticed finite-frequency interband nesting. We calculate the vertex-corrections to Raman response and show that their effect is nonvanishing but small.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Superfluid transition of a ferromagnetic Bose gas
Authors: How Pye Ton , Yip Sungkit
Published: May 2024

The strongly ferromagnetic spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate has recently been realized with atomic Li7. It was predicted that a strong ferromagnetic interaction can drive the normal gas into a magnetized phase at a temperature above the superfluid transition, and Li7 likely satisfies the criterion. We reexamine this theoretical proposal employing the two-particle-irreducible effective potential, and conclude that there exists no stable normal magnetized phase for a dilute ferromagnetic Bose gas. For Li7, we predict that the normal gas undergoes a joint first-order transition and jumps directly into a state with finite condensate density and magnetization. We estimate the size of the first-order jump and examine how a partial spin polarization in the initial sample affects the first-order transition. We propose a qualitative phase diagram at fixed temperature for the trapped gas.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Constructing an accountability regime for proxy advisors: an organizational roles perspective
Authors: Lambert Damien , Wiegmann Leona
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how the interrelated elements of organizational roles – activities, motives, resources and relationships – are mobilized to construct a code of conduct for the proxy advisory (PA) industry in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study uses archival documents from three consecutive regulatory consultations and 16 interviews with key stakeholders. It analyzes how different stakeholder groups (i.e. PA firms, investors, issuers and the regulator) perceive and mobilize the elements of PA firms’ role to construct the accountability regime’s boundaries (accountability problem and action, and users and providers of accounts).

Findings

This study shows how PA firms, investors, issuers and the regulator refer to the perceived motives behind PA firms’ activities to construct an accountability problem. The regulator accepted the motives of an information intermediary for PA firms’ role and required PA firms to develop a corresponding accountability action: a code of conduct. PA firms involved in developing the code of conduct formalized who is accountable to whom by aligning this accepted motive with their activities, relationships, and resources into a common role.

Originality/value

The study highlights how aligning role elements to reflect PA firms’ common roles enables the construction of an accountability regime that stakeholders accept as a means of regulation. Analyzing the role elements offers insights into the development and functioning of accountability regimes that rely on self-regulation. We also highlight the role of smaller regional firms in helping shape transnational accountability regimes.
Stored collections of museums: an overview of how visible storage makes them accessible
Authors: Corona Lara
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide an overview of the dimension of stored collections displayed in visible storage and to indicate the main factors which hinder their accessibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on quantitative analysis: a survey was conducted through the offices of International Council of Museums and direct invitations to 2,558 museums located worldwide.

Findings

The study estimated 32% on average the share of stored collections displayed in visible storage. The analysis provides a picture of how many stored items are made accessible in visible storage across the continents, according to the collection’s type and size and the museums’ legal status. In addition, several aspects of visible storage are investigated to highlight whether or not it truly enables museums to achieve accessibility of their stored collections and which factors might hinder the accessibility. Amid them, the foremost factors involve the inadequacy of resources, such as the lack of staff (71%) and poor budget (68%). Because of it, museums are prone to setting up offsite storage (37%), often 16 km far from the city centre, thereby questioning the concept of accessibility itself.

Research limitations/implications

One major limitation of this study is that it does not consider people’s standpoints. Therefore, the author recommends that future studies focus on what people opine on visible storage, such as their appreciation of the display format, the behind-the-scenes, their need for interpretation and the degree of satisfaction with their information needs, as well as their perception of the size of stored collections.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that museums could take action in areas whereby the data demonstrated weaknesses in terms of accessibility. For instance, museums could set up a shuttle service or arrange public transportation service to allow people to visit offsite storage. Additionally, financial accessibility might be achieved by not charging some groups (elderly, students, etc.).

Social implications

The topic of stored collections and their accessibility has crucial social implications because not displaying collections triggers inequality amid social groups of excluded people and a small elite.

Originality/value

This study focuses on visible storage as a possible solution to enhance the accessibility of collections and indicates to what extent visible storage provides this accessibility. On the contrary, previous research did not estimate how much visible storage impacts the accessibility of stored collections.
The effect of AI-enabled HRM dimensions on employee engagement and sustainable organisational performance: fusion skills as a moderator
Authors: Jangbahadur Uttara , Ahlawat Sakshi , Rozera Prinkle , Gupta Neha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper examines and empirically validates the artificial intelligence-enabled human resource management (AI-enabled HRM) dimensions and sustainable organisational performance (SOP) relationship. It also examines the mediation and moderation of employee engagement (EE) and fusion skills (FS).

Design/methodology/approach

The indirect effects of AI-enabled HRM dimensions on SOP were found using structural equation modelling (SEM), bootstrapping and FS’s moderation effect by AMOS 22.

Findings

Results showed that AI-enabled HRM dimensions indirectly affected SOP through EE as a full and partial mediator with no moderation effects of FS.

Originality/value

This is the first study to link AI-enabled HRM dimensions, EE and SOP and determine how FS moderates EE and SOP.
Whistleblowing and interpretation, addressing organizational challenges: a conceptual reflection from Nigeria
Authors: Ufua Daniel E. , Butt Fawwad M. , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of whistleblowing and interpretation among practitioners in the Nigerian economy. The research puts a premium on understanding the relevance and critical issues in its practices and developing an improved model for the effective practice of whistleblowing and interpretation in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a conceptual approach, relying on extant literature to understand the management of whistleblowing incidents and identify the managers’ and other stakeholders’ responsibility in the whistleblowing process. It applied systems dynamics conceptual modelling and presented an improvement approach to addressing the complexities associated with whistleblowing and interpretation among Nigerian organizations.

Findings

This study contributed to the extant literature by developing a model for proper management of whistleblowing in the Nigerian context and enhancing the robust practice of whistleblowing and interpretation in Nigeria. The findings highlighted critical factors such as managers’ skills development, legal system support, institutional stakeholders’ function and ethical balance as key factors to effective whistleblowing management and interpretation. This implies that the act of identifying and developing responses to an emerging case of whistleblowing requires a process of developing underpinning assumptions, engagement and consideration of stakeholders’ interests while driving the sustenance of organizational focus.

Originality/value

This study emphasized the departure from absolute best practice to developing idea approaches that reflect stakeholders’ interests and the context of whistleblowing and interpretation. While the study acknowledges limitations in the sole focus on the Nigerian private sector and the Nigerian economic background, it recommends further exploration of whistleblowing and its interpretation on a comparative approach, to improving the current understanding of the topic.
Financial well-being of internal migrant labours: the role of financial socialisation, financial knowledge and financial behaviour
Authors: Gafoor Abdul , Amilan S , Patel Versha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The primary purpose of the research is to examine the impact of financial socialisation (FS) on the financial well-being (FWB) of unskilled internal migrant labourers, particularly focusing on the intervening roles of financial knowledge (FK) and financial behaviour (FB).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional research design, primary data from 269 unskilled internal migrant labourers were collected, applying the purposive sampling method. Using the data, the direct and mediated effects are examined through a three-path mediation model with structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Direct relationship analysis of FS on FWB exhibits an insignificant relationship, and FK also does not mediate the relationship; instead, FB acts as a potent mediator in both relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The study enriches existing literature as it contributes to understanding the FWB of internal migrant labour, highlighting the pivotal role of FS and FB. Further, it provides insights for policymakers to enhance FWB through targeted interventions and inclusive policies, promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment and inclusive development.

Originality/value

Despite the significant economic role of unskilled internal migrant labours, studies have not focused on their FWB. Hence, the study delves into their FWB through FS directly as well as indirectly using a three-path mediation model for achieving sustainable development.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2024-0044
Big data analytics usage in the banking industry in Tanzania: does perceived risk play a moderating role on the technological factors
Authors: Mwemezi Justus , Mandari Herman
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) in the Tanzania banking industry by investigating the influence of technological, environmental and organizational (TOE) factors while exploring the moderating role of perceived risk (PR).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a qualitative research design, and the research instrument was developed using per-defined measurement items adopted from prior studies; the items were slightly adjusted to fit the current context. The questionnaires were distributed to top and middle managers in selected banks in Tanzania using the snowball sampling technique. Out of 360 received responses, 302 were considered complete and valid for data analysis. The study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the developed conceptual framework.

Findings

Top management support and financial resources emerged as influential organizational factors, as did competition intensity for the environmental factors. Notably, bank size and perceived trends showed no significant impacts on BDA adoption. The study's novelty lies in revealing PR as a moderating factor, weakening the link between technological readiness, perceived usefulness and the intent to adopt BDA.

Originality/value

This study extends literature by extending the TOE model, through examining the moderating roles of PR on technological factors. Furthermore, the study provides useful managerial support for the adoption of BDA in banking in emerging economies.
Examining the drivers and barriers to adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hasan Asif , Alenazy Amer Ali , Habib Sufyan , Husain Shahid
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the factors influencing citizen attitudes toward e-government services and their effects on the adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia. It sheds light on the moderating role of citizen motivation in the relationship between factors influencing citizen attitudes in favor of e-government services and their adoption and usage behavior in the Saudi Arabian context. The study analyzes both the drivers propelling the uptake and the barriers impeding it.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research design was employed in this study, which surveyed 487 respondents from Jeddah and Madina cities and the surrounding region. The research identifies key drivers, including cultural factors, digital literacy, government policy and interventions, privacy and security, technical infrastructure, support services and citizen trust, alongside barriers such as concerns about data security and digital literacy.

Findings

The findings reveal the complex interplay of these factors in shaping citizen attitudes toward e-government services and their effects on adoption in Saudi Arabia. The study indicates that citizen motivation toward e-government services moderates the relationship between, adoption and usage behavior.

Originality/value

This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners by offering a nuanced perspective on e-government service adoption in the Saudi Arabian context. It enhances our understanding of the factors influencing citizen attitudes and their impact on e-government adoption, highlighting the importance of citizen motivation as a moderating factor in this relationship.
Investigation of the speckle pattern effect for displacement assessments by DIC
Authors: Caliskan Salim , Akyuz Hakan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of speckle pattern on displacement measurements using different speckle diameters and coverage ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to compare the coverage ratio and speckle diameter during the evaluation of the correlation of digital images (DIC) study, template speckle plates were produced on a computer numerical control (CNC) punch press with 600 punches per minute. After the speckle plates were manufactured, the speckled pattern was randomly painted on a plain white side through the manufactured template plates, and then tensile tests were performed under the same loading conditions for each sample to observe displacement variation via correlation parameters.

Findings

During the manufacturing of templates with thin plates, a punch diameter of less than 1.7 mm will cause tool failure; therefore, uniform speckle size can be assessed before operation. A higher coverage ratio resulted in more accurate and reliable results in displacement data. With smaller coverage, the facet size should be increased to achieve favorable results.

Research limitations/implications

If thick template plates are selected, speckle painting cannot be done properly; therefore, template thickness shall also be assessed before operation.

Practical implications

For randomly distributed DIC templates, increasing coverage beyond 50% does not make sense due to difficulties in the production process in the punch press.

Originality/value

Evaluating DIC results via templates manufactured in a punch press with different speckle diameters and coverage ratios is a new topic in literature.
Tides of change: employee training strategies for promoting risk-taking tourism in the North Sea
Authors: Bilderback Stephanie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study critically examines the transformative impact of the “North Sea TikTok” phenomenon on the marine tourism sector, emphasizing the role of employee training in fostering resilience and adaptability within marine economics and integrated marine systems. It delves into how viral social media trends influence marine tourism destinations, particularly the North Sea, affecting local economies, marine resource management and tourism strategies. By analyzing this trend, the paper seeks to uncover how marine tourism destinations can effectively respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by digital media-driven tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a multidisciplinary framework that merges insights from digital marketing, risk perception in tourism and human resource management, this paper provides a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the “North Sea TikTok” trend. Through a meticulous content analysis of viral videos and an examination of user engagement metrics, alongside a thorough review of contemporary literature in marine tourism and sustainability, the study unpacks the far-reaching implications of social media on marine tourism ecosystems.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the “North Sea TikTok” trend has markedly altered public perceptions of the North Sea, catalyzing a shift toward adventure and risk-taking tourism. This pivot promises economic rejuvenation for local tourism sectors and necessitates agile marine management strategies to accommodate the evolving demands. Implementing innovative employee training programs focusing on safety protocols, environmental conservation and digital engagement is central to managing these dynamics. The paper emphasizes integrating sustainable practices to ensure the equitable growth of marine tourism economies and environmental preservation.

Originality/value

This paper pioneers exploring the nexus between social media trends and their operational and strategic impacts on marine tourism management and economics. Synthesizing social media's viral dynamics with marine tourism development introduces groundbreaking insights into adapting marine tourism strategies in the digital age. It emphasizes the critical need for a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of digital trend-driven tourism markets, proposing a novel model for employee training that aligns with the shifting paradigms of marine tourism engagement. This unique contribution advances academic discourse in marine economics and provides practical frameworks for stakeholders aiming to harness social media trends for sustainable tourism development.
‘You get sick when you go to the hospital!’ Sickening landscapes, digital exclusiveness, and iatrogenesis in rural North China
Authors: Qu Ray
Published: May 2024

A local narrative current in North China's Shandong Province paints the hospital as a place where people become ill. This article foregrounds older rural people's embodied experience of navigating the medical system. This involves humiliation and feelings of incompetence in their interactions not only with other people whom they see as more sophisticated than them but also with unfamiliar things such as elevators and digital payment platforms. ‘Sickening landscapes’, a concept built upon this narrative, expands the notion of therapeutic landscapes to bring into sharp relief the negative effects of places and things and the embedded health inequities. It offers a native account of iatrogenesis, as something arising from mundane interactions with physical spaces, technologies, and people, which expands the current focus of clinical iatrogenesis on medical error, malpractices, and nosocomial infections. Incorporating the notion of ‘sickening landscapes’ into the theory of care helps us better attend to the trivial, easily neglected things and places that directly bear on the health and well‐being of marginalized social groups.
Examining teachers' perceived competence in implementing inclusive education practices in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Loyd Daisy , Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Walker Zachary , Alhosani Najwa Mohamed , Elhoweris Hala , Almuhairy Osha , Mohamed Ahmed , Takriti Rachel Alison , Al Maktoum Sana Butti , Mohamed Amani , Jibar Hamdah , Baja Emmanuel , Garces‐Bacsal Rhoda Myra
Published: May 2024

Inclusive education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is evolving with ambitious policies and strategic plans. The extent to which these policies and plans are being embedded into practice in mainstream schools across the country has not been fully captured. This research used an online survey to investigate teachers' perceived competence in implementing inclusive education practices with students with disabilities in mainstream schools and explore its relationship with demographic variables. Participants included 999 teachers from public and private schools across the seven Emirates of the UAE. Greater competence was reported in implementing practices that create an environment conducive to effective learning and less competence in implementing practices that use knowledge of the student. Differences were found between demographic variables and teachers' perceived competence in implementing inclusive education practices with recent professional development in inclusive and/or special education emerging as the most significant predictor. Implications for practice and further research are considered.