bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial suppressor-of-copper-sensitivity (Scs) proteins exhibit diverse thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase cellular functions
Authors: Hong Yaoqin , Qin Jilong , Mitchell Lachlan , Paxman Jason J. , Heras Begoña , Totsika Makrina
Published: February 2023

Disulfide bond (Dsb) proteins catalyse oxidative protein folding governing bacterial survival and virulence. Dsb systems inEscherichia coliK-12 are well-studied, yet what determines dithiol oxidase or disulfide reductase activity remains unknown. Past studies suggest oligomerisation of periplasmic thiol oxidoreductases dictates the direction of thiol catalytic activity. Here, we studied three suppressor-of-copper-sensitivity C (ScsC) Dsb-like proteins known to exist in the reduced state and bind to copper. These proteins adopt different quaternary structures:Salmonella entericaScsC (StScsC) is monomeric, while ScsC fromProteus mirabilis(PmScsC) andCaulobacter crescentus(CcScsC) are trimeric. When expressed in the model organismE. coliK-12, we showed that all three ScsC proteins exhibit both dithiol oxidation and disulfide reduction activity, despite structural differences. Interestingly, while ScsC reductase function was supported by the canonicalE. coliDsbD reductase, oxidase activity depended on environmental oxidation. However, an engineered monomeric PmScsC synergises withE. coliDsbB to gain dithiol oxidase activity at the expense of reductase function. Thus, oligomerisation could be one mechanism by which ScsC proteins avoid interactions with the periplasmic thiol oxidase pathway. This tightly controls their re-oxidation and maintains ScsC proteins in the reduced state required for binding and sequestering toxic levels of cellular copper.
Widespread mermithid nematode parasitism of Cretaceous insects
Authors: Luo Cihang , Poinar George O. , Xu Chunpeng , Zhuo De , Jarzembowski Edmund A. , Wang Bo
Published: February 2023

Mermithid nematodes are obligate invertebrate parasites dating back to the Early Cretaceous. Their fossil record is sparse, especially before the Cenozoic, thus little is known about their early host associations. This study reports 16 new mermithids associated with their insect hosts from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, 12 of which include previously unknown hosts. These fossils indicate that mermithid parasitism of invertebrates was already widespread and played an important role in the mid-Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystem. Remarkably, three hosts (bristletails, barklice and perforissid planthoppers) were previously unknown to be parasitized by mermithids both past and present. Furthermore, our statistical analyses show that in contrast to their Cenozoic counterparts, Cretaceous nematodes including mermithids are more abundant in heterometabolous insect hosts. This result suggests that nematodes have not completely exploited the dominant Holometabola as their hosts until the Cenozoic. This study reveals what appears to be a vanished history of nematodes that parasitized Cretaceous insects.
Emergent lag phase in flux-regulation models of diauxie
Authors: Bate Fiona , Amekan Yumechris , Pushkin Mitya , Chong James P.J. , Bees Martin
Published: February 2023

Lag phase is observed in bacterial growth during a sudden change in conditions: growth is inhibited whilst cells adapt to the environment. Bi-phasic, or diauxic growth is commonly exhibited by many species. In the presence of two sugars, cells initially grow by consuming the preferred sugar then undergo a lag phase before resuming growth on the second. Biomass increase is characterised by a diauxic growth curve: exponential growth followed by a period of no growth before a second exponential growth. Recent literature lacks a complete dynamic description, artificially modelling lag phase and employing non-physical representations of precursor pools. Here, we focus on glucoselactose diauxie ofEscherichia coliformulating a rational mechanistic model based on flux-regulation/proteome partitioning with a finite precursor pool that reveals core mechanisms in a compact form. Unlike earlier systems, the characteristic dynamics emerge as part of the solution, including the lag phase, and results accurately reproduce experiments. We show that for a single strain ofE. coli, diauxic growth yields mathematically optimised growth rates. However, intriguingly, for two competing strains diauxic growth is not always the best strategy. Our description can be generalised to model multiple different microorganisms and investigate competition between species/strains.
Transient EZH2 suppression by Tazemetostat duringin vitroexpansion maintains T cell stemness and improves adoptive T cell therapy
Authors: Hou Yingqin , Zak Jaroslav , Shi Yujie , Pratumchai Isaraphorn , Dinner Brandon , Wang Wenjian , Qin Ke , Weber Evan , Teijaro John R. , Wu Peng
Published: February 2023

The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)-mediated epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation in acute infection has been extensively investigated. However, the role of EZH2 in T cell exhaustion remains under-explored. Here, usingin vitroexhaustion models, we demonstrated that transient inhibition of EZH2 in T cells before the phenotypic onset of exhaustion with a clinically approved inhibitor, Tazemetastat, delayed their dysfunctional progression and maintained T cell stemness and polyfunctionality while having no negative impact on cell proliferation. Tazemetestat induced T cell epigenetic reprogramming and increased the expression of the self-renewing T cell transcription factor TCF1 by reducing its promoter H3K27 methylation preferentially in rapidly dividing T cells. In a murine melanoma model, T cells pre-treated with tazemetastat exhibited a superior response to anti-PD-1 blockade therapy after adoptive transfer. Collectively, these data unveil the potential of transient epigenetic reprogramming as a potential intervention to be combined with checkpoint blockade for immune therapy.
CXCL12 targets the primary cilium cAMP/cGMP ratio to regulate cell polarity during migration
Authors: Atkins Melody , Darmon Michèle , Roche Fiona , Nicol Xavier , Métin Christine
Published: February 2023

Directed cell migration requires sustained cell polarisation. In migrating cortical interneurons, nuclear movements are directed towards the centrosome that organises the primary cilium signalling hub. Primary cilium-elicited signalling, and how it affects migration, remain however ill characterised. Here, we show that altering cAMP/cGMP levels in the primary cilium by buffering cAMP, cGMP or by locally increasing cAMP, influences the polarity and directionality of migrating interneurons, whereas buffering cAMP or cGMP in the apposed centrosome compartment alters their motility. Remarkably, we identify CXCL12 as a trigger that alters the ciliary cAMP/cGMP ratio to promote sustained polarity and directed migration. We thereby uncover cAMP/cGMP levels in the primary cilium as a major target of extrinsic cues and as the steering wheel of neuronal migration.
GAUT10 is required for Arabidopsis root cell differentiation and elongation
Authors: Dash Linkan , Swaminathan Sivakumar , Šimura Jan , Montes Christian , Solanki Neel , Mejia Ludvin , Ljung Karin , Zabotina Olga A. , Kelley Dior R.
Published: February 2023

Cell wall properties of the root apical meristem (RAM) are poorly understood compared to the elongation and maturation zones of the developing root. GAUT10 is a pectin biosynthesizing enzyme that is post-transcriptionally regulated by auxin that influences Arabidopsis RAM size in a sucrose-dependent manner.

Using live-cell microscopy, we have determined the short root phenotype of thegaut10loss of function allele is due to a reduction in both RAM cell number and epidermal cell elongation. In addition, the absence ofGAUT10leads to a reduction in lateral root cap and epidermal cell marker line expression, indicating root cell differentiation defects in this mutant.

GAUT10 is required for normal pectin and hemicellulose composition in primary Arabidopsis roots. Loss ofGAUT10leads to a reduction in galacturonic acid and xylose in primary cell walls and alters the presence of rhamnogalacturonan (RG) I and homogalacturonan (HG) polymers in the root.

Auxin mediated gene expression and metabolism is altered ingaut10roots, suggesting that cell wall composition may influence auxin pathways.
GSK-3 inhibitor elraglusib enhances tumor-infiltrating immune cell activation in tumor biopsies and synergizes with anti-PD-L1 in a murine model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Huntington Kelsey E. , Louie Anna D. , Srinivasan Praveen R. , Schorl Christoph , Lu Shaolei , Silverberg David , Newhouse Daniel , Wu Zhijin , Zhou Lanlan , Borden Brittany A. , Giles Francis J. , Dooner Mark , Carneiro Benedito A. , El-Deiry Wafik S.
Published: February 2023

Inhibition of GSK-3 using small-molecule elraglusib has shown promising preclinical antitumor activity. Using in vitro systems, we found that elraglusib promotes immune cell-mediated tumor cell killing, enhances tumor cell pyroptosis, decreases tumor cell NF-κB-regulated survival protein expression, and increases immune cell effector molecule secretion. Using in vivo systems, we observed synergy between elraglusib and anti-PD-L1 in an immunocompetent murine model of colorectal cancer. Murine responders had more tumor-infiltrating T-cells, fewer tumor-infiltrating Tregs, lower tumorigenic circulating cytokine concentrations, and higher immunostimulatory circulating cytokine concentrations. To determine the clinical significance, we utilized human plasma samples from patients treated with elraglusib and correlated cytokine profiles with survival. Using paired tumor biopsies, we found that CD45+ tumor-infiltrating immune cells had lower expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints and higher expression of T-cell activation markers in post-elraglusib patient biopsies. These results introduce several immunomodulatory mechanisms of GSK-3 inhibition using elraglusib, providing a rationale for the clinical evaluation of elraglusib in combination with immunotherapy.

Statement of significance

Pharmacologic inhibition of GSK-3 using elraglusib sensitizes tumor cells, activates immune cells for increased anti-tumor immunity, and synergizes with anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade. These results introduce novel biomarkers for correlations with response to therapy which could provide significant clinical utility and suggest that elraglusib, and other GSK-3 inhibitors, should be evaluated in combination with immune checkpoint blockade.
The crystal structure of quaternary (Sn,Pb,Bi)Pt
Authors: Rössner Leonard , Prots Yurii , Grin Yuri , Armbrüster Marc
Published: February 2023

Quaternary (Sn,Pb,Bi)Pt was synthesized by melting of the elements in an evacuated silica glass ampoule. The crystal structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and adopts an atomic arrangement of the NiAs type with additional occupation of the voids. Decisive for the refinement was the composition of the crystals as determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), resulting in a formula of (Sn0.15Pb0.54Bi0.31)Pt.
Freedom or bondage? The double-edged sword effect of work connectivity behavior after-hours on employee occupational mental health
Authors: Zhu Fuyun , Gao Ying , Chen Xiaotun
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the double-edged sword effect of work connectivity behavior after-hours (WCBA) on employees’ occupational mental health. Drawing on job demand-resource theory, the authors examined the double mediating mechanism of work autonomy and work-family conflict on the relationship of WCBA, work engagement and work burnout. At the same time, the authors examined the moderating role of responsiveness from superiors, hoping to clarify how WCBA brings employees positive experiences (engagement) or negative experiences (burnout).

Design/methodology/approach

Under the mediating mechanism of work autonomy and work-family conflict, the authors built a dual-path model and moderated mediation model to examine the effect of WCBA on work engagement and burnout. Two-stage paired data were collected from various industries in China by distributing questionnaires to employees. The hypotheses were tested using the structural equation model and the bootstrap test method.

Findings

The results showed that WCBA positively affects work engagement and burnout. Work autonomy plays a mediating role both in the relationship between WCBA and work engagement and in the relationship between WCBA and work burnout. In addition, work-family conflict plays a mediating role both in the relationship between WCBA and work burnout and in the relationship between WCBA and work engagement. Responsiveness from superiors not only moderated the relationship between WCBA and work autonomy and between WCBA and work-family conflict but also moderated the mediating effects of work autonomy and work-family conflict.

Originality/value

This study examined the double-edged sword effect of WCBA on employees’ occupational mental health, the dual mediation of work autonomy and work-family conflict and the moderating effect of responsiveness from superiors. This study can enrich the understanding of the effects of WCBA as well as the influential factors and boundary conditions related to employees’ occupational mental health. Organizations (represented by superiors) and individuals were integrated into one model, providing a new perspective for studying WCBA. The research will help managers and individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of WCBA, and how to enhance its positive effects and circumvent its negative effects.
CommunityGCN: community detection using node classification with graph convolution network
Authors: Bhattacharya Riju , Nagwani Naresh Kumar , Tripathi Sarsij
Published: February 2023

Purpose

A community demonstrates the unique qualities and relationships between its members that distinguish it from other communities within a network. Network analysis relies heavily on community detection. Despite the traditional spectral clustering and statistical inference methods, deep learning techniques for community detection have grown in popularity due to their ease of processing high-dimensional network data. Graph convolutional neural networks (GCNNs) have received much attention recently and have developed into a potential and ubiquitous method for directly detecting communities on graphs. Inspired by the promising results of graph convolutional networks (GCNs) in analyzing graph structure data, a novel community graph convolutional network (CommunityGCN) as a semi-supervised node classification model has been proposed and compared with recent baseline methods graph attention network (GAT), GCN-based technique for unsupervised community detection and Markov random fields combined with graph convolutional network (MRFasGCN).

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents the method for identifying communities that combines the notion of node classification via message passing with the architecture of a semi-supervised graph neural network. Six benchmark datasets, namely, Cora, CiteSeer, ACM, Karate, IMDB and Facebook, have been used in the experimentation.

Findings

In the first set of experiments, the scaled normalized average matrix of all neighbor's features including the node itself was obtained, followed by obtaining the weighted average matrix of low-dimensional nodes. In the second set of experiments, the average weighted matrix was forwarded to the GCN with two layers and the activation function for predicting the node class was applied. The results demonstrate that node classification with GCN can improve the performance of identifying communities on graph datasets.

Originality/value

The experiment reveals that the CommunityGCN approach has given better results with accuracy, normalized mutual information, F1 and modularity scores of 91.26, 79.9, 92.58 and 70.5 per cent, respectively, for detecting communities in the graph network, which is much greater than the range of 55.7–87.07 per cent reported in previous literature. Thus, it has been concluded that the GCN with node classification models has improved the accuracy.
Does employee work-related curiosity predict workplace thriving? The moderating role of core-self evaluations
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Liu Yuxin , Mehmood Qaiser , Ghani Usman
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Given the increasing organizational need for having a thriving workforce due to the fast-growing and competitive knowledge-based service economy and growing demand to explore new factors that may benefit individuals to excel at work. Drawing upon the intrinsic motivation perspective, with a Chinese sample (N = 309), the authors aimed to investigate whether work-related curiosity (WRC) may create conditions that indirectly promote employees' workplace thriving via task focus and whether this mediation was moderated by an individual's personality difference, i.e. core-self evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged study among full-time employees who happen to be part-time students in the executive development program was used to test the hypothesized model by employing a structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

WRC showed a significant positive association with task focus which in turn was positively related to workplace thriving. Furthermore, as predicted, the positive association between WRC and workplace thriving via task focus was stronger for employees with high core self-evaluations compared to those with low core-self evaluations.

Originality/value

The results of this study suggest that an individual's WRC can be instrumental in augmenting workplace thriving by providing a scientific explanation for the underlying psychological process of task focus and identifying the factors associated with the process, such as core-self evaluations. This study contributes to extending the literature on significant employee outcomes, i.e. thriving at work, by offering new empirical and theoretical insights that WRC may play a critical role in the process and identifying a boundary condition of personality factor, i.e. core-self evaluations.
Enhancement of natural convection of a nanofluid by stress-free patches in an L-shaped enclosure
Authors: Ma Yuan , Tang Hui , Wang Chenglei
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims at investigating the heat transfer characteristics of a nonsquare enclosure when hydrodynamic resistance is altered discontinuously along its inner surface. Particularly, it focuses on investigating how several essential factors collaboratively influence the natural convection, including the Rayleigh number (Ra), the aspect ratio (AR), the nanoparticle volume fraction (ϕ) and the locations of changing hydrodynamic resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these objectives, an L-shaped enclosure of various AR is adopted, while zero local shear resistance is applied and modeled by stress-free (SF) patches of four distinct arrangements (corresponding to Cases 1–4). The nanofluid is modeled by Buongiorno’s two-phase model. The effects are explored using an in-house numerical framework based on a hybrid lattice Boltzmann-finite difference method with the total variation minimization scheme.

Findings

The results show that when Ra is sufficiently large, i.e. Ra = 105, SF patches can generally enhance the heat transfer performance regardless of other factors. However, the ways of achieving those enhancements are different, which mainly depend on the arrangement of the SF patches and AR but are nearly independent of ϕ. The maximum improvement of heat transfer can be achieved in Case 3 with AR = 0.6, Ra = 105 and ϕ = 0.04, where the averaged Nusselt number is enhanced by 8.89%.

Originality/value

This study presents a new scenario where the SF patches of various arrangements are applied to enhance the nanofluid natural convection of a nonsquared enclosure, and it reveals how the improvement is achieved and cooperatively affected by several important factors.
Determining audit fees: evidence from the Egyptian stock market
Authors: Saleh Mohamed A. , Ragab Yasmine M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the determinants affecting audit fees in the Egyptian context concerning different organizational forms and governance mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts financial and non-financial data from 62 Egyptian firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2020. The proposed audit fees model is developed by adopting panel data analysis to examine the effect of auditee, auditor and engagement attributes on audit fees. The validity of the proposed equation for determining audit fees on an annual basis was established by applying the fixed effect model results for the year 2020.

Findings

The results revealed that the most significant determinants that affect audit fees are liquidity, audit committee independence, audit report lag and the status of the audit firm. Audit fees of 95.7% are determined by these factors. The validation test proved that the proposed model was more accurate and closer to the estimated data at nearly 90.2%.

Practical implications

The results of this paper would send early signals to audit firms, stakeholders and regulators regarding the determinants of audit fees, and provide an objective standard for fee-setting to be used by stock market regulators and professional bodies, in determining a minimum amount of audit fees that ensure a reasonable level of audit quality.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, this paper empirically examines the determinants of audit fees in an emerging market like Egypt and presents evidence for a period of six years.
Sustainable entrepreneurship in the equestrian sector through horse manure: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Lupoae Oana Daniela , Radu Riana Iren , Isai Violeta Maria , Mihai Oana Iuliana
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Horses play an important role in the agricultural industry around the world. The equestrian sector offers new markets and sustainable business opportunities. This paper, based on a structural equation modelling approach, seeks to explore the interests of Romanian entrepreneurs in developing a sustainable business in the equestrian sector by investing in the use of horse manure. This manure is an important renewable resource in the circular economy, including in the production of bioenergy and bio-fertilizers. The present research investigates whether there is an interest in developing such a business in Romania, built around three pillars: the environment, society and the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

PLS-SEM is an appropriate method for this research, where prediction of interest for sustainable entrepreneurship plays a central role. In total, 153 responses have been collected and validated based on a questionnaire and the invitations to complete were sent to people who are already entrepreneurs or have intention to become entrepreneurs in the near future.

Findings

The structural model shows that society's interest has the strongest effect on developing a sustainable business model through horse manure. Surprisingly, the study does not reflect an expected correlation between the interest in the environment and the development of a sustainable business model through horse manure resulting in bioenergy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to arousing the interest in research and even the development of a business by presenting the sustainability factors in the horse industry and adopting technological innovations, services, products and business models. The study was conducted in Romania, where, currently, the manure produced by horses is underexploited, and the equestrian sector requires new business models, innovations and sustainable development.
“The Exorcist”: a grounded theory on how individuals avoid unethical requests at work
Authors: Felix Bruno , Botelho Josinea , Nossa Valcemiro
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how individuals seek to reduce the occurrence of unethical requests at work and the effects of such strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors built a grounded theory through semi-structured interviews with 65 individuals who worked for companies involved in the Brazilian corruption scandal called Operation Car Wash.

Findings

The interviewees reported that they use two central strategies to avoid unethical requests: explicit moral communication (directly stating that they are not willing to adhere to an unethical request) and implicit communication (expressing such a refusal through moral symbols). Both strategies signal the morality of the communicator and lead the possible proponent of an unethical request to perceive a greater probability of being reported and, thus, avoid making such an unethical request. However, while explicit moral communication affects the perceived morality of the individual who would possibly make an unethical request, implicit (symbolic) moral communication does not. As a consequence, the risks of retaliation for making a moral communication are greater in the case of explicit moral communication, entailing that implicit moral communication is more effective and safer for the individual who wants to avoid unethical requests.

Originality/value

This paper broadens the literature on business ethics and moral psychology by shifting its focus from what organizations and leaders can do to prevent unethical behavior to what leaders can actively do to protect themselves from unethical requests.
Lost in translation? Tanzanian students’ views on sustainability and language, and the implications for the pledge to leave no one behind
Authors: Ulmer Nico , Divine Ntiokam , Wydra Kerstin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Less than eight years remain to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous authors underlined the importance of language in achieving the SDGs; however, its role in the process remains overlooked. This paper aims to investigate the sustainability understanding among Tanzanian students and graduates, their translation approaches and the awareness of people living outside of universities regarding sustainability and the SDGs. The importance of including language in implementing the SDGs is highlighted, and further research regarding local languages to enhance sustainability awareness is suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds upon an extensive review of the current language of instruction conundrum present in many African countries and embeds the SDGs in this complex situation. Using a Tanzanian University as a case study, a questionnaire was administered to Tanzanian students and graduates, and follow-up interviews were conducted.

Findings

Findings suggest that Tanzanian higher education students and graduates are knowledgeable about both sustainability and the SDGs, with most of them integrating at least one goal into their respective research. However, in the interviews conducted, interviewees stated that in their experience, only a minority of people outside of universities are aware of both concepts. The findings indicate that the aim of target 4.7 and, ultimately, the pledge to leave no one behind remain void when African languages continue to be neglected.

Research limitations/implications

A case study is characterized by a lack of generalizability. Findings from this study should, therefore, be transferred cautiously to other African countries and universities. Furthermore, university students and graduates represent highly educated participants, which does not allow deductions to other parts of society.

Originality/value

The authors are not aware of other studies investigating the views of Tanzanian students and graduates regarding sustainability and language and how they handle emerging translation challenges in their research. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to highlight the importance of language in achieving target 4.7 of the SDGs and, ultimately, the pledge to leave no one behind. It, therefore, represents a valuable contribution to the scientific body of knowledge regarding education for sustainable development and language.
What is the role of economics and business studies in the development of attitudes in favour of sustainability?
Authors: Cifuentes-Faura Javier , Noguera-Méndez Pedro
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to find out what attitudes Economics and Business students have towards sustainability and what they expect from their education in relation to the achievement of economic, social and environmental sustainability. The objective is to find out if the studies of Economics and Business favour the development of pro-sustainability attitudes, taking into account factors such as the gender of the students, the course in which they are enrolled and the economic training received before entering university.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was designed covering ecological, social, cultural, economic and political aspects. The survey was conducted among students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management and the Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. The authors used discriminant analysis and analysis of variance to test the research hypothesis.

Findings

Students are concerned about environmental problems and are aware of the need for action, but there is little consensus on the actions needed to overcome them. Some negationist traits are detected: those who rely more on technology give less importance to environmental problems and to the possibility of a major ecological catastrophe. Girls are more in favour of sustainability than boys, and students who have previously studied economics consider that their training has enabled them to evaluate the resources available and necessary to perform any job more than those who have not studied economics, regardless of their sex and year.

Originality/value

Many articles have focused on the importance of sustainability in higher education, but hardly any have analysed the role of economic education in achieving sustainability. Given the importance and the proven inter-relationship between economics and sustainability, with this article, the authors contribute to fill the gap in the literature. It is necessary that current students and future professionals receive adequate economic education.
The evolution of trade-based money laundering schemes: a regulatory dialectic perspective
Authors: Sinno Roy Majed , Baldock Graham , Gleason Kimberly
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to apply the regulatory dialectic to describe the evolution of trade-based money laundering (TBML) schemes, to describe three recent TBML innovations uncovered by a large bank in the important global trade jurisdiction of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to provide recommendations for an effective regulatory response.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is a caselet approach with three examples of TBML schemes recently foiled in the UAE as well as an application of the regulatory dialectic literature to TBML.

Findings

The implications of the regulatory dialectic for research regarding TBML and associated regulation and compliance will enable regulators, the financial services sector and academics to understand TBML and the ever-evolving steps criminals are taking to circumvent the changing landscape of regulation and controls implemented by the financial services sector and customs tasked with mitigating such behaviour. This paper will bring awareness of the evolution of TBML, the controls and frameworks that may be used to prevent, detect and investigate some of the complex schemes of TBML.

Research limitations/implications

The regulatory dialectic theory provides insights into the evolution of TBML schemes as well as why compliance activities tend to be reactive, rather than proactive. The cases covered in this paper provide insights into the nature of this circular process between financial crime and regulation, which is useful for anti-financial crime professionals and regulators focusing on deterrence.

Practical implications

The UAE is a small, rapidly developing trade and finance center in the Middle East, surrounded by nations that are sanctioned, in active conflicts, politically unstable and/or highly corrupt. TBLM undermines the security of the UAE; the authors provide insights into criminal innovations and regulatory responses.

Social implications

To promote the safety and stability of the ten million residents of the UAE, and others in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it is important to understand the process of innovation in TBML schemes and regulatory response.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to apply the regulatory dialectic theory to TBML to describe innovation in TBML schemes and to provide cases describing contemporary TBML innovations in the MENA region.
Earnings management, institutional ownership and investment efficiency: evidence from a developing country
Authors: Eissa Aref M. , Elgendy Tamer , Diab Ahmed
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of earnings management (EM) and institutional ownership (IO) on investment efficiency (IE). It also investigates the effect of IO, as a governance mechanism, on the relation between EM and IE.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines a sample of Egyptian firms listed on EGX100 during the period 2014–2019. The data are collected manually from firms’ annual reports and governance reports obtained from Egypt for Information Dissemination Company. We depend on the t-test, Pearson correlation, and OLS regression to test our hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed a negative relationship between EM and IE. In contrast, IO has a significant and positive effect on IE. The results also show that IO mitigates the negative implications of EM for IE. Additionally, we find robust evidence for the governance role of pressure-insensitive IO, as it has a positive effect on IE and on mitigating the negative effects of EM on IE.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effect of IO as a governance mechanism on the relationship between EM and IE. The results of this study can be of interest to investors, regulators, and policy-makers due to highlighting the potential implications of EM and IO for firms’ investment decisions in Egypt–one of the important emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Impact of financial inclusion on economic growth in secular and religious countries
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. , Lay Sok Heng , Syed Aamir Aijaz
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Empirical research on the relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth has neglected the influence of religion or secularism. This study aims to investigate the effect of financial inclusion on economic growth in religious and secular countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The financial inclusion indicators are the number of automated teller machines (ATMs)per 100,000 adults and the number of bank branches per 100,000 adults. These two indicators are the accessibility dimension of financial inclusion based on physical points of service. The two-stage least square (2SLS) regression method was used to analyze the effect of financial inclusion on real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth and real GDP growth in religious and secular countries.

Findings

Bank branch contraction significantly increases economic growth in secular countries. Bank branch expansion combined with greater internet usage increases economic growth in secular countries while high ATM supply combined with greater internet usage decreases economic growth in secular countries. This study also finds that bank branch expansion, in the midst of a widening poverty gap, significantly increases economic growth in religious countries, implying that financial inclusion through bank branch expansion is effective in promoting economic growth in poor religious countries. It was also found that internet usage is a strong determinant of economic growth in secular countries.

Originality/value

Few studies in the literature examined the effect of financial inclusion on economic growth. But the literature has not examined how financial inclusion affects economic growth in religious and secular countries.
The roles of social capital, entrepreneurial orientation and competitive intensity in managerial capability and performance relationship: evidence from an emerging market economy
Authors: Akomea Samuel Yaw , Agyapong Ahmed , Aidoo Suzzie Owiredua , Kyei Simms Mensah
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper sought to investigate the conditional indirect relationship between managerial capabilities (MCs) and performance amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sub-Saharan African economy. The study considered social capital (SC) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as parallel mediating mechanisms and competitive intensity as boundary conditions within this relationship. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from SMEs (n = 206) in a sub-Saharan African nation. Bootstrapping (Process Macro) and hierarchical regression in statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results demonstrate that whereas EO presents a mechanism through which MC influences performance, SC does not mediate the MC–performance relationship. The results further demonstrate that competitive intensity provides various interaction effects such that at high levels of competitive intensity the indirect effect of MC on performance through SC is weakened and strengthened through EO. The study, therefore, provides clarity to the intricate power of interactions of external factors with firm-specific resources.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that varying combinations of resources influence performance differently. The authors consider the influence of these mediators simultaneously in attempts to extend theory by buttressing the bundling effect of MC on SC and EO in driving performance. They also highlight the impact of the boundary conditions created by competitive intensity (CI) on these mediated relationships.
Production of microbial pigments from whey and their applications: a review
Authors: Poonia Amrita , Pandey Surabhi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Whey is a by-product of paneer, cheese and casein industry and considered as a dairy waste. Worldwide, approximately 180–1,900 million tons of whey is produced annually. Whey is classified as a high pollutant due to its organic matter level. Owing to its high chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand, it is a big threat to the environment. Whey contains 4.5%–5.0% lactose, 0.6%–0.7% protein, 0.4%–0.5% lipids, vitamins and minerals. Due to its high nutritional profile, it is a good substrate for the microorganisms for production of natural pigments. The purpose of this paper is to review the utilization of low cost substrate (whey) for production of various types of pigments and their applications in different sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The databases for the search included: Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Research gate and Google. The main search was directed towards different types of natural pigments, stability, technologies for enhancing their production and contribution towards circular economy. Approximately 100 research papers were initially screened. A global search was conducted about natural pigments. Research articles, review papers, books, articles in press and book chapters were the type of search for writing this review paper.

Findings

Production of natural pigments using whey and their addition in food products not only improves the colour of food but also enhances the antioxidant properties of food products, helping the health benefits by chelating free radicals from the body. The sustainable use of whey for production of natural pigments can improve the bio-based economy of different industries and thereof the national economy.

Originality/value

Efficient utilization of whey can bring a lot more opportunities for production of natural pigments in a sustainable manner. The sustainable approach and circular economy concepts will benefit the dependent industries and health conscious consumers. The potential uses of whey for the production of natural pigments using diverse organisms are highlighted in this paper.
Modification to unsaturated polyester resin with silica and silica/boron nitride mixture nanoparticles
Authors: Gumus Selinay , Aksoy Kaan , Aytac Ayse
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of nano or inorganic fillers on unsaturated polyester’s (UPE) thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. UPE reinforced with nanoparticles shows better properties than the pure polymer itself. Nano or inorganic fillers are used in the polymeric matrix to improve thermal, mechanical and physical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve thermal, mechanical and physical properties, UPE resin was modified with silica (S), boron nitride (BN) and S/BN hybrid nanoparticles at different ratios. Viscosity and solids content measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal conductivity coefficient tests were performed on the samples.

Findings

In the SEM analysis, the UPE sample showed a smooth appearance, while all samples containing additives showed phase separation and overall heterogeneous distribution. TGA results demonstrated that the thermal stability of the resin increased in the presence of S and BN additives. According to the results, it was observed that the presence of S and BN additives in the UPE resin and the use of certain ratios improved the resin properties.

Originality/value

As a result of the literature search, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study was found in which BN nanoparticles were included in the UPE resin together with S.
The impact of total quality management on corporate sustainability in the manufacturing sector: corporate social responsibility as a mediator
Authors: Hassis Samah Mohammed , Othman Mohammed Azzam , Saleh Yahya
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims at investigating the impact of total quality management (TQM) on corporate sustainability (CS) by mediating the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research approach was adopted by conducting interviews and a survey. A survey was used as a quantitative tool for data collection from 67 respondents at different managerial levels. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that customer focus and human resource management (HRM) were the most effective practices. Structural analysis revealed that TQM had a significant impact on CSR and CS. Furthermore, CSR partially mediates the relationship between TQM and CS.

Research limitations/implications

The study has developed a conceptual framework to provide policymakers with guidelines on integrating TQM practices and CSR activities into their strategy.

Originality/value

This research bridges the gap between TQM and the three pillars of CS, especially in manufacturing enterprises in a developing country context. This research also supports the TQM advocate's argument that effective TQM deployment can dramatically improve organizational performance. Additionally, this study verifies the CS model based on the triple bottom line (TBL) theory and stakeholder theory by assessing the conceptual model's robustness using a mixed-method research methodology, which has never been done before from a Palestinian perspective.
Soil moisture and competition determine soil biota effects on invasive Centaurea stoebe
Authors: Bunn Rebecca A. , Antunes Pedro M. , Bullington Lorinda S. , Fahey Catherine , Lekberg Ylva
Published: February 2023

Soil biota, such as root‐associating fungal mutualists and pathogens, influence plant–plant interactions. Yet, the context‐dependency of their effects remains poorly understood, hindering our ability to predict plant invasions. We targeted Centaurea stoebe, an invasive plant which is more successful in arid than mesic North American grasslands. We asked how the abundances of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and potentially pathogenic fungi are moderated by soil moisture and if shifts in these guilds correspond with C. stoebe growth and competitiveness.

We grew C. stoebe plants in pots with every combination of three treatments: soil moisture (wet, dry), soil biota (sterile, live) and competition (none, native grass Bromus marginatus). We measured plant responses and root colonization by AM fungi, identified the relative sequence abundance of AM and potentially pathogenic fungi via guild matches of ITS2 sequences in the database FUNGuild, and examined shifts in AM and potentially pathogenic fungal communities based on the SSU rRNA gene and ITS2, respectively.

Soil biota reduced C. stoebe growth in wet but not dry soils, and the presence of the native competitor Bromus marginatus exacerbated these effects. This shift in responsiveness corresponded with relatively fewer AM and more potentially pathogenic fungi in C. stoebe roots grown in wet soils, and vice versa in dry soils. Furthermore, in dry soils, C. stoebe's AM fungal community was strongly dominated by Glomus spp. Conversely, B. marginatus response to soil biota was not affected by soil moisture, and shifts in relative abundance of potentially pathogenic and AM fungi were generally opposite to those observed in C. stoebe.

These results suggest that soil biota effects on host plants are species‐specific and depend on soil moisture. Furthermore, native plants can promote pathogens in distantly related invasive neighbours, potentially generating biotic resistance. Thus, plant invasions may be mediated by interactions between soil biota, soil moisture, and identity of native competitor.

Predicting invasions as the climate continues to change will require surveys and experiments across relevant landscape‐level gradients of invasion and environmental factors.

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