bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minor spliceosome disruption causes limb growth defects without altering patterning
Authors: Drake Kyle D , Lemoine Christopher , Aquino Gabriela S , Vaeth Anna M , Kanadia Rahul N
Published: March 2020

Disruption of the minor spliceosome causes primordial dwarfism in microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1. Similarly, primordial dwarfism in domesticated animals is linked to positive selection in minor spliceosome components. Despite the importance of minor intron splicing in limb size regulation, its role in limb development remains unexplored. Here we show that loss of U11 small nuclear RNA, an essential minor spliceosome component, results in stunted limbs that maintain patterning. Notably, earlier loss of U11 corresponded to increased severity. We find that limb size is reduced due to elevated minor intron retention in minor intron-containing genes that regulate cell cycle. Limb progenitor cells experience delayed prometaphase to metaphase transition and prolonged S-phase, resulting in death of rapidly dividing, distally located progenitors. Consequently, crucial limb patterning genes are upregulated and their expression is maintained spatially to achieve basic patterning. Overall, these findings reveal a potential mechanism shared in disease and domestication.
TPX2 activation by GM130 controls astral microtubule formation and spindle orientation
Authors: Guo Haijing , Wei Jen-Hsuan , Seemann Joachim
Published: March 2020

Spindle orientation is important in multiple developmental processes as it determines cell fate and function. The correct orientation of the mitotic spindle depends on the assembly of a proper astral microtubule network. Here, we report that the spindle assembly factor TPX2 regulates the astral microtubule network. TPX2 in the spindle pole area is activated by GM130 on mitotic Golgi membranes to promote astral microtubule growth. GM130 relieves TPX2 inhibition by competing for importin α binding. During mitosis, phosphorylation of importin α at Serine 62 by Cdk1 switches its substrate preference from TPX2 to GM130, thereby enabling competition-based activation. Importin α S62A impedes local TPX2 activation and compromises astral microtubule formation, ultimately resulting in misoriented spindles. Blocking the GM130-importin α-TPX2 pathway impairs astral microtubule growth. Our results reveal a novel role for TPX2 in the organization of astral microtubules. Furthermore, we show that the substrate preference of the important mitotic modulator importin α is regulated by Cdk1 phosphorylation.
Alterations in the human plasma lipidome in response to Tularemia vaccination
Authors: Maner-Smith Kristal M. , Ford David A. , Goll Johannes B. , Jensen Travis L. , Khadka Manoj , Colucci Jennifer K , Gelber Casey E. , Albert Carolyn J. , Bosinger Steve , Franke Jacob D. , Natrajan Muktha , Rouphael Nadine , Johnson Robert , Sanz Patrick , Anderson Evan J. , Hoft Daniel F. , Mulligan Mark , Ortlund Eric A.
Published: March 2020

Tularemia is a rare but highly contagious and potentially fatal disease caused by bacteriaFrancisella tularensiswhere as few as ten inhaled organisms can lead to an infection, making it one of the most infectious microorganisms known and a potential bioweapon. To better understand the response to a live, attenuated tularemia vaccine and the biological pathways altered post-vaccination, healthy adults were vaccinated by scarification and plasma was collected pre- and post-vaccination for longitudinal lipidomics studies. Using tandem mass spectrometry, we identified and quantified individual lipid molecular species within representative lipid classes in plasma to characterize alterations in the plasma lipidome during the vaccine response. Separately, we targeted oxylipins, a subset of lipid mediators involved in inflammatory pathways. We identified 14 differentially abundant lipid species from eight lipid classes. These included 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), an eicosanoid produced following arachidonic acid liberation and epoxygenation, which is indicative of lipoxygenase activity and, subsequently, inflammation. Results suggest that 5-HETE was metabolized to a dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHET) by Day 7 post-vaccination, shedding light on the kinetics of the 5-HETE-mediated inflammatory response. In addition to 5-HETE and DHET, we observed pronounced changes in 34:1 phosphatidylinositol, anandamide, oleamide, ceramides, 16:1 cholesteryl ester, and several glycerophospholipids, several of these changes in abundance were correlated with serum cytokines and T cell activation. These data provide new insights into alterations in plasma lipidome post tularemia vaccination, potentially identifying key mediators and pathways involved in vaccine response and efficacy.
Rottlerin ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by improving intestinal barrier function via activation of the Epac-2/Rap-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Song Xue , Zuo Lugen , Wang Luyao , Zhu Zihan , Tao Jing , Jiang Yifan , Wu Xiaopei , Wang Zhikun , Nian Jing , Xiang Ping , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhao Hao , Yu Liang , Li Jing , Hu Jianguo
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Rottlerin, a pan PDE inhibitor, has a variety of pharmacological activities, including enhancing barrier function and mediating anti-inflammatory activity by changing the distribution of occludin and ZO-1. Nevertheless, the function of rottlerin on Crohn disease (CD) keep unknown. Our aim of the study is to investigate the role of rottlerin on CD-like colitis and its mechanism.

METHODS

Wild-type mice which were 8-10 weeks old were randomly divided into three treatment groups: (i) the normal feeding, no administration (control) group, (ii) the group administered 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) alone, and (iii) the group administered rottlerin (100 mg/kg) and 3% DSS. In this study, the effect of rottlerin on the function and structure of the intestinal barrier was investigated, and the possible mechanism was discussed. We performed signaling pathway analysis and flow cytometry to identify the detailed mechanisms by which rottlerin (10 μg/mL) treatment inhibits cell growth arrest and the attenuation of TJ proteins in LPS-treated FHs 74 int cells.

RESULTS

Rottlerin treatment significantly ameliorated colitis induced by DSS in WT mice, which was manifested by a decrease in inflammation score, the attenuation of inflammatory factors and the inhibition of destruction on intestinal barrier structure. Rottlerin enhanced the levels of occludin and ZO-1, and improved the function of intestinal barrier, which may have been why rottlerin ameliorated colitis in WT mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of rottlerin may be partly due to the activation of Epac-2/Rap-1 signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Rottlerin may treat CD in humans via enhancing TJ proteins expression and improving the function of intestinal barrier.
Vaccine Elicitation of HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies from Engineered B cells
Authors: Huang Deli , Tran Jenny Tuyet , Olson Alex , Vollbrecht Thomas , Guryleva Mariia V. , Tenuta Mary , Fuller Roberta P. , Schiffner Torben , Abadejos Justin R. , Couvrette Lauren , Blane Tanya R. , Saye Karen , Li Wenjuan , Landais Elise , Gonzalez-Martin Alicia , Schief William , Murrell Ben , Burton Dennis R. , Nemazee David , Voss James E.
Published: March 2020

HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) can suppress viremia and protect against infection1. However, their elicitation is made difficult by low frequencies of appropriate precursor B cell receptors and the complex maturation pathways required to generate bnAbs from these precursors2. Antibody genes can be engineered into B cells for expression as both a functional receptor on cell surfaces and as secreted antibody3–5. Here, we show that HIV bnAb-engineered primary mouse B cells can be adoptively transferred and vaccinated in immunocompetent wild-type animals resulting in the expansion of durable bnAb memory and long-lived plasma cells. Somatic hypermutation after immunization indicated that engineered cells have the capacity to respond to an evolving pathogen. These results encourage further exploration of engineered B cell vaccines as a strategy for durable elicitation of HIV bnAbs to protect against infection and as a contributor to a functional cure.
Single-shot Mesoporous Silica Rods Scaffold for Induction of Humoral Responses Against Small Antigens
Authors: Dellacherie Maxence O , Li Aileen , Lu Beverly Y , Verbeke Catia S , Gu Luo , Stafford Alexander G. , Doherty Edward J. , Mooney David J.
Published: March 2020

Vaccines have shown significant promise in eliciting protective and therapeutic responses. However, most effective vaccines require several booster shots, and it is challenging to generate potent responses against small molecules and synthetic peptide antigens often used to increase target specificity and improve vaccine stability. As continuous antigen uptake and processing by APCs and persistent toll-like receptor (TLR) priming have been shown to amplify antigen specific humoral immunity, we explored whether a single injection of a mesoporous silica micro-rod (MSR) vaccine containing synthetic molecules and peptides can effectively generate potent and durable antigen-specific humoral immunity. A single injection of the MSR vaccine against a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) decapeptide elicited highly potent anti-GnRH response that lasted for over 12 months. The MSR vaccine generated higher titers than bolus or alhydrogel alum vaccine formulations. Moreover, a MSR vaccine directed against a Her2/neu peptide within the Trastuzumab binding domain showed immunoreactivity to native Her2 protein on tumor cell surface and, when directed against nicotine, generated long-term anti-nicotine antibodies. Mechanistically, we found that the MSR vaccine induced persistent germinal center (GC) B-cell activity for more than 3 weeks after a single injection, generation of memory B cells, and that at least 7 days of immunostimulation by the vaccine was required to generate an effective humoral response. Together, these data suggest that the MSR vaccine represents a promising technology for synthetic antigen vaccines to bypass the need for multiple immunizations and enhance long-term production of antibodies against endogenous antigens in the context of reproductive biology, cancer, and chronic addiction.
Substrate deformation regulates DRM2-mediated DNA methylation in plants
Authors: Fang Jian , Leichter Sarah M. , Jiang Jianjun , Biswal Mahamaya , Lu Jiuwei , Zhang Zhi-Min , Ren Wendan , Zhai Jixian , Cui Qiang , Zhong Xuehua , Song Jikui
Published: March 2020

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that critically regulates gene expression and genomic stability. In plants, Domains Rearranged Methyltransferase 2 (DRM2) preferentially mediates CHH methylation (H=C, T, A), a substrate specificity distinct from that of mammalian DNA methyltransferases. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we report structure-function characterizations of DRM2-mediated methylation. An arginine finger from the catalytic loop intercalates into DNA minor groove, inducing large DNA deformation that impacts the substrate specificity of DRM2. To accommodate the substrate deformation, the target recognition domain of DRM2 embraces the enlarged DNA major groove via shape complementarity, disruption of which via C397R mutation shifts the substrate specificity of DRM2 toward CHG DNA. This study uncovers DNA deformation as a mechanism in regulating the substrate specificity of DRM2, implicative of transposon-specific repression in plants.
Blood vessel occlusion byCryptococcus neoformansis a mechanism for haemorrhagic dissemination of infection
Authors: Gibson Josie F , Bojarczuk Aleksandra , Evans Robert J , Kamuyango Alfred , Hotham Richard , Lagendijk Anne K , Hogan Benjamin M , Ingham Philip W , Renshaw Stephen A , Johnston Simon A
Published: March 2020

Meningitis caused by infectious pathogens are associated with vessel damage and infarct formation, however the physiological cause is unknown.Cryptococcus neoformans, is a human fungal pathogen and causative agent of cryptococcal meningitis, where vascular events are observed in up to 30% of cases, predominantly in severe infection. Therefore, we aimed to investigate how infection may lead to vessel damage and associated pathogen dissemination using a zebrafish model forin vivolive imaging. We find that cryptococcal cells become trapped within the vasculature (dependent on there size) and proliferate there resulting in vasodilation. Localised cryptococcal growth, originating from a single or small number of cryptococcal cells in the vasculature was associated with sites of dissemination and simultaneously with loss of blood vessel integrity. Using a cell-cell junction tension reporter we identified dissemination from intact blood vessels and where vessel rupture occurred. Finally, we manipulated blood vessel stifness via cell junctions and found increased stiffness resulted in increased dissemination. Therefore, global vascular vasodilation occurs following infection, resulting in increased vessel tension which subsequently increases dissemination events, representing a positive feedback loop. Thus, we identify a mechanism for blood vessel damage during cryptococcal infection that may represent a cause of vascular damage and cortical infarction more generally in infective meningitis.
Asparagine signals mitochondrial respiration and can be targeted to impair tumour growth
Authors: Krall Abigail S. , Mullen Peter J. , Surjono Felicia , Momcilovic Milica , Schmid Ernst W. , Halbrook Christopher J. , Thambundit Apisadaporn , Mittelman Steven D. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Shackelford David B. , Knott Simon R.V. , Christofk Heather R.
Published: March 2020

Mitochondrial respiration is critical for cell proliferation. In addition to producing ATP via the electron transport chain (ETC), respiration is required for the generation of TCA cycle-derived biosynthetic precursors, such as aspartate, an essential substrate for nucleotide synthesis. Because mTORC1 coordinates availability of biosynthetic precursors with anabolic metabolism, including nucleotide synthesis, a link between respiration and mTORC1 is fitting. Here we show that in addition to depleting intracellular aspartate, ETC inhibition depletes aspartate-derived asparagine and impairs mTORC1 activity. Providing exogenous asparagine restores mTORC1 activity, nucleotide synthesis, and proliferation in the context of ETC inhibition without restoring intracellular aspartate in a panel of cancer cell lines. As a therapeutic strategy, the combination of ETC inhibitor metformin, which limits tumour asparagine synthesis, and either asparaginase or dietary asparagine restriction, which limit tumour asparagine consumption, effectively impairs tumour growth in several mouse models of cancer. Because environmental asparagine is sufficient to restore proliferation with respiration impairment, bothin vitroandin vivo, our findings suggest that asparagine synthesis is a fundamental purpose of mitochondrial respiration. Moreover, the results suggest that asparagine signals active respiration to mTORC1 to communicate biosynthetic precursor sufficiency and promote anabolism.
Extracellular domains of E-cadherin determine key mechanical phenotypes of an epithelium through cell- and non-cell-autonomous outside-in signalling
Authors: Aladin D.M.K. , Chu Y.S. , Robinson R.C. , Dufour S. , Viasnoff V. , Borghi N. , Thiery J.P.
Published: March 2020

Cadherins control intercellular adhesion in most metazoans. In vertebrates, intercellular adhesion differs considerably between cadherins of type-I and type-II, predominantly due to their different extracellular regions. Yet, intercellular adhesion critically depends on actomyosin contractility, in which the role of the cadherin extracellular region is unclear. Here, we dissect the roles of the Extracellular Cadherin (EC) Ig-like domains by expressing chimeric E-cadherin with E-cadherin and cadherin-7 Ig-like domains in cells naturally devoid of cadherins. Using cell-cell separation, cortical tension measurement, tissue-scale stretching and migration assays, we show that distinct EC repeats in the extracellular region of cadherins differentially modulate epithelial sheet integrity, cell-cell separation forces, and cell cortical tension through a Cdc42 pathway, which further differentially regulate epithelial tensile strength, ductility, and ultimately collective migration. Interestingly, dissipative processes rather than static adhesion energy mostly dominate cell-cell separation forces. We provide a framework for the emergence of epithelial phenotypes from cell mechanical properties dependent on EC outside-in signalling.
The impact of enterprise unit policy change on the quantity demanded for crop insurance
Authors: Bulut Harun
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The article examines the impact of policy change on enterprise unit subsidies that took place in 2009 on the quantity demanded for crop insurance.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis covers corn, soybeans, and wheat that are grown in six economic regions and uses various measures of purchasing such as acres insured, unit structure, coverage levels, as well as crop hail use as proxies for the quantity demanded.

The analysis first employs time series econometric tools to analyze whether the time path of the share of enterprise units within buyup acres is influenced by the policy change in enterprise unit subsidies. It then comparatively examines the insurance experience between 2008 (right before the change) and 2015 (well after the change).

Findings

For corn, soybean, and wheat, the analysis establishes that the time path of the share of enterprise units within buyup coverage acres is statistically and economically influenced by the intervention. The analysis further quantifies the intervention's immediate and long-term impacts and finds that farmers' unit choices are highly responsive (elastic) to subsidy rates in those units.

Between 2008 and 2015, the insurance experience generally indicates that the share of enterprise units within buyup coverage surged, the share of acres under catastrophic coverage declined, and the share acres in high coverage levels increased. Meanwhile, growers have increasingly utilized crop-hail policies.

Originality/value

This appears to be the first study (1) quantifying the sensitivity of farmers' unit choices with respect to subsidy rates in those units and finding that such choices are actually highly responsive (elastic), and (2) pointing out the interaction between MPCI and crop-hail products and offering insights as to their combined use. The findings should be of considerable value to policymakers, academics, bankers, and producers in regards to the design and use of risk management tools.
Effect of entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation and total quality management on performance
Authors: Ali Gamal Abdualmajed , Hilman Haim , Gorondutse Abdullahi Hassan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the joint effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), total quality management (TQM) and organisational performance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA's) small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a quantitative research design. A total of 393 questionnaires were distributed to and collected from owners/managers of SMEs in KSA to acquire requisite data for examining the hypothesised model of the study. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the research data.

Findings

The results indicate that EO, MO and TQM are positively and significantly related to the organisational performance of SMEs. In addition, the findings reveal that TQM has contributed the most to the enhancement of organisational development, which is followed by EO and finally, MO.

Practical implications

Developing economies consider SMEs as an approach to generate new jobs and enhance economic growth. The results provide owners/managers, practitioners and academicians with an enhanced understanding of the relationship and effects of EO, MO and TQM on organisational performance, particularly in the SME sector. Thus, owners/managers are guided to develop improved and further effective decisions for the implementation of TQM practices with strong EO and MO. Consequently, firms realise superior performance and continuously compete within their market.

Originality/value

From the perspective of developing countries, this study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the effects of EO, MO, TQM and SMEs' performance. This study is the first to empirically examine the SME sector within the KSA's economy regarding the new orientation among decision makers in terms of increasing the significance of non-oil activities. This study also confirms the usability of resource-based view theory and strategic orientations variables in the KSA SMEs.
Interest rate liberalization and bank liquidity creation: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Deng Xiangrong
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to empirically analyze how interest rate liberalization affects bank liquidity creation, and investigate whether the relationship between them is linear.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on panel data on 145 banks in China over the period 1997–2015, this paper regresses the econometric model by conducting feasible generalized least square estimation.

Findings

The regression results show that, first, interest rate liberalization has a nonlinear impact on bank liquidity creation, and the relationship between them is inverted U-shaped. In other words, as interest rate liberalization progresses, bank liquidity creation increases first, and then decreases. Second, through the mediation effect tests, this study found that interest rate liberalization affects bank liquidity creation through bank risk-taking. That is, interest rate liberalization leads to changes in bank risk-taking, thus resulting in changes in bank liquidity creation.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of interest rate liberalization on bank liquidity creation is nonlinear, so promoting interest rate liberalization faces a trade-off because excessive bank liquidity creation may lead to asset price bubbles, while insufficient bank liquidity creation may inhibit economic growth.

Practical implications

Interest rate liberalization has a significant impact on bank liquidity creation; therefore, bank liquidity creation should be added to the objective function of the regulator that determines interest rate liberalization reform in China.

Social implications

Interest rate liberalization has a direct impact on bank risk-taking, so the consequences of interest rate liberalization should be included in the framework of macro-prudential supervision.

Originality/value

Interest rate liberalization is one of the most important financial reforms in China, yet its potential impact on firm-level bank liquidity is little explored. This paper attempts to fill the gap.
Effects of financial restatements on top management team dismissal
Authors: Azzali Stefano , Mazza Tatiana
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of financial restatements (FRs) on the likelihood of the top management team (TMT) dismissal. It investigates the effects of types of FRs [corrective note and reissuance of financial statement (RFS)], of FR severity and of FR related to international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) easy or difficult-to-estimate.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hand-collect: data about 96 FRs from the Italian public oversight board documents; chief executive officer (CEO) name, chairman name, year of the financial statement under investigation, total assets and operating income, from their financial statement. The authors use multivariate regression to test the effects of FRs on the probability of TMT dismissal.

Findings

The authors find that the RFS leads to a higher likelihood of chairman dismissal. A greater magnitude of misrepresentation on income statements, and FRs, which decrease net income, increase the likelihood of CEO dismissal. Difficult-to-estimate IFRSs increases the likelihood of CEO dismissal.

Originality/value

FRs are significant determinants of the CEO/chairman dismissal. The authors show that FRs directly involving shareholders (RFS) have negative consequences on the chairman of the board of directors, while the CEO is more affected by FRs that involve technical factors (FR severity or financial statement associated with difficult-to-estimate IFRSs).
The employment landscape and LIS education in Pakistan: challenges and prospects
Authors: Malik Amara , Ameen Kanwal
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the current and future employment opportunities for library and information science (LIS) graduates. It identifies future employers and emerging competitors in the information landscape. The strategies that may be used to respond to and capture the future job market are also presented for LIS schools in the light of the study findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative approach coupled with the interview technique was used for collecting insight into the phenomena. Face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 faculty members (professors, associate professors and assistant professors) from 8 LIS departments. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data to present the participants’ opinions regarding various aspects of the job market in the country.

Findings

It was found that the job market was still traditional (library) and would continue to be so for the next five to seven years. However, the findings also indicated the emergence of a non-traditional job market in the country. New job titles and functions relevant to the emerging job sector other than libraries in the information environment were noted.

Originality/value

Findings may have a direct impact on the future orientation, survival and sustainability of LIS programs in the country. The study may inform curriculum revision and updating efforts to make it more relevant and responsive to future needs.
Designing woven velour printed terry fabric for improved colour fastness
Authors: Singh Jitendra Pratap , Ram Sanjeev Kumar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of pick density, pile height and pile yarn count (both single- and double-ply yarn) on the colour fastness to crocking, colour fastness to washing, colour fastness to water of woven velour printed terry fabrics. These variables have also been optimized for developing high-quality fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Variables were selected on the basis of past research experience and samples were prepared according to the Box–Behnken design of experiments. The samples were tested for colour fastness to crocking, colour fastness to washing and colour fastness to water by following AATCC 8, AATCC 61, 2A and AATCC 107, respectively.

Findings

The colour fastness to crocking, washing and water of woven velour printed terry fabrics increases with the decrease in pile height and pick density. The colour fastness properties of the fabric increase with increase in fineness of the pile yarn count. Woven velour printed terry fabric with 16.25 picks per cm, 3.5 mm pile height and 16 Ne pile yarn will show best colour fastness. Woven velour printed terry fabric (plied pile yarn) with 16.25 picks per cm, 3.5 mm pile height and 2/24 Ne pile yarn will show best colour fastness

Practical implications

Proved a practical approach to control fastness properties of the fabric by changing fabric variables.

Originality/value

Colour fastness properties of woven velour printed terry fabrics have never been reported. The research work gives the better understanding to develop high quality of fabrics by reducing pile height and pick density. This will also reduce the cost of the fabric.
Raising awareness of human trafficking in key professional fields via a multidisciplinary educational approach
Authors: Awerbuch Adam , Gunaratne Naiomi , Jain Juhi , Caralis Panagiota
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Human trafficking (HT) for sex and labor services is among the fastest growing criminal enterprises, causing significant physical and psychological morbidity to victims. Although many survivors encounter medical, legal and social work professionals during their captivity, lack of awareness of HT in these fields results in under-recognition of victims. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary educational conference on raising awareness of HT in these fields.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-day educational conference on HT was hosted in Miami, Florida. Participants were recruited from medical, law enforcement, social work and political fields. The research team issued a ten-item HT survey at the start and end of the conference. Results were analyzed for improvement in survey score using an exact Wilcoxon sign rank test. The results were analyzed both as a single cohort and stratified by profession.

Findings

For all participants, there was a significant improvement in post-survey score (0.355, p < 0.05). When stratified by profession, significant improvement was noted in the legal subgroup (0.561, p < 0.05). No significant changes were noted for the other individual professional cohorts, although all subgroups trended toward improvement.

Research limitations/implications

A multi-disciplinary educational conference may be effective in raising awareness of HT. Further research is needed to determine the effect of increased awareness on actual outcomes for trafficking survivors.

Originality/value

This study represents unique, original research which provides valuable data as to the effectiveness of educational conferences on raising awareness of HT for professionals with the best opportunity to make meaningful interventions.
Sharīʿah-compliant central banking practices: lessons from Muslim countries’ experience
Authors: Anwer Zaheer , Khan Shabeer , Abu Bakar Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to document how a central bank can perform its primary and secondary functions in a Sharīʿah-compliant manner. It also seeks to investigate the outcomes of the experiments of Muslim-majority countries in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

As a first step, a detailed review of existing literature is conducted, which discusses the views of scholars and practitioners on the central banking mechanism in a fully Sharīʿah-compliant financial system. Moving further, the case studies of Iran, Sudan and Pakistan are presented to highlight experiences of regulators from three Muslim-majority countries, which aimed to achieve full compliance with Sharīʿah (Islamic law) principles related to Islamic finance. To evaluate their models, an assessment of their practices is performed in the light of Sharīʿah rules and principles based on existing literature. Finally, the issues involved in establishing a Sharīʿah-compliant central bank (SCCB) are discussed and improvements are suggested.

Findings

It is found that Iran played an effective role in pursuing broader objectives of monetary policy by setting priorities for credit allocation and assisting the government in reducing expenses; however, with respect to instruments, its experience is limited to the rebranding of conventional products. Sudan has not only used monetary policy to effectively curb inflation but also it has introduced various indirect instruments to perform monetary operations. Pakistan succeeded in formulating a theoretical roadmap to establish a SCCB but the desired objectives could not be achieved because of multiple factors.

Practical implications

This study has important policy implications for regulators and policymakers from Muslim countries, who can use the findings in shaping effective Sharīʿah-compliant central banking practices in their respective countries.

Originality/value

This study discusses the salient features of an important Islamic financial institution, the central bank and evaluates the experiments of three Muslim-majority countries in implementing Sharīʿah-compliant central banking practices. To the best of the knowledge, this evaluation has not been performed in the existing literature and the present study fills in this gap.
Digimums' online grocery shopping: the end of children's influence?
Authors: Ayadi Kafia , Muratore Isabelle
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates children's influence on their mothers' online grocery shopping. As virtual shopping does not provide instant gratification, the authors explore how children between the ages of 7 and 11 are involved in the online purchasing process (before, during and after the purchase) with their digital mothers (digimums).

Design/methodology/approach

We collected qualitative data from 27 separate semi-structured interviews of mothers and their children.

Findings

Children's influence during the online buying process exists and can be active, passive and/or proactive. The findings extend knowledge about children's influence by adding the notion of proactive influence where children use an intended approach to anticipate their mother's needs for grocery shopping and take initiatives. Children use less impulsive requests and become smart shoppers using more rational arguments to explain their requests. The online buying process contributes to children's online socialisation: They learn the importance of the shopping list, prices, discounts, brands and so on. Online socialisation at home might take the physical form of using digital devices (i.e. scanning) and entering the credit card code, which contributes to the children's learning.

Originality/value

Online buying virtualises children's relationship to objects, and the screen acts as a kind of filter. This makes their influence strategy less emotional and corporeal and more rational (smart shopper).
Synergistic effects of antiwear and friction modifier additives
Authors: Eickworth Jennifer , Aydin Enes , Dienwiebel Martin , Rühle Thomas , Wilke Patrick , Umbach Tobias Reinhard
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Interactions of different additive types for antiwear/friction modification on surfaces can be synergistic or antagonistic in nature. This paper aims to investigate whether there are interactions between different additives in the adsorption process and whether they synergistic or antagonistic. The yielded correlations will be validated with tribological experiments to answer the question whether synergistic effects in adsorption also lead to synergistic effects in wear reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

In a representative study, zinc dialkyl-dithiophosphate and dithiophosphate were elaborated in combination with two different friction modifiers, a glycerol monooleate and an organic friction modifier. As base oils, mineral oil and poly alpha olefine were used. The adsorption behavior was studied via quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation using Fe2O3 coated quartz crystals. The tribological performance was evaluated in a ball-on-three disk tribometer. White light interferometry was used to determine the wear volume and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles of the tribofilms were obtained on selected systems.

Findings

The combination of dithiophosphate and an organic friction modifier (OFM) revealed a synergistic effect in terms of wear. If the initially formed films are viscoelastic, the third body formation during a tribo experiment is more pronounced and thereby wear can be reduced. As a mechanism, the adsorption of the OFM on the formed antiwear layer is proposed.

Originality/value

Correlating the analytical findings with performance experiments provides further understanding of the interactions between different constituents and their implications on film formation processes and wear reduction mechanisms.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2019-0293/
Promoting synergistic innovation in logistics service outsourcing
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Xinchun , Ran Linzan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore what is synergistic innovation in the logistics service outsourcing context and how this strategy can potentially benefit an organization by improving performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 21 in-depth interviews were conducted to conceptualize the construct of synergistic innovation. In addition, a theory-based model is tested using data collected from 282 Chinese manufacturing firms that are currently engaged in logistics service outsourcing.

Findings

The results from the in-depth interviews reveal that synergistic innovation goes beyond just interactions on innovation but requires both parties to achieve synergies that otherwise cannot be achieved by individual party alone. In addition, the empirical analysis suggests that synergistic innovation can help firms improve both logistics service performance and market performance. This process is dynamic as knowledge integration capability influences the outcomes of synergistic innovation.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to conceptualize synergistic innovation. It also offers a practical scale that helps future studies effectively measure this construct. Moreover, the results of this study provide compelling insights into how managers can use logistics service outsourcing as an important source for improving innovation outcomes.
Factors influencing implementation of organizational health literacy: a realist review
Authors: Meggetto Elizabeth , Kent Fiona , Ward Bernadette , Keleher Helen
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Healthcare systems are increasing in complexity, and to ensure people can use the system effectively, health organizations are increasingly interested in how to take an organizational health literacy (OHL) approach. OHL is a relatively new concept, and there is little evidence about how to successfully implement organizational health literacy interventions and frameworks. This study, a literature review, aims to explore the operationalization of OHL.

Design/methodology/approach

A realist literature review, using a systems lens, was undertaken to examine how and why the operationalization of OHL contributed to changes in OHL and why interventions were more effective in some contexts than others. Initial scoping was followed by a formal literature search of Medline, CINAHL plus, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and PsychINFO for original peer-reviewed publications evaluating OHL interventions until March, 2018.

Findings

The search strategy yielded 174 publications; 17 of these were included in the review. Accreditation, policy drivers, executive leadership and cultures of quality improvement provided the context for effective OHL interventions. The dominant mechanisms influencing implementation of OHL interventions included staff knowledge of OHL, internal health literacy expertise, shared responsibility and a systematic approach to implementation.

Research limitations/implications

This study outlines what contexts and mechanisms are required to achieve particular outcomes in OHL operationalization. The context in which OHL implementation occurs is critical, as is the sequence of implementation.

Originality/value

Health services seeking to implement OHL need to understand these mechanisms so they can successfully operationalize OHL. This study advances the concept of OHL operationalization by contributing to the theory underpinning successful implementation of OHL.
Work–life balance of librarians at the Kenneth Dike library in Nigeria
Authors: Durodolu Oluwole O. , Mamudu Philomena A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study examined the interceding influence of work–life balance (WLB) among library staff at the Kenneth Dike Library and its implication for the provision of information. The research sought to respond to the following questions: the effect of demographic variables on the WLB of librarians and their perceptions of WLB within the intimate environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a positivist research paradigm because the nature of the research revealed a single social reality which can be measured quantitatively, using a reliable instrument such as a questionnaire. The total sampling technique was used to zero in on the staff of the library, in which the entire library population was included in the study.

Findings

The findings suggest that male librarians enjoy a better WLB than their female counterparts. Also, the results indicate that librarians, irrespective of their marital status, focused on job-related activities minding their marital status and therefore, marital status could influence the WLB of librarians. Similarly, priority is not being given to their work, to the detriment of caring for the family.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that age causes the WLB to change, the implication being that an ageing workforce has an impact on adaptation, output and innovation.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the WLB among librarians at the Kenneth Dike Library (KDL); therefore, information acquired from this study is imaginative and valuable to understand better how information professionals react to official and personal engagement.
Research watch: people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage in the UK and USA – psychosis, racism and inclusion
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine three recent papers on psychosis and social inclusion in relation to people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage in the UK and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was carried out for recent papers on psychosis and social inclusion in relation to people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage in the UK and the USA. I selected three papers addressing this theme from different angles.

Findings

The first paper extends previous findings (that psychosis can follow traumatic events) to Black Americans and includes the contribution of societal inequalities and racism. The second paper illustrates Black men’s experiences of mental health services for psychosis in the UK. It finds, not surprisingly, that a lack of listening combined with coercive use of medication reduces trust in services. The third paper offers hope in reporting collaborative work with people of Black African Caribbean heritage in the UK to culturally adapt family intervention for psychosis. The first and third papers both place importance on valuing people’s spiritual beliefs.

Originality/value

All three papers highlight the on-going need for increased equity and social inclusion in mental health services for people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage, in terms of recognising the role of childhood trauma and later stresses, addressing the potential harm of over-reliance on medication, offering therapy that is collaborative and culturally adapted and respecting valued spiritual beliefs.
Examining relationship quality in e-tailing experiences: a moderated mediated model
Authors: Wisker Zazli Lily
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand the relationships among relationship quality, repurchase intention, word-of-mouth and the moderation effect of the loyalty program.

Design/methodology/approach

Base on social exchange theory and trust commitment theory, the study hypothesizes that relationship quality is a multidimensional construct consisting of trust, satisfaction, commitment and perceived value. Relationship quality is posited to influence word-of-mouth, and this relationship is mediated by the repurchase intention. Loyalty program is expected to moderate the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Data were collected through online survey and mall intercept in North Island of New Zealand. 144 responses were obtained and were analyzed through SEM.

Findings

The findings support a multidimensional construct for relationship quality; however, the moderation effect of the loyalty program was insignificant.

Originality/value

This study helps to understand the relationship quality in the e-tailing industry. Theoretical and practical implications are finally discussed.
Magnetic properties and hysteresis behavior of a ferrimagnetic mixed spin-3/2 and spin-5/2 Ising nanowire
Authors: Aharrouch Rachid , El Kihel Karima , Madani Mohamed , Hachem Nabil , Lafhal Amer , El Bouziani Mohammed
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the magnetic properties and the hysteresis behavior of a ferrimagnetic cubic Ising nanowire with mixed spins S = 3/2 and S = 5/2 in which the atoms are placed alternately.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to investigate the effects of the exchange interactions and crystal field on the magnetic properties and hysteresis behavior of the nanowire, we have used the Monte Carlo simulation. More precisely, we have plotted the thermal variations of the sublattice and total magnetizations for different values of the Hamiltonian parameters, and we have presented the corresponding phase diagrams. In addition, the influence of an external magnetic field is examined by plotting the variations of hysteresis loops with the change of temperature and crystal field.

Findings

All phase transition found in this study are of second-order and the critical temperatures increase linearly with the increase of the exchange interactions. The compensation temperatures appear only for some domains of crystal field D and exchange interaction JB of the sublattice (B). Moreover, when studying the hysteresis behavior, the system can show one or double hysteresis loops.

Originality/value

The authors consider that this research is consistent with the scientific axis of the journal which benefits a great esteem in our country and in the world. In addition, the results are of technological interest.
Understanding the role of social media in organizational change implementation
Authors: Naeem Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the role of social media in implementing effective organizational change. The study illuminates how social media applications support the antecedents of organizational change in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed an interpretive approach based on qualitative design and grounded theory using 41 non-directive and semi-structured interviews with change leaders and change recipients. These respondents were chosen using purposive sampling and thematic analysis was then performed using NVivo 11-Plus software.

Findings

This research highlights how social media applications can be used to overcome the challenges of organizational change implementation. The findings of the study illuminate various emerging themes such as social media applications are beneficial for fostering knowledge sharing about change processes and enhancing effective communication during change formulation and implementation. It can increase the level of trust and participation in decision-making and decrease the level of resistance to change. Also, it can enhance the level of support for change acceptance in the workplace.

Practical implications

Social media application (SMAs) are helpful to foster informal, constructive and relevant discussion with respect to routines organizational tasks, employee concerns about new changes, information about job security and financial and non-financial benefits after change implementation. The effective and efficient use of SMAs helps organizations to foster knowledge amongst employees and they can address various critical issues i.e. employee uncertainties about change initiatives, social consensus on the solution of problems and interactive communication among social actors within a network.

Originality/value

The study represents an effort to explore seldom-researched aspects such as the role of social media in the context of change formulation and implementation at the workplace. Social media applications have become popular across the world and the speed of their usage is rising day by day, but their real contribution toward organizational change has not yet been fully understood.